Handcuffed Bliss - Watty Awards... 2012

".. So, we see here that Lord Krishna had two mothers, one who gave birth to him and one who brought him up as her own. Both loved him, both sacrificed for him and he loved both. A mother by any name is a mother; she is her child's protector and teacher. The Lord was punished by his mother when he did wrong. We see here that no matter what, how much ever a mother might love her child, she cannot spoil him because his future depends upon her upbringing. This story also shows show even in anger; a mother's love for her child never diminishes. "

My mom was reading the Holy Scriptures to me and explaining their meaning. We were talking on the phone. This had been our daily mom and daughter time. She would call me after finishing her prays and exercises, by which time I would finish mine too and then I would sit outside in the garden in a lotus position and put on my hands free and wait for Ma's call.

Every day she would read out a Canto for me and then explain its meaning. I had read it so many times; I had heard it more often. It had been a daily ritual for us, ever since childhood. She continued it even now. Both our husbands did not know about this for we would spend an hour daily from 6am to 7am, while everyone was sleeping. 

Today, she was discussing My Kanha's childhood (Kanha is the little statue she got when she married.) I loved listening to his childhood stories. But when she started this I think I knew where she was going to take this. She was drawing parallels to Caroline and me. But what she did not know was Caroline had been my tormentor for years. So, instead of correcting her, I continued listening.

I understood what she wanted me to do but it was not easy. I had to forget years of pain and hatred towards her first and then anything could really go forward between us. When she finished her discourse, I got up from my position, said thank you to my mother and teacher and promised her to try and keep this lesson in mind before I disconnected the call. 

It was time to prepare breakfast for my family and I had to wake them up too. I ran to Caro's room and knocked on her door." Get up Caro," I yelled before running to mine with an eye on the clock. I shook him to wake him up and was pulled down and in one smooth motion was crushed under him. "Sir, " I tried pushing him off me," Get up, come on." I pushed again and he finally got up.

"Morning Rose", he murmured and kissed me hard. I did not even have time to react to him. But soon, I found myself kissing him, loosing myself in him. We were soon out of breath. He put his forehead on mine and smiled when I suddenly remembered, "Get off, we will all be late, I haven't even prepared breakfast" I whined. He laughed and pushed himself off me. 

"Go Rose, prepare breakfast" he winked as he got up and began to walk towards the bathroom." By the way babe, what is on the menu today?" He asked turning towards me. "Surprise" was all I said before winking and sashaying off towards the kitchen. I knew his eyes were following me and it gave me perverse pleasure in teasing him.

I prepared pancakes with honey and cinnamon just the way Caroline liked it. I did not realize this as I hummed a song to my Kanha while working but suddenly, out of the blue a thought crashed through my brains, I was cooking for Caroline and I was happy about it. I stopped mid flip and starred at the pan. My heart was hammering and I had forgotten what I was singing. 

This could not be happening! How could I have motherly feelings for Caro? I mean she is my age and has been my enemy for ages. I did not know what to think, how to handle things, how to...

"MOM!  You are burning the damn pancakes!" I jerked at the voice and almost dropped the pan in shock. She called me MOM. I felt amazing? I don't know, this time, her MOM wasn't poisonous or sarcastic at all in fact it was natural, almost real. 

"I am sorry, I did not realize, you sit, I'll make you a fresh one." I smiled and began to make a new one as this was now a charred piece stuck to my pan. Soon, he came down too and kissed Caro on her head and pecked my cheek before pouring himself a glass of orange juice and some coffee.

"So Caro", he began, "When can I meet this boyfriend of yours?" He asked trying to sound casual but failing at his half hearted attempt. I bit my lips to prevent myself from laughing out loud. "Call him for dinner tonight?" He suggested as I flipped a perfect pancake onto Caro's plate and served her before him. This was new too. I never served her before him, ever.