Months moved too fast for Sanjana Kulkarni after giving birth to Akul. It had to be this way as she was transforming into a doting mother. Life had blessed her with a boy and she wanted to give him all she got like any other caring selfless mother. For years she looked forward to this phase and here it was. This bundle of joy not only made her feel complete but also taught her so much. From the very start Sanjana just wanted to be a housewife-mother and nothing more. 

Academically Sanjana was very sound as she had a Masters degree in English. She even had a lot of interest in learning foreign languages and was adept in teaching her colony kids whenever she got a chance. All this had taken a backseat once she got married some two years ago.  A new place takes time to get accustomed to and before she could settle fully just a year after her marriage to Raj Kulkarni, Akul entered her cozy home and life.

In this age of technology and social media she preferred not to be a slave to this addiction. A close circle of friends was the ultimate bliss for her. Raj too was very accommodating whenever she felt the need to be with Salma and Richa. Having two besties in one’s city is a blessing in disguise. Before Akul once in two months the trio used to meet and fun filled moments colored their days. Salma was a teacher and Richa owned a cafe that also had books. 

The trio’s meet-ups were stress busters in more ways than one. Salma was in an extra marital affair and Richa was a victim of an alcoholic husband so this was all the more reason to be updated about each other’s lives. Sanjana acted as a therapist cum counsellor cum love guru for both her besties. Sanjana had an ideal marriage setup on the contrary and she felt blessed and was very grateful to God for that. Every new year eve she said a silent prayer of gratitude and this was a very very personal thing between her God and her. 

Akul kept her awfully busy and these meet-ups with besties suffered as he grew up. It’s very challenging to raise a boy when in-laws are living in a different city. Raj worked as a branch manager in a government bank and transfers to a new city happened every 3 years. Gradually, Sanjana and Akul too adjusted to this style of living. This meant more quality time spending with in-laws and grandparents whenever they visited. Festivals meant celebrating together. This led to many cancellations for the inseparable friends without leaving a dent on their bond.

Group video calls faced initial erratic interaction but a 5 minute conversation acted as a balm for all. Many times calls ended with ‘call you back’ and this call you back used to come to light after either Richa or Salma called again to check on Sanjana’s wellbeing. Akul most of the time dragged his mom to meet his immediate needs and that was always acceptable. Sometimes those interruptions had an exchange of greetings and blessings and sometimes an abrupt and rude ‘Mom has to go, bye.’  One to one calls also got the same treatment. 

Years kept rolling and this became the norm without any changes in his behaviour. It was a worry for Sanjana and often she discussed this side of him with Raj. Raj always used to overlook this as he too had started to feel irritated whenever either of her friends called but he never let it come to the surface for Sanjana to read. He sided with Akul by saying, ‘You are overreacting love.’  Sanjana never used to boil but things like these used to put her off not to be read by anyone. 

‘Will you like it if I did the same to your friends, Akul?’ asked Sanjana politely one of the days.

Of course not Mom, I would get angry but I am too cute not to be forgiven for this every time, am I not? asked Akul mischievously.

‘Yes, you are but you should consider this that somehow you may have irked both of my friends. What if they really needed me and my time but suffered in silence due to your impertinence Akul?’ Sanjana planted a concerning question.

‘I can’t share you with anyone. I tried to work on this side of mine but to no luck.’ confessed Akul. 

‘I did sense this bit about you over the years, my munchkin. In a couple of months you will be an adult.  You need to grow up, I feel, it’s high time. The bond I share with you is so special and unique but you need to think about my peace as well. What is life without friends and their timely inputs of wellbeing? One day parents will die, siblings pursue their lives, kids follow their chosen paths then these same friends who we hold so dear by just being themselves add to the missing happiness. You should understand this paradox.’

‘I never thought about this angle you see mom. Nine months I have lived inside you so I feel I belong to you and you belong to me more.’ shared Akul. 

‘That will always be like that darling, but before you came I have had and have some important equations that I need to cater to at the time of need. You are and will be my first priority but people who have been there for me always I owe a lot to them too. If I am unavailable in person at least once in a while if things allow I should lend an ear with my 100%. Everytime, ‘Mom has to go, bye’ kind of liner will spoil the beauty of every relationship. Yours with theirs and mine with them you understand or not?’ asked Sanjana with utmost concern. 

After a lot of thought and silence Akul got up, and said ‘I am sorry mom, forgive me for my misconduct all these years. I think I can relate to your input as there have been times in the past where I felt and still feel equally for my friends just that I was plain naive and selfish not to consider the same for you. I felt they were taking you away from me and it used to irk me. Why I used to do that I still don’t know? But I am glad somehow it is registering in my system and you are right in correcting me. So sorry it turned out to be so.’  Akul apologized and made a video call. 

It was too quick a gesture to do, feel, anticipate or say anything.

The video call was answered by both Richa and Salma instantly as usual and before they could say anything Akul started the call by saying, ‘I have been rude to both of you all these years. Unknowingly, I guess I caused a lot of harm but you never gave up on my mom for my unacceptable behaviour and suffered in silence with no complaints. I wish I could boast about this kind of friendship whenever I reach your age. I am in plain awe of whatever special you all share. Please forgive me and be a part of my 18th birthday with forgiveness and a clean heart. Please don’t be late as the party won’t start until you both grace this occasion. See you and please continue your talks as I have to arrange for my special day. I plan to be away for the entire day please make the most of it my lovelies.’ Akul handed the phone to his mom by first kissing her and then blowing kisses to her friends and left.

The trio were not only beaming but had tears in their eyes and started from wherever they had left their last conversation some eight months ago. Akul, while the friends were busy yapping, called his father to be a part of his plans as he wished to share the latest happenings at home. Akul it seemed had finally grown up.