Saturday, April 7, 2012

Haunting Gift - PART FIVE (FINAL)

WARNING: PLEASE READ PARTS ONE, TWO, THREE AND FOUR FIRST
Aarti opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by several tear streaked cheeks. Her three children held her hand, leaned down next to her or put an arm around her shoulders. She stood up slowly and sauntered to her room unassisted. Her children watched her go, their arms helplessly hanging to their sides.  They wanted to follow but something in her gait held them back. They knew the only gift their mother would cherish now is the reunion with her lost child and they also knew that time was not on their side.

On the day of her 91st birthday, Aarti rose before the sun. Melancholy accompanied her as she progressed through her morning rituals. Weighed down with wet hair and a heavy heart, she stepped out of her front door but before closing it the chime of the phone called her back in. She walked in, took the cordless to her ear and sat down at her kitchen table. Rays of sunlight beamed in through the glass door bathing her with warmth and sparkle. Her son’s voice flowed through the phone, informing her that he was on his way over. She set the phone down and stared outside. Nature’s masterpiece greeted her with its colorful foliage smiling in their brightness. She watched the squirrels scurry in their haste as leaves started their journey down from the tree that gave them life onto the ground for their burial in the imminent snow.

She rested her head on the back of her chair and closed her eyes. A bouquet of fresh roses sat in a vase and its aroma travelled towards Aarti. As always, the roses took her back, back to the valley with the crystal clear water of the flowing river. She felt the cool water on her feet and inhaled the clean mountain air. Softness touched her heart and she brought her hand up to steady it.

Her eyes opened and she found herself staring at an image of her younger self. The smile on the image was wide and her familiar eyes sparkled. Aarti stood up slowly and took a step forward. She touched the woman in front of her, felt her soft skin, and ran her hand down her long hair noticing streaks of white. She blinked twice to see if this dream was real or if this reality was a dream. Tears slid down her cheeks and Aarti was at a loss. She wanted to pull her younger self into an embrace but was afraid. She wanted to sit down to steady herself but unsure if her body could move. Finally, the woman stepped forward and fell into her mother’s arms. Aarti held her close as if she will never let her go again.

The younger three children watched the reunion satisfied that they had found the perfect gift for their mother. Aarti finally let go of Prishaa and invited her other children into her arms. The group stood huddled together under the brightness of the morning, their faces radiant and their glistening eyes smiling. Aarti melted into completeness.

THE END

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