Dr. Rewatiraman Lal
When an old couple’s dreams are fulfilled
Their hearts fly like a winnowing basket
They feel high of their unique achievement
The couple who aspire only
For their children’s happiness
Look back at their last stage
And feel extremely happy.
But when they are forcibly sent to an old home
Their future looks dark
And they become unable to see anything.
They ask themselves
How they had entreated ministers and leaders
How they had reached Delhi and Kathmandu
To assure their son’s future
How they had carried their bags and baggage
How they had carried delicacies of their likes
Up to their school and college hostels.
They feel more dejected
And situated in utter darkness
When their only son sells all the property
With a proposed dream to take them overseas
And live happily altogether
But to their dismay, he flies away
Leaving his helpless parents at the gate of the airport.
Mother weeps long and falls unconscious
When she comes round
She still hopes her dear son must come one day
She recalls days when she often broke into tears
When she saw her son’s foot afflicted by a spike
Or stumbled against a piece of brick or stone.
How can she disbelieve her own son?
Will her hope of meeting the boy
And embracing him tightly be fulfilled ever?
Is there any way left for her tears
To dry out from her eyes?
[Translated from Maithili into English by Ayodhyanath Choudhary]