Eternal Temptations

Listening to the song Bawaaran mann from Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. Beautiful song. Poignant lyrics. Music that makes me sway instantly.

Had a good conversation with my editor today. We both realised that there should be atleast one good looking journo in our department. It is time for a new eye candy! So, thats some news.

Have nothing much to add today. So will just post some more of the story.

contd......

26 Nov 1983, Los Angeles, USA

15440 kilometers away and 13 and a half hours behind New Delhi, the doctor from India was handling the most complicated case of her life. Mrs. Mason, or Rebecca, as Dr. Sia knew her was fast loosing consciousness, and on top of that the baby was breach. The tension and fear in the room could be felt, yet, besides being a science field professional, Dr. Sia was a devout believer in God, and she knew, that in this critical hour her God will not betray her.

The moment Risa uttered her first word, a short cry filled room number 8, in the urban Los Angeles hospital. Rebecca had given birth to her first son, and miraculously escaped death. Dr. Sia clasped her hands in a silent prayer. Her God had not let her down, once again, perhaps in the most vital moments of her life as a doctor. She knew that He alone had the power to create and destroy, yet, once again he had proved that he never deserted his believers.

A day and a good news later (Risa’s improving speech), Dr Sia was declared Paul’s (Rebecca’s son) godmother. Though, the two news meant a lot to her on different levels, yet, Dr. Sia was completely unaware as to how they would one day interweave to show her that, not all surprises are man made and not all ironies are under man’s monopoly.

Risa was growing up as a beautiful girl, stunning in her features and sharp by her mind. Every year she returned home with the “highest scorer of the class” badge. Sneh and Yash could not have asked for more from God.

The day, Risa entered eleventh standard, two years short of her high school graduation, she announced to her parents that she would do her undergraduate studies from USA. Although, the thought of separation from Risa troubled her parents, but, her persistence won in the end.

2 years later, and armed again with the badge that had never gone to anyone in her class till the very last semester, Risa bade goodbye to her parents. She knew that they were fighting very hard to control the emotional turmoil in their heart and the whirlpool of water behind their eyes, yet, she knew that she was going abroad for a reason- to one day make her parents proud. She was going to be as successful as her Aunt Sia.

“Aunt Sia, here I come”, muttered Sia while waving to her parents. Though Risa had spoken to Sia many times and seen her snaps, yet this would be the first time she would meet her face to face. Of course, there had been no other choice as to who Risa would stay with, once in America.

Hours later, when the pilot announced that the flight would land in 10 mins, Risa was stifling a yawn. But the moment she heard the announcement, her fatigue evaporated. She was entering the country which many called the “Land of Oportunities”. And what a day to do so. Risa had turned 18 a minute ago.

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Sia recognised Risa as soon as she came out of the airport. How could she not? She had herself delivered her little angel. And here she was, 18 years after her birth, hugging Risa. "You know Risa; you have acquired all of Snehs’s beauty.” Risa was radiant. “And none of Yash’s”, added Sia with a sly smile.

The drive back home just flew by in their conversation. “Wow, Sia Auntie, your house is beautiful” exclaimed Risa. “Not as beautiful as you, honey” said Sia. Risa knew that Aunt Sia took Risa as her daughter. At age 43, Aunt Sia was beautiful but unmarried. And her perennial answer to her single status was, “I have my two children who support me like heart and soul, one is Risa and the other is Paul.”

Sia was almost Paul’s second mother. The Masons were god fearing people, and they knew, that on the night of 26 Nov, 1983, God had come as Dr. Sia for them.
“So, when am I meeting this Paul of yours?” asked Risa. "Soon. I invited him over for breakfast today, but I doubt he will be able to make it. He is putting finishing touches to the MONALISA of the 21st century. And our very own Leonardo doesn’t have time to waste on lesser mortals like us.” “ What does he think he is,” shot back Risa getting angry. "Come on, honey, Paul is very passionate about his art. And mind you, he has the gift in his hands. As if, brushes come to life when they come in contact with his fingers. Anyway, you meet him and decide what he thinks for himself. Right now it is very late and you must also be jetlagged. Go to sleep right now, and we will continue all our talks in the morning. Your room is on the first floor, first one to the right. And kitchen is just straight ahead, in case you feel hungry at night.” Risa blushed awkwardly, even Aunt Sia knew about her monsterous appetite.