‘I may have not given you all my love, but you always had my maximum attention. I have never told anyone this but you are right. My firstborn, Reet, was the closest to my heart, because I’d almost lost her. And then many of you came along, each one precious to me, but Reet made my heart stop.’ Saroj confessed. They chatted like old friends. Rajjo was happy her mother spoke from her heart. She felt special, for the first time. Saroj chose her out of all the daughters to confide in her, share her secrets. It warmed her belly.

‘God is punishing me. He has taken him away. Harsh is battling for his life.’ Rajjo cried in pain.

‘Ask for mercy. He is always merciful.’ Saroj placed her wiry old comforting hand on hers.

‘If he gives Harsh back to me – I will destroy everything I have made dishonestly in God’s name.’

‘Tell him that. He is listening.’ Saroj pointed to the dark clouds gathered above the courtyard, they had choked the twinkling stars and the moon.

Rajjo stared at her old mother. She had a slight hunch now, silvery hair, eyes that were rimmed with grey. She was becoming a shadow of her old self, but her faith was steadfast. She did not waver. She was certain he would hear Rajjo.

‘And what if he does not listen.’ Rajjo whispered fearfully.

‘He will. You just need to ask for forgiveness. He is waiting.’

Rajjo sat slumped on the cot.

‘When your sister was born, the first year was tough. The village doctor said she wouldn’t live another month. I didn’t throw God out of my life, I just asked him to give me her life, and in return I made a promise, whatever he may throw my way, I will never doubt his faith. Reet started recovering the next day. I never gave up on him as promised. He tests you.’

Rajjo knew why she was here. She finally knew where to find his breath.

Saroj looked at her troubled daughter,’ I worried for you then and I worry for you now. I am holding on to see you find your way. I have said good byes to the others. I sit here in the courtyard night after night waiting to say my good byes to you. I knew you would come home sooner or later. I wanted to be here when the time came. I cheat death every month. It creeps up with a cold or a sneeze. It sits on my doorstep and I shoo it away. I was waiting for you.’ Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Rajjo was quiet. Her throat clogged with emotion and tears. The crickets got louder. Finally composing herself she opened her heart. ‘I have to walk away from it all.’ Rajjo looked into her mother’s compassionate eyes.

‘No. You should run away from it all. Burn it all.’ Saroj muttered with a smile.