Apology in disguise

                It was a warm sunny day. Anitha sat on the laid out blanket amidst the meadow with a picnic basket observing a butterfly’s landing on the flower next to her. She watched her daughter Sia hopping and turning around with joy! Her heart filled with delight looking at her daughter’s happy face.

                Anitha watched her husband Karan teaching Sia to throw the ball. She loved her husband but things got cold after a small fight with Karan a few weeks before. She wanted to put up a happy face in front of Sia.

                The grass swayed at the gentle touch of the wind. Sia was trying to throw the ball and she threw it so hard that she had to run far to get the ball back. As she went near the baniyan tree, she saw an old chap with her ball. She asked him to give it back. He obliged with a broad smile. Sia asked if she could call him Ajja. He smiled and instantly agreed. They started getting along within few minutes. They started sharing funny stories. Sia seemed very happy to have found a friend in an 80 year old Ramu Ajja.

                Karan became restless and started searching for Sia all over the park. He was relieved to see her laughing with an old chap. Sia called her dad and introduced Ramu ajja and she insisted Ramu ajja to join them for lunch. Karan thought it was a great idea and invited Ramu ajja for lunch.

                Sia came running towards Anitha and introduced the new guest. Ramu ajja was very happy to see Anitha, Karan and adorable Sia. All started munching delicious food. Ramu ajja noticed the tension between Anitha and Karan. He observed that they both loved each other but something was seriously holding them back.

                After an appetizing lunch Ramu ajja excused himself and bid goodbye to the lovely family.

                Anitha started packing up the basket. Suddenly she saw a note which said I AM SORRY. Tears welled up around her eyes and she ran searching for Karan. She hugged him tight and said Thank You. Karan was confused but hugged her back.

                The only thing that was holding Anitha and Karan back was the word “SORRY”. Ramu ajja came into their life as a blessing in disguise!

-©Sahana Dinesh Hebbar

DISCLAIMER

This story is a work of fiction. The characters do not exist, except in the mind of the author. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental