Episode 7

Jeeva unwillingly gave the baby back to the nurse but stared continuously as though the baby may be returned back to her. As expected the nurse came back but she got dejected as she came with empty hands. “You can see your friend in a while after she regains her consciousness.” The nurse said and smiled.

Jeeva was feeling wonderful. She had never held a baby before. No one had ever given her. She felt she could feel a mother in her now. She felt a sense of possessiveness and a tinge of insecurity now. She was more concerned about how the baby would be handled now. And Nisha is unconscious. What if the baby is hungry now? Who will nurse him? This and that.

“Oh this is what motherhood is all about?” She thought happily. “May God bless this baby umpteen times and let him live to his fullest with all the honors and gifts.” She murmured a silent prayer and started to go back to the waiting hall. Harish followed her. She wanted to just go back home immediately, have a hot bath and get into a fresh set of clothes. But she has to wait till Nisha’s husband is back and also she wished to have another glimpse of the baby.

“You sit here. I will get a hot cup of tea. It will be soothing for the cold.” Harish offered and she agreed. She was about to search for her mobile when it rang. It was a call she was waiting for a long time. She answered eagerly and she was all smiles when she hung up.

“Your request for bank loan has been sanctioned. You can come to the bank for further formalities and you can complete the Home loan process”, the caller had said.

 It was her dream for almost 20 years, from the day she was driven out of her own home to have her own place. From the day she started earning, a major portion was saved to procure a house. Now that she is into a corporate company, she was eligible for a good loan and she saw a great apartment ideal for her and very much affordable.

She was so happy today and was feeling so complete. She was blissfully dreaming when she got another call. It was from Ilakiya. “Hey Jeeva, Harish called and said that Nisha is admitted for delivery. What happened?” She was excited. Jeeva narrated everything and finally asked her,” Where are you now Madam? Planning to get back from your romantic date or extending till tomorrow?” She laughed.

“Come on Jeeva, don’t tease me. I am felling so shy. I have lots to tell you. I will tell you tomorrow. Where are you now? How is the baby?” Ilakiya said.

“Baby is so cute and very sweet. Nisha is also feeling well. Don’t worry. We will come back again tomorrow. See you tomorrow at office.” She said and hung the call.

She made her way back to the emergency room when she saw a young man standing outside holding the baby. She rushed to him. The nurse on seeing Jeeva said, “Hey this is the baby’s father.” And introduced Jeeva to him,” This is Jeeva who admitted your wife here.” The young man could hardly control his emotions. He was all teary eyed as he spoke to Jeeva and kept on repeating, “I really dread to think what would have happened if you were not there.”

Jeeva smiled as she thought to herself, “It’s one of my purpose in life, it seems. I have fulfilled it well.” She went to inform Harish that they can leave for home as Nisha’s husband had come. She found him and conveyed the news. They were about to leave and she started searching for Ola cabs.

The app rolled and rolled and rolled. And finally no cabs. Maybe since it was raining. She saw that she was almost fully drenched in Nisha’s waters and blood and the mess was too bad to admit her in any other public transport. Harish offered to drop her home. She agreed and they both got in his car and started back home. They had gone a few minutes when he stopped for fuel.

He didn’t have cash and the attender asked him to come to the office room to punch in the card as it was raining. Harish went to the office. Jeeva was sitting all alone in the car when the stereo played her favorite song. She tapped her foot with so much vigor that the glove box opened and the contents spilled near her leg.

There was a long piece of paper which opened partially and she had to open it fully to be able to fold it back. It seemed very official. It was crossed with red many times, that too with anger, the sight of the paper said. Out of curiosity, she opened.

“We are sorry to inform you that your request to adopt a transgender child is rejected because of the following reasons:

You are a single male living alone and

 You are not a transgender yourself.”

She took a minute to get the information sink in. Harish is trying to adopt a transgender child which is not happening. But why? She was full of questions that she was questioning herself now whether to put that forth to Harish. She was battling on her mind when suddenly Harish entered and saw the paper in Jeeva’s hands.

She looked back apologetically. “I am sorry but it was almost open and it looked as it was treated with so much hatred that I read it out of curiosity.” Harish gave a sad smile back. “This is the fourth such letter of rejection. I couldn’t stand it anymore. That’s why lost my temper.” He replied.

There was a short pause. “Are you trying to adopt a transgender child?” She finally broke the silence. “Yes”, he murmured. “May I know the reason why?”

He didn’t reply immediately and started the car. He slowly started speaking, ”I was three when I lost my parents. I was brought up in an orphanage where I was so much abused. I managed to escape one day from there when I was 14. I fell into a ditch and a transgender person saved me. He listened to my story and gave me all the savings he had to get me to a better position.

I started doing odd jobs, lived here and there and finally managed to come up to this level. My only repayment to that person would be adopting one such and giving all my care and affection. “He completed.

Jeeva was speechless. She had had experiences of pity for her gender but never such care. She was literally moved. “You don’t worry. I will help you in adopting a child. We have many such in my circle. “Harish thanked her and continued driving.

“Another purpose in life now.” Jeeva thought happily as the car sped in the splashing rain.