He paced restlessly outside his home, which was nothing but just one room, waiting impatiently for the news of the arrival of his first child. The streets were deserted at this hour of the night and the only occasional sounds were the distant horns of the freight trucks on the nearby Delhi- Agra highway. People surrounded him and did what they did best in times like this, smoke; still, he felt oddly reassured by their presence. He had no family, only people. His people.
He didn’t know his birthdate as he was found in the municipal dustbin or so the people said.
They had named him ‘Neel’- Hindi word for the color blue, after the blue blanket in which he was found wrapped. That blanket was the only connection which he had of his roots which in reality were neither strong nor warm, much like the old tattered blanket itself, and yet, that blanket was his only heirloom.
Living on the street hadn’t given him much but it sure had taught him the most important lesson that life is brutal and to survive one has to make hard choices. He had made them all his life and survived. So, he never could resent his mother for leaving him in that dustbin; she must truly have had no other choice.
Tonight was not the first night when he had thought of his mother; often in the darkness of the night, he had tried to picture her, searching her in the contours of his own face, wondering about the color of her eyes and the shape of her face. He had always kept her in his prayers and hoped for her well-being, not out of love or longing, but because he was her flesh and blood.
He knew enough, by now, about the workings of the world, in which he lived, to know that children like him don’t have fathers but everyone has a mother. And therefore, he was thankful for the oddly shaped birthmark on his left shoulder as it always reminded him that he belonged to someone in a way in which only a child could belong to his mother; just like his child will belong to Zoya, his wife. But unlike him, his child will have a father.
The cries of his wife had almost drowned by now which meant that his wait was nearing its inevitable end. He could see the faint light of the early summer sun on the eastern sky, announcing the breaking of dawn and for the first time in his life, he was hopeful for the future.
The peaceful veil was disturbed by the piercing cries of his child and soon he held his daughter in his arms. As the first rays of the morning sun touched her face, she opened her eyes and looked at him, and at that moment, he realized that he had a family.
He wrapped his little bundle in the old faded blue blanket, his family heirloom, knowing that it will keep her safe.
Author: Bulbul
A young writer from India who has loved stories since she was able to understand one. Now, she tries weaving them herself. Mostly she writes on her blog but her stories have been published in various magazines and blogs. Read more from her at "bbubble.in"
This is really a touching story. So much to learn and remember! I love your language.
Thank you so much, Favour, for your kind words. I am ecstatic to hear it.
beautiful story, well told and love the pics!
Nice to meet you 🙂
Nice to meet you too, dear! I am glad to know that you enjoyed reading it.
The pics, I must say, are remarkable addition by Benjamin. He has truly done a great job of bringing the story to life.
ah so they are not yours, sorry I missed that 🙂
No, the images were added by Ben, I only wrote the story. 🙂
so you are a team on this site?
No, dear! Actually, Ben owns The Brother’s Campfire and he was kind enough to let me do a guest post for his amazing blog. Hence, this story. 😊
ah thanks, coz the title is plural I wondered … you write well, I didn’t read any of Ben’s work but he certainly found well matched photos!
Not a problem! I write regularly on my Blog and that’s how I met Ben, sometime last year. He surely weaves enticing stories and certainly have an eye for good images. 😁
then that is great team work1
Thank you, Kate! I am glad to know that you think so. Have a nice day!
take care 🙂
You too, Kate! 💙
Thank you! We work well together!🤠🔥😁
Ha ha! I think there is an apostrophe!
punctuation … geez mate do you think we are edumacated!
🤠🔥
Hello CalmKate, she was a guest the first time. Now she gets to open the refrigerator and grab a soda without asking. 🤠🔥
lol great analogy … nice of you to share!
Beautiful!
Thank you, Herb, I appreciate your support.
Love!! Just love!! (How can you create short stories? I can only make long stretched-out ones)
Aww! That’s sweet, thank you so much, Blue.
Writing shorter work is definitely a challenge but I am sure you will rock it after a little practice. Try a hand at my 20 word Tuesday challenge and you will be surprised with what you can write.
Thanks again
So very precious and beautiful.
That is so sweet, thank you very much.
Delightful story! Well-chosen photos! All the best Bulbul and Ben! <3
Thanks!🤠🔥
Really beautiful story….and the pictures used does absolute justice…❤️❤️
Thank you, dear! I agree, the pictures (added by Ben) enhanced the story very much.
Wow! So touching and beautifully written.
Isn’t it though?🤠🔥
What a beautiful and heartfelt story! Wonderfully penned!
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear! Glad to hear that.
Beautiful 💙
Thank you 😊
Beautifully told story.
Thank you, Dr Christa! I appreciate your kind words.🙏🙌💙
Friend, you are an author here at Brother’s Campfire. We look forward to your next story. Feel free to upload photos as well. 🤠🔥☕
Thank you, Ben, for the warm invitation. I am grateful for it and will surely try if I write something that might be a good fit.
Take care 🙂
I trust your words will always be a great fit! 🤠🔥
So beautifully penned.
Beautiful