Tale of love, grudge and forgiveness

Scene 1
(Background)
A flicker of light and eyes open wide, Saloni awoke with a startle on her face. What had just happened? Was I not there with my aunt? I clearly remember having fun and conversation with her. She smiled at me, didn’t see?
While such thoughts revolves in her head, she realised one thing for sure. It’s just not possible. After all a dead person never comes back alive.

Scene 2
Many years before…..
“Who do you like more? Bhabi or me?”, the recently betrothed brother asks the 10- year old Saloni. The tiny tot is confused choosing between her favourite brother and her first sister-in-law. Pondering a few moments over which shall be safe side, she replies -“Off course, it’s bhabi!” The otherwise typical question of “Do you love dad more or mom more” has now become a family gossip news with the little Saloni switching her favourite person. Knowing in her heart, she indeed loved her brother more but she didn’t want her bhabi to feel bad or awkward and thus the answer saved her from embarrassment. Now the elder brother having lost the round is eager to fix his place, quizzing further. “Do you really mean that, remember am not gonna show you Narnia again. You can ask your Bhabhi from now to fill your tantrums if you want.”

Scene 3
“Mumma! Maasi made pancakes for Sister P.” the little Saloni , with a sad face complains to her mumma.
“It’s okay baby, she will make and bring for you too. After all, she is your maasi, your second mumma.” Saloni’s mom replies. But the 12 year old didn’t want to share her aunt with anyone. Why should she? After all, she is related by blood to her aunty, while sister P. is not. The next day, the doorbell rings and hola! It’s pancakes from aunt. Saloni’s happiness knows no bounds.

Scene 4
Many years later,
Call rings. Text blinking- Mama calling. Saloni picks up the call” Hello!” Voice from the other side ” It’s dad speaking. Had to inform you something. It’s about Aunt. Wanna hear?” Saloni: “Offcourse not. She cut all ties from her side. Why would I even want to hear about her?” Her dad responds ” Its something important. You should know. Nothing matters anymore.” “What do you mean?” “She has passed away.” There is a pause. “What?? You are pulling my leg, aren’t you?” ” They say she suddenly had a heartattack in midst of a party and instantly passed away. Look here. Don’t think much. Those past things don’t matter anymore. Your mom just went to see the body. If you are comfortable, give your brother a call. He might feel better if his sister is with him in such a time.” “Forget it. He never once texted or even reply to his birthday wish. I am pretty sure it wouldn’t matter him anyway.” With this, the call disconnected. Later, she sent a text to her favourite brother sending her condolances and wishing strength to go through this period.
Saloni couldn’t believe her eyes. The yoga and reiki instructor, who does Surya namaskars and pranayaam everyday, has no medical history, who instructs others how to take care of their healths has suddenly disappeared off the face of earth. It was a moment where eternal truths felt lies.
But, there were no tears in Saloni’s eyes. She knew she always adored, admired her aunt still she felt emotionless at this news. She was neither angry or sad. It just felt karma playing it’s part well. And the proverb of what goes around comes around had a latest live example.

Scene 5
(Back to reality)
Saloni suddenly grasped the truth. So it was dream. “Now that’s how I wondered if it was true since it was impossible even in her lifetime.” Saloni thought to herself. Dreaming about her dead aunt, replaying scenes where she was loved so much, the overflowing care and affection the memories of which were lost in moments of indifferences regained. “I don’t know how to interprete the dream as? Is it what I should do, give forgiveness or is it what my inner self desires me to do as a human being and gentle person at heart. The old inner tussle and turmoil continues in heart. “
“It’s been too long I have been angry at her, isn’t?” Saloni thought to herself. “Maybe I should forgive her by now for her to rest in peace in heaven.” Saying thus, she had a smile on her face. All those scores of grudges finally had a outlet, just one last dream it took, to take courage to forgive.