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#Storytellersbloghop- “Reward of self-less love”- An usual story of every Indian mom!

February 2, 2021 /
reward of selfless love

“The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children”- Jessica Lange 

So true 

Being a mother is most beautiful feeling in the world. It is an incredible journey of learning about strength you did not know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.  

But another side, motherhood is equally challenging too.  Being a mother means being selfless and showering unconditional love to your family.  It also means to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own. It is an incredible journey of serving others with uttermost love, care and joy. 

In fact, many times during this journey of serving and caring others,  

“Moms lost their individual identity. They are so busy in taking care of others that they forget to take-care of themselves. They complete their never-ending mothering duties selflessly. They do their best without taking any break and never make a complaint or demand for their selfless love and care. 

But where this journey of selfless love reaches at the end?  

Do they receive any reward for their self-less love? 

Do they get much deserve love, care and respect that they had showered for their family for longer years?  

Read the post to know more about this thought in a story 

 “Reward of self-less love”- A usual story of Indian mom! 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

It was Sharda’s fourth surgery in the last 4 year. She was lying down in the hospital bed with an expressionless face. Grey hair, sunken eyes, wrinkled face……she was looking more shell-shocked than usual. She was trying to hide her injured soul with a fake beautiful smile. 

“Surgery will be a complicated one. She is allergic to antibiotics and had asthma since last 10 years; we need to take an extra care during and after surgery.” Doctor’s anxious voice has awakened her from a half sleepy state. 

“All right doctor, we will do that” her father-in-law has said in a sympathetic tone. 

But as soon as the doctor left the room, his sympathetic tone has changed into an angry one.  

“It is entirely your fault. We are tired from your sickness. 

 “Why do not you take care of yourself?” he asked her with a frustrating tone of voice. 

Sharda was quiet and she has not answered any questions of her father-in-law. but plenty of memories of past flashed through her mind. She was recalling all those moments that has changed her life forever. 

 It was 25 years ago when she got married. And this marriage had changed her life completely. She had a complete transformation from a pampered girl to a “responsible bahu”. She still remembers that   overwhelming feeling of being most responsible person of her family and taking a sudden pressure of handling multiple family responsibilities.  

In this new journey (and new role), she had missed the comforting presence of her parents all the time.  

She was trying hard to fulfil the demands and expectations from all family members with her best efforts. From early morning to late night a long never-ending list of household tasks exhausted her completely. In spite of her best efforts, whenever she commits a tiny mistake, they (in laws) used to complain bitterly. 

“Why do not you do anything properly” to “your mom did not teach you anything”. These kinds of conversation were part of her day-to-day life.  

She knew that overload of responsibilities ruining her health. It seriously wounded her self-feeling and unconsciously led her in a state of constant psychological pressure. Her confidence has shaken by this family stress. She had lost 10 kg weight during the first year of her married life. She knew that, 

“She should take care of herself and she has tried to do that. But……” 

“Aunty please takes this medicine” by hearing nurse’s voice she returned to the present moment. She was feeling that world keep pilling the troubles on top of her head.  

 Suddenly bunches of neighbors (mostly females) appeared in her room. After a formal greeting, very soon they had started the usual but annoying conversation. 

“Oh! Again, a surgery” one has said. 

“It is fourth one right” next, has said. 

And lastly, almost in a synchronized tone they had said: “Why do not you take care of yourself”. 

This time, Sharda was feeling a little more upset, again the past memories of old days began to flood back into her mind. She had remembered when she was struggling with her physical condition after 2 miscarriages. These so-called neighboring well-wishers always make taunt on her, by saying, 

“ Ab to shadi ko 2 saal ho gaye. Kab good news sunaogi?”  

A constant pressure from society and family for having a baby was disturbing her life.  

Family was trying their all-possible efforts to make this happen.  

 From intrusive testing to high dose medication, Sharda went through lots of things. She knew that her physical condition is not good for being pregnant.  

She was aware that “before being a mom, she should take care of herself, But….” 

“It is dinner time mam” And your kids are waiting to meet you. A sudden voice of housekeeper brings back her in the present. “Oh! My kids, Sagar and Somya, I want to meet them right now. She breaks down into tears as she has hugged her kids. 

“I was waiting for both of you since morning” she has said with an optimistic approach. 

“Yes! Mom, we are feeling really worried about your health. Why this is happening again and again”? 

And after some formal conversation, she has received the same piece of advice. “Why do not you take care of yourself“, this time, she was completely shuttered with the statement. She had thought that kids would understand her pain, her emotions, but…… 

The earliest cherished memories to the toughest moment of motherhood crawled in her mind.  

How can she forget that after a long fertility treatment when she became a mom of her pretty princess Somya, it was the happiest moment of her life, and very soon with the grace of god Sagar was born.  

It was the happiest but most challenging time of her life. She was deeply engaged in completing her multiple mothering responsibilities. Their education, health…and never-ending responsibilities of being a mommy of two young kids was overwhelming for her. But she has done her best to take care of her kids.  

 In between, she had her first asthma attack. The attack was so severe, she had decided to take a natural therapy for that, but it requires her to stay in “Treatment center” for a while. 

“No, mom it is our exam time. You cannot go anywhere. You had to stay with us.” She had cancelled her all-treatment plans after hearing just one innocent request from Somya and Sagar.  

After that, she has tried hard to follow a special diet and exercise schedule for improving her health but every time multiple family responsibilities created an obstacle in her path. 

“Mom, please help me in this assignment” 

“Mom, please cook something new” 

And never-ending demands and expectation from all family members were putting a constant pressure on her health. She had always kept her duties and responsibilities above than her well-being and health.  She has done all these without having any feeling of regrets. 

 She has always felt an immense sense of satisfaction and joy while serving her family.  

 But today when she was going through a “hardest phase” of her life, she was feeling alone, very alone…. 

“Sharda, it is time to go in O.T. are you ready?” this time, Suresh (Her husband) has aroused her from the past memories. 

“Hu…you will not tell me, something” she has asked him. 

“Do not get afraid, everything will be fine” he had consoled her. 

She has felt a bit of relaxation, but within few minutes when she was getting ready to enter in O.T., she has heard the agonizing words, 

“Are! Bhai whole day, household tasks…. she did not take care of herself” Suresh was saying the same thing to his elder brother. 

It was the most panic moment for Sharda.  

She has done lots of sacrifices for her husband and family. From handling economic pressure to losing his job, she has helped him in each and every moment of life. She has always given an unconditional love and care to him without making any complaint or unusual demands.  

Since morning, when everyone (in-laws, neighbors, relatives…. even her own kids) had disappointed her, with a same piece of advice, she was waiting for Suresh with a ray of hope.  

She had thought that her “life partner” would be the only person, who will understand her situation. She was believing that he will understand the real reason, why she wouldn’t be able to take care of herself? But unfortunately, nobody was with her. She was feeling isolated, she was feeling lonely… 

Sharda is waiting for the surgeons on the operation table. She had numerous thoughts in her mind.  first time in her life, she had felt a sense of regret for the things that she has done in her life. She was rethinking why she had always put her responsibilities above than herself.  is this the reward for her “Selfless love”? 

 After few minutes, doctors took her to operation theater.  

As soon as Sharda entered into operation theatre, her father-in-law was the first person who had realized his mistake. He regrets that “I should not talk with her in a disrespectful tone of voice.” 

 Sharda has taken care of all of us for so many years with so much love and dedication.  He has said to Suresh and felt a sense of regret for his behavior.

 “Yes papa, it was not the time for offering the advice, she needs our love and affection”, Suresh replied.  

 In next room, Somya and Sagar were talking the same thing. “Mom has done lots of sacrifices for our well-being”. Now, this time it is our duty to take care of her. Now they all are realizing the fact, 

“Why she wouldn’t be able to take care of herself” 

Now, they all made a promise to each other that, they will give her a much deserve respect, love and care to Sharda.  

After few hours, Sharada came from OT. All family members have hugged her and said, “Please accept our heartfelt apology, we are so sorry for our behavior”.  

This was an unexpected and pleasant surprise for Sharda. She has said nothing but the tears rolled down from her eyes.  

Today was happiest day of her life and she has received a beautiful reward for her selfless love.  

Though this story is a work of fiction, but inspired by a real-life incidence. I believe, this could be a story of any mom who always put her family & responsibilities above than herself, and at the end, suffer from poor physical and mental health due to constant pressure and lack of family support.

So, I want to give a message with this story, that

“Moms, Its not selfish to love yourself. take care of yourself and to make your happiness a priority, if you want to give light others, you have to glow yourself first”.

Also, I want to convey a humble request to all,

” As a daughter/son, many times we take our parents’ love and care for granted and forget to give them much deserve, love and respect for their support. so, take out some time from them and give them a beautiful reward for their selfless love as your time. they truly deserve it”.

This post is written for #StorytellersBlogHop FEB 2021 hosted by Ujjwal and & MeenalSonal 

Reward of selfless love- A short story

PS- This is my first attempt to write fiction. please be kind.

88 Comments

  • Alpana Deo

    February 3, 2021 at 3:00 am Reply

    This is a very touchy yet thought provoking fiction Surbhi. It gives us many lessons like how much our words can affect anyone who is trying to find some warmth and strength from us. Second is why we shouldn’t undermine our moms’s role in the family. And third is is is never too late to realize our mistake. I am happy that Sharda’s family understood their mistake.

  • Ruchie

    February 3, 2021 at 3:31 am Reply

    This is actually story of every mother …its important to really have some me time and be selfish to take care…I lived the simple way you shared such important message.

    • TripleAmommy

      February 7, 2021 at 12:16 am Reply

      This is the story of so many women. I will never forget when an aunty of mine got cancer, her response was that I never took care of my body and now it is punishing me. She is no more now, but I know this sentence will haunt me for life.

    • myworldwitheira

      February 10, 2021 at 3:43 pm Reply

      So heartfelt and touching! Somewhere down the line, I feel many of us take our Moms for granted. Not that we think it’s their job but atleast I cannot think of doing something without my Mom. She is my biggest moral support and while being demanding I forget to realise that she might have something on her mind for her own.

  • Neeta Kadam

    February 3, 2021 at 7:23 am Reply

    This story bring tear in My eyes too. This is the story of every mom. We take ourselves granted that we are always healthy n can handle everything as a superwoman. This 2021 my emphasis on self love. We have to love ourselves.

    • Daisy

      February 5, 2021 at 1:15 am Reply

      I’m so glad to be reading this piece. The life lessons you propagated through this fictional story are worth following. I became better informed and in awe of my mother’s sacrifices after becoming a mother myself. Indeed we need to glow, to spread light around us!! Well done ?

    • Ujjwal Mishra

      February 3, 2021 at 4:22 pm Reply

      This is such a honest account of almost all the moms, we get so busy in taking care of every one and every little thing that we forget ourselves. Beautiful take Surbhi, so glad you participated in #storytellersbloghop

  • Archana

    February 4, 2021 at 3:20 am Reply

    Great Surbhi it’s so touching dear! You have well penned the pain of every mother out there who lit herself so firmly throughout the life just to keep warmth in all the family members. Unfortunately gets mere a bunch of advices in return, where actually a feel of empathy is only required, an ear to listen is required. We all somewhere do this mistake in our day to day life, thanks for reminding us too, to not take a selfless love for granted!

  • Gleefulblogger

    February 4, 2021 at 3:55 am Reply

    While reading I could feel the mixed bag emotions. Why the society has been so harsh on mothers, why we toil and get mere smiles or just juncture in return. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful emotional post. Well done.

  • Urvashi Nenawati

    February 4, 2021 at 4:00 am Reply

    Surbhi just Wow.. Bahut bahut acha hai.. What a wonderful dedication to mom’s. I feel so guilty that many times I myself would say the same thing to my mom why don’t you take care of yourself. You captured the right emotion and with dialogue so realistic

  • Priyanka Nair

    February 4, 2021 at 6:55 am Reply

    Heart-warming! I think most of us can relate to this story, we have seen it, been through it and heard a lot about such incidents. Thank you bringing this up Surbhi, we all need such kind of reminders and a lot of reflection.

  • Prerna Wahi

    February 4, 2021 at 7:01 am Reply

    This is a beautifully worded piece fiction with a wonderful message. I truly admire the simplicity of your writing yet power of your words.

  • Neha

    February 4, 2021 at 9:14 am Reply

    Yes mothers are someone who are conditioned to keep others before themselves and probably the only person to be taken for granted. This was a lovely story that sheds light on their needs for love and respect.

  • Vasumathi

    February 4, 2021 at 10:45 pm Reply

    Sad but true. A woman makes many sacrifices as a daughter, wife, daughter in law, mother etc. But many times it is not appreciated. Glad that Sharda’s story ended well for her. That said, I always feel that it is important to take care of yourself first. It is not selfish but important. Coz when you are ill, you cannot take care of the others. And many times, the others wont have the time to take care of you.

  • Varsh

    February 5, 2021 at 2:52 pm Reply

    We will find a Sharda everywhere, Surbhi. The one who puts everything above herself and is often taken for granted. Beautifully written and a really good take at fiction. You captured the emotions nicely. Please do write more!

    • mummatalks

      February 6, 2021 at 11:38 am Reply

      It’s sad that as soon as a girl is married off, she becomes the care taker, cook, home maker and what not and it’s not that she should not, but in return all the a woman wants is love and respect and appreciation which is very normal and even people in corporate job seek the same than why not women working at home.

  • Amritha Srinath

    February 5, 2021 at 3:39 pm Reply

    What a beautiful blend of fiction and reality of a mom’s life Surbhi. Although I loved the story, it was disheartening to read and feel how much a women sacrifices as soon as she gets married. Motherhood also takes a toll on her physical and mental well-being, yet religiously ignoring all her desires and health pleas, she strives hard for the family. Its high time we understand and respect the women in our house. Also, what I loved about the end was, how important it is for us to take care of our moms too. While we talk about mental health, self love and other things, our moms have silently undergone all the sufferings. Our kind words, actions and the time given to her would only make her life have a sense of fulfilment.

  • Neha Sharma

    February 5, 2021 at 4:39 pm Reply

    This is actually the reality of women because they are never taught self love, neither the boys are taught to give space to their partners & to respect them and value their contribution towards the family. Though the scenario is changing with time there are still many households where this is still just normal. Very well written, Surbhi. I hope not just women but also men read this post.

  • Jhilmil

    February 6, 2021 at 1:26 am Reply

    Such a heartfelt post Surbhi. I see such real life “sharda’s” Sacrificing their health and wellbeing for the sake of their family and responsibilities. And in the end all they need is love and understanding.

  • Anita

    February 6, 2021 at 12:48 pm Reply

    Touching story, Dr. Surbhi.
    You have included all what women have to go through… Whether it’s being jeered for not having a baby to not taking care of self…
    Totally agree with the lines you have shared at the end. We need such reminders to take care of self & to be kind to women.
    Great maiden attempt at story-writing.

  • ourlittleworld2016

    February 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm Reply

    i had tears as i read this whole story. this is true for most Indian families. I still remember on my birthday when I touched my FIL’s feet, the advice i got instead of a blessing was “sabka khayal rakhna”.

  • The Champa Tree

    February 7, 2021 at 3:35 am Reply

    Hats off to you. If every woman understood the essence of what you said, they will teach their kids the same. Both boys and girls. This next generation would grow beyond the all sacrificing woman image❤

  • Debidutta Mohanty

    February 7, 2021 at 3:41 am Reply

    A great blend of fiction as well as reality. You have penned beautifully all the emotions that every mother has to go through. Enjoyed every bit of it. It did not look like a maiden attempt. Simple but powerful.

  • Neha Jain

    February 7, 2021 at 6:28 am Reply

    Though it’s fiction but it feels like reading an actual story. Story of all the mothers. I wish it could reach to more and more people so that every one could keep their health priority…a wonderful post…

  • chinmayeecreations

    February 8, 2021 at 4:54 pm Reply

    What a gripping and touching story , Surbhi ! It really highlights the plight of most women who neglect their health for the sake of their family . But I think it’s hightime to stop glorifying the sacrifice trait of women and every family member should equally be responsible for household chores.It is an ideal situation and it might take longer in Indian households but we can always start .

  • Geethica

    February 10, 2021 at 9:18 am Reply

    I guess in some or the other way,this is the story of every mom. We all could relate to many things in the life of Sharda. Well, self care and self less love is something that a woman needs to draw a line in between. The biggest being take time for yourself too. If you are happy then only you will be able to make others happy.

  • aakanksha

    February 13, 2021 at 3:45 am Reply

    Thats really true. Very well written but I think its time we realise that self love is the first step of selfless love. To be there for our loved ones we first have to be there. Many woman across the globe ignore themselves but lets not do it anymore. Very well written, simple yet moving.

    • Cindy Dsilva

      April 3, 2021 at 1:46 pm Reply

      When I was reading I imagined my mom. But then I realized that I was an Indian mom too. We have to stand up and protect ourselves because mostly once out of our homes, we are responsible for ourselves.

  • Judy Morris

    February 23, 2021 at 12:38 pm Reply

    What a wonderful tale that is a truth of many women across the globe. What we call as Mom’s heart is so true and we often keep our family’s demands above our needs.

  • Ramandeep Kaur

    March 1, 2021 at 11:16 am Reply

    Outstanding!!
    I admire when writers like you express the reality in such a beautiful way..
    This is a bitter truth of very woman that she has to sacrifice herself on every relation without expecting anything…
    Lots of love

  • bytetrails

    April 2, 2021 at 5:53 pm Reply

    Guess this is the story of every mom. But the good thing is the kids n the family realise the sacrifice n love of the mother.

    • Shweta

      April 3, 2021 at 4:02 am Reply

      Heart touching and the truth. I literally felt like this is what happened to my mother. Sacrifices and sacrifices but we never acknowledged! But finally, my mom decided to take care of herself and she is her happiest self. If she is happy, the whole family is happy! That is the importance of a woman.
      Self love is not selfish.

  • rakhiparsai11984

    April 4, 2021 at 5:20 am Reply

    I had tears in my eyes while reading this and plight of sharda. We moms are all alike when it comes to family and kids and we ignore ourselves in this process. Loved reading the happy ending though

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