Her Laughter!

"Om Gangaayai Namaha!!" said a lady and took a dip in the river Ganges (ganga). The third time when she took a dip in the holy water, she lost control and slipped into the river bed.

Pilgrims were worried seeing her struggling hard to swim amid river flow.

"Help!! please help me!! " she shouted who was struggling to breathe air

Suddenly, a man jumped into the river and brought her to the bank of the river.

All felt happy for saving her and they approached her.

"How are you Grandma?" asked a little girl seeing the lady who was shivering due to the accident that happened.

She took time to answer her question though she understood the little girl's concern and question.

After a few moments...

"Yes, honey!! Thank you for showing your concern" said the lady i.e.old lady

"Are you ok?" said another woman and brought her dry clothes which were on the riverside steps.

"Thank you, dear!! I am fine" said the old lady with a relieved smile on her cheeks.

The women around her helped her change clothes and she sat there chanting God's name with gratitude.

"Granny!! I told you to wait for me. Why didn't you wait? I told you that I will take you for the holy dip in the water.  Can't you stay for me for my return?" asked the man who saved her with a heavy heart filled emotions.

"Sorry, Naren! forgive me for this time. I don't want you to face the wrath of your parents. Why did you come here? I will handle the situation. You go dear" said old lady Lakshmi.

"They were also concerned about your health granny. They can't see you suffer from any cold-related problems as you had surgery recently. Please understand" said concerned Naren.

She bent her head like a small child who did the mischievous thing.

After a short while, Naren's father came in search of them and found them near the bank of the river.

"Why did you people leave without informing me? Naren did you help granny take a holy dip?" frowned his father.

Naren gave an affirmative reply and was about to tell the accident happened but granny intervened and said "I am hungry. Can you bring something to eat?" to Naren.

He nodded and left to bring food for her.

"Mom, you dipped all alone. Didn't you?" said Naren's father.

To which she replied "Yes. Sorry. I gave word to your late father that I will mix his ashes here. you did it. But for one last time before leaving this place, I want to hug Ganga maa and thank her for bringing purity and peace to mine and my husband's soul. I wanted to do this alone. so..." wept Lakshmi.

"Please don't cry. Come with me," said her son.

He took her near to the holy water. He made her sit on the closest step to the water where her legs are dipped in the water.

He sprinkled water on her face playfully just like his father. Seeing that she started laughing with tears filled eyes and said " Stop it. Stop behaving like your father. Like father, like son."

"Yes. I resemble him right? So try seeing his reflection, goodness and affection in me. I am there with you amma" said Naren's father.

She laughed heart fully and said " See dear husband. Wherever you are...our son will take care of me till I join you. Don't worry. God bless you, my son!"

On listening to her melodious laughter, his face was delighted. He was soothed with her smile.

He thought to himself "Love and affection are the cause of my mother's memorable laughter which has become a melody to my heart. I am thankful to you amma for giving me this life and you are a brave lady for trying to hold yourself strong in such odd situations. Kudos to you"

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The End