Kashmi lived a content childhood, with some demands met and others not.
She knew yes and no are both answers — and both must be accepted. She understood that creation and destruction, yin and yang, dawn and dusk contrast to complement.
Losing a recitation competition, not being able to attend a hike, not being selected for a coveted role in the concert — many such moments brought tears of sorrow.
Standing first in History and Drill lessons, receiving the book of choice as a gift, being the anchor for the relay team, attending her favourite cousin’s engagement — all brought a sweet smile. But what would bring the elusive tears of joy, she wondered.
She asked her mother,
“Ma, your eyes well up so easily. You have tears rolling down your cheeks every now and then.”
“Yes, tears of joy — precious, precious gems. When we move beyond good and happy to joy and on our way to bliss, we experience tears of joy.”
“Aww, all these high words — good, happy, joy, bliss — confuse me. But yes, I want my eyes to fill my face with tears! What shall I do? Earn some money, or donate my toys? What is it? Say, Ma, say. Shall I ask Papa?”
“Easy,” said her mother softly. “Just do what you need to do — calmly, with care, and don’t yearn for anything.”
“Oh, if it was so simple! We do, at least I do, like to be on the top. Who wants to be a loser?”
“Kashmi! Kashmi, where are you?”
“Here, chatting with Mumm — here in the vegetable garden with Ma!”
“Hullo there! Hi Kashmi, hi Ashmi, my two roses!”
“Hi, Dashing Dear!”
“Hullo, Papa!”
Mother and daughter smiled, rubbing their hands to wash off the manure below the garden fountain.
“What were you both discussing so intently?”
“Some high philosophy — happy, joy, bliss, tears of joy… and so on.”
“Oiooo, here’s a bit of news — good news, real good news! Come, Kashmi, read it aloud.”
“The Bharat Times conducted a vegetable garden competition over the last one year. The competition included quizzes, photographs, innovative method research, conservation, ecological balance, wildlife presence, and organic practice methods. The readers who participated enthusiastically shared a plethora of facts, information, and vital data. We are overjoyed to inform that the first three positions are as follows:
Horticulture Garden
Ms. Ashmi Kurkha
Mr. Birdev BhalkumarWe shall be sharing their inputs in days to come.”
Kashmi’s throat choked and tears of joy flowed unabashedly down her face. Jumping with joy, she hugged her mother.
“O Ma, O Ma, how did you do it? You’ve done it! Aaaa Ma… Maa… a…”
And more tears of joy — salty yet sweet — dripped down her chin.
Sometimes joy blooms not from winning for ourselves, but from celebrating the triumphs of those we love.
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Word Count: 433 Words
Image Courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@ann-bugaichuk-371879753/
– Madhu Mehrotra
About The Writer:
Madhu Mehrotra is a prolific writer and thoughtful storyteller whose literary works reflect the simplicity of hill life, human emotions, and social consciousness. She has authored several notable books, including:
- Of Hills N Vales – Articles reflecting life in the hills
- Turbulence and Tranquility in Trains – Experiences and emotions of train travel
- The Child in Us – Childhood memories and reflections
- Gems of Short Fiction – Short stories exploring various emotions
- Where The Rhododendron Blooms – Poetry on nature and its beauty
- All Weather Tales – Stories spanning diverse themes
- The Bridge And Other Stories – Urban fantasy and human relationships
- Affectionate Echoes – A Romantic Anthology, Volume I – Nuances of love and romance
- In Pursuit of Perseverance – Tales of determination and resilience
Through her writing, she brings alive the lives of ordinary people, the beauty of nature, and the heartfelt stories that connect us all.
She says, “I have lived my life in the hills — fleeting, serene, here today, gone tomorrow.”
