Alien Son
Riya was an Indian Australian living alone in Sydney , New South Wales Australia . Riya was born in Australia . Her parents had come to Australia nearly forty years back and settled here . She lost both her parents in a car accident . Riya was sitting in the rear seat so she escaped with minor injuries .
Riya and Ava have been close friends since childhood . They had their schooling and college studies together . While Riya was still unmarried Ava was married and had a two year old son Henry . Ava’s husband Wilson was a captain in the Australian army and was then deployed in fighting together with the American forces in Vietnam .
Ava had taken a break from her job to raise her child and was expected to join next month . Riya was working in a private company . Riya used to visit her friend frequently while returning back after office hours and often stayed in the night . Henry was also quite comfortable with Riya . That evening both were having coffee and watching the news . Suddenly there was a flash of news on the TV . The anchor announced “ We deeply regret to announce the death of our brave Captain Wilson in an ambush by the Vietnamese soldiers . Martyr's body is expected to reach here by tomorrow evening . “
This news shocked both the friends . Ava put down Henry from her lap and closed her face with both hands . She was sobbing deeply . Riya lifted Henry in her arms and she was consoling Ava . She stayed there that night with Ava . Ava’s eyes were drenched with tears the whole night . Neither of the friends slept that night . Riya took off from her work the next day .
Next day both friends were sitting in the living room and watching the arrival of Wilson’s body . After the formalities were over the body was expected at home within a couple of hours . Ava’s in-laws had died within the last two years .Wilson’s brother and sister had also arrived . Ava’s friends and some army officers also were waiting . An army vehicle stopped at the door with a big screech . Soldiers in uniform carried the coffin wrapped in the Australian flag .
Ava, supported by Riya, rushed to see her husband . Others present there also came forward to see and pay homage to the brave soldier . Funeral was scheduled for the next day but the mourning lasted till a week . After that Ava’s brother-in- law and sister in- law left . While leaving both said “ If you need any help from us , don’t hesitate . Tell us frankly .”
Ava just listened to them silently and didn’t speak a word . Time gradually heals the wounds . After about a month things gradually returned to normal . Ava joined her job . Ava used to drop Henry in a daycare while going to work and picked him up while returning. Quite often Riya also used to help in dropping or picking up Henry .
In the meantime Ravi came into the life of Riya . Both were working in the same office and had been dating for quite some time . Ravi was also an Indo Australian. Both Riya and Ravi used to visit Ava’s home frequently .
Four years have passed since Wilson’s death . During this period Ava had started drinking heavily . Ava had been feeling pain in abdomen and swelling in legs. She had developed jaundice also . Riya and Ravi were not yet married but were planning to marry soon . In the meantime Riya missed her period . She bought a pregnancy test kit and self tested . Result was positive . She went to Ava , shared this information and said “ I am worried about my pregnancy . We are yet to marry .”
“ But you both have already decided to marry soon . There should not be any issue . Just try to get married sooner . “
“ Or should I abort ? “ asked Riya
As a catholic I am against it . When both you and Ravi are getting married, why kill the baby in your womb? Have it and marry soon . “
Ava’s illness was getting worse . She had persistent nausea and vomiting . She was going to a Lab. for some tests prescribed by her doctor . Both Riya and Ravi accompanied her to the laboratory . The Lab. asked to collect the test reports after two days.
After two days Riya and Ravi both went to the Lab to collect Ava’s report . They were shocked to see the report . When they discussed it with the doctor , he said “ I am sorry to say Ava’s liver cancer is in quite advanced stage. It’s too late now . “
“ Any idea how long she can survive ? “
“ Sorry to say but the utmost one year only .”
At first both Riya and Ravi were in a dilemma about disclosing the report to Ava . Ravi said “ No, we must tell the truth so that Ava can plan within whatever time she has .”
However Ava was informed about the test reports. Ava became serious and tears were visible in her eyes. Riya was comforting her “ Don’t worry . It’s just a guess from the doctor . After all he isn’t God to predict death . We are there with you , always everywhere .”
“ I know . “ Ava said, wiping her tears “ But I am deeply concerned for Henry , my poor son. He has already lost his dad and is now going to lose me too. What will happen to him ? I can’t rely on Wilson’s brother and sister . “ she said further
All were silent for some time . Then Ava said sobbingly holding Riya’s hand “ Can you take care of Henry after my death. “
Both Riya and Ravi looked at each other to hear this unexpected question . Ava said “ I know , I have no right to ask for it but you are the closest one to me . I know what I am asking you to do is the toughest task for anybody . However if you can’t do it please ensure that Henry is put in a safe foster home . ”
“ No Ava , how can you think of a foster home for Henry when we are here ? We were thinking of postponing our wedding for quite some time . We are doubtful if we can manage dual responsibility of wedding and upbringing of Henry .” said Riya
“ No, please don’t delay your marriage . The next thing I wanted to see you are in knot sooner in my life time . So I am sure you will take care of my baby and I can live the rest of my life peacefully . “
“ Sure , we promise you . “ Both Riya and Ravi said
“ Good , Henry is your Alien son or exotic son whichever you call him .”
“ Henry will remain like our dear son , please rest assured .”
“ Thanks dear . Now listen carefully .I have called the attorney to execute a power of attorney on my behalf . You will be delegated with power of all my moveable and immovable assets in future .”
“ No power of attorney should automatically cease the day Henry is adult .” said Ravi
Soon Riya and Ravi got married . Ava said to her son “ If I go away for a long time , Riya will be your mom . You have to obey her . She will love you more than me .“
Ava passed away after six months . For the next few days Henry remained sad . Within the next couple of weeks Riya gave birth to a baby girl . She said to Henry “ I have got a doll for you to play with . “
Gradually Henry also became normal . Riya was bringing up both her own baby Tina and Henry with full support of Ravi .
When Tina started walking , she used to play with Henry and run after him . Initially Henry used to call Riya aunty but subsequently started calling her mom copying Tina . Henry was getting upbringing with Indian tradition .
When Henry was 18 years old and was in college , Riya called her and said “ Now you are an adult and should operate your bank account . “
“ No mom, you will keep on operating as usual at least till your daughter in law objects . I am sure you will manage better than me .”
After completing his studies , Henry was getting offers from many companies but the one from Perth city in the Western Australian state was the most attractive one . He said to Riya “ Mom , I am in a fix . Though Perth’s offer is the best one but If I go there it’s far away from Sydney . It's a five hours direct flight . You will be far away from me . I will be worried for you people . “
“ If you like Perth job , you must go there . I will be happy . Ravi and Tina are here to look after me , if needed . And now onwards take control of your bank accounts .”
“ No , not till I am married . Even otherwise , I have two credit cards given by you . I am sure I will never run short of money .“
“ By the way, when are you getting married? Do you have a girlfriend? “
“ Yes , I have a girlfriend in Perth itself . She is in the same company where I am going. She was in Sydney college with me .”
“ Now I can understand your motive in your Perth job . “ Riya said laughingly
“ No mom , I can quit my Perth job right now , if you say . My girlfriend is an Indo Australian . ”
“ Wow . Go ahead I was kidding . “
In the meantime Tina came there , she said “ I have seen bro’s GF . She is Vijaya of Indian origin . Both used to sit together in the University Library .Bro had asked me not to disclose . He was thinking of giving you a surprise . “
After a couple of years Ravi got a stroke and he was confined to bed . His left side was paralyzed and he became speechless .Riya was very worried . Tina was in the final year in college . Vijaya and Henry both came to see Ravi and remained with them for some time . Riya asked them to marry sooner so that Ravi can also witness their marriage . Both Vijaya and Henry were prepared for it and got married there .
Soon after marriage Riya handed over all property documents to Henry and Vijaya . Henry had arranged a full time nurse to look after Ravi . Two years passed . Henry and Vijaya were blessed with a baby boy . Riya became very happy to hear this news but she wasn’t in a position to go to Perth and bless the baby . Riya was already a patient of Hypertension . She was under severe stress due to her husband’s illness . A week after the baby's birth she had severe angina . She had a massive heart attack and was admitted to the ICU of a hospital. Hearing this Henry came to see her .
Riya asked in a feeble voice “ Vijaya didn’t come . She delivered a baby last week only . She isn’t allowed to fly with the baby for a month at least . “
Doctors had scheduled for her open heart surgery the next day .Nurses were preparing Riya for surgery . Riya said sobbing in a soft voice “ I don’t know if I can survive . I am worried for Ravi and Tina . “
“ I am there . Don’t worry . “ said Henry
“ We will put Papa in a good old age home . I have seen it and have already talked to them also . “ said Tina
“ How dare you talk of sending Papa to an old age home till we are there ? “ said Vijaya loudly in a surprise entry . And for your information both Henry and I have made all arrangements to shift Papa to Perth in an air ambulance . All arrangements will be there by the time we reach there . Mummy will also soon follow us after discharge . ” Vijaya said
All were surprised at Vijaya’s presence . Henry asked “ Why did you come here ? Where is our baby ? “
“ Our baby is safe and under postnatal care .I got special permission to fly after thorough medical check up . I had pumped enough breastmilk for my baby for 36 hours . I will be back by evening flight . Here is a photo of your grandson , mom . “ said Riya showing photo of her kid
There was a smile on Riya’s face . She said “ I might not survive to follow you people . Now I am not worried about my death . I am sure my alien son Henry and his Indian wife Vijaya are there to look after Ravi . I can die peacefully “
Riya went into the washroom . Soon there was a thud. Nurses ran in and found Riya lying on the floor . They called the doctor . After checking Riya, the doctor said “ I am sorry , she is no more . She might have had another massive attack .”
Tina , Henry and Vijaya performed Riya’s last rites . After a couple of days they took Ravi to Perth in an air ambulance .
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Note - This is a work of fiction .
