Vedantic Tales : The Blue Pellet

She drew in her breath sharply and clutched at her heart, and he saw that again he had shocked and wounded her. Again he knelt by her side and took her hand I mean no financial duties, he said.

She waved him away. Please, Madhav. Can't we talk about this another time? I am sorry; I am not as young as I used to be. She smiled apologetically. Please help me to the couch, dear. I will lie down awhile. We can talk later.

He helped her up and felt the lightness of her body, and as she leaned against him for support, he saw that her hair had more gray in it than he had noticed before. They walked toward the couch, stopping now and then so she could get her breath. He had not realized till now how frail she was, how old. He helped her to lie down and covered her with a shawl.

She smiled up at him as he leaned over her. It seems such a short time ago that I was putting you to bed. You are such a big man now. And I am an old, helpless woman.

Should I get the doctor, Mother?

She shook her head. I will be all right, Madhav. Just let me rest a little. Later we can talk.

He did not know if the black sorrow he felt in his heart was sorrow for her or despair for himself. But he knew he could never leave her, and that he had been a brutal fool to think that he could.

[ Back ] [ Vedantic Tales ] [ Up ] [ Next ]