Everything seemed gloomy to me in the hospital room, I had tears trickling down my eyes. Even though there was laughter and chattering around me I had given birth for the third time hoping for a son. But alas! My dreams were shattered yet again as this time too I had a daughter. Although I prayed desperately for a son this time and believed that I was carrying one. The thought that I wasn’t going to have a son 

anymore or I couldn’t try again as all three were C Sections shattering and painful. I didn’t want to even look at my baby. I had successfully masked my inner dismay with a smiling face. 

” Congratulations! My baby.” Saying this my mother kissed me. She had gone home to freshen up and bring me tea, breakfast and lunch. At that point I didn’t know what snapped inside of me and I just clung to her and cried inconsolably.

Seeing me in this state my mother politely asked everyone to give me some privacy and time to rest. In the room now was just my elder sister and my mother.

“What happened, did anyone say anything to you? Why are you crying?” Asked my mother with a concerned look over her face. “I wanted a boy and God gave me a

 daughter yet again.” Saying so I burst out crying yet again. Only to meet my mother sitting there calmly smiling at herself.

“Oh! So, aren’t you even going to console me ? Ah! I appear to be the evil mother now. You will never understand my pain as you have a son.” Saying so I buried my face to the wall away from her as I felt insulted as she was smiling. 

” Yes, I do understand you. Because I was there 25 years ago.” ” Your lying” “No, I am not. Well, a woman’s heart has many secrets and so I think it’s time to let one out.” Saying so my mother moved across the room and held my hand. 

” When I conceived you, I already had your eldest sister, brother and your elder sister. What you didn’t know was that I lost a baby before you. I was hurt and in pain. Then I thought to myself if I have another daughter how will I get her married with the dowry, education etc. So, I decided the easy way out. I went to a clinic and opted for abortion. But unfortunately, that doctor knew your father and she called him over. Your father was overjoyed knowing I was pregnant it didn’t matter to him if you were a girl. He only wanted a healthy baby. He told me don’t worry I will work harder and provide for you and her. But I wanted a son. I was so blinded with the desire to have one just like you. That’s when you were born. I was crying instead of thanking God for you. Your elder sister sat beside me and asked me saying are you not a woman?  How can you despise another, what are you afraid of, educate her and give her independence, be the reformer not the follower, say no to dowry. Make her financially independent. Give her wings and she will shine and one day you will be proud.” 

My mother paused and said, “Rightfully my child, you were the best of the lot I had, in all aspects. Wherever I went I was introduced as your mom and people always praised you. Your brother never bothered for us. But it was you that saw the little details and provided for. Although I was your mother it was you who taught me what a mother and her love should be. Above all we should be ever grateful as God knows what we need the most.” Saying so my mother wiped my tears. She helped me up and brought my just born daughter and placed her in my arms. 

As I glanced at my daughter, she opened her eyes and sensing my presence she smiled and started cooing. That very instance seeing her smile at me, all my despair left, a bond was formed of love, trust and hope. I vowed to love her, to give her what I had, to be a fortitude of strength so she could trust and hope so that I may prove to the world and myself that yes daughters can be no lesser than a son. 

If it wasn’t for my mother I would have lost my beautiful journey of motherhood. But I guess God has a way for looking over his believers and has left his angel in form of our mothers.