When shall I get my dental braces Mom?” asked my elder daughter Pooja.  I had told her that she will have them before her grade twelve started. But she was half way into the grade already. “I will discuss about it with the finance minister of our house,” I said.  Yes, the finace minister of Villa 25 in Khalil Kanoo Garden, Manama, Bahrain was indeed the husband.

That night I broached the topic with husband. He said, “Her twelfth-grade pre-boards will start soon. Let her finish them and then she can have the braces.” Pre-boards gave way to the boards, then to the results and later in a couple of months Pooja was off to the US for her undergraduate studies. 

It was the time of Covid-19 pandemic and there were travel restrictions. Pooja couldn’t travel to Bahrain during any of the semester breaks for two years. In the meantime, my younger daughter Riya began her eleventh grade. One day she said,” Mom, all my classmates have got their dental braces. I want them too.” “Let me speak to Dad,” I said. She nodded her head and went off to her room. Did she feel that like Pooja, she too wouldn’t get them on time? A déjà vu! As I spoke to hubby that night, he said,” What’s the hurry? She is in grade 11 only now. She can have them later.” 

LATER may again become TOO LATE!

I said,” You kept giving excuses to Pooja and she left without having them. Now, she doesn’t even want to think about them as braces are quite expensive in the US. She says she doesn’t want to burden you with over expenditure. Are you going to do the same with Riya? Listen, children will not stay with us for life time. They will keep moving. Till they stand on their own legs, their needs have to be fulfilled by parents, no matter how burdensome they may be. Moreover, our daughters won’t make unreasonable demands.” He didn’t reply but Iunderstood he didn’t sleep a wink that night. 

During the long weekend that followed, Riya came to me with a smile and said, “Mom! I and Dad consulted Dr Harsh, the dentist at Royal Hospital. I will be getting my braces tomorrow.” I couldn’t believe my ears! 

My phone rang. The call was from Pooja. She said,” Mom,Do you know what? Dad is sending me a demand draft to get my braces done here. I told him I don’t need them. But he said, if not now, then when?  Finally, my wish will come true!”  It was time to bask in the happiness of my children.  

I saw hubby standing at the doorway flashing two slips of paper, a demand draft and a recipt from Royal Hospital. I smiled and nodded at him. He smiled too and seemed to enjoy that moment.

Well… well…. well

Wishes may not be horses, but when fulfilled lend out a fragrance of love! 

“I miss you all, Mom.” Pooja’s words echoed in my ears.