At last she decided to go during day time, when Vimalchandra will not be at home. She was sure that his parents will not object to her seeing the children.
The next day itself, she went to that house. Although she was not prepared to admit it, she knew that at some corner of her mind, there was a weak desire to meet him once again.

And when she opened the gate and entered in, the first face she saw was that of Vimalchandra. And he too saw her.

She hesitated for a moment to go in, but it was only for a split moment. Soon she recovered from the indecision and taking a strong resolve to meet the children at any cost, she walked ahead. And he did not stop her. In fact, he stood there where he was, even without looking at her. But when she crossed him, he said:
“So you came to meet the children. Good. But see and return soon. You have no right on them now.”
She did not speak anything. Have I no right on those children, whom I gave birth! What a senseless man he is still.
But why should I bother.
Standing outside, she called her elder daughter. But it was not her child, but her father-in-law, who came out.

One look at his face and she knew that he is afraid of the consequences of his son meeting her.

She felt pity for him and said slowly.
“I met him at the gate. He advised me that I have no right upon the children, whom I gave birth and brought up.”
“Let him say anything. They are your children and nobody can stop you from meeting them.”
He called the children and said:
“Come. Your mother has come to see you.”
They came out immediately. Both were laughing. It was quite clear that they were very happy.
While the younger girl ran to her mother and embraced her, the elder girl stood near them smiling.
“How are you?” She asked.
“We are very happy mother.” They said together.
As soon as they said it that her face fell. So they too want to be here, leaving me alone for ever.
But she recovered soon and taking their hands in hers, asked:
“But when you are going to return to our home?”
The children looked at each other, but said nothing. And she anxiously waited for their reply, as if her whole life depended on it.
At last, the elder girl said hesitantly:
“Grandpa says that we should stay here. He said that if we stay here, it will be convenient to us to study in good schools and colleges and can have a bright future.

Then the younger girl interfered.
“Mother, don’t you like us to have a good house and all facilities? And father too says that….”

The girl went on saying, but Nirmala was unable to hear anything.

(To be continued)

                                
Read 14th part.....

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