“Hey look at this one, Shreya” said Mithi. “This seems to be a real good deal. A facial, pedicure, manicure, hair wash, styling and colouring all within 4 hours and that too at a discounted rate”. “Oh No, Mithi that beauty parlour isn’t as famous as this one. This is slightly steep on our budget, but come on, our Mom is worth It.” said Shreya as they surfed the internet for the city’s best beauty parlours. Shreya and Mithi were bright and bubbly eighteen year olds. They decided to celebrate Mother’s Day in a very special way. Their mother Padma was a simple housewife, who never thought of any thing beyond her home. Her daughters and husband were her world and she seldom thought about herself. When the d-day arrived, Padma opened her eyes to find a fragrant bouquet and a Mother’s day greeting card lying beside her. She read the soulful words and fought back her tears of joy. She was proud and happy to have such daughters who thought that she was the “world’s best Mom”. She walked out of her bedroom smiling but was shocked to see the girls busy in the kitchen early in the morning. The girls’ came running upon seeing her. They gave her a tight hug and screamed in chorus “happy mother’s day Mom”. “Thank you darlings” said Padma smiling. “The card and the flowers were simply lovely, you made my day.” “Now, what are you up to in the kitchen?” she asked. “Oh Mom, we want to give you a day off from the kitchen.” said Shreya. “Yes mama, we are in charge of breakfast, lunch and dinner today. You get to rest.” said Mithi. “But….”fumbled Padma. “No ifs and buts mama, it’s your special day, so relax and enjoy” said Shreya. Breakfast was no less than a circus. Padma’s husband Mahesh was a fussy eater and he had to tolerate burnt toast and a salt less omelette for breakfast. But keeping the occasion in mind, he decided to bear with the girls. The enthusiasm of his daughters was almost infectious and he too knew that his wife Padma deserved this and more. He gladly told the girls that he wouldn’t be coming home for lunch and would order something at his office. The girls were a little disappointed but they knew their Dad very well. He wouldn’t like anyone’s cooking as much as their Mom’s. After Mahesh left, Shreya and Mithi gave Padma another surprise. “Mom, you have to get ready fast.” said Mithi. ”But why?’ asked Padma “you are going to spend some time in the beauty parlour today” said Shreya excitedly. “Beauty parlour, I haven’t visited one in years” said Padma sounding bewildered at the very idea. “Oh Mom, we want you to take some time out for yourself. After a facial and other stuff, you will feel very relaxed and refreshed” they said. “But, lunch? And the other housework? There’s so much to be done sweeties.” said an exasperated Padma. “Oh come on mama, forget about everything for a day.” said Shreya. The girls refused to adhere to Padma’s pleas and sent her to one of the city’s best parlours. At the parlour, Padma’s mind was constantly wondering about things that were left undone at home. She was also deeply concerned about Mahesh and what he would do for lunch. She knew that he would probably skip lunch altogether. She had to put her act together and do something for dinner at least. At the parlour, the beautician kept speaking to Padma, asking her to come more regularly to the parlour. “You must do something about your wrinkles and dark circles’ she was saying but Padma’s mind was lost in a world of her own. But she had to admit that the entire treatment had left her skin glowing and it did feel very nice to look at her reflection in the mirror, all done up. She opened her purse to pay up, but the beautician was quick to stop her saying that her daughters had already paid for the special mother’s day offer. Padma was touched. But she wondered where they managed the money from. Back home, she was all alone. The girls had rushed to college and Mahesh was of course at work. Seizing the opportunity, she hurried to the kitchen to fix up dinner while the girls were away. She was busy for the rest of the day, tiding up the house and doing the things that were routine for her. In the evening, the girls came home giggling to see the glowing face of their mother. “Oh mama, you look nice and fresh. Did you enjoy it?” asked Mithi eagerly. “Of course I did!” lied Padma. “And did you catch a nap in the afternoon?” asked Shreya. “Oh yes” replied Padma. “In fact I probably overslept” she said. Happy and contented, the girls went to their room to freshen up. But when they saw the house neat and tidy, they knew that their Mom had been lying. They came out of their room disappointed. “Oh Mama, you dint rest, you were busy doing your usual chores” whined Shreya. “And we were hoping your day would be special” joined Mithi. “Of course it was special my dear daughters” said Padma feeling more in control of the situation than she had in the morning. “Your gestures and thoughts made me feel very special indeed. But I have to do what needs to be done everyday right? She said smiling. “But...” the girls weren’t convinced. “Your Mom is right” said Mahesh as he entered the house. When he looked at Padma he couldn’t help noticing how nice she was looking and he gave her a look of admiration. Suddenly, breaking from his thoughts, he said “I hope there is something decent for dinner” looking at Padma. Before she could respond the girls looked at each other. They were supposed to cook dinner today. They stood up to go into the kitchen but Padma held their hand and gave them hot cups of tea instead. “Dinner is ready” she announced. The girls were disappointed to hear that. Before they could think of anything to say, Mahesh beamed with relief “Thank goodness for that” he said. The girls decided to keep mum. As though reading their minds, Padma spoke “Girls, believe me you have been excellent today. By the way, where did you manage the money for my gifts? Was it financed by somebody?” she asked, looking at Mahesh. The girls got their enthusiasm back and answered “Mom, we won the state level dance competition. And we used the prize money to celebrate in this way!” said Mithi. Padma and Mahesh were overwhelmed by pride and emotion. “Now, that’s more of a reason to celebrate” said Padma. “This is the best gift a mother can get” she thought to herself.                                      ** The End **