My Diamonds

(1)

“I want those diamonds Ma ! “ I said emphatically staring at those precious marbles in market’s jewelry shop. “Did you listen what I said ma “I grew impatient with her silence. She smiled and looked at me. “We do not have money to buy them now, but I know something better”,She said “when the time comes I will show you how to get better ones”. I was not convinced. I was curious but to no avail. She did not say a word after that about those diamonds. Their shine faded off my memory sooner than I can remember now.

(2)

My father was a farmer and farming land we had produced just enough to feed our family of three. I was young when suddenly my father passed away leaving us to the fate. Life became a struggle for survival for my mother since then. She practically had no savings, no life insurance policy, fancy jewelry or relatives to support her. She worked in households cleaning and cooking, getting abused to make the ends meet. Her petty job at village “anganwadi” did not fetch enough to arrange food, shelter and education for me.

(3)

I was 16 when my mother took me to our fields which had not been ploughed for 8 years now. She took a fist full of sand in her hand, looked up and said “This will help you fulfill all your dreams, including buying those diamonds”. I was pleasantly surprised that she remembered. “What do you mean? “ I asked. She replied “You are 16 now. All grown up. Why don’t you start looking after our fields now so that we can save for future”. “This would give us some leverage and may be we will save enough for your college and marriage”, she continued after a pause.

(4)

6 months had passed; my first crop was ready in fields. Everyone was surprised at the yield. I had grown more from same size of field than others. My crops were a matter of envy for many. Whenever I looked at them, my heart felt the joy of success. Once the grain was filled and transferred to my home. I ran to kitchen where mom spent a lot of time cooking. I knew she would be there. On my way I caught a glimpse of my reflection in mirror. Sweat drops were shining like diamonds. I shouted in exclamation “Ma! I got my diamonds , and they are better than the ones in the jeweler’s shop”.