ഇനി എത്ര ദൂരം

 

Beyond Blood: A Daughter’s Journey

Motherhood is often thought of as a bond sealed by birth, but sometimes life teaches us that true parenthood is measured by love, sacrifice, and presence. This is the story of a little girl, two women, and the remarkable journey that proves a mother is not always the one who gives you life—but the one who chooses to stay.

Ambition had always been her driving force. From a young age, she dreamed of success, recognition, and influence, a life where her intelligence and determination would be admired. But when she became a mother to a baby girl, fear took hold. She felt trapped rather than blessed, convinced that raising a child would chain her to a life she hadn’t chosen. On a rainy night, with a heart weighed down by doubt and selfishness, she placed her newborn at the gates of an orphanage. She whispered her name softly, kissed her tiny forehead, and walked away, leaving behind a part of herself she could never reclaim.

Yet, life had its own plans. The very next morning, a woman who had longed for a child found the infant. She had no children of her own, but her heart was overflowing with love. From the moment she held the baby, she vowed to never let her feel abandoned. She adopted her, raised her with unwavering care, and nurtured her through every challenge. She celebrated her successes, guided her through mistakes, and instilled in her values of kindness, resilience, and integrity. The child grew up under the warmth of this mother’s devotion, becoming bright, ambitious, and determined—not for wealth or fame, but to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Years of perseverance paid off. The girl cleared the highly competitive civil services exam and became an IAS officer. Her dedication, discipline, and compassion had turned her dreams into reality. On the day of her felicitation ceremony, she walked onto the stage with pride and confidence, a testament to the love and guidance she had received.

Among the dignitaries in the audience sat a celebrated businesswoman. She had achieved everything she had ever wanted—wealth, influence, prestige. Yet a quiet emptiness lingered in her heart. As she watched the young officer receive her honor, her eyes softened with admiration. “If only I had a daughter like her,” she thought. She had no idea that, years ago, fate had already given her that very gift on a rainy night—the daughter she had walked away from.

Taking the microphone, the young officer smiled at the audience. “I owe everything to the woman who raised me — my mother, my mentor, my guide. She never let me feel abandoned. She believed in me when the world did not, and today I stand here because of her unwavering love.” She paused, then continued, “Years ago, my biological mother left me at an orphanage. I never knew her, and I have no regrets, because the mother who chose me gave me everything I needed to become who I am.”

She called her adoptive mother to the stage. The hall erupted in applause as the two embraced. The biological mother looked on in quiet awe, realizing that the daughter she had longed for and left behind had already been raised into greatness by another’s love.

That day, the IAS officer proved that motherhood is measured not by birth, but by love, sacrifice, and presence—the daughter she never knew had thrived under the care of the mother who chose to stay. After all, blood is thicker than water—but not always. Love, choice, and devotion can be even stronger.

Ms. Sameera Kausar. S

Assistant Professor of English

Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Keezhattur, Perinthalmanna.