Debra looked a little flustered and turned to Geet.  Geet was sure that Debra was expecting and hoping for her to be the sane one in the group.  Well, can't argue with that?

Debra:   "Geet, since this is Rohan's first fight, we will let this be especially since he has apologized to Sam.   I am sure this type of behaviour will not be repeated by the boys, right?   Also, Sam please accept Rohan's apology and shake hands with him."

Sam just nodded to Rohan and stuck his hand out to him which Rohan took in his and then both boys quickly dropped their hands.   Oh boy!

Geet looked to Debra and then spoke gently to Sam:   "Thank you Sam for accepting Rohan's apology.   Debra, I think I will take Maya and Rohan home with me now, if that is okay..."

Debra agreed with Geet's statement in the form of a nod.   She looked as if she wanted to be anywhere else than in the current situation.   Katie fared no better.   Geet also wanted to make a hasty retreat.  So while still cradling Maya in her arms she held her other hand out to Rohan who quietly and slowly walked over to her.  

Geet surreptitiously noticed the man getting up and sending a glare Sam's way as the poor child was still standing beside him.   Hey, was I even introduced to the older version?   Geet shrugged mentally and could not recall the occurrence.   Holding on to Rohan's hand, her manners to be civil and polite to this unknown being were warring with the assessment that she had conjured up based on his reaction and treatment of Sam.   She was not given enough time to make up her mind on how to act towards the older version as all parties had already made it to the door.

The group of three was allowed to move out first from the room followed by the duo.   In the hallway, Geet finally decided to take the appropriate measures of practicing what her profession taught, which was to not make snap judgments and to remain non-judgmental.   Plus, it was her responsibility as a parent to lead by example.   As the walk continued ahead, Geet quickly turned around halting the man's steps along with Sam's movement.

Geet with a rueful smile began softly:   "Kids, eh?   As I mentioned before, I have always taught my children to solve their issues by remaining calm and by using their words.   I am sure in the future Sam, Rohan and Maya will become good friends.   I apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused you and hope Sam..."

Not only did the man interrupt Geet but also marked her with an annoyed look and a held up hand with palms facing towards her relayed his thoughts:   "Excuse me, but since we have already solved this matter, I find it pointless to discuss it anymore.    As I HAD said before, I am getting late."   The man then went on to dismiss her as if she had not even spoken or that she and her children were not standing right in front of him.   The conversation was termed over with his order to the child:   "Let's go Sam!"

Saying this he walked around Geet leaving her tongue-tied and fuming.   Geet snapped her neck and torso quickly to watch the disappearing back of the man holding Sam's hand.   The child was being led out and his head was still hanging low.   Of all the nerve!   I hope I never run into him again!   I feel so bad for Sam.

Upon arrival in the parking lot, Geet lowered herself and gently placed Maya on the ground as she turned to Rohan.   She pulled her little one in for a hug and looked him over.   During her inspection, Geet made out the small goose egg like bump on the back of Rohan's head along with some small cuts on his knees.   After ensuring that he seemed fine and having the feeling of relief course through her, she quietly heard the words:   "Mama I am sorry.   Are you mad at me?"

Oh my poor baby!  Geet tenderly hugged him and softly replied:   "No Rohan, I am not mad at you.   I am glad you said sorry to Sam.   But we don't hit anyone, beta, even if we are angry, okay?   That is a big no-no.   Let's go home and we will talk about what you should have done instead."

(Note:   Beta means daughter or son in an endearing manner, and in this context, son)

Rohan nodded his head in acknowledgement on Geet's shoulder and then she heard the sniffles from him.   Geet cuddled him closely and also wiped Maya's tears as she stood looking at the two of them on the side.   After a few minutes of comforting Rohan, Geet picked him up while holding Maya's hand and walked to her car.   Well, that was eventful!

*******************

All three had reached home and before Geet could use her keys, Amma had opened the door surprised to see them earlier than expected.   Geet was holding the children's hands as they walked beside her with their head bent down.

Amma:   "Geet, what are you doing home?  What happened?"

Geet was sure that they must look quite a sight with both the kids' dirty and with streaks of dried tears looking disheveled and a little harassed.   Geet quietly sighed and thought:   "Amma cannot stand my kids being sad even for a second.   She is going to react in 1... 2... 3."   

Amma looked at us and then worriedly pulled Rohan towards her.   Geet mentally congratulated herself:   Man, was I right!    Amma questioningly looked at her and was about to say something but then Geet signaled "later" with her eyes.   Nausheen seemed to agree with a slight nod of her head and thus stopping her emotional outburst.

Geet took Maya to the kitchen and was thinking of ways to distract them while Amma followed Geet around still holding Rohan to herself in a sideways hug.   Geet observed Amma looking down and over Rohan for any injuries at the same time.   She loves them just as much as me.

Geet had tried to get Maya and Rohan to talk to her during the car ride but they had remained uncharacteristically silent even with her best efforts but at least the crying had stopped.   Geet continued her thoughts:   I need to do something to cheer them up.   It was an emotional day for all of us.   I can't bear the thought that they are so unhappy and upset.

Cheerfully, Geet announced:   "Hey kids!   How about we take a quick bath?    And then we will watch some cartoons or play chutes and ladders, ludo or hedbanz®?   Maybe watch Frozen or the Lego movie?   What would you like to do, eh?   But remember, it is a school night so we can only do one thing but I wanted my pumpkins to have a few choices."

(Note:    hedbanz® is game quick question games for ages 4 to 7 of "What am I?"  It involves asking yes or no question to figure out if the cartoon on your head is an animal, food or man-made object.)

Finally, Geet saw a little sparkle in the cherubs faces.   She continued to add on with a bright smile:   "Amma, why don't we make bhel for tonight?   Do we have all the ingredients?"

(Note:   Indian savory snack with tamarind sauce, puffed rice, some pulses and vegetables.)

Amma caught on and said:   "Sure, Geet we can do that.   We can also make macaroni & cheese or veggie burgers?   What do you cuties want?"

Rohan and Maya looked at each with a smile and then loudly replied:   "Bhel, please dadi!"

(Note:   Dadi means grandmother.)

Okay, at least they are smiling again!    Geet quickly took them towards the bathroom as Amma after a gentle pat to Rohan's shoulders released him.   The latter moved towards the fridge to get started on dinner.   Geet in slight relief thought:   Maybe not the best of circumstances, but at least I will get to spend some time with the kids.

******************

Rohan and Maya had squeezed beside Geet on her bed as she read their favourite Indian mythological bedtime story.   The kids had eventually relaxed and had a fun night filled with good food and lots of laughter while playing hedbanz®.   I needed this too.

Geet recalled the events of the night after she had brought the kids to the bathroom.   After a quick wash up, Geet had assessed the wounds on Rohan and it seemed that there wasn't anything serious that a band aid, anti-septic cream and gauze could not fix.   On the other hand, Maya was physically unharmed.   I wouldn't have been able to hold on to my cookies if I had to go to the emergency room.   Thank God!

Geet gently shook herself out of her dangerous thoughts.  She turned to see Maya already sleeping holding onto her while Rohan's eyes were drooping.   Stealthily, Geet adjusted Rohan in a lying position and then picked up Maya walking across to the twin's bedroom.   Tucking her in and giving her a kiss, Geet went back to pick up Rohan.

In the short amount of time while Geet was ensuring Maya's undisturbed sleep, Rohan had also gone off to his dreamland.   He appeared okay and comfortable.   Geet tucked him into his bed as well but stayed seated beside him.   She kept caressing Rohan's head as tears filled her eyes.   Geet always presented a strong front in the presence of everyone.   Well, it was not that difficult.   After all, except for Amma and partially Dr. Trevor, no one really knew her that well.   

Five years ago, marked a substantial change and ever since that time, the hardships had not stopped.   But she had dealt with everything especially with Amma's support in the last two years.   I so miss my family!   I am all alone now except for Amma.   Why does fate always play these dirty tricks?   I hope I am doing the right thing by my kids.   I can only hope!

Geet was so worried for these two precious treasures.   All she wanted to do was hide them from the world when she saw their state at the day care.   However, Geet was the adult and had to be responsible as well as logical.   She was determined to teach her kids about this cruel world and how to deal with it.

Geet couldn't help her gentle smile as she was proud of Rohan for protecting Maya even though his methods were wrong.   I guess he likes playing the role of the big brother.   After a final hair tussle, Geet moved over to sit beside Maya.   Maya was also just as caring towards Rohan as she had not let go of Rohan's hand until Geet had reached the day care according to Rohan.   Geet pressed a kiss to Maya's temple and gazed down at her.

As today's incident flashed further into Geet's mind, the thought about "the man" popped into her head.   His rudeness and indifference was a reminder of how people treated others.   His behaviour towards her and Sameer was appalling and unbelievable.   The old Geet would have been less judgmental but this Geet was very different.   She had faced people like him and had come to the conclusion that it was better to avoid them.

Geet took one more look at both Maya and Rohan again as they slept peacefully.   She got up from her position on Maya's bed and walked towards the door.   I need to relax as well and get some sleep.

******************

Nausheen heard footsteps on the stairs from the living room.   She turned from her knitting to see Geet freshly showered in her pink and white pajamas moving to the kitchen.   Nausheen had been waiting for her as she knew that Geet was really drained and worried from the day.

Geet came back after a few minutes with a glass of red wine and sat down beside Nausheen. Geet put her head on Nausheen's shoulder as the latter gently caressed the former's hair.   Both enjoyed the silence for a while.   Geet gently swirled the glass in her hand to let the wine breath. Nausheen finally broke the comfortable but sad atmosphere with an inquiry:   "So the kids all tucked in?"

Geet:   "Yes, they have gone to sleep.  They seem okay, right?"

With gentleness, Nausheen kept caressing her head.   Reassuringly, Nausheen said:   "Yes, they are fine, Geet.   Sometimes these things happen and Rohan is not hurt that much.   Kids at this age get cuts and bruises, it is okay.   Plus, you explained to them about what they can do in the future to handle tough situations.   You are teaching them all the right things, honey."

Geet remained quiet and raised her head to take a sip of her wine.   Geet again sat in silence for a bit as she stared into her glass contemplating.   Nausheen continued with her task of untangling the wool.   All of a sudden, Nausheen was startled as she heard a small sob.   When she turned towards the noise, she realized that Geet's eyes were watery with unshed tears that were just about to break through their dam.

Nausheen gently pried the glass of wine out of Geet's cold fingers and placed it on the coffee table in front.   She kept both of Geet's hands sandwiched between her own hands.   Nausheen quietly stated:   "Beta, please talk to me.   It is not good to keep all of this bottled up inside. You know it is natural to feel helpless sometimes.   But know that I am here for you!"

All of a sudden, Geet wrapped her arms around Nausheen and hugged her, now sobbing harder.  As Nausheen gave a warm hug in return to Geet for comfort, her mind repeated its concern:   She has to talk to me or someone.   I can't see my strong girl this weak; it breaks my heart...

After her sobs quiet some, Geet gathered herself enough and asked:   "Amma am I doing a good job with the kids?    Would Didu and Jiju be proud of me?   Am I a good mom?"

(Note:   Didu means older sister while Jiju means brother-in-law.)

Nausheen's internal monologue continued:   "Again, this keeps bugging my Geet.   When did my strong girl get so insecure?"

Nausheen held her tightly:   "Geet, you are a great mom.   You lovingly take care of those angels.   Geet, please don't doubt yourself.   Remember, kids don't come with manuals or instructions of use.   Every day you show those kids how much you love and care for them. And believe me, they know it and feel it too.   Now come on, give me a smile!"

Geet hugged her a little more and then separated from Nausheen to wipe her tears.   Geet gave a small smile.   Nausheen reciprocated it as Geet leaned forward to get her glass of wine.

Nausheen's last thought was a known point of contention between her and Geet:  "She really needs someone.   I am not going to be around always..."   She sent a quick prayer above to keep all her kids safe and happy.    These three had been through too much and now it was their time to be appreciated, nurtured and loved.    

*********************

Author's Note:   Thank you again for all the reads, comments and votes.   I was surprised to see over 20 views for the book during the week.   I hope you like the current update and the added images.   Since I have decided to enter this story into a contest after some awesome encouragement, I think I will give all of you an additional chapter later on today as well.   Please share your views and comments because they mean the most.   And if you enjoyed or liked the chapter, feel free to show your affection with a vote!   Until next time...

I have started a contest of sorts and hope you will participate.   Since this book deals with mental health, all five chapters have a theme that depicts a certain emotion, feeling or incidence.   The reader who is first to figure out that emotion for any of the five chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   In addition, you will also receive a shout out on my conversation board.   So start guessing!