An Eloped Mother…Can She Ever Be Forgiven?

“Why is it always your dad, Sada? Why does only he come to drop you at school? Why doesn’t your mom ever come?”
Sada – an 8-year-old boy – had no idea how to answer that question. There was no such thing as a “mother” at his home. It was just his dad, grandparents, and Sada. He thought of his grandmother as his mother. Occasionally, an aunt or someone would visit, and that was it.
Sada never answered that question. But every time he came home, he would ask the same question to his father and grandmother. His father never responded—he would simply hold him close and say nothing.
But his grandmother, every single time, would cover her face with her saree’s pallu, tears in her eyes, and lament, “What could have possibly made her run away and abandon a child as innocent as Sada?”
Little Sada never understood any of it.
As Sada grew older, people began to ask questions about his mother in different ways. He gradually started understanding the tone of those questions. But he still never said anything. Already shy and soft-spoken, he would feel even more uncomfortable during such moments.
This question about his mother always haunted his tender heart. Where is my mom? Why doesn’t she live with me? What does “eloped” even mean? His mind was constantly bombarded with such questions.
During family gatherings, his aunts and relatives would dote on him. And when they would leave, at least one of them would shed tears and repeat the same phrase: “What could have possibly made her run away and abandon a child, like Sada?”
He would look at his father, who would quickly divert his attention elsewhere.
Eventually, he stopped asking questions about his mother. But whether at home, outside the house, or at school, someone would inevitably ask him that question—sometimes unknowingly, sometimes deliberately. He had no answer, which only made him more irritable.
Even in school, if they were asked to write an essay and the topic was “My Mother,” he would freeze. If someone asked, “Have you read Shyamchi Aai?[Shyam’s Mother – a renowned book]” it would hit him like a jolt.
Gradually, his innocent mind began to despise the beautiful and pure word “mother.” The pain inside him, about his mother, kept growing day by day.
Now in the 10th grade, he finally understood what his grandmother meant when she covered her face and wept.
He no longer asked questions about his mother when he came home. But even now, some schoolmates would still mockingly ask him those questions. As children, their questions were innocent. Now they were meant to provoke him.
Sada still never responded. By now, he understood what it meant for a married woman with a child to run away.
As a child, he only got confused, but those questions didn’t make him angry. Now they did.
He was not the type to show anger outwardly. But it built up inside him, making him restless.
In frustration, he gathered all the photos of his mother in the house, wrapped them in waste paper, and stored them away in a corner.
As a child, he used to go sit with his father, chat, and tell stories. But all of that stopped as he grew and began to understand things. His father noticed this but said nothing. All communication was now only through his grandmother.
Even she understood his restlessness. Whenever he looked particularly sad or shaken, she would take him into her arms lovingly. By now, she too avoided mentioning “that” sentence.
Because of such recurring experiences at school, Sada avoided participating in any school events. His daily routine was just school and home. He avoided travel during Diwali and summer vacations because he began to resent the affection he received from others—it felt more like pity than love.
His only friends were his studies and reading.
Due to that one issue, the atmosphere at home was limited to only the most necessary conversations.
Now that he was older, even though he didn’t express it outwardly, inside he had withered. Seeing other children with their mothers—mothers who showered love—made him feel jealous.
“If a mother is like that, so full of love, then how can such a person abandon her child? How is that possible?” These questions would torment him.
Sometimes, thoughts of harming himself would arise. But looking at his grandmother and father, he would try to stay calm.

Sushila – Sada’s Mother
Sushila, a cheerful woman, was ahead of her time. Ever since college, she has had a large group of friends, open conversations on any topic, and an adventurous spirit.
It was in college that she connected with Mukund, someone who shared her interests. The entire group already assumed they would eventually get married.
Both Sushila’s and Mukund’s families had already sensed their bond. Since they had been given so much freedom early on, controlling them now seemed impossible.
They were deeply in love. But Sushila’s mother did not approve.
After college, it was time to focus on careers. Mukund planned to go abroad for further studies and suggested the same to Sushila, but she wasn’t convinced.
Under pressure from her mother, she completed her M.A. in English and became a professor.
Mukund left for Europe, but the distance never affected their love. Their letters were more regular than the daily newspaper. Their bond was pure and strong.
Years passed. Mukund still had 1–2 years of study left. But Sushila’s family was losing patience. “She’s educated, has a job—what are we waiting for?” they were constantly asked.
Though Mukund’s parents had agreed, they wanted the marriage only after he returned.
Eventually, Mukund’s parents decided to visit him in Europe. Sushila herself dropped them at the airport, handing over a thick letter addressed to Mukund.
But fate had other plans.
On their way from the airport from the airport, Mukund and his parents met with an accident. Both parents died on the spot. Mukund was critically injured and remained hospitalized for months, completely unaware of anything.
Back home, Sushila was devastated. All she knew was there had been an accident, and Mukund was alive but in critical condition. Her parents did not allow her to go to Europe.
She started breaking down day by day. Her only remaining desire was to see Mukund one last time. Her family could not bear to see her that way. Her father explained, “Life is long. Mukund wouldn’t have wanted to see you like this.”
Her mother, tearfully, made her swear on her life. Sushila finally agreed.
She knew from then on, she would live only for the sake of being alive. The marriage would be only of the body. Her heart had long belonged to Mukund.
She married Madhav, a bank employee. He lived with his parents and sister. They knew nothing of her past.
Sushila fulfilled every duty of a wife and daughter-in-law, but never gave Madhav the companionship of a loving partner.
They both sensed this. Madhav tried many times to understand her, but for Sushila, the topic was closed.
Their first child, Sada, was born a year later. Madhav hoped things would improve, but even then, Sushila only fulfilled her duties.
In her mind, only Mukund had the right to her life and her heart.

Mukund’s Return
Mukund began to recover after several months. He was shattered to learn of his parents’ deaths. Even worse was the news that Sushila had married.
He gave up his studies and returned to India. With no one left, he took over the family business, which had fallen into disrepair.
He buried himself in work. Work became his only goal.
Often, he felt like confronting Sushila. “Is this your love? Your faith?” But he knew—she was no longer his.
He visited all their old spots for comfort. But each visit only deepened his sorrow.
Finally, he decided to meet her. He went to her house without a second thought. But she wasn’t home. He saw a little boy and understood.
He changed his mind. He left.
But fate had something else in store.
As he reached downstairs, Sushila and Madhav arrived. Sushila and Mukund saw each other after over a year.
Before they could think, they were in each other’s arms, forgetting the world.
Seeing this, Madhav was embarrassed. The neighbours looked on. Sushila came to her senses and ran inside. Mukund left.
That night, Madhav asked Sushila everything. She broke down and told him the entire truth.
Madhav said, “What happened was wrong. You are a wife and a mother now. I can’t live like this. You’re free to choose. Either be fully mine—or go your way.”
Sushila was crushed.
Mukund too realized his mistake. He decided to leave the country forever.
But before going, he wanted to see Sushila one last time. This time, in front of her husband, to avoid misunderstandings.
By then, Sushila had come to terms with reality. Mukund was her past. Madhav, her present and future. And little Sada was her soul.
She had explained everything to Madhav. He noticed the change in her and forgave her with an open heart.
When Mukund came to say goodbye, Sushila was not home. He explained everything to Madhav and left.
When Sushila returned, Madhav told her about Mukund and his plans to leave India forever. She was shocked, without giving a thought, she ran to find him. Madhav followed her, however stopped after a short while. The thought occurred to him — what exactly was he running after? He halted. He realized, Sushila was never his. It was a mirage — he accepted that. He turned back. Holding little Sada close to him, he cried his heart out. He now decided — the doors of this house were closed for her forever, and so were the doors of his heart.
Sushila, in the end, did catch up with Mukund. Seeing him, she couldn’t stop herself from falling into his arms despite trying. But Mukund, aware of the boundaries, gently moved her aside.
Sushila told him everything that had happened with Madhav. She assured him that there would be no misunderstanding. She kept explaining again and again that Madhav was truly a good man at heart. She was literally begging Mukund to stay. It’s okay, we can’t be life partners, but we can always remain friends.
Mukund told her — I cannot even imagine you with someone else, and staying here and watching this every day would be like dying daily for me. Sushila, let me go. This is not possible — saying this, he brushed her hands off his shoulders and walked away.
Sushila got silent. She sat there, for a long time. She had become almost lifeless. She took the road back. Now she began to realize that when she ran from the house like that, she should have thought at least once. If she had told everything to Madhav before leaving, today’s misunderstanding could have been avoided.
She now fully understood — even the ropes to return had been cut. She had no awareness left of anything, and in that state, she was hit by a vehicle on the road and collapsed right there.
The news reached home, but Madhav refused to go to the hospital to see her. There was no guarantee she would survive. After knowing this, Madhav’s mother took Sada and went to the hospital.
For just a short moment, Sushila opened her eyes and saw Sada — but did not see Madhav. She understood — now nothing more was possible. She herself realized she would not survive. But what was in her heart remained unsaid.
Sushila passed away. Leaving behind her incomplete love, her devoted husband, and beloved Sada. But one unsolved thing remained: to present her side, to bring the truth before everyone. Fate should have given her one last chance.
Now, only misunderstandings were left — between a lover and his beloved, a husband and his wife, and a child and his mother.

Years Later…
Sada had grown up and had decided to go to America for higher education. Since childhood, he had grown to despise the constant suffocating atmosphere at home.
Other people’s comments about his mother, his father’s constant silence, and relatives who pretended affection — he had grown weary of all of it.
He wanted to go somewhere with a new environment, where none of these things existed, and that was one reason for his decision.
Sada arrived in America. A few days passed. After the first semester ended, instead of returning home for the holidays, he decided to take up a part-time job there. He didn’t really need the job, but he felt staying there was better than returning to that atmosphere.
He applied to many places and eventually got a call from one. Without even an interview, he got the job easily. He was surprised — everything seemed to go exactly his way. He was very happy.
The name “Sada Madhav Sarwade” was well known to a senior person at that company. Maybe just that name was enough to get the job.
After a few days, he was informed that someone wanted to meet him. He has to work directly with that senior person going forward. He was a bit nervous. But since it was just for a month or two, he accepted it.
He entered the cabin labelled “Mukund Rajadhyaksha, M.D.” Seeing a Marathi name gave him some comfort.
When he entered, Mukund was stunned upon seeing him. Sada looked exactly like his mother — a perfect resemblance. Mukund unknowingly kept staring at him for a while. In that moment, the sweet memories of the past flashed before his eyes.
“Good morning, sir! Good morning, sir!” Sada repeated two or three times, bringing Mukund back to the present. Regaining composure, Mukund returned the greeting.
They discussed work briefly. From then on, Sada started working there daily.
One evening, unable to resist, Mukund invited him home for dinner. Sada found it a bit unusual, but assumed it was because he was Indian — Marathi even — so he went along without hesitation.
The house was spacious, but except for a couple of servants, no one else was there. In his usual carefree manner, Sada said, “Looks like everyone else at home is out.” Mukund, slightly serious, replied, “No, I live alone. Completely alone.”
Hearing that, Sada composed himself and grew quiet.
“Who’s at your home?” asked Mukund. Sada replied, “Me, my father, and my grandparents.” Hearing this, Mukund was taken aback.
“That’s all? I mean to say, your mother?”
Just hearing the word “mother” changed the expression on Sada’s face. He regretted coming there. He went silent and decided to change the topic to work.
But seeing his behavior, Mukund couldn’t hold back.
He returned to the same subject. Sada got up silently and was about to leave. Mukund stopped him and, determined to uncover the truth about Sushila, asked: “Dear boy, why such anger when asked about your mother? Such anger toward your mother is not right.”
“She’s my mother only because she gave birth to me. Beyond that, I’ve never accepted her as my mother. I don’t want to insult the sacred bond of motherhood by calling a woman who ran away with her lover, leaving behind a small child, my mother. And yes, destiny has punished her for that sin. She is no longer in this world.”
“What??? Sushila is no longer in this world? She’s dead? What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?”
Mukund asked all these questions in one breath, and had to hold onto the chair in front of him to steady himself.
“How does this man know my mother’s name?” Sada was confused. He tried asking how Mukund knew her.
But Mukund was in deep shock. He wasn’t in a state to say anything. Sada left. He felt he shouldn’t have come there today.
Sada quit that job as well.
Mukund’s mind was racing with thoughts. He kept recalling the conversation from that evening with Sada. The fact that Sushila had ran away with her lover shattered him more than her passing away.
He couldn’t stop blaming himself for what had happened. His mind tormented him like that of a criminal.
He tried to investigate further, but Sada didn’t return to work.
Mukund eventually tracked him down. But now Sada had no interest in speaking with him about anything.
He would always ignore him. But one day, unable to hold back, Mukund told Sada clearly, “I was your mother’s lover.”
Hearing this, Sada was speechless. He felt like grabbing whatever was nearby and killing him right there. He couldn’t even cry or utter a word.
Mukund consoled him, and they sat on a bench. Mukund began to speak: “Sada, you are still too young to understand all of this, but the misunderstanding you have about your mother — it is my duty as her true friend to clear it.
Yes, that night, she came running after me without caring about anything. But not to run away with me — only to stop me as a dear friend. In those few moments, she said a lot.
She had already told Madhav everything about us, and Madhav had accepted it. She insisted that now, her whole world was Madhav and her son.
She came only to stop me, knowing I had no one of my own. Maybe you don’t know, but I lost my parents in an accident.
But in that moment, I couldn’t even imagine staying away from Sushila. I believe my selfishness is what made me leave. She kept pleading, ‘Mukund, Mukund,’ trying to stop me, but I kept walking ahead.
A few days ago, I saw your name and thought of inquiring about Sushila — and that’s when I learned all this.
Sada, Sushila and I loved each other deeply and purely — without any trace of lust. But circumstances forced her to marry against her will. On the day I had to leave, I even told Madhav everything.
I just want to say that if anyone is guilty, it’s me. Sushila was as pure and noble as Sita herself.”
Sada was in complete shock. He couldn’t comprehend anything. Now he was angry at himself.
Without knowing the truth, he had misunderstood a pure and blameless woman — his mother.
The thought tortured him. He even felt like ending his life. To him, death felt like the only atonement.
Mukund held him close. Sada still didn’t speak.
After a while, he called his father. Hearing Mukund’s voice on the phone shocked Madhav. He grew furious, but after learning what had actually happened, he too was shattered.
He regretted never understanding Sushila till the end. Though she had told him everything honestly, he had still doubted her — this saddened him deeply.
A few days later, Sada returned home with Mukund.
Upon arrival, he went straight to the storage room. He sat looking at each of his mother’s old photos wrapped in newspapers.
His tears of remorse streamed continuously onto those photos.