The Wise Women

 

Soon it would be Christmas and the small grey church that lay hidden behind the billboards was dazzling with garlands of lights and tinsel. But it was the gentle glow of the nativity crib that always attracted both the young and the old alike. Rosie smiled to herself as her feet traced the way to the railway station that stood nearby. The faint notes of a familiar carol were almost drowned by the noise of wheels and whistles, of goods and people in constant motion.

Humming the words” bearing gifts we travel afar” she thought to herself that she hadn’t been able to buy Christmas gifts except a special one for a very dear person. Her leave had been granted at a short notice without giving her much time to shop. Rosie tried to make up by buying a large assortment of sweets that she was sure was the family’s favorite. Luckily she would be able to board the late train that would allow her to spring a surprise when least expected.   Glancing at the display board she was glad that she wasn’t too far away from the right platform. Tired with all the hurry and excitement, she needed to find a place to sit and catch her breath. It was cold and late and all the benches were taken up by travelers who were burrowed deep into their jackets and sweaters and lost in deep sleep. As she walked past the somnolent figures; she zoomed on a half empty bench and hastened her pace in order to lay claims on that unclaimed space.

Saira was cocooned inside a thick black shawl with her fingers clicking away on the prayer beads. She hoped that nobody would sit next to her at least until her grandson returned. Making a train journey, late at night was always colored by her fear of robbery. Looking out from the corner of her eye, Saira was thankful that it was a woman and she could let down her guard. Having found a place, Rosie looked around to get a hot cup of tea to warm her and keep her from falling asleep. Looking in Saira’s direction, Rosie hoped that was awake and not dozing and said, “Keep an eye on my luggage while I get some tea.”

Saira nodded vaguely and turned slightly as if to keep a watch.  Balancing two piping hot cups of tea, Rosie called out to Saira, “Drink this hot tea. It will make the waiting easier.”

The steaming beverage looked so welcoming that Saira stretched out her hand in acceptance. After the first sip or two, the flow of conversation became easier.

Saira turned to Rosie, the tea having warmed her heart and throat, “I don’t like to take a night train but this is convenient as it is after the day’s business is over. I am going to see my granddaughter and her birth was a difficult one.”

Rosie was too tired to talk but her occasional nods were enough to keep Saira reminiscing about her family. They were sitting in comfortable silence when the piercing hoot of the locomotive announced that their train would soon be at the appointed platform.

 As the noise of the wheels became louder, it took just a few minutes for the entire scene to transform from lassitude and slumber to one of frantic activity. Men and women emerged from hibernation, started taking charge of their luggage as well as their sleep sodden children and getting ready to board the train which was still some distance away.

 Saira looked around anxiously for her grandson and started berating her son’s wisdom in choosing an unreliable young man to be her escort. Rosie sensed the older woman’s unease and tried to calm her down,” I will wait until your grandson arrives. Do you have the train ticket with you?”

“My son entrusted Riaz with the money and the tickets and was so sure that everything would go smoothly. Riaz is a good for nothing, engrossed in his looks. He says he is a model but all he does is dress up like those dolls in the shop windows and parade clothes and get photographed in magazines. Just imagine, he is paid well and has a bevy of girls chasing him. I knew there would be confusion.”

“Don’t worry I can see a handsome young man with a smart girl running behind him and they are both on their phones. The train has yet to enter the station platform and you will board on time.”

Saira was ready to spring into action and was busy taking count of her boxes and baskets. Riaz tapped his grandmother on the shoulder and gave her a charming smile.” Where are you off to? The train has stopped at a signal and you are ready to jump.”

“Would the other passengers get ready if it wasn’t time?”

“There is no need for you to rush and clamber like the others. Our seats are booked. What made you think I would abandon you? My father would slaughter me if a hair of your head was harmed.”

Saira could never be angry with Riaz but she wouldn’t let him get off so easily. “Who is that girl running after you?  No wonder your mother is always worried.”

Riaz laughed, “Tania is the person who made your gift possible.  You think all the girls are chasing me but she is interested in her job.”

 Saira turned around to wish Rosie goodbye but she was nowhere to be seen. Rosie had hurried off to find her own coach now that Saira was in safe hands. It would be unlikely that they would meet again.

Nobody noticed Rosie’s arrival as the family was busy with breakfast and the younger ones were busy opening gifts. ”Merry Christmas” said Rosie as she hugged her grandmother.

There was an unexpected lull in all the commotion at Rosie’s unexpected appearance and then the entire gathering exploded in laughter and chatter.

Rosie’s mother hurried to set a place at the table and said, “This is a lovely surprise. But one of us could have picked you up from the station.”

“My leave was given and at a very short notice and I’m glad that I was able to get on the night train.”

“Where is my present?” clamored one of the younger cousins.

“Santa brought you lot of gifts. I’ve got your favorite sweets and they will be on the table as soon as I can unpack.”

Rosie unfolded a delicately embroidered shawl and draped it around Nan’s shoulder. “Only Nan gets one as it is her birthday too.”

Visitors and family drifted in and out of the room and when she could get just the family together Rosie decided to share her very important news. “In another few weeks I’ll be joining the Mission Hospital. I wish it was a bit earlier so that I could have worked before Nan retired but you know how it is.”

The announcement made everyone a bit sentimental as they had a close association with the hospital.  It was Nan who made light of the situation by saying in mock anger, “Rosie didn’t want a pernickety matron telling the doctor that she knew better.”

The next day Rosie accompanied Nan for the opening ceremony of the neonatal unit. Nan was puzzled that she had been chosen to inaugurate this ward as such occasions were not generally graced by staff who were about to retire. When questioned about her role she was told, “The donors had insisted that the honor should be given to the Matron who was there for their granddaughter’s birth.”

 As they neared the entrance which was cordoned off with a pink ribbon Rosie saw Saira standing with an infant in her arms along with others. She noticed that Riaz was standing at the back and talking to the young woman who was with him at the station. She hurried across to Rosie’s side and said, “I’m Tania and in charge of installing the equipment in this unit.  I’ve been asked to go along with you once the room has been formally opened.”

 Saira’s was looking intently at the three women standing on the other side.  She crossed over and said “Rita. You lived in Tajpur as a child.”

 It took Nan a second to recover and she stretched out her arms, “Saira. What are you doing here?”

“It took me a minute to recognize you in the matron’s uniform. If it hadn’t been for your care, my daughter and her child wouldn’t have lived. I am overjoyed that my friend is here today to do the honors.”

It was an oft repeated tale of two girls parting in childhood and finding themselves again. There was much to be shared, stories from the past and the present but more than that all of them had given their love for the infant to grow and live.

 It was the carefree, light hearted Riaz who looked at these women and remembered the carol about the three wise men bringing precious gifts for the newly born Jesus. He thought that these women, who had gathered here, shared equally precious gifts of kindness, love and devotion to those who were in their care.