One day I heard you writhing in excruciating pain
I asked them- they dropped a kiss on my cheek
and told a new ‘Mehman’ is coming.

I grew older and was reminded of this
When somebody else very close
echoed the same horrifying sounds
I thought she will die.
She didn’t and a great celebration came.

Some time I think I will leave everything
To run to your cosy lap and sleep like a child
I will try to make laughter
A constant companion to your lips.

But I fail-

Unconscionably I think that someday ‘you will die’
I cry within myself and shudder
Only to pray you, mum
Keep waiting till I come.