Blooming Rose: Part 2

Blooming Rose - Part One  (E) She was almost sinking when a doctor's venture pulled her ashore #1175821 by Humming Bird

Cuck- coo…Cuck-coo… Cried the cuckoo clock. Golap remained entwined with her mother, sleeping peacefully. Beli, though awake, was not willing to leave the bed. Golap was just three years old. Her arrival at Hussein Lodge brought immense joy.


Komol never forgot to bring gifts for his little rose, on his way back from office. Beli always prepared mouth watering dishes for her Farhana. The older siblings forgot their toys, and began playing with the living little toy. The older siblings could even sacrifice their lives for little Babu.


Golap had everything except happiness. (As told previously, she was physically challenged). The little girl always wondered: “Why can’t I walk like the other girls of my age?”


Golap could never put her left foot flat on the ground. Her left leg was about 1.5 inches shorter than the right. Doctors, medicines, therapy and injections…these were common words for her.


However, the little girl never liked the word “Khora(Handicapped)”. As a result, she tried to excel in everything possible for her.


Golap’s eldest sister Piyal, loved to make dolls. The little toddler was really close to “Boro Apu”(elder sister), who was about fifteen years older than her.


Little Farhana was completely addicted to music and painting. Anything melodious soothed her mind, and colors soothed her eyes.
Three-year-old Rose, was always curious. “Eta ki?(what’s this?)” or “Ota ki?”(What’s that)? Her constant bombardment of questions entertained the whole family.


Sultana Hussein wanted her daughter to be a good human being. Siblings taught Golap how to stay away from negative feelings like pride and jealousy. Her sisters used to study, while Golap sat down under the dining table with a huge collection of dolls and colors. Tricycles were really enchanting to little Rose, they reminded her of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.


Ding…dong! Went the recess bell. Everyone except Farhana Hussein rushed out of the classroom.
“Hey Golap, don’t you want to play?” The games teacher asked.
“Miss, I can’t play, you know that.” Golap answered in a trembling voice.
“Well, always remember one thing: Life is not a bed of roses, but you must learn to make it so.” The teacher replied.


From that day onwards, Golap tried to make the most out of life. She always relied on herself, and kept making friends wherever she went.