Shyam’s mother was a skilled and accomplished housewife. She made shreekhand’s slices so delicious, crisp, and beautiful. She was often specially invited to the mansion to prepare those slices. She would go there gladly. She found joy in helping others.

Parvatibai was an elderly lady in the mansion. Her daughter, Venu, had been married and had gone to live with her in-laws. Suddenly, due to some family circumstances, Venu had to return to her parental home. To comfort her, her mother decided to make shreekhand slices for her. She thought of inviting Shyam’s mother for this purpose. She said to her, “The slices you make turn out so well. Will you come to our place this evening?”

Shyam’s mother readily agreed.

Venu and Shyam were childhood friends. To Shyam, Venu was like an elder sister! Whenever he was upset, she would understand him. If he cried, she would wipe his tears.

The next day, before going to the fields for lunch, Shyam’s mother did not feel well.

She fell ill. Her body ached all over. The signs of a strong fever were evident. She became bedridden, unable to carry on with any of her usual work.

Shyam came home. Not finding his mother, he ran about searching for her and finally found her lying down. He asked her the reason for her lying there. She told him her body was aching and asked him to massage her for a little while. Shyam did so for a short time, and then went outside to play.

Meanwhile, Venu from the neighborhood came looking for her. When she arrived, she found Shyam’s mother still resting. Venu said to her, “Shyama’s mother, are you here? I was looking for you.”

“Yes, child, I am here. I have fallen ill. I was just resting for a while,” she replied, rising and going along with Venu.

After playing, Shyam returned home. His mother was not there. He searched for her everywhere and finally went to Venu’s house. Venu brought him inside. Shyam’s mother told him she had come to help make slices of shrikhand at their house.

“Why did you come here? If you fall ill, who will look after me? Who will wipe my tears?” Shyam asked.

Venu began peeling cardamoms and preparing them to add to the shrikhand, while she herself started grinding saffron.

“Shyam, why did you come?” his mother asked him. The reason for her question dawned on him, and he replied, “I didn’t come here to eat the shrikhand! I’m not greedy. If you want to know, ask Venu.” Shyam made it clear. Venu understood and told his mother that Shyam had come only because she was there, and not to scold him for it.

“Venu, do you think Shyam loves me any less? Sometimes I too feel drawn to him. But I do not call him by his name in front of everyone. Shyam is always with us, but he should also be with others.” Shyam’s mother expressed her thoughts