Eight years back, when Dwarka couple, Dr Mahesh Chaudhary and his wife Rishita, had their first child, a beautiful baby girl, their moment of joy was short lived. Though their baby was absolutely healthy, soon after child birth, Rishita developed complex neurological problems that left her bedridden for the rest of her life and the little girl without the care of a mother.
The unfortunate incident left Mahesh playing the role of both a father as well as a mother. He had no choice but to keep walking, which he has been doing for the past many years without a grimace on his face.
This is a story of how a tragedy can alter and yet shape people’s lives!
Their daughter, Yashasvini Singh, is now Mahesh’s biggest support in this challenging journey. She is a fourth grader at Queens Valley International School in Dwarka.
Mahesh says he enjoys playing both the roles of a father as well as a mother to his daughter. “It was a tragic incident that changed our lives forever. But one has to accept such challenges and move on,” said the resident of Sector 17 in Dwarka.
Not only did he learn how to take care of their newborn child, but also how to comfort his wife. “I learnt to change diapers, cooking and taking care of household. It has been quiet a journey but my daughter’s smile is what has kept me going,” says the father who is busy planning Mother’s Day celebration with his Yasha.
His day starts with getting his daughter ready for school, packing her tiffin and dropping her to bus stand. Then he moves on to taking care of his wife. “I have trained Yasha to dial emergency number if anything goes wrong. I never go out of Delhi because I need to be around,” said Mahesh.
Talking about his daughter, Mahesh proudly lists that Yashasvini is performing well at her school. “She loves to try different dishes and right now dosa and idli are her favourite. So, I have been learning how to cook these,” he adds.
“She is my inspiration and the motive that keeps me going even in the worst of times. All I want and pray on this Mother’s Day is for her to grow up bold enough to grapple with toughest times of life,” concludes a proud father who deserves special respect and reverence.
Note: On the occasion of Mother' Day, we have replugged this story.