13. A Journey of Sleepless Love: Between Two Homes and Countless Emotions

A Journey of Sleepless Love: Between Two Homes and Countless Emotionshttps://mysticalmomworld.com/when-everything-feels-messed-up-mothers-sy/it

A Journey of Sleepless Love

 

The Sleepless Night That Began It All

The night before had no sleep in – not because I wasn’t tired, but because I was a mother on alert. As the train sped through the dark, I stayed half-awake, guarding my little world. My elder daughter slept peacefully on the upper berth, wrapped in innocence, while I watched over her with love stronger than sleep.

Every few minutes, I’d adjust her blanket, check on her, and make sure she was safe. My eyes were heavy, but my heart was awake – a mother’s instinct never rests.

Morning Light, Family Warmth

By dawn, my daughters woke up cheerful as always, followed by my husband’s sleepy smile. We greeted each other softly – our own little “good morning” orchestra. The train wheels clattered in rhythm, and laughter slowly filled the compartment.

While they played and gazed outside, I pulled out my laptop to finish the pending work. Between emails and laughter, we played a riddle game – something small, yet stitched joy into our tired morning.

The Bhel Ritual That Connects Generations

And then came our travel favourite – bhel time.

I have followed this ritual for 20 years – no train food, except that one spicy, tangy bhel we  have it together. It started when I was  a teenager, and now my kids carry it forward.

It’s amazing how simple things – like bhel in a moving train can become the thread that connects generations. That’s love in it’s simplest form.

The Surprise Visit – A Mother’s Warm Embrace

When we reached the city, instead of heading straight to my in-laws house, we decided to surprise my parents first. The moment they saw us – especially my daughters – their eyes filled with tears of joy.

My mother hugged them tightly, her hands trembling with love. My father’s smile spoke everything his words couldn’t. It’s amazing how parents never expect anything, yet give everything. Their love is the kind of home that never fades.

Between Two Homes – Where Love Meets Indifference

Then came the part  that always tests my heart – arriving at my in-laws house. Every visit feels uncertain. Would there be warmth or just the same quiet indifference? Sadly, it was the letter.

We were told to wait outside for nearly two hours because of madi – a ritual about purity. My daughters were tired and hungry, yet no one seemed moved. Ironically, when a friend stopped by, my mother-in-law served him coffee – while we sat outside.

I smiled through the ache, reminding myself – love should never depend on how others treat you.

A Meal, A Gesture, and Unspoken Feelings

Later, a relative invited us for breakfast. The food was delicious, their care made it taste even better. They even gifted us new clothes for an upcoming puja – thoughtful, though I didn’t quiet like them.

Still, I kept my calm and smiled. Some days, we don’t need to love everything – we just need to honor the intension behind it.

Work, Rituals, and an Unexpected Call of Love

After returning, I worked for a while on my laptop and helped with cleaning for the rituals ahead. They, my mother called – insisting we buy new clothes from their side too. My father transferred money instantly, his quiet love speaking through actions.

So, my husband, our younger daughter, and I went shopping. Despite his old leg injury and surgeries, my husband rode the gear bike, Watching him push through pain reminded me – strength isn’t loud; it’s quiet endurance.

A Mother’s Warmth and a Sister’s Smile

We stopped by my parents house again. My mother handed me a large bag filled with new clothes for everyone, including my in-laws. My sister served us festive snacks and laughter – that sweet kind of warmth that money can’t buy.

Night, Silence, and Grace

By evening, we returned home in my parents car. Dinner was quiet, conversations careful. When everyone slept, I stayed up – finishing chores, folding clothes, arranging for the next day.

Finally, past midnight, I opened my laptop again. Working late has become my way to find peace amid chaos. The day hadn’t been perfect – but it had grace.

Because life teaches us this simple truth – we can’t control how others treat us, but we can control how we carry our hearts through it.

Reflections: The Journey Beyond Distance

Not every journey is about distance – some are about emotional miles. Not every home feels like one – some only echo with expectations. But still, we walk, love, and hope – because somewhere, the love we give becomes our light in darkness.

When I watched my daughters sleep that night, I promised myself – their childhood will be filled with love, not bitterness. Because I choose to be the love I never received.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6857243/