First
She went directly to Punjab National Bank.
She withdrew every rupee and transferred it into a new private account under strict confidentiality.
Second
She visited Shanti Niketan Old Age Home in Hauz Khas.
She reviewed the facilities.
She read the terms carefully.
Then she signed the paperwork and paid in advance for ten full years — for a premium room with a private caregiver.
Third
She went to a respected notary office.
Before two witnesses, she drafted her will in Hindi and English.
It read:
“After my death, all remaining assets shall be donated to ‘Helping Hands Society,’ an organization supporting abandoned elderly women.
No portion of my property shall be given to any child who rejected, mistreated, or abandoned me during my lifetime.”
Her hand did not tremble while signing.
The Phone Call
That evening, her phone rang.
It was Riya.
“Mom… where are you? Please come back tomorrow. I’ll cook kheer for you.”
Lakshmi’s voice was calm.
“I don’t have a home anymore, Riya.”
Silence filled the line.
A Week Later
After days of searching, Riya found Shanti Niketan Old Age Home.
She saw her mother seated beneath a neem tree, wearing a simple cotton salwar kameez, reading peacefully among other residents.
Riya ran forward and fell to her knees.
“Mom… I’m sorry. I made a terrible mistake. Please come home.”
Lakshmi gently withdrew her hand.
Not in anger.
In quiet sorrow.
She handed her daughter a notarized copy of the will.
Riya’s fingers trembled as she read.
“The money… the money from the house… where is it?”
Lakshmi looked directly into her daughter’s tear-filled eyes.
“Your mistake wasn’t throwing me out,” she said softly.
“Your mistake was believing your mother had nothing left to lose.”
The Door Closes
A nurse approached.
“Come, Amma. It’s time for your medicine.”
Lakshmi nodded and walked inside without turning back.
The glass doors of Shanti Niketan closed silently behind her.
Outside, under the harsh Delhi sun, Riya stood weeping.
Inside, Lakshmi began a new life — quiet, dignified, peaceful.
Because sometimes children only learn the meaning of love
after their aging parents choose themselves.
And sometimes, second chances exist
only while hands can still reach each other —
not after the door has closed forever.
