LET’S HOPE

“I say, do you know that the world is coming to an end in December 2012?”proclaimed Dinesh. “Who told you?”asked his friend, Meena. “Well, I got it from the Internet and some of my friends were talking about it,”replied Dinesh.

“I don't know. I am expecting a baby in September. A new child brings hope. I hope to see the child through to adulthood. So I hope the prediction won't come true,”said Meena. “The last days of pregnancy are difficult. You must be very uncomfortable. I am sorry I told you about the prediction,”said Dinesh.

“That's okay. I need to distract my mind away from fears of childbearing. Everyone tells stories about childbirth and how difficult it is. But the labour pains will last for a couple of days and then the child will be born!”said Meena.

“Each childbirth is different. Just trust your doctor. I know that government hospitals don't allow the husband to be with the wife during labour and that is a pity. Never mind. There will be knowledgeable nurses and experienced attendants to help you through,”chimed in Nilika.

“To come back to the prediction, there are signs of unrest and turmoil all over the world. That is supposed to be the harbinger of the end of the world. If you believe in religion, you can look through the holy books and look out for signs,”said Dinesh.

“Christianity, Judaism and Islam speak of the last day as the Day of Judgement. Buddhism and Hinduism however speak of rebirth. The main thing is to live each day as if it was the last day of your life,”commented Nilika. “Well, I will continue to hope and pray for my unborn child,”concluded Meena.