""Chosen with Love: A Blog on Adoption and Parenthood""
"Asmita's mom, please sit here instead of standing there," caught Samira's attention, who was sitting in the female reserved seat of the local bus.
Samira, a marketing manager at a cosmetic company in Kathmandu, found herself on an unusual morning commute due to car troubles. Lost in her thoughts about the day ahead, she overheard a conversation between two middle-aged women in the front seat.
The words "Asmita's mother" repeated in her mind. As she realized her stop was approaching, she paid her bus fare, disembarked, and headed towards her office. Throughout her busy day, those two words lingered in her memory.
Returning home later that evening, Samira appeared somewhat distant to her husband and in-laws. Observing her lost in thought, her husband grew concerned. After dinner, he found her sitting on the balcony, gazing at the stars. Approaching her, he asked if something had happened at work. Samira shared the incident from the morning bus ride. Instantly, Ram understood the underlying cause of Samira's distress. He took her hand and reassured her that they would follow up with a doctor on Tuesday.
At 2 a.m., Ram was looking at their wedding photo and his sleeping wife, Samira, with mixed emotions. Her earlier revelation had stirred turmoil in his own heart. He vividly remembered the day they married after a four-year relationship, filled with happiness. Approaching their eighth wedding anniversary, the absence of a child had taken its toll on Samira and caused pain in his own life. Despite seeking medical assistance, their attempts to conceive had proven unsuccessful. They were scheduled to visit the doctor for an IVF appointment in two days.
On Tuesday, as they encountered traffic in Chahbail while en route to the hospital, both Samira and Ram had many thoughts swirling in their minds. Suddenly, Samira spotted a young child selling pens on the roadside, appearing much older than his actual age due to his circumstances. They proceeded to the hospital, underwent the prescribed tests, and received congratulations from the doctor, who advised them to return in a few days. However, even with the positive news, Samira couldn't find happiness within herself. Sensing her unease, Ram pulled over at a nearby park. Taking a walk together, he inquired about her feelings. Samira revealed that the child they had seen earlier had made her reconsider their decision. She directly asked Ram, "Can we adopt a child?" Caught off guard by her sudden question, Ram's smile gave away his own thoughts, which he had hesitated to express, fearing Samira's desire for a biological child. Samira initially appeared confused but soon realized that Ram shared the same sentiment. They embraced each other and resolved to initiate the adoption process as soon as possible.
Adoption offers a pathway to parenthood. Providing a home to an orphaned child not only benefits the child but also fulfills the longing of couples struggling with infertility. The title of "mom" and "dad" doesn't require a biological connection. With millions of orphaned children worldwide, adoption can transform lives for both children and couples who face societal judgment due to infertility.
