The Silent Sacrifice: A Surrogate Mother’s Untold Story of Love
The Silent Sacrifice: A Surrogate Mother’s Untold Story of Love
In the heart of a busy city, amid the chaos and noise of city life, there was a story untold. The essence of sacrifice and love portrayed in this story remained hidden beneath several layers of society-made rules and expectations. This tale narrates the saga of Maya, a woman, and her journey into the world of surrogacy. Her story was weaved with the threads of sacrifice, pain, and the silent longing for a special connection that might never recognize her.
Maya was not born into privilege. Born in a modest household, she had always known the struggles of making ends meet. Yet, despite the hardships, that life threw her way, Maya possessed a heart brimming with compassion and empathy. Maya was married to Pavan, a government school teacher, and ten years were already over. The salary of Pavan was not enough to meet the ends of family expenses, so he needed to do some private tuitions at home. In this period of 10 years, Pavan and Maya were blessed with two lovely kids, Sanchita and Saraswat. After the kids, the family expenses took a new height, making it almost impossible for Pavan to meet all expenses anymore.
There came a moment when one day while returning home from school, Pavan faced an accident, and it was a horrifying one. The left side of the body was paralyzed, leaving no earning member to run the family. Thankfully, medical bills were cleared by the group insurance company of the school, but due to long leaves on medical grounds, Pavan needed to go under leave without pay protocol. Maya’s life was a complete mess, and she had no clue how to run the family. Pavan, can’t get back to duty very early as recovery will take time. His only source of earning remained the tuition classes at home. One day, as Pavan and Maya were having their evening tea, with their children studying in the adjacent room, a knock at the door interrupted their silence. Maya moved towards the door to open it.
Opening the door, she saw her cousin Raghav and his wife Sugandha standing with some gifts and fruit packets in hand. With a faint smile on her face, Maya welcomed them inside the house and took them to Pavan’s room. Pavan was sitting with support on the bed with the cup in the right hand, while the left hand senselessly lying on the other side. Seeing them, Pavan understood the reason behind their visit. Keeping him calm, he requested them to sit.
Two years back, Maya found herself in a unique position when her cousin’s brother and Bhabhi (Sister-in-law) came to her and shared their incapability as a couple to conceive on their own. They approached her with a heartfelt plea for help and requested to become the surrogate mother to make them parents. Pavan was deadly against this proposal, which was quite natural for any husband in an Indian social setup to accept. The couple was also helpless as now, as per Indian regulations, only a close relative can act as a surrogate for a couple seeking assistance in conceiving a child. Respecting her husband’s decision, Maya also said no to the proposal, but somewhere, it pained her. As a mother of two kids, she knows how it feels when a willing couple fails to become parents naturally.
Was that the present situation or a change in sentiment for the couple, Pavan, talked very softly with them this time. Raghav asked about Pavan’s health condition and the progress in health improvement. Raghav is working in a good position in one of the MNCs in the city and has also been married for 12 years now and with no biological child for some medical reasons. Although Sugandha became pregnant twice in these 12 years, both ended with miscarriage after seven months of pregnancy.
Raghav came close to Pavan, held his hand, and said, “ Pavan, what I am going to say don’t think I am saying so just to take advantage of your medical condition. Trust me, I came to you again as I know you are not a bad man and do have a heart that will feel the pain Sugandha and I are undergoing for not having a baby of our own. I even know that you are in a financial crunch because of your health issues, and I can help you till the time you get back to your job, and I will take responsibility for your children’s educations to give them a better future. All I want is for you to help us to make us parents, and for that, I need your permission along with my sister’s consent for the surrogacy.”
Tears roll down from Raghav’s eyes, and this time, Pavan felt the pain. He kept watching Raghav for a while and wondered if his accident was a curse for not helping Raghav earlier and perhaps god punished him for that. In a cold and composed voice, Pavan said, “ Maya, if I give consent, for Raghav’s proposal, are you ready to help them as your consent also matters here.”
Their shared bloodline and familial bond strengthened Maya’s decision to offer her assistance in this deeply personal matter. She nodded her head to give her consent, and as a mother, she couldn’t ignore the support Raghav promised to offer to her children.
For Maya, the reasons, behind her decision to become a surrogate were deeply personal. She had witnessed the pain of infertility, of Raghav and Sugandha desiring a child of their own. And so, when the chance to help this couple came, Maya didn’t hesitate to come forward. The mother in Maya was ready to offer herself a medium that could help her cousin and Sugandha in becoming parents.
It was this innate compassion that led Maya down the path of surrogacy. The decision wasn’t an easy one on this day – it came after years of contemplation, soul-searching, and countless sleepless nights since the first time when Raghav asked her for surrogacy. Earlier, she refused as Pavan was not ready, but now when Pavan gave his approval, she was determined to help the prospective parents. Maya knew that she would be the one to offer something precious to his cousin – the gift of being a parent, the chance for a couple to explore and feel the joy of parenthood.
However, the journey of surrogacy was not at all an easy affair for Maya. It was a rollercoaster of emotions – from the excitement of conceiving the child to the pregnancy’s emotional outcomes. Maya experienced physical discomfort, morning sickness, and fatigue, just like her earlier two pregnancies. But Maya remained determined and composed although an emotional storm was going on within her.
Nine months passed and Maya could see her belly grow round with a life within her. Maya found herself mentally occupied with conflicting emotions. She was happy realizing the fact that she was helping another couple to achieve their dreams. But Maya can’t even refuse the sense of detachment disturbing her mentally. It gave her the feeling of being an outsider for the little one, growing in her own body.
And then, the day finally arrived – the day when Maya was all set to give birth to a child that was not her own. In the delivery room, amid the voices of her doctor and nurses at the backdrop, Maya could sense peace for her. She had done her part and kept her promise. But now as decided the time arrived to let go of the baby to the biological parents.
But this pain of separation was severe, it can’t easily be ignored. As Maya held the newborn in her arms for the first and last time, she felt a lump form in her throat. It was like a knot of pain threatening the heart of a mother. She knew that she would never going to forget this moment. How can she ever forget her child whom she brought into the world? She planned this baby not for her but for another mother who needs this baby more than her, and Maya can’t ignore this.
In the days and weeks that followed, Maya found herself in a depressing state because of this surrogacy – the constant sense of emptiness, the unanswered questions, the longing for holding the baby. And yet, among all the pain, there was also a sign of hope – the hope that one day, the child she gave birth will know the truth, and understand the sacrifice she made for him and the biological parent.
But for now, Maya remained a silent figure in the background, a footnote in the story of a family’s journey to parenthood. She watched from afar as the child grew and thrived, knowing that she had played a part in their story, however small. For the future of the child Raghav and Sugandha requested Maya and Pavan to keep this truth untold, at least till the newborn boy turns 18. They will reveal it at the right time, and Maya’s sacrifice and support will never go unnoticed.
The couple kept the promise that they made to Pavan and Maya. Pavan is still recovering, but Raghav helped him start his coaching center at home, which is flourishing, and the financial stability is back in the family. The children are growing and going to good schools, and without fail, Raghav ensures there remain no hindrances in their education.
And so, the untold story of Maya, the surrogate mother, remained hidden from the world – a silent sacrifice, a testament to the enduring power of love, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, no matter how fleeting their time together may be.
This story is a part of #Storytellersbloghop season 4, hosted by AuraOfThoughts and MywordsMyWisdom
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
Truly a heartwarming story. Being a surrogate mother takes so much courage, it is not only about the money. It is the ultimate way to help childless couples. Respect to all surrogate mothers.
I always wonder at the patience and sacrifice a surrogate mother deos for her child. I first came to know about this concept from a movie where Preity Jinta played a surrogate mother’s role. Since then I am awestruck at these women’s power to hold her child in her lap and then sacrificing her child forever. I really appreciate your choice of theme for the story, Samata. A great effort. – Swarnali Nath
I recently read a story about a home for surrogate mothers. Maya’s sacrifice is commendable. Giving away your child is not easy. Or maybe it is a little easier if you don’t concentrate on your emotions too much. Not sure. But God bless those who go through so much to help others in need!
What a deeply touching and heartfelt story! Maya’s journey through surrogacy is truly inspiring, showcasing the immense strength and selflessness that defines motherhood. Despite facing numerous challenges and grappling with conflicting emotions, Maya’s unwavering commitment to helping another couple become parents is incredibly moving. Her sacrifice and love shine through every word, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound bonds that connect us all. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
It is always hard for a mother to let go of her children. Maya’s story is such a fact that many surrogate mothers feel
Surrogacy is such a sensitive subject. Carrying a child that you need to give away is perhaps the toughest of things for a woman. You have written this emotional aspect so well, that one is forced to think of the woman who bears the child–joy and sorrow in the same breath.
A heart warming story told very well! I was reminded of a Malayalam movie “Dasharatham” that dealt with the various hues of surrogacy.
What a touching story Samata. There was this lovely movie on surrogacy with Kriti Shanon and Pankaj Tripathi… firgot the name. I recollected that when I read Maya’s story.
Hats off to her compassion and courage.
I cannot praise you enough for writing such an emotionally touching account of a surrogate mother’s internal conflict. Nurturing life through your lifeblood, taking pains for 9 months, being aware of its heart beating inside you and its limbs taking life, and then never showing any emotion after parting with that part of you. No hint of recognition or show of affection!
The guilt or pangs are worsened by the money taken. This was very profound.
A touching theme and a story–so, that is the rule about surrogate mothers in India. Wow! I never knew that. If you add up the joy, sadly, it is a zero—that of the parents and the surrogate mother. How would the child take it emotionally once he faces the truth? Based on a recent incident in Kerala, adoption rules are seemingly complex. Thank you for writing a story about such a real issue and the emotional turmoil of the silent mother.
What a heartwarming and feel-good story, Samata. Surrogacy still has negative connotations in our society and it is only through such acts of people like Maya (and even Pavan) that it can be accepted for the kind and compassionate act that it is. What Maya went through after the delivery made me emotional because surely it must not have been easy to let go of someone you’ve played a pivotal role in bringing into the world which is what makes surrogacy even more applaud worthy.
I can’t even imagine what goes on in a woman’s mind and how she deals with her emotions while she thinks about becoming a surrogate. This story has touched my heart deeply. Maya’s decision to help her cousin is a reminder of the immense love and compassion that exists in the world, often hidden behind the scenes.
This story has brought out the pain of surrogacy very well. For a mother, being detached from the baby she gave birth to, is not easy. Maya was cky at least that her cousin helped her in return. How many people do that?
I can only imagine the internal struggle Maya must have faced, from the moment Raghav first approached her with the proposal to the day she gave birth to a child that was not her own. The conflicting emotions she experienced – joy, detachment, sorrow, and hope – are palpable in every word of her story.
It’s indeed tough for a woman to carry a child and then part with them. Your portrayal of this emotional rollercoaster is so moving; it really makes you think about the woman’s journey, filled with both joy and sorrow. Bless those who give hope to other parents through surrogacy; they’re like angels in human form to many.
A heartfelt story filled with emotions, love and family bonding. This was fabulous, sweet and heart-touching.
Enjoyed reading each and every word. Mother is a mother and selfless love is the only realm in this unreal world.
lovely story – with many emotional layers. Can understand Maya’s love – having given birth myself, I know how attached we become to the unborn child.
Thank you for sharing this powerful story. It serves as a reminder of the power of love, compassion, and the importance of supporting one another through life’s ups and downs.
I can’t even imagine the emotions a surrogate mother goes through fully aware that she would have to give up the child she is carrying. It is a sacrifice indeed. You have penned the story beautifully bringing out these emotions. Lovely read.
Touching story Samta. Mayas journey is tremendous. It filled with compassion and strength. It is very difficult to be a surrogate mother. Giving our baby( technically not) but emotionally yes.Hatss off to courage.
Mayas sacrifice is truly appreciable. Though people willingly agree to surrogacy the being away from the life that you carried for nine months is truly a challenge
Maya is such a courageous woman. It’s very difficult for a woman to nurture a child in her womb for months and then give it away. Luckily, she knows that the baby will be loved a lot and provided for well. Not to mention, it helped them settle down too.
It is a story of sacrifice, compassion and empathy. Very touching and it shows how strong a women can be. More and more power to women who not only protects her own people but give life to others without any complaints.
I once saw a Salman Khan movie on a somewhat similar topic but I do not understand the aversion of Indian audience to watch more of these stories. These emotions are heard to articulate, harder to feel. I am glad you picked up a great topic to write on.
what a difficult situation for the family to be in, and a tough choice. It is commendable that maya took that decision, and has stayed out of the boy’s family, in turn they too are fulfilling their promises…
It must be difficult for a surrogate mother to hide in the darkness after giving birth to the baby. Kudos for picking up a subject that’s not so talked about.
Surrogacy is taken up for different causes personal or financial. It’s true that a surrogate mother suffers most as it is tough on her part to let go the child whom she nurtured in her womb for 9 months. Helping a infertile couple via surrogacy is best effort if a lady can do but never rent a womb for financial gains. U discussed important subject n one should understand the emotions of a surrogate mom
I can relate to this story so well. My co-sister couldn’t have a baby for ten years and my MIL was pressurising me to bear a child and hand it over to her. But, I dont think I could ever do that. By God’s grace both of us were pregnant at the same time and she had a healthy baby and I was extremely thankful for that.
First of all kudos for the choice of the theme ! The tale of Maya is a story where she becomes the epitome of compassion and sacrifice mirrors the true sense of strength of a woman. I loved how you portrayed the intricate feelings of couples who can not become parents naturally.I wonder what would this world be if women were not a part of it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post.
It is a complete heart wrenching story. The journey of Maya from a mother of two to rendering help to a couple and become a surrogate mother is full of sacrifice and compassion. Kudos to the strength of all surrogate mothers. I will die at the thought of detaching my kid.
Surrogacy comes as a blessing to the couple who cannot conceive, but nobody will ever know the emotional turmoil of a surrogate mother. A fitting title for the story!
Everything a woman goes through for her loved ones has been beautifully captured in this story. The feeling of love, hope, surrogacy, birth, all have been beautifully narrated.
Sometimes love is all about helping selflessly the way the mother who beared the child and still protected her true identity to ensure happiness is truly a great mother.
Surrogacy is a beautiful gift for many families, this is such a beautiful story of emotions, love, sacrifice, and motherhood. I like your narration style so much, it keeps you going for more and more.
What a lovely story for sure. Loved the way Maya did everything for her family and how she sacrificed her child for her family is commendable. Amazing story.
Yeh Maya naam had always been my fav, one of the names I always love to use in my storied. Maya’s story touched me deeply. Her selfless act of becoming a surrogate mother despite her own struggles and emotional turmoil is truly admirable. I felt her pain and conflicted emotions as she navigated through the journey of surrogacy, grappling with the joy of helping another couple while dealing with the sense of detachment and longing. Maya’s decision to offer her assistance out of compassion and familial bond reflects the depth of her character and the strength of her love. I can’t help but admire her courage and resilience in facing the challenges that came with this deeply personal decision. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the sacrifices we make for the ones we care about.
I had read the story earlier but, couldn’t comment as I was had sunk in the emotions of Maya. Re-read today and I must say you have a wonderful skill, of writing, this is fiction yet seems to be so real and could definitely feel all the emotions which flowed through your expression by words. You have some magic in your pen, in your thoughts 💭🤔