We got married on 27th January 1989 and like most of the couples we also planned not to have our baby for two years. The third and fourth year, we tried to have a child, but unfortunately, my wife could not conceive. That is when we decided to go to the doctor for consultation. We went to all renowned doctors of Bombay. We went through all sorts of medical treatment possible. We, for a while, even thought of a test-tube baby but finally gave up the idea. In the year 1996 my father expired, who was also a very close friend of mine. His demise left me deserted and that is when, after a lot of thought and consideration, we took the decision of adopting a child.

When we informed our decision to my dear mother, her first reaction was negative, but when we explained her that we can't have our own biological child and we do not want to live a childless life, she got convinced. One of our family friends - the Niyogis, who had adopted their child from one of the adoptive centres guided us and we went to that centre with our dear mother.
We had decided to adopt a baby girl and fortunately we got a 3 months old little sweet girl child. My mother was the first one to take the child on her lap and named her "Antara" - one who comes from inside (heart). After Antara came in our life we became very busy in bringing her up. My wife left her job and started looking after Antara.

Now our dear one is 3 years old. She is very talkative, independent, dominating and very emotional. My wife has again started working. When we go for work our daughter stays with a very close family friend. Antara has become a part of their life as well. She is very attached to the family with whom she stays during our working hours. Antara has given us so much happiness that I am short of words while expressing my feelings.



Gautam Chakrabarty