He sat on the portico, reminiscence of his life. Rajan an officer in a renowned bank, his wife Sita was a lecturer in a university; she taught science. Both gifted for each other.

The couple was the envy of the neighbors, ever smiling and helpful. After 5 years, Sita was blessed with a son – Manikandan. Their joy was boundless. She had to give up her career to take care of Mani.  Rajan’s salary was good enough to lead a comfortable life. Years rolled by Mani returned from the states with a Masters degree in hand.  Sita realized that her son has grown and needed a life partner. The bridal search started for Rajan and Sita.

Rajan said: Sita, we must search for a good bride, she should be humble, respectable and she should he emphasize take good care of Mani; she should be really good- you know what I mean; coz’ Mani is my precious gem! The search stopped, when Mani brought a colleague to his house and informed his parents that he loves her. Neither Sita nor Rajan had an issue; son’s happiness was more important to them. The bells rang, the couple blessed.

Life changed………

For better or worst …….. Let’s read……

Within a couple of weeks Mani’s wife found issues in every thing said and done, Rajan and Sita had never fought, they had never even exchanged harsh words to each other.  Sita found life too difficult, Mani’s wife Kavi was an arrogant and short tempered lady, well- planned before the bells itself to drive away Rajan and Sita from the house, she wanted freedom, money and Mani but not his parents.

Years went by, quarrels and problems only worsened. Rajan retired from his bank job, treated worst than a maid by their son and daughter-in-law.  Stress and depression filled their lives. Adding to the misery the world of happiness crumbled down, when Rajan fell sick- a massive heart attack. Mani listened to his wife and failed to respect or care for his parents. He bluntly refused to pay the bill. Sita sold all her jewels to pay the hefty hospital bill.

Her heart broke; she couldn’t believe her eyes; she felt ashamed of her son. Kavi was very happy for all the happenings. Joy and contentment was her cards.  A day came when both decided to leave their ungrateful son, the home they built, the neighbors they loved to an age home. They sold the little they posses – (a few rings & a chain). They spoke to their son about their decision, he loved them; his eyes were moist, his heart broke, but his love for his wife was immense and so relented.

Tears filled Rajan’s eyes; when his friend Sundar approached him to have tea, Sundar knew all about Rajan.  Sundar recalls his days too, his children 3 of them settled abroad; found it a burden to look after Sundar and his wife. 

A handsome and energetic Rajan ; now haggard with a bundle of sadness in his heart, lost his wife the previous day. The “only” possession he had, Sita was his life! They have never been separated till date. Separation really hurts said Rajan. Sita had no disease, my son’s coldness, attitude and behavior……… she died; a peaceful death.   Before dying she spoke to Rajan and these were the words:

“I am so depressed about our son, how can he be so ungrateful, we had given him everything, the best of clothes, the best of food, good education, had spent all our savings on him. “The gift given to us - a home for the age.”  Incase something happens to me I don’t want you to inform Mani, He is dead!. But I want you to live a happy life; people here are so loving and caring, they would be your support and strength, can you promise me that you would also never meet our son. Let him be happy with his wife. I pray that God should bless us with a loving son in the next avatar. Don’t worry Raj…..I would always be with you” Life is a journey and we are just travelers”

Wife’s words keeps ringing in his ears…

Life’s journey continues for Rajan, Sundar and many more…….. Until and unless sons and daughters like Mani realize that “Parents are next to God.”

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This is a true story! Rajan (name changed) lived in my colony; i dedicate this article to him.