Care

  This is a short story about a very close relationship we share the moment we are born or rather the moment we are conceived in the womb. Yes, it is the most precious of all relationships that is the one we have with our parents. Parents are the only people who wish the best of everything without any expectations. They go to any extent to provide the best of everything to their children. But, it so happens that as children grow up and become independent they may not feel the same about their parents and then sets the empty nest syndrome where parents are left to fend for themselves. It is not the mistake of anyone as nowadays we get to hear a new theory that children don't ask the parents to conceive them and if it has happened then the parents are responsible for that and they have to provide the best of everything to their children without any expectations. And now this theory seems to go beyond providing materialistic things to even spending a few moments with parents as children claim they are very busy tending to their life goals and their children!! The circle comes a full round. But, this is a story where a young man shows the world how to care for his aged parents. It is in a very simple manner he does it. Let us read on.                  

Dev and his dad were on a morning stroll or a morning walk to be precise. He had flown from Dubai on a short official trip and was at his parent's home which was in the same city where he had to attend a conference. He was happy to have got a couple of days to spend his time with his aged parents who stayed back in Mumbai as they were used to that place. Dev did not force them to shift along with him as it is not so comfortable for either him or his parents to keep shifting places which is a general trend now with all jobs Whenever he got an opportunity Dev would drop in and every year during the children's vacation they used to spend at least a month with his parents. This was a routine with their family.               

After the morning walk Dev and his dad returned home.Since it was their 50th marriage anniversary that was due to be celebrated in a month's time Dev wanted to buy them some gifts which they would treasure after he would leave for Dubai. So, they set out to the market in the evening. Dev's mother did not join them as she had knee pain. Both the father and son duo made all the required purchases and were feeling a bit tired, especially his father. So, Dev, entered a nearby restaurant and ordered a few snacks and tea. As the snacks were served they started eating them. Dev's father spilled a lot of food on his clothes as his hands were shaking due to a nerve problem. He even spilt a little bit of water and tea as well. Other diners were watching this with disgust and their facial expressions were reflecting the same. Dev did not bother and he was calm and composed. He waited patiently until his father finished his plate of snacks.        

Once done with he made his father get up from the chair, held his hand and took him to the wash area. He cleared the food particles from his shirt, wiped it clean with his white handkerchief, helped him comb his hair and arranged his spectacles and then led him back to the restaurant room where they had been sitting a while ago. His father was not lame and he could walk. But, Dev wanted him to come out of the embarrassed feeling he had as he noticed the reaction of other diners quietly. The other diners still had the same expression on their faces as if wondering how someone can put themselves in such an embarrassing position. Dev nonchalantly paid the bill and started walking to the door holding his father's hand tightly as if he is reassuring him that what happened is absolutely okay.As they were almost near the door to step out Dev heard someone calling him 'look here gentleman '.As he turned around to see who was calling him he saw a middle aged man standing near the restaurant counter..Wondering what he was called out Dev stood there .The middle aged man said "I think you have left some valuable thing here in the restaurant"Puzzled and surprised Dev replied"No sir I have not left anything valuable here". Then the middle-aged man retorted saying"you have left a valuable message to every son and daughter present in this restaurant how to care for your elderly parents or relatives and a message of hope to the elderly present in this restaurant that it may be possible ".Hearing these words Dev felt honoured and went out of the Restaurant accomplished.The middle aged man was thoughtful and was murmuring "To care for those who once cared for us is an honour and blessing,We all know how parents take care of their children when they are young and now it is the duty of the children to care, love and respect their parents ".