Difference

"Why are you crazy for a boy? Whether it's a boy or a girl, both are equal. Just look at me, even though I have one girl. Am I sad about anything? My girl is well-studied. The happiness which couldn't be obtained by four boys, that happiness she is giving me. And your boy, he always gets drunk and stays at home. Neither studies nor any other good activity. In fact Prashantbhai. He ashamed you this time. I'm proud today that I'm a father of Namrata." Jamnadas was making me understand in the passing evening. Fed up with life and with wounds by his words I broke my silence and with extreme grief, I tried to make Jamnadas understand by saying, "Jamnadas, My boy isn't that much worse, it's just the influence of those college guys...." Jamnadas interrupted in between, "Even my daughter used to go to college. She doesn't have that influence. College gives education, and not bad habits. The whole world is like a served plate full of various dishes. It depends on us, what to eat and what not to. No one is going to feed us forcefully. We will eat only that thing which we really like. In that manner, the world will teach us those habits which we really want to have." With extreme grief, I said, "Really Jamnadas, today I'm getting jealous of you that you're the father of a daughter. And I'm ashamed being the father of a son."

Jamnadas continued with his words, "Prashantbhai, daughter will leave us one day after getting married and will represent our name in their family. Son is going to stay with us for our whole life. He will get married and will bring a wife, if his wife is good then it's alright, but if not, then you have to suffer for your whole life. I'll get Namrata married into a good family, and after getting out of all my duty I'll travel to holy places and will visit my son-in-law often."

Interrupting him I said, "But what if your Son-in-law isn't good?" Jamnadas said, "If he isn't good then my daughter will improve him. When will our lessons work? And I'm not going to give my daughter to someone who doesn't deserve her."

Leaving a glance over the setting sun I said, "Let's leave, our talks are never going to end. They must be waiting for us at home." and saying this, both of them departed.

Jamnadas just stepped into his house, His wife Lalita screamed, "Where were you since noon? Our daughter made us feel ashamed. She elopes with the neighbour's Garage owner Babu. She left with a letter, "Don't try to search me...." Lalita was continuously speaking and Jamnadas was thinking just one thing, "What is the difference? Guy or girl both is same."

After telling this story he remained silent. I knew that he will never write this story, as he always has a soft corner for daughters in his heart. But I liked this story, why should we forget that whenever someone's parent chose to live in an old age home, then someone's daughter is only responsible for it? It seems like a situation of two sides of a coin.