Ignorance, Hunger and Death

Arayanadh Singh was a disabled man who lived in Delhi. He had lost his legs a year ago. His wife Arna was illiterate and he had three children and his old parents to look after.

His younger brother's family moved in ever since he lost his legs. For His brother, Arayanadh and his family were just a burden. He was so annoyed by them that he once yelled, "Why don't you die instead of living with us as a burden. I've my two own kids and our parents to look after, why don't you do something and earn for your family. You're so annoying!!!"

Arayanadh was left in tears. Arna began working as a helper to as many houses as she could.

Pushing himself on his wheelchair, Arayanadh went through the streets of Delhi. In search of a job; and he found none. For lunch, he would visit a temple every day and have the prasad served there. Breakfast and dinner were something that he could never think of.

He would move out of the house in the morning and return home only after His brother had dozed off. He had strictly instructed his kids, not to touch or even think of playing with their cousins' toys. As days passed it was much harder for His brother to look after the family all alone, and he began yelling out at Arayanadh a lot more.

But, what could he do with his three kids and Arna; Rather than pushing cotton into his ears with eyes full of tears and a bowed head in front of His brother??

 Arna cried all day, thinking of the life they led before Arayanadh lost his legs. Her little kids had now mastered the art of sleeping, as huger tried to kill them. Arayanadh and Arna had mastered it many months ago.

Finally, one day, Arayanadh found a place to work. He was really pleased. He was asked to look after the accounts of a Provision store. That night he went home early to inform His brother of the news.

At home he found His brother having, delicious dishes with his family. As He noticed Arayanandh and his smile slowly disappeared. "Oh; Did your wife inform you that we're having delicious dishes?! And so that's why you're here so early, without any shame, to beg me for some food, for your family?? Seriously! How can someone be so shameless!!" Arayanadh bowed down and turned away. He wasn't ready to argue.

His mother was always on his side. she tried consoling him as much as she could but, no words could console him. His dreams and ambitions, the life he led earlier were completely different. He lost his fame and the respect he was so used to before he lost his legs.

That night he went home after His brother fell asleep. "Arya, please forgive your brother and have these." His mother said, trying to hand over a plate full of mouth-watery dishes. Arayanandh took a deep breath. "Sorry, mom I don't want them". He said thinking of His brother's words.

He couldn't sleep all night and went out early. He found his little daughter already out there with tears streaming down her eyes. He pushed himself up to her and asked, "What's wrong with my little angel?" "

"Teacher; scolded me yesterday."

"Why; What did you do?"

"I did not do anything; She said you haven't paid the fees. She asked you to pay it in a week."

 It was Arayanadh's brother who paid the fees for many months now. But this time he hesitated to ask His brother to pay the fees. So, he let it be hoping that he would pay it before a week.

A few days later, Arayanandh returned home as usual; after Arna informed him that His brother had dozed off. He found a crushed paper on his bed. His face turned pale as He glanced at the paper. It was a letter from his kids' school asking him to not send them to school until he pays the fees. Arayanandh was saddened. This was the second time he saw this letter. The First time was three months ago and Arna had to fall at His brother's feet to convince him to pay the fees. But this time maybe the entire family would have to kneel at his feet for their Kids' future.

The next morning Arayanandh woke up early and waited patiently for His brother to freshen up. He picked up the towel and offered it to His brother. "What's wrong? You're showing gratitude for everything I've done?"

He looked down at the letter and handed it to him.

His brother glanced at the letter, his face was expressionless, he crushed the paper and threw it on Arayanandh.

"It was you who paid the fees for three months now,

-yeah, but why don't you pay it yourself hereafter" His brother interrupted.

"You're really very selfish Arayanandh. You've grown really lazy. If you can't look after your family then rather DIE!! Why should I pay you kids' fees? Ask them to work for me maybe I'll give them some salary then. If not ask them to walk from house to house begging for food. You join them too; people are very courteous for disabled beggars"

-HEY!" Arayanandh shouted

"Don't raise your voice in Infront of me. you lived eating my hard-earned food for one year and you have no right to even stand in front of me. Get out with your family. Now!" His brother declared and walked into his room.

Arayanandh was heartbroken. He pushed himself out of the house. He moved through the streets absentminded. His mind still sat there listening to his brother's words.

He moved through the main road without noticing the speeding bus, "The world is going to make me live on streets with my family and sleep hungrily, for all that I have done for them." were his last thoughts as the bus hit him.

The next day Arayanadh's dead body reached home.

His mother was heartbroken she cried out loud. "Don't worry Sita; we're all here for you" Her close friend said.

"My son's soul will surely rest in peace. But; his dream was to die in the warzone. He is just a young soldier who dreamt of dying for his countrymen from a really young age. Unluckily, he lost his legs and was no more able to serve his country and so, he is given the gift of ignorance, hunger, and death by his own citizens. This-This is the current mentality of every single citizen. They think soldiers are born to serve them and die. If they are no more able to serve them, The citizens become least bothered about them, and finally, the patriotic soul dies. Will this ever change? and if it changes the lives of millions of disabled soldiers like my own son will be saved. Please god may this truth enlighten the mind of every citizen. " the heartbroken mother said as she fell down on her son's body parting her soul away.

Maybe if the citizens or the government would have taken the responsibility of protecting the disabled soldier the mother and son would have survived. 

What does fate hold for the dead soldier's family?.....

                                                                 THE END.