The Last Resort

The Last Resort

3 mins
137


They were a band of brothers, half a dozen of them. Birth control was unknown at that time. Their father was robust and a bull and their mother like a fertile oasis. The band flourished under the nurture of the mother oasis. Their father’s role was limited to ensuring they were adequately provided. As they grew up 5 of them were not academically inclined. One grew up to be a caterer. He was Nalan of the family. One grew up to be a gardener as he had green fingers. One took to nursing as he had the patience. One became a mason and built dream houses for others. One became a jack of all trades like carpentry, plumbing and set up his own little enterprise. The last one was an exception. He was born with Saraswati’s blessing as his mother would say. He was brilliant in studies and crossed the 7 seas and became a millionaire in the land of America, where dreams became a reality for many Indians.


The cycle of life went on and the band of brothers got married and went their own way. While the ones who stayed back met often, the youngest one became a little snooty of the ways of the Indian and he preferred not to visit India. He sent his love for the family through dollars in their bank account. Nobody minded though as the dollars came in handy at times of their need. The youngest one became their Bank of America. He didn’t mind as he could never have a stable family and one divorce was enough for him to believe once bitten twice shy.


When the father took ill the band of brothers took turns to take care and the dollars came handy. But the time soon came and the father wanted to see the youngest one before he departed. The son came calling and was shocked to see the state of the robust bull now turned into a mere skeleton. The image of the skeletal father never left his mind. The image came often and mocked at him. It was then that he decided that he would return to his native land. He sold everything which left him with a sizeable sum in Indian currency. He had an idea of what he would do.


Soon the band of the brothers was brought together to build a home for senior citizens. With his wealth the youngest bought a sizeable chunk of land and the band got together with their talents at their disposal. The resort was landscaped by the green finger brother. The mason built the house based on the design of an architect who matched the legendary Vishwakarma. The jack of all trades ensured the fittings fitted in properly. The caterer designed the mess and the menu. The nurse ensured that the entire design was friendly for the seniors.


So, the Last Resort was inaugurated and it was welcomed by senior citizens and their families. As a token of respect and deep homage, a sculpture of their father was built as a centerpiece in the resort. It was the first project of its kind at the foot of a sylvan- hills in the outskirts of a city with a salubrious climate and good hospitals. Phase-1 had rooms for 50 citizens but demand was incessant and the phase-2 saw another 100 rooms being added.


When his father came in his dreams, he found him smiling as if to say that his son had atoned for the neglect of his father.


It was 15th August, Independence Day for the country. After he hoisted the flag, the youngest son gave a small speech and announced the 'Last Resort' would henceforth be rechristened as the 'Happy Resort' as requested by the boarders. The boarders had concluded that they were indeed happy to live the last phase of their life in the resort and the name ought to reflect it. 


Rate this content
Log in