The ATM Machine - Final Part

After kids left, Naina immediately called to fix up a meeting with Pratyush as she didn’t want to waste any more time. She was glad to find Pratyush on the same page, they had been always wonderful as a TEAM; destiny had given them opportunity again to knock this off together again. It has been rightly said “When it’s the matter of kids, parents forget their differences”

One of Pratyush's close buddies Kartik, who was a Bollywood movie director, was in town to direct a short movie. He had invited kids to watch the shooting; they were more than glad to attend the same. To attend shooting was an incredible experience for them, to add the cherry on the top; their father had invited him for dinner. They were elated to have him as a guest; as this allowed them to spend quality time with him, and also to know more about his book ‘Thank You Parents’ which had received so many accolades and rewards. Post having delicious dinner, Pratyush had an urgent international call with one of his clients so he excused himself giving ample opportunity for the guest to interact with Amaira and Neel.

Amaira – Uncle, you are such a famous director, why did you choose to write the book “Thank You Parents”, when you could have got ample topics to write about?

Neel – Yes Uncle, what parents do for us, is their mere duty? Right

Pratyush was surprised to hear Neel’s view; however, he maintained his calm and answered them.

Kids, do you know how fortunate are you to have such lovely parents? Your parents love and care for both of you, much beyond that can be described in words.

Amaira and Neel both said “Really, it’s no big deal, they are supposed to love and care for us, that’s what parents do, right?

Not necessarily, mine were different-Kartik replied.

Kartik knew he got all their undivided attention, he further continued. You see my parents were nothing like your parents. They didn’t pamper me, love me or for that matter cared for me. Though I had my parents, yet they were not there for me. They had their social circle, which was more imperative that their only kid. They just funded my needs; I was raised by a nanny who was paid to take care of me.

 She was not paid to be content when I won my first race in the school, she was not paid to be proud when I won my first debate or when I first participated in the inter-school cricket match. Alas, my parents were too busy to attend either of it. You don’t have any idea what it feels to get a pat or hug from your parents. I was the unfortunate one to be deprived of that always!!!

Did I mention that they conveniently missed my first show at school?

I still remember that sympathy look I use to get from my friends and their parents that I started wondering ‘Am I disgrace to my parents’?

You know funny thing once I asked them “You are my parents, how come you don’t have time for me ever? Why am I deprived of your love, care, concern for me? Nanny is just my nanny, why are my parents not there for me?

Next day before even I could remember my conversation with my parents I was sent off to boarding school. I remember from that day onwards I became my guardian in other words I was all on my own. I was unfortunate enough to not get the answers to my question until today. Sadly they both died in the car accident last year.

You need to understand the worst-case scenario go and visit an orphanage, you’ll realise how fortunate you both are. So champs do you now believe that you have one of the most amazing parents in the world. Treat them with respect and love them, more than you do yourself. They are beyond ATM, and if you still feel this way; then I must say Naina and Pratyush don’t deserve kids like you. Instead, I would suggest them they should better adopt some kid from the orphanage who would at least respect and love them.

Amaira and Neel both had tears in their eyes, they both looked at each other as if they realised their horrible mistake. They both said “Sorry Uncle” and rushed towards the room to give a call to their mom to apologise for their behaviour.

As soon as the kids left Pratyush came and told Kartik “Dude, we have been childhood friends, more than that we have been like family, I know how much uncle, aunt loved you; so what was all this about?

Kartik very calmly replied ‘Relax Pratyush, that was just part of my movie script I am writing nowadays. I guess your kids bought it. Thanks to Naina for briefing me about the situation, I must say “This is the best I could come up with”

In the meanwhile, Naina called up Pratyush informing that kids called to apologise for their behaviour, how sorry they were for and that they wanted to have breakfast with both of them next day at her place.

That night Naina and Pratyush slept peacefully whereas Amaira and Neel were deprived of sleep, they were too ashamed of themselves treating their parents as mere ATM.

Love and respect your parents; they are more than mere ATM.

An ATM can’t give you a hug, love, and care for you.

The quote never loses its beauty “God can’t be with you always, that’s why they have created Parents”. Love your Parents.