Perspective 5 ---- A Father's Plea

PERSPECTIVES ---- 5

A Father's Plea

The day he had set eyes on his first-born son, he had loved him. He loved his other children too, but this young man would always have a special place in his heart. He looked out of the window as he sat on the bed. Damn his drinking habit, it had brought ruin to his family and so had his profession. The money trickled in slowly and was hardly ever enough to cover his expenses. There had to be a supplementary income. His older son did not pursue his studies after high school and had started working. He was hardworking and honest. In fact he was exactly the opposite of him.

He looked out at the empty street. The chawl was deserted now, since it was way beyond midnight. He turned to look at the closed door of his son's bedroom. He knew he would be lying awake there too. His son was shy and not much of a talkative person. He had a golden heart that was large enough to enfold the whole world. Then what had gone wrong? Why was this gem of a person so sad today? Why had he been branded as a womaniser? He was a kind soul who was considerate and helpful. The mantle of providing for the family had fallen on his young shoulders and he had done his duty perfectly. His son had fallen in love with a beautiful shy girl. As a father, he was glad that his son had made such a good choice.

As soon as they had got married, he had joined a new theatre group and gone away. This break definitely convinced him that his DIL was a lucky mascot. His other son and the shrew he had married were his worries. With him out of the way, he didn't want these two to harm the pure dove that had entered their family. It was a chilling thought but he had faith in his older son. He would take care of this woman…… not just because he was in love with her but because she was his to shelter. He had been so happy that finally there would be someone who would care for his son for himself and not for the money he brought in every month. She was good for him. Her quietness, her willingness, her innocence and her shyness set her apart from all the young girls he had seen. She spoke with her eyes, those beautiful brown almond eyes.

He wished for the nth time that he had been present when that blackguard Ajit had framed his son. He knew he was a bum who loved destroying other people's lives. But what did he have against his son? Why did he want to destroy his son's life? What did his son know that Ajit wanted to hide?

And once again his son had to bear the brunt. His wife was dragged away from him. She had believed those incriminating pictures. She had believed what her eyes showed her not what her heart told her. Her over-loving family didn't make things easy either. He still couldn't blame her. She was an overprotected daughter. She had foolishly gone away without giving his son a chance to explain himself. Yet she was not cruel. She had come when his younger son was to get engaged. She had gone against the wishes of her disapproving mother and come to bless the young couple. She sat for the pooja at his insistence along with his son although their matter was in the court. She did it to keep him happy. She respected him and would do nothing to harm his family.

Someone had played a nasty game and imprisoned them. When she pleaded her innocence with him in the cell, he had turned his face away. But in his heart he believed her innocence. She was a changed woman now. She wanted to be with his son, her husband. But his son was as bitter as she was eager. Oh dear! What a twist of fate! Why was he so stupid? Couldn't he see that his life lay with her not his brother's fiance? Why was he throwing his life away? He had told him he did not have to pay for his brother's misdeeds. After all they were two consenting adults and as such should face the consequences.

He had shouted over rooftops trying to convince his son not to throw away his life. His happiness was with his wife. She had returned to him, alone and determined to live under the same roof as her MIL, knowing full well it would be more difficult than walking over a bed of burning coals. But she had chosen to do it. For him. But his stubborn son couldn't see beyond the end of his nose. Why wasn't he was as committed to his own wife? His son knew how innocent and gullible she was. Why couldn't he forgive her? Didn't he understand that innocence has to be protected? Why wasn't he sheltering his wife today? She had left her home and come to him. If he rejected her where would she go? What would society do to her? She had no one today but her husband. But his son's fiance had a father.

Who needs you more Manav? Archana or Shravani? Who would lose more if cast away? Archana or Shravani? Why didn't his son understand that the Archana was the best thing to have happened to him? Wake up Manav, listen to your father. Don't lose a gem because of your misplaced sense of duty.

"Bappa!" cried the man in agony. He hoped that some miracle would take place. He hoped that his efforts to bring Manav and Archana together would fructify. His weary eyes misted over. Damodar Deshmukh would find no peace till the day Manav would change his mind and bind himself to Archana.

It was a pair made in heaven, wasn't it?

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That was just amazing! I loved how you presented all of the sides of the story so concisely through Damodar's eyes.