(AI translated vesion of  पत्थर दिल!) 

Chapter-2

Hearing such comments from her son, Rajeshwari said – Son! How did I know that you were going to sleep? well! You know that your father’s health has been unwell for many days. His health has deteriorated so much that doctors have advised him to put him on a ventilator. Son! You take leave and come back soon!

Manish listened to his mother’s words through one ear and let them out through the other ear. He said in an artificially sad tone – Mother! You know I’m in New York. It will take a lot of time to reach India by plane. Now when you are with Papa, take care of him! Why would you waste my time and money unnecessarily?

Hearing such harsh words from Manish, Rajeshwari felt a deep pain in her heart and she started crying bitterly. She said – Son! The pursuit of a job should not be so ruthless that when your parents are in need, it could put their lives at risk, so you cannot perform your duty. Son, you are our support in old age! What will happen to us if you step back?

Manish- Mom! You understand my helplessness! My boss has given me a project. It has to be completed and submitted in four days. If I fail to submit, all of mine will be lost. My career will be ruined. My chances of coming to Bangalore will vapour out. Mother, it is not that I do not want to serve father’s life but I have some compulsions. Please cooperate!

Rajeshwari became deeply depressed after hearing such words from her son and felt that it was useless to talk to Manish further about this matter. So she could only say with a very hoarse throat – Okay son! Do as you see fit! I will do as I see fit! But son, I would like to say one thing you are capable! You will get another job, but if the father who brought you to this position leaves, then you will not be able to find another father like him.

Saying this, she slammed the phone in deep despair and anger and started praying to God with folded hands. During this period of grief, she started remembering ancient Indian stories. She remembered the story of Shravan Kumar, how to fulfil the wish of his blind parents, he had made them walk on foot in a carriage and take them on a tour of pilgrimages across the country. She remembered the incident of Lord Shri Ram when he had to leave the dying Dasharatha and live in the forest for fourteen years to fulfil his promise.

She felt how much has changed in today’s generation. In childhood, that learns to walk slowly by holding the fingers of her parents; when they reaches youth, they ignores the same parents and sacrifices everything for her career.

Rajeshwari was not able to understand that Manish is very intelligent and he has been given the stamp of getting a job in Poogle. In such a situation, if he leaves his job to take care of his father, will he be rejected by another company? Do parents have no value before a job? Don’t children have any duty towards them?

For some time, she kept staring at her husband lying on the ventilator in the hospital. She started remembering the old moments spent with Umakant. She remembered how she had gone to Kashmir with her husband when she was newly married. She remembered those moments when Umakant had heard Manish’s laughter for the first time and then there was no limit to their happiness. Then scenes of Manish’s sweet and sour memories flashed before her eyes, from his days of playing and jumping till the time he completed his studies.

She didn’t realize when she fell asleep on the hospital bench while thinking about all these things.

The next morning a new ray of hope arose. There was some improvement in Umakant’s condition. Doctors removed him from the ventilator for some time. He took two biscuits for breakfast and also drank some tea. Then he asked about Manish – will he come?

Rajeshwari nodded in such a way that Umakant understood that it was difficult for Manish to come. He placed his hand on his heart and said in a low voice – No problem. Let him do his thing. All you have to do is give him half of my wealth whenever he needs it! Having said this he became silent.

Rajeshwari got a little nervous. She said – Yes, Manish’s father, I will do the same!

After a few seconds, Umakant’s health started deteriorating again. He started panting loudly. Started straining to breathe. 

He started panting loudly. Started straining to breathe. Then Rajeshwari ran to call the doctors. Umakant died within a short time. A river of sorrow burst out in the form of tears from Rajeshwari’s eyes. Moaning loudly, she tore her bangles and tried to control the flood of tears in her lap,. She began to faint while hiccupping loudly.

To be contd. …

(fictional story)