Mahalingam was not exactly henpecked though he did not do things which his wife Gowri disapproved of. One of the things she disliked was having his aged mother with them, as he was her only son.
“Maha,
it is very chill these days during nights and I keep shivering. Can you get me
a woollen blanket?” his mother asked him one morning
He
was reading a newspaper and his wife was cutting vegetables by his side. He
made a small non-committal grunt ’hmm’ to signify he heard her but said nothing
more.
Three
days past she again reminded him. ” Maha, I am unable to sleep. Bangalore
is colder this year than in the past. I cover myself with my old saris too
but they give no relief.”
A
lump passed through his throat. He knew his wife was listening to the
request and her silent look spoke enough. All he could say was only,”
Amma, let me see. I am busy with a lot of work in the office. Close
the windows in the night. The chill air would not enter.”
The
old woman kept quiet and thereafter stopped asking him.
Two
weeks later Mahalingam’s brother-in-law, Dandapani who had come on a short
visit asked his sister “Gowri, what are these two big bundles in the hall for?”
She
said with pride “Your brother-in-law is very particular that we distribute
saris and dhoties each year at the old age home during winter. We have
been doing these for several years. We will be going there this evening. Why
don’t you accompany us?”
Her
brother replied” I am very proud of you, sister, for your compassion”
In
the background, the old woman lay huddled on the mat with an old sari doing the
duty of a blanket and coughing nonstop.
As
Dandapani was leaving the next evening, he went near the old lady bowed before
her and said as he handed over a bundle,” Mami, I am Dandapani taking
leave of you. Here is a token of my affection and respect for you. This woolen blanket will make your nights very comfortable.”
Mahalingam
was seen with his head bent downward and Gowri cringing in shame.
Short but amazing story.. This is arguably worse than henpecked
ReplyDeleteIt's a common problem in most of the household now in India.
ReplyDeleteJanardhan N
Looks like the couple got caught in the pride and fame from their charity work. They didn’t have the compassion that they need to take care of the family members and the elderly ones at the Senior home. Sad.
ReplyDeleteChitra
A nice story highlighting the facade in which people live. Being responsible and accountable starts at home. Glad Dandapani is different.
ReplyDeleteMathru Devi Bhava
ReplyDeleteMathru Devo bhava
ReplyDeleteCharity should necessarily begin at home -- Thangam
ReplyDeleteVery Interesting Story. Gave me a clue for my next blog post. Stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteLoved the story and its narration! Hope the old lady will not be ignored hereafter. Dandapani should visit often:)
ReplyDeletePl. include my name in my comment...this maradhimanni forgot:)
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t make sense to help others in a situation where your own family is in desperate need of help. At charity that compromises the happiness of your own family, is useless. First, tend for your own family then look for helping others. " Charity begins at home"-- Proverb probably might have derived of such a situation. Loved the story.
ReplyDeleteSo true of what happens in many homes even now… they forget charity begins at home… Rama Sampath Kumar
ReplyDeleteService to old age dependent parents is nothing but moral obligation or bounden duty. This in no way should be equated with charity or DAAN. It is at best an attempt to repay the DEBT which otherwise cannot be repaid even with all great services of a lifetime. Those who avoid performing their bounden duties are only accumulating their fruits of actions to be enjoyed in due course.
ReplyDeleteTruly reflecting reality in today's world. People forget what goes around comes around and act invincible. :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunate truth in many houses. Regards - Mahesh
ReplyDeleteNot charity but publicity is more important. Pkr
ReplyDeleteHumans have deteriorated in values in general. I would love to see such sons break free from their shackles and do their best for their parents, no meaning if they boast of after death rituals performed as a show off to society.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you keep your passion to write intact, God bless! / padmaja
Very nice. Ramakrishnan
ReplyDeleteWe are, the way we have been made by the Almighty. Then, who are we to pass any value judgments on others!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful story, so well written. We, full of faults ourselves, cannot judge anyone, but such gems open windows inside our minds. Life is all about introspecting and evolving into a more empathetic person each day. Harini Kapoor
ReplyDeleteThis is life. Being assertive, even with one's wife, requires courage, which Mahalingam lacked, though he likely cringed inside as it concerned his mother! KP Sir
ReplyDeletehighlighted this in a brief incident!
In this story ' Charity does not begin at home' !
ReplyDeleteA poignant story! — Deepak Raghavan
ReplyDeleteSad behavior, shameful 🙏
ReplyDeletesrikanth
Unfortunate but often real and most sad situation. I'm glad that you gave a happy ending. God is good, all the time. I like to hold on to that. Moreover, I hate sad stories.😊
ReplyDelete