Facets of Love

Experience makes us realise certain truths that otherwise remain as doctrines. Sandeep learnt through life that love rises above all other emotions and can make us even forgive ourselves when we let down our near and dear ones. He was born into a close-knit family that believed in moral ethics. The parents and children have always been open in voicing their opinions and have nothing to hide from each other. Sandeep’s brother and sister were quite older than him. So, he felt he could not share his feelings with them. Nor could he share with his parents whom he much respected. He realised a void in him as he grew up.  Parents and siblings were too busy to notice this change in him.

He slowly started losing interest in his studies.  He needed a companion to share his ideas and feelings. He could talk with only a very few students in his class.  Among them was Sasi, his only girlfriend from an entirely different set up and social status. She lost her father at a very early age and mother was trying to meet both ends by working in neighbouring houses as domestic maid. Sasi was a bright student. Sandeep started sharing meal with her and it eventually led to sharing their problems. This continued for a while and their bond grew stronger. Sandeep lost interest in studies. So too Sasi. Hence, they decided to get married and start life in a place where they would not be disturbed by both their families. 

They did it with determination and he took up any job he could lay his hands on. Sasi too did household chores in their neighbourhood. This could go on till they started a family. Meanwhile both the families were searching for their children in vain.  Sandeep did not want to face his parents for he realised that he had let them down very badly. Sasi’s mother too tried tracing her daughter. Her limited efforts yielded no result. She could only wish good for her daughter.

  

Sandeep’s parents were going through agony at this deed of their youngest son. They could not publicise it further fearing the future of the other two children. They both finished their studies and found suitable jobs for themselves. The parents could find suitable partners for them and conduct their weddings with due aplomb. But the void created by Sandeep’s disappearance was always there.

It was then one of their relatives working in Chennai visited them. He vaguely remembered having seen someone like their son. He could not spot his identity for Sandeep was collecting water from the Corporation tap – a place he would never expect to see Sandeep. Along with him, two children, scantily clad were helping their father collect water. Sandeep’s father immediately got the location whereabouts from his relative. He wasted no time to go in search of him. He did not tell his wife the real reason for his Chennai visit. He was not sure how far he could rely on the relative’s information. Moreover, he did not want his wife to face further disappointment. Hence, he told her that he was going there for his friend’s son’s wedding.

 

Once in Chennai, he stared vigorous search for his lost son. He spotted the location told by his relative. It was a slum. He was quite upset. “How can my son live in this set up? I ought to have gathered more information about him before plunging into this mission.” His blind love for his son made him start at once. Not knowing what to do, he kept walking up and down the area. “Whom to ask? What to ask? And how to ask? “- these were the questions troubling his mind. He had remembered to bring a photo of his son taken six years back, just before he left Home.  Finally, he mustered courage and stood before a petty shop to enquire.  Lo and behold, he saw his son stopping at the shop with his son in tow- on the way to school to buy him a chocolate. The father unable to control himself any longer went to him and hugged him crying “My son, why did you do this to us?”. Sandeep was too shocked for words. The grandfather then hugged his grandson and bought him eats from the shop.

Sandeep then elaborated on the reasons for their decision. They were sure of their love for each other even though it was early. They decided to leave the place lest they be a hindrance to the future of his siblings. His father told him how Sandeep’s act affected every one emotionally, especially his mother.  When he heard that his siblings were well settled, he was relieved and happy for them.  Then his father said to him “Sandeep, I want you to return home with me. No need for you to slog here. I can train you up and find some job in the city.” He replied, “I shall if you can accept me along with my family”. “Need you say that my son? We accept you wholeheartedly with your family.  Your absence has taught us that love conquers all other differences”. Sandeep and his wife were ever so grateful to his parents for accepting them without any reservation.  He now realised that parental love not only forgives but also forgets.