Dimple Oswal
(Short story on grandparents)
The silence in the living room hung heavy, punctuated only by the rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock. Indu, her silver hair shimmering under the harsh fluorescent light, sat rigidly on the edge of the sofa, her knuckles white from gripping the worn leather armrest.
Her husband, Jivan, stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the vibrant rose bushes he’d planted years ago, now choked by weeds. They’d driven for hours, a desperate hope clinging to their hearts like cobwebs. Hope for a glimpse of their twin grandchildren, Isha and Jitu, just a touch, a story, anything.
Their son, Deven, and his wife, Divya had built a life across the country. Initially, video calls were filled with cooing babies, Deven’s face beaming with pride. But slowly, the calls became shorter and more strained. Indu and Jivan’s attempts to hold a conversation with their son were met with clipped responses, Divya hovering in the background, a disapproving frown etched on her face. Finally, the calls stopped altogether.
Indu gripped a framed photo – a younger Deven, his arms wrapped around his smiling parents. “They used to call us every week,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
Jivan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We’ll see them, Indu. We just have to be patient.”
Their patience was tested further. Messages went unanswered, gifts were returned unopened. When they finally managed to book a flight, a curt text arrived: “Don’t come.” Ignoring it, they arrived at a doorstep adorned with a “No Soliciting” sign, a clear message for concerned grandparents. Divya answered, her face a mask of disdain.
“We don’t need your outdated parenting methods,” she snapped. “We’ll raise our children our way.”
Indu tried to reason, “But we just want to see them.”
“They don’t need you confusing them,” Divya said, slamming the door.
Days turned into weeks. Indu and Jivan, heartbroken, camped outside the house, hoping to catch a glimpse of their grandchildren. One day, a ball rolled out onto the driveway. Isha, a tiny wisp of a girl with pigtails the color of spun sunshine, chased after it. Indu’s heart lurched. But before she could reach the girl, Divya appeared, yanking Isha back inside and glaring at Indu.
(Short story on grandparents)
That night, watching the empty house from their parked car, despair threatened to consume them. But then, amidst the tears, a quiet determination sparked in Indu’s eyes. They wouldn’t give up. They contacted a lawyer, explained their situation, the years of support they’d offered both financially and emotionally to their son and the hurtful rejection.
The legal battle was long, draining, and filled with bitter accusations from Deven and Divya. Yet, through it all, Indu and Jivan stood strong, their love for their grandchildren fueling their fight. Finally, the court ruled in their favor – supervised visits, a chance to build a relationship with the children, who, by this time, were wary of their estranged grandparents.
The first visit was awkward. Isha and Jitu clung to Divya, their eyes wide and fearful. But Indu, with a gentle smile and a box of warm cookies, slowly started to break down the barriers. She told stories of their childhood, sang lullabies, and built forts using blankets and chairs. Jivan, ever the storyteller, brought life to his garden, teaching them about the different plants.
Slowly, smiles replaced fear. Isha’s laughter filled the room as she chased butterflies Jivan helped her catch. Jitu, initially reserved, opened up, showing his grandfather his latest robot creation. The visits became a beacon of joy in Indu and Jivan’s lives, a testament to their unwavering love.
A year later, karma delivered its justice. Deven, in his pursuit of a promotion, was caught in a corporate scandal. He lost his job, his reputation in tatters. Divya, unable to cope with their financial downfall, filed for divorce. Left alone and desperate, Deven reached out to his parents.
Indu and Jivan, their hearts heavy but not vengeful, welcomed him back into their lives. But this time, things were different. It wasn’t just about them anymore. They became a haven for their son and eventually, for their grandchildren.
(Short story on grandparents)
Moral of the Story:
This story serves as a stark reminder for the younger generation. Parents are not burdens; they are the roots that anchor us. Their love is unconditional, and their wisdom is invaluable. Respect them, cherish them, and never take them for granted.
Ethics, Duties, and Responsibilities:
Respect: Treat your parents with the same respect you expect from them. Listen to their concerns, even if you disagree.
Communication: Maintain open communication. Share your anxieties and struggles, and allow them to offer advice.
Support: As your parents age, be there for them. Offer financial assistance, help with household chores
(Short story on grandparents)
*Dimple Oswal is a Women’s Issues Activist and The Chief Editor of TheyWon Group of Online Magazines
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