“Lung Cancer”, declared the
doctor hesitantly. Somaiyya only smiled in response.
***
At 45, life has never been easy. He could never go to school
because his parents preferred one more earning hand to an educated son. He was
the youngest in the family with eight older sisters. His parents’ and grandparents’
greed for a son made them happy when he was born.
But, they were also in misery. It was told that of you have five
daughters, even a king would become a beggar. His parents had eight of them and
they were poor farmers.
By the time his sisters were married off, he had enough loans to repay
for a lifetime. He decided against marriage. He knew that he could never offer
her comforts and he didn’t think that he had the right to knowingly hurt
someone else’s life. His parents died eventually. They were guilty and unhappy.
Somaiyya worked hard in the farms, carried sacks and did almost
everything to repay the loans. His only luxury was the cheap bidi and tobacco.
With every passing years, he lost weights. Eventually, he started
coughing regularly. However, Somaiyya
didn’t care. His sisters thought that he was working very hard.
But, that sunny afternoon, while carrying a heavy sand sag, he
started coughing up blood. Then, he fainted.
The contractor rushed him to the hospital. On examination, it was
concluded that he had lung cancer.
***
“Lung Cancer”, declared the doctor hesitantly. Somaiyya only
smiled in response. He was glad that he would be free from the torturous life
he led. He declared his unwillingness to accept any aid or treatment.
He sold off his land and the little hut. With the money received,
he repaid the loans. He told his sisters that he going for a pilgrimage. They
cried and refused to let him go. But, he walked away from all of them.
He felt free for the first time; free from misery,
responsibilities and even life.
He lit his favorite bidi,
and let the roads take him to the final destination – death!
So touching dear..some times responsibilities don't let people live Der own life.Here Somayya's parents are to be blamed, it was there mistake but it was son who suffered but finally he proved himself as good son & brother.
ReplyDeleteYou write very well dear..short story with so much meaning & so many msgs at a single place...keep writing ...;-)
Yes... Parents selfishness ate away son's life...
DeleteThanks for the comments.It was really encouraging :)
that was so moving. There are millions like Somaiyya unfortunately
ReplyDeleteThanks Ankita :)
DeleteHeartwrenching. But he was very responsible. He made sure he paid off all the loans before his death.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, he was... A man of values... Selfless...
DeleteThanks SG :)
now that’s a smoky way to march to the final frontier
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice expression...
DeleteThanks Deeps :)
Moving. But very realistic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Soumya :)
DeleteSometimes, responsibilities give us direction in this directionless life. But too much of it can be lethal, as brought out well in this story. Well written :)
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Thanks a lot :)
DeleteFantastic heart touching story written in few lines. When life brings in too many troubles to a person he rather prefer to die and not live. Death gives immense relief to a continuously troubled person. No happiness in life. Only problems. What kind of life is it? It is not worth living. At least he had the decency to settle his loans and bid farewell to his family. Best wishes
ReplyDeleteYes. He is a selfless man...
DeleteThanks for the insight and comments sir :)
A sad story but I liked the way he handled his affair finally without troubling any one.He had nothing to look forward too.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your insight sir :)
Delete