STORIES

ONLY SON

For seventeen years, the couple had lived together in love and harmony. Their married life had been blessed with many happy experiences. They were now middle-aged, living with the husband’s elderly parents and their seventeen-year-old only son.

The couple had built all their dreams for the future around their intelligent, handsome son. They were always keen to fulfil his needs, whatever they might be. In return, he studied well and lived up to their expectations. Their family seemed to be travelling along a smooth road, free from worries and troubles.

One evening, the son approached his parents excitedly.

“Dear parents, there is a music festival featuring a popular rapper at the nearby open ground tonight. I would like to go and watch it with my friends. Please allow me to go!”

He stood before them eagerly, hoping for their approval.

His father looked at him affectionately and replied,

“My dear son, the programme is at night, and there will probably be a huge crowd at the open ground. I am worried about your safety and your return home. However, if you feel comfortable going with your friends, you may go. But please be careful, and return home immediately if there is any trouble.”

Having said this, the father happily gave him money for the ticket and other expenses. The son received it with delight and left home to meet his friends.

As his father had feared, the music festival soon descended into chaos. An uncontrollable crowd surged into the ground, accompanied by deafening shouts and confusion. The situation deteriorated so badly that the authorities had to intervene to disperse the crowd and restore law and order.

Disappointed and distressed, the son and his friends decided to return home.

On their way, they had to cross a railway track. It was late at night, and the area was poorly lit. Some of his friends managed to cross safely. As the young man attempted to follow them, an electric train suddenly approached at tremendous speed.

Before he could escape, the train struck him.

In a moment, the bright future of a young life was thrown into uncertainty. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

The terrible news of their son’s accident suddenly fell upon his parents. On hearing it, their hearts were filled with gloom and darkness. They immediately rushed to the hospital, overwhelmed by agony and mental distress beyond words.

However, they were unable to see or speak to their beloved son, as he had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). They waited anxiously outside the ICU, hoping to catch a glimpse of the son who meant everything to them.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of both parents and his intimate friends who were present there.

Finally, they were allowed to see their son in the ICU, where he lay in a semi-comatose state. On seeing his parents, the boy made a slight attempt to smile. That little gesture showered a rain of honey into their hearts.

Days passed in anxiety and uncertainty. His parents, overwhelmed by grief after the incident, had forgotten how to smile and laugh. Yet, every moment, they prayed fervently to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of their only son.

Day by day, encouraging signs of progress appeared, and his condition gradually improved. Eventually, he was shifted to the general ward.

There, his parents, relatives, and friends visited him with indescribable joy.

His parents gently kissed the crown of his head with love and affection. The boy, too, looked at them happily, his eyes glowing with pleasure.

Gradually, the boy recovered from the tragedy and returned to life, as if the dark new moon had given way to the brighter full moon.

In the end, the family, which had once lived in quiet happiness, gradually returned to an even brighter life. Everyone was happy, having placed their faith in the Almighty and embraced the values of life once again.

A Proverb for Reflection

       …….

“Nobody can turn the stream of destiny.”