ROOTS...(Family Story)

A middle class parent brings up their only daughter with lots of love and affection only to find their dreams shattered at the end. Their only daughter chooses to live with her girl friend as living partner! How her aged parents cope up with their tragedy forms the rest of the story.

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I was a proud father of my daughter .her every achievements at school made me think of her bright future. Now she had competed her higher secondary studies .I want her to study for C.A .with my influence in a bank as a charted accountant I can get her good job here in Chennai. My daughter Anu insist the she wanted to study for MCA at the engineering collage .even when she was in high schools she was not satisfied with computer software programs .she always complaint to me “it should have been programmed like this...”..you know the way she wants .I mean in her Taurus way. At times she says she want to modify software programs .even though I use computer at my work place  It never occurred to me that the computer programs should be modified .here my daughter want to rewrite the programs. I am comfortable the way computer functions. “Who knows? Some other day software will be named after my little genius!”

 Being a tarus girl, she always got things done it in her own ways .very stubborn. At last, I gave in.. We tried to get her admission in MIT. Chennai. She could not get seat there. At last, she was admitted in Coimbatore engineering collage. My wife felt very sad, our only daughter is going to study far away in Coimbatore. There is a special bound between my wife and my daughter, there are more like friends. I only convinced my wife “why holding our little genius, her heart belongs to computer engineering. If only she study basics, her innovation can take wings.”...

I took three days off from the bank. We went for shopping, purchased all new items for our daughter, and left for Coimbatore .she got admitted in her collage. I had paid her fees and hostel charges. We visited her hostel .she had to share her room with a girl from Mumbai .Nisha, a very modern and sophisticated looking girl.

Me and my wife stayed near by a lodge for two more days only to make sure that our daughter was comfortable with her stay at hostel .we met our daughter after her collage hours. My daughter complained me about substandard food served at the canteen. We thought it was natural since our daughter was missing her homemade foods. On the third day, my wife and I left for Chennai. At the RLY station, our daughter started crying .Nisha was with her .we asked Nisha to take care of Anu.

Without Anu our house was not lively .I had some how managed to carry out my rutine at office but at home i missed my daughter. Now and then, our daughter spoke to us over the phone mostly complaining about canteen food. We really felt sorry for her. With my wife, she spoke about Nisha for long time. She said her friend Nisha was gave her emotional support... it seems there is some thing common between them .Nisha cannot be a Taurus girl if that was the case they would have locked horns now .may be an Aquarian. I guess. They are not bad people, little bit eccentric, but no harm.

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 I was getting worried about her canteen food; .my daughter may not be eating properly. My ex colleague cashier Ravi was working at coimbatore branch .I must write to him asking whether he can accommodate my daughter as a paying guest in their house .just one bathe attached bedroom and homemade food .that is all she needs it .I can pay whatever the amount he ask for it. My daughter’s health should not be spoiled. Next day I got his office address from my office .I wrote a lengthy letter requesting him to consider paying accommodation for my daughter. After one week, I received reply letter. he was more than willing to help me...

Again I had to take leave from office to go to Coimbatore .Met collage principle and got permission for reveling my daughter form the hostel..Ravi had signed papers as local guardian..my daughter shifted to Ravi’s house which was just five kilometer away form her collage .Ravi had two children one boy about ten years old and a young daughter aged seven . I gave him one-month advance amount of money for accommodation and food. I promised Ravi that I would send cheque every month for that same amount .I thanked him for his help. Every thing was fine. I was happy no more problem for my little genius she can concentrate on studies. I returned to Chennai.

Our bank offered voluntary retirement scheme (VRS). .I had five more years of service left to retire but if I opt for VRS  I will get extra  amount of money ,with that money I can built first floor and give it for rent .I asked for my wife’s opinion but when it comes to making decision she will always leave it to me. Still I ask her opinion. I had applied for VRS scheme and got extra amount of money along with my settlement amount in about five months of time. We built two bedrooms with bathe-attached house on first floor, same as ground floor. Ground floor we gave it for rent .our tenets were good people, an old retired gazette officer with his wife .two of his daughter were married and settled down in abroad .they never gave us any trouble.

After constructing first floor entire balance amount of money, I had put it in fixed deposit scheme. I want to enjoy the retired life; I had slogged for my office for thirty years. After my daughters graduation she should get married and settle down, if her husband permits, she can go for work.

The other day my daughter rang up and asked me whether friend Nisha can stay with her as paying guest at Ravi’s house .she said Nisha had problem with canteen food. I told my daughter I would get back to her after I spoke to Ravi .Next day I spoke to Ravi over the phone. I told Ravi that there are some problems with hostel canteen food. The management people are making a large profit out of hostel facilities. Charging high prize for food they still serve substandard food items at canteen .even after replete complaining about it to the management they had not improved the quality of food. I had asked him whether he could accommodate my daughter’s friend Nisha as a paying guest. .he did not say anything immediately...l continued  “ just one extra cot she will stay in my daughter’s room .they are good friends .it will help them to study better by discussing their subject .Don’t bother about preparing north food .Nisha will get used to our food . Idlees, sambar and rasam like stuffs .she can have north Indian foods on Sundays at the restaurant. I do not think she will be a burden for your family. She is from well to do family. If you want, you can charge extra amount form her .you make extra money for another four years. You talk to your wife and see what best you can do for her.

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After a week, I received a letter from Ravi .he wrote to me that he had purchased one colt and bedding for Nisha. Any time she can move in . He also mentioned four rupees he will charge per unit of current consumption. That could be his wife’s idea. I said I will inform my daughter and they will get in touch with you. .Nisha’s parents came from Mumbai and she was shifted to Anu’s room as a paying guests  .Nisha’s parents thanked me over the phone .her father assured me that next time he will meet me in person. It seems she too was pestering her father with canteen foods. Nisha send me a big greeting card thanking me for arranging accommodation.

On Christmas vacation, Nisha came and stayed with us. there seems a special bound between them ,like sesames kids .they were always together .they spend vacation time watching movies everyday at the theater . Nisha spent lot of money on branded clothes .she bought some clothes for my daughter too. She had great taste and sense of color.

On the fourth year one of the leading software giant conducted innovation ideas in soft ware for their company .my daughter Anu had submitted her thesis for the contest .she was one among the three student selected by the company .even before she could write the final examines she was hired for the company’s R&D division at Mumbai ..she asked me for my permission to join their head quarters .I told her she can sign the contract .but  join for work after writing your final exams .our daughters job was assured I felt very proud of her . My wife was apprehensive about sending our daughter far away. I told my wife she is not our daughter she is our son .working for R&D for a world’s leading company is just a dream for any aspiring engineering student. They are offering initial salary of 30 K! If she can prove her mettle, she will one day work for their head quarts at Silicon Valley. Our little genies are no more a girl she can take care of herself. My wife asked me.”Where will our daughter stay at Mumbai .will she be safe alone”. I told my wife not to worry about her accommodation at Mumbai .there is YWCA and there are good women hostels there .any way when our daughter comes after her final exams we will decide about it.

After two months, our daughter came home after writing her final exams with Nisha. My daughter had to join for work at Mumbai after one month.  I had deiced to celebrate my daughters appoint order .I booked dinner at Sheraton hotel .While having dinner at Sheraton I told Nisha about my wife’s concern for Anu’s stay at Mumbai.

Nisha. “Why worry about your little genius stay at Mumbai when we have a big bungalow there? IT park is just about seven kilometer from our home .my papa can drop her on his way to office .I am unemployed! I can drive her for work and back home in my car provided I am paid for it.”

I...”Do not worry Nisha, once our daughter join for work she will try job for you .what Viji, anymore excuse you want to make? ”

Wife ...”Thank you, Nisha I was really worried about my daughters stay at Mumbai “

Nisha  ...”Aunty, it is no big deal .after all she is my intimate friend.

We were very much relived our daughter will be safe .she will have a homely atmosphere at Nisha’s home .After two days Nisha left for Mumbai by flight.

We decided to go to Mumbai three day prior to Anu’s appoiment day. We left for Mumbai my train. After thirty hours of journey we arrived at VT station .having informed

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Nisha, she and her mother were expecting us at the station. We got into their new car. Her house is a big bungalow .a five-bed room house with a big garden in the heart of the city.

I could not imagine a house with big garden in Mumbai. It must be worth cores of rupees. May be their life style demands opulence. Her father is running export business .precious and semiprecious stone designer jewellery. Her elder brother was married and settledown in UK looking after their family business in U.K. Nisha’s father joined us for lunch .He brought a gift packet for Anu. His way of celebrating my daughter’s appoiment. He told Nisha to take us around the city .after lunch he left for office .time is money .he must be a busy man. After lunch, Nisha took us to gateway of India, Nariman point; marine drive and Malabar hills.we enjoyed watching sunset .we had our Tiffin at president hotel and went for shopping at Crawford market .returned back to her home at 8.30 pm.

Next day Nisha took our daughter to her office in her car .our daughter came early in the evening .we all got into the car .Nisha drove us to central RLY station. My wife and I left for Chennai...

Some time our daughter spoke to us over the phone .she was all praise for Nisha. Every day Nisha drives her to her office.  My daughter said she was trying to get job for Nisha at their office. I said “Good, some thing in return. “.After two months, Anu was able to get job for Nisha, not in her research department but some software development related work.

Every year-end our daughter came and stayed with us. Anu told me that she is doing higher studies in her specialized subject. She said her ultimate goal is to work for the company’s R&D center at their headquarters in Silicon Valley .she had not changed much .still the same .at least we believed....

When she came to our house on her fourth year of her service, .my wife reminded her of getting married.  At first Anu told her as if she was married to her work .I mean she was not interested in marriage .commitments and responsibilities .just like any other  over ambitious girl would have talked at her age .there was something wrong..Something we parents were not prepared for it...

We gave more love and affection .unlike other parents we also gave her more freedom. We were over confident of our daughter. Even when she was, a young girl I taught her how to be self-reliant .we tolerated all her tantrums .the only child. we pampered her every whims and fancies...but then she was not a spoiled child.

On fifth year Anu got promoted to head of their department at their new branch at New Delhi .she got Nisha transferred to their new office and they took an apartment at a posh locality and settle down.

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Evening I had gone for my usual walk. Our daughter Anu had come from Newdelhi for her official work at Chennai branch. After her office hours, she came to our home in the evening. After serving coffee my wife spoke to her about her marriage.                                                                

Viji  ...”Anu, it is right time for you get married and settle down in life.”

Anu.. “Ma ... I had recently taken in charge of our new branch at New Delhi. Branch. I do not want to get married at this time of my carrier life .I am aiming to work for our head quarters in California.

Viji...”Do not get married to work .you have your own life .slow down. See whether you can get some work from your company and start something here in Chennai. I will ask your daddy to make arrangements for loan from the bank .your hetric schedule will not permit you to look after your children properly .your daddy insist that we will bring up your children .he is looking for little campaign in his retired life .”

Anu...”Ma...Our work schedule is very hectic .you do not understand work pressure and deadlines .I cannot do justice to my married life .commitments and responsibilities ...sorry ma...Don’t force me for marriage ...”

Viji, .Anu, don’t tell me all those excuses, people are getting regardless of work pressure .shall I ask your daddy to look for a bride groom?”

Anu...”Ma... please tries to understand me ...”

Viji ...”Are you looking for Mr. Right? Anu...There is no Mr. Right .nobody is perfect. Success of married life depends upon the mutual understanding between the husband and wife. it will not happen over night ,married people developed it over a period of time .in married life you follow simple rules like .Do not constantly nag your husband .when he throws tantrum just ignore him .he will come around ,pamper him when he is good .do not have ego hassles with your husband . ,Do not try to reform him .men are like grownup kids with age they will became  matured and most import thing even in married life do not encroach into their territory .that is freedom and breathing Space.. That is all they want...If you follow, these simple rules you can enjoy married life .now tell me are you in love with some one. you know your daddy is very broad minded person .he will not be bothered about his son in laws religion ,cast ,north south or rich or poor .your happiness is every thing to him .

Anu was fed up of her mother’s constant nagging .she just flared up.

Anu  ...” every time I came home you are pestering me to get married .yes I am in love .I cannot live with out her! .I am not going to get married to any other person “...                                                         

Viji... “What nonsense are you talking about?  You are in love with HER?. With whom?”

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Anu  ...”you know my girl friend Nisha .we are in love with each other for the past seven years .we are living partners now.!.                                                                     

Viji....” I thought she was your intimate friend. Look Anu, this type of physical intimacy can happen in some people in their teenage life. Do not make it as an obsession. .In west gay and lesbian marriage suits their culture. It is unethical ..., .At twenty eight you are not a teenage girl..., Be responsible for your act...Even if you have a boy friend and want to get married to him we would have agreed to you .It is  your life and your choice that is fine by us .Now you are telling me you have  girl friend as living partner,. Anu you are sick .You have lesbian tendency in you .It is some thing very serious .All you need is a physiatrist treatment. .I says you quit your job. You can always get a good job here. I will get you treatment... We need not tell your daddy .every thing will be fine. You know how much your daddy long to see you get married .he insist that we bring up your children....

Anu  ...”Mummy I am serious, we have been together for the past seven years .since our engineering collage days. If both of you are longing for grandchildren I can be a biological mother for my children but no marriage for me.

Viji..”Anu, you have gone mad .you may be head of your company. Now what you are into is unnatural. You are not only ruining you life but also Nisha’s life.....

After the evening walk in went home .it was pleasant surprise for me to see my daughter at home.

I...”.Anu. When did you come “?

Anu...” By morning flight. I had to attend conference at meridian hotel .I will be leavening for New Delhi by 9.30 flight.

My wife bought chocolate drinks for us and she joined in our conversation.

I...”Anu see whether you can get transfer to Chennai, branch .you had been away from home for the past seven years. You know we had celebrated your twenty-eight birthday last month with out you.  Anu . Its time, that you get married “.

Anu ....”Recently I had joined our New Delhi branch as head of the department .Dad you know how ambitious I am. I do not want get married at this time of my carrier life. Please do not insist me to get married now.

Wife  ...” your daughter is ahead of our times .she does not want to get married she is already married!

I...” what am I hearing? Anu is that true “?

Viji...” you heard it right .your daughter is married to another woman .her intimate friend Nisha .they are living partners now.How disgusting. Anu says if we are longing for grant 

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Children she can become biological mother for her children! With out getting married .your daughter is sick .she needs treatment.                                                                      

I...”biological mother, .you means artificial insemination .Anu we are not longing for your illegitimate child, you understand that .gay and lesbian are perverted people. You are normal healthy woman .your mother is right .your are sick .you need treatment.

Anu....” No, daddy we are in love with each other since our engineering collage days. we cannot live without each other.

I...” married to another woman .it is unnatural .perverted people are mentally sick. You are ruining both of your life .get treated now...  

Anu ...”Mummy after dinner I will have to catch my flight by 9.30.

I.. “Anu , first you take leave for one month. Why leave?  Quit your job .I will get you the best treatment here in Chennai. Get married your kind of man and settle down in life I am not worried about my son in law’s religion or cast. I only want you to lead a normal life .you are only welcome if you are legally married to a man .even If you chose to live with a man  in living Partnership I will not approve of it .. I call it as marriage of convenience .one of the partner is likely to get used and abused  ...”

My daughter did not respond to me .she asked her mother to serve dinner for her .after the dinner .her official car came to took her to airport .she bid bye to her mother and left our home. I lit cigarette and sat on the sofa .wondering where my wife and me failed to bring up our daughter .my wife came and sat next to me.

I...”Viji, tell me was there any thing wrong the way we brought up our daughter”. ?

Wife ..’”  Don’t feel guilt conscious..It was not our fault; we had done our best for Anu. .we gave enough love and affection, more freedom than any other parents would have given for their children. ....

Continuded.@......  www.daxdigital.blogspot.com