Till the last breath

-Vellore Ve. Ramkumar

Narasimhan opened the door as the calling bell rang. He saw his childhood friend, Santanam was standing. And he looked much worried!

‘Come in. You look much worried!’

Soon after coming in, he placed his head on Narasimhan’s shoulder and began to cry.

‘What happened?’

‘What can I say? I brought up my only child with so much of love. What justice is there! Today on the advice of his wife he is sending me to Old Age Home! Could you advise him?’

‘Me? I myself...........’ His voice could not come out!

Meanwhile, Narasimhan’s son came with a travel bag in his hand. ‘Daddy! Shall we go?’

‘I’m ready.’

‘Where are you going, Narasimhan?’

‘Uncle! Daddy is not doing well! We’re not able to take care of him. I can’t meet his medicines’ expenses also. So I’m taking him to Old Age Home.’.

‘Santanam! Whether it is only one child or many children, an old father is always a burden! They forget one thing. Today we are in the line........tomorrow.........their turn may also come! Thank God! My wife is not alive today! OK!  We’ll meet in the Old Age Home! Come soon!’ Looking towards his son, he said, ‘Let’s go!’

Santanam’s tongue went dumb! Then he realized that friendship alone last till last breath!