It was evening There was a light breeze in the park and some elderly people were sitting on the benches amidst the trees and chatting as usual. Two old friends were sitting on one of those benches. When the conversation started, the first elder said, “I have a granddaughter, who is now of marriageable age. She has done B.E. and does a good job. She is about five feet two inches tall and is very beautiful in appearance. If you have a good boy in your sight, please let me know.”
The second old man smiled and asked, “So what kind of family does your granddaughter want?” At first the old man started answering without thinking, “It’s nothing special, the boy should have done M.E. or M.Tech. He should have a good job, the salary should also be decent – at least one lakh rupees per month. He should have his own house, a car, an AC in the house and if there is a small garden, then even better.” The second elder nodded slightly and asked, “Anything else?” The first elder bowed a little and said, “Yes, the most important thing is that the boy should be alone. There should be no parents, brothers or sisters. In fact, due to all this, there are fights in the house.”
Hearing this, the eyes of the second elder suddenly became moist. He slowly wiped his tears and said in a heavy voice, “A friend of mine has a grandson, all alone. He has no siblings. His parents also left this world in an accident. He has a good job, a salary of Rs 1.5 lakh, a car, a bungalow, everything.”
The first elder said excitedly, “Oh wow! Then things can be resolved.” The second elder took a deep breath and said, “Yes! But he also has a condition. He wants that the girl’s family should not have parents, siblings or any relatives.” The first elder was shocked, “What kind of nonsense is this? Why should our family end? Who will be with him tomorrow in his happiness or sorrow?”
The second elder said in a calm but deep voice, “Wow my friend, family is important for yourself, but not for others? Explain the importance of family to your children. Be it elders or younger ones in the house, everyone is a true companion in the joys and sorrows of life. Without a family, a person neither has anyone to share his happiness nor anyone to support him in his sorrows.” The first elder was now completely silent. Both shame and understanding were clearly visible on his face. That conversation in the park that day left a deep message that family is the real wealth of life. If family is together, every happiness seems double and every sorrow is halved.
