DIGNITY FIRST

Age is no barrier for being Independent.

- Sudha Vishwanathan

So it all started when Ranganathan, once a robust and lively man, became sick, his body now a mere shell of its former self.

Seventy-eight-year-old Ranganathan and his wife Parvati, five years younger than her husband, had never been a burden to their three daughters. This had always been a source of relief and joy for the self-centered girls.

“Appa is not in good health. We are in the process of making some critical decisions. Your presence will be solicited for that.” Parvati’s call sparked a flurry of frantic communication among the three girls, each one realising the gravity of the situation. More than their father’s health, the three were worried about what kind of burden would fall on them.

“What is happening?”

“Don't tell me we must arrange a home nurse for Appa.”

“Nowadays, I hear they charge 800 rupees per day for twelve hours of duty. Do Amma and Appa have that kind of money?”

The three put forward postulates and theories but arrived at no authentic answers and finally decided to visit their parents that evening.

The three initially inquired about Appa’s health out of formality and went inside to peruse the passbooks and other bank-related stuff.

“Have you checked Appa’s bank balance?” Shyamala, the eldest daughter, asked her sisters, Meghna and Nidhi, in a hushed tone.

“Has he sufficient savings for his treatment?”

“Is there enough for Mom to survive after Appa’s death?”

More than their concern for their parents, the worry of having to pool in finances was gnawing at the minds of the three daughters.

No one looked at the fragile man lying on the bed, struggling to breathe. Everyone was busy rummaging through the cupboards for the passbook and fixed deposit certificates. They conveniently forgot that their mother had mentioned discussing something important.