"Prasad, water the plants well. Summer heat will harm them" instructed Prakruth.
"Yes saab" said Prasad.
Prakruth was inspecting the whole farm inch by inch... 1 week of his absence hadn't made any changes here. Prasad had taken care of it very well.. But until he saw it himself, Prakruth couldn't sleep peacefully.
It was bright morning, he checked all the plants... Met all his pets and cuddled them. When he sat with his pets... Rabbits rested on his lap while he fed them, ducks were quacking and flapping their wings happily, pigeons were flying upon him... resting on his shoulders for some time again flying away and repeating the same. All his pets were moving around him showing how much they missed him. He cuddled many of them showing his love.
A car came and screeched at a distance... His mother got down first followed by his father.
"Hi Mom... Hi Dad" he waved excitedly. He freed himself from all the pets on him and stood up. The couple just waved at him and walked into the house. Dr. Murthy was on a call. Prakruth expected a hug from them... but he was disappointed.
"How are you?" asked his mother.
"Welcome home" said Prakruth "am fine" he replied. The maid came and wished them.
"Get some coffee" ordered Dr. Murthy to the maid... "Sit down Prakruth... How are your studies??" he said turning to Prakruth.
"Going good... I've never troubled you with bad grades" said Prakruth.
"Yeah I appreciate that. Was it necessary to participate in Nationals when you had CET and NEET to prepare...?" asked Dr raising his eyebrows.
"I think I can balance studies and sports" said Prakruth affirmatively.
"Don't talk to your father in that tone" said Dr. Sarala. Prakruth just nodded.
"How are your preparations for NEET?" asked his father.
"I'm not writing NEET" said Prakruth.
"What??" asked Murthy startled.
"I'm not writing NEET as I haven't applied for it" he said calmly.
Dr. Murthy got up from the sofa and came towards Prakruth in a rush..."Are you gone mad? Do you know what you are talking?"
Sarala tried to calm him, "I'll ask him.. You relax."
"Sarala does he know what he is doing??" screamed Murthy.
"Prakruth what is this? Don't you know NEET is mandatory for Medical seat selection? Didn't anyone tell you that?? Or you forgot to??" asked Sarala calmly...
"I intentionally didn't apply" he said
"Why??" asked Sarala.
"I don't want to be a doctor.. I hate busy life" he said.
"Being a doctor is a noble profession... Serving people who are suffering from various illnesses is a great job.. Why don't you want to take that career?" she asked.
"I know but I don't see any service oriented doctors... All are blood suckers, greedy for money" he said sarcastically.
"How dare you speak like that??" stormed Murthy towards him..
"Murthy let me speak.... Stop... He's a grown up boy..." said Sarala.
"You're too young to decide all this... Better join Medical... We'll arrange for payment seat" said Sarala.
"No chance mom... I'm not interested in Medical care" he said strongly.
"How will you look after the hospital if you're not a doctor??" asked Sarala.
"I can manage the hospital revenue as business, it is not mandatory to have a medical degree. MBA will also do" he said.
"You don't have the right to shatter our dreams like this... You can't go against your parents. Mind you" warned Murthy.
"Genetic defect Dad, you went against grandparents. I'm repeating it. They wanted you to be a doctor here and serve village people... but you went to city according to your wish" argued Prakruth.
"They've brainwashed you very well, according to them we're not good. I didn't find a future here in the village 20 years back so I left.. But you've a easy way. You're not choosing it" frowned Murthy.
"I don't want hectic future... I want peace, love and family..." screamed Prakruth.
"We're a family Prakruth" said Sarala.
"Mom when was the last time dad told you that he loves you??" he asked.
"....." Sarala was blank.
"Dad when was the last time you bought me a shirt or shoe??" he asked his father.
"You had people to guide you what to buy where.. You don't need me to select one" said Murthy.
"The people who guided didn't tell me what looks good on me, what doesn't... There were people to cook but no one stopped me from unhealthy food or told me this is healthy... No one waited for me at home, no one panicked when I drove harsh, you never knew when I was suffering from fever and fighting a betrayal from a friend... !" Prakruth's eyes welled up.
"I wanted my son to be self sufficient, so I allowed you to independently decide what you want..." said Murthy.
"We do care about you son, now you're here so it is difficult to come... Come stay with us.. We'll look after you" said Sarala in a convincing voice.
"Ha ha ha..." Prakruth started laughing loudly.... "Mom you didn't observe that my hand is wounded, you say you care about me??" he asked.
"Oh where when what happened??" she asked.
"Don't worry, I'll manage. I've learnt to heal my wounds myself... So I don't want my kids to suffer like me... I won't leave them alone to become self sufficient and independent" he said sarcastically.
"You've learnt all this from your grandparents. They have filled all baseless emotions in you..." scowled Murthy.
"Love, family, affection, care.. All these are baseless Dad?? he asked.
"Yes utter bull shit, they won't help you earn anything in life" said the father.
"Well then with money can you buy our grandparents back or my love for you?" he asked.
"What if I say I won't write any of my property in your name?? You'll come back to me" said Murthy.
Prakruth smirked... "I can earn what I want but will never return to you for money" he said.
"Sarala your son is mad totally... He won't change" he said lighting a cigarette.
"I should've agreed to sell this land when you asked... Today we didn't have to see this" said Sarala.
"Thank God, I could save this for myself or else I would have lost this heaven of love, my childhood and grandparents memories.... Dad couldn't sell without my signature. Hope you both remember that?" he asked.
"I will see how will you prosper from limited income from this land...." said Murthy to scare Prakruth.
"Please join medical or else your father won't help you financially too" warned Sarala.
"I can't kill my dreams to fulfill yours... Dad you wanted me to be independent and self sufficient... I will show you how. So please leave" he said.
"Prakruth is this your final decision?" asked Murthy.
"Yes absolutely. I know what I'm doing" he said.
"Prakruth what will happen to Lifeline??" asked Sarala in a low tone
"Did you ask me before building it??" asked Prakruth.
"Sarala we'll leave now or else I may not be able to control my anger...." said Murthy.
"Prakruth think again.. Don't enrage your father." She said
"I'm sorry I can't change my decision" he said firmly.
"Ok take care of your wound, should I look at it once???" she asked. Prakruth wanted to ask "Do you ask the patient same way...? No, you treat them passionately because they pay money" he thought.
"I'm going... you stay here and look after your son" frowned Murthy walking out of the house.
"No mom.. I'll manage you carry on.. Bye" said Prakruth.
She walked away towards the car. In few seconds the car left carrying his disappointed parents.