Vantage Points - Part 2

This is the second part of the love story I had written for the Harper Collins contests, putting across the view point of another key player in the drama. 

Krishnan

You just cannot trust anyone in this world. My best friend just slipped a dagger through my back! For twenty five years, we have been the best of friends and this is what I get in return. Him of all people! I never expected this. I have just lost faith in humanity.

Well, come to think of it, it is not entirely his fault either. What can anyone do with a son like that? A total scoundrel! That is what his son is. How much love and affection, we have showered on the boy. But it turns out we have been feeding a snake all these years. Now finally when the time has come, he has shown his true colors.

My poor daughter! How much she loves him! Her face had lit up like a chandelier when we broached this matter of marriage with him. Later when we told her it was not happening, all the light in her life went out like a fuse. How could he do this to her after playing with her emotions for so many years? They have been together to the same school, then to the same college. Now they both have even got jobs at the same company. It was as if God made them for each other. But no! This boy has other ideas it seems! At least can’t his father shake some sense into him? If he had been my son, I would have just caught hold of his collar and shook him like a damn rat till he saw sense. But he will do no such thing! His love for his son has totally blinded him. Isn't blood thicker than water as they say? What chance does even a life time of friendship stand against the love of a father?

Is he the only one in this world who loves his child? If Ashwin is his only son, Swati is my only daughter too. My love for her would in all probability not just match but also exceed his love for this son. The poor girl was just speechless for a few moments when I broke the news to her over phone. It must have been so shocking for her. Why wouldn’t it be? I was so shocking even for us.

But the girl is also so stupid. A hopeless romantic, she still clings on to some hope! Radha tells me that she is still talking to him at her work place. I fail to understand what is still left to talk with that blackguard after he has so clearly rejected her. Can’t she just move on? No! She won’t. That is  how she is: my stubborn little angel! She wants him only. Once she sets her mind on something, she can’t rest till she has it. That is how we have brought her up. But what can we do in this case? There is no way I can  help her get what she wants this time. I feel so helpless. How much pain our children cause us! 

Previous Part of Story   : Vantage Points: Part 1  

Next Part of Story        :  Vantage Points: Part 3