Question

As Veena, Rakesh’s wife, write a letter to your sister expressing how bad you feel that your husband’s concern for his father is being misconstrued as being heartless.

Answer 1

Dear Meera,

I have been feeling very troubled and wanted to share it with you. Rakesh is devoted to his father and is only trying to protect his health. He brings him tea, reads the newspaper to him and makes sure he follows a careful diet. As a doctor, Rakesh has seen how dangerous rich food and sweets can be for an elderly person with health problems.

Yet Papa sees these restrictions as cruelty. He thinks Rakesh is denying him food and freedom, and even refuses the medicines Rakesh gives him. It hurts me to see my husband’s genuine concern misunderstood as heartlessness. Rakesh may sometimes sound firm, but I know that his actions come from love and worry, not a lack of respect.

I wish Papa could understand his son’s intentions, and I hope Rakesh can also find gentler ways to care for him. This situation has made the whole household unhappy.

With love, Veena