Unforeseen Consequences
Albeit unknowingly, his parents inked his calamitous fate.
Mihir and Sanjana were married for a decade but did not have children. Sanjana tried everything, including artificial methods, but failed to conceive. After a long and emotional journey, they decided to adopt a child. They registered with an adoption agency and completed the necessary paperwork after doing a bit of research.
Almost a year later, they received a call from the adoption Centre informing them that a three-month-old boy named Manas was available for adoption. Their joy knew no bounds, and they quickly arranged to fly to the Centre on the outskirts of Nagpur. The caretaker at the agency introduced them to baby Manas.
The moment Sanjana saw him, tears of happiness flowed down her cheeks, and a radiant smile graced her face. She tenderly held him in her arms and gently cradled him. Not for a nanosecond Sanjana felt she was holding Manas for the first time.
With all the paperwork in order, they soon welcomed Manas into their home. Every passing day was a new experience for Sanjana and Mihir. They spent hours by his side and showered love and attention.
However, challenges arose as Manas grew older. Sanjana, who was generally carefree and not fond of household chores, had to cook for Manas. She often opted for quick and convenient meal options, and Mihir would never object. But little did they know that they were unknowingly setting the stage for their son's calamitous fate. Manas soon developed a strong taste for fast food, like processed food, pizzas and pasta, and began to associate them with "healthy" choices.
As Manas grew older, his health declined, primarily due to a lack of proper nutrition. He often fell sick. His immune system grew weaker, and he remained underweight. He frequently skipped school, resulting in a lower than 50% attendance rate. Sanjana’s friends and parents of other kids suggested she should change his diet. Instead of focusing on nutritious food, Sanjana and Mihir resorted to antibiotics and syrups that temporarily alleviated his health condition.
As time went by, Manas resisted attending school. He spent his days at home, mostly sleeping. His once lively spirit had diminished, leaving him fragile. Despite being ten years old today, he appears no older than five.
There has been no noticeable growth in either his weight or height. While kids his age play, dance and participate in events, he often is cooped in his home.
Desperate for a solution, Mihir and Sanjana sought medical help for Manas but failed to recognize the critical role of a balanced diet in maintaining good health, not only physical but mental health too.
Manas often stayed irritated and furious due to persistent fever, cough and tiredness. He yelled and threw objects when his parents stopped him from eating his type of food.
Mihir and Sanjana couldn't help but wonder if they, knowingly or unknowingly, had inked their son's calamitous fate.
Authors Note: I have picked the first line from Dr. Latha Prakash’s story ‘His Calamitous Fate’ (Quintale- 46), Link- https://penmancy.com/quintale-46/
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