Story - The Consequences of Neglect, Author - S M Moinul Hoque

The Consequences of Neglect 

 S M Moinul Hoque 

Dr. Debasish had passed his medical exams and joined a hospital. He had also found a flat. Now, it was time for him to find a bride.

"I had already liked a girl," Debasish's father said. "If you have any preferences, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll visit the girl's house tomorrow."

"Additionally, Amardeep has taken his secondary exams," he continued. "Once his results are out, I'll send him to you so you can ensure he studies well and becomes a doctor, just like you. Amardeep can also become a great neurologist like you."

"I have never disobeyed you, Father," Debasish replied. "I have no preferences. I will marry the girl you choose. I lknow you would never do anything harmful to me."

"Let's go see the bride tomorrow," his father said.

Dr. Debasish Roy married the girl his father chose. A few days later, Debasish left with his wife and Amardeep for their flat in Kolkata.

But something happened in Debasish's life that kept him away from his parents' house for four years. Debasish would talk to his parents over the phone, but his mother couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

"Four months have passed, and Debasish hasn't come home," his mother said. "Has he forgotten us after getting married?"

"What can I say?" his father replied. "Maybe something did happen. Amardeep isn't saying anything either. He says his mother is doing well."

"Should we visit Kolkata?" Debasish's mother asked.

"No, impossible," his father said. "We'll never go there. Let's just wait for Debasish to return."

Four years passed. Debasish's parents had lost hope of seeing their son. One day, Debasish appeared at their doorstep with his wife, child and Amardeep. Everyone bowed to the elderly couple.

Debasish's father was stunned. "Who is this girl?" he asked.

"This is your daughter-in-law," Debasish replied.

"But we didn't marry you to this girl!" his father exclaimed.

"There's a lot to explain, Father," Debasish said. "After marrying your chosen bride, we lived together for ten days in Kolkata. Then she told me she didn't want to live with me because her previous boyfriend was still in her heart. She left me and filed for divorce after just one month."

Amardeep had found a new bride for Debasish - his private tutor, Sohini, who had secretly loved Debasish since his school days. Sohini was now a physics teacher in Kolkata.

Debasish married Sohini, and they lived happily. Sohini loved Amardeep like his own brother.

"Father, Mother, please accept Sohini as your daughter-in-law," Debasish requested.

His father smiled. "Welcome, Sohini. You are now the elder daughter-in-law of this house."

The next morning, Debasish's father asked, "Debasish, what happened to your first wife?"

"Let's just say her life wasn't happy," Debasish replied.

"Tell me," his father insisted.

Debasish explained, "One day, I saw her begging outside Calcutta Medical College. She tried to hide, but I approached her."

"Why are you begging?" Debasish asked his ex-wife.

"God punished me for neglecting a good man like you," she replied.

Debasish offered her a job as his receptionist, but she refused, saying, "I can never face you again. Please don't come looking for me."

Debasish sighed. "We'll leave tomorrow morning, Father."