A Father’s Love

A Farmer’s Worries

In a certain city, there lived a farmer named Hari. Though he was well-off, he had no heirs, which caused him many sleepless nights. At last, a son was born to him, and his cup of happiness overflowed. The baby was named Arvind and grew up surrounded by the love and care lavished upon him by his doting parents.

Growing Up

Arvind became a handsome youth, and soon his parents found him a suitable bride. In the course of time, Hari became a proud grandfather. However, Arvind was not very happy. He had never done a stroke of work in his life, as his father had always prevented him from doing so. Now that Hari had grown old, Arvind wanted to help in the fields, but his father always found some excuse to keep him from exerting himself in the scorching heat of the midday sun.

Affective Intervention

One day, Arvind stood in the path leading to the fields and stopped Hari, saying, “Father, I’ll go and work in the fields today. Mother wants you back for some job at home.” Without thinking twice, Hari handed over the plough and hurried home. Arvind, shouldering the plough, went off to work in the fields. Realizing that his son had played a trick on him, Hari returned to the fields, where he found Arvind working with great enthusiasm. Hari called out to him to stop, warning that the midday sun was blazing down mercilessly. However, Arvind continued, undeterred by his father’s pleas.

A Harsh Lesson

Desperate, Hari thought of a way to teach his son a lesson. He went back home and returned with his grandson, a mere toddler. Then, he laid the child down on the hot, baked ground, warmed by the sun’s rays. The child cried out in pain, and at once, Arvind dropped the plough and ran towards Hari.

An Understanding Heart

<p“Father, what are you doing? You have laid the child down on the hot earth! How could you do such a thing?” Arvind cried out in shock. Hari picked up the child, smiling gently as he explained, “Well, son, I called out to you several times because I didn’t want you to tire yourself out in the midday sun. But you paid no heed. However, you came running for your child. How could I bear to see my son suffer so?”

Conclusion

Arvind finally understood how deeply his father loved him. In turn, he extracted a promise that he would be allowed to work in the fields now and then. After all, what son wants to remain idle?