"A Devoted Son" is a short story written by Anita Desai that follows the relationship between a father and son in a traditional Indian family. The story is narrated by the son, Rakesh, and examines the different expectations and pressures that exist within the family dynamic.
At the beginning of the story, Rakesh is a successful and accomplished young man who has fulfilled his father's expectations by becoming a doctor. Despite his success, Rakesh is not content with his life and feels that he has sacrificed his own dreams and desires for the sake of his father's approval. He is constantly seeking his father's approval and validation, even as he grows older and becomes more successful.
As the story progresses, Rakesh's father becomes ill and begins to rely on his son for care and support. Rakesh is happy to fulfill his role as a devoted son, but he becomes increasingly resentful of his father's demands and expectations. He feels that his father is taking advantage of his devotion and is not showing him the respect and appreciation that he deserves.
Despite his frustration, Rakesh continues to care for his father and sacrifices his own needs in order to meet his father's needs. However, their relationship becomes strained and Rakesh becomes more and more unhappy. He begins to resent his father and feels trapped by the role of the devoted son.
In the end, Rakesh is forced to confront the realities of his relationship with his father and the expectations that have been placed on him. He realizes that he has been sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of his father's approval and decides to make a change in his life. He leaves his father's house and begins to pursue his own dreams and desires, breaking free from the expectations of being a devoted son.
Overall, "A Devoted Son" is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores the complex dynamics of family relationships and the expectations and pressures that can shape a person's life. It is a poignant reminder that we should always strive to live our own lives and follow our own dreams, rather than being held back by the expectations of others.
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