"A Devoted Son" is a short story by Anita Desai that tells the tale of a father-son relationship and the conflict that arises between them as the son becomes a successful doctor and begins to challenge his traditional upbringing.
The story begins with the son, Rakesh, returning home from medical school, where he has excelled in his studies and has become a highly skilled and respected doctor. His father, Varma, is proud of his son's achievements and sees him as the embodiment of the hard work and dedication that he has instilled in him.
However, as Rakesh begins to assert his independence and challenge his father's traditional values, a rift begins to form between the two. Rakesh wants to modernize the family's small clinic and bring in new, more modern equipment and techniques, while his father is resistant to change and wants to stick to the old ways of doing things.
As the tension between them grows, Rakesh becomes increasingly frustrated with his father's refusal to embrace progress and begins to distance himself from him. Eventually, he decides to move out of the family home and start his own practice, causing a rift between the two that seems irreparable.
Despite this, Rakesh remains devoted to his father and visits him regularly, always showing him the respect and love that he deserves. However, as Varma's health begins to decline, Rakesh is forced to confront the fact that he may have been too hard on his father and that he may have taken his traditional values and way of life for granted.
In the end, Rakesh realizes the error of his ways and reconciles with his father, showing him the compassion and devotion that he has always felt but never fully expressed. Through their reconciliation, Rakesh comes to understand the importance of respecting and honoring one's elders, even if they do not always see things the same way.
Overall, "A Devoted Son" is a poignant and thought-provoking tale about the complexities of family relationships and the importance of respecting one's elders, even when they do not always see things in the same way. It serves as a reminder that despite our differences, the bond between parent and child is one that is built on love, devotion, and mutual respect.
