Relatives And Relationships

Intrusion of apartheid in the familial bonds.

- Jayalakshmi Sreedhan

The moment a child is born, he or she becomes a relative to so many people and they become his or her relatives - mother, father, brother, sister, grandfather, and grandmother, and on it goes.

This circle of relatives gradually expands whenever a marriage or function takes place in the family resulting in the addition of a new member. Particularly when the extended family is a large one, we find that the number of relatives is also overwhelming.

Blood relationship is no doubt thicker and there are many who make the most of this bond. It could be school or college admissions - My uncle is the chief there, no problem, we hear them say.

It could be an interview - My relative is in the panel, he'll take care.

Admission of a patient to any reputed hospital, and getting the appointment fixed with the chief doctor sometimes poses a problem. This is easily solved when somebody working in the hospital is a relative.

Spending the vacation in a jolly good fashion without spending too much money is possible when you have a relative living in the place where you decide to spend the vacation.

There are others, however, who do not want to take such liberties.

Rohit was hunting for a good job. Frustrated by his repeated failures, he said to his father one day, Daddy, your brother is the chief executive in such a reputed concern. Why shouldn't we ask him to get me a good job?

You don't expect me to beg in front of my brother, hands outstretched 'please do me the favour of getting my son a good job', retorted his father angrily.

Savitri was looking for a good match for her daughter. Why don't you approach your aunt? suggested her husband. She is a popular figure and has a wide circle of friends.

No, refused Savitri, I'll manage it myself.