Pradip could never doubt his parentage. Such was the devotion his parents lavished on him. They knew the long wait they had to bear to get him. Legal procedures were there then though not as laborious as it is today. They had to get their name registered and wait for their turn. It was a long wait like the period of pregnancy. Still, Janaki and Jayaraj waited patiently and finally got their bundle of joy. They realized the responsibility involved in the new title of “parents” bestowed on them. Jayaraj had arranged a job abroad for him for some years to keep away the truth of adoption from prying eyes. Such was their sincere effort to treat the baby as their flesh and blood.

After a few years of their stay abroad, they returned to India. Having taken up a job in Chennai, Jayaraj was able to put Pradip in the best school in the vicinity. Janaki and Jayaraj spared no effort to bring him up with utmost care.  He steadily grew up in wisdom and stature and entered college life. One nagging thought always lingered in his mind. He never resembled either of his parents. He wanted to ask them but could not lest it wound them.

His college life went on well with the subjects of his choice. He was gaining popularity by participating in most of the extra-curricular activities. Once by chance, he happened to meet one of his college mates Suresh at the college day play rehearsals.  He told Pradip casually that a boy in their neighbourhood had a striking resemblance to him.  This information started working in his mind and he became curious to meet him. He informed his parents about it and his father said “Well that is how it goes. Haven’t you heard each one has seven look alikes in the world? When Pradip expressed his desire to meet him, his father never stood in the way. So, he told Suresh “I would like to see my lookalike in your neighbourhood. Can I come with you?”

Suresh called his neighbour ,Balan to meet Pradip. Both were dumbstruck looking at each other. Such a strong resemblance!  “How can this be possible?” thought Pradip. Balan also could not refrain from thinking likewise. Curiosity further motivated Pradip to say, “Balan, I would like to meet your family if you don’t mind.”.  Pradip did not know why he asked so. 

Balan told him his tale of woe. He could not pursue his college studies for he was forced to support his parents and siblings- two sisters and a brother. Balan was the youngest in the family. All of them excluding their mother went to work to support the family. They were not able to accomplish anything apart from their daily existence. When Pradip met them, his heart went out for them. Balan’s two sisters were of marriageable age but still, the parents couldn’t settle them. They were all surprised to see the striking resemblance between Balan and Pradip. By way of conversation, the father said, “Due to abject poverty, we decided to give our youngest son, then a baby, for adoption.  We thought at least let him escape this poverty and come up in life. When we heard that he had gone to good and financially sound foster parents, we were only happy for him. Still, the thought of meeting him comes up often”.

Pradip enquired  the names of Balan’s parents and other details. After spending sometime with the family, he left them saying he would keep in touch. Back at home, he was detailing his visit to Balan’s house and other information.  When he gave the parents their names and where they were before coming to Chennai, he could see a visible change in their reaction. They could not hide the truth any longer. His father informed a shocked Pradip that they were his foster parents while Balan’s parents were his parents!

Pradip had mixed feelings when he heard it. How could his parents give him up? At the same time, he was thankful his foster parents brought him up so well. He said to them both, “I am ever so grateful to you for giving me everything I needed especially your love and devotion. I am always indebted for the same. I will take care of you both till the end. But I have one request. I want you to take care of my family too. I cannot live here in luxury while they reel in abject poverty. I want my sisters to be settled and steady jobs for my brothers so that they can take care of my parents.” When his foster parents heardthat, a sword pierced their hearts. They realised their son belonged to that family first and they were only his foster parents.  They were large-hearted enough to accept his request. Or else they might have to lose him even! Needless to say real love is all-inclusive. Pradip with the support of his foster parents could take care of both families. Surprisingly adoption has brought the families together!