There was a day when the Sun was up during mid-summer. Everything in the world was going the usual way for many and the unusual way for many as well. Everyone knows how life works, no need for someone to tell them that.
So, on this day which was pretty usual for fifty-five years old Mr Madan, who was driving to his office, a certain lingering thought was communicated.
“So, you want to marry again?” asked Mr Vadra, one of Mr Madan’s colleagues and good friend; both of them worked in an international telecommunication company
“Speak in a lower tone,” said Mr Madan looking around if somebody had heard
“Do you have anybody in mind?” asked Mr Vadra in a lower tone
“No, but I am not sure, it is a maybe. It might just be a fleeting feeling,” said Mr Madan
“It’s completely all right, you don’t have to be hesitant about it. It is completely normal to remarry” asked Mr Vadra
“I am sure its just a temporary phase and it will be over,” said Mr Madan
Mr Vadra did not say anything further on that particular topic.
It wasn’t a temporary phase though Mr Madan did think about it later and then some more later. No, his wife did not leave him, they separated due to Mr Madan’s busy work schedule and absence of any work life balance. Well work can give you purpose and at times it can give you the perfect distraction from everything else, but it will not fulfil all the aspects of life. Sometimes people don’t realise it and sometimes they do, and no one is wrong, the meaning of life can differ from person to person.
“What is it dad? What did you want to talk about?” asked Mr Madan’s elder son Rohit on a phone call
“Rohit, you remember you were telling me that thing about if I ever wanted more from life,” said Mr Madan
“I did? What were we talking about?” asked Rohit
“Well.. I think things need a little change,” said Mr Madan
“I honestly cannot understand dad,” said Rohit
Mr Madan skipped the topic talking about thinking of buying a new car. But a worried Rohit told his sister Sana who understood what the matter was and in what conversation Rohit spoke about wanting more from life. Thus, she decided to visit Mr Madan the very next day and while they were talking, she suddenly said, “I know what you wanted to talk about to Rohit”
“The car? I have been thinking about it for a while, I think there are some good options in market,” said Mr Madan
“No, not the car. The other thing in your mind. I know some people who can carry on by their own selves, and then there are those like you, who think they can carry on like this but really can’t,” said Sana
Mr Madan felt if he had to come out open with what he truly felt this was the right time.
“So, it’s all right..? I mean with you people?” asked Mr Madan
“Of course, dad, maybe you don’t see it, but we want to see you happy as well, just like you want to see us,” replied Sana and Mr Madan smiled
I was invited to the marriage and I was there, it was a nice event and I don’t think I have seen people so happy at any other marriage. I don’t know how they are in the present, but I do hope they are having a good life together.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 