IT'S SIXTY NOW!!

                                                     

                                                                                      

(when retirement age was raised from 58 to 60yrs.)

It was a dinner party, lavish and big. Two colleagues – Mr A and Mr B were to retire from a prestigious bank by the month-end. Two of their juniors Mr C and Mr D who were going to benefit by getting promoted were hosting a farewell dinner at the house of Mr D.

The guest list was an assorted one and included bankers and government officials. Though they were all from different institutions and age groups, what glue them to one another was their insatiable curiosity about the careers of others, their perennial habit of comparing one another and of course the usual bitching and gossiping. That day, befitting the occasion, the conversation centered around retirement. Mr A, one of the retiring officers was contentment personified. “I had a full career. I have no regrets” he said. But Mr B, the other guest of honour was in sour mood. “But why? We are still hale and hearty. Why can’t we get two more years? Like our friends in RBI?” thundered the belligerent banker.

All eyes turned to the lone RBI officer present. Enjoying the privileged status, yet trying hard to conceal it, he said “Oh, come on. Don’t sulk. I myself am already vexed with this daily grind. If only we too retire at the age of 58” he sounded wistful.

Mr A agreed. “Yes, of course. We had our time and now we should give chance to youngsters. Otherwise the unemployment problem will rock the country. Just think about the thousands of poor unemployed youth of our land! If, we old people stick to our chairs, how will they get a chance? We should not be so greedy” he preached.

“As if his retirement alone would solve the entire problem”, Mrs C whispered in Mrs D’s ears. They both were the hostesses. The youngsters were visibly impressed by the magnanimity.

“But, Sir, you are an exception. Most of the seniors are like leeches”, chirped in Mr. E, a careeristic young turk, tongue-in-cheek. He was working under Mr B.

Mr B glared at him. If only looks could kill! But Mr E was unfazed. He was notorious for his devil-may-care-attitude towards people who do not matter in his scheme of things.

Mr D, in whose house the party was going on, sensed the heat and switched on the TV news in an attempt to divert their attention. But it was not to be.

After the usual blah-blah about national policies, the news reader suddenly announced in a cheerful tone that the government had decided to raise the retirement age to 60. That came as a bolt. Everyone was taken in by surprise. There was pindrop silence for a moment. Then there was a jubilant mood around.

The RBI man exclaimed, “What a pleasant surprise! So now you will also join our group. Congratulations” he said enthusiastically. But to others it sounded like pure jealousy.

B turned to E. “So now, young man, we have no choice, you see. We are officially made the leeches”.

E turned pale. He was well aware of B’s elephantine memory. He desperately made a mental note of never rubbing him on the wrong side in future and also his mind was racing to find ways and means to undo the damage.

Mr P from another bank was not far behind. He turned to A and asked sarcastically “So, Mr A, what will you do? Will you accept this extra time or retire by this month-end?”

Although dumbfounded, A was quick enough to gather himself. “Oh–ah-well-see-I am a humble disciplined soldier—always am. Whatever may be my personal views, I will follow the orders. If I am ordered to remain, I will. It is as simple as that.”

“See his hypocrisy.” It was Mrs D’s turn to whisper in Mrs C’s ears.

“But there is a thing called voluntary retirement, you know?” P did not want to let him go. Since quite some time it was a common sight in the social circles, A presenting a picture of looking forward to his retirement and B dreading the impending disaster.

Mr C, although enjoying the drama- thought enough was enough and addressed Mr B, “So, your wish is granted. You must be very happy”. There was a slight trace of disappointment in his voice which was quite understandable.

Quite contrary to expectations, Mr B was still in sour mood. Given his aversion to retirement, his bad mood was unfathomable.

“No” he glowered.

There was an uneasy silence around.

“You know what happened? Last week I got my house in Calcutta vacated and I had to go to the court for that. Only two days back I sent my family there with bag and baggage to get the necessary repairs done. I forced my daughter to reject a very lucrative job offer here and now she is sitting idle at home. My son had to pay a fat deposit for a house which he will be renting from next month. I had to arrange that too! And now they say ‘you will get two more years’. What for this borrowed time and at what cost” he was breathing fire.

Now all were in a better position to understand his earlier sour mood. They were full of sympathy for his unenviable plight!

All of a sudden A was a little skeptical. “Hey, did anybody hear the news properly? Did he mention the date from which the order will become effective? Will it be from this month or next month?” He was anxious to know.

“See his hypocrisy?”Mrs C again whispered.

“Don’t worry. He said the decision will come into force within 2,3 days-much before the last day of this month” someone reassured him. A was visibly relieved.

But P was still in a taunting mood. “But friend, I think your birthday was on the 13^th of this month. Isn’t it? That means you completed 58 years before this announcement.”

A was flabbergasted. “But-but-“ he stammered “Will I be denied of this? They can’t do it to me. How can they? I have to find out quickly then.”

“See, see” it was Mrs C again to Mrs D.

Smelling something fishy going on between the two of them, Mrs A came nearer. In a conspiratorial tone she said to Mrs D “See, people change their colours so easily. From tomorrow, the very people that are ignoring us since some time, will sing a different tune. Just be watching” with a slide glance towards a startled Mrs C. Everybody knew that of late Mrs C was indifferent towards Mrs A. If it was not for her good natured husband’s insistence, she would not have agreed to give this party at all.

Having had her say, Mrs A sauntered away. Mrs E, ever curious to know what was going on all around, joined them. Seeing Mrs D’s dejected face she enquired “Why are you so subdued?”

Mrs D hesitated a little before admitting, “Of course, I am” she sighed “If only this news came one day earlier, we would not have bothered about this party. Since morning I was toiling alone”-this with a glance towards Mrs C, who despite being the co-hostess, was so irresponsible as to arrive late along with the guests-“and all this trouble is a big waste! They are not going to retire” she sounded disappointed.

“—and we are not going to be promoted” Mrs C quipped in. “Added to that , Mrs A is cross with us now”.

Mrs E nodded sympathetically.

Throughout the dinner, the menfolk were discussing the related problems.

Mr S, a government official was repenting “Of late, I was very disobedient towards my boss. Thought he would be going home soon. Why, only yesterday I told him ‘I care two hoots for you’ Imagine! Saying this to my boss who would be around for two more years now! Must try to change my desk and go to some other boss.”

“Will it be possible for you?”E enquired enthusiastically. By now, his tongue was bleeding as a result of constant biting for a while.

Mr J who was due to retire next month was also worried. “I took my retirement for granted and virtually stopped working hard since two months. I delegated every thing to my juniors. Now I should start taking interest again and re-assert myself. Otherwise these fellows will swallow me.Oh, what a bore!” He beat his brow.

His wife chirped in. “It will be a tall order. You already lost the habit of working-either hard or light.” As the laughter subsided, she added, “From tomorrow onwards no preferential treatment at home for you. Don’t go on saying-‘I am a tired old man’ or ‘keep in my age in mind’ or ‘I need rest’ etc. etc.Be active and agile”

“My son got selected in this commercial bank. But it had to be against some retirement vacancies. I don’t know what will happen to him now” One father was worrying.

Suddenly there was a shriek. All looked at Mrs P. She was besides herself with joy. They were all puzzled. “My maid servant--bless her! You know. I am very lucky to have such a nice and sincere maid. But she was saying they would shift to their village next month after her husband’s retirement. But now, this means he will not retire and she will not leave. Oh my good fortune!”

“But in my case it is the reverse. My maid already accepted a new house from next month. What shall I do?”Mrs A lamented.

Mr D was airing his problems. “And that means the two good-for-nothing-creatures of my peon and driver will not retire for two more years. I have to bear with them till then. Oh, god!”

But Mr P’s face brightened. “A handful of my officers are really gems who are hard-working and sincere. Now they will remain for two more years. What a relief! I need not worry about finding substitutes for them now.”

The party came to an end. The guests started to leave after thanking the hosts who although a little crestfallen at their changed fortunes, put on a brave front.

“Shall I drop you at home, sir” E offered to B who refused rather bluntly. “No, don’t bother. My house is in the opposite direction.”

“No, sir. It is not a bother, sir. It is a pleasure, sir” E was pleading desperately.

“I will sue them if they deny me extension just because I was born before this announcement”A was threatening.

“So were all of us” P chuckled.

“I mean just because I completed 58 before this announcement”A corrected himself.

“See, see” Mrs C whispered after making sure that Mrs A was not in the vicinity.

Mrs D was staring at the disarrayed furniture, the piles of plates and dishes and the fast disappearing figure of Mrs C.

LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT

I never thought that life after retirement would be like this; I mean my life after my husband’s retirement. No, not even in my wildest dreams did I bargain for this state of affairs!

A few days before my husband’s retirement, my children and I had an emergency meeting to discuss the best strategy to handle the problems which would arise after the Big Day.

In fact, it was not my idea. I was like- “What is the big deal about this? From times immemorial, I had been handling all sorts of crises – that too quite efficiently.”

“That is your own assessment” Both my kids interrupted. After receiving a fiery glare from me, they changed tracks hastily. Of course they mastered that art long back. “This is different, mum, very, very different.”

I frowned. “Different? How? Is it different from his transfer blues or interview blues or promotion blues or what not?”

“No, no, mummy. Of course this is much more serious. Why don’t you understand? We hear so many of our friends lamenting about how difficult it is to cope with a retiree’s mood- offs and frustrations and bring him out of his depression.” 

They went on narrating story after story of the problematic retirees who became most obstinate and bitter overnight and their suffering spouses and families. Till then I never gave any serious thought to the situation, post- my husband’s retirement. But their words scared me a bit. I started gathering some first hand facts from other sources about the various scenarios following a retirement in the family. Then the scare was ten- folded.

Some of the stories ran like this.

One retiree started nagging his wife to no end. We all know she is a perfect homemaker with good organisational and planning skills. Her house is always spic and span. He himself used to feel proud of that before. But now all of a sudden, he started finding dust and rubbish everywhere and criticising her in each and everything to such an alarming extent that the poor lady was shattered and had a nervous breakdown.

Another one started rummaging wife’s wardrobe and commenting, “Why do you buy so many saris? All these years I was not aware that you are wasting my hard earned money so much. No more new clothes in the near future.” He decreed. Then he started inspecting the kitchen and concluded that she is cooking much more than the required quantity. Now he is busy trying to control that too.

One lady is socially very active with a large circle of friends and umpteen number of activities. Most of the daytime she is busy with the telephone. Her retired husband put a curb on her outgoing calls and with nothing better to do, started eavesdropping whenever she got a call. He used to listen to her side of the conversation and bombard her with prolonged cross examination afterwards with, “Why did you say like this or what do you mean when you said like that?” The lady was driven to near madness. Telephone is the prime lifeline for her. But now she shudders whenever the phone rings.

Another one took upon himself the duty of entertaining his wife’s friends and relatives whenever they drop in. Very soon their house was boycotted by most. People told her very plainly, “Whenever you feel like, you are most welcome to our house. But don’t invite us over and don’t blame us for not reciprocating.” Of course, this suited the lady also, who could well appreciate their hardship in tolerating her husband’s company for long. Now she spends most of her daytime here and there.

Then there is the one who likes to meddle with the maid’s work and is ever critical of his wife’s handling of her. As a result, no maid survives in their house beyond a week or two. And another one, fully enjoying the retired life, became quite lazy and stopped bothering about having a timely bath or dressing properly. He is always seen sprawling on the sofa in their drawing room, unmindful of his shabby undies. He altogether stopped caring about his appearance much to the chagrin of his wife. The embarrassed lady stopped allowing people inside her house.

With all this rich collection, the future suddenly seemed to be very bleak and nightmarish.

Again, my children came to my rescue. Armed with a load of information – both printed and hearsay, we again sat together to work out a plan to overcome the impending disaster.

First thing they warned me about was, to be extremely sympathetic and understanding with him. “He may be sulky and show frequent mood swings and irritability. You just ignore and be patient with him.”

I could not imagine how one can be patient with and ignore a sulky and moody person, that too a husband. Anyway I decided to try my level best… at least initially, till his blues go away.

“Never pass any offending comment…neither – what is the great hurry for you to get dressed up so early ; nor – why do you bathe so late in the day;  neither- why do you insist on having your meals on dot as in the old times ; nor – why don’t you have a timely lunch everyday? Don’t you ever mention about his having more free time now to do this thing or that thing. He will get offended like hell.” I nodded, silently memorizing all that.

“Don’t nag him like before, mum.” This is my daughter who is always her dad’s pet for being invariably on his side. “Try to understand. All these years, he had been toiling for our sake. Now he deserves some compassion from us all.” She preached as if he was a big martyr and a silent sufferer all along. I restrained my itching tongue from blurting out a suitable rejoinder.

I decided to take all their advices seriously and implement them from that moment itself.

As my children were leaving for their places of residence a couple of days later, I felt very lonely and terrified. They apologised for their inability to stay longer. Anyway I realised that I have to face the situation all alone sooner or later. I bravely decided to take up the challenge.

But life was not as I expected it to be. No, sir, not at all.

For 10-15 days I was very careful not to offend him in anyway. I was very watchful for any tell tale signs and symptoms that may indicate some frustration or depression and was itching to prove myself to be a cooperative and concerned spouse by helping him to come out of that.

But life was uneventful. He was relaxed and cheerful, in fact, like never before. Although I was apprehensive of a grave situation and getting myself ready to tackle such an eventuality, nothing untoward was happening, at least not yet. I began to wonder whether it is the proverbial lull before the big storm. So I continued to keep a vigil and observe him closely.

But still, he did not start to restrict my expenditure. Nor did he start inspecting my wardrobe or counting my saris. He did not bother to enter my kitchen and look at what is cooking there. Whenever I got a telephone call from my relatives or friends he politely and very discreetly went to the other room. Even after I put the receiver down did he evince any curiosity or interest as to who called or what I spoke. He was maintaining a regular routine and following  his own daily schedule quite meticulously much to my relief.

In fact he even expressed his happiness saying “Now that I have so much free time, I can catch up with all the reading I could not do while in service. I can at last enjoy my hobbies now that there are no work tensions and no hectic activity.”

I was confused to say the least. I did not know what to do as I was not prepared to face such a situation. I was not expecting that. Not withstanding all my newly acquired wisdom, I did not have a single clue as to how to deal with such a person.

Then one fine morning he said, “I want to talk to you.” I sensed what was coming and almost sighed out of relief. I quickly sat beside him and thought of holding and patting his hand encouragingly but decided against it as it would be too obvious. I held my breath and was all ears to hear what he was going to say.

He cleared his throat. “Don’t mistake me. It is about my retirement.” He paused. So at last it was impending, although a bit later than expected. My brain was going through all the advices and suggestions I got from my children, relatives and friends. I started rehearsing mentally my long prepared response and praying to God to guide me properly.

“I have been observing you for quite some time. I notice a drastic change in you. Probably it is due to my retirement. Am I right?”

My mouth went dry. So that was it. In spite of all my caution, he noticed some change in my behaviour. What could it be? Where did I fail? With great difficulty, I mumbled, “What change? Did I offend you in any way? Tell me what you want me to do. I will try to rectify.”

I waited eagerly as he shook his head. “Hmm.. yeah.. the point is, you are not your former self. Why are you so...so...artificial and contrived? You used to be very outspoken, criticising me and finding fault with me in each and everything. I miss all those fights and arguments. You are no longer ordering me around or delegating me one or the other domestic work. Why? What is your problem? Can I help you in any way? Are you finding it difficult to adjust to my retirement? Don’t take it seriously. Look at me. Relax and try to be your normal self. Otherwise I feel bored.” He was patting my hand and almost pleading.

It all sounded as if he borrowed and copied a leaf or two from my book. I felt cheated. Nobody briefed me in the least about how to handle such an abnormal and unconventional person. Tell me, how should one deal with such an easy going retiree of a husband?

JUST BE YOURSELF

            

            

                 

The other day, my young niece came to me hurriedly. Without wasting any time with preliminaries, she gushed eagerly, “Aunty, tell me, how can we please and impress our husbands?”  I was taken aback. I knew she is engaged to be married within a month. But that she should be worrying about the ways and means to please the 'husbands' and that she should be choosing poor old me as her advisor and guide took me by surprise and of course I was slightly elated also.

That seemingly simple question set me thinking. It took me forty five years back when I was a new bride, very eagerly trying to please my lord and master and…alas, how hard I tried!

 Very often I heard my husband declare in proud tones,  “I am a truly self - made man.” I could not fully understand the implications of that statement until I embarked on my mission to impress him with my love and affection and to please him with my care and concern.

I started by concentrating on his daily chores and needs. On the very first morning, before he woke up from his beauty sleep, I put the toothpaste on the toothbrush, placed that as well as the towel near the washbasin and waited. But while I was expecting an appreciative nod or even a slight smile, he frowned at my efforts and mumbled, “Why did you do that ? I hate the dried up paste.” With this, he washed off the brush clean and along  with that, my fond hopes too! I dragged myself to the kitchen. “Don't lose the heart,” I consoled myself, “Some people are fastidious about certain things. Try your luck with some steaming coffee.”

As I entered the bedroom with the same, I found him ransacking the whole room. As he saw me he shouted, “Where the devil is the towel?” I ran back and brought the towel from near the washbasin, the very same washbasin where he brushed a while ago, wondering how he could not notice it. “Don't disturb my things, for heaven's sake! See how much time I had to waste!”

I silently offered the cup of coffee. He made a face. “What is this? Oh, coffee! Don't make it for me without asking. I don't have the habit. When and if I feel like, I will tell you. For today, I'll drink somehow.” He gave me a condescending frown. Even now, after so many years, I cannot predict when he likes to have a cup of coffee and resigned to that fact. But that day it was hard to control the tears. As I am not a person to give up so easily, I increased my efforts to please him.

When he was having his bath, I carefully selected a nice dress and spread it out neatly for him, just like the numerous film heroines I watch. Again I received the same frown- this time coupled with slight disgust.  “Oh, what have you done? I don't like this shirt with that pant. For heaven's sake, let me wear the clothes of my choice. Why are you so interfering?” He went on grumbling.

Within a very short period, I realised that he likes to do things in his own unpredictable way, that too on his own. So I had to search for other avenues. Somewhere I read that a short cut to a man's heart is through his stomach. This rekindled my hopes and I started to concentrate on culinary experiments, with a fair degree of success. But alas, I realised in no time, to my despair, that this man's stomach does not lead to his heart! For, though my lord and master is a connoisseur of good food, he never felt the need to acknowledge my efforts. So I chose to close this avenue too. Isn't it futile to go to great lengths to stuff his stomach with delicious food, when it does not fill his heart with affection?

Again I was hunting for other ways and means. Then came a golden opportunity or so it seemed to me. His Highness was to go on a tour for four days. I very carefully washed and pressed all his elegant dresses and filled two big suitcases with all the items, which I thought he might need. He gave one look to the huge bulk of luggage - the same frowning look- and out went my efforts.

“Where do you think I am going and for how many days? I am not going on a life long expedition. Just four days' trip and you pack forty kilos of luggage! Hmm.” He fumed and reached for the smallest suitcase available. Even now, whenever he goes on a journey, he likes to pack his things himself. Of course unpacking on return is left to me.

After wasting a lot of time and energy on continuous trials, I finally realised that it is next to impossible to please and impress this self- made man. But one small hope lurked in my mind still! That if I am away for some days, he will certainly miss me and pine for me!

So at the earliest opportunity I proposed that I would go to my parents’ home on a short visit. I expected requests, pleadings, prayers etc. to drop the idea. You can well imagine my disappointment when he very promptly booked the tickets for my journey for the earliest available day! What a cruel thing to do! Not a single word of protest or a single request to stay! On the other hand, adding insult to injury he declared very benevolently, “Stay there as long as you wish. I can manage well. Don't worry about me!”

In a fit of anger, I decided to stay there until and unless he requests me to come back, with a view to teach him a lesson. But poor me! Days turned into weeks but there was no sign of any letter from him requesting me to start immediately. To be frank, I was expecting a telegram to that effect! After a long and futile wait, I got fed up and sending a telegram myself, I boarded the next train home. When I got down from the train, there he was, standing with his eternal frown! In his own inimitable irritable tone, he rebuked me, “Why did you come back so soon? You should have stayed there a little longer.” I felt like...well, what is the use? Since then history repeated itself several times.

While my parents, sisters, cousins, friends and others compliment his liberal nature and magnanimity in allowing me to spend as much time as I wish with my family, I secretly envy all those women who complain with unhidden joy and pride, “My hubby can't leave me even for a single day.” or “How I had to fight to make him agree for my journey ! Even now he warned me if I don't come back within three days he'll either commit suicide or follow me here.” I often wonder whether my lord and master ever misses me at all !

I was brought back from my reverie by a violent shaking of my shoulder. My niece was looking at me impatiently and in a hurt tone, she said, “What is this, aunty? You did not answer my question. I know for sure, uncle and you are an ideal couple. In our family circles yours is reputed to be the most perfect and successful marriage. But it seems you are not willing to give me even a single tip or hint.” She pouted.

“Oh, no, Pinky, it is not so. I was just lost in the memories. Don't mistake me. I don't know how to answer your question. There is no secret at all.” I paused and choosing my words carefully, pronounced, “You just be yourself and let him be his own self. That is all I have been doing all these years, whether you believe it or not. That alone will make your husband as well as yourself happy and contented and your marriage a success. You need not make any extra effort at all!”

STORM IN THE TEACUP

                 

Suseela is feeling disturbed a lot for quite some time. She tossed from side to side in her bed, unable to sleep. It is a multi storied apartment complex with some 30 residential flats. The noises from the next flat are continuing still. She could not bear it anymore and sat up with a jerk. Giridhar opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Are you listening? Look, how they are fighting since more than one hour!" She hissed.

"So, what shall we do? And what can we do? Let them fight. They will get tired and stop sooner or later." He closed his eyes again. She sensed that he is also unable to sleep and getting disturbed. 

"I will go and see what is the matter." Tying her dishevelled hair, she got down from the bed. He looked at her sharply. "Are you mad? Don't forget that it is their personal problem. It is not wise to knock at their door and poke your nose. Let them do whatever they feel like. We should not interfere in the affairs of the younger ones. It is always advisable to keep a safe distance from the youngsters of today."

She sat down and thought for a while. "Of course, it is their own business and we are outsiders. Still, when they are so fiercely fighting like cats and dogs, how can we just keep quiet? We also need some peace and quiet, don't we?" He nodded. "And Kiran? What about the poor kid? How frightened he must be feeling! Such a lovely and innocent boy!" She said with deep feeling but did not attempt to get up and rush. She knows what Giridhar said is true and correct. She realised her limits and hesitated 

He patted her hand understandingly. "I know, Suseela, I know how deeply you are moved. But still, I don't think we should interfere. Go to bed and try to sleep. Of course, I too feel they should not fight so late into the night disturbing peace loving people like us. But who can drive some sense into the pig heads?" He yawned and closed his eyes.

But Suseela could not sleep at all. What is wrong with the youth of today, she is unable to fathom. Satish and Nalini are well educated decent couple, had a love marriage some 6-7 years back. At times they are very lovey-dovey. But at times like now they are worse than bitter enemies shouting and bickering. Sometimes in calmer moments, Nalini does tell her about some of their arguments, though never eager for her advice. She needs only a patient listener, that too, occasionally, only when she is in a mood to talk. Most of the time the cause is so trivial and silly that Suseela wonders whether all that fighting is really necessary. She felt deep sympathy for little Kiran, their one and a half year old son. He is a cute and endearing boy. He too is fond of her and Giridhar. Very frequently when Nalini is out to run errands, Suseela looks after him and he never gave her any tough time. She sighed. 

Many times, like now, she feels like advising them on the need for restraint and patience. In fact once or twice in the past, when she attemped to, they hinted that it is none of her business. From then, she kept holding back. But she cannot comprehend the modern principles of privacy and cocooning attitude of people. What is wrong with confiding in others and seek sensible advice? Some experienced and well wishing elders in the family or neighbourhood can help the inexperienced youth to solve their problems and differences smoothly. But no, the present generation do not have that much confidence in people around them. If at all they feel any need, they prefer to go to the totally unknown counsellors and psychiatrists who are professionally trained and equipped and offer mechanical and impersonal solutions strictly according to the book. They do not value the wisdom and sanity of the older generations who observe them from close quarters and have a better perspective.

'Well, whatever they wish.' She yawned in reluctant acceptance. 'If only they do not disturb the mental peace of those around with their untimely yellings!' She was sure that the others in the apartments also must be feeling the same way.

The noise is still continuing and now the wailing voice of Kiran is also heard. She could not restrain herself anymore. She ran out and rang their bell with a firm intention of giving the warring couple a piece of her mind.

On hearing the bell, the voices stopped and after awhile, Nalini opened the door and frowned on seeing her. Suseela burst into a torrent of words. "Do you have any idea of the time now? It is almost midnight, and why don't you people take a break and continue in the morning? So that we all can have a peaceful night's sleep? Why do you make a spectacle of yourselves?"

Kiran on hearing her voice, started to come to her, scared and crying. But Satish caught hold of him and dragged him inside. Nalini just stared at her, chewing her lips. 

Suseela came home and climbed into bed. Giridhar looked at her and chuckled. "You don't leave anyone!" He said half admiringly.

Before she could reply, the bell rang just once as if the caller was hesitant to press it.

She opened the door and to her surprise, found Nalini with a tearful Kiran. "Sorry to disturb you, aunty, but this fellow.." that fellow received a light slap on the head for emphasis, "...is adamant that..."

The boy ran to her sobbing, "I will stay with you..." Suseela hugged him and nodded with a smile.

"Are you sure it will not be a trouble for you?" Nalini added apologetically.

"No, not at all, let him stay." She said wholeheartedly. 

"Don't mistake me, here is the milk bottle for him. As it is late in the night, I am not sure whether you are having any milk now.." She remembered how she chided her once before when she gave the milk bottle for Kiran while leaving him in her custody. 

Suseela just smiled and accepted it.

Kiran slept calmly, secure between the elder couple, who also had a sound sleep till morning. 

Next morning, Nalini entered hurriedly saying, "Sorry, aunty, got up very late." She went to Kiran who was having his cereal and kissed his cheek. He beamed happily.

Suseela smiled. "Come, sit here, Nalini, let him finish. I will get you a cup of coffee."

Nalini shook her head. "No, aunty, just now we had. I came for Kiran. Did he trouble you much  in the night?"

Giridhar, who was reading the newspaper, shot a warning look at Suseela. He is well aware of his wife's forthright manner of not mincing words and is apprehensive that she may comment about last night and invite some adverse reaction. In fact he already warned her a couple of times not to hurl any accusations at them. Suseela could sense his predicament and smiled reassuringly.

Nalini fidgeted for a while and said in a low tone. "Sorry, aunty, about last night. We didn't realise we were creating such a nuisance. In fact, what happened was... Do you remember, I told you about the feelers my earlier boss has been sending to me to join the company? Well, yesterday I thought I can give it a try. So I broached the topic with Satish..."

Satish was very encouraging initially. "Very good. You are wasting yourself all these days. They are still insisting on your comeback, even more than two years after you left the job! Really great! Then also I told you to continue till ninth month but you preferred to resign the moment your pregnancy is confirmed. Anyway I am also feeling bad about that. Now it is the ideal opportunity for you. Accept immediately. My mother will look after Kiran. Now that he is nearly two years, it will not be a problem for her."

Nalini shook her head. "No, Satish, I don't want to trouble her in this age. In fact, I left my job precisely for that reason only, not to trouble our seniors with our baby care. There is a new baby care centre nearby opened by one of my acquaintances recently. I heard good reports about the quality. It will be from 9-3. After that she can manage till I come home. That way she also will have some respite. What do you say?"

Satish sniggered. "Baby care centre? For such a small kid? Are you crazy? My mother and father will never resent or grumble. And you also know, she can take very good care of your boy, in fact better than the so called centre. My parents are not that type to shirk from responsibility. Never!" 

"Oh, yes, I know about your parents and their sense of responsibility very well. Is that why they refuse to live with us?" The moment she uttered those words, she bit her tongue. Deep in her heart, she knows very well it is a false accusation. It is always a sore topic with Satish. He could never reconcile with his parents' idea of living separately on their own. Though he respected and accepted their decision, he took it as a personal affront and feels guilty as well as deeply hurt for the state of affairs.

Satish glared at her. "What did you say? They, running away from responsibility? Listen, they chose to live separately for our sake only, to give us some bloody privacy and space, not for their comfort. How dare you talk like that? Was it not my mother who nursed you when you had a miscarriage before Kiran? And throughout your bed rest during your pregnancy? Was it not they who stood like rocks of support to you when Kiran had measles and you panicked and broke down? When did they fail us in our hour of need?"

Nalini kept mum for a while. "Still it is better to get him accustomed to the center. So that by the time he starts school next year, he will get used to the idea."

"What! School already? Do you know, I did not start school till I was five year old."

Nalini smirked. "But now the times have changed, dear. For that matter, my father joined school in sixth standard directly. Can you imagine the same now?"

Satish laughed and added in a sarcastic tone, "Sixth standard! Why, no wonder! It is obvious!"

Now Nalini became furious. "What do you mean now? What is wrong with my father? He had a Doctorate and retired as a Professor in a prestigious university."

Thus one thing led to another and the verbal slinging match continued. 

Nalini came out of her reverie with a jerk and told her briefly about what happened. "...When I told him that Kiran can be sent to a baby care centre when I join the office, he was furious and lost his temper. He said, my mother will look after him and I said we should not trouble our seniors. He spoke bitterly and I retaliated and it went on and on..." Nalini wiped her eyes.

Suseela sighed. What an immature behaviour! By both! She patted her shoulder but did not comment. 

Satish entered and sat by Giridhar. He was feeling guilty as well as repentant. "I am sorry. We should have controlled ourselves. Anyway let us be patient at least in future." 

Suseela said. "Good that you both are wiser now. Keep it up. Anyway, Satish, Nalini's suggestion of the baby care centre is not a bad idea. It will be good for Kiran too to get a chance to interact with kids of his own age. Don't just reject it outright. Think over ."

Nalini's face lit up. Satish nodded thoughtfully.

"Ok, Nalini, let us go now. Let them have some rest." Nalini got up. Suddenly she felt giddy and stumbled. Satish ran to her side and held her. She ran to the wash basin and threw up. He was worried. "Are you ok? Look, lack of sleep and all that tension! How all that is taking toll on you! You don't take proper care of your health." He chided with concern. Suseela offered her a glass of cold water and stared at her keenly. Their eyes met as Nalini looked at her shyly. "Is it... are you...?" Suseela gushed. Nalini nodded.

Giridhar understood and congratulated Satish. Slowly realisation dawned on him and he beamed. "You silly! Is it true? Why didn't you tell me? Let us go to the doctor for confirmation."

Nalini reached for her mobile. "First I have to tell my company rejecting their offer. Now there is no question of my joining for quite some time."

"So again you will have horrible morning sickness and confine to bed. Let us call your mother to come over. Let us give some respite to my mother this time."

Nalini looked at him sharply. "For your sweet information, I told you they are leaving for Atlanta on the day after tomorrow to visit their son and their newborn granddaughter. You never bother about them or their whereabouts."

Satish scratched his head and instead of hurling any nasty dig in reply, as per his habit, this time he wanted to make amends. "Sorry, sorry. I just forgot. But I wish they will be with us at least in time for your delivery."

Nalini gave him a surprised look at his unusual soft response.

Satish said lightheartedly, "So again my mother has to take care of you and also handle our little prince for quite some time." He looked at Suseela. "Are you willing, Mummy?"

Suseela just drew Nalini and Kiran closer. "Why not! But consider the idea of the baby care centre seriously. I cannot manage these two cranky babies all the time."

Satish sat at her feet and put his head on her lap. "Three, Mummy, including me!"

'It's all a storm in the teacup!' Giridhar smiled.