AGAINST THE GRAIN

When I was a child, my father’s friends, used to ask me,” What is it you want to become when you grow up?” 

I used to say either doctor or engineer. I became neither.

All children have some ambition or imagination to achieve something in life. For everything there are exceptions. One of my class mates, in school, had a different plan; he just wanted to enjoy life. Srini was his name. Srini was from a rich family. They had many properties. Though Srini tried his hand at business and employment, he failed at both, as his heart was addicted to being free.

Srini married, and fathered two kids. He is a loving husband and a doting father. Every month he disposes off some property, and gets enough cash to run the show. His children are now grown ups and  are employed.

Srini’s life is an enviable one. All days are Sundays. Between minimal work and resting, the daily agenda is enjoyment and relaxation. A typical day starts with tea, and is followed by an hour of brisk walk, breakfast, daily purchase of vegetables and meat, lunch, siesta and TV serials.  After evening coffee, Srini, usually meets his friends or a relative at a nearby bar. The evening is spent nursing whiskey on the rocks, with some smoking.  Dinner is normally at different restaurants, each famous for a particular dish.  This may be followed by some late night shows, at the theaters. Sundays include a game of cards, or a cricket match with the local boys.

Two days in a week are exclusive for the family. This includes shopping, with lunch at select restaurants. Carefree and fun loving, Srini is certainly living a life most of us would want to, but for our financial constrains.

The other exception, is my another friend, Gopal.  I met him first in my profession of medical representative. He represented another organization. He was a handsome, graceful and courteous person. While discussing marriage he told me that he preferred to get married to an employed divorcee or a widow, who earned well. Not that he was noble in thought. He wanted to be a house- husband. He was not interested in employment. 

One innocent girl charmed by his looks, married him. To her horror, she later discovered that she had to be the earning member.

Until to day he stays in the house, cooking and cleaning. He is very happy that he has created   his own future. He lives a life of relaxation, and takes care to be, well groomed all the time. His wife is smart intelligent and responsible. She is often worried, about what would happen to him, if he survives her in old age.  Even though she supports him in public, it must be difficult to bear the load all alone, for so long.

Then of course there are the alcoholics, gamblers and guys who frequently are jobless due to attitudinal issues. We will discuss some more odd ones later.