An elderly figure walked in. I had been expecting him to come as he had taken an appointment a few days ago. These days the greys are no indication of the age however the fine creases near his eyes and lips gave away his age. He was more than 60 years old. As he brought out the series of questions before me, I happened to ask him about his children for whom I presumed he had been asking these questions.
Upon probing, I figured he had two children, a son and a daughter, both married. He started talking about his children and how much he loved them. I could see he was a concerned father and obviously anxious about his children. As I tried to probe further, he mentioned something strange. He said both his kids were ‘happily’ married.
As realization struck, there was a knock on the door and a woman of about the same age as the gentleman, walked in. I was introduced to his wife!
As they sat in front of me, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the couple. After having lived more than half their life together, they were on the threshold of separation. Why, I wondered! They had decided to part ways amicably hence there were no allegations, concocted stories, mudslinging from either side.
Nevertheless, I was curious to know how a marriage of about 35 years had crumbled. As I got them talking, she revealed that they had been in the marriage for all these years only for the sake of their children. Now that the children were married, they wanted to live the rest of their life in peace.
It was then that he started talking. Theirs was a love marriage. After marriage they could not see eye to eye coz as lovers, they were both oblivious to each other’s flaws. However, now that they were married, he could not stand her dominance in every aspect of life, and she could not accept his care-a-damn attitude. She expected him to follow her dictates however he was not willing to dance to her tunes. Both were extremely head-strong individuals and had climbed high up the corporate ladder.
Once the children were born, they both took good care of them however throughout this period they were both trying to adjust, compromise and tolerate each other for the sake of their children. They led an affluent lifestyle and had provided the children with all the luxuries. Now that both their children were married and settled, they wanted to live a life of their own, for themselves.
But ...'without' each other! In Peace!
I looked at the couple who were sitting like strangers to each other. Not a single emotion crossed their faces, as they were composed and firm on their decision. There was no point trying to make them reconsider their decision.
The decision was made years ago, now it was time to implement it since they no longer shared a common responsibility. It was now the time to LIVE!
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