Retirement

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                                                           Retirement

‘What are your plans after retirement?’, many persons asked me on many occasions. My answer was short and simple, ‘I would relax and possibly write’. Write what? They were all confused and perplexed. It is so natural. They have not seen me writing for the last thirty years. Some of my friends and family members, however, who had read my writings many years back, were happy. The prodigal has returned at last they thought, but I was not so sure. It is the habit of writing which became a casualty because of my negligence. Could I possibly revive it?

The first couple of weeks had been so hectic in organizing my personal things that I forgot to think anything else. Apart from my personal chores, I had been consistently negligent in domestic front. I was habitually dependent on my personal staff so much so that filling up of simple deposit forms of the Bank looked Latin to me. Now I realized the charm of ‘Banaprastha’ as was practiced in the olden days. It is beautifully alluring to leave your worries to the flames and retire to the forest. How attractive! But do you get permission for forest dwelling? You would run pillar and post to get audience, let alone authorization. Officials would hound you out and you are back at square one. So Man! Do not run away from responsibilities. While working in government, no one pulled you up for frailty, why now? I pulled up my socks and was ready for action.

I had promised my wife that we would have regular evening walk once I retired. She had been patient for six weeks but nothing happened. Out of exasperation, she asked yesterday, ‘Did you really retire’? I understood the cleverly hidden punch and ducked by saying ‘Tomorrow we walk honey’.

Walking we did indeed. It was a long walk for about an hour. We chose a quiet route. The refreshing cool air with the setting sun was amazing. She thoroughly enjoyed the walk. I feel guilty and always repent that I could not give her quality time during our youth. I never forgive myself for such cardinal sin. During my interaction with young officers I make it a point to remind them that efficient and upright officers should find quality time with their family especially during young age. Life is so short that no regret would be good enough to compensate such lapse. Having fulfilled the first promise I have been rather comfortable with a little immunity from further assault. In case she queries about my writing I shall have to raise my hands and surrender.

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