ONE FOR THE ROAD

We were talking over a glass of beer. Self and Mr Negi. It was a warm Sunday afternoon. He appeared to be depressed. "Negi, something seems to be worrying you", I said. "Not exactly, but I am confused", he replied. After another sip and lighting a cigarette I asked him the reason. "Yaar, I don't know what to do. Sometimes when I say something to my mother, my sister tells me not to say so because it will hurt her. If I come home late my mother tells me not to do so because my father may feel bad". Puffing out the smoke from my mouth I told him that it was quite natural reaction on their part. Obviously he was not in a mood to heed to such a comment from my side.Finishing off the beer in one go he continued."But I feel singled out.If I have an extra drink my father advises me that I should control myself otherwise my wife will feel sad." "Thank God that your father didn't tell you not to drink at all" I sighed."If at times I speak loudly to my sister my mother tells me that I should not do so because my brother -in-law may not like it. If I scold my younger brother my wife tells me that he might feel discouraged. If I stand on the roadside and smoke a cigarette my in-laws asks my wife to tell me that it is not good for a member of their family to do so. When I ask my daughter about her studies she asks me not to irritate her. Sometimes in the morning if I am not feeling well and decide to catch a bus to office my wife discourages me saying what the neighbors will say about it. So many instances like this. I feel bad. Am I to behave, walk and talk only in the interests of others? Shouldn't I have my own tastes and interests? Not forgetting my responsibilities, I am asking you, don't I have a life of my own. Don't I have feelings? This is really frustrating." Opening another bottle of beer I said,"It all depends on the way you take it. See, don't feel that they are trying to correct you. Even others might be having such experiences which you fail to notice. Life is a game. Take it positively and give a thought to what they say. I am sure you will not feel bad." His reaction was as expected. "I feel like saying 'you too Brutus". He almost banged the beer mug on the table. "I understand your problem my friend, but sincerely I feel that you should not take such comments seriously. Live your life the way you would like to. But always remember that you should not be enjoying at others cost." "Yes, there must be some mistake on my part too". It appeared that he had cooled down. 'Shall we call it a day', I asked. With a broad smile on his lips he said, "Not before one for the road partner".