THE COMMON MAN

After a hearty dinner at Paragon restaurant @Lulu Mall,Ernakulam, I happened to feel myself as a much happier person than usual. Probably this was because it was the first time I was getting an oppurtunity to take my inlaws for a dining out when I am in Kerala,  and that too two and a half years after my marriage. Even though I can point out  umpteen number of reasons for ' this mere negligence towards  my wives family ' as she  often points out, I am not wasting time proving my side as it is only a matter of seconds for my wife to argue and make me admit that,'Yes I made a mistake'. But this time I was putting all my sincere efforts  to prove that she was wrong and to tell her from the bottom of my heart that I do love her and care for all that she holds dear. 

  

  

I could see her eyes and feel her happiness and she was enjoying every moment that we spend together. I turned my attention towards my father in law and could see that he is happy & full and is now ready to go home and enjoy his sleep. My mother in law also seems to be happy but I doubt she was a little worried about the Paneer masala that was left over, I could sense a sigh of relief from her when the waiter agreed to pack it for me. Yes, I felt proud for me at last......as the chances for me to bring smile to my dear ones are rare. I slowly turned my head to see what my wife was doing. WOW,,,,,The bill has already arrived and  she was cross examining the same and it was taking a bit more than her usual timing. She took my ears closer to her and whispered 'hmmm....this hotel is expensive compared to the quantity.'. This thought could have never struck me before had i not been married and as I was searching for words she again told, 'The food was tasty and gravy was rich....may be they have to increase the tariff  because it was  inside Lulu mall ', any ways do'nt worry....we had good time na.....? ' She had this unique talent of asking questions and finding her own solution,may be perhaps she has developed this talent after our marriage knowing that my brain takes a little more time than normal to respond to complex questions. I clasped her hand and whispered, 'its okay....'She seems relaxed. I seemed to take the situations back to my control and it was then I heard the next suggestion which again put my thoughts in to active mode. It came from my wife, 'Lets go for a movie? ' she asked. 

  

  

Now movie was not a bad idea but it was already 10.00P.M and even if we get ticket the show will be over only by 1.00A.M and it would be atleast 2 A.M on sunday when we will be going to bed. I was sure that my father in law was not all welcome for this idea and my mother in law is half minded; all were looking at me to open my mouth. I thought, when was the last time I took my wife for a movie? It was four months back for 'Bahubali '. Four months is a long gap and my wives demand seem reasonable to me but I very well know that my father in law wishes to attend the sunday morning mass and if we go for the show the former can not happpen. If I say no for movie it may take yet another four months for me to take my wife for a movie. I reassured myself that the sentiments towards father in law weighs lower compared to the commitment of the man to his wife. I opened my mouth  to utter my decision, ' Dad, mom we are going back to chennai tomorrow and we don't know when is the next time we get a chance like this to spend such good time with you. I have never gone for a movie with you and am thinking of making use of this occasion for watching one, if it is okay for you?.....There was silence for a second and I hope I have won their hearts. 

After buying the tickets and while waiting for the show to begin,I could notice that my wife was staring at me. I asked, 'What? '.......She replied, ' You remember the last time when we had a fight? '. I coudl'nt remember it quickly since we had made a couple of fights even two days before. I told, 'Sorry, I do'nt remember...Why?. She replied, 'we had a fight on this issue last month.' I asked.'Regarding what? ' 'The same issue,you dont have time to spend with my parents and it was me who pointed out that you have taken my parents out not even once for a movie....'.I knew she was right and as I have nothing else to do I smiled and she knew what it meant,she smiled back. I hold her tightly and whispered in her ears 'If I can succeed in bringing those beautiful smiles back anytime, then I can win the world '.She r'eplied, 'I' am your world ' I belive, I understood what she means.....