An Old Couple And The Humour

It was a hot summer day in Pavanpur.  Suma was outside her house to say bye to her friend Nirmala, who met in connection with the gossip meeting of women to be held on coming Sunday. At the same time, the postman delivered a registered letter.  She called her husband and told,

"Sudheer, I appreciate you, even after ten years of your retirement, Navodaya Paper Mills, Mumbai,  remembered you."

"Suma, the company has sent me a cheque of rupees twenty-five thousand in recognition of my rare  talent."

She laughed first and asked, 

"May I ask you what your rare talent is?"

"Are you joking?"

 "Why should I joke? I would be proud if I knew the rare talents of my husband. I would also be happy to share the same with my friends in our gossip meeting."

"You have no knowledge in technical matters. Just listen to me and do not ask any questions. You know, last month my company manager called me for urgent work."

"What was that urgent work?"

"Wait, you don't have patience."

"Okay, tell me soon."

"There was a problem with one of the machines in the production department and the factory was closed for some time. Though, it was complicated. I was able to set things right in just a few minutes."

"Sudheer, don't try to fool me. Being an accounts officer and ignorant about machines, how can you attend the  job?" 

"That is called a rare talent," said Sudheer smilingly.

She forcibly snatched the registered cover from him and read the contents. He was hesitant to part with the cover and put all his might not to snatch the cover from him. The cheque amount pertains to the full settlement of his medical bill which was held up due to some clarifications. After getting suitable answers, the amount was released. 

Sudheer laughingly said, 

"My intention was only to create a humorous situation."

"Don't you think such jokes definitely create misunderstandings between us? If I share your rare talents in the women's gossip meeting, what happens?"

She continued,

 "When I was working as a Librarian at Pragna  Arts & Science College, Pavanpur,  there was a library equipped with more than one lakh books. Teachers, students and staff members take the books from the shelves and put them on the table in a haphazard manner every day. In the evening, I had the patience to keep all the books on their respective shelves. The management of the College appreciated my hard work and honored me with the award  "Best Librarian of the College 2005" and a cash prize of Rs.10,000/- "

She was not lying. The certificate displayed on the wall speaks the truth about her achievement.

Sudheer had to cut a sorry figure for his unwanted joke.

 He said, " Suma, except for your librarian achievement, how many times have you lied for humorous purposes? Every time, we enjoyed ourselves together. Why this time, you are serious?"

"Sudheer, I don't know why I reacted? 

Please excuse me."

 They argue at the top of their voice only to create humour. The main door was open. Neighbour's out of curiosity gather outside the house. One young man asked,

"Uncle and aunty do you have any  problem?"

"Who said young man, we have a problem? Our normal voice appears to be shouting for others. I suppose it is not a disturbance for you." 

"No uncle, not at all. We too want to join you." said the young man.

"Of course, you are welcome."

It was entertainment for the neighbours. The neighbors left after some time. Even after thirty-five years of marriage, the old couple continued their jolly time.  

After a fortnight, neighbours were surprised to observe as there was no shouting. Out of curiosity one of them saw it in the window. The old couple was busy in prayer and dancing before God.  It was a change of daily routine for the old couple. This time the neighbours didn't want to disturb the old couple.

Creating humorous situations for some time and changing towards the spiritual at some other time, which was essential for an old couple to keep them healthy and active.