Reconciliation

Murali was very disturbed for the past one week. He could not make out what had happened and was confused. He did not want to share his agony with anyone. A few more days passed in this manner, and when he could not sort out the issue by himself, he decided to meet his childhood friend Raju. 

Raju was surprised to see his friend and invited him in. He made him comfortable and asked, "Murali, you are always busy with your work. What brings you to my house at this odd hour?" Murali is unable to express himself and said, "Raju, I am in deep trouble and need your help."

Raju was surprised. Both of them were friends since childhood, Murali was well educated and was earning well as he was in a good position as a Senior Manager in a company. Raju had completed his degree and got moderate employment. This disparity never affected their friendship.

"Murali, how can I help you? I assure you that I shall do whatever I can," said Raju. 

Meanwhile, Raju's wife brought coffee and offered it to both of them. "Murali ji, shall I prepare snacks for both of you?" 

"No Sister! I had late lunch and am not hungry."

"Okay brother, enjoy your Gupchup," she said and left.

"Raju! Tell me one thing. Do both of you talk to each other every day?" asked Murali.

Raju was caught unawares by this question. He didn't know why Murali had come and was asking him a strange question instead of stating his problem. Yet he replied, "Murali! I don't understand why you posed this question but Yes! My wife and I talk to each other every day. Though we do not speak sweet nothings for hours together like newly married couples, we are pleasant with each other and discuss all important matters. We do have arguments sometimes."

Murali listened to him and asked, "You said that you argue when there is a difference of opinion. Naturally, only one of you wins the argument. In that scenario, one may lose their temper and pass unwarranted comments. How would you behave in such a situation?"

"Murali, while I don't understand the reason for asking such a question, I can only tell you that all these arguments or quarrels are common in our middle-class families. Whether during the time of our grandparents or our parents and even now, after such arguments, it is common to get offended and then adjust after some time. If the matter is more serious, then it will affect the kitchen front, like coffee not being available or cooking not being made to our taste. However, after some time, everything becomes normal," said Raju. 

"Raju, my problem is this. As you know, I earn well and strive to maintain my earnings. Normally, when I go home, I discuss a few matters with my wife Vasantha. Sometimes, when I am upset, I shout at her and make some nasty comments. She gets angry but gets back to normal soon. About ten days ago, we had a bad argument and said something to her in anger. Since then, Vasantha has not spoken to me. She neither looks at me nor gestures. Her silence is perturbing me. I am unable to know what to do. You have to show me a solution," requested Murali. 

"You surely would have said something unwarranted, else Vasantha would not react like that. Can you recollect what you told her at that time?" asked Raju. 

"As far as I can remember, I told her to shut her mouth and not talk again," said Murali.

"See! Whatever you have told her in anger, my sister is obeying you. Whoever may be wrong in the argument, getting angry and hurling words always leads to trouble. If you are perturbed that she did not speak, it means you have a lot of love for her. Put your 'ego' aside and apologize to her, your problem will be solved. If you find it difficult to do so, then, you may have to suffer for a long time. I know you since our childhood. You always want to have the upper hand. I always looked at your good qualities. I ignored your negative qualities and never spoke about them. Vasantha also understands your mentality. She takes care of the family, but there is always a limit to anyone's patience. I understand that with your behavior you have crossed that limit. So, go immediately and apologize to Vasantha. She will forgive you," advised Raju. 

"Thanks Raju! You are my best friend. That's why I came to you. You have been seeing me since childhood and know my nature. I realized my mistake. I shall go home and talk to Vasantha and henceforth change my behavior,' said Murali.

Raju's wife came and said "Brother, both of you have been chatting for a long time. Shall I bring you some snacks?" 

"Not necessary! My sister will prepare a sumptuous dinner for him today. Let Murali go,' said Raju smiling.