“Divorce Garden”
It is said, “An empty mind is a devil’s workshop!”. I would like to be honest and apply it on myself. But how do I apply anything about ‘Dimaag’ on a ‘fauzi’? It is said that ‘Fauzi ka dimaag (if any) ghutne mein hota hai’. Should I put it this way – “An unused knee (ghutna) is a devil’s workshop!” Whatever may be the terminology, this out-of-shape soldier takes pride in the fact that he tries for out-of-box ideas. Two of the ideas which have been put forward in the past need special mention. First was to redesign the coins of the world with head on one side and heart (not tail) on another. Second was to suggest that the suffix “Retd.” after a name should mean ‘Retreaded not Retired’. I got away with both these ideas, it appears. At least I did not get any brickbats even if I was not praised enough. So, thinking positively, permit another of the ideas. That of a “Divorce Garden” in the town. Let me explain.
Every year new marriage gardens are coming up in the town and, possibly, all are doing good businesses. Why can’t we have a single “Divorce Garden” in the town then? Logic is actually very simple. But before that, let me share an embarrassing incident with you. We knew of a couple. Happily married as far as I thought. One day we met the lady on a railway station. She was alone. We had time at our disposal so I started asking questions about her husband. She was suddenly very uncomfortable and started looking at the sky and on the earth in rather quick succession. As I had not paid much attention to my wife, who might have been trying desperately to gesture something (I usually don’t when there happens to be a good looking single lady around!), she stamped mildly on my boot and indicated silence. She changed the subject about weather etc. and we parted company. Later my wife gave one of her best sermons to me. “ Did I not tell you about their divorce last month when your were involved in your stupid cricket match?” When I denied, she was quick to point, “ When do you ever pay any attention to me while I speak to you?” Later she came to her favorite pastime “ And I was trying to caution you for a long time, but you have eyes only for the ‘parai stree’!” I had, as usual, my dose and there it ended.
Or did it? I kept thinking about it. Why couldn’t the lady tell me plain and simple that they are divorced? Is it a crime for the two to be separated? While she used to be full of the stories about her husband’s humor and achievements when we met last, now she wouldn’t even listen a word about him? Why does a divorce result in to a hush-hush affair? Can an ex-wife have only the tag of an enemy? Even when we have short activities like a NCC camp etc., we celebrate the completion by a party; call it camp fire. How is it then that a long association of 10-15 or more years should culminate in to both being sworn enemies of each other? Why can’t we have a gala party when they part as friends?
If there are kids, they would also get the message that the parents are still friends and they (the children) can count upon both for help when they need it. Why (in the computer parlance) the “Either/Or gate” opens for the children (that they can either have the support of Mummy or the Papa)?
Hope we principally agree to this logic of having a gala get-together before calling quits. If that be so, this is where the proposed “Divorce Garden” comes in. The couple should come together (for the last time) and enjoy the evening marking the end of their long association. All mutual friends must come together and assure the couple that they are still friends and nothing has changed. That they are as much respected and cared for by the society as they were before they got separated. Even the couple must thank each other for the good times they had and wish the very best for future.
You are right judge saheb. We can’t divide
three children after you approve off our
divorce. We will apply next year then!
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