May 7, 2006

Satyan was hospitalized for nine days before being discharged. The suffering was horrendous. The pain was severe. His liver was swollen due to excessive liquor intake. Three days had passed through since the discharge.

"You managed to escape in this instance." Doctor had sternly warned him. "It is better for you, if you stay away from liquor. You came close to being affected by cirrhosis of liver. God saved you this time, but not next time. Luck was on your side, but next time death could be certain."

He did not have any other option but stick to a rehabilitated resolution to shun his drinking habits.

It was evening. He assisted his children Shiny and twinkle in their school home- work. Malini took a break from cooking, came over to the sitting room and switched on the TV. The effect of the TV serials was magical and but normal. The kids closed their books and shifted their eyes towards the TV. Satyan did not have much interest in TV serials, he liked the sports based channels, but then Malini had little interest in sports.

During college days he was a long jump champion. His addiction to liquor had almost destroyed his inner system. Being vulnerable to whisky turned him to fragile and feeble state.

" I am feeling pretty bored." Informed Satyan. " It is time go back to work and take up the responsibility of my shop."

"I have my apprehensions when I think of you, going back to work." Malini expressed her anxiety. "There are chances you may shift back to your old routine of closing the shop, visiting the nearest bar, limitless drinking till mid-night and reaching home in zombie state. I am really worried."

"My decision this time is unshakable." Satyan replied with firm voice. "I will not fall to the temptations of liquor."

" I am unsure." She turned towards him. " You have broken your promises umpteen number of times. The temptation has always won on yourself."

"I know. But now it is question of life and death. I want to live." His eyes became moist when he looked at his kids.

"Yes, it is better you take back the charge of the shop." Malini reasoned out with her opinion. " Poor Siddanth has applied leave and taken a break from his job just to look after your shop."

Siddanth has been his best friend and closest to the family. His acquaintance with Satyan had continued since college days.   Their friendship had built on historical foundation. They had grown together with drinks and smoking. Siddanth was working with a bank. Satyan had a saree shop. Right from the day Satyan was hospitalized Siddanth had taken leave from his work to manage his friend's shop. Every evening he used to come to home to hand over the cash, accounts and keys.

"What you are saying is true. I do not know how to express my gratitude to Siddanth." Satyan agreed.

By eight o clock Shiny and twinkle consumed their dinner and moved to their bedroom to continue their studies. By nine, Siddanth appeared and gave the financial report.

"By tomorrow, I will get back to my work. You have been a wonderful friend to have. Thank you very much." Satyan tapped his friend's back.

"You say I am your friend, then why this word of thanks?" Siddanth complained.

Siddanth was forced to stay back for the dinner.

"Since many days I have not taken drinks. Shall we have a peg each? Even I stopped drinking after you fell sick." Siddanth came open with his desire.

Whisky? Satyan licked his lips. Simultaneously doctor's warning shot in his brain like an alarm. He managed to swing back from the wave temptation.

"You may take if you want. But me, no way." Satyan was thoughtful in his answer.

"You know that I do not consume drinks without you. Let us avoid." Siddanth changed his mind.

They had dinner together. The general discussion continued from TV serials, sports, cinema and political issues.   Malini got involved.

"I would be in the shop by ten o clock. I want you to do a physical stock verification." Siddanth made a clear request. " This should not lead to any misunderstanding in the future."

"I trust you." Satyan fondly smiled.

"You are more intelligent than me in business deals." Siddanth replied. "But still I want sincerely to advise you. In business you should not trust anybody, not even me. Perhaps you think that it is unnecessary, but at least for my satisfaction I want you to check the cash, bank statements and the stock while handing over the job."

They did not argue further. He said good night and moved out. He was living with his parents. The money what he had saved was spent on the weddings of his three sisters. He had shown no reservation in providing better tomorrow to his sisters. Siddanth's commitment, faithful and altruistic nature had always moved Satyan. The basic cause for Siddanth's liking for liquor was to escape from the stress factor?

Then what was the cause for Satyan's temptation?  Everything was going right for him, his married life, children and business, still what made him to be drunkard? Why did he run away from real life? Was it just to provide company to Siddanth? He could not get the apt answer.

"What is bothering you?" Malini asked him when they were on bed.

"I want to take permanent break from the drinking habits." He pulled her close and kissed her cheeks. He felt hot.

" So quickly? You just got discharged from the hospital, have some patience. You need to become healthy and strong. Let us control ourselves for at least one month." She slipped out from his hug.

He sensed the frustration. Malini was good in endless excuses. Plenty of efforts were needed to hold her close in embrace. It made him strange to think that the cuddle was always discouraged. She had this ability to fall into sleep in no time.   He had his complexities in getting into sleep.

Next morning, with pristine motivation of going back to work, he got up from the bed. He dressed up and had his breakfast. He took the car out from the park, dropped his kids to the school and then drove to the shop. The car engine gave some unusual noise perhaps produced by the engine belt. This bothered Satyan to some extent.

As promised Siddanth came at ten o clock. The next couple of hours were spent through in transferring the business information related to last twelve days. Physical inventory was done. The accounting was perfect, although Satyan was never suspicious on Siddanth's integrity, soon after the report was given he felt more than satisfied. He had run the business with precision. It was flawless.

"Any doubts?" Siddanth showed the indication to move out.

"Doubts? I never had and never would." Satyan pressed his friend's shoulder with irresistible pride. "Where are you going now?'"

"I had taken fifteen days of leave to help you out. Twelve days are over, I still have three more days to enjoy." Siddanth explained.

"That is what I am asking you, why are you in a hurry?" Satyan asked him.

"I have been living a lonely life, now it is time up to search for the companion."   Siddanth winked.

"Good luck." Satyan patted his back.

Siddanth went out and kick started his scooter. By that time customers came in and Satyan attended them.   He felt tremendous joy in getting back to business. In between the work he called Siddanth. Siddanth was not at home. He left a message with Siddanth's mother to call him back.

He left his car in the garage while going home for lunch. An auto rickshaw was hired from the garage. When he reached home Malini was lying on the bed with headache. He did not bother to trouble her. He enjoyed his lunch with the children who had returned from the school. By five o clock he went back to the shop. There was no call from Siddanth.   At nine o clock, Siddanth appeared.

He was fond of Siddanth, but his friend's visit at this hour was not appreciated by his inner-self.   He had intended to rush back to home. Siddanth had always enjoyed the late night drinks and at this moment Satyan did not have the desire to sit in a bar. Doctor's caution was still fresh in his mind.

"Mom informed that you had called me." Siddanth reminded him.

"Yes, that was in the afternoon." Satyan replied. " I had some problems in the engine belt, hence I left the car in the garage. I wanted you to give me a lift back home and we could have had lunch together. By the way, where were you?"

"Now I will leave you home." Siddanth changed the topic and started his scooter. "Satyan, if you have no objection shall I have a beer at the sports club on way to home."

Sports club was quite near to Satyan's house and the rates were more economical than the restaurants.

"You may go. I will take an auto." Satyan wished to stay away from the temptation.

"Please do not worry. I will not force you." Assured Siddanth. "Just bear with me for ten minutes."

Satyan had not other choice. He sat behind Siddanth. It took them fifteen minutes to reach the club. They sat near the counter. Satyan felt miserable. The guilt took over.   He felt as if the doctor was watching with a stick in hand.

"I will have a beer. Do you like to have a peg?" Asked Siddanth.

"Me?" Satyan stumbled. The intoxicated atmosphere began influencing his mind.

Siddanth ordered for beer and a peg of whisky with soda.

"One visit to the hospital has made you so panicky?" Siddanth taunted him. "Nothing happens with a single peg."

Single peg? Did they ever stop at one peg or one beer? The second was expected to follow after the first and third would be certain after the second.   This was what had occurred in the past. The third to be continued and would end up with fourth. Then they would lose the sagacity, unsteady feet would take them home, at times eat and vomit.   Perspiration showed on his face. He struggled to shut out the temptation. He felt as if the agonizing twinge re-occurred in his stomach.

He had not forgotten the way he suffered when he was admitted to the hospital. The throbbing soreness would haunt back?

The waiter served the drinks. Siddanth smiled with the expected pleasure. Satyan delayed in his stretching the hand.

"I have stomach pain." Satyan got up. " I may have to sit in the toilet for some time."

Siddanth shook his head. Satyan reached to the toilet and look at the mirror. His soul had woken up. The remorse had unsettled him.

Less than a week back he was persevering in his decision to shun the drinks.   Why not remain steady than being obliterated by the lure? He wanted life and not death.

"Those who make you to drink again could not be your friends. They are your enemies!"   The doctor was honest in his words.

The stomach pain had eased out. He felt better. Now there was no need to sit in the toilet.   He came out. The glasses of beer and whisky were waiting to be consumed.  His eyes searched for Siddanth. Siddanth was at the counter talking over the phone. The back was facing him. Satyan did not think for the second time. He marched out from the club area.

He stopped a running auto. It took less than five minutes to reach the destination.   He felt great when he climbed the steps.

The temptation was smacked and slapped. He had won a huge battle.   The glass was turned down.  He wanted to share this news with his wife.  He knew this would make Mailini proud.

At this hour normally the children would go to sleep. He did not want to disturb them by pressing the doorbell. He had the key. He unlocked the door. There was no noise. He closed the door and discarded the shoes.

Where was Malini? Still sleeping with the headache?

The bedroom door was slightly open. He raised his hand to push the door but it involuntarily came back. Malini was talking with some one over the phone. He heard every word of it.

"You told me, he has gone to the toilet. He might return any time. It is better you go back to the table." There was command in Malini's voice.

"………………."

"He should not escape from the drinking habit!" She continued. " He survived once. But if he continues to drink he is sure to be affected with cirrhosis of liver. He would perish if get this. Then the shop, this house, the money and all property will be ours. We will  marry and live happily. It is your responsibility to entice him with the temptation of liquor. My dear Siddanth, make him drink till his liver succumbs to the abscess!"   

Siddanth?

Satyan felt the tremors underneath his feet.