Two different men

Ravi and Prashant were working in the same company when they started their career. One day, they decided to meet at a local bar in the evening after office hours. They ordered beer and snacks, discussed about their work and were watching cricket match on the television in the bar.

Prashant, looking at the grave expression of Ravi, asked, “Ravi, what’s wrong?”

Ravi picked up the glass of beer, took a sip and replied after a pause, “The condition of our country is getting worse.” “Welcome to India, Ravi” replied Prashant with a smile.

“No, seriously. I mean, you know, women of today have changed a lot” Ravi said. Prashant ate a morsel of Haraa Bharaa Kabaab and said, “So what? Now they have become bolder.”

Ravi continued, “No, not only that. You know, today I visited some website in which they had given details on how these modern women are misusing laws after marriage.” Prashant interrupted, “Oh please Ravi, you don’t tell me that you are taking all this seriously.”

“What? You knew about this” Ravi shockingly questioned. Prashant passively replied watching the cricket match, “Yes, I know what’s going on. But, come on Ravi, you don’t have to get upset. Why do you bother about all this?”

Prashant continued, “Look, you just enjoy yourself, man. Why do you care what’s happening around. Just enjoy.”

Ravi pensively looked at Prashant, and was perplexed to see his reaction. Ravi continued, “But, Prashant, don’t you feel scared that this might happen to you too?” Prashant replied “Come on, Ravi. You can’t think negative. If some men were falsely accused, that does not mean that you too will face the same fate. Relax. You are overreacting.”

Prashant said, “Look, you just enjoy, man. Look at the beautiful figures of women instead of getting upset over such things. And if you feel scared then don’t get married.” Prashant chuckled.

Prashant’s disinterested reaction left Ravi stunned. Prashant cheered when a batsman hit a six.

******

Prashant got married, and soon after, his wife demanded his parents to live elsewhere. This marital dispute continued and his wife filed for divorce. Prashant was then accused of dowry harassment and was sent to jail for six days along with his old parents. He had to give away a huge chunk of his family wealth to his wife to settle the case.

After two years, he met Ravi again in the supermarket and decided to take a stroll. After brief informal conversation, Prashant said, “Ravi, you were right, I was wrong. I was falsely accused by my wife. I should have listened to you. I could have averted this had I understood the situation seriously. I blame myself for my parent suffering who too were arrested.”

Ravi sympathetically replied caressing his shoulder, “Don’t worry Prashant. Everything will be alright. I am still single and happy to take care of my parents. Now you realize that if it could happen to other, it could happen to you too.”

Prashant assertively said, “But I am not going to keep quiet. I will meet ministers and let them know that such laws are ruining Indian families. I will also become a member of organizations that address these issues. I will not let this happen to other innocent family.”

Ravi smilingly replied, “Welcome to India.”   

4:05 AM - Saturday, October 28, 2006