I Won't Marry Again !
The words of Uncle Tom or Retd Lieutenant Thompson, British Army every time I suggested him to share rest of his life with a partner. He would meet me often in the morning, sometimes to collect his pension from post office or to do groceries.
Living alone for couple of years now.. having to make n eat breakfast alone, sometimes talking to no one for days..n not wanting to share his loneliness with anyone, not even his daughter.he was one amony many of old age people in this part of the world.
Having been on war front twice and lived his life to full , u can see da pride on his face by a mere look at him n the Royal Army Batch on his jacket. Early in his seventies he was, physically quite healthy for the age but deep inside he was still trying to come to terms with the loss of his life ,... Wife Susan.
You try speaking about her , he would avoid it first. But then slowly start sharing about her with a glow on the face, , the fond memories of his married life of more than 50 years .. yes BRITISH couple married for that long ! He would show the photo in his wallet , of his wife n him standin close n looking at each other as if to freeze the moment. He would recall how he survived war injuries, to keep his promise of meeting her again. I would start thinking if it was true n if this was the stuff romantic movies were inspired from.
He would show me his defensive skills learnt in army and proudly say "I Fought for the Queen ''.Unfolding my hands saying my lungs would not breath full, if i folded them while listening to his many of amazing stories , he wouldnt mind my persistent reminder of sharing his life with a partner. I would argue he would be of help as he is physically active to take care of his partner. To my advise of finding one from his sunday club gathering..a beutiful lady with white hair and sweet smile.. he would shy away n say 'You are Mad '! You start thinking if he is aware of the Live-In culture predominant in this next generation..when he would say I Wont Marry Again. The institution of Marriage for him still existed. You wonder if In-Out living partners have heard about loving someone for life even after they have left this world..
He would vanish for weeks..you fear the worst to have happened. N suddenly one morning u see him coming your way waving his hand..wot joy n relief. Living far from my elders , I would always cherish little time spent with him n some others like him.
This is what happens wen you get a small break from your rushed life.. your memory makes you remember the small moments of joy shared.Relocating to a new place does leave a space.. until its filled with new to be memories..
Once when I had offered him mangoes, he would fondly remind me to gift him more next season.. I would assure him..not knowing life might take me to different horizons.. relocating the roller-coaster on a different plane..
Hope You are doing fine Uncle Tom !
Riyaz
