“Retired but not Tired”

By

J.L. Gupta

 

Some are born old. Some never age. I have seen seventy one summers pass. Age has brought the inevitable change. In the limbs and looks. What was once a hairy head is almost a bald pate. There are implants in the eyes. Also silver in the teeth. More mass than muscle in the body. Probably, supple to stiff could sum up the story.

Yet, age has not made me a sage. The few grey hair that have survived do not really tell the age of the heart. I enjoy all the good things of life. Almost with the same old intensity. I like compatible company. Good food. Liquor. Vintage wine. And even more. I firmly believe that every consumable is meant to be consumed. Eatables are there to be eaten. Starvation can only make a man sick. Fat keeps me fit.

In fact, fattening food is my favourite. It is just irresistible. There is nothing better than a well done four egg omelette. Stuffed parathas with fresh butter on top are just irresistible. How can you enjoy ‘daal’ or ‘saag’ without a good ‘tadka’ of desi ghee? I firmly believe that a hungry man is an angry man. A little bulge is beautiful. It makes a curve. A satisfied stomach is so soothing for the soul. A good meal brings a smile on the face. Good food gives good energy.

And this energy is needed. It helps me to enjoy my work. At the end of the day, it promotes a sound sleep. I can get up before dawn and doze off after the News at Ten. In between, there is a lot to do. Continuously. Without a break or a yawn. Listen to music. Read. Shop. Pick up some good breads, cereals cheese for breakfast. During weekends, even a game of golf. And at the end of the round, a visit to the Bar. Popularly called the 19^th hole on the golf course. A few sips or swishes of ‘single malt’ (temporarily suspended on the doctor’s advice for a few days)do a lot of good to the system. If in doubt, please try.

When a little lighter in the head, I realise that I am totally free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally. But being fat, I cannot stoop too low. My caution to all (friends and foes) is - ‘Do not worry about what you eat. Just take care of what is eating you. And if you carry a clear conscience to bed every night, you would normally not have to visit a doctor or swallow pills. Irrespective of what you eat or drink. And God forbid, even if you have to, you will be totally calm, comfortable and cool.

The Sun sets to make way for moon. The evening brings lights. It is true that the snow of age does not melt. But snow on the top of the house can only mean that there is fire within. Age is only a number. The reality lies in the attitude. I may have retired. Even undergone a surgery for a tumour in the brain. For the last few days,  the family may not even be allowing me to go for work lest I should catch some infection in a crowded room. Yet, I am really not tired. God has been kind. Friends and family are firm in their support. I am having a blast. Life has never been better.