You should have been honest in the beginning

Sharath Chandra and Priya Sharma have reached at a Coffee shop to discuss a decision that would decide their future course.

It was a sunny day and the scorching sun made the scene more intense. Sharath was sitting diagonally in the corner facing the door with his right leg placed over left, with his left hand at his chin, and eyes focussed towards the door. If you feel an emotion by reading about his posture, that emotion’s name is self-esteem and this introduction is to convey that ‘he is a man of self-esteem’.

After a few minutes, an embodiment of radiant elegance entered through the door which identified where Sharath is in a fraction of second because of his distinction of presence. A place will draw a man’s attention when it has a human of powerful aura. Priya walked gracefully towards Sharath like the first ray of sunlight pierces through a small hole in rooftop and hits the ground in a way that it reached its final destination.

Priya sat in front of Sharath and took a second to adjust herself. She is a woman of integrity who has strong opinions. The only difference between Sharath and Priya is one’s world is filled with thoughts and the other’s world is filled with people.

Sharath asked

“How did you come?”

To which Priya replied in a surprise

“You are asking such a trivial question??? What happened to you?”

Sharath: No, tell me. How did you come?

Priya: Our driver dropped me and I asked him to pick me up after 2 hours.

Sharath: Okay, now let’s jump into our discussion. What did you want to talk about my job?

Priya: I’m asking one last time again. You have done higher studies abroad for which you could have settled down there and earned lakhs per month, or you could have become a programmer here and earned a high package? Why don’t you consider money as a parameter? Do you think you are above that?

Sharath: Your question is valid. But to be clear, this is the complication in a committed relationship. When you first knew me, I was not doing any job, you liked me for the way I talk, my sense of humour, my attitude towards life, and my philosophy. Now why ‘livelihood’ is coming into the picture? Did I ever ask you money for my survival? Then why are you indirectly asking my money for your insecurities?

Priya: I know you will ask questions. See, affluence is required for a happy marriage. Without it couples struggle which I’ve seen in many examples among my own family and friends.

Sharath: So if affluence guarantees happiness, why the divorce rate is high among affluent families?

Priya: Because people without affluence stick to the relationship in the fear of losing that identity also.

Sharath: Exactly. Now your worry, from what I can see is, you are fearing you will get into something which will entangle you for rest of your life

I don’t want to repeat it for the 12th time but I told you the exit terms when the relationship started. I won’t even ask you reasons when you want to breakup.

Priya: Why do you want to be so self-centred like that? Why don’t you think from my perspective?

Sharath: I can ask you the same but then the discussion never ends. A discussion should have a valid conclusion.

Priya: For a couple, there are real-time demands like maintaining a house, raising kids, having enough savings etc. When I knew you in the beginning, I didn’t know we would get this serious. So I asking you now is a matter of present. You need not link up the past to judge me in the present and validate the future.

Sharath: Okay. That’s a good point. Suddenly you are trying to talk like Ayn Rand. See, I’m not trying to win you over in a debate. I’m trying to understand you, answer you, and get my answers from you. Money will come in the course of time but why should I change my journey for money. I live life intensely. For intense people struggle is inevitable. As you are a huge fan of Fountain Head, remember the struggle of Howard Roark. Peter Keating took the safe, affluent, and approved track of success but everyone remembers Roark in the end.

Only one question Priya. Do you want to come with me and see how life would be in my intense journey or you want to look out for an approved but boring (in the long run) Peter Keating?

Priya: Sharath, you have stronger opinions but opinions are illusionary. Reality demands physical and tangible prosperity to experience life in its full capacity. I can’t restrict myself and surrender my dreams for staying in a straining relationship.

Sharath: Fair enough. you have got clarity and clarity is the important thing in life. Remember one thing, earning money is not the point, one can also earn it by selling sand, it should be a byproduct of how intensely you are living your life and with that money, you should know exactly what to do.

Anyhow, as you are clear, let’s part our ways and go in separate ways. If compromising and boring people who just earn money are your choice, as I can see it from people surrounding you, you should have been very honest to me about it in the beginning.

Priya: It’s not about that…It’s…

Sharath: Don’t explain to me. You have taken a decision and already told me reasons. You need not try to make me comfortable. You know about me.

Priya: I do. Only I do. Fine, all the best. You stay on your way. But you will never understand women if you are like this.

Sharath: I understand people and I understand money. That’s the reason I don’t fear both. I know how to get them. you are hurrying and worrying about them and thinking that’s practical. One day this practicality bores you to death.

Remember, life oscillates between pain and pleasure. For people with no money survival problems always keep them struggling pain. For people who have overcome that a long way, boredom will eat their lives away.

Priya: Then what are you?

Sharath: I take pride in my pain and I am very intense in my pleasure.

Priya: What’s this Sharath? I can’t be parting ways with you completely. I need you in my life. Let’s be friends. Let’s share our thoughts, happiness and sorrow.

Sharath: That’s not possible. Once I breakup, I never look back. My yesterday shouldn’t interfere with my tomorrow.

Priya: Why like that? Many ex-lovers do that. They become good friends even after a harsh split.

Sharath: Topic is over. Goodbye.