More time, but busier than ever

I HAVE seen hundreds of colleagues retire during my service. And so, thought it to be a usual affair all must face eventually. I visualised thanking everyone profusely, whoever wished me a healthy and blissful retired life.

But when my turn for retirement came, it was tough to wind up. The bundles of files and papers to be taken home, files on computer to be deleted, discarded papers to be shredded, a colleague taking over to be briefed — it was like packing up a company.

On ‘doomsday’, the farewell speeches somehow became a debate between two groups of colleagues.  One was of the view that I should remain active, take up some employment — not for money — but to remain engaged and active. Another group disagreed and advised me to do things I could not during service, such as pursuing my hobbies, travelling and simply taking it easy. I was listening intently, trying to decide my next course of action. 

 I thanked them for their concern about my future and told them that perhaps I would pursue writing and gardening.

A month has passed, I am enjoying my status as a retired senior citizen. 

I decided to remain active even if I was doing little. If my wife asks me to get something from the market, I pick up only a few things and keep some items pending for the next day to ensure that I have something to do. I also decided to be out on a short walk to avoid the maid ‘shuffling’ me from one room to the other while cleaning and dusting, even if it meant reading newspapers a little late.

Strangely, I am feeling more preoccupied these days. I get up early. There is no time constraint to do my morning chores in a rush.

Reading newspapers now takes more time as I can prioritise the items to be read. I have to keep up with my investments to ensure a steady income, check my email and manage WhatsApp messages. Lunch has to be more elaborate than the frugal tiffin of one dry subzi  and roti. It must have  delicacies with ample gravy, salad and soup with garnishing, and dessert. No time factor here too. 

Siesta is the most important for a retired man, as he missed it during active service, especially after lunch (I must admit sometimes the peon, seeing me dozing on the table, would rush out of my chamber, feigning he had not seen me sleeping).

In the evening, fresh with rest, I have many things to do. Keep up with the book borrowed from the library, watering the plants, a short meditation session, phoning a friend and sitting with my wife pretending to watch her favourite serial, lest she accuses me of being busier now than during my active life.

Dinner can wait, first let me complete the day’s work.