My dear Associate

Mr.Ravi, 45 has tried umpteen times to get rid of that awful association, but failed miserably. He got himself associated at his tender age, starting out as a trivial pursuit, without much thought. There was another inane reason. His voice was queer, resembling to opposite gender. By getting into this association, he thought, his voice may become masculine, by constant practice and repetition. He wanted to roar like a lion, but turned to be pussy cat. Wished to speak like a hero of the present age in celluloid screen but was like a eunuch.

His ignorance and innocence landed him closer to the association without achieving the desired result. The number of practices increased manifold and expenses as well.

Meanwhile, he was employed with good remuneration to cope up with this association. After getting married only, he could realise that the association is an arch enemy of his better half as well as to the ladies in general. In this part of the country, we found that no female member is having the habit of getting into this association even for fun.

The resolutions on new year, birthday and all important days to disassociate went in vain. The disassociation did not last longer than a day or two and again the bond got more dear and near. The pleasent association became hateful. Pass-time transformed into waste-time. Someother new habits of consumption of tea and coffee were an outgrowth of the association. Petty quarrels and intrigues persisted in family life.

He had to give a serious thought to cut off from the association. He went through various books and health journals to know more and more. Instead of showing ways to give up, they only taught him fear and agony.

At last, he resolved to take a break from the present vocation and search for a job which will make him busy and does not allow him to spare anytime. He was also searching for an office with more discipline and rigorous regulations which deprived him even an approach to the association which he wanted to give up. He had to lie and make his wife believe that he is getting a good job with better pay and perks. After convincing his wife, he resigned from the job.

He could secure a job in an educational institution through a recommendation from his politically powefull friend, who knows his plight and apathy. The institution was a renowned college known for discipline. The college was located in a sprawling 50 acres of land in a remote underdeveloped corner of the city. The approach road was narrow and the college buses only ply to transport students along with some trucks for transportation of goods. Only two small boutiques in front of the entrance was catering the needs of visitors to the college campus with tea, snacks and confectioneries.

The campus was neat and tidy. The sweepers were on the job throughout the day and even the withered leaves were not found on the avenues. Absolute silence was maintained during the working hours except the blast of siren sounded to remind the teaching hours and recess.

He was offered a job in the administrative office based on his past experience. A personal computer and an intercomn equipment occupied a portion of his table. The office was as clean as the pathways. The neighbours on both the sides were middle aged ladies manning despatch and stationery departments respectively.

"Good morning. I'm Ravi. Joining to-day"

The ladies also receiprocated in unison.

"Good morning"

"Is there anyone to supply tea", he asked.

"Yes. You will get only one at 10.30 a.m. from canteen", said the lady, "if you want one now, you can take permission from the office manager and go out"

"No. No. I will have it at 10.30"

He wanted to have a tea, but controlled himself. As explained earlier, this habit is an outgrowth of the association. To forget the feeling, he plunged into his work.

The siren blasted to remind him of the tea break at 10.30 a.m. Ravi was tense without any refreshment.

"Madam. What about tea?"

"I think", she replied," that the maid has not come to day. You can go to the canteen and have it."

"But it seems that the outside shop is nearer to the canteen"

"Of course. You can go and have it there also"

"Thanks. I am coming within the break"

He got up from the seat and reached the outside shop. There was little rush, filled with drivers, conductors and other office assistants. He ordered for a tea and after taking it, he felt very tempted to join the association. There was also a group of friends behind the shop standing in a fog of smoke. He has no other way than fulfilling the temptation. Afterwards he took a menthol based confectionery and returned to the office.

When he took his seat, the ladies were looking at him like a stranger with a smile, with an implied meaning, which he could understand. Probably, a smell emanating from him could be the reason.

The days went on. As usual, the resolution has been given a go buy. The purpose for which he got a change in his job failed. He could not leave the association. He was compelled to go often to the outside shop.

One day, the Manager called him and advised him, not to leave the seat often and go outside. He also suggested that he can have any refreshments in his seat like others in the office. Probably he is not aware of Ravi's association.

He could feel the pinch of the advice from the manager. May be due to some information he got thorough office assistants who were watching him in the shop. He felt embarassed and sat on his seat disgusted.

"What happened, Sir? Any problem" Enquired the lady.

"No nothing Madam"

"Then why are you sad?"

"Sad. Me. No. Not at all."

The lady could understand the picarious situtaion.

"You go out and refresh yourself"

Suggestion came from the other lady.

"Refreshment. Hmm. No more refreshment."

"What happened Sir. Did the manager scold you?"

"No. He didn't. He only advised me."

"Advised what?"

"Not to go out often."

"By the way, why are you going out often?"

"..........."

The lasy smirked and said, "I know."

"How do you know?" asked the other lady.

"My hubby is also like him. I tried to change him, but I couldn't."

"Please stop it madam. From this moment, I won't get up from the seat", said he.

Ravi was a bit nervous.

Immediately, the lady said, "If you do that, I will get you tea daily."

"Hema, I will also share that expense", quipped the other lady.

"O.K. Both we will supply you tea daily at our cost. Is it alright Ravi", said Hema.

"I promise. I won't do it again", said Ravi.

He was firm in his commitment.

Reast of the day, he did not move from his seat except for the lunch. But he was dull and sober. The ladies were also busy in their work.

Next day, when he was working, the siren reminded him about tea. A cup of tea arrived on his table. The maid refused to receive the money from him.

Though it was difficult, still he could manage to sit in his seat and concentrate on his work. He did not venture into the old habit of visiting the shop outside the campus. He could feel immense happiness welling up deep inside him. His prestige did not allow him to return to the old habit.

The days passed by. The tea was served as usual. He was a man of respect among the ladies. He had somehow abandoned that association. He did not know how to express his gratitude to the two ladies who encouraged and enabled him to build up his self control and infuse self confidence to disassociate from the habit.

He did not want to loose the self respect among the ladies and go back on promise made to them, than meeting any other ends.

He remembered the two ladies with reverence throughout his life for helping him to quit smoking.