Another World

By Sukumar Ruj

Since you want to hear about the matter in details, let me begin. Almost at the edge of retirement I wanted to marry. Not having married for such a long time, my colleagues teased me. It old those of my desire Hearing that, they were even more amused.

But somehow, I was able to convince them that truly I nurtured a desire to marry. Of course, I had to shed a few tears because of that. I did so with some amount of effort, or did it emerge just like that, I am not too sure!

But that did the job. My co-workers were truly empathic. The advice to marry or bring in a wife – all the advice pertaining to that, all were ready with small bits of suggestions.

It was only Shakya who said sympathetically – Bose-Da, since you have refrained so far, don’t proceed any further! You will not be able to manage if you bring in a wife at this age. 

The inherent meaning behind his words I did not understand. But, amongst all my colleagues, the greatest jokester Jayanta, winked and said- If you cannot manage, however, we are there! We will sometimes lend a helping hand. There was another round of laughter at this remark. Shakya did not smile and only said – I am not talking about that matter. Bose-Da who is 60 years old, will not find a 25-year-old wife! A lady of minimum 50 years can be his wife. At that stage, nobody will have to take turns! There is something else on my mind. 

Wiping dry tears, I looked directly at Shakya. The others were curious. They looked outside for a flash. Then, without looking around he said, Understand, though Bose-Da and the lady he will marry might be a senior citizen, their marriage is new and fresh. 

The entire furor that comes with a new marriage that will of course be there they will have a tough time managing all that. Jayanta seemed unwrapping an egg roll, but it seemed to be a strained effort. Suddenly he spoke aloud – The matter is not very clear, Shakya Da. Why don’t you tell us clearly what you mean?

Shakya drew the chair a little closer -- What is there to speak openly about? All of you are married and have gone through the thrill of a new marriage. Besides the sexual thrills, think of something else. If you take a little time to think, you will understand what I mean.

After increasing the speed of the fan he said- When I was newly married, suddenly I felt a keen desire to ride on the election roller coaster. It was so very turbulent. My wife lost her balance. She hugged me close and somehow managed to keep her balance.

Shakya made his voice a little grave and said – Then, just imagine, what could happen if the same happens to Bose-Da with his new bride, there is every chance of it resulting in a stroke. Hence, Bose Da will have to suppress that desire.

Another friend gulped down some water and said- Shakya-Da, there is so much that we have seen in our childhood. After marriage all that was a dream.

That is why, very shortly after marriage I took my wife for a swim in the pond close by. You can’t imagine what happened after that! Both of us knew swimming. It was a lot of fun. But at this age, if Bose-Da… He has put on alot of weight….

Jayanta rubbed both his hands together and said – Now, if I talk of myself, I will not lie, after marriage I had strongly wanted to hold my newly wedded wife close, both of us would strip and see blue films together. We did so, but did not have the patience to see the whole movie through. 

Shakya giggled and said, Jayanta, you can only talk about all that! Bose-Da has now in years, and now all that… After all that can start the second time. I am not saying all that…What I am trying to put across is that there are many issues, which at this age is not feasible for either of them at this age. Then, one will have to clamp down on all desires. They will not be able to do just what they want. After this degree of suppression, there will be a whole spate of depression. There will be an increase of pressure and tension.

Jayanta hit the table forcibly and piped up - it might also be that their condition might become like the actor Dipankar Dey that would be a real mess. 

Sakya pretended to be irritated- Jayanta, will you stop! You are always jesting. We are talking about a serious matter and yet you….Look here Bose-Da, think over the matter carefully. Right from microbes, insects, animals and birds and humans- all want to procreate.  You will also want to leave behind an heir. Jayanta, there is no need for you to smirk in that manner. Further, don’t interrupt in the middle of the conversation! As I was saying Bose-Da, assuming that6 with utmost efforts, at the age of 62 you become a father… That baby will have to be taken care of properly.  Then, there is the question of a proper education and good health. I assume that there will be no problems about finances. But at the age of 72, running about for the high school form, taking your son along for the various vaccinations, you yourself will start having health problems. Even your better half will become increasingly frail by the day. She will also cross 60; there will be a plethora of problems. Her range of movements will also decrease by the day. As a result, your child will be deprived. When the child is still very young, your ill health will agonize her. When the child grows up, your eyes will be awash in tears. The child will start talking and then there will also be so many other issues. Think about all this before you decide to marry. 

Jayanta scrolled through his mobile and said - Well Shakya-Da, why are you assuming that our friend’s wife will be fifty years of age? Though not teenager, to be bride could well be around 35 or so. Thus, she may well be a mother at 37.  At that age she will be able to manage a child’s school going very well. 

All this while I was listening to their conversation in silence at long last I cleared my throat and spoke- My dear Shakya, Jayanta; all that you have said so far, is correct from a certain point of view. I am not denying all that, or if I do not marry any woman, under that circumstance… 

Jayanta forcefully put down the mobile on the table and hurriedly spoke- Oh; you will opt for a same sex marriage! But the Supreme Court has still not given consent to legally carry this out. Even the Bench of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud was not successful in passing the motion.

I proceeded to gulp down a glass of water. Then I spoke - Buddy, I am most certainly not going to opt for a same sex marriage. It will surely be with a member of the other sex. Everyone looked at each other. I said in a very curt voice- I want to marry someone of the third sex. There was pin drop silence in the office room. 

After a minute Jayanta spoke- Bose-Da, you have never told us about your predilection for the 3rd sex! 

I scratched my ear and spoke –No; even the one does not rise and talk of three! I have read in books about the trauma they have to go through. In have not seen, but heard about the trauma they go through. That is why I thought of offering them at least some amount of respite. Surely the Supreme Court will not step in to intervene. It is not people of the same sex. Further, as far as I know there is no legal embargo in a marriage between people of this kind of sexual orientation.

Shakya started smoking. He pushed the packet in my direction. I gestured that I was not interested and then in a deep voice remarked—you know that I was travelling on the train the other day with a bi-gender. The sorrowful existence that she was going through made my eyes fill with tears. Just imagine that even if I do not marry, I will be respected in society. I am not suffering in solitude in society. But they have nothing but solitude and loneliness. They are not respected as men and nor as members of the female sex. Society also has no respect for them. They are only the laughing stock for everybody. If I can marry one of them and give them at least some measure of respect in society

Jayanta grabbed the mobile from the table and said- Oh! You are interested in social service! You should have mentioned that before! You should have mentioned that before; an ad could have been put in the papers – Looking for marriage to a tri-gender person!

I said –You do not have to take the trouble to do that buddy! I have the telephone number of the person I had met on the bus and have even talk4d to her over the phone. The only delay is till I retire. As soon as the money reflects in my account, I will opt for a registry marriage. You’ll have to be witnesses on my account!

There will be a good feast!

Who will be witness on behalf of the transgender? 

Somewhat excitably I remarked- The magistrate himself will be the witness on her behalf. The reason is simple; the magistrate himself is a transgender! It is by virtue Of his education, he has risen to this post. Hearing all this, at some point, my eyes brimmed over with tears. My sadness spread all through my friends too. Jayanta was the first who started weeping. Oh no, I also see in your eyes….!

By Sukumar Ruj