You need company in life.

- Flowing Life-Dr. A hard worker

- 'No prying into anyone's private life, nor giving advice.'

'Will I be able to get some curd from there?' At 9:30 in the morning, Neelimaben with the opposite flat was standing at the door.

'Yes, yes, why not, I'm giving it now.' Saying that, Prakashbhai went into the kitchen. Freezma gave it happily after extracting some of it. 'If you need anything else, please tell me.' Prakashbhai said to Neelimaben.

'I've made Batekapaua for breakfast in the morning, I'm giving it now.' Saying that, Neelimaben took it from his house and gave it away. Both sat together and had tea and breakfast.

Widow Neelimaben was fifty-five years old. Her husband died unexpectedly two years ago. There were no children. So lived alone in his flat.

Sixty-year-old Prakashbhai, who lives opposite, retired from government service two years ago. His wife Parulben died in Corona a year ago. Both were admitted to the hospital after being corona positive. But suddenly Parulben's condition worsened. Kept on ventilator for two days, but alas! He could not survive and went straight to the afterlife leaving Prakashbhai. Their only son Prasoon is a computer engineer and has been working in a company in Bangalore for two years.

At first, Prakashbhai did not mind the presence of relatives, but gradually, father and son were left alone as they all went to their own homes and villages. Prasun also stayed for a month by taking a leave because dad didn't feel alone, but later messages and mobiles started coming from the company to join the job. He requested a lot for work from home, but an order came from the company to join the job in Bangalore immediately. No, he had to go to Bangalore and Prakashbhai was now completely alone.

Prakashbhai's morning time was spent in having tea and breakfast, reading papers and listening to news, but in the afternoon he felt lonely and depressed. There was a beautiful 3 BHK flat on the fifth floor in Navarangpura. The pension was good, there was no dearth of money, but he was tired of loneliness and every evening he missed Parulben.

Even his morning morning walk friends got worried seeing him glum.

'Why is Prakash walking like this?' asked his friend Anil. However, he knew the reason.

'What should I do, man, I am tired of being alone, who can I talk to?' Prakashbhai said in a loud voice.

'So you keep going to son Prasun.' Another friend Bharat showed him the solution.

'In a new city, Prasoon is in the office from morning till night, better than that, everything is known here.' Prakashbhai's answer was correct.

'Tell you one thing, don't feel bad. Neelimaben in front of you is also alone and if both of you are fine, then get married again.' Anil gave a practical solution, which was applauded by all.

Prakashbhai also found it true. But at this age he was ashamed to think of marriage. At this age company and companionship are more important than physical needs, he accepted the proposal.

The very next day he took Nilimaben's hand and proposed marriage. Neelimaben was also bored alone and was looking for a suitable loyal companion.

He finally agreed rather than yes or no.

Prakashbhai got lost in thought. How to tell Prasoon this? Will the young son like it or not?? It was there that Prasoon got a call, 'Dad, there is a good news, I have got a promotion in the job.'

'I have good news for you too, I have decided to get married.' Prakashbhai also said from the front.

'Hey, marriage? with whom ? Aren't you ashamed of getting married at this age?' Prasun got angry.

'Son, along with Neelima Aunty opposite, we both are single and have decided to spend our lives together.' Prakashbhai spoke openly.

'At the age of my marriage do you have such thoughts? I will not talk to you.' Now Prasun got angry and hung up the phone. Prakashbhai was disappointed.

Prasun became depressed in anger and rage, at this age even father is right, he thinks of marriage. He took his friend Pawan home to America to freshen up. He befriended John Uncle opposite there.

Seventy-year-old John Uncle was single despite having been married three times. After their divorce six months ago, now his new girlfriend Julie was coming to meet him. Prasoon is surprised to hear that Uncle John goes on a beach date with sixty-five-year-old Julie.

He kept on thinking for two or three days, finally he reached John Uncle and while talking freely, John Uncle explained, 'Son, this is the routine here in America. Here everyone lives in their own way, even the boys grow up and live in their own way. Irrespective of age, one needs company in life. We believe in enjoying life till the end.'

'But your boys do not protest? Prasoon was surprised.

'Son, I will not touch anyone's personal life here. I have two sons and two daughters. He lives in his own way. Let us help each other in sickness and in health, but not to butt heads in anyone's personal life, nor to give advice.' Prasoon was stunned as Uncle John explained in detail.

'I was wrongly angry with my father. They also have the right to live their lives.' I should not think only of my selfishness. Thinking, he connected the phone to dad.

Prakashbhai was happy when Prasoon called him late at night. 'Sorry dad, I'm here in America, I made a mistake. You decide the wedding date, I am coming to India next week.' Prasunan realized his mistake and apologized.

Hearing his son's sudden change of heart and apology, tears began to flow from Prakashbhai's eyes.

The next week, Prasoon arranged Dad's marriage with Neelima aunty with great fanfare. This American ideology that everyone has the right to live in their own way, is now becoming universal in India as well. What is wrong if a man or a woman who has lost a partner chooses a new partner and lives happily for the rest of his life? What do you have to say??