GIVE AND TAKE


by v.s.gopalakrishnan



You ask me 'why'
when I am late from office;
You don't ask me 'why'
if I'm back early from office!
You don't think 
I perhaps had a headache; 
you don't think
I perhaps had a mild angina;
you don't think 
anything could be wrong with me!
You only think 
I've come home early 
only for you!


When I go on an office tour
you ask me to phone you 
every hour;
you get angry 
that  I never phoned you;
yes, I couldn't  talk to you 
as your phone
was engaged 
all the time!


When I go to an office party
without you,
you ask if my lady secretary
is not on leave!
When I go to an office party 
with you,
you ask if my juniors 
are sure to be there!


When I take you 
to a movie
you insist 
you buy the tickets
and I just buy 
the ice-creams,
popcorn and colas;
oh! you don't realise
I've ended up spending 
lots more than 
what you've done!

Come on, be reasonable!
I say, let there be 
a proper give and take!
Oh my God, 
you simply say 'yes'
and add, 'you are there to give 
and I am here to take' !

                                                     v.s.gopalakrishnan