Mrs. Singh, Mr. Kumar and Mr.___ sat down together in a corner of the room with their steaming cups of tea.
Mrs.Singh asked Mr. Kumar "What are your plans for next weekend, Mr.Kumar? I am planning to go to Thirupathi. Maybe I could interest you in coming along?"
Mr. Kumar scratched his stubble and said. "I was kind of booked for the weekend but I ought to make a concession for a spiritual trip. After all, where would we be without our spiritualism, right?"
Mrs. Singh smiled appreciatively and turned her attention to Mr.___. "And you Mr.___, wouldn't you like to come along and bow down in front of the Holy One?"
Mr.___ smiled at Mrs. Singh's expression and replied "No thanks, but I am an atheist. Besides, had I even not been an atheist, I am sure the Almighty would understand if I did not wish to bow down before him."
Mrs. Singh and Mr. Kumar almost dropped their cups of tea in horror. Mrs. Singh was the first one to recover. "An atheist, Mr.___?! A good man like you! I don't believe it."
Mr. Kumar, more forthcoming, shook his head deprecatingly and said in a righteous tone. "Mr.___, do you realise what a bad example you are setting your kids? If everyone thought like you, the world might as well cease existing. For a godless world is as good as doomed."
Mr.___ did not like Mr. Kumar's righteous reproaches but stayed calm."Mr.___ I thank you for your concern for my kids. But please rest assured that I am even more concerned for them than you are. And I have no intention of preaching my beliefs to them. It is best for them that they make up their own minds about what to believe and what not to believe. All I can teach them is to think for themselves and not be swayed by what people want them to think."
Mrs. Singh cried in an almost pleading voice. "But think about what you are saying Mr.___. Kids cannot decide between good and bad. It's our responsibility to guide them in the right direction. Without us telling them what to do, they would definitely go astray."
Mr.___ smiled and said "Mrs. Singh, I do not believe that kids are too naive to decide between good and bad. Of course, they will make mistakes initially. But they will learn eventually. Age is often foolish when it underestimates youth. Isn't it downright arrogant of us to assume that we are wiser than our kids? Yes we have seen more of life. But more often than not, how we perceive what we see is governed by the limited viewpoint of our society and our times. So age need not necessarily make us wiser. Rather than me telling my kids what to believe, they would be much better served if they made up their own minds. Let them decide for themselves on the existence of God."
Mrs. Singh, now clearly disturbed, said. "But aren't you scared as to what kind of people they would grow up to be if they did not believe in God? Aren't you scared for your own soul, Mr.____?"
Mr.___'s smile now became wider. "I am not worried for my soul, Mrs. Singh, if there is any such thing. Mrs. Singh and Mr. Kumar, both of you have known me for several years now. And in all these years have you ever seen or heard me do or say anything remotely evil? I believe in good and I do or say only what I believe in. Yes, I am not a god-fearing person. But why do I have to be a god-fearing person to be good? Does it mean that only the fear of retribution from God scares people into being good? If it is so, are these people really good? I believe that belief in God and belief in good are two totally unrelated things. One can very easily be one without being the other. And we can see it everyday around us - so called god-fearing people who carry on the most heinous crimes against society."
Mr. Kumar who had been quiet for some time now flared up."What you are saying is utter rubbish! Everyone believes in God. Why should you be any different? Why are you needlessly trying to be a rebel?"
Mr.___ replied in an even tone. "Mr. Kumar, losing your temper with me is really quite unnecessary. I assure you that I am not trying to be a rebel. I would never go around advertising myself as an atheist. It is not an issue which I consider to be of any great significance. I know that you and Mrs. Singh are ardent believers. But I would never dream of questioning you on your beliefs. What you believe in is solely your concern. Likewise, what I believe in is solely my concern. My beliefs are not hurting anyone. Then why would you wish to impose your opinion on me? My atheism is a purely an opinion, to which I am perfectly entitled. By no stretch of imagination is it a rebellion against anyone or anything."
Mrs. Singh, now much calmer, said. "Come Mr. Kumar, It is true that Mr.___ is perfectly entitled to his opinion and he is not forcing you to change your opinion. Let us finish this discussion amicably right now."
She then glanced up at the clock hanging over the mantlepiece and exclaimed. "It's already 11! My! how the time flies. I really must get going now. I wish both of you gentlemen a very good night. And Mr. Kumar, please do not quarrel with Mr.___. Goodnight."
She then got up and walked away to take leave of the hosts.
