When My Wife Said, “You Are a Rapist, So I Cannot Stay With You. I Am Going to My Parents’ House.”
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana- Pawan Kumar Bansal
When Journalists Become Headlines
Journalists who create headlines sometimes become victims of headlines themselves. It is not always the government that gets upset over news stories; at times, rebellion begins at home. In some cases, matters can even reach the stage of divorce. The lives of journalists are often filled with interesting and humorous incidents.
This story dates back to the time when the Me Too movement was dominating headlines and old harassment cases were resurfacing everywhere.
One morning, I was waiting for my regular cup of tea. The “Home Minister” — my wife — always prepared it herself with great affection, adding a special touch of ginger and cardamom. That day, however, I was surprised that she had not made tea yet.
I called out to her, but there was no response. My irritation and anxiety began to rise because I have a habit of drinking tea before heading to the bathroom in the morning.
Finally, I walked into the bedroom and was shocked to see my wife packing her belongings into a suitcase. Completely confused, I politely requested her once again to make tea first, but she ignored me and continued packing.
When I asked what was going on, she coldly replied that she was leaving for her parents’ house. I was stunned because she had returned from there only the previous day.
My frustration kept growing while she silently continued packing. At last, I said, “Go wherever you want — to your parents’ home or even to hell — but at least tell me why you are leaving!”
Her reply left me speechless.
She declared, “Your character is bad, and I cannot live with you anymore.”
I was bewildered. Just the previous night, we had enjoyed dinner together at a hotel and watched a movie at home afterward. At that time, my character seemed perfectly fine. What had suddenly changed overnight?
Being a journalist, I often interacted with women as part of my profession. I assumed perhaps someone jealous had poisoned her mind against me. After all, such complaints are taken very seriously.
Gathering courage, I asked her what exactly was wrong with my character.
While angrily packing her clothes, she snapped, “Did you even read today’s newspaper?”
I could not understand what the newspaper had to do with my “bad character.” I quickly picked up the paper and proudly pointed out that one of my bylined stories had been published. I expected appreciation, not accusations.
But she insisted, “Read page three carefully. Then you will understand how characterless you are.”
I read page three twice but found nothing that could possibly prove me immoral.
Finally, she pointed to a small news item at the bottom of the page. The headline read: “Young Woman Raped.” Underneath it was written: “By Our Correspondent.”
“You are the correspondent of this newspaper!” she shouted. “Soon the police will come and arrest you!”
At last, the misunderstanding became clear.
I patiently explained that “By Our Correspondent” meant I had reported the news story, not committed the crime.
After much explanation and persuasion, Madam finally calmed down. She apologized and, to make peace, served me not one but two cups of tea.
Even today, whenever I remember this incident, it brings a smile to my face. Such moments remind us that while journalism can be a serious profession, it also provides countless humorous memories that stay with us forever.