“Alcohol removes inhibitions – like that scared little mouse who got drunk and shook his whiskers and shouted: “Now bring on that damn cat!” – Eleanor Early

The above quote is framed on the walls of the bar I frequent. It didn’t make sense to me initially but on one fine night, a cumulation of incidents made me appreciate the accuracy and coarseness of the quote.

It all began with a satire – the greatest one that no one perceived – when an intoxicated bathroom-singer mustered up the courage to vocalize alongside the performer, his courage being fueled by the masquerading audience. Buoyed by the freshly ingrained confidence, the self-proclaimed singer started a solo piece, one that is going to top the list of his drunk memories.

But little did I know that amid the musical satire, a heartwarming scenario was playing out on the sidelines of the bar. Holding hands, eyes locked, sipping on their wine without giving a damn was an elderly couple, lost in their world that seemed to have been crafted out of years of patience, love, and compassion. A blanket of warmth swept over me realizing that aged love is like aged wine; it becomes more satisfying, more refreshing, more valuable, more appreciated, and more intoxicating!

Overwhelmed and sandwiched in between the extremities of the reckless youth and the soul-stirring couple, I looked at the quote, plastered on the wall and murmured, “Miss Eleanor, alcohol makes things easier and I do think it’s intoxicating when somebody is so unapologetically who they are. But removing inhibitions? That’s the work of unrequited love…”, before slipping away into the dark unconscious.