Na Jaane Kyon...

Tum jaan jaan kehke meri jaan le gaye

Naina placed a hand on her knee, "Mummy, sabse pehli baat, aisa kuch nahi hai. Aur agar koi mota hota bhi hai toh ismein burai thodi hai. Agar aap apni khushi se saree pehenti hain toh theek hai, lekin aise kisi galat notion ke saath mat rahiye. Yeh kapde main aapke hisaab se laayi hun. Agar aapko comfortable nahi lage toh mat pehenna, lekin bina try kiye reject mat kijiye. Please."

Vishakha gave a tentative look to Naina, then to Vivek. He nodded in assurance. Letting out a deep exhale, she picked up the clothes and went to closet area.

Outer appearance had always mattered a lot to Vishakha. After Sameer was born, she was shocked to see that her pregnancy weight didn't go away post delivery. And after Rohan's birth next year, it settled permanently. She was never into any workout routine, nor did she try any. Controlling eating habits also was difficult, as she attended a lot of events and parties. Slowly, she accepted that she couldn't get back the same trim waistline, but her wider girth could be hidden in a well draped saree. When Vivek got to know of her apprehension, he tried to explain that she looked as beautiful as before, rather better, with the motherly glow, but Vishakha was too concerned about presenting a perfect picture in her circle. A saree was an elegant wear, but not too comfortable at home. Still, over the years, she had learnt to live with the discomfort.

When she stepped in front of the mirror in the beige trouser and off white top, she was surprised to see the person who stared back at her. The trouser had a broad waistband, fitting comfortably around her, and falling to her ankles in a smooth, narrow line. Top was of a material that neither clung to her, nor added to the width. It was a perfect fit, with quarter sleeves, making her look both classy and trim.

"Oh wow!" Preeti exclaimed as Vishakha went out to the room.

Vivek took off his spectacles, openly admiring his wife, "Kya baat hai, tum toh pachees saal pehle wali Vishakha lag rahi ho."

Naina carefully observed her face for reaction. Vishakha seemed happy.

She said in a soft voice, "Aap sach mein bohot achhi lag rahi hain mummy."

Vivek could see the elation in her eyes. He also knew she wouldn't admit easily. Clearing his throat, he looked at the girls, "Dekho bhai, mujhe toh yeh dress perfect lag rahi hai kal ke liye. Kal hum dono ko Faridabad mere ek dost ke yahan dinner pe jaana hai. Unhone naya farmhouse liya hai wahan, wohi dikhane bulaya hai."

Preeti was excited, "Mummy, yeh decide ho gaya. Aap kal yehi kapde pehnoge."

Vishakha felt a little conscious at the prospect, "Wahan nahi, kahin aur pehen lungi. Namrata bhabhi ne hamesha mujhe saree mein dekha hai, aise achanak..."

Preeti was adamant, "Nothing doing. Aapke kehne pe main aur Naina bhi Agra gaye tab saj dhaj ke gaye the na... ab aap hamare kehne se aise hi jaana. Namrata aunty bhi tareef hi karengi dekhna."

Naina couldn't be as assertive as Preeti, not having the same equation with Vishakha, but she tried, "Agar aap comfortable hain toh kisi aur ke opinion ka mat sochiye mummy."

"Achha baba." Vishakha held up her hands in resignation... more so because she herself was happy with the overall look.

Preeti squealed, then frowned, "Lekin main dekh nahi paungi. Hamari toh subah ki flight hai."

Naina assured her that she would click pictures and send her.

Vivek gave an appreciative look to his wife, "Ab toh aise dress mein Vishakha ko dekhne ka chance tumhe kai baar milega. Kyon Vishakha."

She tucked her hair behind her ear, "Aap log itna keh rahe ho toh theek hai. Pehen lungi kabhi kabhi."

Naina was relieved to see the happiness in her eyes.