For m4manju for always encouraging and loving the book since beginning ❤️
This is a continuation of chpt-Maahi, a glimpse of her life after marriage with Vishal. But this chpt can be read as a standalone.
(Bhavna & Sunil are parents of Vishal)
See the pic above for Maahi's dress (gift).
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I took a sigh of relief. The evening was busy as usual. Looking at the clock, I frowned noticing Vishal was late today from his office.
I looked here and there finding my phone. Probably I should call him. Or maybe I should see if he sent me a text earlier.
Finding none, I headed towards my mother-in-law's room. Probably she would know something.
"Mummy! Vishal ka koi call aaya hain kya aapko (Has Vishal called you)? Abhi tak kaise nahi aaye ghar (Why he hasn't returned home yet)?"
"Kal Sunday hain na! Koi dost mil gaya hoga ya call aa gaya hoga. Aa jaayega ghar (Tomorrow is Sunday no! So he would have met his friend or received a call. Dont worry, he would be home soon). She said casually and I had to nod my head.
"Aao, baitho yaha (Come, sit here) Mummy said lovingly and I smiled at her, entering inside, sitting beside her on the bed.
"Ye dekho! Ye saree kaisi hain? Aachi hain na (Look here! How is this saree? It is good no)?" She asked me and I was dumbfound.
I gulped being alert. This task is more difficult!
Mummy had a different level of energy when it came to online shopping. Whether she would buy that or not, but would never fail to be updated about the latest designs of her favorite brands.
I used to be excited earlier, thinking she is taking my opinion in buying sarees. But she would prove her point by hook or crook.
I mean, what is the point when she has already decided the said outfit IS BEAUTIFUL!
This time, I know what I have to do.
Step 1: Seal your lips. You have to just nod your head and speak less.
I took the phone from her hands, carefully watching the saree. Its good that this is not dress. Otherwise it would have been difficult for me to stay quiet.
"Aachi hain na (This is good no)?" She asked further and I smiled seeing her.
Step 2: Look carefully at the outfit- like you are analyzing the details.
I zoomed the screen and tried looking at it. Isn't it costly as per the details they show? Anyway, I know mummy will find something else and forget this. Why waste time and energy.
Sometimes, this works to avoid unnecessary conflicts and differences of opinion.. that too on a silly thing which will never enter our home.
My thoughts broke when Mummy pointed at the particular design and made me look at it carefully.
Step 3: Find what makes her like the outfit and go along with her.
"Dekho ye jo design hain na.. woh bohot aachi hain (Look, this design is so good).. it suits the saree." She praised the saree, and I nooded my head in affirmative.
"Ji! Ye color bohot aacha hain (Yes! The color is so good) " I said carefully analyzing that saree.
The design does not suit at all!
Step 4: Wait for few seconds and the photo will change.
"Haan, ye aacha hain! Par isse bhi aacha ye hain (yes, this is good! But the next one is much better)" She slid the photo and I did a little victory dance, praising myself.
Step 5: Repeat Step 1.
And the cycle goes on. The sarees are never of my taste but I still have to praise them. I really do not have any idea what she likes in them.
These are the times when I miss my mother the most. We would always discuss the outfits.
I was never afraid that she would feel bad if I said directly 'alag vali dekho! Ye color pasand nahi aaya (see other one! This color is not good)'
or 'Ye brand kyu lena hain (why should we take the clothes of this brand)! I will show you better one'
or 'aapko pasand hain.. par mujhe aachi nahi lagi. Dekho ye prints kitne ajeeb lag rahe hain (You love it.. but I do not. See the prints look so weird)'
and we would go on discussing and she would pick one of her choice and I would pick one of mine.
We lived for that smile on each other's face.. that would make our home joyfull and lively.
I smiled fondly at the memory. I would call her right-away, when I would finish my chores.
I looked at my mother-in-law again. Guess there would be a long way till we reach there. Maybe oneday. Maybe never.
But was I complaining? Not at all. She is much better than those daily soap Saasu-maa (mother-in-law) who love to taunt their bahu (daughter-in-law) every second.. which I was afraid of, seeing those daily soaps.
Before she could show me more, the door bell rang. And I got up immediately.
"Aree, ruk jao. Baitho yaha! Sunil hain na. Woh dekh lenge (wait. Sit here. Sunil will see)" she said, referring to my father-in-law and I sat again.
Soon we heard Vishal's voice. "Mummy? Maahi?" He entered inside and sat across us on the chair, keeping his bag down.
I smiled warmly at him and he did the same.
"Dekho! Aa gaya mummy ka chamcha! Shadi ho gayi na ab? Toh chodo meri biwi ko. Aur niklo yaaha se (See! Mummy's dear son has arrived. You are married now, aren't you? Leave my wife and go out from here)" I heard my father-in-law's playfull remark as he too entered inside.
"Kya aap bhi! Jab dekho tab mere bete se dushmani karte rehete hain (What are you saying! You always become a rival of my son)" Mummy chidded at Papa and I laughed mutely.
Papa sighed. "Aur nahi toh kya! Jab se paida hua hain, bas mummy ke aas paas reheta hain (What should I say now! From the moment he is born, he just stays around his mother)"
He looked at me. His eyes sparkled as he said further, "I tell you beta (child), chodo inhe idhar hi (leave them here). Lets go and watch cricket match together. Inhe karne do ek dusre ke saath baate (Let them talk together)."
I smiled from my heart this time and nodded my head. Ever since he came to know my love for cricket, we became a team. And mummy and Vishal are on either side of us.
Vishal loves cricket but he supports another team while me and papa love one team. But they both are interested more in politics. Papa and him will go lengths discussing about politics and me and Mummy are left alone.
"Haan! Aapko bas bahana chahiye, apni beti ke saath time spend karne ka. Pata hain mujhe (Yes! You only need a reason to spend time with your daughter. I know you very well)" mummy replied playfully and they both smiled.
There was no daughter in the house. Vishal is their only son. And now that I am here, papa always makes me feel as his daughter.
"Tumhare iss bandar se toh bohot aachi hain meri beti (My daughter is much better than your monkey)!"
I heard a faint whining from Vishal "papa yaar!"
I really could not control my laughter this time and really ended up giggling. Everyone looked at me and I felt embarrassed. I hung my head low, closing my eyes in shyness. But soon I heard everyone laughing again.
Everything is still new for me here. Three months of marriage and one month was spent with the guests in our home. While the second month, we went to some relatives from ny mother-in-law's side since they could not attend the wedding.
And this third month seems like I am living and seeing my in-laws house closely. Trying to adjust myself with them.
"Chalo ab! Chai nashta banati hu (Let's go! I will make tea and snacks)" mummy said after a while and I followed behind her.
This was the place we would really discuss the menu and tried to make our efforts less by really dividing work.
Again, at my home, my mother would be mad at me for meddling in between and not learning quickly. I would clearly mess with her kitchen. And I had to just shut my mouth and obey her orders. So that I would learn a few things correctly.
Here was different. We would decide a menu, divide the work and quickly go out, finishing it on time. I always appreciate and love how mummy makes sure I go out of the kitchen soon, so that I would get some time with Vishal. These are the times when I genuinely feel her hidden love for me.
The tea was kept for boiling and I went inside our room to call Vishal for snacks.
He was taking out a parcel from his bag. As soon as he turned around to put it inside the cupboard, I asked. "What is this?"
I looked at the bag and as soon as I forwarded my hand to open it, he said louder, "Ruko! (Wait)"
Vishal stopped me and took the bag away from my hand.
I was shocked was an understatement.
"Kya hain isme (What is inside)?" I was suspicious now. What is there to hide from me?
I was about to ask him again, clearly, "Vi-"
But before that, I heard a loud voice from kitchen, "MAAHIII" mummyji called me and I had to go.
Baad mein dekhti hu (Will see later).
I went inside the kitchen and frowned. What's going on? Abhi toh Papa hall mein the na (A moment ago, papa was in the hall)? And what is he searching in the fridge?
"Papa, kuch chahiye (Father, do you want something)?" I asked him and he turned around.
"Nahi toh (No)!" Bhavna, chai do jaldi se. Mein bahar hu (Bhavna, give me tea soon. I am outside in the hall)" he smiled at me and went away.
The work kept me busy but my mind frequently drifted to the parcel in my husband's hands. What could it be that I can't see?
Maybe I am thinking too much. Brushing my thoughts away, I focused on the work in my hands, trying to finish it soon.
I would definitely know the contents in the parcel, before this day ends.
"Kya chupa rahe ho? Batao abhi (What are you hiding? Just tell me now)!" I cidded him once we were alone in our room, at night going to sleep.
He sighed and went towards the cupboard while I had my eyes glued to his actions.
"Chupa nahi raha hu. Tum aase hi kitchen se aa gyi thi! Parcel kharab ho jaata toh!??"
(I am not hiding anything. You came inside directly from kitchen, without washing hands. What if parcel would have spoiled?)
Saying so, he opened some random bag and the same parcel came out of it.
"Ye lo! Bhaiyya ne bheja hain (Take this! Your brother has sent it)" Ishaan bhai sent me something. Par kyu (but why)? It's not my birthday nor any festival.
Still confused, I opened the parcel and a cute dress was inside it.
"This!?" I looked at Vishal.
"Mein uper aa raha tha na, tab courier wala deke gaya (the courier boy gave this when I was coming upstairs)." He said
But where was I?
"I met him outside our home" he answered my unsaid question.
"Then I called Ishaan bhai, and he said there is a dress for you."
Before we could have a longer conversation, his phone rang. 'Work related' he said and went outside.
I looked the parcel and my excitement increased as I opened it further, and I could not contain my smile when I saw the dress.
It was a cute straight fitting dress reaching just above my ankle (calf length). I just looked at it and hugged tightly. My favorite color- offwhite (cream).
But my smile vanished as soon as it came, thinking where will I wear this?
In these three months, I wore tops and pants or kurtis since. Living with my in-laws, I have become more aware of my physical attire. Always.
But the dress looked pretty. I glanced it and thought to to call Bhaiyya and Bhabhi once. I smiled. It is Bhabhi's choice for sure.
Keeping the parcel bag and the dress in the cupboard, I went towards the balcony taking my phone.
"Bhabhi ye (this) dress!?" I asked once she received the call. I could sense the phone was on speaker and they both were listening me.
"Haan meri biwi ke cupboard se nikaalna tha, toh tujhe de diya" (yes! Had to remove from my wife's cupboard, so thought to give it to you) Ishaan bhai said playfully and Priya Bhabhi chidded at him
"Bhaiyyaaa!" I whined.
"Aree, when I saw this dress, I loved it at once. But the size was not fit for me. Toh mene socha tumhe ho jayega, toh le liya (so I thought it will definitely fit you)"
"Bhabhi par ye (but this)"
"Shh now! Photo bhejo jaldi se (send me the pic immediately). I want to see how beautiful it looks on you"
"Yes! I will" I replied her. Probably I will not get a chance to wear this. But atleast I should not make her feel sad.
I frowned when I heard nothing from the other side for few seconds. "Bhabhi?"
Did she cut the call? Nahi toh (No)!
"Ab sach batao (now tell the truth) How is it?" I heard her speaking quietly and I smiled. Probably she went away from the room, so she would talk to me privately.
I smiled. I like her so much. She is my best friend. My bhabhi!!
"Haan. Bohot bohot aacha hain (Yes. It is too too good)!" I replied truthfully to her.
"Par ye kaha? I mean kab pehenu (But where? I mean when will I wear this)?" I asked her skeptically. I could not hide from her. She has always been my comfort, like my sister and a true best friend since she came in our home, after marriage with Ishaan Bhai.
"Matlab (Means)? What are trying to say?" Her voice grew confused and worried for me.
I took a deep breath. "Ab- ab ye short dress aase -ghar par? Aacha nahi lagega na. Kisine kuch kaha toh?"
(This short dress.. at home. It will not look good no? What if someone said something?) I voiced out my fear.
"Tu kabse aase sochne lag gayi? Matlab ab shaadi ho gayi toh ye kapde pehenna band? Ye tere favorites hain Maahi.. bhul gayi?!"
(From when did you start thinking like this? Means now that you are married, you will not wear this type of clothes? These are your favorites Maahi.. did you forget?!)
I gulped. Now what!
She continued further, her voice more worried. "Ek minute! Maahi? Sab thik hain na waha? Tujhe koi takleef-"
(One minute! Maahi? Everything is alright no? Are you in some trouble-")
"Nahi! Nahi Bhabhi. Bilkul nahi. Sab bohot aache hain. Dhere dhere adjust ho rahi hu yaha, aur baaki sab thik hain"
(No! No Bhabhi. Not at all. Everyone is so nice here. I am adjusting slowly, and everyone treats me well)
"Hmm. Toh kya problem hain?" (What is the problem then?) Bhabhi asked and I tried to compose my thoughts.
"Ye dress thodi choti nahi hain? Mein ye kaise?" (Isn't the dress short? How will I?) I said slowly. Fearing what she would say. But I could not hide anything from her.
"Maahi! First thing, this dress in not that short, the way you are fearing. And second thing, Koi aur kyu ye decide kare ki tumhe kya pehenna chahiye? (Why would anyone else decide what you should wear?)
It is your freedom. No one gets to decide this. And you should not give them a chance to decide this."
I looked around my surroundings as she explained further. "Aur tumhe pata hain ki kab aur kaha konse dresses peheni hain, toh aase mat socho. Be confident."
(And you know, how, when and where to dress appropriately. So do not think much. Be confident)
Shaadi ho gayi matlb ye nahi ki tum apne aap ko hi badal do. Yaad rakhna, tumhe decide karna hain ki tum kise aapne personal space me aane deti ho. It is your decision. You have a life and you cannot make others control it. Fir woh Vishal hi kyu na ho."
(You are married that does not mean you will change your own self completely. Remember this, you have to decide whom you allow in your own personal space. You have your own life and no one can control it. Not even Vishal)
I hummed. She is right.
"I- I will try" I said hesitating a bit.
"Maahi! Do not think too much. Aur bhul gayi tum? Jis din Vishal -uncle aur aunty; sab saath mein ghar aaye the, aur tu ice-cream laake rone ki tyaari kar rahi thi? Aur tumne woh favorite dress pehene thi?"
(Did you forget? The day when Vishal, uncle and aunty came to our home to see you.. and you were planning a crying session bringing ice cream.. and you were wearing your favorite dress?)" Bhabhi reminded me, her tone suddenly filled with amusement.
I froze for a moment, the memory flashing in my mind. Yes, I remember that day very clearly. It was the first time Vishal came to meet my family with his parents. I was in my favorite knee-length dress. That dress was more shorter than this one.
I was comfortable, confident, and utterly myself. Ready to cry on his rejection!
"Bhabhi yaarr! Woh din nahi na (Bhabhi, don't remind me that)!! "I palmed my face. That was the most embarrassing day in my whole life.
"Tab bhi aasi hi 'short' dress thi tumhari! Aase hi pasad kiya hain tumhe unhone (Even then, you were wearing 'short' dress. Still they have accepted alliance)" I heard her laughing and I smiled too.
She is right. I was fearing unnecessary. My in-laws have seen me like this. And accepted me too.
"Tab toh kisi ne kuch nahi kaha (Nobody said anything then), hai na?" she added, gently reminding me to reflect on my thoughts.
I sighed, a soft smile forming on my lips. "Haan, par tab kaafi alag tha na (Yes, but things were different then)."
"Maahi, log tab bhi wahi the jo ab hain. Tum bas khud ko kam important samajhne lagi ho (People were the same then as they are now. The difference is, you've started considering yourself less important)."
Her words replayed in my mind. Maybe she was right. Maybe I had unconsciously let my environment dictate my choices, prioritizing others opinions over my own comfort and happiness.
"Bhabhi, I will remember this. You are great!" I said smiling at her.
She chuckled. "Aur iska matlab hai ki tum woh dress kal pehnogi, aur mujhe photo bhejogi (And this means you will wear that dress tomorrow and send me a picture)."
I smiled. "Theek hai (Alright), I will wear it tomorrow."
"I am waiting" she said in determination and we ended the call.
Walking back into the room, I glanced at the dress kept in the cupboard. It was not just a dress anymore. It was a symbol of self-expression, a reminder to embrace my individuality.
I looked at the dress again. It is really cute. I quickly went inside the bathroom and came out wearing the dress. It reached till my mid-calf (above ankle) and looked pretty.
I looked myself in the mirror and felt like my old self. My real self. I smiled through my heart.
Combing my hairs, taking some of it in the front, and keeping the rest open, I looked at the mirror again and smiled in content. Much better!
Soon, I heard the door knob opening and Vishal entered inside. "Beautiful!" Vishal commented as soon as he saw me.
My heart skipped a beat hearing him. I could see his eyes filled with love as he smiled widely looking at me. Was I looking this beautiful?
Coming closer, he held my hands lovingly and kissed my forehead. My heart fluttered. This was probably the first time I had seen this side of him.
My eyes widened in surprise. "Is the dress so good?" I asked him, pulling away slightly and he held my cheeks, nodding his head in affirmative.
"Yes. You look different. Like the same Maahi whom I had said yes for the marriage." He replied looking at me with love and that melted away all my insecurities.
The next morning, I wore the dress, my smile never fading away from my lips. It fit perfectly, and the off-white color complemented my complexion. I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric which felt comfortable in my skin.
When I stepped out of the room, Vishal's gaze immediately fell on me. His eyes lit up, again, and he smiled warmly. His love and appreciation was visible from his eyes. He suddenly winked at me and I blushed. And that was all the assurance I needed.
Suddenly, Mummy called me from the living room and I held my breath. I wished to run away from her before she could see me. Maybe my fear would not go away soon!
But she noticed me before I could run away inside the room. She paused for a moment, her eyes scanning my dress. I held my breath, unsure of what she would say.
My overthinking brain was suddenly blank.
"Kitni pyaari lag rahi ho (You are looking so lovely)!" I heard mummy saying and I stood silently. Was she really appreciating?
My mother in law praised me!
My mother in law praised me!!
My mother in law praised me!!!
"Aase hi aachi lagti ho. Auntie wale kapde pehenne ki umar nahi hain tumhari (There is no need for wearing aunty-type dresses)" My eyes went wide. Was she for real?
"Woh toh tumhari bhi nahi hain (That is not yours as well)" I looked behind her to see papa standing at the door.
He smiled seeing me and kept his hand on my head, blessing me and I felt a weight lift off my chest.
Bhabhi was right. My choices mattered. And this was a small step toward embracing them.
And as I sent Bhabhi the picture she had demanded, her reply made my day: "Keep shining and smiling like this. Proud of you!"
For the first time in months, I felt like myself again. Maybe adjusting to a new life didn't mean losing who I was. It just meant finding a balance- where my choices and happiness mattered just as much as everyone else's.
Yes, I will have to adjust sometimes in future. But I will have my fair share of happiness too.
Sometimes there are no problems in our life. We create them on our own by overthinking.
The End
Read chpt- Priya to have a glimpse of Bhaiyya & Bhabhi. (They were married before Maahi- almost an year earlier)