No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 6

 

                                                        

           As soon as she called Yogita up, she got her answer. “Oh Sharon! I am so happy for you. I’m sure you both will make an ideal pair. Hearty congrats, dear!”

          “Yogi, we are going to have a whirlwind marriage. We will be married in a couple of days, at Vizag. Could you make it? I really want you by my side on this most special day of my life,” Sharon pleaded with her.

          “I’m so sorry Sharon! I’d have loved to be with you then, but I have back to back, client meetings lined up at my ad agency. The schedule is so busy that I just don’t dare take even a day off! You know what an ogre I have for my Boss! Grrr…” she burst out laughing.

          “I understand, Yogi. Maybe we could meet later.”

          “By the way, Sharon, have you met your would-be mother-in-law? I mean….”

          “I know what you fear Yogi. Relax. I haven’t met her, but I have an open mind. I’m sure that she must be a nice person and that I’ll get along with her very well.”

          “Oh, O.K.” Yogi mumbled doubtfully.

          As Sharon hung up, she was relieved that Yogi hadn’t seemed to mind her match with Ravi. She felt sad that her best friend wouldn’t be with her on her wedding day. She called up Ravi next.

          “Hello Ravi, I ….”

          “Hello Sharon. It’s a “Yes” isn’t it?”

          “Yes” Sharon said shyly, her heart thudding loudly.

          “I love you Sharon. Now we have many things to do. I’ll take you shopping right away. Be ready. Tell your parents to be ready too. I’ll buy dresses for all of us. I’ll inform my mother immediately. She’s waiting for my call.”

          *****

          And so Ravi and Sharon were married as per Ravi’s schedule and Sharon was soon left alone with her mother-in-law, while Ravi resumed duty. Her parents returned happily to Mumbai and she settled down to a peaceful life at Vizag.

          Now she had ample time to get to know her mother-in-law better. She proved to be just like a mother to her. Loving and kind. Both of them shared the household chores and enjoyed shopping jaunts and visits to movies and exhibitions. Her mother-in-law introduced her to all her neighbors and friends. 

          Soon, Sharon adjusted to her new household and milieu. She was delighted that she had found a friend and companion in her ‘Maaji’.

          Ravi came back as promised and took her for a honeymoon to Switzerland. He was an attentive and jovial companion. The ideal husband! Life was running on smoothly oiled wheels, when Sharon received a call from Yogi. As she picked up the receiver, she felt guilty that she had all but forgotten about Yogi during this period of adjustment in her new home.

         “So how’s the newly wedded bride? I saw your snaps on Instagram. You make a lovely couple. Hope everything is fine at home, now that Ravi has gone back to work!” Yogita sounded cheerful and pleasant.

          Sharon responded, “Oh, everything is like a dream come true. Ravi is wonderful and so is Maaji. I have adjusted very nicely to this household and its routine. Wish I could’ve met you! I really missed you at my wedding.” She knew that Yogita had actually called up to check whether her mother-in-law was troubling her in any way.

          Yogita’s next question confirmed her opinion. “Is your mother-in-law O.K.?”

          “Of course, yes, Yogi! She’s just like a mother to me. In fact, we have grown very close to each other in just two months’ time. We share the chores and enjoy outings like best friends. Remember, how we used to go for movies and strolls? Just like that!”

         Yogita strained her ears to catch some desperation or worry in Sharon’s tone. There was none. Sharon sounded positive and ecstatic. Genuine.

         Feeling slightly foolish, yet relieved that her friend was ‘safe’, Yogita ended the call with a promise to visit Vizag and meet Sharon after 4 months, during the lull period in her ad agency. She actually wanted to ensure that Sharon was indeed happy! She had heard several stories about how newly wedded brides seldom informed their maternal home and friends about their miserable lives after marriage. They didn’t want to disturb anyone’s peace of mind even though they were enduring such turmoil!

         Why, some women who were burnt for dowry after marriage, refused to give indicting statements about the perpetrators, thereby letting them easily off the hook! They loved to bask in the glory of being a martyr. No wonder, she wanted to personally ascertain whether Sharon’s life was actually on the right track!

         **********

        Sharon and Ravi met Yogita at the airport to take her home. Sharon looked carefree and happy, in a long, black skirt and multi-colored, batik top, her shoulder-length hair blowing slightly in the gentle breeze. As the humid air enveloped her, Yogita wondered whether it was only the coastal weather, or Ravi’s proximity getting to her!

         He looked divine, in a casual, navy blue T-shirt and beige, fitted trousers, peaked cap and Rayban glares, with a muscular hand thrown around Sharon’s petite shoulders. The hand which would’ve been around hers, if she hadn’t rejected him….

To be continued...

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Priya