The Ideal NRI Couple mistake

25: The big reveal

ISHANI

The dinner went well, I hardly did any work. To be honest it was much of a sham of cooking as my mother had prepared everything. I just helped cut the salad and that was all. I was tired and so were Neil's parents who constantly kept staring at my phone which was ringing. After dinner, my mother-in-law called me to her room, "Beta it feels like we hardly talk. But it's not that I don't care. Neil had always had his father and then when we shifted here he had you. I was a bit out of the picture and that is why I try to keep things that way," she said softly. I realized she wasn't a kitty party animal, rather she was trying to keep herself busy to stop hurting. "But Maa I'm always there and honestly, I feel a bit bored too! Neil is such a workaholic, I end up going alone to almost all places, even for our dates I reach before him," I confessed. Maybe it was time I started treating his parents with more love, respect in our culture is a must but to nurture any relationship it needed love. 

She smiled and we both started discussing my plans of what all I wanted, it was officially day 2 and if my father-in-law's plans were apt I just had a few hours before I left again to a country I now loved to hate and had to call home. Yes, independence was good but this wasn't independence I was caught inside and worse of all ALONE! I went to my room and messaged my yes for the competition which would be next week, Neil will have to make time for this or else I would be miserable alone! 

I saw so many messages from Neil all desperate and begging. I wanted to type but just this once I trusted my father-in-law over myself. Just then he pinged, "my dad called Ishani, and let's just say this is the first time I have seen him so disappointed in me. As much as I want to blame you for telling him whatever you did, his advice makes so much sense. I'm really sorry!" "I know you are sleeping but see you in a few hours," and just like that my heart fluttered and I was excited! 

The next morning over bedmi poori and aloo I gave every member a list for my shopping. My mother would go and pick lingerie, beach stuff and my mother-in-law would be responsible for my 7 outfits and shoes. Whereas, I was going to the salon for a makeover of my dreams. 

Over multi-video calls and a chic shorter haircut along with some platinum highlights, I was excited and still sad about leaving my parents again. I got some amazing nails with beach art too! And then time flew and here I was crying quietly and saying my bye byes!