1949 - A Love Story ✅

Part 26

Sidharth took good care of his wife and she couldn't stop admiring him. She resumed her college after 3 days when her pain had subsided.

She would hopelessly ogle at her own husband whenever he was around. She couldn't get enough of him and the love she had for him had no limits after his gesture towards her during menstruation. At the end of five days, she showered all her love on him which he craved for. He was the happiest.

Her exams were approaching and he took up the job of helping her with her studies after college. She needed it desperately as she had missed quite a few lectures owing to the accident, Patralekha's death and other absence from her class.

Finally, her exams were over and they go to Sulochana's house to bring her to the city with them. Sulochana was adamant on staying back at her husband's house rather than staying with her son, Sidharth and daughter-in-law, Sana.

Sana and Sidharth tried all their tactics to convince her but she just wouldn't listen.

Sulochana: I only have one dream now, that's to see my grandson. I wish to see Sidharth's son before I die.

Sidharth: Maa, we have time for that. Sana is going to be in final year from this year. After she is done with her studies we will think about a family.

Sulochana: Okay Sidharth. In that case whenever you have your own son, I will come and stay with you.

Sana looked at Sidharth in dilemma.

Sidharth: Okay Maa. As you wish. I just didn't wanted you to stay here alone longer.

Sulochana: Then give me a grandson quickly. You've been married since 6 years to her. How long will I wait?

Sidharth: But Maa, we were together only for 6 months now.

Sulochana: Yes, I know that and I know the reason behind the remaining 5 and a half years as well. This was the very reason I wanted you to remarry 6 months back but you got her home. Now you are giving me reason that she has to complete her studies. What will she do after completing the studies? Is studying aimlessly more important than having a family?

Sana was feeling hurt with her words. She put her head down unable to leave as it would mean disrespect to her mother-in-law. Sidharth looked at her.

Sidharth: Maa, that's left to Sana. What she want to do after studies is her decision. If she wants to work she can work as well. Lot of women work nowadays.

Sulochana: What? You will send your wife to work outside? People will say that you are incapable of earning well hence you send your wife to work. They will shame you for surviving on her income.

Sidharth: Maa, why would people say so? And why do we care for them? I have a well earning job and wouldn't need her salary to take care of the family. It's her choice what she does with the money. No outsider will have rights to say anything to us.

Sulochana: Fine, what if she herself says it tomorrow? When a lady goes outside to earn they develop ego that they are equal to men as they are earning. She won't listen to you.

Sana feels further humiliated. She was in tears and she nodded no and ran away from there to other room. Sidharth's heart wrenched looking at her. He respected his mother and had never counter argued with her. He didn't wanted to say harsh words to her as it would worsen Sana's relationship with his mother.

Sidharth: Maa, I've been staying with her since last 6 months and I know that she will never feel that way. She respects you a lot and is concerned more than me about you. You should look at her like your own daughter.

Sulochana: Sidharth, if you remember, my own daughter and your sister, Sukanya has 4 year old daughter, Radhika and to tell you, she is already expecting another one in 5 months. She is just 2 year elder to Sana. So don't tell me that I am not treating her like my daughter. Forget about our house her own Sister who is 2 years elder to her also has a 5 year old son. So where am I wrong when this is the norm of our society?