✔️The single housewife (Completed)

The Result

Era's POV

"Please do not mind beta (daughter), but we are staying for a longer duration. Now that you have taken over the household, I know you won't disappoint me and do all the household chores on time." I read the message by my mother-in-law.

I knew when she would come, she would inspect the rooms, kitchen and the refrigerator. And point out the faults. She won't appreciate me running the house so smoothly in her absence. The 1-2 faults will be her prime focus that would dominate the conversation for the next few days.

I knew she would know that I have read her WhatsApp message because she would see the blue double tick indicating the "seen" message. I just replied "yes", just like an obedient daughter-in-law would do.

"hey, I think we should tell your parents when my parents come home. So we can make them sit together and convince them at once." Said Deep who was busy tying his new tie. Looking at his glowing face, I felt like it was gifted by Deepa.

"Yes", short and sweet.

"Era, I am sorry. I know you are sad because of me." He said as he kept his hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay." I shrugged and went out of the house with my purse.

I was gloomy partly because my marriage was a failure. And partly because I was going to face another failure today. Though it was a mere written test, it felt like my life depended on it.

I went to the Serena mansion. Today I didn't feel serene at all. There was a storm raging inside me. I had been average throughout my life. It was time to get that tag again.

"Thanks for supporting me in this small but sweet journey!" I said to Neel, Nisha and Mihir who sat came with me to the Council building. Again, Neel took me inside the conference room whereas Nisha and Mihir sat on the sofa in the reception room.

"Welcome Era and Neel. We were waiting for both of you. We appreciate that you are punctual about the timings." Said Aisha. She had been supporting me since the day of the first meeting. Because of her the Council gave me the opportunity to give exams.

I couldn't help but smile at her inspite of the gloom surrounding me.

"We analysed your tests. You have a great emotional maturity and creativity. I doubt though creativity is needed here. This city is perfect." Said Major Karamveer.

"Yes sir." I said looking at the ground. For some reason, his aura would make others stand in an attentive position. I would go all nervous once he would start speaking.

"Your IQ is average. Most importantly, you don't have any professional achievements." He said.

Here we go again. I was tired of the word average.

"Don't mind dear but we have done the research. You have a failed marriage." Said Al, one of the Council member.

"We are no one to judge someone because of their failed relationships. Moreover we all know who is to blame!" Boomed Major Karanveer. It was for the first time he took my side. Since he was the eldest (by judging at the almost bluish black colour of his eyes), I realised that no one dared to object him unless they are 100% sure of what they are saying.

I heaved a sigh of relief. I was worried if my failed marriage would lead to blunders. Thankfully it seemed like they were ready to ignore that aspect of my life.

I looked at the floor. I didn't dare to look at his eyes. I have lacked confidence throughout my entire life. And I needed it the most at present. But it seemed that my lips and tongue had taken an early unexpected retirement and were not willing to function in the time of crises.

"Young lady." He commanded.

"Yes sir" my voice almost squeaked. Stupid stupid stupid look up! Look into his eyes!

"Our tests are very accurate. You possess great patience, are hardworking and mature. Yet you do not possess any confidence. You do not dare to take bull by it's horns. You do not confront or stand up for right. You have amile of hidden talents but they are useless for our lands." He said.

"You have scored only 170 out of 350." He said.

I felt like all my dreams were crushed. I mean, in the times of crises, getting into this world was something I was eagerly looking forward to.
9
"Thank you so much for giving me your time and patience." I said in the lowest audible volume and turned around to leave the premises when Neel stopped me by holding my hand.

"Major uncle, she has the possession of  my great great grandpa's ring. Since last 22 years. Do you think it's not a mere coincidence?" Said Neel.

Suddenly everyone was quiet. (They were still whispering when Major Karanveer was speaking but this time it was a pin drop silence.)

"I think we should give her a chance." Said Aisha.

"Please please please. Give her three months. I know she will make a huge difference in our small world. Even you know I don't advocate for anyone unless I see something special in them!" Neel tried to convince the rest of the council.

Now whispers started emerging again. My eyes were still on the floor. Neel was still holding my hand.

"Hmmm mmmm." I heard a female voice coughing. It wasn't Major Karanveer. I looked up at the announcer.

"We have decided to give you a chance. You get 3 months to prove yourself. You can work here or outside world but make a nice career for yourself. Moreover, you will be involved in the voluntary works. We will notice your progress. And take your test at the end of 3 months. Then will decide if you can stay or we should delete your memories pertaining to this place." Said Aisha.

Tears of happiness buttered my eyes but I wasn't able to express my gratitude with anything else except a "thank you."

Neel escorted me outside the building and Mihir and Nisha got the details of the conversation.

"Thank you so much for supporting me inside." I said to Neel.

"No need to say thanks. But now you need to work extra hard. And prove yourself. Now this is about my reputation too." Neel was serious.

"I promise I would take care of everything. I might not be having a strong IQ like yours but I am a terrific hard-worker." I assured him.

"Now we need to figure out where to place you. We need to place you in a department that warranties maximum brownie points for you. Both for professional and voluntary works! Though she can work in the outer world, I suggest she works here. So that we all can support her." Said Nisha who had already handed cycles to everyone other than me.

We all went to the garden to plan the next course of action for me.