Bade Acche Lagte Hain | MaNan

Resolution & Responsibilities.

The function was a low-key and diverting affair for both Manik and Nandini. When all the men had sat around for drinks in Ram's room, Manik could smoothly mingle with the other son-in-laws of the house as all were comparatively easy going. Talking on a common ground like business helped them cut the first turf. Considering, he was much younger to them, they shared their genuine experiences with him and also invited the newly wedded couple to their respective houses for dinner, whenever he would visit Delhi and he had to agree without much choice.

"Another drink, Manik ji?" Ram asked and Manik denied politely. "I have to travel back." He had already exceeded his self-constituted limit for drinks in a month but he couldn't refuse joining them when the function was for him.

"You can stay for a few more days and tour around many places here." Pooja's husband suggested. "Next time, definitely." Manik answered with a smile. Shyam looked up when he noticed Asha signalling him for the lunch from behind the ajar door and he nodded.

The short compotation was wrapped up and the brothers escorted them to the terrace for the lunch. Manik excused himself to the washroom.

Nandini was packing her last bag when Jyoti entered with two steel boxes. "Pack these as well." She looked at her mother questionably. "This one has ghee and the other one has badam sheera." She grinned knowing about her favourite sweet and included the boxes in the luggage. Jyoti gave home extracted ghee to all her daughters whenever they visited after marriage.

Putting the bag on the floor, Nandini sat next to her mother who was waiting to talk to her. "I always want to see you happy, my love." Placing her wrinkled hand on her daughter's head, Jyoti continued, "And I'm glad that you are married to Manik. He is a good man but Nandini, men like when their wives are docile and agree to their decisions without any arguments. When a man is taking care of your respect before his family, you have to make sure that you don't disappoint him, in any way and respect his every word. Are you getting me?"

The expedient advise of Jyoti, wiped off the smile from Nandini's face. She wasn't expecting a reiteration of the instructions from her mother at the time of her departure. Her mother had been firm on inculcating these teachings in her mind and she respected her apprehensions about her future but not at the cost of spoiling her relationship with Manik.

"That is not always true, mother." Nandini said meekly but Jyoti cut her off, not-so-gently.

"You have to be cautious with men, Nandini. Your whole life depends on your husband and that is a truth you cannot argue over with me."

Nandini looked up, appalled, dismay evident in her eyes. It was one thing for her mother to be concerned for her future but being disrespectful towards her husband's efforts when he had been nothing but assuring and gracious towards their feelings, saddened her.

She loves her family but Manik's respect is her equal priority. She had defended her mother before her husband even when the former's words has managed to create misunderstandings between them and it was only fair to be committed towards him now and be true about her perception regarding him before her mother.

"Mother, but I know a man whose eyes sparkle with innocence and words ooze out honesty. A man who doesn't care what others think or say about him but he truly cares that I shouldn't be hurt because of anyone, including him. He wouldn't hesitate taking on the world for me and holds the utmost respect for me and my opinions. I mean everything to the man, who is my husband and his dignity, his well-being and happiness will always be my priority, but so is my self-respect. Our happiness is in being together, but my happiness doesn't depend on him, neither does his. I do not hold back in following what he asks me to, when I feel it is right for me and he doesn't get offended hearing me out when he feels I've a better opinion than him on certain matters. It is not a conflict but our efforts to live a harmonious life, together. He appreciates my individuality, mother. The truth might differ for you and me but I'm living the most beautiful reality of my life, with the person I've complete faith in, with the person you and father had chosen for me. I see my future with him only. Let me be. You don't have to worry about me." Nandini spoke freely yet tenderly.