Bade Acche Lagte Hain | MaNan

Red Flags - II

'I am not aware of the rules followed in your maternal home, Nandini, but here, the rules are different. I won't tolerate my grandsons working in the kitchen and doing the chores which you are supposed to do as a homemaker. Kitchen is not a place for men but women. I don't find any extreme situation or exceptions under which Manik had to cook for the guests. He is still out, working hard day and night to earn for the family, for you, and I expect you to take good care of him. We have been very clear about our conditions for a girl to be Manik's wife and an elder daughter-in-law of the house. Jyoti ji, assured us about your upbringing and teachings for the same. Don't make me question them!'

Nandini turned off the tap as she was done washing the utensils and held the edges of the steel sink, taking deep breaths. Her hands were numb with the freezing water biting her skin and lower back stiff with pain after a gruelling day. Her cold was adding on to her indisposition as her head feels heavy.

As much as she wants to keep Parvati's withering pronouncements out of her mind, her words kept bouncing back, hitting and poking her conscience and making her restless.

Two months ago on the day of her wedding reception, her mother had reminded her about the rules and she had ensured at every point, to not give anyone a single chance to raise a finger at her morals.

Her mother's unjust fears felt painstakingly unerring to Nandini, today.

They all were cautious about Harish's reactions to their hospitality. Nobody wanted him to be displeased.

Cooking was Manik's choice but she was blamed for it. Manas always did those small tasks on his own, watching Manik doing them. But at the end, it was her manners that were targeted for any objectionable action from the other's perspective, happening in the house, in the same house that her husband, her in-laws and her parents called as her's.

If it is her house, then why did Parvati has the right to interfere in it's functioning?

A speech of appreciation or gratitude wasn't in Nandini's expectations from Parvati or anyone as a reward because this was her house, organising a dinner for the son-in-law of the house was her duty as the daughter-in-law of this house. She wasn't doing it out of compulsion but for the respect she had and the bond she shared with Madhu. Her sister-in-law, although reserved but always regarded and cared for her like an elder sister. She didn't let her feel like an outsider.

However, she wasn't expecting someone humiliating her either, for paying respect to all the relations she was tied to, being Manik's wife. She could accept Parvati's guidance and suggestions as an eldest and most experienced lady in the family for the betterment but the norms followed in Malhotra household shouldn't be the latter's concern and if it was her care for her grandsons, she didn't hold the right to bring her (Nandini's) parents in between by indirectly and subtly attacking at her upbringing.

If Parvati's behaviour is acceptable, then where were the Bedi's wrong in going over and above to ensure Manik's comfort when he came to Delhi? Her in-laws had been doing the same, a while ago.

Taking liberty of Manik's absence, a cash of two thousand rupees concealed in an envelope that Anil offered to Harish, despite the dryfruits and a pair of shoes Manik bought for Harish, other than a soft woollen cardigan for Madhu and toys and favourite eatables for the kids, was a proof enough.

They didn't even respect Manik's sentiments, let alone Nandini's efforts for the dinner. Anil's action, guided by Parvati, that Manik was oblivious to, would be a severe blow on his heart and self-esteem. With the ease Harish accepted the envelope, it was clear that it wasn't the first time. Her husband wouldn't ever do or promote this practice. They were simply spoiling Harish's habits by increasing his expectations which Manik won't be fulfilling. She was worried for Madhu. She also dreaded the consequences of the truth coming out in open. Her husband held these people dear to his heart and their hidden actions would hurt him in the worst way.