Mr and Mrs Unromantic

* Maladi

Though Sreeja was  convinced with what venkat said,  it was partial. Still she felt him not apologizing or talked anything in support of her.

He only spoke in favor of his sister and parents. For the next few weeks she led a life avoiding unnecessary talks with anyone including Venkat.

She concealed all her emotions in her heart thinking about everything. After their honeymoon trip they both have not gone to any trip alone.

Though they have gone to many places along with the family it is all only and strictly devotional tour. Now with covid travel restrictions  happened.

Though the covid pandemic was subsiding and people started to open the shops and theatres, Sreejas family did not want to take risk now unnecessarily.

Sreeja herself realized that she is overthinking  and going on to depression unwantedly. She indulged herself in her new found hobbies and kept herself occupied with some or the other tasks.

She became the event manager for all the birthdays and anniversaries celebrated in their house. Doing all this only made Sreeja crave for everyone's affection and attention for her birthday too.

No one remembers her birthday nor wish her or give gifts. She sometimes deliberately wears new dress and deck herself so that anyone would ask her why. But nothing happened.

Only after 2 or 3 days they would come to know about it somehow. Still no one would wish her except her mother in law.

There would not be any gifts too from venkat. When asked,"Maa sreeja does not celebrate birthdays and never expects gifts. So chill" will be his reply.

Hearing it she felt her words before marriage backfiring her. Despite of all that she asked venkat explicitly to buy her a watch as gift or dress.

But Venkat took it light and said ok,as she usually has the habit of asking Venkat  to buy whatever she sees ads. She once complained about her problems to her mother.

" Sreeja don't act like a child expecting everyone to buy you something. You are not kid anymore to celebrate birthdays.

If at all you wish to buy don't you have money of your own?? You don't need to depend on others for basic needs."

" maa if they can celebrate everyone's birthday why can't they do for me?? How come they are forgetting mine?" Explained Sreeja

Sreeja's mom unintentionally  blurted out the words to convince her not knowing  it will impact her.

" Sreeja your inlaws and mapilai(groom) are too good. They helped us as well in covid times and even allowed your grandmother to stay.

First of all you should thank God and your inlaws for allowing an infertile daughter in law to stay in their house.

"Neeyo maladiya iruka.Unga aathukar ipo varaikum unna velila thorathama irukar. Unakaga  treatment adhu idhunu kootindu poyndrukar. Apdi irundhundhu chinna chinna vishayathukulam Sanda podadha. Adjust panni Vala kathuko."

( your husband is a good person to not say anything about your infertility. He is in fact taking you to doctor for treatments to sort out your issue rather than kicking you out of the house.So don't talk or think unnecessarily and spoil your life)

Sreeja did not speak anything after that and cut the call. She pondered over what her mother told and felt it right. From then on , she refrained from asking anything to Venkat to buy for her. Even a small earring she would buy it with her own money. 

Days went on. Sreeja looked normal to everyone but deep inside she was becoming more depressed with lot of swallowed emotions. One day, Sreeja and Venkat went to meet their Doctor. The Doctor who is also a mind reader , examined her and asked her few questions.