Echoes Of Silence - An Arshi FF

🔅Chapter 2: Understanding the Dynamics🔅

Devyani: "Ratna, tumhari bahu ko aaj kuch meetha banana chahiye. Yeh nayi bahu hone ki pehli zimmedari hai. Tum Khushi ko le jaake kitchen mein aur ye ritual jaldi khatam karo."

(Devyani: "Ratna, your daughter-in-law needs to make something sweet today. It's her first responsibility as the new bride. Take Khushi to the kitchen and make sure she completes this ritual.")

Shalini, nodding in agreement, added with a hint of sarcasm: "Haan, yeh zaroori hai ki Khushi kheer banaye. Waise bhi, yeh hamesha humari parampara rahi hai."

(Shalini: "Yes, it's important for Khushi to make kheer. After all, it has always been our tradition.")

Ratna, though visibly tired, complied without a word. She motioned for Khushi to follow her to the kitchen. Khushi, feeling the weight of the expectation, followed her mother-in-law with a mix of apprehension and resolve.

As they entered the kitchen, Khushi noticed that breakfast was nearly prepared. The kitchen, though orderly, bore the marks of Ratna's hard work.

Khushi: "Maa, breakfast toh almost ready hai. Main kheer bana deti hoon."

(Khushi: "Mom, breakfast is almost ready. I'll make the kheer.")

Ratna gave a nod of approval and continued with her work, while Khushi took over the task of preparing the kheer. The process, though familiar, felt more significant today as it marked her role in her new home.

Once the kheer was ready, Khushi and Ratna worked together to set the dining table. The breakfast spread was a testament to Ratna's culinary skills, but the atmosphere was anything but warm.

As they finished, Khushi observed that Ratna, once again, was taking a step back, standing quietly to the side. This was a stark contrast to Khushi's experiences in her maternal home, where tasks were shared, and meals were a time of togetherness.

One by one, the family members arrived. Shalini and Devyani made their way to the dining area, followed by Anjali, Sheetal, and Avinash. Arnav, looking supportive yet reserved, took his place at the table as well.

Devyani, with a dismissive tone, addressed Khushi: "Khushi, tumhare naye ghar mein tumhara farz hai ki tum sabko khana serve karo. Ab, jaldi se kheer table par lao."

(Devyani: "Khushi, it's your duty in your new home to serve everyone. Now, quickly bring the kheer to the table.")

Anjali and Sheetal, their eyes sharp with judgement, didn't miss the opportunity to add their comments.

Anjali: "Khushi, nayi bahu hone ke naate tumhara yeh farz hai ki tum khana serve karo. Tumhe isme abhi se expert banna padega."

(Anjali: "Khushi, as the new daughter-in-law, it's your duty to serve the food. You'll need to become an expert at this soon.")

Sheetal: "Haan, aur tumhe yeh sab seekhna bhi padega. Tumhare ghar ki parampara ko follow karna zaroori hai."

(Sheetal: "Yes, and you'll have to learn all this. It's important to follow the traditions of this house.")

Khushi, feeling uncomfortable but determined, stepped forward to serve the food. She noticed that, contrary to her expectations, Ratna continued to stand by, attending to any needs that arose during the meal.

Khushi: [To herself] "Yahan par sab kuch alag hai. Mere ghar me, hum sab ek saath khaate the aur ek dusre ki madad karte the. Yahan Maa itni akeli kyun lagti hain?"

Khushi: [To herself] "Everything is so different here. In my home, we all used to eat together and help each other. Why does Maa seem so alone here?")