Understanding the meaning of Love with MaAn

Dinner Invitation and the Revelation

The Shah household buzzed with a tense energy. Samar, though eager to bring his new friend Anurag over for dinner, was painfully aware of the battle ahead. He knew that introducing anyone, let alone a boy who had spent years in the US, would be met with skepticism. His father Vanraj and grandmother Baa were notoriously difficult when it came to welcoming strangers, especially someone they hadn't approved of.

Samar's face was filled with excitement, but his heart was heavy with the anticipated backlash as he stood in front of Vanraj and Baa to inform them of Anurag's invitation.

Samar (politely):
"Papa, Baa, aaj maine apne dost Anurag ko dinner ke liye bulaya hai. Woh US se aaya hai, lekin woh bahut sanskaari ladka hai. Aapko woh zaroor pasand aayega."

Their reaction was immediate, as expected.

Vanraj (scowling):
"Tumhe kyu lagta hai ki yeh ghar har kisi ke aane jaane ka adda hai? Har koi bas aa jaye, aur hum sab se mil le?!"

Vanraj's sharp tone echoed through the living room, causing Samar's heart to skip a beat. He looked nervously at his grandmother, hoping for at least a neutral response. But Baa, always quick with her biting remarks, joined in.

Baa (her tone dripping with sarcasm):
"Suna hai US se aaya hai? Bhale hi ho? Sanskaar wahan rehne waale logon mein hote nahi hai. Pata nahi kya sikha hoga usne!"

Samar could feel the judgment weighing heavy in the room. His usual confidence waned under the sharp glares of his father and grandmother. But for once, Samar was determined not to back down. Anurag had been nothing but kind and respectful to him, and he deserved a chance. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the inevitable argument.

Samar (his voice steady):
"Lekin Baa, aap hi ne toh hamesha sikhaya hai ki 'Atithi Devo Bhava.' Kya ab woh sikhane ka koi matlab nahi hai?"

Baa sighed, clearly caught off guard by Samar's response. The words stung, and even Vanraj, though irritated, couldn't argue against tradition. Despite their misgivings, they both knew they couldn't outright refuse the boy's guest, not without looking disrespectful themselves.

Vanraj (begrudgingly):
"Theek hai, par yeh yaad rakh, Samar, main nahi chahta koi tamasha ho. Yeh tumhara dost hai, lekin ghar mein koi natak nahi hona chahiye."

Samar nodded quickly, grateful to at least have gained some reluctant approval. He knew this was far from acceptance, but it was the permission he needed to bring Anurag over.

~~~~~~~~~~~

That evening, the atmosphere in the Shah household remained tense, despite Samar's attempts to lighten the mood. When Anurag finally arrived, the tension only thickened.

Dressed in an immaculately simple yet elegant white dhoti and kurta, Anurag's traditional attire immediately drew skeptical glances from Vanraj and Baa. They exchanged looks that spoke louder than any words they could have uttered. The boy's appearance didn't match their preconceived notions of someone who had lived in the US.

Samar, however, beamed with pride as he greeted his friend at the door with a tight hug, and holding his hand, led him into the living room.

Samar (excitedly, introducing him):
"Yeh hai mera dost, Anurag Keshav. Bahar se aaya hai, lekin itne saal US mein rehne ke baad bhi apne sanskaar nahi bhoola. Bohot hi pyara dost hai."

Baa's eyes narrowed as she sized up Anurag. Her doubts about the boy's upbringing hadn't diminished. She leaned over to Vanraj and whispered under her breath.