When all family members were having dinner in the kitchen , Sangita's mother-in-law Manjulabai reminded her ,
"Eat plenty of food and water Sangita . Do you remember what day is today? "
"Yes mother. I am doing as you said earlier in the morning. "
"I was just making sure you remembered.." her mother-in-law explained herself.
Her father-in-law who sat in front of them made futile attempts to convince her wife,
"Could you listen to me ? Don't make me do it . Its very awkward. "
Even if Manjulabai was usually a very kind person she was strict about their village traditions .
"Don't you dare and sabotage our ancient tradition ! Today you must do as I have told you ."
In the end her old husband surrendered before her. Sangita's husband Mahesh did not bother to interfere between his parent's conflict. He had learned to do so from his childhood.
After dinner when all the chores were completed by both ladies, Sangita's mother-in-law fetched her husband and again brought him in the kitchen. Mahesh was looking after his two years old son in the hall while he watched some reality show .
Manjulabai pointed to a position on the floor and ordered,
"Sit there Sangita . "
Sangita obeyed her and sat on the indicated place then leaned against the wall . She always changed into a maxi after evening but today her mother-in-law had insisted her to remain wearing her saree. While keeping a grip on his hand Manjulabai now coaxed her bumbling husband to sleep on Sangita's lap . She wasn't going to take any chances lest he disappears from the kitchen .
Sangita gently adjusted him and apologized to him ,
"Sorry father-in-law . Its our village tradition and its inevitable. "
Manjulabai smiled for the first time ,
" Now you have truly become my daughter-in-law, Sangita! "
Sangita was very pleased to hear her praise.
Manjulabai got serious again and told her,
"Now begin , I will just sit here ." She also sat down in front of her on the floor .
Sangita took a long breath and started to unbutton some of her blouse buttons by sliding her hand under the pallu. She looked down sympathetically at her father-in-law whose face has redened from this awkward condition and smiled at him to give him some courage. When he recovered some of his composure she pulled her pallu over his head and started to breastfeed him like a baby.
It was an ancient tradition of their village that after a woman's baby turned two and weaned naturally, she has to start breastfeeding her father-in-law in the place of that baby.
Sangita's mother-in-law was looking at her with approval. She then turned her full attention towards nursing her father-in-law . Initially he was very clumsy and stopping his suckling from time to time. But Sangita firmly held her breast in his mouth by using two of her fingers. After some time he started to suck like a hungry baby. Sangita was shocked by his change in the behaviour. Manjulabai smiled at her knowingly . Sangita couldn't contain her laughter also. After five minutes later her breast emptied and her father-in-law got restless. Her mother-in-law immediately told her to give him the other breast. Sangita did as she was ordered.
Over-all for 10 - 12 minutes Manjulabai didn't move from her position while Sangita was breastfeeding. After completing her task she buttoned her blouse and pallu. Her father-in-law's eyes were now heavy with sleep.
Manjulabai kindly praised her ,
"You started very well today. From now on its your duty to nurse him everyday. "
Sangita was very pleased by hearing this. She also thanked her ,
"It was all because of your guidance mother.."
