COFFEE

CHAPTER 16

With passing days, I get myself busy in my married life, my husband and my house. Yes, my house. My mother-in-law, neither showers her love nor hate, becomes neutral. Our relationship is like two strangers living in the same house who have no feelings for each other but still live in harmony. Although I don't like her but can't hate her also. We spend the whole day together under the same roof but hardly talks. If she initiates, I reply and never disrespect her. After my honeymoon, I attend two weddings, my brother Sammy's and sister-in-law Neeru's wedding. If the wedding of my brother has given me immense happiness, Neeru's wedding has relieved me to some extent. After one month of my marriage, or I better say that after comprehending the situation completely, I disclose the secret of 'My Step mother-in-law' to my parents. And make them believe that I am very happy in my new house, new family. However, my Mumma says, "Although the doors of this house are opened for you always, you'll try your best to make this relationship work out but if it'll be about your self-respect, you'll come to me without thinking for a moment."

I have decided I won't let any moment comes when I have to choose between the two houses. But I forget that I am not God, 'You can't change your destiny.'

Sartaj and I have been to various interesting destinations, usually go for dine out, shopping and I never forget to bring gifts for my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Whether she likes or not but accepts quietly.

I get pregnant after three months of my marriage. Sartaj's joy knows no bounds! His sea rover blue eyes reflect contentment. My mother-in-law congratulates me, father hugs me and blesses me. He remains very supportive all the time.

I give birth to a baby girl, my princess. The doubt that my mother-in-law may taunt me for giving birth to a girl, vanishes as she carries her and kisses her. My 'easy going' nature and unarguable attitude might have changed her!

'Sarima', her father gives her a name, becomes a lifeline of the house, of our lives. Mummy has begun to enter my room to carry her when she cries. Her grandfather never wants to bring her down from his lap. Sartaj comes home even before evening tea from his factories. My daughter has become the strong bond who has connected us forever. Amen! Who knows that these happy moments are short lived!

I want to hold on to the tiny moments and cherish the little snuggles of my daughter, but she is growing up too fast, like every child. Daddy used to say that girls grow faster. So true! She is six months old and makes us occupied all the time. I have put on some kilos which I am seriously planning to shed but I don't get time. "Samaira, please get me a cup of hot coffee," Sartaj calls from his study room. I while giving tea to mummy, makes a coffee for him. "You manage everything so smartly," mummy says. Our relationship is building and going on the smooth track.

After sister-in-law's wedding, her room has converted into the library and study room. Mummy wanted us to move to the room, but I refuse. This is the room for which my first night had been spoiled. The feeling of being insulted still reopens my old wounds. I have been observing for days that Sartaj gets engrossed in his work till late night. I try to get awake to have a talk with him, to sip a coffee with him but I get too tired to realize when I get into deep slumber. I know he loves me and cares for me, he understands how busy Sarima keeps me all the time. But today, I have decided I would awake and wait for him to get free from his work. He enters around 23.30 hrs. and gets surprise to see me awake. "You haven't yet slept?" he whispers as Sarima is sleeping in her cot near my bed. "You are looking beautiful in this lavender nightie," he lies near me. We talk about his business (as we used to discuss in the early days of our marriage) and Sarima. We get closer and I keep my head on his strong arm. He turns towards me and places a soft kiss on my forehead. We make love for hours...... and sleep into each other's arms.  ' He still loves me' I think and fall into sleep near my husband, my man.