lubinisha
The fish always smelled when Mitali put her hand in the endearing bag , known for carrying quantities of fish every Sunday. Vegetables of all shapes and sizes were brought in. Mitali was seen as the converter of the raw materials into the mouth watering goodies for the family. "Tia" (her pet name) yelled someone. The lady of the house, the mother in law, the sovereign swept in with all the glory befitting her. She said "It is so hot. Tia, so many things have come, today relatives are coming over and look how thin my son is becoming. Cook 4-5 items before 1 pm.Tia glanced meekly at the time and realized she needed a miracle to produce all these items in such short notice without any flaws. She started the herculean task of preparing the feast. Tia remembered her mom and exam times. Her mom always assured her that marks or no marks she would get married and her role was to satisfy her husband and his family. She considered herself lucky as she had some time to herself in the afternoons where she wrote. She enjoyed writing about frivolous things. That was her escape, her life within her existence, the freedom within the walls. Time ticked as she toiled towards completion. Tia quickly bathed and drapped the saree , the wet hair dripping on her back, she smeared sindoor on the parting of her hair and made a round bindi on her forehead. The guests arrived. Tia graciously welcomed them by touching their feet. The serving followed, everyone ate noisly. She looked up at Ma for any reassurance or praise. Nothing was said or gestured. No one inquired on whether she ate. She was used to it, she enjoyed her own company. In the afternoon, she wrote about the day .And her cooking. As she day dreamed. "Tia "she could hear her mother in law calling. Tia rudely woke up and ran down. The Grihini ( home maker) lived on in her world, secure in the existence carved out for her, protected and provided, alone yet hopeful, free yet bound but still very alive. The spirit lived on.