Be The Sunshine

Sadness filled the air. It was the 10th day since Shivani’s father-in-law had passed away, leaving behind his wife alone. All these days, her mother-in-law’s sole companion was her father-in-law, not a day passed without these two spending time, talking to each other. Her mother-in-law felt lonely and miserable.

The last few days had been hell for her mother-in-law. Her husband was hospitalized and everything seemed new to her from paying bills to buying food for him. All through their life, father-in-law never gave an opportunity to mother-in-law to try anything, be it shopping, financials etc.He always catered to her needs. Shivani had a love-hate relationship with her mother-in-law since she always had an opinion on how things need to be done. Upon seeing her mother-in-law’s plight, Shivani felt sorry for her. She asked Ram if they can take mother-in-law along for a few days so that it will be a change for her. Ram immediately said okay and booked tickets for the three of them.

Shivani and Ram lived in London and it was the very first time they were taking mother-in-law along. Shivani took her mother-in-law for shopping. She planned to buy some kurtis for her since it will be easy to wear for air travel. Her mother-in-law who always draped a saree felt shy to try kurtis. She was beaming with happiness when she tried one, she had the desire to try modern clothes ,but never had the guts to express them.

The next day they boarded the flight, her mother-in-law preferred the window seat and she kept looking out like a kid now and then. All these days since she had to cook for her family she never went out anywhere else other than nearby temples.

Diwali was round the corner,Shivani knew that her mother-in-law was an awesome cook so she asked her to prepare extra sweets and they distributed to their friends. After relishing her delicacies, they called up and started placing orders. Her mother-in-law became busy within a few days after landing in London. She formed a circle of her own and enjoyed her stay.

A married woman’s circle is very small, it’s just her family and extended family. All she expects is just love and independence to pursue what she loves. A note to the husbands: Please allow her to fly high, give her the space she needs. Let each of us be the Shivani to our mother-in-law’s, they also have few desires which have been cocooned under their tough shells, let us try to explore them and give them the space to live that lost life.