Nishi
A short Story by Dhruv Dev Dubey
21st June, 2020
The wedding ceremony wasn't very lavish. It was a small, intimate affair of those few who mattered. Raunak and Nishi both wanted it that way. They had fought their parents to have it their way. 3 yrs of courtship and now eternity with each other, a dream come true for them.
Raunak and Nishi met through a common friend years ago in a reunion. They just clicked. The first meet itself was full of fireworks followed by long chats, movie dates, coffee dates and so on.
Both had similar family background - middle-class, mothers housewife and fathers working, casual and carefree atmosphere. Raunak was an engineer and the only child of his parents. Nishi was a Travel blogger and a fiercely independent girl. She had a younger sister Kavya studying physiotherapy.
After the wedding ceremony Nishi bid goodbye to her parents and sister while they controlled their tears with great difficulty. Nishi was numb with emotions as they drove away...away to her new home.
Raunak held her close. Comforting her.
But Nishi's mind was in a whirlwind. This was reality. She had married. New people around her. Not the regular comfort zone wherein she would do as she wished. New set of parents! New responsibilities, new judgements, new expectations, new me?? No , not new me.. why new me, I would be the same, wouldnt i? They all seem reasonable, but would they be reasonable with me?? Oh of course, they would be, Aunty has always been sweet. But now i am not her son's girlfriend, am her daughter in law!!! Would she be different now? God, why am i freaking out now???....And the turmoil continued in her head. Raunak looked at her and saw she was uncomfortable and looked nervous. He put his arms around her and said "Dont worry, everything is going to be great!"Nishi smile meekly.
Car stopped. Every body got out of the car. Nishi was welcomed in the house in a traditional way. Her body, mind everything was aching. It was nothing but emotional fatigue. She wanted to crash on the bed badly and sleep like a log. As Raunak and Nishi walked into the room, Raunak's mom reminded them " Wake up early tomorrow, we have puja at 7:30. Panditji would be here by 7:15"
Nidhi looked up at the wall clock...It was 1am!!!
Nishi and Raunak were snoring away to glory when there was a knock on their bedroom door. Raunak's mother was calling out " It's 6:30, wake up kids..Panditji would be here in some time" Nishi rubbed her eyes and without realizing where she was, walked like a zombie towards the door and opened it. Her eyes were still closed though! Raunak's mom looked at her newly Wed daughter in law dressed in Mickey mouse PJs with hair messed up and burst out laughing. She shook Nishi.. "wake up Mickey mouse and wake your snoring partner too" And left laughing. Nishi woke up and realized where she was..Awkward she ran back in her room. Kicked Raunak and cursed him..Wake up you moron...We have to rush! And the mayhem began...
In 30 mins Nishi walked out of the room wearing a new dress. She took unsure steps towards the kitchen to see if she could find coffee and breakfast..Oh wait! Am married now, i am supposed to make these things for all, oh shit! Ok...Ok...Relax...Will just glide towards the kitchen and see what is there..
In the hall Raunak's mom was making Puja preparations. Father was nowhere to be seen. Nishi entered the kitchen. Saw her father in law standing there and looking at her mischievously..."No no no, you can't have anything before the puja!! I am the guard on duty to ensure you and your partner in crime do not eat or drink anything" he smiled. Nishi smiled back sheepishly. " No problem uncle..Uh..Papa..I will have it later..Actually....." Papa turned and handed her a cup of hot coffee. " I know u like coffee, drink it fast before your aunty..Oops Maa comes" He smiled and left the kitchen. Raunak entered the kitchen wishing Papa good morning and started pouring coffee for himself..Nishi saw that the food and snacks were already kept ready. House was clean and decorated. Puja preparations were all done.Nishi looked at her mother in law wondering when did she cook all of this?? What time she must have woken up to cook, clean, make puja preparations? If she is so efficient, wouldn't she expect the same from me? Obviously...I mean why not? But my work and this? Omg...Ok...I have a lot to learn...Breathe Nishi breathe...One step at a time, one baby step at a time...Let me rush and ask her if she needs any help...
Raunak's maa looked at Nishi walking towards her. She smiled and said " you must be craving for your coffee but you can eat or drink only after puja dear..So just hold for some time would you? If Raunak wants to eat let him, he will not listen.." Nishi looked at Papa. He winked and kept his finger on his lips sshhh and ran out to welcome Pandit ji.
Puja got over in 1 hour. The house was filled with smoke. Teary eyed everyone got up and walked towards the breakfast table after Panditji left.
At breakfast table Maa served breakfast to everyone and sat in the end when everyone was done. Nidhi sat back for her. The empty plates were lying on the table gaping at the new lady of the house to be picked up..Table was waiting to be cleaned..The new lady looked at them and saw Maa looking at her. As though maa had read her mind, Maa touched Nishi's hand and said " once I am done eating, we will clean this. You will be fine. I am there. But that's how it is!!"
Nishi nodded and smiled uncomfortably and looked back at the messy table!! Maa resumed eating...
Days flew by. Nishi got comfortable in her new surroundings. She ensured she did her share of chores diligently as she dabbled with her work and home. Maa and Papa were sweet and understanding. Nishi was learning the ways of the household. They talked about a lot of things like her work, spirituality, daily soaps everything.
Travel season was on and her current employer had given her few travel plans on shoe string budgets. This was her first travel post marriage. She spoke to Maa and Papa and they were supportive. They even came to drop her at the airport along with Raunak.
As Nishi sat there alone at the airport waiting, she felt relaxed for the first time after her marriage. She closed her eyes and started thinking of the days that went by. Maa , papa were nice and caring. Raunak was as usual then why was she so stressed up. What was making her tired? She was used to doing household chores then what was it?
She remembered the party Raunak and she had been to last week. Their common friends from college were meeting after a long time. Everyone was talking about their marriages and spouses. Nishi remembered saying " Raunak was all about chivalry before marriage and now this bugger doesn't even pick up his own plate or take a Glass of water for himself, forget about doing it for me" she pinched him. Raunak laughed and said " you and Mom manage those things, i don't want to interfere u see" and all of them laughed..Really what had really changed for Raunak after marriage? Nothing. He was in his house with his parents. Nothing even in his routine changed. But Nishi was getting worked up to live up to the expectations of her in laws.. she was managing home, work, deadlines, relationships...That was taking a toll on her! "That's it" she said aloud..Everyone at the airport looked at her. Nishi looked down and decided that on her return from the trip she would visit her parents and experience exactly what Raunak was experiencing...Bliss, comfort, no expectations!!
The trip was eventful. Nidhi had gathered a lot of material and photos for her blog.Had travelled far and wide in sun and wind. She called her mom from the airport to tell her she is coming home for a night. She informed her in laws and they were absolutely fine with the plan. Tired yet excited Nishi rushed home. As the door opened she hugged her mother and sister. "Missed you so much" she ran to her father and hugged him tight....She freshened up and changed into something comfortable. While she sat at the table chatting with her sister and father, in 10 mins her mother called " Nishi, keep your bags in place, and clean the mess you have made. You are a married woman now, lady of the house. Be responsible! I have made the rice and chappatis , make some curry please, I have a bad migrane darling!! Papa likes aloo curry, make that. He is very tired. He just came from work. You know he gets cranky when hungry and tired. Aloo curry will cheer him..do clean up the kitchen once done. Kavya help didi!!
Nishi stared as her mom walked into the bedroom. Kavya ran to her room and switched on her TV and invited Nishi to watch their favourite show. But Nishi refused..She had cooking, cleaning and office work to do.
A short Story by Dhruv Dev Dubey
21st June, 2020
The wedding ceremony wasn't very lavish. It was a small, intimate affair of those few who mattered. Raunak and Nishi both wanted it that way. They had fought their parents to have it their way. 3 yrs of courtship and now eternity with each other, a dream come true for them.
Raunak and Nishi met through a common friend years ago in a reunion. They just clicked. The first meet itself was full of fireworks followed by long chats, movie dates, coffee dates and so on.
Both had similar family background - middle-class, mothers housewife and fathers working, casual and carefree atmosphere. Raunak was an engineer and the only child of his parents. Nishi was a Travel blogger and a fiercely independent girl. She had a younger sister Kavya studying physiotherapy.
After the wedding ceremony Nishi bid goodbye to her parents and sister while they controlled their tears with great difficulty. Nishi was numb with emotions as they drove away...away to her new home.
Raunak held her close. Comforting her.
But Nishi's mind was in a whirlwind. This was reality. She had married. New people around her. Not the regular comfort zone wherein she would do as she wished. New set of parents! New responsibilities, new judgements, new expectations, new me?? No , not new me.. why new me, I would be the same, wouldnt i? They all seem reasonable, but would they be reasonable with me?? Oh of course, they would be, Aunty has always been sweet. But now i am not her son's girlfriend, am her daughter in law!!! Would she be different now? God, why am i freaking out now???....And the turmoil continued in her head. Raunak looked at her and saw she was uncomfortable and looked nervous. He put his arms around her and said "Dont worry, everything is going to be great!"Nishi smile meekly.
Car stopped. Every body got out of the car. Nishi was welcomed in the house in a traditional way. Her body, mind everything was aching. It was nothing but emotional fatigue. She wanted to crash on the bed badly and sleep like a log. As Raunak and Nishi walked into the room, Raunak's mom reminded them " Wake up early tomorrow, we have puja at 7:30. Panditji would be here by 7:15"
Nidhi looked up at the wall clock...It was 1am!!!
Nishi and Raunak were snoring away to glory when there was a knock on their bedroom door. Raunak's mother was calling out " It's 6:30, wake up kids..Panditji would be here in some time" Nishi rubbed her eyes and without realizing where she was, walked like a zombie towards the door and opened it. Her eyes were still closed though! Raunak's mom looked at her newly Wed daughter in law dressed in Mickey mouse PJs with hair messed up and burst out laughing. She shook Nishi.. "wake up Mickey mouse and wake your snoring partner too" And left laughing. Nishi woke up and realized where she was..Awkward she ran back in her room. Kicked Raunak and cursed him..Wake up you moron...We have to rush! And the mayhem began...
In 30 mins Nishi walked out of the room wearing a new dress. She took unsure steps towards the kitchen to see if she could find coffee and breakfast..Oh wait! Am married now, i am supposed to make these things for all, oh shit! Ok...Ok...Relax...Will just glide towards the kitchen and see what is there..
In the hall Raunak's mom was making Puja preparations. Father was nowhere to be seen. Nishi entered the kitchen. Saw her father in law standing there and looking at her mischievously..."No no no, you can't have anything before the puja!! I am the guard on duty to ensure you and your partner in crime do not eat or drink anything" he smiled. Nishi smiled back sheepishly. " No problem uncle..Uh..Papa..I will have it later..Actually....." Papa turned and handed her a cup of hot coffee. " I know u like coffee, drink it fast before your aunty..Oops Maa comes" He smiled and left the kitchen. Raunak entered the kitchen wishing Papa good morning and started pouring coffee for himself..Nishi saw that the food and snacks were already kept ready. House was clean and decorated. Puja preparations were all done.Nishi looked at her mother in law wondering when did she cook all of this?? What time she must have woken up to cook, clean, make puja preparations? If she is so efficient, wouldn't she expect the same from me? Obviously...I mean why not? But my work and this? Omg...Ok...I have a lot to learn...Breathe Nishi breathe...One step at a time, one baby step at a time...Let me rush and ask her if she needs any help...
Raunak's maa looked at Nishi walking towards her. She smiled and said " you must be craving for your coffee but you can eat or drink only after puja dear..So just hold for some time would you? If Raunak wants to eat let him, he will not listen.." Nishi looked at Papa. He winked and kept his finger on his lips sshhh and ran out to welcome Pandit ji.
Puja got over in 1 hour. The house was filled with smoke. Teary eyed everyone got up and walked towards the breakfast table after Panditji left.
At breakfast table Maa served breakfast to everyone and sat in the end when everyone was done. Nidhi sat back for her. The empty plates were lying on the table gaping at the new lady of the house to be picked up..Table was waiting to be cleaned..The new lady looked at them and saw Maa looking at her. As though maa had read her mind, Maa touched Nishi's hand and said " once I am done eating, we will clean this. You will be fine. I am there. But that's how it is!!"
Nishi nodded and smiled uncomfortably and looked back at the messy table!! Maa resumed eating...
Days flew by. Nishi got comfortable in her new surroundings. She ensured she did her share of chores diligently as she dabbled with her work and home. Maa and Papa were sweet and understanding. Nishi was learning the ways of the household. They talked about a lot of things like her work, spirituality, daily soaps everything.
Travel season was on and her current employer had given her few travel plans on shoe string budgets. This was her first travel post marriage. She spoke to Maa and Papa and they were supportive. They even came to drop her at the airport along with Raunak.
As Nishi sat there alone at the airport waiting, she felt relaxed for the first time after her marriage. She closed her eyes and started thinking of the days that went by. Maa , papa were nice and caring. Raunak was as usual then why was she so stressed up. What was making her tired? She was used to doing household chores then what was it?
She remembered the party Raunak and she had been to last week. Their common friends from college were meeting after a long time. Everyone was talking about their marriages and spouses. Nishi remembered saying " Raunak was all about chivalry before marriage and now this bugger doesn't even pick up his own plate or take a Glass of water for himself, forget about doing it for me" she pinched him. Raunak laughed and said " you and Mom manage those things, i don't want to interfere u see" and all of them laughed..Really what had really changed for Raunak after marriage? Nothing. He was in his house with his parents. Nothing even in his routine changed. But Nishi was getting worked up to live up to the expectations of her in laws.. she was managing home, work, deadlines, relationships...That was taking a toll on her! "That's it" she said aloud..Everyone at the airport looked at her. Nishi looked down and decided that on her return from the trip she would visit her parents and experience exactly what Raunak was experiencing...Bliss, comfort, no expectations!!
The trip was eventful. Nidhi had gathered a lot of material and photos for her blog.Had travelled far and wide in sun and wind. She called her mom from the airport to tell her she is coming home for a night. She informed her in laws and they were absolutely fine with the plan. Tired yet excited Nishi rushed home. As the door opened she hugged her mother and sister. "Missed you so much" she ran to her father and hugged him tight....She freshened up and changed into something comfortable. While she sat at the table chatting with her sister and father, in 10 mins her mother called " Nishi, keep your bags in place, and clean the mess you have made. You are a married woman now, lady of the house. Be responsible! I have made the rice and chappatis , make some curry please, I have a bad migrane darling!! Papa likes aloo curry, make that. He is very tired. He just came from work. You know he gets cranky when hungry and tired. Aloo curry will cheer him..do clean up the kitchen once done. Kavya help didi!!
Nishi stared as her mom walked into the bedroom. Kavya ran to her room and switched on her TV and invited Nishi to watch their favourite show. But Nishi refused..She had cooking, cleaning and office work to do.
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