It was already the first week of March. Feels like it was just yesterday that I got married to Siddharth. It was a beautiful feeling imagining that you would share your new life with your brand-new hubby bear!
I still remember Lipsika’s wedding. The day when he saw me during the varmala ritual. He clicked a picture of mine and made a wish that – “I wish I get married to this girl,” and finally after 4 years, he tied the knot.
We made an elaborate plan for our honeymoon to Bali in the fourth week of February, after completing all the family rituals, but was upended by the swift and devastating onset of the coronavirus pandemic and we had to end up staying at home.
Days passed and also the list of the post wedding expectations and, I knew, if I don’t fit in those, the next dialogue would be “tumhare maa baap ne tumhe ache sanskaar nahi diye”.
So many guests at home every day and I had to be in the kitchen with my mother in law, preparing a great meal for all the guests. At times I felt the restrictions had been slated exclusively for my honeymoon. Over and above that I had to appear in a prim and proper mode 24*7, with heavy outfit and jewelry like a Bahu in daily soaps. I felt I totally missed out on love and respect for my new family in the race of fulfilling their expectations.
Siddharth worked for a US based software firm. After two weeks of wedding break, he resumed his job, but had become so busy with his office work, like he had never worked before. He comes home mentally and physically spent, often unable to find the energy to participate in a healthy relationship. I really miss those romantic nights now. Though I completed my B. Tech, I remained as a home maker on my mom’s insistence. Ek Aadarsh Patni, that we see in TV serials.
“Bhabhi can you prepare a face pack for me”, -my sister in law.
“Bahu please get me a cup of ginger tea without sugar”, – my father in law.
“My brother and his wife are coming today. We have to prepare some special dishes Ritu, and wear that red saree and kundan Jewelry “, – my mother in law.
Amidst all these, my eyes looked for only one person, Siddharth and my heart yearned for a hug or a kiss. Why not? I am only a month-old bride.
Suddenly one morning, my mobile buzzed and it was my mom,” Ritu beta, Nani is getting discharged today from the hospital. She wants to see you desperately, as she couldn’t make it for your wedding too. You know she can’t travel as of now. Why don’t you come for few days? Your father has informed Siddharth too.”
I was super excited to see my Nani. She was my dearest friend since childhood. She recovered from a massive heart stroke. I could not wait till evening and so called Siddharth immediately.” Ritu I can’t come tomorrow. I have a release and since one of my onsite colleagues is on leave, I don’t have time to breathe this whole week. You carry on”, he responded. For a new bride going to her Mayika was like getting a bill passed in parliament and upon securing majority votes, I was ready.
My parents stayed in Thane, a three hours journey from my place. Life after marriage transformed me completely from a bubbly, carefree girl to a responsible, caring daughter-in-law and a wife which could be both enriching and daunting at the same time.
I was back to a daughter’s mode after entering my parents’ home. No work – only eating and sleeping but this time, I missed Siddharth. After a day I called him. He picked up the call. Like any other wife, I asked, “Do you remember that you’ve a wife? Don’t you remember to call her every day. How much I miss you”.
“Ritu I was about to call you. How are you? Why don’t you come back soon? Situation is not good outside. The virus is spreading fast and there would be indefinite lock down any moment”, said Siddharth in a worrisome voice.
“Will come, but you would be busy as usual. You don’t have time for me at all. Its only a month that we are married but I feel like years. I miss those laughs those romantic dances and that love, Siddharth. “, I said.
“Tell me, what more you missed?”, asked Siddharth in a low voice. In that fresh time of his marriage, first time he realized that he started depending on me. For a moment, he was quiet. But, the next moment as an outcome of his realization, he murmured, “I miss you.” My heart felt it. I blushed, but I was in an angry mood. Thus, kept fighting because I was not only a lover, but a wife too.”
After a week’s stay, I reached my Sasuraal before the things turned worst. Covid -19 had been disastrous for many but it rekindled my love. No more relatives and guests for time being. It was only me and my family.
The lock down had begun giving us some more time for each other. As I sat in the balcony that evening, Siddharth came from behind and put his one hand on my waist, one hand in my hands, helped me to get on my feet and guided me body into a romantic dance, fixed his eyes into mine and whispered, “I am sorry for all those you missed from me. I promise you my dear wife, that we will have a beautiful life ahead and we will remember these beautiful moments, even when we grow old and ugly”. Tears rolled down my eyes and I expressed my love with a kiss on his cheek.
Hindi words glossary:
Varmala– Wedding garland
tumhare maa baap ne tumhe ache sanskaar nahi diye-. Your parents haven’t taught you good values.
Bahu- Daughter in law
Mayika-Parents house
Ek Aadarsh Patni- A perfect wife
Sasuraal- In -laws house
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Photo By: Shelby Deeter
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