What's On The Menu Today?

Every morning a homemaker wakes up to answer the big question; what’s on the menu today? She has to cook, keeping in mind the taste and preferences of her family; the children’s demands; husband’s expectations and diet of parents-in-law. A lot of planning has to be done the day before, breakfast; lunch and dinner need to be well balanced. The execution of which largely depends on the maid, her absence can spell disaster over the family! Being a homemaker is quite a task!

It was a bright Sunday morning; Sia kick started her day with a morning walk. Her husband and kids had refused to join her; they wished to catch up with some more sleep. Today she had decided to go out for breakfast with her family, she longed for a break from kitchen work. She loved cooking and experimenting with food but there were days when she just detested entering the kitchen. Many times she would wonder; why on earth, did we eat three times a day. She wished the human species should be re- programmed to experience hunger pangs only once a day! Or maybe the night lasted for twelve more hours so that, no one wakes up to ask for food.

After finishing her morning walk, Sia, her husband Vivek, ten year old daughter Trisha and five year old son Arnav headed to a South Indian restaurant. This family was crazy about good food, Sia being a good cook had set a standard for their taste buds. Little Arnav relished the masala dosa, his happiness was literally encapsulated in it. The rest savored idlis, vada and upma. Vivek exclaimed ‘this is the best idli sambar I’ve ever had!’ Sia retorted immediately ‘you said the same thing Vivek, when I had prepared them at home last week.’ Vivek understood what she meant; he corrected himself ‘yes dear! What I meant to say is that, this is as good as the ones you prepare at home!’ Sunday was the only day Sia would get a break from cooking. She was happy with the start and hoped the day would end well.

On their way back home Vivek got a call, it was his parents. They were returning from their trip to Rameshwaram. They called to inform that two of their relatives will be joining them for lunch. Vivek turned towards Sia with a disappointed look, they had planned to go for a movie but now it seemed impossible. Sia was always prepared for the unexpected, she was unpeturbed. This is what happens in every Indian family “Bagwan Mehmaan hota hain” every guest should be treated like god.

Sia had a lot to do; her maid did not turn up. She cleaned the house as fast as she could, her husband and children helped with the other chores. She rushed to the grocery store to buy vegetables and other stuff. Back home, she decided to make lemon rice, potato curry, cucumber salad, rasam and curd rice.

By two in the afternoon Viveks parents arrived along with the guests, his paternal uncle and aunt. They received a warm welcome from Sia and Vivek, despite the inconvenience. The hungry and exhausted foursome sat at the table, narrating about their trip to the children. Sia meanwhile served lemon rice, cucumber salad and potato curry. While eating Vivek’s aunt remarked ‘the lemon rice is bland, cucumber salad needs more salt and the potatoes are not well cooked!’ Sia was disheartened. Her mother-in-law added ‘Sia you must have prepared the food in a hurry that’s the reason you haven’t done your best’. Vivek felt sorry for Sia, the food was not as bad as his aunt had described. He was angry but could not say much in their presence. Vivek’s father and uncle on the other hand quietly finished their plates without passing any judgments over her culinary skills. Hot fresh food was their priority; they were not as fussy as their perfectionist counterparts. Trisha whispered to her mother ‘Mom, you are used to such remarks, it should not bother you anymore!’ Sia left the dining room, too pissed off to react or retort.

Post lunch, Arnav came to his mother and said ‘Mamma, you are the best cook in the world! I loved the lemon rice and potato curry. You have worked hard the entire day; you must be so tired now! Aren’t you? I will take care of you, please rest for some time!’ Sia smiled. Arnav sat beside her and said ‘let’s go out in the evening, I’m getting bored at home. I’ll wear my favorite Spiderman shirt and orange shorts. Mamma you can wear that new kurta you bought last week, you’ll look very pretty.’ ‘Ok my Prince I shall do that’ replied Sia. Arnav cupped her face in his tiny hands ‘If I’m your prince, then you are my Queen mamma, pretty and beautiful!’ Tears rolled down her eyes, her efforts had gone in vain but on hearing such lovely words from her child, she was more than happy! His appreciation and understanding were her Biggest Reward for the day!

The Prospective Bride

“Congratulations dear! You’ve finally found a suitable girl for your son!” exclaimed Mrs. Meena as she barged into the living room, where Mrs. Puran sat checking photographs and horoscopes that lay scattered on the table. “It must have been a tough job.” She added further.

Mrs. Meena took a seat beside Mrs. Puran awaiting her response, but the lady seemed too engrossed in her affairs. “What’s the matter Mrs. Puran?” she asked throwing a questioning look. “Aren’t you happy with your choice?”

“I’m firm about my choice dear.” Mrs. Puran finally broke her silence “just been trying to find a way to dispose these photographs and horoscopes. They are of no use now. Maybe I should pass them to someone looking for a bride.” She sighed

“You must have been spoilt for choice with so many proposals, don’t you?” asked Mrs. Meena. “Spoilt for choice? Never! It was the most tedious job I’ve done all my life. One wrong move and you lose it all.” said Mrs. Puran. “What do you mean by that dear?” Asked Mrs. Meena

“Oh! You have to choose a girl who’s perfect for the family. Her looks and her style should complement my son. Her culture and values will determine the future of my family. She has to be a dutiful wife, an obedient and responsible daughter-in-law; and most importantly, her mother!!” as Mrs. Puran was expressing her views, Mrs. Meena exclaimed “Mother! What on earth has the mother to do with this?”

“Like mother like daughter! Aren’t you familiar with the saying Meena?” added Mrs. Puran. “A daughter takes along all the qualities of her mother good and bad. A strong headed mother may influence her daughter to boss over the family, rather than accepting them. A soft natured mother will teach her daughter to abide by the rules of the new family and be adjustable. I have done a lot of research on this, that’s the reason I’m so particular about the girl’s mother.”

“So! That’s your criteria for a Prospective Bride!” said Mrs. Meena. “My dear, that’s not all” added Mrs. Puran “Family background is very important, especially that of the bride’s father. Status matters you see! You have to choose the right people because you have to move around with them all your life. Your social circle is determined by the relationships you make.”

“How about your son?” questioned Mrs. Meena “Have you prepared him to be a responsible husband and a good son-in-law? Is he prepared to fulfill the expectations of his wife and her family?”

Mrs. Puran was furious “Responsibility? Well! The responsibility of our entire family should be his priority, not his wife and her family. As far as expectations are concerned; my son is handsome, well educated and financially sufficient. What more could a girl and her family ask for?”

Lastly Mrs. Meena asked “Is your son happy with your choice?” Mrs. Puran answered beaming with pride “My son will never go against my wishes, no matter how many crushes or flings he might have had; he will always marry the girl I approve. After all! Only a mother knows what’s best for her child!"

Note: Marriage, as an institution is losing its value because such prejudices and stereotypes still prevail in traditional societies. The day a bride and her family are given due respect and equality, relationships will flourish and conflicts will subside.