And Next Month?

‘Anisha…I’m home! Listen… can you make me one of your special cups of tea?’ Suresh called out as he entered the house. He slipped off his shoes and went straight to the bedroom, knowing he would find his beloved wife sitting on the bed, watching Netflix and working on her crochet. 

‘So, what do you think?’ Suresh asked, standing in front of Anisha with his hands on his hips. 

Anisha’s eyes followed his every move as he paraded around the bedroom. She let out a long sigh and put her latest half-done creation into her crochet bag. She nodded her head in dismay. ‘Why do you always color your hair jet black? Why don’t you get something more sober? Like a lighter shade of brown? Or maybe you should just stop coloring your hair. Just stop dying, it. Let’s look our age. Because of you, I also have to dye my hair. We’d look like such a funny pair. The husband has jet-black hair, and the wife has hair as white as snow!’

‘But your hair isn’t as white as snow,’ he explained. ‘It’s…’

‘It isn’t yet as white as snow, but it will be. Right now, we're just all salt and pepper. And I’ve decided I’m not going to color my hair anymore. I’m sick and tired of it. What’s the point anyway?’

‘Dadi… ‘ their granddaughter, Reema, called out. ‘Have you seen my Hindi journal? I have to submit it tomorrow at school. If I can’t find it, my teacher will be really upset. Dadi…’

‘I’m coming, dear,’ Anisha called out. ‘Check your school bag or look on your study table.’

‘Do what makes you happy with your hair, sweetheart. Just make that cup of tea when you have the time.’

Anisha gave her husband a long stare. 

‘What happened? he asked. 

‘Nothing, dear,’ his wife sighed. 

‘Mummy, I’m just stepping out for a quick meeting. I’ll be back in an hour or so,’ Priya, her daughter-in-law, said, popping her head inside their bedroom. ‘And if you’re free, please help Reema with her Hindi homework. You know I’m dreadful at Hindi. I have to rush. I’m already late. I’ll see you in a bit.’

‘Mummaaaa! Where are you going? I thought you would help me with my Hindi homework,’ Reema said, running behind her mother and holding on to her kurta from behind.

Left with no option, her mother, Priya, froze.

‘You remember I told you about the new project I will be taking up. I have to go to that meeting,’ her mother said, kneeling down. She looked at her daughter’s sad, worried eyes and caressed her cheek. ‘I promise I’ll be back soon. And I’ve asked Dadi if she can help you with your homework.’

‘But… but I can’t find it.’ 

‘Ask dadi… maybe she knows where it is.’ 

Reema nodded slowly and saw her mother head out of the front door. 

‘Dadi!’ Reema called out. 

‘I’m in the kitchen, beta,’ Anisha replied, waiting for her husband’s special cup of tea to brew.’

‘Anisha, your phone is ringing,’ Suresh called out. ‘It’s some number.’

‘Then answer it!’ 

‘I’ll get it…’ Reema said enthusiastically and rushed off. 

Anisha sighed as she strained two cups of tea and put some biscuits and mathi on a plate. She then laid the tray neatly. 

‘Dadi… It’s some lady on the phone,’ Reema said hurriedly, handing the phone to her grandmother. 

But by the time she could say hello, the line was disconnected. Anisha squinted her eyes, trying to redial the number. 

‘Reema beta… ask your grandmother if the tea is ready,’ Suresh called out from the bedroom. 

‘Today seems crazier than ever!’ Anisha mumbled as she picked up the tray and set it on the dining table. She called out for her husband and then her granddaughter. ‘Has anyone seen my glasses?’

Just then, the doorbell rang. It was evening, the cook, Sheetal, had come by to perform her daily chores. She greeted the family members seated around the table and headed straight to the kitchen to get started. Feeling confused and uncertain, she silently waited for the woman of the house. 

‘Aunty ji, what do I make for dinner?’ Sheetal didi asked Anisha with a sheepish grin.

‘My head!’ Anisha burst out. ‘I’ve had enough. Why do I always have to take on the household responsibilities? It’s never-ending. I've been running a household since I was a little girl. 

‘Surprise us! Cook whatever you want, Sheetal. And whoever doesn't eat what's cooked for dinner will get the same thing for breakfast.’

‘Dadi…’ Reema said cautiously. 

Her grandmother took a long breath and looked down at her little granddaughter. Looking deep into Reema’s worried eyes, she said, ‘Yes, darling.’ 

‘I found my Hindi book,’ she said excitedly. ‘But I don’t understand what needs to be done. Can you help me?’ 

‘Anisha… can you make another cup of tea. There’s something different about this one… it doesn’t taste right,’ Suresh interrupted. ‘It isn’t the usual.’

‘What? I think it tastes just fine,’ she sighed. 

‘Maza nahi aya.’

‘I’ll tell Sheetal to make you another cup. I have to sit with Reema and help her with her homework.’

‘No! Pleaaase. Her tea is dreadful. You finish off with Reema, then make me another cup. I’m going to lie down, I’m tired.’

‘He’s tired… wow!’ She thought. 

‘Come, Dadi, I have to finish my homework,’ Reema pleaded. 

‘First, help me with my glasses, only then can I help you with your homework.’

‘Auntyji, I still don’t know what to cook for dinner,’ Sheetal said, cautiously walking toward her. 

Anisha closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool. ‘I wish I could just run away sometimes…’

The following morning, Anisha was up early, like every other day. Being the loving grandmother she was, she had to hug her sweet granddaughter before school. After she left, she sat on the balcony and peacefully enjoyed reading the newspaper and sipping a cup of tea. 

‘You look tired,’ Priya said, taking a seat next to her mother-in-law.

‘I do?’

‘Did you get enough sleep?’

‘I did… but… I don’t know. I’m just feeling so low today.’

‘Maybe you need to take a break, Mummy,’ Priya suggested. ‘Why don’t you step out of the house, go for a walk, or go to the mall. Make some new friends in the colony.’

‘Me? Make friends?’ She laughed sarcastically. ‘You know what an anti-social woman I am. I love my little space. I hate stepping out of it. And who will manage the house if I go out galavanting?’

‘Oh, Mummy. Sometimes you need to get out. It will change your point of view.’

‘Why don’t you get a massage? I’ll book an appointment.’

‘Certainly not!’

‘Till when will you go on like this? You know it will do you good. And it’s about time you do too.’

Anisha stared at her empty tea cup and sighed. 

‘So… what’s it going to be? You know I’m not going to let you off that easily.’

‘Okay,’ she said slowly. ‘Book me an appointment for a hair trim at the salon.’

‘Hair trim?’ 

‘Well, yes. That’s the only thing I can think of,’ she replied, gloomily.

‘Okay,’ Priya nodded. ‘I’ll book you for noon.’

‘Yes, that would work. Till then, I’ll finish off all my chores.’

‘What chores? Mummy, you need to let go of the household responsibilities. We have a cook. We have a househelp who comes to clean the house. What is left?’

‘I know there’s nothing for me to do but…’

‘But what? You’re just not ready to let go. All these things won’t matter tomorrow. Who got the house cleaned? Who set up the drawing room? Were the beds dusted and tucked? Nothing of it matters. Even if you aren’t there to supervise, all these chores will be done. Maybe you should join a women’s traveling club or something… or a book club… or find something more productive to do with your time. Believe me, you will feel much better.’

‘A women’s travel group? Are you insane! I’ve never traveled anywhere in my life without my family.’

‘Well, maybe it’s time you do...’

‘Priya beta, you’ve gone off your head.’

Priya rolled her eyes and slowly shook her head. ‘Ok… let’s take baby steps. I’m booking you for noon at the salon. Go crazy. Do something different,’ she suggested, getting off the cane chair and heading back inside the house. 

By five minutes to twelve, Anisha entered the salon. To her surprise, she was seated next to Priya’s mother, Khushi. Being cordial relatives, they greeted and embraced each other. Khushi, too, had come in for a haircut. 

‘How do you want your hair cut?’ The hairdresser asked. 

‘Short. A pixie cut,’ Khushi beamed.  ‘I’m fed up with tying my hair, using clutchers, clips, and scrunchies.’

The barber grinned. ‘Perfect. It will suit you.’

Anisha looked at her with widened eyes but did not intervene. She then looked at herself in the mirror and waited for the barber to come and assist her. 

Soon, both women were done with their haircuts: one pixie and one neat, proper hair trim. 

‘Let’s go for lunch,’ Khushi suggested. ‘I’m hungry. What would you like to eat?’

‘Anything… whatever you want to eat.’

‘Anything doesn’t exist in any restaurant. What do you feel like eating? What are your taste buds craving for?’

‘I… I don’t know… I can’t decide.’

‘Idli, dosa, dal makhni, butter chicken, oh wait, sorry, I forgot you’re a vegetarian. Palak paneer, pizza, burger, spaghetti, khao suey… what do you want to eat? You decide.’

‘Let’s have khao suey,’ Anisha smiled. 

‘Great… I know the perfect place.’

In due time, the two women found themselves a nice corner at a contemporary Burmese restaurant, Burma Burma. They ordered Burma Burma Khaosuey and Panthay Khowsuey. As they ate, Khushi, being the talkative, chirpy one, had lots to say as Anisha silently listened, splurped her noodles, and nodded. Khushi rambled about life, her regular visits to the NGO to teach children, how she brought her life back on track after her divorce, their only granddaughter, Reema, and how lucky Anisha is to have their granddaughter with her all the time. But what really caught Anisha’s attention was when Khushi mentioned the holiday she was planning at the end of the month. 

‘Where are you planning to go?’ Anisha asked curiously. ‘And when?’

‘Puducherry. I’m planning to go on the last weekend of this month,’ Khushi replied and continued her conversation about her love for travel and her last holiday a few months ago in Kashmir. 

Anisha put on a straight face, trying to hide her inner emotion erupting like a volcano. She could feel her inner voice screaming to break free from the regular rut. That rut had taken over her entire being, and it soon would take over her sanity. ‘What is the duration of your stay?’

‘I’m going for six days,’ Khushi grinned. ‘Two days traveling, then at least four days to enjoy the city. There are a lot of fun things to do. Why don’t you come along… Priya mentioned that you seem overworked and stressed at home. It could make a big difference. Sometimes one needs a change to recharge.’

Anisha listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities. Her inner voice was screaming. Perhaps this was the push she needed to finally take that trip she had always dreamed of. Khushi's enthusiasm was contagious, and Anisha found herself nodding along, a newfound spark of excitement igniting within her. As they finished their meal, Anisha made a bold decision—she would join Khushi on her Puducherry adventure. This was her chance to break free from the confines of her routine and embrace the unknown.

‘So it’s done then. I’ll share my flight details when I get home,’ Khushi beamed. ‘I really had fun today. I’m so looking forward to our trip to Puducherry.’

Anisha smiled hesitantly. She pondered if she was doing the right thing. She had never traveled alone before. Or with friends. It was always family trips once in a blue moon. ‘How do I break the news at home?’ she thought. ‘Who will look after Suresh and meet his endless demands? Who will look after Reema when Priya isn’t home? Will Priya be able to manage the kitchen?’ 

‘Why do you look so stressed? Relax! I can guarantee you that it will be a trip to remember.’ 

‘Go, you fool,’ her inner voice screamed. ‘This is your chance to step out of your comfort zone and finally experience something new. 

Anisha took a deep breath and nodded, ‘Alright, I'll join you. Let’s do this!’ 

Only a week before her trip, Anisha decided to drop the bomb on Suresh. 

‘What? You can’t go. I have my retirement party the night before you leave,’ Suresh exclaimed. ‘I’ve been harping about it this entire time.’

Anisha looked puzzled, ‘You never mentioned any dates. I thought it was at the beginning of next month. Why couldn’t you be more specific?’ 

‘How on earth did I know that you of all the people would finally decide to come out of their shell and go for a freakin’ vacation. And not only that, but with Khushi, of all the people. You two have nothing in common.’

Anisha stared at her better half, stunned. 

‘And to add the cherry on top, you’ve never traveled without any of us. If I were you, I’d cancel it. And spend time with me at the party. It’s a proud moment.’

Anisha contemplated her options and let out a long sigh. Suresh’s demands weighed heavily on her. She reluctantly spoke up, ‘Suresh, I understand this is an important event for you, but this trip means a lot to me too. I've been looking forward to it and need this time for myself. Can we find a way to make this work?’

Suresh shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head, ‘I don’t know what to say. I just think you’re being unreasonable. The party is on Friday night. You have already booked your tickets for Saturday early morning.’

‘What if I attend the event, and maybe we can head home early?’

‘Let’s see.’

The following Friday evening, Anisha draped a beautiful peacock blue saree. She sat before the dressing table, applied her makeup, and wore her gold earrings. Suresh entered the room, looking all suited and booted in his light grey suit and black tie. 

Suresh took one look at Anisha and smiled, ‘You look lovely. I can’t imagine attending my retirement party without you. And I’ll tell you what… let’s wind up early and head home, so you’re rested for tomorrow's early morning flight.’

 Anisha eyes lit up with relief, ‘Okay… let’s go.’

The following morning, Suresh woke up with a miserable hangover. He called out for Anisha like he did every morning. But this morning, there was no sign of his wife. Anisha was wise enough to leave the party early as promised, but without her better half. Suresh’s hands fumbled on the side table looking for his phone. He then saw the time and realised it was half past ten. ‘Where is she? Has she gone without saying goodbye? She wouldn’t. She can’t leave me high and dry like this.’

Suresh dragged himself out of bed and found the house empty. On the fridge was a note from Priya saying that she had taken Reema to the doctor for her vaccination. With a splitting headache, Suresh searched the kitchen cabinets for a tea pan to make himself the so-called special cup of morning tea. Unfortunately, the tea was a disaster. There was too little milk and an excessive amount of tea leaves. He grumbled profusely, leaving the bitter tea on the dining table, and went to take a shower. Soon, he was stark naked, standing under the ice-cold water running out of the shower. He let out a loud howl, realising he hadn’t turned on the geyser. Suresh quickly bathed without soap, dried his body, put on his clothes, and dove back into bed. Grumbling and hungry, he impatiently waited for his daughter-in-law to return home. 

Priya and Reema arrived home late in the evening and found Suresh tucked in bed, his eyes glued to the idiot box. Hearing Reema’s sweet voice, he decided to get out of bed and meet the rest of the family. Priya hesitantly explained that the doctor hadn’t shown up, so the vaccination had been canceled, and that they had last-minute decided to go to a movie. 

‘Have you spoken to Mummy?’ was the only question Suresh asked his daughter-in-law. 

‘Yes, of course,’ Priya smiled. ‘She had a safe flight… checked into a fancy hotel. I think they were supposed to go for dinner, and tomorrow, they have plans to visit Auroville.’

‘Hmmm,’ he grunted. 

‘You two haven’t spoken?’ she asked innocently.

‘I didn’t want to bother her,’ he replied slowly. 

Six days later, Anisha walks through the front door, smiling ear to ear with two pieces of luggage and a straw hat on her head. At the dinner table, she couldn’t stop chattering about the exciting, adventurous trip she had had with Khushi.

‘So when is your next trip?’ Suresh asked sarcastically. 

‘Next month.’