Tuesday 15 November 2016

A Rare and Encouraging Ma - in Law

"Lovely! and Cool!" Kalai exclaimed as she gulped the fresh juice of one tender coconut after another as a newly married bride. She had been in cold places through out her early days where coconut trees didn't grow, so this was a new delicacy to her. Seeing so many coconut trees in her new house thrilled her no end.

"What did you do with all the coconuts until I arrived, Athai? (m.i.l)" she asked curiously.
"We'd consume most of them and sell the rest," she said casually.
"Oh my, see how much I've wasted," Kalai said, her sense of thrift returning suddenly.
"You don't know how much I worried for my boy until you came. He was adamantly refusing to marry. Now that you arrived I am so relieved," she said, a serious look on her face. "So don't ever compare yourself with money."

The next month Kalai's m.i.l had to go out of station to attend a wedding. After she related all that happened there, Kalai related her experiences. "Guess what I did yesterday! I made the curry and avial (a mixture of many vegetables). I was so engrossed in trying to get it well that I nearly forgot to cook plain rice. Only while starting to set the table I realised that rice was missing!"
"These things happen till it becomes a regular routine. I'm sure the curry and avail turned out well!"
"Overlook the slips and mistakes and focus on better things, "she urged.

That was how Kalai got  started on her new journey. Things changed and they (the couple) shifted to a house on the next street. Kalai had applied for a competitive exam and was awaiting the result. She went to visit her ma-in -law and told her that she had done her exam quite well and was expecting to be selected. She was on her way to seeing the result. If it was positive she would come here and inform her. If, however by
                                                                                                                                                        free digital photos.net

 chance things turned out the other way, she would directly go home quietly and in that case she (the m.i.l) must not open that topic. Kalai would tell her on her own whenever she felt like it. She  (m.i.l) agreed.

As Kalai stepped into the room the m.i.l burst out clapping and shouting with joy, "I knew my daughter -in- law would pass. I just knew it!" She drew her into her arms and was whirling her around when the husband arrived at the doorstep.





"How is it possible?" he asked, almost in unbelief. "So many others might have competed too!"
 "Are you sure there's no mistake?"