The Fast

The Fast

 ​By Kaushik Dave ​

"I am not going to cook today," Ananya said. ​

"But why?" Rahul asked.

"Are you not feeling well? Do we need to go to the doctor?" ​

"No," Ananya replied with a laugh.

 ​"Then what is it?" Rahul asked, looking at her. ​

"I am fasting today. I will spend the whole day on just bananas and juice," Ananya explained.

 ​Rahul grew worried and said, "But why? Today is my day off. Will I not even get a home-cooked meal? I eat my morning meals at the company canteen all week. Now what am I supposed to do? I'll have to order from outside."

 ​A smile played on Ananya’s lips.

She said, "My dear husband, try fasting once a month. Just eat some bananas and apples with me; it will be good for your health. Everyone deserves a day off. You get one day off a week, but for us [housewives], it feels like an injustice." ​

Ananya gave Rahul a hug. But Rahul remained restless and gave no response
He began muttering to himself,
 "A man has to work so hard, and yet he isn't destined to get a meal—even when he asks for home-cooked food just once a week. Fine, it’s just my luck. I’ll go out and eat." ​

Ananya became serious. "You men are only ever concerned with yourselves," she said. "You aren't mindful of the women in the house. Their well-being matters too. They have their own preferences. You only think this way because you are a man. Try cooking for the household just once; then you will understand the struggles a woman faces and the skill it takes. You simply don't listen to what my heart is saying." ​