The Mastermind

Darn, you Saroj? "You bloody homemaker

What do you do all day? Except for sleeping, eating, and watching television. On top of that, you pretend you are the most busybody in this whole wide world.

I could not find my things in place. The breakfast, lunch and dinner are regular, with no taste. You spend my hard-earned money like a maniac. If I do not earn and take care of my home and my children, God knows how we will survive. 

Look at my friends and colleagues' spouses. They are so smart, caring for their home and outside like a pro. Only I am the unlucky one to get saddled with a partner like you," shouted Sudhir.

Nirja (Saroj's MIL) was listening to all these ravings from her son from outside. Her thoughts flew back to her younger self, where she was humiliated similarly by her husband. Like father like son. Nirja came to stay with her son for a few days and saw Saroj working hard all day to take care of her home and family.

Saroj was a dedicated wife and an excellent mother. But her son sitting on his high horse with a big fat ego, could not count his blessings. Saroj was a highly qualified architect. She took a sabbatical from her work to look after her twins. Sudhir banged the door and walked out, muttering to himself.

Ninja knocked on Saroj's bedroom and hugged Saroj. She said, "Saroj, it's time to take the bull by its horn and let my son hear the echoes of his foolishness. Be smart and prioritize your priorities."

The next fifteen days, they brought a revolution in the Sharma household. Nirja departed after suggesting changes in the home. Saroj joined her work on a part-time basis in the evening. She hired a cook to prepare meals; for a week, tsunami (Sudhir) was quiet. He thought Saroj would rewind to her former self. But Saroj dozes child fire on his dreams.

When he had to look after the twins after a day's work, he realized how difficult it is to handle kids and care for their well-being. The food the cook prepares is tasteless, and getting hot chapatis is a long-distance dream. The cook is just doing her job, but Saroj is putting her love and touch into that food which he never appreciated.

The once streamlined and clean house is a mess. How he uses to taunt Saroj " Karte kya hu saara din." When he had to fend for himself for small things, he realized her importance. Saroj, like a pro, handled everything without any complaints or worries. His ego as a breadwinner took a back seat, and he acknowledged my wife is way smarter than me than I give credit to her. I am tired from just eight hours of work, and she is on duty 24*7 without a single frown.

The fire ignited by Nirja brought respect, importance and brilliance of Saroj to light. Sudhir gave her credit which she truly deserves. Sudhir said, "Saroj I am sorry."