37 Altercations Again (1/2)
It has been more than a week from the dinner of the 'ideal daughter-in-law incident' as Ira calls it. According to Ira, that incident was the proclamation of establishing Varsha at the seat of ideal daughter-in-law and opposing voices were suppressed.
Varsha is treading carefully being cautious of her words and actions and taking care of house duties diligently. Although housework does not require her attention, Varsha likes to be involved in the food making and gardening work like her mother-in-law and grandma. She also believes that the feelings are important and thus food prepared with love and care is tastier than the one prepared by maids.
Varsha is being the ideal daughter-in-law she is and is making everyone in the family happy with few exceptions. Grandparents will shower her with their praises often and Ira follows her everywhere making things easy and fun for her. Just within one week, it has become as if nothing has happened. Probably because other than Varsha everyone is aware of eldest uncle's personality and Varsha has easily forgotten due to her easygoing mentality.
On one Sunday, during breakfast grandpa looked to Varsha and said ”Dear! Ira is studying in Pune University College in the third year of her graduation in commerce. I have asked someone to bring the form for you to enroll for graduation in commerce in the same college. You have Ira as well as Akash to help you with your studies. The form will be brought tomorrow and you can fill it and give your youngest uncle to submit.”
Grandma looked toward Ira and said ”You girl! Make sure you help your sister-in-law and do not let anyone bully her in college or I will beat you.”
Ira laughed and said ”Who will dare to do that? Grandma! You don't know everyone thinks of me as lady don. I have learned from grandma, who can go against me. Hee hee hee.”
”Stop being a hooligan and study more going forward. Don't make your sister-in-law like yourself.” Akash glared at her and said and it made Ira laugh more.
Ira smiled mischievously and asked ”Brother! Are you worried about sister-in-law?” Even Varsha stopped eating for a moment and put her ears toward Akash to hear what he will say. It is rare for Akash to talk about her.
”No, I am more worried that someone will know that you are my sister. I have a reputation to maintain.” Akash replied calmly.
Ira laughed and even Varsha could not stop from smiling. Although the answer of Akash is not what Varsha expected it was also not negative in any way. So, Varsha did not mind it much.
”What is the use of college? Isn't she the best already? What if she becomes overqualified and surpasses elder brother?” Mocking voice of Arpit came after that. Arpit continued eating after saying it like it is nothing to make a negative remark to interrupt the placid environment on the breakfast table.
Everyone on the table looked toward Arpit and have different expressions. Grandpa and grandma looked and then just continued eating like it is not worth responding. Eldest uncle looked at his son Arpit and then grandpa and grandma and seeing no reaction from them he smiled and did not say anything. Ladies also continued eating and no one commented on this.
Ira looked toward everyone and seeing that no one is responding, she felt bad and angry at the same time. She looked toward Arpit who is looking provocatively toward her only, she could not control herself and she said ”Elder brother won't mind if someone in family surpasses him. I believe he will feel happier because the elder brother thinks about the whole family and not only himself. What elder brother hates most is having grudges and feeling competitive even without having any worthiness or competence.”