Sunday Story "My Live-in Sasuraal" Season 1 - Episode 1 - Joint or Nuclear family?

Anika consoled her friend, Shruti lovingly and said to her softly, “Shruts! Don’t worry! Everything will be fine. But I really think you guys should consider moving out from your in-laws’ place. It is certainly impacting your mental state.”

Shruti agreed to her with a nod, but looked at her husband, Manav skeptically, whether he was buying her idea or not.

Manav was quiet, he didn’t utter a word. But his best friend, Aakash, a tall, bearded and handsome man, objected to her passively, contradicting Anika’s suggestion, “This is not fair. It is an age-old tradition to stay at your parent’s place. Generations have been doing it.” He didn’t dare to glance at Anika, but she understood that the argument was intended for her.

Anika and Shruti were childhood buddies and Anika had always been the friend-cum-guide-cum-philosopher to her best friend. Shruti was the first one to get married as she belonged to a conservative family and she was sent off to the in-laws. Anika thought that Manav, Shruti’s husband, was a good guy and would really love Shruti and keep her happy, but she wasn’t sure about their in-laws. She had mentioned not getting good vibes from her in-laws, but Shruti considered them to be genuine and loving.

Unfortunately, in due course of time, Shruti felt suffocated while staying with her in-laws. No job, no western dresses, have kids soon, all these stereotypical drama was witnessed by Shruti. That day, Shruti and Manav had a major fight over their decision to become parents, and they had to invite their respective best friends, Anika and Aakash respectively to help them sort the matter. Anika and Aakash never bumped into each other as Anika couldn’t attend the couple’s engagement and Aakash missed their wedding ceremony.

So, they faced each other while resolving the huge squabble between Shruti and Manav. Even though Anika was a cute, bubbly girl and Aakash was swooned by her innocent looks, he didn’t like her in that conversation.

“I had already told you Shruti; don’t stay with your in-laws. I understand it is a tradition and all, but come on, you need to live your life. You bagged a MBA degree, and you are sitting at home, rolling 30 chapatis for the entire family. You can’t even wear those elegant dresses or jumpsuits. You have changed completely, Shruti. You are no more Shruti that used to be my buddy.”

Shruti looked at her friend with pitiful eyes, and then, glanced at her husband. She wished he could understand her miserable situation.

Aakash came forward to fight her argument, “She can still work. She can still wear those dresses. She can still be the Shruti she used to be. They can convince the family. It is a family, Manav, not a Supreme Court where you need to defend and argue over your life.”

“Oh really, then why can’t they see with their naked eyes? Why do they need written consent and supporting evidence to prove that the couple needs some space?” Anika defended, still glaring at Shruti instead of Aakash. She had a law degree and she loved to flaunt it through such conversations.

“Manav, are you ready to leave your parents who have given your birth and all the essentials and luxuries of the world?” Aakash asked Manav dramatically, who in turn, was confused with the overall indirect conversation.

“Let me tell you Manav, Shruti has already left her parents who had given her birth and all the essentials and all? Isn’t that inhuman?” She mocked, glancing at Manav.

Few moments ago, Manav and Shruti were fighting terribly and Aakash and Anika tried their best to calm the couple down. But the current scenario imparted a clear picture that the couple was calm and composed, while their best buddies indulged in an ugly battle.

“Guys, will you please stop arguing through us? We want to talk. You can have your own argument outside our house.” Manav said clearly to Anika and Aakash, who were flabbergasted at the sudden instruction.

Anika glared at Aakash and said, “Yes, Manav. And I pray to God that you understand that women don’t need any huge families for moral support. They are independent and strong. They can build a family and live happily in a nuclear family.” She stepped out of the couple’s house. The in-laws had been on a pilgrimage.

Aakash was offended by the stern statement, but he decided not to extend it further. ‘I will wait for the next time,’ he promised himself to blurt out at Anika.

But seven months had passed, the bitter row between Anika and Aakash had dissolved and had blossomed into a true and selfless friendship.

“I can’t believe I am friends with you. When I met you for the time at Shruti’s house, you were crazy. A crazy unmarried, family man.” Anika giggled as they both stepped out of a movie theatre..

“Yeah, same here. I thought you belong to the category of feminists who talk about being strong and independent women.” He mocked.

She laughed and grabbed his hand unknowingly as they walked together to a nearby restaurant. “Hey, I am still a strong and independent woman, okay?” She added, “It is the only thing on which we disagree while on the rest of the things, we are like twins. Non-identical twins! Like a brother from another mother!”

Aakash looked solemnly at her mockery and said sternly, “Are you kidding or do you really think we are siblings from different mothers?”

“Come on, Aakash! I am just joking. I don’t like all these mooh-bola bhai and behen wala concepts. We are good friends. I call you anytime when I feel lonely because I don’t feel you judge me. I am okay with exposing my vulnerable side in front of you.” She responded with a genuine grin and he felt better.

He cleared his throat and said in a different tone Anika had never heard of, “Since we are openly talking about our relationship, I would also like to make a confession. Thanks for being my friend. Life would have been a lot different without you.” Aakash’s eyes looked moist as he said that.

“Hey, is it Thanksgiving Day today? We are creating a mood.” Anika smiled and tried to pull his leg.  

“I have started loving you.” His sudden, soft confession startled her.

Everything seems Ok in Anika's world. But is it? Stay tuned to know what happens next! 

Here's the Link to Episode 2!