Sunday Story "My Live-in Sasuraal" Season 2 - Episode 4 - Financial assistance or compensation?

Check out the previous part of the story: It's all in the destiny

“It’s payday.” Anika reminded Shruti easily during the tea break. Shruti worked in an MNC as a front office executive, next to Anika’s corporate law firm. They would often meet up for a cup of tea 🍵 or a quick bite.

Shruti hummed while scrolling on the phone. “These app people have already started reminding us that it’s payday. Some want us to order food online, some want us to buy new clothes and accessories, some want us to buy new lingerie while others want us to pay bills and rent on time.” She said in a passively irritated tone and added, “Hey, are you handing your salary to your in-laws this month? You know, as a token of respect.”

“Well, then I will have to hand over my debit card and banking details as we all deal in digital money these days.” Anika mocked, dismissing the idea. 💳

“I remember I had handed my entire salary to my in-laws and Manav had handed his to me. It was done out of respect and we returned each other’s money kindly.” Shruti added, recollecting her old memories.

“I am not going for this drama. I won’t say anything. Maybe, I will go home with a box of sweets as payday celebration.” She said easily, but she landed in a mental fix. “Don’t you think it will be submissive of me if I hand over my salary to them? Or they will think of me as a shrewd, working DIL who thrashes money as she cannot contribute to household work? Or will they think that I perceive them as a financially incompetent household? What do you think?” 🙄

“Hmm..” Shruti gazed at her in disbelief. “I didn’t know that you are such an over-thinker. You can talk to Akash on this or discuss with your mother. Every household is different and every family member will have a different perception. It is up to you how you present yourself.”

“That is a clever answer. I am a lawyer and you are tossing my questions like a pro.” Anika said smartly.  

“I just want you to be careful, girl. When it comes to financial matters, things become fragile. You cannot expect how the opposite person will react.” Shruti warned her again with a typical ‘I-know-all’ face which aggravated Anika’s irritation level.

She thought of asking her mother about it, but her mother’s reaction was grave and unbending. “Anika, it is your money. How can someone have a right on your money within a few weeks? Also, are you married to Akash? You are yet to figure out. Even if you were married to him, I would never have suggested doing this. It is your job, your money and your decision. Don’t change, Anika. I am observing you have changed and started asking opinions for trivial things. Where is my independent Anika?”

After a bashing conversation with her mother, Anika decided to ask Akash about it. “Do you think I should hand my salary to your family? Won’t it look rude as if I doubt their financial abilities?”

“Of course. If you make a stern and disapproving face in front of them while handing salary, they will believe easily that you are doing a favour on them.” And Akash broke into laughter. 😜

“I will smile, don’t worry.” Anika assured him, supporting his sense of humor at that moment.

“Then, they will think that their daughter-in-law is a generous and submissive person, and can be moulded in all ways.” He pulled her leg again.

“Then, I will have no expressions on my face.” Anika added.

“Oh. This is too simple. They will believe that you are giving as an obligation and that you are not at all interested in handing them.”

“Oh no! What should I do? I have never been so confused on a payday. I have always been happy, planning out my salary, what I should buy, how much to invest and go on a shopping spree.”

“Then, do the same, Anika.” Akash replied indignantly. “Don’t feel obliged to do something that you never planned to do. It is okay. No one is going to judge you. Okay, at least, I am not judging you. It is your money, your decision.”

Anika still wasn’t satisfied. She was about to reach home, but she had not reached a conclusion. With a confused mind, she entered the kitchen and noticed that she had missed out on something. She returned to her bedroom, stuffed an envelope with cash 💸 after some calculations and approached Akash’s mother.

“Aunty, this is…” She handed the envelope to her and continued, “Please don’t take it negatively. I am handing out my monthly expenses to you. I am a new member in this family, and I have also paid for my expenses to my father since I became independent. You are like my parents, and this is my duty.” She fumbled as she explained her gesture.

Vaishali took the envelope in her hands, and said sternly, “Do you think we cannot afford the expenses of a new person? Or is it because…”

Anika cut her as she was speaking, “I am not showing off my financial independence. I am also not compensating for the household work I cannot do due to my office responsibilities. It is a contribution towards family expenditure from a family member. I believe I am a part of this family. Whether I am married to Akash or not, I will keep contributing in this way. If you don’t accept it, it means you don’t accept me as a family member yet and I am still not…”

“No, no. I will also have to ask Akash’s Papa and Daadi about this, I cannot take it, beta. But I liked your gesture as a woman. You have thought over it carefully and wisely and not mindlessly.”

“I am not taking it back.” Anika said calmly. “You can take time and ask them.” She smiled her sweetest smile.

Vaishali was touched by her behavior and she hugged Anika. ‘She is really independent and respectful.’ She thought.