Sunday Story "My Live-in Sasuraal" Season 3 - Episode 2 - Family decisions

Have you read the previous part, DIL-MIL Relationship?

Shivam was pacing to and fro in the living room at night when Anika returned from the office at around 12.30. Aakash had already reached, and she was the one who convinced her not to wait for her.

“How can I go home without you, Ani?” He asked her dramatically on the call.

“Baby, I will take time. I still need to get approval from my Boss and his phone out of network for ages. Go home, relax and please inform Aunty accordingly.” She requested him.

When Anika reached home, she was surprised to notice Shivam at the door.

“What happened, Shivam? You are still up.” Anika asked caringly.

“Bhabhi, I mean, gonna-be-bhabhi, I am thinking and yes, walking, and thinking while I am walking…” He said, fumbling over every word and still pacing around the room.

“Hey, hey, relax. Come and sit here on the sofa.” She suggested, sitting on the sofa and waiting for him to calm down. “Tell me what’s happening to you?”

Shivam calmed down a little but gained some comfort to sit in front of her. “Bhabhi, I mean gonna-be-bhabhi, I am confused with my career. No doubt I will clear the 12^th but I don’t know where I am headed to. Everyone in this house is suggesting me differently. My father wants me to become a Chartered Accountant, my older Chacha wants to do MBA, my younger Chacha wants me to join Merchant Navy, and Akash Bhaiya wants me to do a career in Cyber Security. I am confused; I don’t know what to do.” He said, looking all messed up.

Anika knew what to do. She too had faced a similar problem when her parents wanted her to take different career options after 10^th.

“Shivam, I completely understand you. I have been in your shoes. But tell me one thing, only the men in this house have advised you. Why don’t you ask the women in this house like your mother, Akash’s mother, Daadi...?”

“Oh no, you will go crazy like me if you listen to their advice. My mother wanted me to become a doctor, she thinks that I am a waste because I chose Commerce and not Science.” He said, almost in tears.

“Shivam, relax. Calm down. I know it is overwhelming to select out of the numerous suggestions you have received from the elders. But you don’t have to take them all seriously. Do what your heart says. Tell me one thing; does your heart say anything?” She asked curiously, staring at his pale face.

“My heart says …well my heart does not say anything…it just listens to the people of this house. It has been ages, bhabhi. Whenever someone has to make a decision or something new, we have to ask for opinions from everyone in this house. It is a tradition in every joint family, you know about it. But sometimes, it is confusing and dreadful. Each one of them claims their career option as the best, and I cannot take it further.”

“Shivam, relax.” Anika reminded him again. “It is not that you have to make the huge decision tonight itself. We still have time. Don’t worry. Now, you will go straight to your room and sleep, and not worry about your career. I am going to talk to your brother and come up with a solution. And don’t worry about others; they will be okay with whatever you choose. Trust me.” She consoled him and he was somewhat convinced by her explanation.

                                                            -x-

It was Sunday and Anika thought of discussing Shivam’s career topic with Akash.

“I can’t believe you advised him to take up Cyber Security. You could have told him to follow his heart or pursue his passion, or find his Ikigai.” Anika started with her nagging and Akash tried to stop her.

“Oye Madam, if I tell him to find his Ikigai, he will probably become a Reel Reviewer or a gamer. Please, please, leave him alone.” He folded his hands and avoided the topic.

“How can you even do this, Akash? Everyone in this house is forcing their ambitions and opinions on him and he is expected to be like a Jeanie of Aladdin and fulfill all their wishes.” Anika fumed at him when she was told to stay out of this matter. “You are his elder brother; you should do something about it. What if everyone in this house suggested different marriage proposals for you and did not let you follow your heart? What would have you done? Probably, you would also be pacing in the living room like Shivam, right?”

That really hit Akash and he stood up in motivation. “This is enough. I am certainly going to do something about this before evening.” He said calmly yet strongly to her and left.

                                                            -x-

At night, when all the family members were having their usual Sunday dessert prepared by Anika and the other ladies, Akash discussed Shivam’s career with them.   

“I want to say something about Shivam. I know we all have a lot of expectations from him as he is smart, intelligent, and bright.”

“All mean the same, beta.” Bade Chacha snorted, trying to crack a joke but Akash ignored him.

“I think he should seek a chance to venture the future possibilities. And that’s why, as an elder brother, I have booked an appointment with a career counselor for Thursday. He will have to appear for a few aptitude tests and he can make a choice accordingly.”

“What? We are here to guide him. Why visit a counselor when he has elders for guidance? Who convinces you to do such things?” Bade Chacha remarked, eyeing Anika.

“It is my decision. No one has told me anything. I was only told to do something, and I think I am doing it right. Career counselors are not bad people, Chacha. Shivam will be able to choose the right career. We are not Gods who know what is right for him. And also, he is at a tender age to decide about his career. So, why not consult a professional about it? When we are sick, we go to a doctor immediately. We undergo several tests. The doctor does not have any magical powers, we know that. We simply take the medicines and follow their instructions and let our bodies heal. Similarly, a career counselor will not announce the final decision. They will provide us with insights that will help Shivam make a suitable decision. We are there to support him but not dictate to him. Our roles do not end in this process.”

All the family members thought for a while, and Akash’s father, Santosh remarked, “I second this. It is best for Shivam.”

Bade Chacha too nodded half-heartedly and Shivam was happy to hear it.

‘Yes, that’s my hubby,’ Anika smiled to herself and added, ‘my gonna-be-hubby.’