The Blend

`

Image source - Google-Shutter stock

(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shutterstock.com%2Fsearch%2Fmarriage%2Bsymbol&psig=AOvVaw1gAR2AqZeaUmlOM1gLmq9m&ust=1596212389165000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCOjMtdew9eoCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD)

The Tawdaes were famous for their routines. They were systematic about their checklists and they religiously follow it every day. Their set formula for every day in a week created a culture in thane. The neighbors, friends, and even the entire village loved to observe them. Gradually over the years, their routines turned into rituals. Without the fixed patterns they cannot move ahead or lay back. They have created an obsession to follow them. Together they followed their composed them for every frame of living, from breakfast to bed.

In this systematic garden sprouted a wild orchid, Meghna Dutta. The Duttas was like the wind. They followed the free flow. They were like the torrents taking turns and twists at any time they wanted. They loved surprises. A pattern or set routine was too suffocating for them. They had a free spirit to explore and experience new things.

Like the opposite poles, Tushar from the Tawdaes Meghna from the Dutta's fell in love for the uniqueness in them. They liked the way they were. When one flew high the other gave balance from the ground.  When one felt grounded the other gave the courage to rise above. This match led to holy matrimony.

But, marriage is not just between two souls, it’s between two families. In this case, it was between two different cultures and two different schools of thought. After an overwhelming marriage ceremony, Meghna came to Tushar’s home as a daughter in law. A few days passed by, Meghna could actually see the patterns, the set lines, and the intense discipline.

Then came the surprising Sunday, In Tawdae’s calendar Sundays are the day for activities. They would like to do most of their work starting from healthy exercises to cleaning the house on that day. But, for Duttas, that’s the day to pause.

Meghna and Tushar had a peaceful mindset the previous night. Both in excitement said tomorrow is Sunday. But, they never knew the actual thought in each other’s minds. The thought of Sunday gave subtle smile of satisfaction in their sleep. When it was 6 AM the alarm shook them both.

Both woke up, Tushar with excitement and Meghna with confusion. Just before she came back to her senses things went in fast forward. People just ran in a rapid frenzy around her. When she finally realized what's happening, it was 8 AM. After exercising and taking a bath the entire family was ready for breakfast. Meghna was still in her pajamas when she walked through the living room.

All the eyes were on her and hers on everyone. Tushar was confused. He saw her, saw them, and again saw her. She felt as if she was standing in the court to be judged.

Without saying anything she ran to her room. While running the brush in her mouth in concentric circles she was talking to herself in her mind. What is going to happen now? What will they think about me? What will they think about my upbringing? What if they tell something to Tushar?

Thinking about this, she heard a knock. It was Tushar.  “Meghna”, he called her name. She did not respond, she got panicked, and she stood still, holding her breath. After few seconds Tushar left.

Meghna quickly did the most sinful thing. She took a bath at 8:30 am on a Sunday morning. With a lot of courage and will she took a bath and got dressed up. With guilt in her heart and embarrassment on her face, she went back to join them for breakfast.

There was silence across the table. Hot food was served with cold awkwardness. As Meghna was struggling to maintain eye contact with others, Tushar left the table. Now Meghna was more devastated. Suddenly her father in law asked her to stop eating for a second.

Meghna went back to her alarming zone. She couldn’t understand what was happening. After a few seconds of intensity, Tushar came back with a coffee mug. Her father in law gave her a fresh plate of pancakes and the coffee mug had hot chocolate in it. It was her Sunday breakfast.

Meghna’s seriousness turned into a sweet surprise. Everyone across the table started laughing. She let a burst of subtle laughter to join them. Tushar came forward and whispered in Meghna’s ears – Ahem, the Tawdaes are flexible.

Meghna sweetly smiled and whispered back – Duttas too. Both got back to their eating and followed a different routine that day. They had fun after many Sundays. And finally, Meghna started taking bath early at every Sunday morning.

- Ashwin Muralidharan