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So I plucked it off her plate and set it on mine. Immediately, she began to breathe more easily, and I wondered if it made her physically sick. She was looking quite embarrassed now, so I made an effort to change the subject.
“Ma, we’re off to visit Diya in the hospital. Do you want to send her anything?”
“No, beta. I’ll visit her later in the day,” said Ma absently. “Now, about the wedding clothes…”
Isha moved restlessly in her chair as soon as Ma raised the topic, which told me how she felt about the issue.
“Why don’t we leave that to the bride?” I asked pleasantly.
My mother pursed her lips and went silent. I knew she’d nag me about it later, but the sooner she learned that I wouldn’t let her bully Isha the way she bullied Diya, the happier we’d all be. Isha’s mother beamed at me and served me another paratha.
“I was thinking of something vintage from the stuff in the attic,” said Isha.
“Beta, what is this obsession you and Diya have with old clothes?” grumbled Ma. “My daughter wore hand-me-downs to her wedding, and now it looks as if my daughter-in-law will do the same. I had such hopes for Veer’s wedding. I was planning to take his bride to my own couturiers and have a bespoke outfit made especially for her. The Jadhwals always have been trendsetters, Isha. And while Diya can look good even in rags…”
“Don’t even think of completing that sentence, Ma,” I said harshly. “Not if you want to be part of this wedding, or our life afterwards.”
Nandini Aunty and Isha’s mother looked upset and I didn’t blame them. But my main concern was for Isha. I was beginning to understand why she had such a twisted view of herself. I looked at her in concern and was worried to see that she’d withdrawn into her shell again. She looked as if she was far away even if she was sitting right next to me.
“I only meant that…” began my mother.
Isha stirred in her seat and looked at my mother coldly.
“I know what you meant, Aunty,” she said slowly. “I also know that I’m not the kind of woman you would have picked for your son. But I am what you’re getting, whether you like it or not. And it has taken me years to learn that my value is not based on my looks. It doesn’t matter if I don’t meet your or society’s beauty standards. I am what I am, and I am valuable. I won’t let you take that away from me.”
“Haye, haye, Didi Sa! I’m sorry to say your daughter is very rude,” said my mother angrily.
“She’s not being rude. You are,” snapped Nandini Aunty. “Isha hasn’t even entered your house yet, and you’re already putting her down. Do better, Raji!”
My mother stood up and threw her napkin on the table.
“Veer, I’d like a word with you, please,” she said icily and strode away from the table.
Isha’s mother looked worried.
“Beta, you should apologise,” she told her daughter.
“No,” I said sharply before Isha could reply. “Isha has done nothing wrong, Aunty. If anyone should apologise, it is my mother. In fact, I apologise on her behalf. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak to her.”
I squeezed Isha’s shoulder gently and left the table.
Ma was waiting for me in the hall.
“Pack your bags,” she said as soon as she saw me. “We’re leaving. I’ll find you a more beautiful and gharelu bride to impress Chandel Sahab. Who the hell do these Trikheras think they are? As if we don’t know the ugly truth behind their pretty facades! All said and done, she’s the daughter of a criminal, Veer. Blood will tell.”
I stared at her thoughtfully.
“Ma, at what point in my life did I ever give you the impression that I was under your thumb?”
“Hain?” she asked, nonplussed.
“I’ve always done things my own way. I’ve lived life on my own terms for years. So why would it be any different when I get married? I will marry the woman of my choice even if you don’t like her. And if you ever speak to her the way you just did, you will never see me again,” I warned her.
“What jaadu has she done on you? She’s taking you away from your family, beta. That is not healthy. If she cared for you, she wouldn’t isolate you like this,” complained Ma.
“She’s not the one isolating me, Ma. You are. Isha’s isn’t taking me away from all of you. You’re driving me away by refusing to treat my fiancée with respect. And that’s a choice you’re making. I know Baba and Diya would never treat Isha like that, so they won’t lose me. But you will. And all because you’d rather bully her than treat her with the respect she deserves. Think about it,” I said, walking away from her.
I knew my mother. She would sulk for a bit, but when she realised that she wasn’t getting her way, she’d come around. Her relationship with Isha would always be contentious, but as long as she didn’t disrespect her openly, I’d allow her to be a part of our lives.
