Jasmeet sat on the rope bed in the courtyard, pressing her forehead. The headaches that had once been a minor annoyance seem to become a constant. Starting from the base of her neck, they would travel up the side of her face to the top of her head until even making a slight movement would cause a whimper to escape from her lips. Today, along with the headache, there was turmoil in her heart. It had been a week since Juhi had called.
Juhi and Jagjit had gotten married within five days of Jagjit proposing. Jagjit did not want to go back without Juhi by his side. Despite their relatives objecting to the haste and lack of due diligence about Jagjit, Juhi’s parents had accepted his demand. Jagjit was good-looking, well-settled and had not asked for a dowry. Moreover, he seemed to care for Juhi. They couldn’t have asked for a better groom for their daughter.
Jasmeet missed Juhi but knew Juhi would be happy with Jagjit.
Jasmeet glanced at the mobile phone Jagjit had gifted her at the wedding. She had demurred, saying she didn’t need one. But he had pressed it into her hands, saying that with her own phone, she didn’t need Varsha or Madhuri to speak with Juhi.
Should I call Juhi? What if she is busy? I don’t even know what the time in her country is. The debate in her mind made her head throb even more.
As if her thoughts had prodded Juhi, Jasmeet’s phone rang. A delightful peal that reverberated through the small house. Madhuri came running from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her dupatta, and Varsha from the bedroom, a book in her hands.
“Juhi! It has been two weeks since you called my child. Hope everything is ok?” Jasmeet said, grabbing the phone.
Madhuri and Varsha snuggled behind Jasmeet, all three of them grinning at Juhi through the screen.
Juhi chuckled, “I am perfectly fine. Jagjit had taken me for a small holiday, which is why I couldn’t call. Sorry!”
Jasmeet smiled, “That’s perfectly fine. It is your honeymoon time, enjoy. You won’t have this once you have a baby.”
Juhi blushed at Jasmeet’s words but was saved from answering by Varsha. “Isn’t it like midnight or something in your part of the world? Why are you calling so late?”
“And where is Jiju?” Madhuri asked, referring to Jagjit.
“So many questions in one go!” Juhi laughed. “Yes, it is almost midnight, but since I had not talked to you guys for so long, and I could not sleep, I thought I would call. Jagjit has gone out with his friends. He should be back soon.”
“Were you able to make any friends?” Madhuri asked, remembering how Juhi had complained about feeling alone in the house once Jagjit went to the office.
Juhi’s smile dimmed. “No, the neighbours don’t seem friendly like in our village.”
“Don’t worry, it has hardly been three months. You will soon make friends. Give it some time,” Jasmeet consoled.
“Are you wearing a saree?” Madhuri asked curiously, noticing that Juhi was not in her usual salwar kameez.
Juhi looked down at the bright pink saree she was wearing. “Jagjit prefers me to wear sarees. He doesn’t like me wearing salwar kameez at all.”
“Good, that you are trying to keep your husband happy!” Jasmeet replied, smiling.
Madhuri noticed that Juhi smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“How is the hunting for a job going?” Varsha asked.
Madhuri noticed that Juhi’s face fell even more at Varsha’s question. But before Juhi could reply, Jasmeet said. “She needs to take care of the house and Jagjit first. A job can wait.”
Madhuri saw Juhi make a wry face before she said, “OK, Ma, I need to go now. I will call you soon,” and disconnected the call.
As Jasmeet settled back on the cot, her head ached less, and her heart felt lighter. Juhi was happy, and Jagjit seemed to be taking good care of her. In time she hoped Juhi would find good boys like Jagjit for her sisters. Then Jasmeet and her husband would be free from their responsibilities and be content in the happiness of their daughters.
I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z, and this is the post for the alphabet U.
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undecidedindubai 
saree at home? Juhi not doing a job?
Seems Jagjit has started showing his misogynistic colours
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This thought of linking one’s contentment with the marriage of one’s daughters is just sad. And yet so very prevalent even now.
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Unfortunately yes Tulika
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Ooof so many red flags.
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