Holi is a festival of colors. It is celebrated on the first full
moon day of the start of the spring season. But there are some who
are afraid of playing with colors, because the colors used in
playing Holi are hard to remove and it takes a lot of labour to
get clean again.
I was among those who never played Holi. I never played Holi for
the fear of getting wet. I had been married to Uma, for almost two
years. Uma was a tomboy.
Uma and I, both were carrier minded and worked in private
companies. One such day, both of us came home and after refreshing
ourselves had just sat down on the sofa to watch television, the
phone rang. Uma was the first to move as always. She held the
mouthpiece in her hands and started talking. In a second, she was
filled with joy. I was sitting nearby and lent my ear to her talking.
Soon I knew that the call was from my mother in law. She was
asking her daughter to come and visit home. Uma accepted the
invitation. I will soon inform you the date after consulting my
husband Shiva, she said.
Soon after the talks were over, Uma came up to me and said, Shiva,
Mother has called us home. It has been almost two years since I
met her and this time she has stressed me to come with you. I have
given her a assurance that I will certainly find time and inform
her. You are also going with me this time. I assured her that I
will accompany her to her mother's home.
After a long discussion it was finally agreed that since we can
get leave from work on the festival of holi, After all on the day
of Holi I always had nothing to do except to sit or sleep at home
without doing anything. At best, I would help my wife in cooking,
so I also acquired some skill in cooking.
Holi was almost a month far. Uma called on her mother and informed
her that we would meet her on the festival of Holi. I had to keep
her word. So I applied for a weeks leave, which I got. So did Uma.
Two weeks had passed and the excitement of meeting her mother grew
for Uma. Both of us were back home from work, had refreshed
ourselves and were having a cup of coffee . Uma suddenly erupted,
Shiva, I am so much enthusiastic about meeting my mother after two
years and that too on the festival of holi. I am going to enjoy
with my friends, play with colors. But what will you do. It will
such a boring affair for you. You have never celebrated holi nor
played with colors. After our marriage, you have even stopped me
from playing. For the past two years, I have restrained myself
from celebrating this festival, only because of you. But this
time, I am not going to listen to you. I will celebrate with
colors and you will also join. I will paint you from top to bottom.
I was afraid. I had never played with colors. I tried to dissuade
Uma from playing with me. You are free to celebrate, but please do
not involve me. I said to Uma. But she was quick to reply, If you
will not celebrate, then what are you going to do the whole week
long at my mother's house. It will be such a bore.
I was reading a newspaper when Uma interrupted. How are you going
to occupy yourself, she asked me. I was not at all prepared for
this question, so I kept quite. I have not thought yet, I replied.
But I have a plan, said Uma. Will you be able to do domestic work?
That will keep you occupied and you will not get bored sitting all
day long. What's harm in doing housework? I said to Uma. In a way
you all will be free to celebrate. I have already learnt some
cooking from you. I think, I will manage, I replied. You are great
Shiva, said Uma. I am certainly lucky to have a husband like you.
But, we will give a surprise to mother. I was excited. What kind
of surprise?
Uma tried not to reveal her plan. But I coaxed her. Shiva, she
said, how will do the housework. After all its the women's
department, Isn't it. Yes, I replied. So you are ready to the
housework instead of playing with colors. Yes, I am prepared to do
it, I replied. That means you are ready to become a woman. I was
not prepared for this logic, but I replied, Its better to be a
woman and work in the kitchen rather than playing with all that
colors. Really, do you mean what you say, asked Uma. Yes, I replied.
All right, then its final. It will also be a big surprise for my
mother and sister. You will do all the domestic work and that too
dressed as a girl. I was surprised, I never said that I will dress
as a girl, I said to Uma. But you yourself said that you will work
as woman rather than playing with colors, Uma said. Then you must
choose for yourself, play with colors or work at home dressed as a
girl. I never wanted to play with colors so after a argument I
finally chose doing housework dressed as a girl. Who would know
that the girl working in the house is a man, therefore I feel
better to choose it, I said to Uma.
Uma became so much excited with the plan, that before leaving for
her mothers house she made some more purchases and that included
wig, lingerie for me. Though, in my heart, I too had a secret
desire to get dressed as a girl, but outwardly I showed some
resentment. Uma did not bother about my resentment. She went ahead
with her plan and a day before departure, she got my ears and nose
pierced and also made me shave the entire body. I actually loved
that. After shaving the entire body, I had such great feeling of
cleanliness, that I just slid my hands again and again on the
smooth skin that I had acquired.
I got somewhat skeptical about the whole thing. How will I face my
mother in law and sister in law. They may ridicule me. It will be
such big humiliation for me. Then I will not be able to face them
the entire life. When we got on to the bed to retire for the day,
I spoke to Uma about my fears. Hearing them, She tried to convince
me that my fears were unfounded. I will set everything right, she
said.
Uma wanted to ensure that Shiva would make a good impression on her mother-in-law when they visited her house. She knew that her mother-in-law was traditional and conservative, and therefore, certain preparations had to be made before they went to visit her.
Uma started by making sure that Shiva was well-groomed. She gave him a fresh haircut and a clean shave. Then, she chose his clothes for him, ensuring that he was dressed appropriately for the occasion. She selected a traditional kurta and pajama for him to wear, which was respectful yet comfortable.
Uma then gave Shiva a crash course in some of the customs and traditions that her mother-in-law followed. She explained to him the importance of removing his shoes before entering the house and also reminded him to greet her mother-in-law with respect and humility.
In addition, Uma briefed Shiva on some of the topics that he should avoid discussing during the visit, such as politics or any controversial issue that could offend her mother-in-law. Instead, she advised him to stick to safe topics such as family, health, and daily life.
To help Shiva make a good impression, Uma also prepared some gifts to take along with them. She selected some of her mother-in-law's favorite sweets and fruits, which she knew would be appreciated. Additionally, she prepared a small bouquet of flowers as a gesture of goodwill.
Once they arrived at her mother-in-law's house, Shiva followed Uma's instructions to the letter. He removed his shoes at the doorstep and greeted her mother-in-law with a warm smile and respectful bow. He presented her with the gifts that Uma had prepared and made polite small talk throughout the visit.
Uma's efforts paid off, and her mother-in-law was pleased with Shiva's behavior and demeanor. She even complimented Uma on her choice of a husband, saying that Shiva was a well-mannered and respectful young man.
Overall, Uma's preparations and attention to detail helped to make the visit a success, and Shiva's behavior left a positive impression on her mother-in-law.
In some time we went out snd came bsck.
As we reached my mother-in-law's house, she was surprised to see me dressed in a saree. She hugged me and welcomed me with open arms. "I can't believe my eyes. Shiva, you look like a real Indian daughter-in-law," she said with a smile.
I spent the first few days helping out in the kitchen and doing other household chores. It was not as easy as I thought it would be. I had never done so much work before, and it was exhausting. But at the same time, it was also satisfying to see the house clean and well-maintained.
On the day of Holi, Uma and her sister-in-law got ready to play with colors. I watched them from a distance, feeling a bit left out. But then I remembered my promise to my mother-in-law, and I went back to doing my chores.
As the day progressed, I realized that I was actually having fun. I enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the house. It was a different kind of joy, but it was joy nonetheless.
In the evening, Uma's family came together for dinner. They all appreciated the food and the cleanliness of the house. I felt proud of myself for being able to contribute to the household.
As we were leaving, my mother-in-law hugged me and said, "Thank you, Shiva, for making this Holi so special for us. You have truly become a part of our family."
I smiled, feeling grateful for the experience. I had learned that sometimes, stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to unexpected joys and experiences. And I had also learned that being a daughter-in-law was not just about playing with colors, but also about taking care of the household and the family.
After the Holi incident, Uma and Shiva's relationship became stronger and more loving. Shiva became more attentive and understanding towards Uma's needs, and he actively started to support her in pursuing her interests and goals.
As Uma's mother-in-law saw the change in her son's behavior towards Uma, she too started to warm up towards her new daughter-in-law. She began to take a keen interest in Uma's life and started teaching her new recipes in the kitchen. The two women bonded over cooking and spending time together.
They started watching TV together and discussing the latest gossip in their neighborhood. Uma was thrilled to have someone to talk to and share her thoughts with, and her mother-in-law was equally delighted to have a new companion.
Uma also started to work outside the house to support the family financially. Shiva was supportive of her decision, and her mother-in-law encouraged her to pursue her dreams. They both helped Uma in managing the household chores, which gave her the time and energy to focus on her job.
One day, Uma's mother-in-law, Shashi, and her daughter-in-law, Shivani, decided to attend the wedding of Uma's friend. They planned to go to a nearby parlor to get ready for the wedding.
As the wedding day approached, Uma and Shivani were excited to attend the wedding as women. They both wanted to look their best and dress up for the occasion. They started planning their outfits and accessories well in advance.
Uma helped Shivani choose a beautiful saree with intricate embroidery and a matching blouse. She also lent her a pair of delicate earrings and a necklace that complimented her saree. Shivani, on the other hand, helped Uma select a stunning salwar kameez in a pastel shade that suited her complexion perfectly. She also picked out a pair of silver jhumkas and bangles to complete her look.
On the day of the wedding, they woke up early and spent hours getting ready. Shivani styled her hair in soft curls and pinned it up elegantly. Uma opted for a sleek, low bun adorned with fresh flowers. They applied a light makeup look, with Shivani focusing on bold lips and Uma highlighting her eyes with kohl.
As they stepped out of the house, Uma's mother-in-law was stunned to see them. She praised their beauty and elegance and was proud to see them represent their family in such a graceful manner. They both felt confident and happy to be dressed up and ready to attend the wedding as women.
At the wedding, they received compliments for their outfits and accessories from their friends and family. They enjoyed the delicious food, danced to the music, and participated in the wedding rituals. Shivani carried herself with poise and grace, and her confidence was contagious. Uma's mother-in-law could not help but admire her new daughter-in-law and was proud of her for blending in so well with their family.
Shivani had now become a housewife and took on the responsibility of looking after her husband Uma, her mother-in-law, and their home. She had learned the art of cooking and homemaking from her mother-in-law and became quite adept at it. She would wake up early in the morning, finish her household chores and then start preparing breakfast for the family. She would then proceed to clean the house, do the laundry, and tend to the garden. She performed all her duties in a saree with her long hair neatly tied up in a bun.
Shivani's mother-in-law was very proud of her and appreciated all the effort she put into taking care of the family. She would often praise Shivani's beauty and elegance, and they would enjoy shopping and cooking together. Shivani would always wear a saree, and her mother-in-law taught her how to style it in different ways. Shivani's hair was her prized possession, and she would spend hours taking care of it, washing and oiling it regularly.
One day, Uma surprised Shivani by telling her that he wanted to take her out on their first date. Shivani was thrilled and immediately started planning her outfit. She picked out a black saree and left her hair open, with loose curls cascading down her back. She added some light makeup and wore a pair of simple earrings to complete her look.
When Uma saw her, he was taken aback by her beauty. He had never seen her like this before, and he was in awe of her. They went out on their date and had a wonderful time, laughing and talking for hours. Uma was proud of Shivani and how she carried herself with grace and elegance.
From that day on, Shivani started wearing sarees more often and experimenting with different styles. She had learned to embrace her femininity and was confident in her own skin. Her mother-in-law was thrilled to see her daughter-in-law blossoming into a beautiful woman, and they would often discuss fashion and beauty tips.
In the end, Shivani had found a new identity for herself as a wife, daughter-in-law, and a beautiful woman. She had learned to balance her responsibilities and take care of her family while also taking care of herself.
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