“The alarm wouldn’t stop by itself,” she realized after twenty minutes of melodious notes radiated by her alarm clock.
“I am late again. It means that food, will be ready half an hour later than usual. It simply indicates that the children won’t be able to catch the school bus, and I am going to have to drop them off again.”
Sonia lived with her two children in a rented home. Her husband had a travelling job, which meant they could spend very few days together. She had the responsibility of taking care of the children: their food, health, education, and additional demands.
“Get up, Surya, Puja! We are late again! By the time I bring milk for both of you, go brush your teeth,” Sonia rushed towards the kitchen. Yawning, the obedient kids hurried towards the washroom to do as instructed. Well aware of the burden on their mom’s shoulders, they always tried to follow her directions.
After dropping her children at school, she drove her car to the grocery store, as was her everyday ritual. Cleaning, cooking, and teaching kids left very little time for herself. After marriage, it was her own decision to look after the kids and the home. Before taking up any other responsibility, she wanted to fulfill the duty of being a mother. A smile brightened Sonia’s face. Her husband welcomed the decision and took on the sole commitment of earning.
The smile faded soon.
Sonia reached home to find that Manish was back from the tour. It meant two or three days of non-stop serving and churning for Sonia. The first few years of marriage and the distinctly partitioned areas were respected by both parties. Children grew up, and so did her husband. He had transitioned from being an unconditionally loving husband to a demanding one. His expectations of Sonia became inflated. It was a considerable deviation from previous years. She knew that Manish loved her deeply, but the ‘unrealistic’ expectations made her go berserk. When at home, he would expect Sonia to do all the chores. Additional requests for favorite food spreads would swallow up Sonia’s entire days. Shopping for his things required another 24 hours, and she had to do it all alone. Manish was transforming into a laid-back fellow who wanted his wife to manage everything. Despite giving her best, Sonia faced constant criticism and received tips to improve herself.
Many times, she tried to bring up the issue.
“Manish, what’s going on? I want everyone in our family to be happy and content, including you. Lately, it seems like my efforts to achieve this are being ignored by you. Please, share with me if you’re facing any problems at work.”
Manish never gave a satisfactory reply. His conversations were usually focused on food, possessions, and Sonia’s ‘perceived’ shortcomings. With continuous criticism from his side, Sonia began to lose confidence. Despite her best initiatives, Manish continued to neglect her presence. In many situations, he didn’t even hesitate to devalue Sonia’s contributions in front of other people.
One day, she decided to call his close childhood friend Abhi. Manish had a habit of spending hours with him. The behaviour of her husband was becoming increasingly erratic. What Abhi told Sonia changed her perception to some extent.
“I know Manish very well and can assure you that he would never bring a bad reputation to the family. If you’re worried about him being involved in an extramarital affair, forget it like a bad dream.”
“Abhi, what do you think could disturb a calm and predictable man like Manish? Sometimes friends share secrets that spouses aren’t expected to know.
Abhi hesitated at first but later opened up, “After the pandemic, the company decided to lay off a huge number of employees, and Manish was one of the victims. He conveyed this to me but warned me to stay mum when you ask me about it. Manish changed his job but at a much lower salary. He knows and respects your contribution to the family. His behaviour seems to be the result of his financial frustrations.”
Sonia stood speechless. She couldn’t believe that Manish’s strange behaviour was due to his efforts to shield her from the challenges of life. Her teary eyes prevented her from thinking further, giving way to an uncontrollable groan.
After the storm was over, Sonia knew that the second phase of her life was about to begin. Firstly, she had to confront her husband about not telling her what had been going on in his life.
“You hid the layoff from me and expected me to share every progress with you. While you’ve kept your struggles a secret, I’ve been an open book to you. Look, I am an educated woman and could help you by working part-time. Will you give me a valid justification for your behaviour?” Sonia began from the crest of the word war.
Manish understood at once that she had come to know everything he kept secret from her. “I didn’t want to put you in trouble, Sonia. We drew a boundary between our areas of work so that our home may run smoothly. You never asked me for help and it has become my duty to earn without asking you for help. Rough patches do come, but I am determined to work alone for money. Our children and the home need you. And yes, I’m sorry for my erratic conduct!”
“What boundaries, Manish? Those were created to make our lives comfortable. I know my job at home is not less important than yours, and I’m doing it with utmost dedication. But when one of us is suffering alone, how can our lives be smooth?”
She took a break and resumed, “I didn’t tell you, but I’m a part of the online tutors group of India. Yes, the earnings are there, not as big as yours, but sufficient to buy groceries and pay some bills.”
Sonia came near Manish and held his hands tightly,” I love to see my family together, happy, and blessed.”
Children, Surya and Puja who had been listening to the conversation from a distance, came running towards loving parents. The brightness of their eyes sincerely revealed happiness in their hearts.
**********
PANORAMIC RIPPLES 
Sometimes lack of communication can create misunderstanding between couples. I agree with Sonia. Manish should have been open to her about the challenges rather than showing disrespect towards her. After all marriage is nobody’s sole responsibility.
Nice…Agree with the observations of Alpana Deo.
It is very nice to see a story from a male character’s point of view. They do so much for us and also protect us which is why Manish kept this from his wife.
A sweet story.
Family holds a special place in shaping someone’s life and character. The way you have portrayed family love and a woman’s and man’s balancing priorities, it’s very nice.
Marriage is truly a partnership when both the people align to the same vision and stick it out, come what may. You have expressed this bond so beautifully, supportive and loving companions, and open communication can bring so much joy.
This Micro Tale beautifully captures the complexities of marriage and the importance of communication and understanding in a relationship. Sonia’s journey of balancing her responsibilities as a mother and wife while dealing with her husband’s changing behavior is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Aditi your storytelling skill creatively navigates the emotional nuances of the characters, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of family life. The revelation of Manish’s struggles adds layers to the narrative, highlighting the importance of empathy and support within a partnership.
Overall, this evocative tale resonates with themes of resilience, love, and the power of overcoming obstacles together as a family. As a reader I loved this story Aditi and I wish to read many more such powerful stories from your side. So Inking and keep inspiring people across the globe with your powerful storytelling skill.
Completely agree that communication can save many relationships including marriage. Sonia was right from the beginning and so glad that Manish took things in the right spirit otherwise sometimes the male ego is very fragile and does not hesitate to break things including close Bonds.
in order to keep all family members happy, breadwinner of the home keeps their misery with themselves n end up in frustration. Same happened with Manish. in an effort to see family swinging in happiness, he took the load n ended up being fussy.
Both partners should share their failures as well as they share success so that efforts of all keeps all connected n the head of the family is not suffocated with burden.
Very practical story with a strong message
I liked the spirit of consistent working under immense pressure. But both were at fault by hiding their secrets. Manish kept secret in order to keep his family happy and let all the hurdles with him but it indirectly frustrated him from within. Sonia hides her secret of taking online classes and saving some money for the family. Both were somewhere doing the same thing then why to hide.
I appreciate the way you put up the story and highlighted a common belief of many households.
Before making any decision, it is crucial to understand your partner. Marriage is a bond of trust that requires patience and understanding. It’s great to see that everything concluded on a happy note.
Communication is the key in every relationship. It is so nice that Sonia tried to learn the root cause for Manish’s behaviour and tred to understand him rather than hurt him or fight with him. Children emulate what they see, it’s so nice they witnessed their parents loving and supporting each other.
So so good Aditi the problems happen when there is no communication especially when there has to be a meaningful conversation.
Very cute story.
Sometimes good intentions are also marred by lack of communication, for a healthy relationship openness is communication is important.
Lack of communication and assuming the other’s opinion sometimes ruin strongest relations. Glad that they both sorthed things out, and Abhi truned out to be a good friend. A beautiful story of a strong woman, who single handedly running the entire unit, she finally got her due.
My mom used to say in a marriage both the parties have equal contribution. Both need to be each other’s pillar. This story is simple yet profound.
My eyes filled with tears when I read the last line ” kids cam running to their loving parents”. I could visualise the scene.