The Son-in-law

She planted the bright Red Bindi on her forehead, gave herself a selfie-smile as she admired her newly married look. 'Are you ready Ria, the guests will be here soon' called out her brand new Mummyji. It was her first big family dinner in her new home as the Bahu. Rushing out into the living room, looking like the 'poster bride', she was ready to embrace this new life.'Looking lovely Ria - now let me tell you what you need to bring out the snacks in.' She was going to host her new family and win over their hearts today - not only by never letting their plates go empty, but by saying the right things, all the while smiling pleasantly. And so she did.

Few days later, as she adjusted her pink bangles, getting ready to head off for another family dinner - this time at her parents' house, Mummyji called out "Ria, hope you are not wearing the diamond set beta". She again presented herself in the living room - to ensure she looked like the 'well taken care of' bride. They reached her parents house and she realised how she had missed home. Her mom hugged her tight - stepped back to admire her daughter's clothes, but actually discreetly checking for the happiness in her daughter's eyes. But she couldn't look too long, because The Son-In-Law had arrived. "Oh come beta, make yourself comfortable - Ria make sure Aryan eats the snacks while they are hot".

This was not the first time Ria had been told to ensure that Aryan was served hot food. But usually,she heard it from her in-laws or their relatives. It was just when she heard it from her own mother that Ria paused to reflect about 'The Son in law' phenomena. 

Why was it that Aryan seemed to be the first priority in his and her home? She did not recollect her mother-in-law asking Aryan to offer Ria hot food in all these days that she had moved into her married home.In fact, neither had she herself asked Ria about her favorite dishes yet. Just as she was brushing her thoughts aside, telling herself that she was over thinking it - she heard her mother say "Arre, Aryan, have made your favorite kadai paneer today. Will pack some for you also beta." No, it wasn't a bubble, this Son in Law phenomena was for real. And it was here to stay.

"Aryan,do you know mummyji hasn't even asked me about my favorite dishes yet, and mom not only knows how much you love kadai paneer but she even packed it for you!" Aryan looked puzzled. "Are you seriously fussing about this?You can just tell mummy what you like and she will get it cooked. Stop being so dramatic Ria." Ria kept trying to explain how she felt he was the centre of everyone's Universe but all Aryan could her was complaints. This was their first fight as a married couple.The first of many.

It was then that Ria realized that she would now be benchmarked always as a wife and a daughter-in-law.She had not only bid goodbye to her parents and her home, but also to a life where she was the first priority for anyone.

If Aryan did anything extra for her, both the sets of parents would make sure to praise it on the dinner table. And if Ria missed one of her do's, both the sets of parents made sure to raise it on the dinner table. 

When they had their first baby, Aryan and Ria made sure they divided their baby work amongst themselves without much interference from their families. If Ria travelled for work, and Aryan took care of the baby, many a relative would speak highly of Aryan being not only a fantastic parent but an even better husband who let his wife continue pursuing a career. On other days, Ria would continue to do her many chores without as much as a word of praise.After all she was just doing her duty. 

On days that Ria's family visited their home, and Aryan cooked them some hot snacks, he was lauded as being the perfect host and Ria to be the lucky one who could never have dreamt of a better partner.Her mother would praise the way that Aryan took care of them, and treated them just like his own family.T he Son in Law had won.He had after all not only been cordial and friendly, but also taken a step ahead to show his love by taking to the kitchen.

On days when Aryan 's family visited their home, and Aryan brought out the snacks, his mother quickly rushed to help out in the kitchen,assuming that Ria's inefficiency had forced Aryan to not only make the snacks but also serve them! Her mother in law lovingly pointed out to the dusty fans and said that Ria needed to be more vigilant with the maids. Ria had again fallen short of being the Perfect Daughter In Law.

She wondered what made her feel worse - giving more than her 100% & still not being able to live up to her in-laws benchmarks or Aryan doing so easily winning the heart of her own family. It was then that Ria realized that the benchmarks for the Daughter in Law and the Son in Law were so incomparable, that Ria never stood a chance. Aryan was after all the prodigal son and The Son-in-law.