When my expectations exceeded reality- 2.

 A Fiction tale -

You know how it is being a mother of single child! All the focus is just your kid since day 1.

All his firsts, you experience along with him. Right from how he held tightly your hand on his first day of school and didn't want to let go, to, how he came running to you with his first medal breaking through the crowd. How he cried and complained, the first time he got hit by his friends and how he handed over his first salary to you.

You both come a long way in this journey.

I was always at his dispense, whenever he has needed me. My Naiteek, has been a Mumma's boy, that's what his dad calls him. He never argues, he always obeys me. All the decisions in his life are with my consent. I was having this conversation with my kitty friends, when one of them said, Will he marry as per your choice too?

I paused for a second. I had never had this conversation with Naiteek. But he was that age, the age of getting married. He will surely let me know what's on his mind, I thought.

Yes! He will marry as per my choice, I replied, with a confident smile.

My expectations of DIL were just like any other mom's. She should be a perfect match for my son. Good looking, well, dark or fair didn't matter. Good education, good family background, good virtues. She should be from the same caste as ours, of course.

After returning back home from the kitty, I casually called Naiteek to my room. Naiteek, so what are your future plans? Have you envisaged about marriage? 

Naiteek took a second to think and called his dad too, in the room. Well, I wanted to talk to both of you regarding this, he said. Mom, dad, I am in love with this girl.......

My heart skipped a beat. My son was screening something from me? How could he?

Jennie is from Australia. We met online, but has been visiting India, more often, because of her work. We have met, face to face. We share a lot in common.....

I interrupted him. What can you share in common? She's from a different caste. Not only that from a different country, altogether a different culture. How will she share our values? How will she adjust? Will she come here or will she ask you to shift? My husband held out his hand and gestured me to relax. But I couldn't contain my anger or was it more of a, feeling of betrayal?

Mom, please listen to me, Naiteek said. Please meet her once and decide for yourself. 

My husband agreed to it. And I reluctantly nodded. Naiteek had never kept a secret from me and he had been meeting a girl since months without my knowledge. My husband asked me not to make an issue. Let us give him time to prove what he's saying is right, he said.

We were meeting Jennie. She came to our house the other day. I was surprised to see her dressed up in a salwar kameej.  She also greeted us with a formal Namaste, joining her hands. Naiteek's dad was already impressed, but I wasn't yet convinced.

Naiteek stuck to his decision on marrying her and we had to give in.

Jennie, after marriage, proved me wrong though. She started staying with us. She had already applied for a transfer to India from her company. She loved Indian food and also was keen on learning our cuisine. She asked me about all the rituals we practised at our place. She practised her religion and also happily performed pooja with me. She adapted, very well, just like any other Indian girl would've.

I was wrong, the whole time. Naiteek was raised by me. I should've believed on my teachings atleast. He was sure that the girl he fell for would blend into our family. And the reality exceeded my expectations for sure!

Our presumptuous expectations don't let us open our minds. Maybe the reality awaiting is more resplendent.

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