A Lesson from Home
Introduction
Kumudini had heard much about the poor treatment that daughters-in-law often received from their mothers-in-law. However, her fears proved to be baseless. Her mother-in-law was incredibly indulgent, showering her with love and care. If Kumudini admired a saree, her mother-in-law would buy her not one but two of the same. Whenever Kumudini complained of the slightest headache, her mother-in-law would promptly call for a physician.
Domestic Harmony
Over time, Kumudini came to believe that it was the sole duty of mothers-in-law to look after their daughters-in-law. Her husband, Ravindra, was pleased to see that Kumudini assisted his mother with household chores. His devotion to his mother was no less than his love for his wife.
A Moment of Tension
One day, while enjoying lunch, Ravindra joked, “The items are tasteless today; I don’t know why!” He assumed Kumudini had prepared the meal. “Neither do I know!” Kumudini responded. “It is mother who has cooked them, as she does every day!”
“As she does every day? Then what do you do?” Ravindra asked, surprised.
“You don’t mean to say that I idle away my time!” Kumudini retorted. “If I ever wasted my time, it was back when I was living with my parents!” she added boastfully.
“I see. Then why don’t you continue living with your parents?” Ravindra commented, feeling disheartened.
A Decision to Return Home
Upset, Kumudini wept and promptly proposed a visit to her parents. Her mother-in-law, unaware of the dialogue, concluded that Kumudini simply missed her family and arranged for her to visit without delay.
Kumudini was warmly received at her parents’ home. During her stay, she discovered that her elder brother had married. Vasanti was the name of the bride. Kumudini noticed that her mother often knocked on the doors of Vasanti’s room early in the morning before retiring to bed again. Vasanti would then rise and busily tend to household chores, hardly finding a moment of respite until late into the night. Whenever Kumudini and Vasanti crossed paths, Vasanti smiled sweetly and never complained about her hardships.
A Harsh Reality
“Mummy, where is our cook?” Kumudini asked her mother one day.
“Cook? Why would I need a cook now that I have a daughter-in-law?” her mother replied.
Tears filled Kumudini’s eyes as she remembered her own mother-in-law’s kindness. It dawned on her that she needed to return home.
Parting Words
Before leaving, Kumudini told her mother, “Mummy! The girl you have for a daughter-in-law is ten times better than me. Never be harsh towards her; do not give her too much hard work!”
Her mother looked on vacantly as Kumudini burst into tears and recounted everything that had transpired between herself and her husband.
“Mummy! Do not forget: just as I am your daughter, Vasanti is another mother’s daughter. Just as you will suffer if I endure hardship at the hands of my mother-in-law, her mother will suffer if she endures hardship in your hands!” These were Kumudini’s poignant parting words.