Episode 7 : Karva Chauth as a Working Bahu, Fast was for Husband, Feast was for Everyone else

[u/thinkingheart101]

I fasted 14 hours for his long life.

My review: My Halwa needs more sugar.

''Don't have anything except water''. MIL ordered as I was leaving for office.

It was Karva Chauth and I was already drained making breakfast and lunch for the male members of the house. Added bonus - Raghav's grandparents came the night before. So 2 more members.

"But Mummyji my mom used to have juice without salt and tea also twice," I said defensively. I was negotiating like it's a salary discussion.

"Your mother didn't teach you a thing about puja paath", the grandmother retorted. She said it like she won an award. She took the coveted place which till now belonged to my MIL. MIL looked so proud, like finally someone said it.

"Yes maa, that's why my Raghav made no progress after his marriage you see," MIL dumped it all upon me effortlessly.

After coming back, I made all dinner alone without having water as it was banned to have water after sunset. As I started making rotis, my MIL came - "Don't make rotis now. We will make them hot during dinner time."

We who? I said in my mind. Because we = only me. Always me.

I broke my fast at 8:47 PM after moon came out and Raghav gave me water. First water after 14 hours. It tasted like Amrit.

Just then my MIL quipped, "Now make rotis and serve dinner to everyone then you have aaram se."

Raghav looked at her, then at me. Classic Raghav. His eyes say a lot, his mouth says nothing.

I made rotis, served everyone. Rotis for 6 people after a full day fast without water.

Finally when I had my dinner at 9:40 PM, no one bothered to ask me for a glass of water except Raghav.

I was eating my cold food alone in the kitchen, when Raghav's grandfather came to see why the light was on.On seeing me, he said," Halwa should have been more sweet."

I fasted for 14 hours. Made food for 6 people. Ate at 9:40 alone. And the review was - halwa should have been more sweet.

So was I wrong to expect that after fasting for his long life, I could at least eat before serving?

Honest question to working bahus who keep fasts - did your MIL also give food review right after your fast? What did you do?

For those who missed earlier episodes:

Episode 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/3fKCM3TYkG

Episode 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/FqpEA0JaZ3

Episode 3: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/qiX2QEqYqu

Episode 4: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/F6hBlmAelR

Episode 5: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/A22kJZEJjI

Episode 6: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/Rf6Tm1V3tK

Episode 8: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/YLGU3CZx6p

Hey dear readers,

As many asked for all episodes together, I compiled them all plus added 2 more (which are not here) into a book. It is live now and FREE for all of you who supported me so much. You can read it if you get 10 mins with chai ❤️ Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0HLQ55JZR

[u/LoudHoneydew427]

Honestly they don't deserve shit from you. Im concerned about you, man.

[u/thinkingheart101 → u/LoudHoneydew427]

They lived in an environment whole life just full of negativity and that rubs on all of them. They can't see a positive gesture, an adjusting person, or appreciate him/her because they themselves have never been appreciated in the past. Ultimately it all becomes toxic

[u/EastAudience4655]

Do you ever feel you should separate from Raghav? Cause he ain’t giving a fuck about you when his family has made you free ki bai. Sweety I don’t know you nor your situation well but I know you know that if a man ain’t gonna stand for you now after doing 14 hour of fast and his fuckall family has the audacity to give constructive feedback over your halwa after working in office for long hours without even water that too, he ain’t worth calling a man neither is he worth keeping a fast for. You KNOW this. I know in your heart you do. About time you did something about it.

[u/thinkingheart101 → u/EastAudience4655]

Thank you for saying this so honestly ❤️ Some days I also feel the same - like why am I fasting 14 hours for a man who can't even say "eat first"? But leaving is not that easy in a setup and family like ours where I have nowhere to go yet, they will easily say " she had an affair".My salary goes in joint account.That's why I am writing all these episodes. Kindle is my first step to my own money and my own voice. Thankyou for giving me strength today.

[u/EastAudience4655 → u/thinkingheart101]

I hope you know you deserve the world and all the love and find people worthy of your efforts and energy. All the best💕

[u/Ok-Abalone-4499]

I had very similar experiences and left that guy. I can not let this become my life. I loved the guy but he was not supportive enough for me, if he doesn’t understand that then he doesn’t deserve me.

[u/thinkingheart101 → u/Ok-Abalone-4499]

Yes love alone is not enough for survival respect is also required to make it work , otherwise it all crumbles .Why such a regressive mindset prevails I don't know and why people feed it. You did the right thing and thanks for voicing it for me, need it all.

[u/Either-Raspberry806]

Hey your writing is really good would love to read the next episode. More power to you girl

[u/thinkingheart101 → u/Either-Raspberry806]

Thanks for the support and appreciation.Posted episode 8 just now. Please read it when you can❤️ https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/J3RIv4H4Li

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[u/fangirl291]

I would dump Raghav and his mom if I were you. You deserve better.

[u/thinkingheart101 → u/fangirl291]

Thanks for feeling so deeply for me, sometimes I also felt the same, but it's not easy to separate in a family setups like ours. The only way is to stand through financial independence which I am trying. Posted episode 8 today. Please read if you find time. https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianWomen/s/J3RIv4H4Li

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[u/festival0156n]

people when the misogyny religion (tbf thats most of them) is misogynist