ACCEPTING 'US'

42.

Sudha and Shyam slept peacefully that night hugging each other although Shyam wanted to do something. Sudha was very tired and slept while hugging him which made him forget his plans. The next morning shyam did his chores and went to start his farming. He wanted to finish the work as soon as possible so that he could spend some time with sudha. He even packed lunch not wanting to tire sudha or perhaps the truth is he will spend his time with his wife rather than work.

Devamma and sudha also started their usual daily chores. Sudha was left alone after both people left home and she started to clean the backyard to spend her time.

In the evening when shyam came back he was very exhausted. He did the work which involved nearly four people. Every part of his body screamed to rest but still he sat in the hall waiting to see his wife. Sudha was in the kitchen talking with her maaji and didn't observe shyam. When she finally came out she was surprised to see him there. She gave him a glass of water which he took with a sigh. He was happy to be back to a normal life.

" Shyama you look very tired beta. Why don't you go take rest. We will call you once the dinner is served " Devamma said. Shyam nodded and went to his room to take a nap. Sudha prepared dinner with speed so that she could serve dinner earlier.

" Dinner is ready. Come on wake up " sudha called shyam from the door while Shyam stirred in his sleep. He was not willing to get up but his stomach growled in hunger. He somehow managed to get up and cleaned himself in the backyard.

" Maa I need to tell you about something important " shyam said to Devamma who was serving him food. Sudha understood what he was about to say so she waited pressing her lips not wanting to interrupt them.

" What is it shyama? " Devamma replied.

" It is about sudha " he said making Devamma frown.

" Sudha? What happened to her? She is fine right? " She questioned looking between both of them and thinking deeply.

" Is she expecting? Am I going to become a grandmother? " Devamma said without controlling her excitement which made both of them blush and look away. Shyam looked at sudha who was smiling and placed her hand on her lips.

" Maa it's not that " shyam finally said making Devamma curious.

" Then what is it? You are making it sound so serious and necessary and not uttering a word " Devamma said although she was a little upset that her thoughts were not real.

" Maa sudha wanted to join in a job " shyam said finally.

" Job? When? Where? How? " Devamma asked all at once looking at sudha who was silent all the while.

" Maa listen sudha used to write stories to a local newspaper before marriage. And they even offered a job to her which she didn't accept as she is married. But now she wanted to do that job so that she could grow her career and be independent " shyam said.

" Okay. So? " Devamma asked.

" So sudha will apply for that job and see whether she will be accepted or not. If she is accepted there she will do the job " shyam replied.

" Look shyama I am not the one to decide about you both. It's you who should be ready and trust each other before taking a step further in your life. And I completely believe that sudha is very much capable of doing whatever job it is. So it is up to you both to decide what to do. I don't have any problem with her doing a job though " Devamma said making Sudha smile with gratitude.

" Thank you so much maaji " sudha said finally with tears filling her eyes.

" No child you deserve much more than this. I know we are not rich and wealthy like you were before marriage but I want to give you a belief and hope that we love you so much that we will do anything in our capability to make you happy. I pray that you achieve whatever you are willing to become " Devamma said. Sudha's heart swelled with happiness and tears of joy escaped her eyes.