ACCEPTING 'US'

45.

Sudha was elated when she saw how happy and excited shyam was with her acceptance. She informed him of the day they would be going for an interview and shyam immediately accepted without a pause.

" Maa sudha and I will be going to town on Thursday for an interview. I think sudha will be joining in the job soon " shyam informed Devamma during breakfast.

" That's great news shyam. Congratulations sudha. You will prove yourself. I am so happy for you " Devamma said with a smile. Later sudha went to Aabida's home to spend some time. Her husband was already gone so she was alone as usual.

" Sudha child. Heard that you applied for a job? What happened? " Aabida asked cleaning the kitchen.

" Yes aunty I did apply and I will go for an interview on Thursday " sudha replied.

" Good. And what is that job you applied for? " Aabida asked curiously wanting to know.

" It's for an editor and story writing job in the local newspaper " sudha replied excitedly reminiscing all her past stories she had written.

Aabida tried to think what that meant as she don't know what that actually means. She is an illiterate and she never ever showed any interest in education although her husband tried.

" Honestly speaking I don't know what that means sudha " Aabida said after washing her hands and sitting beside sudha.

" Oh so you don't know to read and write? " Sudha asked to which she nodded her head.

" Do not worry aunty. I will help you read and write " sudha said clapping her hands in excitement.

" Oh please no sudha. Already my husband failed terribly trying to make me educate. So it is better if you just let me be " Aabida said and burst into laughter.

" It means you cannot read what I write in the newspaper then? " Sudha said little upset.

" Oh don't be upset child. What if I cannot read! You are here to read me. Are you not? " Aabida said placing her hand on her shoulder to which sudha nodded her head.

......

Radha was laying in bed as she had been throwing up whole day. She was feeling very tired and unwell so she thought of taking a little nap.

" Radha what's wrong? " Zamindar sahab's wife asked standing in the doorway.

" Maaji, I am tired let me sleep for a while " Radha said getting up a little.

" No first you eat and then sleep or else your papa ji will get angry with me " she said referring to her husband who ordered her to take care of Radha who was pregnant.

" No maaji. I will tell papaji about my situation. Please you go ahead and eat. I will eat later on " Radha said and closed her eyes as she was feeling very drowsy and fatigue.

" No you cannot sleep like that " saying so she went near Radha and pulled her up holding her hand. Radha jerked with fear due to sudden pull. She made her stand up forcefully and took her to the dining room. Radha protested wanting to lay down but she didn't pay heed.

" Please maaji. Let me sleep " Radha cried.

" What please? You are bearing the first child and acting like a queen. I am at least asking you to eat and you do this drama? My mother in law never took care of me but I am trying to feed you. Don't pretend like I made a mistake here " she angrily shouted at her making Radha scare. She sat down immediately to eat. She ate all the food she was served although her eyes were filling with tears.

" Good now go and sleep " she said sarcastically to which radha nodded and went to her room. She wanted to throw up but she swallowed fearing that her mother in law will again shout at her. She laid in bed but all she felt was uneasiness.