Sunday Story: I won't settle for less!

Mamata clicked on the camera icon on her phone. She was nervous, knowing Malika could walk into the restaurant anytime now. She did not like what she saw. The loose salwar kameez hid most of her body, but her double chins (or were there more?) were visible. 

Mamata often saw Malika's pictures via her WhatsApp DP. She looked beautiful, slender, and young. Mamata rolled her eyes, thinking, "she could pass off as my daughter." Mamata shook her head, and she peered down at her overgrown belly. "Oh no!" she mumbled, "I look such a mess—"

That's when the door opened. A beautiful woman who looked like she had stepped out of a fashion magazine stepped in. Mamata's heartbeat quickened, "Malika!" she mumbled in recognition. 

Malika smiled at the doorman as she walked in. She stopped a moment and surveyed the room until she spotted Mamata. She smiled and waved as she walked towards the table where Mamata waited.

The much-awaited moment had arrived, for Malika was standing right in front of her!

"I wish I had never come!" Mamata thought, ashamed of her looks. "Look at her. She doesn't look a day older than I last saw her thirty years ago." wailed Mamata. "Look at me so ugly and fat!"

Eager to meet her friend of so many years, Malika rushed to her. "Doesn't her body hurt? She walks so fast!" Mamata thought, who couldn't even get up from her chair without wincing with pain. Malika greeted her friend with a long hug and said, "It's been such a long time. Meeting you was the best part of my trip. I got to see you again. Bless my husband for agreeing to this trip." Malika said as she laughed. And when she laughed, she sounded happy. 

Mamata looked at Malika's face, searching for an expression of disgust. But Malika was oblivious to her thoughts. Her baby pink dress showed off her well-shaped body, her makeup was impeccable, and she had the latest hairstyle. 

In contrast, Mamata had on a loose dull salwar kameez, no makeup, and greasy hair pulled into a plait. "I hope Malika doesn't comment on my looks." thought Mamata. 

But Mamata's looks seemed acceptable to Malika. She did not look disgusted or say anything to shame her friend. She chatted as they did thirty years ago and during their phone calls while they were away. 

"Malika, you are still so beautiful," said Mamata. How do you maintain your figure, your face wrinkle-free and hair lush and glossy after all these years." 

Malika smiled and winked at her, "hey, thanks," she gushed. "Don't you eat?" Mamata continued in all seriousness. 

Malika laughed,' of course I do, but I watch what I eat." she said. "But you are so slim?" Mamata complained. Malika smiled and said, "I work out to stay in shape—"

"—workout? You mean you go to a gym? How do you find the time for it?" Asked Malika. 

"I make time. After all, if there is a will, there is a way." Malika said. "Of course, there are so many things to do at home. At first, we had to take care of our kids and now grandkids." she laughed. "But I set a schedule and work accordingly." 

And as if in afterthought, Malika said, "you don't need to go the gym if you don't want to. You can download the app that is convenient for you and exercise when you want to—"

"—But then, are they expensive?" Mamata asked. "Not really, they are worth it. The effect it has on the body is amazing," said Malika. 

"Your husband must be doing well, right? But we are a middle-class family, and I may be unable to afford it."

Malika frowned as she looked at Mamata. But when she saw that it disturbed her friend, she smiled and said, "My friend, listen to my story!" 

"I was in class 11 when I married and left my hometown. I tried to continue my education but got pregnant and couldn't, or so I thought then." Malika said as she chuckled and shook her head.

"Mamata, you continued and got your bachelor's degree, right?" When Mamata nodded, she said, "I wish I had too. But did not have anyone to encourage me back then." 

Malika smiled at her friend as she continued, "I had to depend on my husband for my every need, and I hated it. So, I started learning from their books when the children grew up and went to school. I then began giving tuition to the neighbouring kids, who began scoring well. Word got around, and many of them joined before I knew it. I started earning a steady income. And that meant I didn't have to depend on my husband anymore." 

Malika paused and became thoughtful as she continued, "But then C-19 spoilt it for me. The parents did not want their children to come out of their homes, and I did not know how to use the internet. That's when I got myself a laptop and taught myself to take up online tuition!"

In the beginning, it may be challenging, but don't give up, for better things are yet to come!

Malika reached out to her friend and squeezed her hand. She said, "A positive thought followed by the right decision can make life great. And believe me, If I can do it, so can you. Think of something that interests you, upskill and explore the several online opportunities. They will keep you busy and earn your self-esteem. You can contribute to the family income, and you need not continue to be middle class!

Mamata smiled as she waited for the bus to go home. Meeting Malika was a good idea, after all!

My Thoughts

The woman of the house has much to do, but that doesn't mean she should stop living her dream. Don't settle for less —upskill for your independence matters!

Liked this story? Read another one- 'The Beauty Within'.