Shikha was upset and couldn’t sleep the entire night. Vineet’s words have been disturbing
her since long. Whenever Shikha would be stressed out, she would speak to her beloved
husband, but today she doesn’t want to, something is disturbing her from within. “Why can’t
I be a part of that conversation? when Vineet knew, I would be the right person to speak on
that, then why did he kept Mum” All these questions were making waves in Shikha’s mind
and she was feeling restless.
Shikha an Economics graduate had been a topper all through. She was the one who all
would run to for advice, once the annual budget would be discussed on TV. She was best at
analyzing and predicting on various scenarios affecting the economy at large. After her
studies she chose to take up a central government job in the Indian statistical Institute. Tall,
fair Shikha found her life partner in Vineet, a software Engineer. Both complemented each
other in their looks and behavior. Shikha being a working woman left no stone unturned in
reconciling her home and work post marriage. Shikha thought, Vineet was a replica of her
Dad, and loved him dearly. Never ever she had imagined that she would be proved wrong
on her assumptions. While Dr. Mishra loved involving the ladies of the house ( Shikha and
her two sisters ) in every small discussion, Vineet never used to do that. Whenever Vineet’s
friends would be around, he would ask Shikha to serve food and drinks to them, thereby
instructing her to take the ladies to the other room for chitchat. Since the time she was
small, she had seen her Dad and Mom sitting together with the guests. Never ever she has
been witness to such a setup where a person’s gender limits one’s involvement in a
particular discussion or group. Vineet always used to do that and that used to irk Shikha
from within.
Once when Shikha raised question on this, Vineet said ……………
“Shikhu, what’s the big deal? You ladies have your own stuff to talk, so you can do that.
Please, leave us to have some manly conversation”.
“Manly conversation, What’s that? “Shikha used to wonder…………………..
Once she overheard the boys discussing about Politics. A friend of Vineet was asking him,
his views on Marxism and Shikha thought Vineet’s answer could have been better. She
wanted to add to the discussion but refrained from doing so as she felt Vineet won’t be
happy.
This has been happening time and again. Today was not new…………. Shikha’s thoughts and
views again remained to herself. She served food to Vineet’s friends and then chatted with
their respective better halves in the bed room. While Sriya loved gossiping about her sex life
with Naren, Riddhi had only not so good things to speak about her in-laws. Despite slightest
interest, shikha heard everything like a mute spectator.
“Why can’t gents and ladies sit and chat together? Why ladies are supposed to gossip in
their own small group? Why can’t we all become a part of some common discussion”
thought Shikha.
That night saw Shikha taking turns in her bed. Vineet was a great husband, but his thought
process disturbed her. She woke up with bags underneath her eyes………..
Looking at Shikha’s pale face, Vineet inquired “Hey Shikhu, what’s wrong? you look pale…. if
you want, we can cancel today’s Diwali party”.
“ No………… I will arrange everything” Shikha sounded firm.
With disturbing thoughts, she went ahead with her plans for the evening. She decorated
every nook and corner of the house with colorful flowers. She lighted lamps and made
beautiful Rangoli near the entrance, which was like a visual treat to naked eyes. In her mind
she had the Menu ready, and it took her an hour to prepare the same.
It was 7 in the evening, when Vineet’s friends started coming in. Shikha greeted them with a
smile on her face. Everyone was praising Verma household’s Diwali decoration and when
Vineet said “All credit goes to my lovely wife” Shikha was all smiles. “May be, I am too much
into it!” thought Shikha and went into the kitchen to get appetizers and drinks for the
guests.
In no time Vineet said “Buddies, let’s go and sit in our terrace, let the ladies continue their
talk here”. Soon all four men went out with their respective glasses to chill out in the cozy
terrace of the Verma’s. Shikha consoled herself and got a set of UNO cards to play with the
ladies. Sriya, Riddhi seemed least interested but on Shikha’s persuasion agreed to be a part
of the game. As the terrace was attached to the living room, Shikha was passive part to
Vineet’s so called manly conversation.
From Sports to politics to salary hike, their platter seemed to be full. Suddenly the entire
group was laughing it out and when Shikha turned, she could see the pale face of Vineet.
Naren was after him, “Kya aaj kal tu itna busy hai ki news nahi padhta, inflation has gone up
to 4.6 percent”. Then he took a pause and added “Kya yaar, khali bhabi ke saath time bitata
hai ,ya kuch bahar ki jaankari bhi rakhta hai,” The entire gang was rolling with laughter.
Shikha felt bad for Vineet………………”Is this called Manly talk?” She tried hard to ignore but
then Naren continued, … “You know Vineet, how much I enjoy keeping track of all these
stuff, you seem to me as a Tech guy who only loves to play with codes”. Swallowing a lump
in his throat Vineet said “Hmm”. Shikha could easily empathize with Vineet’s state of mind.
She couldn’t hold herself back anymore and jumped into the so-called discussion with a
tsunami of courage……………. “Sorry Naren Bhaiyya, you are wrong, it’s categorically India’s
retail price inflation which has climbed to 4.6 percent in October 2019, highest in over a
year from previous month’s 3.99 percent and above market expectation of 4.25 percent”.
Vineet , Naren and the entire gang was speechless. It took no time for Shikha to understand
the gravity of the situation and with a smile she added “Being a Statistician, I too keep track
of everything”. A look at Vineet’s stern face was enough to make her realize her mistake. A
chill ran down her spine and without wasting a second, she tried to walk away from the
place. Suddenly two warm hands hugged her from behind, “love you Shikhu, I am proud of
you”.
The boys gang soon stood up and cheered as Vineet hugged Shikha close to his heart. Shikha
couldn’t have asked for more. Tears rolled down from her eyes as she said “Love you too
Dear, I hope next time we all can sit and chat on these issues together. No more male and
female talk, it’s going to be group chat where everyone can participate”.
