She looks up at the Mango tree whose shade she has enjoyed since her childhood. The tree was tall even when she was a kid, she wonders how old it is. The spring blossoms were beginning to show. Soon there will be mangoes. My beloved home, she thinks, though its been more than three years since her marriage she still thinks of this, as home. A woman should think of her husband's home her own, at least that's what was drummed into her while she was growing up. Still this is the place a part of her heart lingers. She silently thinks of the things she is Thankful for, for this is what she does when she feels dissatisfied with her present. She sends thanks for her father's stubbornness, making sure she got an education; for her mother's goodness, making sure she was strong and taught her how to hold her head up high; for her brother, letting her know that she had all the support she needed at this time, no questions asked.
It was a different story in her husband's home. Her mother-in-law never could understand why Tabu(short for Tabassum) was so selfish. Since Tabu cannot fulfill the role of providing a heir, it was only fair that she allow her husband to marry another woman. Tabu is amazed at her Mother in law's logic and ignorance. What is selfish about not wanting to share a husband with another woman? Tabu was willing to share him with his mother, siblings, friends and other relatives but not another woman. She had shared everything else that belonged to her, her clothes, jewels and books, so much so that nothing is hers anymore except for Aftab. She believed this is something she deserved all for herself. Mom-in-law never once considered the fact that the reason for Tabu not conceiving, could be her own son. She wondered what her Mother-in-law would do, if god-forbid, her son was the reason- Would she Marry Tabu off to another Man? A chuckle forms in Tabu's mind- That would be the day the sun would set in the east.
She looks at her wrist watch hmm, He should have been here by now, wonder what happened? Is he having second thoughts about talking to her? Was he going to grant her a divorce? Oh I hope not, I couldn't have been so wrong in my judgment of him. Only She knew how miserable she was being away from the Man she loved. As much as she loved her home, she missed Aftab. She missed the way he talked with his eyes when the others are around. She missed his smile, the way his face looks when he is reading and the lines that etch the edge of his eyes when he teases her. She missed his gentleness and the nights with him. Of course, she couldn't admit this to anyone at home, for now, she was playing the role of a Daughter who returned home for a while. She dreaded the evening. She knew after Aftab's visit, she would have to decide whether she was going to be Aftab's wife or a divorced daughter living at her parents home. She continues waiting.
P.S for those who need to read part 1
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