Of Human Bondage and the In-laws

The term "Bondage" to most folks, is akin to slavery. To some, it is a rule that imposes restraints, physical or mental. When the in-laws come visiting - marriage does seem a bit of both and that makes the daughter-in-law (D-I-L) an outlaw :D

While you are busy imagining the dil in a cowboy outfit: the stud hat with its brim pulled low, a lit cigarette on her lips, standing with her feet apart wearing those leather boots with the stars, showing utter disdain for all folks especially the in-laws; CUT! - ok folks, not tht kinda outlaw. And why would an outlaw b wearing a cowboy outfit, anyway?? Does it matter wht kind of outlaw the dil is??

What is it with marriage that makes two self-respecting women who have managed life, career, children transform into co-wrestlers in a mud wrestling match, when they stay under one roof? The refree is the hapless young man whom they both lowe but who will of course be covered in mud, sometimes punched by both of them, before round 2 begins!!

In a general conversation between colleagues, a cube-mate stated "The saas and the bahu can never be friends. And it is a miracle if they can live together without getting on the hapless young man's nerves." We all laughed out loud.

I have heard ppl advice newly married dils to keep their mouth shut, do what they were told to do, smile appropriately, laugh softly, help out when required, and all-in-all behave exactly like a dutiful dil. This may earn them some brownie points and help them have a happy life ahead. This is so easy when you are talking without personality types in mind. Can you imagine restricting a Leo gal or an Arien woman :) Surprisingly, the moment the arien gal dons the role of a dil or a mil - she changes :P Both of them are unable to shake free from the role and be themselves - which is a tragedy :(

On Sunday, as Roger battled with Rafa - I wrestled with the whole in-law/out-law stuff. I had my entire paltan over for lunch and dinner. My co-sis entered the kitchen and started on the kababs, my sil started serving the paltan - the hapless young man charmed everyone with his rendition of chocolate fudge and I made the tea :D Yes Yes.. we were the hosts and they were the guests :D When the last guest left - it was 12 in the morning.

The house was a mess, the kitchen looked like it needed a make-over, I was tired and cranky and mil was shedding tears of joy!!! At that point, I was not sure who was the bound one anymore - I had felt bound by the old family tradition that I was forced to follow and she was bound by her emotional ties with her family. The hapless young man sauntered in, after seeing off the last guest. His mothers tears did not move him and my cranky expression did not faze him, because he was expecting both. He decided to occupy himself with shutting down the computer while we attempted to comfort each other.

Tomorrow is a new day, we would have had time to recoup, sharpen our claws, and be ready for round 1 of mud wrestling :D