Stories from India Season IV Volume I

By Juju's Pearls

"Dive into a captivating collection that weaves the rich tapestry

of India's diverse narratives. This book invites readers on a

mesmerizing journey through enchanting tales that unveil the

cultural kaleidoscope and timeless wisdom of the subcontinent."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9789361726019

Book preview

Short Stories by

Juju's Pearls

The Great Indian Core Short Stories

Story No 1

Marriage or Scrutiny Under a 24x7 Scanner

An Open Letter by a Daughter-in-Law to Her Mother-in-Law.

Story No 2

I Love You Enough to Leave You Alone!

A Love Story Inked from the Soul.

Story No 3

Reset Humanity!

What Every Mother Should Teach Her Son.

Story No 4

Live-in Relationships: Dawn of the Modern Era

No Strings Attached.

Story No 1

Marriage or Scrutiny Under a 24x7 Scanner

An Open Letter by a Daughter-in-Law to Her Mother-in-Law.

D

ear Mother-in-Law,

(This is not a grievance letter. It's my attempt to help you understand our new relationship.)

I hope this finds you in good health and a happy state of mind. Ever since I got married to your son, I have noticed a change in your attitude and behaviour. Earlier, you seemed very welcoming and happy, but now I sense a feeling of insecurity. Do you see me as a threat? I feel so. You seem to be critical about whatever I do or say, especially in relation to your son, who is now my husband.

We both have one significant thing in common, and that is our love for the same man. I am not here to break the bond between a son and his mother, a son you have given birth to and raised with your heart and soul. I am here to carve out my own space as a wife and his life partner. We are not opposing parties, and it's not a war situation where my intention is to overthrow you and capture some throne. Who is the throne, if not your son? Please do not burden him like this. I have many aspirations and look forward to a peaceful, harmonious married life. You leave no stone unturned in creating differences. You twist my words and feed negativity about me. A mother has a big heart. All I am requesting is to give me space and time to adjust to your family. I have come from an entirely different background and culture. All this is new and very different. I need time to unlearn and relearn.

Another request is for you to please stop comparing me to your daughters. They are wonderful as sisters-in-law. Let me build a relationship with them on a one-to-one basis. Not everything needs to go through you. You should be a secure, loving woman with everything in your name, so why this insecurity? Please do not share negative stories about me with my husband. Most of the time, I never come to know why he is upset with me. I have noticed a pattern that after spending time with you and his sisters, he often returns with a volatile temperament.

Please refrain from comparing me to other brides in your friend's circle. Each human being is different. This alliance happened because of mutual consent between the girl and the boy and their respective families. So why am I perceived as a villain on a mission to break this home?

Remember how you felt when you got married. The responsibility always lies with the elders to create a comfortable environment for the new bride. We need to work together to make this work.

I have entered your life as an adult, unlike your daughter whom you have raised. I don't wish to be your daughter, and I don't expect you to be my mother. Let's respect this beautiful relationship of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and work towards maintaining its sanctity.

Please communicate if you disapprove of certain actions or ways. If you don't, then how will I come to know? We need to keep the lines of communication open.

Let's pledge to contribute positively, and please, let's not compete with each other.

Yours,

Daughter-in-Law

(Dignity & Pride of the Household)

Story No 2

I Love You Enough to Leave You Alone!

A Love Story Inked from the Soul.

"I

love you enough to leave you alone," spoke Joyce in a low tone to Sam. They had been in a relationship for over two decades, and somehow the problems they were facing with each other in the first week of their marriage were still the same. After endless screams, fights, and outbursts followed by days of silence, Joyce finally found the courage to make a decision.

She realized that in this relationship, it was always about Sam and just him. They had rarely done things together, and his choices were consistently prioritized with a soft promise of Next time, we'll do it your way. Ironically, next time always seemed to remain in the future. Their days often fluctuated between outbursts and moments of calm, with Sam frequently playing the victim card, blaming Joyce for their fights. Their post-fight conversations often centred around Joyce's reactions, which infuriated Sam and led to unpleasant outcomes. She was made to feel like the cause of their problems, while he played the victim—a perfect example of gaslighting.

Sam had become so accustomed to this cycle, and their relationship seemed to be trapped in this whirlpool. Joyce had cried herself to sleep numerous times, and even though they shared a bed, Sam never showed concern for her unhappiness or emotions. His behavioural pattern was strikingly similar to that of his mother, who also had mental health issues stemming from insecurities since their marriage.

As their children started college, Joyce knew it was the right time to break free from this cycle. The road ahead was unknown and seemed daunting, but the path she was currently on was also full of thorns. Her words echoed in her mind and heart, and she began contemplating her next steps. Having spent her youth and half of her life with Sam, bearing two children, she found it challenging to decide which path to choose. She had considered living separately once her younger child went to college. Weighing the pros and cons, she drifted off to sleep and had an enlightening dream.

In her dream, Joyce could see her entire childhood, school years, college years, and marital life. This entire life seemed to play out on autopilot with moments of fast forward and backwards. She could vividly recall both her happy and sad moments. Her life's movie slowed down, with the frame rate shifting to slow motion. This was the time in her life when her status changed from single to married.

She saw a young, confident, cheerful Joyce walking on the travelator with earphones in her ears, her head swaying, as was her ponytail. Her favourite bag was slung over her shoulder, and there was a bounce in her step. Soon, she boarded the Airbus and was greeted by the air hostess. She settled into her seat, luckily, it was an aisle seat. Fast forward, to the aeroplane landed. She collected her luggage and walked towards the exit gate. She was surprised to see her father instead of her driver. Her father gave a warm, loving nod and took her luggage trolley. They walked in silence towards their car.

Once home, her mother hugged her and kissed her on the forehead. All the while, Joyce felt a strange, suspicious aura in her home. Her parents were secretly exchanging smiles and approving nods. She went to her room, unpacked her luggage, took a bath, and went to sleep.

After some time, she felt a warm, soothing touch on her forehead. With a start, she woke up and saw her mother sitting beside her, while her father sat at the foot of her bed. Her father cleared his throat and asked her directly, Joyce, who is Sam? Are you interested in him? Joyce was surprised and denied knowing Sam. Now it was her mother's turn to continue the conversation.

Her mother said, Joyce, we have no objection to this alliance. In fact, we are surprised that you never mentioned him. How long have you known each other? By this time, Joyce started racking her brains but couldn't recall