Mutiny

"You know I hate her, don't you? Since the day we got married she has been trying to dictate my life. She thinks she can control me, the way she controls you, your brother and Dad. I hate calling her Mom; she's not my mom, not even close to it. Yesterday, I cut my finger while grating potatoes and she said that it was good for me, the next time I would learn to be more careful. Would she say that to you if you hurt yourself? No, she would probably weep a river of tears if you so much as sneezed. I don't want her to love me; honestly I could care less about her. Change of plans honey, I don't intend to live with your parent's anymore. I never thought I would make you choose. I wanted to adhere to all the customs that is demanded of our culture, but not anymore. I am done, with being the good, obedient wife and daughter-in-law.”

“Neela, listen to me; I will make Mom understand that she needs to change the way she behaves with you. Dad just had the angioplasty last year; if we move out he will be crushed. I don't want him to have a relapse. I understand what you are going through, but don't punish me, don't put me in the middle and make me choose between my family and you. “

“Oh, that's great so they are your family and what am I? If I am putting you in the middle, your Mom has pushed me outside; I am a bystander looking inside at your wonderful family. I have spent nine years in this house of misery. I can't take it anymore. She has opened my cupboard and taken my jewellery, when you are away travelling she restricts me from going out, lest I should be meeting someone and having an affair, she doesn't let me eat till Dad and Sid finish eating. I need to eat when I am hungry, not when the men of the house finish eating. Today was the worst, when she said that I should have only one child as your sister cannot conceive again and me having another child would upset her. I refuse to live by her rules.”

“Neela, I love my mother regardless of the way she is, I can't control her behaviour, but I can make her aware of it. She is difficult; because she has had a very difficult childhood. She started working when she was 12 years old to support her family. My grandfather was a wastrel and a drunk who ignored his responsibilities. I don't want to hurt my parents, I love them in spite of all their faults and I don't want you to feel that I am forsaking you, because I love you too. I married you against my parent's wish that was my first mutiny against them. Let this be my second. Yes, we will move out of my parent's house.”

500 words