Dining table. He is waiting for his dinner when his mother asks her badi Bahu to serve him. Hearing it he looks at his clueless mother. He doesn't say anything. But he understands. For one, why his Biwi isn't around. Badi Bahu gives an evil smile and serves the dish leaning all over him.
Disgusted and angry he pushes her away and calls out "Biwi... Biwi..." There is no reply. His Biwi is not coming. He knows why. He can feel the undercurrents. He doesnt stop calling "Biwi, where are you?".
Biwi comes reluctantly.
He asks her gently "Biwi, You didnt make anything for me?". Looking up at her, he adds even more gently, "Didnt you cook anything?".
Biwi doesnt answer. He understands her silence and tells Bittuji that he doesnt want to have the food that was served to him.
The ever faithful Bittuji informs his Chief that Bhabhiji has cooked Peeli daal. Knowing how his mother feels about her, she tries to say no...
He is happy hearing that his Biwi has cooked for him and says "I will have Peeli daal, chawal and ghee.". A humble meal. He makes it clear that he prefers to have the food his Biwi has made for him. Biwi doesn't move. She is uncertain and hesitant. Her husband gently reminds her to get the food for him. She still hesitates. How tough it is for her to have others look upon her with suspicion. She looks towards Bittuji. Encouraged by the nod she receives, she goes.
His mother tells him that they have made his favourite dishes. He doesnt even glance at his mother. Hasnt he already made clear that he is going to have the food made by his wife? He gives the food served by the Badi Bahu to his mother. He, then, looks at his mother. Did she think he would tolerate and do nothing when they all are working against his Biwi? Ha.. As if!
His Biwi brings the food and keeps it on the table. She doesnt know what to do next. He waits for his Biwi to serve the food. When she doesnt he tells her he is waiting for her to serve. She does.
He is about to have the first spoonful when his mother tells him: "Rishu, dont have that food." He doesnt like it. It is his Biwi they are insulting. What does he do?
He stops, keeps the spoon down, turns to his Biwi and admonishes his Biwi for forgetting her 'Patnidharm'. "You have spoiled me all these days. Now, you have to feed me..." Could there have been a better way to express his stand? What a staunch husband he is turning out to be. A man who stands by his wife's side. He is fighting the fight for her. He lets everyone know that his wife is not alone.
She picks up the spoon ready to give him food, when he stops her. A hint of gentle rebuke in his tone. "Biwi... Napkin." Ha.. Napkin. How can she forget that? 'Biwi, Dont you remember how you tied the napkin around my neck the first time you gave me food? Don't you remember how you made me Seemaji to your Mr. India?' He wanted to ask. He doesnt, but he does look at her to see if she is cheered by the memory of that wonderful time together. No. She is still upset. What can he do to make her feel better?
She ties the napkin, takes the spoon and offers him food. He stops her and smilingly tells her to feed him using her hands. Seeing her hesitation, he tells her "As long as I am with you, you dont need anybody else, Biwi." Well... He doesnt say exactly these words.. But what's the difference? He says, "Give me food, Biwi".
His mother is shattered hearing it... She remembers the time when she used to feed her son with her own hands. Those days are long gone. How much has changed... That son has gone away from her. That son no longer speaks to his mother.
He looks at his Biwi as she is feeding him. Is she feeling better? He speaks. How wonderful it is to have food from the hand of a loved one. He tells his Biwi that her food has brought back old memories. Very softly he tells her that it has ignited memories of his mother. "Once upon a time the food my mother gave me had the same taste. Full of love, full of caring, full of affection. I am having the same tasty food after a long long time. From your hands, Biwi." His Biwi looks at him with her soulful eyes. Her eyes reflect the pain she feels at his pain. Her empathy.
He takes one more mouthful from his Biwi's hands.. He tells her, "I have praised you more than I have ever praised myself" What is he really telling her? That inspite of everything that has happened, she is still what she has always been- loving, caring, open... That she has no cause to be upset. That he is always by her side. That she is still strong, because he is always with her.
She understands what he is telling her. She also understands his pain. He can read her understanding in her eyes. Their eyes meet and talk. In the background the singer sings 'Hum hai deewane, Tere deewane."
She continues to feed him, while the mother looks on crying. How sad it is to have a mother, and not to have one. The woman who gave birth to him is still alive, but his mother is long gone. Years later, he is experiencing it from his Biwi. His mother hears him, but doesnt understand what he is saying. Doesnt understand that her son is saying that his Biwi is a nurturer, not a killer. That his Biwi is loving, affectionate and caring.. That no matter what happens he will never let her go. But as always his mother hears only his taunts. Hears that, for him, his mother is just a loving memory. As always she is blind to what he means. She does the one thing she does best- cry.
He continues taking the food given by his Biwi too moved by the emotion he feels... He needs to have his fill of what he has been missing all these years... He is not content. His hunger is not met. His thirst is not satisfied.. Yet... He takes his Biwi's hands and makes her feed him.. Fast.. Strains of "Bhujke na bhuje ye pyaas, O rabba..." plays in the background...
He says, "Eating food at home and eating homely food. What big difference there is. I understood it only now. Thank you, Biwi." He stands up to leave. Suddenly he starts to choke. He is breathless. There is panic all around.
"RK...", cries his Biwi.
"Rishu...", cries his mother. She is terrified. She asks Madhu to say away from her son. Badi Bahu takes the opportunity to tells her saas, ""I told you that she will poison him."
Biwi is shattered hearing it. She turns to leave, when suddenly she feels a restraining hand. Her Pati's... He pulls her back towards him and tells her, "Biwi, Tell Dipali what you added in the food."
"RK, how could you scare me like this?", her eyes asks him. How well she knew his penchant for drama. She is not happy with his act. But, yes, she is so relieved he is alright.
He says, "I am very happy. Were you all waiting for me to die? But no, I am very much alive. If any of you even look at my Biwi with suspicion, you will find yourself thrown out of the house. I trust her more than anyone else. Do anyone of you know the meaning of trust. My wife can teach you." He clasps his Biwi by her shoulders and leaves with her.
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