Posted:
Chap 1A: Wishes and Demands
NYC, 2 months ago
Shantanu (Shan for short) Mehta was a confirmed bachelor, at least he was determined to be one...that is until today.
There were several reasons why. But the most important among them all was because he treasured his independence. He didn't have any girl nagging him day and night, to find out about his whereabouts. Nor did he have anyone harrying him to come home sharp at 6pm. He wanted to keep it that way. He wanted to remain a free bird. He pitied his Dad who was probably so accustomed to being henpecked that he wouldn't know what to do if he was left alone by himself even for a day or two.
Another consideration which urged him towards bachelorhood was that he'd never had an eye for the fairer sex. No girl had ever been able to bowl him over with her charms, though not for the lack of trying---many had. He just wasn't impressed by what he called superficial beauty. He'd also never felt the need for feminine company(except on rare occasions when he had been obligated to.) His work provided him with all the company he required. And he couldn't be happier for he loved what he did.
Six months ago, Shantanu had graduated summa cum laude from the very demanding and rigorous neurosurgical residency program of Mass General/Harvard Medical School, after which he had joined as the youngest associate of one of the busiest neurosurgical practises in New York City. And he had proven himself so well that today his chief had offered him partnership. He was thrilled beyond belief. It would probably have been the happiest day in his entire life had it not been for the untimely demands of his mother.
Shashank and Shobha Mehta of the 'famed' (for various reasons) Mehta clan of New Delhi, along with their two children Shubha and Shantanu had emigrated to the United States more than 20 years ago defying the wishes of their elders. Shashank was ambitious. He wanted to spread the Mehta business beyond the desi shores by establishing one of the biggest and finest Jewellery chain stores abroad. And where best to start than in the Big Apple? He did what he said he would and made the entire family proud.
But his younger son, Shantanu, instead of joining the family business and continuing the tradition, opted for medical school and became a dimaag ka doctor...no, not one who deals with mad people but the one who wields a chaku and a churi.
Everybody including uncle Rajbir shook their heads in disapproval, "Can't trust such people. Business mein kya kharaabi hai?"
But when mama and papa Mehta saw their defiant son being honored as one of the best grads to have passed through the hallowed grounds of the famous university, they couldn't stop the flood of tears from flowing unabated down their ruddy cheeks. (It happened to be bitter cold that day.)
From then on the youngest Mehta was given a free rein. When he refused to stay in the family's huge suburban villa because it was way too far a commute from the city--his father gave his grudging assent. And when he opted to stay away from the many communal poojas and parties that his mother threw (most of them in the hope of finding a suitable bahu for herself,) the senior Mehta looked the other way.
Shantanu succeeded in slowly but surely separating himself from the crazy chaos of his massive family except for occasional events such as his elder sister Shubha's wedding and the naamkaran of her first child.
Finally he felt at peace.
But this state of affairs was intolerable for his mother Shobha. She felt cheated. How many years had she spent yearning for someone whom she could order around the house, and who would wait upon her hand and foot. She longed to be a Saas to beat all Saases!
But her son wouldn't oblige. Despite her lining up 100s upon 100s of suitable girls (handpicked by her of course,) he just wouldn't bow his hard head down. What a waste of such a handsome face, a noble career and a six figure income to boot!
Then she threw her final salvo. She served him the ultimatum in typical Bollywood style; "Shaadi ke liye tayyaar ho jao nahin toh tum mera mara muh dekhoge."
He didn't stay over that weekend.
'''
Please leave your thoughts.
Will post the next part in a couple of days.
If you wish me to continue here, let me know through likes and or comments. Cause you are my inspiration.
If I don't get the response I will plan to keep the story for those few who wish to read it.
Thanks again.
Current Affairs
