OS/SS: Is it just 'Jealousy'? (Part 7 posted) - Page 2

Toshi Bhalla sees the rapport shared between the two best friends and understands her son's problem. Her son was jealous. His wife's attention was on another man. Good Lord, that boy has always been a very possessive man, and this friendship must be grating on his nerves. She knew if she even said something remotely related to this topic he would brush it off and rubbish her concerns. Her best bet was to talk to her bahu and let the couple solve this problem among themselves. After her friend had left Toshi called her bahu into her room so she could have the talk' in private.

"What is it Mummyji? Is anything wrong?"

"Puttar... come inside and close the door. I want to discuss something with you... I hope you don't mind..."

"Of course not, Mummyji... whatever it is please tell me... has something happened?"

"Not yet puttar, but I want to prevent things from happeneing..."

"Mummyji...?"

"Puttar, I know you and Raman aren't the best of friends or anything... I know you two used to hate each other. You both married each other for Ruhi only. That was not a big secret anyway. But puttar from the past few weeks I have been noticing some changes... I can see a sort of closeness, a fondness developing between the two of you for each other... you both have started sharing things... I can see you caring for each other... It is not just because of Ruhi, right? You care for Raman too don't you?"

"I do, mummyji. I care for him... I mean I am his wife, I am supposed to care..." Ishita smiles.

"Do you know your husband then, beta?"

"I... I don't understand..."

"Do you know Raman? Do you know why he does things? Why he behaves the way he does? Why he has an opinion for everything, mostly negative? Why he never went near Ruhi? Why is my son so offbeat lately?"

"Huh... Mummyji, Raman is fine... I..."

"No, he is not. I know my son. Something is bothering him these days. Ishita you might have not noticed it but I did. He is troubled about something. And as his wife it is your duty to share his burdens, to find out what troubles him. I know you didn't do it intentionally... you have been busy elsewhere but puttar you have to look after your husband... learn to read him like the back of your hand..."

"I don't know, Mummyji... I didn't think..."

"I know puttar it's not your fault entirely. I know it will take you some more time to completely accept him as your husband but you both have to start somewhere... I am talking to you because that gadha will not even let me finish a sentence before telling me that I've gone mad and imagining things. You bath are married now. You have your entire lives ahead of you. There is a small child whose wellbeing depends on your relationship with Raman. She needs a healthy environment to grow. Don't get me wrong puttar. I am not telling you to love my son against your will. I just want you to care for him as a wife. He was married once before... he loved that woman to death and she gave him nothing but grief in return... It took him almost 6 years to forget her and move on... it mostly happened after you came into his life. Puttar, I am just worried about my son. I want him to be happy. I used to call him Happy', you know, because that's how he was, always happy and laughing. I want my Happy back. I have a feeling you will be able to do it. It may take time, but I have hope now. He will be back. Maybe a changed version, but still somewhat of my old Happy. But you will have to pay more attention to him. After that kind of betrayal I don't think he will ever come to you and show you his love and care openly. I know he cares for you but you see how he always taunts you later on right? It is his way of protecting himself. He doesn't want to show he cares."

"I understand Mummyji. But suddenly, today...?" Ishita was confused.

"Puttar, I know you are meeting your friend after a long time. You want to spend time with him, catch up... But did you think about what effect this will have on Raman?"

"Why will anything happen to Raman, Mummyji? He knows Mani is my best friend."

"Yes, he knows but that doesn't mean he will like it."

"Huh?"

"Raman has always been very possessive. He doesn't like to share. He didn't even give you his cupboard when you first came here, did he? I had seen you keep your clothes in your suitcase for weeks. Now, he's accepted you as his wife in his life. He wouldn't you to spend so much time with someone else. In simple words, he is jealous of the way you are with your friend."

"But Mummyji..."

"Listen, to me puttar. I know you didn't do anything knowingly. It wasn't your fault. You must have not even realized that it might have affected him, the way you deal with your friend. That's what I am trying to tell you. Try to better understand your husband. I have no problem with your friendship. Just try not to ignore Raman in all this. Make sure he doesn't feel left out."

"I had no idea mummyji... I'm sorry. I didn't know he would feel bad."

"Its okay. You don't need to apologise to me. Just go and spend some time with Raman. Tallk to him. Get to know him better. Make him believe that you will be there for him."

"I will try my best."

Ishita left the room while deep in thought. Did I really make Raman feel neglected? This made her sad. Is he jealous of Mani? Somehow this thought was alittle comforting. If he was jealous then he definitely cared. That means that I matter to him. This thought made her smile as she went about the rest of the remaining wedding chores. She would talk to Raman at night.

Part 3