Duty and Desire by Anju Gattani

Author:Anju Gattani
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scarsdale Publishing, Ltd

ChapterTwenty-Five

Cat Fight

When Sheetal and Rakesh pulled into the driveway on Sunday evening, Mummyji paced back and forth before the main entrance. As they climbed the stairs, Mummyji spread her arms and barricaded the doorway with her body.

“Where have you been? Do you know Sheetal’s parents and her uncle from the U.S. called to wish her a happy birthday? How embarrassing, I tell you. I didn’t know where you were or what time you’d be back. What to say? And you don’t even pick up your phones. How irresponsible. You, Sheetal, could have at least called to let me know where you were.”

Sheetal looked from Mummyji to Rakesh and back. “I told Rakesh—”

“Stay out of this,” Rakesh cut her off.

“I thought about calling the police,” Mummyji said. “Twice.”

“So, did you?”

“No. Because both of you would have made tomorrow’s headlines and embarrassed the family.”

Rakesh grabbed Sheetal’s hand and started to drag her past Mummyji. “Come with me.”

Sheetal shook free and Rakesh left without her. What choice did she have? If she ignored Mummyji, she would be labeled rude and disrespectful. If she ignored her husband, she’d be going against his will. There was no pleasing both. Sheetal brushed past Mummyji and entered the mansion.

***

The following Saturday, Sheetal was at work in her studio when she noticed the odor of stale chutney. Naina, out of hibernation, had spent most afternoons on the Bradford Browns, combing through fashion magazines. So, Sheetal was a little surprised to see Naina storm in, considering Sheetal had carefully avoided her sister-in-law.

“You bitch! How dare you act as if you own the place? First you brainwash Rakesh and then trap Megha into liking you. You trample all over my mother as if you’re in charge. But who gave you the right to control the servants?”

“I don’t control anyone.” Sheetal calmly put down the brush. She could barely get past what Rakesh had done on her birthday. The last thing she needed was Naina creating more chaos.

“You do, and you know it. Or why would Laal Bahadur cook your favorite meals every day, na?”

All she had done was appreciate Laal Bahadur’s cooking instead of complaining. “Where’s the question of planning anything when Mummyji gives me the week’s menu every Monday?”

“You know that’s not true. Mummy thinks she decides everything, but you’re secretly taking over, na. Maybe no one else can see it, but I do. I grew up here. This is my home and you can’t take it away from me.” Her loose hair fell in cobwebs around her face, and her eyes sparked with vengeance. She grabbed Sheetal’s wrist and squeezed the glass bangles, causing them to crack and scrape Sheetal’s skin.

“Let me go.” Sheetal struggled to break free.

“Admit it.” Naina tightened her grip. “Tell everyone you’re trying to take over.”

“I don’t—”

“What on— Oh my G-God!” Megha rushed in and tried to free Sheetal from Naina, but the harder Megha pulled, the tighter Naina gripped.

“L-Let B-Bhabhi g-go!” Megha screamed as blood trickled from the cuts on Sheetal’s wrist.

Sheetal relaxed

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