Love Undefined - Finale

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As soon as the plane landed, Priya couldn't wait to get home but them she didn't have to wait that long. Radha was right outside the airport waiting to receive them. On seeing Priya, tears of happiness started rolling down her cheeks. Tarun's presence made no difference to her. What an irony, Radha thought. She slid her attention to the kid who was talking animatedly to his dad. Gosh , Shrey has grown up so much, she thought. But nothing could actually distract her from the voice inside her head. Talk to Priya, it kept shouting.  Oh yes I will, she shouted back,saying it out loud. 

Narayan kept shooting glances at his wife.  He noticed how weird she has been acting all day. He knew this was something very unusual of his wife. Yet he remained silent. What is she upto, he kept wondering. 

Priya smiled on seeing Radha. That heavy burden that she was carrying all along seem to have lifted suddenly.On their way back home, Shrey kept glancing outside and was marveling at the sight of each and every thing. Now and then he kept shouting, whenever he saw something he recognized. Tarun and Narayan exchanged a few words and other than that nobody really spoke anything. And no sooner, Shrey fell asleep. Silence prevailed until they reached their destination. Tarun freshened up and sooner fell asleep. It wasn't that easy for Priya though. There was this nagging thought that constantly kept reminding her of the fact that she still haven't spoken a word to Radha. Her to-do-list on this visit to India mostly involved Radha.

1) Make peace with Radha.
2)Get along with Radha
3)Try staying calm when Shrey is around Radha and so on...

So much of unnecessary drama and I might as well get it over with, She thought and she tip toed into the kitchen. Radha was preparing dinner and hence she thought the best ice breaker would be to start off with "can I help you prepare dinner?" but before she could actually say anything , Radha initiated. Priya ,what are you doing here? go get some rest, she smiled. ok ma, is all Priya could say and she sprinted through the hall towards the bedroom. 

She couldn't help but smile. Radha actually spoke to her and she did not seem a bit angry. Well that's a good sign, she thought and was so lost in thoughts that she lost track of time until Radha came and called her for dinner. And they had their dinner like one happy family. Later that night Radha put Shrey to sleep and Priya slept peacefully after a really long time. 

The next day Priya got up with a smile on her face. All of a sudden yesterday seemed like a long time ago and all the bitterness between her mother-in-law and her seemed like it never happened. That is when she realized that all this was bound to happen. All this misunderstanding and the cold war and everything. It did not take them apart but actually brought them together. She felt like she had successfully solved one gigantic jigsaw puzzle. It felt like they were one happy family. Just then she heard Radha shouting "Priya! Its 8 in the morning and are you still asleep? .. and the rest fell on deaf ears. Just when I thought things were getting better, She smiled and got up to face the day ahead(or in short, Radha)! 

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Love Undefined - Chapter 8

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Previous Chapter :Love Undefined Chapter 7 

And thus began her longest  journey....

Shrey was pretty much excited, as he was going to "Inda" in the "Aaropane" . He kept repeating that for the past few days ever since he was told so. What he didn't expect was the sit-in-one-place-and don't-you-dare-move looks that his mom and dad kept shooting at him. Naturally he became all cranky and was troubling his mom who was all the more troubled. With every passing minute, Priya was becoming all the more paranoid. She was not ready to face Radha just yet but she was not given an option. She started analyzing the situation. She knew she had to handle the situation very delicately as Tarun was very very sensitive when it comes to his mom. He isn't irrational . But then he isn't very supportive either when it comes to this, she thought. How could he be anyway. She realized it is indeed to much to ask from him. Both the women he loves the most couldn't tolerate being around each other. That is when she realized that Tarun was the one who was deeply hurt more than herself or Radha when it came to the crisis at hand. That is also the time she made up her mind to make peace with her MIL no matter what it takes. 

Tarun tried to shut off the voice inside his head which terrified him more than what he already was. He planned this trip to put an end to the constant misunderstanding between the women in his life or rather the women who are his life. He loved Priya as much as he loved his mom. Taking sides was completely ruled out as he knew it was no one's mistake in particular. He thought a confrontation was all that is needed to make things the way it used to be. He felt bad for treating Priya the way he did. He did nothing but to add to her miseries. He tormented his Priya who was already feeling guilty and he just couldn't live with that. His gut feeling told him that this was "THE" trip. It is all gonna be ok, he thought and then drifted to sleep. 

Radha's happiness knew no bounds. She kept telling her husband that Tarun is coming as if he would ever forget. But the real happiness was not that Tarun was coming. It was that Priya is coming. She was only angry when she left to India. She was so angry that she couldn't think straight. She kept telling her husband how bad a decision it was to let her son get married to someone as arrogant as Priya. Narayan kept ignoring his wife until one day when he could no longer tolerate the blind arrogant remarks his wife was making and he spoke to knock some sense into her. He spoke all about how she behaved the exact same way with his mom and how she has no right to blame Priya. Infact Priya is all more patient than you ever were, he said curtly. For some strange reason, this did not infuriate Radha. Rather it dawned on her that whatever her husband said was absolutely true. When she was of Priya's age, she made a mental note that she would be the mother in law every girl would ask for and she realized she wasn't doing justice to that. She felt so guilty that she did not speak with anyone for days. It changed when she got to know that they were gonna pay a visit in the next few days. She did not know how, but she was all set to make things right. I will be the MIL that Priya would be very proud of, she smiled. 

There is an extremely simple solution to all the problems in the world. And the first step would be to stop blaming others and take a long, hard look at yourself. :)

To be continued...  

Love Undefined - Chapter 7

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Previous Chapter : Love Undefined - Chapter 6

No matter what happened, she decided to talk it out the next day and set things right. If only I would be given a second chance,she prayed hard ...

The next day, Radha remained silent and it was very unusual of her. Priya was struck by guilt and the worst part was she had no idea what she should do to set things right. A voice inside her spoke, Give time some time Priya. Almost everything heals with the passage of time. All you have to do is be patient and wait. That sounds right,she thought but to no avail.With every passing day, she seemed to be living with strangers. Even Tarun seemed like a person she hardly knew. And finally the day came when Radha would be leaving to India. Their relationship had been so strained that all Priya could do was cry and cry about her misfortune and Radha wondering if she was really happy when her son got married. It all seemed so strange and weird. Everyone seemed to be speaking in silence except for Shrey of course.He had come to love his grand parents so much that he did not like it when they bid good bye to him. He wanted to leave with them and he somehow succeeded in strongly conveying that. It took a lot of her patience to calm Shrey down and by the end of the day, Priya was completely exhausted and she finally called it a day.

Days passed. Radha stopped skyping much. She spoke to her son for sometime and left as soon as possible. Tarun's rage was rising. He wanted to yell at Priya. But he knew he couldn't. After all both Priya and his mom acted they way how a mother and a grand mom would. Months passed. Tarun couldn't take it anymore and he decided to talk to Priya about it. Without further ado he called out Priya. Priya was taken by surprise. This is the 1st time since who-knows-how-many-days that Tarun had called her with little concern in his voice. She rushed to where he was and stood there . Silence filled the room and Priya could clearly listen to the rhythm of her heartbeat and she started counting. Anything to keep my mind off , she told herself. Tarun stood there with his eyes fixed on hers.
Just when Priya was losing her patience, he spoke. We are going to India next month.
Priya was so stunned and she stood there frozen. Tarun's words re-vibrated in her mind. She couldn't quite comprehend if it was anger or anxiety that she was feeling. Innumerable questions popped up in her mind but she couldn't find the courage to spit it out. So she decided to stay silent. Who knows what other surprises he's got in store for me, she mumbled. What? ?? Tarun sounded irritated. She decided not to speak against and decided to go with the usual stereotyped reply.
Nothing, she said out loud. 

Shopping and packing occupied her mind for the next few days.She didn't have to try so hard to distract herself. By now, Shrey had turned 2 and he wouldn't stop talking. Everything fascinated him. He was like the most adorable kid one could ask for. Atleast that is what Priya thought he is. If someone was most excited about the trip to India, then it was Shrey. Ofcourse he didn't know what it meant. All he knew was that it is where his thatha and paati(grandparents) lived. He would daily ask if he would be meeting them today and that ofcourse irritated Priya. Everytime he questions, that would send a chill down her spine. She wasn't very sure how she was going to confront Radha and make up for all the misunderstandings that has happened over the past few months. She tried hard to push that thought but it somehow kept resurfacing. Apparently her mind was not familiar with the quote "Let her cross the bridge when it comes" Days passed and finally the day came when they would be flying to India.
Being done with all the pre-boarding formalities and having nothing to do to kill the time, her thoughts drifted and thus began her longest  journey....

Next Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 8

Love Undefined - Chapter 6

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Previous Chapter :Love Undefined Chapter 5

Shrey!!! Wait.. Radha bellowed..Shrey is now 1 year old. And he had recently discovered the art of moving around with 2 legs and is quite excited about it. When he had started walking, he takes few steps and then gives everyone a look-even-I-can-walk kinda look. There is now not a place in the house which he hasn't explored. He knows every nook and corner of the house. Not just the place but the things as well. Tarun's cell phone often is taken out from the washing machine whereas the keys somehow find its way to the refrigerator. Laptop is his favourite eating spot. The food and himself take turns on who sits on it.No you cannot fool him with a fake laptop.He knows to differentiate between the original and the duplicate. Radha cannot help but talk about how similar Tarun and Shrey are. Brag rather than talk. She would say that a minimum of 10 times a day. Even though it irritated Priya, she would pretend as if she's least bothered about what Radha says. One thing Priya could never tolerate is the way Radha pampers Shrey, just like the way she did to Tarun.
She had spoke about this to Tarun umpteen times and not once did she get a proper reply. She was afraid that she's gonna burst out someday and that day is not so far as with every passing day, her rage kept rising. This too shall pass, she convinced herself and fell asleep.

The next day dawned. They had a birthday party to attend. She was in no mood to get out of home that day. But again,social gathering are to be attended says Tarun. Hence she dressed up as soon as possible not really bothered about how she looked and they started. Shrey was becoming more and more adamant and Priya couldn't tolerate seeing her kid turning into a brat. But again,Tarun argued telling this is how kids of his age will behave. She found it pointless arguing with him. As they reached the party,everyone else had arrived. There were a group of ladies so busy in their own world . And the men were all busy chit chatting. The kids were busy giggling and playing around with the toys piled up. Shrey recognizing two of his friends, ran towards them and started playing. Radha ran behind him to keep a closer eye on him.No sooner they heard a loud cry. Everyone rushed to the place from where the noise originated. It was Shrey who had pushed another kid for not letting him play. Radha was sitting beside Shrey . Priya burst out on seeing what had happened. Do not make my son like yours,She yelled at Radha, picked up Shrey and left the place.

Their house was filled with nothing but silence that evening.Oblivion to his surrounding, Shrey was happily playing.Sooner everyone went to bed. Priya was lost in thoughts.She felt terrible about the way she shouted at Radha.Tarun was equally pissed that he did not utter a word to Priya. If at all looks could kill, he would have burnt her by now.All Priya could do was cry.She even doubted if this was the guy she had fallen madly in love with. Her only solace were the memories of the past.Those memories kept her sane.She had thought that when people are in love, nothing else mattered but she realized now that when you marry a guy, you marry his family and it is very essential to maintain a cordial relationship with everyone in the family.  No matter what happened, she decided to talk it out the next day and set things right. If only I would be given a second chance,she prayed hard ...


Next Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 7

Love Undefined Chapter 5

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Previous Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 4

Hopefully,she thought... But something told her that things are not gonna get any better. She tried hard to sleep, but she couldn't. When it comes to taking sides between mom and wife, the guy invariably supports his mom.

So much for 8 years of being in love,she shrugged.
Wouldn't you want that when it comes to Shrey? A voice from inside called out. Priya did not have an answer for that.

The voice went on. See this is the problem with you. You want everything to be as you want it to be. Why can't you digest the fact that she's his mom and that is never gonna change. Possessiveness is the sweetest and the most dangerous thing isn't it? she said out loud. That woke Tarun up.
What? He sounded irritated. 
No nothing, she whispered back.
It was obvious that she was disturbed and Tarun did not bother questioning further as he very well knew the reason.
Just go to sleep. You staying up all night and shouting random sentences is not gonna change anything,he said as he switched off the bed side lamp. 
Priya thought to herself, starting tomorrow, I am gonna try to be a better daughter in law. She smiled to herself and she drifted to sleep. 

The next day dawned. She had decided that the first step towards being a good DIL is getting up early.She had decided to get up by 4:30.Fail.It was 5:45 when she got up and Radha was already up.
Okay don't give up now. You can do it,she tried strengthening her determination.
She switched on the light and she took a look at Shrey and Tarun. Look at the way both sleep.Like dad like son , she thought and she scurried to finish all her morning chores and hurried to the kitchen to make some coffee.  
A day just cannot be called one without a cuppa coffee,she sighed.
She thought of draping herself in a Saree. But fail, she had long forgotten the art of wearing one. Her pep talk seem to have no effect with every passing moment. She thought of having a "friendly conversation" with her MIL and she started with a Good morning Ma. Radha smiled and replied back. Silence prevailed. Priya did not know how to proceed and she left the place embarrassed. Fail,fail and fail again, she sighed.
Her next venture was to prepare Radha's favourite food and did a pretty good job messing up with it.  
No wonder, she thought to herself.  
One thing that made her happy is that she managed not to keep a straight face when Radha was with Shrey and trying to boss Priya around. It did irritate her, but she managed to put up a smile on her face.

Meanwhile Radha was noticing the series of strange events happening around. She smirked, it takes a lot more than that to be a good DIL.
Tarun was having a good time watching this from a distance.
For once I get a chance to stay away and enjoy the show,he grinned.  

Days passed and with every passing day,Priya seemed less motivated towards being a good DIL. She was trying hard to keep a check on her temper. Priya knew that no one's at fault.
Its just the differences we have that is keeping us from getting along,she was talking to Tarun. I am clueless about how this works. You have no idea how badly I want this to work and how hard I am trying. Tears started rolling down her cheeks.
Tarun hugged her and spoke, I know Priya. I know how hard it is for you. I have been seeing you try so hard and I know how hard it is to convince my mom let alone satisfy her.Don't push yourself so much. Everything will be fine soon. I will talk to mom about this. Priya continued crying silently. She felt better crying on his shoulders and in no time, she was sound asleep...

(oh wait!!! Where is Shrey?? )

Next Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 6

Love Undefined Chapter 4

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Previous Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 3

Make it soon. We are going to be late to the airport,Radha was shouting at the top of her voice. Ever since Tarun confirmed their visit, Radha could never stop bragging about it. She had been calling up all her relatives and spoke nonstop about how lucky she is to have a son like Tarun. Its a boy, Tarun had said. From that day on, all her dreams were about her not yet born grandchild.He's gonna look exactly like our Tarun, she kept telling her husband. She no more felt insecure about losing her son. 

Are you done yet? The taxi arrived about ten minutes ago and you are still not done. Radha was way too anxious about their travel. This will be the first time she's flying and that mere thought made her nauseous. This will be the first time she's going far away from home . She did not like the idea of leaving home for a duration of 6 months but she thought to herself, anything for my son.

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It took them another one hour to finally reach the airport. Being quite an observer, she kept turning her head 360 degrees and tried to survey the environment. Meanwhile, her husband was taking care of all the pre boarding formalities. And then someone caught her attention. He must be 2-3 years old. He was busy playing with something. It took her few minutes to realize that its an iPad similar to the one Tarun had gifted her. She approached him silently and sat in a seat next to him. He was still engrossed in the game of his. She took a peek. No luck.She could hardly guess what he was doing.

Love Undefined - Chapter 3

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Previous Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 2

Happy birthday ma! It was Tarun on line.He is always the first person to wish her on her birthday and the tradition has never been altered.
Tarun, when are you planning to come to India? Its been 2 years since you got married and you are yet to visit us, Radha sounded excited.Whenever she talks to her son, her first dialogue always remained the same. When are you planning to visit us and Tarun answered with utmost patience every time he was asked that question.
Ma listen, its really hectic here and I am trying my best to get a month off. So please bear with me. I will definitely visit India soon. And did you like me gifts? he asked. 
Oh yeah gifts! Loved them. I never knew you noticed so much about us. He had gifted her an album. A journey till date since the day she got married. Precisely her journey with her husband. I got all overwhelmed when I saw that. And the other gift, well your dad is fiddling with it since morning and he still doesn't know how to operate it.
Ma, its an iPad , Tarun laughed. Since you have trouble using PC, Priya thought this would make things easy for you. Operating it is pretty easy.
Oh let me see. I never get a hang on all these things you know, Radha sighed.
Tarun cut in. Ma, there is something important I have got to tell you. Assume its your additional birthday gift, Tarun blurted out.
And there is more? Radha couldn't control her excitement. Tarun please spill the bean soon and don't keep me guessing, she spoke hastily.
Ma, we had been to the hospital today and the news is that you are gonna become a Grandma soon, Tarun said.

Love Undefined - Chapter 2

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Previous Chapter : Love Undefined Chapter 1

Please don't leave us.... Please.. Please reconsider your----- Radha wake up, Narayan was rattling her violently trying to bring her back to senses. Radha slowly opened her eyes and tears started rolling down her cheeks. It was just a dream, she cried. I am having this same dream ever since he left us, she spoke as she wiped the tears. Narayan who himself was going through an emotional turmoil couldn't find words that would comfort his wife. After a long silence, he spoke. Listen Radha, he might be married, he might be a hundred miles away , but nothing can shake the fact that he's our son. More than anything, I am bothered about your health right now. You have not eaten properly since he got married and you are always having a disturbed sleep. This is definitely not a good sign. Please stop worrying. He was terribly worried. Ever since Tarun got married, she was losing her identity. There have been terrible moments in my life when your smile did wonders, he spoke as he switched on the bedside lamp. Your mere presence makes me feel that there is nothing to be worried about as long as you are there to support me. My pillar of support. The agony that your eyes convey these days is very depressing. My wife who has always been so determined and stayed strong cannot be so vulnerable,he spoke with his eyes fixed on hers.  Venting out definitely eases out the pain, she thought. She was feeling better now. She looked around to see what time it was. The clock struck 4. She was in no mood to go back to sleep. She decided to get up and make some coffee. The day being Sunday, she was way too excited. It was on this day, that she will get to skype with her son. 

Love Undefined ... Chapter 1

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Tarun was all dressed up for the occasion. It was his D-Day. The day when he will be starting his own family with the girl he had been in love with for 8 years now. Being the only son to his parents, he underwent a pampered childhood. Starting from the day he was born, he became the world to his parents. His parents had often narrated their sleepless nights when he was an infant not with regret but with so much happiness. He became their first priority and hence his wishes. They sacrificed every desire of their's just to fulfill his wishes. He is 27 now and is also getting married. But to his parents, he's still their little adorable kid. He joined an engineering college of his choice and then left India for higher studies. After completing his PG, he decided to work there and that became his home. When he broke that news to his parents, they hid their tears behind their smile as all they had ever wanted was for him to be happy.
Radha, can you believe that our son is getting married? It feels like yesterday that he started going to school and now he's getting married. Time flees with the blink of an eye.. Narayan exclaimed..!