Deepak interrupted him and said “I am sorry Kamal I fully disagree with you on this. When you can modernise your thoughts everywhere else else why can you change this tradition? Why should she have to eat alone after everyone else finishes? Does she not deserve to be treated with respect”?
Kamal was fumbling for the right words now. Without waiting for his answer, Deepak looked at Sabitri and said “please get your plate Sabitri and grace this table by having lunch with us”. She looked at Kamal still very unsure about what to do or say”.
Kamal softly said “please bring your plate Sabitri and sit with us. We don’t want to upset our guest”. Deepak shot back “wait Kamal, are you doing this only to please me? So after I am gone she will be back to square one”?
Kamal didn’t answer, Deepak said “Kamal is she not your better half”? Kamal nodded yes, Deepak said “if yes then why does she not deserve to be treated equal? Why does she not deserve a seat at this table”? Kamal was again silent.
Deepak got up and pulled a chair signalling Sabitri to come and sit. She simply did it before this situation got any more uncomfortable. Now Deepak picked up the food and began serving her which made her literally jump to her feet.
She quickly took the bowl from him and said “please you don’t have to do this Mr. Deepak, I will manage”. Deepak did not want to push for much change this time so he relented. He went all out like last time appreciating her expert culinary skills.
Today lunch seemed too quiet for comfort so Deepak started discuussing with kamal about his plans for this trip. Sabitri was relieved that the rest of the lunch was peaceful. She also felt very elated being treated with so much respect for the first time and that too in front of her husband Kamal.
Before marriage her mother used to wait on the entire family and then she followed the same after marriage. This was big welcome change in her life. Now she wanted to now see how long this change would last considering Kamal’s habit for doing anything to please others.
After lunch both settled in the verandah continuing their discussion. She cleared everything and went about her housework. After sometime Kamal left to the fields. She dead bolted the main door and gave a mischievous smile to Deepak. She grabbed his collar pulling him inside the house.
Deepak grinned looking at her and asked “so how was your lunch experience today Sabitri”? She playfully patted his chest and said “you didn’t have to do so much drama Deepak. I could have simply had my food after you both finished”.
He held her face firmly and said “I did not do any drama Sabitri. I only got you the importance and respect which you deserve because you are definitely worth it, always remember that”. Sabitri felt weak in her knees because she expected such words to be coming from Kamal and not from an outsider.
She held his face and kissed his lips like her life depended on it. Deepak was surprised despite having kissed so many women because this kiss felt different…felt very special…felt very wanted… Sabitri looked deep into his eyes for a few moments.