Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
This is a true account of what happened on my first day in the kitchen after my wedding, when I accidentally almost set fire to it!
The kitchen was that elusive part of the home I seldom ventured into before I got married. My visits were limited to going there to drink water, grab a snack from the cupboard or sometimes to help mom serve food.
Not knowing cooking isn’t something to be proud of, but my parents had always encouraged me to focus on academics, and there never was much opportunity. Pre-medical entrance test preparation followed by 5 years of hostel life left no scope of learning how to cook. I was still pursuing my Masters when I got married.
Back from the honeymoon, finally the day came for my ceremonial kitchen entering ceremony.
Like most households I was to prepare something sweet and in my case the sweet was ‘halwa’. It is a pretty simple recipe which I had already asked my mom and I was quite confident of passing with flying colors. As I merrily roasted the semolina my mum-in-law, well aware of my ‘culinary prowess’ pored over my shoulder and asked if I needed any help.
“No Mummy, don’t worry. I know how to do this. You can relax.” I was so sure of acing the test that I did not want anyone to claim a hand in my success.
“OK beta. Just make sure to hold the kadhai with a cloth as the handles can become quite hot. And call me if you need anything,” she said, stepping out of the kitchen.
I looked around and found a black checkered cloth which could be used for the said purpose. I had a spatula in one hand and held the handle of the pan with the cloth from other. As the kitchen filled with a delicious aroma I could sniff something else too, the smell of something burning. It wasn’t my halwa for sure.
Bam! There it was. One end of the black checkered cloth meant to protect my hand from being burnt was on fire. I shrieked, throwing the cloth as far from me as possible, which landed barely inches away from the gas cylinder.
My mum-in-law rushed inside accompanied by my husband who was also hovering outside in anticipation of some delectable halwa. With the swiftness of a ninja my mum-in-law dropped the wet kitchen towel over the burning cloth, extinguishing the fire and ending the horror. She asked if I was ok, and as I stood transfixed my husband chuckled – “that is an exciting first day in kitchen!”
I don’t know why, but tears rolled down my eyes fearing ‘ill-omen’ and other nonsensical things. My mum-in-law immediately hugged me saying that it was not a big deal and these things happen. She continued, “best part is that you are not hurt; that’s all we want. Next time be careful to fold the cloth and don’t leave the loose end hanging close to the stove.”
I saw my husband smiling reassuringly. That moment inside the kitchen I not only hugged my mum-in-law, I also embraced the idea of having a mother apart from the one who gave birth to me. Maybe the preconceived notion of the quintessential ‘evil’ mother-in-law is not always true. It has been over 7 years since that day and I have learnt so much from my second mom since then, from cooking, managing home to life skills.
So often women are made out to be women’s worst enemy especially in the case of in-laws but that may not be the case always. Now everyone is not as lucky as me but what is important is to keep an open mind with a positive outlook. If we keep our mind closed how will new relationships enter our heart.
Luckily that day ended on a positive note. An accident was averted, and it ended up bringing me much closer to my mother in law.
And yes, the halwa tasted delicious.
Image source: videoblocks
Dentist, writer, corporate healthcare professional. In my earlier avatar, I taught budding dentists and published a book on my subject expertise. A ‘sabbatical’ from work to take care of my super-energetic baby girl reignited read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Neena was the sole caregiver of Amma and though one would think that Amma was dependent on her, Neena felt otherwise.
Neena inhaled the aroma that emanated from the pan and took a deep breath. The aroma of cumin interspersed with butter transported her back to the modest kitchen in her native village. She could picture her father standing in the kitchen wearing his white crisp kurta as he made delectable concoctions for his only daughter.
Neena grew up in a home where both her parents worked together in tandem to keep the house up and running. She had a blissful childhood in her modest two-room house. The house was small but every nook and cranny gave her memories of a lifetime. Neena’s young heart imagined that her life would follow the same cheerful course. But how wrong she was!
When she was sixteen, the catastrophic clutches of destiny snatched away her parents. They passed away in a road accident and Neena was devastated. Relatives thronged her now gloomy house and soon it was decided that she should be married off.
Menopause is a reality in women's lives, so Indian workplaces need to gear up and address women's menopausal needs.
Picture this: A seasoned executive at the peak of her career suddenly grapples with hot flashes and sleep disturbances during important meetings. She also battles mood swings and cognitive changes, affecting her productivity and confidence. Eventually, she resigns from her job.
Fiction? Not really. The scenario above is a reality many women face as they navigate menopause while meeting their work responsibilities.
Menopause is the time when a woman stops menstruating. This natural condition marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The transition brings unique physical, emotional, and psychological changes for women.
Please enter your email address