Tia's Thread - Boundaries!!!

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder, Gauri will open the thread next Thursday, Aug 3rd, Friday, Aug 4th and Monday, Aug 7th. So please join me to give her a huge thanks and squishy hugs.

I will be back on Tuesday, Aug 8th. 

Thanks

T


Ever since the first marriage of Bhaiya and Sonakshi, I had talked about boundaries. 

Those of you who had been reading my writing from that time might recall that I had said then, every relationship has its boundaries and limitations. When people start to cross that, they not only take over the space of other relationships, but also suffocate the current relationship.

At that time, I had meant it for Ishwari who crossed over the boundary of a mother's relationship with her son and started to take over a wife's relationship with her husband. We all know how Bhaiya was floundering trying to be a son and a husband. The reason of that is Bhaiya didn't set the boundary for his mother and let her go as far as she wanted which ended up with his marriage in shambles.

Today I am saying this for Bhaiya. Because just like Ishwari in season one, Bhaiya also doesn't understand the concept of boundary (May be that's why Ishwari's crossing her boundaries didn't bother him as much as it should have). He thinks (just like Ishwari in season one), just because he loves, that gives him the right to take over someone else's life and operate it as he sees fit.

Are you seeing the similarity? I can bet you that he is going to repeat the same with Soha if he is not taught otherwise.

Now, Ishwari has finally learned her lesson. But Bhaiya is yet to learn it. 

After her epiphany (however might it have come about), Ishwari is making conscious effort to give space. She is keeping herself busy in other interests so that she doesn't make the same mistakes again.

Bhaiya hasn't had the same epiphany because Sonakshi hasn't set the boundary and a consequences. 

So far, Sonakshi was either talking in a vague manner or talking about everything except the exact problem or just giving in to his demand or ignoring the problem. 

Here's the deal though. Bhaiya doesn't get vague terms. For him, everything is black and white. And if he can cajole/steamroll/gently but persistently hammer his way in, then he would.

What he needs is for Sonakshi to speak straight without defending/justifying her needs for professional and personal space just because he doesn't need it (she needs it and that's enough. Her life, her choice. If he doesn't need space, then that's onto him), stand her ground and refuse to budge regardless what Bhaiya comes up with and not at any cost let her personal choice be equated to lack of love on her part. 

If Bhaiya thinks that her having a personal choice and needs means she doesn't love him, then he needs to decide what according to him love is. It's certainly isn't blind following without exercising one's brains and personal choices.

Unfortunately, Sonakshi is doing exactly what she did in season one. She is burying her anger/frustration with occasional ranting session to let go off the steam and pretending that everything is fine when it's not, until the water gets over her head and she can't take it any longer.

Looks like, it's not only Bhaiya who learned absolutely nothing from their past.



EPISODE: The episode starts with Bhaiya sitting with some dudes and planning Sona's cabin/home office. 

Me: Soon to be followed by Sonakshi planning Bhaiya's funeral... from home of course.


Ishwari brings water and tells them that she also got tea for them.

Bhaiya thanks her.

Ishwari asks: You have discussed this with Sonakshi naa? She knows about all this naa?

Bhaiya: Maa, all these are for her own good. And if she doesn't get it, I don't know how to make her understand. I think once all this is ready, she will be so comfortable here, she won't want to go out to work. She will also be able to spend more time with Soha.

Ishwari nods with a fake smile hesitantly.

Me: Even Ishwari knows Sonakshi better than Bhaiya. Bhaiya is going to get Sonakshi's piece of mind shortly.


Sonakshi comes there wondering what is going on.

Bhaiya says: Sonakshi is also here. Come, Sonakshi.

Ishwari looks worried.

Bhaiya obviously never learned to read body language or never bothered about it. He just continues on: These people are here to design your home office. I am thinking of calling your team. The basic structure should be finalised today. 

Sonakshi looks at Ishwari who knows Sonakshi's body language better. So she scooted quickly from firing range.

Me: Smart lady. Now Bhaiya is the only target. I mean even my occasionally clueless husband can tell when I am mad, but Bhaiya? No sirree... 

Bhaiya, get those people to design your plaque too which will be over your tombstone. If looks could kill, you'd be right now six feet under.


Sonakshi says: Dev, I am getting late for meeting.

Me: No no no. Holy shit. This is exactly why you get pushed around so much. Stop giving bullshit excuses and speak it straight.

"I don't want to make my home into an office." Period. Discussion done. You are not leaving now because you are getting late, you just don't want to use a home office. 

With that statement, you convinced Bhaiya that you are totally on board with the idea but only because you are getting late, you are going out. But otherwise, the plan is good to go.

Good Lord, idiot Sonakshi is back again. 


Bhaiya: But Sonakshi, this is also important no? Just check these designs, then go.

Sonakshi says to the dudes: Guys, Dev and I want to decide something. There is no work here so you guys can leave.

They leave.

Bhaiya asks: What is this Sonakshi?

Sonakshi says: Who said that I want a home office? I am not fighting or arguing with you, it doesn't mean that whatever you feel like you can continue to do it.

Me: What? You frigging moron, that's exactly what it means. Silence can be taken as affirmative or negative. But people tend to take silence as whichever way benefits them.

Like when you don't want to do something, you say clearly - NO.

When you don't want to be forced/pushed into something which makes you uncomfortable, you clearly say - NO.

When you are not at all on board with a plan, you say clearly - NO.

No is a statement which only interprets in one way, silence can be misinterpreted. Bhaiya is taking it for granted that your silence means you agree. 

And why won't he? He wants you to agree. 

So if you really want this to stop for once and for all, then clearly say no and if necessary fight/argue.

Silence has never solved any issue ever!!! And for that matter, why are you silent anyway? 


Bhaiya: You don't have time to do all this, so I am doing this.

Sonakshi: But who told you to do this? Last night we talked about this. You had no answer for my questions. Then why are we still talking about this?

Bhaiya: I have answer to your questions. You were right. Soha is both of our responsibilities. So from now on we both will work from home.

Sonakshi: You know what? You are forcing your ideas on me. Whatever is coming into your head, you are doing them? I can't work tied up like this.

Bhaiya: Tied up? You feel tied up with me? You will work from your cabin and I will work from mine. It won't be any problem. My care, my love - you think is tying you up? 

Ishwari comes there.

Bhaiya: I never felt like that. You think I am being stubborn naa? Once second, I will ask Maa. 

Me: What? Oh so should Sonakshi also ask her dad what he thinks about your solutions, Bhaiya? Would you be happy if she does?


Ishwari gets "oh shit" expression.

Me: I totally get you, Ishwari. So be smart like my mother-in-law and just say that they should sort out their problem on their own. 


Bhaiya: Maa, from childhood you never let me get far away from your sight, kept me with you, does it call being tied up? I never felt tied up.

Sonakshi: Dev, don't bring Maa between us.

Bhaiya: One second. You tell me naa, Maa. Keeping your own close to you, protecting them from all harm, is it anything to do with force? Tell me naa, Maa.

Me: Wow, Bhaiya found a totally "unbiased" person to validate his actions - his mother who used to be similar personality and totally adores her son.

So how about Sonakshi also goes and verifies your action with another "unbiased" person like Bijoy Bose?

By the way, Bhaiya, everything you are saying, like keeping your own close to you, protecting them from all harm etc.? That's exactly Bijoy had done. But then you used to call him names and accused him of being wrong. 

At least he never locked Sonakshi up in his house to protect her from you. So I guess you are worse than Bijoy Bose, huh?


Ishwari stammers to Sonakshi: Sonakshi, beta, Dev... I mean... You two were away from each other for so long naa? That's why Dev wants to keep you close.

Sonakshi looks at Bhaiya, Bhaiya looks at Sonakshi.

Sonakshi gets a call and says that she is coming there.

Then she tells Bhaiya: Dev, I know that your intention isn't wrong and you are doing all this thinking about me. But it's your love. I want to keep my personal life away from my professional life. I can't work from home like this. Our love, our relationship is in one place and my professional life is in another. So I am clearly telling you, I can't work like this.

Sonakshi leaves. Ishwari isn't happy that Sonakshi didn't jump when her son said so.

Bhaiya calls after Sonakshi. And then he says: She isn't getting it. But she will get it. But office will be made here and I am not changing my decision.

Ishwari is now worried about Bhaiya.

Me: Ishwari, you should have never spoken between husband and wife. It's not your place no matter how much Bhaiya drags you in. Just stay out of it regardless who comes to you to whine. Only this morning I wrote that you have learned your lesson. But the problem is that you and Bhaiya keep forgetting them so soon.

And Bhaiya, it doesn't matter what you decide. You can't make Sonakshi do anything she doesn't want to do. You want to make a home office? Fine. Sonakshi and her team won't work there. But you have full right to bring your whole team and work from there and even be at Soha's beck and call. Your choice. 

But you have a choice. And Sonakshi should have one too.

Sonakshi, finally you spoke clearly. But too late. You should have spoken the very first time Bhaiya crossed the line between your profession and personal life. Now he is out of control because you have only said the words, you didn't outline the consequences.

For example, if a parent tells a kid to not touch something and they don't tell them what will happen if they do, the kid might push it just to find out the consequences. And even after touching something or crossing the line, he gets no consequences, then he will push it farther next time.

You have to set a consequence here. You have to tell Bhaiya what will happen if he ever dares to repeat the same thing and if he does, you will have to follow through with the threat.

But unfortunately, you have already made so many wrong decisions for him, that you really have nailed your fate shut. So I guess, you will just have to suck it up.

That's why I had said, don't rush into something you are not prepared for just because people said so. But you did exactly it, again.


Nikki and Riya are in the dining table. Ishwari is feeding them.

Nikki says: Riya, I can't believe we are not going to watch Ranveer's movie.

Riya: I would have come. But you know naa Ranveer's aunt, Arohi. Where can I leave her, tell me.

Ishwari says: Arre, with her grandmother? I am there naa to take care of her? I am also working from home (says it in English) today.

Riya and Nikki say together: Oh ho... 

Ishwari says: Yes, that's what they call working from home. You are pulling my leg?

Nikki: By the way, this turning the home into office idea is going to make the home look like Ironman's den.

Riya says: I think it's Dev bhai's idea and I am sure Bhabhi is not going to like this. By the way, Maa? Bhaiya has discussed this with Bhabhi naa?

Ishwari feels awkward.

Nikki: Now, when Dev Bhaiya gets something in his head, then that's that. Then no one can do anything. And I think that Bhabhi should also understand Bhaiya's point of view.

Ishwari feels encouraged: Yes, totally. Dev loves Sonakshi.

Nikki: Exactly. Now Bhaiya is doing something with love, then Bhabhi should be fine with it naa?

Riya: Look Nikki, the point can be right from any angle. But that doesn't mean we can do whatever we want.

Ishwari feels worried.

Me: Nikki's immaturity (and partiality) is showing. When Bhaiya ordered her to come home, I didn't see her packing her bag thinking Bhaiya loves her so she should think from his point of view? Then she claimed her right to live her life on her terms.

But just like Ishwari, since Bhaiya is their relative, they expect Sonakshi to just be fine with his plan because he is using "lau" as an excuse.

Riya, on the other hand, is a married woman. She knows that a husband wife can only take a decision after they both talk about it and agree on it. So her question was if Bhaiya has discussed it with Sonakshi. I have felt that Riya has grown in terms of maturity the most among all Dixits in seven years.

I had seen it when she understood her fault and forgave Bhaiya before anyone had to make her understand, I saw it when she was sensitive to not tattle tale on Nikki's live-in arrangement, and I again saw it today when she understood Sonakshi's condition, again without anyone pointing it out to her.

Her intuition about her loved ones and human emotions are one of the things I like about her. Kabir is a lucky man.


In the school, Golu's friend asks him to play. He shakes his head.

Vicky is watching him from behind a wall.

Me: I hadn't seen Vicky around Golu except to shoo him away or to shout at him, now that he was kicked out, suddenly he is all over Golu. I don't trust him an inch. He is an user and users don't change this easily. Specially when they don't even understand where they went wrong.


The friend leaves. Golu is still sitting there sad. Then he sees Vicky.

Vicky asks: How are you?

Golu asks: Why did you come here?

Vicky says: I came to meet you. You aren't happy to see Papa? You didn't once think about your Papa?

Golu looks sad.

Vicky asks: What happened, Golu? Did anyone say anything? Did teacher scold you? Tell me naa?

Golu shakes his head. He asks: Papa, why are you sad?

Vicky says: Beta, you aren't talking to me naa? That's why I am sad.

Golu says: You don't look good when you are sad.

Vicky asks: Then when do I look good?

Golu says: When you are angry, you look good.

Vicky smiles and hugs him.

Vicky cries: Papa has made a lot of mistakes, beta. I am really sorry for that Golu. Please forgive me. Whatever happened, I will fix everything.

Golu: But what happened, Papa?

Vicky: You just remember that Papa loves you a lot and whatever he does, he will do them right. I promise. 

He kisses Golu's forehead.

Golu is looking at him confused: Will you play with me?

Vicky says: Whenever you say it, I will play with you.

Golu says: Then why don't you come home?

Vicky says: I will come home very soon. Until then, I will come to meet you at school. Okay? Now you are getting late. Go to your class. Papa will come to meet you after school.

Golu leaves from there.

Me: I don't trust Vicky at all. Until now, he never found any reason to ever pay attention to Golu, but suddenly the moment he is out of the home and business, his love is bubbling over? Isn't it kind of like a cat turning into vegetarian the moment rat supply is low?


Ishwari is working at home. Mamaji comes there.

He asks: Ishwari, you didn't go to office today? Are you feeling okay?

Ishwari says: I am fine, Bhaiya. We also have work from home facility at my work. So I thought I will work from home. It's good naa?

Mamaji says: Yes, it's very good. I think you should take advantage of this facility. It's very important to take care of own health along with work. All these running around every day is too stressful. I think at least two-three days one should work from home.

Me: Lo bolo. Nikamma chala hain lecture dene aur woh bhi kaam ke mamle mein. Yeh kuch aisa nehin ho gaya jaise Vicky Elena ko loyalty pe lecture de raha tha? 

Waise ek baat hain, iss ghar ke saare ladke apne apne maa-baap pe hi gaye hain. 

(Go figure. Useless creature giving lecture on work. Is it not like Vicky giving lecture on loyalty to Elena?

For that matter, every boy of this home has taken after their mom/dad)


Ishwari smiles and agrees.

Mamaji asks: Okay tell me one thing. Is the matter of Sonakshi working from home a good idea? Will she be happy with it?

Ishwari says: Sonakshi is his life partner, Bhaiya. He can do anything for her.

Mamaji says: Life partner. Someone who walks shoulder to shoulder with her husband, his spouse. Yes, right?

Ishwari says: Yes, so?

Mamaji says: There are some difference in mother and son's love and husband and wife's love naa, Kachori?

Ishwari says: Bhaiya, why are you saying this? Dev is doing this for Sonakshi's comfort and to take care of her.

Mamaji says: Look, Ishwari. You are again thinking like Dev's mother. Think like Sonakshi's mother once. Think about the daughter whose every right, every decision is given to someone else to take, then will she be happy? Dev's this crazed love, might push Sonakshi away from him. Think about it.

Ishwari thinks.

Me: Mamaji spoke on point. But Ishwari, here's another point you have to consider.

It's having a choice. Today, you are working from home. You made the decision for whatever reason and you got the freedom to do so. Similarly, when Sonakshi has to work from home, she does.

But if you are forced to work from home even if you wanted to go to work? Will this work from home seem an option or a forced decision. Will you like this advantage equally then if this is forced on you?

That's exactly it. Bhaiya has no right to make decision on both of their behalf. Only one person has the right to make this decision and it's Sonakshi.

Sonakshi has raised Soha just fine being a working woman. If you and Bhaiya are truly concerned about Soha, well both of you work from home and take care of her. Your choice.

Sonakshi doesn't want to do it. She is ambitious. So she should be allowed to pursue her success as she wants. 

She has never neglected Soha. In fact she did a far better job raising Soha before Bhaiya than she did since Bhaiya came back in her life.

So if she comes to the conclusion after finding out what is Soha upto that it's better for Soha if they get separated and doesn't let Bhaiya any say in that decision, will that be acceptable to Bhaiya even Soha's sake?


Soha comes to Golu and asks: Golu, why didn't you tell me that Chachu has come?

Golu says: When you are free from your books, then I could tell you naa?

Just then Vicky calls Golu's name.

Golu goes running to Vicky: Papa....

Vicky smiles and hugs him: Come, my son. Come on. Now what happened in school today?

Golu says: Today we watched movie.

Vicky: Very nice.

Soha says: Hi Chachu.

Vicky says: Hi, you don't have any pain now naa?

Soha says: No. Now I am completely alright. Dadi gave me turmeric milk and Mummy Papa gave me a lot of kisses.

Vicky says: Wow, very good. Now you will get better soon. 

Soha says: Chachu, thank you.

Soha kisses Vicky.

Vicky is happy (or looks that way): Arre, why thank you?

Soha says: You came there before anyone else.

Vicky pinches Soha's cheeks.

Golu says: Superman's dad is also superman naa?

Me: No Golu. Wrong example. In your case, it's more like Superman's dad is Darth Vader. Who only showed up when it's time to take over the kingdom. 


Vicky agrees: Yes, totally. There's no need to thank me. I don't stay at home. But that doesn't mean that I am not your Chachu. I am still your uncle.

Me: Sure... When you were at home, the uncle was nowhere to be seen. When you were planning to bankrupt her dad, you were not thinking of your niece. Heck, you weren't even thinking of your son when looting his education fund. Suddenly unclehood and fatherhood are boiling on hot burner together? Highly suspicious!!!


Golu says: Let's talk about this later. Now we have to go to the game parlour.

Vicky agrees.

Golu says: Yes, and Soha will also come with us.

Vicky looks at Soha. Soha looks at him.

Vicky says to Golu: But Golu, if your BigCha come to know, then...

Golu says: BigCha won't say anything. Soha is also coming with us. In fact BigCha will be happy. The rest we two will manage. Isn't it, Soha?

He winks and flashes thumbs up to Soha.

Soha smiles. She says: Yes, Chachu. We will manage everything.

Vicky agrees.

Me: Golu is steadily turning into a bad influence on Soha. But then it's all Bhaiya's doing. If he had been a good influence on Golu and taught him well, today his own daughter won't have been being misguided by the same person. What goes around comes around.


Sonakshi finishes her meeting. She tells her client: Thank you so much.

The client says: It's okay. We also wanted to see your office.

Sonakshi smiles and goes back to her desk.

Her colleague comes there with a file.

Sonakshi asks: When is the next meeting?

The girl says: You have no meeting scheduled in the office.

Sonakshi gets confused. She asks: What? Meetings are lined up for today.

The girl says: Yes, you have meetings but the location has been shifted to your home.

Sonakshi says: At my home? 

She gets angry.

Just then she gets a call.

She picks up the phone and it's Bhaiya.

Bhaiya: Sonakshi, where are you? Clients are waiting for you. I have arranged all your meetings at home.

Sonakshi: Dev, but...

Bhaiya: You stay at office all day. You will stay at home. You won't have any tension or stress. Come on, you come home soon. People are waiting for you at home.

Sonakshi keeps calling his name. Bhaiya hangs up the phone.

Ishwari sees Bhaiya from the door of his room with a worried expression.

Me: Because Ishwari knows Sonakshi. If she could not bulldoze Sonakshi in season one, then Bhaiya will not be able to either.

Now, Sonakshi. Do you recall what I wrote about bulldozer personalities also known as type A?

Do you know 90% of CEOs, negotiators, politicians, leaders etc are all type A personalities? Now guess why?

Any job that requires people with aggressive personalities attract type A. Bhaiya is type A.

And do you know how you deal with type A? Specially if you are generally easy going B, analytical/practical C or non-conformist/non-confrontational D? You stand your ground and don't let them take even an inch specially on things that matter to you.

Because trust me on this and I am speaking for experience, if you give type A an inch, they will immediately start negotiating on a mile. Unfortunately, you have already given him half a mile of head start. Now pushing him back in his boundary is going to be very difficult for you.


Sonakshi is angry. She tells her colleague: Reschedule all my meetings to my office right now.

The colleague says: But ma'am.

Sonakshi says: There will be no meeting at my home. Do it now.

The colleague says: But ma'am, we have sent letters with changed address to all our clients and it also says that all meetings will be at your home.

Sonakshi is frustrated. She says: Who is your boss? You sent letters to my client without asking me. I pay your salary. You only should follow my orders. Do you get that? Reschedule every meeting, right now. My word should be the last word. Do it now.

The girl says: Okay ma'am.

Me: Sonakshi, stop blaming your stuff. The reason you lost credibility in their eyes is also your doing. Do you recall the day when Bhaiya came to your office, snatched away your phone in front of your stuff and gave them a day off without discussing it with you to play fake pregnancy on working hours and you said nothing?

Yes, that's the day you established to your stuff that from now on whatever your husband says, goes in your office.

Had you threw him out and told them that no matter what anyone says, they should only follow your orders, then today they won't be thinking of your husband as their new boss. 

So it's not their fault, Sonakshi. It's yours. Not only that, along with your stuff, you have also lost your professional credibility in front of your clients thanks to your inability to stand your ground and draw boundaries between your personal and professional life. 

At that time, Bhaiya's act might have appeared romantic to you, but today that romance was too high a price to pay, isn't it? 

I had said at that time too (feel free to check the post of that day), that there was no need to play fake pregnancy on working time. All these could have been done when you came home or take a vacation and romance. 

Don't blame your stuff if they think you are now the little woman under Bhaiya's thumb when you gave them exactly that impression by not keeping Bhaiya out of your work life.


Golu and Soha come home talking. Golu brags: No one can beat me in this.

Soha denies.

Ishwari comes running: Golu, Soha... What took you so long? You should have been home an hour ago. Tell me where were you?

Me: The kids were late for one hour and Bhaiya was at home. But what good did it do? Did he call the school to find out where are his kids? Did he call the driver to find out if he has picked up the kids? Did he do anything at all to know whether the kids had been kidnapped? 

No. He is more interested to keep an eye on his adult wife than find out the whereabouts of the kids who are actually children.

So fat good working from home did for him.


The kids look at each other.

Ishwari asks again.

Soha says: Dadi, we had extra class so we got late.

Ishwari says: Really? Well, the school should inform us naa.

Golu says: Yes, Dadi. We have test from next week. So extra class for that.

Ishwari says: Okay. Then tell me what did you learn in extra class?

Soha gets confused being a novice in lying: In extra class, we....

Golu, being the champion in lying says: Multiplication, Dadi. We multiplied this big no. (He waves his hands) We did this and that and learned how to multiply them. Suhana finished them very fast and gave it to teacher.

Ishwari: Really? Suhana is a smart child. But Suhana, did Golu also did good?

Suhana says: Yes, Dadi. Golu also did his study well.

Golu: But I did everything wrong. I have to practice some more. Suhana, will you help me?

He winks.

Suhana agrees.

Golu says: Shall we go, Dadi?

Ishwari nods.

The kids run.

Ishwari wonders: Strange, today the kids didn't ask for food the moment they come in.

She thinks.


Me: Golu has such long term experience in lying that he knows two main ingrediants of lies - 1. Add some truth which is believable (Suhana is the smart kid, and Golu is not) and 2. Use vague terms to confuse the rest (waving hands to multiply).

Had Golu claimed that he did all maths right, then it would not only sound suspicious but also he must be asked to prove it. But no one will doubt if Suhana does everything well. Had Golu was taught to use his brain in right things instead of formulating how to get out of the mess after doing something wrong, he would have been better than even Suhana because he has presence of mind and is resourceful - two things you must have to be successful.

But no worries. Suhana is a fast learner. She might be novice now, but she is learning fast.


At Bose house, Ronita stands on the weighing scale.

She cries looking at weight.

Asha says: Ronita, you shouldn't check your weight so frequently honey.

Ronita says: Look Maa, my weight already increased three kgs.

Asha says: But weight increases in pregnancy.

Ronita says: But this way? If now I am already three kgs over, then what will happen at the time of delivery? I was never skinny. But Maa, look I will be the heaviest in this house, even more than Saurabh. And I will be as big as hot air balloon. No no no.

Saurabh and Bijoy come there.

Saurabh says: You won't be like a hot air balloon. Don't take tension. No matter what, I will be the heaviest in this house.

Ronita asks: How?

Asha says: If he continues to eat like this, then he will be the heaviest naa?

Saurabh says: Maa, you don't know. We saw her checking her weight, so we thought that we will both put on our weight with her.

Bijoy agrees: Yes.

Asha is confused: Means?

Saurabh says: If we both put on weight, Ronita will feel better naa?

Ronita says: Oh Saurabh, how cute of you. 

Saurabh says: Really? 

Ronita says: Really.

Bijoy says: Didn't you hear? We have to help Ronita. Come on, eat.

Asha says: Me too?

Bijoy says: Yes, we all have to put on weight. 

Ronita says: Maa, don't you love me? 

Asha eats reluctantly: My whole family is mad.

Everyone laughs.

Me: Never heard such outlandish idea. Ronita is pregnant so she is gaining weight, so let's give cholesterol and heart attack to every one. The least they could do is use the app Sonakshi developed. But no, who thinks logically here?


Soha is writing something. Golu comes there and asks what is she doing?

Soha tries to hide it: Nothing, Golu.

Golu says: No, you have to tell me.

Soha tries to keep it away, but Golu gets the diary. 

Soha says: But Golu, you have to promise that you won't read it.

Golu obviously ignores her and reads it. Soha wrote about all the lies she told.

Golu laughs: Why did you write all this?

Soha: So that whatever lies I told, I can remember them.

Golu asks: Why do you have to remember them?

Soha says: So that I can apologise for them later. 

Me: Her mother's upbringing is shining through the zeal to impress her father through Golu's "cool" acts. So Soha is feeling prick of conscience. I am glad. I thought she might have left her conscience in Bose house. 

By the way, Soha, you grew up in Kolkata. That means, you learned Bengali writing. Next time, if you don't want anyone to read what you wrote, write in Bengali.


Golu tears the page from the diary.

Soha asks: Golu, what are you doing?

Golu says: You mad girl. You should not take such a big risk. If we tell a lie to someone, it becomes the truth. You don't note down anything from now on, please.

Soha: It's wrong naa, Golu.

Golu: BigCha himself said that we should handle our problem ourselves. BigCha said means topic is closed. I say so many lies. But nothing happens. We are young naa. And young children's lies become truth. You don't take tension, Suhana. I am with you naa.

Me: So everyone has been brainwashed to believe that what Bhaiya says, goes. 

If Golu had told the same lie about someone else, Suhana would have confirmed this with her mother. But since it's her dad and both her parents have convinced her that Bhaiya can do no wrong, he is super hero, so what a mere mortal mother's teachings in front of the supreme presence of her father?

Golu can say whatever using Bhaiya's name and Suhana will believe it. Because he spoke one truth that he speaks so many lies, but nothing happens to him (all thanks to Bhaiya's indulgence and spoiling). And this truth is convincing Suhana that Bhaiya must support lies if Golu never faced any consequences. 

Bhaiya, who would have thought that this is how you will pay for your behaviour with Golu.

That's why I said, Bhaiya is an indulgent uncle who spoils the kid and then dumps them on the parents. But Bhaiya is not a father yet.


Sonakshi comes home fuming. Bhaiya grabs her hand. 

Sonakshi turns and starts her blast: In my office, you...

Bhaiya interrupts her and says in a romantic voice: I was thinking how you will look when you will shout at him with your cheeks red in anger. Let me tell you Miss Bose. It's beautiful.

Sonakshi's tone drops several decibel since a few thousands of her brain cells also died instant death as they usually do when Bhaiya uses his trademark romantic voice: Dev, please...

Me: And this is why you keep speaking, Bhaiya keeps ignoring and you keep finding yourself in the same or worse situation over and over again.

Easiest way to defuse an opponent is distracting their attention from the main topic. Anyone who studied business and negotiation knows it.

And if you really have no clue, check out how Trump is using health care and other random idiotic acts to distract voters from possible Russian influence in his winning the election. 


Bhaiya: That's what I am saying. Please at least give your anger a break sometimes. Actually I have something even more important to tell you. Later, I want to say sorry. I am sorry. I am very bad husband. I can't even take care of my wife. Her hair has got so long. It took me such a long time to notice. I am a very bad husband, isn't it Miss Bose?

Sonakshi: Mrs. Dixit.

Me: Mission distraction and defuse - Successful!!!


Bhaiya: Look, I get ready everyday and go out. But I never noticed what's in your wardrobe.

Sonakshi: What are you trying to say?

Bhaiya: What I am trying to say isn't important. What I am trying to do is important.

Sonakshi: But Dev...

Bhaiya puts his finger on her mouth: Shhh... But, why, how - it's not time for that. Now it's time to take care of you.

He closes her eyes and takes her to their room.

Sonakshi protests: Dev, it's enough. Stop.

Bhaiya opens her eyes in their room and says: Surprise.

Sonakshi opens her eyes to see a mini shopping mall in the room.

She is surprised.

She is happy (and completely distracted from the main point): Dev, who did this? Who brought all this?

Bhaiya: Now who brought what is hard to decide. But I can tell this much that Delhi's best designers designed these dresses and you can say that right now, the whole of Delhi is in your room.

Sonakshi: But Dev...

Bhaiya again interrupts: Before you give me credit for all these, let me tell you that I was not the only soldier in this mission. I had a lot of help in this. Your mother, my mother - both of our families helped me to put all these together. 

Sonakshi: Everyone?

Bhaiya: Yes, now who can decide what's best for you, more than us?

Me: Ummmm... Sonakshi. She can decide what's best for her better than the rest of you put together. I think you are forgetting that she is a adult human being with a functioning brain.

Bhaiya: Now look. Suhana chose this dress. Golu also chose a dress, but I said no to that. 

Sonakshi feels uncomfortable.

Bhaiya: Your whole shopping has reached your room but your smile didn't reach your face. What is it? Didn't you like these outfits?

Sonakshi stammers: It's not that, Dev.

Me (Facepalming): Good Lord, Sonakshi. This is why every single time you get into the exact same situation where you don't want to be. 

Time to bring smart Sonakshi. 

Smart Sonakshi: Dev, I didn't want my shopping to come to my room (First statement is the main point so that Bhaiya can't interrupt again. Think about the rules of writing an official complaint letter from English Lit class). I don't want anyone else to bring the designer's clothing to me. I personally like to choose my outfits. But don't worry, tomorrow I will personally go to the designers and return the clothes I don't want to keep.

If Bhaiya says: But I can arrange to have them sent back.

Smart Sonakshi: But you can't arrange to pick what I'd rather have. I'd rather go personally. And speaking of doing things on my own, I'd appreciate if you don't give my office stuff any further instructions. I have let them know to not follow any instructions from you without approval from me. 

See how easy it is to handle this diversion trick? I know this because I live with an A type personality.


Bhaiya: It's not then... One second. 

He picks a dress: This dress. Come on, hold it.

He puts the dress on Sonakshi: I wish you could see how beautiful you are. You don't believe me? See for yourself.

He turns Sonakshi to the mirror: Today you will wear this dress.

He leaves and Sonakshi keeps looking in the mirror like a dumb Barbie holding the dress Bhaiya selected.

Me: You know what? Bhaiya's problem won't have escalated from crazy harmless to freaky creepy if Sonakshi was smart. But because she is the moron and basically gets dumb when Bhaiya casts romantic gaze on her, she is always in the same tight situation she is trying to get out off. No wonder her colleagues think that she lost her brain and ability to make sound judgement since she got back together with Bhaiya.

I mean just look at her. She came to say something about her profession. But the moment Bhaiya got romantic, it went out of her head and now she is holding the dress and is thinking how the hell did I get here.

IDIOT!!!


PRECAP: Sonakshi tells Bhaiya (she is wearing the dress by the way): You love Maa, and she loves you. There must be some difference between that love and our love, naa?

Me (*SNORT*): You think?

Sonakshi: I, for whatever reason, am different. Our relationship can't be your and Maa's relationship.

Bhaiya looks frustrated. He looks up and sees Ishwari standing there.

They both get shocked.

Me: I seriously don't get these two. They are talking in normal voice in the living room. Yes, in the frigging living room. And they get shocked seeing someone (anyone) overheard their conversation. WTF!!!

And seriously, if I were Sonakshi, I will show Bhaiya live demonstration of difference between mother and son relationship and wife and husband relationship starting from moving out of Bhaiya's room (because no mother sleeps with adult son), cutting off all romance (because that is incest) and basically treating him like a toddler as he wants to be treated.

He wanted mother from wife? Well, he is going to get it.

But then I have brains and Sonakshi doesn't. That's why I am never trapped in any situation where I don't want to be and she is. Every.damn.time!!!


NO RULES!!! YAY!!!