ONE FOR THE MASSES

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My parents had agreed to Bhai’s remarriage (I don’t know if you can call it that since he isn’t officially divorced yet) only for the world. I know they didn’t want to turn into headlines that every family would start talking about soon. They wanted to be the fair parents who thought of the other woman as well. They wanted to show the world that they held themselves accountable. But in the process, no one was punished except Aliza Bhabi. 


The lights dazzled as the evening light faded. The timing was fixed, and preparations were made. It was an intimate ceremony, with only close relatives and friends, counting to less than a hundred of them. Bhabhi’s family did not take part. Everyone inquired about her. Some said they could not understand why she must have a problem when our religion allowed men to have multiple wives if they could afford it. I wondered if they would say the same thing if it happened to them. The ick caught me. I stayed away from most things as much as possible. I tried calling Bhabhi, but she wouldn’t talk. Her parents said she didn’t want to do anything with any of us. At least for now. So, I didn’t try again.




Now, Bhabhi’s place has been replaced by this new lady. Nothing was wrong with her. She was fine, spoke kindly, was straightforward, and was headstrong. But I just couldn’t accept her so well, so soon. Bhai seemed like he was the one who was broken. As If he was disappointed with the way things unfolded. As if it was all an unexpected reaction. I wonder how he isn’t remorseful and where this confidence comes from. But then I look at my parents and the people around me. And then I understood it is all deep-rooted. It hasn’t just sprouted one day all of a sudden. It’s been there in their subconscious mind to normalise such things because, apparently, men can never be wrong in my family.


But in all this chaos, I wonder why this fine young lady must accept this life. Even after knowing that she was cheated of honesty. After being kept in the dark for a long while and even after learning that there is another woman who is wronged. Not that it’s her responsibility anyway. But what would be her story? I wonder. In all the tension, in the chatter batter, I see the blame shifting towards the women in my brother’s life. Some gossiped that the new lady was the reason my brother got swayed. He was lured by a seductress, if I have to quote their words exactly. As if my brother is a newborn who can be lured with candies and as if every woman comes with a manual on how to lure unassuming men. 

 

Someone was even seen blaming Aliza Bhabhi for not keeping my brother excited about their marriage. The willingness was obtained, and the verses were recited. Marriage was done in minutes. The First wife was left behind like she never belonged here. Such is life—women’s life—replaceable and forgotten. In all the chaos, I forgot I had to be at school the next day. It’s the end of my punishment period. I wonder what awaits me there. 



This is a part of Blogchatter A2Z 2025

#penbooksandscalpel

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