Write your guide to setting healthy boundaries in relationships.
Himesh and Manika had a good going at their blossoming relationship. The exchange of words, the meetings, the moments of affection all felt like being at the right place.
Although everyone said it was too soon, Himesh felt marriage made sense. Thus, the process of convincing parents, them meeting and the eventual marriage took place in presence of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Everyone wished for their happiness as everyone mostly does. Things were not fine from the beginning and that’s something Himesh did not realise at first.
Himesh and Manika bought a new apartment, one that was near their parents’ house. Manika had a younger brother while Himesh had a younger sister.
The whole point of buying and living in a new apartment was to have the time and space to grow into a life of togetherness. But Himesh was often busy attending to Manika’s parents’ requests. Anywhere they needed to go and anything they needed to be done, Himesh was expected to be present. They usually timed it when Himesh got home from work.
Apparently, Manika’s brother, in whose employment Himesh had helped, was too busy with his job and had no time, even though he had the time to go around with his friends and on frequent road trips.
Himesh did not mind eventually, it was after all being the part of the family. Then things took a turn towards a road of realisation.
Himesh’s mother had a knee replacement surgery, and despite his younger sister being there, Himesh made sure he fulfilled his responsibilities. But there was a problem on the other front, things were becoming upsetting with Himesh not being available. Himesh even began to notice the change in Manika’s behaviour.
Himesh did realise what was happening yet he kept quiet about it and started devoting more time to his own parents instead. The sour part of the conversation started when Manika started pointing out the flaws in Himesh’s parents and it reached an alarming conclusion the day Himesh did the same. It was the final chord struck, and Manika walked out to a confused Himesh, who wondered whether this was the time to put a stop to it for good or whether he should stop her from leaving.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 