Cupcakes and Heartbreaks

Chapter 5

Lakeisha

Lakeisha opened her eyes and the room was still dark. The digital clock that Brijesh had gifted her read 5:01 AM. Since it was Saturday she could sleep for some more time. She turned to her left and saw Brijesh’s face. He was sleeping on his stomach with his face turned towards her. He had tucked his palms under his cheeks and the contour of his biceps was competing with the straight line of his jaw for her attention. She ran her fingers delicately through his dark brown hair. She smiled blissfully, moved closer to Brijesh and hugged him. He did not stir. She wondered how lucky she had been to find a husband like Brijesh. Her marriage with Brijesh was an arranged marriage and she had met countless prospective alliances but none of them seemed to strike as the one with whom she could imagine spending her life with. Her relatives constantly gave her all sorts of advice that she shouldn’t be very demanding and that as she grew older it would be impossible to find a decent guy.

She had ignored all their comments as she had decided that she would not compromise on the most important decision of her life to make other people happy. Of course it also helped that her parents were supportive of her decision and never coaxed her into marrying anyone against her will. Her father also advised her to not bow down to societal pressure and to take her time. When she was almost nearing her twenty seventh birthday, Brijesh and his family visited her house and just like that both the families liked each other and the alliance was finalized when Lakeisha also said that she was happy with it. She wanted to have a simple marriage but her father went all out and had a very extravagant wedding and ensured everyone was happy.

She had found it extremely difficult to leave her home where she had spent almost 27 years and move into a new house with new people and adopt a new identity. It was inevitable though. She had missed her parents and her sister terribly. Her husband and in laws were very open minded and did not put any restrictions on her. They treated her like they treated the daughter of the house as much as they could and within three months Lakeisha had started to feel very comfortable in her new home. Although her in laws never asked her to assist in any of the chores or had not laid down any rules, she would start feeling very guilty at times if she indulged too much in herself. She would try to do as many chores as possible and would try to get home early. She had confided in Dheya about this to which Dheya had said: “You are lucky to have found a wonderful husband and in laws. Don’t worry; it must be the initial wedding jitters. As days pass I guess you will feel more comfortable being yourself in your in laws’ house”

Lakeisha waited for that day to come. Her mother-in-law would cook the breakfast every day and Lakeisha would help her by cutting vegetables or preparing coffee. Since her mother-in-law started cooking quite early, Lakeisha had to wake up before her and take bath by the time her mother-in-law had started cooking. She now realized all the things which she had taken for granted at her parents' home. She would get ready for work, come to the dining table and eat the breakfast prepared and served by her mother while talking to her sister and father. Her mother also used to pack her lunch. Sometimes Lakeisha used to feel guilty about the fact that she had never bothered to help her mother prepare breakfast in her house but here she was helping her mother-in-law.

She had called up her mother and apologized for it. Her mother who was ever so sweet told her “Lakeisha all I want is for you to be happy my dear, don’t worry about small things like this”

She was slowly beginning to understand the extent of her mother and father’s love for her once she had started living in her in law’s house. Lakeisha’s mother-in-law and father-in-law were also very loving towards her and treated her like their own daughter. Lakeisha reciprocated their affection and her wedded life blossomed. Her husband showered her with gifts every month on the date when they got married and she would whisper “Thank you God, you are much too kind, much too kind to me. Thank you for everything”

Brijesh opened his eyes and drew Lakeisha closer. She kissed her forehead gently. She smiled at him.

“What were you thinking about?” he asked her.

“Nothing” she replied.

“I could hear the wheels turning in your brain” he touched her temple with his forefinger and traced his finger from her temple over her cheeks and jawline till her chin. He started stroking her cheeks gently with the back of his fingers.

“I was thinking of how lucky I am to have you as my husband” she said.

He chuckled and planted kissed on her cheeks and neck.

“Brijesh I would like to visit my friend Avantika who is in the hospital” she said.

“Ok baby. I will drive you to the hospital” and he continued showering her with his love.