The Charade
Everything about her was a lie. The reflection in the mirror seemed to mock her
The anniversary party was in full swing. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves . The music, free flow of liquor and food ensured that the guests were in good spirits. Mohan had made sure to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the party was a success. After all it was not everyday that you celebrate your silver anniversary. Mohan and Maya looked every inch the perfect couple. He held her at the elbow and gently moved among the guests posing for pictures.
Maya felt the beginning of a headache. The music and the constant chatter was causing her head to throb. The constant smiling was causing her cheeks to ache. She excused herself and went into her bedroom. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror.
Everything about her was a lie. The mirror seemed to mock her. Her entire married life of twenty five years seemed to flash in front of her eyes. She was married very young to Mohan-the perfect gentleman. Few weeks into marriage she realised that Mohan was anything but a gentleman. He was a true male chauvinist, patriarchal in his views and Maya couldn’t voice her opinion about anything. She couldn’t question any of his choices. He had married her to have a respectable image in his social and business circles.
The birth of her son followed and she found solace in nurturing him. She was denied any kind of financial freedom and her movements were closely monitored. She couldn’t go anywhere without the driver who reported every detail to Mohan. She felt suffocated and trapped in a loveless marriage. She was a victim of his constant jibes and taunts. His condescending attitude caused her immense pain.
But the charade had continued. To the world she was the lucky one, one who enjoyed all the luxuries of life, one who had a doting husband and one who had no cause to complain.
But only Maya knew everything was a lie. Her marriage, the happy image she portrayed to the society, the perfect family, everything was a lie. The bubbly, vivacious Maya had withered and in her place was a woman who moved around like a robot without any emotions.
Her son had flown abroad for higher studies and she lacked any purpose in life. A lone tear trickled down her cheek as she recalled all the painful memories. The footsteps alerted her of Mohan’s impending arrival and she quickly wiped the tear.
“What are you doing here? The guests are asking for you. Come out and behave yourself” he said through clenched teeth . He tightened his grip on her wrist and led her out beaming while she tried hard not to wince.
And the charade continued.