11 Mother in law

Vivian visited his mom on weekend.

Ira expressed to tag along this time.

She didn't want to visit her alone.

It could very well be like her first meeting.

She remembered, during the engagement when everyone was waiting for the bride, Ira showed up in a charcoal black dress to show her rebellion.

Ira was rude to his Mom. She didn't talk to her.

The next time was even more disrespectful. It was after their marriage Ira called her aunt. His mom said "You can call me Mom"

"I already have a Mom" she had mumbled.

Maybe she heard that!

Maybe she even hates her!

She never felt so anxious...

What should I wear?

What should I take as a gift?

What should I talk?

Ira knew Viv loved his mom a lot.

She now wondered about her.

What kind of person is she? Serious? Funny? Reserved?

Ira wanted to know her and get close to her so

She did a quick online search on the way.

____How to impress mother in law___

1. The gift shouldn't go one way.

2. Accept generosity.

3. Don't compete.

4. Ask for his childhood memories and jokes.

5. Respect her.

After doing a full research it was time for the big test.

Past Ira never visited her place. So it was first time visiting his Mom

While entering the house Ira held Vivian's hand to feel safe. It was hard to imagine the tough impregnable Ira would someday quiver with nervousness on meeting her mother in law.

Immediately upon her arrival inside her eyes fell on a huge photo hanged on the wall. It was their wedding photo.

Ironically her own house didn't have one but his mom placed it so conspicuously.

His mom Tara came to them with a wonderful smile "You have arrived. Come."

"Congratulations. You gave me such a good news. How are you, Ira? "

"Good" she replied.

She tried to remember the list first gift...

"Mom, I bought these for you."

She had a jewellery box. His mom opened it, saw a pair of earrings; a teardrop blue diamond.

His mom looked confused so she explained eagerly "You always wear beautiful earnings. These one here are from Nirvana latest collection Tiara."

Mom still in a daze.

'Oh no did I come across as a pretentious person.' she thought

" I thought you will like them. So I bought this."

"Ha ha" Viv started laughing.

"What are you laughing brat? You told her nothing about me Huh!" his mom scolded him.

Tara took out case she kept on table opened it had the same pair of earrings with a sapphire stone.

"There are just two sets of this design. The blue one was commercial, this one here is made of alexandrite stone It changes colour changes under different lighting conditions. If viewed in daylight, its colour is greenish blue to sapphire. If viewed in incandescent or candlelight its colour changes to pink and red.

This is a gift from me. I designed them for you and named them Tiara. If you have a baby girl I will make a

Tiny one for her too"

Tiara... Tara and Ira

Ira from lifetime knew this exclusive blue diamond was fought for at the auction. It had belonged to a famous celebrity. So she had premeditated to buy them to impress her mother in law.

The turn of events instead leads her dumbfounded.

Vivian was still laughing...

"Stop laughing! At least I have good taste" she said feeling embarrassed as gifting a designer her own design.

"See Mom I have always told you she is like you, not just your Name and taste are similar but look she even scolds me like you!"

"I can't believe you bought it. Now both of the pieces are in the family.

I loved your gift, Ira." Tara said sincerely.

She forgot her list. They talked for hours ignoring Vivian. They've got a lot in common. She got comfortable around Tara helping her around cooking, serving.

When they were doing dishes

Tara advised her "I know you are struggling. Every woman is insecure when pregnant. At least I was when Viv was born his dad was never around. I felt pathetic and complained about carrying the whole burden of pregnancy on my own. I was unsure about the baby. But when I first saw him, heard his heartbeat.

You could say he became my flesh then. All my fears vanished replaced with hope."

"It is a life you both build. You have to be responsible for it. That's what I always tell Viv."