Blow Hot Blow Cold – Story of a “Patriarchal Feminist” – her “Horrible” daughter-in-law – and – her “Darling” daughter

It is very hot in Pune. 

Normally – I don’t like using an Air-Conditioner – I prefer fresh air. 

But – today – while contemplating whether to switch on the Air-Conditioner – I suddenly remembered this story I had written long ago during my lovely Mumbai days...

STORY OF A “PATRIARCHAL FEMINIST” – HER “HORRIBLE” DAUGHTER-IN-LAW – AND – HER “DARLING” DAUGHTER

BLOW HOT BLOW COLD
Humor in Family Life

A Story
By
VIKRAM KARVE

 

Part 1: “HORRIBLE” DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

It was a hot and humid summer afternoon in a sea facing flat on Marine Drive in Mumbai.

A young woman was unable to bear the stifling hot climate.

So – she switched on the Air-Conditioner in the room to cool off a bit.

Her “mother-in-law” came into the room.

As is the case with most “mothers-in-law” – she hated her “daughter-in-law”.

The “mother-in-law” saw her “daughter-in-law” relaxing in cool “air-conditioned” comfort.

The old woman could not tolerate the sight of her daughter-in-law sitting in comfort.

So – the “mother-in-law” shouted at her “daughter-in-law” sarcastically:

“You think you are a Maharani (Empress) or something...? 

Just look at the way you are sitting in such style – with the Air-Conditioner full blast – all for yourself. 

Who is going to pay the huge electricity bill...? 

Your father..?” 

Taken aback by the scolding – the “daughter-in-law” said to her mother-in-law:

“I am feeling hot...” 

On hearing this – the “mother-in-law” shouted at her “daughter-in-law”:

“Hot...? 

You are feeling hot...? 

What do you mean you are feeling hot...? 

It is not at all hot – just open the window – and let the cool sea breeze in...” 

The young “daughter-in-law” moved to open the windows.

The “mother-in-law” looked at the “daughter-in-law” and commanded her:

“Shut off the Air-Conditioner at once. 

You should not unnecessarily put on the Air-Conditioner. 

Electricity costs money. 

Besides – sitting in an Air-Conditioned room is not good for your health. 

You must get used to the climate. 

And – you must learn to adapt with nature...!”

Scared of her “mother-in-law” – the hapless young “daughter-in-law” had no choice but to obey her commands.

The young “daughter-in-law” switched off the Air-Conditioner.

The young woman sat in the hot room – sweating and sweltering in the oppressive heat – cursing her terrible “mother-in-law”.

Part 2: “DARLING” DAUGHTER

Suddenly – the young woman’s sister-in-law (her husband’s sister) arrived on a surprise visit.

Her “mother-in-law” (the old woman) – she was overjoyed to see her “Darling Daughter” – whom she adored.

The old woman could not bear to see her own Darling Daughter “suffering” in the heat.

So – the old woman turned towards her “daughter-in-law” – and she scolded her “daughter-in-law”:

“What are you doing just sitting there...? 

Why have you opened those windows...? 

Can’t you see that hot air is coming in through the open windows...? 

And why is the Air-Conditioner switched off in this oppressive heat...? 

Close the windows immediately – and – switch on the Air-Conditioner at once. 

Do you want my “Delicate Daughter” to suffer a heat-stroke...?”

Then – the old woman turned to her darling daughter.

She stroked her darling daughter’s hair – and she said lovingly to her daughter:

“My poor dear – it is so hot here – and how you suffer in this terrible heat. 

You must take care and protect yourself from the harsh vagaries of nature...!”

Seething inside – but silently complying with her mother-in-law’s instructions – the bewildered “daughter-in-law” said to herself: 

“What a miracle indeed...? 

Wonder of wonders...!!!

Have you ever seen a room with such a “variable climate”...? 

Yes – the same room – where the wind simultaneously “blows hot” and “blows cold” from the same windows.

Ha Ha – a Room with a “Variable Climate” where it is HOT and COLD at the same time...!”

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Updated version of my story BLOW HOT BLOW COLD written many years ago and earlier posted online in my creative writing blogs at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/double-standards-blow-hot-blow-cold_496188_blog and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/04/blow-hot-blow-cold.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/01/can-woman-ever-treat-her-daughter-in.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/11/story-for-patriarchal-feminists-blow.html etc