Chapter 4: Sheru’s Disappearance

Sheru, our desi dog—protective, energetic, always underfoot—had been caged since my pregnancy. My in-laws worried he’d knock me over. Every time I entered, he’d whine for freedom, making me promise to let him out later.

"Sheru, go!" I commanded, and he shot toward my in-laws like a missile.

He barked, paws thudding on the tiles. The old lady scrambled onto the sofa, stick-thin legs shaking. Her stick clattered to the ground as she struggled with her saree. The sight was almost comic—if it weren’t so satisfying.

"You... you stay away! I’m not afraid! Don’t bite me! Are you all dead? Hurry up! Help!"

She shrieked, waving her arms. The neighbours downstairs must have thought a ghost had entered. My in-laws stood frozen, unsure what to do. For once, the old lady’s fear brought a strange peace.

I gently helped saasu maa up. “Mummy, don’t cry. You’re stronger than you think.” I guided her to the sofa, dabbing her cheek with a cool towel. She sniffled, managing a weak smile.

"Mummy, your face is swollen. Rohan, go to the pharmacy and get medicine for Mum."

Rohan nodded, dashing off, relieved to escape. Hearing my voice, Sheru trotted over, tail wagging. I scratched his ears, whispering, “Hero ban gaya, beta!”

I rewarded Sheru with a head rub; he closed his eyes in bliss. I promised him a big pack of treats after this madness.

The old lady quickly regained her senses, pointed at my nose and cursed:

Her face twisted with rage. “Yeh nayi bahu aayi hai, sab ulta seedha ho raha hai!”

"Good, you little tramp, using this street dog to bully elders, is it? Kill this dog for me! Kneel and apologise, or I’ll have my grandson leave you—dekh lena, main kya kar sakti hoon! Let’s see what this second-hand woman will do!"

Her words stung, a heavy silence following. Saasu maa winced, then muttered under her breath, “Bas bhi karo, Ma.” The generational divide was a living thing in that moment.

But I refused to flinch, staring her down. The rest of the family shrank back in shock.

"Mummy, Priya and Rohan have a good relationship. They won’t divorce."

Saasu maa tried to defend me, but one glare from the old lady silenced her. “Chup, ab tu bhi bolne lagi!”

I patted Sheru’s rear. "Bow bow bow!" he barked, loud enough to rattle the windows. The old lady cowered on the sofa, hands over her ears.

Sheru lunged, just to scare. She shrieked, clinging to the cushions. I folded my arms, letting her feel what it was to be powerless.

She rolled her eyes, then fainted dramatically—head lolling, snores following soon after.

After she passed out, saasu maa quietly transferred fifty thousand more rupees. She pressed my hand, tears in her eyes. “Teri himmat ko salaam, beta. Go before she wakes up and starts again.”

"Yes, Priya, you’re pregnant. Doctor said no stress. Treat this as a honeymoon with Rohan."

Sasur ji managed a smile. “Beta, we’ll manage. Family is family, but your health is most important.”

"Mummy, Daddy, don’t worry. The old lady may be tough, but I’m no pushover. And my baby—if it can’t handle this, it’s not worthy of being my child."

I winked, trying to be brave. “Yeh toh kuch bhi nahi hai. Maine nani ke saath bade battles jeete hain.”

That night, after dinner, the old lady awoke slowly, instantly launching into complaints. The household braced for the next attack.