Lavanya switched off the kitchen lights and stood in the darkness for a few minutes. She knew what awaits in the living room for her. It has become a daily routine now. After she finished all the household chores for the day, Harshad and his parents sit to talk with her.

They start with convincing and conclude by argument. Upon failure to change her mind, his disappointed parents would retire to their room with a loud bang of the door. His furious husband would stay back to taunt her more and blame her for ruining their marital life then retire to their room with a louder bang. While she stayed back heartbroken and allowed herself to cry after staying strong against everyone.

She sighed and entered the living room to the familiar sight. Harshad sitting on the couch with his parents on his either side and she sat opposite them. The sitting arrangement appeared biased as well. Three of them against one.

"What have you thought about our suggestion?" Harshad asked straight to the point.

"What about my suggestion? Why are we not considering the other aspect of the situation? None of you are thinking of it." She demanded, tired of them stuck on one point.

"Why should we consider the other aspect when it is perfect?" Harshad retorted.

"How do you know that? We have not..."

"Lavanya, you have stopped obeying us at all." Neela interfered. "During the initial days of marriage, you obeyed everything we said. What is the matter with you now?"

"We are thinking of your future and benefits." Her father-in-law added further. "We are your family, Lavanya. Why do you think of us as your enemy?"

"I am not thinking of anyone as my enemy." Lavanya clarified.

"Then what is stopping you from obeying us? Just do it." Hitesh stated.

"I will not because this is biased."

"Biased?" Neela turned to her son. "Look at your wife blaming us on our face, Harshu. If she wants to break the family and live without me and your father then she can just say. Why to insult us every day?"

"No Mom, we are never leaving you." Harshad hugged his now crying mother and Hitesh joined to console his wife as well.

Lavanya looked away, frustrated and helpless for receiving such blames numerous times. Whenever her mother-in-law failed to convince or respond to her statements, she would blame and cry to create sympathy in the eyes of the men.

"Why are you hurting my parents in this way? Have I ever hurt your parents? Is this not biased at your end?" Harshad questioned her.

"My parents have no knowledge of what is happening here. Even if they knew, they would have thought of every aspect."

"And have we not?" Hitesh snapped at her. "We are only thinking of your future as elders and experienced members of the family. If that is wrong then we will stop it. Let everything fall apart, we will remain silent. We will not guide you or Harshad, even if you both land in trouble."

"Can we please discuss this matter with logic? I am not suggesting without proper knowledge. Please try to understand for once." She pleaded, her breath uneven and palms sweating.

"Logic? So, you are saying that we are fools?" Lavanya sighed as Neela picked only one word from her request to continue the argument.

Harshad blamed her again for disrespecting his parents and justified their actions as care. He denied to listen another word against them despite knowing their actions are biased. He chose to not support his wife because it was benefiting him at the end. He was thinking of just himself.

However, Lavanya did not surrender and continued to convince the three of them. She knew her suggestion would provide some clarity, if not solution of the problem that they are facing from the past six months.

After an hour of argument, two doors were banged in conclusion. Whereas she reminded on the couch, crying and waiting for her husband to sleep so can enter her room. She had no energy to listen anymore of his accusations and wanted to just rest now.

~~~

Manasvi sat on the bed and played with the ends of her long dark hair. It was midnight, yet she was wide awake. Her mind was occupied with the thoughts of her daughter, trying to figure out the reason for the arguments. She was restless and prayed for Lavanya's wellbeing, knowing how the conversation escalates with the in-laws. In addition to her concern, Harshad was siding with his parents. Her daughter was fighting all alone.

She glanced at her sleeping husband and recalled the time when he denied to support her. She was blamed and accused on many occasions despite proving her loyalty and dedication towards her husband and family numerous times. She yearned for his support, only to receive silence in response. He never defended her or stopped his parents even though she never did anything for her sake.

At first, she stayed heartbroken and cried for hours until it caused a negative effect on Lavanya. Her three-month-old daughter remained sick for days and stopped reacting to the toys. She was consuming less milk and her skin turned pale.

Manasvi rushed to the Pediatrician, who explained how the stress is transferring to her baby, who can sense her mother's feelings. And if that is not controlled now then it could affect her brain or physical development. It was important for the mother to stay calm as the baby relies on her for everything.

She realized her mistake and felt guilty of causing trouble to her innocent baby. She decided to prioritize her daughter over everyone. She learned to not react and stay unaffected by the harsh behavior of the in-laws. She calmed her mind before approaching her daughter and engaged in positive activity to replace her tears with smiles.

Manasvi acted as a shield to protect little Lavanya from the negativity coming from other members. She stayed firm on keeping her daughter away when her in-laws appeared in sour mood.

Soon her efforts brought back the playfulness in the baby and she found peace in her giggles. She fulfilled her duties without expecting from her husband and in-laws. Lavanya's happiness was enough for her to survive, she needed nothing more from anyone.

She smiled remembering those days and glanced at their photo frame hanging on the wall.

"You still manage to calm me without even trying." Manasvi stood from the bed and walked to the photo frame. "Whatever is happening, I am sure you can handle it. May Durga Maa bless you with strength and guide you out of the problem."

She kissed her fingers and placed on Lavanya's face, praying for her wellbeing and happiness.