Bird of cage
While house suddenly began to feel lonely that day,Tanya did all cleaning.That was a day of her father-in-law's funeral.Tanya could feel sorrow in air.Her father-in-law was spirit of that house.He was a boss of that house.Sometimes his screaming irritated her.But still they all needed him.He used to know how to pull family out of every crisis.When he was alive,Tanya was hated his domination.But his death created a hole in her heart.She was feeling very sad.Her father-in-law Kantilal was man of iron will.He always kept everything under control.Her husband Kedar just worshipped his father.But for her mother-in-law Sunita he was just like a god.Tanya when ever thought about her.She get tense.She just didn't know how did Sunita survive this.Then she suddenly felt some one entered in the room.Sunita was standing with her sister Nita.Sunita"Tanya I am going to stay with Nita for some days.You can manage the home."It sounded like an order to Tanya.Tanya was shocked until few days Sunita used to talk to every one in such low tone that it was hard to hear.Now she was talking to Tanya in clear tone.In fact she was ordering her.Tanya really liked that she wanted her mother-in-law to act like that for many days.When Tanya smiled,Sunita returned her smile.There was sadness in her smile and there was tears in eyes of Sunita.But Tanya was sure now that her mother-in-law Sunita would survive.She could see it in her expressions.Sunita was feeling sad but she had accepted it.Sunita was also enjoying freedom now.When Kantilal was alive,he had never let any one act according their wishes.Since he didn't like Nita's family,he never let Sunita go there.Tanya saw in Sunita's eyes that it was painful to her.Now finally she could go with her sister.It would not take away Sunita's sorrow.But it would at least reduced.Tanya nodded.Sunita took away her suitcase.When suddenly Kedar came.Kedar"Mom where are you going?"Kedar said that sentence in a strange way as if he was a small child.Sunita was shocked by his behaviour.But Tanya interfered"Mom is going to Nita Auntie.""But he never let her..."Before he could say anything further Tanya stopped him.Tanya"Mom you may go."Nita Auntie looked angry.She just took Sunita's suitcases and went.Sunita was so confused.She didn't know what to do.She could clearly see a strange fear in Kedar's eyes. Her heart was telling her that she should not leave her son like that after all Tanya was not mature enough.But then she looked at Nita.Now she couldn't turn back and hurt her.She once looked at Tanya sadly.When Tanya nodded,she looked at Kedar who was about to stop her.But she suddenly went away.Tanya"Why did you try to stop Mom?""But she can't leave us like that by this.""Why can't she?""After Papa's death she must stay here at least for some days,it is her responsibility now.She had to take care of every thing."Now Tanya received biggest shock.Her young and healthy husband expected from her old and tired mother-in-law that she should take all responsibilities.Tanya"Are you saying this in shock?You can't expect Mom to take care.You have to do it.""Me?!!Are you out of your mind?I am too young for this."Kedar screamed it so loudly that their five years old daughter came outside.Tina"Mom what happen?"Tanya wanted to scream on Kedar.But when she saw Tina,she gave a forced smile."Nothing sweetheart Mom and Papa are just discussing.""Then why did Papa scream?"Tina was not convinced.Then suddenly Tina found solution.Tina"Papa is upset that Grandpa is dead."Tanya found that she was crying now.She just nodded.Before she could say something.Tina nodded and said"I can understand."And went in to her room with her doll.Tanya wished Kedar should learn something from his five years old daughter.
But when Tanya turned to talk to Kedar.She saw that Kedar was actually eating his nails due to tension.She never saw him doing such a strange thing.Tanya"Kedar relax every thing will be fine.You can manage it.After all it was not as if you had to run a family business.You just have to work in office.""But other matter like investment and bills.""You can easily learn it.""Why me?Why don't you learn them Tanya?"Now Tanya was angry.Kedar wanted her to do all jobs and get peace of mind for himself.She never expected it from him."Because your Kantilal's son not me.I will not take that responsibilities."After saying that Tanya left that room.She didn't look at Kedar because she was sure if she look at him.She would feel sympathy and then Kedar would use it against her.She was not going to encourage Kedar's laziness so she get away without turning back.She thought that if she act little more strictly.Kedar would start to work properly.As soon as Tanya went in her room,Kedar sat on sofa.He seemed like a man who lost all his strength.He just didn't know why but he didn't feel okay.After all until now he was quite capable of doing every job.In fact he was the best officer in company.But he always took all the suggestions from his father.Now he had to take responsibilities.He had to go to office tomorrow.Kedar suddenly started feeling sick in his stomach.He was feeling perfect few minutes ago.But he could clearly feel something was wrong with his stomach now.He felt that he was going to throw up.He literally ran to bathroom.
Tanya was about go in hall to talk to Kedar.She was thinking about his sad face.When she heard noises from bathroom.She ran inside.Kedar had vomited all his food.Tanya was shocked.She never thought that Kedar was sick.When she looked at his face.She saw a paleness on it.She didn't like it.Tanya"Kedar are you alright?"Kedar"I just don't know.I am feeling worst.I just don't know what is happening to me."Kedar began to hold his stomach.Tanya"You must sleep now.I will call the doctor."Kedar willingly went to sleep.Tanya was tense now.She suddenly began to think that she acted unnecessarily harsh to her husband.Kedar must had felt something.He was not feeling well so he just asked Tanya to help him and she assumed all wrong things.By the night Kedar got little fever also.Next morning she took him to Doctor.Doctor checked him and gave medicines.Tanya"What happen to Kedar?"Doctor looked little confused.Doctor"Physically he seems fine.May be new virus?Don't worry.I give you some medicines.I think his fever will be gone by some days."Tanya was relived to hear this.As per Doctor's instructions she took proper care of Kedar and slowly his fever was gone.Tanya was so happy that she managed everything without her Mother-in-law's help.Her husband Kedar was perfectly fine now.Kedar even started eating everything.
When Sunita came back home,Tina ran in her arms.Tina was missing her Grandma every moment.Sunita wanted to know everything that happened during her absence and Tina gave her every news.Sunita heard it all.Then she saw Kedar was ready to go to office.She clearly saw all the colour of his face was gone.He was looking pale.But at least he was fine now.Sunita"Kedar so you are going office today?"Sunita said it just as a causal comment.She never meant anything by it.But Kedar assumed something totally different.Kedar"Mom do you think I need more rest?"Now Sunita was confused by this question.She checked Kedar's temperature.Everything looked fine.According to Sunita Kedar was already absent for 23 days in the office and he was on non paid leave.Sunita suddenly thought what happen if Kedar got fired due to this attitude.Kantilal normally handled these matter very well.But now Sunita had to answer him.Sunita gathered whole courage and said"I think you shall have to go."Kedar looked very upset.But he nodded and went to office.Sunita continued looking at him.She felt something wrong with him.Suddenly Tina screamed"Mom once again Papa went away without me."Tanya came out running.Tanya was frustrated.Kedar never shared any of responsibilities.Then Sunita stood."Don't worry Tanya.I will take her to school.""Thanks Mom."After some times phone rang.Kedar"Tanya I am feeling so tired.What did I suppose to do?I just can't read those words.""But why?You always use to do it.""But I am tense regarding electricity and water bill.""What about it?""I don't know people there.""Now why do you need to know people for paying bill.Just pay it and come back.""But if they ask me some questions?And what about bank I have to decide which investment is right?""So just do it.Don't waste your time on thinking.""And if I made some mistake?""Come on mistakes are part of life.Just go ahead."Tanya was trying hard to increase his confidence but nothing seemed like working.Tanya continued convincing him for a hour.But still she felt that he was not getting convinced.She was very upset with his attitude.After his father's death instead of taking responsibilities Kedar was running away from them.It was worst.
Then at evening when Kedar came home.All were shocked to see his face.He was looking very sick.He was claiming that he was feeling sick and he might need more rest.Then he went inside his room and slept.Now Sunita and Tanya were shocked.They had to discuss that issue.Kedar was becoming sick again and they began to think.Second opinion was required.Tanya"I just can't believe it.Doctor said that he was perfect and now he is sick again."Sunita"It is strange.He seem to be very nervous about it.Today he was asking me if he should skip the office.But he can't take vacation like that.Now I began to doubt my decision.""Same hear.I also force him to go.If he act like that they may be throw him out of job.But if he is sick,all options are gone.May be I shall have to search for job?"Sunita"Now I think you are overreacting.""It is better to be safe than sorry.If I began searching for my job now...""Wait I got better idea.Why don't you get those works on computer?You can do it from home."Tanya really liked this idea.This way she could give time to Tina also so she began to search for that type of work.She also found it.But it was hard for her to complete it on time.Still she worked day and night.Sunita started cooking and helping with Tina.But Kedar just continued sleeping on bed and claiming to be sick.Many doctor came and went away.Lots of money was wasted on test and doctors.But none of Doctor found any thing.Kedar was still suffering from stomach problem and sometimes even from fever.Finally their fear turned in to true and Kedar lost his job.Kedar cried that day.Tanya consoled him and told him that he could search for new job when his health was improved.For many days they just visited Doctor after Doctor.They even went to many types of Mandir,Masjid and church etc.But nothing seemed to be helping Kedar.Finally one day a Doctor suggested"Why don't you go to psychiatrist?""psychiatrist?But I am not pretending.I really got temperature.You can ask my wife."Tanya nodded."Sometimes in psychiatric cases people get real physical systems."This was shocking for them.
Next day they went to psychiatrist.Tanya slowly told him everything.Kedar just kept quiet at first.Then Doctor asked him"Are you feeling guilty about something?""No."Kedar said the word 'no' but it was little bit louder than whisper.Tanya could clearly felt that he was lying.Doctor"Come on Kedar tell me the truth."Then Kedar started crying.Finally Kedar told them"Actually my father died due to heart attack.That morning he told me that he was feeling little pain in heart.Actually.....that day my friend told me to come to bar for a drink.My father was always against it.He was always stop me from going with them.They all used to call me coward so I went there against his wish.I even ignore his complaint of chest pain because he always use to do it.If you don't believe me,ask Tanya.""Doctor he is telling truth.He even used to stop my mother-in-law from going to her sister's house by using same trick.""Now that he was dead.I felt as if I killed him."Doctor"Don't you hear that story of a boy cry wolf.In which boy always use to lie about wolf so when really wolf came no one believed him and came to help him.In that story do you blame the villager?""No it was boy's fault.""So same apply to you.""But I am really sick.."Doctor"I know and I will take care of that also.Why don't you go out and take medicines from my secretary."Kedar nodded and went away.As soon as he went away Doctor started explaining"Kedar is perfect physically.He is suffering problem of Somatization Disorder.It happened due to guilt and he lived his whole life under his father's shelter.Now he had guilt plus he had to take responsibilities.This created mental problems for him.""But you said he need...""I was lying.These are just tonics.Don't worry slowly he will be fine."Tanya received biggest shock of life so her husband was never sick and it might continue for more days.She thanked her stars that she started working from home.Before Kedar she pretended as Doctor told her.
The End
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