Serasa Babu's son-in-law

Serasa Babu's son-in-law 

"May, the spices that you have mixed, just mash it with a mortar. Don't blend it." said my father-in-law.

"But this is a lot, Mom. It would take me a long time to grind it out," I replied.

Mother-in-law glanced at me sharply, I'm sure she didn't agree with what I said.

"If the blender is used frequently, it will quickly break. What's so difficult, all you have to do is grind and protest. So hurry up and do it, don't just watch when it's finished then," he snapped.

"Yes, ma'am." I answered resignedly.

I took a deep breath, I put the blender back in its original place. Disobeying mother-in-law's orders is the same as asking for trouble.

I wiped the sweat that dripped down my face with the back of my hand. This body feels tired, since earlier it has not had time to rest.

Takbir echoes everywhere because tomorrow is Eid, where all Muslims celebrate the day of victory after a full month of fasting.

Drop these tears every time you hear the voice of takbir that is heartbreaking. In my heart I pray, hopefully tomorrow there will be a rainbow that appears in my life.

I stared at the concoction of the spices that had not been refined, it felt very heavy if I had to grind it. Moreover, the hands feel numb.

I divided some of the seasoning and crushed it little by little to make it easier. I haven't even got half of it yet, I heard the voice of Ms. Diana, my sister-in-law.

My husband has 3 other siblings. Mas Haris is the first brother, then Ms. Diana is the second child, and my husband is the third child. While the last Dikna. Mas Haris lives with his wife in the next village, and Dikna is married and lives not far from his mother-in-law's house. Meanwhile, Ms. Diana is still not married.

I heard that Mbak Diana already had a candidate but I didn't know and had never been introduced to her.

"May... Maya!" he shouted.

I immediately ran to him, he would not stop screaming if I did not quickly meet him.

"Yes, Ma'am. What's wrong?"

"Did you wash the curtains and tablecloth I gave you yesterday?" asked my brother-in-law.

"Yes, Ma'am." I replied.

"Okay, I'll immediately replace the old curtains and tablecloths with the new ones," ordered Ms. Maya.

I nod at his command. After that I was about to return to the kitchen.

"Uh, where are you going?" asked Ms. Maya to stop me.

"Want to go to the kitchen again, miss. Prepare rendang and soup for tomorrow morning," I replied.

"Oh, okay... wait a minute! Make me some iced tea, okay, I'm thirsty, just got home from the mall," he said lightly.

"Yes, Ma'am," I replied.

Then he returned to focus on his groceries. I saw Ms. Diana shopping a lot. Her hobby is shopping for clothes and cosmetics so her appearance is always fashionable. Maybe it is also a job requirement as one of the staff at a bona fide company.

I walked slowly, for some reason these legs already feel heavy walking. Maybe I really should take a break.

I immediately made Mbak Diana's order and delivered it to her. I put a glass of iced tea in front of the table, I saw Ms. Diana playing on her cell phone.

While Mother sat with her watching the soap opera drama Flying Fish.

"May, when the seasonings are finished, quickly stir-fry them and add them to the boiled meat. After that, don't forget to fry the crackers too," my mother-in-law ordered again.

I nodded in response to mother-in-law's words. After that I was about to return to the kitchen when Ms. Diana prevented me again.

"Maya, have you put the cookies in the jar?" asked Ms. Diana.

"Not yet, sis. I've been busy since earlier and haven't stopped at all," I replied getting tired.

"Just an excuse! So don't be slow, you have to hurry so that it's done quickly! Tomorrow there will be lots of guests from friends and relatives who are gathered, don't let it be because your work isn't done that you can't serve them properly," Ms. Diana grumbled.

"But I have a lot of work, sis. There's no one to help me, from morning to night like this I haven't stopped," I said with tears in my eyes.

"Eh, even vent! I didn't ask, okay? Don't complain too much! You should be grateful to be part of this family, living in a big and comfortable house, weighing in your parents' rickety house!" Ms. Diana stood with her hands on her hips.

"But, Ma'am—" Before I could continue what I said, Mother had cut her off.

"But what else? A daughter-in-law must be devoted to her husband's family, moreover you are still living here so you have to know yourself!" added my father-in-law.

I swallow hard, my life is so bitter. At my own parents' house I was like a stepchild and here I was made into ashes by my husband's family.

I don't know how long I can last like this. My heart is getting tired, my body is getting weak. I don't even have the courage to fight. No family or anyone who wants to accept me anymore.

You are strong, Maya! You can do it!" I whispered encouragingly to myself.