Enough of Double Standards

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Photo (c) Bjorn Rudberg

 

Enough of Double Standards

Words 100

“Belated happy birthday!” Shipra greeted Deeksha.

“Thanks.”

“How did you celebrate?”

“We didn’t. We are still in mourning.”

“Oh I am sorry.” Shipra offered her condolences. “Last year too you couldn’t celebrate as your father-in-law was unwell.”

“Yes.”

“It must be over six months since he passed away?”

“Yes.”

“Yet your husband attended his cousin’s wedding last week?”

“It wouldn’t have looked nice if he hadn’t gone.”

“So only you’re expected to mourn?”

“That depends.” Deeksha said. “As I am integral part of their family, they made sure I participated actively in the wedding festivities soon after my father’s death.”

***

Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Bjorn for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

Published by

Dahlia

Email me at mysilverstreaks@gmail.com or tweet me @mysilverstreaks

55 thoughts on “Enough of Double Standards”

  2. So true. When my uncle passed away his daughter(My cousin) was forced by her husband to attend a wedding a few days later.It was a very upsetting time for us.

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  4. Double standards indeed. A story played out in many households where women are expected to conform to standards that do not apply to the men. Nicely done.

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  10. Made me so sad for Deeksha especially since her story is so relatable. I admire how you took out a page from our society and it’s practises and turned it into a powerful story. I hope things change sometime soon .

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  11. I know just enough about India’s customs to be thankful not to have been born a woman there. I’m sure it’s not that repressive for every woman, but it can be very hard for many. Great story, well written.

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  17. Anna Karenina all over again… He can go about town and enjoy himself while she is locked in by society’s standards… Ugh. Enough already.
    But well written 😉

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  22. You brought out the difference in what a married woman has to adhere to in our ‘traditional’ Indian families where it doesn’t matter what happens to the girl’s side of the family, because obviously, it’s the boy’s side who’s brought up, educated, fed and cared for the girl since inception. I hate this aspect of Indian families. Hate it, hate it, hate it!

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