Alexander and Porous

I was almost on clouds, like every girl is when she is about to be a bride. While I was ending my spinsterhood my new life was peeping in all newzz. New city, new relations and a new role. Everything was getting converted legally IN LAW….every relation now had that as suffix. Daughter-in-law, Sister-in-law etc. I was legally doing shopping now and no one was stopping me. I had so many thoughts about what I will wear and how I will present myself, prepare myself for new phase of my life.

I met my in laws when they had been to my place. A car stopped at our gate, while we directed to park it inside the compound, a  seventy year old royal personality got down from the car. He was in blue formals with no cresses on it and black shining shoes. His white hairs shined with the glow of his life’s  experience . He walked with pride followed by my Mother in law and his son. He had those sharp moustache turned upwards called Handle bar Moustache. Retired from a Bank he had that slow and steady but prompt ascent and choice of words while he spoke. During the very first interaction he asked me many questions but one I remember was do you cook non-veg or are only fond of eating? Followed by a sweet and mischievous smile. His love for non veg easily reflected from his question. He was very polite and used more of English language while he spoke, being more expressive and comfortable  in English.

While they were about to leave he got shoe hand from his car door cavity. It reflected their hygiene importance in life which normally gets ignored by that age. I really admired them for it.

I was shopping I was in discussion with my mother in law for choice of colours or their preference. Thou I was keen on my choices I was trying to understand their preference and culture as well. While  I was very much in discussion with my mother in law, I hardly spoke to my father in law. One day he grabbed the phone and asked me why did I did not talk to him often as I did with my Mother in law.

I had no answer for it, but I just explained it that I was discussing about shopping and she was the better one to answer those queries. Getting an opportunity to talk , I asked him, what should I call you? 

He Said, Have you heard of Alexander and Porus? I replied positively. He further added when Alexander had caught Porus, he asked Porus how I treat you. To which Porus replied “Treat me as a king would treat with another King”

So treat me as you treat your father, what do you call him? I answered Papa. He further added so you can call me ‘Papa’.

I found a father in Father in law while I stood in the selecting a Sari for my grand occasion.

My first interaction with him as a daughter in law was very memorable .what was yours?