Woman Power

My husband has an auto-servicing business and is planning to venture into auto-finance. I help him from the house on both the projects. I love designing clothes, and although I don’t do it on a professional basis, I design dresses, even trousseaus, for my close friends.

My educational qualifications….
I am a graduate in electronics from Central University, Hyderabad. I received gold medals in mathematics, physics and electronics and also stood first in my University. I also received a First Grade Diploma de Langue from Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad. I have been teaching since the age of 18. I also did my Post-graduation from the University of Pune after the birth of my son. In all, I have nine gold medals in my drawer. But I have no time left even to look at them because I am busy wielding the rolling-pin.

Do I have any regrets?….
None at all. I get a lot of satisfaction being a home-maker. Here, I cater to the needs of people from the age of 18 months to 57 years. And the fact that they are all satisfied makes me immensely happy.

My parents-in-laws are very understanding….
It is because they were so helpful that I was able to attend regular classes and complete my post-graduation. Believe me, studying after marriage and after a child is born is not easy at all. And it is something that would not have been possible without everyone’s co-operation.

On my part, I also try to figure out what everybody wants and try to please them. When they see I am trying my best, they too co-operate. They take a lot of pride in my achievements. When my husband’s two younger sisters got married, my father-in-law remarked at that time, I had to give away two daughters so that I could one get one like you.’ And that was a big boost for me.

Being a home-maker is not a thankless job at all….
I make sure that when my son returns from school, he looks forward to it. He just loves my cooking. My husband loves to entertain and he does not have to think twice if he wants to bring home guests. He knows that I won’t crib but will happily churn out something nice for them. My family will always have fond memories that I was there when they wanted me. That, I feel, is an important aspect of life.

As a mother….
I instill a sense of values in my son. We talk about anything – from Rani Mukherjee to cricket. I also prepared him well when my daughter was born, so that there would be no sibling rivalry. It is a fine balancing act, but I saw to it that he looked forward to having a sibling. Even now, when my daughter takes too much of my time, I make sure he does not resent it. I keep telling him that his baby sister is dependent not on ME but on US. I have made him a part of the parenting and he has responded by being fiercely protective of her.

Being the perfect partner….
My husband is very understanding. He takes a keen interest in everything I do and keeps me posted on everything that has happened at the office. I am the sounding board for his new ideas and business frustrations. He confines to me about the ups and downs of his business. I also offer my suggestions and he trusts my sense of judgement.

We have a daily ritual. The moment he returns from work, we go for a long drive. It may be to the gurudwara or just an aimless drive, but that time we keep aside exclusively for the two of us, sharing our most intimate thoughts. We are great movie buffs and frequently eat out. Of course, we do quarrel at times, but isn’t that the spice of life?

I don’t really splurge….
I am not extravagant. In fact, when Narinder (my husband) wants to go out for meals too often, I am the one who suggests a special dinner at home. Otherwise too, Narinder leaves the decision to buy things for the house or the children to me.

I feel that true happiness can only come when you give your best to make the others around happy. If you co-operate and compromise, others will do the same with you. It is a very small price to pay.