“What is it, Mom? Allu Parathas again? Can’t you make something delicious?” Chimed in Smita at the breakfast table.
“I prepared your favorite cheese sandwiches yesterday. Can’t cook the same thing every day. I have to consider everyone’s taste.”
“You could have made it today again. Just for me. It hardly takes ten minutes to make one.”
“Why don’t you take ten minutes off your precious video game to prepare one for yourself?”
“This is not fair, Mom. I have to study all the time. Can’t I play video games for a bit?”
“I don’t like sandwiches,” declared Shreya, “Mom, can you please make sweet Malpua with Kheer?”
“No, not today,” I emphasized.
“Come on, Surbhi, why you can’t cook what the children like.” Now it was my husband suggesting,” parents do a lot for the children.”
“Okay, you take the responsibility, you are a parent too.” I retorted.
I didn’t mind cooking, and they had enjoyed my cooking so far. I take into consideration everyone’s preferences as well as nutritious needs.
Lately they had become so choosy that I could not cook anything without someone complaining.
Smita loved cheese and wanted it every day. Shreya hated it. My dear husband wanted spicy Punjabi food with an additional dessert.
I felt helpless. There was nothing that I could cook to satisfy my family. I was already exhausted and felt like running away from home. But where could I go?
The next day at dinnertime, I gave them my verdict. ” I am not going to cook anymore; you will get the ingredients you need and cook whatever you want.”
I had already brought required ingredients and told them to pick up what they wanted and that from now onwards it was their responsibility to cook for themselves and feed themselves.
Nobody said much. They thought I was joking. They just waited. After about half an hour, they realized I really wasn’t cooking dinner, and they had to do something themselves.
For about three days, everyone lived off sandwiches and cereals. My husband was the first one to relent. “You are right, dear; there should be some variety in the food. What are you cooking for dinner tonight?” “Potato Biryani.”
He looked at me for a long minute and ultimately said,” I will help you in peeling and slicing potatoes.”
While I was savoring my favorite potato biryani, Smita asked,” Mom, can I have a little bit? It smells good.”
“Sorry dear, I prepared just enough for both of us, but if you like something for tomorrow’s dinner, let me know beforehand. I will prepare for you too.”
I was expecting her to tell me what to cook; instead, I got, “Yes, please, anything’s better than more sandwiches.”
Shreya was quick to join in.
I’m back to cooking for four, but I’m making whatever I want to make.
Moreover, it saved me the hassle of cleaning up the kitchen after they cooked.
Thus, my premature retirement from the kitchen was revoked.
