Continue the U.S. way of life
Could you find any change in your U.S. returned cousin? asked my husband soon after I returned home from paying a visit to my cousin who had returned from the U.S. a few days ago.
Well, yes and what transformation, especially at his age! It was unbelievable, I said.
You mean to say your cousin has developed an American accent and began wearing shorts like everyone else who have been to the U.S. no matter however brief their stay had been in that country? said he full of sarcasm as was usual with him.
No, nothing like that and you can’t expect a person to talk like an American in just two months time, can you? I observed.
Probably you are right. Then what was the transformation you have observed? he asked sounding curious.
I noticed there was a complete reversal of roles being practiced in their house.
Your cousin has retired from service, hasn’t he? My husband wanted to know.
Well yes, but he has got a new job now, I replied.
Where and with whom? He appeared interested.
In his own house. He seems to have completely taken over the day’s cooking and washing from his wife.
What! exclaimed my husband shocked. I don’t remember your cousin ever had any prowess in culinary art. I am sure dish washing would be the last thing he would ever wish to do in his life, quipped my husband.
Everything comes with a price , doesn’t it? It’s the price he is paying for not taking his wife along with him to the U.S. It appears his wife insisted that he continue to engage himself the same way as he did during his stay with their son and daughter-in-law in the U.S.!
N.Meera Raghavendra Rao
Being a research student for several years abroad, especially in U.K., helps moulding a person. Hating the bland English food, sooner or later, he learns to cook and dish wash and thus makes an excellent catch as a husband!