Marriage is often romanticized in movies and novels, but in reality, it is a mix of companionship, compromise, and sometimes quiet struggles that no one else sees. My husband, Hitesh, and I had been married for five years, and on the surface, life seemed fairly ordinary—perhaps even comfortable. We lived in a modern apartment in Gurugram, Hitesh had a respectable job, and I balanced my own career and household responsibilities. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Sarla, had always appeared considerate. She was polite, rarely interfered in our lives, and often offered gentle advice that I genuinely appreciated. Growing up, I had always heard stories of difficult in-laws and constant familial meddling, so I had considered myself lucky.

But life has a way of shifting in a single moment, often when you least expect it. Recently, I found myself completely drained. Work had been unrelenting; my heart was heavy with exhaustion, and emotional support was scarce. Hitesh, as busy as ever with his own projects, barely noticed how tired I had become. One afternoon, when I was quietly sitting in the living room after another grueling day, Mrs. Sarla called me over.