My mother-in-law said: "You have become over weight and you should worry about it."
We have all heard those horror stories about mothers-in-law. So, when I got married and my husband informed that we will be staying together in a joint family I was not exactly thrilled.
Nonetheless, I complied and thankfully post marriage my life with my in-laws went on smoothly. They were caring but not interfering and I had a decent relationship with my mother-in-law.
Post pregnancy things changed
However, what my mother-in-law did for me after my pregnancy truly brought us together. I feel it is important to share positive stories about these delicate relationships too as the common perception always remains that in-laws are out to make the lives of their daughters-in-law hell.
Coming back to my story, I had always been a thin girl. I had a difficult pregnancy and I put on a lot of weight as I was mostly in the bed and obviously eating much more than usual.
After I delivered, I did not notice the change so much as everyone puts on some weight. But six months later when I re-joined my office I was in for a reality check. The fact that none of my clothes fit me was an indication enough that I was now much more than my usual size.
But going to office was both liberating and terrifying at the same time. Every one who saw me remarked on my changed looks.
Some were polite and said that it is natural others were blunt and said that I had changed completely. Everyone seemed to sympathize with me as if something awful had happened to me.
My mother-in-law took charge
That day when I came back home I cried my heart out. I shared it with my mother-in-law and even told her that I was thinking of quitting the job as I couldn't take those hurtful comments. My mother-in-law smiled and said: "But the hurtful comments are true. You have become overweight and you should worry about it."
In that moment, I felt that in-laws are really sent from hell to make us feel awful. But next morning things began changing. My mother-in-law authoritatively informed me that she will help me lose weight.
She led the way
Next morning, my mother-in-law made a breakfast of fruits and oats for me and asked me to go to the office. She spoke to a yoga instructor nearby and enrolled me an hour-long yoga class after office.
She used to take care of my baby during that time. On weekends, she would again pack me a healthy bajra roti and would ask me to go running in the nearby park.
She also would supervise the meals and night time the entire family was served ghiya or lauki as she felt I should eat well but mindfully. She continued this routine with me for three months and the results began showing
The story now
Today my baby is two-years-old and I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Even though my husband never remarked anything when I was fat, he did notice when I shed the weight and regained the confidence.
I feel what my mother-in-law did for me, even my own mother would not have done. Her efforts made me change my outlook and today I am closer to her than ever before.
Nitya Gupta shared her story with Zofeen Maqsood
Read: "My mother-in-law saved my marriage..."