The kitchen is on fire!!

It was a summer afternoon. A period when I was out of work by choice. Relocation, children and the difficulty in landing a job held me at home as a housewife. I was every bit of what is attributed to a housewife. A mother of two children and wife of a busy executive without any help in a strange city….. I was overworked, bored and under stimulated. I was slowly getting into a parasitic mode….cranky, dependent and nagging.

That day my husband called saying he would have to go on an official trip. Just get his suitcase ready and he will be off.

“Do you have to go?”
He answered with his irritation a bit toned down… “Would I otherwise?”
“Could you take us?”
“Are you out of your mind? I have to leave in another hour”
“Oh! I would get the kids ready in no time. Please.” I begged.

He relented feeling guilty and responsible for my boredom.

I was in for some real juggling. Any mother can estimate the effort in getting ready two kids, one 4 the other 1…..the planning required to pack there things …..the eatables to carry that they would eat.

I put on the cooking range (hot plate). As it was to take some time I left the kadai with oil and tended to other work. The bell rang. He came. Looked around obviously assessing whether we will make it. I got the kids ready. Put the extra pair of clothes. Took the biscuits and snacks to chew on. The pampers…… The wipes. And the towel and the soap. I was almost ready…. Just needed to iron the top.

“Mummy….something is burning!!” That was my son from ground floor.

“What is the matter with you? I am coming.”

As I took the flight of steps down my heart was sinking. I remembered the kadai….the oil…… The kitchen was on fire.

I could see the flames rising from the oil. The cupboard above the cooking range was on fire. The oil was feeding it and it was cancerously spreading with speed and indiscretion.

I was numb. How could I be so damn stupid? I did the only thing that came to me...on the top of my voice I called him.

He rushed down. He registered the situation. He moved the kids outdoors. He took the fire extinguisher….used it.

He came to me, gave me a hug and said, “It is alright.”

I was standing amidst the smoke around me….numb from guilt….waiting to be pronounced guilty. The soot was settling down everywhere in the house. The oil vapours took them to even the computer screen on the first floor.

My husband said something about carbon monoxide. He took the mobile and cancelled his trip. He reassured the kids who looked scared and puzzled at this turn of events.

Next he went up the first floor and got his camera. I saw him taking pictures like an expert reporter. It was like the victim taking his own picture to give a lucid account of things. More than everything I was confused.

Looking at my confused face he said…. “Just wanted to show my subordinates how simple things can lead to something Big. Even the kids should remember and learn from it.”

The matter was reported. Things sorted out. The house being cleaned.

I took some courage and said , “I am sorry…I have been an idiot. I made you miss the trip too. I really am sorry.”

He looked at me …..the kindest way he could…. “It is ok dear. I am glad I was around. Though I had expected better reflexes from you. But…tum tho hamaari jaan ho…..available for you 24/7.