Bae and Her Mother-in-Law

The Morning After –

Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains as Bae stirred awake. The soft hum of morning filled the air—birds chirping, faint voices downstairs, and the distant clatter of utensils from the kitchen. She blinked, adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. It was her first morning as Bunny’s wife, and the reality of her new life settled in.

She turned slightly, realizing Bunny was already gone. A strange emptiness filled her chest, but before she could dwell on it, a gentle knock at the door made her sit up quickly.

“Bae, are you awake?” came a soft yet firm voice.

Her heart skipped a beat. It was her mother-in-law, Meera.

Hurriedly adjusting her dupatta, Bae rushed to open the door. Meera stood there, her saree neatly draped, holding a silver tray with a cup of tea and a small bowl of sugar.

“I thought you might need some tea after your first night here,” Meera said, stepping inside.

Bae hesitated before taking the tray with both hands. “Thank you, Aunty—I mean, Mom…” she corrected herself, unsure of what to call her.

Meera gave a small nod, sitting down on the couch near the window. “Mom is fine.”

Bae sat down across from her, trying to calm her nerves as she sipped the tea. She could feel Meera’s eyes studying her, not with hostility, but with an assessing gaze.

“You must be feeling overwhelmed,” Meera finally spoke, breaking the silence. “A sudden marriage, a new home, new expectations.”

Bae swallowed and nodded. “A little… but I’ll try my best.”

Meera hummed thoughtfully before placing a sugar cube into her own tea. “Marriage isn’t just about adjusting, Bae. It’s about understanding. Bunny is my only son, and I’ve raised him with love and care. I expect the same from his wife.”

Bae felt the weight of those words. Was this a test? A warning?

“I understand,” she said sincerely. “I know this marriage wasn’t planned, but I want to make it work.”

Meera studied her for a moment longer before sighing. “Love isn’t enough to hold a marriage together, Bae. Respect, patience, and commitment matter more. Do you think you have that?”

Bae straightened. “I do. I won’t promise that I know everything about being a perfect wife or daughter-in-law, but I can promise that I will always respect and stand by Bunny.”

Meera’s gaze softened slightly, but the walls she had built were still there. “We’ll see,” she murmured.

Before Bae could respond, Bunny walked into the room, fresh from his morning shower, his hair slightly damp. He grinned when he saw them together. “Mom, you’re already here? Hope you’re not intimidating my wife.”

Meera chuckled lightly. “Just getting to know her.” She stood up and adjusted the pleats of her saree. “Come downstairs soon. The family wants to meet you.”

As she left, Bae let out a small sigh. Bunny sat beside her, noticing her expression.

“She’s tough, but she has a good heart,” he assured her. “Just give her time.”

Bae nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. Winning her mother-in-law’s trust wouldn’t be easy, but she was ready to try.

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