Ah, gaslighting mothers-in-law. An evil that just keeps growing no matter how much you ignore it. Like a weed that kills all other plants. But worse than an abusive mother-in-law are relatives who think she’s an angel. Not only does this demonic angel of a saas make your life miserable, she makes people think that you’re the ultimate Komolika. This is a story of one such saas-bahu. Or should I say saas-victim.

Listen to the real story of a bahu who was badly gaslit by her MIL.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aunty Eve (@theauntyeve)

How to deal with a two-faced, gaslighting mother-in-law

Expose her

Be evil to her too. Gaslight her, throw her into the deep end in front of relatives. Remind her of her own words when you’re surrounded by other people. When she serves you khaana, fall to her feet and say “Aapne hi toh kaha tha mujhe akele nahi khaana chahiye, aapki baat kaise taal doon?” When she tries to provoke you, say “Aapne hi toh kahaa tha, agar samajhdaar ho toh chup raho”. Talk about her in front of your relatives. Bring up random stories from other households with tortured bahus but take the MIL’s side. “Auraton ki zindagi toh aisi hi hoti hai. Mummy ji also says “dukh sehne ki aadat daal lo”. She’s right only.”

Channel your inner kaleshi

If she can play games, so can you, bachche. And it might even be fun for you. Serve her food in front of everyone else and when you’re alone, shove the plate to her and remind her that the quality of her life when she’s old and frail depends on you. “Dukh sehne ki aadat daal lo, mummy ji. Agar samajhdaar ho toh”.

Tell your husband the unfiltered truth

If he doesn’t believe you, get a job and leave him. Don’t be the second wife from Mrs. Be Sanya Malhotra. And then make a list of all the things you saw in this loser that made you want to marry him. Put that list on your fridge and make sure you use it to filter out the invertebrates in the future.

Goddesses should not have to deal with fungal infections like this gaslighting mother-in-law, bachche. You’re better than that. Toss aside and move on.

Related: ‘Bahu Ghar Nahi Todti’: When A New Bride Tried To Make A Life With Her Husband