My parents-in-law - my life's perfect seasoning!

As I write today, I'm looking down memory lane at that time, 15 years ago, when I gingerly walked into house #138. I vividly remember being surrounded by kind faces and warm smiles, yet my heart went at the rate of 120 beats per minute. I had taken the leap, I had chosen my partner and walked down the isle. I was now a part of the Puttaswamy home and in my world, there was no looking back!  

The younger me smiled, donning a brave façade, yet the mind was racing... this is it, this is my life now; these are people who will parent me; this is my home and this is where I will start my own little family! Would I fit in without rocking this boat? Would I be good enough to earn their love and respect? Would they put up with me the way the Sequeira's did? 

As a child, I was a brat, as a teenager, I sure was not an easy nut to crack, as an adult, I was tough. I made certain unacceptable choices because I knew that my parents would come around; they would never ever give up on me. They have and will love me the way I am - be it for my nonstop jabber, constant whines and hearty laughter (think Samara) or the witty (often silly) jokes and come backs or kindness laced with bullying (think Ana). 

Would these shenanigans be acceptable in my new home. Should I transform into an obedient robot - a serious and responsible one? Should I act mature - talk less, laugh silently? Will I have to work hard to impress?
The answer my friends was and will always be a big NO!
I made no big adjustments to fit in, because I was accepted the way I was.

I've heard that dads-in-law can be demanding, throwing their weights around, but not in my case; my dad-in-law was gentle, kind and giving when I first met him. Years have gone by and I never once saw him lose his cool. He looks out for me, asks about my well being and even cares to listen and nod when I try to advise him. There is no greater joy than knowing that he will never shy away from acknowledging that I am important to him and that he truly loves me like his own child!

Let's talk about his better half now.
We've all heard horror stories about mothers in law, so much so that even the late Pope Francis cracked a joke about them. But have you heard of mothers-in-law giving space? I am a living testament to this miracle. I fully lucked out in the 'mother-in-law' department. My mother-in-law knocked off the 'in-law' from her title the day her son told her he wants to marry me. For her, I am her third offspring (period). In all these years, she silently watches me run my family, telling me she understands, showing me she's proud of me, teaching me how to maneuver things when I need help. What more can I ask for from life? 

My dad always said that the good we do to others comes back as blessings for our kids.
"Mom, dad, as a little girl, I watched you help and give selflessly. Little did I know you were investing in my future. Guess what? your FD matured in 2010 and I forever became the richest girl on earth. I became a part of the Puttaswamy home!"
Note to self: Always remember to do your bit, so one day Ana and Samara will become rich too. 

If I could, I would go back in time to give the younger 'timid' me a little more courage. I would tell her to have faith in her choice; I would prophesize to her how these wonderful humans she was to call 'mummy and daddy' are going to be the perfect seasoning for her piquant life!