Letters

Dear Nadine,

I am a 26-year-old girl. I have done MBA and work in a private organisation. I have two brothers. Our parents died when I was still in my teens. My brothers were older, but were still studying. They had to struggle a lot to fend for us and as a result, they got married pretty late. Their wives are sisters and they hate me for just being alive. I do a lot of house chores after coming back from work, contribute money to the household expenses, but they consider me a burden. They want me gone but when any proposal comes for me, they find some excuse or the other to reject it. I don’t know what to do. I want to get married and have my own house, but my khala thinks it is not going to happen because although my sisters-in-law dislike me, they like my money. I refuse to believe that my brothers are in on this, despite what my aunt thinks. They are worried about me, and I overheard my brother asking my sister-in-law what went wrong with a proposal that looked very promising. Should I tell my brothers what’s going on? The thing is that a colleague likes me for her brother. I told her about my apprehensions and she says that I should ask my khala to be there when they come with the proposal to handle my sisters-in-law. I am afraid to do that because my sisters-in-law would not like it. I don’t know what other option I have. I want to do this thing right, without hurting my brothers as I love them dearly. Both of them love their wives and I don’t want to create a rift between them. Help me find a way, please.

Worried Aquarian

Dear Worried Aquarian,

Your love for your brothers does you credit, but it’s time you start doing things for yourself. Your sisters-in-law may not like you, but because of your monetary contribution to the household expenditures they don’t want you to get married. So, take your friend’s very sensible advice and call your aunt over when your friend’s family comes with the proposal. In this way, your aunt will be involved in the process, and she can talk to your brothers if your sisters-in-law try to throw a spanner in the works. Hope things work out well. Best of luck!

Problems that need a solution? You can e-mail Prof. Nadine Khan at nadinekhan_34@yahoo.com