My husband’s family was not short of money. My father-in-law enjoyed a comfortable pension and had plenty of savings. Even so, my husband gave me extra cash before delivery so I could cover my personal expenses. He had already purchased everything the baby might need—clothes, diapers, and supplies.

I assumed I would be properly cared for, eating well and resting, but reality was different. My mother-in-law was extremely frugal. She often bought the cheapest meat and fish at the market, sometimes so smelly it was nearly rotten. When I frowned, she insisted:

– “There’s no odor, just add some masala and it disappears.”