The Cook's Marriage
In a small Russian village, a wealthy household was preparing for a special occasion. The cook, a middle-aged woman named Pelageya, was getting married. The household's young boy, Andrey, watched all the preparations with wide-eyed curiosity. He didn't understand why Pelageya was getting married to a man she barely knew.
Pelageya was a kind and gentle woman who had been with the family for many years. Andrey liked her because she always had a warm smile and a tasty treat for him. However, Pelageya didn't seem excited about her upcoming wedding. Instead, she looked sad and worried.
The man Pelageya was marrying, Grigory, was a rough and stern widower. He worked as a cook at a nearby estate and had a reputation for being harsh. Pelageya’s marriage to Grigory was arranged by her employers, who believed it was time for her to settle down.
On the day of the wedding, the house was bustling with activity. Andrey watched as Pelageya put on her wedding dress. She looked beautiful, but her eyes were filled with tears. Andrey felt confused and upset. Why was Pelageya so sad on her wedding day?
During the ceremony, Andrey stayed close to Pelageya, holding her hand tightly. He could feel her trembling. After the ceremony, Grigory took Pelageya’s hand and led her away. Andrey watched them leave, feeling a sense of loss. He didn’t want Pelageya to go, especially with someone who made her so unhappy.
Days turned into weeks, and Pelageya’s absence left a void in the household. The new cook was efficient but lacked Pelageya’s warmth and kindness. Andrey missed her terribly and often thought about her. One day, he decided to visit Pelageya at her new home.
When he arrived, he saw Pelageya working hard in the kitchen, her face tired and worn. Grigory was barking orders at her, and she seemed more like a servant than a wife. Andrey’s heart ached for her. He realized that Pelageya's marriage had brought her no happiness, only more hardship.
Determined to help, Andrey spoke to his parents about Pelageya’s situation. He pleaded with them to bring her back. His parents were initially reluctant, believing it was not their place to interfere. But seeing Andrey's genuine concern, they finally agreed to talk to Grigory.
With some negotiation, they convinced Grigory to release Pelageya from her unhappy marriage. Pelageya returned to the household, greeted with warmth and relief. She embraced Andrey, thanking him for his kindness and bravery.
Pelageya resumed her role in the household, her smile returning along with her joy. Andrey learned an important lesson about compassion and the power of standing up for those in need. The household felt whole again, with Pelageya’s warmth and kindness once more filling the home.
Moral : True happiness cannot be forced, and it’s important to stand up for the well-being of others.
This story mirrors "The Cook's Wedding" by Anton Chekhov, simplified and made more engaging for easier understanding.
