Today was her one month wedding anniversary. She glanced at her reflection in the six foot long mirror that adorned the bedroom wall. She looked beautiful. Her hair was tied up in a French roll and saree perfectly draped. She smiled at her reflection and knew she looked stunning.
Suddenly, her eyes were covered by someone’s palms. He whispered slowly while taking his hands away from her eyes, “Keep your eyes closed”. There stood a well built man. He was wearing a jet black three button suit with nicely gelled hair.
“What is it?” she asked, surprised. “Something that will make you smile” he beamed and handed over a golden box beautifully wrapped with red lace. She opened it carefully and gasped, “Whoa! This rock is huge!”
“Do you like it?” he smiled. “Of course, but..” she suddenly stopped. “But what?” he asked “The ring looks expensive.” she said softly.
“Nothing is expensive for me and anything, just anything for a smile from you.” he boasted. She fell silent. She knew that was the truth. He was one of the youngest businessmen in the country who had struggled his way right to the top. But it was not the complete truth. These things hardly mattered to her. The jewellery, the luxury, the parties, nothing were important.
She looked in his eyes. “Yes, you are right, you can afford anything. But I don’t need a diamond ring to make me smile”. He looked shocked. “Don’t you like the ring? We will get it exchanged!” he added hurriedly. “No, you don’t get it.” she sighed. He repeated, “No! You don’t get it. I am just proving my love!” She said, “You don’t have to prove anything, you just have to love.” To which he retorted, “But I always thought women are happiest when they get gifts, especially diamonds!” He was confused as he couldn’t understand her thoughts.
“Yes she is, but she is happier when her man looks at her and says she is beautiful. She is happy when he holds her hand and says you are my life. When he listens to her inner thoughts, shares his dreams with her. That’s what a woman really wants. It’s not necessary to present an expensive gift to make her smile. The deed can be done even with a simple silver ring and expressing your love truly.” She was still staring into his eyes.
He got up suddenly, which made her anxious. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you and I really liked the ring. I just blurted out what I have been feeling since we got married.” He kept moving away till he reached the door.
She finally asked worriedly, “Where are you going?” He looked serious. Turning back he calmly replied, “To get you the simple silver ring you mentioned and then I’ll do exactly what you asked me to do.”
Both of them burst out laughing.
