'She wears my ring',
the lingering smile on his face announced to all the attendees at the wedding
reception.
His fidgety movements betrayed
his impatience over her delayed appearance.
"Relax. These
ladies always turn up late, must be busy with her makeover," said
his cousin shrugging his shoulders casually.
His movements eased,
but barely so. His relatives had echoed similar sentiments using different
words at various stages of the wedding.
"Stop asking
these silly questions. Brides are nervous on their wedding day."
His nosy aunt had
stated, overhearing the words exchanged by him and the best mate.
"We, girls, are
expected to be shy and modest, at least on such days." The sister had butted
in with her wise tuppence patting his arm for added effect.
Maybe they were right,
they were experienced after all. Her quiet, solemn look, her rare glancing his
way could be explained thus, couldn't it?
His heartache lessened,
and he went back to standing at the entrance to the lobby.
***
Through the final
touches of makeup, she twirled the diamond engagement ring on her hand. As she
glanced at the mirror in front of her, the black and gold beads among
other jewellery on her neck glinted back, signalling her married
status.
She touched them
gingerly with her finger tips eliciting a gentle admonishing from the
beautician.
"Madam, please
keep your hands down, the nail paint will get blotchy."
Inspecting her
fingernails, the young girl sighed, “See, I have to redo it.", looking
around for a bottle of remover.
She apologised with a
smile, and stared at the ring instead. Little joy rather the feel of it on her
finger felt like a heavy weight on her soul. Her heart still beating for
another. For the charming boy with the impish grin, who had wound his way around,
only to break it into countless pieces years later.
Her husband was a good
man, deserving more than she could offer. They were family friends, her parents
adored him as his loved her. He had always encouraged her, made her laugh.
***
Her transfer would
take time. This year of separation would turn out to be a blessing.
Looking into his adoring eyes as he took her hand in his, she promised herself,
he would never know that their marriage had begun as a compromise for
her.
cwc 391 need 109 more
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Glad you made it this far...would love to hear your take on the words scribbled. A comment every now and then keeps the blues away. :D
Since, crazy Mr. Blogspot won't let me reply to the comments here (is upset with the water ladies ever since they refused to verify visitors)...will do the next best thing, drop in to your blog to say my Vanakkam/Namaste/Salaam/Hello.