The visit to the Puja Pandal was totally a gastronomical affair leading to some astronomical expenditures. The consolation was that the greens did not go waste with the poop next day. I happened to buy something that I fell in love with. A beautiful red saree.
I fell in love with the silk affair the moment my eyes settled on it. I could see myself draped in it and looking sexy for my boyfriend who was to visit the next weekend. Well, the Gods had some other script ready for me. I broke up with my boyfriend. The affair ended and my silk never saw the lights of the sun nor the candles.
Months went by. The tears of the bandaged heart dried up. The lipstick ventured to bring forth the buried smile. I was back with the tinkling laughter and twinkling eyes. I was finally ready to meet my date. I mustered up courage. My red silk saree made way out of the wardrobe. I accessorised it beautifully. The day of my date came nearer and the caterpillars in my stomach seemed to go through metamorphosis in increasing numbers. Then I got a call and my date politely called off the meeting and ended the relationship before it could bud. I was not beautiful enough to enthrall him or his parents! I felt bad but respected his choice. I folded my saree. Packed it with pot pourri and shoved the unlucky piece of clothing in the darkest corner of my cupboard.
Months passed. I had put several new bandages on my heart. My self confidence was soaring to new heights but against the gravity. I stopped going out. My mirror had the briefest of rendezvous with me. The caterpillars in me breathed out in their royal abode. The only beautiful thing I could find in me was the way I could act normal among people while my faith in myself was in shreds.
My birthday came knocking. I woke up. Opened the day's paper and saw a beautiful picture of an acid attack victim with her husband. She found love;love who discovered the real beauty in her;beauty which was skin deep. Suddenly I felt happy. Happy that I had been rejected by so many. They were not what I deserved. I knew my own worth and I deserved no less.
I rang up my friends and fixed my birthday dinner plans. I had to look beautiful today. Beautiful to impress myself and myself alone. I took out my red saree and my inner radiance got stiff competition from my outer shine. The saree was lovely and I was lovelier. I reprimanded myself for cocooning myself for so long.
The birthday was the best that I had in years. It was like the start of a new phase.
On my way back I was alone. I decided to walk back to my apartment which was only a few blocks away. As always God wanted to have a final say in my life. He clapped with thunder and lo behold! The rains came pouring down. I was caught unaware without any shelter nearby. My beautifully done up hair and get up was washed away with the blessings from Him. I walked ahead braving the downpour. A bike stopped. " Hey, can I drop you somewhere?" the biker said. I looked at him suspiciously. "No. Thank you. I am fine." "See don't be scared. You don't seem to look human, leave aside being fine. I have seen you earlier in this locality therefore I assume that you live nearby. I will drop you home before you are successful in turning completely into a red crow." I laughed at that. "Okay!" He dropped me at my gate with a chuckle. After thanking him I started climbing up my stairs. Out of the corner of my eyes I watched him as he started parking his bike. I was shocked. Did he expect me to invite him inside till the rain stopped. Confused I stopped. Before I could open my mouth I saw that he was the new guy who had shifted in our building few weeks back.
With a smile I went inside my apartment. Why a smile? I was happy, what else?
Tomorrow I may have a different reason but today was a beautiful day gifted by the one who is always there.Thank you.
