Everyone
crowded around her, admiring the diamonds encased in gold and adorning her
pretty neck. Envy, admiration and a sense of having lost on something was writ
on each face. “I should have bought one too; after all, the sale was on for a
very long time!” “My husband said I could buy anything, but I bought that
outdated silk saree, it is thick and gaudy and makes me look fat!” “I should
have traded all that antique heavy gold jewellery and bought these beauties
instead!” Thoughts flew back and forth
and thick in all the ladies minds.
I, being the last
entrant to the party was treated to a full exhibition and the story behind the
purchase (Each and every thing a lady buys, especially clothes, jewellery and accessories
has a tale behind it!) I suitably oohed
and aahed and rolled my eyes in the most affected manner and exclaimed
suitably. I happily rolled off a few adjectives about the precious rock and its
owner. All the time wondering why my family didn’t allow me to purchase
diamonds. “each diamond has a history and one needs to consult an astrologer
before buying one, as it causes serious harm to people” I remember an aunt
pronouncing loudly one day , as a new piece of jewellery was being shown off in
a family function. I wondered whether the lady in limelight had consulted one
before indulging in it.
As I made my way to
the most lovely interesting place in the hall, namely the buffet table, someone
poked me sharp in the ribs.” Did you see the adulation and wonder? You can
afford to buy one, cant you? You earn a handsome salary. I will host a party
for you so that these people realize that we are no better than them” My sister
gestured at the extended family who were the reason for the diamond and the
party.” But you too can afford them, my dear” I pointed out, “After all, your
husband owns quite a bit of property in prime locations and you have a few high
end cars! I am, after all, a salaried employee and my husband, an upright
government servant”
“ What!” she shrieked
as softly as possible,”No amount of cajoling will make hubby part with even a
centimetre of land, But you are your own master
and can afford to buy diamonds, without waiting for your husband to gift
it. I don’t get a pay cheque like you do”.I refrained from answering that what
she got each month from hubby dearest was probably much more than what I
earned. The spread on the table was more inviting that countering her
statement. As I piled my plate high and well, I observed a few shocked expressions
on the faces of those around me. Looking guiltily, I made my way through and
sat in a corner, savouring chips, samosas, nankhatais and all. I noticed,
however, that most women were making a show of eating and were not really doing
so. They had pathetically low portions on their plate and that too, mainly of
salads which were spread out on a centre table. As I rose for a refill, I could
almost feel a collective shudder going around the room. Fully laden, with rich
food and thoroughly satiated, I went to bid a polite goodbye to my hostess. She
was still showing off her necklace and I observed in the bright light that her
neck wasn’t as pretty as it looked in the pale light earlier. Her skin was pale
too, as if she was partially malnourished. Come to think of it, that was how
most women looked, thin and emaciated. I seemed to be the only rotund person
with a well fed look. As I made my way out, patting myself on the back that I
eat well and look good and am happy in my own way, I heard a loud whisper “
Look at these employed ladies, they don’t get to enjoy what they earn, always
slogging and suffering due to lack of time!!”.
Hi,nice discovery which is absolutely true
ReplyDeleteKeep up d discoveries to churn more articles.I thoroughly enjoyes Reading.
Anandhi rajan
Please visit my link below
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Painted-princess-collections-1432327410347015