She went to her ex’s wedding… uninvited.

Story: The Gift

“Will you buy me something?”
— “I don’t have money, dear. I can’t buy anything.”
— “Who said you’d use your own money? I’ll give you the cash, you just get it for me.”
— “You’ve been roaming shopping malls all day. Why should I be the one buying it now?”
— “I have my reasons. First, promise you’ll get it.”
— “If it’s your money, then why not? Tell me, what is it?”
— “****”
— “What?? What do you need that for?”
— “I need it.”
— “Need it for what? What could you possibly do with that nonsense?”
— “Why nonsense? Everyone needs it.”
— “That’s different.”
— “This is also different. And I’ll show you why I need it. Don’t worry. Just get it for me, please.”
…
— “Here, take it. Never bought this even for myself, but had to for you.”
— “Give me the rest of the money.”
— “I spent it.”
— “You what?”
— “I went through so much for you, so I used the leftover to have falooda.”
— “You greedy jerk. Now listen carefully.”
— “Go on.”
— “Today’s Wednesday, right?”
— “Yeah.”
— “We’re going out the day after tomorrow.”
— “We, as in you and me?”
— “Is there anyone else here I’d be talking to?”
— “Nisa, what are you up to?”
— “What do you mean?”
— “Buying stuff and then planning an outing? Are you trying to trap me or something?”
— “Haha. So what if I am?”
— “Look, it’s true I like you, but I never bothered you. Since I found out about you and Nehal, I backed off.”
— “There’s nothing between us now.”
— “Yeah, I know. How could there be? That selfish jerk.”
— “Let it go.”
— “Why should I? When you were dating, didn’t he see you were short? After all this time, he dumps you for a taller girl?”
— “Haha, so what? There are plenty of crazy guys like you who love short girls.”
— “Exactly. Shouldn’t a guy love a girl for who she is, not her height? May Nehal’s tall wife tie him to a tree and beat him.”
— “Why are you getting so mad?”
— “What else should I do? You dumped me and chose him. And now? He ditched you. Even if you were under 4 feet, I’d still love you. I fell for your heart, not your height.”
— “Hey, you’re insulting me now. I’m 4’10”!”
— “Just saying. Now tell me—where are we going and why? You wouldn’t take me on a trip without a reason.”
— “That’s true. It’s not really a trip—more like an invitation to eat.”
— “Thank God. At least I won’t be attacked.”
— “You rascal, I’ll smack you!”
…
He ran off. I’m Nisa. That’s my friend Imran. He’s liked me for two years. When he first told me, I thought he was joking and brushed it off with a laugh. He’s the quiet type. Never tried to convince me he was serious. A few months later, I got involved with Nehal. He seemed to love me—or maybe he just acted like it. I still don’t know. When his family arranged his marriage, he simply told me—his mom wouldn’t accept a short girl, and he wouldn’t disobey her. Poor Nisa. What could she do? You can’t fight nature.
…
— “Hey, where are we going?”
— “Why so many questions? You’ll see.”
— “Nisa, I don’t trust you one bit.”
— “Why?”
— “Who knows… What if you’re channeling your rage at Nehal on me?”
— “Not a bad idea. I didn’t think of that. Let’s go with that plan.”
— “God save me. I’m digging my own grave.”
— “We’re here. Get down from the rickshaw and help me.”
…
We entered a community center.

— “Nisa, what’s going on? This is Nehal’s wedding! Why are we here?”
— “When did you last eat biryani?”
— “It’s been a month. Can’t afford it every day with tutoring money.”
— “I know. So I brought you here for a treat.”
— “Nisa, I’m serious. No jokes.”
— “I’m not joking. Feeding my friend biryani after a month, and eating at my ex’s wedding? What a combo!”
…
While eating, Imran kept muttering insults at me. I ignored it. I enjoyed my meal. After all, it’s my boyfriend’s wedding. How many people get that chance?

Just after my second burp, Nehal appeared.

— “You? Who invited you?”
— “Oh come on! It’s your wedding. Of course I came.”
— “Look, Nisa. Our friends are here. If anyone sees you and says something to my bride, I’ll be divorced on day one.”
— “Relax. I’m just here to give you a gift. Thought I’d eat before handing it over.”

He stared in confusion as I took the packet from my purse—the one I had Imran buy. He looked stunned. I whispered,

— “What are you doing?”
— “It’s his wedding gift.”
— “You had me buy that for him?”
— “Yep. Now hush.”

— “Here’s your wedding gift.”

Nehal tried to guess what was inside the small white-wrapped packet. When he opened it, he gasped.

— “C...Condoms? Are you serious?? Who gives this as a wedding gift? Especially an ex?”
— “No one does. That’s why I did. Look, you married your wife based on height. You don’t know what kind of person she is. What if it doesn’t work out? Better safe than sorry. If you rush into parenthood, she’s the one who’ll suffer. Anyway, best of luck.”
…
I grabbed Imran’s hand and walked out. Poor guy was still in shock. I held his hand as we walked, and it felt… nice. He noticed, smiled, and held mine tighter.


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