Ranjit had planned it all well; he was particularly waiting for this Valentine’s Day to gift Sheetal, his girlfriend since 8 months (ok, 7 months 9 days 14 hours according to Sheetal) a nice tangible present. Times have surely changed Ranjit thought to himself, who believes in the emotion of love or beautiful words, it’s all about the occasion “Valentine’s Day” and “the tangible gift” for which he had left on a half day leave from work to scout and keep his girlfriend happy.
The yellow and white lilies were picked and a check marked on the list. He walked into Palladium and started window shopping the big brand shops that would match her taste. None of the hand bags on display had a price tag on it. He wasn’t sure if walking in and just asking for prices and not buying was as per “rules” of brand shopping. He was casually walking down the aisle when he peeped into the Gucci shop. The two saleswomen gave pleasant comforting smiles that prompted him to walk in. The store was a huge hall with a big chandelier in between, he got seated on one of the leather fur sofas as the saleswoman started displaying the new, regular and vintage collection. After seeing around 7 bags he was thoroughly confused on which one to pick, all of them were elegant and would suit Sheetal he thought. He checked the prices and was relieved that he had saved more than enough to select the best.
Rohan entered the store in great hurry. “Could you show me the Cabas collection in bamboo, both leather and en python please.” He crisply asked and lost himself in his blackberry. He looked at the handbags and frowned a bit. “I think she already has these, in the new collection anything?” he said irresolute. “Sir, this is the new collection.” said the saleswoman curtly. He started glancing through the store at all the beautifully displayed handbags when his eye fell on the uncertain Ranjit and he smiled.
“Hi there.” Walking up to him he tried starting a conversation. Ranjit turned and stood next to him. “I am Rohan.” “Hello myself Ranjit.” he responded ambivalently. “I am here to get a present for my wife, Ananya. I know this sounds a bit odd, but would it be possible for you to give me that bouquet of yellow and while lilies. They are her favourite and it would remind her of our first Valentine when I gifted these. I would accompany a hand written poem of mine, she would value it over any other gift I’d buy for her.” He completed in one go ending with a broad smile. “Yes sure Rohan, take it man. Anything to keep the woman happy.” He said handing over the bouquet and patting Rohan’s arm. “Thanks dude, you are here to buy your wife a gift?” Rohan added. “No, haven’t reached there, still a girlfriend, it’s difficult to choose one in this large collection.” He smiled. “I insist please let me do something for this bouquet that you so gratefully gave me without any apprehension.” After much hesitance and lot of insisting Ranjit accepted the best of Cabas collection from Rohan. They exchanged cards and decided to meet over drinks the next Saturday.
