The Birthday Gift

“Whaat?? How can you be so mean, so unreasonable?” she yelled at him, shock and agony on her face.

He was still as indifferent as ever, as unresponsive. She was staring at him, and on the verge of freaking out completely. He opened his mouth as if to say something, and almost as if suddenly deciding otherwise, turned back to leave. She only managed to blink once in astonishment. He was gone!
She felt numb for thirty seconds, then suddenly came to life and shouted at the top of her voice “Hey wait! Listen. You can’t….”

She stopped midway. She knew he was already far away from the range of her sight and sound. Even if he weren’t, it wasn’t going to be much different. Her words were going to fall on deaf ears anyway. She knew this too well. She knew him too well.

Sigh…

Now this was what she called her daily dose of frustration. Only that this time it seemed like a double dose!

“Aaaaaaaawww Gaaaaawwwwwwwdddddddd”

She collapsed back on her bed, hands on her forehead, sandstorms beneath them.

How could he be so heartless?
Yes life was getting tough with him of late, but ups and downs are normal in relationships, right!
Maybe I should be more patient. Maybe this is temporary, maybe it’s due to stress…Oh whatever, but he should also understand na. Gaaaaaaaawwwwddd...not today!

Memories of five years ago rushed back to her. It was a month after their engagement. They had spent the entire day together, and had such a beautiful time together she almost cried at the memory. It was her best birthday till date. And today he didn’t even remember her birthday this morning!!!
She had waited initially, but was actually so confident of his memory that she herself reminded him before he left for work.

“Oh darling, so sorry…Happy birthday. Many many happy returns of the day. Tell me what do you want?”
“A quiet romantic evening here at home tonight. Just the two of us. I’ll make the preparations.”
“Ok…I’ll be home!”

He had promised her the evening. She had hoped everything would become all right after that. And now?

A Single tear rolled down her cheek.

Somehow, after 15 minutes, she picked herself up to get ready. He had said 7 o’clock and she knew he meant it. He loved these stupid business-meetings-cum-parties of his, and he liked being on time always. She dressed up and sat down waiting-waiting for him to come, waiting to get lost herself yet again in a milling crowd of pseudo-civilized men and ladies, where she swayed alone from one corner of the room to the other with an artificial smile pasted firmly on the face, trying occasionally to spot the collar of his suit from amongst the middle of a noisy group that included as many hardcore money-makers as party-hopping socialites.

She didn’t have to wait too long. He returned earlier than 7; apparently his appointment with the lawyer had taken him less than he had expected. He looked happy, and was even more pleased to see her ready already. They didn’t talk much then or in the car- he had almost forgotten her birthday and his promise, he had almost forgotten her. Sometime later she asked:
“Where are we going”?
“Maurya!”

Maurya? Hadn’t he said Taj at home…anyway how does that matter…

They reached Maurya in another ten minutes. As they entered the lobby, his phone rang.
“One second darling, I have an important call. Why don’t you go in? The party is in Hall 2. I’ll just join you!”

Reluctantly, she moved in, alone. As she reached Hall 2, she was surprised to find it completely dark and silent.

Did I hear him wrong? He said hall 2, didn’t he?

She was about to turn back, when suddenly the huge central chandelier in the hall brightened up, and a number of bright, jubilant faces simultaneously broke into the birthday song.

“Happy birthday to you….”

She gasped in surprise and happiness. Right in front of her, some twenty feet away, little ahead of the chandelier was the birthday cake-her birthday cake. To its left stood her mother, her brother and his wife. To the right was her best friend with her two-year-old daughter and her husband. The hall was full of friends, acquaintances and relatives. It was a full-fledged rocking party- her birthday party! She slowly moved a few paces ahead.

How unlike my husband to plan a surprise party! How sweet, how thoughtful!
But where is the mastermind?

She turned back. He was standing at the door. She smiled back at him affectionately. He gestured her to move ahead. She reached near the cake, right below the huge chandelier. Congratulations and greetings poured to her from all corners of the room. It was time to cut the cake and begin the party.

Why isn’t he here yet? We should cut the cake now.
Ohhh...it’s such a beautiful party. I love him so much.
Everything is going to be all right now. I love him.
Where is he but?

She turned back for the second time. He was standing at the door.

What’s he doing there now?

“Come up” she whispered as she waved to him. He was looking straight into her eye, but didn’t nudge, or respond. She noticed his right hand move slightly in his pocket. It looked like some sign, but she didn’t understand.

What?

Suddenly he broke into a wry smile- very wicked, very cruel, and very victorious. Bewildered, she continued to stare at him as the wicked smile developed into a sly grin.

Thunder, darkness, a scream, a fall, the end!!!!!!!!!!!!
The chandelier had fallen right on her. She died in the accident.