Music Man

My anniversary and birthday are separated by just a day. Last year was our first anniversary. The day before, we had gone to Haldiram’s where AD ordered a gooey papdi chaat. Once he was done eating, I was trying to move the tray aside when, in my enthusiasm, I pushed it too hard and the whole plate landed upside down on his lap. Now, AD is very fussy about clean hands, especially when we’re not at home and don’t have easy access to large supplies of handwash and clean towels. So naturally enough he flipped out in the middle of Haldirams and gave me an earful - “You’re an idiot”, “You’re so stupid” etc etc.

My friend, who had accompanied us, concentrated hard on her food, while I was being chastised like a naughty three year old. Needless to say, I sulked, through lunch and all the way back home. AD dropped me home and drove off in a huff, all the while muttering about how stupid girls are and how annoying wives can be. I went upstairs and drowned my upset in a trashy romance novel.

A few hours later AD came back home. I was not ready to forgive him yet. So I shot him a cold glance and went back to my book. He casually tossed an envelope in my direction. Assuming it was a document that I was expecting from my parents, I barely paid any attention to it. He didn’t push the matter but quietly walked off. A little later, I picked up the envelope then I noticed it wasn’t from my parents. Then I looked at the logo on the top corner. It read ‘Furtado and Sons’.

I learned the piano as a kid and somewhere along the last ten years it fell along the wayside. And I’d wanted to start again. I’d been saving for a digital piano for what seemed like forever. And every time we crossed the music store in Ambience Mall, I’d make the mandatory trip to the store there to say a quick a hello to the object of my dreams.

You know where I’m going with this right? In the envelope was the guarantee card and purchase receipt for a digital piano, a model higher than the one I was saving for. And I? I did the only thing I could. I burst into tears! Never I my wildest dreams did I imagine that this man would go out and do something like that. AD is usually most undemonstrative and a gesture like this is very out of character for him.

The other day, I went to a music school where they give teacher training courses and once I’m done I’ll be qualified to teach music – at a basic level, but its still something I can do when I give up this hellhole I currently work in.

We’re soon coming up on anniversary #2. AD has informed me that his present for the first anniversary cum birthday has given him a free pass for the next five years, at the very least. I agree! After all, he brought the music back into my life.