A stunning invitation card lay on the table as Smita stared into space. Arvind returned from work just then. “Today was rough. My boss is always upset with me, and I worry about when I might lose my job. I’ve heard a serious recession is on the horizon. What if I end up unemployed?” He bellowed.
However, he realised that Smita hadn’t even noticed his arrival. She seemed distracted, her gaze fixed on something.
Arvind spotted the invitation on the table and opened it. He recognized that the daughter of the Mehta family, who lived in the bungalow down the lane, was getting married, and they had sent invites to everyone in the neighborhood.
“Next Sunday, huh? That sounds exciting!” he exclaimed, eyes sparkling. “We’ll get to enjoy a lovely lunch. I bet there’ll be a mountain of sweets!” He nudged Smita, grinning. “You’re thinking about the food and treats too, right?”
Suddenly, Smita’s mood shifted, and she snapped, “You’re only thinking of the food! Do you realise that the women at the wedding will be adorned in heavy gold and diamond jewelry? What do I have? Just this thin chain, and a couple of old bangles. I’m not going to that wedding!” She frowned.
Arvind’s heart sank at the sight of her disappointment. It was almost two years now after they had married against their families’ wishes due to their different backgrounds, and both had to carve out their lives with little support. With Arvind earning a modest 35,000 rupees and Smita still job hunting, making ends meet in Mumbai was a struggle.
He tried to cheer her up, saying, “You’re so beautiful; your features will shine, and no one will care about what jewelry you wear.” His words misersbly failed to placate a seething Smita.
Despite her reluctance, Smita couldn’t bear the thought of missing the wedding, especially with all the prominent guests attending. She deviced a plan.
Hailing a rickshaw the following morning after Arvind left for work, Smita headed to Malini’s house. Smita had met Malini during a neighborhood celebration, and the two had struck up a friendship. During one of their chats, Malini had mentioned knowing a woman named Kanaga, who rented out exquisite jewelry for weddings at affordable rent. Remembering this, Smita sought Malini’s help in finding the lady.
Upon arriving at Kanaga’s place, Smita was in awe of the stunning jewelries she owned. A diamond necklace, earrings, and bangles—all for just 2000 rupees a day, caught Smita’s attention. “I only need it for one day,” she said, a smile forming as she secured the deal paying 2000 rupees that was actually meant for house expenditure. All sense of discernment was lost on Smita. She wanted to wear the diamond set.
“Just be careful; this is one of my most exquisite sets. The necklace alone is valued at 2 lakh rupees.” The lady cautioned, handing the delicate set to Smita with care.
At the wedding, guests couldn’t help but admire Smita’s accessories, showering her with compliments and inquiries about where she had obtained them. Smita cleverly fabricated stories about famous jewelers she’d never dream of visiting.
Overwhelmed by the attention, she relished every bite of the delicious food and drinks served at the celebration.
However, as they were leaving, Arvind suddenly gasped, glaring at Smita’s bare neck.
Panic set in as they realized the necklace had slipped off somewhere.
They hurried back to the venue but, fearing it might trigger a gossip, they discreetly searched the area, only to find nothing.
In shock, they stood silent, avoiding any blame.
Now faced with a daunting choice—confess to Kanaga about the lost necklace, which could mean owing her 2 lakh, or try to acquire a similar diamond necklace—both options felt impossible, leaving them in a tight spot as that amount was far beyond their means. But they had to compensate Kanaga.
The following morning Smita confided in Malini.
“Oh, no, how could you be so careless? Kanaga would disown me if you do not compensate her.”
Smita heaved a sigh.
“Whoever found it must have taken it away. Afterall who gets a diamond necklace worth 2 lakhs just like that.” She cried.
Malini slumped on the chair deeply anguished.
She gestured to Smita to leave and make arrangement for the money.
Two lakh was an astronomical sum the couple could never hope to accumulate. They scoured their list of friends and relatives who still maintained contact, but they saw the futility in approaching them. None of them were rich enough to lend an amount as huge as 2 lakh. They may have to visit multiple friends to accumulate the amount. Smita and Arvind therefore decided to take the money from a money lender though the interest was huge.
“How are we ever going to repay this?” Smita asked with tears in her eyes.
Arvind did not have an answer to convince her. They had to pay Kanaga and there was no other way to amass so much money.
With her head bowed in shame, Smita approached Kanaga’s house.
“Madam, I deeply regret to inform you that I’ve lost the necklace.” Tears streamed down her face as she handed over the earring and bangles.
“WHAT?” the woman screamed, her voice laced with disbelief. “After paying me for one day you’ve come back in three days just to tell me you’ve lost my valuable diamond necklace? I’m not contacting the police because Malini brought you here, and I trust her. I am sure you must have found a way to compensate the loss.”
With trembling hands, Smita offered Kanga the cash.
Malini opened the door in response to a knock, glancing at Kanaga, who was brandishing a wad of cash. “Here, take your cut. I need you to find me more customers—I have plenty of necklace with cleverly unfastened chains but let a few weeks pass, and scour for different venues.”
The two erupted into sinister laughter.
“2 lakh for a necklace valued at just fifteen hundred,” Malini chuckled.
