Hundred Percent Love
Hundred Percent Love
“Why do people exchange roses with the one they love?” She asked me when I was thirteen and she was twelve.
“Because roses are red Nina,” I replied.
“Apples are red also, why don’t they exchange apples instead. It is a good source of calories too.” She asked again, but this time, I just sniffed through my nose and replied, “It is just a convention set by old people. We don’t need to change it, because there is no need for that.”
“But when we will grow up, I suggest you give me an apple instead.” She spoke.
“Why is that?”
“Because I never have a proper meal.” And before I could say anything, she proceeded, “You know, my mother earns a good amount of money, but she split it into three parts. One for our food; which is necessary for surviving, another one for my marriage. Mom says when it will be my time to marry, it will cost a lot more than it costs now. And the third part is collected by her to buy a nice new home. She says ‘In Kashmir the bride matters forty percent and her house matters sixty percent.’”
“Well, for me, your house won’t matter. it is you who will matter a hundred percent.” I told her.
