Hundred rupees and five. That was all Alaka had. With great difficulty and tight spending, she was able to save that much. Alaka counted the money again and again. Still hundred and five only. Next day was the festival day. She was sad and she cried.
Alaka loved her husband Ashok very much. It was difficult to manage the expenses with the meager income of Ashok. Alaka’s tears dried. She wiped her face and stood near the window.
That festival was about expressing your love and affection. Wanting to give a proper gift, Alaka became worried. She looked at her face in the nearby mirror. Her long hair touching her knees made her happy. But her face lost its color.
The couple was very proud of two things. One was Ashok’s golden watch. That watch came down in the family and was always with Ashok as a close friend. Because it was old, the watch did not even have a chain. Ashok used to take it out often from his shirt pocket to see the time. The other thing of pride was Alaka’s long hair.
There was a shop with a sign-board – “Hair Articles and Goods”. Alaka entered the shop with zeal. Alaka asked the shopkeeper – “Do you buy my hair”? The shopkeeper replied – “I do buy hair. Remove your hat. I will take a look at your hair”. Alaka removed her hat. Her hair fell down till her knees. Seeing that hair, the shopkeeper was joyed and said – “Five hundred rupees”.
Alaka said – “Give it to me quickly”.
Having sold her hair, Alaka took the money and went from shop to shop. Many hours went by in finding a gift for Ashok. Finally, she got a good gift. That was a unique golden watch chain. Its price was five hundred and fifty rupees. She took the golden chain and the balance fifty rupees and reached her home.
After reaching home, Alaka’s uneasy mind quieted a little. She stood in front of the mirror and looked for a long time at her head with hair cut. With short hair, she was looking like a schoolboy. Alaka’s mind was weary of what her dear husband would say when he sees her new hairstyle. The dinner was ready at seven. Ashok never arrived home late. Alaka sat near the door and waited for her dear husband. After some time, Ashok entered the hallway. Alaka prayed to the god in mind – “My husband should not be upset with this lost hair”.
Ashok moved towards Alaka and saw her. Taken aback, he stood there for a couple of minutes. Perturbed by his silence, Alaka ran to him. She put her head on his arms and cried loudly. She said – “Dear, don’t look at me like that. I sold my hair. Don’t worry about it. My hair will grow back again. This is festival time. For a long time, I wished to give you a gift. I have got something that you will like very much.
Bewildered Ashok said – “Oh! You got your hair cut”? Alaka said – “Yes. Got it cut and sold it too. Let us not worry about it again. Let us celebrate this festival with joy. I am the same Alaka, your dear wife. Let your love not be lost toward me”.
Ashok stood there a while looking at his dear wife. Then he took out a cloth packet from his coat pocket and kept it on the table. He said – “Dear, your hair has no effect on my love. I always love you. Open this packet and see. The reason for my bewilderment will be clear.
Alaka opened the packet. Alaka was overjoyed by looking at what was in it. Then she wept again, but with joy. That thing was a comb. A beautiful comb with beads on it. Alaka had seen that costly comb many times in the shop. She had taken her mind off of it because of its price. Now, holding the comb she wanted in her hand, she said – “Dear, I am overjoyed by having this comb. My hair will grow back soon”.
Then Alaka eagerly opened her hand in front of Ashok and showed the golden watch chain. She said – “Dear, look what I got. This golden chain is very good for to tie your watch. With this, it will be easy for you to see the time. Where is your watch? Let us see how it looks with this chain”.
Ashok took a deep breath and sat down in the chair. He smiled and said – “Dear, let us keep away these two gifts in the cupboard for some time. Both of them are of no use for now. I sold the watch and bought the comb with that money. Let us eat dinner now”.
