42: Childish Ring

Khana sat on the chair and faced the mirror. Meanwhile, her husband opened the drawer next to her and took the hair dryer. He wiped Khana's wet hair and blew it with a hair dryer.

He also gently brushed the lady's hair and adorned her neck with a gold necklace. Richard humbled his wife with his words, "You're very alluring, wife."

"I'll call the maid to help you get dressed. If you're done, I'm just outside."

Shortly after, Khana heard the door shut. Followed by a knock, the maid entered the master bedroom and helped Khana zip her dress. As soon as she opened the door, Richard showed up wearing a bright smile.

“Let’s go?” Richard asked, extending his hand to the fragile lady. 

The wife nodded and accepted the man’s gesture. She slowly took careful steps, descending the stairs. Then, Richard opened the car’s door as they arrived at the parked car. He placed his hand on top of the wife’s head as she entered the car. 

The sun buzzed with horns and busy traffic lights. The sky was clear with casted golden hue across the bustling streets as Khana and Richard strolled hand in hand. The summer heat was bearable, softened by a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of nearby trees. The couple was in high spirits as they embarked on a shopping spree for their soon-to-arrive baby. It was a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and a hint of trepidation.

Khana, with her growing baby bump, looked radiant. Her eyes sparkled as she examined tiny clothes, imagining their baby wearing each piece. Richard, ever the doting husband, followed her lead, occasionally picking up an outfit and asking for her opinion. They were in sync, their movements and decisions reflecting their shared joy and love for the unborn child. 

“I think this will suit you. What do you think?” Richard asked, showing a plain fairy inspired, flowy flowery beige maxi dress.

Khana agreed on buying the dress since it was stretchable and it would not suffocate her belly. As they moved from one store to another, Khana suddenly remembered an upcoming baby shower for one of their acquaintances from the board members. It was an event she couldn't miss, especially since it would be the perfect opportunity to strengthen their social ties and show their support.

"Richard," she said, turning to her husband with a thoughtful expression, "what do you think we should get for the baby shower gift?"

Richard paused, considering her question. "Maybe something practical, like a set of baby essentials? Orperhaps a beautiful keepsake that they can treasure for years?"

Khana nodded, appreciating his input. As they continued to browse through the store, she found herself lost in a daydream. She imagined their family of three, the laughter and love that would fill their home. She smiled at the thought, feeling a deep sense of contentment. Despite the challenges they faced, she was hopeful about their future.

However, there was a nagging feeling in the back of her mind. Richard still hid something from her. A thing that weighs heavily on his conscience. Khana tried to push the thoughts away, reminding herself that trust was essential in their relationship. Maybe he truly had a reason for hiding whatever it was, and perhaps it had to do with the company her father had owned. If he’s a bad person, he would not take care of her and Richard would not promise to confess everything when the timing is not bad, according to his statement.

Her father had already hinted that the financial stability of the company was out of their control and that Richard had acquired most of the shares. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was the secret Richard was keeping from her. But today, she decided to focus on the positive aspects of their life together.

‘He doesn’t need to hide it. He could’ve just explained it to me, I’m not that illogical to blame him for my father’s financial burden. It would be better if he admits if he played dirty or if Bettina is involved,’ Khana’s mind silently whispered. ‘Let’s just leave everything at the hands of his grace,’ her mind added.

Everything seemed perfect that day, a rare moment of peace and happiness. They had chosen a beautiful gift for the baby shower—a silver rattle engraved with the baby's initials—and were heading towards the checkout counter when they passed by a section filled with toys.

Among the colorful array of playthings, a toy wreath ring caught Khana's eye. It was a simple design, reminiscent of a childhood memory. She suddenly remembered him—the guy who had promised to marry her when they were young. A flashback from his proposal had trespassed her sanity… (When we grow old, I’ll buy you a real gold ring, beaded with diamonds. You’ll be my wife, right??)

It may be wrong to think of that guy from her past, but it can’t be helped, her brain remembers him. A bittersweet smile crossed her lips as she mumbled to herself, "Where might he be?"

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize Richard had already moved ahead to pay the bills. He called out to her, "Honey, do you want to buy that?"

Snapping back to reality, Khana jolted for a short time. Then she shook her head and replied with a touch of bitterness, "I never liked such childish things." She quickly walked ahead, leaving Richard puzzled. He scratched his nape and mumbled to himself, "Pregnant hormones are truly something..."

Despite the brief moment of melancholy, they continued their day, completing their shopping and heading home. As they drove back, Khana stared out of the window, her mind drifting between the past and the future. She thought about her childhood sweetheart and the innocent promise they had made. She wondered if he ever thought about her… if he’s now happy with the new place he’s serving as god’s servant.

“I bet he never regretted letting go of me,” Khana murmured which Richard failed to hear as the horn of the car next to them distracted him.