Bowled Over By The Broken

Chapter 19: One word; A Hundred Meanings

March 19th, 2017

"Wealth and children are the adornments of the life of this world. But the permanent righteous deeds are better in your Lord's Sight (to attain) rewards, and better in respect of hope."

(Quran 18:46)

Chapter 19:

One word; A Hundred Meanings

Parking the car two houses away from Mariam's, Shamaaz turned off the ignition and looked at his girlfriend, his eyes smiling in memory of the wonderful evening they had spent together.

"I've missed this," she smiled, and turned to look at him as he took her hand in his.

"Me too," he affirmed, squeezing her hand.

The past month had been extremely tough for him, and although he had foreshadowed it, there was little to prepare. It was the end of semester, and thankfully his attendance was finally sufficient to help him clear all his back logs.

However, in between both his papers, he was travelling in and out of the city for his scheduled cricket matches.

Their team had sailed to the finals but couldn't win the deciding game. Although slightly dejected, he was still delighted that they could manage to be the runners up and to top it all, he was awarded the man of the match.

Now that he was back in the city after an important match that could shape his career and his final paper was also done, spending time with Mariam had been a pleasant change.

"I got you something," he said, intruding the silence while retrieving a tiny box from the dashboard.

"Yeah?" Mariam's eyes lit up, waiting impatiently for him to reveal the contents.

Opening the box, he showed her the promise ring he had got her.

A single diamond encrusted on a gold band. A simple ring, but it had cost him all the money he earned in the recent match.

"Only one diamond?" Mariam echoed in displeasure, her smile faltering.

This is not what Shamaaz had expected. For the first time in life, he had purchased something for someone. To his own surprise, he had even been very serious of this relationship.

Then again, commitment had never been a joke for him. Among all his flaws, this was probably something that he could be given credit for.

Seeing his expression and not in mood for his tantrums, Mariam put on a fake smile and extended her hand.

"I know this means a lot to you."

"I know I'm a struggling cricketer now and don't have much to offer. And that's why this is a promise ring. A promise that we will reach a day where you can introduce me to your dad without qualms. But Mariam, having said that, it's ok if you don't like it, we can get something else," he said, turning away.

"Hey Shamaaz, I love it. Come on, I'm waiting."

Not willing to spoil the atmosphere but making a mental note that he'll definitely have to discuss this at length later, he held her extended hand and slipped the ring.

"It's looks better now," he said, marvelling the ring on her slim manicured finger while smiling brightly.

"Thank you," Mariam chirped, and leaning in, she kissed his cheek.

"You can do better, you know," Shamaaz hinted.

It was probably time to take the next step in their relationship.