As I packed my bags last evening to head back to Bangalore, I noticed that my wardrobe is starting to show signs of brighter hues. The blacks, whites and greys are gradually giving way for blues, greens and even the occasional orange. Superman disapproves of my taste in clothing. Normally quite plain and modest, I have found my clothes rather ideal for the Indian weather and public transport. And, that was exactly what I said when he first suggested that my wardrobe needed to be revamped. Not one to be brushed aside so easily, especially in matters of clothing and style, I was cajoled each weekend - when we would shop for my wedding trousseau - to consider experiments with color and style. (Aside: I must be the only bride whose wedding and honeymoon clothes was closely, and lovingly I may add, supervised by the fiancé)
Here’s a typical Saturday at a store in Bangalore. It’s a beautiful day and we intend to buy a pair of black jeans – the kind that’s versatile and can be worn for almost any occasion. I am in the trial room, with Superman on the other side of the door:
Superman: Does it fit well?
Me: Hmm…it’s ok. I think I should try the next size though. Can you get it for me please.
Superman: Sure, give me a minute.
A few minutes later….
Superman: They don’t have the next size…try these instead. (flinging in a few pairs of jeans)
Me: They are pink, blue and green. I want black.
Superman: Just try them on and let’s see what they look like.
I try on the pink ones as my hopes of owning a new pair of black jeans that evening starts to ebb.
Me: I don’t like them darling. I look plump.
Superman: Let me see!
I gingerly step out, rather embarrassed by the colour of my pants.
Superman: What are you talking about! You look super. I even saw a tee shirt that will look perfect on it!
Before I knew it, we were walking out of the store with pairs of pink and green jeans and tee-shirts to go with them. The blue was fortunately too loose.
For someone who dislikes to shop as much as I do, it was quite surprising that our short but very memorable courtship focused on shopping. I suppose it would have been more natural for me to shop with my sister or girl friends for my clothes. But the run up to the wedding was too short to allow for discrete time on weekends for shopping and romance. And looking back on it, I suppose an argument over a pair of jeans did more for our arranged marriage than a romantic date.
Cut to the past week in Dubai, which is rather synonymous with shopping. My appetite for malls is reaching a critical limit. Superman is however keen for me to visit the Dubai Mall, deemed to be the largest mall in the world. We walk into a store and he insists that I pick up clothes. I stand puzzled in the women’s section. I don’t have an occasion to shop for. I am already married, the honey moon’s over and I have wardrobe full of new clothes. I watch my husband nervously as he picks out a pair of blue pants with practiced ease. He’s been looking for maroon ones, but I guess blue will have to do for now. When he’s done, he looks in my direction only to notice an empty shopping bag. He’s disappointed. The next few hours are spent buying pants, shirts and shoes I don’t need. I sulk and huff through most of it, resisting extreme experiments in couture (read: printed pants).
I guess shopping, as for most other couples, will remain a bone of contention between us for a long time to come. But I hope it’s a move in the positive direction to see brighter clothes in my suitcase. I leave you with a list of items I never thought I would own:
1. Pink jeans
2. Orange three-fourth pants
3. Pink three-fourth pants
4. Pista green chinos
5. Pink ankle length frock…the kind that flares out all the way from the chest
6. A necklace with big, colourful beads
7. Honey comb sun shades
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