Wedding Gifts!!!

Buying wedding gifts has always presented a dilemma. I've never been an adept gift chooser, hence the ardent detestation for the task. However, faced with the invitation to my dear friend's brother's marriage I just had to go and get a suitable present.

First came fixing a budget - that's the easiest - my purse dictates the terms there. So with a upper spending ceiling of Rs 500/- in mind I landed up at the neighbourhood gift shop. Lined all along the walls were statuettes of various gods and goddesses. Much as I would like the Lord Ganesha to bless the couple at the auspicious occasion, his bronzed image did not impress me as a appropriate gift. Other choices included a pair of bronze giraffes, ornate candle stands, picture frames. None of these satisfied the vanity of the gift giver in me and so I ventured for greener pastures.

A 15 minutes rickshaw ride landed me at the nearest big shopping complex. Lined along the road were a whole bevy of choices - a couple of gift shops, a watch shop, few garment stores and a couple of home appliance dealers. Amidst all these the "Sriganesh Bartan Bhandaar" beckoned to me - hmmm seems distinctly familiar - I thought. With much trepidation I entered, and came face to face with the toothy grin of the person manning the counter.

Ji Madam? Kuch paanchso rupiye main dikhaiye - gift deene layak. Ji Madam! Out came a tea set - blue coloured china. Hmmm looks - errr - the big fish on the tea pot sported a huge grin - what else do you have? Ye dekhiye Madam - another tea set - this one bright lemon yellow in colour. Ye Caaffee set hai Madam. I noted that the cups had COFFEE etched on them with a simmering cup drawn on the side. Inspired by my disinterested look, the man produced a frosted glass plate set - yeh dekiye Madam - microwave proof, dishwasher proof, available in two designs Madam. Hmmmmm - I gave a very pensive look at the glass plate -how much? Only 650/- Madam - No, no, budget se zyada ho gaya! Aapke liye 550 Madaaaammm ...

Before I could protest any further, out came a flurry of casseroles in all shapes and sizes. Very useful Madam - has inner glass bowl, microwave proof, branded product Madam - Milton - very good quality. Hmmm how much - 400/- ah ... this looks really good! I turned the thing all around - the lid looks a bit dirty - purana hai kya? No, no Madam - I'll clean it - he sprayed Colin on the lid and rubbed it sparkling clean. I pondered a while and decided the newly wed couple would be in dire need of a casserole when starting a new family - hmmm- maybe they'll thank me for it someday ... and I smiled to .... Ho gaya Madam - Isko gift wrap kara dijiye. After little haggling with the price, it came down to 350/- and I was suddenly feeling very proud of myself.

Feeling content with my acquisition, my eyes now wandered to a mother n daughter pair beside me. They were looking at some crystal glasses, presumably as a gift for someone. Payment Madam - Ah yes .. - I paid - the crystal glasses looked really nice - set of six glasses, would have made a better present but must be really costly. Ye lijiye Madam - pack ho gaya - Thanks.

Ye glasses ka set kitne ka hai? This ... only 200/- Madam - ek set aapko bhi de doon? I collected my gift and walked out of the store.