Caged In A Ring

The weather was pleasant, definitely not the kind for a conversation like this. It had just rained and the sun, ever so slowly, peeked out of the clouds to bid goodbye. The surroundings were gloriously green and the birds beat a retreat, back to their homes. The steps leading to the ruined forgotten temple, on which we sat, were still damp. It pained me to look at him; we sat there for long, no words said. I looked at the ring adorning my finger. It danced with the light but not with my soul as I stared at it blankly. I fiddled with it for some time more, like I was buying time; there was no easy way to say this. I sighed, removed the ring and placed it in his palm. I could see his temper flare; he clenched his jaw and closed his fist, tight.

“Why?” he asked, his voice meek, and his eyes cold. Anger or Hurt? I didn’t know.

“I can’t go ahead with it. My mind agrees that to marry you would be right, it’s just that my heart isn’t convinced,” I explained.

“You were the one who always wanted security and freedom, I have a good job and I’m well settled. You wouldn’t have to work after marriage too!” he declared, happiness evident in his voice like he was making an offer that I couldn’t refuse. I let out a laugh, the feminist in me beamed.

“Thank you for saying this. Now my mind and heart are both convinced,” I replied and got up to walk away.

“What?” he asked in confusion and held my arm. I turned back, peeled away his hand that was clutching my arm.

“Thank you for setting me free; I wanted freedom, but not by being caged to you or your wishes. I will forever be indebted to you, for you have made me realize that I would love to tear the blanket of security that you could provide me, to run with the wolves,” I answered. I walked down the steps, leaving him and his precious ring. For the first time in a really long time, I felt free; I could see a skip in my walk! “Oh! And best of luck for your search for a bride,” I shouted out to him, one last time before I escaped into my newfound independence.