.....and then it came.....unalarmed. ....sudden.....the slap on her face. ....

The argument had started the previous day.  The matter didn't even matter as it was so trivial. But the fight was big.
She first made her timid suggestions and then put them a bit firmly as she strongly believed in the plan....A plan they had both carefully plotted ......she cud not fathom the sudden change and he cud not fathom the disagreement. ....

Two years into the marriage. ...still primitive. ...still raw. ...still fresh. ...still. .........

She hadn't quiet recovered from the shock of what had just happened when the phone rang. ....one hand on the cheek she answered the phone with the other. ....

Mom it had to be. ....
"Happy birthday to you meri jaan...."
"Did you already get your birthday gift. ..???!!!"

"Thanks Ammi....Oh yes I did. ...and I am holding it with my other hand....."