What's wrong in it?

Chapter 5

The career progression

Kiranmayee got more and more accolades in office. Within 6 months she became a strong contender for TL role. She tooka bold decision of selling their Activa and buying a bigger, faster and a more reliable bike. Kranthi suggested ebikes and other gearless scooters. But to his shock, she decided to buy a Royal Enfield. He never rode it before. But she rode it when she was in college. Being a city girl she used to go on bike rides with gangs of bikers. She always wanted to own such bulky bikes. Kranthi had nothing to say so he agreed to her. When they took the delivery, she asked him to ride it to temple. But he denied. He said "It's your dream bike. I don't want to display male dominance here and steal your moment. I want you to ride it. I don't mind taking the pillion seat.". Hearing his words every one in the showroom started clapping for him. She felt very happy and rode it to the temple and back to home. He took good care of the bike such as dusting it daily and washing it regularly.

The powerful new bike and the powerful dresses she wore almost confirmed her promotion. Even the other contender started admiring her for her courage and agreed that her leadership skills were awesome. The same guys who commented on her sales succes were poised to work under her. This made her fly high in happiness. She started getting bonuses now which she saved for future. When she eventually got promoted, she thanked the gods again for giving her such a wonderful spouse who can take care of everything, cared for her, cooked for her and took over all her daily household jobs and supported her career.

Kranthi on the other hand, being an introvert, did not get any better job. Whichever offers he got were purely because of his creative and artistic hardwork. The animation he created, the colour pallet used by him, the designs used by him etc made him irreplaceable in his office. Yet he did not do well in interviews because of his shy nature. Luckily for him, his company was taken over by a big MNC based in silicon valley in California. It works for various Hollywood films. Upon this take over the company announced cost cutting measures and instead of giving hike in salary they have WFH option to all staff.

His male colleagues were not happy with this. Gents seek to go out and hangout with friends. For them WFH means a disconnect with their buddies. They cannot go to parties/bars after the work anymore. This one by one they all started to quit. They were replaced by newly recruited girls in his office and since he was a senior, he was given additional responsibility of training the new girls and training them. So he was offered a 30% hike as well as permanent WFH option. He needed to attend zoom meetings and train them. This almost happened simultaneously with Kiran's promotion.

Chapter 6
The first major step

Both of them were very happy and buy some gits to each other. Kiran said "let's not waste money on pettu gifts. Let's buy gold ornaments which will appreciate in value and help us in getting good amount in future when we can pledge them and take loan for the purpose of down payment for our Home Loan. They both contributed equally and bought a gold necklace set which came with rubies and Emaralds along with jhumkas.

In her excitement she did not notice it but later after reaching home with the ornaments, she realised that both of them contributed equally but only she got the gift. She felt guilty and suggested to return the ornaments and purchase some things for both. Kranthi denied saying "it really doesn't matter. You using it or me using it, what makes the difference? I'm happy that we are investing for our future"

Agreeing to his logic she asked him to wear it. When he again denied it she said "For my sake. Just to remove the guilt in me. Please wear it". He couldn't say anything else. So he went close to her asked her to put in in his neck. He bowed down his neck in shy after admiring himself in the mirror. She saw it in his eyes how much he liked it and said

Kiran: I think it suits you. You should keep it. I will buy something else later.
Kranthi: Nothing like that both can wear it.
Kiran: so when will you pierce tour ears for your Jhumkas
Kranthi: You wear them they will go nicely with the Red and green saree which you have.
Kiran: You seem to have an eye on my saree why don't you wear it.
Kranthi: No No No ..
Kiran: why not? It's not as if it's your first time. You have already worn saree and dances in front of thousands of people on stage.
Kranthi: That was when I was a kid.
Kiran: Oho... Then what about your new kurthis you are wearing oflate?
Kranthi: what about them?

Kiran explained it all to him. He was embarassed to his bones. He did not have any answer.

Kiran: If you do not like wearing my clothes, you can stop wearing those immediately. Can you?
Kranthi: But they are so nice on me. The colour, the fit, the softness the embroidery work on it....
Kiran: The blouse of my saree has better work on it. We can alter it to fit you. The colour I guarantee will suit you better than me. It's a silk saree. What can be more softer?
Kranthi: I will not look good.
Kiran: Are you going to contest in any pagent? All I'm asking you is to wear it so that I will not have to live in a guilt.
Kranthi: Okay... I agree... WHAT'S WRONG IN IT?