A Special Birthday Gift

                              

It was Sudha’s birthday and she was going to the office dressed in new clothes. It was a beige-colored saree with a dark brown contrast border and it suited her very well. She was very particular about how she dressed for the office. She held a good position in a Central Government Department and always maintained the dignity of her position. She never felt comfortable wearing new clothes to work but she could not hurt her parents by not wearing new clothes on her birthday.

Her colleagues wished her as soon as she entered the office. Those close to her appreciated her choice and one of her best friends Radha said,” don’t you get bored of wearing similar colors most of the time? With your fair complexion, you can get away with wearing any color.” Sudha’s eyes were filled with tears and she somehow controlled them from trickling out. Radha was shocked seeing this and could not understand what was so hurtful in what she said just now. Without further discussion, they got to their work as their boss entered into the office.

During lunchtime, Radha apologized to Sudha and she in turn assured her that it was not Radha’s words that triggered tears but it was childhood memories.

Sudha was the eldest of the two daughters. Her younger sister Kavita was extremely fair-complexioned. Not only that, most of the family members from her paternal side were very fair and few of those with a few shades darker skin, as perceived by the majority group, were treated with sympathy and always reminded of their dark skin by referring to it whenever there was an opportunity. Sudha’s mother always picked up the same cloth for both her daughters and every time she got them new clothes, her youngest uncle would make a big spectacle out of it. He would say,” Bhabhi, you always bring colors and designs which look good on your second daughter. You don’t even think as to how they would look on your elder daughter who is dark-skinned. Please next time you shop, keep her also in mind.”

It was painful for Sudha to hear this and watch the spectacle made out of her complexion. While appearing to be sympathetic he was making fun of her, she thought. This and many more incidences like this made her think that she was really dark-complexioned, which she was not. Even if she was dark what was the big deal? She realized later. She was attractive in her own way and everyone appreciated her and considered her good-looking. However, the childhood experience damaged her self-confidence to a great extent and that was one reason she preferred to remain in the background by wearing subtle and lighter shades.

When she narrated these experiences to Radha, she burst into laughter. “You and dark complexioned? It must be a cruel joke. Of course, I have seen many of your family members. Compared to their complexion you may be a few shades darker but by no means you can be considered dark. I can understand that fair skin is admired but one cannot be so obsessed with it that they crush the feelings of a child and dent their self-confidence for the rest of their life. Come on Sudha, it is time to grow up and show your family that you are a woman of substance and your personality is not limited to the color of your skin. Your academic excellence and your Job have proven this point beyond doubt. Sudha smiled with joy and relief and Radha’s words instilled some confidence in herself. She said, “ Radha your words are a precious gift on my birthday and I will always remember them.” That birthday turned out to be very special indeed!