It was a public holiday today, which meant I had no classes for the day.

I was waiting for Priya. She had asked me to join her at her friend Rachel’s elder brother’s wedding. I had put on one of the new dress Priya had bought me on our first outing. I didn't want to look bad in front of her friends.

Rachel was one of her closest friends she had known from childhood, and Priya had even told her about us. Rachel went to a different college. So Priya didn't get to talk to her much lately, except for the calls on the phone.

Priya picked me up from my place, and we were on our way. She was wearing a stunning dress and was looking more gorgeous than usual. I could see she had spent some time getting ready for the function.

We were cruising along within the city in her car.

"Hey, I thought the wedding venue was in the other direction. “

"Yeah. It is. But I need to pick up something for Rachel. “

"Oh, ok. And by the way, you look lovely today. “

I could see her blushing slightly.

We drove to the city largest Jewellery store.

"Rachael had given her necklace for some repair. We have to collect it as she wants to wear it to the wedding.”

It was a really huge shop. It was my first time visiting a jewellery shop and definitely one of this size. It was a premium shop with high-end goods.

"Why don't you wait for few minutes while I go and collect the necklace?”

"Sure. Take your time.”

I could never understand people’s fascination with jewellery, as I found it a genuine waste of money. It costs a considerable amount and does not have any actual use. Sure some people consider it an investment. But then again, there were much better options like Gold funds for that. Whereas in jewellery you end up paying a considerable amount in making charges which are sunk cost and which you can never recover.

Anyways I decided to have a look around to see what all the fuss was about.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

While walking around, I ended in the rings section, and I couldn't help but think about engagement rings. I decided to humour myself and look at it more closely.

While most of the rings didn't seem much impressive, one ring stood out to me. It was a golden ring with a blue stone on top of it. Looking at how it was placed, I could guess it was very expensive. But I couldn't help but think how beautiful it would look on Priya and how much it would match her blue eyes.

Gathering all the courage I had, I asked the price of the ring.

And the answer left me floored. It cost around half the price of the car I was planning to buy. I was left in complete shock.

"And here I thought you didn't have any taste in jewellery. This looks beautiful. I think it would match my eyes perfectly.”

I didn't realise when Priya had come behind me. It must have been when I still was shocked by the price.

"Yeah. I was thinking the exact same thing. It would definitely match your eyes. “

"Hey, aren’t rings part of Christian proposals and weddings? If you were to propose to me with a ring like that, I don't I'd ever be able to say no.”

I was surprised by her reply, and my mind started doing all kinds of calculations.

"Hey. Stop it. There you go again, being all serious. I was just kidding. Sure. I like the ring, but I'm smart enough to know it must be super expensive. So don't worry about it.”

Looking at her face, I could see she was serious. She didn’t want me to feel any pressure.

We soon left the place, but my mind still refused to give up on the ring. I was determined to find a way to get it. Somehow, I now just couldn't imagine proposing to Priya without that particular ring.

We went to the wedding venue next. It was a simple Christian wedding.

I kept thinking about the ring throughout the ceremony and, for the first time in life, about my own wedding. I had never thought about it before. It always seemed like something that would happen in the distant future. But now, it seemed closer than I had imagined before.

I could see Priya was having a great time at the function. So I waited till the end, and we only left once all the celebrations were over.

On the way back, I was still lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about? You seem much quieter than usual.”

"Nothing special. Just some random thoughts.“

"Are you thinking about our wedding by any chance?”

Priya seemed to be in a teasing mood.

Seeing me not responding immediately, she changed the subject.

"Ok. I don't want you to get all serious. I was just kidding. Still, have you ever thought about your marriage before?”

"Truthfully, no. I had decided long back I would think about all that after I become a doctor and had more stability in life.”

"Of course. I do admire that about you. How you plan everything and then show the determination to stick with it. Not many people can do that.”

I just smiled in response.

"Thanks for the company today. I really enjoyed it.“

"Same here. We have the third year finals coming up soon. So I might have to focus on my studies till then. Hope you understand.”

"Sure. I do. Give it your best. I'll also try to be more serious.”

She dropped me at my place and left.

I decided it's time I changed my focus and go full throttle on my studies. After all, I had a lot more at stake now than ever.