The Wedding Gown

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It was the most exquisite gown that Mia had ever seen; made of the sheerest of nets, hand sewn with the palest of pearls on the hem. It was more than a dress, it was a dream; a wish that was waiting to come true. She ran her fingers over the delicate gown. After spending months of searching for the perfect gown, she had finally found it. This was to be her Baby! The one she would get married in. Nothing she had seen so far would come even a close second. 

This was going to be the gown that she would marry Thomas in. This was the gown that was going to be the envy of all her single friends. Though the price was a bit more than she had planned on spending for the gown, Mia didn't hesitate to pay the bill. This was after all, a once in a life time event. It was her wedding after all. And if she couldn't splurge on it now, then when would she?

The sales girl gave her a warm smile and wrapped it in tissue paper before putting it into the box. It was one of a kind and had to be handled just as carefully. With a broad smile on her face that reached her eyes, Mia went home where she stored it in the back of her closet. She was not ready to share the gown with anyone. Not even Thomas. Not yet. 

That evening, she took out a tub of her favorite Chocolate Mousse ice cream and sat down to watch her favorite movie of all time- 27 dresses. Of late, she has been hooked on to chick flicks that were centered around on weddings and brides and this has been her favorite one so far. She could watch the movie over and again and not get bored. 

Later that night, she fell asleep with a smile on her lips, dreaming of the gown and how perfect it all was. She dreamt of the look on Thomas's face as he would see her in it for the first time. Of how he he would sweep her in his arms and carry her away. Far, far away.

Six months later

As Mia got dressed for work that Monday morning, she was filled with dread. It was going to be her first day back at work after the incident, as she liked to call it. The engagement had broken off. Thomas was simply not in love with her. At least not enough in love to want to marry her, his exact words to be precise. 

She had expected to feel pain but strangely she felt nothing. It was almost as though she was watching it on screen like one of her movies. It was bizarre; this couldn't be happening to her. They had booked the venue together, even decided upon the three tiered wedding cake (red velvet) that they would cut as man and wife. And the gown. It was far too perfect. 

Wiping away the tears that now ran freely across her cheeks, she shook her head and took out the gown. Off-white. Strapless. Gleaming under the twinkling light. She could always give it away. It reminded her of painful memories. Those endless nights she had spent in bed crying her heart out. 

But Mia was not ready to get rid of it. Not yet. She reminded herself of what it was; just a dress. Nothing more; nothing less. Some people told her it was bad luck; to hold on to a past that has caused her so much hurt. She had however, grown past the stage of self-pity and superstition. Some day, she would fall in love in again. And maybe she would get married, eventually. Would she dare to wear the dress that had shattered her dreams to dust? Who knew. All she knew right then was that the dress symbolized just how far she had come today. It reminded her that not everything lasts forever. Not beauty. And certainly not perfection. With one last look at the dress, Mia shut the door of her closet and got out to face the world again. 

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