The Silk Scarf by Ruwansha Galagedara (the reading list book txt) 📕

I looked at my reflection seen from the dark tinted glass. The midnight blue tuxedo with the notched collar contrasted beautifully with the perfect white cummerbund in a sophisticated attire. I was glad about my look. After emerging from the bathroom all I did to get ready was putting on the clean, neatly ironed clothes and spraying some cologne. I had no time to brush my hair and I knew nobody will notice the difference anyway. It was messy no matter what I did to it. I had to hurry up as my father never liked me getting late. As the future heir of renowned Moore and Co., I had to act like the perfect gentleman. Punctuality was just one little thing he expected from me alone with many other.  At rare times I wanted to be a carefree guy just same as some of my friends did. But it was something I had to forget. I knew most envied me. I could buy anything I wanted and my leisure time was spent with things normal people could not lay their eyes on.

“Steven, let’s go.” Father commanded walking hastily towards the main entrance. “We have to be there by six thirty.”

I followed him to the car park where Frank waited for us. He opened the door of our luxurious Rolls-Royce muttering a polite greet.

“I heard that it is the first all talkie film, sir, is that true?” he asked in an interested voice turning the car towards the cinema hall.

“Yes,” replied my father shortly. He was not the verbose type. The only occasion we heard his voice was when he wanted us to do something.

I walked through the red carpet with the CEO of Moore and Co., attracting many eyes towards us as walking. I knew the reason why we were so well-liked; it’s nothing other than money.  Yes, it was money I’m sure. The esteemed company had millions of assets all around the world; therefore we were not in short of admirers. Specially, I was not deficient in opposite sex fans despite the latest gossip of my arranged marriage. Though I was to marry in three months it was arranged by my father and “her” father and still we did not know each other. It was the truth regardless of its astonishment. I knew she’s the heir of another respected business firm. I did not have any pros and cons and was indifferent. I was happy for anything that made my family happy and ‘girls’ was not my focus.

 I sat among the distinguished guests sweeping a quick glance over the crowd. It was the premiere of movie “Blackmail” and many popular stars were present lightening up the event with their classy outfits and dazzling smiles. The lights went off signalling the start.

“Pardon me, may I sit here?” A shrill voice asked blocking my view. It was a tall, slender silhouette of a woman.

I nodded and replied “yes,” breaking my glance from the screen. I saw two girls getting seated as soon as the word expelled from my mouth. Both looked very much similar and wore similar straight and loose dresses with deep U shaped necklines and the waistlines of the frocks were dropped to their hips. Skirts rose to just below their knees allowing flashes of leg to be seen. Anyhow their presence gave off a scent of wealth and power. “Flappers,” I muttered to myself with disgust. I never liked the way most girls behave those days. They smoked, drank and drove. They acted like boys cutting their hair short.

I watched the film peacefully. It was thriller and drama and the storyline was fine. But I was distracted at times when the girls giggled. Sometimes I felt like they were watching and talking about me. I caught the words ‘heir’, ‘Moore’ and ‘Robert’ which was my father’s name. I ignored them completely like I never heard.

The lights turned on for the small break and I could see the girls properly. They had their hair in bob cut and wore cloche hats, too! The girl who sat beside me stood up saying something to the other. It was then I noticed the girl sitting furthest. She was petite and wore a red silk scarf around her neck matching with her dress. It was not the scarf I noticed, but her beautiful eyes. Even though I thought they were alike it was then I noticed their difference. This girl inherited the most beautiful eyes I had seen in my entire life. They were almond shaped with dark brown, almost black irises. Her eyes had an enchanting sparkle that drew me like a moth to a flame. I stayed motionless for a moment. She was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Her stricken beauty made me gape at her with wide eyes forgetting me everything else. Catching my glance she gave a coy smile and turned her eyes towards the screen which was then displaying an advertisement.

Rest of the movie passed quickly and I vaguely noticed the hero finding the other glove in the crime scene. My mind was unclear and everything seemed dimmed. Her stunning face dominated every thought occurred in my mind. Though I tried hopelessly to steal another glance, but found her buried deep in shadows. I wished if I had a chance to start a conversation, to know her, to know her whereabouts. But this time at least they did not seem to talk about me.

Suddenly something swiftly crossed my mind. “I am about to marry an unknown girl in three months.” The thought weighed more than thousands of pounds. I did not believe in love at first sight and I did not believe the feeling I felt for the mystery girl was love. “How can someone love another by a mere glance?” I tried to convince myself. But thinking I’m going to lose her forever was not a happy thought. I wanted her to be mine. I was not a loser. I’m kind of a person who gets whatever I liked, and I’m not going to let go of the only woman who could take my heart. But what will happen to my family dignity if my selection was erroneous.

I was in a tight spot.  I had no time to decide a thing as the two girls stood up in the middle of the movie after whispering for a moment with each other. They walked out silently and in the dark I saw the petite girl’s face turning my direction. No matter what my hopes were, they did not return. My father gestured me to get up. I was happy that he did not notice any oddness in my behaviour.

As I stood up something red caught my eyes. It was the silk scarf which then I secretly shoved in my pocket. I knew she will be just a memory as I will never meet her again. But I also knew that I will never forget her beautiful face and no one will be able to stir my feelings the way she did.

The following nights were a great pain for me. I couldn’t forget her as I expected. I couldn’t sleep properly. Her smile was in my every dream. I put her silk scarf under my pillow and imagined she was always nearby.

“Steven, are you really mad?” my father thundered. “Why are you saying no to the proposal? You told me it was alright!”

I stayed silent for a moment gathering up my courage. “I can’t, Please don’t force me.”

“Why? Tell me the reason! You know what we are losing if you refuse.”

“I can’t. I just can’t.” I stammered. I couldn’t act against my heart’s desire. If I did, I knew it would be unfair for the girl I marry. I was acting like an idiot. I was refusing the girl, whoever she was, for an illusion.

“You don’t have met the girl at least. You might change the idea if you see her. She’s really good looking” he began to plead. “Do you have any idea about someone?” his eyes bore into mine.

“No,” I sighed.

I did not know how the news of my rejection flew to the ears of news reporters. But I never ever imagined that it would be the biggest irony in my life. It was on the very first page of a popular tabloid, with the pictures of us both. I could hazily recognize the familiar features. Although the picture was not very clear due to the small size and low resolution, I made out the shape of the face and the bob cut hair. She should have the beautiful eyes I longed for, though the paper never unfolded them. A huge blow hit me hard. My hands began to shake uncontrollably. It was her! I felt like an utter fool. “Rebecca Ross, the eldest daughter of Harry Ross, CEO of emerging: Ross Holdings,” it read.

“Harry had read the newspaper. He called me this morning. He thinks it’s a shame for him. You saw the way the news was reported. He thinks you are an arrogant, spoilt bragger” Father said calmly. “He has decided to make her marry to the son of Robert Hugh. Hugh had proposed her last month, but by then they have agreed to ours. Now we have nothing to do.”

I felt stupid. I’ve slipped the chance of marrying the girl of my dreams. “But you will forget her soon.” I told myself. “There’s nothing to worry. She’s a strikingly beautiful girl, that’s all. You don’t even know her. She might be a vixen hidden behind a pretty face.” I tried to convince. “I have to throw that silk scarf away.”

Few months later, the news of their grand wedding became the headline of papers. It was a combination of an existing business legend and an upcoming company. In the world of commerce it created some unexpected issues. I did not dare to read a single newspaper within the period. Though I thought I was strong, I did not feel the same. The silk scarf was used to clean ornaments in our living room cabinet.

“Where did you get this?” Philip asked from the maid in a surprised voice, walking towards her in quick steps.

“I found this on the top of a garbage can, sir. I thought someone has thrown it away.” She replied timidly.

I felt my face getting red. Philip Ross was Rebecca Ross’s brother. Our friendship did not have childhood roots, but was grown in a business environment. From recent times it developed into a very good companionship extending away from the business relationship we had.

“This is my sister’s! I know it quite well. She got this from our mother for her birth day. She had got it from an Arabic princess as a gift, and she gave it to my sister as a birth day present. She loved it so much.” Words streamed from Philip.

“How did she lose it?” I asked in a small voice already knowing his answer.

“Do you remember the movie premiere of ‘Blackmail’? She attended there with Rebecca. She had a severe cold and she wore that favourite scarf of hers. It matched with her dress perfectly.” He laughed.

“With Rebecca?” I was perplexed.

“Yes, I thought you knew Rebecca,” he said with a frown, “and the scarf is Sally’s. She’s my younger sister and Rebecca is my elder sister. Oh, I forgot that you have not met them though your father proposed you for Rebecca.” Philip added with a chuckle. “Sally and Rebecca are my sisters and they went together to the premiere. I’ll introduce them to you one day.”

I felt a current of electricity travelling through my nerves.

Sally Ross owned the red silk scarf. Rebecca Ross was her sister. I was to marry “her” sister! A huge relief washed over my whole