Grandma’s pep talk

I sat watching the clock in her rustic living room

“ We are 10 minutes late grandma, aren't you ready yet? We don’t want to miss the dinner reservation ’’
“In a minute dear” came the shaking voice from my grandmother’s bedroom.
She spends hours in getting dressed but it’s worth the wait. She looks so elegant and classy with the aged string of pearls, a gift from her mother. She walks carefully to the porch, trying not to crease her emerald green dress that ages almost 9 years. 
I know for sure that she carries her lipstick and a mirror in her purse so she doesn't look worn out after the 30 minutes drive to her favourite restaurant.

Lady of mystery I call her. She never talks about her past. She hates when someone is commenting on her journey of life. She politely disagree to talk about her late husband. She is reluctant to show her wedding pictures. But why ? She has a great house, loving children and a lovely neighbourhood who checks on her every day. A pleasant petite 72 year old woman with eyes that shine with mystery.

“It’s a 30 minute drive to the restaurant, would you like to listen to any music?”
“Oh no, not today. I would rather talk to you dear. How are you?”
What just happened? The woman who enjoys silent drives, who avoids to talk, who never said no to music just asked me how I am?

We spoke about work, family and food. She then carefully looked at my ring then her eyes moved to my nails.“ do you not get time to manicure?it looks dirty! Your grandfather was a stubborn man. He never let me step out of the house looking worn out. I'm afraid he would be watching me from above. I always take time to dress well for his eyes and heart. Sorry to have kept you late this evening”

I didn't know what to say. I sat there looking at her wrinkled smile. The smile that pierced into me with the realisation of how less I care about how I look. How less I dress to impress my husband I'm married to for 4 years. It’s so insignificant these days. Would he appreciate if I take time in looking good for him? May b I am being silly, after all does wearing a pretty dress for a dinner date affect my relationship? my husband must be tired of introducing me to others when I'm dressed in a sweatshirt! Is that why he cancelled on an upcoming office family party? Is he not proud of taking me out any more? Hundreds of questions flashed through my head.

May be she is right. Its not the big things in life that effect our life. Its the small things that make a change. Minute details in the relationship are what that matters. I always concentrate on the bigger pictures,often ignoring my day to day struggles. I could try to be like her, I could take some effort to look groomed. I could take off from work and plan a holiday with my family. I should do these things now. After all if grandma can treat her late husband with what he likes, I can definitely treat mine while we r still young.

“You may play some music now “ said she, and looked into the traffic lights and passing crowd.