“I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” said Marilyn Monroe
I seriously coudn’t agree more with this rather remarkable woman. My small frame was the bane of my life in my growing years. How often have I pouted and frowned at the Lord Almighty for not having given me a few extra inches.
Well, being of a ”pleasant” disposition, I decided to set matters right all by myself. After casting covetous glances at my mother’s pointy- toed pumps, with their glittering stilettoes, I began my long and arduous relationship with ”high heels”.
There was no looking back once I savored the confidence and swagger, they brought into my life. It was me and my ‘pahaads’ (mountains) as my girlfriends lovingly called my assorted array of high heeled shoes. No man or beast could stop me from stepping out without them; be it the pedestrian looking platform heels or the wedges. Then there were also the smart and fashionable court shoes as well as the slipon pumps. Not to forget the oh – so – classy pencil heels.
The classy Punjabi Jutti or Rajasthani Mojadis would beckon seductively with their bejeweled splendor but I would look away with a sigh.
I slipped and tottered, I slouched and skidded, yet I constantly sashayed and preened. Ah! the joy it brought me is now almost over as I rub my aching calves and pity my tiny feet. Wearing the comfortable and dowdy looking homely slip on inside and making do with sports shoes. I insist on gliding into my wedge heels out of an obstinate habit despite the warning glances and rolling eyeballs of my ever-watchful daughter.
Alas, all good things have a shelf life after all. Woh jo hum mein tum mein qaraar thha
Lily Swarn’s Book ” A Bejewelled Tiara” on Love and Peace published by Authors Press is available on Amazon
Lily Swarn can be reached at sukhish83@gmail.com
