Lessons learned for Rs.4500


Rs. 4500 is too big an amount for a self-effacing college professor in early forty to spend for a border attachment in a sari. (Thank God, the amount includes matching blouse and stitching charges). The ridiculous part was the trivial cost of the sari compared to the astronomical number of 4500. My mom stitches fantastic and never I have endeavoured outside for stitching. Many a times, she has attempted to teach me stitch, hem, sew, darn and embroider but I use to politely snub her. I decided to stitch outside for the first time since my mom was still recuperating from a major surgery. I entered a tailor shop (I later learnt it was a boutique) with a saree worth Rs 550 and a matching fabric for the blouse. According to the designer (Until then, I thought everyone inside were seamstresses), black does not go well with pink, why not choose a golden border and gold brocade blouse which will suit any saree. Oh yes, I silently kept my black fabric inside the bag and chose a perfect matching golden color fabric amongst the myriad number of golden color materials. I was also shown few prêt-à-porter blouses which I didn’t prefer (Good, I didn’t).

I myself had a golden border (I carried it as a contingency plan) which I had cut from a nice old sari. I proudly took it out and checked if it would match. It was, exactly. But wait, I was given a grungy look by the designer as well as the helper. They were probably wondering at my substandard taste. Notwithstanding their look and remarks, I then gave them the choice of selecting one for me. After all, they would make me look good in my pink and golden bordered sari. And of course you know the charges I would be paying (but please pray it should be worth) and if I get it done within a month or two I am lucky.

When I came out, I didn’t feel good and was left wondering if these prices are what should be expected for attaching a border in a sari and for a simple blouse. Silently, I was thinking about my mom and the quantum of dresses she has stitched for me (Ma, Get well soon).

Lesson 1: Know the difference between a tailor shop and a boutique.
Lesson 2: Don’t ignore any skill. (Art might fetch you more than technology)
Lesson 3: Looking good has little value than feeling good.
Lesson 4: You need not feel this much guilty for Rs 4500/-.and end up writing an article.

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