09.03.04 How Unspoken Expectations Derailed Pius and Melody's Relationship

How Unspoken Expectations Derailed Pius and Melody’s Relationship

A Fictitious Story

Melody first met Pius in her final year at university during a regional corporate leadership seminar. As always, she arrived early. Pius walked in a few minutes later, greeting people loudly and confidently, as though he was the keynote speaker. The young man owned one of the fastest-growing real estate agencies in the region and he wore his success like a badge. Everything about him communicated importance. They ended up seated next to each other during a breakout session. He introduced himself with a polished smile. “I believe true leadership is spiritual before it becomes strategic”, he said. Melody nodded, impressed.

Caleb, Melody’s long-time friend who was now pursuing a master’s degree also attended the seminar. He had admired Melody quietly for years but she preferred that they remain just friends.

During the weeks that followed, Pius would invite Melody for outings, continuing to impress her with stories of his business growth and international travels. Each of them regarded the other as ‘marriage material’ . While she expected Pius to be endowed with attributes that normally accompany wealth and exposure; Pius expected that his money would offer Melody all that she needed in a ‘husband to be’.

Not so long after they had met, Pius’s birthday came along. Melody invited her close campus friends, ordered some food and a customised cake. Pius enjoyed the attention and posted photos of the party online; but didn’t tag her. Two months thereafter, Melody’s birthday arrived. Much to her dismay, Pius forgot. However, Caleb showed up at her home with a simple gift bag. “I remembered you like journals” he said; wishing her a happy birthday.

A month later, Pius invited Melody to a high-profile dinner with regional real estate investors. She dressed elegantly, ready to stand beside the man she believed personified excellence and exposure. Caleb was also present as part of an academic delegation.

What unfolded, though, shattered every expectation Melody had built around the man she thought she knew. For starters, Pius piled his plate with each kind of food; rice, vegetables, beef, chapati, until the plate resembled a construction heap. He held his cutlery like a shovel, scooping food rather than eating it. As if that was not enough, then mid-conversation, Pius released a thunderous sneeze into the white cloth napkin. Guests looked away.

And finally, as he stood up to give an impromptu speech, he used his finger to dig food out of his teeth, while speaking. Moments later, he casually leaned toward her. “Mel, I have to rush. An urgent client call. You stay and network.” And he left.

An embarrassed Melody excused herself and hurried to the washrooms. Inside, she leaned on the sink and stared at her reflection. How could a man who claimed so much exposure have such poor etiquette? When she stepped outside, Caleb was waiting in the corridor, as a faithful friend would. “Melody… are you alright?” She shook her head slightly. “I just needed a moment.”

“If you’re leaving, I’m heading that way too. I can give you a lift home,” he offered. On arriving home, he greeted her parents, then said gently, “It must have been a long day for you. Make sure you get a good rest.”

That night, it dawned on her that Caleb had the consistency, honour, humility, emotional steadiness, quiet strength and other values that she had expected in a husband and her eyes had been closed the whole time. That was how Pius became part of her history. Today, she is happily married to Caleb.