We went on with our lives. None of us bothering to contact each other. I with my company work and Sarah at the rehabilitation center
One evening, when Sarah was winding up her day's work with her colleague. "So Sarah, today's work is over now what are your plans for the evening. You said your aunt has gone to meet your mom and dad." asked her colleague Ellie. "Nothing, just stay home and enjoy the daily shows on television." replied Sarah. The very moment the phone rang, it was her aunt on the other side of the phone. "Ya aunt Sandrea what happened?" asked Sarah who looked a little bit worried after the call. " I came down to see your parents but on the way I felt a little bit nausea and before I had a fainting, I stopped at the nearest home. A lovely couple has helped me at their home but I wouldn't be able to drive back. Would you please come and help me dear " her aunt called her up. Sarah noted down the address and hurried to pick her aunt.
After about a twenty twenty minutes drive, Sarah reached the house were her aunt was lodged in for the time being. Sarah entered the house and a couple welcomed her. There her aunt was lying on the couch feeling sick. Sarah ran to her and asked," What happened aunt Sandrea?" She just smiled back at her and closed her eyes.
The helping hands
"Aunt, would you like to rest or should I drive you home? If you want we will stay here for some more time and then I take you to the doctor." Sarah asked." No, I am fine, we shall leave right now" saying this aunt got up slowly to thank the couple. As we turned towards the couple to thank them, I saw a whole crowd with my family members including Ellie standing in front of me. "A very Happy Birthday Sarah" they all shouted together. " A small surprise from us for you dear". Suddenly they brought in the cake and complete scene turned into something festive. With my mom,dad, my cousins, friends and obviously my aunt and the unknown couple.
"How did you people reach here?" Sarah asked completely shocked. " It's all your aunt's plan. She informed us all about her plan for your birthday and told us to reach here by evening. I was driving just behind you but not in my own car, maybe that's why you didn't notice me." said Ellie. Seeing all happy faces together surprised Sarah. Aunt, mom and Ellie were busy with the guests. After sometime aunt came up to Sarah." Who are these couple" inquired Sarah. " They are just one of my whole friends. I wanted to surprise you so I took their help." said aunt Sandrea. "And you didn't invite Frank? asked Sarah. "No dear, actually I thought you broke up with him, I mean I felt you wouldn't be interested in inviting him. Sorry dear, am sorry I should have asked you" said her aunt. Just then mom arrived with a piece of cake,"To my lovely daughter, many happy returns of the day." "Thanks mom" she said. "Sarah, are you free? I wanted to talk to you personally" Sarah asked," ya mom, I am free but about what?" " Something about your marriage, if you don't mind. Why don't we go in the lawn so that we get a better space." said her mom.
Sarah became a little uncomfortable but she couldn't refuse her mom. " Ok mom, I will see you in the lawn within five minutes" and turning towards her aunt she said," it's ok aunt Sandrea, maybe I just missed him but it's ok. I will talk to you later." Saying she went to her mom.
The birthday bash
Sarah opened the door and entered the lawn. By evening it had grown too dark. It's usual in the hilly areas because of the hills and the forests. Cold wind blew outside which made her cold. she tried to search for her mother. Suddenly someone started to speak in the dark"To the person, without whom I cannot see my future. To the person, without whom my dreams, I cannot dream as real. To the person, without whom my world is incomplete. A very happy birthday Sarah." With those words the lights went on, the lawn was completely shining with the beautiful lanterns all over. Though she had recognised the voice, Sarah was surprised to see Frank in front of her and the lovely couple standing next to him. She was surprised to know they were actually Frank's parents. Not only him he had his complete family waiting in the lawn. And her's just behind her.
"A very happy birthday Sarah" I repeated standing next to the table with a cake and it's beautiful icing. "Will you marry me, Sarah?" the moment the words just dropped out me, Sarah ran towards me and hugged me. Whispering into my ears," it was always a yes Frank" and then she said it aloud for atleast three times," yes yes yes Frank". I fitted the ring 💍 into her finger and she into mine.
The lanterns
Whereabouts
Everyone left the lawn after a short celebration leaving us alone for the moment. Holding my arm and leaning over me, she sat beside me as if she had found her lost valuable. For me it was like all my world came again together, my family, my friends and my love. Life seemed to be graceful to me as a benevolent father. I would always for the day we met, the days when we came together, the day when we got engaged, the day we got married and the days of our future."Why didn't you call me?" I asked. "Mr. Frank, while your stay in the centre, you never gave me your number or maybe I never needed it. And after the scene you created I never felt it to get it from aunt. And if she didn't have, I did not want it to get it from your dad. Then I thought I should wait if you wanted to contact me, but then you did with the world's ever surprise to me. My question is what took you so long" Sarah asked with the same smile.
"First I was too busy attending dad and wishing that you had been there with me. Later completing my pending work. Still missing you all the time but as you said isolation teaches you what you miss in life. So I thought I should wait and let you decide if you would miss me." I replied.
"I met your aunt and asked her if I could propose you. She was altogether very happy and talked to your family. And that is how, it was she and I who planned the entire surprise of today. Though fearing to hear your refusal but your aunt was confident as if she knew your feelings." I told her
Later we went for the dinner at the same cafe that we went for the first time. The family members made an excuse and left us alone to spend the time together. As we neared the restaurant, the board hung brightly with the words highlighting in the darkness of the night, 'The Coking Cafe' as if it rhymed with 'cocaine'(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine?wprov=sfla1). Maybe they adapted the name because of the rehabilitation center in the region.
The Coking Cafe
"why don't you tell me something about the rehabilitation center" I said to Sarah as we had our dinner. "It was actually started years back by an ex mayor of the town. His son who used to study in the city hostel became a drug addict. He didn't want anyone else in the town to go through the same situation, so he established this rehabilitation center with the help of the government grants and the donations from the town people. Gradually the centre became well known and people from all over the country came here for deaddiction therapies. Slowly the centre created business for the people in the town. Some started the motels or restaurants like this one which gave night shift jobs. So in a way, mayor's idea was a great and an inspirational success." informed Sarah.
"The mayor had an accident last year and now it his son who is running the entire rehabilitation center in respect to his dad. A lot to study about this town and it's development but some other time. I think it's getting late and everyone back home must be waiting for us" said Sara. After completing our dinner we left, slowly driving back so that we could spend a little more time together.
The wedding
And then life's most important twist, I got married to Sarah. A new chapter was to be written with all care and love.
The marriage was solemnised at the rehabilitation center in the evening with all pomp and show. I wanted the dinner to be arranged at the cafe though the rehabilitation center and the cafe were a distance apart. I wanted to feel each moment from the first day I met Sarah till the wedding day and the future together. I felt each one should be a part of my happiness so it's I who decided the venue.
The happiest day of my life ended with new members in my life story. With new responsibilities, new understandings and an entire new story. I always said this to aunt Sandrea, then on,whenever I met her "Thanks for helping me in taking the best decision of my life"
Photo by
