A New Ray of Hope

Chapter 18

Ten years had gone by. 

Christopher had decided not to go back to England, and Melinda agreed to live with him in India. Both of them finished their education with excellent marks. He became a professor at a college in Coimbatore, and Melinda worked at a hospital in the same city. After three years, they got married. 

The Tenterhooks and Swans were very close now, as Abhishek had married Malini. Christopher maintained contact with all of them.

All of them were happily married and had accomplished their life goals. But Priya was still a spinster, as she was convinced that marriage wasn't for her. She was a columnist who wrote humorous pieces in various magazines.

Right now, we are in Christopher and Melinda's house. It had been just a week after the couple had had their first child, a girl. The little baby was a perfect combination of her parents, having inherited her mother's eyes and facial features, and her father's hair and manners. 

"What do we name her, Chris?" asked Melinda.

"Anything, Linda. Except Kate."

He cringed as he said his mother's name. 

His wife laughed as she hugged him. "Of course I'm not naming her after your mom, darling. But I have an idea." 

"What is it, love?" he asked, giving her a peck on the forehead. 

"Why not name her after Priya and Philomena?" 

Christopher's lips immediately curved into a smile. "That's a great idea!" he exclaimed. 

He looked at his daughter, who was asleep in her cradle. "Priya Philomena Sommer-Johnson," he whispered. "It's great," said Melinda. 

Just then, the doorbell gave out a ring. 

Melinda went to answer it. 

Outside stood Priya, having a gleeful smile on her face.

"Hello, Priya," said Christopher, joining them. 

"Hey there, my lovebirds! Where's the little one?" she asked. "Linda, I'm so sorry I couldn't visit you at the hospital."

"It's okay," said Melinda, smiling. "Come on in!"

Priya gazed at the baby, her hands on her cheeks. "What a cutie!" she exclaimed softly. "Well, she's Chris and Linda's girl after all!"

She turned to Christopher. "What's her name?"

Her friend winked at his wife, who in turn gave him a jerk of her head. 

"Her name is Priya Philomena Sommer-Johnson," said Christopher.

Priya was flabbergasted. 

"Yes, Priya," said Melinda. "We have named her after you."

"Why?" asked Priya. "I haven't done anything remarkable!"

"But you are an important person in our life," said Christopher. "You helped me shed my trauma and find a new life. You are the cupid who united me with my love."

Priya put her hands to her heart. 

"True friends are hard to find," said Priya. "But once found, they always bring out the best in you. I just did the duty of a true friend."

Friends are precious hearts whom everyone must have in their lives. So, always try to make friends wherever you go!