Leap of Faith

Into the night

My senses flooded at once. I could see bright lights and silhouette of so many people. With loud voices shouting at once "SURPRISE!"

Then came into view the man of my life, wearing a tuxedo. His hair set into perfection, his golden eyes shined as he looked at me with the same awe I was giving him. Everything else was blurred, the people, the handshakes, the lights.

He walked towards me, hugged me, and whispered in my ears, "Happy Birthday, my angel!"

His warm breath tickled my skin, caressing and assuring me.

"You look enchanting! How I wish it would be just you and me!" he murmured, holding my both hands.

"How? You were supposed to be in Chennai." I asked. He encircled his arm around my bare waist. The sensation made me light headed.

"I ditched the chief minster's dinner invitation. Flew back just in time," he smiled showing his perfect teeth. He knew well how to give a surprise!

Then came Shweta from nowhere, wearing a big goofy grin on her face. Her bright pink dress was dazzling in the light. "Happy Birthday, Trish! Gotcha!" She shouted.

"You both made me miserable the whole day! How could you?" I whined, just short of tears. We hugged for long minutes before breaking.

"There are more surprises for you," she said happily. Aayan gave her warning with his eyes, seemed like a big plan. She was clutching my hand tightly. I looked questioningly at her and then followed her gaze into the crowd.

My mother stood with tears flooding in her eyes. I let go of the emotions, I was holding. I ran and crashed into her arms, crying happy tears. Her wrinkled face alighted with happiness. She removed her spectacles to dab the tears.

"Mamma I am so happy! You are here. Right in front of me. Thank you for coming!" I sobbed hard as she smiled back.

"Happy birthday dee!" a familiar voice behind her jerked my attention. My brother was looking down at me. He looked all the more handsome even with his nerdy glasses. His lazy hair fallen on his forehead.

"Amit! Oh, my god. Are you really here?" I pressed him tightly. As always, he returned my heartfelt hug awkwardly. "Dee, everybody is watching!"

"So! You are my brother. And it's been months since we saw each other! And don't you dare feel embarrassed by me!" I warned him punching his arm. "And thank you for coming and surprising me!"

"Well if it wasn't for Aayan, we wouldn't be here!" My mother mentioned happily looking sideways towards Aayan.

"He sent the chopper for us! Can you believe it?" Amit said excitedly. "It was the best experience ever!"

I mouthed "thank you" to Aayan, who was beaming lovingly at me. "You are indeed lucky, Trisha baby. I could see in his eyes, how much he loves you. He is indeed a gem. Nothing like we heard from the rumours." My mom murmured with satisfaction on her face. I once saw the expression like the bride's mother's on her wedding day.

"No, Mrs Ray. Your daughter is beautiful and talented. I am lucky to have her love. She made me a better man," Aayan replied, earnestly, caressing my back of my hand with his thumb.

One moment I thought to myself, 'when did I land up here? These people love me so much. How am I going to take all these happiness all at once?'

I watched Aayan and my family talking, laughing. It felt elated. It was so natural and meant to be. Even my mum's simple silk saree and my brother's normal jeans and T-shirt did not hinder the man from getting mix up with them. They were from two different worlds, yet here were they connected. "Where are you lost?" Shweta asked me coming from behind me, encircling her arms around me.