Forbidden Waltz

Dancing Into Destiny

"Ah, Paris. The city of love," says a traveler from Greece as he steps onto the train station. "I wonder how many love stories were written here."

"I have no clue about the love stories that were written, but I definitely know a love story that was destroyed," says his coolie.

"What do you mean by that, young man?"

"It has been years since that event, yet every corner of this city still whispers their names: Carlo and Viktor."

"Who were they?"

"More than just lovers, they were each other's heartbeat. I still remember the day when Carlo came running to this station searching for Viktor. They held each other's hand and, forgetting about everything around them, embraced each other's breath."

"Where are they now?"

"Nobody knows. Some people say they saw them somewhere in the South of France, while some say that they freed themselves from the burdens of life."

It was the year 1888, the year when the construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed. During that time, Paris was known for its grand parties, and Madame Celine Beaumont was known as the crème de la crème host of such jamborees. Just to get an invitation from her was a pleasure, and everyone used to show up no matter what.

Madame Celine is the wife of Monsieur Vincent Beaumont, one of the biggest merchants in the city. Everyone and everything from the waves of the River Seine to the bells of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre knew them. The reputation they had in Paris was untouched by anybody else. Celine is also a lover and appreciator of art and music. She would have bought the entire Louvre and made it her home if it were in her hands to do so. She likes collecting paintings, and whenever a new artist arrives in Paris, they are sent to please her with their talent.

During one of such encounters, Viktor Pavlov, a cellist from Russia, arrives at her doorstep.

"Play something for me," orders Madame.

Viktor brings out a small cello from his bag and plays "Für Elise" by Beethoven, one of Celine's favorite artists.

"The way you played the music, it felt like every string was blowing a note directly to my heart," says Celine as she places her right hand on her chest. "I want you to play at my party tomorrow. I will pay you tonnes of Euros."

"Thank you, Madame. I will be honored to play at your event," says Viktor as he gets up from the stool.

Celine takes a notebook and a fountain pen from the table and says, "Tomorrow, my son is coming home from Spain, and I want this party to be perfect. He graduated from the university and will start a new life journey."

"That's wonderful, ma'am," smiles Viktor.

"He loves music. When he was very young, he used to come to my room and cry to go to concerts, and how could I say no to him? My dear boy, I miss him so much. It has been 4 years since I saw him."

Celine hands over the note to Viktor and says, "These are some of Carlo's favorite music pieces. I want you to play them and don't disappoint me."

"I won't give it a chance, ma'am," says Viktor.

The grand party takes place the following night, filled with dance and drinks, merchants from all across Paris, beautiful ladies dressed in gorgeous gowns and necklaces, handsome men with proper tailcoats, and lights so vivid that they bring out the radiance in everyone's face.

Viktor comes wearing a cotton shirt with puffy sleeves, brown pants, and sandals, carrying his cello. He sits in a corner where the band is supposed to play and starts making music with his cello. The guests are immersed in the melody, and some start dancing with a bottle of wine in their hand.