Sweet Surprise

Chapter 8

                 

A dramatic screech brought everybody's attention to the corner where Dia had been paralysed momentarily as she witnessed Chris "accidentally" pushing Stella into a fountain, and sincerely apologizing. The perfect Manhattan society was mortified at the revelation of Stella Dawson's sailor mouth.  However she was suitably pacified when Chris invited her to the after party of the prestigious Met Ball.

They also had Hindu ceremony, nothing elaborate. Most guests were fascinated when the bride and groom went around the holy fire seven times. Adam's eyes flickered with emotions and in wonder , when the priest asked him to put sindoor, just below the tiara. His voice was thick with emotions, when he heard that the marriage ceremony was solemnized. The red veil added colors to the pristine white gown, but to Dia, they were a beautiful combination, she saw the wonder in the eyes of most people, little did she know, that she was a beautiful bride, that even the elite of Manhattan had taken notice of her.

The wedding cake was delicious, she found most people coming in for seconds. This was another major accomplishment to her culinary skills, although her Mom was rather annoyed to find her baking on Friday.

As they were about to have dinner, Adam stood up  and raised his glass ," Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for being here. Although I had a well- prepared speech, I admit I lost it , so Dia my lovely wife, you might find yourself heading the Lost & Found department." The guffaws could be heard, so Adam continued, " But my love, as they say Finders are Keepers, I have lost my heart  and I know you will be the only one to have it. Thank you for putting up with my atrocious demands, temper tantrums, and knocking some sense. I promise I'll there for you forever....", he trailed off, and hugged Dia. He could not trust himself to speak further, without sounding bitter about those dreaded three words. Dia knew this was difficult for Adam, especially to prepare a speech and then act all lovey-dovey. She felt, he wounds were being stabbed repeatedly, with every ritual associated with a wedding that Karen had planned so meticulously.

Once the traditional father-daughter dance was over, the newly wedded couple were whisked away by the security to a limousine headed towards their "honeymoon destination." For once Dia, felt comfortable away from the prying snobby glances, next to her heart-broken husband. There was no need for them to speak. She assumed he was tired and she was right when she saw his closed eyes, for a moment she thought he was asleep , and then she saw a tear trailing down his cheeks. Adam's anguished condition made her feel guilty, and she quickly looked the other way as her own treacherous eyes started tearing up.

She had heard about the beautiful tranquil beaches of the Virgin Islands, but nothing prepared her for the breath taking view of the Brewer's Bay Beach. It was nature's own picture postcard gift for Adam and Dia. Sadly Dia was the only one experiencing the beauty of the beach, Adam had retreated to his reserved self. At times she caught him staring at the pictures of Karen, she did not want to admit, but there was a painful sting, in her heart.

The kitchen's villa was well stocked, and Mrs. Morris would not think of letting the new bride cook even if she was a respectable chef. Dia did not argue, in fact she appreciated the fact that Mrs. Morris was at least talking to her while Adam had been avoiding her like a plague.

Today just as she was about to go out for her morning stroll, Mrs. Morris had informed her about the fisherman's wharf. Local fisherman would bring their catches, Dia hurried to see it first hand. Then she also had to watch those turtles swimming about happily.

In her hurry she almost knocked off Adam, and apologized  quickly, " I'm so sorry Adam, I was in a rush."

Adam felt guilty when he heard her apologizing softly, "Actually, I'm sorry Dia, I could have atleast been hospitable.", and found Dia empathically shaking her head in denial, he was a "inconsiderate jerk", so he said, " Do you mind if I join ?"

Dia could not stop her head bobbing in agreement, inside she probably did those pirouettes, and finally managed to say ," I'd love it."