This story is by Ashna Chand and was part of our 2017 Winter Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
Have you gone out of your mind? Do you think you have got super powers for few months?
I don’t get you girl, being your mother I wasn’t aware of your wishes. You have put me to shame, Anamika. Are you aware of your marriage date? It is on 14th February, I hope you don’t have any dance performance on that day. No, Ana I won’t agree for your swimming class. You have already joined dance, art and cooking class. You left your job to have fun at your home for few months, but I think your mania of fulfilling wishes in your courtship period will make you more tired.
Sweetheart! Are you listening? Anamika… Ana…Ana…Oh God! Where is this girl now?
“I am in the kitchen mommy, making a special ‘tea’ for both of us.“
Oh cool! This is the place you will have to be most of the time later. It will please your in-laws when you serve them yummy food.
“Maa, please now don’t give lessons for my married life. Let me just enjoy my present to the fullest.”
Ana, the family you are going to is very loving and caring. Yet, you are going to manage your own home after marriage. When we have more responsibilities; our duties spread automatically.
“True Maa that is why, I am desperate to attain the pleasure of my hobbies. Life will rush after marriage and I will not have time for my choices.” Special tea for my best Mom, you will have to bare this taste until marriage.
What! Mother screams, and both laugh.
“Maa please let me learn swimming. I just want to dive into my hobbies which I never tried before.”
Wish granted, in case you promise me to be free in the evenings. We need to start with the preparations; shopping for trousseau collection, planning for the functions, deciding the menu for same and the most important your dresses for ceremonies. Dear, I want your marriage to be unique and memorable one. Your father will return from the business trip tomorrow. Hence, from tomorrow we will spend a family quality time.
Ding Dong! Ana opens the door giving a warm smile to her dearest childhood friend.
“Rinki!! How nice to see you. Where were you since last week?”
I went to Delhi for my cousin’s marriage; will give you tips for your marriage too. Alright come in, mom is waiting to see you. Ana, let me tell you the good news first. What? Our dance academy is going to organize competition this month at Mumbai. Aren’t you happy?
“Yes I am, but I will have to convince my parents.”
Don’t worry we both will do that.” Thanks dear.”
Oh! Come on Ana you have started changing; I don’t want you to do that. Look, do what you wish to and what you think is right for you. God is always there with you. If you mould yourself for others, people will take you for granted.
First day in the swimming pool and Ana is afraid of water. Trainer says, ”on the very first day we practice to get use to the water. It is a great fun to be in the water and when you learn to swim, you will feel the real pleasure of this blue world. Swimming boosts your confidence and you get to know yourself better. Not just swimming but any art gives you a unique identity”. So are you ready?
“Now, imagine you are going into the arms of your love and simply jump in the pool.”
Everyone in a surprise on the first day itself! Ana to sir, “I can’t do this.”
And suddenly someone gives a push on her back. Whooshhhh! The water splashes and she soon tries to be over the water. “You did it very well Ana, encourages her friend.”
When sir asks her about her experience, she reveals with a smile on her face. “I was scared a lot for few seconds but, as I got hold of myself I just enjoyed it. I wish to learn soon so that I can be in the water for more time. Thank you Sir.”
“Mom, we are going to Mumbai after a long time, isn’t it?”
Yes, it is very good place for shopping indeed. And do you know, I had been here with my mom for my marriage-shopping too, says Mom.
Really, what a historical coincidence, says Rinki. Ana how lucky you are!
“Well, I am more excited for my dance performance.” Ana replies.
Train stops at a station. “We are hungry, Maa I will go and get something.”
No, you both are not going anywhere. Train might start anytime. “The stall is just opposite to us. We both will be back in minutes, come fast Rinki.” Mother seems impatient as they return with snacks and some books.
“Mom I got an interesting magazine for you and the local newspaper for myself.”
Mom gives her angry look. Ana tries to cool her as she sits beside her. “Every small event seems to be special Maa, as my marriage date is getting closer. I want to treasure every moment of this trip and this period as well.”
“Oh my God, Look at the beach!” Ana screams. I love this place.
The famous Chowpatty beach always gives pleasure to all and has been my favorite too, says Mom.
“I always wished to try water skiing. And now as I know to swim; I shall try this.”
Ana, skiing requires lot of practice and efforts and you have to take extreme care of yourself. Mom please…please….please….fine no need of drama. Ana hugs her and runs to do Jet skiing. As she runs, she is amazed to see her fiancé standing opposite to her.
Hey, Bits! Are you there or I am dreaming?
I had to come to see your dance performance.
Wow! Really, that is so sweet of you. Now let’s do jet skiing together.
Great! You like sports? You never told me before, Ana.
You never asked me, grinned Ana.
I must say, you have unique interests and a lot of courage to do the same, Bits admires.
“Alright stop flattering and let’s start fun.”
Rinki to Mom, shouldn’t we stop them? They have done skiing, sailing and para sailing too.
Enough Ana calls Rinki, It’s late and we need to go for shopping too.
“Yes dear, coming. Hope, you were not left alone.” No, I and Aunty have planned everything for shopping. “Awesome! We all will have some yummy snacks and then go ahead with the plan.”
The man in suit approaches them .You both are fantastic in water sports. And we have good news for you. H2O water sport center has selected you for training and then you may get a chance to shoot in the Bollywood Industry.
Bits gives a look to Ana, he expects her to agree for training. Mom and Rinki surprisingly look at her. She politely says, “Thank you for appreciation Sir, but we are not interested in the training. We had a pleasure to perform the sports here.”
Ana I am happy with your decision, says mom. “You will get many such opportunities in future. As you have put other priorities first; it shows my darling has grown up and has become responsible.”
Thanks Maa, it’s your love and nourishment that is giving prosperity to my life.
I am luckiest to have you as my life partner, says Bits.
“Oh! I am overwhelmed, can we eat something now.” Here you go, this is amazing spicy chat. You will get nostalgic. Do you remember, I use to get you the same in college days?
“Yes, Rinki and it is yummy.”
How is this color for your wedding dress, Ana?
“It is perfect.” You are fine with everything I choose. There must be something that you wish to have your way, on your wed lock day.
“No Mom you have fulfilled all my wishes. And clothes, ornaments hardly matter for me. Having completed the dance event successfully; I am craving to go back home.”
Okay dear, we are going back to Jamnagar tomorrow.
Father asks during the tea time, so is my little princess is all set to take off?
“Not yet papa, look here in the newspaper. There is an art workshop on 12th February.”
Not again, Mom worries. “Two days before marriage, do you know what you are saying?”
“Papa please, last chance.” Her innocent face leaves no option for parents.
Ana winks, “don’t worry Mom I am going to marry.”
“Your sketch is the most beautiful, first prize goes to you Ana”, says Madam at workshop.
The marriage day arrives as the bride blushes for the most awaited moment. Her parents give her warm blessings. Ana gifts them their sketch, for which she was awarded. You are the most precious gift to us and your art is as beautiful as you, father expresses. Ana feels contented and thanks God for being blessed.
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