This story is by Ashna Chand and was part of our 10th Anniversary Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
It’s the beginning of the last day of the year 2021. Brayden switched off the alarm and with a very special kiss; wishes the happiest tenth anniversary to his only soulmate. Adelina is usually very lazy to wake up on time. But today she acted wisely as if; she is still asleep. She wished to know all the surprises of the day.
Brayden loved to give surprises, on the other hand, Adelina hated surprises.
“Today is our special day so, I don’t want to keep you in suspense darling,” says Brayden.
“You have planned for my surprises, I am sure,” Adelina says, instantly opening her eyes with a broad smile.
They both scream with the same words to wish each other first. “Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary to us!”
“So where are you taking me today hubby or you would like to be at home all day.” Bride of the day inquires politely.
Brayden with his most naughty smile, hands over the tickets of cruise “cinderella.”
“Wow! We are going on a cruise, it will be so much fun sailing on the water.”
“On the water, over the sea,
We are going to sail, sail, sail.
With the cold wind and breeze,
I will make sure, not to freeze.
Just take me over the waters,
Please, please, please!”
Siya (their six-year-old daughter) wakes up, singing the melodious song.
Brayden says, “Yes sweetheart pack your bag soon, we are leaving in an hour.”
She soon popped out of from her bed and dressed up nicely all by herself. Adelina says surprisingly, “How did you manage to be ready in minutes, in the dawn time?”
“I now can take a cool breath as my girl has finally grown up.” she sighs.
Brayden hugs tightly, whispers in her ears; “so shall we plan for our second love sign?”
Adelina pushes him back, “not at all hubby; we are happy with one and all!” She replies firmly.
Brayden pulls her back in his arms, and with a warm kiss says, “As you wish my lifeline. Well! I have planned the cruise trip for you on this special day. May I know my surprise, he winks?”
Oh! Let me think……….I could just manage to buy this small gift for you. She hands over a gift pack and rushes to be ready for a special trip. Brayden decides to open the pack on the cruise.
Although, they are not going on the cruise for the first time, as residing on a developed island they had many times traveled through the water. However, this time they will have a unique trip as they are celebrating a decade to their marriage.
As they boarded the Beautiful ship, the cameramen take a lovely family picture. Adelina, was surprised to see the exclusive cabin with a glass window, wherein they could see and feel their ride on the melodious waves. Adelina is lost in thoughts, as soon as she is around nature she mesmerizes with it.
Siya pulls her with from sleeve, “mommy you have already painted such beautiful scenic pictures. Now let’s enjoy our board with food, dance, and games.”
There was a knock at the door, “Room service!” Adelina is astonished by the surprises that she is receiving since morning. But today, she has decided not to be angry about her love for all the cute surprises. An exotic food was served to them. “Brayden, it seems you have spent a lot for this lavish trip,” she says politely.
“Oh! Come on sweetheart, let’s have fun it is our day. You love to go to the deck. So let’s rush after having our breakfast. I will open your gift there” he explains.
Alright, Adelina lovingly pulls out a beautiful heart-shaped card; “here is your first surprise, hubby.”
As Brayden holds it, he gets carried away with the vision of her love. The cover has the picture of both, holding hands to each other on the seashore. Quoted as “10 years of togetherness gives us ten unforgettable learnings of life”
As he opens up inside it read…………….
“Decade of Togetherness – and our learnings through the same”
Year 1 – To sacrifice and surrender in love
Year 2 –Life is beautiful when you are with your life partner
Year 3 – Love is innocent
Year 4 – It is important to have a family
Year 5 – Ignore one other’s weakness
Year 6 – love has no ego
Year 7 – Marriage gives you destiny
Year 8 – with power comes responsibilities
Year 9 – Be independent, though in a relationship
Year 10 – value each other and walk hand in hand
Happy 10thanniversary my love. These 10 learnings are not all, indeed our bonding has grown every single year. And our experiences make us feel we are made for each other.
The day we agreed to marry each other. In just a five-minute talk; we had chosen one- another. Marriage is a bond that, we will carry for seven incarnations.
I thank my lord for being so blessed; to be with you. For a person like you, are very few. I Love you…..you…..you……
Brayden’s eyes got wet and his heart sank, in the love of his soulmate. He hugs Adelina lovingly and wishes her the same.
By the time Siya had dressed up beautifully.
Daddy, I am ready, please take me to the play area of the kids. Absolutely! “But promise me you will enjoy there carefully until we are back to see you.” Warns her father.
“Where are you both going after leaving me there?” Surprisingly asked Siya.
“We will just check the weather at the deck and come back.”
“Alright! I don’t want to miss any games. Please mommy let’s go to the play area.
After allowing her to be busy with multiple fun games. Brayden holds Adeline’s hand tight and rushes to the deck. He is impatient now and wants to see his gift immediately.
Soon after reaching there, the weather too gets romantic, the sky is shining with lightning, it is drizzling, and clouds are singing love songs for the lovely couple.
“Look Bray, as the drops of water blend with the seawater, so are we blending in each other’s love. I will never forget this day on the cruise.” She says with gratitude.
He soon takes out his gift box and asks her to open the ribbon for him. Adeline smiles and unveils the pack for him with love.
“Oh! My God! It’s the perfect pic which I always loved. You had treasured and got it framed for me.” Says Brayden taking the gift close to his heart. The photo depicted newborn Siya and Papa kissing Siya on her forehead. Siya is resting near her mother’s heart.
The couple cherished few romantic moments in the middle of the sea, making special promises to each other. As they cross miles in the water, they promise to be with each other on a voyage of their life.
“Let’s do fun with numbers dear, perceive our luck today.” Reveals Brayden.
Entering the casino, Adelina glanced to Roulette, Brayden winked and takes her there, and today was a lucky day. As they went for a long game; lastly they were lifted with three numbers, 3, 21, and 31.
Broad smiles with some fear of losing; they looked at each other. Both said together “31” The croupier wondering on them spins the wheel and the ball, Adeline closes her eyes in excitement. The ball goes round and round…..and stops on the number “31”. Brayden yells hurray…. it’s 31 and hugs her tightly.
Siya claps and says, my Daddy is the winner. Brayden holds her in arms and they move to have fun with dance, all three dance together. Also, the groom and bride performed a ball dance.
As it was the 31st night, there was a special party organized on the deck that day. Brayden wears his marriage suit, Adeline in her beautiful white gown and Siya dressed up in a princess gown. The family flaunts being special; under the twinkling sky and over the shining water.
“Why is everyone in party suit, Daddy?”
“Have you arranged the party, and invited others? As it is my Mommy and Daddy’s Anniversary, why are others celebrating this special day?” Inquires amazed, Siya.
“No sweetheart, they are indeed celebrating new year’s eve!” explains Adelina.
The countdown begins 10, 9, 8……….and 1. The Sky sparkles with crackers as the world welcomes New Year, new hopes, and new determinations. Happy New Year!! Everyone screams and celebrates. Brayden and Adeline experience the best feeling as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the world.
“In the voyage of love, as you travel miles away with suffering and pain, you and your beloved are not different. But you become one and attain the essence of true love.”
The light and crackling of crackers also shared prayer of each individual,
“May the coming year be fine and God make the planet free from sins and diseased.”
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