It was a busy night for her. Diners continued to pour in despite it nearing closing time. At Not Just Jazz by the Bay on Marine Drive, the band was playing slow rock music. The cool winter night was the perfect setting to wine and dine at a restaurant by the sea.
She was tired and yet she kept serving drink after drink, with the same warm smile. Her only motivation for now being the extra monies she would earn working two shifts, to fund her dreams. Working the day shift just didn't seem enough anymore. Living alone in the big city has its own disadvantages. But she made up her mind not to sell her dreams short, not so early. Besides she liked working here. Her love for music and being exposed to different genres every time a new band played there was making the second shift of work less stressful.
That evening too, he was there. Standing across the road, wearing his winter coat and dark glasses, looking like a shadowy figure, afraid that she would see him and recognize him. In all these years, it was her that had inspired him to follow his dreams. She had been the catalyst who had changed his life in so many ways. So much so that her determination inspired him to chase his dreams and make them real. No wonder he became successful in such a short time. At that time he felt he was merely imitating her, because nothing else could explain how someone who didn't know where his life was going became a more responsible adult. Her friendship was a blessing he thanked God for every night.
It was heart-breaking when he had to go abroad for a new project for a year. In that much time, her world had crumbled. Personal failures and financial crisis had shattered her and she had no one to turn to. It took her so long to pick up the pieces and start all over again.
He had returned to Mumbai about a month ago. The first thing he did when he got back was get in touch with her. After several attempts to reach her on the phone, he dropped by her home. That's when he found out that her house had been sold. No one knew her whereabouts now.
Then one evening after a client meeting, as he walked out of the restaurant he saw her walk in. At first he couldn't believe his eyes. Was it really her? Or was it the single malt that was triggering his imagination? Before he could walk up to her, she stormed into the staff room. He quietly walked away, not wanting to embarrass her.
Since then he spent every evening that he was free at the ice-cream parlor across the road so he could catch a glimpse of her.
Tonight, not once did she step out. As her shift ended she wasn't left with much of an appetite. She went to her locker to retain her bag when she found a box with her favorite orchid. A little note was pasted on the top asking her to open it and try on what was in it. She was about to throw it into the trash can when a fellow server walked in. "You have to at least open it, trust me." She denied. Then he told her the truth. Someone had given him this package to be delivered to her. "Trust me, it's safe to open it".
She opened the box and found a beautiful peach chiffon flowing gown and matching stilettos. He left her and told her to change into it and step out.
As she stepped out, he looked at her in awe. No one in the world could look more radiant that night. The guitarist was playing her favorite tune as he walked up to her. A little table was set up on the pavement right next to the sea with candles and some wine. He hugged her, kissed her hand and gently placed it on his shoulder as they began to waltz under the stars. She was speechless. He simply whispered "Happy Birthday Love. I missed you."
--- paintings courtesy Carrie Graber
