SUMMER LOVE

Caroline – that’s her name. She was the reason behind her happiness, her tears. She changed her world upside down.  She filled her life with joy. She became the whole purpose of her life. She had been in her life just for one day but she couldn’t spend her life without her little angel. She was born on a perfect summer day in California. Atmosphere was hot filled with light breeze. Beaches were filled with hundreds of people. Gardens were filled with family BBQ, volleyball games, tennis, etc.

Caroline was the best gift of God, she ever received.

Caroline just entered the world today but had been in her womb for last nine months. Her mother, Kathleen, saw hundreds of dreams for her in past nine months. She went through morning sickness, headaches, stomach kicks, loss of breath but she never complained.

Whenever she thought to complain, Caroline’s kicks made her feel how important her angel was to her.  Her kicks were the proof of her existence. Caroline’s kicks reminded Kathleen that she was responsible for one more life. She was proud of her motherhood. It was the biggest gift women had. She couldn’t wait to hold her in her arms. The pain was nothing when she looked at her angel. She forgot everything in front of her little angel. Her touch was so magical that she could just hold her forever.

This angel made her a complete woman. Kathleen had been a perfect daughter and perfect wife so far, but now she was a perfect woman.

Caroline united her parents, Kathleen and Zach. She was the sign of their love. She was the dream of their love.

Kathleen could spend her entire day hugging her angel tightly in her arms. She wouldn’t mind spending the entire life holding her in her arms. Though a fear haunted her from the moment she held Caroline. The fear of losing kids once they grew up. She didn’t want to leave her for a second. She wanted to treasure her in her arms for forever.

Zach was on cloud nine today as Kathleen gave him the biggest happiness of his life.

A few hours back, when Kathleen was having labor pain, and he was supposed to be her support, Zach passed out on floor while watching his wife in pain. He just couldn’t handle it. Kathleen still made fun of him for this reason.

Zach found a new respect for Kathleen, who went through so much of pain for bringing a new life in this world, in his life.

It was the perfect family picture moment; Kathleen and Zach were holding Caroline and their eyes were moist with tears. Life couldn’t be better than this.  Zach kissed Kathleen on her lips and said, “Thank You for the best gift ever.”

They both kissed their little darling on her cheeks and she started crying. May be she wasn’t used to kisses yet. Kathleen held her baby in her embrace and started cuddling her. As soon as she reached her mother’s lap, she was completely quite. Caroline was just seeking her mother’s warmth.

Kathleen’s gaze reached to her daughter’s eyes.  She has the same blue-green colored eyes as Zach’s. She was glad for that. His eyes were the reason she fell in love with him from the moment she saw him. His eyes were so attractive that she could never get over it. He could convince her to do anything just by playing hide and seek through his eyes. She got lost in those blue-green eyes five years ago.

5 Years Ago…

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, a perfect summer day in June

It was her 25^th Birthday; she went to celebrate that week with her friends in Hawaii, her favorite holiday destination.

Clear beach waters, clean, wide beach, and swaying coconut palms made it a perfect holiday destination. A mile-long stretch of powdered sugar sand was perfect for sunbathing. Sparkling turquoise waters sheltered by a wide, protective off shore reef provided ideal swimming condition.

She totally loved kayaking, sailing, surfing, canoeing. Kathleen was like a fish who could play with water all the time. No wonder, her favorite dish was Sushi.

She was a swimming champion. This was the perfect destination to celebrate her birthday.

It was already 1 o’clock in the night; all her friends were tired after her birthday celebrations and most were drunk so they had retired for the day. Kathleen wasn’t feeling sleepy hence she decided to take a walk along the beach.

Isn’t it crazy? The place which was filled with crowds and noise was now abandoned, quiet, and lifeless. Weird, the place which was full of surfers and kayakers turned into solitary holder of one soul. A soft breeze was flowing and tickling her long silky hair. She tried to cover her hair through her hand under her scarf.  As soon as she was tying her scarf around her neck to protect her hair from flowing in the air, her scarf flew away. She was running after her scarf but it was difficult in the night. The only light covered the beach was moonlight. She was still running when she suddenly crashed into a hard chiseled chest. She was about to fall but she felt one strong hand covering her waist and saved her from the fall.

Their eyes met and world stopped for a moment. Moonlight was covering his face, making his face alluring. She instantly got mesmerized by his blue-green eyes. She wanted to swim in those eyes and never come out of that twister. He was holding her for a minute now, but he was so lost in her beauty, her beautiful eyes, sweet rich complexion, and juicy lips. She was perfect tequila shot for him which he could never get tired of. There was an instant connection between them which they were not aware of at that moment. She could feel the heat of his breath on her face. He was coming closer and closer to her.  She was shivering but she couldn’t take her eyes off from his eyes. She felt her heart was beating in complete synchronization against his. He moved his lips over hers in a perfect way like her lips were made only for him to kiss. He lingered on her mouth for a while like it was the last thing on the earth and he couldn’t miss it. Like the way fingers moves automatically on piano, her lips responded to his lips automatically. He invaded her mouth like it was a maze with no way out.

She got back to her senses and jumped on her feet instantly as she realized what just happened.  It was a strange feeling; she never felt like this before with anyone. There was some magic residing inside him which worked as a magnet to her.

They felt awkward and moved away. They both couldn’t deny their feelings. They were gone before saying anything to each other. They couldn’t sleep and in the morning, both came at the same place where they saw each other last night. Surprisingly they laughed as noticing each other’s red eyes and they figured that they couldn’t sleep.

They were there for one week and they spent most of the time together. Luckily, both belonged to San Francisco Bay Area, like they were destined to meet. They continued meeting with each other for one year.

4 Years Ago…

There were celebrating their one year anniversary. During the course of the last year, they spent many happy and sad moments together. They supported each other in their worst times. Zach supported Kathleen when her mom got hospitalized for brain surgery. It was the most difficult time for her but he was her strength. So much had happened in a year and so many things had changed. One thing that could never change in their life was their love. It was eternal.

Each day brought a new challenge in their life but they survived all challenges, making their love stronger. Zach wanted to make this evening very special for her.  Zach had meticulously planned this evening.

He took her to one of the famous beach side sea food restaurant. They enjoyed their food together while sharing their life. At the end of dinner, they ordered champagne.

He bent on his knees with a beautiful diamond ring in his hand and stretched his hand towards her, and he said, “Kathleen, I can’t imagine living a single day without you, you are in my heart and my soul, you are my heartbeat. Like the heart can’t live without a heartbeat, how can I? You have been my support in my good and bad times; I promise you I will be there whenever you need me. Whenever I look at you, I forget everything and I just want to spend my life in your embrace. Will you marry me?”

She was already in tears by this time; it was the most romantic thing she had ever heard. She couldn’t believe that her dream was coming true. He was still on his knees, waiting for her answer with expectant eyes and finally she said, “Yes” and he gently pushed the ring to her finger. She extended her arms to embrace him and she softly snuggled into his arms. He hugged her tightly like he never wanted to leave her. Her tears were still making their way down her cheeks. It was the best memory which she had still treasured in her heart. Whenever that day flashed, she still felt the warmth of the moment. In his embrace, she said softly, “I love you.” That was the first time she confessed her love.

Finally they opened the champagne and cheered. Champagne made its way into their body, the same way love made its way to every nerve of their body. They kissed passionately, and the world again stopped for moment to witness their passionate moment so that it could capture it in a frame forever.

3 Years Ago…Baker beach, California

It had been a year since Zach proposed to Kathleen. The last two months had been hell for them, as they were busy with the wedding preparations.  It was frustrating as well as a joyful time. They both were busy choosing the best venue, obtaining it, selecting the right caterer, banquet halls, food tasting, wedding dress trials, florists’ visits. They went crazy, literally. Wedding planning specially near the summer season was the craziest idea to have.

Summer held a special place in their heart, as their hearts beat for the first time in the summer of Hawaii. Their engagement took place in summer so of course the wedding had to happen in the summer. What could be better than hot waves mixed with the cool ocean breeze?  Hence the special venue was Baker Beach.

They had a hard time in deciding the venue. After making so many calls for venue and getting so many rejections, they decided to have an open wedding ceremony, under the blue sky and surrounded with beach waves. They had to go through all the formal process to make this happen. It was a lot of paperwork as it was a public place. Kathleen almost lost hope to get this venue also, as there was a lot of delay from the public office. She thought that her wedding wouldn’t happen in this summer. But luck was in their favor and all things put in place at a right time.

They had a beautiful gazebo made with wooden structure, decorated with red flowers and white lace, where their traditional Christian marriage ceremony would take place.

She was wearing a white lacy dress, especially designed for her by her best friend. She looked gorgeous. The moon was nothing in front of her; she had more glow and grace than the moon could ever had. She was the most beautiful girl on the earth and showered with the love by the most handsome man, Zach. He was perfectly complementing Kathleen’s beauty, looking dashing in his Black suit and blue tie.

She was walking towards him while holding flowers in her hands. Her one arm was entangled with her Dad’s arm who was graciously walking beside his daughter. He was proud of her daughter and he was happy for her new life. She had always been her Dad’s little darling.

Finally she reached just beside Zach. Kathleen’s Dad softly moved her hand towards Zach and put it over his hand with the faith that he would always take care of her.

The wedding priest started the marriage ceremony.

Zach said, “I, Zach Alexander, take you, Kathleen Canda, to be my lawfully wedded wife.  With deepest joy I receive you into my life that together we may be one.  As is Christ to His body, the church, so I will be to you a loving and faithful husband. Always will I perform my headship over you even as Christ does over me, knowing that His Lordship is one of the holiest desires for my life.  I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my most tender care. I promise I will live first unto God rather than others or even you. I promise that I will lead our lives into a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus. Ever honoring God's guidance by His spirit through the Word, And so throughout life, no matter what may lie ahead of us, I pledge to you my life as a loving and faithful husband.”

There were tears formed in her eyes when he said the most soothing words to her and it was like the most enchanting music to her ears.

She responded to him, “I, Kathleen Canda, take you, Zach Alexander, to be my lawfully wedded husband. With deepest joy I come into my new life with you. As you have pledged to me your life and love, so I too happily give you my life, and in confidence submit myself to your headship as to the Lord. As is the church in her relationship to Christ, so I will be to you. I will live first unto our God and then unto you, loving you, obeying you, caring for you and ever seeking to please you. God has prepared me for you and so I will ever strengthen, help, comfort, and encourage you. Therefore, throughout life, no matter what may be ahead of us, I pledge to you my life as an obedient and faithful wife.”

 They completed their vows and the priest declared, “I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

They kissed each other while tears were finding its way on to her cheeks. He kissed away her tears also.

They performed the perfect wedding dance. All guests blessed them with their good words and love.

Dinner got served and dancing got over and they went to Switzerland for their honeymoon.

Present

Her daughter, Caroline, started crying and Kathleen came out of her trance. She started cradling her in her arms to make her sleep again in her warmth.

It was the perfect summer. Summer held special importance in her life. Summer had always witnessed all the happy moments of her life, whether it was her first kiss, her love, her engagement, her wedding or her daughter. Of course her favorite season was summer. It was the season of vacation; it was the season of heat. In midst of this heat, she always felt a soft breeze, as she was cocooned in the warmth under her husband’s embrace. Caroline was the most precious gift they could ever receive from God.