The Unexpected Day

It was an unusual day for Sharmila. She never dreamt that she would be standing this day. All her life, She aimed to be a successful interior designer. After all, her life was about to turn upside down in a few hours.

While Sharmila's mother, Hema, just came inside her room. Sharmila was gazing at the dressing table mirror. "Sharmila, aren't you still ready? Get ready soon. The groom's family will be here at any time. So, please get ready. ", informed Hema. Everyone seemed busy and more involved in the special day's preparation. However, there was one person who did not seem to be involved. The person was the bride−to−be, Sharmila. Since childhood, she dreamt of starting her interior designing brand and becoming a successful designer in her town. Less did she know that she would be travelling in a different direction altogether.

When the groom's family arrived, Gopi, a software professional, was from the groom. Both their families are well−known to each other. Sharmila and Gopi's dads were classmates and childhood friends. Now that both families felt it would be great for Sharmila and Gopi to marry each other. The marriage date was on February 10th.

As the eldest daughter of the house Sharmila who graduated recently from the design school had to accept the tough decision. However, she had unanswered queries running through her mind. While her mother, Hema, dad Balan, grandparents, uncle, aunt, her younger siblings and cousins were busy with pre-preparation after the departure of Gopi's family. Sharmila alone began to think through the situation and was confused. The phone starts to ring continuously, "Maa, Sharmila, could you please answer your phone, "said her grandmother, who seemed to understand the situation of Sharmila. With hesitation, She went to the table to pick up her phone. It was only then she realized the call was from her childhood friend, who now is also her fiancée, Gopi. She answered the call.

"Hello, Sharmila. I am also at present in the same situation as you. I know we both are good friends and like each other. But I am not very sure whether we are ready for marriage. So, what are your thoughts on this?" by listening to this one question, Sharmila's face was slowly relieving the confusion. Yes, she never expected anyone to ask her about her thoughts, and when Gopi asked her, her mind travelled to the moon and earth. She suddenly recollected what her grandmother said her, that "destiny is not predefined, and one has to create it on their own." So, with all her clarity, she replied to Gopi," Yes, I also feel the same. I have just graduated, and it is too early for me to decide on marriage. Firstly, I need to start my career and grow to a level where I can support myself and my family. After achieving my goals, I will think about marriage". Gopi replied, "Yes, you are correct, and I agree with your point". So, I am coming tomorrow to your home with my parents to convey the same and let me try my best to make our family understand the importance of giving us time.

The next as said, Gopi and his family came to Sharmila's home. Gopi tried to convince his and Sharmila's family to postpone the wedding. It seemed the family were clear in their decision. So, now both had only ten days left before the wedding. With this decision, all dreams and hopes of Sharmila seemed to come to a standstill. Days passed, and it was on 9th, February, and Sharmila got a mail from one of the biggest design firms in the town. The mail was for her job interview for the Jr. Interior designer position. She just informed her mother. The interview was the day, next to her wedding day, and it would be impossible for her to attend.

Finally, the big day was a grand event attended by all friends and relatives. It was February 11th, morning around 6 AM. Gopi rushed to his room, to wake Sharmila. He asked her to get ready for a special event. She also did not understand at first but later got ready. He gave her a bag, and said to his parents that they would be back for lunch and left home in his car. The car stopped in front of the office building. To Sharmila's surprise, it was the place of her interview. She understood what must have happened. So, she waved to Gopi and started walking to the front office. Her mind recollected all the events one after the other. Both Sharmila and Gopi were in deep love for a few years. It was their friendship that turned into love, and before anybody could know it. Her mother Hema, put froth this thought of uniting two family friends into relatives. Also, she was the only one who knew about this interview, and it must be her mother who had informed Gopi regarding her interview. So, the love of her life supported in making her dream come true. So, she felt how fortunate and blessed she was to have her life shared with her loved ones. On this unexpected day, she realized that her mother was her real valentine!