The Serenity of Blue
The click-clack of the cameras ceased. The photographers packed up their equipment. Onik and Ira, who had been smiling in front of the camera, finally found some peace amidst nature.
Onik gently took Ira's hand and gestured to her.
Then the two of them lay down among the soft blue flowers.
The Nemophila flowers created a natural bed for them. Both, in their exhaustion, lay side-by-side looking up at the sky. The eternal blue sky above, and the sea of blue flowers on the ground below. This silent moment was a supreme satisfaction after the struggle of their entire lives.
Onik broke the silence with a deep breath.
Onik suddenly said:
"Ira, look. The blue of the sky and the blue of this earth have become one today. And look, the blue colour of our love has now cast a shadow over everything. Just like that, our two different worlds have also become one, forever. This is our heaven, right here."
Ira held Onik's hand tightly. She didn't say anything, but found all her answers in holding Onik's hand while gazing at the sky. Their silence proved once again—that their love was the greatest truth of life.
The Reality Check
As Onik spoke this deep truth, Ira still held his fingers tightly in her hand. Although she completely agreed with Onik's words, the harsh reality suddenly came to her mind.
Ira (Still looking at the sky, in a soft but worried voice): "Yes, that's right but..."
Onik turned towards Ira and placed his hand on her forehead.
Onik: "But what?"
Ira (Taking a deep breath, with anxiety): "Do my mother and your mother know? I don't think so. Onik, we took such a big decision... you changed your religion... and such a grand engagement happened here. Will they accept it easily?"
Onik pulled her closer, holding her hand. His face showed not hesitation, but determination.
Onik: "I know, Ira. I know. This part is still remaining. But do you think I would do such a big thing by hiding it from you? This engagement was the biggest proof of our love. I have this proof now—this diamond ring, and the vow taken amidst these blue flowers."
Onik pulled Ira to his chest.
Onik: "Don't worry. We are not alone anymore. We are now on the path to marriage. We will tell them about this engagement and our new life together. They will surely forgive us when they see our happiness."
Ira calmed down a bit. She found that old trust in Onik's eyes.
When Onik pulled Ira to his chest, Ira was still not fully reassured. The worry about their mothers was not leaving her mind.
Ira (Faintly, almost whispering): "But..."
Before Ira could finish her sentence, Onik understood her point. Onik put his hand on Ira's shoulder, gently moved her away from himself, and looked into her eyes. His gaze held deep love and resolve.
Onik then said:
"You won't worry, Ira. We have overcome such a big obstacle, and I have changed my entire life for you. A little anger or resentment from our mothers is nothing compared to our love. When we show them this ring and these pictures of the blue flowers, they will understand how true our love is."
Onik kissed the finger where Ira wore the engagement ring.
Onik: "Just stay by my side. From now on, we will face every problem together. Remember? 'The blue is inside you'—with this peace and assurance of yours, we will manage everything."
Onik's words finally gave Ira courage. She smiled and nodded her head.
Scene Cut: Preparation for Return
The scene changed.
After the intense blue light and shadow of Hitachi Seaside Park, they finally returned to the city. Onik had booked a suite in a luxurious hotel in Japan.
Now the two of them were sitting inside the hotel in Japan.
The evening light was slowly entering the room. Ira was still looking at the diamond ring on her finger, the remnants of the blue flower kingdom in her eyes. Changing out of the blue gown, she was now in more comfortable attire. Onik sat beside her on the sofa, smiling at her.
Ira (Fascinated): "How did you manage all this alone, Onik? The photographer, this place, this gown... I couldn't figure out anything."
Onik (Smiling): "Did I manage it alone? I needed help!"
Onik then sat down comfortably on the sofa.
Onik: "Actually, I didn't do it alone. I have a very good friend who helped me a lot."
Ira (Curious): "Who?"
Onik: "A friend from my college. His name is Kenji. Kenji lives here in Tokyo. He handled all the local arrangements for our engagement. Especially the photographer and the permission for Hitachi Park, it all went through him."
Just then, the hotel intercom rang. Onik picked up the phone.
Onik (On the phone, in Japanese): "Moshi moshi? ... Ah, Kenji! Come up. We're waiting."
Onik put the phone down and turned to Ira.
Onik: "Here, your helpful friend has arrived. Then Onik's Japanese friend is here. Now Kenji himself will come and tell you the story of all the mysteries."
There was a soft knock on the door. As Onik got up and opened the door, Kenji, a handsome, cheerful Japanese young man, entered the room.
Kenji entered the room, and Ira immediately got up from the sofa. Kenji had a very handsome face and a ready, professional smile.
Ira (Smiling warmly, expressing gratitude): "Oh! Are you Kenji? Namaskar. Believe me, all this would have been impossible without your help! Ira then stepped forward and greeted Kenji with a slight bow. Thank you so much for making our engagement so beautiful."
Kenji (Bowing humbly): "I'm delighted to hear that, Ira-san. You look quite surprised. I'm happy that Onik-san's plan was successful."
Onik (Standing between them): "Here, Ira. This is the planning master. And Kenji, this is my future wife, Ira. And yes, from now on, you and I will plan the next steps for solving all the problems of our two families together."
They all laughed. Onik held the hand wearing the engagement ring carefully. Ira's courtesy was strong. Despite the big surprise and the fatigue of the journey, she didn't forget her hospitality.
Ira (Looking at Kenji, with a warm smile): "Thank you, Kenji. You sit down, and rest. I know you must have worked hard to arrange all this. I'm making something for the two of you."
Onik (Laughing): "Oh, why now? Bengali cuisine in Japan?"
Ira (Looking at Onik with mischievous eyes): "I won't eat hotel food. Besides, how will Kenji be rewarded for all his hard work if he doesn't have coffee and a little sweet treat made by me? You sit too!"
Ira didn't say any more. She quickly walked towards the small kitchen area attached to the suite. Onik and Kenji then sat on the sofa, engrossed in discussing their engagement photoshoot and future plans. The sweet sound of Ira preparing something and the aroma of coffee drifted in from afar.
The Final Conversation
As Ira went towards the kitchen area, Onik and Kenji started talking. Now they didn't need to speak Bengali carefully, so the two of them started talking in Japanese.
Ira could only hear their hushed Japanese conversation from a distance but couldn't understand.
Kenji (Kenji): (Smiling softly) おめでとう, オニク!大成功だね! (Omedetō, Oniku! Dai-seikō da ne!—Congratulations, Onik! It was a great success!)
Onik (Onik): (In a low voice, sighing with relief) ありがとう, ケンジ.本当に助かったよ.イラも泣いて喜んでくれた.(Arigatō, Kenji. Hontō ni tasukatta yo. Ira mo naite yorokonde kureta.—Thank you, Kenji. You really helped me. Ira was so happy she cried.)
Kenji (Kenji): (Holding the smile) 君たちの愛があれば,何でも乗り越えられるよ.でも,これからが本当の問題だ.お母様たちに話すこと? (Kimitachi no ai ga areba, nan demo norikoerareru yo. Demo, kore kara ga hontō no mondai da. Haha-oya-tachi ni hanasu koto?—If you have love, you can overcome anything. But, now the real problem begins. Telling the mothers?)
Onik (Onik): (Seriously) そう.でも,大丈夫.この写真と,この愛があれば,きっと分かってくれる.帰りのチケットの準備,本当にありがとう.(Sō. Demo, daijōbu. Kono shashin to, kono ai ga areba, kitto wakatte kureru. Kaeri no chiketto no junbi, hontō ni arigatō.—Yes. But it's okay. With these pictures and this love, they will surely understand. Thank you so much for arranging the return tickets.)
Kenji (Kenji): (With determination) 任せて.準備は万全だよ.君は,イラさんとこの旅を楽しんで.(Makasete. Junbi wa banzen da yo. Kimi wa, Ira-san to kono tabi o tanoshinde.—Leave it to me. The preparations are complete. You just enjoy this trip with Ira-san.)
Onik and Kenji discussed the details of their travel and the strategy for handling the family situation after returning home for a little longer. As these words were spoken, the sweet aroma of coffee wafted from the kitchen.
Kenji was talking about their return preparations when Onik suddenly shifted his focus to the kitchen area. He realized that Ira might be feeling a little alone or worried due to the long and serious Japanese conversation.
Onik got up from the sofa.
Onik (Looking at Kenji, in Japanese): "ちょっと待ってね.(Chotto matte ne.—Wait a moment.) I'll be right back."
Leaving Kenji seated, Onik quickly came to Ira. Ira was pouring milk into a coffee mug.
Onik silently hugged Ira from behind. Feeling his warmth, Ira flinched, but immediately placed her hand over Onik's.
Ira (Whispering): "What's going on? What are the two of you discussing so much? I didn't understand anything."
Onik didn't answer, instead whispering softly in her ear, "Only about you and me." Then Onik gave Ira a tender kiss on the cheek.
Onik (Reassuringly): "You don't need to worry, right? You just do your work. I'll do mine."
This small touch and assurance instantly banished all of Ira's worries. She laughed and placed the two coffee mugs on the tray.
Ira (Turning to Onik with loving eyes): "Alright. Now let's go, or Kenji will think I'm ignoring him in the kitchen."
The two of them returned to Kenji together with the coffee and snacks. Kenji stood up to greet them.
Kenji (Looking at Ira with admiration): "Ira-san, I'm sure the magic of your kitchen is even stronger than your fiancé's planning."
Ira (Smiling): "This is just the beginning. Now drink the coffee, and then I'll listen to your opinion."
The three of them sat down comfortably. The conversation continued for a while. Kenji listened to their engagement story with fascination and applauded Onik's plan. Kenji praised Ira's coffee enthusiastically.
During the conversation, Kenji discreetly signaled Onik. It was time to return to serious matters.
Onik (Putting down his coffee mug, in a normal voice): "Kenji, thank you very much indeed. You made this dream day of ours a reality. But we can't delay any longer."
Ira (Looking at Onik with concern): "Can't delay any longer, meaning?"
Onik (Holding Ira's hand, giving her courage): "Yes, Ira. We are returning tomorrow morning. Kenji has arranged the flight for us."
Ira (Almost whispering): "So soon? Before talking to the mothers, should we..."
Onik (With determination): "Yes. No more hiding. We are engaged now. We have to tell the mothers this truth. And we will do that together. When you are by my side, I am certain we can handle everything."
Kenji calmly nodded in agreement. Onik thanked his Japanese friend one last time. The chapter of their dream engagement in Japan was over. Now all that remained was the journey home and the final test of their love—gaining their families' acceptance.