Elsa Rests - The Story Told

Sequel to Shades, Elsa Wants To Live and Elsa's Predicament.

She got ready for work feeling lighter at the revelation that had dawned. Having indulged in some deep introspection, Elsa now felt empowered at the thought that she was living life according to her own terms and conditions and nothing or nobody was going to take that away from her. With a light heart, she went about her morning chores and really enjoyed the breakfast. Her favorite, eggs - sunny side up, wheat bread, a bowl full of juicy pomegranate, and a tall glass of orange juice. Felt good, especially that morning. The past few days were full of query. And, all within herself. She had confronted Ryan, seen Sheldon settle in to a new class and the last of her monthly loan installments. God...that was a relief!

Elsa spoke to mother as she balanced the bread and egg on the fork. They were going to celebrate today. She called out to dad, who was, as usual, engrossed in the news as if the world depended on what he thought about the economy or political liaison. He was surprised. And for good reason. They interacted rarely, only when there was some work. It was always for banking or some running around while she took off for work. He walked in with his face mirroring his mind.

She reminded the two of them that the tickets were booked. The movie was scheduled for 7 that evening and she would meet them at the lobby by 6.45. She had picked the Harrison Ford movie. She loved that guy. Father sat down beside her. So, they were going to celebrate. Not that they never did, but this time he knew that it was special. She had come through a difficult phase. He was happy for her. God, this one was a man trapped in a woman's body! She took charge from him without flinching even once. It seemed so well ironed out and planned. He was happy to have repented in time and accepted the family. He was much better off than many of his contemporaries..all thanks to this child.

Mother moved the wisp getting into the glass as she sipped on the fresh orange juice. This child never refrained from responsibility. She had proved worth the sacrifices made and every inch of the effort put into educating and grooming her. She had turned out a fine woman. Pretty much displaying the grit she herself had flaunted years ago. Elsa could read the fondness and gratitude in their eyes. She was more excited about the dinner thereafter, than the movie itself. Sheldon would be joining them. Ryan would be there too. He said he wanted to talk to her urgently about something. Whatever was the matter with him? He sounded like such a school-boy that morning, on the phone. Her sister Jane and her husband were coming in with their son Mark, all a surprise for mom and dad and part of the celebration. Hubert and Melissa were sponsoring cognac and coffee at their place after dinner. Elsa felt proud. She had earned it . Every bit of the celebration planned. She picked up the car keys and headed out, kissing mom and dad on the forehead. "Don't be late". She knew they wouldn't. Dad seemed in his element.

Work was as usual. After all, she was doing what she loved the most. Everyday was welcome. Her quiet niche and regular coffee breaks gave her the ambiance to be at her creative best. Elsa wound up early that day. She had spoken to Mervin and was, as always, permitted to leave in time, if not earlier, to make it to the fun family time she had so carefully put together. It wasn't easy, since Jane and Eric lived quite a distance. However, she was tying up with them regularly for the past week and finally Eric gave in, in spite of a hectic schedule.

Backing the car from the lot, she headed straight for the theater. She had half an hour and would be there, well in time. She was wondering if she should pick up that pendant she had paid for. It was supposed to be ready the day before, but she couldn't make it. Deciding against it, she drove straight. No turns. What was it that Ryan wanted to say? Why was he bringing his mother along? Today? Was she forgetting something? No...nothing came to mind. And it didn't bother her. She was enjoying the lightheadedness and bliss. Foot loose and fancy free...that's what she felt. Good for her. Elsa reached for the dashboard, to glance quickly at the message that had just beeped into her cell phone. That's why she didn't see it come. The SUV behind her had lost control while abandoning lane to steer clear of the little child and rammed into her and flung her against the alley wall.

Her head throbbed. So many people. What was that sound? God, so much noise! Was that the theater? What were Jane and Sheldon and Hubert and Melissa and her parents doing here? No more paying back. Ryan was bringing his mother...why? It was a good life. She had surpassed every obstacle. Why was this man holding her head? The nape hurt. Leave..Snap. Over in a minute. Rest. Calm. Bliss...

Elsa's is a story told to empower people who shut off from the world in the presence of criticism and distrust. This final sequel is a reflection of the millions who are not nearly as perfect as the self-proclaimed 'stable', 'secure' and 'normal' ones out there. And then, there are those, who like Elsa, are willing to dare and share, with the hope that in their doing so, another human being will muster the courage to get up and begin afresh. Resilience does not come easy, but it is an inherited trait within each one of us. It hardly matters at what speed you travel or the mode you take...what matters is the sense of direction and determination to convert every adversity into an opportunity to grow.

There is no power strong enough to keep you bound for long. You create the boundaries and it is but natural that you should muster the courage to break free. A life of freedom and love is your legacy...your right. As a child falls off the bicycle and staggers to get the needed balance, similarly, each one of us needs to get up, dust the remnants of a painful experience and move on. Life is not life till it flows, through the valleys of learning and the fertile plains of self worth and love. La vie est belle!.