Short story:

Love knows no bounds

by A.F. Dawood

Their love affair continued from school days. Cecila was in grade nine and Rex in grade ten. She was standing in the corridor outside the classroom when Rex was walking along the corridor to the library. On being questioned why she was out, she had replied that she was punished for not possessing the English text book. Rex provided the text book for her so that she would not be punished in the next English class.

That was how Cecila came to know Rex. A casual query from Rex paved the way for a friendship between them and over the years the it blossomed into a strong love affair. Both Rex and Cecila kept their love affair a secret from their parents, until they reached the A/L class. Rex was from a well to do family; his father was an engineer in a state corporation and his mother a teacher at a government school.

Rex was studying Commerce in the A/L as he wanted to qualify as an accountant; his elder brother was a law student. Cecila was from a middle class family, whose father was a manager in the private firm and her mother was a housewife. She was very beautiful, fair complexioned and was the cynosure of all eyes in the school.

Engaged

In the course of time Cecila's mother came to know of her daughter's connection with a boy. By that time both were out of the school and were engaged in their higher studies. They wrote letters to each other and some of the letters written to Cecila came under her prying eyes. So one day she confronted her daughter. “Cecila, who is Rex Kodikara?”

“Why mummy, what's the problem?” Cecila was trying to shield the matter.

“I'm asking you whether you know Rex Kodikara?” she was in a dilemma to reply her mother, or to feign ignorance.

She though for some time and spoke.

“Ah! Rex Kodikara. Yes, I know him. Why mummy?”
“How do you know him?”
“Because he is my friend. What mummy, you're asking silly question.”

“I asked that because I want to know whether he is your special friend.”

Cecila thought of not revealing her connection with him since her school days; she thought her mother would object to that. “Cecila, Kodikara is a well-known family”. Her mother said. “I know that family Rex studied in your school; he is a decent boy.”

This bit of information was a great boon to Cecila's mind. So she was emboldened to reveal the truth to her mother.

“Mummy, I'm friendly with Rex, I didn't tell you because I thought you'll object to our affair.”

“Since when Cecila?” “From my school days, we've been friends”. “Well, I saw a couple of letters written by him. The boy is not bad. Your catch is good.”

Proposals

After Rex got employed many proposals were brought by his parents. He rejected all. One day he broached the subject of marriage to his mother.

“Mummy, don't bring any proposal for me. I've someone and I want to marry her.”

Who is that Rex? Is she from a very good family? Remember, we're from a ‘walauwa’ family.”

“She's from a ordinary family but she is very beautiful.”

“How long do you know her? What's her background? Beauty alone is not enough.” The mother added.

“She is my friend from my school days. I like her very much.”

The mother was not very happy about this. She talked of wealth and status.

“Your father and I wanted you to marry someone from a wealthy family so that you can live happily. Do you know that ayurvedic doctor?

He proposed his second daughter to you.”

“Mummy, I've seen his daughter; she is dark and fat, I don't like her.”

“But Rex, think of the dowry he's giving. A Benz car, three-acre coconut estate, two of his bungalows and cash Rs. 3 million. What more do you want?”

“Mummy, we've wealth; so why do you want wealth? I want a beautiful girl.”

Accountant

Rex worked as an accountant in a private bank while Cecila worked as stenographer in a leading mercantile firm. Both drew good salaries and were eager to settle down.

“Cecila, we've been lovers for about nine years. It's high time we must settle down.”

“That's true, but I don't like to stay with your parents after marriage. That'll be a problem.” “Even I don't like to stay with your parents; I don't like to take you to live with my parents.” Rex remarked.

“So we must find a small annexe.” “Also a servant to look after the house”, Rex said.

“Cecila, I want to ask you a small question.”
“What's that?” Cecila queried.
“In any case, if your parents bring you a proposal, what will you do?”
“I'll not marry.”
“What if they force you?” Rex queried.
“I'll run away.” “Then tell me where you'll run so that I can come with you.”

Rex said laughingly. After some time Cecila asked Rex. “What about your parents? Do they like you marrying me?” “They brought so many proposals, I rejected all”. “Why?” Cecila queried.

“Because I want to marry you.” “That means you want only me and no one else.” “That's why Cecila, I continued to love you for nine years. You must also remain faithful to me. That's true love.” Rex said. “I love you truly. Whatever happens to you, I'll be with you.” Cecila said “No force will change my mind.”

Wedding

Their wedding was fixed; a hotel in the metropolis was booked for the occasion; wedding cards were printed. The couple was in a jubilant mood; there was one month for the wedding. Day in and day out, they were busy shopping and travelled about in their car.

One day, a month before the wedding, they visited a school colleague in the suburb.

While travelling laughing and exchanging banter, they met with the most unexpected thing a ghastly mishap occurred. Their care came to a headlong collision with a lorry.

The car was reduced to a total wreck, a mass of twisted steel. Incredibly, the couple survived. They were thrown out of the car and lay unconscious. Cecila sustained minor injuries on her neck and hand. Rex fractured his leg. He was hospitalised for three weeks. He became a cripple and hobbled on crutches. Now there was a big question.

Would the registration of marriage take place? Cecila's parents opposed the marriage. “Why do you want to marry a cripple?” The mother asked.

Her father endorsed her mother's view. Rex's parents thought that the marriage should be cancelled. “This happened to you, Rex because of the girl's bad luck. Now you're a cripple. Do you think she'll marry you?” The mother questioned.

There was only a week more for the wedding. Cecila visited Rex's house with her parents. Rex's parents were surprised to see them. “Cecila, now I'm cripple, what's your decision?” “Don't ask that question, Rex. Do you think she'll marry you?” His mother questioned him. “I'll marry you, Rex, I'll not change. That's my love to you.”