Yet another Surprise!

I was a 15 year old girl when we had shifted from Ireland to the UK. My parents and especially my dad loved me to the core and treated me like I was a treasure. “Don't spoil her by getting all these gifts, Justin.” my mother often used to say. “I am not. She is my sweet pea.” my father used to say, and plant a kiss on my forehead.

My father had seen a lot of financial hardships after we had shifted to the UK. In spite of being an IT engineer as he did not find a job suitable for his profile, he also worked as an office furniture supplier in London. There were no specific timings for him to come home. My mom used to work as a baby sitter part time so that they could give me good education. I rarely used to spend quality time with them as they were busy and I was in my teenage.

 Since I was a child, I was always interested in fashion. Right from the dressing to the hairstyling, the world of fashion lured me. I often used to tell my mom, “Please don't expect me to become a doctor or an engineer mom, I want to be a hairstylist. I want my own hair salon someday.” “Don't be silly Daisy, your goals keep on changing every day. We will see what you become as you grow old. Now please concentrate in studies.” But before I could defend myself, my dad would say, “That is a great dream my little one. I will make sure that it comes true.” And I used to smile.

My dad kept shifting jobs and made sure that I faced no hurdles with anything in my life. He is very protective of me. I distinctly remember the day when he had called upon professionals from a firm that offered fencing services in Surrey. “What is this dad? Why are we putting a boundary around our house?” I had asked. “It is a fence dear; we are getting this built because if daddy and mommy are not home, you stay protected!” “Why daddy?” I had asked. “Because we love you darling.” used to say my dad. Now when I think of that incident, my eyes well up. It was such a small incident. But it spoke volumes about my dad's love for me.

When you are in your teenager, it's all about yourself. Your dreams, your happiness, your priorities. I was getting more passionate about establishing my name in the world of hairstyling.  My parents have spent each penny in nurturing me and my dreams. After working really hard for few years, my dad had finally managed to get a job at the company for which he worked in Ireland. He used to make software for iXBRL conversion. He was very happy that day. I remember him telling my mom that, “Dreams are really powerful Nancy. You have to put in your whole and sole into it and they become a reality.” “I know hon, I have always believed in your potential and I knew you will get a job that works for you. I am so happy that you are finally creating software for iXBRL conversion and working for the same firm here.” That night we had a family dinner at one of the finest restaurants of our area.

Days passed and our financial condition started getting better. My dad worked day and night at his new job and won several hearts at his office. His boss, from what I had heard had great regards for him. I remember it was daughter's day and my dad called me. I was at a friend's place. “Hey dad... tells me.” I said. “Hello sweet pea.” “Please stop calling me that dad, I am 23 now.” “Ya so sweet pea, why don't you come over to Epsom downtown? I have a daughter's day surprise for you”. Said daddy. “Dad, my name is not Sweet pea and can't you give me the surprise later? I am at a friend's place.” “No honey, please ask Flora to drop you, this is urgent.” “Ok” I said as I cut the phone. I reached and waited near the decided landmark.

My parents arrived at the spot and greeted me with love. “Okay, so now we need to cover your eyes with this lace.” “Why? Dad what are you...? “Shhh”...he said interrupting me. I sat in his car with the blind fold on my eyes. After about 2 miles the car stopped. “Dad please takes this off! It's suffocating!”  I said. “Just a minute sweetpea.” He opened the car door and held my hand gently while taking me to a place.” He removed the lace from my eyes and the scene was just unbelievable... 

It was a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art hair salon with a staff of hairdressers standing right there and clapping hands. I immediately started crying...out of happiness, out of sorrow, out of surprise. “This is what you wanted, right sweetie?” said my mom. I had no words. I hugged my dad and mom and thanked god for blessing me with them. Owning a salon was a huge thing for me! I suddenly felt responsible for my life. The happiness was indescribable. I owed it to him. I owed it to my parents in a huge way...I thought.

My salon gained popularity with each passing day and I started making good money. Every penny reminded me of my dad's hardworking days. I remembered how my mom asked him to sell her gold jewellery when they had no money to pay my school fees. I have decided to treat them in a huge way. As their anniversary is approaching tonight, I have booked a holiday for them at an exotic suite on Bora Bora islands. I have already called for a cab in Kingston which will take them to the airport. This time, they are going to celebrate their love for each other in a huge way and they are surely in for a surprise! I thought as I smiled...