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“Today I feel eternal bliss. Being with nature and together with its most beautiful species. I was with the best of my friends: the birches, oaks and the maples—the ducks that swam in the ponds. And the deer who gazed at me so adoringly.
I saw the Kingfisher today. It looked so royal in its blue and yellow feathers. She turned her head towards me as if she was expecting me.
After a long time, I felt so happy. The sky was so blue, and I wished I were thin like air so that I could fly and touch it.
I enjoyed watching the children play. They looked so innocent, so pure and so new. I hoped that I too would become a little girl once more. Without worries, expectations or guilt.
I’m not sure whether such a day will come back, ever again. Will the days be so bright? Will I feel so happy? But this day will remain as a memorable day. Forever...
Thank you so much Anuj for bringing me to this place.”
Ella closed her notebook and smiled at Anuj. This was the second time they had come to Hampstead Heath.
Both sat on a bench but today the skyscrapers of London weren’t so visible. The wind rattled the bare branches of the trees. The bare trees looked like a Whomping Willow out of a Harry Potter movie ready to hit and squash anything that came in contact with it.
“Wow, I didn’t know you were such a fantastic writer,” said Anuj going by whatever little he could read over Ella’s shoulders.
Ella smiled, not in the least minding Anuj’s inquisitiveness.
“Oh, you know nothing,” she said, flashing her pearly teeth.
“Your writing is as beautiful as your music,” said Anuj.
“Oh come on, it’s not that good. You’re overpraising me,” said Ella.
“No, I’m serious,” said Anuj.
Anuj still couldn’t forget that second musical concert. His eyes were on Ella all the time. As usual, she played music with unfathomable passion. She’d closed her eyes, and it looked like her mind was fully immersed in the musical notes. And once again, Anuj had felt a close connection with God.
Ella got up, and they sauntered towards a different part of Hampstead—Kenwood House (also known as the Iveagh Bequest).
Ella noticed the magnificent white portico from a distance. The stately home had a very 1700s look. Kenwood House was well known for its artwork.
When Ella entered, she was stunned to see the interior and the library, its light blue walls and wood panelled floors, the exquisite marble statues and paintings from famous artists.
Her eyes fell on a painting. An old man wearing a black, brown and red robe stared at her. His eyes reflecting volumes of sadness. She realised that she was looking at one of the most famous paintings of all times—Self Portrait with Two Circles by Rembrandt.
The candles and the chandeliers added to the House’s charm.
“Ah, but the candles are artificial. A small bulb gives the appearance of a flame,” said Ella.
Anuj looked at it closely. “Indeed.”
The candles gave a magical look. It felt as if they had been transported back in time in the 1700s when there were no bulbs. Only candles.
They lingered on in Kenwood House for quite some time looking at the paintings and the fireplace and the ceiling—which too was decorated with paintings. Like the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
From the windows of the house, the landscape outside looked pleasant and green even in February. When they came out, Ella’s eyes fell onto something.
“Look, there’s a rose,” she exclaimed.
Anuj looked at the fence. A rose climber was clinging on to it. And there it was—a rose in full bloom.
“Wow. A rose in February? Isn’t this the wrong season in England?” asked Anuj.
“Yeah. It is,” said Ella.
She immediately took out her diary and started writing something. Her expressions became serious. Anuj was quiet. He only heard the mild screeching sound of her pen.
When she was done, she closed her diary and kept it back in her purse. She smiled at Anuj.
“Let’s go.”
“What did you write?” asked Anuj.
“Oh—it was something special. I’ll share it with you someday when you’ll need it,” she said.
What she said kept on echoing in Anuj’s ears for quite some time. He shook his head. This girl was a total mystery, no doubt.
