Berry Topped Cake

The 30^th birthday of Monica was a special occasion marking the anniversary of their proposal 5 years ago. The day when Jackson finally got down on his knees and popped the question with a cute diamond cut ring, a perfect memory for Monica, the perfectionist. From flowers to champagne, to his tux, to the ring; everything matched her dream. They were the happiest of couples in Silchiyur County.

The young doctors of Silchiyur Trust Grace Hospital were popular among the young and the old; yet rumours kept spreading behind the curtains of their unoccupied crib, thus turning things sour. It was not a matter for others to poke in, yet the older women and men did think it was their right to pass on effective tips on love.

The growing invasion made the couple grow less close to the neighbours, finally turning it into dialogues that lasted only for seconds.

“Hi, Dr Shepherd. How are you?”

“HI, Mr Gregors. I’m fine. How are you?”

“Oh yes, I’m fine. And your wife?”

“Good sir. Thanks for the bye. See you later.”

“Yes, see you later. Bye “

But 30^th birthday is different. They can’t wait to share the news and be part of the community they once were. Monica desperately wanted to show off her baking skills. She enjoyed baking in her past time, just like she enjoyed keeping things in place. From her lingerie to her case files everything had its place in the home. Even the messed up Jackson had found his solemnity. But today, its Monica’s birthday and Jackson is behind the oven with his mitten gloves and apron. Though not perfect like Monica he had learned few tips from Monica and had already prepared it a few times prior. There was no way he’ll give away something without her testing it first.

The guests started coming in as the dusk fell over the place. The garden with its magnolias and irises looked just like their life, tranquil. It was Monica who loved gardening and specifically magnolias. Though she grew up in a small place with just her mother her desire to be the best was unbeatable, and intimidating for Jackson, but he tried his best to be her knight in the shining armour. He always remembered falling in love with her for her boldness years ago on the orientation of the med school. There was no turning back for him. He didn’t want to end up divorced like his parents.

The fresh cream fruit cake was being dolled up with cookies and snacks in the kitchen. Jackson had it all planned and Monica was kept away, after all, it’s her birthday party and she’s pregnant, she can’t work. In fact, she was in her room resting, or that was his order. As she walked down the stairs to the hall and glided to the kitchen, her facial expressions kept changing. She had a hard time plastering the smile on to her face. From the vase to the books everything was disordered. Jackson had messed up with her equilibrium, her heaven appeared like hell to her. And most importantly she cannot change it all quick amidst the flowing number of neighbours.

Well, that’s Monica. Perfectionist. She hated others intrusion and Jackson was never allowed to interfere. He was like the guest who had to stick on to the rules and he followed them wholeheartedly. He knew she was specific and he decided he had to respect them. But the birthday party was his thing for her and the changes were necessary for him.

Monica managed to reach the kitchen hardly when she noticed the cake with blueberries and kiwis. Her reaction was deafening even to the distant neighbours, making her own guests wondering how to come up with an excuse to leave.

“WHY IS THE CAKE SO BLUE AND GREEN?”

“WHERE IS STRAWBERRIES?”

“You don’t like strawberries.”

“SO? THAT WAS AGES AGO?”

“I thought, you might not want strawberries as you don’t like it.”

“BUT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LIKE IT. AND AVOIDING PINK MIGHT SUGGEST IT’S A BOY. WHY DO WE HAVE TO ANNOUNCE IT LIKE THIS?”

The pointless drama was not quietening. Embarrassed by the fact that neighbours are present, Jackson too was not willing to give up. What started with the strawberries in the cake turned out to be a battleground for bitching. The disagreements hidden inside all crawled out.

EVERYTHING WAS PUBLIC.

Hours they spend fighting while the neighbours sat in their lounge drinking, munching and listening. Perhaps popcorn was missing for them. The loving caring neighbours were mere spectators watching the live drama. No one dared interrupt the couple and no one moved an inch as Monica finally walked out of the house.

Monica didn’t have an option other than to walk out. To live amongst people who knew all her shortcoming and deepest of secrets made her recognize with the skinned person. She felt naked, and being so was unacceptable. She walked out in a rush and turned the engine and it rose with a roar. As she drove away, she looked at the rearview mirror to see if Jackson was sorry. He was nowhere to be found.

Jackson was petrified inside, regretting his words and actions. The excitement of a few hours ago had all disappeared. There was only greyness now. The blueness, the brightness, the halo of his life had walked away and he was confused. 

The neighbours were lurking around even after she left, some consoling and some others giving away free life lessons on marriage. He was sad yet guilty of feeling relieved. He felt free after a long time, and the feeling engulfed him like a parasite. He wondered where Monica would be, while every one of his neighbours was gathered around to evaluate the tragic plight of Jackson. He loved being free but also felt like he was missing a part. Like the soldiers who got his arm amputated. He felt incomplete. He left in search of her, hoping to find her. Willing to fall in his knees all over again. He loved her. He knew her the best.

He kept repeating to himself “it’s just pregnant hormones… we are fine”,

“She’s just OCD”, she loves me and will forgive me pretty quick. They were longing for each other. He kept chanting into himself more than to anyone else as he passed by the chaos of an accident. He just took a glance at the white sedan that looked familiar and drove away.