Returning with more than memories
"Let's raise a glass to the successful surgery and safe arrival of my children," Joe said during a small gathering he had organized to celebrate his children. He was overjoyed that his children were back.
Joe was Julia's father who had been very supportive even before they travelled to India for the treatment. His wife had died years back so he was left to look after the siblings all by himself.
Their friends and relatives came in big and small groups to join in the jubilation.
Julia eventually decided to tell Joe about James. He was genuinely happy for her, but he reminded her to be careful. Like every other father, he wanted the very best for her.
"I will know how serious he is with this relationship, when he decides to come see me," Joe said. As long as you're happy, am happy," he continued.
"Thanks dad, this means a lot to me," she responded.
Back in India, James felt so empty without Julia, he never knew her absence would affect him this way. He realized he loved her way more than he thought. They relied on phone calls as their only means of communication.
With Julia's absence, James was able to pay more attention to his studies. He wrote his final exams and passed. He was very happy that his effort had paid off.
One sign that you truly love someone is if you think of them first, when you have either good or bad news.You just want to tell them first. Out of all the people you know, you just want them to know first.
James wasted no time in telling the woman he loved.
"I made it!!! I passed my exams with one of the best grades in my department," he said.
She could hear him breathing over the phone.
He was anxious but extremely happy for himself.
"I am so proud of you James," Julia said, with teary eyes.
She was an emotional woman.
James requested to speak with Joe. He wanted to talk to the man who would one day become his father in law.
"I am so happy for you James and I wish you all the very best going forward," Joe said, just like he would say to his own son who made him proud.
"So what are your next plans," he inquired.
"Am not sure yet, I have a few options, but nothing concrete yet," James responded.
The conversation between James and Joe went smoothly and Julia was excited that her boyfriend and father have at least spoken.
Four months passed by so quickly and it was time for Bella to return to India for her checkup. George wasn't required to come since he was a donor. All he had to do was heal from his surgery wounds and adhere strictly to doctors instructions.
Julia on the other hand, received a kidney. She was also placed on medication so she had a genuine reason to see a doctor for a routine checkup. Julia joined in as planned and they set off on their trip back to India.
The Delhi airport in India was very crowded and busy as usual. With people from different parts of the world flocking in and out, the airport was a very significant point of interaction.
James had come over to pick them upon arrival. Julia and James froze as they saw each other. Multiple people passed in between them but they just stood there looking at each other.
Eventually, Julia started running towards James whose arms were already wide open with a big smile. He was ready to give her the biggest hug. They hugged and kissed, obviously very happy to see each other.
"Oh gosh, I've missed you so much James," Julia said without hesitation.
"I have missed you more Julia," he responded almost instantly.
Bella hugged James too and they quickly headed to the car parked a little bit far away.
"Its so good to be back, not as a sick person but as a healthy person. Its definitely a different feeling. Everything looks so different now," Bella said, while looking out of the window of the moving car.
"Am happy you got a chance to see India from a better point of view than you did the last time," James said as he drove, slightly turning his head to look at Bella who was sitting behind.
"You look so happy sweetheart," Julia said to James, slightly stocking his neck and ear.
"I passed my final exams and my favourite person in the world is right beside me, what's there not to be happy about?" James responded, gently grabbing Julia,s right hand for a quick kiss.
"You should focus on the steering dear, Julia said, with a soft smile.
Both India and South Africa use right-hand drive cars, so this meant that Julia who sat at the passenger's seat, was sitting on the left hand side of James.
James took them to a restaurant for a sumptuous meal. Unlike the last time, he let Julia order what she wanted. So both sisters placed their orders. They had a great time filling James in, on everything that happened when they returned to South Africa.
James hadn't been home for many years so naturally he was very interested in any information he got from home. They told him almost everything that happened. They came with a surprise for him too.
After eating, James took them to his house. He had convinced them while they were eating, to stay with him this time. His house wasn't close to the hospital like their last residence but he explained that he will make sure they don't miss any hospital appointment.
He also told them they could save the money they intended to use for accommodation and use it for something else instead. This sounded like a great idea so the two sisters accepted it.
They stayed with James and went to the hospital from his house. James was still doing that little business that Julia left him while he was still thinking for something bigger. She was thrilled by the progress he had made in just four months.
Just from this, she could tell he was business inclined. She wanted a man who could provide for her regardless of how much she had or made. That was the kind of man James was, only a bit too excessive for her.
They had brought some of James' favourite local food and snacks that were not found in India. That was the surprise they had for him. He was very happy. He closed his eyes while he ate some snacks. It reminded him of home.
Bella went to the hospital the next day to make an appointment with her doctor who has already written out some tests for her to do prior to their meeting. She carried out the tests and waited a few days for the results to come out.
While she was waiting, James took them sight seeing. This time, they went to the famous Taj Mahal. According to the tour guard, it was built by an emperor to honour his late wife whom he loved so much.
The building was so magnificent that it changes color depending on the time of the day. It was seen as a symbol of love so millions of lovers around the world visited the master piece to celebrate love.
Bella soon met with her doctor who was so happy with her test results.
"You're doing very well from your test results. I will make some adjustments to your medication and write you a travel clearance. You should be ready to go back in a few days," he said.
Bella was very happy to hear that. He gave her his email for easy communication. She thanked him and left. Bella was ready to go back but Julia wasn't.
"You don't have to go back with Bella," James told her.
"What then will I do here?" she asked.
"There are so many things you could do," he said.
"You could start that program you've been telling me about. Am sure we'll figure things out when you start," he added.
Again, James made sense with his suggestion so she accepted.
Since Bella was in her early 20s and no longer a patient, she could travel on her own. Julia spoke to her and told her the new plan. Bella didn't mind, all she want was for Julia to be happy and if this was the way, then so be it.
It was another emotional goodbye as Bella went to the airport. She turned around and James and Julia waved goodbye to her. She then boarded and the plane took off shortly after.