At seven in the evening, guests began to arrive. Charlie and Mary welcomed them warmly at the entrance.
The guests consisted of company employees, a few family members, and old friends.
Charlie's and Mary's parents were also receiving guests, while Mr. Tasha was walking around the garden.
As half past seven approached, Mr. Tasha went inside and informed the band to begin playing. The music in the background was calm and soothing, to the point that some attendees showed clear smiles on their faces.
The servants quietly began serving juice and desserts to the guests.
…
At eight in the evening, Charlie's father took the microphone and stepped onto the small stage in front of the chairs.
"Welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming. I am Charlie's father. We have gathered tonight to share a special moment, a moment that happens in the life of every man and woman. So please give your full attention to tonight's stars, Charlie and Mary."
His calm and comforting words were met with applause.
Charlie and Mary stepped forward when their names were mentioned, Charlie took the microphone confidently and spoke.
"Well, I'm happy tonight, as you all know, Every man experiences this moment with the one he loves. It's a wonderful feeling, one that makes me a little nervous, but deeply grateful to all of you for being here and supporting us."
Charlie paused for a moment.
"I present to you Mary, the woman I love. You may not all know this, but she is the best person in my life, and I love her deeply. This engagement is just a small step for us, so let's meet again on the grand stage in July for our wedding, You're all invited."
Charlie's voice was excited yet steady, Mary lowered her head shyly.
Everyone applauded gently, They all knew Charlie well and how kind and pleasant he was, They were happy for him, and equally happy for Mary to be with him.
Charlie had announced their wedding, Invitations would be sent a week before the ceremony, but confirming the month was necessary.
The music continued, then softly transitioned into another melody.
Charlie and Mary stepped down and entered the illuminated area beside the chairs.
It was time for the dance.
Couples and lovers joined in, forming a dance circle with Charlie and Mary at its center. Each couple danced together, but the lights remained focused on Charlie and Mary.
Mr. Tasha stood at the back of the crowd, quietly observing the scene.
So many emotions, So much love, They were happy, Humans loved happy moments.
He was happy too, yet he felt something strange.
What did relationships truly mean? A bond between two people only?
And what did that bond represent?
Mr. Tasha's mind sank into questions, Instinct played a role, but habit was also an important factor in building bonds that eventually became relationships.
Still, he couldn't escape the thought that relationships of all kinds were merely words wrapped in emotions.
No matter how many people surround us or love us, we remain alone in the end.
Birth, celebration.
Success, celebration.
Love, celebration.
Engagement, celebration.
Marriage, celebration.
Death, the funeral itself was also a kind of celebration.
This was the cycle of life, All of it was nothing but moments celebrated by humans. In the end, they were just moments, after which we would return to our solitude.
…
After a short round of dancing, Charlie's father took the microphone once again.
"Let the stars step into the main circle of light."
Charlie and Mary stood on the stage once more, It was clear what was about to happen.
A servant stepped forward holding the ring box. He raised it calmly, and Charlie reached out and took the ring.
Charlie took Mary's right hand, a foolish smile on his face. He couldn't hide his happiness as he placed the ring on her ring finger.
The guests waited quietly for the second moment, It was Mary's turn.
Mary took the ring from the box, then held Charlie's right hand and placed the ring on his ring finger, Shyness was clear on her face.
"And with this, we officially announce the engagement." Charlie's father said with a wide smile.
Everyone applauded enthusiastically. Some cheered loudly, others clapped. This blended with a new musical tune that began the moment the rings were placed, then shifted again when the engagement was officially announced.
The music grew louder, and the atmosphere became more fluid and relaxed.
Conversations filled the space.
Everyone laughed and smiled, while the servants continued serving juice and arranging food on the large table near the stage.
Everyone was simply celebrating the moment.
Mr. Tasha, who had been standing at the back, was gone.
Charlie and Mary were busy, as everyone was gathering around them. They remembered seeing Mr. Tasha standing behind the chairs, watching them, but when they looked again, he had disappeared.
…
The lively atmosphere continued for more than two hours, It was now ten thirty.
Guests began presenting their gifts one by one, which Charlie and Mary accepted with gratitude.
The crowd gradually thinned, Even their parents had left.
Finally, as midnight approached, only the two of them remained, watching the last guests depart.
Throughout all these hours, Mr. Tasha had been absent. He had shared the moment of the announcement and then left.
Charlie and Mary felt a hint of disappointment as they looked around the garden once more.
The organization was beautiful, the music matched the mood, the food was delicious. Everyone had been satisfied.
"Mary, where do you think Mr. Tasha is?" Charlie asked, his voice tired.
"I honestly don't know, Charlie. That's just how he is. He did what needed to be done, nothing more. You know he doesn't expect thanks or gratitude from anyone... He simply does what he does."
Mary's voice was soft. She was tired too.
Charlie understood what Mary meant.
He took her hand, and they headed inside, They needed to change their clothes and return home to rest.
When they reached the door, they found Mr. Tasha standing there, waiting for them.
"Go ahead, Take a shower. I've prepared a room for each of you so you can rest." Mr. Tasha said calmly.
"Mr. Tasha, where were you?" Charlie asked.
"I was here. I saw your important moment and how happy you were, That was enough."
Mr. Tasha didn't explain further and gestured for them to go inside.
"Go in. You both need rest now, You've had a long day."
"Alright. Thank you for your gift, Mr. Tasha. The party was wonderful. I think I understand you a little better now, Charlie does too." Mary said.
Mr. Tasha nodded in agreement.
Charlie understood as well, so he didn't press the matter.
Mr. Tasha's personality was different.
Looking at him was difficult.
Being like him was impossible.