Dance on the Ice Floor
In the chill winter of Stockholm, my friends, my darling hubby and I were standing outside Snow White stage that glittered with Christmas lights. The performers seem to be real artists; the smashing turns, the sliding feet and their awesome spins. Excellent! "Come! let us join them," one friend said.
I was scared! I am not going inside the Ice Skating Rink. I haven’t tried before in my lifetime!
Did I want to freely fly on metal wings? Yes. The soothing music and shivering legs whispered me to glide on the silvery, cold wings. But my fear held me back from learning, exploring and daring. Bittoo, my spouse and other friends stood with their shining ice skates and other winter accessories in front of me.
Giving me a charming look, he asked, "I hope you won’t mind taking the risk helping your partner along?"
My heart melted as always for him, and I felt the push to get into the magical rink. I took the sharp metal skates from him and bound them tightly. He set the red helmet on my head, untying my hair from my fancy hairpin. I tried to balance while walking towards the Ice, holding my love’s hand.
"It isn’t that tough," I grinned.
"Dear! You have to skate and not walk," he joked.
As I reached the entrance, the spectacle around us shook me up. Everyone here seemed to be professional; as if they have learned before getting into the rink. However, I saw two kids slipping, getting hurt; still trying again, without giving up.
My forever friend said, "Don’t wait to start! Or else you will keep watching others, feel more cold standing on the ice and won’t be able to learn at all."
I made up my mind to let go of my fear and follow my heart, which wanted me to taste the sweetness of freedom and fearlessness.
I slowly started sliding with both my feet; tightly holding my partner's hand. I chanted God’s name and thanked him for making me do this. The butterflies in my stomach flew away, as we successfully completed one full round. Hurray! We have done it.
"Now, you leave my hand, the fence and continue doing the same," Bittoo ordered. Yes! I started skating, loving the way I felt and feeling proud of myself. My confidence was growing; I started enjoying it even more. I felt like I was dancing across this floor; my heart and soul danced blissfully.
Too soon, my friends and I were coming off the ice, exchanging stories of our endeavours on the ice. One thing was common in everyone's stories: they all had a memorable tumble but with it, better learning and courage. I realized that throughout my time, I had managed to avoid any tumbles. Did it mean that I had successfully learned to skate? Or was this just another adventure?
What I knew was that I wanted to continue chasing this feeling. When you learn something new - especially something you had first feared - you feel on top of the world.
Happy Adventures!!
By: Ashna Chand
Ashna is an aspiring writer, who wishes to make a difference through her writing. She believes that words have the power to connect hearts, to heal people, to strengthen the weak, and to take you to the world of your dreams. She describes herself as an open book: read her work and know her better.
Ashna’s work can be found on her WordPress site, her blogspot, Short Fiction Break, LinkedIn, and right here on School of Shine.
