Read Online The Music Trilogy by Denise Kahn - Free Book Online Page B

Curious, Ali waited as well. A few minutes later a very handsome couple emerged arm in arm from the church. Ali’s heart skipped a beat when he saw the bride. He had never seen such a pretty woman and such a happy bride. Her wedding dress of white silk was simple, elegant and perfect for the sash that was tied around one shoulder, then crossed her chest and went down to her waist. Ali gasped. It was not made of material; instead it was a belt of diamonds interspersed with precious gems of all colors. It was blinding and magnificent. The groom, in an elegant white Imperial Russian uniform, was dashing and beaming proudly next to his new bride. He had a great number of medals pinned to his chest and he too was wearing a sash, one of silk with yet more medals. He must at the very least be a prince, Ali thought. They looked so happy, so very happy. The newlyweds were showered by rainbows of rice and flower petals, but Ali could not keep his eyes off the bride. One day he would love to have a wife as exquisite as this woman. From the expression on her face he longed to be loved as much as she loved this man. He could see their happiness in their little hand movements and their body language. Ali smiled. He was happy for them and his heart glowed. It was a wonderful day. An older man stood behind them, a big man. Of course! It was Doctor Simeon—just as big as Ali remembered him, bigger than life itself. He hadn’t expected to see him there and Ali was absolutely delighted. The doctor’s hair was a little thinner, sporting elegant streaks of gray and his beard looked as if someone has painted little silver lines in it. He looked radiant and blissful. Ali remembered he had a daughter, this must be her wedding, he thought.
    The married couple climbed into the flower laden carriage. The guests shouted, clapped and waved. Ali went toward Simeon. He had waited a long time for this day, to see his idol again, to shake his hand, his big hand, yet delicate enough to perform life saving operations. He stood in front of the doctor and extended his arm to him, a little apprehensive. He still felt like a boy in front of this giant. Simeon looked at the young man and shook his hand.
    “Doctor Simeon, I came to thank you,” Ali said, “but I should add congratulations. The beautiful woman getting married is your daughter, yes?” Simeon nodded, beaming. He looked at the young man and tried to place him—he seemed familiar, but from where? He was plainly dressed and his clothes were clean and well pressed. Was he here for the wedding? Was he a friend of Sela’s? Why did he want to thank him? Was he a patient? Surely he would remember, wouldn’t he? He still could not place him. “I have brought you a gift,” Ali continued. “My mother, Leila, made them just for you—she remembered how much you enjoyed them, but I will have to tell her to make some more for your daughter. May her marriage be as sweet as my mother’s desserts.”
    Simeon looked at the box, with the ever-present childlike gleam in his eyes. He rubbed his beard and suddenly exclaimed: “ Ali! You are little Ali! My, you have become a fine young man. I am delighted to see you. This is a wonderful surprise.” Simeon embraced him and Ali grinned as he disappeared in the big man’s arms.
    “It is a joy to see you as well, Doctor. I came to tell you that I graduated, like I promised, and that I am going to enroll in medical school. I thank you once again for everything you have done.”
    “This is definitely a pleasure, young man, and I insist you stay for the festivities. Come, let me introduce you to my daughter and her husband.”
    “The pleasure is all mine.”
    They headed toward the carriage where Sela and Ivan had just settled in. Behind them Ali saw a man in a dark suit walking toward the couple. His clothes were not of the same caliber as the other guests. On the contrary, they looked cheap and they were wrinkled. He did not look like an Arab, nor did he look