Mystique

Life in London can be expensive and difficult, should one do not have a place to live. One way of solving the issue is to secure a council estate, in the form of an apartment of a tower or low blocks, or in a semi-detached house,  if not or in the form of a terrace housing. This is the cheapest method of securing a place to stay with your family. Believe, about 17% of United Kingdom population lives in council apartments, of one sort or the other. The sincerity of the various governments were true and pure. This was one way of helping the working classes, who are the true masses, secure a home for their own by renting or owning. Be it what it may, securing of votes was also one small benefit from this act of generosity.

Luke Brunswick, age 18, Anglo-Burmese, youngest son of Desmond Brunswick, a retired Chief Petty Officer from the once Burma Navy, motor section. Grandparents were from Lincolnshire, origionally, but since left for the pearly gates a few years back. Luke Brunswick’s family of four, lives at no.381 Greenrigg Walk, Wembley, (part of Chalkhill Estate), in North London. A two bedrooms semi-detached group of houses, and the closest underground station is Wembley Park, on the Jubilee Line, just a few minutes walking distance through Chalkhill Road.

Luke always had been a studious boy, and attended grammar school through out, which resulted in the attainment of 5 O’levels plus 3 A’levels in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry with excellent grades. He loves modern music and a yen for poetry too. However, applied for Aeronautical Engineering degree course at Imperil College. After an interview and a long talk, he was offered a four years MSc degree course. He knew two hoots about aeronautics, but was able to answer questions on Physics. In his line of thinking, this was his passport out to greener pastures abroad, where the sun shines twelve months of the year. He applied for a study grant, and was duly granted by Brent County Council. Luke Brunswick was a happy young man.

That autumn, he started his course at Imperil College in earnest. It was a long tube ride from Wembley Park Station to South Kensington Station, changing at Green Park to reach Imperil College. One day, he saw a girl, getting on at Swiss Cottage Station, on his line, and continued on, while he got off at Green Park Station, and at times, would also catch a glimpse of her, back in the evenings, alighting at Swiss Cottage Station again. By the judge of the books she was carrying, it was evident she is a student too. One Thursday, when he did not have classes in the morning, he decided to follow her and find out at which station she alights, and at which college she attended. Luke found out that she alights at Westminister Station and changes to Circle or District Line for High Street Kensington.

Just prior the exit gate, she confronted him and sternly asked, "Are you stalking me?"

He was taken aback but replied, " No, I’m not stalking you, but yes, following you to find out which stations you use and which college you attend at."

She starred him in the eye and said one word, "Why?"

Automatically, it came out from his mouth, " Because I don’t have the guts to ask you strait in the face, and happen to like you also, and would like to know more about where and what you study."

She continued, "You are not deranged then?"

He answered, "Definitely not, and I am a student also."

Then only the stern face relaxed at said, " I’m reading Philosophy at Heythrop College at Kensington Square."

He countered, "Good to know, I’m reading Aeronautical Engineering at Imperil College at South Kensington, and my name is Luke Brunswick". He said "Hello", and extended his right hand.

She shook his right hand and said, "I’m Mystique Roberts."

They walked slowly to Heythrop College and before she entered the main door way, he enquired, "Will I see you tomorrow morning at Swiss Cottage?"

She answered, "If you want to, eight sharp!"

Then she disappeared in. Luke continued to his Imperil College and cannot stop thinking about her. Is Mystique a feminine word, he must check it out, view being a rather a strange girl’s name.

The next Friday morning, at 7.55 a.m. sharp, he was waiting on the open platform of Swiss Cottage station, cold and wet, but needed to make sure she would see him.

At eight, she showed up and exclaimed, "You’re wet."

He smiled and replied, "Yes, maybe, and good morning to you."

With those words, they struggled into the carriage and got packed like sardines. He snug closed to her and the light aroma of her cologne sent shivers through him. Luke said to himself that he must be more careful about his clothes. He found out her timetable, and Luke would also wait for her at Westminister Station in the evenings, when the class timings did not clash.

During the second term, he would stroll into her college canteen, when time permitted and spend the lunch hour with her. Her usual lunch was a packet of sandwich with a cup of tea. She told him that, this way, she would not be full and not be sleepy for the afternoon lectures. Luke would rather have a hot meal, but spending all available time with Mystique was more important to him. On the 7^th of November, he handed her a birthday card which he designed himself at his local library. The card he bought from an art’s shop and penned the below words in thick red stencil.

It read :-

Life, is but an empty dream,

Do grown men weep, under the shades?

Beauty is said to be in the eyes of the beholder,

Where it may take us, we sure follow the stream.

Behind the rainbow, there is said to be a treasure of gold,

Watch, before we leap, were the instructions, and be not too bold.

Is it not a mystique?

Many happy return of the day.

Love,

Luke

The next morning at Swiss Cottage Station platform, she hugged and kissed him for the first time, full on the lips.

Then she muttered, "I love your birthday card and this is the first time, anybody composed a poem, especially for me, thank you."

He managed to utter, "You’re most welcome, and you deserve it."

As usual, they were packed tight, in the carriage, and he would escort her right up to her college doors.

Christmas and the holidays came and went, and before the 1^st year final exams, Luke was now more close to Mystique. He would wait for her outside Swiss Cottage Underground Station each morning, and take her to Heythrop College door step, and would fetch her at the same place, hand in hand, he would escort to the top of her road, should his lectures allowed.

Mystique lives with her parents at no. 28 Belsize Square, just about eleven minutes walk from the tube station. It’s a posh area, and her dad was a Marketing Manager with a pharmaceutical company, with head office in the City and works from there. Her mother, a housewife, and she do not have any sibling. Mr. Roberts sports a 2009 model, 5 doors, Mini Cooper, with much pride. Luke helps him by changing the engine oil, and also checks the brake pads plus her plugs. His Mini Cooper, being quite new, required very little maintenance.  This saves the old man a few quids. Thursday evenings are meant for shopping, and Luke would help Mrs. Roberts, by doing the groceries together with Mystique, at the local Tesco and Safeway supermarkets. Mrs. Roberts appreciate their help, as Mr. Roberts drives the car to work, and his return can only be expected around eight in the evening.  Mrs. Roberts normally would prepare a hearty meal on that day, which Luke thoroughly enjoys and would take a tube ride back to Wembley Park with a full stomach.

Sunday evenings were for his mom and dad, and Luke would help out with any household chores, they may see fit.  His mother shares one room with his sister, while he shares the other room with his dad. Luke’s first year results were just okay, and passed without much fanfare. He knew this was on account of other interests on his mind, and he would need to pull his socks up, to be in the upper bracket of his class. Luke has yet to bring Mystique to his humble house and meet his parents, due to gangs in the neibourhood, which he does not want her to witness.

Chalkhill Estate consists about 1900 households, majority of apartments in high- rise tower blocks. In the said tower blocks, the top gang was under Jarome Lincoln, otherwise also known as ‘Sharp’. The gang was black, and even though they are British, their forefathers’ were mainly from Jamaica, and others from Lagos and Nigeria. While at school, they were not ‘especially encouraged’ to keep up with their studies, and come examination time, they were given more of a free hand, as the school believe, that not much discipline in them, for any type of good results. Thus, they leave school without any qualification, and join the cues at the Labour Exchange, for their weekly dole money. Actually, Jarome Linclon a.k.a Sharp was quite bright, and all that required is a comforting persuasion to pick up on his studies. Nowadays, he carried a shaving blade. Thus his nickname ‘Sharp’ and do battle with other gangs, to be the king of the estate. This was the only prestige he’s got left, and guards it, as he did. Pakistanis and Bengalis had their own gang headed by Noor Mohammad, with about 8/9 regular followers. Their haunt was the high street. Another group gang was all white punks and skinheads, about 15 of them, loiter at pubs around the Chalkhill Estate. They were mostly layabouts, getting high on anything they could lay their hands on, and to get drunk, if they could afford it. They were a lost cause, as work does not even register in their simple minds. They take their frustration on anybody, other than themselves, and shout of power to the National Front Party, if they are sober enough.

During the college term, Luke would work as a waiter for a coffee house in Carnaby Street, from six to nine p.m., and the tips were good. During term holidays, he would take employment in Woolworth, from nine a.m. to four p.m., where the family can also enjoy small discounted rates under his name. On Mystique’s birthday, on 7^th November, he gave her a fresh Carnation flower and a sealed card.

It read :-

Flowers bloom, Sun rises and babies also enter this world with some fight,

It is no surprise, but ‘tis the circle of life.

Trees withers, winter dawns, and at times, snow showers falls with might,

It is no surprise, but ‘tis the circle of life.

To this day with remembrance, we all rejoice,

Every twelve moons, we in tandem will all rise,

Many happy return of the day, my Mystique.

Love,

Luke

On the next morning, she ran up when she saw Luke waiting by her station, and gave a long kiss on the mouth.

He just moaned, "Anything?"

With tears of joy in her eyes she said, "Thank you Luke, thank you for the card, it means a lot to me."

With that, as usual, hand in hand, he took her to Heythrop College.

Christmas was Christmas. Exchange of gifts and hefty big meals, that one felt guilty the next day. New Year came and went and on 4^th January, Luke took Mystique to the Burmese Embassy, at 19A Charles Steeet, W1, together with his mom and dad plus Connie, his sister. He wanted Mystique to be introduced to some Burmese food and culture. It was Burma's Independence Day, and they served Moakhingar. There was also a drum dance, plus girls dancing with a candle on each hand. With open eyes in awe, she thoroughly enjoyed it, and ate two bowls of Moakhingar. She took another bowl again, before leaving. Luke can feel that the Embassy’s staff, were keeping to themselves, however being diplomatic at the same time. The Burmese expatriates were more of a jolly lot, and Luke’s family joined them, in the fun.

Here again, similar to Chalkhill Estate, he was not treated as one of the family. Being not really Burmese nor English, white, black, brown, yellow or blue, he felt there was a certain distance, discrimination was still there. He did not know where the blame ought to be placed, his parentage or the people themselves. By April, Mystique had completed all her examinations, and for sure the B.A. degree was only a formality left. Luke persuaded her to continue her Dlitt, which was only two more years, and Camden County Council should be happy to continue her educational grant. Besides, her income to the household was still unnecessary. Luke encouragement was two fold, first being, she would be more attractive to the job market with a superior degree, and more importantly, second reason was, he wanted her to still study while he completed his MSc, for fear of loosing her in the real world. (He did not tell her his second reason, as it was selfish.)

Luke invited her to a ten days hitch hiking trip to the Continent in August, to celebrate her graduation. All she said was "This will depend on my parents consent".

By July, while having dinner at Hyde Park by the lake, Mystique said, "My parents okayed my trip with you in August, to the Continent."

Luke already had saving, enough for both of them on 10days hitch hiking tour to the Continent.

Luke replied, "Great, better start shopping for some outfit and things."

The week before Luke and Mystique left for Continent, they went to an Army Surplus Store, and purchased German Army pakas, sleeping bags, foldable tent, caps and torches. From a shoe shop, bought Cross Creek Hiker boots. In Oxford Street, they bought Ray Ban Sun Glasses, and she bought two pairs of brassiere, size 34B from British Home Stores, and a pair of gray woolen slacks at Miss Selfridge, size 25. The rest he had, digital camera, back packs, maps, hikers guide, medicines etc. etc. and made their plans for the impending hike.

Luke went to see Mystique parents before their trip.

Mr. Roberts said, "Luke, she’s all that we got, and we don’t want to make her life miserable, so don’t do anything she would regret afterwards."

Luke knew what he meant and shook his hand and adding, "Sir, I know what you mean, and I do take full responsibility, and will make sure Mystique don’t regret anything, afterwards."

They smiled and Luke took a tube train back to Wembley Park.

Come Friday morning at six a.m., Luke and Mystique commenced their hiking trip by hopping onto a train, from St. Pancreas Station to Paris, Gare du Nord in less than three hours. This eliminated them trying to hitch a ride, from Calais to Paris. On reaching there, they stayed at Regent Hostel at 37, Boulevard Rochehouart. For the next two days, did a tour of Arc De Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, The Bastille, Norte de Dame, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Montmartre and also strolled by the Seine. 

On the third day in Paris, The Louvre was scheduled on its own, as too much to be absorbed there. This being the largest museum in the world, Luke and Mystique decided to have lunch there also. Code of Hammurabi stone tablet was one of the oldest Babylonian law of Iraq on record, dating back to 1772 BC. Statuettes such as, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Melo and Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, was a sight to see. One does not realize the finest, until you are in front of them. Paintings were also galore. The coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Lewis David, Virgin of the rocks by Leonardo da Vinci, The raft of the Mesuda by Theodore Gericault, Liberty leading the people by Eugene Delacroix and many, much more are to be viewed in awe.

Mystique stood in line and watched the painting, oil on canvas of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, for quite a long time. It took so long that Luke had to nudge her to move on. Came lunch time, Luke guided Mystique to a beautiful garden, where after seating her on the bench, he took out the two plain white gold rings and offered her one.

He said, "Mystique, will you be my girl, the only girl, as my future bride and as evidenced by this white gold ring, I do declare that my love for you shall never tarnish. Will you accept this engagement ring?"

She was shocked and her eyes started to water and replied, "Yes, Yes, Yes, my darling Luke, I accept your engagement ring and shall wear evidencing it, your wife to be."

While he slipped it on her left finger, she kissed him again and again, full on his lips, while sobbing. Luke also told her that he shall also wear the duplicate on his left finger, and likewise shall be faithful to her, for always. For all to see and witness, Mystique and Luke are now engaged. It cost him 489 pounds for the rings from Farooq Jewelers on Wembley High Street. She hung onto him through out the lunch. Luke just realized that it took him two years to arrive at this stage, and wondered what his and her parents would say, about this private engagement event, which was planned secretly six months ahead.

He told her that comparing Mona Lisa’s painting with her, he found her to be more beautiful.

Mystique said, "My parents named me Mystique, because I would gaze out without talking for long periods, that’s why I viewed the painting at length to see the connection, if any."

Luke continued, "Mystique, you are more beautiful plus with brains, and a B.A. degree. Furthermore, you are blessed with a sophisticated look, caring and the best partner, I will ever have."

She smiled and said, "I’m blushing but I like it, you may continue, and I can get used to this", they smiled at each other and kissed again and again.

By evening, they dinnered on French loaf with horsemeat (so the man from café said), and according to the comments of the hikers they met during the afternoon, getting a free lift in France can be quite taxing, thus decided and packed their backpacks for the onward journey South by train. They boarded TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville just before midnight, as they wish to start at Nice, by early morning. They slept arms in arms in the second-class carriage, and later on, Mystique slept on Luke’s lap, during the six hours journey there. The train was a double-decker Duplex train. Interesting, but they saw nothing in the dark of the night. Luke gave Marseille a miss, as this was another big sprawling town, similar to London or any other big city.

Nice, in the morning, was quiet. They both breakfasted on buns with small pieces of bitten Cadbury chocolate inside, plus coin operated machine hot coffee. The sun was warm, while the Mediterranean Sea water was cold. The scene was picture perfect, but without trunks and bikinis, they just feasted with their eyes and evidenced with their digital camera. After satisfying Nice, both of them decided to walk to Monte Carlo and marveled Place de Casino, where James Bond supposed to have gambled and also filmed Casino Royale. Hotel de Paris where James Bond stayed was also beautiful, but decided to take a local bus into Italy before night fall. At Imperia, both marveled the various flowers and ate pasta, prepared with olive oil and meat for dinner. Pasta there and olive oil were famous. Luke and Mystique walked just outside of Imperia, to a rolling hill area and camped out, in their tent and slept in sleeping bags. It was cold and had to do their business in the field, while keeping a watchful eye for prowling farmers.

From Imperia, they hitched a ride on an Italian container truck bound for Genoa, then on to Milan, on a Polish VW van, full of students. In Milan, the couple saw the Duomo di Millano, and had their dinner in a roadside café, and thence proceeded to Como on the back of a local vegetable truck. By the time they were there, it was dark. Both found their way to Menaggio Youth Hostel la Primula, by the shore of Lake Como. All it had was a twin sharing room, which was sized by Luke. No comment.

That night, all washings were done for the first time since the trip, including their jeans and undies they were wearing. After cleaning themselves properly, Luke got into bed in his birthday suit, while Mystique hung clothes, on the central heater. Soon, Mystique also joined Luke, really tired. Luke had never seen Mystique in the flesh, and it was a sight he would treasure. She was slim, body was firm including her tummy, her breasts were not large and sagging, but just nice and the nipples were pointed with a small circle around it. Mystique hair was loose and undone, and her skin was silky supporting a pretty face. As she quietly slipped into the bed, he could make out in the dark, that the window curtains were not drawn. He reached out and held her in his arms and for the first time, the sensation of cupping her firm breasts felt really soft to his touch. They made love, and soon he was like a thirstily camel that came in from the dry desert. Even though Mystique was tired, she felt a renewed energy and rode the high waves of a love song.

They lost all senses of time, until a knock enquiring whether they’ll be eating breakfast. They quickly donned their damp jeans and jumpers and sailed into the cafeteria. It was a rather late breakfast, all alone by themselves, had their cups of coffee and ate croissants and baguettes with jams, marmalade, and butter. After all, the room was ‘including breakfast’. Consuming all that can be eaten on the table, they excused themselves back to their room and hung the damp clothes back on the central heater. They continued their shuteyes, not before they played ‘Music of the Night’, yet again. By noon, all clothing were dried and after uniformed in their jeans and warm jumpers plus their pakas, Luke and Mystique made their salutations and headed back for the road.

They both toured around Lake Como and saw some cozy camping areas, which they were thankful not to have entertained. Luke and Mystique chuckled, hand in hand, made their way to E35 highway to continue on to Zurich. An old Swiss couple in their Mercedes 260, gave them a lift up to their destination. Luke never felt so comfortable on his bum and back. The old man works in a bank there. Must buy one, if he can afford it, Luke thought.  On the route to Zurich, the old couple was quite taken by them, and offered cake and coffee at Lake Lucerne. By late evening, they exchanged addresses and said their good byes at Zurich.  After feasting on love and fresh air, they onward marched by way of E41 to Stuttgart, through the night per kind favour of a German lorry driver, who was happy to exercise his English. Past midnight, they spent the night by the shelter of a housing complex stairway (which, they don’t know where), in their sleeping bags. It was a warm shelter from the weather, and the next morning, they were rudely awakened by a nudge of a shoe. They cleaned and freshened by the courtesy of the local authorities in toilets, and with the direction of their guidebook, paid courtesy calls to the city’s greats. Knowing the French politeness towards the British, Luke and Mystique boarded a train from Stuttgart back to Paris in the afternoon. Once in Paris, without further ado, sought a train back to St. Pancreas, London. In the early evening, they were on the tube for Swiss Cottage.

Around seven p.m., Luke rang the doorbell and Mr. Roberts answered the door. Luke handed a bottle of sherry and a box of Cuban cigars, while extended his hand to him and said "Don’t worry Sir, she is in a good way, and nothing there to be regretted."

Mystique pinched Luke’s back and she was now again in good hands and safe. With that, he boarded the tube to Wembley Park Station, and walked slowly back, in the direction of Greenrigg Walk. At home, he handed a carton of State Express filter king cigarettes to his father, and a bottle of sherry to his mother. God only knows, how tired he was.

The next day, mother told him that while he was away, there was a fight in front of the estate, and one of the punk’s throat was slited open. As such, the police rounded both the black gang, and all the punks plus skinheads. Now, the residents have reclaimed their estate and park. True enough, kids and their mums were at the playground, elderly, housewives and lovers stroll the walkways and joggers can be spotted early in the mornings and evenings. Chackhill was safe again.

One evening, during a family dinner, Luke noticed that all eyes were upon his white gold ring, on his second left finger. Slowly he broke the news, that he was now engaged to Mystique, which took place in Paris, during this hiking trip to the Continent with her. Father was non-committal.

But mother commented, "We’re all happy for you, do let us know if you need anything."

Connie just said "Congratulations."

Luke just said, "I wanted a private engagement with no hoo-hars."

The subject was closed.

Connie got married in October to Brian Watts, Assistant Engineer from the stockyard. One of father’s budding assistants. It was a civil marriage at the Wembley Council Marriage Registrar, and attended by Brian’s parents and theirs, witnessed also by Mystique. Connie moved to live with Brian, staying in Willesden. Mother moved back to father’s room so that Luke could have a room to himself. All worked out rather nicely.

On 7^th November, Luke gave Mystique two fresh carnations and a sealed card.

Which reads :-

Cleopatra, Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa and Grace Kelly,

Including Hercules, Mark Antony, Statute of David and even George Clooney.

Wheels through history, herald such as them, of a beauty or desirable.

While Medusa and Queen Ayesha have ideas which may not be too amicable.

Like to turn me to stone or are you, she, who must be obeyed?

I know that you are not,

Beauty Yes!, willed as them, I’m sure, that you do not sought.

Mystique, many happy return of the day.

Love & xxx,

Luke

Next morning, Mystique gave Luke a long kiss on the mouth and muttered, "I love you and your Card and shall always be my treasured possession."

He held her hand, and as usual escorted to her college before rushing off to Imperil College. Mystique got her B.A., and now continued for her DLitt degree.

Luke’s third year at Imperil College was more study orientated, and he wanted good grades for his Master’s. One evening at Mystique’s place, while having a cup of tea, Mr. Roberts said, "Luke, tell me about yourself."

He countered, "Certainly Sir, I was born in 1991 in no.18 Chesterfield Road, near Kilburn, an Anglo-Burmese, British by nationality." "My father is Desmond Brunswick, English, from Lincolnshire, who now works as a Senior Engineer for London Transport in the stockyard at Wembley Park, and mother name is Ma Mya Khin, an Anglo-Burmese, repatriated back to London in 1981." Luke then continued, "I now am studying at Imperil College for my MSc in aeronautical engineering and hope to graduate next year."

Mr. Roberts concluded, "I’m not a decrementing person, but I admire a working man, thank you."

Luke, for sake of clarity added, " And we all now live in a council house in Greenrigg Walk, Wembley, that’s part of Chackhill Estate."

Mr. Roberts replied, "I don’t care where you live, I started life as a salesman."

Mrs. Roberts added, "Bully for you Luke, we are so proud of you."

Mystique jumped in and said, "All these questions, because they saw the ring on my left second finger."

All laughed, and thus, the interview was finally over.

At college, Luke found the girls not to his taste, or can be said that he is not from theirs. Luke feels they all must be related to Count Dracula, with six inches fangs seeking suitable candidates with fat bank accounts, or possible future men who are likely to prove, able to dig into large amount of cash. As far as he was concerned, they don’t come into his frame of pictures, he felt sorry for the prey they would eye for. His grades improved since first year and he intends to continue the same. He also stopped working during weekends, as he wanted to concentrate and allow more time to his studies.

On the eve of his final year in July, Mystique told him that her parents were taking a week holiday during the last week of August at Blackpoll, Butlin’s holiday camp. They liked that, suppose a very British thing to do, Luke thought. That week, he kept Mystique accompanied and stayed with her, at their house. He is no more a thirsty camel, now, a more dignified dog on heat. He savored his week there and even more focused to charge his last year with all his might, to secure a passport, the way out from Chackhill Estate.

It was not only his final year, it also meant for Mystique to secure her DLitt. Months came and went, and on her birthday on 7^th November, he gave the usual two fresh carnations and a sealed card.

Which read :-

A salad of Burmese culture and Buddhist thoughts,

It is said, first being knowledge, then wealth and followed by religion.

Spring is almost over, and walk we shall, boldly into the next court.

But till then, hold on tight, the battle for sure shall be fought.

Nelson hoisted ‘England expects every man to do his duty’,

That we’ll do, so Mystique, my queen, my beauty,

‘tis the final leg, hold on, and many happy return of the day.

Love & xxx,

Luke.

The next morning, Mystique ran into Luke’s waiting arms and whispered, "Thank you for the poem. I love it, and don’t really care two hoots what others may think."

They kissed and did his duty of navigating her safely to Heythrop College doors. Autumn came, than followed by winter and spring. Before the summer break, Luke sat his final examinations. Unofficially, word did get around that he got Honors. That made him very happy. Mystique also being a brainy girl, secured her DLitt in Philosophy.

By September 2013, one Sunday afternoon, Luke together with his father and mother, made a call on the Roberts residence at Swiss Cottage.

During the course of the afternoon, Desmond Brunswick, his father, turned on to Mr and Mrs. Roberts and said, " I would be grateful for your consent, towards my son Luke matrimony, with your lovely daughter Mystique, and I can vouch that Luke, my son, is a grand lad."

Before Mr. Roberts can open his mouth, Mrs. Roberts smiled and replied, "There is nothing from our side to disapprove your request, but the final word is still Mystique."

Their daughter Mystique placed the tray on the side table and said "Yes, I would love to marry Luke Brunswick."

So the contract was finalized. He did not even have to utter a single word. That’s rich.

In 2013 October, second Sunday afternoon, the marriage of Mystique Roberts with Luke Brunswick took place at Holy Trinity Church, opposite Finchley Road Underground tube station. The reception was held in Best Western Swiss Cottage Hotel, at 4 Adamson Road, also in Swiss Cottage area, not too far from the Roberts residence. It was a small reception, attended by immediate and close relatives plus some extra close friends, not more than twenty people in all. After the wedding, Mystique moved in with Luke at no.381 Greenrigg Walk, Wembley. A room of their own and their house came alive again. Mystique did not mind the neighborhood.

After getting hitched, Luke reported for work at Heathrow Airport, Rolls Royce Division. They interviewed him just after his finals and he reluctantly accepted their offer to work for them at Changi Singapore Airport. The contract was a year and a half to two years at their option. The rest depended on his performance. Due to his reluctance, more money was offered on the table. November and December was spent on the job training, and what was expected of him and to report for duty at Changi Singapore, not later than end of January. On the 7^th of November, he, as usual gave Mystique, two fresh carnations plus a card.

It read :-

Part one is all over and so let part two be rolled,

I’ve got a job with Rolls Royce, Singapore, and let us be bold.

Does Mrs. Mystique Brunswick have shadow of a doubt?

About flying together and take residence to work down South.

Mystique, many happy return of the day.

Love & xxx,

Luke

It was a simple poem or rhyme, to let her be in the picture, and seek her views. Luke placed the card on the pillow before he left for work.

On his return home, she held him tight and whispered, "Yes, Yes my darling, I’ll follow where ever you go."

Then kissed him with authentic delight, again and again.

This prompted her to search the Internet, high and low, for a position in Singapore. On Christmas day morning, she surprised him by letting him know, that she also has a job at the British Council, Singapore as a Librarian, and to report at their good offices, latest by last day of January. They were a happy couple. After briefing both their parents, Luke and Mystique flew to Singapore.

At Heathrow, Luke said "I’ve never flown before."

Mystique countered, "Nether have I."

They laughed and boarded their aircraft like two kids on an excursion. 

On the jet plane, he lodged on his earpieces and listened to the music of Dire Straits, Supertramp and Phil Collins as he read the poems of Tom Leonard, Alan Baker, Edwin Morgan etc. etc. on his ipad, while Mystique slept holding his hand.

In Singapore, they found an apartment at the The Bayshore Condominium, at no.29 Bayshore Road, Tower 3A, with a partial view of the sea, from the 26^th floor, sitting room. It ‘s only ten minutes from Changi Airport. Even though it was only two bedrooms, they could not afford with their money they had. As such, Rolls Royce bought the apartment in their names with fifty percent of his monthly salary to be paid back to them, until fully recovered, interest free. They paid all their savings plus what their parents gave, towards the purchase. Rolls Royce must have wanted him, pretty badly. They hung on to the original deeds, while they did give him a photocopy. He showed the photocopy deeds to Mystique. The apartment deeds were in the names of Mr. Luke Brunswick and Mrs. Mystique Brunswick. She liked it, smiled, and kissed him.

Singapore was the first place, Luke felt no kind of discrimination. His boss was English, while the colleagues are a mix lot of Polish, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese Singaporean while he being British, Anglo-Burmese. Choosing to work for Rolls Royce might have been his best decision.

Luke also enjoys a dip in the pool before dinner and both participated the ritual. Life here is better than Monte Carlo, Nice, Paris, London or New York, rolled into one. While he splashed about, Luke waved and yelled out ………..                                 " M Y S T I Q U E ?"