A New Day

My homage to one of the most beautiful faces and that legendary actress - Grace Kelly or should I say Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco. This one is for her...

 Grace Patricia Kelly

(1929 – 1982)

The fable that died too early

 

******

 

Philadelphia…

Sometime in the last few days of December 1955…

 

The Fable stepped out of her Rolls and struck a pose for the press - for the paparazzi…for her fans…

 

That Face… those eyes… they were enough to stun any human – sane or insane – for most men went insane after getting a glimpse of her… she was after all… the legendary Grace Kelly.

 

“Ma’am, one photo… please ma’am…this way…looks this way… one more picture… please”

She stood there… and when the photographers had had their fill, it was time for the reporters…

 

One of them asked, “Ma’am is it true that the Prince of Monaco has proposed marriage to you?”

 

She looked at him for some time and then a smile played on her lips and then…

That legendary voice was heard…

Soft…warm…clear…and beautiful…

“Yes, His Highness has indeed done so.” And with a slight note of annoyance she added, “If I am not mistaken, my family has already confirmed it.”

 

“Yes indeed, but we had still not heard from your own mouth?”

 

Another man in dark blue turned up…”How do you feel about the marriage ma’am?”

 

“Well of course I’m happy. I’m overjoyed.”

 

“But you will have to abandon your acting career because of the marriage. Have you thought of that?”

 

“The Prince and I have spoken about it but I cannot comment on any thing right now.”

 

“Are you willing to give up your acting career?”

 

“Well, you will come to know soon.” Said Grace and walked towards her house.

 

“One more question ma’am…please… just one more question… ma’am…”

 

The butler opened the door and she stepped in. Behind her, the guards jostled to control the hoard of reporters who were still not satisfied…

 

Handing her coat and hat to the butler she said, “Albert, get me some coffee in my room and I don’t want to be disturbed for some time please.”

 

Free from the clutches of the reporters, she happily entered her room, only to find her mother inside.

 

“Mother, what are you doing here?”

 

“I saw those reporters dear, they are all mad to start a controversy it seems.”

 

“No mother, they just want some answers. Oh mother! I’m so happy…so so happy”

 

Margaret Kelly kissed her daughter’s forehead. The happiness of her daughter didn’t seem to cast its effect on the mother. Margaret Kelly held her daughter’s arm and spoke in the most melancholy of voices, “You very well know Grace that by marrying the Prince, you will have to give up your acting career.”

 

“I know that mother.”

 

“Are you ready to give it up?”

 

“Of course… I love him and will do anything for him. Don’t you know that already?”

 

“I know that dear, but you will have to realize it Grace. Later when you’re married, remember that you did so by your own free will. You had no compulsions. Don’t blame him then. That is all I wanted to tell you.”

 

Grace was staring out of her window…

 

The setting sun…birds returning home…the clouds…the red painted sky…Everything seemed so carefree...and yet the birds were chirping a melancholy tune…why???

 

“Mother, I understand. I know very well what you mean. I have thought about it. But I can assure you that I won’t regret any decision I make.”

 

“Fine then. I just wanted you to know that we – your father and I - care for you Grace and whatever decision you take – whatever be it - we will stand by you. You had a very busy day today. I guess you will need some rest. I will leave now.

 

She left and Grace was left all to herself. It was only her now, though she was not alone. She had her thoughts to keep her company. But it were those thoughts which were making her more uncomfortable.

 

Love or passion…

Love – yes… it’s the best thing in this world

Passion – the thing I love to do…

Love or passion…

 

There was a knock at the door which broke Grace’s thought. She rose and opened the door – in the ultimate poise… Everything revolving around Grace was built on poise.

 

It was Albert the butler, with the coffee. He handed over the coffee mug to Grace and said, “Here you go ma’am.” She didn’t look at him. She was too lost in her own thoughts. Most unconsciously, she took the cup from his hand and then sipped her coffee. Albert looked at her, puzzled.

 

“Ma’am, are you all right?”

 

“What? Yes – yes...I’m fine. Thanks for the coffee.” A small pause. “Albert, have you ever sung in your life?

 

“No ma’am, but I did use to play Hawaiian guitar.”

 

“How would you feel if some one took away guitar?”

 

“Sad I think ma’am”

 

“Thank you Albert. You may go now.”

 

“Thank you ma’am”.

 

Grace was once again left only with her memories and thoughts to ponder upon.

 

She knew that losing her acting life was not easy…

 

She remembered. Yes. She could see it all in front of her.

 

1954…

 

One year. But it seemed just like yesterday…

 

“The Oscar for the Best Actress goes to – yes – the one and only – Grace Kelly, for The Country Girl.”

 

The entire Kodak theatre broke into ear shattering applause. Whistles. Cheers. Hurrahs. Yes. She was the people’s actress. She was…

 

Plus there were the Golden Globes. She had two of them. Two consecutive wins…

Mogambo – 1953

The Country Girl – 1954

 

Just eleven movies. Half of the actresses are not even noticed in that period. But She was not like the rest. Was she? No. One Academy Award and Two Golden Globes. Plus five more awards. No ordinary actress could do so. One of the shortest film career. 1951 to 1955. Just five years. But she had become the face that ruled people’s heart.

 

She was Grace Kelly…

The most powerful actress

The legend

But she was in a big dilemma… love or passion?

 

 April 1955.

How could she forget that day?

 

Kelly had headed the American delegation to the Cannes Film Festival. It was there that this romance had blossomed. He was such a snobbish Prince. Always late. But after a series of delays and complications, she met him. Oh! How handsome he was! The heart of the ruler of people’s soul had been captured by the ruler of Monaco. His Serene Highness, Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

 

Nothing was same after that. The caterpillars morphed into butterflies and the poppies danced to the winds. The birds chirped and Grace… Oh! She would be lost in oblivion. She was in love. But that love had not come cheap. The price was enormous. She would pay with her career and that too when she was at the ruling lady in Hollywood.

 

But now she had made up her mind.

If love demanded a ransom, she would pay it. She had achieved a lot, and though a lot was left to be achieved, she would now never look back at that life.

 

The lotus in the pond sealed itself with the sunset. The sun disappeared – taking along with all the glory of the daylight. But now the moon had appeared. Moon – the symbol of peace, beauty and serenity. It was a new night, after an old day. And a new day was waiting for her.

 

She could feel the warmth of the new day. It was beckoning her. Calling her. Welcoming her…

 

*****

Both the families began the preparation for the “Wedding of the Century.”

 

April 18^th, 1956…

Grace Kelly became Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco.

 

The new day had come.

Reviews

[Jared Hughes]

I like it. Very well written. You captured the essence of Grace Kelly most wonderfully. You made her sound as if she were a goddess of sorts. Very well done.