Most of us, at some time or the other, have longed for a surprise. Perhaps we yearn for a puppy under the Christmas tree or we wish that an insistent ring at the door is that of a beloved child who has journeyed home from afar. Or maybe, when we are exceptionally low, we long to enter a dark room and have the lights suddenly switched on and a group of friends and family shout ‘Surprise!’

All these are thrilling, but in truth, surprises are the most fun for the ones who orchestrate them — for it is not just that moment of surprise that brings joy. It is all that goes before, making the journey more gratifying than the destination.

None of these lofty expectations were on his mind when a fun-loving brother recently decided to celebrate the landmark ruby anniversary of his sister and her husband. The couple was not keeping well enough to host a party at their own house, so the brother decided to throw a surprise party for them at his place.

Way ahead, too early to raise any suspicions, an innocuous conversation gleaned information of the couple’s half-dozen or so closest friends, the core group guaranteed to ensure a great time.

Then, a casual front was created. “You’ve not been keeping well so we’ll take you to the club on your anniversary,” the brother said, offhandedly, as if he was proposing just another meal together on club premises.

“Not the club,” came the quick reply. “It’s our anniversary, so we’ll treat you to dinner at some exotic restaurant.”

This was equally quickly agreed to. What did it matter where the celebrating couple thought they were going to celebrate? As long as they could be lured into his home, the brother was ready to make compromises and agree to any and all conditions.

“We’ll cut a cake and raise a toast at my place before we go for dinner,” he suggested blandly over the phone, not a trace of excitement in his voice. “But we’ll have to come along in your car since I’ve got a frozen shoulder and can’t drive.”

And then he cut the call and busied himself with the interesting stuff. He invited his sister’s friends, he told them the occasion and swore them to secrecy. He organised a complicated schedule of arrival, parking of vehicles and entry into the apartment. “They shouldn’t see familiar cars around the building when they arrive, it should come as a complete surprise ...”

To make all this go off smoothly and with military precision, lines of communication were kept open at all times between him and his wife and each of them bustled about their tasks, conveying every little detail to the other — something that had not happened in years.

On D-Day, the guests arrived early as instructed and were hustled into an adjoining room with dim lights. Everyone, even those with their trademark loud laughs, were motivated enough to speak in whispers and so there was no sign of activity when the anniversary couple entered the apparently empty apartment. They had no inkling that anything momentous was to happen.

A knife was thrust in their hands for them to cut the tiny ‘token’ cake and they were instructed to hold the pose for a photograph as they reached down to do so. And at that moment everyone burst in on them, holding the actual cake with 40 candles flickering, laughing, talking, showering them with good wishes.

There was no need to tell them to hold any pose after that. The incredulous surprise and delight on their faces at that moment — and for the rest of the evening — was a treat for all. Especially the planners — who had had the additional pleasure of anticipation!

Cheryl Rao is a journalist based in India.