IN a little secluded place between the mangrove trees by the river’s bank, she sat, her eyes closed, a book of poems lying open on her lap. The soft swishing sound of the water as it washed up the muddy flat was soothing music to her mind as she relaxed in this tranquil place. She was in her own little world, lost in the sweet intimacy of the poet and words.

She opened her eyes as the sun set in the West, its reddish-orange glow shimmering across the water of the affluent river, a timeless spectacle. She closed her book and walked to the water’s edge, the wind tussling her long hair and her dress swirling around her ankles. As she stood there marvelling at the sunset, a flock of cranes flew low over the water to their habitat. She watched as they flew in a smooth rhythm and she said quietly, “The wonders of nature in this world we live.”

It began to dusk, and when she picked up her book, she left the riverside for home.
Tomorrow was the beginning of a new week, a full daily schedule for her as a kindergarten school teacher, evening classes at the university and social work for church and charities. It was quite tasking for her to find time for everything, but with God’s blessings, she did.

She was a Christian girl. Her name was Sarah, and she was simple, with gentle ways and a warm personality as she fashioned her life and worked in God’s name.
Her ideals were somewhat old-fashioned and, often, she would be teased by her colleagues with modern lifestyles. They told her she needed a little adventure in her life with someone with rugged good looks and a fun personality.

“Really?” Sarah asked, “You know I’ll probably never meet someone like that.”
“You never know,” was the positive response, “He’ll probably find you.”
Sarah shook her head with a patient smile.

She knew what she loved in someone, and as she lay in bed that night, she said softly as her eyes closed in sleep, “You know that too, dear Lord, don’t you?”
She often spoke to the Lord in quiet moments, seeking guidance and blessings for herself and those she touched.
She was the only daughter in her family, the apple of her father’s eyes and from his strong shoulders, she could see the world, but at a crucial period in her life, he erred in his judgement that almost cost her the happiness he wanted for her.

Her father was a successful businessman and a cricket enthusiast who was a big sponsor of the game. He had a gift, it seemed, in recognising good talent, and eleven years ago, he had taken a personal interest in a stylish young batsman and funded his training. He followed his exploits in the game, and the young cricketer soon became a household name. That name was often spoken of in their home because her two brothers were also cricket lovers. Sarah had always listened patiently over the years, being not much of a cricket fan, more into drama and theatre.

In May, she celebrated her twentieth birthday with a beautiful Thanksgiving Service and then had a special dinner the next night at an exclusive restaurant. Her father always wanted the best for her but that night when he introduced her to someone, it changed the smooth flow of her life.
“Sarah, I want you to meet someone special.”

She turned around and saw it was the young cricketer her father had moulded, Jared. She had never seen him in person before and was pleased to meet him since her family so loved him.
“Happy Birthday, Sarah,” he said, handing her a small, beautifully wrapped gift.
“Thank you,” she said with a warm smile, a happy glow on her face, for it was her special night.

She was dressed in a simple, sky-blue gown that accentuated her slim figure, her hair falling softly down her shoulders, and Jared looked at her with an admiring smile.
“You’re very beautiful,” he said.
She smiled, and as he met other guests, one of her friends whispered to her, “I think he might be the one.”

“What? No!” Sarah expressed.
He was indeed tall and handsome, but there was no feeling of exhilaration in her heart when she saw him for the first time.
Her father was honoured and happy that Jared came to her birthday dinner and the next morning at breakfast, he said to her, “You finally got to meet the cricketing star.”

“Yes,” she responded with a smile.
“What do you think of him?”
“He seems like a nice person.”
“He is indeed,” her father voiced.

Sarah left for school, not thinking more of it, and stopped by the church in the afternoon to talk to a few members about an upcoming charity event and then classes at the university. She was, as usual, tired when she got home and was not thrilled when her mother told her, “Jared called to speak to you.”
“Why?”

“I don’t know,” there was a pause, then her mother said, “I think he likes you.”
“And how would you know that?” Sarah asked her a little jokingly.
“Well, the way he was looking at you last night.”

Sarah shook her head with a wry smile and said nothing to that.
She was relaxing a little after dinner, watching a T.V. show when Jared called again. She felt somewhat reluctant to talk to him but her mother said to her, “Just say hi, he has called twice now.”
Sarah sighed wearily and took the phone, “Hi,” she said.

“Hey, you seem to be very busy today.”
“Yes, I was.”
“I just called to tell you, you have a warm personality that I like and I was wondering if I could see you sometime.”

That took her a little by surprise and after a short moment, she told him, “I am quite busy with school, church and studies at the moment and I won’t have the time.”
“Okay, I guess I’ll wait until you have the time.”
He said ‘good night’ and Sarah inhaled slowly, “Oh, wow.”

That night, she lost a little focus on her studies, hoping he wouldn’t pursue his desire to see her again, but he called two days later, and again, she told him she was busy.
“I would really like us to be friends,” he told her after two more calls.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said frankly.
“Why?”

“I’m just a simple girl who lives a quiet life.”
“That’s what I like about you,” he expressed, “Your simplicity.”
“I’m sorry,” she said in a polite tone, “I really need to focus on my studies, exams are coming up.”

In her heart, she didn’t want to be friends with him, even though he was a nice guy and close to her family. It would bring too much change in her life that she most likely would not be comfortable with.
But Jared did not give up, making short, unexpected visits to her home to meet her father and soon her family knew of his interest in her. It pleased everyone, but her father noticed her reluctance to talk to him and asked her, “Why don’t you want to talk to him?”

She sighed, a little exasperated, “I don’t think it’s a good idea to be friends with him because our lifestyles are so different.”
“I understand, and it’s all up to you, but I can assure you he’s a nice guy.”

He kissed her on her forehead and said, “You know how much I love you and I want the best for you.”
She did not miss the tinge of disappointment in his voice, which gave her a sense of regret, knowing he and Jared had come a long way.
She sighed deeply, “But my heart does not speak for him. What do I do?” she said to herself.
To be continued.