In a little secluded place between the mangrove trees by the river’s bank she sat. Her eyes closed with a book of poems lying open on her lap. The soft swishing sound of the water as it washed up the muddy flat was like 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. It’s reddish orange glow shimmering across the water of the affluent river-a scene seemed sketched by the magic of an artist’s brush. 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 in the water, marveling at this masterpiece of nature – the sunset. A flock of cranes flew low over the water to their habitat and as she watched they disappear in the far horizon, she wondered, “What lies beyond this water-way, how far does this water flow?”
The grey veil of dusk descended and picking up her book she left the riverside for home.
Tomorrow was the beginning of a new week, a full schedule for her as a kindergarten school teacher, evening classes at the university and social work for her church and charities.
She was a Christian girl, her name, Sarah, simple with gentle ways and a pleasant countenance. Her sensitive and compassionate nature brought smiles and happiness to young and old as she fashioned her life and work in God’s name. Her ideals were somewhat old fashioned and often she would be teased by her friends, more modern girls, that she needed a little adventure in her life but Sarah always smiled as their jests, knowing what she loved and what she wanted.
“You know that, Dear Lord, don’t you?”
She often spoke to the Lord in quiet moments, seeking guidance and answers for herself and for those whose lives she touched. The only daughter in her family, she was the apple of her father’s eyes and in his prayers he always asked of the Lord’s blessings for his daughter so when the time was right for her betrothal, she could find love and happiness with the one her heart desired. Yet he erred in his judgement, an error that in Sarah’s eyes was a betrayal that almost cost her life.
Her father was a cricket enthusiast and a businessman who took a deep interest in the players of his home country whom he helped to sponsor and mold for the big leagues, the pulse and the heartbeat that was Caribbean cricket. He had a gift it seemed, in recognising talent and eleven years ago, he had taken a personal interest in a young, stylish batsman as he followed his exploits in the game. Vihaan, the young cricketer, soon became a name spoken of, often in their home and Sarah had always listened patiently over the years, being not much of a cricket fan, more into drama and theatre. But her father’s passion for the game and the star batsman he had discovered, who became the country’s hero brought an unexpected change that disrupted the smooth flow of her life.
In March when spring was in full bloom, Sarah celebrated her nineteenth birthday with a special dinner for family and friends at an exclusive club, compliments of her parents. That was the night that began the fateful change in her life when her father introduced her to a special guest, one of West Indies top batsmen, Vihaan. Sarah had never seen him in person before and could now appreciate the fact he was indeed handsome and charming but he was well known for his wild, partying lifestyle.
“Surely not of my world.” she said to herself.
“Happy Birthday Sarah.” He said, handing her a small, beautifully wrapped gift and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
“Thank you,” she said with a warm smile and a soft glow on her cheeks; happiness in her eyes for it was her night, her birthday. She was dressed in a simple, sky blue gown that accentuated her slim figure, her hair falling softly over her shoulders and he looked at her with open admiration.
“You’re very beautiful,” he said. “A fresh rose in bloom.”
She smiled, thinking to herself, “A charming smile and poetic words,” trademarks of his playboy lifestyle.
Her father was honoured and happy that Vihaan was present at her birthday dinner but the keen interest he showed in her was a bit discomforting for Sarah.
The next morning at breakfast her father asked her with a pleased look on his face,
“What do you think about the special guest at your birthday?”
“He seems nice but I’m not a cricket fan.”
“I think he likes you.”
“I’m not so sure.” She said casually and left for church, hoping that would be the end of it but it was just the beginning.
Vihaan called that evening, just as she came home from church but she felt somewhat reluctant to talk to him.
“Just say ‘Hi’”, her mother said. “He has called three times now.”
Sarah sighed wearily and took the phone.
“Hi!” She said.
“Hey, you seem to be very busy today.”
“Yes I was.”
“I can still see that smile and the glow in your cheeks. There’s something special about you that I like.”
“Thank you!”
“I would love to see you again.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why?”
“I’m just a simple, ordinary girl who lives a quiet life.”
“That’s what I like about you,” he said “Your simplicity and innocence.”
“I’m sorry,” she said in a polite tone so as not to offend him, “But I don’t want a close friendship with anyone now. I’m very occupied with church and studies.”
“I understand but I still want to see you, to be a friend until…”
He left the sentence unfinished and she said ‘Good night!’.
She was still awake late in the night, studying when her father came home and before bidding her goodnight he asked,
“Did Vihaan call?”
“Yeah.” She said without looking up.
“I met him at the cricket club today and he asked about you.”
She looked up from her book and said with a tired little smile, “Dad, I don’t need this right now.” He said good night with an apologetic nod and she sighed exasperated, looking up at the heavens, “Lord, I seriously don’t need this now.”
But Vihaan called often to speak to her and always a family member would persuade her to take the call. He had won their hearts and no one was more proud than her father although she had told him, “Dad, I’m really not interested in a friendship with Vihaan.”
“He’s a nice guy, Sarah, with a unique talent and at the pinnacle give it some thought and you’ll get to like him.”
“Yeah Sarah, he’s cool!” her brothers had echoed the father.
“You’re a lucky girl.” Her mother had said, a pleased look on her face, “Vihaan is a great guy.”
“I’m standing here alone,” Sarah moaned, “I have only you, dear Lord, on my side unless you too are a cricket fan.”
Vihaan sent flowers, invited her for lunch, dinners and trips to island resorts, all of which she declined with excuses, careful not to lie. Then one day, unexpectedly, he showed up at her school with candies, disrupting the entire kindergarten as all the children ran around him, squealing in excitement.
“You can’t just show up like this,” Sarah said, not too pleased.
“I have to do something because you keep turning down all my invitations.”
“You know why, I already told you.”
“Yes you did but I can’t stop thinking of you.” He told her. “If I could visit you often, I would but my presence attracts too much attention.”
“That’s why you should stay in your own famous circle.”
He looked at her, a determined glint in his eyes.
“I’ll win, I always do. You’ll be mine.”
“No I won’t” she said in her mind.

He gifted boxes of chocolates to her collegues and signed autographs, a win for him. He did the same thing at her church on Sundays and found a cricket fan in the new Pastor, whom she had planned to seek guidance from.
“I’m losing all around,” she sighed in dismay, “He’s winning everyone’s hearts.”
She looked up at the Heavens, “What do I do, dear Lord? I don’t want this.” (TO BE CONTINUED)
By Maureen Rampertab