A Pocketful Of Sunshine

Chapter 11

The parlor was a center of activity as Mrs. Alexander and Martha decided on the menu and the decorations for the party. They wanted a lavish affair on Christmas where they would have a party in Madras for people who could not attend the engagement ceremony in Lovedale on New Year's day. It was Mr. Alexander's wish to get Sophie's engagement ceremony conducted in 'Bethlehem Farm' for which Richard got consent from Mr. Sebastian over the phone.

Mrs. Alexander had called in a local jeweler who came in with his collection of men's rings so that they could decide on the engagement ring for John. Unfortunately, Selena and Sarah were lost in the entire flurry of events and decided to go for a short walk after having tea.
'The entire family is so happy because of Sophie's engagement, isn't it, Sarah?'

'Yes, they are,'
'Sophie is lucky to get married to the man she loves, and I am sure John is even luckier to get her,'
'I don't know about John, but Sophie is lucky to get John,'
'Why do you say so?'
'John is a rich guy, and he likes Sophie. Moreover, she always wanted to marry a rich and handsome guy, whether it was John or anyone else,'
'So she doesn't love John?' Selena stopped in her path with surprise and looked at Sarah.
'Honestly, although we are sisters born to the same parents, I never understood her. She is a vile and selfish person. A go-getter. Someone who has no heart or feelings for others' pain.' Sarah paused and took a deep breath. It seemed like she just found words to all her pent-up feelings towards her sister that she had for a long time hidden in her heart with no one to share. Selena put her arms around Sarah and comforted her as Sarah wiped her tears and gave a faint smile.

'Anyway... let's stop discussing Sophie. And coming to John, you will get to see and know him very soon,'

The evening mist was settling in, and the weather was getting chilly. Sarah pulled her woolen scarf up to her face while Selena wrapped a shawl around her to beat the evening chill. They walked the entire farm ground checking out the horses, cattle, goats, and poultry. When they passed the horse stables, she saw Ramanna brushing Victory, the favorite black stallion of her Grandfather that had never lost any race since his first race. Ramanna looked up for a moment, waved at Selena and Sarah with a smile, and went back to grooming Victory to look his best for the upcoming race on Saturday.

'I learned from Mayamma that a race is coming on Saturday. I wish I could go,' Selena sighed.
'Sure, we can go. I will ask Grandpa to take us along,' Sarah replied, holding Selena's hand for a brief moment to balance herself as she pulled out a twig that got caught in her shoe sole.
'Wow, that would be great,' Selena replied excitedly.

Soon they passed Glory's kennel. Selena thought of checking out on him. She went closer and saw Glory lying on the floor of his kennel with his face resting sadly on his feet. When he saw Selena, he raised his head and wagged his tail, but he soon grew stiff seeing Sarah and started growling.
'Poor Glory, he was punished for no reason,' Selena observed.
'Come on, Anna, he bit me so badly,'' Sarah replied, staying a little far away from the dog kennel as she feared Glory might jump out of the kennel and bite the rest of her.
'It is natural, Sarah, for any animal or even a human being to retaliate when hurt,'
'I think you are right, Anna,' giving it a thought, Sarah replied. Then, realizing her mistake, she approached the kennel, looked at the mongrel, and, in a soft and soothing voice, said, 'I am sorry, Glory, I do realize my mistake,' she pulled her ears and looked apologetically at him. In contrast, Glory wagged his tail as if he understood Sarah.
'Hey, look at that. Glory has forgiven you. He is wagging his tail,' Selena hugged Sarah and put her hand inside the kennel from the gap as Glory came forward and licked Selena's hand. It was soon Sarah's chance to give her hand to Glory, who licked her hand too and wagged his tail, bringing a truce to their war.

Selena opened the kennel door and let Glory out, who jumped in excitement and pranced around them while the two girls laughed.
'Anna, have you ever fallen in love? Do you have a boyfriend?' Sarah asked Selena while she still played with Glory.
'Boyfriend? No, never! I am yet to experience being in love,' she blushed.
'I have a crush in school,' Sarah replied.
'Oh, come on, tell me all about it,' Selena stopped playing with Glory and gave her full attention to Sarah.
'There is nothing to tell. There is this guy in my school. His name is Darwin Augustine. Every girl in my school has a secret crush on him,' Sarah replied with a sad smile. 'I think he never notices me as I am not as pretty as Sophie or you,'
'You find me pretty?'
'Yes, you are, and with a little bit of grooming and styling, you will beat anyone and everyone, even Sophie. Moreover, you are a kind person, and that, my dear cousin is a great quality to have,' Sarah smiled back at Selena.
'You already know you must be a good person by heart. Beauty is superficial, it's there today and gone tomorrow, but a loving and caring heart will always stay,' Selena pulled up Sarah's face and kissed her on the cheek. Both girls enjoyed each other's company, and after a long time, both Sarah and Selena found a real friend in each other with whom they could open up.

It was getting dark and colder when Mayamma came searching for the girls. Soon Selena and Sarah went back to the house, followed by Glory.