"The maid entered the garden room, curtsying slightly. 'Excuse me, milady. You're needed in the foyer. A guest has arrived to see you.'
Lady Knight rose from her seat, smiling apologetically at Razia. 'I'm so sorry, dear. Please, do make yourself at home.'
As Lady Knight departed, Regina turned to Razia. 'Shall we take a stroll through the garden? I'd love to show you our collection of roses.'
Razia's eyes lit up. 'That sounds lovely, Miss Regina.'
As they strolled through the garden, Razia marveled at the vibrant roses in every colour imaginable. Regina pointed out various species, sharing stories about each one.
Suddenly, Regina stopped in front of a beautiful white rose, its petals just beginning to unfurl. She knelt down beside it, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and joy.
Theo's voice paused, and he smiled wistfully at the orphanage children. 'And that's when Regina began to tell Razia a story about her childhood, about her little brother... and a special bond they shared.'"
The children leaned in, their eyes wide with curiosity, eager to hear more about Regina's story.
It was Regina's seventh birthday, and the mansion was aglow with excitement. The grand halls were adorned with vibrant decorations, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Everyone in the mansion was eager to celebrate the special day of the only girl child.
As the night fell, the mansion's courtyard transformed into a magical wonderland. Regina's brothers, Edwin and Archibald, aged ten and twelve, respectively, showered her with gifts and chocolates. But amidst all the fanfare, six-year-old Theodore felt left out. He didn't have a gift to give his beloved sister.
Theo's eyes sparkled with determination as he slipped away from the celebration. He made his way to the rose garden, a place where he and Regina would often sneak away to play hide-and-seek. The moonlight cast a silver glow on the garden, and the fragrance of roses enveloped Theo as he searched for the perfect gift.
His eyes landed on a beautiful white rose, its petals delicate and pure. Theo's heart swelled with love for his sister as he carefully plucked the rose. But in his excitement, he accidentally scratched his palm on a thorn. The soft, pink skin was marred by a tiny, bleeding scratch.
Tears pricked at the corners of Theo's eyes, but he didn't let the pain deter him. He gently wiped away his tears and made his way back to the celebration. With the white rose clutched in his hand, Theo approached Regina and said, 'Happy birthday, sister! This is for you. You're as beautiful and pure as this white rose.'
Regina's eyes sparkled with delight as she accepted the gift from her little brother. She hugged him tightly, and Theo felt his heart overflow with joy. In that moment, he knew that he had given his sister the most precious gift of all – his love.
As Regina tenderly bandaged Theo's palm, the guests couldn't help but be touched by the heartwarming scene. The siblings' bond was palpable, and everyone in attendance couldn't help but smile.
Regina looked up at Theo, her eyes shining with happiness. 'This is the best gift I could have ever asked for, little brother,' she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Theo beamed with pride, feeling happy that he could make his sister's birthday so special.
Now, in the present, Regina sat in the garden, lost in thought. She sighed, a hint of sadness in her voice. 'But now, it's really hard to see my little brother...'
Razia looked at her with concern, sensing the depth of Regina's emotions. 'What happened, Miss Regina?' she asked gently.
Regina's eyes clouded over, and she gazed off into the distance, her thoughts consumed by memories of her brother...
As Regina's emotions threatened to overwhelm her, Razia's gentle concern was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Lady Knight entered the garden, a warm smile on her face.
"Razia, dear, it's getting late. Would you like to stay here with us, or shall I call the carriage to take you home?" Lady Knight asked, her eyes sparkling with kindness.
Razia stood up, her eyes shining with warmth. "Thank you, milady. I think I'll head home. It's been a lovely evening."
Regina smiled, feeling a pang of disappointment that their evening was coming to an end. "I'll walk you out," she said, accompanying Razia to the carriage.
As they said their goodbyes, Regina felt grateful for the unexpected connection she had made with Razia.
As the carriage wheels clicked along the cobblestone road, Razia gazed out the window, her mind whirling with thoughts of the Knight family. The mansion, with its grandeur and warmth, seemed to embody the family's spirit.
As the carriage drove steadily on, the scenery outside transformed into a breathtaking canvas. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the city, illuminating the rooftops and steeples. The bridge they crossed offered a stunning vista of the river, its waters glistening like molten gold in the fading light.
Razia felt as though she was witnessing the very essence of beauty. The city, bathed in the soft, golden light of sunset, seemed to transcend its mundane aspects, revealing a deeper, more profound loveliness. It was as though the beauty of the scene had awakened a corresponding beauty within Razia's own heart.
As the carriage continued on its journey, Razia felt grateful for the experience, knowing that the memory of this enchanting evening would stay with her forever.
YOU ARE READING
Echoes of Salangai
FantasyIn 1920s India, A talented Bharatnatyam dancer, Razia , travels to Uk for a performance . where captivates Theo's heart , a charming doctor. As their paths entwine , cultural boundaries blur, and secrets unfold, will their love overcome the tragedie...