The Promise

After Shi Ai had met her prince charming in the garden,she had happily skipped back to her room.Her bed was like that of a princess and she really felt like one..especially tonight.Clutching the ring,he had given her,she happily sat on her bed.Using the dim light,she started to sketch in her book.She did not want to forget today so she started to draw the garden scene immediately.She captured the soft expressions that Ah Hai had perfectly..After finishing the drawing,she tore the paper from the book and folding it carefully she tucked it inside the luggage.Even then sleep eluded her and so she thought to herself,Ah Hai had given her a gift and she had given nothing so resolutely she sat back up and decided to draw something for him as well.But she could not decide..Finally,she drew herself so that he would remember her.It was a small picture as she did not like drawing herself much.

The Next Morning:

Shi Ai was excited beyond belief.First,her sister Al was getting married and second her Ah Hai had also promised her.But she was sad as well.She did not know if he would come to meet her often or of he will forget about her.She knew that he was in the army and would be going back soon.

Readied in the pretty frock that she had chosen for herself,Shi Ai carefully took out the sketch she had prepared for Sister Alicia and went to the bridal room.

The wedding was beautiful.As the first wedding that Shi Ai had ever attended,it gave her a feeling that she was in a fairy tale. Before the banquet,the little bully who had made her cry yesterday came up to her.She was angry at him and almost behaved badly and hit him.But in the next moment he apologized profusely. Shi Ai was shocked.She had never thought that a boy like him could apologize!Aunty Wu always thought them that forgiveness is the best way to go if someone apologizes.So with a stern frown in his direction,she forgave him.

What Shi AI did not know was that the moment her back turned,the boy ran to Ah Hai and reported the fact that he had apologized. Ah Hai had almost made the poor boy cry when he had *lectured* the little boy so much.

As the evening wore on,Shi Ai gathered her courage and asked Ah Hai to dance.She did not know whether he would accept.But was joyful when he did.She danced and twirled with him and was the happiest she had ever been.

After the dance Ah Hai invited her to talk.Taking her to the table he said,"Shi AI!You have my ring correct?"Seeing her happy nod he continued,"Then I want you to promise me something."Again Shi Ai nodded eagerly."From today onwards I want you to concentrate on only three things-getting better and studying hard and being happy!Only in books,princesses have nothing to do all day but dream.In real life,they are accomplished and have to work very hard almost twice as much as other people.So from now on,dream of being successful and happy when you grow up.Concentrate on your studies and no more talk of love and marriage!So you will have to promise me that you will focus on studying and not waste your time on wedding dreams!So what do you want to be when you grow up?

"I want to be an artist and draw pictures and see the world!" came the quick reply.

Ah Hai smiled at that and said,"Then dream of the places that you wish to visit and study hard so you can accomplish that.And then at the end,if you still wish to marry me,I'll be waiting for you.Alright?"

Shi Ai nodded and resolutely promised him that from now on she would focus on being healthy,happy and studying hard.She wanted to make him proud of her.

Soon,Shi Ai and Ah Hai parted ways as Shi Ai went back to the orphanage.