Chapter 2

AUTHOR POV

It was a bright warm day. The sun spread its golden light over Baal Vidya Ashram. The laughter of children echoed through the courtyard, birds chirped on the old mango tree, and the entire orphanage felt alive.

In front of the small temple stood a girl. Dressed in a rose-pink anarkali suit, her long soft hair swayed gently in the breeze. Her doe-like eyes carried innocence, and her soft pink lips whispered mantras with devotion.

She was Shivanya.

The angel of the orphanage.

A broken heart who still saw beauty in everything.

"Shivaya beta, jaldi kar," Shagun kaki called out from the door, "Haveli se log donation leke aa rahe hain. Tayari bhi karni hai."

"Aayi kaki!" Shivanya replied and hurried out of the temple holding a decorated thali with aarti. She offered it to Kaki and touched her feet.

"Hamesha khush raho, beta," Kaki blessed her.

Shivanya smiled and walked towards the courtyard.

The children ran towards her the moment they saw her.

"Good morning Didi!" they shouted together.

"Good morning bachcho!" she laughed, handing out laddoos. "Lo, prasad le lo. Aur yaad rakhna, aaj koi guests aa rahe hain. Bilkul shararat nahi... samjhe?"

"Hummm hum toh kabhi shaitani nahi karte Didi!" they replied in the cutest mischievous tone.

"Accha ji!" Shivanya giggled.

"I'm going to make breakfast. Thodi der mein sab andar aa jaana," she instructed and walked into the kitchen.

SHIVANYA POV

I started making aloo parathas because the kids love them. It makes me happy to see them happy. They find joy in such small things, and that joy is precious.

This orphanage has given me everything. A family, a home, and a reason to live. So I decided long ago that even after growing up, I would stay here and help Kaki. I owe this place my life.

I don't remember my real parents. Kaki says I was found wrapped in a blanket outside this orphanage when I was a baby. Maybe fate brought me here.

Thinking about it still stings, so I push those thoughts away.

My mind wandered to Abhimanyu Uncle-yes, Mr. Rathore, but I call him Uncle because he asked me to. He is a blessing to our orphanage. He always donates and supports us. He is kind and humble, a light for us.

I always felt happy when he came. But today... something feels different. My heart has been restless since morning. A strange feeling.

As if someone is going to enter my life.

As if destiny is about to change.

Mahadev, pata nahi kyu aaj itna anxious lag raha hai. Bas sab accha ho.

Smiling to myself, I finished making the parathas and called the kids for breakfast. Then I waited near the entrance for Abhimanyu Uncle's arrival, unaware that today...