Whispers of Hope ✓

CHAPTER 23

JOSHUA'S POV

"How do you the name Ishita?"

The older woman asks me as I only look at her with the same shocked face. How of a big coincidence is this? I just couldn't get it my mind that I just met that one lady I was desperate to meet. We stared for like a minute or two before I initiated to speak first.

"Are you perhaps the same Aunt Sheetal who took care of Ishita who left the orphanage 6 years ago?"

I adjusted my seat as I properly looked at the older woman now looking so emotional and just by looking at her reaction, I confirmed everything. My heart felt both relieved and distressed knowing all too well that meeting Aunt Sheetal means I have found Ishita's dark past. I know for sure that Ishita will never like it if I'll be asking her past through somebody instead of her but I could never do anything even in my power to protect her she won't tell me anything. I needed to know her pasts now even the risk of losing her trust upon doing this.

"Can I have a moment of talk with you please ma'am?"

I asked as the older lady wiped away her urging tears. She nodded and I smiled warmly at her as we silently drove to the orphanage. Upon reaching the place, I carefully looked around. The building itself looks a bit old and the obvious long run of the establishment is very much seen with the structures of everything though it still looked formally cozy. The entrance welcomed us with greenery designed as a pathway; flowers of all sorts and though the dark night, they were still blooming gorgeously. On the right side, just in front of the building was a park with seemingly just re-painted designs as the see-saws and the benches looked particularly old along with the building.

"This way please. I'm sorry that we can't offer you that much."

"Oh please ma'am, no worries."

"Call me Auntie and you can speak casually."

The older woman smiles as she guides me to a lounge. Upon sitting, Auntie Sheetal told me to wait as she will prepare snacks; nodding as an answer, she then went off as I looked around silently. I then stood upon seeing a big glass wall with all sorts of pictures. Upon nearing in front of the glass wall, I saw every faces of little children; boys and girls. some were old photos obviously and some were new ones seemingly taken just recently. And as I scan the pictures, I took familiarization of one certain picture of a little girl among the old pictures pinned up on the glass.

"Ishita; ever since her childhood was a very sweet little girl."

I smiled unknowingly as Auntie Sheetal came and stood beside me looking at what I guessed right as the picture of the young Ishita; though it was in a black in white and almost fading photo, the resemblance of Ishita's face now and her young face is just too obvious to not notice so soon.

"What is your name again, son?"

"Oh I'm so sorry auntie. I'm Joshua, by the way. Joshua Isabella, pleased to meet you."

"It's okay son. So how do you know Ishita? You look foreign so I'm guessing you are not from here?"

"Oh yes Auntie, I'm from the Philippines and it's where I met Ishita. For now, long story-short, I am currently Ishita's employer."

The old woman took a minute to take in the information and she then smiles seemingly trying to image Ishita's current self.

"oh good Lord has guided the young lady; I do hope she's all good now."

"Rest assured, she's doing fine. She's had been through many things, that I'm guessing. From the first day I met her, she never showed any sign of distress. Except when she's tired of her work coz Ishita tends to over work herself sometimes."