The Audacious Hearts

Prologue

Mother's Touch Orphanage Home

A little girl all dressed up for her birthday party along with her friends was waiting for the rain to stop.

"Hum bahar kab jaayenge miss." Asked the little girl. Hope shining in her eyes.

"Oh my poor child sorry for breaking your heart sweetheart, but looks like we won't be able to go today. Even if the rain stops there will be water logging in the city." Replied the women who managed the orphanage.

"Haha, bola tha na chuhiya tu gandii h, isiliye dekh bhagwaan ji ne bhi tujhe punish kia." (Haha, I told you that you are a bad girl, that's why even the god is punishing you.) Mocked a 7 year old.

Tears brimmed the eyes of 4 years old birthday is about to turn 5 in 30 minutes.

"Oh shut up Ayush. Don't be mean." Scolded the warden.

"Diya darling God loves all his children. He is not punishing you at all." Said the warden consoling the little girl.

"Yes Diya ayush loves to irritate others. Don't listen to him." Said Reva another 6 year old at the orphanage.

Ayush showed her tongue mocking her. In return, Reva grabbed the mirchi powder from the nearby table and threatened to pour it open on Ayush's tongue . Ayush quickly closed his mouth.

Everybody laughed except one. This was a regular scene . God was surely unfair to these little souls who didn't even know the pyschotic world but still was left alone to face it.

The lights went off.

Diya murmured " God surely don't love me. See na even Dev is not here yet. Nd now lights we went off too." She cried.

" Sooraj ki baahon mein, ab hai ye zindagi
Kirnein hai saanson mein, baaton mein roshni" Came a voice from the back door. ( An Indian song)

" Dev" Every child in the room shouted with excitement.

Everyone with their little legs ran towards the source of voice.

It was all dark. But then the lights switched on. And " yeahhhhhh" the children shouted with full enthusiasm. As if lights came to their dull dead life.

"Sooraj ki baahon mein, ab hai ye zindagi
Kirnein hai saanson mein, baaton mein roshni" dev sang again.

His fingers dancing effortlessly on the strings of his guitar.
He came beside the weeping birthday girl nd kneel down. He wipe off the tears flowing down her soft little cheeks with his thumb pad. Nd then he forwarded his close fists towards her . She tapped the left one first but it was empty so she tapped the right one then but it ended empty too. She looked at him with a pout. Dev chuckled at the cute sight and clicked his fingers. Balloon bursted and several chocolate candies fell like the raindrops from the clouds. Everyone burst into giggles and laughters. No one was upset now as if God sent his angel to take care of his children.

"Paate hum hain zondagi ek baar, toh kyun na kre khulke hum isko pyaar,
Saara saara din saari saari raat, zimdagi h yehi aur yahi..."

Kids was quick enough to grab chocolate. Their little fists enable to capture only one or two at a time. But still they were smiling, content and happy in front of him.

Diya hugged dev. His huge arms effortlessly carrying her. Others also joined them and had a huge group hug. After a few moments they separate.

" I thought you won't come." Said the birthday girl.