connection

Part 1: Accident

"HONKKKKKKKKKKKKK!" The blaring car horn was followed by the deafening crash of a car colliding with a truck.

*Flashback*: A six-year-old boy named Yuv stood at his parents' funeral, tears streaming down his face. After the service, he managed to calm himself, aware of the precariousness of his situation. He overheard his greedy relatives discussing how to acquire his parents' property, a billion-dollar company of which he was the sole heir. They were plotting an accident or assassination to eliminate him.

On his way back to the family house, Yuv's car was struck by a truck in a collision orchestrated by his relatives.

end of flashback :

 The impact was severe, causing the car to spin three times. Thankfully, the car's safety airbags saved his life, leaving him with only a few scratches. Terrified but resolute, he seized the chaos as an opportunity to escape. He ran as fast as he could through the crowd, successfully evading his pursuers.

*Scene shift*: Ambika, a 27-year-old orphan who had learned to look out for herself, was a kind but self-reliant girl. Life had taught her to prioritize her own needs, as others wouldn't do that for her. She worked as a salesperson in a mall. After her shift, she bid farewell to her colleagues and began her walk home. In an alley, she spotted a boy bleeding from his head, curled up and looking terrified.

Unable to ignore a helpless child, she was reminded of her own difficult childhood. "Hey kid, what happened? Are you lost? How did you get hurt?" she asked gently. Yuv remained silent, staring at her with wide eyes. Despite finding the situation bothersome, she persisted, "What's your name? Do you know your parents' number? I can call them."

At this, Yuv couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears. Ambika, panicking slightly, tried to console him, embracing him in her arms. She felt an unexpected connection, a strange sense of peace, and Yuv, too, found comfort in her embrace. Once he had calmed down, she asked if he wanted to go to the hospital. Yuv refused, as it wasn't safe for him and that he couldn't risk exposing himself.

Unsure of what else to do, Ambika decided to take Yuv home with her. Her one-bedroom apartment in the back alley was modest but comfortable enough for one person. She cleaned his wounds and applied Band-Aids while Yuv remained quiet. She refrained from asking more questions, sensing his need for calm. She cooked him dinner and gave him some of her clothes to change into.

After their meal, they went to bed. As it was a small apartment, she made space for Yuv to sleep beside her. Despite the uncertainty of what the future held, both found a sense of solace in each other's presence that night.

Ambika woke up in the middle of the night and realized the child was missing. Panic-stricken, she started searching the house. She found the child sitting on the balcony, crying silently. The sight broke her heart into pieces. She knew she couldn't ignore him anymore. Silently, she approached and gently took him into her embrace, hugging him tightly as she waited for him to calm down.

When she could no longer contain her concern, she softly asked him his name. Feeling the comfort of her embrace, the child was ready to talk. He told her his name was Yuv and explained that he was in danger. He revealed that his parents were no longer in this world, and he had no one else.

Ambika was stunned by his story, unsure of what to say or do. All she could manage was to hold him tighter. She decided right then and there to take the child in and care for him. That night, as they slept, Ambika felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time, and Yuv found motherly comfort in her embrace. They slept soundly, comforted by each other's presence, despite the uncertain future that lay ahead.