Heartbeats Across Time

𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 2: 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓

ℙℝ𝔼𝔼𝕋ℍ𝕀

Eclipse University buzzed with the energy of students and faculty, filling the air with excitement and anticipation. I stepped into the lobby, feeling the warmth of the vibrant atmosphere envelop me. I wore a mustard yellow Anarkali suit that flowed gracefully around me, its fabric adorned with subtle, elegant embroidery.

As I walked through the lobby, I noticed people milling about, engaged in lively conversations and laughter. My eyes swept over the crowd, and I spotted a woman engrossed in a phone call. I didn't think much of it as I continued my journey towards the stairs.

Reaching the second floor, my gaze caught sight of a little girl dressed in a baby pink frock, her tiny feet adorned with cute shoes, and her hair styled into two playful ponytails. She trailed after a cat, climbing the stairs and weaving through the corridors.

My heart sank as I noticed the girl being all alone and saw her disappointed when the cat suddenly darted away, leaving her to sit down with a small pout.

I couldn't help but approach her. "Hello, I'm Preethi," I said, bending down to her level. "How old are you, little one? Can you speak?"

The child looked up at me, her wide eyes brimming with innocence. In an adorably proud, tiny voice, she announced, "I'm Pinky, and I'm this many!" She held up four fingers, her little thumb tucked down with careful concentration.

"So this beautiful angel's name is Pinky," I smiled, and her face turned a delightful shade of pink.

"With such a name, you must be the sweetest little girl around! You know, I think I could use a friend like you."

The giggle that escaped her lips warmed my heart.

I gently lifted Pinky into my arms, noticing her distress. "Where are your parents, Pinky? Why are you alone?"

When realization dawned on her, tears began to flow. "I don't know!" she sobbed, and my heart ached for her.

"Everything will be okay," I reassured her softly.

"We'll find your parents together. And remember, you should always stay close to them in the future." She nodded, wiping her tears away with her tiny, trembling fist.

As we began our search for her parents, I asked, "Who were you with when you came here?"

"I came with Mama and Dada. We were waiting for Aunty," she explained, her voice soft and a little wobbly. 

As we walked back down to the entrance.

Just then, I noticed the woman in the cherry-red saree. The fabric shimmered with delicate gold embroidery, and she wore a traditional mangalsutra, signifying her marital status. She was rushing to the front desk, her face a mask of panic as she asked the staff and security about a little girl.

In that moment, I heard Pinky calling out, "Mama, Mama!" and saw the woman's face light up as she spotted her daughter running toward her. Relief washed over me.

Reena scooped up Pinky and hugged her tightly, scolding her gently. "I was so scared thinking I lost you! Where have you been?"

"I followed the cat and lost my way, but I met a pretty angel who brought me back to you," Pinky replied, her voice high and sweet, like a melody, filled with childlike wonder as she looked back at me with a bright, grateful smile, her eyes sparkling with innocence.

Reena turned to me, her expression filled with appreciation. "Thank you for bringing my child back to me," she said, embracing me warmly. "You have such a kind heart."