MAZE : The key to love

~Chapter 03~

Mr. Malik's evil chuckle filled the room as he whispered to Ms. Louis, “Ms. Louis, did you see that? Jiya is a beautiful girl. If I add her to the list of 7 children, perhaps I could get double the money from the owner.” Their laughter echoed, painting a picture of wealth and greed in their minds. Meanwhile, in the distant orphanage, Reema engaged in conversation with a lady. Upon receiving Jiya's call on the landline, she swiftly disconnected it, choosing to conversate with the nurse instead.

Reema's voice trembled with concern as she shared her inner feelings, “I am truly worried for my daughter, Jiya. She is in deep situations, adamant about staying with me. However, I fear I cannot provide her with the life she deserves. I have made a difficult decision to seek adoption for her, hoping she will find happiness somewhere else. Though the separation may at the begining, break her heart, I believe she will adjust in time. But im still really worried.” With a heavy heart, Reema bid a hasty farewell, rushing to her car, her thoughts overtaken by the burden of her choice.

Jiya's tears flowed down her cheeks as she was missing Reema, as she drifted into a deep sleep, only to be enveloped in an unexpected dream. In her vision, a towering figure stood before a handsome boy, his features somewhat blurred, yet his words rang clear, “Whatever is meant for you will come to pass, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't strive for it.”

The boy's image dissolved, leaving Jiya startled as she awoke suddenly, thinking about this confusing dream. Startled, she turned to her left and found Reema peacefully asleep beside her, a sight that brought her comfort, erasing the dream from her mind as she drifted back to sleep peacefully.

As dawn broke and a new day dawned, Jiya was awake, only to discover Reema absent from the room again. Expecting her return, Jiya freshened up, waiting for Reema's arrival. Upon exiting the washroom, her search for Reema led her to seek out Ms. Louis, assuming she might have information.

Jiya walked to Father Mali's room, where Ms. Louis often resided, only to find Reema engaged in conversation with Father Mali, a surprising encounter that left Jiya puzzled yet relieved to see Reema safe and sound.

Ms. Louis was like, “I don't think this boy will ever find out about his dad. We gotta do something, sort out some papers, and mark my words, this boy ain't leaving anytime soon. Let's set up a room for him.”Father Mali chimed in, “No need to stress, slot him in with the 7 kids. Then we can hand him over to that guy. If his father was around... he'd be on the hunt for his son by now.”

Reema jumped in, “I don't think it's right to give him up for adoption in this mess! It just doesn't seem right with me.” Father Mali shot back, “Well, obviously you're against it because your adopted daughter is also going, right?”

Reema was shocked, “What! You're giving away Jiya too!? But I adopted her; she's my daughter!!” Ms. Louis retorted, “Stop living in a dream! She's not your daughter; you're just looking after her! It's time for her to leave; it's Mr. Malik's way of punishing her mistake.” Reema pleaded, “But she's just a child, kids make mistakes, it's our job to forgive them. She has a bright future ahead.”

Mr. Mali replied, “Then why don't you go with her and marry that man. He might be old.” Reema was feeling rather hurt and disgusted, “Mr. Malik, how could you say such things... Okay, I'm calm now. Maybe it's better if Jiya goes; she might have a better life ahead than what I can provide.” Ms. Louis instigated, “Yes, that's right. She'll also learn proper manners. She'll have a stable and happy life. Let's give it a shot; the man will keep in touch with us. Trust me and Mr. Malik, Reema.” And Reema agreed.

Jiya who overheard this, feeling betrayed and shattered, lost all trust in Reema. She rushed to her room, muttering to herself, “What? Reema was just fine with selling me off!? How could she, she'd never do this to me. Or was I mistaken? She cannot do this to me that's not fair at all... Why.!?” and she weeped for sometime, flashback of her memories with Reema running in her mind.