Threads of Resilience

Chapter Six: Threads of Compassion

Few days later, the soft patter of footsteps echoed down the orphanage hallway, and Rudrakansh’s heart leaped as he recognised the familiar voices approaching. Avantika and Aryan had finally arrived. His face brightened, and he rushed toward them with an eager smile, Meera close behind.

Aryan was holding a large cloth bag, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “We brought clothes! Our parents donated clothes to the orphanage,” Avantika said, her voice bubbling with joy. “We picked some for you two because we thought… well, just in case you didn’t get.”

Rudrakansh's eyes widened as he looked at the clothes they had chosen for him and Meera. “Thank you,” he murmured, touched by their thoughtfulness. He looked up at Aryan, who ruffled his hair with a smile.

Avantika added teasingly, “Aryan bhaiya and I couldn’t come because he had a singing competition at school. But he kept saying he wanted to visit as soon as possible.” Aryan’s face reddened slightly, but he nodded, admitting, “I did want to come. I missed you both.” which made both Rudrakansh and Meera chuckle.

They went out to the garden together, running and playing in the warm afternoon sun. Meera and Avantika twirled in their dresses, laughing as their skirts spun around them, while Aryan and Rudrakansh chased after them with playful shouts. Later both Aryan and Meera settle down to take rest, while Rudrakansh and Avantika were still chasing each other.

Aryan noticed Meera rubbing her wrist. He reached out gently, taking her hand, and his face grew serious as he saw the faint bruises there. “Meera, what happened?” he asked softly.

Meera glanced away, brushing it off with a small smile. “Oh, it’s nothing, Aryan. Just a small accident while working.” But Aryan didn’t look convinced. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully wrapped it around her wrist, tying it gently. “You should be more careful,” he murmured, his voice gentle.

Meera looked at him, surprised by the warmth in his touch. For a moment, the world seemed to quiet around them as his copper eyes met her hazel green eyes with a reassuring smile. “Thank you, Aryan” she whispered, her voice soft.

After a beat, she asked, her eyes shining with a mixture of admiration and hope, “Will you sing for me? I’ve never heard you sing before.” Aryan chuckled, scratching the back of his head, but he nodded.

Aryan chuckled, scratching the back of his head, but there was a hint of shyness in his smile as he nodded. “Alright, just for you,” he murmured, clearing his throat.

As he started singing ‘Aashiyan’, his voice was soft and soulful. Meera watched him, mesmerized, noticing the way his eyes closed as he poured his heart into every word.

Halfway through, she found herself unconsciously leaning closer. The song painted a picture of dreams and hopes, and as he sang, Aryan glanced at her, catching her gaze. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and everything else faded away—the orphanage, the other children, even the hardships they both faced. It was just the two of them.

As the last note faded, Meera felt a warmth spreading through her chest, something she couldn’t quite name but didn’t want to lose. “That was beautiful,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Aryan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and he looked down, rubbing the back of his neck in a shy gesture. “I… I’m glad you liked it,” he replied, his own smile matching hers, the warm moment was gently broken by the soft calls of Avantika and Aryan’s parents. The evening had begun to settle in, and it was time for them to head home.

Avantika and Rudrakansh who were in their own world, playing with each other stopped. She looked at him, her eyes full of apology. “It’s getting late… we have to go now,” she said, her voice carrying a touch of regret. “But, we’ll try to come back soon,” she promised, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

Aryan, meanwhile, turned to Meera, a mixture of sadness and determination in his gaze. “I might not be able to come every day,” he admitted softly, “but I’ll try my best to see you as often as I can. I’ll be here whenever I can manage.”

Before she could respond, Aryan took a step closer and wrapped his arms around Meera, holding her tightly. She froze for a second, surprised by the hug, but soon relaxed. She could feel her heart beating a little faster, touched by the sincerity in his words and actions. “Take care, Meera,” he whispered, his hand caressing her hair. “You too, Aryan,” she murmured softly.

With a final, lingering smile, Aryan and Avantika waved as they walked back toward their parents, who stood waiting for them.

Rudrakansh and Meera watched them go, standing side by side, their hands raised in a final wave until Aryan and Avantika were gone and then instead of heading straight back to their rooms, the two wandered through the orphanage corridors, taking slow steps as they let the evening sink in.

Just as they rounded a corner near the study room, they noticed Kapil Sir coming down the hall. He looked pleasantly surprised to see them both, his face lighting up with a kind smile as he approached.

“Ah, there you are Rudrakansh,” he said warmly, his gaze shifting between Rudrakansh and Meera. “I spoke to Seema Ma’am, and I’ll be helping you prepare for your exams. We’ll start tomorrow.”

Rudrakansh’s face lit up. “Thank you so much, Sir!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. “And… and Meera di wants to study too. She told me,” he added earnestly. Kapil Sir looked over at Meera, a hopeful glint in his eyes. “Is that true, Meera?” he asked gently.

She hesitated for a moment, the earlier doubts resurfacing in her mind, but then she saw the earnestness in Rudrakansh’s expression and felt the gentle encouragement in Kapil Sir’s gaze. Finally, she nodded, a shy smile creeping onto her face. “Yes… I’d like to try.”

Kapil Sir’s face softened with a warm smile. “Then I’ll help her too,” he promised, nodding in approval. “Both of you have so much potential. Don’t let it go to waste.” and he went away.

Later that night, as they lay in their beds, Rudrakansh turned to Meera, who was lying beside him, her eyes already closed. “Meera di?” he whispered.

She opened her eyes, looking at him with a gentle smile. “Yes, Rudra?”

“Thank you… for being here. I know… things are tough sometimes, but you’re like… like a big sister to me,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly.

Meera’s gaze softened, and she reached over, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. “And you’re like a little brother to me,” she replied quietly. “We’ll get through this together, Rudra. You and me.”

Rudrakansh felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of family and belonging he hadn’t felt in a long time. Holding onto that feeling, he pulled his blanket close, closing his eyes with a peaceful smile, knowing that he wasn’t truly alone.