Finding the Lost Souls (Watty 2018)

1. SURPRISE OR SHOCK

The remarkable aspect of being human is the unique blessings we possess that set us apart from other species. We are gifted with understanding, the ability to innovate, and the power to own both the world and the hearts of others. Love, a simple four-letter word, carries immense strength within it. This distinctive quality is what makes us human; while every living creature has a heart, ours holds something special-it is filled with love for our cherished ones and emotions for those who play significant roles in our lives. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the heart is both the most fragile and the strongest part of our being. It can conceal our deepest secrets and unexpressed feelings, yet it can shatter easily due to cruel words. Despite knowing the heart's vulnerability, we often choose to love those who do not deserve our affections. "Sometimes, someone can hurt us more than we deserve because we love them more than they truly deserve."

We typically associate heartbreak and breakups with romantic relationships, but love and heartache extend far beyond that. One of the most sacred relationships is that between parent and child-the only bond that connects a person before birth and the one we trust implicitly. However, this bond can become complicated when it is severed, forcing a child to navigate life as an orphan. The feelings of loneliness and longing can profoundly impact a person, shaping them into someone they never intended to be.

If we were to share these feelings with those who seem "normal," they might mock us, but as we know, every type of person exists within society, and diverse stories must also be acknowledged.

The first floor of Bhalla Villa buzzed with activity, just like any other morning. A team of eight servants hurried about, preparing everything needed for the youngest member of the household. As the clock struck seven-thirty, Peter, one of the servants, stood attentively by the door, awaiting the master's departure.

"Sir, here," Peter announced as soon as he spotted the tall man emerging from his private gym. Like every day, he received a glance, but no nod from his master, who simply took the towel from him and headed toward his room to finish his morning routine. "Why doesn't Sir ever smile?" Peter wondered aloud as he descended the steps to the kitchen. "People who seek happiness in external things often fail to see the joy that comes from their own son." Hearing Dai Ma's words, Peter nodded half-heartedly and continued cleaning the dining tables for breakfast.

"When did they arrive back, Dai Ma?" the elderly lady in her sixties straightened up at the sound of a deep voice behind her. "Good morning, Baba," she said, noticing him nodding before she began serving his breakfast.

"Around two in the morning, Baba. The driver dropped them off." "Oh, that means no breakfast today. Could you please tell them to report to the office before 11:30?" She watched him instruct one of the servants to load his things into the car before heading toward the main gate after finishing his juice. A sigh escaped her lips as she started washing the dishes. It had become a familiar sight for her to see him leave food untouched. She had always heard that children should flourish like flowers, but why was that not the case for her beloved Baba?

"Why are luxuries, money, and power deemed essential for a happy and peaceful life? Don't love, affection, and care hold any value in a family for a beautiful existence?" She folded her hands in front of the idol, her eyes welling with silent tears. "What kind of luck do you bestow upon him, God? In these 28 years, I've never seen a genuine smile on my son's face. No one would guess he is the only heir of Bhalla Corporations, the sole son of millionaire Om Prakash Bhalla and Santhosh Bhalla. He has every facility at his disposal, yet why hasn't he been blessed with his parents' love? Look at his parents; they are always preoccupied with their status. Why can't they focus on their only son? Please, God, bless my son with love, for this pure soul does not deserve such neglect."