IPKKND FF FELONIOUS

Part 1(B)

There he was exploring his surroundings with his eyes, trying to adjust himself to new environment. Holding him was a fair built, clean shaven, spectacled man in his late 30's, his brown hair was swept to the front covering his forehead completely. May be he was here to join the boy. Leaving the kid, the man moved out without turning back.

The moment the man went out she rushed inside to have a look at her new friend, companion, and love. As much as she was allowed she always was there to look after him and later on when he started feeling comfortable around her there was no stopping to their bond. She got so attached to him within a short span of time and it was nothing less vice versa.

Everything was going so well until that day. She couldn't comprehend how her life has turned into a one of a roller coaster ride an unexpected, fearful turn at every stage. If she had the slightest inkling of what could happen she would never part ways with him to repent later.     

That day was imprinted in her memory and will be for the coming years. Thoughts raced backed to the day when it all started.

As usual, there was a medical check-up conducted in the Home For Need. This was the practice, which was followed rigorously, irrespective of the number of donations received or balances in the bank accounts of the trust or guardian couple without fail every year.

The check-up team was ready and the volunteers were setting up the stalls for further procedure.

Even after accepting the bribe, a treat of his favorite chocolates and ice cream, her friend cribbed about the ordeal and she had to be present beside him throughout the routine so that he doesn't run away to duck beneath beds in the dormitory or under Mrs.Manorama's desk.

That was the last night they spent together happily without the shadows of evil, discussing how many can each of them gobble down without stopping, how many flavors they can mix to get a different taste. Once back to the bed, she couldn't quite put finger on what was that which is disturbing her, and that uneasiness followed her until the next three days and then the reason came on.

After her usual prayers to goddesses, she sat for some more time seeking answers for her uneasiness which isn't leaving, before moving out of the prayer room passing by the office room.

"We are happy that you found one among our children. Just give us a few minutes we will get everything ready." It was Mrs.Manorama.

After a pause, she heard her again saying

"Oh yes, you can take him right away. He will be ready in 30 minutes. You can come down.

Thank you. It's our pleasure."

Seems like the conversation ended and before she can comprehend the meaning of what is heard, she came face to face with the lady herself.

"Ah Khushi, good that you are here. Come on move fast and make sure that friend of yours is ready. They will be here any moment to take him."

"Take him? But where? And who? Why?"

"Offo see with the excitement of hearing this news I have completely forgotten to tell you the main thing."

"ShAKSHY selected him this time." The excitement was clear in her voice.

"He got selected?"

"H-he-he got selected?" she still couldn't believe.

"Yes, Khushi. Its good news isn't it? Now run up to his room and make everything ready they will be here any moment to take him away."

"Take him away? Will he be gone?

"What? Is this the first time it is happening? Why is that you are behaving as if you don't know about this? You do know that anyone who gets selected has to go with them."

ShAKSHY is a group of educational institutes the founder of it unknown to the society, wanting to be away from the limelight. The institute conducts several events at different orphanages, rural and backward areas and select kids, who can do exceptionally well in academics, any other art but cannot afford the same due to the financial circumstances they are in. ShAKSHY takes them under its wings by providing food and shelter in addition to donating funds for their education.

"Yes," she is unsure if she is ok with this parting.    

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

She always valued his presence in her life, the time spent with him and memories made. Considered him the most important in her life, but what never struck her thoughts was, that, such situations may arise where you had to part with or without your desire.

It has been one week since NK was taken away and she is already feeling like it's been years. The only thing which is stopping her from going running to him, to get him back is, keeping in view his better future, the chances for which are very less if he were to be with her. It will take some time, for her, to accept the truth of his absence in her life and live with it but Time never stops for anyone, it has to go on irrespective of the feelings and emotions one holds with memories and persons.

Sighing she started with her routine at her workplace, by lighting the lamp. There is still some time for the customers to walk in, not that there would be rush hours at their shop at any given point in time. It is a small books & stationery shop run by Mr. Happy Singh, a man in his late 60's. In her association of 2yrs with this shop it never required her to slog from early hours in morning to wee hours in the night, but now that she has nothing else to do apart from being here and going back home makes her feel lonely all the more, she opted spend time with the silent companions (books).

"Khushi...."

"Khushi, beta is that you?"

"Yes Uncle, it's me, already here to pester you."

"NK will be fine. He may be just seven years old but he is capable of looking after himself. The kid is way more intelligent than he appears. Don't worry" he, as always understood the worry, behind her extra cheerfulness, nothing goes unnoticed from the old man' eye.

"After all when almighty deprives us of a family he has to provide the strength to look after ourselves."

"I thought you consider me as your family." hurt was noticeable in his voice.

"Sorry Uncle I didn't mean it that way"

"Its ok, beta I understand now don't worry so much, he will be fine."