The following day, I got up early because it was the weekend and I would be spending the day at the orphanage. My mother was a wonderful person who genuinely cared about other people. She often told me to be grateful for the life we have and to do nice deeds for others who are less fortunate. Every day, I think about her and mourn her terribly, but I never bring it up in front of my father. She was both his first and last love.
After swiftly finishing my morning routine, I put on comfortable clothing and go outside to have some food. When I notice my sister and papa sitting, the environment becomes uneasy.
I sat down at the table and softly grinned as I said, "Good Morning, Papa and Riya."
Neither of them returned my greeting, and I remained silent. I pulled some Poha out of the casserole and served it to myself. As I started to eat the Poha, Papa interrupted.
He asked, "You two, can you explain what transpired last night," and I put my spoon down and turned to face him. He was indignant, and Riya's face was covered in guilt.
"As Riya's older sister, Harshu, you have to look out for her and not cover up her transgressions. Our neighbor called me this morning to let me know that she observed a man yesterday outside our house with Riya, who was most likely intoxicated. Why didn't you wake me up?" He asked with a pained tone in his voice.
"Papa, I'm sorry. You were asleep in the late hours of the night." I said.
"Riya, who was the man?" Riya was merely looking down when Papa questioned her. Although the man from yesterday was obnoxious and haughty, all of her friends are typically like that.
She answered glibly, "Simply a person I met at the pub."
"Why do you mean that? He is merely a stranger. How can you be so reckless, Riya? He would be anyone and do anything." Riya looked up as her father yelled angrily, but she felt nothing—not fear, not hurt, and not even anger. Riya seemed to be distant from both my father and I.
"Papa, I'm an adult now. I am aware of what is right and what is wrong." I stepped in to break up the conversation since she barked.
"Look Riya, papa is correct...." She stood up and smashed her hand on the table just as I was about to finish, and I was shocked by her actions. I just kept staring strangely at her.
She yelled at me, "Shut your mouth; I don't need advice from a loser like you."
"Is this how you should treat your older sister? Riya, what did I do wrong for you to act so coldly toward us? Beta, we are a family, and families stick together forever. You have a lot of friends, but in times of need, always keep in mind that nobody is prepared to take on the world except for your family, " Papa says before turning to Riya and tenderly patting her head.
"Papa, I don't want to live life as a poor girl, I have big dreams, and big ambitions, and I want a lavish lifestyle," she says as she pulls his hand away from her head.
"I don't want this middle-class lifestyle, which you could never afford for me. Papa, I look like I ought to have been born wealthy from head to toe, but due to a stroke of bad luck, you and Mumma are the parents to whom I was born. I detest my current way of life." She spoke.
"Being born into any family is not in our control; only the Almighty makes that decision. However, you may completely change your life by working hard in school and landing a good career. Beta You can only fulfill your aspirations if you attend college and earn decent grades. You will be destroyed by this way of carefree life. Those individuals attend college purely for enjoyment; they have a generational business to pursue; not so for you." Papa claims, and he is making every effort to persuade her.
"Who told you I was going to work after a four-year I'm going to marry a rich man," she declared before quickly gathering her luggage and leaving the house.
"Wait, Riya... Just listen to Papa....." I followed her and tried to persuade her to stay, but she had left with her buddy who had arrived in an Audi to pick her up.
When I entered, papa was sitting on his chair and holding a hand to his forehead.
"Papa, she's just immature. Once she realizes what she did wrong, she'll realize that life isn't just about money and face, but also about the little things that make people happy." Then I place my hand on his shoulder and tell him.
"I don't know where I made a mistake in raising her. You grew up to be such a good girl, and she developed into a lady who appreciates the front person based on their good looks, wealth, and status."
He asks as tears start to run down his cheeks, "How will I be able to face your Mumma when I meet her." I get on my knees in front of him and take his hand.
"Papa... papa. You are the best father anyone could ask for, so listen up. I can tell you're having a hard time without my mother because I can see it in your eyes, but you still go above and above for us. From preparing all three meals each day or putting in long hours at the office to avoid making financial sacrifices. You are a severe parent because it is in our best interests, but you are also my closest friend." I say, wiping away his unceasing tears, "I'm lucky to have a papa like you who knows me so well."
"Your mother was right; you are a true miracle from God sent to us." Papa hugged me and said, "God bless you with whatever you deserve in this life, beta."
Papa acted as both my mother and my father after my mother left us.
"But I'm worried for Riya because I can tell that she's headed in the wrong direction." Papa continued, his face etched with dread, "I'm helpless because I don't know how to bring her back."
"Don't worry, papa, we'll figure something out since in the end, family is everything." After that, I assisted him in cleaning the kitchen and table. Being a weekend, it is also Papa's day off. I helped him clean the house, did some laundry, and cleaned the house. I had completed the majority of my work by the afternoon, and it was time to leave for the orphanage.
Lunch was peaceful for us. I assisted my father with dishwashing after lunch. When I voice-cleared, Papa was washing the kitchen counter.
"I'm going to an orphanage today, Papa, and I'll be returning late. Is that alright?" I questioned him.
"Sure Beta, take spare keys even if I'm going out to supper with my buddies. Riya is carrying her keys." He spoke before departing. Every weekend, I bake cakes for the kids out there. Only 30 little children are living in the modest orphanage that I visit. It's the orphanage for prostitutes who have aged out of the sex industry or for the offspring of sex workers. Mrs. Raheja is the person who cracked it. I've never met him. I want to meet the man who helped finance the orphanage and cares for all the kids and sex workers.
I would like to personally thank him for all that he is doing by meeting him. Being a businessman, he keeps himself rather busy. Although I haven't seen him, I may do so in the future.
I made about 40 muffins and put them in my bag. Additionally, I had gathered some items for the kids. I made a banner last year and posted it around my neighborhood asking for donations of clothing or other items for the kids, which I would be happy to give them. Fortunately, a few people saw this and gave me a few items. So, it turned into a custom. I set up a box in front of my house every week, and people can donate whatever they like.
One of the most crucial figures in young children's lives is their parents. We rely on our parents to give us the care we require to be happy and healthy, as well as to grow and develop properly, from the moment we are born. We frequently make requests for numerous things that bring us happiness, and most of the time our requests are met. What about the children who reside in orphanages, though? Children who lack parents or whose parents have abandoned them are cared for in orphanages, which are refuge houses.
These youngsters frequently don't have loving parents, but they share love and happiness and take care of one another to live like a family. What makes them happy, exactly? Any activity that makes a child happy can also make an orphaned child happy. They can be happy without expensive stuff. They only need to sense that there is someone out there who cares about them. That's a compelling enough argument to make them happy.
When I looked at the donated items this time, there was one bag filled with clothes, one bag with groceries, and one rag with all of the necessary hygiene items. I was pleasantly surprised. I dressed appropriately, reserved a vehicle, and awaited the arrival of the cab. When the cab arrived, I got in and took a seat behind it, grinning, thinking that the kids would be extremely delighted today.
I arrived at The People's Orphanage in under thirty minutes. The driver was polite enough to help me get my stuff inside. I glanced at the clock; it was just after three in the afternoon when most children would be asleep. The garden was empty. It was far too hot to be outside. After I gave the driver the cash and told him to keep the luggage on the porch, he immediately drove off.
I heard someone say, "You're late today, Ms. Harshita," and I turned around. It was Meriam, the orphanage's caregiver. She grinned at me, and I reciprocated.
She questioned me, "You got the whole supermarket with you today ha."
I remarked, "Ma'am, folks were very sweet to donate items."
"Come on, let's get moving." She added, "Children have been waiting for you since dawn," and I followed her as she walked.
The kids were supposed to be sleeping, but I would hear sounds from that room. Although this orphanage is not particularly well-regarded, the best thing about it is that it seems like home. It's crucial to feel at home, and this institution provides that. My cheeks broke out in a broad smile. All the children ran my way as soon as I opened the door and entered the room. Happiness that results from kindness is contagious and eternal. The youngsters help us understand that possessing luxuries, pricy games, or designer clothes does not guarantee happiness. By giving selflessly and sharing one's joys and sufferings with others, it involves making someone else happy.
They were appreciative of the muffins I had made for them when I gave them out, and the joy on their faces was amazing. The kids were ecstatic when Meriam helped them distrust everything we had bought for them. We then played a few games, during which I taught them some new ones. We discussed everything they did over the entire workday, and they had a lot of interesting things to say. I also assisted Mariam in cleaning the children's I was preparing dinner when I told Mariam, "Ma'am, these are the muffins I prepared for you and the staff, I hope you like?" I also gave her the other snacks.
"Your muffins are amazing. By the way, you must be a fantastic cook," Mariam ma'am replied.
"I cook okay, my papa is my cooking guru, he makes the best food," I say.
"Last month, we were enjoying the muffins and parathas you made when Mr. Raheja, the establishment's owner, arrived. We gave him the food. He was so taken aback that he devoured all the parathas and a couple of muffins as well. The dish left such an impression on him that he yearned to meet the chef. He has been eating the meals you get for us every day ever since. He was quite impressed when I told him about you and your job, so he has given you his," Mariam remarked, and I was afraid to accept it. I didn't want anyone to pay me for the selfless work I do, and I also didn't want my identity to be revealed.
She handed me the envelope and said, "It's not money, don't be alarmed, and I haven't told him your name." I took hold of the envelope and cracked it open. A letter was composed. It was written.
Dear Ms. Good Deeds,
Thank you for visiting us each week and spending time with the kids. I had no idea you had been doing this for a year. I want to thank you for all that you do for the children. I want to meet you and express my gratitude for both that and the wonderful cuisine you prepare. My taste buds are content right now. Every mouthful of the food you prepare feels like it came from home, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wish I could meet you soon.
Regards,
Mr.Raheja
PS: Please make meals specifically for me the next time; I swear I won't share.
I grinned as I read the letter; it was the nicest letter of thanks I had ever received. Mariam was grinning as she looked at me.
"Hey ma'am, where is our wonderful boy? How come I haven't seen him all day?" I grilled her.
"He isn't feeling well, so I believe he won't arrive today," Mariam added.
"Oh, how I missed him," I sighed, feeling terrible.
"How co.. Could I...miss...being with my Mau?" someone behind us said, and I recognized the voice. I turned around and grinned at the guy I had been missing all day, and there he was smiling at me.
Thank you for visiting us each week and spending time with the kids. I had no idea you had been doing this for a year. I want to thank you for all that you do for the children. I personally want to meet you and express my gratitude for both that and the wonderful cuisine you prepare. My taste buds are content right now. Every mouthful of the food you prepare feels like it came from home, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wish I could meet you soon.
Regards,
Mr.Raheja
PS: Please make meals specifically for me the next time; I swear I won't share.
I grinned as I read the letter; it was the nicest letter of thanks I had ever received. Mariam was grinning as she looked at me.
"Hey ma'am, where is our wonderful boy? How come I haven't seen him all day?" I grilled her.
"He isn't feeling well, so I believe he won't arrive today," Mariam added.
"Oh, how I missed him," I sighed, feeling terrible.
"How co.. Could I...miss...being with my Mau?" someone behind us said, and I recognize the voice. I turned around and grinned at the guy I had been missing all day, and there he was smiling at me.