Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

He smiled and added, "Mau..." He appeared shy as well as smiling.

I smiled and replied, "Hello Sameer, I missed you today." 

"Mau.. ca…Call me...Me... Sam... Not Sameer," he stammered out. When I use his entire name, he becomes annoyed.

"Alright, Sam. Are you joining us or did you eat dinner?" I asked him.

"I ca..came..ru.. running to Haveee ..Dinner with you," he murmured. I simply nodded, and Sam and Mariam assisted me in carrying the supper outdoors. Every child was playing and making noise; some were even singing, and others were getting into fights. We retained the plates and sat on the floor in a circle. Sam sat next to me and told me everything he had done during the previous weekend. I gave him my personal data.

"My si...Sister is eager to... me..Meet you, can you come... with me next we...week to my home?" He stammered, I nodded, and he grinned broadly.

 Sam and I met a year ago. HE didn't like me very much and always regarded me as if I had stolen his favorite candy. Mariam informed me that he had no history of mental illness when he was younger. He was a brilliant, attractive, and ambitious man who was loved by his family.

He was a smart child who treated everyone with respect and affection. In college, he was known as the "golden boy," and everyone admired his character. However, he met other males and females from another college while out at a party. Later, the group drugged him and subjected him to physical and psychological torment. When his family learned about it, they took no action. They remained silent. The doctor told his family during his recovery that he was mentally shaken and didn't know what a normal person would do. They spoiled a young man with a promising future.

They forced him to perform such horrendous chores that he was scarred and never fully recovered, even after receiving therapy. He never returned to college. His sister brought him to the orphanage so he could begin playing with the children. I felt so awful for the boy because I knew he would have a brilliant future, but some immature adolescents took it from him mercilessly; while it was enjoyable for them, Sam's life was shattered.

 One day I made my favorite rice kheer and gave it to him because I wanted to be his friend and I wanted him to know. He was apprehensive at first and wouldn't take it, but as soon as I opened the tiffin and the aroma spread, it was clear from his eyes how happy he was. He simply took hold of the box, devoured everything inside, and turned around. We became friends right away.

I was delighted when he brought me homemade goods, some snacks, or a new eraser, or a greeting card. One is inspired to believe in humanity by such altruistic individuals. I spend my day at the orphanage with Sam once a week.

"Mau..., you.. wa..want...mo.. more rice," he said, and I shook my head in disbelief. We played silly charades for a while after finishing our dinner on time. After assisting Mariam with the kitchen cleanup, I also helped her clean the vessels. 

I said, "Sam..we... will miss next week," and he gave me a dejected puppy dog face.

I replied, "Promise."

"I haa…have a recommendation? " He spoke with great enthusiasm and a smile.

"what?" I said, perplexed.

"Ma..Marry my brother, and you ..wi...will always st..stay with me. He spoke, his face beaming with the suggestion, "You will become my Bhabhi."

"uhhhhh?' I said, perplexed.

"He is a very good brother to me.. and ..my si...sister. He's a li..little bit strict, but he...he'll like you. Any....anyone can be fond of you.Add...additionally, he is handsome. So please, I beg you, say yes," he said impeccably. 

"What if your brother is already dating someone else, ha? I asked him a question to see how he responded.

He gave a cheeky smile. "He's a li...little bi...bit boring, too. He de...devotes a lot of his time to ta...taking care of us after wo...working long hours." He says, "So, he has no so...social life."

"That sounds more like me. I'm drawn to the offer. Now, get your brother the next time, and I'll meet him to make a decision. Say what?" I suggested getting him a hi-fi, and he seemed really pleased with my suggestion. I then went to Mariam's workplace. I picked up a piece of paper and made the decision to write Mr. Raheja a letter. I took a seat in the chair and wrote a letter.

Hi, Mr. Raheja

Thank you for recognizing my efforts—I was taken aback by the letter—but you are the one who is doing an amazing job. Serving others is the ultimate act of selflessness. These children now have access to a roof and a better future thanks to you. My warmest regards are with you. Nobody is aware of you while you are doing this.

Thank you for expressing gratitude for my food. I've always prepared meals for my family and these kids, but if I knew you were also trying them, I would make my favorite dish, which would definitely blow your mind. Enjoy these cupcakes that I've made until then.

Regards,

Ms.GoodDeeds, 

P.S. I absolutely adore this name, and I will prepare you my all-time favorite recipe shortly.

I kept the letter inside the envelope after folding it.

 "This letter is for Mr. Raheja, please keep it inside the box of cupcakes," I said to Mariam as I handed her the letter, and she gave me a startled look. All she could do was smile.

When I got home, it was almost ten o'clock; papa had returned, and Riya was there, unlike usual. After going inside and putting my shoes on the shoe stand, I went to the bathroom to wash my hands and legs. When I was fresh, I went outside and sat down next to my father, who was watching television news.

Riya said, "Papa, you are so biased," and we both gave her a quick glance. 

You take the entire house on yourself and act as though I've done something wrong when I arrive home late. Not fair, papa, not fair," Riya uttered, verging on a yell.

"Do not dare compare yourself to your elder sister . She visits the orphanage in order to assist others. She does not return home drunk like you," my father said, standing up for me.

"How do you know that she goes there or not to meet any boys?" asks Riya, turning her head to face me. 

"Riya, stop it; I'm your older sister. Why do you regard me so poorly? What have I done wrong to you? "I cry as I feel sorry for myself. Seeing her treat me rudely breaks my heart.

Papa says to Riya, "say sorry to Harshu."

She says, "I will never apologize to her, my foot," and exits the bedroom.

I tell her, "Papa, what's wrong with me? She was like a kid to me," and give him a hug.

"Don't listen to what she says; she is being influenced by the wrong people and will soon come to that realization." I just closed my eyes as he patted my head and said, "Don't take her words to hear." 

My former younger sister, who was an angel to everyone, is the only thing I want back. With all of my day's fatigue, I returned to bed and slept off after spending some time watching TV with my father.

After two days, I was in college when Mariam called. Since she had never called me on a weekday before, I assumed the call was urgent. 

"Hell Mariam, is there anything urgent?" I questioned. 

"Oh, nothing is wrong. I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Raheja sent you a letter. I merely wanted to let you know." She said, "Good evening, collect your letter," and hung up. 

I grinned as I hung up. I'm currently exchanging letters with someone I don't really know. Upon finishing my last class in college, I went straight to an orphanage, where the kids were overjoyed to see me. I picked up some snacks for them on the way over.

Mariam handed me the letters and said, "Take this, Harshita," so I did. I had no idea why my heart was beating so quickly.

After tearing open the envelope, I read the letter.

Hi there, Ms. GoodDeeds

I appreciate your response. I didn't anticipate receiving a letter back, but you did. Although you painted me as a saint in the letter, I am far from being a good person. However, my good work at the orphanage keeps me going. People like you make me think that humanity still exists.

You are a huge hit in my home, by the way. The cupcakes were delicious as usual and everyone enjoyed them at my house. Even though I didn't want to share, everyone took my food. I am excitedly awaiting your favorite dish and, just to be sure, I should mention that I have a dairy and paneer allergy.

Ms. Gooddeeds, tell me. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't mind answering a question I have for you. What would you do if you felt like you were drowning in the darkness and there was no way out? Will you give up on trying to emerge from the darkness, even though it is an impossible task? I'm looking forward to your response.

Sincerely, 

Mr. Raheja

P.S. Just so you know, I'm 65 years old.

I was caught off guard by the last line. When writing back, I never imagined a face. However, I now understand that he is an old guy, which helps to explain why he wrote rather than texted. I will still write a letter to a man despite his age. I sat down in the chair, pulled a piece of paper out of my bag, and began to write a letter to my new friend.