It was a dark night, the moonlight was falling on the woman standing under the tree.
Her skin as fair as the snow, lips as soft and pink as the rose, her long black silky hair was tied in a loose bun but as the wind blew few strands of her hair covered the face. She gently pushed the hair behind her ear while her gaze fell on the heavy ring residing on her left hand.
She stared at the red oval shaped ring with tiny white stones around it, it was a beautiful eye catching ring .She felt heavy not just by the weight of the ring but also what it signified to her .The only remainder of her true lineage.
Eighteen years ago on this day she was born but what followed after that was unpleasant and painful. Her mother had abandoned her in an orphanage and never looked back. May be she had not wanted to take responsibility or may be the circumstances made her want to abandon the child. She hoped it was the later as she did not want to give up the last ray of hope.
Life in orphanage was not a bed of roses, someday having two meals a day became a luxury .Every moment was unpredictable as it was not easy to get funding for the orphanage.
The passed down clothes and toys of the wealthy kids were distributed in the orphanage .Sometimes the older kids used to snatch things and bully the weaker kids.
Some families came to orphanage to adopt kids but every time they came the head staff locked her in the room and refused to let her go in front of them. She did not know whom she offended or what grudge the head staff held against her as it robbed a better life she could have had.
Then as the head staff retired she was grown up and most of the families preferred young kids as it was easier to bond with them. She cursed her fate, more than that angry at her mother for abandoning her. If she met her mother she wanted to ask why she gave birth to her if she was not ready to handle the responsibility.
She looked at her dress which had faded so much that it was difficult to make out the original color. Even today she was wearing old clothes or it was better to say she never remembered owning anything new.
Her slender body made any outfit look good on her and when she moved she was as gracious as the swan. Her facial features were exquisite as if someone had craved with a jade.
Her beauty was unparalleled and made her stand out in the crowd .Most importantly it was her smile which had the power to bring any man to his knees but as the years passed on she had no reason left to smile .
She kept to herself may be because she thought no one will understand her, she was with the notion that she was unworthy of any affection or love. Her mother abandoning her at the orphanage has put a psychological scar on her.
"Adele, Adele …," she heard someone yelling her name.
Adele turned around to see Myra and few of the girls behind her. She waved her hand notifying her presence.
"Here, you are .I searched you everywhere .Lets go it's about time, "Myra pulled Adele's arm.
"Wait a minute, it's time for what, "Adele frowned.
"For cake cutting, I know you don't like all these things but everyone deserves to celebrate their birthday .One should always find a reason to be happy, "Myra said enthusiastically.
Myra had come to the orphanage when she was around 12 years, her parents had died in a car crash and any of her relatives refused to take her in. Her parents were blue collar workers but still had given her a happy childhood filled with love and care.
When Myra had come initially she had refused to eat anything or talk with anyone .As months passed she had accepted her reality and try to make best of what's available .Her optimistic and outgoing personality made her easily gel up with everyone.
It was Myra who had befriended Adele first by offering her toys. As usual Adele had refused as she preferred no one's company but herself, Myra was not the one to give up and had followed Adele until she had got fed up and screamed what she wants.
Myra had innocently replied she was playing a game and wanted Adele as the princess as she was the most beautiful girl in the orphanage. Adele had hesitatingly agreed to play but slowly started enjoyed the game.
Next day Myra had offered her a set of color pencils and Adele took it, quietly murmuring a thank you. Myra's persistent and friendly nature had warmed Adele and from then onwards Adele had joined Myra whenever she had called her to play.
Gradually a friendship had formed between them even though they had contrasting personalities.
Adele opened her mouth to refuse but Myra cut her saying, "The kids are waiting for the cake, at least don't disappoint them."
Adele nodded her head and followed Myra inside the orphanage.
"Come on, make a wish, "Myra lit the candles.
"You know I don't believe in all these things," Adele did not think any soon the darkness in her life was going to vanish.
"It's your 18th birthday who knows, luck may fall into your lap, "Myra did not give up.
Adele closed her eyes and wished for only one thing that is to meet her family.
She blew the candles and fed the first piece of cake to Myra and then as the music started playing the kids were dancing and enjoying the party.
Even among the group of people surrounding her, Adele felt a sense of loneliness. She was always searching for someone to make her feel home.
Then it was time for dinner, as usual the food was bland and tastelessness but it did its job of satisfying the hunger.