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ORPHANAGE (AROUND 4PM)

Standing near the back door of orphanage Preesha longingly watches the group of children playing tag &chase. Rashi had fever and was taking rest while Rohit was near his sister. Oh! How she wish to join and play with them.

She couldn't control her desire more, even knowing they will probably refuse to add her in their group still with heart fill with hope she makes her way towards them. Nor Reena di or her friends were present there so it was a plus point.

"Can I play with you?" She asks tentatively after reaching near them.

The children stopped playing and looked at each other. All were below 10 years, they didn't really hate her, though they look at her strangely still never hated her ...how could they their heart was pure and un-tainted as them. They did talk with her but never spent much time or included her in any games fearing Reena di.

"But that big didi tell us (told us) not to play with you, she tell you are not nombal (normal)" suddenly a three year old kid tells innocently not knowing how much his words wounded Preesha.

"Sshh...Rohan" Preeti, a girl of 8 years hushes him looking at Preesha who was looking at them sadly.

"Don't feel bad Preesha he is very small and don't know what to say" Preeti murmurs with sympathy and pats her arm slightly. "Why don't you pluck flowers for evening prayer? Massi Maa will be happy" She suggest with a smile.

Preesha's heart fell hearing her words. She didn't wanted sympathy, she only wanted to play with them...just wanted to be carefree like them for some time. She hated pitied looks of children and others which only reminded her of her abnormality.

Before she could reply a hand engulfs her palm. "I'll play with you."

Turning her head right she sees a boy, bit older then her looking at her with a friendly smile on his face. He was her Akshat...her best friend, her rock, who always protected and took care of her.

Akshat or 'Akku' as she used to call him was also her first friend. He was in her life way before even Rohit and Rashi came in her life. She knew him from almost beginning of her life. After Massi Maa he was the one who accepted her warmly even with her flaws.

.A small smile graces Preesha's lips looking at him.

"I searched for you in whole house you know...let's go" Akshat tug's her hand but Preesha stops him, looking at him she asks unsurely "what game we will play?"

"You don't worry about that, just come with me" Akshat replies with a cheeky smile.

Holding her hand he leads her towards the part of the garden which was converted into children's playground with many types of equipment for children of all age like swing, slide, chin-up bars, sandbox, see-saw and a basket ball court for teenagers. Preesha smiled looking around. Only few children were playing there.

"So where do want to play first Rose?" Akshat questions using her nickname 'ROSE' which he gave her.

Preesha turns towards him hearing his voice "The swing!" she replies excitedly.

Akshat smile "Ok come" both goes near the swings and he watches as Preesha sits in a swing.

"Now hold the chains tightly and don't lose your grip, am going to push the swing ok...ready?" Akshat takes his position behind her swing.

"Yes yes!" she replies giddily.

Akshat starts pushing the swing, first slowly and then increases the speed making Preesha sequel in joy.

It was a blissful feeling for Preesha. Cool wind fanning her face and making her hairs flying behind her. Her lips were stretched in a wide grin and her eyes were twinkling. Soon her delightful, melodious laughs echoes making Akshat laugh along with her.

After enjoying in swing for sometime Preesha asks Akshat to stop pushing. Akshat stops pushing the swing and once it comes to a stop Preesha gets off carefully.

"Now where?'' Akshat inquires coming near her.

Preesha looks at different equipments in the playground the slide, climber bars, see-saw and what not. Her But, few other children were also playing there and she didn't know how they will react seeing her there so she hesitated a bit.

Understanding her dilemma Akshat places his hand over her shoulder "don't worry or think about them okay... and will be there with you, so if you came across any problem I will take care of it okay?'' he smiles.

"Okay Akku." she beams happily. Now she wasn't worried knowing her Akku will be there with her.

"Now let's begin..." He says and with that both heads off to see saw, followed by maze etc... the little girl was filled with enthusiasm. She usually never played in playground knowing no one would include her in their group. So she usually spent time with Akshat, Rohit and Rashi playing indoor games or drawing. This was definitely a wonderful occurrence for the little girl.

About half an hour later when they became exhausted they decided to stop. Both sat on a bench under a big mango tree.

"Akku I'm thirsty" Preesha says after sometime looking at him.

Akshat gets up from the bench "Ok. You sit here I will go and bring water for you and some snacks too."

"Come quickly and please bring one chocolate too" she says cutely.

"Sure Rose" He flickers her nose slightly making her giggle.

Akshat makes his way inside the orphanage kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of water and after putting some snacks in a paper bag he exits the kitchen. As he was about to go outside, Supriya calls his name. "Akshat come here"

Akshat turns and smiles seeing her and advances in her direction. "Good evening Massi Maa" he greets brightly.

"Good evening dear" She replies warmly. "Akshat do you know where is Preesha? I haven't seen her after the lunch" she inquires.

"Don't worry Massi Maa she is in playground we were playing together. She was feeling thirsty so am taking water for her and some snacks." he says showing her the bag and water bottle.

Supriya sighs in relief and smiles slightly "Oh! I see...good." After taking a deep breath she continues "Well Akshat I was searching for you for another reason too. Today around 5.30pm a couple will be visiting our orphanage for selecting a child to adopt. They want to see every children and I want you to be there too, they might like and decide to adopt you."

Akshat smiles fades, and he shakes his head in denial "Sorry Massi Maa but I won't come in the gathering you know I don't want to get adopted..." he pauses "I can't" he adds in a low voice.

Supriya places both of her hands on his shoulders "because of Preesha right?" she asks softly.

Akshat simply nods his head in reply.

She sighs "Beta...I know you care for her, one day God would definitely grant Preesha's wish and give her loving parents. Till then I'm here to look after her. But you don't have to miss the opportunity of getting new home and parents who would love you unconditionally. Please try to understand. ( A/N- Here Beta means child/dear)

Akshat advert his eyes "I know Massi Maa you will take care of her very well even more than me but aunty... please try to understand until Preesha gets adopted by people who would love her as much as you do. I don't want to get adopted now I can't be happy there leaving Preesha alone here. Everyone needs a friend and I'm hers. She needs me..." his voice trailed off.

His words filled Supriya with both sadness and joy. Akshat was more mature than other boys of his age, his past had forced him to be like this, she thinks sadly. She knew what he said was true he was not only her friend but her rock too. And it wasn't the first time they were having this conversation. From past two year when he saw Preesha repeatedly getting rejected by couples. He had declared that until Preesha gets adopted he too won't attend this gathering so that no one would adopt him.

Many times she tried to make him understand and change his made but he didn't bulge. For a nine year old kid he sure was stubborn and confident, thinking that she smiles inwardly.

She gazes at the child and finds him looking everywhere but her. "Akshat" she utters his name in motherly affection making him look at her.

"You're right. She needs you very much now, even though I want I can't be with her every time as I have responsibility of other children and I have to look after them too. So I won't force you to come in the assembly but promise me one thing, after Preesha gets adopted you would get adopted too and begin you new life."

Finally the boy smiles in relief "okay. Promise Massi Maa I'll do whatever you say.

Bending down a bit Supriya plants a soft kiss on his forehead. "Now go and yes...don't be late for evening prayer." She reminds him.

"We won't" he affirms and with a quick bye he walks away. With a smile Supriya gets back to her own work.

"Here...drink water" Akshat says after he reached near Preesha while giving her the water bottle.

"You took so much time coming back, were you eating alone?" Preesha asks with a cute pout.

Akshat chuckles taking a seat beside her "No Rose, how can I do that? While coming back I meet Massi Maa she wanted to talk with me. So that's why I got late." He explains.

"Why? (what about)" She looks at him inquiringly.

Akshat thought not to say anything about the visiting couple. "Nothing she was just asking about my studies and had told us not to be late for prayer."

"Oh!" her small mouth forms an 'O', "okay than let's eat these quickly" she takes the paper bag from his hand, rummaging through it she founds her chocolate and begins unwrapping it.

Akshat's lips twitches up watching her actions. "Slow down Preesha there is still time." His voiced laced with amusement.

Turning her head towards him she smiles and offers half of her chocolate. "Eat it Akku."

Both were munching happily when Akshat notices other children going inside the orphanage. 'Ah! Yes the gathering' he thinks and tries to divert Preesha's attention so that she won't ask about it.

Now both friends sat there alone, but happy with each other's company. They eat, talked about everything and nothing, laughed at silly things and enjoyed themselves fully. Both were filled with extreme joyfulness.

Loud ringing of bells reached their ears signaling it was time for the evening prayer. Akshat was the first one to get up from the bench followed by Preesha. He clasps her hand in his "Let's go its already time." Preesha nods and together they made their way directly towards the prayer room of orphanage.

Half of the children were already present in the room when they entered the room. Supriya look towards them and offers them a warm smile, "Good you're on time now take your respective places." The boys sat at one side where as the girls in other. When rest of the children arrived Supriya began the prayer.

After half an hour when the evening prayer was over Supriya ordered the children to do their homework. Whereas for small children up to 4 years, it was play time, they could do whatever they want till 7.30pm.

As children were dispersing the room Supriya asks Preesha to stay behind. Akshat was the last one to exit. But before that he glances at their direction where both were standing and gives them a big smile, earning an affectionate smile from his aunty and a grin from his little friend Preesha. "Bye Akku! I will meet you at dinner table." She waves her hand excitedly.

Akshat chuckles in response and muttering an "Okay" he turns and exits the room.

Supriya looks at Preesha, the smile hadn't left her face. She was ecstatic, one could easily say looking at the twinkling of her eyes. Supriya's own heart filled with happiness looking at the small girl. It was rare to see her much carefree and joyful.

Supriya asks Preesha to sit down and she sits beside her. As she glanced at Preesha's direction she found her looking towards her.

"What happened aunty?" Preesha questions curiously. "Did Akku tell you about the chocolate? But I had only eaten one, promise." She adds worriedly, thinking she might be in trouble.

Supriya laughs listening to her words "No dear. Akshat hadn't said anything, and I haven't asked you to stay behind for that." She smiles at her tenderly to make the child relax. "Akshat told me you both were playing together in playground?"

Preesha's eyes lit up and she beams "Yes! We enjoyed so much first..." and she begins narrating her activities in details.

"Wow! seems liked you both really had fun. So...you're happy right?" She questions tucking few loose strands behind her ear.

"Yes am happy! verrry much" She replies stressing the 'very'.

"Good." She pats her cheek. "And what have I taught you. When we are happy we should..."

"We should first thank God." Preesha immediately completes her sentence, making Supriya smile at her.

"You're right dear. So before you go and do your homework first thank God so that He'll always grant you happiness."

"But aunty...I forgot to thank him. Will he become angry now?" Preesha asks hesitantly.

Supriya smiles at her innocence "No Sweetie. God never gets angry at sweet children like you." She pats her head. "You can thank him now."She says with a tender smile.

Preesha kneels in front of the deities and join both her hands. She closes her eyes "Sorry God I forgot to thank you before. Today I played with Akku and enjoyed so much. I'm very happy, thank you dear Lord. Thank you."

*........................................................................................................*

So...did you like our Akshat? : )

How was the chapter?? Any suggestions?

Now It's SHOUT-OUT Time

Today's shout out is for-Archi-G

{I can't tell you how glad I'm that I got to meet You and call You as one of my Sweet friend. Your encouraging sweet words always makes me so happy : ) Love You Dear}

Before mentioning her story let me ask you all a question-

So how many of you like me like Army mans? They way they serve their country selflessly, their discipline, how handsome they look in their uniform, the way they walk or talk is just awesome *sighs dreamily* I really respect them very much.

So if you like them too Read her story "LIVING WITH(OUT)HIM" its about such an Army man and the girl he loves. This is not your typical love story of a Man and Woman no...It's about loving someone knowing his commitment lies somewhere else, knowing His first responsibility is towards His Country...A Heart Warming tale of forgiveness, pain and unconditional true love. It touched my heart.

So do read it : )

Next chapter will be updated soon

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Take Care : )