Prachi: You haven't searched properly. Maa can't leave me like this.

Prachi kept on screaming with tears continuously flowing from her eyes. She was unable to digest the news of the death of her mother.

Inspector: We understand that it's hard for you, but the sooner you accept the truth, the better. 

The inspector left. Ranbir pulled Prachi into a warm hug, rubbing her back continuously to calm her down. Sarita ji, Aryan and Shahana left the room to give them privacy.

Aryan noticed that the usually talkative Shahana had lapsed into an unusual silence. She did not shed even a drop of tear.

Aryan: Are you ok?

Shahana: Hmm. I need some time alone.

She walked into the room which was previously occupied by Pragya. Her things lay scattered as they were planning to shift to Mehra Mansion permanently. She picked up a framed picture lying nearby. A younger Pragya and Disha with the child version of Prachi and herself greeted her with smiling faces. She still remembered the day. It was the best day of her life. 

Little Shahana woke up due to the sound of the bell  echoing through the hall. She rubbed her eyes and joined the other children  in the queue to the washroom. The water was supplied for a limited time at the orphanage and so everyone wanted to get access to the washroom as early as possible. As Shahana was waiting for her turn, another girl pushed her and stood in front of her. She didn't complain as she knew that she was younger and tinier among the two and would loose if they fought. Almost everyone in the orphanage was accustomed to such things as the theory of survival of the fittest  seemed to hold there. 

Finally, she was able to get ready. She looked at herself in the broken and dirty mirror and decided that she looked pretty in her favorite pink dress. Though it was torn at many places, the older children had sewed it for her. She rushed to the dining hall as she didn't want to miss the breakfast. She sighed at the quantity of food in front of her. In spite of her tiny size, she had a huge appetite which never seemed to be satisfied with the food that they got. 

It was mandatory for everyone at the orphanage to do some work or the other. Shahana had chosen the task of watering the plants. She liked watering plants because of the beautiful flowers that would bloom and the additional benefit of watching the people on the other side of the huge gate. Her favorite thing was watching the people buy something from the trolley man and relish it with joy. Her sole aim in life was to grow up soon and buy herself that delicious thing.

 It was a surprise when the caretaker handed them new dresses. Though new didn't mean brought from the shops, it meant recently donated by the fortunate children who were now too big to wear those. The caretaker obstructed the children to dress neatly and be their best selves that afternoon as students from the nearby would come to visit them with their parents. The elder children were much excited by the news and chattered about the good luck if someone's took an interest in them and adopted them. The poor children desired so much for a family.

When the students arrived, all the children began playing together. Shahana was reluctant to play so as not to spoil her newly acquired dress. She chose to watch them from a distance. Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder making her jump in fear. 

Girl : Oops. I did not want to scare you. 

Shahana: It's ok. 

Girl: Hi. I'm Prachi and who are you? 

Shahana: Tahana 

Prachi: Why are you sitting here alone?  Will you not play? 

Shahana: No. I don't like 

Prachi: I don't want to play too. Let's talk. 

Prachi and Shahana formed an instant bonding. When Prachi had finished narrating about her home, school and friends, she desired to see Shahana's clothes and toys. Shahana showed Prachi the ragged toys. 

Prachi: The teddy is so torn. I have a new one in my home. I will give it to you. 

Next, Shahana proudly showed her favorite dress to Prachi. 

Shahana: This is my favorite dress because it was as good as new when I got it and I love the color pink. 

Prachi: This is my old dress that became too small for me! 

Prachi got suddenly excited at this information. Her eyes twinkled with a sudden joy. 

Prachi: You are my sister! 

Shahana: How did you know? 

Prachi: Maa said that sisters love each other and share everything. We like each other and you have shared my dress. Most importantly, you are tinier than me. 

Shahana: I'm not tiny!

Prachi: I know but you are smaller than me. So, you are my sister. 

Prachi dragged Shahana with her to Pragya. She was eager to introduce her newly found sister to her. 

Prachi: Maa, I have found my sister. 

Pragya was taken aback. Had Abhi come back? How did Prachi recognise him?  Pragya's questions were answered when she saw the little girl peeping from Prachi's back. She wasn't Prachi's twin, but she was cute. 

Prachi: Maa, she is my sister. Let's take her home. 

Pragya: We can't take her home like this. 

Prachi: I won't leave my sister here alone. Take her with us or I'll stay her. 

Prachi was adamant. Pragya tried to coax her but failed. She gave up finally. Moreover, she too liked the cute little girl. 

Pragya: OK. But ask her first if she would like to go with us. 

Prachi: Will you come to my house? I will share all my toys with you. 

Shahana: Will I get lots of food to eat? 

Prachi: Yes and you will get ice-cream too. 

Shahana: What's ice-cream? 

Prachi: Oh ho! You are something ignorant. Ice-cream is the most delicious thing in this world. Maa has promised me to buy one today  from that uncle outside. 

This information was enough for Shahana to agree immediately to go with them. She suddenly grew more enthusiasm than Prachi. Pragya smiled at the two children in front of her. Prachi had grew up listening to stories of her sister and seemed so happy to find one. 

When Pragya had brought them an ice-cream each, Shahana felt them to be angels who had come to provide her a better life. She gathered courage to ask a question. 

Shahana: Are you my mom? If yes, why did you leave me alone?

Pragya felt sorry for her. She felt fate had been more cruel to this little kid. At least she and Abhi had a daughter each but the girl had no one. 

Pragya: No beta. I'm your mom's sister, your maasi. 

They were welcomed home by Disha who had been informed about the new arrival by Pragya beforehand. She had brought clothes for the little child. 

When Shahana had  bathed once again and made to wear a brand new dress, Disha suggested to take a photograph to remember the welcoming of the new member in their family. 

A few tears fell on the photograph in Shahana's hand. Her life had been changed that day. She had been lucky to be a part of the family that never made her feel that she was an orphan. They were a happy little family for many years. 

But now, she had lost her family once again. First Disha and now Pragya. Even Prachi had been rejected by Ranbir's family. It seemed God didn't want them to have a happy and normal family.