Chapter 2 Ashraya

Fervently, we are always a kid. Nevertheless bodily, we will be kids twice, once we are born and other when we are old. Old-aged people need care and time. Their children don't bother about them. They feel them as a burden. Many of them leave their parents in an old age home. Disinclined couples or parents leave their kids at the orphanage door or streets.

On the other side, Many People need family. Some couples are attempting to

Ashraya... We built this foundation two years back. The Foundation owner and co-owner are Khushi and Aditya. Khushi came up with a wonderful idea why not bring all kids and seniors together. Kids need care and elders need love. Our elders have experiences and time.

It's a place where I can go with my real face and no one bothers. They have innocent and pure hearts. Looking at them, it seems that humanity is prevailing somewhere.

We reached Ashraya. I am hiding inside the car to surprise all. Everyone looks so joyful, hugging each other. They were expecting me as well. Everyone knew it was my birthday, but got downhearted. It's breakfast time and everyone is seated in the canteen. I am waiting for Khushi's message as a signal to come out from the car.

After five minutes...

Finally, my mobile screen blinked with Khushi's message "Transpires in 10 min and enter from the backdoor. Everyone is in the canteen" I acknowledged and replied with thumbs-up emoji.

Five-year-old Zuri talking to Chavi "Where is Adira? Will she join us? I want to play with her. I missed her". "Oho. So you missed Adira not me" Chavi replied with fake tears. Zuri hung out her tongue and tried to cover up "No Chavi... I missed you too. I love you". Everyone laughed.

"I missed you too Zuri" Adira replied...Everyone's head turned, and they got astonished. Zuri ran to Adira. "Adira, I missed you" Zuri sniffs and holds Adira's leg. She holds Zuri in her arms and kissed her plump cheeks. All kids ran to Adira with joy and jumped with excitement. All elders are cheery and emotional. They adored her. She is the sunshine for everyone. All elders are greeting her with blessings and kids come to her with cards and presents.

Soon evening arrives. All arrangements and decorations are completed. Everyone is getting ready for the party; it's going to start at 5:00 pm.

Khushi hold the mike and squealed "Let's party". Everyone echoed "yeah". All kids running toward the Ashraya club. Everyone performs poems, dances, stories, and thanks gestures. Later, Aditya played a song collection (Bollywood/Tollywood/Hollywood) and everyone is on the floor. Dancing, enjoying, and chatting. Aditya knew Adira is a fan of Bollywood songs and dialogues. She usually uses them a lot in her conversations.

Aditya announced, "Adira, we request you to sing a song for us". Everyone cheering Adira's name. She smiles "What song should I sing, Grannie Anna" .... Grannie Anna is the oldest member of Ashraya... Grannie replied "My child, sing any song close to your heart" Adira replied "Grannie Anna your chosen song will be a blessing for me" Grannie Anna was touched by Adira's gesture. She replied, "Can't Help Falling in Love". Everyone claps.

Lights got dimmed Adira starts singing where Chavi and Khushi are playing piano "Wise men say only fools rush in but I can't help falling in love with you......".

Everyone got spellbound by her voice.

It's already 10:00 pm. Khushi and Aditya announced the end of the party. Still, no one wants to leave. Kids are anxious if everyone will leave after the party.

Aditya announced, "Hello Everyone, We are not leaving tomorrow. We are going to spend two days with you". Every kid gestured their pinky finger and asked "Pinky Promise". We ensured them with our pinky finger "Pinky Promise". Everyone jumps and leaves for bed.

Next day....

Uncle Joseph is a guardian and supervises Ashraya. He came to Adira and Khushi to give all expense details. "Adira, Khushi, Here expenses details of Ashraya". Adira and Khushi smiled at Joseph. Adira moved to Joseph and hold his hand "Uncle, We trust you and we are not here for expense reports". Khushi walked towards Joseph "Please don't embrace us". Adira made Joseph sit on the chair and kneel in front of him "Uncle we here to know, if anything we are lacking for our family, just let us know". Joseph was ecstatically overwhelmed and said "No my child. We are more than full".

Adira hummed and observed that Joseph is a bit uncomfortable. He is hesitant to give a gift to Adira but ambivalent if she will like it. She asked with a bit concerned "Uncle, Are you ok." Joseph is holding a small box in his hand, trying to hide it. Adira has seen the box. She understood Joseph's hesitation. Adira asked Khushi "Khushi, I forgot to convey Aditya was looking for you". Khushi understood the message, replied "oh ok. Let me check" and left. Adira smiled "Uncle, Can you give me a gift now". Joseph handed the box to Adira "It's a small gift Adira. I wanted to present you yesterday, but.. your uncle only affords this much". Adira opens the gift, it was a simple pen. "Thanks for blessing Uncle". Joseph thought "Her parents had given her good sacrament".

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It's late evening, and Zuri doesn't want to leave Adira. Showing her puppy eyes to Adira, she asked "Adira, Can I sleep with you..peease". Adira smiled "Ok". Zuri another request with the same puppy look "Can you please narrate me another story". Adira narrowed her eyes; she knew her trick "Ok. I will only if you will finish another glass ok milk". She started making excuses while kneading her hands on her stomach "I am full Adira, I can't have". Adira thought, 21st-century kids, are way too smart. She needs to bribe her with mango "I am out of story Zuri. Can I narrate it tomorrow with Mango Shake". Zuri face lit up and she repeats "Mango shake". Adira nodded.

Zuri is close to Adira's heart. Adira found her abundant in the street. She thought it might be a kidnapping case. She reported to the police as well as published an advertisement for her, but no one came to look after her.

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All left from Ashraya with heavy hearts. They started their trio in Tongass National Forest.

Chavi jumped in her bed in excitement. Khushi said, "Madam, at least act mature". Chavi ignored her. Adira smiled "What's the plan". Khushi and Aditya said in unison "I want to sleep". Chavi replied, "I am going to check on food".

Adira replied, "I am going biking". Aditya said, "Stay close".

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Adira enjoyed nature, birds were chirping, the pure breeze. It gives her a sense of calmness. Nearby four to five guys boozing saw Adira and approached her. She tried to avoid them, but they were bullying her.

A man held Adira's hand forcefully. She was about to kick him, but a hand came into view and punched that man. Adira saw who's that, and Ayden Lemaire's eye met her. Her heart skipped a beat. Ayden was mesmerized by her beauty, but he has idiots to teach the lesson.

He was beating all men to the pulp. Now, Adira is watching the show and enjoying the moment.

Adira was about to Thank Adyen, but she saw his attitude. He is smirking and his body language is singing I'm the only one to save you. She didn't like it, she was about to leave and took a turn.

Ayden said, "I guess, at least I should get Thank you".

"Thanks, but No Thanks".

Ayden was surprised by her reply "Lady you have this attitude. I helped you".

"Did I ask for"?

Ayden got pissed off. All girls worship him and this girl gives him an attitude. Adira is leaving. All of sudden few more guys came into the picture. This time Adyen smirks and crossed his hands under his chest.

They are doing the same to her, as others did. In one shot she kicked three guys and everyone is lying on road. She smirked and said, "Hope you got the answer".

Adira took her turn and left on her bike. She knew, who is he. She was muttering under her breath " khud ko kya samjhta hai, Bhagwan" ( What did he consider himself, God).

Ayden was bewildered; she is a beauty with courage. He never got treated, like this before. He thought "Who is she". Nevertheless, his heart whispered to him to follow her. He held his bike and start pedaling, but she is out of his sight. He has no time. His holidays are over and he is leaving today for New York.

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Shaurya Pratap Singh discusses Adira, whereabouts with Hridya, his younger brother. He was reasoning to himself, did he do it right by saffronizing Adira. After her escape, He was powerless to track her. He knew she is safe, as he trained her well. However, it's frustrating for him to not be able to track.