Chapter 1
1330 Words
“Kamya! Kamya! Where are you, little girl?” Derek called out, worry etched on his face.
“Dad! What’s wrong?” Leo asked, his tone calm.
“Your princess! Where is she? The auspicious time for the worship is running out!” Derek exclaimed in a panic.
“Don’t worry! You’ll see all the arrangements before I take her to the pavilion,” Leo reassured him.
“Please, be on time. Kavya will be waiting for her. You don’t understand how important this day is for Kamya; her presence is essential,” Derek explained, anxiety still evident.
Leo smiled and replied, “I know, Dad! She’ll be here on time. Kamya is my responsibility. I promised Mom I would protect her forever. My princess will arrive right on schedule.” With that, Leo set off to find Kamya.
“Oh God! Please protect both my children from evil eyes,” Derek prayed.
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“Kamya! Kamya!” Leo called out as he searched through the town.
Suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure. “There you are!” he exclaimed, catching his breath.
Kamya turned, clicking her tongue. “Sorry, bro! But I had to help this little bird; it was injured. I’m almost done treating it, and we can head home on time.”
“Kamya! You need to be more careful. What if Mom gets angry? You can’t keep delaying things; stop trying to be an angel for everyone else,” Leo scolded.
“Bro! I can’t stand to see anyone in pain. Soon I’ll be a doctor; it’ll be my job to save lives,” Kamya replied earnestly.
“You’re not going to be a doctor; you’re graduating in business, and that’s final. I want you to help me run Mom’s business,” Leo insisted firmly.
“Not this again! I want to be a doctor, and no one can stop me. I want to be like Dad! Do you know how much everyone in Gangtok admired him for his kindness? People worshiped him for his helpful nature!” Kamya argued passionately.
“Whatever! Let’s go. Mom and Dad are waiting for us. It’s your birthday, and I don’t want to ruin your day with an argument,” Leo said, trying to keep the peace.
“Okay! Can I bring this bird with me? It’s injured,” Kamya pouted.
“Do whatever you want,” Leo rolled his eyes.
Kamya beamed and carefully took the bird with her.
........
“You made it on time! Thank goodness!” Derek sighed in relief.
Kamya took her seat and covered her hair with a scarf. “Sorry, Mom!” she said, holding her ears in apology.
“Close your eyes and pray for the peace of your mother’s soul,” the priest instructed.
Derek closed his eyes, recalling the last happy moments with Kavya. “I miss you, love! I miss you. Look, I’ve kept my promise; I’ve raised our daughter to be like me,” he murmured, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Mom! I’ll always protect my princess,” Leo said, his eyes misty.
“Maa! I didn’t get to see you, but trust me, Leo has cared for me just like you would have. I love you; please bless me to be like Dad! He’s my idol,” Kamya prayed earnestly.
“All the rituals are complete! May God grant peace to your wife’s soul,” the priest blessed Derek.
“Take this, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” Derek said, handing him a bundle of rupees.
“No need; you’ve already given enough. May God fill your life with happiness and joy. Your children will achieve great success,” the priest replied with a blessing.
“Kamya! Touch the feet of the priest,” Derek instructed her.
Kamya complied obediently.
After bidding farewell, Derek turned to Kamya and asked, “So, where has your princess been all morning?” He rested his hands on his hips.
“Dad! I sent her to buy white roses, which is why she was late,” Leo explained.
“Stop making excuses for her!” Derek said flatly.
“I will, I promise Mom,” Leo replied with a smile.
“Dad! I’m sorry,” Kamya said, holding her ears and making a puppy face.
Derek’s heart melted at his daughter’s adorable antics. “I can’t stay mad at you for long. Let’s have dinner. I made your favorite pudding.”
“Papa! You’re the best daddy in the world; I love you!” Kamya exclaimed, hugging Derek tightly.
“Well, all the love goes to Dad. What an unfortunate brother I am,” Leo sighed with a mock pout.
“Aww! My Mr. Giant is getting jealous, huh? Let me tell you the truth: Dad loves me more than you,” Kamya teased, sticking her tongue out.
“Dad! She’s teasing me again!” Leo groaned.
“What? She’s right!” Derek replied with a straight face.
“Now you’ve confirmed it!” Kamya laughed.
“Oh, nobody loves me!” Leo said dramatically, pretending to turn away.
Kamya giggled and grabbed his hand. “Bro! I love you! You’re the best brother in the world,” she pouted.
“Don’t flatter me!” Leo retorted.
“I’m not! You really are the best brother. I love you, Brother. Never leave me; you’re my strength,” Kamya said, hugging him tightly.
Leo’s chest swelled with pride as he replied, “I’m the luckiest guy to have a sister like you.”
“May God strengthen your bond even more,” Derek said, blinking back tears.
"Let’s go! I’m starving!" Leo grinned.
"Absolutely! And since it’s your birthday, we’re celebrating at the orphanage," Derek replied.
"Yeah! We can’t keep them waiting," Kamya chimed in excitedly.
"Mom would be so happy to see us together, living joyfully from above," Derek added.
"Hurry up! I’m eager to celebrate my birthday with the kids, and I can’t wait to see your surprise gift!" Kamya exclaimed.
Leo and Derek chuckled at Kamya's enthusiasm. "Calm down, let’s eat first," Derek suggested.
They settled down for breakfast, and Kamya inhaled the aroma of the pudding. "Mmm... you’re the best dad! You made my favorite almond pudding."
"Nope, this time it was Leo who made it," Derek said with a smile.
"Oh my gosh! Were you trying to give me a heart attack?" Kamya exclaimed.
"Dad! How many times do I have to remind you not to joke about your health? If something were to happen, oh my!" Derek said, panicking.
"Please, Kamya, after Mom, you’re my only reason to keep going. Don’t talk like that; it worries us," Leo added.
"I’m so sorry, Bhai! Dad!" Kamya pouted.
"Just be careful next time," Derek replied, his tone serious.
"Dad, is it hard for you to live without Mom?" Kamya asked.
"A part of me died when you and your mom left us. I’m only surviving for you and Leo," Derek confessed.
"Dad, if love brings so much pain, why did you love Mom?" Kamya inquired.
"Because love is an addiction that brings pain, but it also offers a unique kind of joy," Leo explained.
"Did you ever love someone?" Kamya asked Leo.
"Finish your breakfast. We’re running late," Leo replied.
The three of them continued their meal in silence, and shortly after, they set off for the orphanage.
"Hey, kids! Easy now! Everyone will get gifts!" Kamya announced with a smile. The excitement and joy radiating from the children filled Anjali’s day with happiness.
"Princess, are you happy?" Leo asked.
"No! I’m super happy!" Kamya giggled.
"Your happiness and laughter are what bring me joy," Leo said.
"Bhai, you’re the best!" Kamya chirped.
Derek watched his children play joyfully with the other kids at the orphanage. He gazed up at the blue sky and smiled, wondering, "Am I keeping my promise?"
He smiled, reminiscing about the same day eighteen years ago.
- Writer
