PROLOGU
Pramitra entered the room, calling out, "Aarya! Aarya!" She discovered Aarya holding her guitar, strands of her soft black hair fluttering in the fan's breeze. Aarya, her fingers poised on the guitar strings, greeted Pramitra with a smile, concerned about her, "Is everything alright?" She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Concern evident in her voice, Pramitra asked, "What are you doing with your guitar? Are you planning to leave?"
Aarya had once confided in Pramitra that whenever she picked up her guitar, it signified her readiness to hit the road in search of her parents. Since arriving at the orphanage, she hadn't left their side.
Aarya settled her guitar nearby, while Pramitra located a spot on the bed, her eyes narrowed, her small heart-shaped mouth downturned into a frown as she rested her hand on her lap, concern and sadness etched across her face.
"Pramitra, you know my dream is to find my father. I believe you and the children will be safe without me. You'll take care of them; I have faith in you," Aarya expressed.
Pramitra knew this was true because it was what had brought Aarya to the orphanage in the first place. She had saved them from two vicious people who had tormented their lives for so many years.
She also knew that Aarya had been planning to leave ever since those wicked people had been removed from their lives, yet she dreaded the moment Aarya would voice her decision.
"I can't do this without you! We can't live without you. You gave us a home, Aarya. You made sure Bhola and Ridhi were put in jail and held accountable for their attacks. And for the past five years, we've been together."
"I'm not leaving you forever. I'll return, but I need to find my identity—discover my roots, Pramitra. I want to know who my parents are, and I believe that if I go out into the world, I can find them. It's always been my dream. Wouldn't you want the same for me? I know you do, right?"
Tears streamed down Pramitra's flushed cheeks as she nodded. She knew her pleas wouldn't work because Aarya had already made up her mind, and she couldn't be selfish. There was no hope left for her and the remaining children. Yet, Aarya clung to hope.
"Miti, I trust you to take care of them. You're eighteen, about to marry Anuj in a few days. I'm confident you both will create a lively atmosphere here. You'll be their guardians. Remember our number one rule: never allow anyone to adopt our siblings. We're responsible for them. We have the means to support them. Anuj's family will help, ensuring the children attend a good school," Aarya explained.
Accepting that Aarya had decided to leave, Pramitra realized she couldn't change her mind. She would support her and wish for her dreams to come true, hoping perhaps Aarya might find her own happily ever after out in the world.
