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 ARJUN

Time has a crazy way of catching up with you when you least expect it. It feels like just yesterday, I was standing outside the orphanage, hesitating and having second-thoughts about my decision. Somehow, the days flew by and here I am, two months later, signing off some papers at the orphanage. The process has been approved and finalized and tomorrow, Abhimanyu will be at his home.

I wanted to take him home today itself but he says he wants to stay there for one more day. I can’t help feeling emotional. I can imagine what the child must be going through. I would do everything in my power to give him a happy and peaceful life.

“There you go… any more papers to sign?” I ask the supervisor. She shakes her head and smiles. “Nothing more, Sir. But I do want to bring some important things to your notice. Tinu needs a proper birth certificate. I think the people who had previously adopted him had prepared some kind of a gazette as proof of his birth to get him admission in a play-school. I do not think that will be considered valid, now that he has crossed the threshold of 5 years. You may also want to consider getting him an identity card of his own.”

I nod, having thought about all that myself. “Thanks, I will look into it. I will be back tomorrow to pick him up. I have restocked some basic groceries that should last for a month. Do you require anything more?”

“Nothing at all, Sir. I cannot thank you enough for helping us all this while.”

“Not just for this while. You can count on me to help as frequently as I can. I will be coming here regularly and assist you with the groceries. I will bring Abhimanyu with me.” I smile at her.

“About that…” she hesitates. “Sir, I would suggest you do not bring the child here again. Not many of our kids get adopted. It may make them feel sorry for themselves, seeing Tinu well-settled. It is not that I do not want to see the child but…” She removes her glasses and wipes her eyes.

I nod. “I respect your sentiments. But whenever you wish to see him, you only have to say a word. I will bring him here. If it were possible for me, I would have adopted all the children.”

She laughs through her tears. “Not even you can manage that!” She puts on her glasses, now looking composed. “I am happy for Tinu. Oh that reminds me – when did he turn into Abhimanyu?”

I chuckle. “He said he wanted to change his name and himself suggested the new name, I being Arjun…”

“And he being your son now.” She nods. “It makes sense.”

Just then, Abhimanyu enters the room, looking a bit lost. I feel for the child. He is after all going to a new place, leaving behind the comfort of familiarity and routine.

He smiles at me and sits on the chair next to mine.

“So, should I call you Abhimanyu from now onwards?” The supervisor asks him with a smile. He nods shyly.

“I have signed all the papers. I will come tomorrow morning to take you home, okay.” I tell him. He gulps and nods his head. I smile and ruffle his hair and take my leave. I can't wait enough for tomorrow to come!

Comments

  1. juiJune 5, 2023 at 5:52 AM

    Eager to read more......what happens next!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ramya VivekJune 6, 2023 at 1:32 AM

    This was so heartwarming and beautiful. Waiting to read what happens next❤❤

    ReplyDelete

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