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ABHIMANYU

I expected to feel something familiar to me on my last day at the orphanage. After all, I have left this place once. But I do not remember how I felt then.

Today, I woke up earlier than usual, wanting to spend some more time here. It is strange. I have often dreamt of living in a forever-kind of home with parents and siblings. Now that I am moving, I feel sad. I sit on the bed that I have slept in since so many years and look around the place that used to be my room. I guess, for some more time, it is still my room. I take in the walls, paint peeling off them, feeling deeply nostalgic. I think about my friends who got adopted and with whom I had lot of fun. I never got to see them again as they did not come here once they got adopted. Today, I miss them even more. I hope they are having a good life.

Ayamma has taught me to prepare tea and coffee. I also know how to dice vegetables and can prepare basic curries. I head towards the kitchen to prepare tea as usual. I find Ayamma there already preparing tea. The aroma of steamed Idli wafts through the kitchen.

“Tinu…” She smiles at me lovingly. “Today you are finally going home! Come, breakfast is ready.” She pulls out a chair and places it beside the table in the kitchen. I sit there and watch as she places Idlis on a plate and pours chutney over them. She hands over the plate to me and I start eating, feeling awkward. For the first time, I do not have anything to talk to her about. Usually I would tell her about the games that I played with the kids. Sometimes we would share a laugh over the antics of the kids. But today, I eat in silence, no longer feeling as a part of the orphanage.

I finish my breakfast and wash the plate. I look at the watch and realize that it is already 10 in the morning, which means it is time for Arjun to be here. I do not have anything to pack, just my old bag containing the colouring set that Didi gifted me. I am not planning to take my clothes. Some other kid will be able to use them now. Arjun has kept many new clothes for me at home, he said.

I stand awkwardly, wanting to say something to Ayamma but not knowing what to tell her. How can you say goodbye to someone who has been a part of your life since you were able to recognize people!?

She comes near me and hugs me. She presses a kiss to my forehead. Her eyes are filled with tears.

“Have a great life ahead, Tinu.” She says in a choked voice. “Do not return here, okay. This time do not return.” She sobs and turns away, gesturing me to leave. I gulp and leave the kitchen, feeling miserable.

As I move towards the room, I see my friends playing in the ground. For them, nothing has changed. Life always moves on when one of us leaves the orphanage. May be it is a good thing.

I go to my room and look around for one last time. I do not want to leave the comfort of this room. I suddenly wish I could live here always, with all my friends. Then I remind myself that one by one, my friends too will find new homes and that the place would not be the same without the people here. I take a deep breath and pick my bag from the bed. I touch the walls in gratitude and leave the room.

I walk to the supervisor’s room to meet Madam. She smiles at me and tells me to sit.

“Arjun should be here anytime now. So, how are you feeling, Tinu? Oh, now you are Abhimanyu, right?” She says with a slight smile.

“You can call me by any name, Madam. I think I will always be Tinu first and then Abhimanyu, at least for all of you here.” I tell her.

She nods. “Yes, you will be always Tinu for us. But now, it is time to embrace a new life filled with possibilities and chances! Whatever you have dreamt of doing and achieving, now is the time to start preparing for that, Tinu. You are going into a great family. Make good use of your life and make it a life of purpose. Be the best that you can be.”

I nod my head, her words filling me with strength and positivity.

“And while I will always tell you to move on and never look back, I want you to remember your humble origins so that someday when you are in a position to help others like Arjun helps us, you too will step up and contribute to the society in a meaningful way. While one should not sit and wallow over trying instances of life, one should remember to stay humble and to serve those in need.”

Madam’s voice seems to be choked. She drinks some water from her bottle.

“All set, Abhimanyu?” Arjun enters the room with a big smile. Just looking at him makes me feel better. I nod and get up from the chair. Arjun comes and holds my shoulder.

“Thank you for all the help, Madam.” He says. “I will be dropping by every now and then to assist with the groceries. You have my contact number, please do not hesitate to ask for any kind of assistance. I will see you sometime around next weekend.”

“Sure, and thanks for helping us. Good luck, Tinu! Have a great life!” She says, her eyes shining with unshed tears. I wave to her, unable to say anything and step out of the room.

My friends immediately rush towards me as I and Arjun walk towards the gate of the orphanage. A chorus of ‘bye’ and ‘see you again!’ surrounds me as they send me off with smiles and hugs. I manage to hold it in till I get inside the car that awaits us. Once I sit inside, the tears start flowing.

“I wish I could take away this pain of parting from the people with whom you have spent all these years, Abhimanyu.” Arjun says gently as he scoots beside me and engulfs me in his arms. “But I promise that it will get better soon and that I will do everything in my power to keep you happy and safe.”

His words comfort me and I wipe my tears. As the car starts, I look back at the orphanage till it recedes out of my vision. I lean back and exhale, feeling slightly better.

A new life awaits me now.

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