Episode (6)

Roen put the earring back in the drawer. He would give it to Mayabati. The next morning, Ruhi searched the whole room but couldn't find the earring. She couldn't stop crying. She didn't eat anything all day and kept crying for her mother. Roen was sitting in a chair when two men came into his room. "Sir, that girl's name is Ruhi. She lives in an orphanage." Roen's heart skipped a beat. She lives in an orphanage?! No one is there for her? Roen asked angrily. "Sir, her mother died at birth, and her father remarried elsewhere. She stayed with her uncle and aunt. Her aunt couldn't tolerate her, so her uncle left her at the orphanage."

"What's the name of the orphanage?" Roen asked in a stern voice.

"Deepanjali Orphanage." Roen stood up. "Get the car ready," he ordered. The two men left. Roen returned home, took the earring from the drawer, and put it in his pants pocket. He wore a chocolate-colored shirt and folded the sleeves. He set his hair with gel and wore an expensive black watch. He looked very handsome in his black jeans. He got into the car and after a half-hour journey, reached Deepanjali Orphanage. As soon as he entered the gate, many small children came running, laughing and playing. Roen's men tried to quiet the children, but Roen stopped them. "Don't do this," he said. He walked into Jennifer's cabin. Jennifer stood up. "We talked earlier. What would you like to eat, sir?" she asked.

"I didn't come to eat." Roen placed a briefcase full of money on the table. "This is for the children. Arrange good food for them. If you don't mind, I can buy sewing machines. The girls will learn to sew clothes. I will bring some orders from abroad, and they will complete them within a specified time. The money will be used for their education. They must study. Whatever is needed, I will provide." Jennifer was astonished. "Sir, will you do all this for our orphanage?" she asked. "Do you have any doubts?" Roen asked. "No, sir."

"In the large field next door, I want to place some slide slippers, wooden horses, and other toys because I saw some very young children," Roen added.

"Yes, yes," Jennifer said with a light smile.

"Which room does Ruhi stay in?" Roen asked. "Why are you asking about Ruhi, sir?" Jennifer questioned. "Just tell me where Ruhi is," Roen asked, trying to control his anger. "Yes, sir, come," Jennifer said, leading Roen to Ruhi's room.

Ruhi was sitting on the bed, crying silently. She looked up at the sound of footsteps. Roen entered and locked the door. "You… you!" Ruhi started retreating as Roen approached silently. "I didn't tell anyone anything, and I won't. Please don't do anything," she pleaded. Ruhi was cornered against the wall with no way to escape. Roen was very close. Ruhi couldn't say anything and kept her head down.

Roen placed the earring on Ruhi's ear. Surprised, Ruhi touched her ear and looked at Roen. She couldn't say anything as tears streamed down her face. "Thank you, thank you so much," she managed to say before breaking down in sobs.

"Don't cry like this in front of me. Is it necessary to cry over a mere earring?" Roen asked. "Don't call it mere. It's my mother's last memory. I never had the fortune to see her, but I feel her presence when this earring is near," Ruhi replied.

"Do you know how to sew?" Roen asked sternly. "No, I don't," Ruhi replied.

"Okay, someone will come here to teach you sewing. Orders will come from abroad, and you will complete them. Where are the machines?" Ruhi asked. "They will arrive tonight," Roen said.

"Alright," Ruhi said softly. "Be ready at 10 a.m. tomorrow," Roen instructed. "Why?" Ruhi asked, surprised. "I don't like questions," Roen said through gritted teeth before storming out. That night, eight sewing machines arrived. The next day, someone came to teach the girls sewing. All the girls were very excited to finally be able to do something to sustain themselves. Snigdha and Ruhi kept touching the shiny machines. They hoped their lives would shine like the machines someday.

At night, everyone ate and went to bed. Ruhi and Snigdha lay next to each other. "I never imagined something like this would happen," Snigdha said with a smile. "You're right, Snigdha. In a few days, we'll have a beautiful life too," Ruhi said. "Yes, I'm very happy, Ruhi. The man said he would also help with our studies," Snigdha said. "What?!" Ruhi was surprised. "Yes, he was telling Ms. Jennifer," Snigdha replied.

"Why is he helping us?" Ruhi wondered. (Yesterday he beat the lakes, and today he's helping us. He even told me to meet him tomorrow. Who is he really, and why is he doing this?) Ruhi pondered.

The next day, after breakfast, Ruhi wore a blue salwar kameez. She let her hair flow down her back and applied kajal to her eyes. She looked like a blue fairy. Standing in front of the mirror, she wondered where the man would take her. Would he kill her? Just then, Ms. Jennifer rushed into the room...

To be continued

(Thank you to read🖤)