Manya clutched her flute tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she stumbled along the lonely road. Beside her, Neel walked in silence, his own eyes glistening with helpless sorrow at the sight of her pain.
High above, hidden among the clouds, Vaibhav watched. The angel understood then—this girl was carrying a burden too heavy for her fragile heart. Without wasting another moment, Vaibhav swooped down, lifting Manya gently into his arms, and soared into the sky.
He carried her back to the serene spring where she had once played her flute with such innocent joy. Laying her carefully upon the soft grass, Vaibhav placed a comforting hand on her forehead. A warm, golden light pulsed from his palm, seeping into Manya's mind like a tender whisper.
Then, without a sound, Vaibhav vanished.
Moments later, Manya stirred. Her lashes fluttered open, and memories of Vaibhav flooded her mind. She sat up slowly, lost in thought. Was that a dream? she wondered. I have never dreamt anything so vivid...
A soft smile touched her lips as she whispered to herself, "He was... so beautiful. Like an angel."
Reality quickly anchored her heart.
But no one ever cared for me in this world. Why would an angel? It must have been just a dream...
Brushing off her tears, Manya rose, her heart heavy, and began her climb back up the mountain.
Meanwhile, far away in the celestial realms, Vaibhav returned to the golden skies of the angelic world. His wings folded behind him as he soared silently, gliding past Rakhi, who wandered below with a broken heart.
The moment Rakhi spotted Vaibhav, a bright joy illuminated her face. Without hesitation, she followed him, desperate for his presence.
Vaibhav descended near the Tree of Eternal Bloom, its pink leaves shimmering like silk in the wind. Placing his hand tenderly against the bark, he closed his eyes and spoke silently in his heart:
"O Lord, I have failed on my very first day. I was entrusted with this sacred duty, yet I broke the law. Perhaps I was never meant for this work... Maybe Neel was better suited after all. He fell for a human, yes, but at least he fulfilled his task with devotion..."
Before his thoughts could finish, he heard a faint sound behind him. Turning, Vaibhav found Rakhi standing there, her eyes searching his face for answers.
Back on Earth...
Manya stood once more at the edge of the towering mountain.
Her heart echoed with a single, crushing thought: There is no one left for me in this world.
Even her own sister, the last thread of hope she had, had cast her away like a discarded memory.
Tears blurred her vision as memories of betrayal and loneliness rushed over her. With a deep, trembling breath, she stepped forward, ready to embrace the end.
But before she could, something tugged at the back of her clothes.
Startled, she looked down — and there stood a little boy, no older than seven, with the softest eyes and a face so pure it broke her heart.
He spoke in a voice so innocent it made the mountains weep, "Will you feed me? I have no one in this world."
Manya's breath caught in her chest. Staring at him, her mind spun. He's all alone... and yet, he's still trying to live. And here I am, about to give up so easily.
A tear slipped down her cheek as she knelt to meet his gaze, smiling through her pain.
"You're hungry?" she asked softly, brushing a hand across his messy hair. "Don't worry, little one. I'll find something for you. But first, tell me... what are you doing here alone? What's your name?"
The boy smiled, a pure, heartbreaking smile. "My name is Aarav. My mother... she jumped from this mountain. That's why I'm here."
Manya's heart shattered into pieces. Without hesitation, she grasped his small hand firmly.
"Come," she whispered, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "We'll find food together."
As they walked, Manya's mind raced. I promised him food... but where will I find it? I have no home. No money. Nothing.
Almost as if he could read her heart, Aarav looked up and said sweetly, "I'm an orphan... but I still have a home. My parents left it for me. Will you come with me?"
Manya stopped in her tracks, blinking in disbelief.
"You have a home?" she asked, hope fluttering for the first time in her chest. "Show me, Aarav. Let's go there first, and then I'll find us something to eat."
Aarav simply smiled and tugged her hand, leading her back through the dense forest they had just come from.
Manya followed in silence, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. What kind of home could he possibly have in the middle of this wild forest? she wondered.
Finally, they reached a clearing — and Manya gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Before her stood a grand white bungalow, towering majestically among the trees, its walls gleaming under the sunlight like a promise.
Her heart raced. How could this little boy... an orphan... have a home like this?
Aarav tightened his grip on her hand, beaming up at her.
"Come," he said softly. "This is our home now."