Page 122 - You Only Live Once [BooksLD]

If there is something I wish to do at all, it is to add to the others around me
and never subtract anything from them. I rub my eyes as I welcome the
Christmas morning sun. It is going to be special indeed. I’m finally visiting

my mother’s orphanage today. Parvathi is going to join us anytime.
‘You must wear red today,’ Akkriti says as she enters my room.
‘Why?’

‘It is Christmas. Shouldn’t you be the Santa for the kids at the
orphanage?’

‘That’s a good idea. I must pick up some chocolates on the way.’
‘Is Aarav joining?’ she asks in a teasing tone.

‘Yes. He will come directly to the orphanage.’
‘What are you more excited about?’

‘You’re overthinking!’
‘Every person newly in love lives in a state of denial.’

‘Love is a powerful word.’ I combat every effort she makes at teasing
me.

As I reach the orphanage I am guided to Principal Joseph’s office.
Neither Parvathi nor Aarav are anywhere to be seen. These guys are never
on time. He greets me with a smile and suggests that I motivate the students
for the upcoming exams. I agree to it without a second thought. As I walk
through the orphanage with an assistant teacher, she tells me that this place
has developed much beyond an orphanage now. It has a fully functional

hospital and school too. We head towards the school.
I reach one of the classes and greet the students with a smile. I speak to
them about my journey so far as a singer. I also tell them about Aarav.
Much to my amazement, they are excited to know more and more.

I am amazed to see how well-informed they are - from Ed Sheeran to
Elon Musk to APJ Abdul Kalam to KFC stores, they are inspired by the
journeys of artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from all over the
world.

We discuss the importance of having a purpose in life, a goal that keeps
pulling us towards the destination, and enjoying the challenges presented by
life as the journey progresses. I reassure them that their skills will help them
touch the sky and it’s irrelevant that they were abandoned. They have found

the right community. I tell Elisha’s story to inspire them beyond measure.