Page 122 - You Only Live Once [BooksLD]
P. 122

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.
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