~Chapter 03~

Mr. Malik's evil chuckle filled the room as he whispered to Ms. Louis, “Ms. Louis, did you see that? Jiya is a beautiful girl. If I add her to the list of 7 children, perhaps I could get double the money from the owner.” Their laughter echoed, painting a picture of wealth and greed in their minds. Meanwhile, in the distant orphanage, Reema engaged in conversation with a lady. Upon receiving Jiya's call on the landline, she swiftly disconnected it, choosing to conversate with the nurse instead.

Reema's voice trembled with concern as she shared her inner feelings, “I am truly worried for my daughter, Jiya. She is in deep situations, adamant about staying with me. However, I fear I cannot provide her with the life she deserves. I have made a difficult decision to seek adoption for her, hoping she will find happiness somewhere else. Though the separation may at the begining, break her heart, I believe she will adjust in time. But im still really worried.” With a heavy heart, Reema bid a hasty farewell, rushing to her car, her thoughts overtaken by the burden of her choice.

Jiya's tears flowed down her cheeks as she was missing Reema, as she drifted into a deep sleep, only to be enveloped in an unexpected dream. In her vision, a towering figure stood before a handsome boy, his features somewhat blurred, yet his words rang clear, “Whatever is meant for you will come to pass, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't strive for it.”

The boy's image dissolved, leaving Jiya startled as she awoke suddenly, thinking about this confusing dream. Startled, she turned to her left and found Reema peacefully asleep beside her, a sight that brought her comfort, erasing the dream from her mind as she drifted back to sleep peacefully.

As dawn broke and a new day dawned, Jiya was awake, only to discover Reema absent from the room again. Expecting her return, Jiya freshened up, waiting for Reema's arrival. Upon exiting the washroom, her search for Reema led her to seek out Ms. Louis, assuming she might have information.

Jiya walked to Father Mali's room, where Ms. Louis often resided, only to find Reema engaged in conversation with Father Mali, a surprising encounter that left Jiya puzzled yet relieved to see Reema safe and sound.

Ms. Louis was like, “I don't think this boy will ever find out about his dad. We gotta do something, sort out some papers, and mark my words, this boy ain't leaving anytime soon. Let's set up a room for him.”Father Mali chimed in, “No need to stress, slot him in with the 7 kids. Then we can hand him over to that guy. If his father was around... he'd be on the hunt for his son by now.”

Reema jumped in, “I don't think it's right to give him up for adoption in this mess! It just doesn't seem right with me.” Father Mali shot back, “Well, obviously you're against it because your adopted daughter is also going, right?”

Reema was shocked, “What! You're giving away Jiya too!? But I adopted her; she's my daughter!!” Ms. Louis retorted, “Stop living in a dream! She's not your daughter; you're just looking after her! It's time for her to leave; it's Mr. Malik's way of punishing her mistake.” Reema pleaded, “But she's just a child, kids make mistakes, it's our job to forgive them. She has a bright future ahead.”

Mr. Mali replied, “Then why don't you go with her and marry that man. He might be old.” Reema was feeling rather hurt and disgusted, “Mr. Malik, how could you say such things... Okay, I'm calm now. Maybe it's better if Jiya goes; she might have a better life ahead than what I can provide.” Ms. Louis instigated, “Yes, that's right. She'll also learn proper manners. She'll have a stable and happy life. Let's give it a shot; the man will keep in touch with us. Trust me and Mr. Malik, Reema.” And Reema agreed.

Jiya who overheard this, feeling betrayed and shattered, lost all trust in Reema. She rushed to her room, muttering to herself, “What? Reema was just fine with selling me off!? How could she, she'd never do this to me. Or was I mistaken? She cannot do this to me that's not fair at all... Why.!?” and she weeped for sometime, flashback of her memories with Reema running in her mind.

After a while she whispered, “But there's no time to waste now. I don't care what happens to me, but that boy is in real trouble; he needs to find out about his father before he can leave. I have to prevent this disaster. Reema won't have my back anymore or help. I have to act alone... And I know what to do.”

Reema decided to keep Jiya in the dark about her impending departure, fearing it would devastate the child. She inquired from a passing nurse, “Uh, did the boy arrive? Have you welcomed him?” The nurse responded, “Ah, oh yeah. He's in room no. 25 in the girl's section.”

Meanwhile, Reema headed to inform Mr. Malik about this information. Jiya overheard and quickly dashed to room no. 25, believing it was fortunate the boy was placed in the girls' section and hurried to his room.

Jiya, standing near the door, was about to knock when she caught sight of a moving shadow and swiftly hid herself behind the corridor curtains. It turned out to be the boy's caretaker, carrying his empty plate and cup. Jiya whispered to herself, “Phew! that was a close call spotting her shadow. If she saw me, I'd be in big trouble. They never let girls meet boys here, but my reason is different and crucial.”

With determination, she entered the room and was met with the heartwarming sight of a charming boy sitting by the fire. Taking a seat beside him, Jiya greeted him with a warm “hi! ” but the boy's eyes betrayed his fear. Calmly, Jiya reassured him, “There's no need to be scared. I understand the rules, but I'm here to share something important that could change everything. Let's start by being friends. I'm Jiya. Only i have a name here While they assign numbers to others here, I'm certain you have a name, especially coming all the way from ca... Canada. What should I call you?”

The boy, calm and relaxed, responded, “You're quite chatty. My name is Ji Jeonkook.” Jiya, a bit surprised, replied, “Huh? Are those names? Or do you not understand English? Ji Jeon... Why? I'm a bit confused, but I'd love to know more about you.” Jeonkook chuckled heartily and securely locked the room door to ensure Jiya's presence remained unnoticed. He explained, “I do speak English. In Korean, names are unique; we start with the family name first, then two connected names create the full name. Ji is my family name, and Jeonkook is my given name. You can call me that.”

Jiya, in a serious tone, said, “Ooooh, I see... I'm not quick enough to find out that. Well, it might sound strange, but anyway, I know your story. All I wanted to say is... wait, you're from Canada! How come your name is so weird?” Jeonkook explained, “I'm actually from Korea; my religion or the culture I follow is Korean, but I live in Canada. I was born in Korea and then shifted to Canada. What about you? Tell me about yourself.” Jiya responded, “Oh, I see. Yeah, I've been here since I was a baby. People call me mischievous, but I'm bad for bad and good for good. You'll learn more about me in the future. I wanted to share something important before anyone comes. Listen, Jeon! The fact is, you and I are in trouble. You will be sold tonight to a man, and I have been betrayed by my caretaker, who I thought was like a mother to me. Also, you are going to be adopted by someone without confirming anything about your dad.”

Jeonkook, in a shocked tone, exclaimed, “What! No way. How can they do this? Thank you for telling me; I can't leave my dad behind. We need to take action. Why don't we work together to escape from here and the owner?” Jiya responded, “Ah? Are you sure we can? Then I'm with you. I just want to live my own life. Now that I'm capable enough, I will live my own life since I'm 5 years old now. And you 6.”

Jeonkook replied, “haha ! Do you really think you can survive alone? Anyway, trying is not bad. And as I said, you are very talkative.” Suddenly, after a heated discussion, someone was approaching Jeonkook's room. Jiya quickly said goodbye to Jeonkook and fled out of the window to her room. Both were prepared to elope tonight...

Jiya sneaked into her room while she saw nobody in her room. She sighed for a minute, when suddenly Reema ran in the room and hugged Jiya tightly and cried. Jiya was very angry and sad at the same time. Reema said,“ oh Jiyaaa... I can't dear... My life is very hard... Jiya i know it's hard for you to accept but know that you're gonna go far away from me. Jiya i will miss you am sorry i coudnt do anything. Jiyaaa am really very sorry dear”

Reema's words made Jiya broken but yet she behaved casual as she replied, “oh it's okay. No problem am happy with what you do, I know whatever you do is right. Bye,” before heading out to play with her friends. Reema, overcome with emotion, wept more, feeling like she had lost Jiya's love. The night fell, and Jiya, along with the 6 children, were brought out into the darkness of the evening. As they stepped out of the orphanage , the air felt heavy with uncertainty and the weight of their impending journey.

Ms. Louis laid it on Jiya, “Well, kiddo, looks like luck's on our side today. You're off to escape us and that wicked Malik, freeing us from the burden you've been.” Calling her a “little rat,” Ms. Louis commanded her to vanish and never return, showing no care even if she met her death, claiming they had enough of her. Jiya, with a sly grin, retorted, “Indeed, my destiny may have surprises in store, leaving you speechless.” Ms. Louis, annoyed by Jiya's words, thought she had lost her mind and swiftly urged her into the car. As the car started, Jiya and Jeonkook exchanged knowing winks and together exclaimed, “urgent washroom.” The owner, aiming for a quiet exit with the children, urged them to hurry back.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiya opened the car door and instructed all the children to get off. Startled, the owner questioned, “Hey there, little one! Where are you leading them?” Jiya coolly responded, “It's crucial to fulfill one's personal needs before setting off,” pretending to head towards the orphanage while silently guiding the children to select their bicycles from the garage.

And off they zoomed from their hideaway, making a daring escape. In a twist of fate, one girl tumbled, causing a sound that alerted the owner and his crew. Thinking fast, Jiya aided the fallen girl and sped away. Despite the owner's attempts to get them, they escaped from him, slipping out of his custody. The owner stormed in the orphanage, seizing the money from the greedy Malik, accusing him for not taking care of the children.

With a stern warning, the owner declared Mr. Malik wouldn't receive the money due to his carelessness and went away. Ms. Louis lamented the loss of both money and children. Enraged, Mr. Malik, in a fit of anger, flung books off the shelf like a wild beast, demanding to get the children's documents, and find them at any cost. Ms. Louis, following his orders, quickly dashed out of the cabin to carry out the important task.

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