'A Dream To Die For'

Nia

"Do you have enough funds?"

Ah! Here we go again.

I shook my head disappointedly. The lawyer in front of me rummaged through the papers I had presented to him.

"Well. You know the government will aid you if and when needed." He closed my file and said boringly. "But, first you'd need money. A lot of money."

He mocked me. And slide the file towards me.

"I hope you can afford my fees." He smiled with his teeth. I held my fists tight, my nails dug deep in my palm. I suppressed my urge to throw a punch at him.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

This dumb man doesn't deserve it.

I gave him a tight smile and rummaged through my bag. I took out my purse and slammed the money on his table.

His smile disappeared instantly but still took the money.

All these people are just after money. Yesterday, I took a leave from my job just to wait hours in front of the DM office.

I waited all day for his dumb suggestion.

"I suggest, you join any political group. They can be a great help. A recommendation weighs more than an application." He smiled, a cunning one.

Oh! How I wished my fist could greet his face.

A knock on the table in front of me shook me out of daze.

"Ma'am, take my suggestion. You'd need a NGOs support on your side."

I frowned at his words. Does he even know what he's uttering out of his fucking mouth?

"Why?"

"Cause you know, its their business-"

"Children are not business. Asshole."

I slammed my hands and stood up from my seat. Due to my abrupt action he was startled and moved back.

His eyes opened wide when my words registered in his brain.

"Ma'am you don't speak to me that way. "

I took my file and walked out not before flashing him my middle finger.

With a raging heart I went home.

All I wanted was to open an orphanage. This was my dream, I wasn't in some business or doing it for fun. I genuinely wanted to make those children's future.

"Oh deary, Help those in need. Keep your anger in bay and work harder again. You'll make it."

I remember my Grandma's calm voice whenever I used to be fiesty. She was my world.

I lost my other half when she left me alone.

I wish you were here, Grandma.

I sighed and tears spilled out. I sniffled and looked away to try not to cry.

I jerked up from the bed and started cleaning the house. Later my evening was spent preparing food for dinner. Since Grandma passed away last month, this house feels so empty.

The first few days were at least tolerable. There were few guests and people around the house. But soon after they were gone. I was left alone.

I was utterly alone.

The walls now echo whenever I speak aloud. There's no warmth in the house anymore. The cozyness doesn't linger anymore. It's cold and just cold.

The house wasn't home anymore.

____

I didn't even realise when I fell asleep. But when I woke up I was sleeping on the cold hard floor.

I was shivering from the cold but I was used to being wrapped with blankets by Grandma.

I don't remember feeling cold, there was always a warm blanket over me.

I shook my head to get out of the daze. I was in the waiting room of the minister's office.

To get the orphanage registered I need support letters from powerful persons. Mr. Dhiren Lal Singh, businessman and famous politician, his support letter would help me with registration and it would be a little bit easy to begin.

I absolutely loathe our politicians. But I had no other choice, without their help I couldn't do anything.

I gave it a second thought yesterday and after consulting with my friend, I got to know that a 'support letter' from powerful people would make my orphanage in a snap of finger.

I had to hire a lawyer too in order to handle any legal process. But I don't have enough money for that now. So I will get one when I will raise funds.

My last month's salary was almost gone just from running from office to office. I cannot afford any more days off.

I already had two strikes.

If I lose this job then I will starve. To find a new job, it will take at least a month. On top of that the interviews and all before finally getting the job will take at least ten days off from a month. Leaving only twenty days of payment, on top of that at first the salaries are always low.

I had to get the support letter today, anyhow!

I watched the clock as it ticked off from 1 to 2 pm.

"Didn't he say 11 am? Tsk."

I said to no one in particular. The waiting room was almost empty, except for me, of course.

I tapped my feet restlessly, not able to hold the urge to burst inside his office. I stood up and walked out of the waiting room.

There's a desk opposite the minister's office. A lady with her sleeveless blouse and tight pencil skirt sits not doing anything other than chewing gums and playing with her phone. I grimaced before walking to her.

"Excuse me."
She took a sharp breath before looking at me with a boring expression.

"I had an appointment with the minister at 11 am. It's been 3 hours. Can you remind him?"

"Of course--not"

She smiled tightly. My jaw dropped to the floor at her arrogance. My palm curled into a fist, my body heat up from the rush of adrenaline.

"Why is every person in this office so damn RUDE." I mumbled but yelled the last word loud enough to be heard. She glared at me and I glared back.

I took my bag and ringed Adil. He works at the social welfare department and he's the one who got the appointment for me today.

From the day I decided to open an orphanage, he's been with me running around in every office, collecting every document needed. Thanks to him, I knew what documents I needed to collect.

"Hello?"

His voice sounded grumpy.

"He's still busy."

"Wait a bit more. I am sure you will meet him today."

"I think so, if I don't, I had to wait for next month." I sighed out loud. I had only 1/4 part of my salary with me and it's been only one week.

"After he gives you a support letter, you can focus on your job. Your registration and NOC will be with you by the end of the month. Leave that to me."

"I really appreciate your help.. I hope I will meet him before I rip someone's head off." I said clenching my jaws.

"Relax, official work like this takes time. And besides, you know how they act?"

"Like Assholes." We both said in union and laughed.

Some footsteps approached the office and the door opened and closed. I looked back and the lady gestured to go inside.

I nodded at her with a poker face.

"Listen. I need to go. Finally."

I immediately shoved my phone in my bag and walked hurriedly towards the closed door with a raging heart.

I breathe in and out a few times. I had already prepared so much for this meeting. I was excited and nervous too.

With my fingers crossed I opened the door.

I smiled at Mr. Dhiren but instantly frowned at the man sitting with his back towards me. With his one leg thrown over his other smugly. He had his arms around the edge of the leather chair.

Arrogant Brat.

With his black suit that screamed 'Expensive' and gelled hair, I bet he's important and in business. All of that was already giving a rich vibe, when my eyes fell on his wrist.

A Rolex. He was wearing a freaking Rolex.

He was literally giving an --exclusive-- vibe.

When I was done with him, suddenly something clicked.

"Who's he?"

My voice boomed in the silence room. The minister's smile faded and he looked at him and then me. I saw his eyes glint as he nervously tried to open his mouth.

But, the man didn't even budge.

"Miss Nia, come in. Take a seat." He gestured hesitantly.

I didn't move an inch, my eyes were on both of the men in front of me. I frowned at the minister, he had guilt written all over his face. He was constantly avoiding my eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked straightforwardly. " If you are not finished, let me come later."

Tears threatening to fall, my temper rising quickly.

Does he take this as a joke? Am I a joke to him?

I spent my entire day for this humiliation. If he had no then all he had to say was NO.

I felt utterly embarrassed by the situation. I turned around my heels to quickly exit before I faced any more humiliation.

I halted when I heard a deep husky voice, almost melting me.

"Miss Nia."

*****____*****

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