I was on the verge of my senior year of high school during the extraordinary COVID-19 epidemic, which plunged the whole globe into turmoil and uncertainty. I had no idea that a bizarre turn of fate would alter the routine rhythm of examinations and classes. My hopes of passing the difficult 12th board exams were unexpectedly dashed as the Indian government imposed a total lockdown. 

We, the 12th passed, still felt incomplete because we didn't get to experience our senior year of high school in its entirety. We dispersed into the broad social media sphere as the 12th ended, striving to keep in touch despite the rigors of our personal lives, college aspirations, and developing jobs. The urge to come together, even for a little time, and create a concrete memory that would sum up our shared experience was still buried deep inside each of us.

I decided to take the risk and come up with an outrageous idea—a lavish reunion party for our beloved group—in an effort to reignite the flame of our shared experiences. I quickly created a WhatsApp group, meticulously selecting each person I recognized from our school days, with unrelenting passion. 

As I revealed my plan, the anticipation increased, and to our surprise, what had started off as a straightforward get-together quickly developed into an amazing 10-day trip to the stunning landscapes of Manali, where we would blatantly replicate the wonderful moments of "Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani."

The group spirit of our group united in our mutual expectations, drove us onward. I quickly booked the tickets, planned every minute detail, and painstakingly balanced our budget with unflinching resolve. 

As the long-awaited day finally arrived and the final phase of our plan came close, our hearts filled with excitement, ready to unleash the grand execution of our perfectly planned reunion.

The Journey Started...

On the evening of February 8, 2023, when the clock struck eight o'clock, the bustling Varanasi railway station transformed into our frenetic center of expectation. We set off on a thrilling trip to find our assigned seats among the sea of enthusiastic passengers, hearts racing and spirits flying. As 8:20 o'clock drew close, an electric buzz filled the air, informing us that our train was about to depart and urging us to go out on an amazing adventure to the enchanted delights that awaited us. 

We skillfully woven a tapestry of shared tales as time went on, recalling the priceless moments that shaped our school years. Our voices blended with the regular cadence of wheels sliding over steel rails, filling the train compartment with an undeniable sensation of excitement and brotherhood. 

Our voyage unfurled like a symphony of singing, dancing, and amusing other passengers, leaving an unforgettable mark of joyous moments in our hearts. Our train finally welcomed the picturesque destination of Manali, a magnificent tapestry of nature's splendor anxiously awaiting our arrival, with the dawn of a new day.

We gathered together around a roaring bonfire under the starry night sky, its warm warmth hypnotizing us. As a budding chef, I took responsibility of cooking Maggie, diligently and carefully stirring the boiling pot. Everyone was enticed to partake of this cherished delight by the alluring scent that filled the air. 

The sound of laughing and joy rang with each scoop of steaming noodles. But just as I was ready to enjoy my own, a fortuitous turn of events caught my attention and changed the direction of our trip.

The Turning Point

A lovely seven-year-old girl with her eyes fixed on the hot dish of Maggie in my hands came before me among the flickering flames. She looked at me with an unmistakable hunger, as she was craving for this Maggie. I made a pleasant enquiry, "What might your name be?" out of curiosity. "Nimita," she said, sounding like a pleasant symphony to my ears as it floated through the night air.

I was compelled to give her the warm strands of Maggie from my own hands because of how precious she looked. Our bond became stronger with each wonderful mouthful, allowing us to have a heartfelt conversation. She tenderly wrote her name with a pen on my hand, creating a permanent imprint of friendship and trust. She had been without her parents since she was just two years old. The girl had never known such a delicate, unselfish love. No one had ever fed her with her his/her own hands.

How could anybody avoid being permanently captivated by the innocence and purity of her spirit? I was in awe of her intrinsic maturity at that very moment, and an implicit promise to protect her at all costs blossomed within my heart.

Unexpectedly, a connection developed between us that was unsaid, as if fate had weaved us together over a long period of time. This wonderful child instantly grabbed my heart's innermost regions with her bright presence. I experienced a connection in her tender hug that went beyond space and time, tying our souls together in an eternal web of deep love. It's still unclear how she so casually won a special place in my heart, but I completely accepted it since I knew this encounter would have a profound impact on both of our lives in ways I could never have imagined.

We were having fun, and after about two hours, she returned to be close to me and fell asleep on my lap. She wants more Maggie, all of my buddies laughed and said. When I gently placed my hands on her head, I saw that she was crying.

"What happened, baby?" I questioned. My uncle was hitting me, she retorted. He is not a decent man. When I questioned her, "Why?" I was broken upon learning the explanation.

She said that her uncle had touched her vagina and bit her on her chest. She had no idea what it was, but every time she tried to protect herself from him, he would start beating her. 

We were all stunned. I was at a loss for words. My words failed me. How could the devil subject her to this? She was a mere 7-year-old baby. And how bad of her to be dealing with this. It was quite disheartening. 

We made the decision to act in her favor. As soon as we arrived at her home, my male companions began to criticize that man. The man argued that she was lying to us and that we had no right to interfere in their family matters. 

How could a girl of her age lie this? The innocence at her face was saying it all. We decided not to stop here when some of the neighbors accompanied Nimita and said that this man was misbehaving with their girls as well.

We made the decision to complain, so we went to the police station. Thankfully, the police were on the job; they immediately arrested that demon in face of the uncle after submitting the case and creating a charge sheet, recording Nimita's statement, and filing the case. Unfortunately, it was completed in just 5 business days, because there was no official court case, the man closed the case by bribing the police. But he also refused to keep Nimita.  

The following day, as anticipated, we were set to depart from that location. I received an embrace from Nimita. She started weeping and said she didn't want me to leave. I felt as though I should adopt her when I had the chance. Though I was helpless. She had no one to care for her, so the police department made the legally required decision to place her in an orphanage. 

I was not ready for this. Anyone who spoke about that girl made me unable to trust them. I don't understand how I was able to invest so much in her in just five days. 

It was sure that Nimita would be placed in an orphanage until she was adopted, where she would get an education and have a promising future. However, I didn't want to abandon her there. Some how, me and my friends managed to convince the authorities to place her in the Varanasi orphanage after pleading with them, submitting an application, and working very hard. This official work took 2 more days. And we spent 7 days of our trip in this case. 

Along with Nimita, we enjoyed the final three days of our journey. Though the trip did not go as I had hoped. We were limited in the number of sites we could see, but we all agreed that it was one of the nicest vacations we had ever taken—especially me. Nimita was a gift from the trip. 

Nimita arrived in Varanasi, and the officials and I proceeded to register her at an orphanage nearby. She attends one of Varanasi's most prestigious schools. I frequently visit her. She is undeniably delighted to be here. She occasionally visits me as well. She and my parents share a deep love for one another.

I truly hope this girl receives everything she deserves. 

.    .    .

Disclaimer: I did not use the real name of that girl due to privacy concerns.