“Are you ready, Angel?” Priyank asked, coming in his suit and looking good.
“Yes, I am,” Priya answered, stepping out of the bathroom already dressed.
“Then let’s go invite your mother, Mary. Tomorrow is our wedding in the morning at court and the party at night. Let’s invite everyone from the orphanage,” he said, coming closer and holding her hands.
Kissing her knuckles made her uncomfortable, but she masked her expression, not wanting to show him. Today he is taking her to the orphanage, and she can’t let this opportunity slip.
She doesn’t know why she’s going there when all her plans are to run away. Still, she can’t wait to see everyone one last time – her only family. She doesn’t even know how she’ll escape, but she knows she can’t go back to the orphanage.
She has to go somewhere else, but where? That’s the question. She’s never gone anywhere alone, except for college and the orphanage.
Once she tried, and now she’s here with Priyank, trapped, forced into her soon-to-be marriage, not happy with her life.
Only that’s fine; she pushed herself to come inside his house for her dog, and that dog got killed too. Now she doesn’t know where she can run. She has no money, nothing.
Still, she hopes she can maybe talk to Mary, or at least meet them one last time. Because after tomorrow, she can’t go to them, even if she successfully escapes.
“What are you thinking, Angel?” Priyank asked, seeing her lost in thought.
“Nothing,” she snapped back from her thoughts. “Please don’t behave badly with anyone. I never behave badly with your mom, so respect that at least.”
She looked at him, hoping he would understand. He had already hurt Mary enough, and she didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. She’s scared for the kids too; who knows if he gets angry, he might hurt them like he did her dog.
“I won’t hurt anyone, Angel, I promise,” Priyank replied, his tone softer.
He knows that she was scared of things, but for sure he will try his best to control his anger, because tomorrow is his happiest day and he for sure doesn’t want to spoil Priya’s mood too.
Priya nodded, though she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. She knew Priyank had a temper, and she had seen how volatile he could get.
As they drove to the orphanage, Priya’s mind raced with thoughts of escape. She glanced at Priyank, wondering if this was her chance to slip away unnoticed, maybe she can run away from the orphanage.
But then she remembered the kids at the orphanage, their faces filled with hope and trust. She couldn’t abandon them, not when it’s her last time to see them, and for sure she can’t put everyone in a mess because of her.
When they arrived, Priyank parked the car, as this time he didn’t bring any driver, and drove the car himself.
They walked towards the entrance. Priya took a deep breath, trying to appear normal, maybe even happy.
Happy? It’s something she can never truly feel with Priyank, and being here, outside her old home, the orphanage, her eyes began to water.
Remembering how Mary had pushed her away with harsh words, that wasn’t the issue. What hurt more was realizing that after today, she wouldn’t be coming back here to see anyone.
“What if he does something to everyone?” the thought flashed through her mind.
Priya felt her palms sweating at the thought. If she managed to escape tomorrow, would Priyank go crazy and hurt the orphanage, the kids, and Mary?
She was sure about the going crazy part; he would definitely lose it.
Priya’s heart raced as she imagined the worst-case scenario. She couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else getting hurt because of her.
Trying to push aside her fears, Priya forced herself to focus on the present moment.
Since she hadn’t formulated a plan yet, she resolved to do her utmost to ensure Priyank believed she would never return here, and indeed she wouldn’t, even if he came looking for her.
She wouldn’t be here, which would remove everyone from his radar except for her.
“Hello, is anyone inside?” Priyank knocked softly as he pressed the doorbell.
Priya eagerly stared at the door, hoping it would open so she could see the kids.
As the door creaked open, Priya’s heart skipped a beat. She could see Mary standing there, a mixture of surprise and concern on her face.
“Hello, Priya,” Mary greeted warmly, her eyes flickering with emotions and tears .
“Hi, Mother Mary,” Priya replied, forcing a smile.
Mary was shocked to see Priya after more than two days. She had spent her days and nights consumed by regret, unable to shake off the weight of the harsh words she had spoken to Priya. But with Priyank’s threats looming over her, she felt she had no choice but to prioritise the other children who needed her.
Despite her regrets, Mary hadn’t slept a wink, her mind filled with anxiety about Priya’s well-being. Seeing Priya standing there, looking beautiful in her dress, brought a small measure of relief, but it wasn’t enough to dispel her anxious state, knowing what Priyank was capable of.
Before Mary could say anything, the children came running towards Priya, shouting her name. Their faces lit up with joy as they hugged her tightly, and Priya embraced each one.
Mary watched as the children surrounded Priya, their excitement filling the air with warmth. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for not being able to protect Priya, for not standing up to Priyank when she had the chance.
Priya’s presence brought a glimmer of hope to the orphanage, a reminder of the love and care that they all shared.
Mary felt a sense of gratitude for having Priya in their lives, but it all got smashed due to Priyank .
As Priya broke the hug with the kids, she looked toward Mary with emotions.
Mary approached her, her eyes filled with tears. “How are you?,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Priya hugged Mary tightly, offering her comfort. “I am fine, but what about you?”
“I’m fine too,” Mary chocked.
“Why the dark circles then? You always say it’s bad to lie, so why are you lying?”