Meenuji introduced the girl to the other women with a proud smile.
"This is Chahat, a very talented and promising child. She was the topper of her college and has now secured a scholarship for her further studies."
Everyone was surprised. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also exceptionally gifted. They realized that one's background does not define their future—what truly matters is the present. And Chahat's present was a golden key to an even brighter future.
After a while, Chahat went to meet a few of her friends and chatted with them. Later, Meenuji approached her and asked,
"Are all the arrangements done for tomorrow's journey?"
Chahat nodded. "Yes, everything is packed, and my bus tickets are confirmed."
Meenuji hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it really necessary to go to Shimla? There are so many prestigious colleges in Mumbai. People come here to chase their dreams, but you're leaving for a small town to build your future?"
Chahat listened patiently and then replied with a soft smile, "I love Shimla, and I want to build my future there. It's the city I feel the most connected to. I want to shape my life in a place that feels like home. And thank you, Meenuji, for everything. You've given me the greatest gift—knowledge. I've learned so much from you, not just academics but also how to survive in society. You made me independent."
Meenuji sighed but smiled warmly. "Alright. But remember, if you ever face any problems, don't forget that Meenu Ma is always here for you."
Chahat smiled gratefully and bid her goodbye.
That evening, after returning to the orphanage, a special meeting was held. The orphanage staff gathered to announce that Chahat had secured a place in a prestigious college and would be leaving the next day. Everyone congratulated her, proud of her achievement.
Later, Chahat went to her room to check if all her belongings were packed. As she was going through her things, the orphanage manager, whom they all called Sister, walked in. She handed Chahat a small envelope.
"This is a gift from your mother for your 19th birthday, which is just ten days away," she said with a gentle smile.
Chahat took the envelope and thanked her.
For a while, she sat in deep thought, her heart restless and filled with emotions she couldn't quite understand. Finally, she took a deep breath, calmed herself, and opened the envelope.
Inside, there was only one sentence:
"LOVE… LOVE IS LIFE."
"Love…" Chahat whispered, staring at the words. Love, huh?
For a moment, she wondered—was love just the bond between a man and a woman? Was it only about romance?
No.
Love was more than that. It was a mixture of emotions—happiness, sorrow, bitterness. It was about two people being involved in each other's lives.
But her mother's words… they felt different from what she had always believed.
Perhaps her mother had experienced a different kind of love. Unlike Chahat, she had known the warmth of a family.
"Mom once told me she was the treasure of her beloved family."
And yet, she had abandoned her own daughter, leaving her as an orphan.
"If she truly had a loving family, then why did she make this decision?" Chahat thought bitterly.
There was an old saying—"A family that stays together and eats together is a happy family."