A Miracle

Suresh was a handsome boy with jet-black hair and deep, hazel eyes. Not only was he good in looks, but was also a kind, compassionate and courteous person. Everyone adored him, and he had lots of friends. One day, his mom asked him to get some groceries from the store nearby. He happily agreed, because he wanted to get away from the pressure cooker and its continuous whistling. He took along with him a bag and some money. He stepped out of the house and was greeted by a light drizzle and the sweet smell of the damp earth. His lips stretched into a smile and he started for the shop. Along the way, the lush green trees were swaying with joy. The raindrops tickled Suresh's face. Suresh burst into a song. When he reached the shop, it was heavily raining. The shopkeeper was a kind person and he knew Suresh very well, so he offered him to stay until the rain stopped. Suresh agreed. But, time was passing by and the rain showed no signs of stopping. Suresh somehow made up his mind to return home. He walked slowly and cautiously. The wind was powerful, but even Suresh was stubborn, and was not giving up. The huge raindrops were hitting his face and he seemed worn out. So, at the end, the storm won. Suresh couldn't reach his house. He fell on the ground, weak and helpless. 'Hey, hey, come with me, I'll help you," a female voice said. She helped him up and took him to her house. She was a girl with bouncy, ebony hair cascading down to her back. After they reached, Suresh slouched on the couch. And the girl went in to get something. After a while, she returned with a blanket and a cup of comforting hot chocolate. Suresh looked at her carefully. There was something familiar about this girl... "Here, take this hot chocolate, it'll help you to be warm," she interrupted his thoughts. "T-thanks," Suresh shivered. He drank it, and it was delicious. "It is awesome," he admitted. "So, what's your name?" she asked. "Suresh. What's yours?" "My name's Maya," she replied. "I don't see you around, are you new here?" Suresh queried. "Ya, I ran away from my family," Maya laughed. Seeing the confused expression on his face she continued, "Well, you see, the thing is, that I was adopted. But, then my parents had a baby boy and it's like I didn't exist. I didn't know that I was adopted until I was in third, but I always had suspicions.. My brother never disliked me and always played with me. He was my only source of happiness in the family. But, he suffered from a very severe disease and died when he was just 6 years old. I was very sad, and it was like the world had ended. My parents also were sad, for the first time in their lives. I consoled them, and for a few days, we united. Then, when they were okay with my brother's death, they took another chance. Now I have a sister. She is cruel to me and always tells me to do all her work. I have a decent bedroom, and lots of fancy things. But all I ever wanted was love from my family, which I never got." Her eyes welled up, and she looked away. Suresh felt very bad for her. "So, I ran away from my family and after walking for ten miles I stopped here. I explained the situation to the police. The police here are very kind, because they helped me find a nanny, and the nanny helped me find a house and a school," Maya explained. Suresh nodded his head. "I wish I had a sibling. We are just three people; me, my dada and my mama," Suresh mused. That's when he realized why she looked so familiar. He didn't know why but the girl bore a striking resemblance to his mom. "Uh, so how will you pay the nanny? You know that nothing is free these days," he blurted. "I know. I guess I'll have to find a part time job," said Maya. "Why don't come and live with us until you find your parents? My mom is very kind, so she won't mind. And my dad is on a business tour so we would like some company," he offered. Maya was hesitant at first, but as she had no other choice she agreed. "I guess then I'll tell her that I don't need her," Maya said. The rain had stopped and so they both headed to Suresh's home. When they reached, the door was already open. Both of the children entered the house. There was a deafening silence in there. "Mom?" Suresh called. He peeked in each room and found his mother sleeping. "We'll not disturb her. Come I'll show you the bathroom," he led her to the bathroom and they freshened up. Then, Suresh did his homework while Maya explored the house. 

          In the evening, the doorbell rang, waking Suresh's mother up. At the door was a postman, his khaki shorts dripping wet, an his crooked teeth showing because of his smile. "Here is your letter miss," the postman handed her a letter and before his mother could say thankyou he had disappeared. Suresh's mother heard giggling in the house. 'Has Suresh returned?' she thought to herself. She saw him playing online games with another girl, who looked slightly older than him. "Suresh? When did you come home? Are you safe? Is this your friend?" she bombarded him with questions. "Yes mom. I am safe. And this is my friend, Maya. She took me to her house because I was soaking wet," Suresh answered each of her questions. Maya turned around and his mother gasped. Maya looked exactly like her! It was like looking in a mirror! She dropped the letter in her hand and her eyes widened. "Hello aunty," Maya said, equally surprised. " Hello. T-thanks, for saving Suresh," said his mother, words barely coming out of her mouth. "Mom, she will stay with us for a few days as she is alone and has no one of her own. Is that ok?" Suresh asked, making puppy eyes. Mother smiled, "Yes of course dear. Maya, you can stay here for as long as you want" Then she went in the kitchen, ordering the cook what to do. Maya picked up the letter on the floor. "From Rashmi Deshpande to Aditya Kulkarni?" she read. "T-this is my mother's name. Does your father know my mother?" she asked. Suresh walked up to her. Maya opened it and in it was a letter. "May I?" he asked, and Maya handed him the piece of paper. "Dear Friend, So I guess you stole your daughter back. But, remember, now she is not Smita Kulkarni, now she is Maya Deshpande, OUR daughter. So give her back. Otherwise we will have to do something really serious, Sincerely, Rashmi Deshpande," read Suresh, his hands trembling as he read further and further. They both looked at each other. "Suresh.... so... uh, does this mean that we are siblings?" Maya stammered. Suresh nodded his head, different thoughts smashing his head.. "But, Mom didn't recognize you.. Why?" he wondered. "Because she still thinks her daughter's name is Smita. It is seen clearly that these people have changed my name. And, Suresh, I think I was kidnapped. Because, see, 'you stole back your daughter'," Maya reasoned. "Maya, or Smita... ugh whatever your name is let's go talk to mom," Suresh said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Maya laughed and nodded. 

      "Mom, who is Smita Kulkarni?" Suresh asked suddenly. Mom's face turned pale, and her blackberry eyes became sad. "She is your sister. She was kidnapped when she was just 1 year old. I don't whether she is dead or alive. But, how did you know about her anyways?" Mom said. Suresh handed her the letter, and mother's jaw literally dropped down to the floor when she read it. She looked at Maya, and Maya smiled nodded in response. There was no need of words, the letter said it all...

*time skip*



Maya was now officially Smita Kulkarni. She got everything she wanted, a loving family. And, this is how, friends, because of a storm, Suresh found his long lost sister. It was a miracle, indeed!

THE END