Like any other evening, the sky was shrouded with dull orange and red tinge. The sun was almost sinking at the horizon. Chirruping birds were returning to their home.The narrow rays of radiance were striking straight to the transparent brimming sea. Smoothly dancing ripples were tranquil to my excessive loitering mind. I kept on staring at them for a few minutes. The beach was greatly rabble with kids, teenagers and old- new couples. I wanted to join them and to secretly learn the different tracks of their lives. I wanted to listen to each of their story but this time I ignored for, I, myself wasn't able to switch the capricious secret for which Arpit had called me here.I had no idea except the seriousness in his abrupt tone when he talked to me last time. About 30 minutes a ago.

I stood there until it was dark. By then, that area was enveloped with sheer desert and deep hush. Dribbling sea waves scared me like anything. I felt the surrounding strange and unsafe. Finally I decided to leave for home. Suddenly a voice came from behind, 'Is anyone there? Please help! I looked behind but to my surprise there was no one.Was that hallucination? I rubbed my eyes and resumed my walk. Again the sound came,'Help! Please help!'

I rushed towards the source of the voice. Behind the small rock there was a little girl in a red color frock sobbing and covering her face with her hands. I got closer to her and smoothly rubbed her hairs. 'Hey little princess, what happened to you? What's your name?' She looked through the space between her fingers. 'Don't worry princess. I won't harm you.' She smiled at me and, in a cute voice, said, 'My name is Rashi.'

'Really? Mine too!' I smiled fondly at her, being oblivious of that anxiety I had been going through after his call. 'With whom did you come here? Where is your mom?'

'Rashi di, I have never seen my mom. My aunt had left me here this afternoon and had strictly told me not to get back to her. I am all alone and scared. I miss my mom' and with that, she broke into tears.

I bent down on my knees and hugged her. 'Am with you, Rashi. I'll take care of you and will give all my love to the cute princess. Lets go.'

She smiled happily and gave a kiss on my left cheek. I perceived her pain better than others because I had no family. In a wave of enmity and revenge because my father couldn't repay a loan, I lost all of them- my parents and brother were murdered. All of a sudden their leaving from my life led me into a state of depression. I had no hopes or expectation from life but then Arpit, my childhood friend, helped me to withstand and cope up with the challenges of life. He taught me how to face the winds blowing hard in an opposite direction, to walk on destructed bridges, to wait out darkening skies; basically, to pick up myself and restart journey after every failure. It is not the end until or unless I give up. All is not lost, the unconquerable will and the courage never to yield. His words strengthened me at the core.

I was living happily yet I always felt a need to share my loneliness with someone. Rashi's walk into my life added hues to my hopes. With her I started living the same life which I used to live long back. We would play, tease, sing,chatter for hours, watch cartoons. In the return of her kiss I listened to all her problems and demands. She had became my sweet little world. After a week I realized, Arpit didn't call me after that day. I had no news of him. 'How can I do like this..I must call him!' I felt a little guilty about ignoring him.

Hello Arpit.
Yes. Hi Rashi. How are you?
I am fine but where are you? No contacts? Why didn't you come that day?
I had came there but then I stopped when I saw you with a little girl.I wanted to see what decision you make.I was afraid that my presence might influence and I didn't want that. Am happy to say, you did a right thing Rashi.
How's the little Rashi?
Wow! you know her name too? Smart haan?
She is fine. Come and meet her. She would be happy to see you.
Sure. I'll come.
Is there something serious for which you called me on that day?
Yes. I'll tell you this evening.

Again the worry surfaced for me. Arpit came in the evening. He had brought chocolates and a pink frock for little Rashi. Both of them talked and played for sometime. When Rashi got busy in watching cartoon, we started discussion. He told me something that shook up my smooth steady life. Raju is the reason behind your miseries. He had killed your family 20 years ago. He is in the city. This is the chance to take the revenge. Again he said, All is not lost, the unconquerable will and the courage never to yield.
Rashi, you have to fight for your family, for what you lose, for yourself. I am with you.
I have to fight and not let go things leniently. Raju has to pay for this!
Little Rashi, Please forgive me. I'll be back to you soon. Till then Arpit will take care of you.
Lots of Love!
Last entry: 31st December, 2000

Exactly fourteen years have passed since I have been waiting for Rashi di. I hope you are fine. I am praying for your success. You are true and strong and I am sure you will win over all the troubles. The room echoed with the repetition of same words. I cried on reading her last note written in her diary. The page was partially wet due to my ceaseless tears. Wiping my tears I said to myself, things will get change. Nothing will go wrong. God is with me and Rashi di. She will be back!

The page will turn to give a fresh start. A strong wind blew and the page of the diary turned. Rashi smiled regaining her hope.
She immediately scribbled few lines on a new page-

As this page has turned
There would be afresh start
With new hopes and journey
Life is a beautiful art