The Ruined Rainbow

CHAPTER 80

The children constituted a circle around the fire, seated on the ground; hands held out to feed warmth and their smiles bright as the merry fire reflected in each of their eyes.

We five, Sonali, Ahalya, Avanti, Shalini and I, were perched on plastic chairs, in a semicircle, with me in the corner. All five of us engaged with our mobile phones, typing replies to the day's messages and immersing ourselves in social media.

"The event was terrific, right?" Shalini asked, referring to our enthusiastic magic show in the morning.

We all murmured in consensus.

"I am surprised at that mind-reading thing. How fascinating is that!" Ahalya whispered.

"I'd say it's scary," Avanti countered. "Imagine, someone can sneak into us...our thoughts...and reflections..."

"Well, we all hold back something within us that others are not aware of. " Ahalya said thoughtfully.

We all smiled, stealing glances from our phones before returning to them.

"I am very excited about tomorrow. Do you think Sahil will sing?" Avanti asked everyone eagerly.

"I didn't know he was such a fantabulous singer until his two solo tracks released along with The Apocalypse. " Shalini added eagerly.

"I know, right?" Ahalya agreed. "His voice is lovely. There is something in him, I feel, that accentuates his voice—that edge on the pronunciations...or the stature in the pitch... I don't know...but I'd love it if he would sing."

All three of them looked expectantly at Sonali.

"Well, I can't comment on that, as I am unaware." Sonali scrolled through her social media feed, "But our organiser said that he might, so you may as well keep your hopes at bay."

"Who is the organiser?" I asked abruptly.

"Well...I am not supposed to reveal it to outsiders -"

"Sonali!" Ahalya hissed.

"Wait!" Sonali hissed to Ahalya, "But since you are now a part of us, I don't have any qualms. " Sonali smiled warmly. "I hope you are aware of Kavita Tiwari of Mehra Infrastructures. "

Blood drained from my face.

A big businesswoman financially sponsors this event...

I opened my chapped lips to speak something, but a word wouldn't be uttered. "Y-yes. Yes, of course." I managed to talk.

"She has hosted this event." Sonali smiled. "It's so kind of her, I'd say. A nation-comprehensive event with so much money spent to see children happy... it's something I don't think anyone can do these days."

"Mehra Infrastructures is one of the world's leading businesses, Sonali!" Avanti laughed. "Of course, they have the funds!"

"Yes, but having and doing are two different things, Avanti." Ahalya smiled warmly. "Not all rich people can give... And not all people who give are rich...To give is a blessing...and it is not differentiated between poor and rich... It takes inexplicable compassion to give, which not everyone is lucky to have. "

A brief silence followed her words, only perturbed by the cracklings of fire.

"How come it's a Tiwari managing Mehra Infrastructures? Shouldn't it be a Mehra?" Shalini asked curiously.