Ruthless Mafia Innocent Love

Priya winced as she agreed, unsure why she had even acquiesced. Breaking promises wasn’t her style.

But when Nishi mentioned it was within the college radius, Priya rationalized she wasn’t truly breaking her word. It fell within the confines of the college, so it shouldn’t count as breaking a promise, at least in her mind.

“Great, let’s go,” Nishi said, taking Priya’s hand as they strolled out of the college.

Priya’s laughter bubbled up, the sensation of having a friend was indescribable. It coursed through her veins, filling her with warmth and joy.

She never imagined she’d find someone to study or eat with at college. Her only companions had always been the kids at the orphanage, her mother Mary, and Lucky, her pet dog.

How could she resist or deny the happiness she felt from finally having a real friend? It was like something out of a fairytale.

In Priya’s life, the adage held true: when you’re hungry, you’ll take whatever morsel you can find. After years of solitude, having a friend felt like an incredible blessing beyond measure.

“What do you want to eat?” Nishi asked, getting Priya back from her reverie as they stood in front of the café.

“I’m not sure. You can order for me too,” Priya replied, a smile playing on her lips.

They entered the café, both wearing smiles that seemed permanently etched onto their faces.

“The treat’s on me,” Nishi declared. Priya wanted to decline, but she hesitated. She didn’t know the prices here, and she didn’t carry much money because the college cafeteria fees were covered monthly.

“Sure,”

So Priya nodded in gratitude, accepting Nishi’s generosity with a grateful heart.

They settled into a cosy corner of the café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sounds of chatter and clinking of utensils.

As they perused the menu, Priya couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Nishi. It wasn’t just about the meal; it was about the gesture, the companionship, and the newfound friendship.

Nishi placed their order with a confident smile, and Priya couldn’t help but admire her friend’s easygoing demeanor. It was a stark contrast to her own cautious nature.

“So, tell me more about yourself, other than you being the study god of the department,” Nishi jokes, a playful glint in her eyes.

“You’re flattering me too much. I study just fine, nothing so extraordinary,” Priya replied, a modest smile gracing her lips.

“Oh, please. If this is just fine, I’d love to achieve your level of ‘just fine’ so I don’t fail my exams,” Nishi teased, nudging Priya with her elbow.

“I’m going to help you as much as I can, so don’t worry,” Priya reassured her, warmth filling her heart at the thought of being there for her new friend.

Nishi smiled warmly, her curiosity piqued. “That’s amazing, but do tell me, what are your hobbies?”

Priya’s eyes lit up as she shared, “Other than studies, I love indulging in sweet treats, taking leisurely walks, and helping my mother around the house.”

Nishi chuckled softly. “I think you love your mother way too much. The way you even hesitated to come here before, I’m jealous,” she teased, nudging Priya playfully.

Priya’s smile softened. “I do love my Mother Mary dearly. I care deeply for all the kids at the orphanage too.”

Nishi’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You have an orphanage?”

Priya shook her head gently. “No, I live in an orphanage.”

“What?” Nishi gasped in shock, struggling to comprehend what Priya meant by living in an orphanage.

Hadn’t Priya just mentioned having a mother? How could she live in an orphanage? Questions swirled in Nishi’s mind, leaving her utterly perplexed.

“Yes, I’m an orphan. I call the owner of the orphanage ‘Mother’,” Priya explained calmly, her expression betraying no discomfort.

She was accustomed to this, as if it were routine. It wasn’t something new, and she didn’t harbour any resentment about being an orphan. She loved her life just the way it was.

“I’m sorry,” Nishi’s words stumbled out, her shock and guilt evident.

She looked at Priya’s composed face, relieved to see no trace of anger.

“It’s fine. I don’t think it’s anything bad,” Priya reassured her.

“So, you’re not even 18? It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about this,” Nishi offered, feeling a pang of sympathy for Priya’s situation.

“I am 18. It’s just that the orphanage operates on the earnings of Mother Mary, and there are about 10 kids including me. So, no one needs to leave if they don’t want to or when they come of legal age,” Priya explained matter-of-factly.

“Wow, that’s something new to know about. Your Mother Mary is a superwoman,” Nishi exclaimed, admiration evident in her voice. “Now I understand why you admire her so much. She’s truly someone worthy of admiration.”

In all her years, Nishi had never heard of such selflessness. She knew that some people could be so callous as to create scandals in orphanages for their own gain, but here was a woman single-handedly supporting ten people with her own earnings. It was beyond commendable.

“I say the same, but Mother Mary insists that we are her super kids, and that’s why she’s our super mother,” Priya replied with a soft smile, her eyes shining with affection for the woman who had become her family.

Priya could never tire of praising Mary, and she knew the other nine kids in the orphanage felt the same way.

Mary’s selflessness knew no bounds; without hesitation, she always put their needs above her own. That’s why Priya had made it her mission in life to follow Mary’s example, to study hard, work hard, and someday give back just as Mary had done for them.

“Mam, your order,” the waiter interrupted, placing two steaming hot chocolates on the table alongside cookies and pasta.

“Thanks,” Priya said with a grateful smile.

Both Priya and Nishi expressed their gratitude to the waiter, their smiles reflecting their appreciation.

“You’re welcome,” the waiter replied, leaving with a soft smile, touched by the warmth and kindness of the two friends.

“It looks delicious,” Nishi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“It does,” Priya agreed, excitement evident in her voice.

“Let’s dig in!” Nishi suggested eagerly.

“For sure,” Priya replied, her mouth already watering at the sight of the delectable treats before them.

“Priya…”