Chapter 1

4 years Later...

Riya's POV

"Miss Kader, you have been selected as a Project Manager at the Global Institute Of Technology at NYU. They are providing a good salary. So, what do you say? Are you going to accept this offer or decline it as you have before?" My boss asked me.

He was a man in his mid-fifties and was like a father figure to me. When his son found me, lying unconscious on the road, he took me to the hospital and his dad insisted that I come to their home and he treats me as his own daughter til now. He even offered me a job at his company. I couldn't be luckier to find a family like this, even after losing everything I had.

He has three sons, all of them are older than me. They get really overprotective over me and Sweety.

Mr. Smith is so professional when it comes to his work. After all, he is the CEO here and he owns three big companies apart from this one.

His sons are running the companies successfully, just like how he wished.

He is extremely proud of his children and wishes to see me stand on my own feet and make him proud.

"I don't know, Mr. Smith. I don't know anyone there." I wailed. I have no courage to meet new people.

"Come on Riya, just call me John. Smith makes me sound old." He protested.

"Okay, Dad. I have no idea what to do. I don't want her to feel lonely out there. You all are her family. What if she feels deserted after leaving all of you?"

"Riya, she's mamma's girl. She'll have no problem till you are with her. I think she is fine but your mind is anticipating you." He stated the truth.

I let out a defeated sigh. He was right. I can't leave this place. This place carries so many memories. Those memories are still haunting me. My eyes moistened a bit but I blinked it away when I remembered the incidents that I wanted to forget forever.

"Riya, you have to be strong, at least for our Sweety. I already arranged the school for her. She'll start going to school this year, right? When did she grow up so fast?"

I nodded my head and agreed with him. My baby has grown fast.

"If you accept the offer, I will be the happiest man on earth. You may not consider me as your father, but you are and you always will be my daughter. I will always do what's best for you." He said sincerely.

The memories of what my parents did to me came into my mind and tears started to run down my cheeks.

They abandoned me while I was two months along. They called me names and refused to accept me and my baby. They wanted me to abort my child. So I left my home.

"Don't cry my girl, everything is going to alright." He stood on his place and patted my back to comfort me. "So, what's your decision? Are you going or not?" He asked me once again with hopeful eyes.

Not wanting to disappoint him, I nodded my head. "Of course, I will." I hugged him. "If that is what you want, then I will definitely go," I assured him.

"I promise you, honey. You will be very happy there." He assured me back.

I smiled at him widely and asked: "So, when exactly am I leaving to New York?"

"You two leave tomorrow at 10.30 am for New York. I've already booked the tickets. I'll email them to you." He replied.

"But that's way too soon," I told him with disbelief, but he just casually shrugged his shoulders and gave me an innocent look.

Of course, he had planed this earlier. And he obviously knows how to convince me. I mentally rolled my eyes.

"Mommy!!!" My three-year-old baby girl ran towards me stretching her arms for an embrace, once I reached my home.

Yes, they made me feel like this is my home. I felt safe and... home. I have been living with them for almost three years since I gave birth to Sweety.

I picked her up in my hands and pecked her chubby cheeks.

"Eww!!" She scrunched her face in disgust and wiped her cheeks by her hands.

Aunt Daisy came and picked Sweety up from my arms. Sweety is their favourite grandchild.

"Riya... freshen up and come down. We will eat." She told me; her voice was so dull.

"Okay, Aunt I will be-" She glared at me. "Okay, mom. I will be in a second." I said to her and went to my room. She gets mad whenever I call her Aunt.

Minutes later, we all sat in the dining hall and started to eat our dinner. Mom fed Sweety her favourites meal. Chicken tikka but didn't touch her plate.

"Mom! You haven't touched your plate yet." I complained but she continued to feed Sweety pretending like she didn't hear me.

Dad gave me a polite smile and I nodded my head. I knew that this meant we have to tell mom about my departure.

She may not like the idea of leaving us. The rest of the dinner was quite a silence, no one uttered any words except Sweety's wailing and moaning.

I laid Sweety on the right side of my bed. She always prefers sleeping with me.

After that, I changed into my pyjamas and just as I was about to go to bed I heard a soft knock on the door. "Come in," I called out.

Mom came and sat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes are bloodshot red and I know the reason. A sob escaped my mouth and I covered it immediately not wanting to wake Sweety.

Mom guided me to the balcony and we both cried on each other's shoulder. She wiped my tears and we both sat on the chair.

"I know it's very hard for you. But he did it for your own good." She tried to comfort me though she is the one who needed comfort.

"Mom." I took both her hands and drew smooth circles with my thumb. "What about you?" I asked.

She shook her head, "I have no problem. I just want you and Sweety to be happy, that's all."

"I will," I told her and we hugged each other. "Did you pack all your clothes." She asked and I nodded my head afraid of what if my voice would betray me.

"Okay, Sleep well. Tomorrow you have to wake up early." She told and kissed Sweety's forehead.

She closed the door behind her and I laid on my bed. Sweety stirred in her sleep. I hugged her and closed my eyes.

Next morning-

"The water bottle and the snacks are in the red bag. I packed all her toys in a green bag along with her belongings. Don't take anything from a stranger. Always hold Sweety's hand." Mom continued her lecture.

"Honey, calm down. She is going to New York. It just takes eight hours from here. Not too far from here. If you want, we will visit her often." Dad convinced mom while wiping her tears.

This time I stayed strong for mom and Sweety. "Mom it's ok, I will be fine," I told her as my voice stuttered.

"Riya, sign here." Dad handed me a file.

"What is this dad?" I asked once I opened the file.

"This is your contract form. The company has two years contract with you. So sign Evey page and I will courier this to them."

I nodded my head and signed all the papers. "My friend will pick you up once you reach the airport and he will show you your apartment. Be strong." Dad patted my shoulder and I gave him a small smile.

Giving them final goodbye I entered into the flight and let out a heavy sigh. That's it. This is the beginning of and new life for us. A new chapter with just me and Sweety, living happily ever after, or at least I hope so.