A ten-year-old boy in tattered clothes stood at the threshold of a funfair, watching the ongoers when a little boy bumped into him.

“Oh, I am sorry,” Sunny said softly and stood there staring. 

Sunny’s elder sister, Prerna, who was walking behind, pulled Sunny by the arms and whispered, “Don’t go near that boy. He is so shabby.”

“Didi, I know I look shabby, with these soiled clothes. But I wasn’t like this. I, too, had a family once. You seem like someone who would understand my pain and maybe it’s God’s will that I crossed paths with you both. I don’t need anything except a place in an orphanage. Could you please help me find one?"

Prerna stopped in her tracks. She turned back and said, “What did you say? Orphanage? Why should I?”

“Yes, Didi. My parents died in an accident. My older sister, who was nearly your age, was with me until my Uncle sold her." The boy narrated.

“We have come on vacation and not to do social service,” Prerna yelled and walked away.

“Prerna di, please stop. Don’t be so rude. What if I was in his place? Show some kindness, di. He is not asking anything from us. Please take him along and ask Dad to find a good orphanage.” Sunny pleaded.

“Shut Up, Sunny!” Prerna scolded and pulled him.

“No, I won’t come home unless you help him!” Sunny shrieked.

Prerna had no choice but to bring the boy home with them. Upon reaching, she explained everything to her father, and the family agreed to let the boy stay.

Sunny shared his room with him and provided clothes and food. Before hitting the bed, he took the boy’s hand and said, “Sleep peacefully. I have asked Santa Claus to fulfil your wishes this time because I already have everything.”

On hearing this, the boy’s eyes turned misty. He nodded and went to sleep, hoping he would find a safe place soon.

After almost a month, the family found an orphanage and decided to move the boy. Sunny's father handled the paperwork and other formalities. That weekend, an officer from the orphanage visited Sunny’s home to pick up the boy.

The boy once again stood at the threshold. He looked back at the family, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. 

Prerna’s eyes also welled up. She quickly went inside and whispered, “'Dad, Mom, are we doing the right thing? 'We have the means. Let’s make him part of our family.”

The room fell silent for a moment before they agreed.

Prerna ran out, pulled the boy close and announced, “You are not going anywhere. We have decided to adopt you. You are part of our family now.”

The boy hugged Prerna tight and whispered, “Thank you, didi. Even I didn’t want to go. In these last few days, I felt I got my lost family back.

Their family photo frame now held five smiling faces - Mom, Dad, two boys, and a girl.