"Look, don't cry. I'm here, right?" the little girl said, firmly holding the boy's trembling hand. She sat him down on a wooden bench. He was sobbing, lost in the chaotic noise of the funfair, unable to find his parents.

"Here, have some candy," she offered with a cheeky, wide smile.

"I don't want it," he mumbled, staring at his shoes.

How do I make him laugh? she wondered. Mummy says crying isn't good. She began making silly faces, puffing out her cheeks and crossing her eyes. Finally, the boy let out a small giggle—a real laugh.

In that moment, he truly saw her: the chubby cheeks, the messy ponytail, and the purest smile he had ever seen.

"See! I made you laugh. Mummy says not everyone knows how to make someone smile, but I made you do it even while you were crying. I'm a good girl, right?" she giggled.

"What's your name?" he asked softly.

"Neha," she replied. "And yours?"

"Naksh."

Soon, the frantic parents arrived. Naksh’s mother hugged Neha tightly, thanking her for looking after her son. As the families said their goodbyes, Naksh looked down at his hands. He was clutching a crumpled paper boat and a tiny pink hair clip Neha had dropped. To him, they felt like treasures worth millions.

He watched her until she disappeared into the crowd. He was just a child, but he made a silent promise: I will find you again.

They were unaware of the destiny awaiting them—or the storm that would soon test their patience. Would they find each other, or drown in the shadows of a

dark past?...