The loud, happy music in the courtyard of "Asha Sadan" was finally beginning to slow down. The younger children, completely exhausted from all their dancing and eating sweet jalebis, were falling asleep in the arms of the older caretakers. The magical fairy lights still twinkled beautifully on the branches of the old mango tree, but a deep, peaceful quiet was slowly wrapping around the orphanage.

Akash stood near the edge of the courtyard, away from the remaining crowd. His heart was beating with a beautiful, heavy rhythm. Tonight, his entire life had completely changed. His parents had forgiven him. They had accepted him back as their son. And most importantly, they had accepted the love of his life.