After the festival in Kolkata, Mukul's family travelled to London for a short trip. The city's bustling streets, double-decker buses, and the majestic view of the Thames fascinated five-year-old Mukul. But even amidst sightseeing, his curiosity always led him to notice those in need.
One afternoon, he wandered into a children's international debate competition being held at a grand hall near the Tower of London. Children from across Europe were presenting their ideas, and Mukul's eyes landed on a girl who seemed hesitant and nervous.
She was Sophia Williams, six years old, an India-UK mix. Smart, sharp, and confident in most things, she faltered on stage when she stumbled over her words. Her hands shook slightly, and her cheeks turned pink. Mukul, noticing her distress, tiptoed closer.
"You can do it," he whispered softly, crouching beside her.
Sophia looked down at him, surprised. A tiny boy, barely older than a toddler by some standards, giving her courage? She blinked and nodded hesitantly.
Mukul pointed to her notes and quietly suggested, "Start with what you believe, then speak slowly. You'll do great."
Her voice trembled at first, but with Mukul's encouragement, it grew steadier. She smiled at him mid-presentation and noticed something unusual—a cluster of seven stars on the back of his neck, peeking from beneath his collar.
Her eyes widened. "Stars… magical stars?" she whispered to herself. Something clicked inside her young mind. There was something extraordinary about this boy—something that made her feel he was destined for greatness.
When the debate ended, Sophia rushed to Mukul. "You… you helped me," she said breathlessly. "How… how did you know?"
Mukul shrugged. "I just wanted to help. I like helping."
Sophia's gaze lingered on the stars. "I promise," she said softly, "I will always help you too. One day… when you need me, I'll be there. Always."
Mukul felt warmth spread through his chest. He didn't fully understand what she meant, but he sensed the sincerity in her words.
For the next few hours, they explored the hall together. Mukul showed her his sketches, drawing the seven stars again in his notebook, explaining them as best he could to Sophia. She laughed at his innocent explanations, but her mind already began imagining how this boy—so small yet so wise—might one day change the world.
Before leaving, Sophia took Mukul's hand. "No matter what happens, I will find you," she whispered. "And I will protect you. You're not alone."
Mukul smiled shyly, holding her hand for a moment before letting go. The crowd around them was busy with events, but for those two children, time seemed to slow. The bond they had formed, brief yet profound, was more than friendship—it was destiny in its quietest, gentlest form.
As they parted ways, Mukul walked back to his family, unaware that Sophia's vow would echo through the years. Across oceans and continents, a promise had been made: to be his guide, protector, and companion when the time came.
Even at six, Sophia understood something his young mind could not: the world was vast, and danger awaited. But with courage, intelligence, and the silent vow she had taken, she would stand by Mukul through whatever trials the future held.
And as Mukul sketched the seven stars in his notebook that night, the second star had already been etched into his destiny, shining brightly for the challenges yet to come.