Rio de Janeiro was alive with music, colours, and the laughter of children, and five-year-old Mukul Sharma was exploring it all with wide-eyed wonder. His sketchbook was tucked under his arm, filled with drawings of seven stars, a symbol he always carried with him.
Near a vibrant dance academy, Mukul noticed a small girl frozen on the stage. She was Isabella Cruz, five, India-Brazil mix. Her dark eyes were wide, and her tiny hands trembled as she tried to follow the rhythm of the music. The other children danced effortlessly, but Isabella's confidence had vanished.
Mukul stepped closer. "You can do it," he said softly.
Isabella looked at him, puzzled. "Who… who are you?"
"I'm Mukul. I like helping," he replied, holding out a hand. "Try dancing with me. Don't worry about anyone else."
With Mukul's encouragement, Isabella began moving again, tentative at first, then with growing joy. Mukul drew seven stars in the sand beside the stage and motioned toward them. "Whenever you feel scared, think of these stars. They'll guide you."
Isabella's eyes widened as she noticed the stars on the back of Mukul's neck. "Your… your stars," she whispered, awe in her voice. "They're like magic."
Mukul blushed but nodded. "They help me remember… things I need to do."
She grinned and twirled, feeling a spark of courage and freedom. "I promise," Isabella said with a serious smile, "I will always be with you. I'll protect you. No matter what happens, I'll stand by your side."
Mukul's heart felt light. Even at five, he understood that this small girl carried a brave spirit, one that would one day become a shield of joy and courage beside him.
They spent the afternoon dancing together. Mukul showed her how to draw stars and patterns in the sand, teaching her to use imagination as a guide. Isabella laughed, twirling and copying his movements, her initial fear melting away with every step.
As the sun began to set over the golden beaches, Mukul's family called him back. Isabella clasped his hand tightly. "Don't forget me," she said. "We'll meet again. I promise I'll protect you."
Mukul smiled and waved, feeling a warmth in his chest. He didn't fully understand what "protecting" meant yet, but the idea of having someone loyal and fearless by his side made him feel safer than ever.
That night, as he sketched the seven stars in his notebook, he added a new, joyful mark—a tiny dancing figure beside the fourth star. Isabella had left an impression, a bond forged through courage, laughter, and trust.
Even far away from the family villa in Delhi, across continents and oceans, one thing was clear: Mukul was gathering a constellation of friends and protectors. Each star, each vow, was a step closer to fulfilling the destiny written in the stars on his neck.
And so, the fourth star—Isabella Cruz, the cheerful and free-spirited dancer—joined the growing constellation, ready to shine alongside Mukul when the storms of life and destiny came calling.