The year was 2000, and the location was Lucknow's Charbagh railway station. A young girl was found abandoned by the GRP. She had no one to call for, no one behind her. The police searched tirelessly for her parents, but their efforts were in vain. Eventually, she was taken to an orphanage. Two years later, an American woman adopted the little girl and took her across the ocean to her homeland.
The child slowly grew up in America, but during this time, the woman who adopted her passed away, having, however, revealed the truth to her adopted daughter before she died, leaving the child in shock. This revelation propelled her quest to find her biological parents, a seemingly impossible search.
Now, nearly two decades later, she has returned to India. Let's unfold her story, in her own words...
From Lucknow to America and Now Back to Lucknow...
This is the story of a girl formerly known as Rakhi. After moving to America, her name changed to Mahogany. Now, Mahogany is 26 years old. Last week, she traveled from Minnesota in the USA to Delhi, and then to Lucknow, asserting that she is on a quest to find her biological parents in India.
Source: aajtak
According to Mahogany, she visited Charbagh station and spoke to the railway police, even revisiting the orphanage from where she was adopted. She found some documents there, but none contained details about her biological family, since she was found at Charbagh railway station in an abandoned state 23 years ago.
Accompanying Mahogany on this journey is her friend Christopher, who came from America to Lucknow to aid her in this search. Together, with the assistance of a local cab driver who not only takes them around but also assists with communication with the locals, they continue their quest.
Tears in Her Eyes, Searching for Her Own, Holding a Few Photographs
Mahogany shares her tale, visibly emotional, with tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, holding precious childhood photos. She recalls, "In 2000, I was found by the police in an abandoned state at Charbagh railway station in Lucknow. After extensive searches with no trace of my family, I was sent to the Leelavati Munshi Children's Home (orphanage). Two years later, an American woman adopted me and took me to the USA."
Source: aajtak
The woman, named Carol Brand, was a single mother whose demeanor changed years after the adoption, subjecting Mahogany to harsh words and behavior. Far away in America, there was no one to listen to Mahogany's distress. She endured it silently. Five years ago, Carol passed away but not before revealing the story of Mahogany's adoption, including details about the orphanage in Lucknow and handing over adoption papers.
How Did the Girl Come to India with Her American Friend?
Mahogany recounts working at a café in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where she befriended Christopher, an artist. Upon hearing her story, Christopher decided to accompany her to India. It took time and effort to arrange finances and visas, but last week they finally arrived in Lucknow together.
Source: aajtak
The Girl Showed Her Childhood Photos
Mahogany shared some of her childhood photos, one showing her in a frock, another with Carol, the woman who adopted her. These photos are associated with the Lucknow orphanage, capturing memories with the staff members as well.
The road is undeniably tough, yet Mahogany hopes she will find her parents or at least some family member. With only a few weeks left before her visa expires, her time is limited. Her determination remains strong, despite the challenge ahead. She vows to return to India again to continue her search, driven by her unwavering hope.
