Zara tugged Eifad's sleeve and she looked at her, 'Where is Farhan? Isn't he coming?' Zara asked. Eifad shook her head, she didn't know where Farhan was as she had been busy in London and didn't have time to catch up. Zara looked disappointed. Eifad encouraged her but she knew if Farhan had been here he would have motivated Zara in his own way. Farhan is very good with words, also in motivating females, Eifad thought with a grin. In this one month with Eifad away, Farhan had helped Zara with her piano recital. In fact, Eifad is zero when it comes to music and musical instruments while Farhan is a pro, his best instrument being Guitar. Singing romantic numbers, he has wooed Zara and Aisha, and almost all of female species, Eifad had always assumed, impressed everyone except Eifad, of course. She isn't impressed so easily. Eifad smiled recollecting his clumsy efforts to impress her and then getting disappointed on being unsuccessful.

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Eifad walked through the seats with Kiran following her closely. Eifad ignored her and her constant chattering mostly about how-great-Eifad-is. To Eifad's irritation, Kiran sat beside her.

'Where are your parents?' Eifad cut her in between. Kiran closed her mouth. Her expression changed. She sighed and looked down briefly before looking up at Eifad again.

'My parents are no more.' Eifad felt her heart drop when Kiran said that, 'I was with my Chacha but he was...you know... a leech. Had a bad eye on me and Koyal.' Eifad felt uneasy when she said this, Kiran didn't notice, she went on, 'Anyways,' she sighed, 'I stay with Mrs. Kumar, she is a nice old woman. Was our neighbour, but she kind of adopted us. God, only knows how much I struggled to get my medical degrees and....'

'Stop, please.' Eifad interrupted her. Kiran seemed like a cheery carefree girl but behind her is an awful past. Eifad felt jealous of her, she wished she could also manage to be happy like her despite being depressed inside.

Kiran realized Eifad isn't comfortable and so kept her mouth shut, she stared front at the stage.

Accidently, Aisha's hand brushed against Eifad and it is then Eifad noticed her mother sitting on other side of her.

'Ma, where is Farhan? He hasn't come?' Eifad looked at mother. Aisha looked away from the stage and at her daughter, 'Farhan had an important meeting with a minister, so he has left for Noida yesterday. You know na, life of activists, it is not easy I tell you.' Aisha said adjusting the edge of her saree's Pallu.

Eifad nodded and turned to look back at the stage. She felt little disappointed on Farhan not being here.

The lights dimmed and a woman wearing an orange and white saree appeared on the stage holding a mike.

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The competition started, all the kids were good except for few who out of nervous messed up a little. Soon it was Zara's turn, she walked up the stage. She confidently walked towards her Piano. Aisha leaned towards Eifad and whispered, 'Like Mother like Daughter.' Eifad felt pride when her mother said this. She looked on holding her breath as Zara began playing. Initially, she was nervous and eventually caught up and began playing smoothly. Aisha was recording everything, 'Farhan will be very proud when he gets to see this.' She had said when Eifad had raised her eyebrow. Eifad shook her head.

Zara was done and everyone clapped loudly, in fact, the claps were louder than all the previous kids. Zara's eyes briefly searched the crowd and when her eyes found Eifad's she smiled brightly. Eifad smiled back equally happy. Zara bowed little as the crowd continue to clap.

'She was awesome.' Kiran whispered to Eifad who nodded at her.

A while later, it was Koyal's turn, Kiran clapped frantically. Koyal began singing but mid-way she got nervous and began to cry. Kiran panicked and hurried to the stage. Eifad felt very bad for the little girl and mentally decided to cheer her up.

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Soon, the competition was over and the result shocked everyone.

'The winner is Avni Mathur.'

There was curious murmur among the audience, then one person stood up and shouted.

'This is rigged.'

Following him, many began protesting. Principal and the Dean had tough time calming the crowd. Eifad looked towards two chin up, nose high couple with a frowning girl holding a trophy and by the look of it, she knew it was definitely rigged.

Not only, Zara but many other children were way better than Avni and her clumsy dancing.

Eifad is amazed and saddened thinking how people can sink so low and bring corruption even in a children's competition. She shook her head and stood up, Aisha followed her muttering curses at the couple. Eifad isn't bothered who won or lost, she is concerned for Zara, poor girl must be shattered, she had been working so hard since last one month for this competition.

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Awww *broken heart emoji*

Guys how was the Chapter? Do tell your opinions in the comments

Soon our hero is going to make a dashing entry, Excited? Hopefully, in next update or Chapter 5 *hide face emoji*

Thank you guys for reading and voting, Love you all *flying kiss emoji*