Ruhana is glad to have met Dr. Mriganka Verma and to learn about some innovative therapies for her daughter. Yes, it's expensive, but she would do anything for her darling daughter; expenses don't matter. Her daughter is her greatest treasure, as well as her wealth. She gazes at Manvi, who's asleep beside her, and remembers the conversation she had with the doctor.

"Ms. Ruhana, I see that you have taught many basic things to your daughter, and she has grasped them all well. I am impressed," Dr. Mriganka says, her tone gentle and appreciative.

"I am glad you noted it, Dr. Verma. I believe that if moral values are instilled in children at an early age, they grasp them quickly," Ruhana replies softly.

"Right, but instilling values and teaching basic things to such kids is challenging," the lady doctor says, and Ruhana agrees.

"I understand, Mriganka ji, and taking care of her single-handedly has been a task. But I am glad she understood it all at once. Yeh sab samajhti hain, aur isey mera mood bhi samajh aa jaata hain," Ruhana says, her tone filled with pride as she talks about Manvi.

"That's a good thing, Ms. Ruhana. I think she will respond well to my therapies. We can try if you have time," the doctor suggests.

"Sure, I will try everything that can make her better. Anything for this girl; she's my life, literally!" Ruhana says, her tone filled with love for her daughter.

"Alright! Let me know when you'd like to start the therapy. However, I've opened a clinic in India too. I'll suggest the best doctors for this amazing girl," the doctor says as she glances at Manvi, who's busy drawing something on a plain sheet of paper.

When her eyes meet the doctor's, Manvi forwards the paper towards her. The doctor is surprised to see that the girl has sketched her so well. Yes, Manvi sketched the doctor's face, and she's impressed. She glances at the sketch and then at Manvi.

"Aapko achcha nahi laga? Mumma kehti hain main achchi drawing karti hoon," Manvi asks innocently.

"Ye bahut achcha hai, beta. Aapne seekha hai?" she asks, unable to believe that a girl like Manvi could draw so well.

"Nahi, Mriganka. Kehte hain na ki jab bhagwan koi kami dete hain toh usko puri karne ke liye dusri koi khoobi dete hain. Meri Mannu ke sath bhi aisa hi hua. Uski growth normal nahi hain, lekin vo bahut achche sketches aur paintings banati hain. Aur mujhe apni beti pe bahut garv hain," Ruhana responds, her tone filled with pride as she talks about her daughter's achievements.

"This is indeed beautiful. I will get it framed. Thank you, Manvi," the doctor says, noticing Manvi's expression change to joy.

"Yay, thank you, aunty. Aapko pata hain, yahan par ek contest hone wala hain, aur Manvi usme bhi part legi. Bahut mazaa aayega," Manvi replies, her tone laced with excitement.

"Very good, beta. Jo aap kar rahe ho, wo karte raho. I am so proud of you," Mriganka says, tapping Manvi's head.

Further, she talks to Ruhana, and they decide to meet for a checkup and then determine the therapy that Manvi might need. Ruhana agrees and thanks the doctor for her time.

"Ms. Ruhana, I am very proud of you too. Aapki madad karna meri duty hain. Aur aapne apni beti ko sab kuch achche se sikhaya hai. Mujhe lagta hai aap aisa hi karte rahiye, it will help in her development. And I will give you some tips. Jab aapki conference ho jaye toh aa jaiye, hum mil sakte hain, aur main Manvi ko bhi dekh lungi," Mriganka says, and it sounds fair.

Ruhana thanks the doctor and, without any further ado, takes her leave, fully satisfied with her decision.

Ruhana breaks out of her trance when Manvi turns towards her and puts a hand on her waist, snuggling into her. She smears her head and plants a kiss on Manvi's head. She adores the girl for another time.

"Mannu, mujhe pata hai jab log tujhse thik se baat nahi karte tujhe kaisa lagta hai, lekin Mumma hai na, main sab thik kar dungi. Aur hum sabko dikhayenge ki hum kisi se bhi kam nahi hai. Vaise bhi sab log ek jaise nahi hote naa! Aur meri beti toh sabse alag hai, aur sabse khaas bhi. Tu mera aks hai, Mannu, aur tujhe khud se behtar toh main bana ke rahungi, ye mera vaada hai tujhse." Ruhana murmurs, it's a silent promise that she has made to her daughter and herself too.

She pecks another gentle kiss on Manvi's head and falls asleep, enveloping her daughter in a warm hug.

*****
The next day, Ruhana wakes up to find her daughter sleeping while hugging her, her head on her outstretched arm. Ruhana smiles; she's ready for the day. Today is the first day of the conference. She's ready, though Vineet's presence has made it hard for her. She knows she will need to face him at the conference. However, she has Sameer to cover for her, but she's well aware that Sameer is a good friend of Vineet's too. Her heart feels heavier with the prospect of meeting him; she doesn't want to face him again. She sighs deeply, pushing herself to start her day. She knows she will have to face him anyhow, and if not now, then it's never. She decides to get ready, but before that, she wants to bask in some love from her daughter, for she's the only reason for her solace. Ruhana hugs her daughter, and this time, the girl stirs in her sleep and puts one hand on her head.

"Mannu ko pata hai, aapko darr lag raha hai na? Mat daro, Mannu hai na, sab thik ho jayega," she says, in the same tone as Ruhana used to say to her.

Ruhana glances at her daughter, who opens one eye to look at her mother, her eyes shimmering with mischief. Ruhana narrows her eyes at her daughter, who giggles.

"Achcha, meri baat mujhpe hi laga rahi ho?" Ruhana asks, her curiosity piqued.

"Haan, jab Mumma ke hone se Mannu ka kaam hota hai toh Mannu ke hone se Mumma ka bhi kaam hona chahiye na. Mannu loves you naa!" Manvi says, her eyes bubbling with joy.

"Aww, Mumma loves you too, aur ye baat toh sach hai, jab Mannu mere saath hai toh bhala kuch galat ho sakta hai?" Ruhana asks, her eyes fixed on her daughter.

"Nooii! Mannu ke paas magic wand hai, wo sab thik kar degi," Manvi says, as she pulls out a magic wand from beneath her cushion.

It's a DIY magic wand which Manvi created with Sameer's help, and now, she's flaunting it. She wants to believe that her magic wand can set things straight. Ruhana agrees and then pulls her daughter out of bed, and they begin their day.

*****
Vineet is sitting in his room, contemplating his brief encounter with Ruhana. She left without saying a word. Also, he spotted that girl from the restaurant with her. So, is that what he's understanding? However, her gaze conveyed more than she could speak. He knows she's upset with him, and she has every right to be. He has made a grave mistake and he's not worthy of her forgiveness.

Meanwhile, there's a knock on the door, and upon opening it, he finds Sameer, whom he welcomes inside. Following Sameer, a waiter knocks on the door and serves two cappuccinos. Sameer takes the tray and sets it on the center table. They settle on the sofa across from each other, and Sameer glances at Vineet. The former is well aware that the latter is thinking about his ex-wife.

"Ruhana ke baare mein soch rahe ho?" Sameer's voice cuts through the silence of the room.

"Haan! Aaj uski ek nazar bahut kuch keh gayi. Main jaanta hoon, vo bahut gussa hai mujhse," Vineet says, his tone laced with guilt.

"Kyun? Nahi hona chahiye? Tune usey tab chhoda jab usey teri zaroorat thi. Tune uss bachchi ko palat kar na dekha, jo tera hissa thi, actually, tera hi hissa hai. Sirf isliye ki woh dusre bachchon si normal nahi hai... aur tu soch raha hai ki Ruhana ko tujhe maaf kar dena chahiye? Kyun, Vineet?" Sameer asks, his tone firm.

"Tu toh Ruhana se bahut pyaar karta tha, phir achanak kya hua? Itne saalon baad Manvi ka janm hua tha, aur tune usey chhod diya. Vo toh thik hai, Ruhana ne himmat nahi haari," Sameer says, showing him the reality.

"Ruhana ne himmat nahi haari aur isliye vo mujhse behtar situation mein hai, aur main..." Vineet says, his tone dripping with guilt.

"Bilkul thik kaha tune. Ab tujhe ye bhi pata chalega ki jis wajah se tune apni beti ko chhoda, wahi usse sabse alag banati hai. Main toh kahunga, Ruhana se baat karna. Haan, woh tere paas laut ke toh nahi aayegi, par shayad tujhe maaf kar de," Sameer says, his tone filled with concern for his friend.

"Ruhana mujhse baat karegi?" Vineet asks, still doubtful.

"Koshish karna tumhare haath mein hai, Vineet," Sameer says, glancing at his friend.

Meanwhile, Sameer's phone rings and he leaves the room, leaving Vineet alone, gathering all his courage to talk to Ruhana because this conference is the only chance he has to talk to her.

To Be Continued.