Barkha offers a deal to Ruhana which surprises her. She hadn’t anticipated it coming. Barkha’s offer is tempting and Ruhana has no reasons to deny it. As she glances at her friend, Barkha’s positive nod and warmth in her eyes tell her that she’s saying the truth, and so, Ruhana side-hugs her.

“I am so glad you came up with this offer, Barkha. It  looks tempting. I just can’t wait to give it a shot.” Ruhana says excitedly.

“I wanted to reach you early, Ruhana. But I had some personal and professional commitments. I know you’d do justice to this deal.” Barkha responds, her tone warm and convincing.

“I will try my level best, Barkha. We can discuss it later on, when we get back to Mumbai.” Ruhana affirms, and the lady agrees.

As they look forward, the speakers from the top companies say a lot about work, deep knowledge and then the traction in the world. They also meet a number of clients, businesspersons, and it seems like a party. Meanwhile, Ruhana takes a short break to go see her daughter. Manvi is alone in the room and she hasn’t left her alone for a long time. So, she informs Sameer and walks up towards her room.

Their rooms are on the second floor. Ruhana takes the lift to the floor and rushes towards her room. She’s impatient to see her daughter, and so she paces up her steps, but stops in tracks, when a familiar voice falls in her ears. She turns around only to face Vineet, but he didn't meet her eyes.

“What? Kuch kehna baaki reh gaya tha kya? Keh do, ab toh mujhe koi farak bhi nahi padega.” She says, crossing her arms, across her chest.

“Ruhana,..... Vo mujhe tumse kuch baat karni hai. “ He replies, and it is the first time that he's stuttering.

“Par mujhe tumse koi baat nahi karni, tum jaa sakte ho.” Ruhana replies, her tone harsh.

“Main jaanta hun, tum mujhse bahut naraaz ho, hona bhi chahiye, lekin maine dekha tumne humaari… “ He says, but she cuts her.

“Meri beti!!! Manvi meri beti hai. Jis din tumne mujhse kaha tha ki main ya toh tumhe ya apni beti ko chunu, usi din tumne us par apna adhikar kho diya tha. Aur usi din tum mere liye marr gaye they. Ab sirf main aur meri beti hai. “ Ruhana says, her tone firm, and eyes filled with anger.

“Tumne tab hume bojh samjha tha, aur ab tum khud ek bojh ho, Vineet. Main tumhe Manvi se milne toh kya, tumhe uske aas-paas bhi bhatakne nahi dungi. Tum chale jao, na main tumse baat karna chahti hoon aur na hi tumhara chehra dekhna chahti hoon. ” She says, she's agitated at the moment.

“Aur han, ab dobara mujhe nazar mat aana. Tumhe dekhti hun na toh vo manzar yaad aata hai. Kitni aasani se kaha tha na tumne Iss bachchi ko chhod do! Ab main kehti hun tumhe, Hume hamare haal pe chhod do. Haath jodti hun main, tumhare aage. Jao yahan se! “ Ruhana says, folding her hands in front of her ex-husband, her eyes are teary.

She sends a glare his way before walking off to her room, while Vineet watches her walk away. His eyes are glistening with tears, and he's aware that it'd be hard convincing her, and his daughter—she might not know him. He sighs and begins to walk out of the floor, his steps heavy. Meanwhile, he encounters Sameer, who's probably going to see Ruhana. Sameer has understood his inner turmoil.

“Tumne Ruhana se baat ki?” Sameer asks, his tone irked.

“Vo mujhse baat hi nahi karna chahti, Sameer. Maine koshish ki thi usse baat karne ki, par usne kaha ki wo meri shakal bhi nahi dekhna chahti.” He says, his tone filled with emotion.

“As expected! Tumne jo kiya hai uske baad ye toh hona hi tha. Aur ab jo hoga, vo bhi shayad tumhare ego ko hurt karega, Vineet.” Sameer says, reminiscing Ruhana's words from earlier.

“Jaanta hoon, ab mujhe isi guilt ke sath jeena hoga.” Vineet says downing his gaze and walks away.

Sameer sighs and walks towards Ruhana's room, and knocks the door. The door is slightly ajar, and as he peers in, he finds Manvi and Ruhana having their sweet moment.

*****
Manvi is cuddling to her mother, resting her head on her chest, while her mum is sitting, holding her close.

“Mumma, aapka kaam jaldi ho gaya? “ Manvi asks innocently.

“Nahi, betu, abhi mumma ko vapas jana hai, lekin usse pehle mumma  aur Mannu khana khayenge. Aur pata hai kal fir program hai, vahan pe Mannu bhi aayegi. “ Ruhana says, as she serves food for herself and her daughter.

“Yay, maza aayega. Aur painting? “ Manvi chuckles.

“Aaj hum practice karenge. “ She replies, as she begins to feed her daughter with naan and Daal makhani.

Manvi chuckles, she's glad to have her mother near, and more than that, she is glad to have her favorite food. She reaches out to take a piece of naan and dips it into the daal, and feeds it to her mother. Ruhana is surprised of this gesture, but appreciates it.

As the two delve into the deliciousness of their meal, Manvi looks at her mom, and throws a question her way, leaving her off guard.

To Be Continued.