#26. The Painting

The auditorium is bustling with activity. Some performers are showcasing dance and singing. Manvi watches in awe as the dancers sway rhythmically on the stage. The music filling the environment excites her. All they can hear is the music and the chatter of people behind them. It seems like Manvi is in a good mood. Meanwhile, as the mother and daughter enjoy the graceful performances, Barkha comes by their side and asks them to have dinner. Manvi insists on staying and watching the dances, but Ruhana doesn't seem to agree.

"Mumma, mujhe udhar nahi jana, aap jao," Manvi says, her tone innocent.

"Mannu, main tujhe akele chhod ke nahi jaungi, come on, let's go," Ruhana tries to convince her.

"Nooii, vahan bheed hai, main- main nahi jaungi," Manvi says, her voice laced with fear.

"Ruhana, tum jaao, main rukta hoon, Manvi ke paas!" It's Sameer, who stands by Manvi.

Manvi eventually holds Sameer's hand; it seems like he has fulfilled some of her demands. She chuckles and jumps on her toes.

"Dekho, Sameer uncle aa gaye, ab aap jaao, aur mere liye bhi kadhi-rice leke aana," The girl commands, causing her mom to laugh.

"Sam, please dhyan rakhna, I will be back soon," Ruhana says, still worried about her daughter.

"It's okay, you go, main hoon na, you can trust me. Aur vaise bhi, painting results aane mein time lagega," Sameer reassures her, and Ruhana walks away with Barkha.

Manvi plops down on the sofa, with Sameer by her side. As she focuses on the performances, Sameer decides to ask her a question. Gazing at her, he asks his first question.

"So, Manvi, tum Mumma ke sath kyun nahi gai?" He questions, trying to bridge the gap she has with crowds.

"Mujhe nahi jana, aur phir Mumma ko unki friend ke sath jana chahiye na, wo hamesha mere pas rehti hai, isliye maine unko bola jaane ko," Manvi says, her tone laced with innocence.

"Achcha, lekin wo toh abhi aa jayegi, tumhari Mumma tumhare bina nahi reh sakti," He says, teasingly.

"Mujhe pata hai, Mannu bhi unke bina nahi reh sakti, lekin agar aap mere pas ho, toh wo rahegi. Aap unke friend ho, fir bhi aapko nahi pata, very bad, uncle," Manvi slaps her forehead, causing Sameer to smile.

He's touched by Manvi's reply. Of course, she's a kid, but she understands her mother like no other. The mind of a five-year-old understands that her mother needs a breather, and therefore, she lets her go with a friend. Sameer follows Manvi's gaze, and his eyes rest on Ruhana, who's talking to Barkha and a group of ladies. There's a smile on her face.

"Dekhoo, Mumma ish happy," Manvi says, clapping her hands at the sight of her mother's happy face.

Sameer is touched. He hadn't realized until now that just as a mother cares for her child, a child holds the same feelings for their mom. Even though she doesn't understand the hardships of life, she understands her mom's plight. Sameer can't help but feel how lucky Ruhana is to have raised Manvi so beautifully. These two complement each other in every way. He feels his heart full at the moment. Despite her condition, she knows how to care for her mom, and this is what makes Sameer feel happy.

"Aap toh bahut intelligent ho, Manvi, I am so proud of you," Sameer says, his tone soft and his eyes filled with pride for the girl beside him.

"Mumma ne sikhaya, aapko ek secret bataun?" Manvi glances at her uncle, who nods, and he shifts closer to her.

"Jab sab log Mumma ko kuch bhi bolte hai, toh Mannu ko achcha nahi lagta, lekin Mumma kehti hai ki jo wo karte hai, uske liye unko phal bhi milta hai," Manvi says, her tone innocent.

"Matlab ki agar wo galat karte hai toh unko punishment milta hai, aise Mumma kehti hain," She informs him, her big eyes fixed on him.

"Isliye Mannu ko dekhna hai ki unko punishment kaise milta hai? Maza aayega, aur... Mumma bol rahi thi, ki jab hum wapas jayenge toh sabko jawab denge, unko Mumma kuch nahi kehti, isliye wo log galat bolte hai," Manvi says, disappointed by the memory.

Sameer is beyond touched. This girl notices every little thing. After all, she's just a kid, but she is well aware of the depth of her mom's pain. He doesn't say anything but holds her hands, squeezing them a little.

"Sab thik ho jayega, Mannu, jab aap ho apni Mumma ke sath, toh sab achcha hoga, dekhna," He tries to reassure her, knowing that it won't completely soothe her, but he makes an attempt.

"Mannu ko pata hai, Mumma bhi yahi kehti hai," She smiles innocently, unaware of the profound talks she just had.

"Aur Mumma jo kehti hai, wo toh sahi hi hota hai na?" It's Ruhana who settles by her daughter and smiles at her.

"Yes, Mumma ish always right," Manvi chuckles and snuggles close to her.

She then gazes at the food plate her mother is holding, and the two begin to savor the food while Sameer watches them with a warmth that he can't explain in words. Today, he has learned an important lesson, and he's trying to imbibe it at the moment.

They finish dinner, and before they know it, two hours have passed. Sameer, Manvi, and Ruhana are sitting in their places, waiting for the much-anticipated results of the painting competition.

The anchor takes hold of the mic and begins to speak. He tells them about the painting competition; the initial theme was to depict their perception of the world. He calls the participants on the stage. Manvi looks at Ruhana, and the two step towards the stage. Manvi clutches Ruhana's hand tightly. As they stand on the stage, Ruhana murmurs in her daughter's ear to stay confident and respond to the questions.

The anchor begins to showcase the paintings and questions the participants. As he approaches Manvi, the girl clutches her mom's hand, scared at the moment. Ruhana pats her on the head, encouraging her to reply. As the anchor asks the question, Manvi's innocent yet deep reply leaves the auditorium in profound silence, while Ruhana feels her heart swell with pride.

To Be Continued.

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