Dawn of Spring

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Her eyes were stunning.

That was Ahana's first thought.

Even though the woman in the photograph could be an older version of herself, she could detect subtle variations.

"I suppose that explains why Gia calls you 'Momma.'"

Once the inquiry ended, authorities retained a handful of belongings found in the kid's old house for legal scrutiny and paperwork procedures before turning them over. One possessed an album containing five photographs of Gia, a young child, and her mother.

Ahana mistook herself for looking in the mirror.

"This is unusual. This is the first time I've heard something like it happening." She expressed surprise.

"I've heard that there are seven people on the planet who have identical appearances. I initially thought it was a myth." Her mother, Mita Arya, frowned her brows in surprise.

"If we'd had an older child, we would've known, so it's just a coincidence." Neal Arya moved the pictures over the surface of the table. His wife lightly whacked him on the arm.

Ahana glared at his lack of humour.

Advik explained, "Vivaan wanted me to ensure you saw this." He stood, his hands clenched and his back erect, like a man on a mission.

Little Gia hopped on the images while sitting on the table and twitched her legs since she couldn't think of anything else. Ahana gave the way she moved a sidelong glance. She was too adorable and smol for children her age.

"Her legs appear to be doing better." Advik observed as he watched her movements.

"The legs must move. It would be jammed otherwise." Ahana explained.

"Right..." he replied, still unsure.

"She's hinting that a lack of mobility can lead to muscular rigidity, also known as muscle tension, which can be excruciatingly uncomfortable. We were worried about the possibility of her being challenged. Thank Goodness she is not."

Advik nodded thoughtfully.

"Oh, my 'Momma′ works as a biology instructor," Ahana chuckled, wrapping her arm around her mother.

"And yet, Ahana failed biology in standard ninth."

"I really don't know why you keep bringing that up," she said, sounding exasperated.

"What?" her pretended to be surprised, "I thought we were stating facts."

"Stop embarrassing her, Neal." Her mother gave him a disapproving look.

Swinging in her world, the child gripped the photo in her tiny hands, pointing toward the woman in the photograph and shouting, "Momma," before trailing her fingers to where she was, "Gia."

The adults stood stunned at her recollection. Little Gia glanced up at them with big eyes, hoping they'd appreciate her for answering correctly. In her mind, she has done a terrific job.

"Woah!" Advik grinned, placing the photographs back inside the cover. "You can have it. I'll leave them here. Oh, and," he hesitantly reached inside his pockets and pulled out another packet. "Yeah, this one's for you."

He handed it over to Ahana, who accepted it without a word.

***************

"Are you certain that you gave her the envelope?" 

Vivaan inquired, the unkempt time as he stood in the hallway of his newly leased apartment. He looked out onto the balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of the setting sun. From here, he could see the sparkling lights of the cityscape, a shimmering reminder of the chaotic life he had left behind.