My Mr. Artist

Chapter 21

Kiyah

I just stared at him whereas his gaze was focus on the floor, my mind drifted back to his childhood. I envisioned a cute small boy left alone to dealing with his own problems. I could never imagine being in such a toxic environment called family would feel like.  My family was small and not well-off and rich like his but my parents had a love marriage and they were really happy with what they could earn and always prioritize their children and never burdened the two sibling.

I had always knew that Ansh was somewhat sensitive towards family topic. I still remember inviting him to my family dinner when my parents and brother were visiting me to city M. At that time we had just started dating and i had introduced him as a friend mainly focusing on him being an artist as my parents, mostly my dad really appreciate talents. They were looking at him in awe and when i showed them some of his work, my parents genuinely praised him but when i looked at him at that time, he seemed to be a little uncomfortable, his eyes were little red and he didn't spoke much. When i asked if he was okay, he just smiled at me and when he was about to go home, he said 'you have beautiful family'.

It was first and probably would be last ever meeting of him and my parents. He would always asked me to stay more connected with my parents and Whenever he would say that, i would also subconsciously asked him about his family, which lead to no more talking over this topic. I was young and was afraid to upset him so naturally after taking hints, i had avoided this whole debate.

" did you ever wanted to tell me about your past or never ?" My voice was like a soft whisper much to my surprise but i focused more on him then me.

" I was going to tell you everything upon my return and was...." He looked up to me and spoke in a same tone as mine but paused his words and again turned his gaze away.

This silence was deafening but the next think i was going to ask would be even more painful even so i would ask because may be this could be the only way to end this chapter of my life and to move on with much clarity and closure. It would pain for sure but it would also heal after some point. So taking a deep breath, i finally asked the question which kept me awaked for many nights,

" Was marrying her so important that you have to leave your everything behind, your career, your passion, your love... if you ever really loved me........" i paused and got up, turned around as i couldn't face him but then i continued,

" Was i not worthy for Saransh Awasthi ?" 

" KIYAH Don't talk like that" Saransh got up and moved towards me. He sounded distressed and somewhat angry but i didn't turned back. He was closed to me, i could feel, which made me little bit distracted but still i didn't turned to face him.

" I am the one who is not worthy of you. You were right, i am a coward ki. i was in major dilemma. I got call from home after so many years when i was returning home to you ......" I stood silent and he spoke about the turn of events which lead us to where we are right now.

_

Three years ago

Saransh was in the art gallery of his teacher Mr. george looking at new display of his portrait, deeply in his own thoughts. He had been here for more than one month now and almost done with all of his work and ready to go back to india earlier than schedule, to his sweet home. Tomorrow was his departure flight so he wanted to meet his teacher before going back.

" How had you been, my boy?" he heard a cheerful voice from behind and turn around with smile on his face to see his teacher coming towards him with all paint on his clothes. He also move forward to greet the middle age man.