𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕤

☆ Bonus Chapter 2 ☆

First Competition
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Akshara is 10 years old
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With her dress flawlessly aligned, hair elegantly arranged, and ribbons perfectly fastened, Akshara appeared picture-perfect for the grand event. Her parents, Tara and Vikram, enthusiastically directed her through a variety of stances set against a creative backdrop personally designed by Vikram. This marked Akshara's debut into the storytelling competition, and interestingly enough, the anticipations of her parents exceeded her own.

Akshara found her parents' laughter and excitement bewildering. Her gut twisted with anxiety, a stark contrast to their cheerful demeanor. She did conducted a final rehearsal yesterday, her family's familiar faces encircling her, as they smiled warmly at every word she spoke, every gesture she made. But those who would attend the event later, they wouldn't be as forgiving. Her worry gnawed at her - if she made one small mistake, stumbled over a single word, they might ridicule her.

Akshu, inga paaru

Caught in a tangle of thoughts, Akshara scarcely noticed her name being called by Vikram. He quickly understood what was occurring and shared a mutual glance with Tara. They both affirmed a silent promise and bent down, bringing themselves to their daughter's level. Their smiles beamed with empathy and assurance, intending to soothe Akshara's swirling anxieties and fears.

You're going to be great, Akshu

Nee dhan neraya practice pannirkalae?

But what if I don't? Na mela poi marandhutenna?

Then it's okay, baby. It's okay to make mistakes

Yellarum siripanga pa

Akshu groaned in exasperation, holding her head as she stormed away from her bewildered parents, stamping to her room and slamming the door loudly behind her. For the first time, she grappled with the unsettling feeling of not being understood.

Even her usually empathetic parents seemed oblivious to her burgeoning anxiety, which only compounded her fear and frustration.

In the echo of the slammed door, Vikram and Tara found themselves enveloped in shared concern.

She's so scared, Vikram, yenna panradhu?

Tara asked Vikram, a tinge of worry reflected in her eyes. Vikram, scratching his head in confusion, struggled to come up with a solution. The helpless parents stood there, their thoughts echoing with the same question, unsure of what steps to take next.

Pesama virtuvoma? Oru vela avale cool agiruvalo?

Vikram suggested, as that was the only way left. However Tara held her head in her hands, a trait that Akshara inherits, and whined,

No.. yepdhi vidha mudhiyum? That'll make us horrible parents.

This sudden bout of jitters was an unfamiliar challenge, leaving them feeling uncertain and unsure of how to navigate through it. Not even talking or taking turns every day to rehearse helped.

The couple took a deep breath, steeling themselves for a potentially emotional encounter, and gently knocked on Akshu's door. They heard a faint but unmistakable "come in" and cautiously entered. There, they found Akshara, her gaze locked on the script paper, deep in quiet contemplation as she mentally rehearsed her lines.

Witnessing their daughter's pouting expression and her act of turning away struck a chord in their hearts. Out of nowhere, Tara reached over and pinched Vikram's arm. A subtle wince escaped Vikram's lips.