Chapter Seven: Little Confidant

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow behind the majestic mountains. Cold winds whispered through the air, gently tickling Nehmat and eliciting a smile from her as she sat atop the hill. The wet grass beneath her seemed to cradle her, adding a soothing touch to the serene scene unfolding before her.

Her Android phone blared its Punjabi ringtone loudly, capturing the attention of those nearby. Smiling shyly, Nehmat swiftly picked up her phone. As she unlocked the device, an excited Vamika and Anushka appeared on the other side of the screen.

"Ninii!" an excited Vamika shouted in a baby voice.

"Hello, Vamii," Nehmat cooed, her heart warmed by the genuine excitement reflected on Vamika's face.

"Hi, Baby. How are you? We just called Virat, and he mentioned you were out with some friends. I didn't want to disturb, but this little one couldn't resist," Anushka said, leaning on the kitchen counter.

"Hello, Bhabhi. No problem, I was alone anyway, and I'm always free for my Vamii," Nehmat replied, waving back with a genuine smile.

"Why are you alone? You know it's not safe," Anushka inquired, her eyebrows raised in a mixture of query and concern.

"Oh, chill Bhabhi. One of our friends suddenly had other plans, so we decided to shift the plan to another day. Plus, I'm 24," Nehmat said, pouting slightly.

Anushka maintained a stern expression, her concern evident in her tone. "Regardless of your age, Nehmat, safety is paramount. You should always let someone know when plans change, especially when you're out alone. It's not about age; it's about being responsible."

Nehmat nodded, recognizing the validity of Anushka's admonishment. "I know, Bhabhi. I'll be more careful next time. Promise."

Anushka's expression softened, and she offered a warm smile through the screen. "Good. We just worry about you. Now, tell us what you've been up to lately."

Nehmat sighed, realizing she had little to share on the excitement front. "Well, Bhabhi, work has been keeping me occupied. Same old routine, you know. Nothing particularly thrilling happening lately."

Anushka couldn't hide her disappointment, and she playfully pouted, "Oh, Nehmat, you need to sprinkle a bit of excitement in your life! Work is essential, but you can't let it overshadow everything. You deserve some fun too!"

Nehmat chuckled at Anushka's theatrics. "I know, Bhabhi, I'll try to add a dash of excitement to my routine. Maybe plan something adventurous soon."

Anushka's expression softened, and she reassured Nehmat, "No worries. I'm sure you'll have some fun when your friends are back. Just make sure to strike a balance, okay? Life is too short to be all work and no play."

As Anushka was speaking, Vamika, with her tiny hands, grabbed the phone from its place. She wiggled out of her seat, holding the device carefully, leaving Anushka bewildered.

"Vamii, what are you up to?" Anushka asked, her eyebrows furrowed in amusement as she tried to figure out her daughter's intentions.

Vamika, with a mischievous grin, declared, "I want to have secret talks with Nini!" She wobbled away, attempting to find a quiet corner for her impromptu conversation.

Anushka chuckled as she watched her daughter scamper away, disappearing into her bedroom. The door closed behind Vamika, creating an air of secrecy for her anticipated tête-à-tête with her bua.

"Well, what does my little one want to talk about?" Nehmat chuckled as she observed Vamika quietly settling into a corner, keeping a vigilant eye on the door in case her mom tried to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Little Vamika's expression turned serious as she inquired, "If your one friend had to cancel the plan, why didn't you go with the other one?"

She gulped, looking at Vamika's serious expression. It was the first time she had seen this side of her niece. Nehmat was about to come up with an excuse, assuming that little Vamii would believe it because, after all, she was just a kid. But before Nehmat could say anything, Vamika cut her off, saying, "And Nini, don't you dare lie to me."

Nehmat's eyes went wider than the size of a cricket ball, surprised by the unexpected sternness in Vamika's usually sweet and bubbly tone. The shift in Vamika's demeanour added a layer of seriousness to their conversation, making Nehmat realise that her little niece was not to be underestimated.

"Also, I know how many times you've lied that you're going out with your friends so that nobody thinks you're lonely when, in reality, you just spend time alone. And don't ask me how I know, I just know," Vamika added. Nehmat's head spun at the revelation, realizing the three-year-old had a surprising amount of insight into her habits and actions.

"Vamii, you know..." Nehmat stuttered, attempting to dodge the conversation and considering ending the call. However, Vamika wasn't ready to let go, asserting, "If you dare to end the call, I won't talk to you again. Don't do it."

Caught between a determined three-year-old and the truth she couldn't escape, Nehmat sighed and decided to face the music. "Okay, Vamii, I won't cut the call. Let's talk."

Nehmat's eyes turned watery as she bit her lip. "You know, your Nini is just stupid," she confessed with a hint of self-deprecation.

Vamika, sensing the vulnerability in Nehmat's words, softened her expression and replied, "No, Nini, you're not stupid. You're just my Nini, and I love you."

"Not all have pretty hearts like you, darling," Nehmat sobbed softly, hiding behind the tree away from the audience. "Some people think your Nini is annoying and a headache."

This marked the first instance where Nehmat opened up about her feelings. Shivering with sobs, she sat with her chin on her knees, baring her emotions in front of the little human before her.

"Nini, don't cry, plwease," Vamika said, her lips quivering.

Vamika, her small face filled with compassion, extended her tiny arms toward the screen, offering comfort. Nehmat, touched by the genuine concern in her niece's eyes, managed a watery smile and wiped away her tears.

"I don't want my Nini to be sad. Why do people think you're annoying?" Vanika asked with a frown, struggling to comprehend the complexities of adult emotions.

Nehmat sighed, grateful for Vamika's innocence. "Oh, sweetheart, sometimes people have different opinions, and they may not always understand each other. But it's okay; what matters is that you and I know how much we care for each other."

Vamika nodded, still wearing a serious expression. "Well, I think you're the best in the world. And anyone who thinks otherwise is silly."

Through tears, Nehmat scolded Vamika gently, "Vamii, sweetheart, you shouldn't call anyone silly. People have different opinions, and it's okay. What matters is that you and I know the truth, right?"

Vamika pondered for a moment, her serious expression giving way to a thoughtful one. "Okay, Nini. But I still think you're the best."

Nehmat smiled through her tears, grateful for Vamika's unwavering support. "Thank you, Vamii. I'm lucky to have you as my best friend."

Vamika mirrored Nehmat's smile, her eyes shining with affection. Leaning towards the phone, she pressed a gentle kiss on the screen. "And I'm lucky to have you as my best friend, Nini. You make my heart happy."

Nehmat's heart warmed at Vamika's sweet gesture. "You're such a precious soul, Vamii."

Vamika giggled again, then leaned in closer to the phone, her face filled with determination. "And you know what, Nini? Any boy who gets to be your friend will be the luckiest person in the whole wide world! They just don't know it yet!"

Nehmat laughed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Oh, Vamii, you're truly something special. Thank you for being my little sunshine."

Vamika, sensing the need for a shift in the conversation, grinned and exclaimed, "Let's talk about happy things, Nini!" She enthusiastically began sharing stories about her day at school, animatedly recounting the funny incidents, the games she played with her friends, and the fascinating things she learned.

Nehmat, captivated by Vamika's lively tales, couldn't help but be drawn into the infectious joy emanating from her little confidante. The weight of the earlier emotional discussion gradually faded away as Vamika's stories became a source of light and happiness.

They continued discussing happy moments, unaware that someone had been eavesdropping on their conversation.