When the show day finally came, the gallery was bustling with activity. Visitors started to arrive, their faces beaming with interest and admiration for the artwork that covered the walls. Nervous and excited at the same time, my pulse pounded as I looked across the room for someone I knew. I was welcoming the guests as I stood beside one of my paintings when I noticed Priya coming into the exhibition with a woman who looked a lot like her. Anxiety swept over me as I recognized it as her mother. I was going to meet someone who was very important in Priya's life, and I had heard a lot about her family.Priya smiled and walked over to me, her mother's arm around her. "I want you to meet my mother, Aarav. He is Aarav, the artist I've been mentioning to you, Ma.With a kind grin, her mother held out her hand. "Aarav, it's a pleasure to meet you. Priya has been very complimentary of you and your efforts."Her kind manner somewhat calmed my worries as I shook her hand. "Thank you, Ma'am. Meeting you is an honor."I could see Priya's pride in her eyes as we spoke. She shared this significant occasion with us and seems really delighted to have her mother present. As she listened to my remarks and the artwork, her mother gazed at each item with admiration and the stories behind themPriya eventually excused herself to take care of other visitors, so her mother and I were left to carry on our talk. I saw that her mother's eyes were suddenly more critical, as though she were evaluating the artist as well as the piece of art.She added, "Aarav, your work is truly remarkable," in a reflective tone. "Give me more information about yourself. Where did you pursue your art studies?"I paused, knowing that my experience was anything than stellar. "I never went to an official art school. I gained knowledge from practice and experience, getting ideas from my surroundings."Her look was inscrutable as she nodded. "How is your family doing? Where are you from?"
I was troubled by the question. "When I was little, my parents died. I grew up in a small town and had to find my way on my own."
Though her eyes flickered with alarm, she maintained her composure. "It appears that you have encountered several obstacles. In what ways have you been able to sustain yourself?""Over the years, I've worked at a variety of occupations to support myself, but my love has always been painting. Although it has been a difficult road, Priya's assistance has been invaluable."I could feel her mother's emotional struggle as she gazed at me. She was cautious of her daughter's welfare and proud of her. "I can see you're talented and driven, Aarav. But I'm also concerned about Priya's future since I'm a mother. She needs stability, and I want her life to be safe."I took a deep breath, comprehending her worries. "I desire the best. for Priya too. I'm working hard to build a stable life, but I know it won't be easy."Her mother's eyes softened a little as she exhaled. "I don't question your motives, Aarav, but I need to be certain that Priya will be looked after. I hope you can appreciate my stance."Priya came back before I could reply, her face beaming with anticipation. "You must see this, Ma and Aarav! One particular item is receiving a lot of attention." A group of people had formed around one of my paintings in the middle of the exhibition, and we followed her. Knowing that Priya had played a key role in making this show a reality gave me a rush of pride and appreciation.
As the evening went on, more people showed up, and the gallery was alive with conversation and art appreciation. The mother of Priya mixed with the guests, occasionally casting a glance my way, her thoughts still visibly occupied with our earlier conversation.Priya and I sat in a peaceful area of the gallery later that evening, after the exhibition was over and the final visitor had departed, and we discussed how well the evening had gone. Although I could see the happiness in her eyes, I also understood that she was troubled by her mother's worries."Aarav, I'm so proud of you," Priya remarked with sincerity in her voice. "This exhibition was incredible, and it's all because of your hard work."
I grabbed her hand and said, "I couldn't have done it without you. Your support means everything to me."Priya grinned, but her eyes had a tinge of melancholy. "Didn't my mother speak to you?" Her worried expression was visible to me.
I gave a nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "She's concerned about your future, Priya. She wants to make sure you have a stable life, and she's not sure I can provide that."Priya gave my hand a comforting squeeze. "My mother doesn't get our relationship, even though I know she means well. She doesn't realize how much we value one another."I paused, understanding that even though we were very close, Priya and I had not made it clear that we were in love. "Priya, there's something I've been wanting to tell you..."I started to say anything else, when her mother came to the doorway. "Priya, can I speak with you for a moment?" Priya gave me a pitying glance before turning to face her mother. I saw their passionate and intimate talk as they retreated to a secluded place. I could see the worry on her mother's face as they talked. It was obvious that she was concerned about our connection and the potential future it held. I couldn't hear their words, but the tension was palpable.A few minutes later, Priya came back with a puzzled look. "I need to speak with you, Aarav. Can we go somewhere discreet?"Away from the other visitors, we located a peaceful area toward the rear of the gallery. "What's wrong, Priya?" With my heart racing, I inquired."My mom is concerned about us. She believes that our future together may not be safe due to your past and instability."Her remarks were like a kick to the stomach. "Is she blind to the fact that we love one another? How much do we help one another?""She does, Aarav, but she's focused on the real world. She wants to make sure my life is secure. She believes that it might be better if we... stay away from each other for now."Hurt and anger swept through me. "Priya, is that what you want? Do you wish to abandon us due of her worries?"Her eyes filled with tears. "No, Aarav, but I also can't disregard her concerns. I'm not sure what to do."
I felt conflicted. Even though we hadn't spoken the words out loud, I knew we were passionately in love.
But we were both burdened by the realities of our circumstances. "Priya, I..."At that moment, Priya was interrupted once more, this time by a gallery employee who needed her help with something. With a disappointed groan, she turned to face me. "Aarav, we'll speak later. I swear."As she walked away, a persistent sense of dread gripped me. We were being shattered by this situation, and the more I considered it, the more I saw that continuing to be together may be more detrimental to Priya than beneficial. The days that followed were filled with a lot of different feelings. There was an unsaid tension between Priya and myself, despite our best efforts to stick to our regular schedule. I kept thinking about what her mother had said, and I started to wonder if Priya would really benefit from being with me.
I thought it was time for a serious talk one evening as we were closing the gallery for the evening. "Priya, can we talk?"She noticed the seriousness in my voice and turned to face me. "Obviously, Aarav. What's on your mind?""I've been thinking a lot about what your mother said," I began, struggling to find the right words. "I love you, Priya, and I want to be with you more than anything. But I also want what's best for you."Her eyes filled with concern. "What are you saying, Aarav?"With a broken heart, I murmured, "I'm saying that maybe... maybe we should take a step back, I don't want to be the cause of the uncertainty and hardship in your life. You are worthy of security and stability."Her eyes filled with tears. "Don't do this, Aarav. Together, we can overcome these obstacles.""I know we can, but at what cost?" With a quivering voice, I spoke. "I can't stand the idea of hurting you or preventing you from moving on. Your mother could be correct. Perhaps it would be best if we avoided each other for the time being."With tears running down her cheeks, she shook her head. "Aarav, no. Don't say that, please. You are necessary to me. We are dependent on one another.""I need you too, Priya," I said, my own tears falling. "But sometimes, love means letting go. I want you to have the best possible life, even if it means I'm not in it."We both sobbed together as she gave me a hard hug. "Please, Aarav, don't leave me."I said, "I'll always love you, Priya," with my heart broken.