Chapter 49 — Mumma and Bubba

The next morning, the Qureshi mansion was unusually peaceful.

Poornima was sitting on the floor of the living room with Noor beside her.

Noor had become much more attached to her over the past year.

She looked at Poornima and smiled.

Noor: "Mumma."

Poornima's face immediately lit up.

Poornima: "Yes, Bubba. Mumma is here."

She picked Noor up and kissed her cheek.

Noor giggled and reached for the colourful books lying on the floor.

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Come on, Bubba. Story time."

She opened one of Noor's picture books and placed it in front of her.

Poornima: "Look. This is a rabbit."

Noor pointed at the picture.

Noor: "Rabbit."

Poornima smiled proudly.

Poornima: "Very good!"

She turned the page.

Poornima: "And this is a tree."

Noor tried to repeat the word.

Noor: "Tree."

Poornima: "Good girl."

After the story, Poornima brought out a box of crayons and a colouring book.

She placed everything in front of Noor.

Poornima: "Now colouring."

Noor immediately picked up a crayon.

Poornima laughed.

Poornima: "Not in your mouth, Bubba."

Noor giggled.

Poornima carefully guided her little hand across the page.

She had made one rule very clear in the house when it came to Noor.

No phone.

No tablet.

No television during their learning and playtime.

She wanted Noor to grow up surrounded by books, colours, toys, stories and real conversations rather than constantly looking at a screen.

Poornima: "Mumma will teach you colours, okay?"

Noor nodded happily.

Poornima: "Red."

Noor: "Red."

Poornima: "Blue."

Noor: "Blue."

Poornima clapped.

Poornima: "Very good, Bubba!"

Noor laughed and hugged her.

Poornima hugged her back.

Poornima: "You don't need a phone. You have Mumma."

She kissed Noor's forehead.

From the hallway, Veeresh watched them quietly.

He had noticed how much effort Poornima put into Noor's upbringing.

She wasn't simply playing with her.

She was teaching her.

Reading to her.

Helping her learn colours.

Keeping her away from unnecessary electronic devices.

And most importantly, giving her attention.

Veeresh smiled faintly.

For the first time, he realized that Poornima wasn't just building a future for herself.

She was already building one for Bubba too.