Mintu, this is definitely one of the best you have written so far. This fiction has something very special and something so 'you' in it. While reading about his paintings, I had the image of this 'Buddha' painting of yours in the back of my mind. So probably that something so 'you' has to do with the fact that you are a creative artist yourself. Mein sachi bol rahi hoon. Pakka Promise!!
Arnav as an artist comes across as a true virtuoso, an artist who has a natural talent of finding out the beauty in the ugliest of things, who rightly justifies the famous saying "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder". He has a keen eyesight and equally strong will to paint the beauty his eyes visualize. The way you have described India through his eyes, makes it look all the more beautiful.
Arnav as a person comes across as an honest human being. Despite not being appreciated, forget applauded, by his parents for his exceptional talent, he did not give away his interests. His decision of moving out and finding his own place in the world of the art and then working hard to concrete it leaves me in a total awe of his maturity. The way he decided to spend a day with the local school kids was beautiful. It shows how eager he is to pass on his knowledge to everyone.
I guess he has finally found his most beautiful muse, a muse he would probably never want to share with anyone. I simply cannot wait to read the next part, for I really cannot contemplate how you plan to proceed with this one.
A little thought on his parents and siblings' behaviour:
"Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike..."
They have never disliked him but have always neglected him and thus have failed to recognize the genuinely wonderful person their son/brother is. I am sure they will realize that soon but I hope it doesn't get too late by then.
Waiting for the next part.
Update soon. 😊
Edited by sk2405 - 9 years ago