A SUPPRESSED LIFE
The auditorium was full of people and instead of clapping they were pointing fingers at Manu in unison. He repeatedly tried questioning them the reason of their unrest, but neither his shouts; which were enveloped by the noise of many mouths taking all at once, nor his random hand gestures had any effect on the exited crowd. In his mind he tried scanning the reason, but caught sight of a group walking to one corner of the auditorium. A man among them was holding on to something. Manu tried concentrating on the object, but realized that another group was getting on the big stage that was erected in his honour. At that moment he saw that the man was holding his latest painting, without any notice another man slashed at the painting with a sharp object. The disrespect that was meted to his creation churned his heart and a painful “no,” came out of his mouth, while he saw their glee etched faces. Manu’s eyes opened and he saw his reflection, blood red eyes, wearing a brown s...