The doorbell rang.
Once.
Twice.
Again.
Inside the small apartment, Ananya froze.
Her heart already knew who it was.
Ayaan ran toward the door happily."Mama, I'll open—"
"No!" she rushed forward, stopping him.
Her hands trembled as she walked to the door.
For a second, she stood there… breathing heavily.
Then she opened it.
Aarav stood outside.
Sharp. Calm. Dangerous.
And furious.
"You shouldn't be here," she said immediately.
Aarav didn't move.
"You shouldn't have hidden my son."
The words hit like thunder.
Ananya's face went pale.
Behind her, Ayaan peeked out.
"Mama… it's that uncle again!"
Aarav's gaze softened for a brief second as he looked at the child.
Then it hardened again.
"We need to talk," he said.