Ayaan stared at Aarav for a few seconds.
Then suddenly—
He smiled.
A small, innocent, pure smile.
"I have a Papa…" he whispered.
Before Ananya could react, Ayaan ran forward and hugged Aarav tightly.
Aarav froze.
His arms hesitated in the air—
Then slowly wrapped around the child.
Tight.
Protective.
As if he was afraid to lose him again.
Tears slipped down his face silently.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered, holding Ayaan closer.
"For not being there."
Ayaan pulled back, confused.
"But you're here now," he said simply.
Those words shattered Aarav completely.
Behind them—
Ananya watched.
Her heart ached.
Because no matter how much she tried…
She couldn't deny this bond.