Days passed.
Aarav didn't leave.
He didn't force anything either.
He came quietly.
Sat with Ayaan.
Helped him with homework.
Listened to his stories.
Laughed at his silly jokes.
And every time Ayaan called him "Papa"—
Aarav felt both joy… and pain.
Because he knew—
He didn't deserve it.
One evening, Ananya finally spoke.
"You should go."
Aarav looked up.
"I'll leave after he sleeps."
"That's not what I mean," she said.
Her voice was calm—but firm.
"You shouldn't be part of his life."
Aarav stood up slowly.
"I already am."
Her eyes flashed.
"You don't get to decide that after six years!"
"I know," he said quietly.
"And I'll spend the rest of my life earning that right."
Ananya turned away.
"Some things… can't be fixed."