The First Hello

Isha stood near the window of her small apartment, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her dupatta. The evening sunlight streamed in, painting the walls with a golden hue, but she couldn’t bring herself to enjoy it. Her mind was too restless.

It had been three days since she had told Arnav the truth — the truth she had hidden for four long years. That Aarav wasn’t just her son… he was their son.

And now, he was coming.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Arnav.

Arnav: I’ve made my decision. I’m coming today… to meet my son.

Her breath caught. It wasn’t unexpected — she knew Arnav would want to meet him. But the finality in his words, the raw determination, sent her heart racing. She quickly typed back:

Isha: He’s at home. I’ll be here.

No emojis. No unnecessary words. This wasn’t the kind of conversation that needed them.

Arnav’s Side

Arnav Malhotra leaned back in his black leather car seat, staring out at the passing city. His chest was tight, every beat of his heart heavy with anticipation.

My son… my blood…

He had imagined this moment countless times in the last few days — the face of a child he had never met, the sound of a laugh he had never heard, the small hand that had never held his.

But what would Aarav think of him?

Would he be angry? Would he refuse to acknowledge him? Would he cling to Isha and look at Arnav like a stranger?

The thought made something sharp twist in his gut. He had never been nervous in his life — not in board meetings, not during multimillion-dollar deals — but this… this terrified him.

The car slowed to a stop outside Isha’s modest apartment building. For a moment, he didn’t move. His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, as if letting go would unravel him completely.

Finally, he exhaled and stepped out.

The Door Opens

Isha opened the door slowly. She wasn’t wearing makeup, her hair tied loosely, but she looked… strong. The strength of a mother who had raised her child alone.

Her eyes flickered to him briefly, then to the floor. “He’s in his room… drawing.”

Arnav nodded, his throat suddenly dry. “Can I…?”

She stepped aside. “Go ahead.”

The First Glance

He walked down the short hallway, his shoes strangely loud against the floor. When he reached the slightly open door, he paused.

Inside, a small boy sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by crayons. He was coloring a picture of a car — red, messy, but full of energy.

Arnav’s breath caught.

Aarav.

The boy had the same dark eyes as Arnav, the same determined set to his jaw. His hair was slightly messy, just like Arnav’s always had been as a child.

For a long moment, Arnav just stood there, unable to move, afraid that if he blinked, this would all disappear.

Isha came up behind him quietly. “Aarav… someone’s here to meet you.”

The little boy looked up, blinking at the tall man in the doorway. “Who?”

Isha hesitated, her voice soft but steady. “This is… Arnav. He’s… your papa.”

The Moment That Broke Them

Aarav tilted his head, frowning slightly as if processing the word. “Papa?”

Arnav’s legs felt heavy as he stepped into the room and knelt down, bringing himself to eye level. “Yes… I’m your papa.”

The boy’s small eyes searched his face, curious but unsure. “Where were you?”

The simple question was like a blade to Arnav’s chest. He swallowed hard. “Far away… but I’m here now. And I’m never going anywhere again.”

Aarav’s lips trembled, and before Arnav could say another word, the boy suddenly shuffled forward and threw his little arms around Arnav’s neck.

The warmth of that tiny body against him shattered every wall Arnav had ever built. His own arms went around Aarav, holding him tight as if making up for four lost years in one embrace.

And then the tears came.

Hot, unrestrained, unstoppable.

Aarav was crying too — not loud sobs, but quiet, trembling ones, as if some instinct deep inside him knew exactly who this man was.

From the doorway, Isha stood frozen, her own eyes brimming. She wanted to run to them, to hold them both, but she forced herself to stay still. This was their moment.

The Conversation Between a Father and Son

When they finally pulled apart, Arnav cupped Aarav’s face gently. “You’re so much like me,” he whispered.

Aarav sniffled. “Do you like cars? I like cars.”

Arnav let out a wet laugh. “I love cars. Maybe one day I can take you for a drive.”

“Can I sit in the front?” Aarav asked eagerly.

“Absolutely,” Arnav said without hesitation.

The boy smiled, the tears still clinging to his lashes but his expression brighter. “Okay… Papa.”

The word rolled off Aarav’s tongue shyly, but it was the most beautiful thing Arnav had ever heard.

Isha Joins In

When Isha finally stepped forward, Aarav reached for her hand instinctively. She knelt beside him, her other hand brushing away the remaining tears from his cheeks.

Arnav looked at her over Aarav’s head, his gaze unreadable — part gratitude, part guilt, part something deeper.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

Isha’s lips trembled, but she forced herself to keep her tone steady. “He’s yours too, Arnav. He always was.”

Aarav looked between them, his small brow furrowing. “Are you going to stay, Papa?”

Arnav took a deep breath and answered firmly, “Yes. I’m staying.”

The Evening

They spent the rest of the evening together. Aarav showed Arnav his toys, his coloring books, and even his favorite spot on the balcony where he liked to watch the street below.

Every laugh, every smile from Aarav felt like a treasure Arnav had been deprived of for too long. And Isha… she kept watching silently, her heart torn between joy and fear.

When it was finally bedtime, Aarav surprised them both by insisting Arnav tuck him in.

As he pulled the blanket over his son, Arnav whispered, “Goodnight, champ.”

Aarav yawned and mumbled, “Goodnight… Papa.”

After Aarav Slept

When they stepped out of the room, Isha closed the door softly. The air between them was heavy with unspoken emotions.

Arnav’s voice was rough. “I missed four years of his life, Isha. Four years I’ll never get back.”

She met his gaze, her own eyes wet. “And I lived those four years without you. Don’t make me regret letting you back in.”

Arnav nodded slowly. “I won’t.”

And for the first time in years, she almost believed him.

To be continued ~~

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