38
Chapter 38
Come Home
Two weeks passed peacefully.
For the first time in years, Anaya wasn't surviving.
She was living.
The apartment echoed with laughter more often than silence.
Kabir's school projects covered the dining table.
Aarav's coffee mug had somehow become a permanent fixture in the kitchen.
Without anyone planning it...
They had slowly become part of each other's everyday lives.
---
One Friday evening, Kabir came home unusually excited.
"Mumma!"
Anaya looked up from her laptop.
"What happened?"
"Our school is having Family Day next week."
"That's wonderful."
"It says both parents should come."
Anaya's smile faded slightly.
She instinctively looked at Aarav, who had just walked into the apartment.
He understood her hesitation immediately.
"We'll both go."
His answer came without hesitation.
Kabir threw his arms around him.
"Really?"
Aarav smiled.
"I wouldn't miss it."
---
Family Day arrived sooner than expected.
The school playground was decorated with colourful balloons and banners.
Children walked proudly between their parents.
Some held their mother's hand.
Some held their father's.
Kabir held both.
His tiny hands wrapped tightly around theirs.
As they walked through the school gate together, he looked up with the biggest smile.
"Now nobody will ask where my dad is."
Anaya felt her throat tighten.
She looked at Aarav.
He had heard it too.
Without saying anything, Aarav gently squeezed Kabir's hand.
"I'm here now."
Kabir nodded happily.
"I know."
---
The day was filled with games, laughter and competitions.
There was a painting contest.
A treasure hunt.
A relay race.
During one activity, each child had to write one sentence about their family and read it aloud.
Kabir stood confidently on the small stage.
He unfolded his paper.
"My family was apart for a long time."
The audience became quiet.
"But families can find each other again."
He looked toward Anaya and Aarav.
"My dad keeps his promises."
Then he looked at Anaya.
"My mum is the bravest person I know."
His voice softened.
"And together..."
A huge smile spread across his face.
"...they make me feel safe."
The applause that followed was louder than any competition that day.
Anaya wiped away a tear.
Aarav looked down for a moment, trying to compose himself.
Kabir had no idea how much those words meant.
---
That evening, the three of them stopped at an ice cream shop before going home.
Kabir happily walked a few steps ahead.
He was busy deciding between chocolate and mango.
"I want both."
Anaya laughed.
"You always want both."
"I have a big heart."
Aarav smiled.
"And a bigger appetite."
Kabir grinned proudly.
"Exactly."
---
When they reached the apartment, Kabir disappeared into his room to finish a drawing for school.
The living room grew quiet.
Aarav looked around.
His jacket was hanging on the chair.
His favourite mug sat beside the sink.
A pair of slippers he had left behind rested near the door.
He smiled to himself.
"It feels strange."
Anaya looked at him.
"What does?"
"I spend more time here than at my penthouse."
She laughed softly.
"That's true."
He hesitated for a moment.
Then spoke carefully.
"I don't want to rush you."
She waited.
"But driving across the city every morning just to have breakfast with you two..."
He smiled.
"...is becoming a habit."
Anaya lowered her eyes.
"So?"
"So..."
He took a slow breath.
"I was wondering if you'd consider moving into the Rathore house."
She remained silent.
Not because she disliked the idea.
Because she was thinking.
Finally, she shook her head gently.
"I don't think I'm ready for such a big house."
Aarav nodded immediately.
"I understand."
There wasn't a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Only acceptance.
Then Anaya smiled.
"But..."
He looked up.
"What if..."
She glanced around the apartment.
"...instead of me moving into your world..."
She met his eyes.
"...you moved into ours?"
Aarav blinked.
For a moment, he simply stared at her.
Then a slow smile spread across his face.
"This tiny apartment?"
She nodded.
"It already feels like home."
Before he could answer, Kabir ran out of his room holding another drawing.
"I finished!"
He stopped when he noticed the expressions on their faces.
"What happened?"
Anaya smiled.
"I asked your dad something."
Kabir looked at Aarav.
"What?"
Aarav knelt beside him.
"Mumma asked if I wanted to live with both of you."
Kabir's eyes became impossibly wide.
"Forever?"
Aarav glanced at Anaya before answering.
"If Mumma still wants me to..."
He looked back at his son.
"...then yes."
Kabir didn't say a word.
He simply threw his arms around both of them at once.
The hug was messy.
Awkward.
Perfect.
As Anaya rested her head lightly against Aarav's shoulder, she realized something.
Five years ago, fear had broken their family apart.
Now...
Love had quietly brought it back together.
To be continued...