Chapter 40: More Than Words

Veeresh was still kneeling beside Aarhan, gently wiping away the little boy's tears.

The corridor was silent.

Yash looked at his father.

His expression was calm, but there was hurt behind his eyes.

Yash: "Papa..."

Veeresh looked up.

Yash: "Words alone can't fix this."

Veeresh remained silent.

Yash continued,

Yash: "You just told him he's your son."

He glanced at Aarhan.

Yash: "Now prove it."

Aarav looked at his brother but didn't interrupt.

Yash spoke firmly.

Yash: "First..."

He pointed towards the principal's office.

Yash: "...talk to the Principal."

Veeresh didn't say a word.

Yash continued,

Yash: "If this happened to me, Aarav, or Aadhya, you wouldn't stay quiet."

He looked straight into his father's eyes.

Yash: "So don't stay quiet because it happened to Aarhan."

A heavy silence followed.

Veeresh slowly stood up.

He looked at Aarhan.

Then at Yash.

There was pride in his eyes.

His eldest son wasn't speaking out of anger.

He was standing up for his younger brother.

Without arguing...

Without defending himself...

Veeresh simply nodded.

He placed one hand on Yash's shoulder.

It was a silent acknowledgement.

Then he looked at all three boys.

Veeresh: "Come."

His voice was steady.

Veeresh: "We're going to the Principal's office."

Aarhan instinctively reached for Veeresh's hand.

Veeresh held it firmly.

On his other side, Yash and Aarav walked with him.

The four of them walked down the corridor together.

This time...

Not as strangers.

But as a father leading his sons toward the truth.