Chapter 42: A Strong Boy

The meeting with the Principal had ended.

The four of them stepped out into the corridor.

For a few moments, no one spoke.

Then Yash looked at Veeresh.

There was no anger in his eyes this time.

Only quiet acknowledgment.

Yash: "Good, Mr. Rathore."

Veeresh looked at his eldest son.

Yash gave a small nod.

It wasn't affection.

It wasn't forgiveness.

But it was respect.

Without another word, Yash picked up his bag.

Yash: "Come on, Aarav. Lunch break is almost over."

Aarav looked at Veeresh, then at Aarhan.

He smiled at his little brother.

Aarav: "See you after school."

Aarhan: "Bye, Bhaiya."

The two brothers walked back towards their classrooms.

Veeresh and Aarhan stood alone in the corridor.

Aarhan slowly looked up at him.

His little eyes were still slightly red.

He hesitated before speaking.

Aarhan: "Thank you... Abbu."

Veeresh smiled warmly.

He bent down and gently placed both his hands on Aarhan's shoulders.

Veeresh: "Don't thank me."

He lovingly brushed Aarhan's hair away from his forehead.

Veeresh: "You're my son."

Aarhan's eyes sparkled.

Veeresh continued,

Veeresh: "And my strong son."

Aarhan listened carefully.

Veeresh: "Whenever something hurts you..."

He tapped Aarhan's little chest gently.

Veeresh: "...don't keep it locked in here."

Then he pointed towards himself.

Veeresh: "Tell me."

He smiled.

Veeresh: "Tell Ammi."

He added,

Veeresh: "Tell Yash Bhaiya or Aarav Bhaiya."

His voice was full of reassurance.

Veeresh: "You never have to fight everything alone."

Aarhan nodded confidently.

Aarhan: "Okay, Abbu."

A smile slowly spread across his face.

He puffed out his little chest proudly.

Aarhan: "I'm a strong boy!"

Veeresh laughed softly.

Veeresh: "Yes."

He kissed Aarhan gently on the forehead.

Veeresh: "You're my strong boy."

The school bell rang.

Aarhan adjusted his tiny school bag.

He looked back once more and waved enthusiastically.

Aarhan: "Bye, Abbu!"

Veeresh: "Bye, beta. Have a good day."

With a bright smile replacing the tears that had filled his eyes just an hour earlier, Aarhan happily ran towards his classroom.

Veeresh stood there for a few moments, watching until his little boy disappeared through the classroom door.

A quiet smile appeared on his face.

For the first time...

Aarhan hadn't walked away feeling afraid.

He had walked away believing that someone would always stand beside him.