Chapter 12 — The Thought That Stayed

Arnav reached home later that evening.

As he entered the living room, he found his father, Abhram, and his paternal aunt, Rehnaa, waiting for him. They immediately looked toward him with curiosity.

Rehnaa: How was the meeting, beta?

Arnav removed his watch and sat down.

Arnav: It was good, Phupi.

Abhram: And Ritika?

Arnav: She was comfortable with me.

He paused for a moment.

Arnav: And the boy...

A faint expression appeared on his face.

Arnav: Rishi liked me.

Rehnaa smiled.

Rehnaa: Really?

Arnav: He is very introverted. He doesn't speak much, but he became comfortable with me.

He remembered the little boy holding his hand.

Arnav: He even called me Baba.

Abhram smiled warmly.

Abhram: That's a good sign, beta.

Rehnaa looked at Arnav affectionately.

Rehnaa: I am happy for you. But remember something.

Arnav looked at her.

Rehnaa: Ritika will be leaving her family and coming into our home. She is not only becoming your wife; she is becoming part of our family.

Arnav listened quietly.

Rehnaa: Take care of her. Respect her. Give her time to adjust to our family, our home and our way of living.

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: Alright, Phupi. I understand.

Rehnaa: Don't expect everything to change overnight.

Arnav: I won't.

Just then, Shabana entered the house after returning from the dargah.

Shabana: Beta.

Arnav stood up.

Arnav: Ammi.

Shabana smiled at him before sitting down.

Shabana: There is something we need to do according to our tradition.

Arnav: What is it?

Shabana: When the bride is welcomed into the family, we send her a saree and bangles. It is a gesture that tells her she is already welcome in our home.

Arnav nodded.

Shabana: You will have to send them to Ritika.

Arnav: Alright, Ammi. I'll arrange everything tomorrow.

Shabana smiled.

Shabana: Good.

Arnav then excused himself and went upstairs.

Once inside his room, he freshened up and changed into comfortable clothes.

He sat on the edge of his bed, staring into the distance.

He had expected the meeting to be difficult.

He had expected questions.

He had expected hesitation.

But one moment kept returning to his mind.

Rishi's smile.

The little boy standing in front of him.

His tiny hand reaching for his.

And then those innocent words.

"I like you."

Arnav remembered the kiss on his cheek.

And then—

"Bye, Baba."

For some reason, that single word stayed with him.

Arnav leaned back against the headboard.

He had spent years building walls around himself.

Yet an eight-year-old boy had somehow walked through them without even trying.

Arnav closed his eyes.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

Arnav: Baba...

He repeated the word quietly to himself.

For the first time, it didn't feel strange.

It felt unexpectedly warm.