Chapter 42 — My Decision

Arnav remained silent for a moment, his expression still hard.

Arnav: He even asked me something else.

Shabana looked at him.

Arnav: He asked me, “Should I call you Baba or Uncle?”

Rehnaa's eyes became moist.

Arnav: Imagine what that little boy must have been thinking to ask me that.

Abhram sighed heavily.

Arnav: And he told me what Ritika had said to him.

He paused.

Arnav: She told him that his real father had gone to God...

His voice softened.

Arnav: ...and that God sent me as an angel into their life.

Shabana looked emotional.

Shabana: Ritika said that to him?

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: Yes.

Rehnaa wiped the corner of her eye.

Rehnaa: She was trying to protect him.

Arnav: I know.

He looked toward the staircase.

Arnav: But after hearing everything, I don't want Ritika or Rishi staying at the Singh mansion.

Rehnaa immediately looked at him.

Rehnaa: Arnav, we can't force Ritika.

Arnav: I know.

His voice was calmer now.

Arnav: I'm not saying I will force her.

Abhram: Then what are you saying, beta?

Arnav took a breath.

Arnav: I'm saying I don't want her to feel that she has to leave because someone made her feel unwanted here.

Shabana nodded slowly.

Arnav: Rishi called me Baba because he wanted to.

He paused.

Arnav: And now someone has made him question whether he's even allowed to call me that.

His expression hardened.

Arnav: I don't want either of them to feel like outsiders in this house.

Rehnaa: Then speak to Ritika gently.

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: I will.

Abhram: And remember, beta, she still has every right to visit her parents and stay there if she wishes.

Arnav: I understand, Papa.

He looked toward the staircase again.

Arnav: I just want her to know that she doesn't have to run away from this family because of one person's words.

Shabana smiled faintly.

Shabana: That's all she needs to hear.

Arnav stood up.

Arnav: I'll tell her myself.

Rehnaa watched him walk toward the stairs.

For the first time, she could see that Arnav wasn't trying to control Ritika.

He was afraid of losing the family he had only just begun to understand he had.