Chapter 75 — What Rishi Was Hiding

Rishi was standing alone in his painting room, lost in his thoughts.

A cigarette was between his fingers.

The door opened.

Arnav walked in.

Rishi immediately threw the cigarette away.

Arnav stopped and looked at him.

Arnav: When did you learn this, champ?

Rishi looked down.

Rishi: Baba... it's just one. I don't smoke much. Only occasionally.

Arnav didn't raise his voice.

He simply looked at his son.

Arnav: Rishi, I've been watching you.

Rishi remained silent.

Arnav: You're not coming down for breakfast properly. You're skipping dinner sometimes. You're spending hours at the gym and then disappearing into this room.

He glanced at the paintings around him.

Arnav: And Mumma is worried.

Rishi looked away.

Arnav: I'm worried too.

There was silence.

Arnav: I waited for you to come and talk to me.

Rishi finally looked at him.

Rishi: Baba, I'm just worried about my AFCAT results.

Arnav gave him a knowing smile.

Arnav: Rishi.

Rishi: Hmm?

Arnav: Don't lie to me when you don't have to.

Rishi's eyes became wet.

Arnav: Sit beside me.

Rishi quietly sat beside him.

Arnav looked at his son for a moment.

Arnav: You grew up so fast, champ.

Rishi wiped his eyes.

Arnav: I remember you running around this house.

He smiled faintly.

Arnav: Calling me Baba before you even knew what that word really meant.

Rishi smiled through his tears.

Arnav: But now you're sitting here carrying something alone.

He placed a hand on Rishi's shoulder.

Arnav: Tell me what happened.

Rishi tried to hold himself together.

Arnav: Whatever it is, you can tell me.

Rishi's eyes finally filled completely.

Arnav: Rishi?

Rishi's voice broke.

Rishi: Dad...

Arnav immediately became serious.

Rishi: I got cheated on.

Arnav didn't interrupt.

Rishi: I genuinely loved her, Baba.

A tear rolled down his cheek.

Rishi: I wanted to introduce her to you and Mumma.

He lowered his head.

Rishi: I thought... maybe she would become part of our family.

Arnav listened quietly.

Rishi: But she betrayed me.

His voice trembled.

Rishi: She used me, Baba.

Arnav's expression softened.

Rishi: And the worst part is...

He wiped his face.

Rishi: She told me nobody would ever love me.

Arnav's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice calm.

Arnav: Look at me.

Rishi slowly looked up.

Arnav: What she said about you is not the truth.

Rishi cried silently.

Arnav pulled him into his arms.

Arnav: You loved someone sincerely. That doesn't make you foolish.

Rishi held onto his father.

Arnav: It means your heart was genuine.

Rishi: But it hurts, Baba.

Arnav: I know.

He held him tighter.

Arnav: And you don't have to pretend you're fine just because you're grown up.

Rishi closed his eyes.

Arnav: Cry if you need to. Talk if you want to. Sit silently if you need that too.

He gently rubbed his back.

Arnav: But don't let one person's betrayal convince you that you're unlovable.

Rishi nodded against his shoulder.

Arnav: You have your Mumma. You have me. You have your siblings. You have this family.

He paused.

Arnav: And someday, if you choose to love again, choose someone who respects the heart you give them.

Rishi whispered:

Rishi: Thank you, Dad.

Arnav kissed the top of his head.

Arnav: Always, champ.

For the first time in weeks, Rishi allowed himself to cry without hiding it.

And Arnav simply stayed beside him.