Reyansh's efforts to win me back were evident. He cooked my favorite meals, surprised me with small gifts, and listened attentively to every word I spoke. But forgiveness didn't come easily.

Eight years. Eight long years he kept my daughter away from me. The pain and anger still simmered beneath the surface, waiting to erupt.

Yet, being near Jugnu, my firefly, brought me peace. Her laughter, her smile, her bright eyes sparkled with a light I thought I'd lost forever.

Reyansh's eyes would meet mine, filled with longing and regret. I saw the sincerity in his gaze, but my heart remained guarded.

"How can I forgive you, Rey?" I asked him one evening, as we sat together in the garden.

Reyansh's face contorted in anguish. "I don't expect forgiveness overnight, Pranati. But I want you to know that I love you, that I've always loved you. And I'm grateful for a second chance."

Grateful. That word echoed in my mind. I was grateful too – grateful for Jugnu, for this chance to know my daughter.

"Rey, I don't know if I can forgive you," I said honestly. "But I'm grateful for Jugnu. She's my everything."

Reyansh's expression softened. "She's mine too, Pranati. And I'm grateful to have you both in my life."

In that moment, I saw the man I once loved, the man who had captured my heart.

Perhaps forgiveness was possible. Perhaps.

As I looked at Jugnu, now sleeping peacefully in her room, I felt a sense of resolve.

I would try. For Jugnu's sake, for Reyansh's, and for mine.

•••••

I pushed open the door, hesitating for a moment before stepping inside. Reyansh's room. A space I had avoided for months, unable to bear the memories that lingered within these walls. But today, something compelled me to enter.

As I stepped inside, my breath caught in my throat. The room was transformed into a gallery, every wall adorned with paintings of Reyansh. My paintings. Ones I had created during our college days, when love and laughter filled our lives.

Memories flooded my senses as I gazed upon the artwork. There he was, smiling, laughing, lost in thought. Each brushstroke, each color, each moment captured with precision and passion. I relived our college days - the late-night conversations, the stolen glances, the whispered promises.

My eyes wandered to the painting of Reyansh sitting by the lake, his profile reflecting the serenity of the surroundings. I remembered that day vividly, the way the sunlight danced across his face, illuminating his features. My fingers had moved deftly across the canvas, capturing the essence of that moment.

Next to it hung a painting of Reyansh laughing, his eyes crinkled at the corners, his smile radiant. That was the day we had won the college festival, our teamwork and camaraderie culminating in triumph. I had captured the joy, the elation, and the love we shared.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I realized how much Reyansh had meant to me, how much he still meant. I felt like I was reliving those moments, the emotions raw and palpable.

"Pranati?" Reyansh's voice broke the spell, his eyes searching mine.

I turned to face him, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why?" I asked, my gaze sweeping the room.

Reyansh's smile was tender.

"I couldn't bear to part with them," he said. "They remind me of us, of what we shared."

My heart swelled, the memories and emotions swirling inside me.

"They remind me too," I whispered.

My gaze drifted to the painting of us together, the memories of that fateful day rushing back like a tidal wave. The day I had shared my precious secret with Reyansh, expecting joy and excitement. Instead, his face had fallen, his eyes filled with dread.

"Pranati, we can't have this child," he had said, his voice cold and detached.I had felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my world crumbling around me."Why?" I had asked, tears streaming down my face.Reyansh's expression had hardened.

"It's not the right time. My mother will never approve. We're not ready."His words had cut deep, slicing through my heart like a knife."You're asking me to abort our child?" I had whispered, horrified.Reyansh's silence had been deafening.

That day, a part of me had died. The painting now seemed like a cruel reminder of his rejection.As I gazed at the artwork, the colors seemed muted, the happiness in our faces a stark contrast to the pain and heartache that followed."Pranati?" Reyansh's voice broke the spell, his eyes searching mine.I turned to face him, my voice laced with emotion.

"This one... why did you keep this one?" I asked.Reyansh's expression softened."Because it reminds me of my mistake," he said. "Of the pain I caused you."Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes."You have no idea," I whispered.

Reyansh took a step closer."Tell me," he urged.I shook my head."You can't begin to imagine," I said. "The pain, the heartache, the loss."Reyansh's eyes filled with regret.

"I was blind," he said. "Blind to what truly mattered."His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken apologies.I turned back to the painting, memories flooding my mind.That day, I had lost not only the child but also the love and trust I had shared with Reyansh.Now, as I gazed at the painting, I wondered if forgiveness was possible.Could I forgive Reyansh for his past transgressions?Could I trust him again?The questions swirled in my mind, like a maelstrom.

"We were just 18 at that time, Pranati," Reyansh said, his voice laced with regret. "I was blinded by my family's business and the expectations that came with it. I was scared, Pranati. Scared to be a father, scared to take responsibility."

He took a step closer, his eyes pleading.

"I didn't know what to do, Pranati. I was trapped between my love for you and my duty to my family. I made the wrong choice, and I've spent every waking moment since then trying to make up for it."

Reyansh's words poured out like a confessional, his voice cracking with emotion.

"I know I can never undo the pain I caused, but I want you to know that I've changed, Pranati. I've grown up. I realize now that family isn't just about business or wealth; it's about love, and connection, and being there for each other."

He reached out, his hand brushing against mine.

"Can you ever forgive me, Pranati? Can you find it in your heart to give me another chance?"

"I don't know, Rey," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can forgive you. I don't know if I can trust you again."

Reyansh's face fell, but he nodded slowly.

"I understand, Pranati. I really do. I don't expect forgiveness overnight. But I want you to know that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to regain your trust."

He took a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity.

"I love you, Pranati. I always have. And I know I don't deserve you, but I'm willing to spend the rest of my life making up for my mistakes."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at Reyansh. His words were sincere, but the pain of the past still lingered.

"Rey, I need time," I said finally. "Time to think, time to heal. Can you give me that?"

Reyansh nodded, his face etched with determination.

"I'll give you all the time you need, Pranati. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

"Can i demand something from you Rey." I asked him as he turned to leave, he stopped, turned and nodded. "The Truth!"