The entire house buzzed with energy, a whirlwind of last-minute preparations to welcome little Aryaman. Laughter and chatter echoed through the halls as Pashmina’s family arrived, their warmth adding to the festive air. Akaay and Vamika, their tiny hands gripping crayons, filled pages with colorful scribbles—messages of love for their soon-to-arrive cousin. 

Excitement pulsed through everyone, like a melody weaving its way through the celebration. Everyone—except one. 

In the farthest corner, half-hidden behind a curtain, a lone figure stood. Their fingers traced the wooden surface of a table, wiping away dust that had long since been cleaned. The motions were slow, deliberate—an attempt to distract a heart heavy with emotions. While the world around them sparkled with joy, they remained untouched by its glow, lost in a quiet storm only they could feel.

Shubman's eyes flickered toward the clock. His tongue darted out to wet his lips as he noted the time—just five more minutes. Five minutes until the tiny human arrived. He wished he could steal a little more time, stretch these last moments before everything changed. But before he could gather his thoughts, the sharp chime of the doorbell shattered his contemplation.

It rang earlier than expected.

Pashmina, who had been precariously perched on a piece of furniture, securing the last of the festoons, let out a squeal of excitement and jumped down without a second thought. The sudden movement made Virat, who had been watching her warily, yelp in alarm.

"Mina, be careful!" he scolded, rushing to her side. "You have to take care of a baby, not act like one!"

But Pashmina only grinned, her eyes shining with anticipation. The long wait was over. Aryaman was here.

Everyone quickly gathered near the door, eager to see the baby. Shubman, however, moved slowly, taking small steps and standing behind the others, unsure of how he felt.

Pashmina’s eyes lit up as she opened the door. And there he was—her little Aryaman. His tiny hands were curled into fists, one of them stuffed into his mouth. He looked around curiously, his big eyes scanning the faces in front of him. Then, as his gaze met Pashmina’s, his expression changed. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he let out a happy little sound.

He wiggled in excitement, extending his tiny arms toward Pashmina. Without a second thought, she scooped him up, her heart swelling with love. As she held Aryaman, the sight behind her—of happy, eager faces—made Ranjeet and Poonam Bagga breathe a collective sigh of relief. They knew, deep down, that Aryaman was in the right hands. The joy in the room was palpable, and for the first time, everything felt exactly as it should.

Pashmina cradled Aryaman gently in her arms, her face softening as she gazed down at him. His tiny fingers curled around her finger, and she smiled, feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.

"Hello, little one," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "Are you ready for all the love we're going to give you?"

Aryaman’s eyes widened, as if he understood her words. His gaze flickered from her face to the room around them, taking in the new sights and sounds. He let out a tiny squeal, his face lighting up with curiosity.

"Oh, you’re already so curious," Pashmina laughed softly. "I can’t wait to show you everything."

Virat, standing just behind them, couldn’t help but smile at the tender moment. "He’s definitely going to keep you on your toes," he said, his tone light.

Poonam, beaming with pride, added, "He’ll be spoiled with love. Just look at him."

Pashmina shifted Aryaman so she could get a better look at him. His little eyes locked onto hers again, and for a moment, they shared an unspoken connection.

"Do you know how much we’ve all been waiting for you?" she asked softly. "Everyone’s been so excited to meet you."

Aryaman blinked, then let out a small coo, as if responding to her. Pashmina laughed, her heart swelling with joy. "Yes, I think you’re already making your place here."

She glanced over at Shubman, who stood quietly in the background, a silent observer to the lively scene. His eyes were fixed on Aryaman, but his expression was unreadable, as if he were lost in thought, unsure of how to feel. 

Pashmina, sensing his hesitation, walked toward him. Her eyes gently urged him to take the baby in his arms, offering a quiet, unspoken invitation. But Shubman remained still, his hands fisted at his sides, his gaze never leaving the little one. 

He sighed deeply, a sound filled with something Pashmina knew pretty well, and turned away, unable—or unwilling—to step forward. 

Pashmina understood. She could feel the weight of his emotions, the internal conflict that had been building up inside him. She knew he wasn’t ready, and pushing him further would only make things harder. 

Without saying a word, she gave him a small, understanding nod. It was okay. She wouldn’t force it. 

The rest of the room had fallen quiet too, sensing the tension in the air, but choosing not to comment. Wanting to keep the mood light and joyful, Pashmina quickly turned her attention back to the others.

With a smile, she patted Aryaman's back gently and gestured toward the living room. “Let’s move to the living room, everyone. Aryaman’s here, and the fun’s just beginning!”

As she led the way, her heart lightened, knowing she had done what was best for Shubman—for now—and that the warmth of the family around her would carry them all through the day, no matter the quiet struggles hidden beneath the surface.

Pashmina carefully placed little Aryaman on the couch, surrounding him with pillows to keep him safe and comfortable. She kissed his tiny forehead before turning to his grandparents with a smile.

"So, what would you like to have for lunch?" she asked.

Poonam and Ranjeet exchanged a hesitant look. "No, it's fine. We're just here to drop off Aryaman, that's all," Poonam said gently.

Pashmina shook her head, her smile still bright. "No, I’m not letting you leave without having something," she insisted.

Ranjeet laughed a little, though he still seemed reluctant. "We didn’t want to trouble you, Pashmina."

"It’s no trouble at all. Please stay and eat with us. Aryaman’s home, and we should celebrate," Pashmina said, not taking no for an answer.

After a moment, Poonam and Ranjeet gave in. "Alright, if you insist," Ranjeet said with a smile.

Pashmina clapped her hands, excited. "Great! I’ll get everything ready. You all deserve a proper meal after today."

The first to leave the living room was Shubman. His movements were quick, almost as if he couldn’t stay in one place for too long. Ranjeet and Poonam exchanged a look, a heavy silence settling between them.

They both felt a pang of guilt. If only they had trusted him more, things might have turned out differently. But what was done was done, and there was no going back now.

All they could do now was hope, pray even, that love would find its way into Shubman’s heart for little Aryaman. They knew it wasn’t going to be easy, that it would take time, but they couldn’t help but wish that the new life of Aryman in this home would be the bridge to heal whatever distance remained between them.

Lunch was finally served, and the atmosphere in the room shifted. The delicious spread before them was met with eager hands and appreciative smiles. The chatter softened as everyone dug in, savoring the flavors, their faces lighting up with every bite. For a brief moment, there was nothing but contentment—happy faces, full bellies, and the quiet hum of satisfaction.

As the day wound down, Akaay and Vamika played quietly with Aryaman, their giggles filling the room as they took turns making the little one laugh. Pashmina smiled, watching them, her heart warmed by the peaceful sight of her children bonding with their new cousin.

Her smile lingered, but it slowly faded when her gaze drifted toward the corner of the room. There, on a recliner, sat Shubman—alone. He was staring out the window, his eyes unfocused, lost in thought. The night had settled in, and the dim light from the room cast soft shadows on his face. It was as though he wasn’t really seeing anything at all. Despite the quiet hum of joy around him, he seemed distant, as if the warmth of the evening hadn’t quite reached him. Pashmina’s heart sank, but she said nothing, not wanting to disturb him. She could only hope that, in time, he would find love in his heart for aryaman.

Pashmina glanced at the clock, realizing how late it had gotten. She turned to the kids, her smile softening. "Okay, babies, time to sleep," she said gently.

Vamika pouted, her big eyes pleading as she pulled on Pashmina's sleeve. "Bua, please, just a little more?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent charm.

Pashmina shook her head, poking Vamika's nose playfully. "No, no, sweetie," she said with a laugh.

Akaay, still trying to form his words, looked up at Pashmina and stammered, his voice soft and unclear, "No... no," he attempted, his little face scrunching as he tried to speak.

Vamika nodded, still pouting, but she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Pashmina’s cheek and then on Aryaman’s tiny forehead. With a gentle huff, she carefully picked up Akaay in her little arms, her effort both sweet and determined. She waddled toward the guest bedroom, her small steps careful with her brother in tow.

Before she disappeared into the room, she turned around and called out, her voice loud and clear, "Goodnight, Shubii!"

Shubman, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, looked up. A small, almost imperceptible smile crossed his face as he nodded in acknowledgment.

Pashmina switched off the light, a quiet invitation for Shubman to come to bed. She watched as he rubbed his face, walking slowly toward the bed, ready to lie down, planning to turn away from Aryaman.

Just as he was about to settle in, Pashmina reached out, gently stopping him. He turned to face her, and she spoke softly, "A goodnight kiss."

Shubman smiled a little and moved to kiss her forehead, but she quickly pulled back and shook her head.

"To Aryaman," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

Shubman froze, his hand clenching around the blanket as he looked away, feeling conflicted. But Pashmina's soft words brought his gaze back to her.

"Little steps, love."

Shubman bit his lip, swallowing hard as a wave of emotions rushed over him. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push away the image of Avantika that flashed in his mind. The thought hit him harder than he expected, and he quickly opened his eyes, overwhelmed. He pinched the bridge of his nose, wishing the moment would pass, wanting to be done with this small step.

But as he leaned down toward Aryaman’s forehead, the little one’s tiny fingers reached out and gently grabbed a handful of his hair. The softness of baby skin against his hand made him pause. Aryaman held him, just for a moment, longer than Shubman had intended, but it was a soft, innocent touch—one that made his heart ache in a way he couldn’t explain.

For that brief moment, Shubman found himself caught between his emotions, holding on to something that he hadn’t been ready for. And though he wanted to pull away, he stayed, letting Aryaman's tiny grip keep him there just a little longer than he had planned.

Shubman slowly pulled away, his breath brushing against Aryaman's forehead before he gently sighed. The warmth from the moment lingered, but as he moved, the cool air quickly replaced the warmth. Aryaman let out a small whine, disturbed by the sudden change in temperature, his little face scrunching up in mild discomfort.

Shubman, startled by the sound, quickly turned around to face the room. Before he could retreat further, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Pashmina’s cheek, a silent gesture of affection. Pashmina’s smile grew, a little wider than it had all day. She could feel the shift, a subtle change.

The small step Shubman had taken, though unspoken, meant something more than words could capture. It was as if a tiny brick in the wall around his heart had begun to crack, and Pashmina, watching him, knew that something was finally starting to break free.