The hospital discharge papers lay untouched on the table.
Ananya stood by the window, arms crossed, her expression firm.
"You're not going back to your place."
Aarav, still weak but stubborn as ever, looked up at her.
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not," she shot back immediately.
Silence.
Ayaan sat between them, looking from one to the other.
"Mama is right," he said seriously.
"Papa almost died."
Aarav's chest tightened at the word Papa.
"I'll recover faster at home," Aarav said calmly.
Ananya walked closer.
"This is your home. For now."
His eyes met hers.
"You're letting me stay?"
"Don't misunderstand," she replied quickly.
"This is for Ayaan."
Ayaan grinned.
"Yay! Papa stays!"
Aarav smiled faintly—but his gaze never left Ananya.
Because deep down…
He knew this wasn't just about their son.
And neither did she.