The house felt different.
Too quiet.
Too aware.
Aarav sat on the couch, watching Ananya move around the kitchen.
Every small movement…
Every expression…
Felt familiar.
Dangerously familiar.
"Stop staring," she said without turning.
Aarav smirked slightly.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"Maybe I missed this," he admitted softly.
Her hands paused.
Just for a second.
Then she continued working.
"That's not my problem."
Ayaan ran into the room.
"Papa! Come play!"
Aarav chuckled.
"Doctor said no running."
"Then sit and play!" Ayaan insisted, dragging him.
Aarav followed.
And for a moment—
It felt like a real family.
Ananya watched from a distance.
Her heart felt warm.
But also afraid.
Because this closeness…
Could break her again.