That evening—
The house felt… lighter.
As if something heavy had finally been lifted.
Ayaan laughed while playing.
Carefree.
Safe.
Ananya watched him.
A small smile forming.
Aarav stood beside her.
Quiet.
"You okay?" he asked.
She nodded.
"For the first time in a long time… yes."
Silence.
Comfortable.
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
Aarav frowned.
"For what?"
"For everything."
He shook his head.
"We both made mistakes."
A pause.
"But we're still here."
She looked at him.
"And maybe that's what matters."
Their eyes met.
And this time—
There was no fear.