Redemption's Dance: A Tale of Love and Forgiveness

Ch-8

After some time, Ishan came downstairs, his steps heavy with lingering thoughts. His grandmother, Dadi, noticed his solemn demeanor and approached him with concern etched on her face.

"Ishan beta, tu thik toh hai na?" Dadi asked, her voice gentle and caring.

"Ji Dadi, hum thik hai," Ishan replied, his tone devoid of any emotion.

"Atharv kahan hai, Dadi?" Ishan inquired, hoping to distract himself with his son’s presence.

"Shubman ke saath garden mein hai," Dadi informed him.

"Thik hai," Ishan said, heading to the kitchen to clean the dishes, seeking solace in the mundane task.

Meanwhile, Shubman came inside with Atharv. Dadi, still harboring anger towards Shubman, watched silently as he left Atharv and went upstairs to get ready for work.

Atharv, a curious and lively toddler, made his way to his Dadi, who was sitting on the couch. "Dadi maa, Maa kahan hai?" he asked, looking up at her with innocent eyes.

"Maa kitchen mein hai, ja," Dadi replied with a soft smile, her anger momentarily softened by her grandson's presence.

Atharv toddled over to the kitchen, where Ishan was busy packing Shubman's lunch. Seeing his mother, he called out, "Maa."

Ishan turned, his expression softening at the sight of his son. "Atharv," he greeted, crouching down to his level and giving him a gentle hug. "Kya kar rahe the aap garden mein?"

"Phool," Atharv said excitedly, his eyes sparkling with the simplicity of childhood joy.

Ishan's heart warmed slightly, despite the turmoil in his life. He knew he had to keep going, for Atharv's sake. "Acha, phool ache the?" he asked, ruffling Atharv's hair affectionately.

"Haan," Atharv confirmed with a nod, his enthusiasm bringing a small smile to Ishan's face.

As Ishan finished packing the lunch, Shubman entered the kitchen, now dressed in his work attire.

Shubman then took the lunch and said a quick thank you.

Ishan nodded curtly, his focus shifting back to Atharv. "Atharv, baba ko bye bol do," he instructed gently.

Atharv, eager to please, turned to Shubman. "Bye, baba," he said, his small hand waving energetically.

Shubman smiled, his heart aching with the hope that someday things would be better. "Bye, Atharv." he said, giving his son a quick hug before heading towards the door.

"Abhishek, meri baat toh sun," Shubman pleaded with his best friend, who had been ignoring him since arriving at the office. It was lunchtime, and Shubman was chasing after Abhishek.

"Nahi sunni mujhe teri koi baat, jaa tu yahan se," Abhishek retorted, clearly upset.

"Arey, par meri galti kya hai?" Shubman asked, desperation in his voice.

"Galti? Tujhe teri galti nahi pata? Bhabhi ko jo wo sab kaha, wo tere bhoot ne kaha hai?" Abhishek glared at him, his anger evident.

"I know Maine galat kaha aur uske liye I am sorry," Shubman admitted, his head hanging low.

"Abey saale, mujhe nahi, bhabhi ko jaake sorry bol," Abhishek snapped back.

"Haan, main bol dunga," Shubman promised weakly.

"Kab, agle janam mein? Tujhe pata hai bhabhi ko kitna dukh hua jab tune kaha ki unhe Atharv ki maa hone ka koi hak nahi hai. Arey, Ishan hi toh hai jisne hamesha Atharv ka dhyan rakha hai. Tune kya kiya hai? Jab dekho tab bas unko apne needs ke liye use karta gaya. Kabhi socha ki unhe kaisa lagta hoga? Nahi, tujhe kabhi nahi laga. Tu bas ek misunderstanding ki wajah se unhe hurt kar raha hai. Agar aisa hi chalta raha na Shubman, toh phir tu Ishan ke saath saath Atharv ki maa ko bhi kho dega," Abhishek said sternly, and then walked away, leaving Shubman standing there, grappling with the weight of his words.

Shubman was just standing there not knowing what to say. He then went to his cabin and started to do some work.

Around 5 pm, he wrapped up his work and went home. He saw Atharv playing with the neighbor's kids while Ishan sat nearby, watching them with a fond expression.

As Shubman's car pulled up, Ishan noticed and went towards Atharv. "Atharv, chalo beta, baba aa gaye," Ishan said to Atharv, who was busy playing in the mud.

"Nahi maa, khelo," Atharv said, refusing to leave his playtime.

"Nahi beta, der ho gayi hai, chalo," Ishan insisted.

Atharv then stood up and toddled over to the neighbor's baby. "Maa, baby ko leke chalo," Atharv said, pointing to the baby.

"Nahi beta, wo unka baby hai," Ishan said, trying to take Atharv away.

"Nahi... baby," Atharv started to cry. Ishan sighed and picked him up, heading towards their house. Atharv was still crying, tears streaming down his little face.

"Beta, chup ho jao," Ishan said, patting his back, but Atharv continued to cry.

"Ishan kya hua beta?" Dadi asked, concern etched on her face as she approached them.

"Dadi, Atharv ko rona aa raha hai kyunki wo neighbor's baby ke saath khelna chahta tha," Ishan explained, trying to soothe Atharv.

Shubman, who had just entered the house, saw the scene unfold and felt a pang of guilt. He walked over to them, his heart heavy with remorse. "Atharv, beta, aao baba ke paas," he said softly, extending his arms.

Atharv looked at Shubman, his cries gradually subsiding as he reached out for his father. Shubman took him in his arms, holding him close. "It's okay, beta. Baba yahin hai," he whispered, gently rocking him.

Ishan watched them, his expression a mix of sadness and longing. Dadi, sensing the tension, placed a comforting hand on Ishan's shoulder. "Sab theek ho jayega, beta," she said softly.

Atharv was still crying in Shubman's embrace, his tiny fists clenching Shubman's shirt. Ishan gently took him, cradling the toddler with tender care.

"Chup ho jao beta, aise nahi rote," Ishan said softly, patting his back.

"Maa, baby," Atharv whimpered, his voice trembling.

"Baby ke saath khelenge, ok? Pehle muh haath dholo," Ishan reassured him, carrying Atharv upstairs to clean him up.

Shubman followed them, heading to their room to freshen up. After some time, the three of them came downstairs. Ishan handed a milk bottle to Atharv, who took it happily, his earlier distress forgotten.

"Ye aaj kal bahot jiddi ho gaya hai na," Dadi remarked, watching Atharv with a mix of affection and concern.

"Haan Dadi, har baat pe jid karta hai," Ishan sighed, rubbing his forehead wearily.

After dinner, Ishan took Atharv to his room to put him to sleep. Shubman entered quietly, sitting beside Dadi as they watched Ishan hum a soothing lullaby while pacing back and forth with Atharv in his arms.

Ishan's voice was soft and melodic, a gentle balm that lulled Atharv into a peaceful slumber. Once Atharv was sound asleep, Ishan carefully placed him on the bed, tucking him in and pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. He lingered for a moment, making sure Atharv was comfortable before stepping back.

Shubman, having said his goodnight to Dadi, followed Ishan out of the room. They walked down the hallway together, the house quiet and serene around them. Ishan's heart felt a little lighter, knowing that Atharv was safe and sound, and that perhaps, just perhaps, things might get better with time.