Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh (Completed)

Chapter 63: He Learns The Truth

As Khushi finally returned home from the hospital, the atmosphere in the house was tinged with both relief and lingering tension. Aarav had been eagerly awaiting this moment, his heart filled with a mix of joy at having Khushi back and apprehension about the challenges ahead. He stood by the door, ready to embrace his daughter and reassure her of his unwavering love and presence.

Khushi entered cautiously, her steps tentative but filled with the innocent curiosity of a child eager to return to familiar surroundings. Her eyes searched eagerly for her father, longing for his comforting presence after the ordeal she had faced.

"Dadda!" Khushi exclaimed with a bright smile as she spotted Aarav standing there, her face lighting up with joy.

Aarav's heart swelled with love as he rushed forward to scoop Khushi into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. "Khushi, meri jaan! Tum wapas aa gayi," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Khushi clung to him, her small arms wrapping around his neck as she buried her face against his shoulder. "Dadda, mujhe aapke paas rehna hai," she murmured softly, her voice filled with a child's innocence and trust.

Aarav held her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Haan beta, main hamesha tumhare paas rahunga," he assured her, his voice gentle yet resolute.

But just as Khushi seemed content in her father's arms, Maya entered the room. Her expression was composed, yet there was a subtle edge to her demeanor—a hint of calculation that didn't escape Aarav's notice.

"Khushi, beta, tumhe abhi araam karna chahiye. Aarav, tumhe is waqt ghar ka kaam karna chahiye," Maya interjected smoothly, her voice measured but firm.

Khushi looked up at Maya, her eyes wide with confusion. "Mumma, main Dadda ke saath rahna chahti hun," she said earnestly, her voice pleading.

Aarav glanced at Maya, silently hoping for understanding and cooperation. "Maya, Khushi ko thoda waqt mere saath rehne do. Usne hospital mein bahut kuch saha hai," he requested, his tone gentle but firm.

Maya's expression hardened imperceptibly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features before she masked it with a placid smile. "Aarav, Khushi ki tabiyat abhi theek nahi hai. Tumhe usse bahut jyada disturb nahi karna chahiye," she cautioned, her voice tinged with subtle manipulation.

Aarav's heart sank as he sensed Maya's attempt to assert control over Khushi's desires. "Maya, main bas Khushi ke saath waqt bitana chahta hun," he insisted, his voice tinged with frustration.

But Maya remained steadfast, her gaze unwavering as she gently guided Khushi away from Aarav's embrace. "Khushi, beta, tumhe abhi araam ki zaroorat hai. Aarav, tum samajh rahe ho na?" she questioned, her tone turning slightly colder.

Khushi's lower lip quivered, torn between her father's warmth and Maya's authority. She looked back at Aarav with tear-filled eyes, silently pleading for him to intervene.

Aarav's heart ached with helplessness as he watched Maya lead Khushi away, his daughter's small hand slipping from his grasp. He knew that Maya's subtle manipulation had created a divide between them once again, a barrier that seemed insurmountable despite his deepest desires.

Left alone in the room, Aarav clenched his fists in frustration, his jaw set with determination. He vowed silently to find a way to bridge the gap Maya had widened between him and Khushi, to ensure that his daughter would never doubt his love and presence in her life again.

Alone in the study room, Aarav stood amidst the echoes of memories and the weight of unresolved family history. The shelves around him held artifacts of his lineage—aged books, framed photographs, and his father's cherished belongings that seemed to hold secrets of their own. Emotions churned within him as he navigated the turmoil of his past and present.