𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒚𝒎𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 37

It happened in a flash, the collision between Armaan and the small boy. Armaan stumbled, his briefcase clattering to the ground, his mind reeling from the sudden impact. But the sound of a pained cry jolted him back to reality.

He looked down to find a small boy, his blue eyes wide with tears, a bloody scrape marring his knee.

"I'm so sorry," Armaan said, his voice thick with concern. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

The boy sniffled, tears running down his round cheeks.

Armaan's heart ached as he kneeled before the boy, his mind racing. He could feel the need to protect this child, this tiny being who was so fragile and so vulnerable.

"Hey, don't cry," he said, his voice gentle. "Let me help you up."

The boy lifted his arms, his trust implicit in this stranger who was trying to help. Armaan scooped him up, cradling him close to his chest.

"What's your name, little one?" Armaan asked, his voice soft against the child's ear.

The boy looked up at him, his tears drying, his face smeared with dirt and blood. "I'm Aryamaan," he said, his voice small and uncertain.

Armaan's breath hitched in his throat as he heard the name. Aryamaan. It was a name he knew, a name that they have planned for their son.

"That's a beautiful name," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Are you here for my talk?"

Aryamaan nodded, his eyes still fixed on Armaan's face. "My mommy brought me."

"Here, I have a chocolate for you," Armaan said, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a small bar.
Aryamaan's eyes lit up at the sight of the sweet treat, but then he shook his head. "I'm not supposed to take candy from strangers," he said, his voice firm.
Armaan's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You're a smart boy, Aryamaan. Your mom taught you well."
He held out his hand.

Armaan offers Aryamaan to be his friend.
And
Aryamaan hesitated, his small hand hovering over Armaan's outstretched palm. Then, with a small smile, he placed his hand in Armaan's.
Armaan's smile widened, a warmth spreading through him that he hadn't felt in a long time. "Friends it is, then," he said, giving Aryamaan's hand a gentle squeeze.

Armaan started his speech, his eyes focusing on the audience, but his mind kept returning to the boy sitting. The way Aryamaan looked up at him with innocent curiosity and attention, it made Armaan's heart swell with a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.
"Hard work, passion, and dedication are the keys to success," Armaan said, his voice clear and confident. "But the most important thing is to never give up on your dreams."

As the speech progressed, Armaan found himself speaking with even more conviction. His eyes flicked to Aryamaan from time to time, and each time he saw the boy's wide-eyed wonder, it seemed to give him an extra dose of energy.

"Every setback is a chance to learn and grow stronger," Armaan continued, his voice rising with passion. "You may stumble, but never let that stop you from pursuing your goals."

As the speech ended and the applause began, Armaan looked down at Aryamaan, his heart feeling fuller than it had in years.

Armaan knelt down in front of Aryamaan, the applause from the audience still ringing in his ears. "That was a great speech, huh?" he said with a grin.
Aryamaan nodded, his face still shining with the excitement of the moment. "You were amazing, Mr. Oberoi," he said, his voice full of admiration.
"Thanks, kiddo," Armaan replied, patting Aryamaan's head. "And call me Armaan, okay?"
Aryamaan's eyes widened in surprise. "Armaan?

"Sure thing, Armaan," Aryamaan said, beaming with pride.
"Now listen, I have an idea," Aryamaan continued. "How about we meet up again? Maybe tomorrow?"
Armaan nodded.
"Please! Can we go to the park? I'll bring my ball!"
Armaan laughed, delighted by the child's enthusiasm. "Sounds like a plan. But first, tell me about your family."

Aryamaan's smile faltered for a brief moment before it returned, albeit more subdued than before. "Well, I live with my mom. She's the best. She takes care of me and makes me smile every day."

Armaan's heart skipped a beat as his mom reminisced about Ishani. He swallowed hard, forcing the memory of their past to the back of his mind. "And what about your dad? Does he live with you too?"

Aryamaan shook his head, his small shoulders drooping. "No, I don't know my dad," he said, his voice so quiet Armaan had to strain to hear it. "Mom says he had to go away a long time ago."

Armaan felt a twinge in his heart. "Oh? Well, I'm sure your mom does a great job of taking care of you, right?"

Aryamaan nodded, his smile returning, albeit a little forced. "Yeah, she's the best. But sometimes I wish I knew what my dad looked like."

"I bet he was a handsome fella," Armaan said. "Just like you."

Aryamaan's face lit up, his laughter ringing out through the auditorium.

"Can we still go to the park tomorrow, Armaan?" he asked, excitement shining in his eyes.

Armaan stood up, feeling a sense of warmth and companionship he hadn't felt in a long time. "Of course we can, Aryamaan. We'll play ball and I'll show you how to hit a home run."

Aryamaan's eyes were shining with excitement, his smile wide. "I can't wait! Mom will be so happy I made a new friend."

Armaan smiled, patting the boy on the head.

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