𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒚𝒎𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 38

"Guess what, Mom?" Aryamaan said, bounding into the apartment, his little legs carrying him at full speed. "I made a new friend today!"

Ishani, who had been setting the table for dinner, turned with a smile. "Really? Who's your new friend?" she asked, her tone curious.

"He's really nice, Mom," Aryamaan repeated, his smile unwavering. "He said he's going to take me to the park to play."

Ishani nodded, her mind spinning with possibilities. "Well, that's very nice of him, Aryamaan," she said, her voice still not quite steady. "Do you know if he's from around here?"

Aryamaan shook his head, his attention already drifting to his toys. "Nope, he said he's from somewhere else, I think.

Ishani watched her son, her heart swelling with pride and love for the little boy. She had given up so much to protect him, to keep him safe and happy. But she knew that someday, she would have to tell him the truth about his father.
She sighed, pushing the thoughts aside for now. "Well, Aryamaan, you have to make sure to say thank you to your new friend, okay?"

The next day, Aryamaan eagerly waited for Armaan to arrive, bouncing on his feet in anticipation. When he finally saw the businessman step out of his car, Aryamaan's face broke into a wide grin.

"Armaan!" he shouted, running towards his new friend. "You came!"

Armaan laughed, scooping up the little boy and swinging him around. "Of course I came, Aryamaan! I wouldn't miss our playdate for the world!"

The two of them made their way to the nearby park, chatting and laughing as they went. Armaan showed Aryamaan how to throw the ball, how to hit it, and how to catch it. Aryamaan's enthusiasm was infectious, his laughter filling the air as he scampered around the field, chasing after the ball.

Armaan, despite himself, found that he was having the time of his life. There was something about Aryamaan that made him feel carefree and youthful again.

The hours passed by in a flash, the sun slowly sinking lower in the sky. Armaan and Aryamaan were both panting from their efforts, but neither of them seemed to want to stop.

"One more home run, Aryamaan," Armaan said, grinning as he tossed the ball to the boy. "Can you do it?"

Aryamaan's eyes glinted with determination. "Of course I can!" he shouted, squaring up to the ball. With a mighty swing, he connected, sending the ball flying across the field.

The ball sailed over the fence, disappearing into the trees beyond. Aryamaan jumped for joy, pumping his fists in the air. "I did it! I hit a home run!"

Armaan let out a whoop of delight, running to Aryamaan and picking him up. "You did it, Aryamaan! You hit a home run! You're a natural!"

Aryamaan beamed, his face flushed with happiness and exertion. "Can we do it again?" he asked, his eyes pleading.

Armaan laughed.

"Of course we can, Aryamaan," Armaan said, setting the boy back down on his feet. "But first, let's get some ice cream to celebrate. How does that sound?"

Aryamaan's eyes went wide. "Ice cream? Yes, please!" he said, bouncing on the spot.

Armaan chuckled, leading the boy out of the park and towards the nearest ice cream shop. As they walked, Armaan couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, of rightness.

At the ice cream shop, Armaan let Aryamaan choose whatever flavor he wanted. The little boy's face lit up as he studied the menu, his eyes darting from one flavor to the next.

"I want the chocolate one with sprinkles," he declared, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Armaan laughed, ordering two cones and handing one to Aryamaan. "There you go," he said, patting the boy on the head.

Aryamaan grinned, his cheeks bulging with chocolatey goodness.

The two of them sat on a nearby bench, their cones melting in the heat of the afternoon sun. Aryamaan licked at his ice cream, his tongue coated with chocolate, his smile never fading.
Armaan watched him, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "You're a great kid, you know that?" he said, his voice filled with affection.
Aryamaan looked up at him, his face serious. "You're a great friend, Armaan," he replied, his eyes shining with sincerity.

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