𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒚𝒎𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 39

Aryamaan took a big bite of his ice cream, his face sticky with chocolate and happiness. "Armaan," he asked, his voice curious and innocent, "Do you have a girlfriend? Or a wife, like in the movies?"

Armaan chuckled, his smile turning a bit sad. "No, kiddo, I don't have either of those things. It's just me."

Aryamaan's brow furrowed, his mouth twisting in thought. "Why not? Don't you want a girlfriend or a wife?"

Armaan felt a sharp pang of pain in his chest at the question, his thoughts turning to Ishani, the love of his life who had slipped through his fingers.

"Well, kiddo, sometimes things don't work out the way you want them to," he said, his voice a little husky. "Life's funny like that."

Aryamaan looked at him, his face filled with empathy. "That's sad, Armaan. You must be lonely."

Armaan's heart ached at the boy's words, a heaviness settling in his chest. He looked at Aryamaan, his face softening. "I was, for a long time, Aryamaan. But lately, I've started to feel a little less lonely. I think it might have something to do with you."

Aryamaan's eyes widened, his smile returning. "You mean I make you feel better?" he asked, his voice full of excitement.

Armaan nodded, feeling a lump in his throat. "You sure do, kiddo."

As the sun continued to sink lower in the sky, Aryamaan and Armaan finished their ice cream and began the short walk back to the car.

"Armaan," Aryamaan said, his voice quiet and thoughtful, "do you think I'll find someone to love, like in the movies?"

Armaan smiled, his eyes warm with affection. "Of course you will, kiddo. You're kind, and smart, and brave. You're gonna be the catch of the century."

Aryamaan laughed, the sound like music to Armaan's ears.

The two of them reached Armaan's car, the warm summer breeze caressing their faces. Armaan opened the door for Aryamaan, helping him into the seat.

As he got into the car himself, Armaan felt a sense of peace wash over him, a feeling of completeness.

"Aryamaan," he said, turning to look at the boy, "I've had a great day today. And I want you to know, you're a special for me.

Aryamaan's face lit up at the words, his smile stretching from ear to ear. "Thank you, Armaan," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I had a great day too. And I'm glad I'm your friend."

Armaan's heart swelled with emotion, his voice catching as he replied. "Me too, kiddo. Me too."

As Armaan started the engine and pulled away from the curb, he glanced at Aryamaan, a sense of rightness filling him.

The drive back to Aryamaan's apartment was filled with lighthearted banter and laughter. Armaan felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, a lightness that he hadn't experienced in years.

As they approached the building, Armaan pulled the car to a stop, turning to look at Aryamaan. "Hey, kiddo, I was thinking. Would you like to go for ice cream again next week? Maybe we could make this a regular thing?"

Aryamaan's face lit up with joy. "Yes! I would love that, Armaan!"

_______________________________________

Hey readers please upvote and comment ❤️