Redemption's Dance: A Tale of Love and Forgiveness

Ch-40

Shubman took a deep breath, trying to keep his patience intact. "Toh kya aap aaj chat pe dadi ke saath sooge?" he asked, hopeful that this might be the solution.

"Nahi," Atharv replied firmly, his little face set with determination.

Shubman felt a pang of frustration but quickly masked it with a smile. He was determined to make this work. "Beta, Baba aapke liye dher saare toys layenge," he coaxed, hoping to sway Atharv with the promise of new playthings.

Atharv paused, his brow furrowing in thought as he considered the offer. After a moment's deliberation, he looked up at Shubman with a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Gulla," he said, referring to his favorite sweet.

"Han beta, gulla. Mera matlab, rasgulla bhi layenge," Shubman agreed, his heart lifting at the prospect of getting through to Atharv. "Toh dadi ke paas soooge?"

"Thik hai," Atharv finally said, making Shubman's heart leap with joy. He felt an overwhelming urge to dance with relief and happiness.

As if on cue, Atharv extended his arms and said, "Baba, godi lo." Shubman grinned widely and swooped his little boy into his arms.

Downstairs, the house was a buzz of activity as Ishan, Prakriti, Lata, and Nandini worked together to set the dining table. The clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation filled the room, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. Shubman, carrying Atharv, made his way to the kids' dining table, where a smaller table had been set up specifically for the little ones. Atharv's cousin brother awaited him, already settled in his seat.

Shubman carefully placed Atharv in his chair and took a seat at the main dining table. Ishan, ever the attentive host, began serving Shubman his breakfast with a smile. After ensuring that Shubman was comfortably settled, Ishan moved over to Atharv's table, pulling up a chair beside him.

As Ishan began feeding Atharv, the little boy glanced up at him with those innocent, questioning eyes. "Maa," Atharv said, his voice small but clear.

"Han beta," Ishan responded, looking at him with affection.

"Aaj main dadi ke paas sounga," Atharv continued, his baby voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Ishan's heart sank a little as he began to understand what was happening.

"Kyun beta?" Ishan asked gently, trying to gauge the reason behind this sudden change.

"Baba ne kaha, unhe aapke saath sona hai," Atharv said, his voice breaking slightly as he spoke. The sentiment of his words was clear despite his young age, and Shubman, who had been trying to enjoy his aloo ke parathe, suddenly choked on a bite, his face flushing with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

Ishan's eyes widened as he looked over at Shubman, who was now trying to clear his throat while struggling to mask his discomfort. The table fell silent for a moment, the unexpected revelation hanging in the air.

As Atharv's words echoed around the dining room, Ishan's tight-lipped smile was the only sign of his restrained amusement. "Baba ne kaha," Ishan said, his tone a mix of gentle reproach and hidden humor.

"Han," Atharv confirmed with a nod, clearly satisfied with his answer. Shubman felt the weight of everyone's gaze on him, his face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and discomfort. He wished he could disappear, his mind racing with the need to find a quick escape.

Ishan, sensing Shubman's growing discomfort, took charge of the situation with his characteristic composure. "Prakriti bhabhi, Atharv ko khila dijiye. Aur aap hamare saath aaiye," Ishan said, directing his request to Prakriti while looking pointedly at Shubman. Without waiting for a response, he left for their room, leaving Shubman to fend for himself amidst the curious eyes of the family.