Silent Cries

Chapter 17

The next day, Abhinav and Ayaan were spending some quality time together after Abhinav had picked Ayaan up from school. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the town as they walked back to Navya's place.

Abhinav had one hand in his pocket, holding Ayaan's small hand with the other, while Ayaan was excitedly chattering about his day at school. "Buddy, guess what? We learned about planets today! Did you know Jupiter is the biggest planet?"

Abhinav nodded with mock seriousness, "Oh, I knew that! And did you know that if you stand on Jupiter, you'll weigh twice as much because of its gravity?"

Ayaan's eyes widened in awe. "Really? Whoa! I think I'll just stay here on Earth then."

"Good plan, buddy," Abhinav said, ruffling Ayaan's hair. "Besides, if you went to Jupiter, who would I play with?"

Ayaan giggled, swinging Abhinav's hand. "I'll stay here with you, buddy. We can play together every day!"

"That's my boy!" Abhinav exclaimed, feeling a warm surge of affection for the little one. He had grown so attached to Ayaan over the past year, cherishing every moment they spent together.

As they reached Navya's house, Ayaan ran ahead to open the gate. "Come on, buddy Abhi! Let's race!"

"Alright, but I'm warning you, I'm super fast!" Abhinav teased, pretending to run in slow motion, allowing Ayaan to win the race.

Ayaan cheered as he reached the front door first, "I won! I'm the fastest!"

Abhinav chuckled, panting dramatically. "You sure are! You're the fastest kid in town!"

They both entered the house, where Navya was waiting in the living room, arranging some flowers in a vase. She looked up and smiled as she saw them enter, Ayaan's face flushed with excitement and Abhinav grinning from ear to ear.

"Did you have fun at school, Ayaan?" she asked, her voice warm with affection.

"Yes, Mama! And I beat Buddy in a race!" Ayaan declared proudly.

Navya chuckled, giving Abhinav a knowing look. "Did you ? Well done, my champ!"

Abhinav threw his hands up in mock defeat. "Yep, he totally smoked me. This kid's going to be a track star someday!"

Navya shook her head, smiling. "You two are quite the pair."

Abhinav took a seat on the couch, pulling Ayaan up to sit beside him. "We sure are. So, what's the plan for the rest of the day? Any exciting adventures lined up?"

Ayaan thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "Can we go to the park, Mama? Please?"

Navya glanced at the clock and then back at her son's eager face. "Alright, but just for a little while. It's getting late."

Ayaan jumped up in excitement. "Yay! Let's go!"

As they made their way to the park, Abhinav noticed the way Navya and Ayaan interacted, their bond evident in the loving glances and gentle touches. Despite everything she had been through, Navya had managed to create a warm and nurturing environment for Ayaan, and Abhinav admired her strength and resilience.

At the park, Ayaan sprinted ahead, his laughter blending with the sounds of other children playing around. The day was bright and warm, the kind of day that made everything seem a little bit lighter, a little bit easier. Navya and Abhinav found a bench nearby, content to watch Ayaan enjoy himself on the swings.

Abhinav leaned back, stretching his arms along the back of the bench, his gaze following Ayaan. After a moment, he turned to Navya, his voice gentle yet filled with admiration. "You've done an incredible job with him, Navya. Ayaan is such a happy, well-adjusted kid, and that's all because of you."