Guardian

-:chapter 4:-

It had been ten days since Avyansh had come to live with Abhimanyu, and the boy was slowly starting to adjust to his new surroundings. The initial fear and anxiety were beginning to fade, replaced by a cautious sense of trust. Abhimanyu had been patient, giving Avyansh space while still being present, ensuring that the boy knew he was safe.

Abhimanyu found Avyansh in the living room, sitting quietly on a sofa with a book in his lap.

The boy was getting more comfortable with the house, but he was still withdrawn, keeping to himself and rarely speaking unless spoken to.

"Avyansh," Abhimanyu called out softly as he approached, his tone calm but serious.

The boy looked up, his eyes cautious but curious.

"We need to talk," Abhimanyu continued, sitting down beside him. He wasn't one for small talk, so he got straight to the point. "I wanted to let you know that I've taken legal
guardianship of you."

Avyansh's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't say anything. He just stared at Abhimanyu, processing the information.

"I know this isn't easy," Abhimanyu went on, his voice steady. "But I want you to know that you're safe here. I'm responsible for you now, and I'll make sure you have everything you need."

Avyansh nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Abhimanyu's words. There was a flicker of something in his eyes-perhaps relief, perhaps fear-but he kept his emotions guarded, not ready to open up just yet.

Before the conversation could go any further, the sound of a cheerful voice echoed through the house. "Abhi! Where are you?"

Abhimanyu sighed, a hint of annoyance creeping into his expression, but there was also a fondness there that he couldn't completely hide. "I am here, Adi," he called out, already anticipating the whirlwind of energy that was about to enter the room.

The door burst open, and in walked Aditya Singhania, Abhimanyu's best friend. His smile was wide as he took in the sight of Abhimanyu sitting with Avyansh.

"Ah, there you are!" Aditya exclaimed, walking over and ruffling Avyansh's hair playfully.

"And this must be the famous Avyansh I've been hearing so much about!"

Avyansh looked up at Aditya, his initial shyness melting away under the man's warm and friendly demeanor. "Hi," he said, his voice much more relaxed than it usually was around strangers.

"Hi kiddo!" Aditya grinned, pulling up a chair and sitting next to Avyansh. "You know, I've been dying to meet you. Abhi doesn't stop talking about you.

Avyansh’s eyes widened, and he turned to look at Abhimanyu, shocked by what Aditya had just said. Did he really talk about him that much?

Abhimanyu shot Aditya a warning look, but Aditya just laughed it off, not the least bit
intimidated. "So, how are you liking it here? Has Abhi been taking good care of you?"

"Bohat bore karta hoga na yeh, but don't worry, if you ever get tired of Abhi's grumpiness, you can always come to me. I'm way more fun." Aditya said beaming.

Abhimanyu rolled his eyes, leaning back in his sofa. "stop filling his head with nonsense Aditya."

Aditya turned to Abhimanyu with a mock-serious expression. "Nonsense? Me? Never! I'm just telling him the truth, bro. Not everyone wants to live under the constant shadow of Mr. Serious here."

Abhimanyu shot Aditya a mildly irritated look, but there was no real heat behind it. "Enough, Adi."

But Aditya was relentless. "What? Sach kadhba hota hai mere dost,kyun sach bolana avy?