Love Me Again

Chapter 39

Shubman was the first one to wake up in the morning. The soft rays of dawn hadn't yet touched the sky, and the house was still cloaked in darkness. He turned his head slightly, his gaze landing on Ishan's peaceful, sleeping face beside him. For a moment, Shubman just watched him, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest.

So much had changed.

Ishan was genuinely trying, doing everything he could to earn Shubman's forgiveness. But for Shubman, the weight of the past was still heavy. Yet, he knew deep down that Ayansh couldn't live without Ishan, and Shubman couldn't live without Ayansh.

It was a simple truth that he couldn't ignore.

'I have to let go. Holding on to the past won't bring them back. I can't change what happened, but I can shape what's ahead. For Ayansh. For us.'

With a sigh, Shubman quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Ishan. He freshened up and headed downstairs. As he walked through the house, he noted the time-it was just 5 a.m., still dark outside. He hadn't expected anyone else to be awake, but as he entered the kitchen, he stopped in surprise.

Virat was there, moving around the kitchen with his usual quiet efficiency, making coffee. But what surprised Shubman more was the sight of Rahul sitting at the kitchen island, looking half-asleep but clearly hungry.

The tension between Rahul and Virat was no secret; after everything that had happened, their relationship was strained. Shubman knew how much Virat had been hurt, not just by Rohit but by everyone who didn't believe in him.

Rahul rubbed his eyes, looking sheepish as he explained his early morning appearance.

"Bhook lag rahi thi, yaar. I was hungry. I came down to grab something, but then I found Virat already here."

Virat glanced over but didn't say much, his expression still guarded. Even though he hadn't forgiven Rahul or anyone else, his softer side showed in the smallest of gestures.

Seeing Rahul hungry, and knowing about his pregnancy, Virat couldn't just ignore him. Maybe he was doing it for the baby, but Virat was making something for Rahul to eat, silently working at the stove.

Shubman watched this quiet exchange, a small smile tugging at his lips.

It was progress, slow but there.

'Maybe things are changing after all.'

Upstairs, Ishan woke up to the gentle touch of small hands patting his face. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Ayansh, their his son, smiling down at him. The innocence and joy in Ayansh's eyes were pure and untouched by the complexities of the adult world around him.

Ishan Smiled. "Good morning, champ."

He lifted Ayansh up, cuddling him close. His thoughts drifted to Shubman and the uphill battle for forgiveness. It had been a struggle, every step of the way, but Ishan was determined. He wanted to build a future where they could all be happy again. For that, he would do anything.

Ishan softly Whispered to Ayansh. "After this trip, we'll go home happily, all of us. I'll make sure of it."

Ishan got up, cradling Ayansh in his arms, and went downstairs, hoping to find Shubman.

He felt a renewed sense of purpose; today was another chance to show Shubman that he could be the partner and father that their family needed.

As Ishan entered the kitchen, he was met with the unusual sight of Virat cooking for Rahul.

Rahul, who was usually reserved, was chatting animatedly, and Shubman was leaning against the counter, watching the scene unfold with a soft expression on his face.