Faded Ties, Rekindled Hearts

Chapter 13

The new day dawned with heavy anticipation. Arnav arrived in Delhi, his heart pounding as he made his way to Tanya's boarding school. As he stepped out of the car, he straightened his shoulders and walked toward the entrance. His emotions were swirling, but he kept reminding himself—today was the day he would fix everything.

Inside the school, Arnav was led to Principal Priyanka's office. She sat behind her desk, her expression cold as Arnav entered.

"Thank you so much, Priyanka," Arnav began, his voice thick with sincerity. "For taking care of Tanya all these years... for being there for her when—"

But before he could finish, Priyanka cut him off, her tone biting. "It's our duty, Mr. Kapoor," she said, her eyes sharp with years of built-up resentment. "We care for someone we call family, unlike others who neglect them. Isn't that right?"

Her words were a direct hit, filled with the bitterness of knowing Tanya's story. Arnav winced, the weight of her taunt settling in the pit of his stomach. He had expected this. He knew she wouldn't let him off easily. But hearing it still stung.

He sighed, lowering his gaze for a moment before meeting Priyanka's eyes again. "I deserve that," he admitted. "Your anger is justified, Priyanka. I made mistakes... mistakes that cost me my daughter for nine long years. I'm not here to run from them anymore. I'm here to fix what I broke."

Priyanka leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, studying him. "Do you really think she'll return to you, Mr. Kapoor?" she asked, her voice softening but still firm. "Tanya isn't the same little girl you sent away. She's been through a lot, and I don't know if she can forgive you—if she even wants to."

Arnav inhaled sharply, knowing Priyanka was right. He hadn't seen Tanya in years, and the distance between them had only grown. But he was determined.

"She will," Arnav said, his voice steady. "She has to. I've already lost so much time. I'm not leaving without her."

Priyanka's gaze softened ever so slightly, a flicker of sympathy passing through her eyes. But she wasn't convinced. "We'll see, Mr. Kapoor. But don't expect this to be easy. Tanya... she's built walls around herself that even you might not be able to break down."

"I'm ready to try," Arnav responded, his voice resolute. "Whatever it takes, I'm bringing my daughter home."

With that, Priyanka called for Tanya, and the air in the room became even heavier with tension.

Tanya entered the office with a cheerful expression, her usual energy radiating as she approached Priyanka. "Priyu Maa, I swear I didn't do anything this time! Why did you call me?" she said, playfully pouting. But the playful demeanor froze when she noticed Arnav standing there, watching her with intense, emotional eyes.

The sight of him hit her like a tidal wave, bringing back memories she had buried for years. Memories of when she told him never to see her again, to never try to talk to her. She quickly composed herself, her face turning cold as she chose to ignore his presence completely.

"Priyu Maa, if you don't need anything from me, I'll leave now," Tanya said, her voice indifferent, her gaze fixed anywhere but on Arnav.

Priyanka gently called her, "Tanya, baccha, come here." She pulled Tanya closer, patting her head lovingly. "Your father wants to talk to you."

Tanya's reaction was instant and sharp. She shouted, her voice ringing with bitterness. "How many times do I have to tell you? I have no family! I'm an orphan! Why are you saying this?"

Arnav, his heart breaking, took a step forward. "Tanya, beta—"

She cut him off, her voice rising. "I'm leaving, ma'am. I don't think I'm needed here anymore. Goodbye." She turned on her heels, heading toward the door, her heart racing with unspoken emotions.