Unraveling Moments

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It had been a few days since Aradhya and Aarav moved into the Raichand mansion, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Atharva was over the moon, his heart brimming with joy at the presence of them with his family. The Raichand household felt more alive than it had before, filled with laughter and warmth that came from Aradhya and her little boy.

One evening, the family gathered in the spacious living room, where the gentle clinking of teacups accompanied light-hearted chatter. Aradhya sat comfortably on the plush couch, Aarav nestled in her lap, enjoying slices of fruit. He was tightly pressed against her chest , finding solace in his mother's embrace. Akshara, Atharva's mother, laughed at one of her husband's old stories, while other family members joined in, their laughter creating a symphony of joy.

Meanwhile, Atharva and his father, Adhiraj, were deep in conversation with several business delegates in their home office. The atmosphere was serious, filled with negotiations that could lead to lucrative deals. Atharva was determined to make a name for himself, and having Aradhya and Aarav in his life only fueled that ambition.

After concluding the meeting, Atharva and Adhiraj escorted the delegates toward the exit. As they passed through the living room, Aarav's bright voice suddenly cut through the air, shouting, "Dadda!" with unrestrained joy.

Atharva turned instinctively, a smile breaking across his face. His heart swelled at the sight of Aarav calling him so affectionately. But that smile faltered when he noticed the stunned expressions on the faces of the delegates. The world knew him as a ruthless businessman, fiercely single and wholly dedicated to his work. The unexpected familial title being hurled around shocked the delegates in the room.

Aradhya's heart dropped as she noticed the delegates' reactions. Panic coursed through her veins. She quickly stood up, her face paling, desperate to maintain control over the situation. "Aarav, no!" she called out, her voice shaking slightly. A whirlwind of concern and anxiety grew more.

"Dadda!" Aarav repeated, blissfully unaware of the growing tension.

The delegates shared awkward glances, murmuring amongst themselves as they hastily moved toward the exit. They didn't understand the connection between Atharva and Aradhya, but the implications of a child calling a successful businessman "Dadda" raised questions that they didn't want to entertain.

"Stop it, Aarav!" Aradhya raised her voice, her tone urgent. The room grew silent as all eyes turned toward her. "You can't call him that !"

Atharva's heart sank as he saw Aarav's face distressed. The little boy's bright smile faded, replaced by tears as he clung to his mother.

"Mammaa ?" Aarav whimpered, his innocent eyes wide with fear.

"He isn't your dadda aarav!" Aradhya shouted, her own panic blinding her to the chaos unfolding around her. She feared the repercussions; she feared for Atharva's reputation and the carefully crafted image he maintained.

"Aradhya,  listen to me," Atharva tried to intervene, stepping forward, but Aradhya's fear overtook her senses.

"No, Atharva, you don't understand!" she said, her voice trembling. "I can't let this happen to you!" Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried towards her room, cradling Aarav close to her chest.

Aarav's cries filled the air, a heartbreaking sound that echoed throughout the mansion. "Dadda! Dadda!" he screamed, reaching out for Atharva, his small hands grasping at nothing but air as Aradhya hurried away.

"Aradhya, wait!" Atharva shouted, desperation threading through his voice. He turned to his family, eyes wide with confusion and concern. "What the fuck just happened?"

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