The Billionaire's Embrace

Aarav in Hospital

The tension in the Raichand mansion was slowly dissipating, but the air still carried a hint of unease. Atharva, cradling Aarav securely in his arms, led Aradhya toward the plush sofa in the living room. His heart was heavy, torn between the love he felt for the little boy in his arms and the complicated emotions brewing between him and Aradhya. With a soft sigh, he carefully lowered Aarav onto his lap, the little boy snuggling closer, his tiny hands gripping Atharva's shirt.

Aradhya followed, her steps hesitant as she glanced at the rest of the Raichand family. She knew she had overreacted earlier, her fears clouding her judgment, and now she felt the weight of those actions bearing down on her. Akshara and Ayaan shared a glance, sensing the lingering tension, and decided it was time to shift the atmosphere.

Ayaan leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms overhead, his usual playful demeanor reemerging. "So... what's everyone in the mood for dinner?" His casual tone cut through the silence, and everyone turned their attention toward him.

Akshara caught on quickly and chimed in, "Yes, we need to decide soon. Something hearty and comforting, I think."

Adhiraj, always a fan of Italian food, suggested pasta with his favorite sauce, while Arohi opted for something lighter—a fresh salad with some grilled vegetables. The conversation turned light, with everyone offering suggestions, but Aradhya remained quiet, her mind elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, still reeling from how she had reacted to Aarav calling Atharva 'dadda' earlier. She knew it was irrational, but the fear of complicating Atharva's life—his image, his business, his future—kept tugging at her heart.

Noticing her silence, Arohi smiled warmly and said, "Aradhya, if you don't speak up, I'll just ask Aarav what he wants for dinner." She leaned over and playfully tickled Aarav's belly, causing him to squirm and giggle softly.

Aarav, blinking up at Arohi with his wide, curious eyes, didn't fully understand the question. Instead, he turned his head and looked toward Atharva, as if asking him for the answer. Atharva, sensing the little boy's confusion, let out a soft chuckle and replied, "Looks like Aarav's choice is whatever his dadda decides."

The word 'dadda' slipped from his mouth effortlessly, and it warmed the hearts of everyone present. Except Aradhya. Her breath hitched at the sound, her heart twisting in her chest. But she said nothing, forcing a small smile as she watched the scene unfold. The Raichands, however, noticed her tension but chose not to comment on it, knowing that the evening had already been emotionally charged.

With dinner choices settled, the kitchen staff busied themselves with preparing the meal. Everyone gradually drifted toward the dining room, except for Atharva, who still held onto Aarav. The little boy clung to him tightly, not wanting to let go even for a second. Atharva didn't seem to mind, though. In fact, he looked more at ease with Aarav in his arms than he had been all evening.

Dinner was a quiet, peaceful affair. The soft clinking of utensils and murmured conversation filled the room, but Aarav never left Atharva's lap. He picked at his food, his chubby fingers grabbing small bits and feeding himself slowly, his eyes occasionally darting up to Atharva to make sure he was still there. Atharva, in turn, fed Aarav small bites of food, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the boy eat.

After dinner, when it was time to put Aarav to bed, Aradhya gently approached Atharva, her hands outstretched. "Come to mamma baby... It's time for bed, Aaru," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. But Aarav, feeling the shift, immediately clung tighter to Atharva, his face scrunching up as tears welled in his eyes.

"No, no! Dadda!" Aarav cried out, his little voice filled with distress.

The word hit Aradhya like a punch to the gut. Her eyes widened in shock, and before she could stop herself, a loud gasp escaped her lips. The room fell silent, everyone turning to look at her, their expressions filled with concern. Aradhya's panic was palpable, her mind racing with thoughts of how this could affect Atharva's life, his business, his carefully constructed image.