Echoes of MaAn: Love beyond Separation

||47|| The After party [Pt 2]

It was late afternoon at the Kapadia Mansion. The sun filtered through the large bay windows, casting a warm glow over the plush interiors. The house was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to the lively gathering they had last night for Aadhya's birthday. Everyone in the household had been tiptoeing around a certain topic—the one they all knew would come to the forefront sooner rather than later: Aadhya and Aarav's relationship.

Anuj was still struggling with his feelings. Despite Aarav being a well-mannered boy, respectful and caring, Anuj couldn't quite shake off the pang of protectiveness he felt towards his daughter. Aadhya had grown up in what seemed like the blink of an eye, and while everyone around him had quickly accepted this change, he still found it difficult to come to terms with it. He trusted Aadhya, but trusting someone else with her heart was another matter altogether.

That afternoon, Anupama suggested they all sit down and have an open conversation with Aadhya and Aarav. "We need to talk things through as a family, Anuj. Aadhya deserves that respect, and so does Aarav," she had said gently.

Anuj, though hesitant, agreed. Both sets of grandparents, Malvika, and even little Aadhymaan had gathered in the living room. Anupama had asked Aadhya to invite Aarav over for this conversation, and Aadhya, though a bit nervous, complied, understanding the need for it.

The Kapadia Mansion was a home full of love, and while these conversations were never easy, they were necessary. Anuj's parents, Rajesh and Meera, and Anupama's parents, Sushma and Madhav, all sat together, sipping on tea and waiting for the young boy to arrive. Malvika, lounging on one of the couches, played with Aadhymaan, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

Finally, the doorbell rang, and Aadhya's heart raced as she hurried to open the door. Aarav stood there, looking calm but respectful, dressed in a simple black t-shirt and jeans. His eyes lit up when he saw Aadhya, and though the atmosphere was heavy, he gave her a small smile.

"Hey," Aadhya greeted him softly.

"Hey," Aarav responded, his eyes flicking behind her to the room full of family members, his nerves clearly visible.

Before Aarav could take another step into the room, Aadhymaan spotted him. His face broke into an excited grin, and in an instant, the little boy crawled toward Aarav with his chubby arms outstretched. "Awaaa!" he squealed happily.

Aarav chuckled, immediately bending down to scoop the baby into his arms. "Hey, buddy!" he said warmly, pressing a kiss on Aadhymaan's forehead. The sight of Aarav with the baby melted everyone's hearts, even softening Anuj's stiff posture just a little.

Aadhya led Aarav into the living room, where all eyes were on them. Aarav, holding a delighted Aadhymaan, felt the weight of the attention but maintained his composure. He greeted everyone politely, offering a respectful "Hello" to each elder in the room. They all acknowledged him warmly, except for Anuj, who remained somewhat aloof, though not unfriendly.

"Come, Aarav, sit," Anupama gestured to the couch beside Aadhya. Aarav carefully sat down with Aadhymaan still in his lap, the little boy completely enthralled by him.

The room was quiet for a few moments as everyone settled. There was an air of anticipation, the adults trying to gauge how best to start the conversation. It was Sushma, Aadhya's grandmother, who broke the silence first.

"Aarav beta, we know you're close to Aadhya, and as her family, we just want to make sure everything is clear between us all," Sushma said gently, her tone kind but serious. "We know how much she means to you."

Aarav nodded earnestly. "Yes, Aunty. I care a lot about Aadhya. She's my best friend... and much more than that."

Anuj, who had been silently observing, shifted in his seat at Aarav's words. His jaw clenched ever so slightly, but he stayed quiet, listening.