Love Me Again

Epilogue 3

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Ishan and Shubman as they lay wrapped in each other’s embrace.

Ishan was cozily tucked under Shubman’s arm, their peaceful breaths rising and falling in rhythm.

It was one of those rare, serene moments where the world seemed to stand still—until the quiet was broken by the sound of small, excited feet padding down the hallway.

“Daddy! Papa!” Ayansh’s voice, filled with uncontainable excitement, pierced the calm, and before either of them could react, their four-year-old was attempting to scale the side of the bed. Ishan smiled, his eyes barely open, as Ayansh clambered onto the mattress, his tiny face lighting up the room with his grin.

“Happy birthday, buddy,” Ishan murmured, reaching out to ruffle his son’s already messy hair. Shubman, still half-asleep, pressed a kiss to Ayansh’s cheek, joining in the birthday wishes.

“Happy birthday, big guy,” Shubman said, his voice husky with sleep, though he couldn’t help but smile at the pure joy on Ayansh’s face. “Are you ready for your big day?”

Ayansh nodded enthusiastically, his little fists clenched with excitement. “Yes! Is it really going to be the best birthday ever?”

Ishan chuckled, nodding. “Of course! There’s going to be cake, presents, and all your favorite games. You’re the star today, champ.”

Giggling, Ayansh flopped down between his parents, snuggling up close. “I love you, Daddy. I love you, Papa.”

“We love you too, Ayansh,” Shubman replied, squeezing his hand. “Now, what should we do first? Presents or breakfast?”

“Presents!” Ayansh shouted, bouncing on the bed, his energy contagious.

Shubman laughed, catching Ayansh before he accidentally knocked into Ishan. “Easy there, birthday boy! There’s plenty of time for everything today.”

As Ayansh bounded off to wait excitedly in the living room, Ishan’s face softened. He reached for the small frame on his nightstand, holding a photo of their son Vihaan. Today would have been his birthday too, and Ishan felt a mix of joy and bittersweet longing as he gazed at the image. He whispered a soft “Happy birthday, Vihaan” to the picture, his fingers tracing the outline of his late son’s face.

Shubman moved closer, settling beside him and resting a comforting hand on Ishan’s shoulder. He looked down at the photo, his own face reflecting a mixture of sadness and love. “He’s here with us, Ishan. Every moment, in everything we do. And he’d want us to be happy today, to celebrate Ayansh.”

Ishan nodded, his voice catching slightly. “I know… it just feels like he should be here, getting into trouble with Ayansh, filling the house with twice as much laughter.”

Shubman’s hand found Ishan’s, giving it a gentle squeeze. “He is here. In our memories, in Ayansh’s smile, and in the love we share. And he’d love to see you smiling too.”

Ishan managed a smile, looking over at Shubman. “I know you’re right. And today’s all about making Ayansh feel like the happiest kid in the world.”

With renewed warmth, the two of them headed to the living room, where Ayansh was practically vibrating with excitement as he tore into his presents. His delighted laughter filled the room, bringing lightness to the air. Ishan and Shubman joined him, laughing at Ayansh’s over-the-top reactions to each gift and his dramatic gasps of surprise.

After the gifts and a pancake breakfast covered in way too much syrup, Ishan and Shubman sat back, enjoying the sight of Ayansh tearing around the room with his new toys.

Ayansh’s boundless energy soon had him circling back to Ishan and climbing onto his lap with an exaggerated sigh.

“Daddy,” Ayansh whispered, trying his best to look serious, “can we play hide and seek?”

Shubman arched an eyebrow, fighting a grin. “You think you can hide from us, birthday boy?”

“Yes! But you can’t peek!” Ayansh replied, putting on his best serious expression.

With Ayansh dashing off to hide, Ishan and Shubman counted down, sharing a warm glance that carried all their unspoken love and memories. “Alright, birthday boy, here we come!” they called, diving into the game with laughter and shared smiles, cherishing every precious moment.

At evening

The backyard was alive with balloons, laughter, and colorful decorations as friends and family gathered to celebrate Ayansh’s fifth birthday.

Ishan and Shubman had gone all out to make the day unforgettable, arranging everything Ayansh loved—from a bouncy castle to a table stacked with his favorite treats.

Little Ayansh, dressed in his favorite superhero T-shirt, was glowing with excitement, his eyes darting around the party, but his attention kept drifting to a particular guest: Riyan, the son of Shubman’s business partner.

Riyan, a quiet four-year-old with big, thoughtful eyes, stayed close to his parents, seemingly indifferent to Ayansh’s attempts to catch his attention.

Despite Ayansh’s best efforts to impress him—showing off his new toy cars, offering him treats—Riyan remained focused on his parents, barely sparing Ayansh a glance.

Finally, with a little huff, Ayansh stomped toward the adults, where Ishan, Shubman, and the rest of the family were chatting. He tugged on Shubman’s sleeve, looking up with determined eyes.

“Papa, I want Riyan.”

The adults paused, exchanging amused but wide-eyed glances. Rohit and Hardik nearly choked on their drinks, exchanging a look that spoke volumes. They couldn’t help but remember the time when a much younger Ishan had looked up at them with the same determination, demanding that they get him married to Shubman. History, it seemed, had a funny way of repeating itself.

Shubman knelt down to Ayansh’s level, trying not to smile. “Ayansh, why do you want Riyan?”

“He’s… he’s my friend! I like him!” Ayansh declared, his little face set with the same stubbornness Ishan often showed.

Ishan joined them, a warm smile on his face. “Buddy, sometimes friends don’t always want to play right away. Maybe Riyan is just a little shy. How about giving him some space?”

Rohit chuckled, kneeling down beside Ayansh. “It’s okay to make friends slowly, Ayansh. Just like your papa and Daddy got to know each other.”

Hardik chimed in, ruffling Ayansh’s hair. “And sometimes, you have to be patient, little man. Being friends is about making someone feel comfortable.”

Ayansh looked around at each of the adults, absorbing their words. His face softened, and he nodded, though there was still a hint of a pout. “Okay… I’ll wait. I’m sorry for getting mad.”

Shubman hugged him tightly. “That’s my good boy. You know, Riyan might just be shy today, but that doesn’t mean he won’t want to play next time.”

With that, Ayansh’s spirits lifted, and he dashed back to his friends, quickly getting caught up in the excitement of his party again. The family watched him fondly, their expressions a mixture of amusement and love.

As the sun set and the candles on Ayansh’s birthday cake were lit, everyone gathered around, singing joyfully. Ayansh’s face lit up as he blew out the candles, his earlier disappointment forgotten in the warmth of his family’s love and laughter.

The celebration continued with games, laughter, and a growing sense that, despite all the ups and downs, their family was finally complete, happy, and ready for every joyful moment that lay ahead.

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