Officially mine [ MINE series book#1 ]

CHAPTER 45

Author's pov:

As Ayaan buckled Vikansh into the car, he couldn't help but remember their first meeting, back when he'd discovered the little boy's love for cupcakes. Today, with a sparkle in his eye, he leaned toward his him.

"Hey buddy, how about a cupcake stop?" he asked, his voice light and inviting. But instead of the usual excited nod, Vikansh hesitated, his expression dim.
"I don't want any," he muttered, glancing away.Ayaan raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I could really go for a big chocolate cupcake," he mused aloud, sneaking a look at Vikansh out of the corner of his eye. Sure enough, the boy's eyes lit up.They strolled into the bakery together, Vikansh gripping Ayaan's hand tightly and clutching the strap of his backpack, his usual carefree stride replaced by a shy shuffle.
Ayaan noticed but didn't press, letting his little one find his comfort

."Hmm... which one should I get?" Ayaan said, tapping his chin thoughtfully as he scanned the display.

"The chocolate one is good," came a quiet, almost tentative voice beside him.

Ayaan hid his grin. "Oh, really? I don't know... Are you sure?"

"Yes! Me and Mama always get the chocolate chip one," Vikansh added, pointing at the row of vibrant cupcakes, his face momentarily brightening with the memory.

Ayaan nodded, turning to the cashier. "One box, please—half chocolate, half red velvet."

"you father and son are really cute"the cashier remarked smiling 

"no my dad is at work."vikansh said innocently.ayaan didnt say anthing as the realization settled in .Even after everything he did heer never painted him as a villian in vikansh's eyes.

As they waited, Ayaan felt Vikansh's grip tighten, his gaze darting around at the bustling customers. The boy, who'd once darted through crowds without a care, now clung to his ayaan's hand.

Ayaan knelt beside him, his voice soft and reassuring."It's alright, buddy. I'm right here. No one's going to hurt you," he said, gently squeezing his son's hand.

Vikansh nodded, his shoulders relaxing a little as they collected the cupcakes and made their way to the hospital.

As they entered Heer's room, Vikansh lit up. "Mama!" he exclaimed, rushing toward her. Heer's face broke into a warm smile as she pulled him close.

"Oh, my baby," she murmured, holding him tightly.

"I missed you, Mama," he pouted, nestling against her.

"I missed you more," she whispered, kissing his cheek.

She glanced up as Ayaan placed the box of cupcakes on the table, clearing his throat.

"I'll just go sign the discharge papers," he said, looking at her briefly. Heer nodded, moving to stand, but he gently held her arm.

"Don't get up," he said softly, though he quickly pulled back when she recoiled instinctively.

Ayaan took a breath, quietly leaving the room.When Heer looked down, her gaze fell on Vikansh's clothes. She brushed her fingers over the soft fabric, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips."Where did you get these, baby?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Uncle Ayaan got them! Mama, his house is soooo big! And he has a huge TV!" Vikansh's eyes were wide with excitement as he talked, unaware of the pang his words brought his mother.seeing him enjoying and liking the luxuries she couldnt afford made her insecure

"Oh, I almost forgot!" he suddenly exclaimed, reaching for the cupcake bag.

"What's this?" she asked, peeking inside with a curious smile."Uncle Ayaan got them! Look, so many!" Vikansh grinned, lifting out a chocolate cupcake and a red velvet one.Heer's gaze lingered on the red velvet cupcake, her favorite. He remembered?

Just then, Ayaan returned, his eyes shifting between mother and son as he gave a slight smile.

"All done. Ready to go?"Heer nodded, and this time, when he offered his hand to help her up, she hesitated only a moment before accepting.

They moved to the car, and though she longed to sit in the back with Vikansh, Ayaan had opened the front passenger door for her. She sighed, glancing back at her son, who beamed at her from his seat, clutching his new clothes and cupcake box like treasure.Without another word, she settled into the front, their silent truce stretching out as they drove, a quiet sense of possibility lingering in the air.

As Ayaan slowly pulled up to Heer's apartment, he let the engine idle for a moment, casting a glance at Vikansh, asleep in the back seat. Heer turned, watching her son rest peacefully, and reached for the door handle to go around and lift him out, but Ayaan moved faster.

"Let me handle it. Your neck could use the rest," he said softly, his voice steady as he scooped Vikansh up with ease.

Heer stepped back, watching Ayaan carry their son, a quiet warmth spreading through her chest despite all the barriers she'd tried to build. She had sworn not to let her guard down again, yet seeing them like this, something in her heart softened.

She led the way to her apartment, unlocking the door carefully. Inside, Ayaan glanced around, taking in the small but cozy space that held so much of Heer's life. She guided him down the hall to Vikansh's room, signaling for quiet as they approached.

Once inside, Ayaan lowered Vikansh gently onto the bed while Heer tucked him in, smoothing the blanket over him with tender hands. They stepped out of the room together, and before Ayaan could say anything, Heer headed straight for the door, making it clear she wasn't ready for a conversation. But Ayaan paused in the doorway, looking at her with a rare intensity.

"Heer... don't you think he deserves to know?" he asked, his voice quiet but steady.

Heer knew he was right. She couldn't hide from this forever, couldn't deny Vikansh the family he deserved. She took a shaky breath, unsure where to start.

"I'm not pressuring you," Ayaan added gently. "If—"

"No," she interrupted, shaking her head firmly. "I'll talk to him. We'll work out how to handle this."

"Handle what?" Ayaan looked at her, puzzled.

"The logistics," she replied, keeping her voice steady. "Taking care of him, and... figuring out when you'll see him."

Ayaan fell silent, then took a deep breath. "Heer... I'm not here to take Vikansh away from you. I don't want to disrupt what you've built. But I'll do whatever it takes to make you forgive me. If I have to begon my knees, I will."

The intensity of his words lingered in the air, and Heer swallowed, feeling her heart catch in her chest. She said nothing, just closed the door softly and leaned against it, glancing back down the hall toward Vikansh's room as a quiet sigh slipped from her lips.

////////////////////////
That's it for today y'all
Love you🎀🎀🎀
Do tell me how the chapter was