kaho Na Pyaar Hai

Breaking Down Barriers

Ariyana's POV

The weeks following our quiet night together were a blur. Life at home had become even more strained, with Mia's constant taunts and Rajveer's indifference. It seemed like everyone had their own battles, their own agendas. Yet amidst all the chaos, Ruhaan remained a constant source of strength, never wavering, always there when I needed him most.

It wasn't just about love anymore. It was about something deeper—something rooted in trust and understanding. And for the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn't alone.

Today, however, felt different. My father had called again. After everything that had happened, I wasn't sure if I was ready to meet him again, but the ache in my chest was undeniable.

As I stood in front of the mirror, trying to fix my appearance, I felt a rush of emotions flooding over me. I hadn't seen him in years. How would I face him? What would I even say?

I was lost in my thoughts when Ruhaan's knock on the door brought me back to reality.

"Everything okay, Ari?" he asked, his voice soft, as he peeked in through the door.

I smiled at the sight of him. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Ruhaan walked over to me, his presence instantly grounding me. He stood behind me, his reflection appearing in the mirror next to mine. His hand gently rested on my shoulder, a silent reassurance.

"You know you don't have to do this alone, right?" he whispered, his voice calm yet firm.

I looked at him, meeting his gaze through the mirror. "I'm scared, Ruhaan. What if I can't handle it? What if he's just here to hurt me again?"

Ruhaan's hand tightened on my shoulder, his thumb brushing the skin there. "I'm not going anywhere, Ari. You've got me. And no matter what happens, I'll be with you every step of the way."

His words gave me a sense of relief, but the doubt still lingered. "But what if I can't forgive him?"

Ruhaan's face softened, and he stepped closer, his presence offering me the comfort I desperately needed. "Forgiveness doesn't happen overnight. Take your time. But remember, you're allowed to feel whatever you feel. You don't have to rush anything. I'll wait."

I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch for just a moment. His warmth seemed to melt the tension that had been building in me.

"You're right," I said, taking a deep breath. "I can't do this alone."

Ruhaan's POV

I could feel the weight of Ariyana's uncertainty, her fear of opening up to her father again. I knew how badly she wanted to fix the broken parts of her life, but it wasn't going to be easy.

What she didn't realize was that she wasn't alone in this battle. Not with me by her side. I would be there, no matter how hard things got. No matter how much she pulled away.

I gently turned her around to face me, lifting her chin so that our eyes locked. "Whatever happens, I'll never let you go, Ariyana. You don't have to go through this alone."

Her eyes softened, and I saw the unspoken gratitude in them. For a moment, she just stared at me, as though searching for something. Then, slowly, she reached up and cupped my face, pulling me toward her.

I didn't hesitate. Our lips met in a kiss that was deep, searching, and full of promise. It wasn't rushed or desperate. It was the kind of kiss that spoke of everything unsaid, of the fears we carried, and the comfort we found in each other.

When we pulled apart, Ariyana smiled softly. "Thank you, Ruhaan. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," I replied, my voice low and full of meaning. "I'll always be here."

Ariyana's POV

I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw my father. My emotions were so tangled, and a part of me didn't want to open that door again. But Ruhaan had given me the courage I needed.

We arrived at the café where my father had insisted on meeting. The moment I stepped out of the car, my heart began to race. This was it. The moment I'd been dreading—and the one I'd been hoping for.

Ruhaan stayed by my side as we walked inside, his hand resting gently on my back. It was a silent promise of support, a gesture that spoke louder than words.

When I spotted my father sitting at a corner table, everything inside me froze. He looked the same—older, but still the man I remembered. He looked up when I approached, his eyes widening with a mixture of hope and regret.

"Ariyana," he said, standing up. His voice was tentative, almost unsure.

I stopped in my tracks, unsure of what to say. My mind was racing, and for a moment, I thought I might lose my nerve entirely.

But then I felt Ruhaan's hand on my back, steadying me, and I found the courage to move forward.

"Hi, Dad," I said, my voice shaking just slightly.

He looked at me with a deep sadness in his eyes. "I know I've hurt you, and I don't expect forgiveness right away, but I need you to know how sorry I am. I've spent years regretting not being there for you, and I know I can never make up for the past. But I want to try. I want to make things right."

I could see the sincerity in his eyes. But the years of abandonment weren't easily erased. The damage was done. Still, I nodded slowly, feeling a mixture of anger and relief.

"I don't know how I feel about this, Dad," I said quietly. "I don't know if I can just let everything go."

My father nodded, his face crumpling with emotion. "I understand. I don't expect you to. But I hope you'll give me a chance to prove I can be the father you deserve."

I looked at him, my chest tight. There were no easy answers. But there was one thing I knew for sure: I wasn't alone anymore. Ruhaan was right beside me, and with him, I could face whatever came next.

The past hadn't been kind to me, but with Ruhaan's love, I could finally see a future where forgiveness was possible—if not for my father, then at least for myself.