Safe Haven

Daddy.

A few months past and Aman moved in with Lilly into her apartment. He helped pay the bills and bought groceries and everything. On days that Lilly was busy, Aman helped pick Aaryan up from school and even played with him. Aman couldn't do a few things though, like put him to sleep. Well, Aman didn't actually try because Lilly always wanted to read to Aaryan and put him down for the night before joining him in the family room for wine and adult time together before they head to bed. Aman didn't mind though. He knew that they needed time together too. After all, Lilly his Aaryan's mum and he can never take that away from them.

Aaryan loved seeing Aman. They always played together and Aman taught him amazing things like how to paint and make a play dough elephant. Aaryan has a special place in Aman's heart and he knew that Tanisha and Aaryan would get along really well. He thought about how amazing Lilly would be with Tanisha and how Tanisha would love to go shopping with Lilly and they can do all the girly things while Aman and Aaryan could do boys things like drive go karts.

"Hey handsome. Everything okay?" Lilly called out, removing Aman from his daydream. Lilly came up to Aman and laid on his chest. He put an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Everything is perfect." Aman replied with a smile on his face. "I was just thinking about how amazing you would be with Tanisha. Maybe one day when we go to London together you can meet her. She's amazing. You would love her and I know that she will love you too."

"Well, that can happen when we go to London. But now, you have a date with my son."

"Oh ya! Is the little man ready?"

"Yup, he is just finishing up his breakfast."

"Great." Lilly got up and made her way in front of Aman. She wrapped her hands around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. "Don't worry Lil, I've got him. He'll be fine."

"I know. I trust you. It's just-"

"You've never let him out of your sight besides him going to day care right? I know. I've got this. I'll call you okay. I love you."

Lilly giggled and leaned him to kiss him again. "Okay."

"Aman?" A small voice called from the door. "Are you ready?"

"Yes I am little man. Let's go!" Aman replied to Aaryan. "I'll be right back beautiful." Aman kissed Lilly once more before Aaryan and him left the apartment for their day out.

Aman pulled up to the trampoline park. Aaryan practically dragged him inside.

"TWAMPOLINES?!" Aaryan squealed in excitement. They paid and got onto the trampolines. "Look Amannnn! I'm flying" Aaryan giggled as he used all of his strength to jump up and down.

Aman laughed as he bounced next to the little boy. "Great job buddy!"

Aaryan bounced over to Aman, "Can we play basketball?" He asked sweetly.

"Of course we can buddy." Aman scooped Aaryan up into his arms and bounced over to the hoops at the corner.

After trying a few times, Aaryan crossed his arms over his chest. "I can't do it. I suck."

"You don't suck little man!" Aman replied. "Here let me help." Aman lifted Aaryan up and let him drop the ball into the hoop.

"I did it daddy!" Aaryan giggled. "Oh, I mean Aman." He corrected himself quickly looking on the floor.

"It's okay Aaryan. I don't mind. Maybe we should ask mummy first huh?" Aman's heart was pounding. Daddy. Aaryan just called him daddy. He loved the way it felt though. Like as though someone needed him. It was nice. Coming from Aaryan made it all that more special. "Hmmm... Shall we go for lunch and then maybe we can get doughnuts?" Aman smiled and Aaryan nodded frantically at him.

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After a busy day at the trampoline park, Aaryan fell asleep in his car seat on the drive back to the apartment. He parked the car carefully and carried Aaryan still sleeping in his arms up to Lilly's apartment. Aman walked slowly and unlocked the door to the apartment. Lilly came out of the room and smiled. "Shhh" Aman whispered carrying Aaryan to his room.

When Aman walked out of the room, Lilly walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "How did you do that?" She asked. Aman looked at her confused. "No one has ever put him down for a nap before. Not even Nosh." Lilly smiled and pressed a kiss onto his lips. "He must really like you."

"Well, he kind of fell asleep in the car ride on the way here so, I don't think it counts..." Aman laughed.

"Thanks for today." Lilly smiled.

"Any time babe. Shall we watch a movie and cuddle before he wakes up?"

"I could love to Mr Singh." Lilly smiled again and tangled their fingers together before pulling him over to the couch.

About ¾ into the movie, Aman broke the silence. "Lil?" Aman whispered. Lilly looked up at him and cuddled closer to his chest. "Aaryan called me daddy today." He ran his fingers slowly up and down her back.

"He did?" She sat up her eyes wide. "And you're okay with that?" She asked quickly.

Aman nodded. "Of course I am, if you are?"

"I think I like it. I really like it." She replied with a huge smile on her face.

"Good, me too." Aman leaned down and kissed her lips. He hoped that it was enough to convey his feelings towards this whole situation and how much it actually meant to him.