CHAPTER 2

Author’s POV

As Ishita reached her destination and made her way toward the entrance, Harpal looked at her in confusion. They were standing in front of an NGO.

Before Harpal could ask anything further, Ishita walked inside confidently.

“Why are we here?” Harpal asked, following her.

Ishita opened her mouth to reply, but before she could say anything, a small boy ran toward her and hugged her tightly around her legs.

“You’re late,” the boy said in his soft baby voice.

Ishita’s expression immediately softened. She bent down slightly and replied gently, “Sorry, baby… forgive me, please?”

The boy looked at her for a moment and shook his head.

“No…” he said stubbornly.

Ishita sighed dramatically and reached into her purse. She pulled out a chocolate and held it in front of him.

“Still no?” she asked with a teasing smile.

The boy hesitated. His small eyes kept shifting between Ishita and the chocolate. After a few seconds of internal battle, he slowly took it from her hand.

“I don’t think I forgave you,” he said, trying to sound serious, but his baby voice ruined his act.

Ishita chuckled softly. “Okay, fine. You’re still angry then.”

The boy then turned his attention toward Harpal, studying her carefully. He looked back at Ishita as if trying to understand something.

Ishita immediately understood what he was thinking.

“This is my friend Harpal,” she said warmly, then added with a smile, “And she’s your aunt too. Say hello to her.”

The boy looked at Harpal for a moment, slightly shy.

“Hii…” he said slowly, still clinging to Ishita’s leg.

Harpal melted instantly at his cuteness. “Aww, hello sweetheart,” she said with a soft smile.

Just then, a caretaker walked toward them. She smiled politely upon seeing Ishita and Harpal.

“Hello, Miss Mehra,” she greeted.

“Hi,” Ishita replied gently.

After spending some time there, Ishita played with Aarav, talked to him, and made sure he felt happy and safe. The NGO was filled with children, laughter, and a warmth that felt different from the outside world.

But as time passed, Ishita checked the clock. It was getting late.

She slowly stood up, and Aarav immediately noticed the change.

“I have to go now, baby,” Ishita said softly.

Aarav’s smile faded. He tightened his grip on her hand.

“Don’t go…” he whispered, his eyes already filling with tears.

Ishita’s heart clenched. She knelt down and gently cupped his face.

“I will come again, I promise,” she said softly. “Very soon.”

Aarav shook his head, tears now rolling down his cheeks.

“You always say that…” he said in a broken baby voice.

That hit Ishita hard.

She pulled him into a tight hug, holding him close for a few seconds longer than usual. Even Harpal stood quietly, watching the emotional moment.

After a long pause, Ishita finally pulled away and wiped his tears.