That evening—
Ananya couldn't hold it in anymore.
"This has to stop!" she cried.
Her voice trembled with fear and anger.
"I can't live like this! Ayaan can't live like this!"
Aarav stood silent.
Because he knew—
She was right.
"I kept him away from you to protect him," she continued."And now he's in danger anyway!"
Tears streamed down her face.
"What do I do, Aarav?"
It was the first time she had asked him that.
Not accused.
Not pushed away.
But asked.
Aarav stepped closer.
His voice softened.
"You trust me."
She looked at him.
Broken. Tired.
"Can I?"
Aarav didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
Silence.
Then—
Ananya closed her eyes.
And nodded.
For the first time in six years…
She let him back in.