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~

Composing herself she left outside and saw that karan was sitting on the sofa with aarush in his lap.A smile was playing on aarush's lips.

She signed faintly and moved towards them.

"Papa aap hamare saath kyu nahi rahenge?"aarush asked him sadly.

"Meine bataya na tumhe ki mere matches hai toh mein nahi reh sakta"karan replied to him and kissed his cheek.

"Haan aaru chachu hamare saath bhi nahi rehte"mishti said looking at him.

Aarush pouted and his eyes instantly fell on his mamma standing at the door.But he immediately adverted his gaze from her and looked at karan.

Karan eyed at his direction and saw preeta standing there silently.

"Aap mamma se naraz hai,unhone sirf gusse mein kiya.jao jaldi se mumma ko ek huggie do"karan whispered in his ears.whereas aarush shook his head in 'no' and hugged facing him resting his head on karan's chest.

Karan got surprised with his actions and again raised his eyebrows at preeta who was glaring at him angrily.

"I am sorry"karan apologized and made aarush to look at him.

"Aaru agar aap mumma se baat nahi karenge toh mein apse baat nahi karunga"karan again said to him lowly but still preeta heard him.

"Oh leave him.Mujhe pata hai usse kaise manana hai,uske liye tunhari zaroorat nahi hai"she went towards him and tried to pick aarush from him.

"Noo mamma mein apse katti hu"aarush Whispered against his chest holding him tightly.

"I am sorry honey! mein fir se kabhi app pe gussa nahi karungi.I promise"preeta pleased him forwarding her hands.

Aarush lifted his head and saw her with corner of his eyes.

"Aur apko bohot sare chocolates bhi dungi"she said showing her puppy eyes.Meanwhile karan was enjoying holding aarush in his embrace.

Aarush finally looked at her with a pout and went towards her forwarding his hands saying her to pick him up.

Preeta grinned at him and pick him up immediately.Hugging him tightly surrounding his legs around her waist she kissed his cheek.But her smile drowned as she saw karan staring them with a smile.

"Chachu mujhe bhi chocolates" mishti said breaking his thoughts.karan nodded and stood up holding her hands.

"Chalo"karan said and moved towards them.

Aarush looked at them and then at preeta who looked at karan as he stood up.

"Mumma papa ko bolo ki hamare saath rahe"aarush said holding her chin making her look at him.

Preeta looked at him but remained quiet not knowing what to say.

"Bye aaru"he said and leaned kissing aarush's Cheek.Preeta closed her eyes as his cologne hit soothing her heart but it lasted for some secs as he moved back smiling at him.

She took a sharp breath and looked at him controlling her emotions.

"Papa aap kab aaoge fir se?"Aarsush asked him sadly.

"aab toh ana hi kisise promise jo kiya hai..kal hi"karan replied to him and gazed at preeta.She instantly looked away from him and made a stern face.

"Promise me ki aap aaoge..mujhe mujhe aur mamma ko chod ke nahi jaoge"aarush asked him.

Karan smiled and held his hand "promise mein tumhe chod ke kahi nahi jaunga" Karan kissed his knuckles and cupped his face.Meanwhile preeta's eyes were focused on him.

Aarush asked him to come forward.Karan leaned towards him and asked him what? Aarush kissed his cheek mouthing "bye papa".

Karan heart melted seeing him and didn't feel like living away from him.But he knew it was not possible and specially preeta will not allow him do that.

Preeta's heart was pounding with pain seeing them.She didn't know aarush will get attached to him this soon and even accepted him as father.She was amazed but still a fear aroused in her heart thinking about his future,what if he get more attached to him and Don't let him to go.

"Aaru chalo"preeta said looking away from him.

"Bye"karan said waving at him and mishti too bid him while going.

Preeta closed the door and signed hugging aarush tightly.aarush kept his head on her shoulder and surrounded his hands around her neck.

After having their dinner preeta layed on the bed beside aarush and was Patting his head to make him sleep.

"Mamma app papa se gussa kyu ho?"aarush asked her.

Preeta gulped and looked at him not knowing what to say and scolded karan internally for telling him.

"Mein kisise gussa nahi hu aaru,aur tum kisike baat sun kar mujhse kuch bhi mat pucho..so jao jaldi nahi toh tum jaldi uthoge bhi nahi"she said running her fingers through his straight hair.

"Aap please papa se gussa mat hona.Woh aapse aur mujhse bohot pyaar karte hai.Unhone mujhe bataya"aarush informed her with a smile and surrounded his hand around her hugging her.

"Hmm mujhe pata hai..now close your eyes and sleep"preeta nodded to stop the conversation and made him sleep Patting his head.

Aarush slept after sometime and preeta looked at him.The memories of karan holding him and the smile on aarush face came across her mind.she stared at his cheek and remembered when karan kissed his cheek while going.

She leaned and kissed aarush's cheek lovingly.Her eyes got closed itself remembering his touch.The way he was begging for her to give him a chance,the way he was confessing his love to her with those love filled eyes.drowning in his eyes was her weakness and she didn't wanted to drown in them again forgetting herself and when she could realise it would be too late for that.She was scared to death knowing his betrayal.

"Tum sab jhoot kehte ho karan,Tum mujhse sach mein pyaar karte toh mujhpe Vishwas karte.Abb mein bhi thak gayi hu baar baar wahi baatein karke.Mein aarush ke bina nahi reh sakti,Sirf yahi ek wajeh hai ki meine tumhe chance Diya hai.10 din ke baad mein tumhe hamare zindagi mein ane nahi dungi..sab waise hi hoga jaisa itne saal chal raha tha"she thought staring the ceiling with moist eyes.

"Mein reh lungi tumhare bina aur ye mujhe tumne hi toh sikhaya hai.Agar mein Zindagi bhar ke liye bhi dil se nahi muskurai toh bhi thik hai, tumhare pyaar ke bina,tumhare bina, tumhare ehsaas ke bina mein reh lungi.Lekin fir se tumne mujhe hurt Kiya toh mein nahi jee paaungi lekin mein kabhi aise hone nahi dungi..Kabhi nahi"she whispered closing her eyes.

"I love you babydoll"his words echoed in her ears and she opened her eyes instantly.

"Karan"she whispered sitting on the bed and looked around keeping the palm on her chest.

Creases formed on her forehead remembering him and she opened her eyes trying to distract herself from him.

It was not the first time this was happening to her.Her subconscious mind always haunted her with his dreams and made her scared.

Even her dreams were filled with him.that too so close to the reality that she faced.which always took her peace and happiness away.

Taking a deep breath she again slept taking aarush in her embrace and closed her eyes.

.

.

Karan was sitting on the bed remembering his day.He was trying hard for them but she wasn't even trying to give him a chance.

He pretty well knew that it was all because of him and his betrayal,That is what she called.He chuckled remembering the words left her mouth.Those were so bitter and rude but were up to her point.He knew everything but,he cannot change the past.so he was trying to mend their relationship for their future.

"I cannot live without you babydoll..I will win you back at any cost.I Know and believe in that ,you will come to me"he smiled confidently laying on the bed.

"I miss you so much,I will wait for you..for your forgiveness"he whispered closing his eyes.

~

Next day,

Preeta was working in the kitchen preparing for dinner.Her little boy had ordered her to prepare gulab jamoon.So she was busy in preparing and made a dough to prepare some puri's with them.they were only two and there was no need to make more dishes as it will get waste if she does also.

So she always preferred to prepare something quick after coming from her work as sometimes she would be tired.But if aarush asked for something,he won't leave her until she would prepare it for him.

"Honey!I will switch off the Tv now" she shouted from the kitchen frying the small balls of jamun.

Aarush's concentration was on TV more than his book.He was a naughty kid who always completes his Homework when his mom makes him sit beside him.If she leaves him on his own to do,he always did timepass roaming here and there troubling her while working or sometimes watching the TV.

"Aaruu I am coming"she warned him again peeking through the kitchen into living room.

He looked back at her and smiled sheepishly.Getting down from the sofa he  kept the book  and ran inside the kitchen.

"Mamma"he called dragging her top.She glared him cutely knowing him well.

"No tumhare liye hi toh bana rahi hu right! Toh abb HW complete Karo and mein apki favourite"she said showing him the patila where she had prepared the sugar syrup.

Aarush smiled widely and licked his lips.Preeta chuckled in return seeing his excited face.

"Mein bhi yahi baithunga"aarush asked her.

"Noo! Mein bana dungi tum HW complete Karo jaldi,dinner karke jaldi so jayenge okay"she said to him shaking her head making small balls with her hands.

"Mein bhi"aarush made a puppy face looking at her and took some dough she had kept on the slab as it reached to him.

"Aaru nahi..sab haath gande honge..chodo"she said trying to take it from his hands.

But he shaked his head in no and was trying to make it round like she was doing.

"Mamma mujhe yaha bithao mein bhi"he said pointing towards the slab.

"Nahi tum mujhe karne nahi doge aaru..mein kar lungi Jake baitho waha"she glared at him taking the dough from his hands.

While he made a cry baby face and was about to cry that preeta chuckled at his actions and picked him up.She made him sit beside her and gave him hand full of dough.

"Now don't cry! My baby don't look good while crying"she said kissing his chubby cheek.

Aarush squeezed the dough in his hands and grinned at her in return.

"Yes! Mein bhi papa ki tarah handsome hu na"he asked smiling brightly.

Preeta looked at him and shook her head in dismay.

"Aap na usse bhi bohot zyada handsome ho..my prince"she flickered his nose while praising him.

"Sacchi"aarush made an excited face and smiled lifting his head to face her.

"Mucchi"preeta said while preparing to make puri's.

"Papa kab aayenge,unhone kaha tha ki aaj aayenge..aap unhe bulao na mamma"he asked lowering his face sadly.preeta noticed him shaking her head.

"woh busy honge aaru,jab free honge toh aa jayenge"she replied firmly.Aarush nodded at her feeling dejected.

"Mamma I am so hungry"he informed her placing his hand on his stomach.

"Oho itni jaldi apko bookh bhi lagi.Bas 15 mins..fir khayenge"she said to him concentrating on the stove.

Aarush nodded and sat there observing her while cooking and talking with her.She didn't got when she completed everything gossiping with him.

His sweet words and his long talks made her day.The smile and happiness on his face while explaining something it may be about school,his friends or any other person.He always explained her pin to pin whatever he did on that day.

"Mamma jaldi"aarush called her sitting in the living room.

"Aayi baba"she came with two plates and placed them infront of him on the table.

"Wait Pani lati hu tum start Karo"she went to bring the water informing him.

A knock landed gaining aarush's attention.He stood up and went to open the door.It was not tight and he was used to open it.He opened the latch and the face he came across brought a excited smile on his face.

He smiled widely and held karan's hand seeing him standing infront of the door.

"Papa,come"he dragged him inside closing the door behind.Karan raised his brows surprisingly at seeing his actions.

He instantly picked him up and hugged him.Aarush kissed his cheek surrounding the hands around his neck.

"Mamma"he called her from outside.

Preeta had already saw him and that's why she didn't came outside.She just stood there inside watching them.

"What was my champ doing?"karan asked kissing his forehead.

Aarush pointed at the plate which was placed on the table.Karan went and sat there making him sit on his lap.

"Umm yummy"karan said licking his lips looking at the plate and bowl filled with jamuns.He smiled at aarush.

"It's my favourite papa"he informed looking at him.

"That's great! Mera bhi specially jab apki mamma banayi ho toh"karan said winking at him and tasted one.

Aarush nodded happily and looked for his mom.

"Wait"he said and got off his lap running inside the kitchen.

Karan had his practice sessions till evening and when he got free after sometime,not wasting a single minute he came here to meet them.

He felt relaxed and cheerful after seeing aarush's happy face.It been just some days and he felt like it was his home.She was his home.

"Aaru"preeta loosened aarush's grip on her hand as he was dragging her outside.

"Mamma dekho papa aaye hai"he said pointing his gaze at karan who waved at her smiling slightly.

Preeta ignored him and looked at aarush.

"Aaru chalo khana Khao"she said to him and took him.She made him sit beside karan as he was already sitting there.

Aarush turned his gaze to karan and surrounded his hand around his arm leaning his head there.

"Mamma khilao"aarush asked her to feed , showing his puppy eyes.

Preeta shook her head in disbelief and glared at him knowing the reason.She without arguing with him sat beside him  with a plate in her hands.

Karan looked at her then at aarush who had a winning smile on his face.

"Lo"preeta said forwarding her hand infront of his mouth.

Aarush opened his mouth and ate smiling at her.She gave a nod to him and took another morsel.

"Abb papa ko"aarush said earning a glare from preeta.karan saw her reaction and shook his head.

"Nahi aaru,Mein already kha Chuka hu"karan lied not meeting his gaze with her and smiled slightly at aarush.

"Noo papa..apko mamma ke saath khana hai..nahi toh mein bhi nahi khaunga"aarush stated with a frown.

Preeta and karan exchanged a glance and then looked away not knowing what to do.

Aarush held her hand and took it towards karan.Karan looked at her innocently and remained quiet.

Preeta looked at him then lowered her gaze feeling nervous.Aarush pulled her hand more towards karan and she leaned forward as she couldn't reach him properly.

"Mamma khilao"aarush said.Preeta came out of her thoughts hearing his voice and gulped looking at karan.

He didn't opened his mouth thinking she didn't wanted to make him eat and sat not knowing what to do.

"Papa app nahi khaoge? Toh mein bhi nahi khaunga..muh kholo"aarush shake his arm telling him.

Karan looked at him then at preeta who was seeing him silently and her hand was infront of his mouth.

He slightly opened his mouth and preeta gulped while feeding him.Thier eyes remained locked feeling many things inside.

Karan held her hand as her hand brushed with his lips.She looked away from him and quickly made him eat talking her hand back.He left her hand lowering his gaze.

Karan felt amazed sensing her silence and even he was behaving differently.He didn't knew why he was afraid of her allegations and her taunts.She broke him and made him more guilty yesterday and now he was feeling nervous to face her.

He looked at her who was now feeding aarush with a smile and a smile came on his lips seeing them.

"Abb fir papa ko"aarush said again after eating some bites.

She felt it will be no use arguing with her son and forwarded her hand towards karan silently.

Karan's heart danced and he instantly opened his mouth to eat from her hands.

"Yayy!"aarush joined his hands with a smile and grinned at preeta.

"Mamma abb papa aur mein apko khilayenge okay!"aarush decided as she made them eat till they were full.

"Nahi mein kha lungi,tum Pani pio"she was about to get up but karan stopped holding her hand and forwarded his hand to make her eat.

She looked at him then looked away.

"Aarush ke liye"he said staring at her emotionally.She silently ate with his hands.Her eyes were turning moist looking at him but she held her tears back composing herself.She cannot show him her weak side.

He Chuckled bitterly and made her eat.While aarush was smiling throughout their eye lock session.

After having their dinner preeta took the plates and went to kitchen.Karan looked at her and went behind her.

"Mujhe miss kar rahi thi?"he asked entering inside and saw her washing the dishes.

She ignored him and concentrated on her work.Karan smiled seeing her and leaned to the salb watching her.

She had tied her hair in a bun and looked tired already.He knew her routine and it was obvious that she would be tired till night.

Waking up early morning, preparing the breakfast and their boxes.Making him ready bearing his naughtiness.And till now he got to know that aarush must be a very teasing child.He won't leave if he asks or tell something till it's done.

She must have been beared much these years.Then coming back evening after a hectic day and again preparing the dinner then teaching him, making him do the Hw and all.It felt soo tough for him.

She was feeling irritated seeing him standing their looking at her while washing the dishes.But still she composed herself and continued her work trying to ignore him.

After completing she turned to place the vessels at their proper palce and racks.Meanwhile karan was watching her feeling sad seeing her working.

"I am sorry babydoll"he Whispered feeling guilty.

Preeta stopped for a moment hearing him but again went on placing them roaming in the kitchen.

When she was done she wiped her hands with a towel and moved towards the gas to check once again whether it was properly off or not.

"I am sorry preeta"this time she eyed him curtly.He saw her with pleading eyes but she then looked away not caring his words.

"I am sorry for what you are today and facing.You have even learnt cooking"he chuckled sadly as he knew she didn't know how to cook before.

"You are mistaken,Usse bhi bohot kuch sikha hai meine..if you know and have eyes to see"she tauned feeling angry listening to him.

Karan nodded knowingly and urged to hold her in his arms.He couldn't stay away from her and it was getting difficult for him after seeing her.To console her broken heart and even his.He wanted to cry in her embrace saying that he was guilty and regretted much more after hurting her.

She went outside and saw aarush watching the TV laying there.

"Aaru chalo sone"she said gaining his attention.He looked at her then at karan who came behind her.

Aarush stood up and ran towards karan holding his hand.

"Mein papa ke sounga"he said looking at preeta.

She widened her eyes and held his other hand trying to take him.karan saw her and then aarush.

"Aaru mujhe Jana hoga..mere matches hai toh,I need to go aap mamma ke saath so jao"karan tried to explain him.

"Nahii papa!kal bhi apne yahi kaha tha,mamma bolo na papa ko mere saath sone keliye"aarush asked pulling her fingers.

Preeta composed herself not to show her anger again and pulled aarush towards her listening to him.

"Aaru chalo chup chap, sab hamare liye free thodi rehte hai.They have work and a job which is more important than anything"she mocked him furiously and picked aarush in her arms.

She didn't knew what she said but it naturally came out.She just said what came to her mind at that moment.

Karan looked at her surprised and held her hand as she was about to go.He forwarded his hands to pick aarush from her.

She saw him confusingly raising her brows.Aarush went towards him and smiled.

"Chalo"karan said taking him inside their bedroom.He got to know the depth of her words and it pinched his heart remembering what he did.She was right.

"Kya kar rahe ho?"preeta asked following him.

"Wahi jo tum chahti ho!" He Replied laying aarush on the bed.Preeta went to the other side of the bed and climbed on it sitting beside aarush.

karan sat on the other side of aarush Patting his head.

"Papa aap bhi so jao na aur mujhe bhi sulao"aarush said as Karan was sitting.

Preeta looked at him not knowing what to say.She had promised him and that is why she was just quiet.But she cannot let him sleep here.

"Tum yaha nahi.."he interrupted her keeping the finger on his lips indicating her not to say anything.

Preeta stopped and made faces at him.

"Mamma kaho na papa ko"aarush said shaking her hand.

"Mein yahi hu aaru,sleep see"karan said and slightly layed beside him.

Preeta narrowed her eyes at him and stood up from the bed staring at him.

"Let him sleep"karan whispered to her knowing her reaction.

Preeta rolled her eyes and again sat on the bed.Aarush hugged him surrounding his hand around his waist like he used to sleep daily.But he did the same with him surprising her.How can he get attached to him this soon?

"You know it's our connection..heart to heart"karan said and chucked at her reaction.

Preeta looked away analysing his words whether it could be true or not.

Karan kissed his forehead and continued patting his head till he slept and after sometime he felt his soft snores indicating that he was fully asleep.

Preeta was just thinking..what if they didn't parted their ways? How could their lives have been? He was the same karan who loved her like anything and left her like nothing.

And now again confessing his feelings for her.She couldn't understand anything and the trust she lost on him.It cannot be returned,same with these 5 years that she beared and suffered alone.He cannot return those days to her.

"Preeta"his voice brought her back to sense and she looked at karan who was trying to remove aarush's grip on him.

She helped him and made aarush to sleep properly.Karan covered him with a blanket and kissed his forehead before leaving the room.

Preeta felt like stopping him but again though that it doesn't matter or whether they mean anything to him or not.Was he just pretending to be nice.He want something else from her.

She thought but still stood up and went behind him.

Karan looked at her and smiled slightly.

"Good night babydoll"saying he went outside without waiting for her answer.

Preeta saw him going and closed the door instantly.She moved towards their bedroom and layed down silently.

She looked at aarush who was sleeping soundly.Again..once again her heart was beating for him.She wiped the lone tear that rolled down her cheek.

"Tum bohot bure ho karan,Bohot..I hate you"she whispered wiping her tears and realising his absence around her.

.

.

To be continued.

*****

He wants to talk her,to compose her but she isn't giving him a chance.Her heart wants him but her mind isn't supporting her🤷🏻‍♀️💔.

It's too complicated..to say anything!!

Let's see where will it end?

Don't forget to tell me how was the chapter 🦋.

Some of you are too bad and now a days not caring to give any feedback 😒..It hurts guys..It's the only thing I could ask from you all💔.. nothing else..:-|