My ex-wife came to see our son and ended up staying the night. I let her sleep in the living room. Around midnight, I got up for a glass of water and overheard something I was never meant to hear. By morning, I made a decision that changed everything.

It’s been three years since the divorce papers were signed. I’m Rohit, and my life has settled into a quiet routine with just my son, Arnav, and me. I take him to school in the mornings, pick him up in the afternoons, and we have dinner with my parents every evening in Kanpur. It’s not a glamorous life, but it’s calm. I had convinced myself that this was enough—that the past was behind us.

She stood at the gate, familiar yet different. Same face, but her eyes no longer held the certainty they once did. There was hesitation there. And hope. She said she wanted to see Arnav. I hesitated, then stepped aside.

read more in next page