Perfect! Here's Chapter Chapter 17 — Chapter 17- Parents' Cautious Approach
The doorbell rang, and Arin's hand tightened around Nivaan, who cooed softly in his arms.
He opened the door to see his parents standing there—hesitant, aged, and cautious.
"Arin…" his mother said, voice trembling.
"May we… see Nivaan?"
Arin studied them for a long moment. Their eyes were full of guilt and fear, like they weren't sure if they deserved to be there.
"You can," he said finally.
"But I'll be watching. Any misstep, and you leave. Understand?"
They nodded silently, almost in unison, too ashamed to speak.
The first moment was awkward. Nivaan stared up at his grandparents with wide, curious eyes.
"He's… wonderful," his mother whispered, tears forming.
His father nodded, voice barely audible.
"Yes… he's… healthy, strong…"
Arin felt something stir in his chest, something he hadn't felt in years. A cautious warmth.
He handed Nivaan to his mother, watching her hands shake as she held her grandson.
"Careful," he said softly.
"I raised him carefully. You will too."
"Yes, Arin… we understand," she whispered.
For the first time, the distance between them felt smaller—not gone, but manageable.
Bridges could be rebuilt, piece by piece.
And as Arin watched Nivaan laugh softly in his grandmother's arms, he allowed himself a fraction of hope.
Not complete trust. Not forgiveness yet.
But a small, fragile step toward family.