The story of us

Deven S hurried through the school corridor, late for BHAIYU's parent-teacher meeting. He collided with Neha S, who was rushing to meet CHHUTTAN's teacher. Their apologies turned to laughter as they realized they were both single parents facing the same daily chaos.

When BHAIYU fell ill, Deven struggled to balance work and care. Neha offered to watch him alongside CHHUTTAN. That evening, Deven found his son playing board games with CHHUTTAN, looking happier than he had in months.

"Dad, can CHHUTTAN and Neha Aunty come to the park with us?" BHAIYU asked hopefully. Soon, weekend outings became their tradition. The children would race ahead while Deven and Neha walked behind, sharing stories and dreams.

For CHHUTTAN's eighth birthday, Deven helped BHAIYU bake a cake. Neha arrived home to find her apartment decorated with balloons. "You didn't have to," she whispered to Deven, fighting tears of gratitude.

Late-night phone calls became their refuge after the children slept. "I never thought I'd find someone who understands," Neha admitted one night. Deven smiled into the darkness of his room, feeling something shift in his heart.

BHAIYU froze on stage during his school play. From the audience, CHHUTTAN stood up and loudly whispered his forgotten lines. Watching their children support each other, Deven and Neha exchanged a look of pride and something deeper.

A sudden downpour trapped them in Deven's apartment all day. The children built a blanket fort while the adults cooked together. "We're like a real family," CHHUTTAN announced innocently, causing both adults to blush.

They celebrated Diwali together, the apartment glowing with diyas. BHAIYU and CHHUTTAN ran around with sparklers while Neha helped Deven prepare traditional sweets. "This feels like home," Neha whispered, not realizing Deven had heard.

"Do you think Dad likes Neha Aunty?" BHAIYU asked CHHUTTAN as they watched their parents laughing together. CHHUTTAN nodded wisely. "Mom smiles different when he's around."

BHAIYU and CHHUTTAN schemed to leave their parents alone together. "We're going to play in my room," announced CHHUTTAN, winking obviously at BHAIYU. Their transparency made Deven and Neha laugh, but they welcomed the moment alone.

"I think our children are matchmaking," Deven said softly. Neha's eyes met his, years of friendship and unspoken feelings hanging between them. "Would that be so terrible?" she finally asked, heart racing.

Under the stars on Deven's balcony, they finally acknowledged what had grown between them. "We built a friendship first," Neha said, taking his hand. Deven smiled, "And found our soulmates along the way." From the doorway, BHAIYU and CHHUTTAN high-fived silently, their family complete at last.