The First Step

The sun was setting when Aarav walked out of his school gates. His bag hung loosely over his shoulder, and for once, Neil wasn’t walking beside him.

“Thank god that brat’s teacher asked him to stay behind,” Aarav muttered under his breath. “Finally, some peace.”

The street was quiet, only the sound of distant traffic and the soft crunch of his shoes against the road. His thoughts swirled.

At last… a little free time. I’ll play some games. And maybe study too. Yeah… I don’t want to live a meaningless life anymore.

For the first time, the thought didn’t feel heavy—it felt like a decision.

He reached home and dropped his bag in his room. The house was calm, only the faint clatter of utensils from the kitchen. His mom was there, just like always. They hadn’t spoken properly since that night.

Aarav sat on his bed, restless. Should I? Should I not? The silence in the house pressed against his chest until he couldn’t take it anymore.

Slowly, he walked downstairs. His mom was washing vegetables, her back turned to him. He stood there awkwardly, his throat dry.

Finally, the words slipped out, low but trembling.
“Mom…”

She turned slightly, surprised to hear his voice.

“I don’t know what this is… guilt, regret, or something else. But… a part of me wants to say sorry. For that night. For the way I shouted. I don’t even know what came over me, but… I’m sorry.”

The silence hung for a second. Aarav lowered his head, waiting for anger, or maybe disappointment.

Instead—warm arms wrapped around him. His mother pulled him close, her voice soft but steady.

“Aarav, you’re my son. You don’t have to carry this weight alone. I know you’re growing, I know you’re confused, and I know sometimes you feel lost. But don’t ever think my love for you changes because of a mistake. You’re still the same boy I’ve held in my arms since the day you were born. I just want you to find your way—step by step. I’ll be here, always.”

Her words sank deep, each one like a thread mending the torn fabric inside him. Aarav’s chest tightened, his eyes stung, but for once, he didn’t hold it back.

“…Mom…” he whispered, voice breaking.

She smiled faintly, brushing his hair like she used to when he was little.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything more. Just… don’t push me away again.”

Aarav nodded, his face buried in her shoulder. It wasn’t the end of their gap, but it was the first real step toward closing it.

That night, when he went to his room, his heart felt lighter. For the first time in a long time… he felt like he belonged again.