The world tilted for Vikram. He stared at Avni, then at the girl, his mind struggling to process the words. "Meri beti? My daughter?" he rasped, his voice raw with disbelief. He looked at Aradhya again, truly looked, and saw not just Avantika’s eyes, but his own stubborn chin, the same slight curve of the nose. A jolt, a profound, undeniable recognition, shot through him. The exhaustion that had clouded his mind for weeks seemed to evaporate, replaced by a surge of overwhelming emotion.

Aradhya, too, was speechless. This man, so broken yet so familiar, was her father. The fierce longing she’d carried unknowingly in her heart her entire life found its anchor. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring his face, but she didn’t look away. She simply nodded, a silent affirmation, her hand instinctively reaching out, as if to confirm he was real.