SanDhir FF: Espresso Love (Ch.39 P.111 Dec.02) - Page 79

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PART THIRTY FIVE - BATCH BREWING I

Having finished my presentation, I rushed over to Ankit's, wanting to talk to him and Avni before anything went down at the courthouse. But right as I was about to head to the bus stop, Randhir pulled up in front of me in his car. Rolling down the window, he said, "Get in!"

I hesitated for a bit, but then I gave in knowing very well he'd argue with me until I accepted the ride anyway.

--

The whole ride to Ankit's house was spent in eerie silence. I could see her fidgeting with her watch from the corner of my eyes, but I knew I needed to let her be. Despite how much I wanted to tell her everything will be okay, a part of me just knew there was nothing I could say which would make her worry less. And so, even though I had the radio on, I just knew she was hardly paying attention to her surroundings let alone actually listening to the music.

"Sanyu, I know you don't want me to talk to Sameer, but I'm going to accompany you and Riaan at the trial today!"

"Huh?" she said, right after turning to me with a bewildered look on her face. "What did you say?"

I glanced at her momentarily before shifting my eyes to the road again; "I said I'm coming with you and Riaan to court!"

I won't lie, I expected her to argue back... to somehow stop me from joining. But catching me completely off guard, she just sounded out a "hmm" in agreement.

"What? You're okay with it?"

--

I paused for a moment, and then answered his question as honestly as I could. "I can't get through today alone Randhir. I need you!"

The vulnerability I felt today stung me. This feeling of not having any control of the circumstances was killing me.

I looked away, not waiting for him to reply. But he put his hand on mine, albeit momentarily, and said all that needed to be said without words.

"Let's just get this whole ordeal dealt with," he said, a tone of confidence in his voice I wish I could steal right now.

--

We reached the courthouse and met Ankit and Avni there who had brought Riaan along. I hugged him tight, "Don't worry baby, mommy's going to make everything alright, okay?" in response of which he just nodded.

Just then, Saurabh came along sporting a pensive look. Wanting to discuss a few things with him before the hearing, I turned to Randhir. He nodded as soon as I looked at him, knowing very well what I was going to ask him to do.

--

"Hey buddy, do you want to take a short walk with me?" I asked Riaan as I crouched down to reach his level.

"Okay RD," he said, sticking his tiny little hand up to wrap it with mine. I smiled as I led him away from the cabins at the courthouse. While he'd normally talk endlessly everytime he saw me, he was really quiet today. So I took him to the cafeteria and bought him a sandwich. He even ate in silence, finishing off with a soft, "Thank you!"

"RD, will I have to leave mommy? Why is she so scared?" he asked, his eyes fixed on mine.

"She's just a little worried champ. And don't worry, no one will force you to leave her, okay?"

"Promise?" he asked in the most timid voice I had ever heard.

"I promise!" There was nothing I wasn't willing to do to keep this promise, no matter what the cost.

We walked back to Saurabh's cabin just in time to see Sameer and his family heading to the court. Riaan had obviously seen him as well because he had suddenly picked up his pace.

"What's wrong Riaan?" I stopped him so I could face him.

"The man," he looked around and pointed to Sameer, "Mommy says he's my dad, but I don't like him. He always makes her cry."

I was at a loss of words initially, a blind rage gripping my entirety. But I knew I couldn't afford to make things worse, so I clenched my jaw to control the rage and swallow back the anger.

"Your mommy has me today champ. He won't be able to hurt her or you, okay?" He seemed to believe me, though his grip on my hand had tightened.

As soon as we entered the cabin, Riaan ran to Sanyukta and sat on her lap as she prepared herself to face the battle ahead. But as they were about to head to the courtroom, I slipped Saurabh some documents and asked Sanyukta if I could speak with her for a minute.

"Yea, of course," she said to me after asking Ankit and Avni to take Riaan inside.

While she appeared to be calm, I knew her well enough to not fall for that facade.

I took her hand in mine, "Everything going to be fine, don't worry!" I smiled.

She sighed, and then nodded; "I can't even think of losing his custody as an option right now." She rambled on about her worries of the impending battle, and although I wanted to reassure her, I let her pour her heart out to me. We sat like that - her hand in mine - until she was asked to head to the courthouse. She stood up and took a deep breath; "Okay, let's go!"

I held her face as softly as I could and kissed her. "Go bring Riaan back Farzi!"

She smiled momentarily, until she realized what I meant. "You're not coming?"

I inhaled sharply; "As much as I want to be there for you, I don't want my presence to make anything more difficult for you than it has to be!"

--

I knew I was the one who asked Randhir to not come face-to-face with Sameer, but I didn't care anymore.

"He can think what he wants Randhir, but we need you there... I need you there!"

I went on my tip-toes and kissed him, "I don't really care whether he sees you or not. But I just need you by my side today. Please?"

He bit his lip and smiled a little, "Forever and always Farzi, let's go win this case!"

Just having him beside me as I walked into the courtroom helped calm my nerves. I felt Sameer's burning gaze on me the entire time, but I kept walking as determined as I could be to settle this issue once and for all. Randhir, Parth, and Vidushi sat on the first bench behind me with Avni and Ankit right beside them.

The judge entered the room in a matter of seconds after and my heart began pounding. I knew I had all the support I needed today; it was just the thought of Sameer crossing a line to get what he wants which terrified me.

The atmosphere settled down and the judge began her questioning. "So Mr. Mittal and Ms. Agarwal, we are here to make a decision regarding your son's custody dispute. What are you current custody arrangements since the time the plaintiff, Mr. Mittal, filed for the custody?"

Preeti Vidnani, Sameer's lawyer, spoke out to respond to this question; "Your Honour, as of now, the defendant, Ms. Agarwal, has custody of their son. Their divorce was not finalized until recently, however the defendant gave my client no other option but to accept that he would not be able to have custody of their son."

"Attorneys, could you please submit your financial statements to the clerk," the judge asked. And while Saurabh did exactly as asked and sat back down, Preeti spoke out, "Your Honour, my client is self-employed and has been financially stable for the past 7 years. On the other hand, the defendant has been struggling to just pay her bills, let alone provide for Riaan the way she should."

Saurabh stood up, "While Mr. Mittal may have been financially stable for that long, my client has recently obtained a full-time position at the Shekhawat Corporation with all health and dental benefits included. Paying her bills was an issue only when she was in school, finishing her engineering degree. She is more than capable of providing for herself and Riaan Your Honour."

I looked at Saurabh, confused at his statement. He knew what I was thinking and slid the manila envelope towards me. Taking the papers out, I saw a formal letter from the Shekhawat Corporation offering me a full time position as a Project Assistant dated... today?

Turning myself around, I caught a glance at Randhir who was busy avoiding me. I turned back to face the judge, smiling to myself.