𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐲'𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫

Chapter Fifty: Custody's Silent War

Shubman returned from cleaning the bathroom, freshening up the space and himself. He gently caressed Geetanjali's face as he lay beside her, resting his forehead against hers. "Are you feeling okay now, love?" he asked softly.

Geetanjali nodded, burying her face in his neck and feeling the softness of his skin against her nose. "I am now and always will be, as long as you and Ana are with me," she whispered.

Shubman kissed her forehead gently. "We will be, and for that, we need to win the court case no matter what," he said with determination.

They lay in silence, resting in each other's embrace, each making a mental note to put everything into the court case the day after tomorrow. They knew it was a crucial battle for their family's future, and they were ready to fight it together.

The day of the court case arrived sooner than anticipated. Luckily, Anamika was feeling good and refreshed, but she still clung to Geetanjali as they drove to the courthouse. Geetanjali held Anamika on her lap in the passenger seat, cradling her gently.

As they hit a patch of traffic, Geetanjali noticed Anamika's scared and tired face in the side mirror. Her little girl's eyes were wide with anxiety, her small hands gripping Geetanjali's shirt tightly. The sight tugged at Geetanjali's heart. She stroked Anamika's hair softly, murmuring soothing words.

"It's okay, sweetheart. We're going to be just fine," she whispered, trying to infuse her voice with all the confidence she could muster.

Anamika buried her face in Geetanjali's chest, seeking comfort in her mother's familiar scent and warmth. Geetanjali could feel the slight trembling of Anamika's body and held her closer, wishing she could take away all her fears.

Shubman glanced over at them from the driver's seat, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and concern. "We're almost there," he said, his voice steady. "Just a little longer."

Geetanjali nodded, giving him a reassuring smile before turning her attention back to Anamika. "We have to be brave, for each other," she said softly, kissing the top of Anamika's head.

The traffic inched forward slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity. Geetanjali gulped, knowing she would see the monster she once called father after so many years. Though she was no longer scared of him, there were still some nerves she couldn't calm. Those memories of torture and harsh words still haunted her. She was about to start breathing heavily when Shubman's hand rested on her lap, and Anamika held on a bit more tightly.

Geetanjali took a deep breath, drawing strength from their touch. She could feel her anxiety beginning to ease, just a little. They were her rock, her reason for fighting. She whispered a silent promise to herself: she would protect Anamika and create a better future for their family, no matter what it took.

The courthouse came into view, and Shubman parked the car. Before getting out, he kissed Anamika's forehead. She stared into the distance without any emotion, holding on tightly to Geetanjali.

"Ready?" Shubman asked, trying to sound reassuring.

Geetanjali nodded, her heart pounding. "As ready as I'll ever be."

They stepped out of the car and walked towards the courthouse entrance. Their lawyer, Mr. Rao, was waiting for them. He smiled warmly and gently caressed Anamika's head. "How's our brave girl doing today?" he asked kindly.

Anamika remained silent, her grip on Geetanjali unyielding. Mr. Rao gave a sympathetic nod, his gaze shifting past them. His expression changed, and Geetanjali and Shubman turned to see what had caught his attention.