It was a peaceful afternoon in Shimla. Ruhi’s sweet giggles echoed through the halls as she played with baby Abhira in the living room. Abhir sat nearby with his Poppy, Abhimanyu, while Akshu prepared food in the kitchen. It was a typical day, full of warmth and love, the kind of day that made Ruhi feel completely at home.
“Massimaa, look! Abhira is smiling because of me!” Ruhi chirped excitedly, rushing to Akshu with a toy in her hand, her bright eyes shining with joy.
Akshu turned and smiled warmly, her heart swelling with love for the little girl. “You’re the best big sister, Ruhi. Abhira is lucky to have you,” she said, ruffling Ruhi’s hair before turning back to stir the food on the stove.
“Poppy, come see! Look what I made Abhira do!” Ruhi’s voice was full of pride as she looked to Abhimanyu, her Poppy, who smiled at her from the dining table.
Abhimanyu chuckled and stood up, walking over to Ruhi. “What did my little Ruhi do this time?” he teased as he scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around, making Ruhi squeal with delight.
Abhir watched with a smile, his heart full seeing how much Ruhi adored their family. She had always been a light in their lives. He adored his little sister and had taken on the role of protective elder brother with pride.
But just as everything seemed perfect, the sound of the front door opening brought a sudden chill into the room. Everyone turned to see Manish standing there, his face cold and unyielding. The warmth that had filled the house moments ago vanished.
Ruhi ran up to him, as usual, expecting a hug. “B nanu! You’re here! Do you want to play with me too?”
But Manish didn’t return her joy. He bent down, picked her up, and with a tight expression said, “Ruhi, we’re leaving.”
Ruhi blinked in confusion. “Leaving? But Dadu, Massimaa and Poppy are here, and Abhir too! I want to stay with them.”
Manish’s grip tightened, and his face hardened further. “You’re not staying here anymore. You’ll live with me from now on. No more playing here, no more seeing them.”
Akshu froze, her heart thudding in her chest. “Bade papa, what are you saying? Ruhi is happy here. You can’t just—”
But Manish cut her off sharply, his voice brimming with anger. “Happy here? How can you talk about happiness when my Aarohi is dead? You think I’ll let you raise her child after what you did? Akshara, Aarohi is gone because of you, and I will not lose Ruhi as well.”
Akshu took a step back as if Manish’s words had physically hit her. She felt her throat close up, the pain of Aarohi’s death resurfacing in an instant. “Bade papa, please... Ruhi needs us too. She’s grown up with me, with Abhimanyu and Abhir. We’re her family.”
Manish’s cold eyes bore into hers. “Aarohi was my daughter, and she’s gone because of you, Akshara. I’ll make sure Ruhi doesn’t grow up under the same roof as the person responsible for her mother’s death.”
Abhimanyu stepped forward, his jaw tight, his voice firm but pleading. “Manish Uncle, Akshu isn’t responsible for Aarohi’s death. This isn't about that. Ruhi has a home here, a family that loves her. Don’t take her away.”
Manish’s hand gripped Ruhi tighter. “I’ve already filed for custody, Abhimanyu. The court has ruled in my favor. From today, neither you nor Akshara can see Ruhi again.”
Akshu gasped, the words hitting her like a punch to the stomach. “No… that can’t be true…” She looked at Manish in disbelief, her tears threatening to spill over.
Ruhi, still confused and upset, clung to Akshu. “Massimaa, I don’t want to go! I want to stay with you, with Poppy, with Abhir and Abhira. Please don’t let B nanu take me away.”
