AKSHNAV story Dil ka Rishta

Part 30

Abhinav stood silently in the courtroom for a moment after hearing the question. The tension in the air was palpable. Abhimanyu's lawyer had framed the question with precision, aiming straight at Abhinav's love and commitment to Abhir.

“If you have a child of your own,” the lawyer repeated, “will Abhir’s place in your heart remain the same? Will your love for him not waver? Isn’t it better for his real father, Mr. Birla, to have custody of his son?”

Abhinav glanced at Akshara, her eyes filled with worry, and then at Abhir, who sat innocently, swinging his legs, oblivious to the storm around him. His little face was full of trust—trust in the very people fighting for him.

Taking a deep breath, Abhinav stepped forward. His voice, though soft, carried an unshakable conviction. “I want to make something very clear,” he began, his gaze steady.

“Abhir is not just a responsibility or a role I took on. He is my son. My love for him is not conditional, not dependent on blood, and definitely not something that can be replaced or divided.”

The lawyer smirked slightly, sensing an opportunity. “But what if you have a child of your own someday? Isn’t it natural for parents to focus on their biological children?”

Abhinav’s expression hardened, but his voice remained calm.

“If having a biological child of my own creates even the slightest shadow over Abhir’s happiness or makes him feel neglected in any way, then I won’t even think about having another child. Abhir is my child. His happiness, his well-being, and his future are my priority. And no one—not even myself—can change that.”

The courtroom fell silent. Akshara’s eyes filled with tears, and she tightly gripped her nuptial chain, overwhelmed by Abhinav’s words. Abhimanyu, sitting at his table, looked momentarily shaken, his confident demeanor faltering as he processed Abhinav’s unyielding love for the boy.

Abhinav turned toward Abhir, his voice softening. “Abhir, I don’t need to be your biological father to love you with everything I have. I don’t need anything else in my life when I already have you.”

Abhir looked up at him, his small smile brightening the heavy atmosphere. For him, this wasn’t about legal battles or DNA—it was about the love he felt every single day from the man he called Papa.

As Abhinav finished, the judge looked thoughtful, while those in the courtroom whispered amongst themselves. In that moment, it became clear that fatherhood was not about who shared blood but about who shared their heart.

As Abhinav’s heartfelt words filled the courtroom, silence lingered in the air, heavy with emotion. Everyone's eyes were on him, but Akshara could see something more—a man who loved their son unconditionally, a man who never thought of himself but always of Abhir. Her heart clenched as she noticed the whispers and doubtful glances exchanged between the opposing lawyers.

Enough was enough.

Akshara stood abruptly, surprising everyone, including the judge. “Your Honor, may I say something?” she asked, her voice firm but respectful.

The judge nodded, intrigued by her determination.

Akshara walked to the front, her steps resolute. She looked at Abhimanyu, then turned toward the courtroom, her gaze steady and unwavering.

“I can’t stay silent anymore. What Abhinav just said... it’s the truth. And it’s time everyone here understands what that means.”