Love: From Retribution to Redemption

Chapter 46

Aadhi pulled over sharply near the gate, a knot forming in his chest as he saw Shravan down on his knees in the middle of the road, his body trembling. Saakshi was beside him, wheeled just out the door, one hand on his shoulder as if her silent presence was the only thing holding him together.

Anjali stepped out of the car behind him, carrying Aaru, and stood frozen at the sight.

Aadhi rushed forward. "Shravan?! What the hell happened?!"

Shravan didn't respond. His face was buried, shoulders shaking with grief.

Saakshi's voice broke the silence, soft, but shaking. "They took Shivu..."

Aadhi's heart dropped. "Who... took Shivu?"

Anjali (tense): "What's happening here?"

Shravan looked up slowly, eyes red. "Child welfare officers... said I kidnapped him. Leela and Anant came with them... filed a complaint."

Aadhi stiffened, rage building in his chest. "Those people? Those two Ravi paid off? They showed up with a complaint now?"

Shravan gave a small nod.

Aadhi took a few steps back, running a hand through his hair. "This is bullshit! You've raised him for two years, Shravan! As a father! He only knows you. They can't just-just tear him away like this!"

Saakshi looked down at her lap, voice strained. "He was crying. Reaching out for Shravan. They didn't care..."

Aadhi's jaw clenched. "Where did they take him?"

Shravan barely whispered, "Welfare home. Mugen's following them."

Aadhi's fists clenched. Aadhi immediately asked Shravan " Did you cross verify them? Are they real officers?"

Shravan : They are, I connected immediately with Arjun through Bluetooth when I saw Leela and Anant behind them, he only confirmed. He told me stopping them will complicate things for us in the court.

Shravan sighed in defeat.

Aadhi (furious but controlled): "We're not letting this go. You hear me? I'll handle this. Personally. No matter who they bring or what games they play-Shivu is not staying away from you."

He turned around abruptly, opened his car door.

Aadhi: "Shravan, get in. We're going straight to the officials. I want names, faces, and answers now."

Without hesitation, Shravan stood up, wiping his face quickly, and followed Aadhi into the car. The engine roared to life as they sped away toward the city-two men burning with the same goal: bringing their child back home.

In Station

The sun was blazing overhead when Aadhi's car halted sharply in front of the District Superintendent of Police's office. Aadhi stepped out in full force, his CBI ID badge clipped to his belt, followed closely by Shravan, whose eyes were swollen from crying, his body language visibly shattered.

As they entered, DSP Raghavan, seated behind his large desk, looked up from a file. His face immediately lit up with recognition.

DSP Raghavan : "Aadhi! What a surprise. Didn't expect to see the CBI in my office today."

Aadhi gave a respectful nod, though his jaw was tense.

Aadhi: "Sorry to barge in like this, sir. It's urgent. Personal."

Raghavan (gesturing to the chairs): "Ulla va da. Ukarunga rendu perum. What happened?"

They sat. Shravan kept his gaze on the floor, fists clenched.