Espresso Love (SanDhir)

Chapter 35 - Batch Brewing I

Hey guys! No you are not dreaming. After an unofficial hiatus of 3 months, I am back with the next update. The chapter after this will be posted next week as well, because I have already started working on it :) I hope I haven't lost all of your interests in this story! Don't forget to let me know what you think of the part!

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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?"