Espresso Love (SanDhir)

Chapter 36 - Batch Brewing II

Hey guys!! I can't believe I'm back with the next chapter so quick haha. But this is for all of you who have been incredibly patient and understanding with me and my story. Thank you so much!! I hope you guys enjoy this part!

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Saurabh stood up, "While Mr. Mittal may have been financially stable for that long, my client has recently obtained a full-time position at the Shekhawat Corporation with all health and dental benefits included. Paying her bills was an issue only when she was in school, finishing her engineering degree. She is more than capable of providing for herself and Riaan Your Honour."

I looked at Saurabh, confused at his statement. He knew what I was thinking and slid the manila envelope towards me. Taking the papers out, I saw a formal letter from the Shekhawat Corporation offering me a full time position as a Project Assistant dated... today?

Turning myself around, I caught a glance at Randhir who was busy avoiding me. I turned back to face the judge, smiling to myself.

--

It had been an hour into the trial, with both sides of lawyers doing their best to safeguard their client's position. I knew Sanyukta didn't want my tangible help in this case, but how could I let the woman I love deal with all of this without doing everything and anything in my power to protect her?

I had asked Solanki to approve of my decision right after the night I had found out about why Sanyukta was so afraid for the trial. I couldn't afford to lose her again, couldn't afford to lose Riaan. It was almost twisted in a sense - having lashed out at Sanyukta after having found out about her son, yet now being in a position where I felt a paternal sense of protection towards him. He deserved a better childhood. He deserves a better childhood. One I know Sameer would never be able to provide.

But did that mean... Was I even ready?

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"Your Honour, ever since the birth of Riaan Agarwal, Mr. Sameer Mittal has not attempted to even meet Riaan. Not only did my client move out while she was pregnant, but she has been providing for herself and her son alone all these years - without a demand for child support. It's obvious that this sudden interest in obtaining child custody was a result of the divorce that was just recently finalized," Saurabh spoke clearly.

The defense lawyer received a heated glance from Sameer, an action that didn't go unnoticed by Saurabh and myself. We knew we were gaining the reins in the case.

I gazed at Riaan who was sitting on a bench near me and smiled as he looked at me. Everything's going to be alright, I tried to convey through my eyes. He looked to the other side and found Sameer not even bothering to make eye contact with him, causing him to droop his head.

I wish I could give Riaan a childhood better than this. He deserves better than this.

--

After another 20 minutes where the judge asked Sanyukta and Sameer some questions, the looming fog was starting to clear out. It was evident that Sameer's custody case was about to be thrown out the window considering the current arrangement was serving to be beneficial for Riaan and that Sanyukta was now able to provide for herself, Riaan, and the living expenses.

However, it wasn't until what seemed to be like the end of the trial did Sameer and his lawyer hit the case with a cheap below-the-belt shot.

"My client wanted to protect the dignity of the woman he once loved, but Riaan deserves a caregiver who has a better character than Ms. Agarwal."

My fists curled, and I slammed the railing hard. Vidushi must have known of the rage I felt in the moment, as she pretended to have accidentally kicked the railing to make up for the sound.