Chapter 33: A Child’s Truth

The courtroom was filled with murmurs.

Poornima and Veeresh sat silently, hands tightly clasped, their eyes fixed on the bench.

Sahana, dressed in a crisp saree, stood confidently, smirking slightly.

She had the law on her side — until now.

The judge looked at the file, then at the boy standing nervously but firmly at the witness stand.

“Ayan Suryavanshi… do you know why you’re here today?” the judge asked kindly.

Ayan nodded.

“Yes, sir. You want to know who I want to live with…”

Poornima’s heart clenched. Veeresh gently tightened his grip on her fingers.

Ayan looked at his mother and father, then turned to the judge.

“I want to live with my Amma and Appa… Poornima Amma and Veeresh Appa.”

The courtroom fell quiet.

Sahana’s smile faded.

The judge leaned forward. “Why do you say so, Ayan?”

Ayan’s voice trembled but grew stronger with every word.

> “Sahana amma left me when I was a baby. My appa took care of me always. And Poornima amma… she loves me like I’m hers. She hugs me when I cry. She makes my tiffin. She kisses my forehead every night. When I was scared, she held me. When I was sick, she stayed awake. She is my amma.”

He paused.

> “Sahana amma told me Amma and Appa don’t love me… but that’s not true. They do. I saw it in their eyes. I felt it in their hugs. And… I don’t want to live with someone who hurts me and tells me lies.”

Everyone was stunned. Ayan wiped a tear.

> “I will talk to Sahana amma… but only when I want to. I don’t want to go with her again. I want to stay home—with my family.”

The judge smiled slightly and looked over his glasses.

> “The court recognizes the maturity in this child’s words. It is clear where his happiness and well-being lie.”

> “The custody of Ayan Suryavanshi is hereby granted to Mr. Veeresh Suryavanshi and Mrs. Poornima Suryavanshi. Sahana may have limited visitation rights, only when Ayan consents.”

Veeresh stood frozen. Poornima’s eyes welled up.

Ayan ran to them. Veeresh lifted him and kissed his cheek.

Poornima wrapped them both in her arms.

“You fought for us, Ayan… and we will never let you feel unloved again.”