Chapter 43: The Truth in Court

The next morning, the Family Court in London was quiet as both parties entered the courtroom.

Veeresh sat beside his lawyer.

Poornima sat just behind him, silently offering her support.

The judge entered.

Court Officer: "All rise."

Everyone stood.

After the judge took the seat, the proceedings began.

Judge: "Please be seated."

The judge looked at both sides.

Judge: "Counsel, how would you like to proceed today?"

Before Veeresh's lawyer could respond, Rashmi stood up.

Her lawyer looked at her in surprise.

Rashmi: "Your Honour..."

"I don't want to continue this case anymore."

The courtroom fell silent.

Veeresh looked at her, confused.

The judge spoke calmly.

Judge: "Mrs. Rashmi, are you certain?"

Rashmi nodded.

Rashmi: "Yes, Your Honour."

"There is something I should have disclosed a long time ago."

She slowly turned toward Veeresh.

He stared at her, waiting.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke.

Rashmi: "Adwait is not Veeresh's son."

Veeresh froze.

His voice barely came out.

Veeresh: "What...?"

The entire courtroom became silent.

Rashmi continued.

Rashmi: "Veeresh was always busy building his company."

"But that wasn't the reason."

"I never loved him."

"My parents forced me into that marriage."

She lowered her eyes.

Rashmi: "Before my marriage, I was in a relationship with Vivek."

She looked toward the judge.

Rashmi: "After the marriage, I remained in contact with him."

"I later found out I was pregnant."

She swallowed hard.

Rashmi: "Adwait is my son..."

She paused before finishing.

Rashmi: "...and Vivek's."

Veeresh couldn't believe what he was hearing.

His lawyer looked at Rashmi's counsel in disbelief.

Rashmi removed a file from her bag.

Rashmi: "Your Honour, I have submitted a DNA test report."

"My lawyer has already provided certified copies."

Her lawyer handed the documents to the court.

The judge reviewed them quietly.

After several moments, the judge looked up.

Judge: "The court will examine these documents before making any findings."

Rashmi continued speaking.

Her voice trembled.

Rashmi: "When I realized I was pregnant..."

"I already knew the child wasn't Veeresh's."

"After Adwait was born..."

"I left."

She looked toward Veeresh.

Rashmi: "I never loved you."

"I'm sorry."

"I should have told you the truth years ago."

Veeresh remained seated, unable to speak.

It felt as though the ground beneath him had disappeared.

For years...

He had fought believing Adwait was his son.

He had lived with the pain of separation.

He had blamed himself.

And now...

Everything he believed was being questioned.

Behind him, Poornima watched quietly.

She could see the shock in Veeresh's eyes.

Without disturbing the proceedings, she gently reached forward and placed her hand over his.

He looked back at her.

She didn't speak.

She simply gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

The judge closed the file.

Judge: "The court will verify the submitted evidence and consider the legal implications before issuing any further orders."

"The matter is adjourned until the evidence has been reviewed."

The gavel struck.

As people slowly began leaving the courtroom, Veeresh remained seated, staring ahead in silence.

He wasn't angry.

He wasn't crying.

He was simply trying to understand how, in a single morning, the truth he had lived with for years had completely changed.