Chapter 47: The Final Goodbye

A few weeks later, the final hearing was held in the London Family Court.

The court had completed the verification of all the evidence, including the DNA report and the statements submitted by both parties.

The judge looked at everyone present.

Judge: "After reviewing the evidence placed before this court, the court accepts the DNA report and the statements submitted."

"The court concludes that Mr. Veeresh Singh is not the biological father of Adwait."

"The proceedings concerning Mr. Singh's parental claim are therefore concluded."

The courtroom was silent.

There was no victory.

There was no celebration.

Only closure.

Outside the courtroom, Rashmi approached Veeresh.

Poornima stood a few steps away, giving them privacy.

Rashmi looked at Veeresh with tears in her eyes.

Rashmi: "Veeresh..."

He looked at her calmly.

She folded her hands.

Rashmi: "I'm sorry."

"I know an apology can never erase what I did."

"I lied to you."

"I betrayed your trust."

"I hurt you."

She lowered her head.

Rashmi: "That guilt will stay with me for the rest of my life."

"I don't expect your forgiveness."

She glanced toward Poornima, who was quietly waiting nearby.

A small smile appeared on Rashmi's face.

Rashmi: "I hope..."

"I hope you find your forever with her."

"I hope both of you stay happy."

Veeresh remained silent for a moment.

Then he spoke calmly.

Veeresh: "Rashmi..."

"I won't say the past didn't hurt."

"It did."

"It changed me."

He took a slow breath.

Veeresh: "But carrying hatred for the rest of my life won't heal me either."

"I accept your apology."

"Not because I want to forget what happened..."

"But because I want to move forward."

Rashmi looked at him with surprise.

Veeresh continued,

Veeresh: "Take care of Adwait."

"Be honest with him."

"Give him the truth I never received."

"And don't let him grow up carrying someone else's mistakes."

Rashmi's eyes filled with tears.

She nodded.

Rashmi: "I will."

Veeresh gave a small nod.

Veeresh: "I genuinely hope you and Vivek give him a good life."

He looked toward Poornima.

A smile naturally appeared on his face.

Veeresh: "As for me..."

"I've already found my forever."

Poornima smiled softly.

Veeresh walked over to her.

Without hesitation, he slipped his hand into hers.

She held it tightly.

Together, they turned and walked out of the courthouse.

This time, Veeresh wasn't leaving with anger, unanswered questions, or regret.

He was leaving with something he had searched for over the years.

Closure.