Chapter 46 — Blood Doesn't Define Everything

Abhram had been listening quietly.

But after hearing Safeena continue to defend herself, he finally stepped forward.

Abhram: What was Ritika's fault in any of this?

Safeena remained silent.

Abhram: Her husband, Pavan, died while serving the country.

His voice was firm.

Abhram: She didn't choose to become a widow. She didn't choose to raise her child without his father.

He looked toward Safeena.

Abhram: She is a good girl. A responsible mother. A respectful daughter.

Shabana nodded.

Abhram: And that is exactly why we spoke to her parents.

He paused.

Abhram: We didn't choose Ritika because we felt sorry for her.

Rehnaa: We chose her because we respected the person she is.

Abhram: And Arnav accepted her.

His voice softened.

Abhram: More importantly, Rishi accepted Arnav wholeheartedly.

Shabana: He calls him Baba with love.

Abhram: Nobody forced him to say it.

He looked at Safeena.

Abhram: Nobody taught him to pretend.

Abhram: He chose that word himself because he loves Arnav.

Rehnaa smiled sadly.

Rehnaa: To that little boy, Arnav is an angel who came into his life.

Abhram nodded.

Abhram: Exactly.

He took a breath.

Abhram: And remember one thing.

The room became silent.

Abhram: Not always blood makes a family.

He looked toward the stairs.

Abhram: Love, trust, responsibility and the decision to stand beside someone also make a family.

Shabana: Rishi may not share Arnav's blood, but that doesn't make their bond any less real.

Abhram: And Ritika is not someone who needs to prove that she deserves happiness.

His voice became firm.

Abhram: She and Rishi have full liberty to live their life.

Rehnaa: They have the right to love their family, visit her parents, stay with them and build their own home.

Abhram: Nobody will control that.

He looked directly at Safeena.

Abhram: Marriage does not erase Ritika's identity.

Abhram: And Rishi's past does not decide his future.

Shabana: He is our grandson.

Rehnaa: Ritika is our daughter-in-law.

Abhram: And Arnav has chosen both of them.

He paused.

Abhram: So this discussion ends here.

The room fell silent.

Safeena finally lowered her eyes.

For Abhram, there was nothing more to explain.

Family was not merely about whose blood ran through whose veins. It was about who stayed, who loved, and who chose each other.