Rajveer sat in the lawyer's office, his hands tightly gripping the arms of the chair. His mind kept drifting to Anamika, her laughter, her small hand in his. She was everything to him—the only light in a life that had been shattered by lies and betrayal. The woman he had once trusted, Kashish, was now doing everything in her power to take away the one thing that mattered most to him.

It had all started with their arranged marriage. Rajveer had been forced into the union by his family, who believed it was time he settled down. He had resisted, but when Kashish’s family came into the picture, it seemed like the right match. Her father’s business was struggling, and his family thought they could help. Kashish, on the other hand, saw Rajveer as a ticket to financial security. It was clear from the start that love had no place in their marriage.

But then Anamika was born. She was the only good thing that had come out of that loveless relationship. Rajveer adored her from the moment he saw her, and it wasn’t long before she became the center of his world. Kashish, however, had other priorities. To her, Anamika was just another responsibility, a burden she had never wanted.

When the accusations came—claims that Rajveer had been unfaithful with his close friend, Nitya—he had been blindsided. Nitya had been his confidante, his support system, but never more than that. Kashish, however, had used this lie as her escape. She wanted out, and she was willing to ruin his reputation to get it. The divorce had been ugly, with Kashish painting him as the villain.

But none of that mattered now. All Rajveer wanted was to protect his daughter, to give her the love and stability she deserved. Kashish, though, seemed determined to use Anamika as a weapon. Despite knowing how much he loved their daughter, she refused to grant him custody. To her, it was all about power and revenge. She didn’t care about Anamika’s well-being; she only wanted to destroy Rajveer’s life.

His lawyer’s voice brought him back to the present. “Rajveer, we’re going to have to prove that Kashish isn’t fit to raise Anamika. We need evidence of her neglect—proof that she sees Anamika as a responsibility rather than someone she loves.”

Rajveer nodded, his heart heavy. He didn’t want to fight Kashish, but he couldn’t let his daughter grow up in a loveless home. She deserved better.

“Do whatever you have to, I just want my child. If she demands I'm ready to give away everything but I want my daughter at all cost.” Rajveer states, his voice barely a whisper.

“Don't worry Rajveer, we will win this case. Humare paas bahut proof hai ye sabit karne ke liye ki custody tumhe milni chahiye, after all you have raised that kid.” The lawyer assured him, reminding him how he has raise that child with love and care, how he had canceled his meetings when the girl demanded him to play with her, how she copies whatever he does, how he carries her on his shoulder and stroll around, how she use to demands that only he can give her a bath and dress her up, how innocently she throws tantrum to have ice-cream, how her first word was Papa!! Yes, he had done it all from changing her diaper to feeding her in the middle of the night while Kashish would get annoyed whenever the girl cried. How can she even claim her? She never wanted a child then why on earth she's claiming his child?

Rajveer doesn't know what that lady was up to. Was she just trying to destroy him? If yes, then why? He never did bad to her, in fact he had clearly told her that he was forced to marry her and he needed time, she had agreed to it but never stopped showcasing herself before him. Even though that first step of intimacy was from her side and he had to accept it, he already had six months of her time and didn't want to make it hard for her. Then, what's wrong now?  All of the sudden she demanded for divorce accusing him of having an extra marital affair with Nitya and now Anamika's custody. Everything felt so unreal but it was happening.

And he, who has accepted whatever came his way till now, be his parents demand to marry Kashish to Kashish wanting him to accept her, he did it all without a word but he's surely not buying what's happening now, never on earth was he going to let go his daughter - away from him. Nope, that's not happening. Either he wins the case and gets her custody or ends his life slapping the entire system who thinks a father can't raise a daughter single handedly.

…..

As the custody battle dragged on, Rajveer found himself drained—emotionally, physically, mentally. Kashish’s legal team was ruthless, painting him as an irresponsible father, a man who had once betrayed his family. But Rajveer remained focused. His lawyer had gathered evidence of Kashish’s disinterest in their child, her indifference to Anamika’s emotional needs.

Amidst all this, Rajveer focus remains on his child who looks weak, sad, her hair not neatly combined, her favorite clip missing, the dress she wore was not of her liking. All that he noticed was that his daughter was unhappy with the lady who claimed to love the child. He wonders if the whole court blind? Can't they see the condition of his child?  She needs him, what can't they just give her to him?

As Rajveer sat in court, watching Kashish’s cold, unfeeling expression, something inside him shifted. He realized this fight wasn’t just about custody anymore. It was about ensuring that Anamika grew up knowing she was loved. It was about showing her that, despite everything, her father would always be there for her.

The final hearing came, and Rajveer stood before the judge, his heart pounding. He didn’t know what the outcome would be, but he had done everything he could to prove his love for his daughter. As the judge began on concluding everything on the paper, Rajveer’s eyes only stared at his daughter. Today was the day that will decide their destiny.

After what felt like an eternity, the judge’s voice rang out. “Based on the evidence provided, I believe it is in Anamika’s best interest to be placed in the custody of her father.”

The judgment created chaos in the courtroom, Kashish objected and received a warning from the judge.

While falling on his knees, he closed his eyes, a wave of relief washing over him. He had won—not just the custody battle, but the chance to give his daughter the life she deserved.

An excited Anamika ran to her father, freeing herself from Kashish clutch. Though she's just five, her environment was tense enough to know what was going around. Her mother left the house and pulled her along despite her refusal while her father cried, following them behind their running car. All this was enough to know, something bad was happening.

But at the moment, the lady sitting behind the big wooden box has announced that she can live with her father and so she just ran to him and crashed in his arms, her tiny hands wrapping around his neck. Rajveer holds his little world in his arms, his tears uncontrollable. But he composes himself, now that his daughter is with him, he'll only smile and provide her everything she deserves.

As he left the courtroom, holding Anamika’s hand tightly, he knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. Kashish would continue to make things difficult, but none of that mattered now. He had his daughter, and that was all he needed.

As Rajveer and Anamika stepped out of the courthouse, the weight of months of tension slowly began to lift. Anamika, sensing her father's relief, squeezed his hand, her wide eyes filled with curiosity. Rajveer smiled down at her, feeling lighter than he had in months. The custody battle was over. His daughter was safe with him, where she belonged.

The drive to home was peaceful, with Anamika chattering about everything she wanted to do now that she would be staying with him permanently. For the first time in a long while, Rajveer felt at peace. Today was special in more ways than one—it was his birthday, although he had almost forgotten in the chaos of legal battles and stress.

When they reached home, Rajveer noticed something strange. There was another car parked outside the house. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the familiar figure standing by the door, waiting for them.

Nitya!!

She looked up as they approached, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Surprise!" she called out, walking over to them. Rajveer hadn’t expected her, especially today, but seeing her now felt like the final piece falling into place.

"Happy Birthday, Rajveer," she said softly, her eyes brimming with warmth. "I wanted to be here for you today, to celebrate."

Rajveer was momentarily speechless. So much had changed in his life, but Nitya had been a constant—a silent supporter, someone who understood him without ever needing to say too much. She had stood by him during the most difficult moments, and despite Kashish’s false accusations, their bond had remained unshaken.

Anamika ran up to Nitya and hugged her, the two of them sharing a special connection. Nitya had been a part of Anamika’s life for as long as she could remember, and the little girl adored her.

“Kaisa hai mera bacha??” She asks, pecking her cheek.

Anamika chuckles, narrating her days back to her mother house and how excited she is to be at her own house.

Nitya patted her cheek, a smile curled up her lips.

Rajveer smiled, feeling his heart swell with gratitude. "You didn’t have to do this, Nitya. Khamakha itni mehnat ki tumne." Rajveer says

"I wanted to," she replied, her voice gentle. "You deserve to be happy, Rajveer. Today especially." Her words lace with concern and love.

They walked inside, where Nitya had already arranged a small celebration. The living room was decorated with balloons and streamers, and a cake sat on the table, the words "Happy Birthday, Rajveer" written across it in elegant icing. It was simple, intimate, and exactly what he needed after the emotional day.

As they sat down to celebrate, Rajveer couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Anamika was by his side, giggling as she helped him blow out the candles on the cake. Nitya was there too, her presence comforting and steady, just as it had always been.

Later, after Anamika had gone to bed, Rajveer and Nitya sat together on the couch, a comfortable silence settling between them.

“I don’t know how I could’ve gotten through this without you,” Rajveer admitted, looking at her with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper.

“You didn’t have to do it alone,” Nitya replied, her voice soft. “You never have to.”

For the first time in a long while, Rajveer felt a flicker of hope for the future. His life, though bruised by the past, had found new meaning with his daughter. And maybe, just maybe, there was room in it for something more.

As the evening drew to a close, Rajveer realized that this birthday, though unexpected, had been one of the most meaningful of his life. He had won the battle for his daughter, but more than that, he had found peace—and perhaps, the beginning of something new with Nitya.

He looked at her, smiling softly. "Thank you for being here today."

Nitya smiled back, her eyes shining. "Always."

As they sat in the warm glow of the living room, the weight of the day seemed to settle comfortably between Rajveer and Nitya. The cake was half-eaten, the balloons swayed gently in the evening breeze, and the remnants of their celebration lingered in the air.

Rajveer took a deep breath, savoring the moment. He turned to Nitya, his heart pounding slightly. “You know, today has reminded me of what truly matters. I fought so hard for Anamika, and now that she’s with me, I feel…complete. I know it's odd par this is the truth of my life. Kashish ke liye main kabhi kuch feel nahi kar paaya, usne bahut koshish ki par wo sab mujhe dikhawa hi laga hai aur shayad tha bhi par Ana…the moment I saw her I knew I can turn the world for her. I really don't know Kashish kyun usse mujh se chhin lena chahti thi, usse toh kabhi uss se pyar bhi nahi tha phir bhi sirf mujhe takleef dene ke liye usne itna kuch kiya. Iske liye main usse kabhi maaf nahi karunga!” he expresses, Nitya listened to him attentively.

She let out a sigh and looked at him intently, her expression shifting from warm amusement to something more serious. “Rajveer, there’s something I need to say,” she began, her voice steady but laced with emotion. He had held up things for a long time, just because of whatever was happening in his life but now that things are kind of sorted, she needs to word her feelings.

He felt a slight flutter of apprehension. “What is it? Sab thik hai na?” he asks in concern.

Nitya paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “I’ve always been here for you, through everything—your struggles, your joys, your heartaches. And it’s not just because I care for Anamika. It’s because I care for you. More than I ever intended to.”

Rajveer’s heart raced, the implications of her words sinking in. He had always felt a deep connection with Nitya, but he had been afraid to acknowledge it. “Nitya, I—”

“I love you, Rajveer,” she confessed, her eyes locking onto his. “I have for a long time. It wasn’t something I planned; it just happened. Watching you fight for your daughter, seeing how deeply you love her, it made me realize how much I admire you. I love you for who you are, not just as a father but as a person.”

The vulnerability in her voice struck him, and he felt a rush of emotions—surprise, joy, and an overwhelming sense of relief. He had wrestled with his feelings for her, uncertain if he could open his heart again after everything that had happened with Kashish.

Rajveer took her hands in his, feeling the warmth radiating from her touch. “Nitya, I never knew you felt this way. I care about you deeply; you’ve been my rock through all of this. I never allowed myself to think about love again after my marriage ended, but… being with you feels right.”

Nitya’s breath hitched, her eyes searching forq reassurance. “Are you saying…?”

“I’m saying that I have feelings for you too,” he confessed, the words flowing from his heart. “You’ve been there for me when I felt lost, and you’ve always treated Anamika with such love. I want you in my life, in our lives. I want to see where this can go.”

A soft smile broke across Nitya’s face, and Rajveer felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Her relief was palpable, and he realized how much he had been longing for this connection to be acknowledged.

“Really?” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You mean it?”

“Absolutely,” Rajveer replied, his voice steady. “I want to build a future with you, for Anamika’s sake and ours. I want us to be a family.”

With those words, Nitya moved closer, her heart racing. She leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened, filled with the unspoken love they had both held back for so long. It was a kiss filled with promise—a promise of new beginnings, of healing, and of hope.

As they pulled away, Nitya’s eyes sparkled with joy. “I never thought this day would come,” she said, her smile brightening the room.

Rajveer chuckled softly, feeling a sense of lightness he hadn’t felt in years. “Neither did I. But I’m glad it has. You make me happy, Nitya.”

“Happy Birthday again, Rajveer,” she said, her voice a melody of joy.

He grinned, the realization that this birthday was not just a celebration of another year of life but a rebirth of his heart. With Nitya by his side and Anamika safe at home, Rajveer felt a sense of completeness he hadn’t thought possible.

As they settled back into their comfortable space, Rajveer took a moment to reflect on how much had changed in such a short time. The journey ahead wouldn’t be without challenges, especially with Kashish’s shadow lingering over their lives, but with Nitya’s love, he felt ready to face whatever came next. Together, they would build a beautiful life—one filled with laughter, love, and the happiness that both of them had longed for.

The end…

KabirsAngel i hope you like it..

And a very happy birthday to you dearest Dad 😘😘❤❤
Love you
Ana ❤