PRANATI MISHRA

I stood anxiously in the courtroom, my eyes fixed on Jugnu. The judge's voice brought me back to reality.

"Jugnu, please come forward."
Jugnu hesitated, then walked to the stand.

"Jugnu, you're 8 now," the judge began. "The court wants to know your preference. With whom do you want to live?"

Jugnu's eyes darted between Reyansh and me. I held my breath.

As she looked at Reyansh, her expression softened. Eight years of memories, laughter, and tears flashed across her face. I saw the love she shared with Reyansh, the bond they formed.

But then, her gaze shifted to me. Our eyes met, and I poured my heart into that moment.

Jugnu's face contorted in turmoil. She saw the longing, the love, and the regret in my eyes.

"Nayi maa," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The courtroom fell silent.

Jugnu took a deep breath. "I want to live with... both of them."

Reyansh's eyes widened, surprise etched on his face.

"I love Papa," Jugnu continued, "for everything he's done for me. But Mom... she didn't even know I existed. She deserves love, too."

My heart swelled, tears streaming down my face.

"I want to know her," Jugnu said, her voice firm. "I want to learn about her, share my life with her."

Reyansh's expression softened, a hint of understanding.

"I want both," Jugnu repeated. "I want to be with Papa, but I also want Mom in my life."

The judge nodded, a gentle smile. "Very well. We'll consider joint custody."

As the judge continued speaking, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Jugnu.

My daughter, so brave and selfless.

••••

As I stood beside Reyansh, Jugnu's tiny hand grasping mine, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The courtroom's tension still lingered, but Jugnu's presence washed away my resentment. For now, my daughter's smile was all that mattered.

Reyansh's eyes met mine, and I saw the love lingering within. It was a love I once cherished, but his deception had shattered my trust. Keeping Jugnu from me for eight years was an unforgivable sin.

Yet, as I gazed at Jugnu, I knew I had to put aside my anger. My daughter needed me, and I needed her. Reyansh's presence was a necessary evil.

"I'll do this for Jugnu," I whispered to myself. "I'll put aside my feelings, my resentment, for her sake."

Reyansh's hand brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through me. I pulled away, unsure if I was ready for physical contact.

"Pranati," he whispered, his voice laced with longing. "We can work through this."

I turned to him, my eyes searching. "Can we?"

Reyansh's expression was sincere. "I love you, Pranati. I always have."

My heart wavered. A part of me still loved him, but the pain he inflicted ran deep.

"I need time," I said finally.

Reyansh nodded. "I understand."

As we left the courtroom, Jugnu chattered excitedly between us. I exchanged a glance with Reyansh, our shared purpose clear.

We would co-parent, putting Jugnu's needs above our own.

But forgiveness wouldn't come easily.

REYANSH KHURANA

As I gazed at Pranati and Jugnu together, my heart swelled with emotion. The courtroom's tension dissolved, replaced by a sense of rightness. My girls, finally united. Pranati's smile, once reserved for me alone, now shone brightly for our daughter.

My eyes welled up, and a smile spread across my face. I felt a surge of determination course through my veins. "I'll win you back, Pranati," I whispered to myself. "I'll regain your trust, your love." Memories flooded my mind - our laughter, our whispers, our dreams.

I recalled the day we met, the spark between us. Our first kiss, our first everything. The way Pranati's eyes sparkled when she laughed. The way her hand fit perfectly in mine.

And then, the pain I caused. The lies, the deception, the years of separation.

But now, seeing Pranati with Jugnu, I knew I had a chance. To make amends. To prove my love. To rebuild our family.

I knew it wouldn't be easy. Pranati's wounds ran deep. The hurt and anger in her eyes still lingered. But I was willing to try.

For Jugnu's sake. For Pranati's. For ours.

As I watched them, a sense of resolve settled within me. I'd do whatever it took to regain Pranati's trust.

Their laughter echoed through the room, and my heart swelled. I took a step forward, my eyes locked on Pranati's.

This was just the beginning.

JUGNU KHURANA

I stood before the judge, my heart pounding in my chest. He asked the question that had been weighing on me for weeks: "Jugnu, with whom do you want to live?" I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

Papa had been my rock for eight years, always there to wipe away my tears, help me with homework, and cheer me on at school events. The thought of leaving him was unbearable. But Maa... she was my mother, my flesh and blood. She had missed out on so much, and I could see the longing in her eyes.

"I want to live with... both of them," I declared, my voice firm.

The judge's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Both?" he repeated.

I nodded, determination coursing through my veins. "I love Papa for everything he's done for me. He's been my father, my friend, my everything. But Mom... she didn't even know I existed. She deserves love, too."

I glanced at Maa, seeing tears well up in her eyes.

"I want to know her," I continued, my voice filled with conviction. "I want to learn about her, share my life with her. I want to hear her stories, laugh with her, and cry with her."

Papa's face fell, but I knew I had to be honest.

"I'm not choosing between you, Papa," I reassured him. "I'm choosing to have two parents who love me, who care for me. I want to experience life with both of you."

Maa's face lit up with joy, and she smiled through tears.

The judge nodded thoughtfully. "I think we can work something out. Jugnu, you're a brave young girl. Your love for both parents is admirable."

As the judge continued to speak, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I had made the right decision.

"After careful consideration, the court has awarded joint custody to both parents, ensuring shared parental responsibilities and equal time with Jugnu."

I saw the happiness in my both parents eyes and i knew it was best for all three of us