Chapter 69 #3
"I think he's checking whether every latest toy is available for his daughter to play with—and destroy," Akansha said dryly.
"Amidst political chaos, he chose toy inspection?" Dev groaned.
"Exactly, I told him not to waste his time—"
"Waste of time? Updating my barbie's playroom is national duty. I was upset because he didn't trust my work—I already upgraded it last week," Dev retorted.
"You're both insane. No wonder you're best friends," she said, entering the playroom.
"Akansha... I was just—" Shaurya began explaining before noticing Dev and falling silent.
"What are you doing here, Dev?"
"What did you do today? And tell me honestly—have you abandoned that political renunciation plan or not?" Dev demanded.
"I have no intention of leaving politics. I already promised you," Shaurya replied calmly.
"Then what was today? Experts are calling it political suicide! Leaders are flooding my gates. What do you expect me to do? Say something, idiot!" Dev exploded. Shaurya remained silent. Akansha waited—but he offered no explanation.
Instead, he turned to her gently. "I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise of sleeping for four hours. The deadline passed three weeks ago. Starting tonight, I'll fix it. It's late—I have a 7 AM meeting. Good night."
Dev stared in disbelief. "Abbe... Ruk... (Hey... Stop) Answer me!"
Shaurya ignored him, kissed Akansha's forehead, and left.
"Joh bhi hai, hum baad mein discuss karenge, Dev(Whatever it is, we'll discuss later Dev). I'm going to sleep now," he said before disappearing.
"Saala, humari neend udaake yeh soyega chain se...(He wanted to sleep peacefully after disrupting our sleep? a*shole)" Dev grumbled.
"I think he has a plan. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this calm," Akansha said thoughtfully.
"Your man can stay calm even inside a storm," Dev admitted, Akansha glared at Dev for his 'Your Man' statement but he ignored her glares.
"That's true. But at least we know—he wants to remain in politics. That must be a relief for you," she said.
"Maybe... but at this rate, he'll remain in politics but out of power," Dev replied, walking away.
Akansha watched him go, smiling faintly. She wasn't worried about Shaurya—but felt immense gratitude for the friend he had chosen. Dev never chased power or the Chief Minister's chair. Every moment of his life had been dedicated to strengthening Shaurya's vision.
Shaurya once told her that Dev had always wanted to run his father's media empire—but when Shaurya shared his dream of cleansing state politics, Dev chose that path instead. He joined the opposition, working from the other side to dismantle corruption.
Akansha smiled softly. As long as Dev stood beside Shaurya—even from across the aisle—Shaurya would never truly lose power.
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The next morning, Akansha woke up and saw Shaurya getting ready for the day.
"Good morning," Shaurya greeted her.
"Good morning... already leaving for work?" she asked.
"No, there's still some time," he replied. "Freshen up and we'll have breakfast. Papa, Suman, and the kids are already done. Your mother wasn't hungry earlier, but I think she's waiting for you."
Shaurya knew forgiving her mother wouldn't be easy for Akansha, but he wanted her to slowly move past the pain her mother had caused. He was willing to do whatever it took to help her heal.
"The kids are already awake?" Akansha asked, picking up her phone from the side table. "It's 9:55 a.m.? What about your 7 a.m. meeting you mentioned last night?" she added, getting out of bed.
"I'm done with that," Shaurya said calmly. "Go freshen up. I'll leave for the Secretariat after breakfast."
Akansha nodded and went to get ready. When she returned, the couple walked downstairs together.
"Today is Suman's divorce case's final hearing.
.. I'm thinking of going with her, along with Papa and Mummy.
Akash said he'll be busy for a few days, and Suman looked really scared.
She didn't say it aloud, but I know she wants me there," Akansha said.
She was also aware of the security risks and wanted Shaurya's confirmation that it was safe.
"I've already instructed Jasmeet about the security. Everything is taken care of. You all can leave at 12 p.m.," Shaurya replied.
Akansha looked at him in surprise.
"How did you know I wanted to go with her?" she asked.
"She needs you. And you've always been there for your siblings whenever they needed you. I knew today would be no different, so I made the arrangements," Shaurya said softly, looking into her eyes. She smiled at him, affection clear in her gaze, and it instantly brightened his morning.
Shaurya, Akansha, and Jaya had breakfast together. Before leaving for the Secretariat, Shaurya reassured Suman, offering her strength and encouragement, and then left for work.
Suman, Harsh, Akansha, and her parents later reached the court along with security personnel. Siya stayed at home with Mrs. Sudha.
As the Chief Minister's wife, Akansha drew considerable attention. She ignored the stares and walked forward with her family and their lawyer, while Jasmeet and the rest of the security team followed closely behind.
@District Court - Final Hearing
The trial began, and both sides' lawyers started presenting their arguments. Suman's case was strong; the only significant point Dilip Gandhi and his family had was Shaurya himself. They repeatedly brought up his influence, accusing him of using his power to sway the case.
Suman and the family worried that Shaurya's presence in the narrative might end up helping Dilip instead. The judge appeared extremely principled, and their lawyer warned Akansha that if the judge believed Shaurya had influenced the proceedings in any way, it could backfire badly.
As the prosecution and defense lawyers argued intensely and the judge carefully noted their points, Shaurya entered the courtroom, followed by Suraj and Mr. Sharma.
Whispering spread instantly across the courtroom — disruptions the judge clearly disliked.
Suman's lawyer feared Shaurya's entry might irritate the judge, while Dilip Gandhi's lawyer was prepared to exploit the situation.
The courtroom buzzed with restless whispers after Shaurya's unexpected entry. Lawyers paused mid-argument. Reporters leaned forward. Even the judge's pen halted for a second as eyes shifted toward the Chief Minister walking in quietly, without his usual political aura.
Suman's lawyer stiffened in fear. Dilip Gandhi's lawyer smirked, already preparing to weaponize the moment.
Before anyone could twist the narrative, Shaurya stepped forward respectfully.
"Your Honour," he said, folding his hands slightly, voice calm and measured.
"I sincerely apologise for entering during proceedings.
I did not intend to disrupt the court. I am present here only as a family member.
.. to support my sister-in-law who has been fighting for justice for years against an abusive husband who destroyed her life through gambling, drugs, and violence. "
The courtroom fell silent.
"I am not here as a Chief Minister," he continued. "I have no intention of influencing this court or its process. I have complete faith in the honourable judiciary and its wisdom. Today, like any other citizen, I stand here only hoping that justice prevails."
There was no arrogance. No political tone. Only quiet sincerity.
The judge studied him for a long moment. Whatever he expected from a powerful Chief Minister — entitlement, intimidation, grandstanding — none of it appeared. Instead, Shaurya stepped back and took a seat among the family.
The judge gave a slight nod. "Proceed with the arguments."
Dilip Gandhi's lawyer immediately attempted to use Shaurya's presence.
"Your Honour, the presence of such a powerful political figure clearly indicates an attempt to pressure the court—"
Before he could continue, Suman's lawyer intervened firmly. "With due respect, the respondent's crimes stand independent of any individual's presence. We request permission to present additional evidence."
The judge gestured for him to continue.
The courtroom lights dimmed slightly as a video began playing on the screen. It showed the entrance of Harsh's school — a normal afternoon turning into chaos.
Dilip Gandhi, recently released from jail, was seen aggressively grabbing Suman's arm, trying to snatch Harsh away. His voice echoed through the courtroom speakers — threats, abuses, desperate attempts to assert control.
Harsh's terrified cries pierced through the silence.
Then the footage showed Shaurya and Suraj stepping in — not as politicians, not as powerful men — but as family members shielding a frightened child and a helpless mother.
Gasps rippled across the courtroom.
Suman sat frozen, her hands trembling as years of fear replayed in front of strangers.
The lawyer paused the video at a frame where Dilip was lunging forward violently.
"This," he said firmly, "is the man demanding custody today. A convicted addict. A compulsive gambler who squandered his wealth and abandoned his pregnant wife when she needed medical care."
He continued, voice steady. "When Suman was carrying Harsh, Dilip had no money left for hospital expenses. He and his family sent her away like a burden. It was her elder sister, Akansha — unmarried at that time — who worked tirelessly to support her medical needs."
Akansha lowered her eyes as memories flooded back — heartbreak, sacrifice, and the loneliness she carried while silently loving Shaurya and believing he had betrayed her.
Suman's lawyer presented financial records, medical reports, and witness testimonies. Evidence piled up relentlessly — addiction records, gambling debts, previous criminal charges, and repeated harassment complaints.
Dilip's lawyer attempted weak counterarguments, but every defense crumbled under the weight of proof.
The judge finally turned toward Shaurya. "You were present during the school incident?"