Caught in the crossfire: Does Rhea Pillai influence Aiyana's decisions around Leander?

Tennis ace Leander Paes, who is fighting a custody battle for his nine-year-old daughter Aiyana with estranged partner Rhea Pillai, was relieved when the Bombay High Court last month permitted his daughter to accompany him to Delhi for the Davis Cup from September 18 to 20. However, a quick follow-up on how they spent their time during the Davis Cup revealed that the trip never happened after all. A source in the know insists that Aiyana’s bags were packed and she was all set to accompany Paes. But she changed her mind at the last minute. "A nine-year-old will be heavily influenced by what her mother says at the end of the day. Leander was heartbroken, to say the least," says the source.

However, a confidante of Pillai who was witness to the incident, says that Aiyana cancelled the trip at the last minute. "As was requested by Leander, Aiyana was ready at 6.30 pm on September 17. Her suitcase had enough clothes/requirements for four days. Leander arrived at 6.30 pm to fetch her. Aiyana’s suitcase was put in his car. He spent four hours with her at home. During this time Rhea was not present. At 10.30 pm Aiyana came to her mother, who was surprised because the flight was scheduled for 9 pm. Aiyana just said that she didn’t want to go," says this source.