I lent 20k to my friend last year Jan 2024 now he says he wont pay in writing on whatsapp chat

In January 2023 in an act of friendship and goodwill, I lent Raj Bhatia the sum of twenty thousand rupees (₹20,000) due to his dire financial circumstances at the time. Our agreement stipulated that the borrowed amount would be repaid within a reasonable timeframe. Regrettably, Mr. Bhatia has only managed to repay a portion of the loan, amounting to five thousand rupees (₹5,000), leaving a substantial outstanding balance. Despite my repeated attempts to amicably resolve this matter, Mr. Bhatia has expressed an unwillingness to fulfill his financial obligation and has outrightly refused to repay the remaining amount. I have meticulously documented our communications, including chat transcripts and bank statements, which corroborate the details of the money lent and repayment discussions. Given the circumstances, I am seeking your professional legal guidance on the appropriate course of action to enforce the repayment of the outstanding loan amount owed to me by Mr. Raj Bhatia. Specifically, I would appreciate your expertise in assessing the viability of legal remedies available to recover the debt, including the possibility of pursuing civil action through the appropriate legal channels. I am committed to resolving this matter through lawful means and would greatly appreciate your assistance in navigating this process effectively. Please advise on the necessary steps to initiate legal proceedings, any relevant documentation required, and the potential outcomes of pursuing legal action in this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and guidance.