Six Years Later

"Your Honor, while we may not yet have legal provisions for male rape victims, their respect and dignity are just as valuable. The frequency of cases may be fewer than those involving women, but justice must not be withheld. I urge this court to recognize that rape is a violation, regardless of gender, and my client deserves justice.”

The courtroom was silent, except for the soft click of the judge's gavel. “This is a profound argument, one that has not been presented with such clarity before. The court orders the defendant to pay ₹50,000 to the plaintiff. Furthermore, I will advise the legislature to reconsider the current laws. Court is adjourned.”

Kirti exhaled, the tension releasing from her shoulders. Her client, his eyes filled with gratitude, stepped forward. “Thank you, ma’am. You’ve done more for me than I could ever express.”

Kirti smiled softly. “It’s my duty, but the real courage was yours. You spoke up when it would have been easier to stay silent. You deserve this victory.”

As she walked out of the courthouse, the weight of the case lifted from her. The bright sunlight felt like freedom. She drove home, where her mother greeted her at the door with a cool glass of water, a simple but cherished ritual.

“How did it go?” her mother asked, her voice filled with warmth.

“We won, Mumma! Justice was served today,” Kirti said, her eyes shining with satisfaction.

Her mother handed her a letter that had arrived earlier. “By the way, this came for you.”

Kirti took the envelope, her brow furrowing as she opened it. It was an invitation to her school reunion. She scanned the details and smiled faintly. “It’s time for the reunion, Mumma. I think I’ll go.”

Her mother’s eyes softened, understanding the journey Kirti had been on. “You should, beta. You’ve come so far.”

That evening, Kirti stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a simple but elegant black saree. Her reflection radiated the confidence she had gained over the years. A rose tucked behind her ear was the final touch, a symbol of how she had bloomed despite the thorns in her past.

Her phone buzzed, and it was Devi on the other line. “Are you coming to the reunion?”

“Yes,” Kirti replied calmly. “I know he’ll be there, but he’s just a distant memory now.”

Devi's voice was reassuring. “That’s the spirit. We’ve both moved on, and we’ve got each other. See you there!”

At the Party

Kirti stepped into the reunion venue, her saree trailing behind her like a wave of quiet power. Heads turned, but her focus was on the friends who had stood by her. Devi greeted her with an excited hug, her emerald gown shimmering under the lights.

“You look like a goddess, counselor!” Devi teased, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Kirti grinned. “You’re not too bad yourself. Ready to face the ghosts of the past?”

Devi gave her a knowing look. “Some ghosts are best left to haunt themselves.”

Just then, a familiar presence loomed. Prithvi and Prash stood awkwardly nearby, their smiles tight and uncomfortable.

Devi's face darkened, but Kirti raised her hand. “What do you want?” she asked, her voice steady but cold.

Prithvi’s eyes darted between Kirti and Devi. "Kirti, I—"

"Save it," Kirti cut him off. “We’re here to enjoy ourselves. Don’t ruin it. Go find someone else to reminisce with.”

The weight of her words hit Prithvi visibly, but Kirti turned away, her heart steady, unbothered. She had already walked this path, already forgiven herself for holding on too long. Now, it was time to let go.

As she and Devi laughed and mingled with old classmates, Kirti felt a sense of freedom she hadn’t known before. The ghosts of her past no longer had power over her. She had learned to face her pain, her betrayal, and in doing so, she had emerged stronger.

The evening ended with hugs, laughter, and a reaffirmation of her friendship with Devi. Walking out into the cool night, Kirti looked up at the stars, a calm smile on her face. She had found closure—not from an apology she never received, but from the peace she had given herself.

Some stories, she realized, don’t need a perfect ending. They just need an ending where you can finally be free.

The end

Some stories doesn't need happy ending,
They just need ending .