Few days passed like that. After the counselling session, Arnav realised that now there is no chance to convince Khushi. Their divorce case is definitely going to court and he has to buckle up to handle it. The last few days went in preparing for it. Both Arnav and Khushi were getting ready mentally for the exhausting and painful court case which was going to dissect each and every part of their marital life and scrutinise the right and wrong in it.

Something that was supposed to be just between them, was now going to be laid bare for the whole world to see. As much as it's necessary for them, it's going to be painful as well. Reliving the painful memories and revealing their private moments both were going to be difficult for them.

The first day of court hearing came sooner than expected. It was morning and both didn't want to get up from bed. Both of them had the most restless night. They barely slept, kept tossing around in their respective beds. They knew about the other being awake but didn't try to initiate a conversation.

They were supposed to reach court by 10. Finally at 7.30, Khushi got up from bed and went to freshen up. Arnav got up and sat on the bed, lost. After sometime, Khushi came out getting fresh. She started getting ready mechanically without looking at Arnav.

Arnav watched Khushi silently for few minutes, then he too went for getting fresh. Silently both got ready, stealing glances of each other discreetly. After getting ready, both came down. They saw the entire clan of Raizadas plus Sheetal, sitting there, waiting for them. Arav already left for school with the driver.

Khushi was going to leave silently. But just then Nani called her.

"Khushi Bitiya, come and have breakfast. Then we will leave for court together." Nani said softly.

Khushi looked at her frowning. She couldn't understand how these people changed their behaviour so fast. For last six months, they didn't even bothered whether she had food or not. Now they want her to have food with them.

Earlier when she longed for their love and care, they didn't cared. Now when she didn't expect anything from them, they are showing their care. She shook her head. She really didn't understand these people and their mood swings.

Ignoring her, she started to leave. But Nani didn't stopped. She came forward and pleaded emotionally. "Please Khushi Bitiya. Have breakfast and go."

Khushi felt like shouting and taking out her pain and frustration. But feeling too tired and emotionally drained, she decided to let go and heed for once. Too exhausted to start any sort of arguments with these thick headed people.

Silently, all had their breakfast. After breakfast, Anjali and Payal, both came with a bowl of curd and sugar. Anjali fed Arnav who had it silently. Payal fed Khushi who initially hesitated, then ate with confused and curious eyes, not understanding Payal's stand at all. After that, everyone immediately got ready to go to the court. Khushi started moving out to go to court on her own.

Just then, Arnav said, "Khushi, we all are going to court only. Why don't you come with us?"

Khushi was at her wits end by then. "Why are you all doing this? What do you all want to prove by doing all this? That you all care for me. Or do you all think that by doing all this you can change my decision? Then please, please don't do this? All this is not going to change anything. I am not going to change my decision. I want this divorce. Nothing and nobody can change this decision of mine. So you all don't have to pretend like you all are some loving family or you all care about me so much. You all can quit this pretense now. It will not make any difference to me." Khushi yelled frustrated. She just couldn't tolerate them being so loving and caring towards her after treating her like a trash for months.

"Khushiji, we...we just wanted to..." Anjali tried to justify them.

"Stop. I don't want to hear anything." Khushi yelled hyperventilating.

Arnav panicked seeing her having difficulty to breath. He immediately reached her and started rubbing her back to calm her.

"Khushi, calm down. Breath... Love, breath... breath, baby..." Arnav helped her breath holding her. Slowly Khushi calmed down. Payal passed water to her which she drank.

"Khushi, listen. Calm down. We all won't do anything that you don't like. You also don't feel pressurised by anything. You do whatever you want. Nobody will say anything. OK. All these court case and everything, let it happen in it's way. You don't ruin your health thinking about that. Please take care of yourself." Arnav said with a worried look.

He was noticing Khushi for last few days. Her health keeps getting deteriorated. Breathing problems, vomiting, dizziness, mood swings, weight loss, dark circles, pallor. She is getting bad day by day. He really wants to take her to hospital to have a check up. But in their current equation, he seriously doubt Khushi would agree. He was feeling helpless and angry at himself seeing her current situation.

Khushi looked at Arnav hearing his worried and comforting words. It was something she was longing for months. For him to genuinely care for her and show her that. At least for a moment. But now she was feeling sad seeing that he could only care for her when she finally decided to go away from him. Why couldn't he love her when she longed for it and died expecting it. Why now, when that part of her has died.

"Khushi, I didn't offered you the lift with any wrong intention. I just didn't want you to struggle. Your health keeps deteriorating nowadays. I just wanted you to be safe. Just think that you're getting a lift from a stranger or it's a cab and I am a cab driver. Please come with us." Arnav pleaded with a concerned look.

Khushi didn't say anything and slowly walked out. Sighing, the rest of the Raizadas followed. Coming out, Arnav saw Khushi standing by his car contemplating what to do. Relieved and with a small smile, he immediately reached her. Opening the passenger seat, he helped Khushi sit down and took the driver's seat.

Soon, rest of the Raizada clan filled the cars. Sheetal tried to enter Arnav's car, but Nani and Anjali didn't allow her. Next NK left in his bike. Without any choice, Sheetal has to adjust with Mami in Akash's car. Payal almost threw her out if not for Mami.

Soon, they reached the court. Getting down, they saw Mr Roy waiting for them. As soon as Khushi got down, one of Gayathri's assistants came and took her with him. Mr Roy was relieved seeing the assistant. He concluded that the assistant was going to appear in court for Khushi. He then took the Raizadas to concil a bit before the hearing.

M

r Vineeth Roy (Arnav's Lawyer)

After one hour, it was time for their case to start. Their case was the first one going to be called. Raizadas alongwith Sheetal entered the courtroom with Mr Roy from one side. From otherside, Khushi alongwith Gayathri entered.

Seeing Gayathri, Mr Roy halted in his steps and stood terrified. Arnav frowned seeing Mr Roy standing with a horrified look. He kept his hand on his shoulder and shook him. Mr Roy looked at him gulping down his fear.

"What happened, Mr Roy? Why are you looking like this?" Arnav asked confused.

"She is Gayathri Singh Rajput. Seems like she herself is going to appear for Mrs Raizada's case." Mr Roy said scared and annoyed.

"So what? You have prepared for the case, right. Then, just do your work." Arnav said casually.

"You're not understanding, ASR. She is a lioness. She will tear you into pieces and eat you alive. Already it's a highly sensitive case. It's only a miracle, domestic violence case is not put on you and your family till now. If she is fighting this case, then more than divorce, you should be worrying about getting out of this without ending up in jail." Mr Roy said sceptical.

"I am not worried about getting punished for anything as long as I don't loose Khushi." Arnav said shrugging.

"If you can't win this case and save us from going to jail, then why are we paying you. And what wrong did we do. Our Arnav Bitwa married that middle class girl and gave her the life of a queen. Now that ungrateful girlwa wants to divorce him and send us to jailwa. First she ruined my Anjali Bitiya's life, now she wants to hurt my Arnav Bitwa." Mami said snorting.

"Mami!! Stop it. Don't sprout nonsense about Khushi. I will not tolerate it." Arnav whisper yelled. He was loosing his patience with Mami. From last few days, Mami was crossing her limits with her behaviour.

"Arnav Bitwa, I..." Mami tried to defend herself but stopped seeing Nani glaring at her murderously.

"Maa, please. Already things are not in our favour. Don't make matters worse." Akash pleaded helplessly. Payal looked away frustrated.

"Mamiji, don't dig out old matters. What happened with me, it has nothing to do with Khushiji. Don't try to connect unrelated matters and make things worse." Anjali warned sternly.

She was worried for her brother and family. She do care for Khushi but right now she couldn't think straight or understand what's right and what's wrong. She just wants everything to be fine and her family to be happy again with Khushi included. Sending a silent prayer to her goddess, she entered the courtroom with rest of her family.

All sat in their places. Few minutes later, the judge entered and the court proceedings started. Their case number was called. Arnav and Khushi came forward and stood with Mr Roy and Gayathri respectively.

Judge

"Your Honour, I am Gayathri Singh Rajput, appearing before this court on behalf of my client Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. My Client Mrs Khushi is married to Mr Arnav Singh Raizada since one year. In this one year, she has faced cruelty, physical, mental and emotional torture from Mr Raizada and his family multiple times. She was publically and privately humiliated and torchured multiple times. Even though my client wished to get out of this marriage, she has been blackmailed to continue the marriage by Mr Raizada by threatening to hurt her family. So I request the court to consider my clients plea and grant her divorce. Thank you your honour." Gayathri said briefly and fluently.

After giving her opening statement, Gayathri went back to her seat. Next was Mr Roy's turn to give his statement. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he stood up and came forward. "Your Honour, I am Vineeth Roy, appearing before court on behalf of Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. Your honour, my client, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada is a very reputed and honourable man. He is married to Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada since one year. Their marriage was a love marriage. And my client loves his wife very much. He is very happy with his married life. He and his family love and care for Mrs Raizada very much. They have never tried to hurt Mrs Raizada intentionally. My client doesn't wish to part ways with his wife. He wish to continue this marriage. So I humbly request the court to reject this divorce petition."

The judge looked at both the parties and sighed. Guess, another excruciatingly long divorce case is going to happen. "Since there are conflict of interests and opinions alongwith failed try for reconciliation through counselling, let's proceed with the court trial. Mrs Rajput, you can start your trial."

Gayathri stood up and bowed. "Thank you, your honour. Your honour, first of all I would like to call one of Mr Raizada's family members, Mrs Manorama Raizada." She said politely.

Mami's eyes widened hearing that. She was not prepared for this. She was definitely not prepared for being questioned in the court. Even the rest of the Raizadas and Mr Roy also didn't expect this. They didn't expect Gayathri to target Mami at the start itself. Mr Roy started panicking. He didn't get enough time to concil Mami. And by her behaviour in the morning, he didn't have much confidence that she was going to help them in any way. He sincerely hoped she didn't make the situation worse.

Manorama was called to the witness box and made to take the oath. Gayathri stood up and came near Manorama with a small smile.

"You are Mrs Manorama Raizada, right?" Gayathri asked casually.

Mami nodded her head confused.

"What's your relationship with Mr Arnav Singh Raizada?" Gayathri asked conversationally

"I... hish (his) Mami." Mami said in her broken English.

"Mrs Raizada, you understand English, right? If you have a problem, I can talk in hindi. Mera matlab hai main hindi mein baat kar sakti hoon agar aapko koi pareshani hai toh. [I meant I can talk in hindi if you have a problem understanding English]" Gayathri said sweetly.

"No. No. You speakwa in English. I undershtand English." Mami said with pride.

Raizadas mentally groaned. Mr Roy was horrified.

"OK, Mrs Raizada. You're Arnav's Mami. That means his mother's brother's wife. Fine. Who all are there in your family. I mean who all are staying in your house." Gayathri asked.

"In our housewa, there ish my Sasuma, Devyani Raizada. My husband Manohar Raizada. My son Akash Singh Raizada. His wife Payal. My niece Anjali Raizada. My nephews Arnav Singh Raizada. His wife Khushi. My sister's son Nandkishore Shekhawat." Mami said confidently.

"What about Arnav's parents? Where are they?" Gayathri asked.

"They dead. Dead bhen Arnav Bitwa was 14 years old." Manorama said sadly.

"Hmm. So basically you are the mother figure in Arnav's life, right?" Gayathri asked smiling.

"Yes. Yes. Arnav Bitwa is like my son." Manorama said smiling proudly.

"And that makes you Khushi's mother in law. Right?" Gayathri asked smirking.

"Yes. I am her mother in law." Manorama flaunted.

"OK. I will ask some questions. Just answer in Yes or No, OK?" Gayathri said with a sweet smile.

"How is Khushi towards you? Is she a good daughter in law?" Gayathri asked.

"Yes." Manorama answered casually. Slowly she was feeling confident about the trial. She felt it very easy.

"Does she obey you?"

"Yes."

"Does she misbehave with you?" Gayathri started asking questions rapidly.

"No." Manorama started answering fast enthusiastically without thinking.

"Does she respect you?"

"Yes."

"Does she do all the household chores?" Gayathri asked smiling cunningly.

"Yes." Manorama said smiling.

"You don't have to help her, right. Or you?" Gayathri asked fast.

"No. I don't help her." Manorama answered unknowingly

"They had a runaway marriage, right?" She asked again with the same smile not showing any emotions.

"Yes." Manorama continued answering.

"You and your family were against their marriage, right?" Gayathri asked cunningly.

"Yes." Manorama replied thinking she was talking about the runaway marriage.

"You don't think Khushi is eligible for Arnav, right?" Gayathri asked with a smile.

"No." Manorama answered in a flow. But then realising her blunder, she tried correcting her answer. "I mean yes."

"Thank you." Gayathri said cunningly and turning to judge, she said. "She said the truth, your honour. She thinks Khushi is not eligible for her nephew Arnav."

"I mean No." Manorama said panicking.

"She is right, your honour. She believes that Khushi is not eligible for Arnav." Gayathri reinstated.

"So, Mrs Manorama Raizada. You said that you believe Khushi is not eligible for Arnav. So can I conclude that because you believe Khushi is not eligible for Arnav, and you and your family members were not happy with their marriage, so you and your family members have been torturing Khushi, about which Arnav knew and he still kept quiet because he didn't care about his wife and has been torchuring and harassing her himself." Gayathri asked in a stern serious tone.

Manorama panicked hearing that. She started bellowing in haste. "No. No. No. That's not true. We didn't do anything to her. It was her (pointing at Khushi). It was Phatti Sadi who ruined my Anjali Bitiya's life. Now she wants to hurt my Arnav Bitwa. It is all that Phatti Sadi's fault. That Phatti Sadi couldn't...." Manorama tried to say more but Gayathri didn't allow her.

"Who is Phatti Sadi?" Gayathri asked with a frown.

Manorama's eyes widened hearing that. She looked here and there not knowing what to do.

"Did you just call Mrs Khushi, Phatti Sadi?" Gayathri asked with a scrutinizing eyes.

"I... I... by mistake." Manorama tried to say.

"People say something by mistake only once. It is habits that are repeated. But you were calling her Phatti Sadi the entire time you were talking. Not even for once, you took her real name. So shall I conclude that it's your habit to call her Phatti Sadi." Gayathri asked with a disgusting look.

Manorama looked down ashamed.

"Mrs Raizada, don't you know calling someone such derogatory names comes under verbal abuse. It's a criminal offence. Yet you keep calling my client such names publically." Gayathri said glaring at Manorama.

"No. I don't always call her that." Manorama said looking here and there.

"Really Mrs Raizada. I have witnesses who could testify that it's your constant habit to call my client with such degrading names. Do you want me to call them in front of the court?" Gayathri asked trying to control her anger.

"No. I... I... I always called her that. She doesn't have any problem with me calling that." Manorama said trying to defend herself.

"Really, Mrs Raizada? She doesn't have a problem with you calling her such names. Did she told you that?" Gayathri asked frowning.

"No. But... she never stopped me. So I..." Manorama trailed off not understanding how to correct this blunder she did.

"She never stopped you, so you thought you have license to call her with any degrading names as you wish. Will you feel good if someone starts calling you Mrs. Make up face. Won't you feel bad. If someone couldn't voice out their hurt, it doesn't mean that you are not hurting them with your words and actions." Gayathri said frowning.

Manorama looked down feeling embarrassed.

"Earlier you were saying that my client ruined your niece Anjali's life. What wrong exactly did she do for you to accuse her like that?" Gayathri asked next question.

Manorama went speechless for a moment. She didn't know what to say. She did held Khushi responsible for Anjali's ruined marriage but what wrong did Khushi do. She didn't exactly had an answer.

"She... she... Shyam, Anjali's husband was in love with Patti Sa... I mean Khushi. Because of that, he cheated on Anjali Bitiya, tried to kill her many times and killed Anjali Bitiya's unborn child." Manorama answered briefly.

"What was Khushi's stand in that matter? Was she in love with him?" Gayathri asked her next question.

Manorama looked down and shook her head.

"The court need an answer, Mrs Raizada." Gayathri said sternly.

"No." Manorama answered reluctantly.

"And how do you know that?" Gayathri asked forcing Manorama to reveal the truth.

"She herself said. She exposed Shyam's truth and helped to give him punishment." Manorama finally said not having any other option.

"So that means Shyam was lusting over Khushi and did all the heinous crimes. Mrs Khushi doesn't have any involvement in his crimes." Gayathri concluded.

Manorama nodded looking down.

"Then why were you blaming Mrs Khushi for ruining your niece's life. As far as I can see she only helped your niece and saved her life. Then why were you accusing her of a crime she didn't commit. If a man lusts over a woman, then how is it her fault. Being a woman how can you accuse a woman for a man's indecent behaviour towards her." Gayathri asked frowning.

Manorama looked down ashamed.

"Mrs Raizada, you said Khushi is Mr Arnav Singh Raizada's wife. Your daughter in law. Are you sure about that?" Gayathri asked her next question.

Manorama frowned hearing her question.
"Yes." She said scared thinking what's going to come next.

"Is she present in this courtroom. If yes, then can you point her out?" Gayathri asked her with a smirk.

Manorama frowned hearing her strange demand. Nonetheless, obliged and pointed her finger towards Khushi.

"Are you sure, she is your nephew Arnav's wife, Khushi?" Gayathri asked once again.

"Yes." Manorama nodded confused.

Mr Roy frowned seeing Gayathri's strange questions.
"Objection, your honour. I don't understand what my opposite lawyer is trying to do by asking such strange questions. Everyone here knows who is Mr Arnav Singh Raizada's wife, Khushi is and also identifies her. Then what's the need for identification section." Mr Roy said to the judge

"Are you sure, Mr Roy that everyone present here knows who is Mr Arnav's wife, Khushi is and also identifies her?" Gayathri asked looking at Mr Roy challengingly.

Mr Roy frowned hearing that. Is something wrong. Did something happened. He looked towards Arnav who too looked confused. Gayathri smirked seeing their confusion.

She turned to the judge and said confidently, "Your honour, by law my client Mrs Khushi is Mr Arnav Singh Raizada's wife. But there has been many instances when she was deprived of this title and her rights as his wife. To prove that my client has been deprived of her conjugal rights, I would like to present some witnesses in front of court alongside Mrs Manorama Raizada."

Judge heard Gayathri's argument and said, "Objection overruled. Mrs Rajput, continue. You can present your witnesses."

"Thank you, your honour." Gayathri said humbly.

She gave the name of the witnesses she want to be called. Three middle aged women came forward. Seeing them, Mami was confused. They were her kitty party friends. She didn't understand why they were there.

Gayathri went to the three women and requested, "Can you all please introduce yourself to the court."

The women nodded and said one by one. "I am Mrs Malti Gadodia, I am the founder of Gadodia women shelter." "I am Rakhi Sinha. I am a housewife. My husband is the owner of Sinha enterprises." "I am Veena Kapadia. I am also a housewife. My husband is the owner of Kapadia hotels."

"OK. Thank you. Do you know them, Mrs Raizada?" Gayathri asked Manorama.

"Yes. They are my friends." Manorama said proudly.

"Very well. You all know her, right?" Gayathri asked the ladies pointing at Manorama.

"Yes. We all are kitty party friends." Malti said and the other two nodded.

"How long have you known her for?" Gayathri asked her next question.

"Few years." All three said.

"Great. So you must be knowing her family members as well, right?" Gayathri asked smiling.

"Yes." The three nodded.

"So you must be knowing her nephew Arnav and his wife, as well. Isn't it?" Gayathri asked her next question.

Manorama's eyes widened understanding where this was going. She looked at Gayathri scared. Her hands started shivering in fear.

"Yes. We know Arnav and his wife." Veena answered with other two nodding.

"Is Arnav's wife present in this courtroom? Can you identify her? Just point her out." Gayathri said smiling.

Mr Roy frowned hearing that. Standing up, he said, "Objection your honour. I really am not understanding what's the point of this identification again and again."

"Just wait, Mr Roy. Let them answer. Then you will understand everything." Gayathri said calmly smiling.

"Objection overruled. Mr Roy, calm down. Let Mrs Rajput say her point." The judge said annoyed with the continuous interruption.

The three women looked around the courtroom and pointed at the Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada, they knew. Manorama closed her eyes in dread. The Raizadas sat confused, shocked and scared. Mr Roy was horrified. Gayathri smirked seeing the terrified faces of Raizadas. Khushi looked down and closed her eyes as she felt her pain resurfacing again and again.

The three women pointed at SHEETAL KAPOOR, and said, "She is Arnav's wife, Sheetal Singh Raizada. And they have a son named Arav Singh Raizada."

"And how do you know them?" Gayathri asked her next question immediately.

"Manorama herself introduced them to us." Rakhi answered.

"When and where?" Gayathri asked again.

"Two months back, she threw a kitty party at her home. She invited us for that alongwith few of our friends. We went there. There, she introduced us to Sheetal and Arav and told that they were Arnav's wife and son." Malti said.

"Was she present there at Raizada Mansion that day?" Gayathri asked them pointing at Khushi.

"Yes. She was there. She was the one who was doing all the work and was serving us." Rakhi said remembering Khushi.

"Did Manorama Raizada introduced her to you or said something about her to you?" Gayathri asked immediately.

"She was calling her by some weird name. Pha... phatti.... something." Veena tried to remember.

"Phatti Sadi." Rakhi contributed.

"Yes. Yes. Phatti Sadi. She was calling her Phatti Sadi and was ordering her around. We did ask about her as she didn't look like a maid. But Manorama said that she was the servant of their house." Veena continued.

Hearing that all Raizadas sat shocked. Arnav felt angry and ashamed of himself for not stopping Manorama's this behaviour with Khushi. He couldn't believe his Mami could stoop so low in degrading Khushi. He felt sick of her behaviour. The other Raizadas too were in the same boat.

Khushi looked down hearing the women's words. It reminded her of one of the most painful and humiliating day of her life. She closed her eyes trying to stop the tears that filled her eyes. Her heart broke everytime, she gets reminded of that day. More than her insult, it was the way Mami so casually gave away her position and rights to someone else that hurt her. It made her feel worthless and useless. It made her self doubt regarding her own abilities and worth, even though there was nothing wrong with her.

Khushi closed her fists tightly to control her pain and anguish. Gayathri glanced with a worried look at Khushi for a moment. She knew these things are hurting her daughter. But she has to do this.

"Was there any other Raizada family members present there when that happened?" Gayathri asked her next question quickly.

"Hmm... yeah. Anjali. Anjali, Manorama's niece was present when Manorama introduced us to Sheetal and Arav to us as Arnav's wife and son. After that she went inside with that boy. She wasn't present when she introduced that girl (pointing at Khushi)." Malti said remembering Anjali being there.

Hearing that the other Raizadas looked at Anjali angrily. Arnav felt betrayed. He looked at Anjali with painful look. Anjali looked down ashamed hearing that.

"Thank you." Gayathri thanked the three women.

Turning to the judge, Gayathri continued, "Your honour, from the statement of Mrs Gadodia, Mrs Sinha and Mrs Kapadia. It's clear that Raizada family has been treating my client badly and has been calling her degrading names and introducing her to the outside world as a servant and introducing someone else as Arnav Singh Raizada's wife and child. They have been physically, mentally and emotionally abusing my client throughout and has been degrading her publically."

Judge nodded at Gayathri. Then noted something in his file and said, "Mr Roy, now you can cross the witnesses."

Mr Roy, who was shocked by the revelation of Manorama's deeds, jerked hearing the judge. He stood up a bit awkward and said stuttering, "Thank... Thank you, your honour."

He came near the three women and asked, "So my first question is, you three said that you know Mrs Manorama Raizada and Raizada family for few years. Have you met Sheetal and Arav before?" Mr Roy asked.

"No." The three answered. "We did ask her about that. But Manorama said that they were in America for the last few years. That's why we haven't met them before."

"Objection your honour. Your honour, the question is not whether they knew Sheetal or not. The question is whether they knew Khushi as Arnav's wife or not. Even after being married to Arnav for one year. Nobody knows about Arnav and Khushi's marriage nor Khushi's identity as Arnav's wife. Not even Raizada family's close friends." Gayathri said.

"Objection sustained. Mr Roy, stick to the case." Judge ruled.

"Thank you, your honour." Gayathri said and sat down.

"Yes, your honour." Mr Roy said politely.

"Have you met Khushi before that day?" Mr Roy asked to the three ladies.

"No. We don't even know who Khushi is or that Arnav was married, before that day." They answered.

Mr Roy sighed and said, "No more questions, your honour."

Judge nodded. He turned to Manorama and asked, "Do you have something to say, Mrs Raizada? You do understand the seriousness of the crimes that you have committed, right? Domestic violence is a criminal offence. You can be jailed. Do you have something to say in your defence?"

Manorama was frightened seeing everything. The judge's words scared her more. She looked at Raizadas for support. But was ashamed seeing them looking at her with anger, disgust and disappointment. She started shivering in fear. "I... I... I didn't do anything. I didn't wanted to hurt her. I did it unknowingly. Please forgive me. Please. Please don't put me in jail." She pleaded crying.

The judge sighed. He couldn't understand the mentality of such people. First hurt someone brutally for their own pleasure. But when it was time to get punpunishment for their atrocities, starts crying and apologising. He just couldn't understand how people get happiness hurting a fellow human being. Doesn't their conscience prick while doing such crimes.

He wrote the details in his notes and then asked Manorama to leave. Since it was time for lunch, the judge announced break and left. Gayathri and Khushi went to have lunch as the afternoon hearing will take long to end and it's not good for Khushi to starve.

Mr Roy was furious on the Raizadas. As soon as they came out, Mr Roy pounced on the Raizadas. "What the hell was that inside? ASR, what sort of behaviour is this? The way your family is said to be treating your wife, I am surprised that your wife hasn't complained against your family or you people are not behind bars. What was that? Calling names, public humiliation, addressing someone else as your wife, calling your wife servant, accusing her unnecessarily. ASR, this is heights. With this sort of behaviour, you really think we are ever going to win this case.

"ASR, let me tell you this, straight. This one hearing is enough, we have lost this case. There is not way, we will win this. It will be a miracle if this case ends without you people having to pay a hefty price for all the mistakes you committed or worse not end up in jail." Mr Roy shouted angrily.

Arnav glared at Mami furiously. Then, calming himself, he said, "Mr Roy, I know we have made a lot of mistakes. In fact crimes. There is no justification for that. I am ready for any punishment for that also. But I love my wife. I can't loose her. I don't want this divorce. She is my life. I love her so much."

Mr Roy sighed. "Well, I don't know, ASR. I am sorry. I can't help you. ASR, let me tell you this as a elder brother. I don't know what your family taught you about love, marriage and relationship. Nonetheless, the truth is no marriage can survive solely on love. It needs more than that. For any relationship to survive, it needs mutual respect and understanding.

"You might love your wife. But you have never respected nor understood her. Neither you nor your family members have respected your wife. Without that, nobody can save your relationship. Not even me.

"ASR, I already told you this case is a very complicated one. Already all odds are against us. In such cases, the court usually has an inclination towards the prosecution. We don't have anything in our favour. No evidence, no witnesses, nothing.

"Otherside, everything is on their favour. They have evidence of the crimes, witnesses of your atrocities. On top of that the best lawyer of the country is fighting the case. So you can calculate the outcome. ASR, we are going to loose. Now, all that is left to see is how bad it is going to be. With everything against us, the least we can do is not add more troubles for ourselves." Mr Roy said sceptical of everything.

"Wakeel Saab, isn't there anything that we can do? We are ready to apologise to Khushi Bitiya. We are ready to do anything that she says. Can't we do anything so that this divorce doesn't happen." Nani asked feeling sad and helpless.

"Mrs Raizada, I am sorry to say this. But these apologies, begging and all doesn't work in court. That's why I asked ASR to talk to his wife and sort this thing outside court. But clearly that didn't work out. Right now, the case is in front of the court. We can't do anything but fight it out in court. Please don't keep any high hopes. The situation is not at all in our favour. Anything can happen." Mr Roy said truthfully.

"And Mrs Manorama Raizada, I want ask you this. What were you exactly doing inside the court. In the morning itself, I told you how shrewd and cunning Gayathri Singh Rajput is. That time you were mocking me asking why you guys were paying me if I couldn't handle her.

"But the way, you were behaving in the court, it felt as if more than me you people need help. And exactly what were you doing. You have dug your own grave with your over confidence and haughtiness. Do you think by suppressing your daughter in law under you feet and ill treating her, you have done some commendable job. On the contrary, by your this behaviour, you have proved to the court that you are a cruel, sadistic and abusive mother in law. In fact you should pray to God that the court doesn't put you in jail for domestic violence.

"And ASR, one more thing I want to tell you. Please, please talk to your family members and make them understand what is the correct behaviour towards someone. Because your family members seem to have a wrong notion about what is right and what's wrong. They seem to think that abusing someone and degrading them are something to be praised for. Also make them understand how to behave in a court and give them a class on domestic violence and the punishment for it. Because your family members seem to need it badly." Mr Roy said disgusted.

Raizadas looked down ashamed. Arnav sighed frustrated and tired.

"And one important thing, ASR. I think by now you and your family members would have realised how Gayathri Singh Rajput is. She will look harmless, will talk to you friendly. But when she will pounce on you and tear you apart will be unpredictable. So please, please be careful about what you say in court. Because anything and everything you say in court, she can use it against you. She will sweet talk into digging your own grave and then hunt you down in the same grave. And you won't even realise what did you do or what happened. So please be careful in court." Mr Roy said sceptical and walked away.

Arnav sat down on the bench exhausted. Raizadas were guilty. They didn't know what to do. Mami was really scared. Anjali was also guilty.

"Chote..." Anjali tried to touch Arnav's shoulder.

"Don't..." Arnav stopped her showing his hand. "Don't say anything. I don't want to hear anything. And Di, don't think that this thing ends here. After going home, we are going to have a real talk. And Mami, you too. This matter will not end here. I need some answers from both of you. And you both better have that." Arnav said furiously.

Anjali and Manorama looked down ashamed. Few minutes passed with nobody talking. Then Akash and NK convinced everyone to go and have lunch. Then slowly all went to have lunch.

First of all Happy Onam to all. Consider this chapter as a Onam treat . So I am updating next chapter of this story today. I will be busy for next couple of weeks. So next chapter will be late.

Now coming back to story. Court case has begun. And first number came for Mami. I have given a glimpse of how Gayathri will be grilling Raizadas. Hope you will enjoy it. Also give your valuable comments regarding Mami's behaviour with Khushi.

Please please please give lots of votes and comments.