Few days later

Raizadas and Khushi reached court for the next hearing. Gayathri came to Khushi seeing her and took her with her. Mr Roy also joined Raizadas. Then all entered the courtroom. After sometime, their case was called.

Gayathri and Mr Roy stood up and bowed in front of judge. Then, Mr Roy sat down allowing Gayathri to start. Raizadas tried to calm themselves. Anjali prepared herself to be called to witness box.

"Your Honour, I would like to request the court to give me a few days time before I could proceed with crossing Miss Anjali Raizada. There are few evidences that I need to collect before I proceed with questioning Anjali. For that I need sometime. So I request the court to allow me to cross another witness instead of Anjali, today." Gayathri said politely.

Hearing that, Raizadas and Mr Roy were shocked. They were fully prepared for Anjali's questioning that day. But now Gayathri is asking for another witness to be examined. It will ruin all their preparation.

"Objection, your honour. This can't be allowed. Today, it was supposed to be Miss Anjali Raizada's questioning. At the last moment, Mrs Rajput can't ask permission to cross a new witness. And whatever evidence she had, she already submitted last time. Then, why this delay for new evidences which is not even there." Mr Roy said trying to do some damage control.

Gayathri looked at him with raised eyebrows. "How do you know there is no more evidences?" She asked Mr Roy challengingly. "Your honour, trust me these evidences are very much relevant to this case and is really needed before I proceed with questioning Miss Anjali. So I kindly request the court to give sometime to gather them. Also, I request the court permission to me to question another witness." Gayathri requested politely.

The judge thought for a moment and said, "Objection overruled. The court agrees to postpone Miss Anjali Raizada's crossing to a later date and give time to gather evidences relevant to case. Mrs Rajput, you can proceed with questioning another witness."

"Thank you your honour." Gayathri showed her gratitude. Mr Roy sat on his place frustrated.

"Your honour, today I would like to cross Mr Akash Raizada and Mrs Payal Raizada. And I request the court to allow me to question them together." Gayathri said her request.

"Permission granted." The judge said.

Hearing that Raizadas were scared. They felt tensed thinking what new problem is coming their way. Akash and Payal's names were called. Both stood up and went to witness boxes. They stood facing each other. They took oath and prepared themselves to be questioned.

Gayathri came to them with her usual soft smile. "Hello. Mr Akash Singh Raizada and Mrs Payal Akash Singh Raizada, isn't it?"

"Yes." Both nodded their heads.

"Can you both tell me your relation to Arnav and Khushi?" Gayathri said casually.

"I am Arnav Bhai's cousin. He is my father's sister's son. And Khushi is my sister in law." Akash said.

"I am Khushi's cousin. She is my mother's sister's daughter. And Arnavji is my brother in law." Payal too said.

"OK. So that means you both have double relation with Arnav and Khushi. You have married each other's cousins." Gayathri concluded.

Both nodded their heads.

"Hmm. How is your relationship with Arnav and Khushi?" Gayathri asked to both.

"Arnav Bhai is like a real brother to me. He is the best brother anyone could have. He is my role model and my guide. With Khushi also, I have a good relation. She is like a little sister to me." Akash said smiling.

Khushi cringed in her place hearing Akash calling her little sister. Gayathri raised her eyebrows in amusement. Arnav gulped hearing Akash's words for him. Raizadas looked happy hearing Akash's words for Arnav.

Gayathri then turned to Payal. "What about you?" She asked curiously.

"Khushi is like my own sister for me. We are close. She is the best sister anyone could have. I am really blessed to have a loving and caring sister like her. With Arnavji, I have a cordial relationship." Payal said softly.

"Cordial relationship? As in?" Gayathri probed further.

"Arnavji and I have double relation through Akash and Khushi. I will not say we are much close as we both have reserved personalities. But he has been good to me and always supported and stood by me whenever I needed help. He and Khushi were the ones who convinced everyone and got us married " Payal said her part.

"Very well." Gayathri nodded. Then turning to Akash, she asked. "You said Khushi is like a little sister to you and you both share double relation. Then why didn't you do anything when your family members were abusing her. Manorama Raizada is your mother, right? Everyone knows what she did to Khushi. Even you might have known how she treated your sister in law? Then Why didn't you stop your mother when she was insulting her, calling her names and harassing her." Gayathri asked sharply.

Akash looked down embarrassed not having anything to say to defend himself.

"Answer my question, Mr Akash Raizada. You live in the same house as your mother, Anjali, Arnav and Khushi. You would have seen how they treated Khushi. Your mother herself confessed in front of court that it's her habit to call Khushi with degrading names. What measures did you take to stop her? Tell me, Mr Raizada. What did you do to stop your mother? What was your measures to stop your sister in law's humiliation in your house? Tell me. You can't keep quiet, Mr Akash. You have to tell the court your stand. You said she is like your sister. So what did you do to save her? What did you do against all these atrocities?" Gayathri shouted angrily.

Akash closed his eyes ashamed. "I... I didn't... didn't do anything." He said quivering.

Gayathri scoffed hearing that. "So much for being like a little sister to you, isn't it Mr Akash Singh Raizada?" She asked sarcastically. "You know right, that the person who supports wrong is also an equal culprit?"

Akash looked down in guilt and regret.

"OK. Let's leave about what you did for Khushi or rather what you didn't. Let's talk about your relationship with her. Mr Akash Singh Raizada, you said Khushi is like a little sister to you. So when was the last time you talked to her like an elder brother? And please tell us what you talked? Did she said any of her problems to you or you gave her some advice. Anything." Gayathri asked cunningly.

Akash raked his brain very much to come up with something that they talked about. But he drew a blank answer. He couldn't remember the last time they talked casually or exchanged jokes. Yeah, they were friends before their marriages. Even on the initial few days after their marriages, he was cordial with her. But now it seemed like a very distant memory.

After his brother revealed Shyam's truth, their relationship soured. And that bitterness always existed after that. Neither of them bothered to talk it out or mend it. In fact even when there were happy moments after that incident, they both never came close to share that easy camaraderie like before. They were happy in the family circle. But there was always distance in their relationship with each other.

Seeing Akash silent, Gayathri said with a smirk, "OK. Since you are having difficulty to remember when you last talked to her like a big brother. I will make it simple for you. Tell us when was the last time you did something for her like an elder brother? And please tell us how you spend time with her or what you did for her? Anything. You can say anything which you both did as brother and sister."

Akash looked at her with a blank face as he couldn't come up with anything. He never realised that even though he claim of seeing Khushi as a little sister, he never really did anything for her as a big brother.

"What happened, Mr Raizada? Don't you have anything to say?" Gayathri asked sarcastically. "Shall I tell you something? It's very easy to claim relation with anyone. But to truly maintain and live upto that, that's difficult. You said Khushi is like your little sister. But ask yourself whether you ever really gave that place to her in your heart and in your life. If not to anybody else, then atleast don't lie to your own conscience.

"Don't try to fool yourself that you really care for her like an elder brother. Because if you did, atleast for once you would have stood up for her. So many atrocities were happening to her in your house, in front of your eyes, some were done by your own mother, but you never bothered to stop your mother or protect her.

"The biggest responsibility of a brother towards his sister is protection. But you never fulfilled that responsibility. So you really don't have any right to claim yourself her brother. Tell me this, Mr Akash Singh Raizada. If it was your own sister, Anjali in Khushi's place, would you have let all these things happen to her? Would you have let your sister's mother in law taunt her? Would you have allowed your sister's husband and his family parade another woman as his wife? Would have kept quiet seeing your sister's in laws physically, mentally and emotionally torchuring her? Tell me Mr Raizada? Would you have allowed?" Gayathri shouted angrily.

Akash looked down ashamed of himself. Nobody in the court said anything. All looked at Akash with disgust.

Taking a deep breath, Gayathri continued, "OK. Let's leave that part. It's clear to everyone that you don't have any good relation with Khushi nor you care for her." Gayathri said shrugging nonchalantly.

"Let's move onto another matter. Let's discuss about your marriages. So Mr Akash Singh Raizada, was your marriage a love marriage or arranged marriage?" Gayathri asked calmly.

"Love Marriage." Akash said slightly relaxing.

"Love Marriage. Hmm. So did you both married with family's consent or eloped and got married?" Gayathri asked next question.

"We married with family's consent." Akash said proudly.

"Did everyone from both your families agreed for marriage?" Gayathri asked again.

Akash frowned hearing that. "Yes. Everyone from both the families were happy with the marriage." He said firmly.

"Really?" Gayathri asked smirking. Then turning to Payal asked, "Do you have anything to say in this matter? How did your marriage happen? You both belong to two very different backgrounds. You belonged to a middle class family and his family is one of the rich and elite families of Delhi. Then, how did your marriage happen and how did everyone from both the families agree for that? Didn't anyone raise an objection?" Gayathri asked cunningly.

"Yes, we both belong to very different backgrounds. Initially I was also apprehensive about this relationship due to our contrasting backgrounds. But then Akash, Arnavji and Khushi convinced me that Akashji loves me a lot and there won't be any problem after our marriage." Payal said defending her stance.

"OK. So after that you agreed for marriage. What about Akash's and your families? Did they agree?" Gayathri prompted again.

"Initially, Akash's mother did not agree for the marriage. She didn't like the alliance. But Arnavji convinced her for the marriage. My family was also initially worried about the class difference. But then Khushi managed to convince them. After that all agreed for marriage." Payal said truthfully.

"Payal, you said Arnav and Khushi convinced Akash's and your family respectively for marriage. Akash's mother Mrs Manorama Raizada was against this marriage and she was convinced by Arnav. Didn't Akash tried to convince his mother?" Gayathri asked next question cleverly.

"He.. he tried. But couldn't." Payal said softly.

"So that means because of Arnav, your marriage happened. If he was against this marriage, then it wouldn't have happened, right?" Gayathri asked twisting her words.

Payal nodded slightly confused.

"Payal, I want to ask you about something. Don't feel bad about it. OK?" Gayathri started hesitantly. She wanted to avoid this question but since Akash is still defending his family, it is necessary that everyone see the double standards of Raizadas.

Payal was confused hearing Gayathri. Nonetheless nodded her head in agreement.

"Payal, I have heard that you have a history of broken marriage before your marriage with Akash. Your previous fiance refused to get married to you minutes before marriage. What exactly happened? Can you please tell the court if you don't mind?" Gayathri asked politely.

Payal looked at her shocked for a moment. Yes, it's a sensitive topic for her. Recounting one of the worst experiences of her life is definitely going to be difficult task for her.

Taking a deep breath, Payal started, "Before my marriage with Akash, my marriage was fixed with a man named Abhishek. He was a middle class man from Lucknow. On the day of marriage, suddenly his family started asking for money. They threatened my family that if we didn't fulfill their demands, they will call off the wedding. My parents were scared. They tried to convince them but they didn't relent.

"Our relatives advised my parents to pawn our house papers and fulfill their demand. Our house was the only property we had. To stop us from being homeless, my sister took the house papers and left to meet Abhishek to convince him for the marriage.

"But she couldn't reach on time. When the groom's side arrived for marriage, both Khushi and the house papers were missing. They started threatening us to give them dowry for the marriage to happen. So without any choice, we had to call off the wedding." Payal said softly.

Gayathri nodded her head and continued her questions, "Why Khushi couldn't reach on time? What happened?"

Hearing that question, Arnav was shocked. He gulped feeling uncomfortable. Raizadas were curious. They had no idea about what actually happened for Payal's marriage to be called off.

"Abhishek was supposed to stay in Sheesh Mahal before the wedding. His baraat was supposed to start from there. But Arnavji bought Sheesh Mahal on the day of our marriage and he shifted Abhishek and his family to a hotel. Khushi was unaware of this change.

"She went to Sheesh Mahal to meet Abhishek. There, Arnavji's fashion show was going on. The organisers misunderstood Khushi to be model and forced her onto the stage. Due to that a mishap happened in the fashion show and Arnavji misunderstood Khushi to be someone send by his rivals to ruin his fashion show.

"To take revenge, he locked her up in Sheesh Mahal and didn't allowed her to leave till next day. That was the reason why Khushi couldn't reach on time and my wedding was called off." Payal finished telling her past.

"This Arnavji you mentioned is Arnav Singh Raizada itself, isn't it?" Gayathri asked for confirmation.

"Yes." Payal nodded her head.

Raizadas sat shocked hearing that. They never knew that Arnav caused Payal's first marriage to break. They all looked at Arnav frowning. Remembering the incident, Arnav once again felt guilty over his past actions. Even Akash was shocked hearing that truth.

He vaguely remembered the first time Payal mentioned about her broken marriage. She had said that he (Akash) didn't know about her past but his brother did. That time he didn't think much about it. Now knowing this truth at this juncture of their life, he didn't know how to react.

"Thank you, Payal. One last question regarding that matter. What was Raizada's reaction when they found about your broken marriage?" Gayathri asked curiously.

She was curious about that matter. Even though Khushi told her that Raizadas accepted Payal wholeheartedly even after knowing about her broken marriage, she couldn't believe it. Reason is simple. Raizadas, specially Manorama Raizada didn't seem like a person who would let go of such a matter so easily. The woman who was ready to go to any extend to hurt her daughter, wouldn't take such a matter lightly.

Payal hesitated for a minute. Then, decided to come clean. She looked at Akash who was watching her with a guilty expression.

"Initially they didn't know about my broken marriage. I had told Akashji and he reassured me that he had talked with his family regarding that. But it was a lie. Couple of days before our marriage, the Raizadas came to know about it from an outside source.

"Maji, Akashji's mother got angry and accused us of hiding the matter. She wanted to call off the wedding. Then Akashji told her about his knowledge regarding the matter but she didn't relent. Finally Dadiji, Akashji's grandmother convinced Maji for marriage." Payal recounted one of the horrible moments of her life.

Arnav and Khushi were shocked hearing that. They were unaware of that incident. They looked at each other to understand what the other is thinking. But seeing the confusion in each other's face, they understood that the other is as clueless as themselves.

"So Manorama Raizada wanted to break off your alliance despite knowing that her nephew caused your first marriage to break, isn't it?" Gayathri asked frowning.

"No. Maji, in fact, none of the Raizadas know till date that my first alliance broke because of Arnavji." Payal said the truth.

"Why?" Gayathri asked frowning.

"Initially, I wanted to tell Akashji. But Khushi told me not to bring up the past and ruin Arnavji's image in front of his family. She said that everyone from his family respect him so much and keep him in high regard. She didn't want to ruin their faith in him by bringing up the atrocities that he did on her. She asked me to forget everything he did to her and move on in life without keeping any grudge." Payal said remembering that conversation with her sister before her marriage.

Gayathri frowned hearing that and then sighed in exasperation. Right now, she really felt like spanking her daughter. She is too much in her selflessness sometimes.

Arnav looked at Khushi with gratitude and regret. Khushi looked down without any expression.

"OK. Let's leave that matter. Let's come back to both your marriages. Yours and Khushi's marriage happened on the same day, right?" Gayathri asked.

"Yes." Payal nodded her head.

"But there was a major difference between both the marriages, isn't it? Your marriage was an arranged love marriage while Arnav and Khushi had a runaway marriage. Why?" Gayathri asked the next question.

Payal looked at her confused. Then thinking, she said, "I and Akashji loved each other. Then our elders accepted our relationship and arranged our marriage. We got married in front of everyone with everyone's blessings. Then, that day night, after our marriage, Arnavji and Khushi came home married. They told that they got married in a temple." Payal said remembering that night.

"Akash, Payal, tell me this. Why Arnav and Khushi had a runaway marriage. What is the reason? Why do you think they both did this? If they wanted to get married, they could have married with everyone's blessings like you both. In fact, they both convinced everyone for your marriage. Then, why did they opted for a runaway marriage instead of a proper marriage like you both.

"It was not like your families were against their marriage. When both families could get you both married, then they would have definitely agreed for their marriage as well, isn't it? Then, why a runaway marriage that too in such a hurry, exactly on the day of your marriage itself? What could be the reason?" Gayathri asked prompting everyone to think in that manner.

Khushi and Arnav looked horrified hearing her question. They understood where she was taking it by her this question. The reason why they had a runaway marriage was a well hidden secret of theirs. Revealing that means revealing the reason of it as well. Revealing the story of them gambling with Akash and Payal's life.

Khushi was scared thinking of the outcome of revealing that truth. She never wanted to put her sister's life at stake. It was never her plan. But this revelation will definitely ruin a lot of things.

Arnav gulped thinking of the consequences of this secret revealing. He understood one thing. With this divorce case, a lot of things are going to be out in the open. Like his grandmother said, it is going to ruin and break many things. He knew once this secret is out, his family's opinion about him will change forever. He will loose a lot of things. He took a deep breath and braced himself to get burned in the outcomes of these revelations.

Akash and Payal thought for a moment. Then Akash said, "Bhai, he doesn't believe in rituals and customs. When we asked why he had a runaway marriage. He said that he didn't like to go through all the premarital functions. So they married in temple in a simple way."

"So, Arnav said like that. What reason did Khushi give?" Gayathri asked next.

"She didn't say anything. She was silent and crying throughout that day. Even when all cursed and abandoned her, she didn't say anything." Payal answered sadly remembering her sister's miserable state that day.

"So, Khushi didn't say anything and Arnav said that he didn't believe in rituals and customs. He didn't wanted to go through the lengthy premarital functions. So they had a simple marriage in court. Don't you guys think there is some absurdity in that.

"OK. Let's think that Arnav didn't wanted a lengthy marriage with all rituals and functions. Because he didn't believe in them. But Khushi was not such a person. She believed in all these rituals and customs. She might have wanted a fat Indian wedding. In that case, we should really think that this runaway marriage was completely one sided which only had Arnav's best interests in it. Here, Khushi's thoughts, beliefs or dreams were not even taken into consideration. How such a marriage is admissible.

"OK. Fine. Let's think that Arnav managed to convince Khushi for a simple marriage. But still that doesn't justify the runaway part of it. Why the runaway marriage. You both said that Arnav and Khushi convinced everyone for your marriage. Also, Arnav has high regard in Raizada household. He is the decision maker of the family and as far as we all can see, everyone abide by his decisions.

"Then, he could have easily convinced your family for a simple marriage. Even a court wedding. If not anything, he could have atleast tried. But he didn't. In fact, he chose to runaway from home on your marriage day. He could have waited for your marriage to finish. But he didn't. He knew this running away from home, could put your marriage in jeopardy. Akash, your mother was against this marriage, even wanted to break it once.

"He also knew Payal's marriage broke once before due to his own mistakes, still he took this dangerous step on your marriage day, putting all four of your lives at stake. Why? What was the hurry?" Gayathri asked cunningly.

Hearing that everyone except Arnav and Khushi got into thinking. Arnav had a defeated look. While Khushi was anxious.

"Akash, any idea why your brother did it?" Gayathri asked looking at Akash. Akash shook his head in confusion.

"What about you, Payal? Any idea?" Gayathri asked a thoughtful Payal.

Gayathri's questions were scaring Payal. She couldn't think straight. That day, all believed in what Arnav said. All were shocked by the sudden marriage. Nobody was in a state to think of any other reason for that marriage.

But what if everything Arnav said was a lie. What if there actually is another reason for that marriage. Payal couldn't even imagine that. Because whatever it is, she knew it is going to be something really really bad. She didn't even want to think of such a possibility. It's making every fibre of her body fear of the unknown.

"Payal!!" Gayathri called a little loudly to gain her attention. "Any ideas?" Gayathri asked when Payal looked at her with a startled frightened face.

Payal shook her head scared.

"Very well." Gayathri nodded. She turned to the judge and requested, "Your honour, I would like to question Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, to put a light on this matter."

Judge thought for a minute and granted permission. Arnav was called to the witness box. Mr Roy watched everything bewildered. He had no idea, Raizada family was unaware of the real reason behind Arnav and Khushi's runaway marriage. He knew this development was going to have a big negative effect on the case. Things will topple down.

Arnav came to witness box and took oath. He didn't dare to look at Akash and Payal. He kept his head down embarrassed.

Gayathri came to him with a calm expression. "Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, did you hear what we were talking about?" She started slowly.

Arnav nodded his head silently.

"So you might have understood why you were called to the witness box. Here, we are confused about the reason of your runaway marriage. So thought to ask you directly. Your brother, Mr Akash, said that you don't believe in rituals and customs, so you had a secret runaway marriage. Is it true?" Gayathri asked with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice.

Arnav felt helpless at that moment. He lifted his head and looked at Akash and Payal, who were looking at him with curiousity. He turned and looked at Khushi, who had an anxious look on her face. Seeing her still worried, he realised how selfish he had been always.

He never wanted anyone to know his mistakes, so he hid it behind his lies. But he never thought the consequences of it. It was always Khushi who bore the brunt of his actions, without any mistakes. And everytime, he let her suffer so that his mistakes doesn't get opened up in front of everyone.

There were many times, their runaway marriage matter has created havoc. Everytime it was Khushi who was criticized and blamed for it. And everytime she silently protected him taking all the insults and abuses. Be it while confronting their families just after marriage, or during muh dikhai function, or when their marriage truth was opened up in front of Dadi. All only blamed and cursed her, still never ever had she criticized him for that.

If today also, he kept quiet letting all misunderstand her once again, then he will definitely loose her. He will never be able to look at her without remorse. So he decided to come clean, despite the consequences that might ruin everything.

"What happened, Mr Raizada? Why are you silent? I just asked a simple question. Did you had a runaway marriage because of your disbelief over rituals and customs or not? How difficult is to answer that?" Gayathri asked frowning.

Arnav took a deep breath and said strongly, "No. We didn't have a runaway marriage due to that reason."

Hearing that the entire Raizada clan were shocked. Now all of them were scared thinking what new secret is going to be revealed.

"I... I loved... love Khushi. On Akash's marriage day, I was searching for her to confess my love. Then, I found Khushi with my brother in law in terrace. They were embracing each other and my brother in law was professing his undying love for her. She also asked him to leave my sister. Actually she was asking him to leave my sister because my sister didn't deserve a cheater like him.

"But I didn't hear their entire conversation and misunderstood that both of them were cheating my sister. I confronted my brother in law, he too lied to me that they were having an affair. I decided to tell my sister truth but then I found out that my sister is pregnant. She had a complicated pregnancy and doctor had advised us to not do or say anything that could cause her distress. That's why I married Khushi to end their illicit relationship and keep an eye on both of them." Arnav said remorseful.

The whole court turned silent hearing that. Payal was shocked hearing that. She never knew the real reason behind Khushi's marriage to Arnav was a misunderstanding. She felt guilty thinking that one reason why Khushi tolerated all of Shyam's advances and kept the secret was to save her marriage. Yet, she and her family abandoned Khushi when Khushi had to go through a runaway marriage because of that secret. She felt miserable thinking what Khushi had to go through that day.

Raizadas were also shocked beyond limits. Nani and Anjali vaguely remembered Arnav once telling them that he knew about Shyam's truth before itself and their marriage was a result of it. They also remembered him roughly mentioning that he misunderstood Khushi.

Gayathri looked at Arnav sharply. She felt like banging his head with something. Controlling her bubbling anger, she continued. "That explains your reason for marrying Khushi. But what about Khushi. Why did Khushi agreed for the marriage. Why did she got ready for a runaway marriage despite believing in rituals and customs. What was her reason?"

Arnav looked down silently. He couldn't bring himself to answer that question. He knew once he answers, all hell will break loose.

"Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, you can't keep silent and escape this question. So better you say it yourself." Gayathri said gritting her teeth.

Arnav didn't dare to look up or answer.

"Mr Raizada, if you don't answer it yourself, then I will be forced to call Khushi to answer that question. Then the consequences won't be good and you won't get a chance to say anything." Gayathri said in a threatening manner.

Arnav looked up at her worried. Then, he looked towards Khushi who was watching everything anxiously. He then gazed at Akash and Payal, who were looking at him curiously. He felt helpless. He was in the middle of devil and deep sea. One side Khushi, other side his brother. He couldn't choose one. Either way he is going to loose.

"Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, say something." Gayathri shouted at her wit's end.

Arnav looked at her with painful eyes. "Mrs. Rajput, please!!" Arnav pleaded helplessly.

Gayathri scoffed at him. "When you didn't felt any remorse doing it. Then why are you hesitating when it's time to own up to your mistakes, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. In fact, you always repeated your mistakes. Isn't it?"

Gayathri turned to the judge and said, "Your honour, since Arnav is clearly refusing to answer my questions. I will answer it my self. So the story is Arnav Singh Raizada met Khushi Kumari Gupta in Sheesh Mahal, Lucknow. There, due to a misunderstanding, Khushi ended up on stage in Mr Raizada's fashion show.

"To take revenge, he locked her up in Sheesh Mahal for whole night which led to her sister Payal's marriage to break. After that both sisters shifted to Delhi. Here in Delhi, my client met Mr Arnav again. Then, Mr Akash Singh Raizada fell in love with my client's cousin sister, Payal. Both Arnav and Khushi convinced their respective families for marriage.

"But on the wedding night, Mr Arnav saw Khushi with his brother in law and misunderstood the situation again. He then confronted his brother in law, who lied to him that they were having an affair. So to take revenge and torchure my client, Mr Raizada decided to marry my client."

Mr Roy cut her off and said, "Objection your honour. My client already said his reasons for the marriage. He was in love with Khushi. Also his sister's medical conditions were also poor. So in order to protect his sister and her unborn child and also to end their alleged illicit relationship, he married her. This marriage was out of love. Not for revenge or torchuring."

"How do we know what is the real reason behind their marriage. These are all reasons told by Mr Arnav. How can we be sure that he is saying truth. What if he is lying. He could do that. Isn't it?" Gayathri asked frowning.

"Objection overruled. Mr Roy, don't interrupt in between unnecessarily. " The judge said.

"But.." Mr Roy tried to say something but cutting him Judge asked him to sit.

Gayathri continued. "As I said your honour, Mr Arnav wanted to marry Khushi. But he also knew that Khushi wouldn't agree for the marriage easily. So he decided to use the situation in his favour. He knew that it was Payal's second alliance and his Mami was just waiting for a chance to break the marriage. He also knew about Akash's high regards for him and his willingness to do anything on his one command.

"He was very well aware that Khushi and her family couldn't afford to have Payal's marriage broken once again. And they would do anything to make this marriage happen. So he blackmailed Khushi using Payal's marriage and asked her to marry him. He threatened her that if she didn't marry him, then he would not let Akash to marry Payal.

"Everyone knew that Akash and Payal's marriage was happening only because of Arnav's interference. If Arnav backed out, then his family would also follow suit and back out from the alliance. And Akash will only listen to his brother. From Akash's previous behaviours like his inability to convince his mother for marriage, him hiding the fact about Payal's first broken alliance from his family and then lying to Payal, etc, it was evident that he wouldn't go against his family's wishes and marry Payal.

"Both Arnav and Khushi knew this matter. And Arnav used it for his benefits. He blackmailed Khushi into marrying him using Akash's inability to take a stand going against his wishes. He also knew that he had to marry Khushi quickly, otherwise Khushi could back out from marrying him after Akash and Payal's marriage. He didn't want to give Khushi a chance to think and find a way to back out from marriage. That's why he forced her for a runaway marriage on the same day." Gayathri said sharply.

There was pin drop silence in court. Everyone was trying to digest the facts presented before them. Arnav and Khushi had defeated looks on their faces. Gayathri silently went and drank a glass of water. Raizadas were too shocked to react. All were numb in their places.

Akash was looked at Arnav as if he was seeing an alien. He felt his surroundings rotating for a moment. He felt dizzy. He couldn't believe that his brother could do something like that. His heart and mind were not ready to accept that his brother could commit such a crime by keeping his life at stake. He didn't want to believe anything Gayathri said. But Arnav's silence was scaring him.

Payal's condition was no less. She was numb at her place. She felt breathless. Her heart was bleeding. The truth that her entire married life was based upon a sacrifice made by her sister, was too much for her. She remembered asking her sister the reason for their marriage. But her sister had dodged the question without saying anything precisely. She remembered how her Buaji and Amma lashed upon Khushi on their marriage day.

Her Buaji had called her bad blood. Pointed at her upbringing. Her Amma had slapped her. All of them had disowned her. Still, she kept silent, enduring everything. Not even for once, she opened her mouth and said the truth. Not even for once, she blamed her for all the pain and hurt that she had to endure because of that marriage.

Payal knew whatever Gayathri said was true. Unlike Akash, she had no doubt in her mind. She knew her sister could do this and more for her. Even though they are not blood related, her sister had loved and cared for her beyond everyone. It was only her who failed to recognise and reciprocate it.

She knew the reason Gayathri gave for Khushi agreeing to a runaway marriage, was genuine. Her sister, who valued love and relationships above everything, would never have a runaway marriage, unless she was left with no other choice. Her sister knew that Akash would not go against his brother and support her. So she was forced to do this sacrifice for her sake.

She felt severe anger, resentment and despair fill her. She felt betrayed. She felt like screaming out loud at the entire world. Tears filled her eyes. She clenched her fist digging her nails into her palms.

"Objection your honour. Your honour, Mrs Rajput can't say whatever comes to her mind. All these are mere speculations of her. There is no proof that my client blackmailed Mrs Khushi using their cousin's wedding." Mr Roy said trying to salvage the sinking ship.

"You are wrong, Mr Roy. All these are not my speculations but the naked truth. Your honour, the court should understand that it's very difficult to get proofs for such things. How can there be proofs of blackmailing a person verbally in between a wedding. Your honour, Mr Raizada himself said that he misunderstood my client and his brother in law of having an affair on the wedding day.

"Then, on an impulse he decided to marry her. When he himself only planned all this in few minutes. How was anybody to be prepared for such a situation, to collect proofs. So I request the court to take my client's verbal confession as proof of the blackmailing.

"Though we don't have any evidence to prove that my client was forced to marry by blackmailing with her sister's marriage. We have proofs that she was forced into this marriage. Also we have proofs that Mr Raizada has been blackmailing my client to stay in this marriage keeping her sister's marriage as bait." Gayathri said strongly

"Objection overruled. Mrs Rajput, you can continue." Judge once again repeated.

Frustrated, Mr Roy sat down.

"Thank you, your honour. Your honour, as I said I have proofs that my client was in a forced marriage. Your honour, Mr Raizada blackmailed my client to marry him. And it was not for love as he claims. Because if he married for love, then why would he propose a contract marriage to my client, that too with an expiry date of six months.

"Your honour, a contract marriage of six months itself proves that Mr Raizada's motive to marry my client was other reasons. His sister was pregnant. So to protect her and torchure my client, he married my client. This marriage of six months was purely for that reason." Gayathri said.

Now, this was a new information for everyone except Arnav, Khushi and Mr Roy. Contract Marriage of six months. Raizadas felt dizzy with all the bombs that were exploding on their heads.

"Contract Marriage? But that's not legal in Indian under Hindu Marriage Act." Judge asked confused.

"That's right, your honour. Yet, Mr Raizada made a six months marriage contract and forcefully made my client sign it." Gayathri said. Then taking something from her file and submitting it to judge. "Your honour, this is a copy of the contract marriage agreement, Mr Arnav made my client sign. I have retrieved it from the registrar office.

"Your honour, as it's mentioned in their divorce petition, my client was forced into this marriage by blackmailing. That too for a contract marriage of six months keeping her cousin sister's marriage at stake. This was because he misunderstood my client of having an affair with his brother in law. When he understood his folly, he cancelled the marriage contract on his own without my client's knowledge or permission." Gayathri said.

"Even then this contract marriage agreement is invalid in front of court." The judge said.

"Your honour, I know this contract is invalid in court. So this marriage cannot be said invalid according to the court. But I would like the court to consider this fact that my client was forced into this marriage. She didn't enter into this marriage with her full consent.

"Also, I request the court to understand that she was forced to continue this marriage and not apply for an annulment. Your honour, my client wanted to leave Mr Raizada's house and get out of this forced marriage. She even tried to do that. But my client was again blackmailed into staying. It happened two three times. I request the court to give me a few minutes to prove that my client was forced to stay in this marriage." Gayathri asked for permission.

"OK. Go ahead." Judge said.

Gayathri turned to Akash and asked, "Mr Akash Singh Raizada, did you hear everything that I said now. Your brother blackmailed Khushi to get married to him, threatening her to break your marriage. What do you have to say about it?"

"I don't know anything about it. I... I don't think Bhai could do something like that." Akash said still not able to believe that his brother is capable of doing anything like that.

Gayathri felt pity and disgust for him seeing his blind faith on his brother. Arnav felt even more worse seeing Akash defending him.

"So, you don't think your brother could do something like that. Fine. Let's talk about you before going to your brother. What about you? What would you do if your brother had asked you not to marry Payal? Would you have married Payal going against your brother?" Gayathri asked with sarcasm

Akash was shocked hearing her question. "I... I..." Akash stammered feeling nervous. What would have been his reaction if such a situation arose. Would he have married Payal going against his brother. He asked himself.

He imagined himself in that situation. He remembered Payal, his brother and his family. He hung his head down as he got the answer.

"Mr Akash?" Gayathri called his name taking him out of his self assessment.

"I... I don't know. Maybe I... I... I wouldn't have married Payal. I believed... believe my brother couldn't be wrong. He would never make any mistakes. So maybe I would have listened to him." Akash said truthfully.

Arnav looked at Akash horrified, seeing the extend of his faith on him. He felt guilty for using him like that. Payal sighed in defeat. Somewhere she expected that answer. Still it didn't make the heartbreak any less painful. Khushi herself felt helpless and guilty. She shouldn't have pushed Payal to get married to Akash. Payal's initial decision to not marry him was right. It was her stupidity to think Akash could be a good husband.

"I really admire your blind faith or rather devotion for your brother. I just hope you continue to have this trust upon him after seeing the thing I am going to show you." Gayathri said cunningly.

She went and took another set of papers from her file and came back near Akash. She gave them to Akash to look at. Frowning, Akash took the papers and went through it. His eyes widened seeing it. His hand trembled and the papers fell from his hand. Gayathri who was expecting that caught the papers in her hand.

"So what do you have to say about this papers, Mr Akash Singh Raizada?" Gayathri asked mockingly.

"This..." Akash looked at her stunned.

He then turned to Arnav and looked at him in incredulity. Nothing came out of his mouth. All looked at them curiously. Nobody could understand head or tail of what happened between Gayathri and Akash. All were confused seeing Akash's reaction. What Gayathri showed him to be so shocked. None has any clue.

"Mrs Rajput, what is it? What's happening?" The Judge asked confused.

"Your honour, this is Mr Akash Singh Raizada and Mrs Payal Raizada's divorce petition. This was made by Mr Arnav Singh Raizada to blackmail my client Khushi." Gayathri said with contempt.

"Mr Akash Singh Raizada, can you please verify the signature in it? Is it yours?" Gayathri asked Akash once again showing the papers to him.

"This... Yes... It's my signature. But I.. I didn't sign it." Akash said breathlessly. He felt dizzy.

"Of course, you didn't sign it consciously. Your honour, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada made these papers when my client Khushi left his house few days after their marriage due to his torchures and refused to return home. So to blackmail her, Arnav made them with Mr Roy's help and took Akash's signature in it without his knowledge. Mr Akash, due to his blind belief on his brother, signed the documents without reading it. Using that Arnav kept blackmailing my client to stay in this marriage. This is the truth." Gayathri said firmly.

Akash looked at Arnav with hope and disbelief. He hoped that Arnav would deny Gayathri's words and say that he didn't commit such a crime. But Arnav kept quiet. That made him shocked. He felt betrayed.

Raizadas were too shocked to react. Khushi was horrified seeing Gayathri showing the divorce papers in court. She never wanted that. In fact, she had strictly told Gayathri to not bring up that divorce matter in court or pull Akash and Payal into this mess. But guess her mother has gone mad in her quest to win as always. Khushi felt frustrated.

"What do you have to say now, Mr Akash? Do you still think your brother couldn't do all that?" Gayathri asked sarcastically.

Akash looked down ashamed.

"Not only this, your honour. There is more to the story. Your honour, when something is pushed beyond their limits, it retaliates. After repeatedly getting blackmailed in the name of her sister's marriage, even Khushi retaliated. At one point, she refused to let Arnav threaten her with her sister's life and decided to walk out of her marriage. She even left Mr Raizada's home and moved into her aunt's house.

"But Mr Raizada was not ready to let go. He again tried to blackmail her using various things. When nothing helped him, he bought the house Khushi's family lived in and threatened to throw them out. Overnight, he bought the house in triple price and started blackmailing Khushi to make her family homeless in order to keep her in this marriage." Gayathri said firmly.

Taking another set of papers from her file. "Your honour, this is the copy of the rental agreement and land purchase agreement of Khushi's Buaji's house. From these documents, it's clear that Mr Raizada bought the property on triple price where Khushi's family lived. Also, after the purchase, Mr Raizada had tripled the rent also, which my client was paying till date. These things shows that he purposely did things to blackmail my client and forcefully keep her married to him. And all these are not done out of love. But for revenge and torchuring my client." Gayathri concluded.

Arnav looked down ashamed. Khushi sighed in defeat. She held her head feeling tired and helpless. Raizadas felt like they were watching a movie and they were sitting on the other side of the screen. Because everything that were presented in front of them were too much for them to digest. They couldn't believe Arnav could stoop so low.

Payal was too shocked to react. First the revelation of the divorce papers. Now the fact that not only her marriage but also their parents livelihood was also based upon Khushi's sacrifice and sufferings. It was too much for her. She couldn't believe her sister was going through so much behind their back.

She felt her heart falling to the pit of her stomach. She felt betrayed and defeated. Everything was a lie. Everything was a facade. Akash's love and promises were a lie. He promised to always stand by her but never did. She let it go. But now she realised her marriage is also a lie, a facade. It was surviving on her sister's pain and sacrifices.

When Arnav used to shower love on her sister, she thought they were happily married. It was a lie. Seeing Arnav's concern for her parents, she thought he genuinely cared for them unlike Akash who never even bothered to ask about her parents. But that also was a facade. Everything was just for show. Just to make her sister imprisoned in a marriage with him. To torchure her. To make her suffer for a crime she didn't even commit.

Tears of anger and pain filled her eyes. She bit her lips in order to control herself from screaming out loud and creating a scene. She tightly clenched her saree pallu in her fist in anguish.

Gayathri came to Arnav and asked, "Do you have something to say, Mr Raizada. Is there anything you wish to add or did I said something wrong. You can say to the court." Gayathri taunted.

Arnav looked down not knowing what to say or how to defend himself. Gayathri shook her head and came near Akash.

"Mr Akash Singh Raizada, one last question. In the starting of this trial, you said you see Khushi as a sister. The credibility of that statement is already proven in court. Neither you could be a good brother nor a good brother in law to Khushi.

"But you have proved that you're a good brother to Arnav. Your blind faith and unconditional support for him has proved that. So one last question. Please be truthful and answer only after asking your conscience. At this juncture, where Arnav and Khushi are getting divorced, if a situation arose for you to choose between both of them. Who will you choose?

"I will come to the point. Arnav has been using your marriage as bait this whole time to keep Khushi married to him. Now that they are getting separated, suppose if Arnav asked you to divorce Payal, what will you do?" Gayathri asked seriously.

Akash looked at her with wide eyes.

" OK, I know there are few more things and people who will influence your decision. So I will make it a bit more serious and realistic. Since your family is also involved in this case, let's assume that even they don't want to have any relation with anything or anybody connected to Khushi. So they asked you to leave Payal. What will you do then?

"Will you leave Payal forever or will you support her going against your family especially your mother and brother? Think and tell me the answer. Also know this, even if you lie to court, you can't lie to your conscience. So whatever is the answer, try to say truthfully." Gayathri said scrutinizingly.

Akash trembled under her gaze. He was shocked hearing the question. Everyone looked at him with anticipation. Payal was looking at him with bated breath. His one answer will decide her entire future.

Akash looked around himself. He never felt so stressful and vulnerable in his entire life. He always had someone to back him up. Always, there was someone to tell him what to do and guide him in the right path. Most of the time, it was his brother. If not, then his sister, father, mother, someone would definitely be there.

There was never a necessity for him to decide something or choose something. Always others chose for him and he obliged wordlessly. The only thing that he probably chose by himself was his life partner. He selected Payal as his life partner. It was his decision.

Even in that matter, he needed Arnav and Khushi's help for convincing Payal and their families. Hence choosing Payal for himself can't exactly be called a choice he made by himself. He met her and then there was this feeling that she was the one made for him.

He tried to pursue her. He got succeeded to an extend. But when the real challenge of turning that feeling into a relation, he failed. He neither could make Payal reassure about their relation, nor could he convince his mother for that. He did promised Payal and her parents to take care of her and support her.

But how much he succeeded in that promise is debatable. He knew he had let Payal down in many occasions. Whenever it was a choice between his family and Payal, he chose his family. From last few days, his grandmother kept taunting him for his lack of responsibility and respect towards Payal. For his unreasonable support for his mother's atrocities.

Still he couldn't do much regarding that. It isn't in him to do or support anything that could hurt his mother or make her feel bad. Maybe that's a ingrained habit of his. He couldn't stand his mother's tears even if it's fake. It hurt him. He loved his mother too much to do anything going against her wishes.

Yes, he couldn't afford to loose Payal. It will be really painful for him. But right now, the choice is not whether he wanted a marriage with Payal or not. The choice is between Payal and his family. And truth to be told, he himself don't know what his choice would be. Payal or his family.

Yes, he loves Payal. But could he choose Payal above his family. He doesn't know. It's true that right now, he is feeling betrayed by Arnav for putting his life and marriage at stake for his own selfish reasons. Still, he can't forget the n number of times, his brother has supported him and stood by him. His brother was the one who made him what he is today. Without his brother, he wouldn't be nothing. Maybe a normal 9 to 5 employee in some company or worse than that.

His brother was the one who brought their family to this position. It was due to his brother's hard work, their family is one of the elite families of the continent. His brother was the one who saved their family when they were on the verge of going bankrupt. His father's business was in loss, their family was struggling with debts.

Then his brother started the company using his mother's jewelleries and some saving of his own as capital. And with sheer hardwork and dedication, earned everything they have today. He also saved his father's business and helped him develop it.

If his brother wanted, he could have backed out from helping them. He had no obligation to take their family's responsibility. His brother had returned his mother's jewelleries with interest within one year of starting business. Yet, he didn't abandon them and kept them with him and gave them all luxuries in the world. His brother took him under his wings and made him what he is today. How much ever his brother exploit them, he could never forget his sacrifices and favours on them.

Nonetheless, if he goes against his brother also, can he really go against his family. His family is his everything. Could he really support Payal going against his family. Will he still continue to be with Payal, if his grandmother or parents asks him to leave Payal. He doesn't know. What about Anjali. He had reprimanded Payal time and again for prioritizing Khushi over Anjali. If that same Anjali asks him to leave Payal, could he go against her.

And his parents? His father had always liked Payal and supported her. He doubt he would ever ask him to leave Payal. But his mother. She never liked Payal. It was a well known fact to everyone. Any given chance, his mother would be ready to throw Payal out of his life. But the real question is if she asks him to leave Payal, could he support Payal going against her wishes. He couldn't defy his mother when she refused for his marriage with Payal. It took Arnav to convince her. If such a situation arose again and he had to choose between Payal and his mother. Who will he choose. Will he really choose Payal above his family.

Akash asked all these questions to himself. Just the thought of it, started giving a headache to him. He shuddered thinking what would be his reaction if such a situation arise in real.

"You didn't say anything, Mr Akash Singh Raizada. Who will you choose if your family ask you to leave Payal?" Gayathri asked sternly.

Akash looked at her helplessly. He pleaded with his eyes to Gayathri to not make him answer that question. But Gayathri didn't give heed to him. She wanted to expose the double standards of these Raizadas. So she wanted to make them spill all their dirty secrets. Akash's cowardice is one of them. She wanted the world to see Akash's reality.

How dare this guy accuse her daughter of luring married man and ruining his bloody sister's life. What did he used to say, her daughter ruined his sister's life. He used to taunt Payal for always siding with Khushi, right. Now the world will see his double standards. How blind and crude this man could be.

"Come on, Mr Akash. The court doesn't have much time to waste. Answer quickly. Who will you choose, Payal or your family?" Gayathri asked tauntingly

Akash closed his eyes in defeat. Then, he remembered what Gayathri told him. Even if he lie in front of court, how could he lie to his own conscience. So he decided to come clean.

"I... I really do... don't know who I will choose if such a situation arise. Payal is my wife. I love her a lot. But whether I will choose her above my family. I don't have an answer for that. My family is my everything. Whether I could leave them for Payal. I don't know." Akash said looking down.

Payal staggered back in shock. She gripped the witness box railing to steady herself. She felt defeated. As if something broke inside her. Was it her trust or her love. She didn't know. Her heart broke into a thousand pieces. Though he didn't give a clear cut answer. Everyone could read his answer from his words. That is, once again he chose his family above her. He indirectly said that if his family demands, then he would leave her for them. Payal closed her eyes in pain.

Gayathri ground her teeth in anger. Though, she asked the question to show his true face, she expected him to atleast lie to save his face. But she never expected him to show his spinelessness so openly. She felt like beating both the brothers black and blue. Bloody good for nothing pathetic creatures.

Arnav and Raizadas were also shocked hearing Akash's answer. They expected him to understand his folly atleast now and correct himself. But he is again going in the same path. They felt remorse for making him like this.

Khushi felt her heart breaking seeing her sister's pain. Her own guilt increased for ever thinking that this man is perfect for her sister. He might be the worst thing ever happened to her sister. She held her head tiredly.

Gayathri turned to the judge and said, "That's all, your honour. I don't have anything else to ask to Akash and Payal. Mr Roy can cross now."

Judge nodded. Then writing something in his notes, he asked Mr Roy to proceed.

That's it for next chapter. I am really sorry for the late update. There was a death in my family. After that I got busy due to my new job and everything. So took time to update. I am really sorry for making you all wait.

Regarding this chapter. It is a very important chapter. I know all of you were waiting for Gayathri roasting Anjali. But that will come later as there are few things that needs to be discussed before that. This chapter is a confrontation of Akash and Payal. I have always felt that there should be a scene where Akash and Payal really know that the basis of their marriage is Khushi's sacrifice.

Those two always have a prejudiced thinking and behaviour towards Khushi. Always using her when they need her and then discarding her as trash. Behaving like her well wisher but never siding with her in real. Too much of hypocrisy. So I really want them to face the reality of their lives.

I guess there were only few stories where Akash and Payal finds out the real reason of Arnav and Khushi's contract marriage and how their own marriage is related to that. In fact only a very few stories actually has a scene where Akash or Payal confront that reality and dealing with it. So I want to write on that part. Hence this chapter. Hope you all like it.

It's only the first part of Akash and Payal's confrontation. Lot more is there to come. So stay tuned.

Also I would take this opportunity to thank all my readers for patiently waiting for this story. That you so much. And a big thanks for all votes and comments. Keep giving votes and comments.