"Mr Roy stood up and said, "Your honour, first of all I will start with the last thing that Mrs Rajput mentioned. The allegation of my client blackmailing Khushi using the house where her family live. I would request the court to hear what Arnav has to say about the house."

"Go ahead, Mr Roy." The judge said.

"Arnav, whatever I ask you, say in yes or no?" Mr Roy said.

Arnav nodded his head positively.

"Did you buy the house Khushi's family lives in?" Mr Roy asked.

"Yes." Arnav replied.

"Did you plan to oust Khushi's family from that house?" Mr Roy asked.

"No." Arnav replied.

Gayathri gritted her teeth hearing that.

"Is that house in your name? Are you the owner of the honour?" Mr Roy asked.

"No." Arnav said sighing.

"Then whose name the house is?" Mr Roy asked smirking at Gayathri.

"Khushi's." Arnav replied confidently.

Gayathri's eyes widened hearing that. Not only Gayathri, Khushi was also shocked hearing that. Raizadas sighed in relief hearing that.

"Your honour, this is the latest property papers of the said house. In this, you can see that Arnav has transferred the ownership of the house to Khushi, months back. The house is no longer in his name. Then, how can he threaten her using a house that's not even in his name." Mr Roy said.

"Objection your honour." Gayathri said standing up. "Your honour, I think the opposition lawyer has some misconception. Mr Roy, we are not fighting a property case, here. We are fighting a divorce case. It doesn't matter who is the owner of the property now. What matters is whether your client blackmailed my client using that property or not.

"Your honour, when I questioned Mr Arnav, he didn't deny the fact that he blackmailed Khushi using that house. Your honour, the house may be in Khushi's name now. But this blackmailing incident happened months back. Exactly speaking, the day Arnav bought the house from it's previous owner. At that time, this house was in Arnav's name only.

"Only after Khushi succumbed to his blackmailing, he transferred the ownership of the house into Khushi's name. So it doesn't actually matter who the owner of the house now is. The blackmailing had happened and it is a fact. This also proves that Arnav's statement of not wanting to oust Khushi's family from that house, is invalid.

"Also, your honour, this property transfer happened without my client's knowledge. Arnav didn't tell my client about this property transfer till date. Otherwise why my client will be paying rent to Arnav for a house that's under her name.

"Your honour, the court must understand that this property transfer matter is concealed from my client with some ulterior motive. After Khushi agreeing to Arnav's demands, Arnav might have transferred the property to Khushi's name. But he didn't told her about this matter as he wanted to use the house as a back up plan if Khushi went against him in future.

"Arnav very well knew that without him telling her the property transfer matter, there is no way Khushi would ever find out that the house is under her name, not Arnav's. So he purposely hid the matter in order to use the house to blackmail if Khushi was to defy him in future. That was his plan." Gayathri said cunningly.

Arnav's eyes widened hearing that. "No. That's not true. I didn't deliberately hid that matter from Khushi. I actually wanted to gift that house to Khushi as a present. But due to some problems in our life, I couldn't do it. Later that matter skipped my mind. I had no ulterior motive in not telling her that matter." Arnav said panicking.

Gayathri calmed down hearing that. She didn't say anything further. Even Khushi felt bad understanding that he was accused unnecessarily. But the judge looked at him suspiciously. He felt Gayathri's words more convincing than Arnav's.

"Objection sustained. Mr Roy, Mrs Rajput is right. The ownership of property doesn't matter to the case. What matters is whether Mr Arnav Raizada blackmailed his wife or not. If you have any proof for that, then submit it." The judge ruled.

Gayathri bowed politely and sat down. Mr Roy shook his head looking down.

"If you have nothing more to say, then you can proceed with the crossing." The judge said.

"Thank you, your honour." Mr Roy said humbly.

Mr Roy came near Payal. "Mrs Payal Raizada, I want to ask you something. Mr Akash Singh Raizada already said that he didn't believe his brother could actually do anything to hurt Khushi. What is your opinion? You are Khushi's cousin. You live in the same house with Arnav and Khushi. What do you have to say about this matter. Is Arnav Singh Raizada a man who could abuse his wife? Have you ever seen him hurting Khushi deliberately?" Mr Roy asked.

Payal's statement is a very important aspect for this case. First of all, she is Khushi's cousin. So her statement will have a real validation of facts. If Payal sides with Arnav, then it will definitely make Arnav's case stronger. Mr Roy thought.

Everyone looked at Payal in anticipation, waiting for her answer. Payal first looked at Arnav, then at Khushi. Both were looking at her eagerly. Her eyes lingered on her sister's face a little longer.

Taking a deep breath, Payal said, "I don't know what actually happened. But yeah, Arnavji could do it. Raizadas are obsessed with their glass doll daughter, Anjali. If something threatens her dream world and happiness, then they all go defensive and would do anything to protect her. Even if they have to hurt someone for that, they will do it without hesitation. They are unreasonable and cruel when it comes to matters regarding Anjali.

"I don't know if Arnavji has really blackmailed Khushi or not. But yeah, I believe he could do that. Also, my sister is a person who would do anything to ensure her loved one's happiness. So if he had really blackmailed her, then my sister would have definitely agreed for a forced marriage to ensure my marriage. I have no doubt in that.

"We all live in the same house. We see each other on a daily basis. And it's true that I have never seen Arnavji deliberately hurting Khushi physically after marriage. Regarding mentally and emotionally harassing her, I can't comment on that as it's their personal matter and I have no knowledge about it. But yeah, he has never stopped his family members from harassing or abusing Khushi. He always abandoned her to face his family's wrath and atrocities.

"Regarding Arnavji's own behaviour towards Khushi, I always believed that they were always a happily married couple. But recently I understood that looks can be deceiving. Initial days after our marriage, Arnavji was very loving towards Khushi, openly showing his affection unlike his usual nature. It was very surprising for everyone. We all thought they were truly in love. Nobody could even think that there could be another reason for their marriage and all those public display of affection were all a facade." Payal said with disdain.

"So you haven't personally seen Arnav physically or mentally harassing Khushi ever, right? You believe that Arnav can't hurt Khushi." Mr Roy asked trying to save Arnav.

Payal shook her head. "Even though I haven't seen Arnavji misbehaving with Khushi after marriage, he is capable of that. Khushi used to work for Arnavji before her marriage with him. During those times, there were many times, he had physically and mentally torchured her just to satisfy his ego.

"They were times when he was so cruel that he even went to the extend of endangering her life, for his sadistic pleasures. Initially, Khushi was an employee of AR Designs. During those period, he was very cruel to her. She used to come very late to home everyday, even then she would always be worried for work.

"There were many days when she would be sick due to working for long hours without food and water. Sometimes, she used to come back in very bad conditions. Once he had thrown her down from the first floor of his office. She fell over some cardboard, so there was no danger to her life. But there were bruises all over her back. After coming back home, she was crying in pain for whole night because of that.

"She wasn't fully recovered from that, when one night she had come back home completely drenched and shivering in cold and pain. Apparently Mr Arnav Raizada had made her stand in the parking lot in rain for hours, as punishment for some silly mistake of hers.

"She had high fever after that. Luckily the next day was holiday, so her body got time to recuperate. Then, a couple of days later, Mr Raizada sent her to an under construction building at night. The building was almost on the verge of collapsing. My sister almost lost her life that day but luckily she got saved by her perpetrator itself. My sister was traumatized by that incident which led to her almost having a nervous breakdown. After that she resigned from that job.

"But again she had to work for him in his house due to some circumstances, that time he used to mentally and emotionally harass her very badly. Many days, she used to come home crying and in disheveled state. So, yeah it wont be a shock to me if someone says that Arnavji had hurt or torchured Khushi. He is capable of that." Payal said in anguish.

Mr Roy was bewildered hearing Payal's statement. He expected Payal to side with Arnav. But this changed the entire dynamics of the case and made their side more weaker.

"Mrs Payal Raizada, you said Arnav didn't do anything to stop the abuses and torchures inflicted on Khushi by his family members. Then, shall I ask you what did you do to stop those abuses. If Arnav was Khushi's husband, then you were also her cousin who was by the way as close as a sister. Then why didn't you do anything to stop the torchures." Mr Roy asked sarcastically.

Payal looked at him calmly. "You can't save another person, when you yourself are not safe. How am I supposed to save my sister, when I myself goes through that same abuses and torchures everyday. Only a strong person can save someone else. I don't feel ashamed to admit this. I am not a strong person. I don't want to discuss my personal life here but the truth is everyone has their fair share of happiness and sadness. Just because we only see the happy side of someone, it doesn't mean they don't have a sad part.

"My sister is very important to me. I care for her a lot. I always wanted... want her to be happy. If it was in me, I would have done anything to take away all the pain from her life. But we can't always do what we wish for. Circumstances bind us sometimes.

"Seeing my sister's facade of a happy married life, I thought she was truly happy and wasn't affected by the things happening around her. But I forgot that my sister is a person who would smile even if she is going through heartbreaking pain. I failed to realise that her smile might be just a facade to hide her pain and sorrow. I failed to recognise her truth behind her happy face.

"Truthfully speaking, I just got lost in handling my own problems that I forgot to check upon my sister. And by the time, I realised my mistake it was too late. Honestly, I don't know what I would have done if I knew also. When I couldn't handle my own problems, then how was I supposed to help her. I had no idea." Payal said truthfully.

Mr Roy sighed hearing that. One thing he understood, if he ask anymore questions to Payal, it will only make their case more weak. So he turned to Akash.

"Mr Akash Singh Raizada, I want to ask a few questions about Arnav as a person." Mr Roy said hoping to do anything to save this case.

Akash nodded his head.

"Akash, you know Arnav since childhood. You both grew up together after Arnav's parent's death. How is he at home? How is he as a person?" Mr Roy asked.

Akash took a deep breath and answered. "After Bhai's parent's death, he along with Anjali Di came to live with us permanently. Before that, he used to visit us during vacations. Earlier, he was jovial, happy go lucky person, carefree, cheerful and outgoing.

"But after his parents death, he changed completely. He became serious, short tempered, no nonsense, introvert person. He talks minimum, mostly would be engrossed in some or other work. He became mature overnight.

"Still he is a good person. He is a loving, caring, responsible person. He always takes care of people he loves. He has never failed in fulfilling any of his responsibilities. He is a family man and loves his family so much. He doesn't interact much with people or openly shows his affection, but his actions speaks for him. He never did anything wrong or caused any harm to anyone." Akash said proudly.

Gayathri frowned at him in disgust. Bloody brother's puppet.

"OK. Has there ever been any cases of abuse or sexual harassment on Arnav from anyone? What's his general attitude towards people, especially women?" Mr Roy asked.

"No. There has never been any cases of abuse or sexual harassment. In fact, he is very polite and understanding towards female colleagues and acquaintances. Though, he is a strict boss, he is very kind and considerate. Because of this, he is always respected among business circle." Akash said proudly.

"Very well. Thank you." Mr Roy smiled at Akash and turned to judge. "Your honour, from Mr Akash's statement, it is clear that there was never any cases of abuses or sexual harassment on my client. He is a very respected person in the society and there has never been any known instances where my client has been involved in any sort of activities that could cause harm to any fellow human being. I request the court to consider this fact to understand the character of my client. Your honour, my client is a polite, refined, altruistic, and respected person. He has never hurt anyone knowingly or unknowingly in any circumstances. So this allegation of abuses and torchures on my client is nothing but fabricated." Mr Roy said.

"Objection your honour. Your honour, I can't understand what my opposition lawyer is trying to do..." Gayathri said frowning.

"I am just helping the court to understand my client's character so that the court will be more clear to understand what is truth and what is false." Mr Roy said.

"Are you hoping the court to understand the character of your client based on merely Mr Akash Singh Raizada's testimony. Your honour, this is absurd. Mr Akash Singh Raizada, already proved that his loyalty lies with his brother. He is a person who is ready to do anything for his brother. The court can't take his testimony as evidence to sketch Arnav's character. It could be biased. He could be lying or concealing facts to save his brother. So I request the court not to consider Akash's testimony to determine Arnav's character." Gayathri said.

"But there is no proof that Akash is lying. Also it's true that there has never been any abuse or harassment case on my client before." Mr Roy said to reinstate his argument.

"Just because there's no previous cases on him, it doesn't prove that he hasn't abused my client. Your honour, there has been many previous cases in this court, where people with commendable personality in professional and social circle, has abused their partners. There is no necessity that the person who has exemplary reputation in society, are not abusive at home. All that shines are not gold. Your honour, Payal is a witness of Arnav's abuses on my client. Her statement can be considered as evidence." Gayathri said firmly.

"In that case, even I can argue that Payal's statement is biased. Payal clearly loves her sister a lot. She might be lying to court to help her sister." Mr Roy said smirking.

"Of course, Payal can lie. But neither Arnav Singh Raizada nor Akash Singh Raizada said anything to prove that Payal is lying. They were silently standing when Payal recounted Mr Arnav Singh Raizada's atrocities on my client. If you still need to be clear. Then let's ask Arnav and Akash itself." Gayathri said.

She turned to Arnav and asked, "Tell me, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. What do you have to say about the alleged abuses that you inflicted on my client. Like pushing her down from first floor of your office, making her stand in rain at night hours not allowing her to go home, sending her to a dilapidated building thereby endangering her life. What do you have to say about all this. Did you do all this or Payal was lying?" Gayathri asked calmly with a stern look.

Arnav looked down silently, feeling ashamed of himself.

"Mr Raizada, court time is very precious. So will you be kind enough to open your mouth and say something." Gayathri asked sarcastically.

"Mrs Rajput, please be more careful with your words." Judge said frowning.

"Sorry, your honour." Gayathri apologized.

"I.. I.. didn't mean to hurt her. I..." Arnav stammered helplessly.

"The question is very clear. Did you do it or not?" Gayathri asked sternly.

"Ye... Yes." Arnav strutted out.

Gayathri turned to Mr Roy and said, "There you go. The tormentors himself has admitted to his crimes. Still, if you need proves, then we can ask Mr Akash Singh Raizada. Even he works in the same office. He might be knowing about these incidents. If not him, then we can get eye witnesses from Mr Raizada's company. I am sure we might be able to find atleast a couple of people, who would dare to state the truth, even if they have to offend their employer." Gayathri said smirking.

Mr Roy didn't say anything further on the matter, understanding that saying anything further means making things more difficult for themselves. Moreover, after Arnav's own confession of his crimes, none of his arguments are going to help them anyway.

Mr Roy turned to Akash and asked, "Akash, what do you have to say about Arnav's relation with Khushi and Sheetal?"

Akash took a minute to think and said, "Bhai... He loves Khushi very much. She is his first priority. He could do anything for her. Sheetal... She is just his friend and works in our office. He... He cares for her son a lot. They both are similar in many ways, so they share a good rapport." Akash answered short and crisp.

Gayathri rolled her eyes hearing that. Mr Roy smiled. Khushi sighed. She didn't expect anything else from Akash. He would support his brother and family, no matter what.

"Your honour, please note this point. Akash is a person who has witnessed Arnav and Khushi's relation first-hand. According to him, Arnav loves Khushi and prioritises her very much. And Sheetal is only a friend who works in their office, nothing more, nothing less." Mr Roy said smiling excitedly.

Gayathri raised her eyebrows amused, seeing Mr Roy's desperate attempts to save his client.

The judge noted something and said, "Mr Roy, do you have anything else to ask the witnesses?"

"No, Your honour. That's all." Mr Roy bowed and went back to his seat.

"Mrs Rajput, do you wish to re-examine the witnesses?" The judge asked.

"Yes, your honour." Gayathri said. Then, walking towards Akash, she asked him. "Mr Akash, just now you said your brother's first priority is Khushi. Can you tell me, what exactly he did for you to believe that his first priority is Khushi? That he can do anything for her." Gayathri asked seriously.

Akash looked at her blankly and in nervousness. "He... he loves her a lot. He... um... he agreed to get married to her with all rituals for her happiness. He stood against his Dadi for her. He forgot his past and got married to her despite her being the neice of the woman who caused his parents death. He threw Shyam out of the house for her happiness without even bothering about his pregnant sister. He refused to bring Shyam back even after all of us begging him. But he didn't say anything when Khushi brought him back. Now he is even ready to leave everyone for her." Akash answered.

Though he started hesitantly. As he continued saying, he started remembering the incidents and his bottled up anger burst out. Then, he was talking in a trance without even realising what nonsense he was sprouting and how it was going to affect others.

The whole court turned silent hearing his words. Arnav was looking at him wide eyed. He felt like Akash was accusing him for those things. He never knew Akash harboured such resentment for him for those things. Payal sighed in defeat as her husband's real face was getting exposed minute by minute. She couldn't find even one thing to defend him to her own self. She wondered what she saw in this man to love him so much that she and her family was enduring all those atrocities to keep this marriage going.

Khushi looked at Akash in shock. She always felt Akash's discontent towards her. But she never realised that he hated her for those things. She felt some bitterness filling inside her. This was the man whom she considered as a brother once. She never had a brother. He was the only person she ever related to that position in her life. And he had such grudges against her. It hurt her.

Gayathri was fuming in anger. What the hell does this boy think of himself. His stupidity has no endpoint. She was going soft on him due to Khushi as she didn't want to cause trouble to Akash and Payal. But now he is crossing his limits. Seems like she really has to give him a reality check.

"So Mr Akash Singh Raizada, according to you, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada did all these for Khushi. OK, then let's discuss these things in the chronological order. The first thing, Arnav did for Khushi according to you is, throwing Shyam, your brother in law, out of the house without even thinking about your pregnant sister. So according to you what he should have done?

"Should he have kept the man, who lusted over his wife, kidnapped him, tried to kill him and his sister, at home and kept quiet, so that his pregnant sister could continue to live her fake fairytale life. Is that what you are suggesting?" Gayathri asked frowning.

Akash looked at her speechless, as he couldn't counter that argument. When the situation is put that way, he couldn't come up with something to justify himself. "I... He... he could have waited for Di's delivery." Akash said trying to defend himself.

"Mr Akash Singh Raizada, are you deaf? Didn't you hear anything that was said in this court till now? Your brother forcefully married an innocent girl, so that he could stop your lovely brother in law from lusting on her and keep your sister's sham of a marriage intact. That too, for six months. Doesn't that prove that his original plan was to keep the truth of your brother in law's treachery hidden.

"Then, why did he changed his decision. Was it because of Khushi. For her safety or happiness. If it was so, why did he even forcefully married her. He could have thrown your brother in law out, earlier itself. If he was doing everything for Khushi, he could have done that without all those drama of a eloped marriage, public humiliation and abuses for Khushi. Because I don't think Khushi ever wanted to live in the same house as your brother in law.

"So why did your brother waited for five months, for Shyam to kidnap him, try to kill him, almost murder Khushi, to throw Shyam out. Because the truth is, he didn't throw Shyam out thinking about Khushi's safety and her happiness. He threw Shyam out for himself and his family. He understood that Shyam is capable of hurting him and his family. It has nothing to do with Khushi. He neither cared about Khushi's safety before that incident, nor he thought for Khushi, while throwing Shyam out. All he wanted was to protect his family from Shyam." Gayathri finished with throwing a disgusted glare at Arnav.

Akash was thoughtful hearing Gayathri's words. He understood that Gayathri's words were true regarding this matter. As few days back, Khushi herself recounted the fear and abuses she faced due to Shyam in their house, which Arnav royally ignored. He finally could see the other side of the situation.

"OK. Your first assumption was wrong. Let's go to second one. Arnav defended Khushi in front of his Dadi and agreed to get married to Khushi with all rituals for Khushi's happiness. Isn't it. That's your second point which proves that Arnav loves Khushi the most. But to me it doesn't show his love for Khushi, but his own selfishness.

"His Dadi humiliated Khushi for living with a man without getting married with proper rituals. Instead of defending his wife or telling the truth of his blackmailing or forced marriage, he agreed to get married for a second time with all rituals to hide the truth of his deeds and save his face. He only wanted to hide the truth of his blackmailing and keep Khushi married to him forcefully, so he agreed for the second marriage with all rituals. Because he knew that both of your families wouldn't allow Khushi to continue this forced marriage if he revealed the truth." Gayathri finished glaring at Arnav.

Akash looked at Arnav with a new perspective. Is that the real reason behind Arnav agreeing for a marriage with all rituals. Did he do it to hide the truth of his blackmailing and forced marriage. Is that why he did all that. Akash asked himself.

"Now, let's move on to your third point. Arnav didn't brought your brother in law back, even after all of you begging him. But he allowed him when Khushi brought him back. That's your next argument to prove that Arnav would do anything for Khushi, isn't it.

"Then Akash, let me ask you a frank question. Did your brother did the right thing by not bringing Shyam back or he was wrong in doing so?" Gayathri asked cunningly.

Akash looked at her shocked. This was a trap. Everyone could easily see that. He can neither support Arnav nor oppose him. If he support Arnav by saying that he did the right thing, then his earlier argument will be wrong. If he didn't support Arnav, then it means he is supporting Shyam who is a criminal.

"I... I..." Akash stammered not being able to answer. Gayathri patiently waited for his answer no giving up. "I... He did the right thing. But at that time, situation...." Akash tried to say.

But cutting him, Gayathri said to the judge, "Your honour, please note this point. Akash himself said that Arnav did the right thing by not bringing back the man who was a threat to his family."

"Akash, you yourself know why Arnav didn't do that. And it's the correct thing to do also. Then why are you blaming him till now for that?" Gayathri asked slyly.

"If you are saying that he did it for Khushi. Then that's absurd. Because at the end, Khushi herself brought the man back. If Khushi was instigating Arnav to not bring Shyam back. Why would she herself do it.

"And regarding Arnav not saying anything to Khushi for bringing Shyam back and allowing him in the house without fuss. Then I clearly heard a different version of that incident than you. What I heard is, Arnav tried to throw Shyam out again but it was you, your family, especially your sister, Anjali who forced Arnav to keep Shyam in the house.

"Also Arnav didn't let Khushi off the hook for this matter easily. He accused her of trying to hurt his sister deliberately and even wanted to call off his marriage with her due to that. Isn't it, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada?" Gayathri asked looking at Arnav.

"Yes." Arnav nodded his head looking down ashamed. Akash also felt embarrassed and guilty.

"Akash, you were accusing Khushi for instigating your brother to throw Shyam out. Yet, she was the one who brought him back taking all the pain and accusations, when your family was in crisis. Have you ever thought how much difficult it would have been for her to bring a man, who lusted on her, tormented her, and tried to molest her at every given chance, into the same house where she would be spending the rest of her life. She knew that her life is not going to be nothing less than hell with that man in the same house. Yet, she put your family above her own safety and happiness and took that step. Then why do you still see her as a evil person trying to hurt your family. Doesn't this one incident prove that she cares for your family more than her own self.?" Gayathri asked skeptical.

Akash looked down ashamed of himself. He never thought of these things in this manner. He never thought of Khushi's perspective in these things. What she must be feeling, what she must be going through. It never came to his mind. It was always what his family, especially his sister felt. What she thought. Finally he could see where he went wrong in judging Khushi.

Gayathri sighed. She took a couple of moments and then continued. "Finally, your last argument to prove that Arnav did everything for Khushi. That is, he married Khushi despite knowing that she is the neice of the woman who is the reason of his parent's death. Akash, don't you think you are being a hypocrite by saying that. You yourself is married to the daughter of the same woman. For argument sake, you can say that they are not blood related.

"But in this circumstances, does it actually have any importance. Blood related or not, Garima Gupta raised Payal Singh Raizada neé Gupta as her own daughter. More than Khushi, Garima Gupta loves and cares for Payal and considers her as her own. This is a fact known to everyone.

"When you can get married to Garima Gupta's daughter and have a relationship with her. Don't you think, it's hypocrisy to expect your brother to leave Khushi because she is Garima Gupta's daughter/niece.

"Fine, let's leave your matter. Let's come to Arnav and Khushi's matter. So according to you, Arnav married Khushi ignoring her relation with Garima Gupta who is the reason for his parent's death. But Mr Akash Singh Raizada, can you please tell me how Garima Gupta caused Mr Arnav's parent's death?" Gayathri asked sarcastically.

Akash looked at her feeling uncomfortable. Because speaking this matter in public is only going to tarnish their family's name. But seems like he had no choice. "Amma, I mean Garima Gupta, had an affair with Bhai's father, Arvind Phupaji. When Bhai's mother, Ratna Bua came to know about this, she committed suicide. Afterwards Arvind Phupaji also killed himself due to guilt." Akash said briefly.

Gayathri almost scoffed hearing that. "Did Garima Gupta knew that Arvind was married, when she had the affair?" Gayathri asked straightaway.

"No." Akash shook his head looking down.

"Then how was it Garima Gupta's fault that Ratna or Arvind committed suicide because of that affair. From what you said, even Garima Gupta is also a victim. The real culprit is Arvind who had an affair with Garima, despite being married to Ratna.

"But what I don't understand is what does this matter has to do with Arnav and Khushi's marriage. The culprit is Arvind and the victims are Ratna and Garima. This entire matter has nothing to do with Khushi. Then why according to you, Arnav cannot marry Khushi because of that. Just because Khushi is Garima's neice, Arnav can't marry her. Then even Khushi could have refused to marry because Arnav is Arvind's son. Even Garima is a victim like Ratna in that matter, isn't it.

"Akash, do you even understand that what you said has no logic. You are asking to punish an innocent person for a crime, she has no knowledge of, just because she is related to a person who was involved in that incident. In that case, even you are related to Ratna, even you can be said as a culprit. This is totally absurd.

"Even though your stance is wrong in this matter. But I am thankful that you brought up this topic. Your honour, I would like to use this chance to shed some lights on the actual scenario that happened during Arnav and Khushi's supposed second proper marriage.

"It's a truth that this matter of past connection between their families were brought up during their second marriage. It was a conspiracy from Arnav's family's side to stop their marriage. By hiding the actual facts of this past scenario, Khushi and her family were blamed unnecessarily, they were publicly humiliated and this marriage was almost called off.

"Your honour, if the court analyse the facts, then it's clear that Khushi's family were also as much a victim of Arnav's father, Arvind's deception. Yet they were blamed unnecessarily, and humiliated publicly. Khushi was also physically assaulted by Arnav's family member for this matter.

"Even though, Arnav married Khushi even after knowing this past connection. Then it's not something to be proud of. He very well knew his father was the culprit. He was just doing what he wanted. He wanted to marry to save his face. So he did it. Because he very well knew, if he didn't, then he would loose his leverage over Khushi.

"Also, he didn't marry Khushi just like that. He gave his family enough time to physically assault Khushi, humiliate her and her family publicly. Only after that he came showing himself as a great person and married her. It was only a stunt by him to show himself as a marvelous person. Because he knew he couldn't actually blame her for a mistake his own father did.

"So he slyly let his family do all the atrocities on Khushi upfront and then showing his big heart, married her to save his reputation and hide his misdeeds." Gayathri finished with a smirk.

Arnav stood stunned as accusations over accusations were thrown at him. He couldn't say anything to defend himself. Because the things that Gayathri explained have all happened. She is not making any stories. She is just saying all those things in a different perceptive. And if thought like this, he is a culprit. But the truth is, he never thought things like this nor he had such malice intent while doing those things, as Gayathri is suggesting.

Khushi looked at Arnav guiltily. She knew he had no such bad intention nor he plotted against her as Gayathri was saying. These are all just Gayathri's perceptions to win the case. But she couldn't do anything. She felt bad for Arnav seeing him getting accused unnecessarily.

"No. That's not true. I married Khushi because I love her. I didn't had any other reasons. I never meant to harm her or cause any distress to her." Arnav said desperately.

Gayathri looked at him. She could see that he was saying that sincerely. But she decided not to go soft on him. It's true that her daughter faced so much pain and humiliation on that wedding day without any mistake of hers.

"Even then, you can't deny that your family hurt and humiliated Khushi on your wedding day and you gave them time to do that by coming late to the wedding venue." Gayathri said firmly.

"I didn't planned it. A couple of hours before our wedding, my Dadi told me about our parent's past. I was too shocked hearing that and needed time to process it. So I just went out for sometime. I had no intention to hurt Khushi." Arnav said looking earnestly at Khushi.

"Arnav, even then you can't deny that it was planned by your family. It was not like your family was seeing Khushi's aunt, Garima Gupta, for the first time on that wedding day. Your family had met her before. Yet, they chose your wedding day to create that drama. If they wanted to stop the wedding, they could have done it earlier. But no, they intentionally chose your wedding day to humiliate and hurt Khushi, even after knowing that she was innocent in the entire matter. If it was not a planned attack, then what was it. You can't wash your hands off in this matter, saying that you didn't mean to hurt Khushi. Khushi got hurt, and it was done by your family members and like it or not, you are responsible for that." Gayathri said sternly.

Arnav sighed in defeat. He can't deny that argument. "It was done by my Dadi. She did it to take revenge for her son's death. Trust me, I or my other family members had no role in anything that she did that day. It was all her doings." Arnav said tiredly.

"That's amazing, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. Your Dadi humiliated and hurt Khushi publicly, you were not aware of it. Your Aunt calls your wife with derogatory names, mentally harass and torchure her, you were not aware of it. Your sister do domestic violence on your wife, treat her worse than a slave, you were not aware of it. Your ex-girlfriend calls herself your wife, you might not be aware of that as well. Isn't it?" Gayathri asked sarcastically.

Arnav looked down ashamed.

"How can someone be so shameless. How easily you washed your hands off all these matters saying you have no knowledge of it. Your ex-girlfriend said herself to be your wife to so many people in front of you. You didn't heard that also, huh? It might not be you, who was parading that woman as your wife over whole Delhi, isn't it? Who are you trying to fool by playing dumb and unaware? You were playing the role of your ex-girlfriend's husband and her son's father for past few months. In fact, you and your family members were introducing them as your family in your social circle. What was the reason for doing that? You can't deny the responsibility of this matter by saying that you were unaware of it." Gayathri said frowning.

Arnav looked down not having anything to counter that. It is true that he went overboard in his ego and anger. And he has nothing to justify himself. Something that started as a small revenge game on his wife for hurting him by doing that DNA test, when it reached to such a level, he didn't realize. Now things are beyond repair. And the only thing he could do is regret and repent.

Gayathri shook her head seeing him silent. She knew he had nothing to justify himself.

She turned to Akash for the final time before giving her last statement in this argument. "Mr Akash Singh Raizada, you said Sheetal is just a friend of your brother and an employee in your company. Then, can you explain us why your brother and family were introducing her as your brother's wife and her son as your brother's son?" Gayathri asked.

Akash kept silent not having anything to justify his family for their actions.

"Your honour, it's clear from this crossing that whatever Akash Singh Raizada said in court was his biased opinion regarding the things. He proved that his loyalty remains with his brother and his family. And even if they are wrong, he would still defend them. So I request the court to take Akash's earlier statement on Arnav's relation with Khushi and Sheetal to be his biased opinion or rather his attempt to help brother in the case. Arnav Singh Raizada is neither a loving nor a loyal husband to Khushi. He also doesn't only share a friendly or professional relationship with Sheetal. He is a intimidating, cruel, unfaithful and sadistic person. And his relationship with Khushi is forced and tormenting. So I request the court to understand my client's situation and grant her divorce for her safety and greater good." Gayathri finished.

The judge noted something on his file. He then ended the hearing for that day after giving the next date of hearing.

So that's all for next chapter. I know I am late once again. I was just busy with my new job and getting into the routine. Now I am finally settling in. I will try to give next update soon.

Now coming to this chapter, it is the second part of Akash-Payal's confrontation in court. Some more truths are revealed. Akash's stand in the entire matter is more clear now. Now let's see how this impacts everyone. In this chapter, you can see Payal got a reality check. But how she is going to react to it is what you have to wait and watch.

I don't know how these two last chapters came out. Or whether I did justice to Akash and Payal's characters or not. Hope you all like it. Please comment and give your opinions on this.

Also keep giving votes and comments. The votes and comments on last chapter were amazing. Thank you so much. Some people asked a few doubts regarding last chapter. I hope I gave them their answers here. If anybody has any more doubts, please feel free to ask. I look forward to all your votes and comments. So please comment.