Dhritiman had turned once before getting into the police jeep. He had wanted to take a glance at the house, at Minerva, what he saw were the neighbours out of their houses, staring openly with utter curiosity. A lady even was utterly amused at the whole scene. He had been so disturbed, his mind could not even process who she was! His eyes caught his wife's. She was standing at the threshold looking totally lost.

"Sir." With that he was nudged inside the jeep.

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Minerva stood still there for some time. It could be a minute, an hour, even five hours. But it did feel like eternity to her. When her trance broke, she failed drained. What just happened? Never in her wildest dreams, had she imagined some day she would have to experience this! Slowly she walked back to the drawing room. Her in-laws sat there totally stunned with the situation, staring at nowhere, as if they were in a stupor.

"Ma!" She nudged her mother-in-law. And Mrs. Gupta fell into her arms crying. Hugging her, Minerva saw her father-in-law too, slowly wiping off his tears. She felt so worthless! Could she do nothing? No she has to. That man out there was being punished for nothing. She has to do whatever she can. Buckle up Minerva Roy! First things first.

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"Hey Minu! Calling at this time?" Ridhdi received the call with the cheery tone he always uses.

"Tiya has made her move." Minerva said without wasting time.

"What?"

"Police came..." and with that she relayed everything. This town, though she was born here, was still strange to her. She did not know much people here. And the places were a different thing altogether. And the only person who can work sanely in these conditions was Riddhi.

"My god! I am blown! Did you think of anything?"

"Ya.. Riddhi, first give me the address of Tiya's house. If her parents have thrown her out, they must be rational people. I wish you were here."

"I am here only. Just a few kilometres away. I don't know their official address. But can give you the direction. But then, you are not good with directions Minu. You could be lost and then it would be-" I will manage bhai. I will have to. Okay, this is what I am thinking. I don't know if this.. this.. this.. is going to work..."

"Minu.. just don't panic. Okay? Dada himself is at a good place in the department... just tell me what you are thinking."

With that they discussed their further plans. She yet had to make some calls. She can't leave her in-laws like that. She decided to call her parents, though it will be difficult to explain the Goa thing to them. But now there is no other way round. Proving Dhritman is easy, so many evidences, so many witnesses, its just she has to have them within three hours.

"Hello ma."

"Minu, are you guys alright? We heard the siren and saw a police jeep entering your lane. Has something happened there? Which house?" her mother asked in a go.

Minerva felt like crying. How could she say, the police came to none other than their house! They arrested their son-in-law!

"Ma.." her throat constricted. No time for this Minerva. Scolding herself, she relayed everything again. Though this was the second time she was repeating this, the pain didn't lessen.

"We will be there is a minute."

Mrs. Roy sat there blinking for a while. And then yelled for her husband. And in a couple of minutes they were on the road, walking to their friend's house. The Guptas needed them badly now, and they would be there.

But for the first time she regretted this marriage. Why has her daughter have to face all this with no faults of her? Dhritiman went on a vacation with that girl? And now he was living with her child? Oh she very well knew the changing trends of this generation this is common, but still, her heart wasn't ready to accept it. And look at the problem this so called trend has brought. Why has her daughter to face all this? All because of me! Had I not dreamt of getting my baby married to him, I wouldn't have said yes to his mother! But Dhriti was about to take his life, what else could I do? Still, I should have given a second thought. Now, my daughter is suffering because of me! And I can't do a thing!

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Please open the door... Minerva kept pacing thinking of the phone call she just made to Dhriti. Though the inspector was reluctant, they spoke, and she was able to make a few important notes. Meanwhile the door opened.

"Yes?" a middle aged man opened the door.

"Namaste uncle." She gritted, he gritted back with questioning eyes.

"I need your help uncle. I am Minerva Ro.. Gupta. Minerva Gupta. Dhritiman Gupta's wife." The lady of the house came out by now. They were yet at the doorstep.

Their expressions changed and suddenly became a mix of offensive and defensive both. "We were already sorry for what our daughter did..- "She did more Aunty." Minerva said with as much calm she could manage.

"More?"

She quickly relayed everything that took place in her house. They gasped in horror.

"That scum! He took my daughter to Goa! And then...-" Your daughter went alone." Minerva said very briskly.

"What?"

"Your daughter went from here to Panaji alone. Just like Dhriti went alone from Kolkata. They directly met at the hotel with their other friends who came from different parts of the country. So, even for one moment do not think my husband forced your daughter. Had she been forced, she would have never gone." She was daring him to say one more crass word about her husband. Her eyes were oozing fire.

Seeing the situation going out of hands Tiya's mother started, "What do you want from us now? We haven't seen our daughter after she returned. Isn't that punishment enough?"

Minerva took a breath a started, "I want you to come with me to the police station, and give a honest statement about Dhriti's innocence."

The parents looked at each other and then to her. "Give us a few minutes."

She nodded and went inside the house. She kept standing at the threshold.

Her phone vibrated. 'All going great.' The message from Riddhi read so. Thank god.

They came out again. "Look girl, we have punished our daughter for what she did. I will not blame your husband even for that.. –The father made a disgusted face- But we are not saints. We shall not go to the police station to give statement against our daughter. If your husband is innocent, he will be released."

If your husband is innocent! What the hell! They still have the nerve to say so? Her temper kept rising, she felt like punching the man. But this was not the time. She needed to keep her cool.

"My husband is innocent, and you know that. You also know you liar daughter is giving false accusations for god knows what reasons. There are plenty of evidences. I will have you know the inspector hasn't arrested him, instead given us a few hours to prove his innocence. Which already we are working on! Had you helped it would have been ten times more easier, being the 'victim's' parents, but that's okay."

She left to go, but turned again. "After my husband is proved not guilty, I will file a defamation suit against your daughter. She had willingly gone on the trip, she had fled from marriage. No victim card will be able to save her. And there's more I can do, and I will. Warn your daughter." With that she left.

The couple hung their head in embarrassment and shame.

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Only two neighbours have agreed to be the witness of the fiasco. Rest didn't want to involve themselves when it came to police, though they had shown enough of sympathy. Why did Savita Auntie have to leave for Chennai today only!

Looking at the watch, she sighed. Only half an hour left. I hope Riddhi found everything.

Praying for one last time, she left for the police station.

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Dhritiman felt like slapping Tiya for that smug face.

"Why the hell are you doing this? My family will come any moment with the neighbours ,who will clearly say you fled from the wedding." He hissed.

"Not when they come to know we were physically involved before marriage." Tiya smirked.

"You know you will be able to proof nothing. Don't you? Why creating scene and disturbing my family?"

"You come back to me."

"Why do you want me back now?"

"You are now exactly the person I wanted you to be. For that girl. Why Dhtiti? Why were you not like this back then? How come you changed for that girl in just few months but not for me so many years?"

"Silence!" Pillai thundered at them.

"I won't tolerate this here. Ms. Tiya, we brought him as you complained. Now, you may leave. We will let you know what happens. And Mr. Gupta, you being this department should know the decorum."

Dhritiman though very annoyed with the situation nodded and took his seat. Tiya kept ranting about why her complaint not lodged immediately and she would not leave until this was done.

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Tiya smirked looking at the clock. Only ten minutes left and then, her wish would come true. All her insults, problems will be avenged! She had been very smart to follow Savita Auntie. She didn't lose a minute to go to the police when she saw Auntie going to Chennai to see off her daughter's family! And those little slow poisoning of the neighbours she had done... Hell Minerva, you can't be happy with what was mine. It was one thing Dhriti married you, but he still loved me. But now... Well, it doesn't seem he loves me any longer, but I will not let you have him and have peace at the same time. Tiya's smile widened.

"Inspector.." Minerva rushed in with two men.

Tiya gritted her teeth! How come she had missed them!

"Sir" Minerva started, "They are our neighbours. Who were invited both to the wedding and reception. They will tell you what happened that day." With that, she introduced them to the inspector.

"Mrs. Gupta, will you wait outside, while I speak to them?" Pillai asked.

She nodded but asked again, "Meanwhile can I speak to my husband? He must be much tensed."

In reply, Pillai called the constable and asked him to show the room chamber where Dhritiman was sitting. The constable took her there.

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The scene in front of her was like a punch in the gut.

Dhritman sat on a chair, with his hands resting on his knees, and face in his palms. Where as Tiya was sitting a bit afar with a smug face doing something with her phone.

"Dhritiii.."

He looked up at her and in no seconds she was in his arms, both clutching each other tight. She broke the hug after she had her fill of satisfaction that he was yet okay.

"Don't worry. Everything will be sorted. I have brought two of our neighbours, Riddhi is bringing other evidences. He will here anytime."

"Just two?" Dhritiman can believe after living here for all these years, only two people agreed to come to help them.

"What about Savita Auntie?" He asked.

"Naina is leaving with her family. So Auntie has gone to see them off with Uncle. They had already left when the police came to our house."

They both heard a chuckle. Tiya.

It didn't take another second for Dhritiman to join the dots. Is she could follow them to the restaurant she could follow others to get her way!

One I am out, you will have to pay for this. He promised himself cursing Tiya.

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"Mr. and Mrs. Gupta, sir is calling you." the constable called them to Pillai's cabin.

Riddhi sat there opposite to Pillai with a man and several papers. He turned as he heard the footsteps.

"Dada.." He rushed to his elder brother engulfing him a hug. Grown men generally don't hug each other like that, so it was a bit awkward for both of them. Breaking the hug, Riddhi went for his sister-in-law and his dear friend.

"You alright?" He asked giving her a side hug. Minerva nodded. Her nerves a calmed a bit when she saw her husband, but it calmed completely when she saw Riddhi. Dhriti will be out of here in no time, she knew.

The action and change of her expression were noticed both by her husband and the inspector. And both reacted differently. She didn't smile when she saw me. Dhritiman grumbled. The girl must have been friends with younger guy for a long time, not impossible when they are family friends. Pillai concluded.

The third person also saw the camaraderie of the duo and promised to use to when time comes.

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"Sir," Riddhi started, introducing an elderly man, "He is the marriage registrar, who my brother appointed for the marriage."

Pillai looked at the man. The elderly man seemed genuine enough. But yet, he was to be properly questioned. The man didn't wait for it. Showing his certificate of practise, he showed Pillai the copy of application which was sent to him. Also the forms he had taken that day to them. And relayed everything happened there. Pillai read everything very carefully and listened to him.

"But the forms don't carry the name of the people to be married. And copy of the application is not proof enough." He said.

"The bride had written a letter to him before leaving." The advocate added.

Everyone remembered it now. "Where is the letter Dhriti?"

"I tore it in anger." Dhritiman grumbled hanging his head low. And everyone swore!

Tiya, who had paled enough with the mention of the advocate brightened again.

Riddhi gave handed him few papers that he had already kept on the table. "Sir, these are the receipts of caterer, venue and decorators, and the card printing shop."

Pillai took them and started checking. Riddhi took out few small card like things from his bag. "This is the sample menu card, that was to kept at the tables in the reception. The menu cards have been read 'Dhritiman weds Tiya. Check sir. This is sample of draft that was to be printed in the invitation cards too." He handed another card. None of them were able to come in person. But they promised to help if you call them in the given numbers in the receipts. You can also go to their shops."

Brilliant! What work the boy has done! Dhritiman suddenly felt a overwhelming love for his brother. Minerva seemed proud. But Riddhi didn't notice. He went on with his work.

"I couldn't see the photographer. He is busy with a wedding today. But his front office boy said, if you go there, he will able to help. His boss didn't like giving photographs and details of a wedding to others than his clients. Of course he will be happy to help the police. And he didn't know me. so..."

Riddhi paused to drink water. The constable who was in the periphery came up, "Sir, if you say I can go with my boys immediately to all these shops. Though I think we know this man is innocent, and the girl is trying to trap him."

Though Pillai didn't like the fact that the constable was suggesting him what to do, he didn't say anything. He knew he was right. He was sure Mr. Gupta was innocent. But still, when it came to such victims everything should be watertight. "You are right, Nair. Take these receipts and go to the shops to verify." Taking over the receipts, the constable saluted and left, yelling for the jeep driver.

"Sir.." This time Minerva spoke.

"Yes?"

"Dhritiman had tried to commit suicide when he came to know about Tiya. He was admitted to the city hospital. You can call and check. Also, he never forced himself on Tiya. We have no proof of that. But there are factual evidences. She left for Goa alone from here. And my husband left from Kolkata alone. They met at the hotel with other friends. Dhritiman why don't you tell them the name of the hotel you stayed in. They can verify. You said, Tiya checked in before you. You were five hours late."

Now that Minerva said, Pillai suddenly remembered around three and a half or four months back, they had got a call from the city hospital that a man has attempted suicide. He had sent his men to check. And they had come back with the report saying, the family didn't want to lodge any complaint, and the man was out of danger. So he hadn't delved further.

Riddhi too remembered, police coming to hospital and asking details. Brilliant Minu.. he chipped. She smiled back. Dhriti suddenly felt ashamed. What not his family was doing for him. His younger brother, his wife.. all because he had loved the wrong girl. How did he!

"Also sir.." Minerva started again, "Airport authority won't give us any details. But if you ask, they will definitely give you all the answers regarding Tiya's flee to Dubai."

Noooo! Tiya almost screamed. Her face went red. When she had complain, she had thought the police would write down her complain immediately and arrest Dhriti. And then she will blackmail them that if he returns to her, only then she will withdraw the compliant. She had prepared the neighbours accordingly. But she never thought they will come up with such proofs!

Losing all her temper and common sense she ran to Dhritiman.

"Yes, ran I away! Because at that time you were not the same person you are now. For so many years it was you who was dominating the relationship, and now suddenly she is pulling the strings? And why do I have to face the wrath when you are living the life happily having everyone's sympathy and love? My parents threw me out because I ran away from the marriage, and that girl is getting praises for saving you." Tiya had lost all senses of where she was speaking and in front of whom. Pillai was listening to everything with apt attention.

"And now that I want us to be together again, you are choosing this five feet nothing, shrewd girl over me? She who values nothing about family. Didnt you tell me that she left home at early age to persue her career? What guarantee is there she would not leave you for another person with higher ranks? She is nothing but a bloody social climber!"

"Enough!" Dhritman thundered. Enough he had heard.

"Not a word against her. You should have thought all these before running off."

"So, now you are speaking for her? You never did that for me! instead you said, I should learn to take a stand for myself!" Tiya suddenly turned to Minerva. "You witch!" And had just raised her hand but was stopped.

"You are not going to hurt her." Dhritman boomed holding her hand. "Come back to your senses. Have you gone crazy?"

"That's enough of drama."Pillai announced finally. "Ms. Tiya ydo you realise we can file a complaint against you for misleading us."

"Sir." The sub-inspector, who was not taking part in the conversation but was in the periphery, suddenly spoke. "Though there is cctv, I just recorded the whole thing in my phone."

"Great!" Ridhhi clapped.

"So sir, can we take him back home. I hope you have all the proof you needed for his innocence.?"

Pillai nodded.

"One minute sir." Minerva spoke suddenly. "I want to file a defamation suit against Tiya." Dhritiman and Riddhiman both looked at her in shock. They hadn't thought of it.

"For that you will have to contact a lawyer first. That's not out work."

"Excuse me." everyone turned at the new voice.

An elderly couple was standing at the threshold of the cabin. A constable came running, "Sir they didn't listen to me that you were busy, and when I was went to the toilet, they entered." Everyone knew who they were other than Pillai. Tiya's parents.

Not another drama.. he thought.

Tiya was stunned to see her parents there.

Tiya's parents looked at everyone one by one, and stopped at Dhritiman. "We are again sorry." They really looked ashamed. Next they turned to Minerva. The mother came near her and joined hands, "Please spare my daughter one last time. I promise I will take care for her. Please." She was on the verge of crying. Confused Minerva looked at her husband. Why the sudden change?

Dhritiman was about to say something but Riddhi took it on him. "You want us not to take a step against your daughter? Then let me be clear about one thing. I have friends in media, and a good reach in social networks. One wrong step from her, and I will expose her. Is that clear?"

The lady nodded in shame. Tiya gulped. None of her plans were working. She could do nothing but give up. God is so unfair.

The parents came to their daughter. "Enough you have spoilt our reputations. Now come to home, and we will see what to do with you." With that they dragged her out.

"Can we leave too?" Riddhiman asked Pillai. He nodded.

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"Babu.." Mrs. Gupta cried as she saw her older son returning. Everyone was overjoyed to see the trio.

Riddhi soon said everything that happened and everyone went ooh and aah about Minerva. But she felt her mother's cold eyes on her husband. "Not now mother. Tomorrow I will come to you." She whispered. Mrs. Roy though not happy, agreed. She was a sensible enough woman.

"Okay, you guys carry on, I will join you after I change." Minerva announced and left.

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Minerva changed and came out of the bathroom only to fine her husband waiting for her.

"Dhriti.."

"Minu.." and once again, she was wrapped into his arms. Tightly.

N.B: Hello! I know I am late. Sorry my lovies :( So, how is this chapter? i promised to end this fiasco in one chapter, so I did but it became a very very long one. Hope you are not bored. I wouldn't write much now. Already you have read much and will be bored. So tell me how is it?

Please share your views in the comment section. I am waiting to hear from you all. Did the chapter live upto your expectations. Do let me know. I am all ears. And also vote. I am waiting

 Thank you 

 All my love <3