Two Weeks Later
The courtroom was tensed as everyone sat there in anticipation. Abhay was in the front while Saanchi and a new lawyer sat at the counsel table. Abhay and Saanchi were far but their eyes kept finding their way back to each other again and again.
The judge, a middle-aged woman with a strict demeanor, studied the case files Saanchi had provided before her.
After what felt like an eternity, the judge cleared her throat and began,
" After thoroughly examining the evidence presented and considering the testimonies, it is the court's decision to rule out the murder charge against Abhay Verma. "A wave of mixed emotions swept through the courtroom. Saanchi felt relief wash over her, while her family lawyer and the inspector frowned in disappointment. Abhay, on the other hand, sat there in disbelief, trying to comprehend what just happened.
He didn't know what Saanchi had presented as evidence as the inspector didn't allow him to contact her.
Saanchi had only asked him to trust her and soon she'll get him out of there.Even though his trust on her did waver for a bit that day, he knew better now. Even after the inspector and the lawyer tried to trick him later, he didn't budge.
Abhay waited for Saanchi.
And today, he is free!
The judge continued, " The evidence provided by Saanchi Banerjee supports the claim that Abhay acted in self-defense, protecting himself and Saanchi from an immediate threat. Therefore, this court declares Abhay Verma innocent of the murder of Anurag Bannerjee. "
Saanchi smiled but the tears of happiness finally rolled down her face. It wasn't just relief; it was the pent-up emotions that had been suffocating her since weeks.
A police officer uncuffed him and he ran towards Saanchi while she cried. Abhay wrapped his arms around and pressed her face against his chest.
" Hey, why are you crying? It's our time to be happy, Saanchi. ", he whispered while caressing her hair.
Saanchi managed to stammer through her tears, " I am happy, Abhay. It's just... the fear... is finally lifted. I was so scared I won't be able to get you out and... "
Abhay quickly shushed her up with a quick peck. The judge adjourned the court and everyone stepped out into the daylight. The light momentarily blinded Abhay but his eyes got used to it quickly.
Right then, the inspector approaches them. He was smiling but he was obviously frustrated.
" Well played Saanchi. I suppose luck was on your side this time because I did my best to ensure Abhay does not get to walk out freely, ", he grumbled.
Saanchi smirked, " Sometimes, it's not just luck but the truth that helps you out... ", she retorted before grabbing his hands and walking towards the cab that was waiting for them.
From a distance, the inspector observed Saanchi and Abhay walking away, their figures gradually merging in the background. The family lawyer approached him with a sour expression etched across his face.
" Can you believe it? Those two managed to slip through our fingers! " he exclaimed in frustration.
The inspector, however, maintained a professional demeanor. " It's not about what I believe or not believe. It's about the game, and they played it well... " he replied.
" Well, I still think they got lucky. ", The lawyer scoffed but on the other hand, the inspector was impressed by the way Saanchi and Abhay handled the situation.
" Respect the game, my friend. " he chuckled before walking towards the police car. The lawyer followed.
Inside the car, Saanchi laid her head against Abhay's shoulder. Their hands intertwined with each other.
" Are we going back to the Banerjee residence? ", Abhay asked and she shook her head, no.
" I'll never set foot there again. ", She muttered under her breath and he gently caressed her face. The warmth of his touch calmed her down.
" Then where do we go from here? I don't think I can go back to my hostel after being in jail for a week. Also I probably lost my job, so I don't have a place for us to go to right now... "
To his surprise, Saanchi laughed softly. " You don't have to worry about that, silly. We're going to your flat. "
Abhay's eyes widened in shock.
" I- I guess I never told you this but I don't have my own house. There's no flat... ", he confessed.
With a playful glint in her eyes, Saanchi explained, " You didn't have a house but now you do. I purchased a two bedroom flat in your name. It's near your college so you don't have to worry about a hostel anymore. "
Gratitude overwhelmed Abhay as he felt tears form. Saanchi cupped his face between her palms and wiped the tears away.
" But why did you buy a two bedroom apartment? ", he asked.
" Because I stay in one and you stay in the other? ", she raised her eyebrows.
" I thought we'll stay in one room! ", he replied with a smirk and Saanchi's face turned red. She playfully slapped him away from her.
They laughed while cuddling and kissing each other when his curiosity got the better of him. He stopped and questioned her, " But I still don't know how you proved my innocence? "
Saanchi's smile grew wider. " I'll tell you all about it when we get home. "
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