Bombay Romance ♡ COMPLETED

[ 26 ] How Can You Not Fall in Love? ■

'Hence, it is undoubtedly proven that my client has nothing to do with her daughter-in-law's suicide. That's all, your honour.'

The judge makes a quick note. 

'Cross-examination, Miss Hegde?' he looks at her, more as a formality. Junior lawyers never argue or conduct cross-examinations; they just assist their seniors.

Gauri takes a deep breath and stands up. 'Yes, your Honour.' 

The opposition lawyer, an old man with white hair, raises his eyebrows; this is unexpected. The woman looks tensed. She had been told not to worry since the devil Vidhya Bhushan would not be coming today.

It is one of the spacious courtrooms with high arched windows, and a wooden railed balcony along its perimeter. A large chandelier hangs from the centre of the ceiling. The judge sits atop the high bench. Advocates, defence and opposition, are seated along the long table. The common people waiting for their case sit in the public gallery; Amarnath is among them, in the last row.

'Could you tell me how many days has it been since your son got married?' Gauri asks the woman at the witness box.

'Five months.'

'Okay, where did they go for their honeymoon?'

'Objection your honour,' The opposition lawyer stands up immediately. 'Miss. Hegde is asking out-of-context questions'

'It is completely within the context, your honour.' Gauri states calmly. 

'Objection overruled,' The judge says. 'Continue.'

Gauri bows gratefully and turns to the woman. 'Answer me, please.'

'They ... they didn't go anywhere.'

'Why not?'

'Because ... my son was busy.'

'Is he that busy? What is he?'

'He's ... a clerk ... in Pune Collector office.'

'They did not go because you didn't allow them to. Am I right?' Gauri looks at her sternly.

'N-No...no... not lik...'

'Hmmm ... please note this point, your Honour. And why didn't Swati go to Pune and live with her husband?'

The woman fumbles, looking at her lawyer and back at Gauri. 

'Things will be easy if you say the truth yourself.' Gauri says carefully.

'She was our bahu. If she goes away then who will take care of us?'

Gauri clenches her teeth and wants to strangle the woman right there. But all she says is, 'Please note this, your Honour. Tell me, did you write letters regularly to your son?'

'Yes'

'What about Swati?'

The woman nods.

'Who would post the letters written by her?'

'She only.'

'Are you sure?' Gauri raises her eyebrows.

'Haan.'

'Which post office would she post it in?'

' In ... in Borivali west.'

'Okay. A couple of people who work there are here now. Will you tell the truth or should I ask them to come in as a witness? They'll let the court know if they've ever seen her around the post office.'

Amarnath grins, positive that it is an on-spot made-up story.

'M-My daughter,' The woman says, sweating. 'She posts it ... while going to college.'