Hope to Love

Chapter 28 - Death Hike!

Avni

Being in court is a difficult task. No matter how many times you visit the place, you can't get used to it.

The people roaming around in black coats are no less than ghosts for me. I manage to stand straight, trying to understand what's being said without showing my true feelings.

Grandma and my uncle are sitting on the chair, while I'm standing next to Grandma's chair. Standing makes it easier for me to avoid our lawyer, Adv. Kadam. He's still attempting to make me reconsider my decision.

Actually, he was almost successful in making me say it, but at the last moment, I realized what the legal jargon he was using actually meant.

I despise that person. I don't care if he is helping us or not. I just don't like how he always plays with words.

He hands Grandma some papers to sign, and I take them from her to read carefully. It bothers both our lawyer and my uncle. I don't let it affect me and thoroughly read the document, googling the words I don't understand.

Initially, I used to ask the lawyer, but the way he looked at me as if I'm some petulant child throwing an unreasonable tantrum got on my nerves, and I've since preferred Google to the lawyer my uncle found us.

"My time will cost you dearly, Better not waste it." Adv. Kadam says, irritation lacing his tone.

I flinch, and warmth spreads through my body as my anxiety spikes. I take a deep breath and continue my perusal of the document.

He scoffs, "I don't need to steal from you." And chuckles while I try hard not to cry in front of anyone.

I push the embarrassment aside and focus on the task at hand. I can't trust anyone. It's frustrating, yet I need to be careful.

Not only mine but also Aarav's life depends on my actions. One mistake, and we'll have to face the consequences. We have gone through enough already.

Only when I am certain of everything do I make Grandma sign the paperwork.

"Next time, I'll send the documents to your home, Mr. Mehta. It will save my time and your money." Adv. Kadam says to my uncle while his glare settles on me.

I ignore the uneasy feeling and smile, thanking Adv. Kadam before helping Grandma and taking her home.

On our way home, my uncle glares at me, unhappy with whatever I did. I'll have to deal with the consequences of standing up for myself.

I always have to.

Among all the things happening around me in my life, depending on Mehtas is the worst of all. Asking my uncle for money to pay Aarav's fees was the worst thing I had to do in the last two months. Fortunately, my yearly fees were paid at the time of admission, so at least that's a relief.

His attitude while giving me money is also the reason I loathe myself for being reliant on him or anyone else, as a matter of fact. I was not raised like this. I can't bow to someone else's will. I hate that his looks and my aunt's attitude make me feel so helpless.

I tried to persuade my uncle to allow me to do a part-time job or at least start Papa's shop and workshop on weekends. But he denied it, saying I only need to concentrate on my studies and nothing else.

Luckily, Grandma had talked to our community trust, and they were providing the basic groceries and some extra money to her every month. That was somewhat helpful, as I didn't have to ask for money from Mehta's for household expenses. The trust people are nice; they don't give us the same shitty attitude as our relatives do.