Raanjhaana

1

The Ahmedabad District Court was buzzing with the hum of a packed crowd, but Kusum Patel barely noticed. Her focus was sharp, her files meticulously organized, and her mind set on one thing: winning. Representing the Bhatt family in a fraud case wasn't just another day in court; it was personal. This case could secure her reputation as a serious player in the legal field, and she wasn't about to let anything—or anyone—stand in her way.

She entered the courtroom with purpose, her crisp, navy-blue sari reflecting her usual blend of elegance and authority. But as she scanned the room, her confidence faltered ever so slightly. Standing at the defense table, looking entirely too comfortable in his tailored suit, was a tall man flipping through a file with an air of complete nonchalance.

Neil Kapoor.

Her heart sank as she recognized him. She'd heard of Neil Kapoor, the so-called "legal prodigy" who'd just come back from a flashy career in Mumbai. He was the last person she wanted to see across the aisle. Known for his charm, his unconventional tactics, and a frustratingly perfect win record, Neil Kapoor was a lawyer who enjoyed breaking rules—something Kusum despised.

As she took her seat, he looked up, catching her eye. His lips curled into a faint, cocky smile, as if he'd already won.

"Ah, so you're the infamous Miss Patel," he said, his voice smooth, laced with a hint of mockery. "I've heard about you. Quite the reputation for being... thorough."

Kusum's eyes narrowed. "And you must be the lawyer who believes theatrics are a substitute for facts."

Neil chuckled, seemingly amused by her jab. "Facts are great, but they're useless if you can't keep a jury awake long enough to hear them," he replied, folding his arms casually. "Besides, isn't it the result that matters?"

"Integrity matters," she retorted, forcing herself to keep her tone measured. "Something you'll understand if you plan on staying in Ahmedabad for more than a few days."

His smirk widened. "Believe me, Miss Patel, I have every intention of staying right here," he said, leaning in just close enough for her to feel her pulse quicken. "After all, I'm just getting started."

Before she could respond, the judge entered, calling the court to order, and she turned her attention to the case. But as the session progressed, her frustration only grew. Neil's style was insufferable. Instead of sticking to the facts, he wove in little jokes, leaned on the podium with irritating ease, and flashed that arrogant smile whenever he made a point. And the worst part? The jury was eating it up.

Kusum clenched her jaw, forcing herself to focus, presenting her arguments with precision and authority. But each time she scored a point, Neil would counter with a sly remark, turning her hard work into something he could twist and dismiss.

By the time the session ended, Kusum felt drained. She'd won small victories, but Neil had managed to deflect each one with maddening ease.

As she was gathering her files, he appeared beside her, that infuriating smile still in place.

"You put up a good fight, Patel," he said, sounding almost genuine. "You might actually make this interesting."

Kusum shot him a steely look. "I don't fight, Mr. Kapoor. I win. There's a difference."

Neil raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this. "So you think you'll win this case?" he asked, his tone taunting.

"I know I will," she replied, not backing down.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Confidence is good, Miss Patel. Overconfidence, however... Well, let's just say it makes things easier for me."

Kusum felt a surge of irritation rise in her chest. "I'd suggest you keep the gloating to a minimum until the case is closed, Mr. Kapoor."

"Suit yourself." He shrugged, still smiling. "Though it's a shame, really. You'd be fun if you weren't so uptight."

Kusum's eyes flashed. "And you'd be tolerable if you weren't so arrogant."

They held each other's gaze for a long moment, the air between them taut with tension. She could feel her frustration boiling over, yet something about his unwavering gaze and infuriatingly calm demeanor made her pulse race. She despised every second of it.

"Well then," he said finally, his voice softening. "See you tomorrow, Miss Patel."

Without another word, he turned and strode out of the courtroom, leaving her fuming and strangely flustered. She took a steadying breath, gathering her scattered thoughts as she reminded herself that this was only the beginning.

Tomorrow, she'd be more prepared. Tomorrow, she'd tear his defenses apart. And tomorrow, Neil Kapoor would learn that Kusum Patel wasn't someone he could just brush off.

But as she walked out of the courtroom, her determination was tinged with a strange sense of anticipation. Because deep down, she knew: Neil Kapoor wasn't just an opponent. He was a challenge—a challenge that, despite everything, she was almost looking forward to facing.