Lakshmi sat by the window, her fingers tracing the edge of a photograph—an old image of her smiling, standing next to her husband, Vedanth. It had been taken on their wedding day, years ago, before everything changed. Before the law she had devoted herself to had taken away the people she loved most.
The hum of traffic outside her apartment barely reached her ears. Her mind wandered back to a time when her life seemed so different—simpler, in a way. It was a time when she had everything—success, a loving family, and a husband who supported her unconditionally. But that world had been ripped away from her, leaving only grief and unanswered questions.
Flashback :
Vedanth had been an arranged match—someone chosen for her by her parents, as was common in their family. Lakshmi had never expected to fall in love the way she saw in movies, but over time, she grew to admire Vedanth's gentle nature and his unwavering support for her dreams. He wasn't the flashy type. He didn't sweep her off her feet with grand gestures or passionate speeches. But he understood her in ways no one else did.
Her parents, too, were supportive of her career. They had always encouraged her to pursue her dreams, especially in law, where she had excelled. They were proud of her accomplishments, even though they worried about the dangers of her chosen profession. Despite the pressures of her career, her home had been a place of peace, love, and simple joys.
One evening, after a long day at work, Lakshmi returned home to find her parents sitting together, sharing a cup of tea. Vedanth was there too, of course, the three of them having dinner together. They all shared a quiet joy in the little things—a good meal, a pleasant conversation. Her father, a former teacher, often spoke of how important it was to cherish moments like these.
"Life doesn't have to be about grand achievements," her father would say, his voice calm and steady. "It's the quiet moments, the family moments, that make it worthwhile."
Lakshmi had smiled, even as she felt the pressure of her cases weighing on her. "I know, Papa. But sometimes, those big cases need to be won for the little people who can't fight for themselves."
Her mother, always gentle, would add, "Your father is right, my dear. Work hard, but don't forget to enjoy the small joys in life."
Vedanth would look at her, his eyes soft and understanding. "Lakshmi," he would say quietly, "You already bring so much light into the world with your work. Don't lose sight of the light that's in here."
Lakshmi had never felt unloved, never felt abandoned. Her family had given her a foundation of love and warmth that made her strong, but also made her question her choices. They were everything she had, everything she needed—until that fateful day.
As her career flourished, Lakshmi became involved in a case that would change her life forever. The case was high-profile, involving a corrupt politician, a dangerous criminal syndicate, and a land deal worth millions. It was a case that drew her into the murky world of power, bribery, and hidden threats. She knew the risks, but she believed in the law, in justice. Little did she know, this case would push her into the darkness, leading to a chain of events that would cost her more than she could ever imagine.
Vedanth, ever the calm presence in her life, had been concerned from the start. He'd noticed the late nights, the pressure mounting on her. "Lakshmi, be careful. You're dealing with people who don't play by the rules. No case is worth losing everything."
But Lakshmi had been confident, almost too confident. She believed in the righteousness of her actions, and in her ability to make the law work for the innocent. She never once imagined that the forces she was up against were far more powerful than she could have anticipated.
