Unbinding Tradition

87. Growing distance? 😔

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The air inside the courtroom was thick with tension, the scent of old wood and dried ink mingling with the musty heat that seeped in from the outside.

The large courtroom was dimly lit, the whirring ceiling fans barely making a difference in the oppressive air. The wooden benches were filled with murmuring spectators—some local villagers, a few elderly men dressed in white dhotis and turbans, and the wealthier landowners of the region who sat in the front row, their expressions unreadable.

At one side of the courtroom, Jungkook sat upright, his back straight, his face carved from stone. The beige uniform of the district collector sat crisply on his broad shoulders, the shining insignia on his chest a stark reminder of his authority.

Beside him sat Jung-guk, the sub-inspector, slightly more restless but mirroring his elder brother’s composed demeanor.

On the opposite side, the village sarpanch, a few influential landowners, and several local businessmen sat with their arms crossed, their eyes flickering with disdain toward Jungkook and Jung-guk.

They had been in opposition to the brothers since the moment the idea of a school had been proposed on the land where Jeon Haveli once stood.

At the judge’s podium, a middle-aged man in a white kurta and black coat adjusted his spectacles, his sharp gaze scanning the room. The court clerk stood beside him, flipping through thick stacks of yellowed legal documents.

The room quieted as the lawyers took their positions.

The Argument Begins

The lawyer representing Jungkook’s side, a man in his forties with a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue, stepped forward.

“Milord, the land in question has been lying vacant for years since the Jeon Haveli was demolished. It is but a barren piece of land, serving no purpose. My clients, District Collector Jeon Jungkook and Sub-Inspector Jeon Jung-guk, along with many of the village’s educated men, propose that this land be used for the construction of a school—one that will educate both boys and girls alike. Education is the key to progress, and our village deserves that opportunity.”

A murmur of approval rose from the side where some of the common villagers sat.

The opposing lawyer, a stout man with a thick mustache, smirked as he stepped forward.

“Milord, while my learned friend makes a passionate argument, let us not forget practicality. A school is all well and good, but what about the village’s infrastructure? What about trade, commerce, and connectivity? The proposal from my clients, including the respected Sarpanch and several landowners, is to construct a bridge over the river. This bridge will connect our village to the main city, allowing farmers to transport goods, allowing businesses to flourish.”

One of the wealthy men in the front row smirked as he leaned back, whispering something to the man beside him.

Jungkook’s jaw clenched. He had anticipated this argument. He leaned forward slightly, speaking in a measured yet firm voice.

Jk- Milord, I would like to remind the court that while a bridge might aid business, it will do nothing for the future of this village. The children here still struggle to gain proper education. The girls, especially, are deprived of learning because there is no school close enough for them to attend. A bridge will line the pockets of a few men. A school will change generations.

His voice echoed in the silent courtroom. The opposing lawyer’s eyes narrowed, but before he could speak, the judge raised his hand.

Judge- Enough. I have heard both sides. (his deep voice carried an authority that silenced the whispers among the spectators) This is not a decision to be made lightly. Education is important, but so is development. However, the arguments raised require further deliberation. The final verdict shall not be passed today. The next hearing is scheduled in a month’s time.