Unbinding Tradition

95. Drowning in Abyss 😔

Please; leave plenty of comments. Don't be a dumb silent reader! 😒🙄

The evening settled over the residence, casting long shadows across the grand living room. The air was calm, but a certain tension lingered-one that had not quite faded since the morning.

Jungkook sat on the large wooden couch, his posture relaxed but his mind heavy. Jung-guk was beside him, flipping through a newspaper absentmindedly, while Sumi played with Mani on the rug. The little girl's giggles occasionally broke the silence.

That's when the doorbell rang.

Raghu Kaka hurried to open the door. Standing at the entrance was a tall man in a crisp brown suit, a leather briefcase in hand-Jungkook's lawyer, Mr. Shekhawat.

Shekhawat- Collector Sahab. (he greeted, stepping inside with a respectful nod)

His sharp gaze flickered toward Jung-guk as well.

Jungkook straightened, gesturing for him to enter. Tae, who had been seated beside him, immediately stood up.

Shekhawat's presence alone sent an uneasy feeling crawling up her spine. Something told her this visit wasn't ordinary.

Jk- Please, have a seat. (he said, his voice firm but polite)

Shekhawat sat down, placing his briefcase on the center table. He unclasped it, pulling out a set of neatly stacked documents before looking up.

Jungkook turned to Tae.

Jk- Prepare tea for everyone. (he instructed)

Tae nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. She hesitated for a brief second before quietly making her way toward the kitchen.

As she reached the doorway, she turned slightly, her ears catching every word.

Shekhawat placed the documents in front of Jungkook.

Shekhawat- Are you sure, Collector Sahab? (his tone carried a hint of disbelief) You really want to surrender the case?

Jungkook picked up the papers, his jaw tightening. He flipped through them, the legal jargon blurring in his mind.

Jk- I've made my decision. (he said firmly)

Shekhawat- But why? (he leaned forward, his brows furrowed) This school-it's your vision. It would bring real change. We've already fought so hard-

Jk- Some things... (he interrupted, his voice colder now) are not worth the cost.

Shekhawat's eyes narrowed.

Shekhawat- Not worth the cost? (he let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head) With all due respect, sir, this isn't like you. You don't back down. You knew this battle would be difficult. If it's political pressure, we can-

Jk- It's not political pressure. (he cut in sharply)

Tae's hands clenched against her saree.

Jungkook exhaled, glancing at Jung-guk before speaking again.

Jk- You and I both know this case is not just about education. It's about power. The Sarpanch and his allies-they don't want the school because they fear losing control over the people. If we push forward, it won't just be a legal fight. It will turn into something... uglier.

Shekhawat studied him.

Shekhawat- You're saying it could become dangerous?

Jungkook's grip tightened around the documents.