THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

42-REDEMPTION

OMNISCIENT

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. The bustling city soon resumed its activities as the weekend was over. Males and females outfitted in a combination of black and white corporate clothes matched in groups towards the gigantic building ahead.

Cars were neatly lined up, all searching for a place to park. Paparazzi awaited the highly anticipated presence of the many influential figures who trooped inside the building.

It was no news that the ex-IG was involved in various criminal cases and is to face trial alongside two of his victims, Engineer Muhammad Babangida and Mr. Salman Bukhari. Amidst the controversy such news caused, further digging brought about the prosecution of Humaira Muhammad Babangida on charges of sexual assault and slander of her niece's husband, and cyberbullying of her niece, Sumaira Muhammad Babangida.

The entire nation was sent into an uproar, and all eyes did nothing but blink while awaiting Monday, the day of the first, and hopefully, final trial. Legal practitioners from all over the world declared their intention to attend and scrutinise the case, especially when it was announced that the defending lawyer was the unparalleled Barrister Nabila Abbasi and the Judge was none other than Junaid Haroon Baghdad.

Arguments arose from various regions, some saying the suspects would no doubt be freed due to their lawyer, while others remained neutral, knowing the influence of the Grema family and how easily they could source a lawyer from another part of the globe.

"We've arrived," The chauffeur announced to the couple at the back of the black Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Maheer glanced at the luxury cars both in front and behind them, and once he was sure that the rest of the family members had alighted, he grabbed his wife's sweaty arms.

"What if... he's released? My father is never one to give up easily, he'll never go down alone, he enjoys dragging others with—" Sumaira placed her free hand on her mouth, her chest heaving lightly.

Maheer's eyes softened at his wife's apprehension. He gently pulled her into his broad chest and patted her veil.

"Over the weekend, I managed to gather all the intel I could on our lawyer. And from what I know, I can assure you that it'll be a miracle to lose to Nabila. And if at all we do, I'll take care of things in my way," She visibly shuddered as he ended his speech.

"That won't be necessary. I'm sure Suhayl will get the job done," She cracked a laugh that elicited a hearty chortle from her husband.

"Now let's get this over with," Sumaira's eyes followed her husband's every move as he alighted the car and spoke to the rest of the family members.

In a world that stood against her, he was the only one who believed in her, the sole person who single-handedly proved to everyone she was no monster. She, too, was a human with feelings.

Dalila, Aarif, and the Gremas were instantly swarmed by a horde of reporters. Maheer hastily evaded them and rushed back to the car. With a pull of the door handle, he opened it, his once tepid expression contorting into something softer, reassuring even. Sumaira slid her hand on his and emerged from the car, the wide smile on her lips disappearing as the reporters approached them.

"ASP Sumaira, is it true that you suffered years of domestic violence from your father?"

"Maheer Sir, you were said to allegedly fabricate your mother-in-law's death, may I ask why?"

"ASP Sumaira, the world wants to know if you were forced to marry your husband just for his riches,"

The last statement halted Sumaira's movements. Her husband's grip visibly tightened around her, but she ignored that, her chest heaving. No amount of training could prepare her to face that reality, and she never cared to bring up what occurred.