Always Only You

Part 19

Yesterday, Anjali had been relieved that the trial had been adjourned and she not had to testify. But today she stood again in front of the court. Today she would have to make a statement  and that made her nervous. But she was a big girl and would do it. She sat on a bench in front of the building with her grandfathers , waiting for to be called.

In the courtroom, Raman watched Subu hatefully. This bastard got on his nerves. Subu noticed the gaze of Raman and also of Romi, Bala and Mani.

Lakshmi watched Ishita with her left hand in Ramana's hand and the right one on her pregnant belly. Lakshmi did not want to doubt her husband,but she did not feel that Ishita was lying. Lakshmi wanted to shake off that idea, because that would mean Subu was lying and she did not want to believe that.

Ishita paid no attention to Subu. She held Raman's hand tight. His closeness gave her peace and calm and she needed that now.

In a preliminary discussion, the judge had warned Raman,not to freak out again. As the trial was interrupted the day before, Raman had to stand again in the witness box. Subus' lawyer stood with enough distance to Raman. He wanted to be sure that Raman could not strangle him or anything like that.

"Mr.Bhalla, Anjali was born ... well, let's just say ... not born healthy, tell us about it." the lawyer said uncertainly

"Anjali was born malnourished, because she was under-served. My wife suffered from a bad pregnancy sickness. She could not tolerate food without vomiting. She lost weight,instead of gaining weight and she had depressions."  Raman ran his fingers through his hair and sighed

"My wife was mentally and physically not well. She was very often in the hospital, inpatient and outpatient. It was a hard time for Ishita.! She was weak, sickly, and always looked pale. When Anjali was born ... Ishita was suffering from high fever and an infection in the room and could not go to her baby. " Raman looked at Ishita who was looking at him

"Anjali had to lie in the incubator for a few weeks and was nursed. At home, Ishita initially had fear of contact and guilty feelings, though none of what had happened was her fault. But everything was fine, Ishita lovingly cared for Anjali."Raman looked at the lawyer piercingly

"Yes my daughter was not born quite healthy, but that does not mean that my wife is a bad mother. I can not wish for a better mother for my children. Ishita loves our children over everything and would do anything for them. Anjali is a healthy, happy and smart girl and we are very proud of her and her siblings."

Raman looked to the judge..." I do not want to apologize for my yesterday's behavior because I would do it again anytime. I do not let my wife get dragged through the dirt. Ishita is the victim here and he the culprit and not the other way."

The judge looked at Raman and nodded

The lawyer got restless, somehow this was not in his favor. Even Subu got in doubt, he hoped that his mother's testimonies would help.

"Mr.Bhalla, is your name in the birth certificate of Anjali ?"

"Yes"

"Why"?

"When Anjali was born, I was married to Ishita, so my name is automatically in the birth certificate, because she was born in our marriage, but you should know that as a lawyer."

"Mmm ... yes, but legally, Mr.Chandran should be the father of the birth certificate, right"?

"Wrong!  Anjali was born at the time I  was married to Ishita, so that's legal. But who should Ishita register, in your opinion? Subbu? The one who raped her"?  The lawyer wanted to interrupt Raman, but Raman continued talking unaffected.