Abhira settled herself in the chair inside the courtroom waiting for prosecutor to arrive. To her utter shock and surprise the prosecutor was Sanjay Bansal.

Abhira was against the Poddars--again. After meeting Kaamini Jindal--her video of trying to make Kaamini understand was all over the Rajasthan news and she was almost blocked by some women. Her face was blacked and she was cursed.

Her house was targeted and women had pelted stones.

But she was determined. After the incident she had come to court to fight for the truth.

The only thing she was afraid of was that---she could be wrong because she was wrong earlier. She was against Kaveri and this had resulted in a massive divide between her and the family--and she had lost because her facts were incorrect.

She hoped for the truth to prevail, even if it was her defeat. She would be super happy if the truth prevailed.

Sanjay passed a smug smirk to Abhira and cleared his throat. The judge arrived and all stood up.

''Your Honor! This case is the most sensitive case and most important--as it involves our most precious and important gender--women.'' Sanjay began.

''My dear client Miss Kaamini Jindal had been harassed by her employee ,during office hours. The accused Mr. Shashank Mhatre had tried to touch her inappropriately and when she defended he tried to plead her not to shout.'' Sanjay painted a convincing picture of Kaamini as a victim, detailing alleged incidents of harassment and inappropriate behavior by Shashank.

''Objection You Honor--the accusations made by Mr. Bansal are incorrect and false.'' Abhira's voice echoed through the courtroom as she passionately defended her client, Shashank Mhatre. The atmosphere was tense as all eyes were on her, waiting to hear her argument.

The room fell silent as Abhira continued, her words cutting through the tension like a knife. "Your Honor, I am a woman, and I know how it feels when someone harasses. I have experienced it myself, and I took action. My client is innocent in this case."

"Shashank was a dedicated employee," Abhira pressed on, her voice unwavering. "He earned a salary of 30,000 rupees a month, which was later increased to 55,000 due to his hard work and success in securing a crucial deal for the company."

The courtroom listened intently as Abhira recounted the events that led to Shashank's downfall. "His salary was inexplicably reduced to 45,000 and then further to 25,000," she explained. "When he questioned HR about the sudden decrease, he was unjustly accused of negligence."

''I have some screenshots to prove. These are sent to Shashank from Miss Kaamini.'' Abhira presented a series of screenshots of transactions. The evidence painted a damning picture of manipulation and coercion.

A collective gasp filled the room as Abhira revealed the pivotal moment that changed everything for Shashank.

''Here is the report from the HR--My Lord. A minor mistake in a presentation cost him 30,000 rupees. The slides were not in order, but Shashank immediately offered to rectify the error within minutes."

"But he was denied this opportunity," Abhira continued, her voice ringing with indignation. "Instead, a week later, he was approached by Miss Kaamini, who made a despicable proposition."

The silence in the courtroom was palpable as Abhira delivered the final blow. "Miss Kaamini demanded that Shashank sleep with her to resolve the issue. This blatant abuse of power and harassment cannot go unpunished."

''Objection Your Honor! Abhira Sharma is defaming my client. Being a woman she is behaving like someone who doesn't have a heart---I am sorry but she is heartless. People say--a woman is the enemy of another woman--Miss Sharma proves it right!'' Sanjay objected.

"Your Honor, my client, Mr. Shashank Mhatre, is not the villain in this story. He is a victim of circumstances beyond his control, targeted for refusing to compromise his integrity. Let us not allow prejudice to cloud our judgment. The facts speak for themselves. I urge you to see through the smokescreen of lies and set things right."

''Prove it then Miss Sharma--how can a woman do this cheap thing?'' Sanjay asked.

''Well Mr. Bansal--its better to keep quiet. Not women are only sexually harassed. Men too experience it. And I believe that the questions are asked by me as I have an authority here'' The judge said.

Sanjay gulped and muttered an apology.

''For a moment lets believe that Shashank was targeted Miss Sharma--and if it is true then why did he not take action?'' The judge asked Abhira

''Because he is a well mannered man and he did not wanted to spoil the image of his boss and the company. He respects women and he gave her a second chance. But it seems like Miss Kaamini did not understand it. She used her gender to avenge her rejection. She loved Shashank and he was not ready to accept it because he loved someone and he had been engaged.''

''So you mean that Miss Kaamini loved Shashank one sided-ly?''

''Yes Your Honor''

Kaamini looked at Sanjay and gestured him to do something.

''Do you have any proof of it Miss Sharma? Your Honor--she is just twisting the case and giving it a new angle''

''I have a proof--Mr Sanjay. Your Honor, I request to call upon Mr. Digvijay Raisinghani in the witness box--if you don't have any objection''

The courtroom fell silent as the judge allowed Abhira to call upon Mr. Digvijay Raisinghani as a witness. Kaamini's eyes widened in shock, realizing that her past was about to resurface in the most unexpected way.

Digvijay Raisinghani, a well-respected businessman, entered the witness box with an air of confidence. His stern gaze swept over the room before settling on Kaamini, who had suddenly turned pale.

Abhira began her questioning, her voice steady and unwavering. "Mr. Raisinghani, do you by any chance remember Miss Kaamini, who used to work under your supervision?"

Digvijay nodded, his expression unreadable. "I do indeed. Miss Kaamini was a talented employee, but she had a tendency to blur the lines between personal and professional matters."
Abhira continued, "Can you shed some light on Miss Kaamini's relationship with you and the employees?"

A flicker of disgust crossed Digvijay's face before he spoke. "Miss Kaamini harbored unrequited feelings for me. It became apparent to me during a party where she tried to get close to me. However, I never reciprocated those feelings as I was already committed to someone else."

Kaamini squirmed, her facade of confidence crumbling. She had not anticipated this revelation from her past coming back to haunt her in court.

Abhira pressed on, "Mr. Raisinghani, in your professional opinion, do you believe that Miss Kaamini's actions towards you were driven by personal vendetta rather than any genuine accusation?"

Digvijay's gaze bore into Kaamini as he replied, "I am inclined to believe so. Miss Kaamini's tendencies to manipulate situations for personal gain were evident during her time under my supervision. It would not surprise me if her current actions stem from a similar motive. She had an eye on me earlier and when I did not give in she had threatened me but I had her voice recorded secretly. She liked men who were attractive, tall, fair--''

The courtroom erupted into whispers as Digvijay's testimony painted a damning picture of Kaamini's character. The judge, having heard enough, turned to Kaamini with a stern expression.

"Miss Kaamini, it seems that your past actions have caught up with you in a most unexpected manner. Your credibility in this case has been severely compromised. I suggest you reconsider your approach before this court reaches a verdict."

Kaamini's facade crumbled completely as she realized the weight of the situation she found herself in. Her attempt to manipulate the truth had backfired spectacularly, all thanks to a witness from her past.

''The court finds Miss Kaamini Jindal--guilty. She had tried to harass Mr. Shashank Mhatre and had falsely accused him of harassment-- the court charges Miss Kaamini Jindal with heavy fine  and asks her to apologise to Mr.Mhatre ''

As Miss Jindal after apologising, went away and  a sense of closure washed over the courtroom, a reminder that no one is above the law and that the truth will always prevail in the end. Mr. Mhatre, vindicated and victorious, left the courtroom that day with his head held high, ready to resume his peaceful life with the dark shadow of Miss Jindal's harassment finally lifted from his shoulders.

''Thank you so much mam!'' Shashank and his family thanked Abhira.

''WE WON BECAUSE WE WERE WITH THE TRUTH--AND I REALLY ADMIRE YOU FOR DEFENDING YOURSELF!''

The people dismissed and Sanjay with a poker face stood there watching Abhira smile.

Abhira ignoring Sanjay walked out with a huge smile plastered on her face.

It was her first victory.

HER FIRST VICTORY. But soon, her smile faded when she remembered Armaan. He would have been so happy for her. He would have jumped, clapped and had taken her out for an ice cream party.

''Armaan please come back. I miss you'' She muttered to herself---her chirpy nature fading.

---------------------------------------------------------------

''Do you want me to fight your case?'' Armaan questioned the man standing in front of him. He knew him because he was from his chawl. His neighbor next door.

''Yes--because you are the one who can stand against him''

''Who?''

''GAITONDE''

Armaan widened his eyes. The man was talking about Gaitonde who had come two days ago for the weekly collection.

''Gaitonde--the goon?''

''Yes''

''What has he done?''

''He has murdered my son! It has been three years!'' The man's voice echoed in Armaan's room.

''Wh..wh..what?''

''Yes--and he had easily escaped because he is backed by a rich man.''

''What about police?''

''They had their pockets filled with money--the one who was true was transferred. It has been three years son. No one came to my aid but when you fearlessly stood against him--I had hopes.''

''Ok uncle. I will fight for the truth. You just tell me the details and the police station where you had lodged a complaint''

''Sure''

Armaan sat down with the man and listened intently to every detail of the horrific incident that had shattered a father's world. The man's grief was palpable, and it fueled Armaan's determination to seek justice for the innocent life that had been lost. The corrupt system had failed him, but Armaan was ready to defy the odds and stand up against the forces of darkness that had shielded Gaitonde for far too long.

''Armaan, I have a daughter. She is the only child. I fear about her safety what if she is..''

''Nothing wrong will happen who follow the path of righteousness'' Armaan assured, ''And about your safety its my promise that it will remain with me and shall end with me''

''Thank you so much Armaan--May God give you what you dream. And may he keep you safe and sound. May all your wishes be fulfilled'' The man blessed him and went.

''YAAAHOOOOO! My first case--Abhira...'' Armaan stopped midway.

''Abhira---'' His lips muttered her name but he steeled himself.

''No Armaan--you have come so far--let it remain like this-you have to see Abhira happy--and when she will be with you, then you she will not remain  happy because your family will not let her stay in peace'' Armaan musing this to himself started preparing for the case.

'' But I have to visit the police station first, before starting . It will help me a lot'' Armaan said to himself. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Armaan made his way towards the police station. He wanted to meet the S.P.

''Is S.P sir here?'' Armaan asked a constable.

''S.P sir hasn't come but A.C.P is here for a meeting''

'Can I meet and have a talk-its very important''

''Who are you?'' the constable asked

''Advocate Armaan...Poddar'' He replied with a tone of disappointment in his voice.

''Ok the. A.C.P's room is in the left side.'' The constable told Armaan.

Armaan muttered a thanks and proceeded toward the office of ACP.

''Excuse me? Sir may I come in?'' He asked the ACP who was sitting on the chair, his back facing Armaan.

"Yes you may. Tell me how can I help you?''

The ACP turned to face Armaan and stood up from his chair.

Armaan saw the name plate on the chest of the ACP.

ACP ABHIR SHARMA.

----

Another update--because it was in drafts and I had already written this.

I will not be updating from tomorrow because of exams till 22 aug.

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK?

----

ABHIRA HAS WON HER FIRST CASE--AGAINST PODDARS.

ARMAAN HAS GOT HIS FIRST CASE AFTER his resignation from the firm.

drop in your lovely views!

:)