Mannat's words echoed through the courtroom, each syllable a dagger piercing my reputation. "Your Honour, Subhaan seeks to divorce Ibadat, not solely due to his affection for me, but also because Ibadat's character is questionable. She has numerous boyfriends, a fact that substantiates her immoral behavior."

Subhaan's eyes widened, and his jaw clenched, but he remained silent. A lone tear escaped, betraying his emotionless facade. I stood motionless, my gaze locked on Subhaan, my heart racing with shock and disbelief. How could Mannat, my own sister, concoct such vile lies?

The courtroom's atmosphere thickened, heavy with tension. I searched Subhaan's face, desperate for reassurance, but his expression remained impassive. His silence was crippling, allowing Mannat's false accusations to hang in the air, unchallenged.

My mind reeled with questions: What drove Mannat to fabricate such malicious lies? Had Subhaan's feelings for her blinded him to truth and justice? Why wouldn't he defend me, tell the court that Mannat's words were baseless? Each passing moment intensified my anguish.

Tears threatened to spill, but I fought them back, refusing to show vulnerability. My gaze remained fixed on Subhaan, willing him to meet my eyes, to acknowledge the truth. But he avoided my gaze, his silence an unbearable weight.

The judge's voice intervened, breaking the oppressive silence. "Subhaan, please respond to these allegations." My heart skipped a beat as I awaited his answer, hoping he would clear my name. But Subhaan's reply was measured, cautious. "Your Honour, I seek divorce due to irreconcilable differences." No mention of my character, no defence against Mannat's slander.

Disappointment and sorrow overwhelmed me. Subhaan's neutrality felt like abandonment. The courtroom, once a sanctuary of justice, now seemed a cruel stage for Mannat's betrayal and Subhaan's indifference. I stood frozen, unsure how to respond, my heart heavy with grief.

In that moment, I realized I faced not only the dissolution of my marriage but also the destruction of my reputation and the fracture of sisterly bonds. Mannat's lies had created a chasm, threatening to engulf me. I stood alone, fighting for truth and justice in a battle that seemed increasingly hopeless.

"Ms. Ibadat any words to defend yourself." Judge asked my eyes still stucked on my husband.

I stood before the judge, my voice trembling with emotion, as I uttered words that would forever alter my fate. "No, Your Honour, I choose not to defend myself. If my own sister, Mannat, alleges I'm characterless, and Subhaan remains silent, then perhaps I am. Yes, I'm characterless. I've had numerous relationships, seeking fleeting joy. I married Subhaan, drawn to his physical allure, not his inner soul."

The courtroom fell silent, stunned by my declaration. Subhaan's eyes widened, his face pale. Mannat's smirk faltered, replaced by a mixture of shock and guilt. I felt a sense of liberation, yet simultaneously, despair washed over me.

Tears streamed down my face as I realized the weight of my words. I had surrendered to the lies, embracing a truth I never intended to reveal. My voice cracked, "I've lived a life of pretence, seeking validation in all the wrong places. If this is what they believe me to be, then so be it."

The judge's expression turned grave, his brow furrowed in concern. "Ms. Ibadat, are you certain you wish to make such statements?"

I nodded, defeat settling within me. "Yes, Your Honour. I'm done fighting."

Subhaan's gaze met mine, a glimmer of sorrow and regret flickering in his eyes. Mannat looked away, her shoulders slumped in defeat. The courtroom's atmosphere shifted, heavy with the consequences of my words.

In that moment, I lost myself, surrendering to the shadows of my past. The trial continued, but for me, it was over. I had convicted myself, and the verdict was heartbreaking.

The lawyer's venomous words sparked chaos.

"Your Honour, Ms. Ibadat is a woman of questionable character, profiting from immoral acts," he said.

Subhaan's swift punch sent the lawyer crashing down. "I hired you for divorce, not character assassination! I won't tolerate a word against her!"

I chuckled, helping the lawyer up. "Why punish him, Subhaan? He's parroting Mannat's lies."

The lawyer rubbed his jaw, stunned.

I continued, "And yes, I'm characterless. Many boyfriends, it's my profession. I entertain, making nights colorful."

Gasps filled the courtroom. Mannat's face contorted in shock.

I addressed the judge, unwavering. "Your Honour, I won't be silenced. Men rape, blaming victims' clothes. Girls refusing advances face acid attacks. History shows defeated kings' wives sent to winning kingdoms as spoils."

Subhaan's eyes locked onto mine, shock, regret and admiration mingling.

Mannat stepped forward, trembling. "Ibadat, stop! You're ruining yourself."

I smiled defiantly. "No, Mannat. I'm reclaiming my truth. Society may judge, but I won't be bound."

The judge's grave expression deepened. "Ms. Ibadat, clarify."

I stood tall. "I'm an adult entertainer, Your Honour. I've made choices, taking control. Don't condemn; understand."

Subhaan's silence spoke volumes. For the first time, acceptance flickered.

Chaos erupted. Whispers and gasps filled the air. Mannat wept.

The judge banged his gavel. "Order! The court adjourns to consider developments. Subhaan, Ibadat, prepare for consequences."

As the trial paused, liberation washed over me. Unshackled from expectations, I embraced truth.

"Your Honour," I added, "I demand justice, not judgment. Protect women from blame, shame and violence."

The courtroom fell silent, weighing my words.

"Your Honour, my husband seeks to marry my sister, citing religious permission for polygamy. But I ask: Can he truly justice both wives? Our religion emphasizes equality and fairness.

"If we proceed, and God blesses us with a child, what values will he teach? He can't protect his wife's dignity; how will he guide our child? He seeks divorce, and I'll grant it, but only if he publicly declares these allegations false.

"A relationship requiring compromise of self-respect is no relationship at all. It's a burden. I crave freedom from this toxic bond.

"Subhaan, you punched the lawyer for parroting Mannat's lies. Stand up for me now. Declare the truth. Defend my character."

(Turning to Subhaan)

"Prove your love for Mannat isn't rooted in lust, but respect. Support my dignity, even if our marriage ends."

(Turning to the judge)

"Your Honour, I seek divorce, not due to irreconcilable differences, but because my husband's actions compromised my self-respect. I deserve better."

(Firmly)

"I will not be silenced. I will not be shamed. I demand justice, equality and freedom."

"And one more thing, Your Honour. Having an affair with another woman while being married, is this right? Can't a wife show her husband the right path?

"If this is wrong, then I'm also wrong. But this man is equally characterless.

"Shouldn't we question whether Subhaan ever understood me, ever advised me with love? Did he respect my rights and dignity as his wife?

"My husband is cheating on me with another woman. Yet, I never questioned his character.

"Today, I say this relationship, this marriage, this love, is all fake. I want freedom, and I'll take it."

The judge's voice echoed through the courtroom, "Court's time has expired. We'll reconvene at the next hearing."

As the judge departed, I shot Subhaan a piercing glare. For a moment, our eyes locked. I saw guilt and regret in his gaze, but it was too little, too late.

••••••

Akhtar Mansion

I stood firmly, holding a wooden stick, blocking Mannat and Subhaan's path.

"Mannat, do you know why the Mahabharat war was fought?" I asked, my voice steady.

Mannat exchanged nervous glances with Subhaan. "I-Ibadat, what's this about?"

"Because a woman's dignity was shattered, and her loved ones remained silent, just like you, Subhaan," I declared, eyes locked on Mannat.

Subhaan stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Ibadat, please—"

I raised the stick, halting his approach. "No, Subhaan. You've been silent for too long. Today, I speak."

Mannat trembled. "Ibadat, forgive me. I was blinded by love."

"Love?" I echoed. "You call betraying your sister, your family, love? You conspired against me, Mannat."

Subhaan intervened, "Ibadat, stop. This violence isn't you."

"I'm not violent, Subhaan," I clarified. "But I'll defend my dignity, my honor."

With resolve, I declared, "Mannat, leave this mansion. Your presence is no longer welcome."

Tears streaming down her face, Mannat departed. Subhaan watched, helpless.

I turned to Subhaan. "Our battle is far from over. Choose: your loyalty to Mannat or respect for me."

Subhaan's eyes dropped, avoiding mine. "Ibadat, I—"

"Choose, Subhaan," I interrupted, my voice firm. "Your silence has already betrayed me. Now, speak."

Subhaan's jaw clenched. "I... I want to make things right, Ibadat."

"Right?" I echoed, incredulous. "You've shattered our marriage, our trust. What's left to make right?"

Subhaan took a step forward, hands extended. "I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust."

I laughed, a harsh, mirthless sound. "Trust? You've destroyed it. Now, I'll ensure my dignity remains intact."

With that, I turned to leave, the wooden stick still grasped firmly in my hand.

Subhaan called out, "Ibadat, wait!"

I paused, glancing over my shoulder. "Decide, Subhaan. Mannat or me. You can't have both."

I disappeared into my room, leaving Subhaan to ponder his choice.

The door closed firmly behind me, a symbol of my newfound resolve. I would no longer be silenced or betrayed.

I stand before Abbu's picture, tears streaming down my face. His warm smile and gentle eyes seem to comfort me, even in death.

"Abbu, I miss you so much," I whisper, my voice cracking. "Your guidance, your love... I feel lost without you."

As I speak, the room illuminates softly. Abbu's soul materializes, radiating warmth.

"Abbu!" I exclaim, overjoyed. "You're here!"

His gentle voice soothes me. "Beta, I'm always with you. In your heart, your memories."

I reach out, longing to touch him, but his ethereal form dissolves my doubts.

"Abbu, Subhaan and Mannat... they hurt me," I confess, tears flowing.

His expression turns stern, yet loving. "Forgive, beta, but prioritize your dignity. You deserve respect."

Resolute, I vow, "I will, Abbu. I promise."

Abbu's soul smiles, pride shining in his eyes. "Remember, your strength lies within. Love yourself, Ibadat."

As his presence begins to fade, I plead, "Abbu, don't go!"

His whisper lingers, "I'll always be with you... in your heart."

The room returns to normal, but Abbu's words and love remain, fortifying my resolve.

I take a deep breath, feeling Abbu's presence within me.

"Thank you, Abbu," I whisper. "I'll fight for my dignity, my happiness."

With renewed determination, I face the future, knowing Abbu's love and guidance will forever be my strength.

And i knew I had to break free.