Astha was discharged from the prison Hospital and sent back to remand custody. As directed by SSP Kannar she was kept in a separate cell with Sunny. Who by the way was still waiting for the court to appoint her a lawyer. She was found selling Marijuana at a popular night club.
Sunny was glad to be put up with Astha. Even more glad to see her well. She had been genuinely worried about the tiny girl. Who seemed to have more goodness in her than all the people she's ever come across. She found out about her from the other cell mates. And she didn't think even for a second Ashta was guilty. She knew she had to be set up by someone. She was being framed.
Astha once again walked in to the dreaded place. Her heart started to beat so fast she felt the whole building would begin to shake. What awaits her fate this time around? But she was determined to walk along the road with her own two feet. Not let someone else drag her along the way.
She had earlier forfeited her right to have a lawyer representing her. She was informed by Filo that she has been rendered homeless as well by Lawrence. And that all the accounts have been seized. She wouldn't be able to pay the retainer even if she wanted to hire a lawyer. Unless they were willing to represent for free. She decided to take her chances with her. She knows her the most. She had no idea as to what everybody else has been planning for her. She didn't know that Mary was kept under the same roof as her. In two days time the court proceedings was to start.
She was led to the almost empty cell. It smelled little less appalling. There was a single rattan mat on the floor, a plastic cup and plate and a familiar face. Sunny got up as soon as she entered the cell. Came up to her and hugged her. Astha needed that more than anything else. She loved to be hugged. She loved it when ever he used to hug her from behind. It was the best feeling ever. It was her favourite place to be. To be embraced not only by his love but his warmth and safety as well. She never felt more safer.
"How are you sweety?" Astha was back in the real world again.
"I'm ok. Thank you Sunny" she said. She believed what she said.
"I'm glad. You look ok to me as ell. I'm very proud of you. You're doing the right thing. The only way forward is to keep moving. Don't look back" sunny knew it more than anyone else. Although her life hasn't been anything but ok. But she's been chugging along. She didn't have a choice.
Astha knew she was talking with both regret and hope. Little later Sunny told her life story. How she an American came to be locked up in a Mumbai prison cell.
She had it all. Almost. She was divorced with four amazing kids, eldest son Mark 17, Mandy 15, Megan 10 and the youngest son Michael 7. She an accountant. One day as she retuned from her daily morning jog all was taken away from her. Her precious babies had been shot dead while they slept by her ex-husband their own father. And he had killed himself. She had tried to keep going. But the pain was too much to bare. She questioned everyday why not her? Why just her kids? And she failed to understand why? Her life took nosedive from then on. And one thing led to another she lost her job her house was repossessed by the bank when she failed to pay the mortgage instalments. She had come to india to meditate and for few months she had done it actually at an ashram in Varanasi. And now she's here. She didn't seem to care.
Astha remembered what SSP Kannar said...worst things happen to people and they still go on living. Getting kicked in the stomach ain't that bad. She had proof. She lost so much more than her. But she's still living. Trying to help others.
Astha knew God was sending her messages. Urging her to live to have hope. Who is she to deny Gods wish. With each passing moment her will to live and to make decisions for herself became stronger. Everyone around her seems to be urging her, edging her along the way as well.
Sunny treated her like a daughter even though she was just 42. She looked older. The five years she's lived since loosing her babies has been like five lifetimes. She looked tired and defeated. Looking at Sunny she couldn't but imagine this could've been her few years down the line and had SSP not spoken to her the way he did. She felt as if she owed her life to him. SSP Kannar was her saviour. Her guardian angel.
Shlok found it next to impossible to stay under the same roof knowing she's probably starved and uncomfortable. Afraid and lonely. And there wasn't anything he can do about it. He just took off without informing anyone. He was being suffocated. After driving aimlessly finally his Mustang came to a halt. He got out of the car reluctantly. How circumstances change in matter of days. He realised when he saw the old decaying chapel. The last time he was there she was with him and he had never been more happier. Today he was at his worst possible state. Paralysed with guilt and wallowing in regret.
He remembered her pulling his hand to come inside and sit with her even if he didn't want to pray nor believe in God. He wished if only once he gave in to her plea. He slowly walked inside. He remembered his mother. Holding her hand and coming for Sunday Mass. He missed his parents. What ever said and done he's here where he is because of them. They gave him a sound education. Gave him the best of everything that money could buy. He had always been very angry at them, but today he wished to be 12 years again.
When parents say one day when you have a child of your own you will understand. Shlok sitting in that dusty old bench realised what they were trying to say then. The last words he said to his father was "go to hell! I don't give a damn about what you want" almost ten years back when he returned from America to attend his mother's funeral and refused to go back and complete his MBS and joined the Police Academy.
His life seemed to be playing right in front of him. There were many things he wished he had done differently. Two things will haunt him for ever. Both times he lost his own flesh and blood.
First being about a year after his mother's death his dad's then wife had called him saying he's had a heart attack and he really wants to see him. He thought he was just trying to to trick him. Few days later he passed away. And didn't even get to do his last rights. But he had left all his money and all his properties to him. He hated what that money did to them.
The next time was like history repeating itself. She called he didn't believe her, and he lost again. No funeral no last rights not even a grave. He failed them, his girls.
There's nothing he can do to change what has already happened. All he can do is shape up his future. Their future. Together or separately. They both will live. Now his only priority was clearing her name and unburdening herself from this mess. To put a stop to this nightmare. He wanted to be angry at someone. He's been angry with God. He blamed it all on him. But that moment sitting alone he realised he made all those choices. No one but him. He stopped praying long time ago, when his parents divorced. Blamed everyone else but him for his misery. Not anymore. Having a child does change everything. He almost did but the impact is nothing less. He thanked his baby for putting things into perspective. He should loose it all. For he lost it all. He was not interested. So it's only just that everything be taken from him. He's not worthy of their love. He was not ready for their love. To be loved so unconstitutionally. They were too good for him. He reiterated his fate.
It was Thursday the 11th of December, 81 days or almost 2 1/2 months since Mr. Stanley James Almeida was brutally murdered by two unknown assailants at his own mansion they were to start the proceedings to find out who? and why?
The court room was buzzing like a beehive. The press was allowed but cameras and phones or any type of recording device was not allowed. Lawrence and Sylvia was present with their team of lawyers headed by the notorious Mr. Manav Garg. SSP Kannar was present with his two puppies, Shlok and Arjun. Shlok was to give a statement.
Few minutes later the the court room was silenced with the emergence of a frail figure accompanied by two female constables. Everyone stopped what they were doing stopped what they were saying. She commanded their total and undivided attention. She walked like a warrior princess heading to battle. She looked straight. Didn't look down. Dressed in a off white below the knee dress. With her hair tied neatly in a ponytail nude pumps and no cow bling. She was ready for battle.
She walked towards the centre and was showed by the court clerk where she was to sit. She sat there alone. She could feel all eyes on her. None more so than his. It's all gonna come down to this. What ever she says and does will decide her future. It was hers to make it or break it. She knew he, Arjun and SSP will be supporting her. Willing her on to fight. She wanted SSP Kannar to be proud of her. She looked at him and he gave her a nod and a faint smile.
While she sat alone the other table with its mini law firm present was a buzz. Whispers and papers being tossed and shifted from one folder to another. They looked important but lost.
She on the other hand looked calm as a cucumber. Focused and unfazed by the situation. Shlok's heart skipped a beat when saw her again. Almost a week since he last saw her. She looked more than any thing determined. And he was glad to see that. The Honourable Judge Shabnam Ali Khan was to see through the proceedings. As she took her seat she looked at SSP Kannar and smiled at him and to the utter surprise Mr. Toothless Tyson smiled. "He's got teeth" whispered Arjun to Shlok. They used to joke that the reason he never smiles was he's lost all his teeth boxing. Arjun nudged Shlok. What is with beautiful women and Tyson. No body's spared by his rigid charm. Both Arjun and Shlok were left thinking. They were told of the rumour when they found out it the presiding judge is Mrs. Shabnam Ali Khan. It was rumoured that even though she was four years senior to Tyson when she worked as the public prosecutor many years back they were an item. Romantically involved. But whose gonna ask him. Even if you ask the judge and risk getting arrested was better than asking Tyson and getting killed with his mere look. May be his Janie Girl could find out for us. Arjun had joked with Shlok.
She was known to be a very strict judge who does not entertain any sort of showmanship in her court room. "This not a drama class so keep the theatrics to yourslef. No second warnings. This is the first and the last. You break the rules and you'll be held for contempt of court and removed from my court room. I don't want any of you young men to play to the galleries. Do we undressing each other? " said the Judge. Both
Astha and the prosecuting Lawyers team acknowledged.
First up was the prosecution team to call for witnesses. Detective Agnihotri was called to the witness stand. He was sworn in " I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help me god"
Shlok has done it enough times to know what they were getting at. To find the state of Mrs. Almeida, the grieving wife whose just lost her husband.
He first explained arriving at the scene of the crime. And the investigation. Mr. Garg, stood up walked up to Shlok and asked "Detective now how would you describe Mrs. Almeidas' state"
"Why don't you read my well documented written report Mr. Garg. I have explained in detail my findings"
"Oh! I did Detective, but I'm sure the court would like to know it too. Please enlighten us all"
"In case you didn't notice I'm not Baba Ramdev to enlighten anybody. I'm just a Police officer doing my job"
"Boys, stop the school yard histrionics and get to the point. Mr. Garg I agree with Mr. Agnihotri and unless you're suffering from Aphasia I say get to the next question"
"You're Honour this goes to explain the state of the accused. Mr. Agnihotri was the first to arrive at the scene and see and speak to the accused"
"I was not the first to speak nor interact with Mrs. Almeida it was the first respondents, the paramedics. And if you had read the report you would've noticed that Mr. Garg" Shlok said not trying to hide his displeasure.
"Let me rephrase the question to you Detective. Do you think in your expert opinion that Mrs. Almeida was pretending to be upset and was putting up an act"
"In case you didn't notice my profession, I'm a detective not a behavioural Analyst. And not in my expert opinion but general knowledge of people, No she was not putting up an act nor was she pretending. If she was then she should be given an Oscar for her flawless performance"
"Your honour I like it to be known that the witness is being hostile" said Mr. Garg.
"Mr. Garg, I'm not going to reprimand him for having an attitude and a brain. Learn to deal with it. Did you get a satisfactory answer?"
"Yes your honour" came the simple answer.
Then he came up to Shlok with the surveillance pictures. He handed over a folder to the judge as well. "Let this be admitted at evidence. Mr. Agnihotri, please take look at these pictures and tell me so you see the female in these pictures in this courtroom" said he handing Over the pictures to Shlok.
He just took a casual look at the pictures and the next moment looked at her. She looked at him too at that very moment. She looked away instantly. "Yes And no. It could be anybody whose five feet tall and about 50kg. Fair in complexion" Shlok said looking at her. She kept looking at the papers on her table. But she felt his gaze on her. There was no denying it.
"Mr. Agnihotri, so you don't deny the fact that its possible that it could be Mrs. Almeida in this pictures"
"Your honour I object, prosecution is leading the witness"
"Objection sustained. Mr. Garg... You know the rules. Stick to them" she said looking at Astha. She sure seemed very impressed with this tiny girls guts. And knowledge. She had been worried about her when she said she's representing herself. She still wasn't convinced but less worried. Not just a pretty face in designer wear. She's got a good head on her shoulders as well. She gave her a reassuring look.
Your honour I have no further questions for Detective Agnihotri at this moment. Mrs. Almeida he's all yours. May be you'll have better luck with him" he said walking back towards his table.
She suddenly lost her composure. He's all yours. What was he saying? She kept looking at him unable to decide what she should do or say next. Seeing her flustered state Shlok felt helpless. He couldn't say anything nor do anything. Finally the judge spoke "Mrs. Almeida! He's yours now, you can cross examine Mr. Agnihotri. Do you have any questions"
"No your honour" she finally managed to say.
"Mr. Agnihotri you may step down. But remember you may be called in at anytime. So make sure your available when needed" the judge excused him.
"Mr. Garg, call you next witness to the stand"
He stood up took few steps towards the middle of the courtroom once more with more purpose and pomposity said "Your Honour I call upon Mrs. Almeida to the stand" with that there was buzz in the room once more. No one was expecting her to take the stand so early. Specially not
Shlok. He instinctively looked at SSP Kannar. He tried to look calm. But he too was taken by surprise. This is why you need someone who knows the law to represent you. They were not allowed to talk her. SSP Kannar looked at his old friend for assistance and she understood.
"Mrs. Almeida, if you're not prepared you can ask for continuance" came the helping hand from the judge.
Astha stood up. There were oohs and wispers. "Your Honour! Thank you but I'm ready. I have nothing to hide" saying she walked up to the witness stand.
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