Chapter 69 #4
Shaurya stood respectfully. "Yes, Your Honour.
I was on my way to the party office when I noticed the commotion.
Only upon approaching did I realize that it was my sister-in-law being harassed by her husband outside the school.
I was there solely as a concerned brother-in-law, not in any official capacity.
I would have acted the same way for any woman of my family or outside it, regardless of my position. "
His voice carried quiet conviction.
The judge nodded again, his expression thoughtful.
After hours of arguments, evidence submissions, and testimonies, the courtroom fell into heavy silence as the judge began delivering the verdict.
"This court has carefully examined all evidence presented," he began. "The respondent, Dilip Gandhi, has demonstrated a consistent pattern of addiction, financial irresponsibility, criminal behavior, and emotional as well as physical harassment toward the petitioner."
Dilip's confidence visibly crumbled.
"The video evidence clearly shows intimidation and an attempt to forcibly remove a minor child. Medical and financial records confirm neglect during pregnancy and abandonment of basic responsibilities as a husband and father."
He paused before continuing.
"Therefore, this court rules in favor of the petitioner, Suman Dikshit."
Suman's breath caught in her throat.
"The Court hereby grants the petition for divorce.
Permanent custody of the minor child, Harsh, is awarded exclusively to the petitioner, the mother.
The respondent is restrained from contacting or approaching the petitioner or the minor child in any manner, directly or indirectly, without prior permission from this Hon'ble Court. "
Dilip's face drained of color.
"And given the severity and repeated nature of his crimes," the judge added firmly, "this court sentences Dilip Gandhi to ten years of imprisonment."
The gavel struck.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Suman broke down — not in fear this time, but in overwhelming relief. Akansha held her tightly as years of pain finally began to loosen their grip.
Harsh clung to his mother, confused yet sensing safety for the first time.
Shaurya remained silent, standing at a respectful distance. There was no celebration on his face — only quiet satisfaction that justice had been served without the shadow of power or influence.
As they stepped out of the courtroom, whispers followed him again — but this time not with suspicion.
They spoke of a Chief Minister who entered humbly, spoke respectfully, and let the law stand above his position.
And for Suman, the battle that had defined years of her life had finally come to an end — not through power, but through truth. She knew, deep down, that none of this would have been possible without her Di and her Jiju.
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Shaurya went straight back to work from the district court, while Akansha, Harsh, Suman, Vasant, and Jaya headed home. On their way, Akansha informed Akash, who immediately lit up with joy and declared that they should all celebrate with a party. Akansha's unexpected agreement surprised everyone.
Akash had endured a great deal because of Dilip Gandhi.
Despite being an IAS officer, he had been powerless to fully protect his sister from that leech, who kept resurfacing whenever he was released from jail, making their lives a constant headache.
The news of his sister finally being free from Dilip Gandhi's menace brought him immense relief.
Once home, Akansha and Mrs. Sudha started preparing for the party. Akansha sent a message in the family group, and Rajnath and Dev replied that they could only come after 12, taking a longer, unexpected route. Akansha agreed and decided to start the party later.
Shaurya arrived home early that day. The children were ecstatic, running around with joy, taking in the decorations, balloons, and party poppers, while playing with their new best friend, Pogo.
All the while, the pet sitter ensured Pogo didn't go near Akansha, as Shaurya had explicitly instructed during the hiring interview.
It almost felt as though the CM's wife was as cautious of dogs as the CM was of her.
"Jiju..." Suman approached Shaurya, who was repairing the car that Siya and Harsh had broken.
"Yes, Suman... All okay?" Shaurya asked, setting the car aside. Suman stayed silent, but her expression was enough for him to understand that she wanted to talk about today's court hearing.
"I'll repair it. Meanwhile, you both go and play with other things," he said. The kids nodded and left.
Noticing Suman's serious expression, Akansha walked over.
"Jiju... Thank you so much... I have no words.
.. I never thought I'd get rid of Dilip Gandhi.
I never thought I could have my son with me without fearing he'd be snatched away.
I thought I'd have to live with that fear, I thought I'd have to endure Dilip Gandhi for all my sins against you, di, and especially Aakriti, but you saved me, helped me despite everything.
.. Th... Thank... Thank you, Jiju..." Suman's voice broke as tears streamed down her face.
"Suman... Come on, everything is okay now.
You're fine. Harsh is fine, and he will have a great upbringing.
We are family; I will not let you face any difficulties.
Akansha and I are with you. And regarding the case, I did nothing—Dilip Gandhi's own sins and your strength destroyed him.
You deserved to be happy, and from this day forward, I want to see only a smile on your face.
No more tears. Understand?" Shaurya said.
Suman nodded, a tentative smile breaking through.
"I was scared Dilip would cause problems for you... Jiju... Harsh and I will leave for our hometown in a few days... Mummy papa will stay here to help di..." Suman said. Shaurya understood her fear—she worried about potential trouble for him or Akansha because of her.
"Will you shut up? I'm the elder one, and I can handle myself. I don't need mummy papa's help; you do. And hear me carefully—you and Harsh are not going anywhere soon. Don't overthink it, understood?" Akansha said, glaring at her sister.
"Di... Please try to understand... Harsh is missing school too," Suman tried to reason.
"He will study here... with Siya," Shaurya said, glancing at Akansha for her permission. She blinked approvingly, happy that her sister would stay in the same city as her. With Akash living in the capital too, Suman's parents being nearby would make caring for her siblings easier.
"Jiju... You're generous to offer that, but I don't want to be a burden to you or di. I've caused enough damage to your lives already," Suman said.
"How many times should I tell you to forget the past, Suman?" Akansha scolded, but Shaurya gently held her wrist to calm her.
"Akansha... Calm down and take a seat," he said softly. She obeyed, sitting beside him.
"Suman... You don't have to live in this house if you don't want to.
Live near us. This city has a lot to offer, both for you and Harsh.
Don't make decisions about Harsh's life weighed down by past mistakes or guilt—it would be unfair to him.
Think with double responsibility: you are both mother and father to Harsh.
Fighting for your son is only the first step; there's a whole war ahead, and I want you to win it.
I want Harsh to have the same exposure and opportunities as Siya," Shaurya explained.
"That's kind of you to think so, but it's not practically possible.
I'll work hard for Harsh, but I'm not educated or skilled enough to get a high-paying job.
I can't afford this city or those schools.
I don't want to take your help; I want to raise Harsh with my hard-earned money.
Please understand me," Suman said. Akansha looked at her sister with pride—finally, Suman was valuing independence and self-reliance.
"But who said you're unskilled? You cook wonderfully.
.. bake beautifully... why not start a small bakery or café?
Alongside it, you can continue tailoring.
Customize it like a designer boutique. You have excellent fashion sense; put it to use.
You don't need posh language—your skill speaks for itself," Akansha said.
"And you won't have to depend financially on anyone.
Our government provides interest-free loans to women to support small businesses.
You can easily get one... and if that isn't enough, your sister and brother will invest in your business—not as charity, but betting on your skills.
We'll share your profits if you succeed," Shaurya added. Akansha nodded approvingly.
"Di... Jiju..." Suman began, hesitant but intrigued by the idea.
"Don't answer now. Take time and think thoroughly," Akansha advised.
"I agree with all this, but any business needs customers. Drawing them will be difficult," Suman expressed her concerns.
"Oh! Don't worry. Your Jiju will be your brand ambassador. He's excellent at creating spectacles and is an experienced player," Akansha said with a side-eye to Shaurya, who looked embarrassed. Suman looked confused.
"What? Don't believe me? Look at social media—you'll find reels all over featuring this man in a bakery," Akansha continued, teasing.
"Forget it, Jaan. Please... I'm sorry," Shaurya said softly to Akansha. But the endearment caught Suman's attention, making her smile at her brother-in-law's love for her sister. Akansha glared at him for saying 'Jaan' in front of Suman, and Shaurya immediately looked away, silently praying.
"So... yeah! Suman... Think about it and decide... Okay, You both carry on, I'll just come," he excused himself quietly, fearing his wife's wrath.
After Shaurya left, Suman burst out laughing, and Akansha smiled.