Epilogue part 2
The courtroom remained completely silent. No one dared to speak after Ishni's powerful words. Finally, the judge looked down at the evidence and delivered the verdict.
"After reviewing all the evidence presented before this court and considering the circumstances, we hereby find the accused innocent. The death occurred as an act of self-defence, and there is insufficient ground to establish it as murder."
A wave of relief passed through the courtroom.
Ishni smiled faintly, knowing her client had finally received justice.
The judge then turned his attention toward the victim's father.
"Furthermore, the court has taken note of the derogatory and insulting remarks made against women within this courtroom. You will be fined for your conduct and for showing contempt toward the dignity of the proceedings."
The man's face fell.
Ishni gathered her files, glanced at her client, and gave her a reassuring smile.
Another case had been won. But for Ishni, it was never just about winning. It was about making sure that the voice of someone who had been afraid was finally heard.
Ishni walked out of the courthouse, her files tucked against her chest. The moment she stepped outside, she spotted Rudra leaning casually against his car, waiting for her. A smile instantly appeared on her face as she walked toward him.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, handing him her bag.
Rudra took it from her with a smile. "It's time to pick up our princess. And..." He opened the car door for her. "I also have to make up with my wife whom I upset this morning."
Ishni raised an eyebrow but got inside.
The moment she settled into the seat, her eyes landed on a huge, beautiful bouquet placed beside her, along with a box of chocolates.
She smiled despite herself but quickly hid it.
"Do you think this is enough for me?" she asked, pretending to be unimpressed.
Rudra got into the driver's seat and glanced at her. "Maybe this isn't enough."
He started the car and drove away. For the next few minutes, neither of them spoke. The busy streets slowly disappeared behind them, and the road became quieter.
Ishni looked at him.
"Rudra-"
Before she could finish, Rudra suddenly leaned toward her and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. He pulled back with a satisfied smile.
The moment Ishni opened her mouth to say something, several men dressed in black and wearing masks suddenly surrounded the car.
One of them stepped forward and raised his weapon. "Give us everything you have!" he demanded. Rudra slowly rolled his eyes, looking genuinely irritated. "These bastards... they really had to ruin my precious moment," he muttered.
Ishni couldn't help but chuckle. The attackers raised their weapons, but Rudra and Ishni stepped out of the car without a trace of fear. Ishni glanced at him and smiled. "Let's do it together."
Rudra looked at her, then at the men surrounding them, a dangerous smirk appearing on his face. "You came at the worst possible time."
Before the attackers could react, Rudra grabbed Ishni's hand and they moved together. The first men charged at them, but the couple ducked simultaneously, moving in perfect coordination.
Rudra caught one attacker off guard while Ishni struck another, and when another tried to come from behind, Rudra lifted Ishni effortlessly, giving her the perfect opening to kick him away.
As she landed, Rudra wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against him. Ishni turned toward him, their faces inches apart.
Rudra casually leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Still worth it," he murmured with a grin. Before Ishni could react, he turned and kicked away the attacker rushing toward them. She shook her head, laughing despite herself. Rudra smirked.
The last of the attackers finally collapsed onto the road. Ishni looked around at the men lying on the ground and sighed.
"Seems like they were just random thieves. I'll call my assistant and have them taken to the police station."
Rudra dusted off his jacket, still looking thoroughly annoyed.
"My mood is already ruined." Ishni looked at him for a moment before a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"Ohh, husband..." She grabbed his collar and pulled him closer, pressing a possessive kiss against his lips before lightly biting his lower lip.
Rudra immediately pulled back, touching his lip and looking at the tiny smear of blood on his fingers. "Ouch! Jaan... you're getting sharper."
Ishni simply smiled, completely pleased with herself. "Maybe you deserved it."
Rudra stared at her for a second before shaking his head with a helpless grin. "Dangerous woman."
"Your woman."
--------
The school gate was wide open, and children were pouring out, laughing and talking as they made their way toward their parents. A black car pulled up near the entrance.
Rudra and Ishni stepped out almost simultaneously. Ishni immediately looked toward the school doors.
"Princess!"
Her voice echoed across the entrance. Aaradhya, who was walking out with Riya, suddenly looked up.
Her face lit up. "Mommy! Daddy!" She ran toward them, her school bag bouncing against her back.
Rudra opened his arms. "Come here, little troublemaker!"
Aaradhya ran straight into his arms. Ishni smiled as she watched them. "Did you behave today?" she asked.
Aaradhya suddenly became suspiciously quiet. Rudra looked at Ishni.
Ishni looked at Aaradhya. Aaradhya smiled innocently.."Of course."
Rudra raised an eyebrow.."That smile means trouble."
"Daddy!" she protested. Ishni folded her arms. "Alright. We'll discuss it in the car."
They settled into the car, Aaradhya sitting in the back while Rudra started the engine. A few seconds later, Aaradhya leaned forward and noticed the small cut on Rudra's lip.
"Daddy, what happened to your lips?"
Rudra immediately glanced at Ishni. Ishni looked out of the window, pretending to be completely uninterested. "Nothing, princess. Just a wild cat," Rudra said casually.
Ishni slowly turned her head and glared at him. Aaradhya giggled. "A wild cat?"
"Very dangerous one," Rudra added, touching his lip. Ishni rolled her eyes.
"Anyway..." Aaradhya said, changing the topic. "You know there's no school from tomorrow because of summer holidays. And after the holidays, we have the Best Jodi Dance Competition."
Rudra nodded. "Hmm."
"And guess what? My partner is Abhimanyu." Rudra's expression immediately changed.
"What? Abhimanyu? That same boy who came to our mansion because you splashed water on him?" Aaradhya groaned. "Yes, Daddy."
"That little brat?"
"Rudra!" Ishni warned.
Aaradhya crossed her arms. "I don't even like him! But I didn't have any other option. Everyone already had partners, and Riya said he's the only one who can actually dance well enough to win."
Rudra frowned. "So you had to choose him?"
"Yes!" Aaradhya complained. "Trust me, Daddy, I'm not happy about it either." Rudra looked at her through the rear-view mirror.
"Good. At least we agree on one thing."
Aaradhya nodded seriously. "I can't stand him."
"Same."
Ishni looked between the two of them and sighed. "Both father and daughter are acting like Abhimanyu is some criminal."
"He's worse," Rudra muttered.
"Daddy!"
"What? I don't trust that boy."
Aaradhya rolled her eyes.
"Neither do I. But I want to win, so I'll tolerate him."
Rudra sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if he annoys you even once, tell me."
Aaradhya grinned. "I can handle him myself, Daddy."
Rudra smiled proudly.
"That's my girl."
On the other side, Abhimanyu had packed his things and returned to his home in Jaipur for the summer holidays.
The moment his car entered the palace grounds, the grand palace came into view. Its beautiful old architecture, enormous courtyards, carved pillars, and sprawling gardens made it look like something straight out of a royal painting.
As Abhimanyu stepped inside with his bag, an elderly woman was waiting for him near the entrance. "Welcome back, Prince," she said warmly.
Abhimanyu smiled and walked toward her. "How are you, Dadi Maa?"
"I'm good, beta," she replied, gently touching his cheek. Abhimanyu looked around the palace. "Where is Father?"
His grandmother's smile faded slightly. "He's quite busy. You can meet him later."
Abhimanyu sighed.
"Of course..." He adjusted his bag on his shoulder and walked further inside.His grandmother watched him go, her expression thoughtful.
Night had settled over the Jaipur palace. The halls were quiet, illuminated by the soft golden glow of the lamps. Abhimanyu was sitting in his room, unpacking a few things, when his grandmother walked in.
Her eyes immediately fell on something in his hand.
"What's this?" she asked, picking up a beautiful handkerchief embroidered with tiny flowers. Abhimanyu quickly took it from her. "Just... a friend," he said, trying to sound casual.
His grandmother looked at him for a moment, then smiled knowingly.
"Hmm... a friend." She said nothing more and walked out, leaving him alone.
Abhimanyu looked down at the handkerchief.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Then, his eyes softened as an old memory came rushing back.
Flashback
A group of children stood in the middle of a small open ground, with Abhimanyu standing face-to-face with them.
"This is our place. You can't come here," one of the boys said.
Abhimanyu frowned. "Why are you all being so noisy? It's not like you own this place."
The boy's expression immediately changed.
"You dare talk to us like that?"
He raised his hand as if he was about to hit Abhimanyu. Before he could, Abhimanyu pushed him away. The boy stumbled and fell onto the ground.
"This place is for everyone," Abhimanyu said firmly. "You brat!"
Another boy suddenly shoved him from behind. Abhimanyu fell to the ground.
The boy grabbed a stick and stepped toward him.