The Estranged Lovers

You.. Me.. & Us...

"Why do you need me to say anything? When did you ever need my opinion on anything? You will do what you want regardless of what I say. You are just forcing me to accept your decisions. Just like you always have." Tupur's voice broke as years of pain began resurfacing in her heart. Bondita shut her eyes tightly. She loved being barrister, the robe was her pride, but deep down she knew this robe and her dreams were stained, stained with price she had to pay for her freedom, stained with the cost of ruining her sister's life. But she will fix it, she had to. She had given her sister countless pain and suffering but now she will make sure that she removes all the thorns from her little sister's life. But first, she has to make Tupur realize that not only Tupur, but every single woman deserves to be treated like a queen and enjoy a life filled with love without being clouded by the fear of her husband.

"Yes, you are right. I have sinned greatly and a mere apology will never be enough. You were the one who suffered the greatest consequence of my actions. Whether you ever choose to forgive me or not will be completely your choice, just like in this matter too, you will have the final say." Bondita spoke, with regret.

"What do you mean?" Tupur was confused. "Have you read The Mahabharata?" Bondita looked at her with a faint smile. "Of course, I have" Tupur snapped back, now losing her patience. Bondita remained steady and spoke as gently as she could, "The Kauravs were grave sinners, they had imbalanced the cycle of life itself, considering themselves invincible. Krishna, who had every power to finish them, did nothing, not because he was incapable. But because, it was not his right to punish them. Just like Krishna, I too could press charges on Chandrachur for this and the appeal for your medical test which will prove that he was manhandling you will get easily accepted too since he is already convicted of many crimes but I won't do so. It is not right for me do so. I can only be your Sarathi and show you what is wrong. But I cannot force the truth on you. I have already ruined your life once because of my stubbornness, I can't do it again. So just like Arjun had the choice to whether or not he wanted to fight against his family, you too will have a choice. I can only lead your way to justice, your way to the battlefield. Whether you pick up your bow or not against those who have wronged you, was and will always be your decision."

Bondita, unable to face Tupur, had turned to walk out with a sigh, until she heard her little sister sob. She rushed Tupur's side and engulfed her in her arms. "What if he hurts me after I confess, Bondita Didi? What if he punishes me for ruining his name? what..." "Shh" Bondita stopped Tupur from rambling. "Look me in the eyes, my sister" she consoled, glad after hearing Didi from Tupur after so long. "I, Bondita Das, swear in the name of Maa Durga, that if you deem that man guilty and no longer want him in your life, I will make sure that man never comes near you ever again. Hurting you is out of the picture; I will make sure that Chandrachur Basu never gets to see the light of the day again."

Tupur felt her breath getting stuck in her throat as she slowly made her way to the witness box after being summoned by the judge on Anirudh's appeal. "So Mrs Basu, Were you abused Chandrachur Babu, in any way?" The judge asked gently, the moment she had sworn to say nothing but the truth. She looked up only to be met by Chandrachur's glare from the opposite side. That glare had been the reason for her sleepless night, she spent in fear. That glare was all she had received for all the love she had given him.No. She wont let him intimidate her again. Not now not never again. She reopened her eyes which she had shut in fear. Looking at the judge, she commenced "Yes, your honour. That man has mistreated, abused me and beaten me, scarring both my body and soul. I made sure to never fail him as his wife. But he has always failed in being a husband. I have loved him, accepted him and have forgiven him for all his mistakes but not anymore. I can't seem to do it anymore, because now I know my love deserves better. I deserve better."

The judge smiled, a woman speaking for what is wrong felt so refreshing to him. He thought "This is the beginning of change and he, as a judge must play his part in it". Without any further ado, "Kindly pass this paper to Mr Basu" he requested the peon. "What are these?" Chandrachur thundered. "Divorce papers for you and your wife, submitted by Barrister Bondita and Barrister Anirudh earlier. The court orders you to sign them" he spoke, with authority, before Chandrachur could disagree.

"Very well then" the judge said as he received the paper after both Tupur and Chandrachur had signed it. "Hence forth, the marriage of Chandrachur Basu and Ms Tupur is nullified. Now for the final verdict, the court finds Chandrachur Basu guilty of all charges pressed against him. Thus, it has been decided that on 31st October, five days from now, Chandrachur basu will be hanged to death as his punishment. The court is adjourned" The judge concluded, breaking the nib of the fountain pen he had been using in the case to mark the death penalty.

Tupur felt her knees giving way, as she heard the verdict. A loud wailing attracted her attention making her finally look at the audience. There was her ex mother in law and father in law crying there eyes out seeing their son dragged out, in handcuffs. Her Thakuma and Trilochan Roy Chowdhary seemed to be frozen, unable to process anything. Barrister Anirudh seemed elated as he rigorously shook hands with people, who thanked him and Bondita for finally resolving the rivalry. Then her eyes met Bondita's eyes who was looking at her with pride, giving her a sweet smile.

Tupur regained her strength as she walked out of the witness box, with having all her worries fading away. She will, finally have nothing to fear as someone had fulfilled her promise to protect her.

 She will be alright. Not because Barrister Bondita Das had said so but because her Bondita Didi had vowed so.