Calming The Storm🌌 (#wattys2019)√

40. Black and white

"Don't define your world in black and white because there is so much hiding amongst the greys."
-Google images

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Indrayan's pov:

The court resumed after the break. Anya seemed to be in a stable state now. Mr. Sequira's expression was indifferent and neutral.
Our witness, Arpita Karune; the woman who had been with Anya during her pregnancy was present at the court too. She seemed to be a bit shocked at what was revealed at the court.
Vijay Desai was the late Minister's son born of a fugitive!

The media is definitely going to go crazy with this piece of information!

The judge asked us to resume the trial.

Anya was made to stand in the witness box.
I walked to the centre, right in front of the justice and asked my question.

"Did you have anything to do with the minister's death?"

Anya shook her head in denial.
"I did not have anything to do with his death. The last time I spoke to him was about Vijay's death."
She choked a bit at the last part.

I ignored that emotion which dripped through her shaky voice; obliviating the fact that she was in pain. I have to be unfeeling, so things come out sooner.

"Vijay Desai was killed at Jannah. Yes or no?"
I asked her sternly.

She nodded.

"Would you please care to use your voice to let His Honour know your response?" I asked her

"Yes." she replied in a low voice

"Your Honour" I spoke turning towards the justice, "I would like to stop questioning her now. If required, I would like to question her again later."

The justice nodded and I went and took my seat.
.......

The defendant lawyer was given the chance to cross-examine the witness. She stood up and addressed Anya the first question,
"Vijay Desai was not found dead at the brothel, but at his own house. You just said that he died at Jannah. How is this possible?"

Really?

I would have been driven mad if someone asked me this stupid question during a trial!

Anya answered shakily, "Vijay's death was not reported at the right spot because... Because we didn't want his character to be questioned."

The defendant's next question was,
"We refers to you and the minister?"

Anya nodded her head.

"What would you say about the Minister's death?"

"I do not know anything."

The defendant turned to the justice and said, "That's all for now, your honour. I would like to question her further as and when required.".

She returned to her seat and I was asked to call in the next witness.

I called upon Mr. Sequira.

"Did you know the Minister personally?" I asked him once he had been sworn in

"Yes. We were acquaintances. My sister had only introduced me to him."

"Where you both on cordial terms?"
"Yes"

"Did he know about your side business? He was the Human Resource Development Minister after all! Did he know what you did with the humans; to be specific the women?" I asked him seethingly

"No. I don't think he knew."

Even though his voice did not quiver... There was a guilt that I caught in his voice. Was there something amiss?