Everything was prepared for the court date. Arjun's identification documents, necessary papers, and some cash had been arranged so that the court proceedings would not be delayed unnecessarily.
Sinha Sahab said, "We do not know how much bail bond the court will demand, but we must prove that we will comply with any conditions the court imposes."He had collected solid examples from previous cases where accused persons had been granted bail—sometimes due to weaknesses in the charge sheet, and sometimes because of the absence of witnesses. He had studied all those cases with a sharp and critical eye.
He addressed the family: "Listen carefully. First, we have to show the court that the accused poses no risk of absconding. Second, we must prove that the accused will not influence the witnesses or tamper with the evidence in any way. Proving these two points effectively will be our main objective today."
Arjun's character certificate was attached, along with evidence that he had no prior criminal record. All these documents were included in the file.
Sinha Sahab condensed all this information and prepared a draft for the bail application. The final document was then meticulously prepared by adding factual details and supporting evidence.That day, the courtroom was enveloped in heavy silence. Lawyers' files lay open, and the hearts of the family members were pounding rapidly. As soon as the judge arrived, Sinha Sahab began presenting his sharp and well-prepared arguments.
In the course of his arguments, Sinha Sahab declared, "The investigation report stands shrouded in doubt at several points. Contradictions have surfaced in the statements of the witnesses. Today, the witnesses failed to appear before the court, nor did they furnish any prior intimation that might have allowed the bail hearing to be adjourned. Moreover, Arjun's alibi is robust and compelling."He further submitted that Arjun had no prior criminal record and was a permanent resident of the city, leaving him with no reason to flee.
The prosecution, on its part, contended that given the gravity of the case, granting bail would not be appropriate.The atmosphere in the courtroom grew tense. Anxiety was writ large on the faces of Arjun's family; their expressions had turned ashen. A prolonged duel of arguments continued between Sinha Sahab and the prosecution counsel. It was impossible to guess which way the court's verdict would swing.
Arjun's mother sat with folded hands, silently praying to the gods. Ranjana appeared visibly troubled. Today was the day the decision on her brother's bail was to be pronounced, yet Sudhanshu was nowhere to be seen. He had not answered even a single call since the previous night. That morning, he had left for work saying only that some urgent matter had suddenly come up and he would not be able to return home at night. When Ranjana had pressed him for details, he had evaded her questions.
Unbeknownst to his wife, Sudhanshu had heard certain disturbing rumours from a relative about Shreya's family. He had decided to verify them personally so that he could strengthen Arjun's case and ensure his bail at any cost.
He had neither contacted his wife during the night nor reached the court by morning. Ranjana waited anxiously, her heart heavy with worry, yet she tried her best to conceal her distress from her mother and brother.
The proceedings dragged on, but Sudhanshu still did not appear in the courtroom. Just then, a message reached Suyash from him: he had obtained some crucial evidence which he could only disclose in person.
Suyash stepped outside and whispered the information to Sinha Sahab, who immediately brought it to the notice of the learned judge. By then, it was time for the lunch recess.
The judge reserved his order and the court rose. After the lunch break, a new turn of events infused fresh energy into the proceedings. Sinha Sahab presented powerful arguments in Arjun's favour with renewed vigour and succeeded in securing some measure of relief for the defence.
The court took some time to deliberate and then pronounced: "The court is inclined to grant bail to the accused, subject to certain conditions." Since the case had become somewhat intricate, the court was of the opinion that the accused deserved this interim relief.
At these words, Arjun's heart began to race. The court stipulated the following conditions: Arjun would have to surrender his passport; he would not contact any of the witnesses; he would have to appear before the court every week; and he would furnish a personal bond of a specified amount along with a surety.
As the conditions were being read out, the family held its collective breath. The financial burden implicit in the bond weighed heavily upon them. Sinha Sahab explained that a bond was not always monetary; sometimes it could simply be a personal undertaking by a reliable person acting as surety, and it could be arranged according to the court's satisfaction.
Arjun had managed to save a modest sum in his mother's name, but it was insufficient. Ranjana broke her fixed deposit to make up the remaining amount. Since Sudhanshu had not arrived in time, he had sent his father to assist the family. Sudhanshu's father had always regarded Arjun as one of the finest young men he knew since childhood, and he readily offered to stand as surety. Seeing such support and solidarity, tears of gratitude and relief welled up in Arjun's mother's eyes.
Some property documents and a personal bond were duly presented before the court. Once the judge was satisfied with the guarantees offered, the order granting bail—albeit conditional—was passed. Formalities were completed, signatures were affixed on the bond, and Arjun was finally released on bail.The family breathed a collective sigh of relief.
After days of relentless struggle, a hint of peace and quiet joy finally appeared on the family's faces. Yet Ranjana continued to look anxious, still waiting for her husband.
Understanding her distress, Sudhanshu's father comforted her and asked her to remain calm. Grant of bail did not mean the case was over. It was merely temporary relief. The real battle still lay ahead—in the trial.
Arjun had secured bail; only a few formalities remained to be completed. Sinha Sahab cautioned him that from now on he must exercise even greater vigilance. He would have to appear in court whenever required, refrain from contacting any witnesses, and strictly abide by all conditions imposed by the court. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of the bond.
At last, though delayed, Sudhanshu arrived at the court. His face looked drawn and agitated. The moment he saw Suyash, he burst out, "Brother, there is nothing straightforward here. Undoubtedly, a very big conspiracy has been hatched against Arjun.
"He then told Arjun, "Shreya's entire family has vanished from their home and fled to some unknown destination. No one—not even the neighbours—has any clue about their whereabouts."
©️ Copyright Pushpa Chaturvedi
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