EPILOGUE
TWO YEARS LATER
It has been two years since Shanaya's court hearing. I still remember how Akshat fought for her. Almost everyone was against us, but Akshat stood firm-and so did Shanaya.
During the trial, Shanaya opened up about the horrors she endured. She recounted how her dad, mamaji, Ramesh, and Aveek abused and harassed her. The courtroom was silent as her words painted a picture of her pain and strength.
Despite her honesty, the judge found her guilty. She was sentenced to one month in prison, followed by mandatory rehabilitation. I apologized to her afterward, feeling like I had failed to fulfill my promise to protect her from jail.
But Shanaya surprised me with her response.
"Sir, I deserve this. I shouldn't have taken the law into my own hands. And thank you-thank you, Akshat, Deepika, and Kiran-for everything you all did for me."
Her words lifted the weight of guilt from my heart. I smile every time I think about them.
Shanaya apologized to me and Deepika after few days for everything she put us through.
Today, Shanaya is a thriving criminal lawyer, fiercely advocating for others who, like her, need a second chance. Deepika, inspired by Shanaya's journey, is studying Human Rights Law. She says she wants to be a voice for the voiceless, and I couldn't be prouder of her.
As for Kiran and me, life is about to get even more exciting. Our twins-one boy and one girl-have grown into curious, energetic little ones who keep us on our toes. And soon, they'll have a sibling to play with. Yes, we're expecting our third child. Our home is filled with love, laughter, and the joy of new beginnings.
The one thing this case taught me is this:
"Justice doesn't always come in the way we expect, but it comes."
For Shanaya, justice wasn't about punishment-it was about redemption, about finding a second chance at life.