Chapter 213: Chapter 209
The tension in the courtroom was palpable. This was the final hearing, the last chance for either side to sway the judge's decision. As the gavel echoed through the room, silencing the whispers and murmurs, the judge's sharp gaze scanned the room.
"We are here to conclude the trial of Nitish Reddy versus the State. Both parties will present any final evidence or statements before this court delivers its verdict," she announced.
Mr. Sen, ever the seasoned prosecutor, stood first. His demeanor was commanding, his voice filled with conviction as he began his closing argument.
"Your Honor, this case is not just about a man and a woman—it's about the systemic power dynamics that allow individuals with wealth and influence to escape accountability. Ms. Ayesha represents every woman who has dared to stand up against injustice, against men who believe their status grants them immunity."
He turned toward the audience, his words cutting through the silence like a blade. "Nitish Reddy's fame, fortune, and fan following should not shield him from the consequences of his actions. If we allow that, we send a message to every woman that their truth does not matter. We cannot let this happen."
Sen's words resonated with the gallery, a wave of murmurs rippling through the audience. He took his seat, his gaze unwavering as he handed the floor to Rohith.
Rohith stood, his face calm but determined. "Your Honor, before I present my closing arguments, I request the court to allow one final witness."
The room erupted into whispers. The judge raised a hand for silence. "Mr. Rohith, this is highly irregular. Who is this witness, and why have they not been disclosed earlier?"
Rohith replied, his tone respectful but firm. "Your Honor, this witness has only recently come forward with critical evidence. I request the court's indulgence to allow them to testify. Their testimony is crucial to revealing the truth."
The judge considered for a moment before nodding. "Proceed, Mr. Rohith."
Rohith turned to the doors. "I call Mr. Sushant Singh Rajput to the stand."
The courtroom fell into stunned silence. Ayesha's face turned pale, her composure cracking as the name echoed through the room. Even Sen appeared momentarily shaken, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
The doors opened, and Sushant entered. His confident stride and calm demeanor commanded attention. Dressed impeccably, he exuded a quiet authority as he took the stand.
Rohith wasted no time. "Mr. Rajput, please explain your connection to Ms. Ayesha and why you are here today."
Sushant began, his voice steady. "I was Ayesha's co-star in her debut film. We were close friends at the time, and I've always respected her. Recently, I visited her to offer support during this trial. During that visit, certain things she said raised serious concerns."
The courtroom leaned in, hanging on his every word.
"What concerns?" Rohith pressed.
Sushant produced a USB drive from his pocket. "I recorded our conversation. In it, Ayesha admits to fabricating parts of her story to secure a conviction against Nitish."
The room erupted in gasps. Ayesha's face twisted into shock and anger as the recording was handed to the judge. Sen jumped to his feet.
"Your Honor, this recording is inadmissible! It was obtained without my client's consent, a clear violation of her privacy."
Rohith responded immediately, his voice sharp. "Your Honor, under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, electronic records are admissible if relevant and certified authentic. This recording has been verified by independent experts."
The judge examined the certification documents before allowing the recording to be played. The courtroom held its collective breath as Ayesha's voice filled the room.
"It's not like anyone will question me," the recording played. "They all think I'm the victim. Nitish is just a stepping stone to getting what I deserve."
The murmurs in the courtroom turned into a loud buzz, disbelief and outrage rippling through the crowd. Ayesha's face reddened, her composure slipping further.
Rohith pressed on. "Mr. Rajput, do you have any other evidence?"
Sushant nodded gravely. "Yes. During my visit, I discovered hidden surveillance cameras in Ayesha's apartment. These tapes were not disclosed to the court. They show her staging the events she later described in her accusations."
The USB containing the footage was handed over, and once again, Sen objected. "Your Honor, this is illegal evidence, obtained without proper authorization!"
Rohith countered, his tone unwavering. "Your Honor, as per Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, evidence relevant to proving guilt is admissible, regardless of how it was obtained. These tapes prove that Ms. Ayesha has not been truthful."
The judge allowed the footage to be played. Onscreen, Ayesha was seen rehearsing her accusations, instructing someone to arrange the scene to make it appear more convincing. The stark contrast between her demeanor on the tapes and her courtroom persona was damning.
As the footage played, Ayesha broke into tears, but the courtroom's mood had shifted decisively. Even her supporters in the gallery were whispering in doubt. Sen, desperate, rose to address the court.
"Your Honor, my client is clearly under duress. This trial has taken a toll on her mental health, and these recordings only reflect her fear and desperation."
Rohith, however, delivered his final blow. "Desperation does not justify deception, Your Honor. Ms. Ayesha weaponized the justice system, the media, and public sympathy to destroy an innocent man. Her actions have harmed not only Mr. Reddy but also genuine survivors of abuse, whose voices will now be questioned because of her lies."
The judge, visibly disturbed by the turn of events, called for silence. "This court will now deliberate. A verdict will be delivered shortly."
As the gavel fell, the courtroom emptied, leaving behind an air of tension and anticipation. For Nitish, the ordeal was not yet over, but for the first time, the tide seemed to be turning in his favor. Ayesha, once confident and composed, now sat slumped, her face a mixture of anger and defeat. The truth had begun to surface, but the battle for justice was far from over.