Previous cut:- Sarmishtha remained silent for a few seconds. Then the corners of her lips curved into a firm, resolute smile. She would not let this opportunity slip away. The information she had just received was more than enough to prove Rupam guilty. Her phone had a special feature—every call was automatically recorded. This conversation would surely have been captured as well. It would serve as powerful evidence.
That afternoon, Sarmishtha set out for the criminal lawyer's chamber.
Sarmistha stepped out of the lawyer's chamber. The lawyer had told her, "Your husband Rupam is now a big businessman. He also wields considerable political influence. So, based on these two pieces of evidence, the case won't drag on for long. Give me a little time. I'll dig deeper into his affairs and see if I can uncover any more proof. You go home now. I hope to have more information by tomorrow."
After a brief pause, he asked, "By the way, do you still have that call recording from the unknown man?"
Sarmistha nodded. "Yes, I have it."
"Good. Keep it safe. It will come in handy."
Sarmistha handed him a small slip of paper. "This is my number. If you find out anything more, please let me know."
With that, she left the chamber and headed home.
---
Rupam dialed Shalini's number. A sweet, velvety voice answered from the other end. "Tell me, my darling… my baby."
A shiver of electricity shot through Rupam's body. In a low, almost whispered voice, he said, "Will you marry me?"
Shalini fell silent for a moment. Then, stunned, she asked, "Really?"
Rupam repeated, "Will you marry me?"
Shalini hesitated slightly before replying, "Give me some time."
Rupam ended the call. He sat quietly, lost in thought.
*Did I do the right thing?* The profession Shalini was in… it wasn't something you could ever tell anyone. After marriage, what identity would he give her? What would he say when people asked?
Then he steadied himself. *Let people think whatever they want. I like her. That's why I'm marrying her.* But even after marriage, would Shalini continue this line of work? Or would she leave it behind?
---
The next morning, the lawyer called Sarmistha.
"Hello, Sarmistha?"
"Yes, tell me."
"Come to my chamber once. I have something to tell you."
"Okay, Uncle. I'll be there shortly."
Within half an hour, Sarmistha arrived at the chamber. The lawyer got straight to the point.
"You mentioned Rupam has a construction business, right?"
Sarmistha nodded.
"It's a lie. Rupam is actually a promoter. He has a handful of loyal goons who help him. In this city, the number of people whose money he has swindled by building illegal houses is beyond counting. Not a single government permit, yet those buildings stand tall and proud. And… he also has a close relationship with a call girl. Her name…"
"Shalini," Sarmistha said calmly.
The lawyer looked at her in surprise. "How did you know?"
Sarmistha stayed silent. The lawyer didn't press the matter. He had already understood what had happened. He simply said, "These pieces of evidence are more than enough. We can file the case in court."
---
At that exact moment, Shalini's call came through.
"Come on, let's get the registry marriage done tomorrow itself."
Rupam agreed.
After hanging up, he looked toward the window and smiled. Life had suddenly become far more complicated. But he no longer wanted to turn back.
To be continued....