CHAPTER 12
924 Words
H
aridas was reading an e-book in the ward on his newly purchased iPad. He generally did this in the free time after the rounds. Surya barged in, and told him everything that had happened. He was listening keenly to what Surya told him.
"Surya! This problem won’t get solved that easily! You are going to face many hurdles all along the way. A Magistrate is going to hear the case!"
"A Magistrate?" Surya was shocked. "You have to help me bro"
"I know a lawyer. He is an expert in dealing with such cases. Maybe he can help us"
The morning Sun reflected on the dew drops over the petals, imparting them a divine glow. Close to the Sahara Estate, in the by-lanes, was a duplex house that was decorated with dazzling black mirrors. The pillars of the gate were adorned with granite. The name plate had the word "Advocate Bhushan" emblazoned on it. Surya and Haridas were seated in the visitor’s area outside. They were called into the drawing room by a guard. The room was quite spacious and had a large LCD TV and two brown sofas facing each other on either side of a teak coffee table. Surya sat next to Haridas on the sofa. His face was like an open book. One could clearly see the anxiety on it. "He can deal with our case properly, can’t he?" muttered Surya.
"Sometimes you need to trust others"
"I am in this situation because I trusted others," said Surya. He was thinking about how Sandhya had honey-trapped him and also about how Vishnu had tricked him into donating blood.
Advocate Bhushan walked into the hall right. Haridas stood up instantaneously and greeted him. He gestured at Surya who was too preoccupied with his own thoughts. Surya contorted his face. He was about to kneel at the advocate’s feet that's when Haridas pulled his shirt and whispered,
"What are you doing?"
"I am seeking his blessings."
“Don't act like a villager!” Haridas snapped back. Bhushan heard the conversation and laughed haughtily “I don’t need so much respect.”
Surya gathered his composure and meekly shook hands with Bhushan.
"Please be seated." He was an old man with white beard and black hair which was obviously dyed. Surya was fidgeting in his place. He whispered to Haridas "Bro! Why didn't you get a young lawyer?"
"Don't worry. He is a good lawyer" Haridas whispered back.
"He looks like as if he’ll end up getting a heart attack when judge beats the gavel to bring the house in order. How can he fight my case?" Surya blurted out of despair in a low voice.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine. Don't judge a lawyer by his appearance"
Bhushan cleared his throat to get their attention. Surya and Haridas became alert.
"So what's your problem?" asked the lawyer.
Surya blurted “I think you are debarred” Haridas kicked his feet instantly. “Tell him about the case Surya, not about your paranoid delusions” He whispered with a grin on his face.
Surya bent forward and explained everything to Bhushan.
The lawyer gave a studious look, took a pen and took notes furiously as Surya spoke. "I will list out the things that we are dealing with. First, the blood report, which ‘proves’ that Surya was drunk during the surgery. Second, the CMO who alleged that Surya misbehaved with her. Third, the possibility of Sandhya accusing Surya of rape. Did I miss anything?"
"That's it, sir!"
"Now let’s see what we can do. Before that," Bhushan eyed Surya "You have to tell me truth! Don’t leave out any minor detail. Otherwise I can't help you"
Surya glanced towards Haridas and told nervously, "Sure".
"This is not a big problem. We can deal with this if I you cooperate with me."
"Sure sir! I will"
"Did you really drink before the surgery?"
"Yes, two pegs! I generally have a drink before going to the OT. But I never had any problem till date. It is just enough to ease the tremors. Even the surgery was perfect! You can cross check with the testimony of the OT staff”
"Good! By highlighting his perfection and the substantial testimony, we can bury the report and make it seem irrelevant."
"Sir! Is it possible?" asked Surya hesitantly.
"Yeah, Surya! Sometimes the preservatives may interfere with the readings. The equipment might be poorly calibrated. The skill of the lab personnel also affects it. 50 mg% of alcohol? The report is definitely tampered. A person can’t even walk in a straight line at that level of alcohol in the blood. "
"Good to hear that, sir" smiled Haridas. His words gave hope to Surya.
"The complaint from the CMO is not a big deal. We can reason with her and ask her to withdraw the complaint."
"Sir! What about the allegations of rape? She honey-trapped me"
"If the attempt really happened, there would definitely be some signs of resistance. A proper examination by a doctor will make the facts clear."
Surya felt relieved. "But Surya, you have to be careful! This is a probation period for you. You have to completely abstain from alcohol"
"Definitely Sir, I will be with Haridas bro until then" Surya gave him a warm handshake and left with Haridas.
"Did you hear that properly? Be careful for the next 15 days. There are people who can corrupt your mind and tempt you to drink. You have to be tough. It's better if you go to your home town until then. That’d be safer." Haridas suggested.
"That sounds like a good idea" Surya nodded. "I will think about it. Maybe it'd be better if I go to Goa until then" Surya smirked
- Writer
