A LONE SOUL

Turmoil and Trials

As the days unfolded, the challenges in my life seemed to multiply, testing my resilience in ways I never imagined. The decision to file for divorce from Prabhas marked the beginning of a tumultuous legal battle, one that would demand my strength and determination at every turn. With each passing day, the proceedings inched forward, dragging me deeper into a web of paperwork, court hearings, and emotional turmoil.

To make matters worse, my son inadvertently stumbled upon private messages between me and Arpit, unaware of the sensitive nature of their content. In a moment of youthful innocence, he shared these messages with his father, unaware of the firestorm he would ignite. Prabhas, seizing the opportunity to inflict further pain and suffering, used the messages as ammunition in their ongoing legal battle, twisting them to suit his own malicious agenda.

The advocate listened to my story with unwavering patience, his eyes filled with empathy as I recounted the years of physical, mental, and emotional abuse I had endured at the hands of Prabhas. With his guidance, I began to compile a timeline of events, detailing each instance of mistreatment and cruelty that I had suffered. As we worked through the details, the advocate offered invaluable assistance, providing me with the support and encouragement I needed to pursue justice. But as our conversation turned to the topic of finances, his demeanor shifted, and he asked about the gold loan I had mentioned.

I explained how I had taken out the loan in a hurry, reissuing it just a few months before I left my in-laws' house, to cover the expenses of Prabhas's accident. The advocate's reaction was one of shock and disbelief as he processed the information.

"You took out a loan for a man who never even considered you as his wife?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with incredulity. The weight of his words hit me like a sledgehammer, driving home the harsh reality of my situation. I had sacrificed so much for a man who had never truly valued or appreciated me—a man who had taken advantage of my love and devotion without ever returning it in kind.

In that moment, I realized just how deeply I had been betrayed, not only by Prabhas but by my own misplaced trust and naivety.

As I recounted the painful details to my lawyer, it felt as though I was reliving those dark moments all over again. The memories of Prabhas's betrayal and the depth of my love for him resurfaced, renewing the pain that I had buried deep within.

One particular incident stood out vividly in my mind—the day Prabhas had lied about going to work, only to spend the day drinking and smoking hash with his friends in Ghaziabad. I had been at home, conducting my tutoring sessions, when a frantic man arrived, breathless and panicked, with news of Prabhas's accident.

In that moment, the ground seemed to shift beneath my feet, and despite the betrayal and heartache I had endured, my love for Prabhas still lingered deep within me. Without a second thought, I gathered what little cash I had and sought help from my neighbors, desperate to reach Prabhas's side.

One kind neighbor agreed to take me to the local clinic in Modinagar, where Prabhas had been admitted. When I arrived, my heart sank at the sight of him lying on a stretcher, blood trickling from a wound on his head. He was unconscious, his condition dire.

The doctors administered basic treatment, but it was clear that Prabhas needed more extensive care, including an X-ray to assess the extent of his injuries. Despite his brother's presence, he remained distant, unwilling to offer any financial assistance to cover the medical expenses.

In that moment, as I stood by Prabhas's side, grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, I realized the extent of the sacrifices I had made for a man who had never truly appreciated or valued me.