Kiraz Mathur
Power and money are intangible, abstract things that have the ability to rotate both tangible and intangible things take a full 360 degrees. They are often interchangeable earning more money ultimately results in gaining power, and sometimes, when a person inherits power, money follows along the way. My belief is that money is the ultimate and universal weapon to establish power. A businessman who earns money often secures a powerful position in his industry, while those in government who have power often get to sleep on a bed of money without having to lift a finger. Meanwhile, those in the middle and below the poverty line are the ones who suffer. No wonder the amount of money a person has usually defines and moulds their personality and morals.
Now, as I watch Mr. Verma, the hit-and-run case victim's father, sign the contract of settlement with Mr. Singh, I believe I have witnessed a shift in his personality and morals, driven by what he stands to gain in return for this contract.
Flashback
Earlier this morning
MS Legal Corporation, 8:00 AM IST
Stepping out of the elevator, I headed toward my corner office in the firm. My secretary, Ms. Anita Mehta, hurriedly walked up to me before joining me on my way to my office.
"I know Mr. Singh is in my office, Anita. Just tell me about my schedule for today," I said.
"Wait! How do you know that?" she responded, dumbfounded. I gave her a disappointed look, and she immediately got the gist. "Oh! Of course, you're the boss, you would know it. Anyway, I wanted to inform you that yes, he is indeed in your office, sitting on the couch like a grumpy pumpkin. Also, the victim's father is here," she added, making a distorted face. Then she went on to inform me that I had a pro bono case to attend in court today, along with a deposition to take, and two meetings with prospective clients before she departed.
I entered my office to see a man in his early forties, dressed in simple men's wear, carrying a distressed expression, while Mr. Singh sat there with a cold face. I was very sure that Mr. Singh was here to offer something to Mr. Verma so that he wouldn't file an FIR, but I just hoped Mr. Verma wouldn't back off, as we had sufficient proof.
"Good morning, Mr. Verma," I greeted, looking at him. "As I said, your case would be my first priority, and I have kept my promise. I hope you're not the one backing out now," I concluded, shifting my gaze toward Mr. Verma.
Before anyone could say anything, Mr. Verma spoke hurriedly. "I agree with the contract that Mr. Singh is offering me. Just please don't drag my son and me into this court case nonsense," he ended with a plea.
"What contract?" I asked, placing my bag and iced latte on my mahogany table.
"I made him an offer that if he didn't take this case to court or file an FIR against my son, I would take care of all the expenses for his son from A to Z until he becomes capable of earning on his own," Mr. Singh stated.
I knew he would do something like this. After all, his presence in my office was never for a good reason.
I looked at both of them, an absurd expression marred on my round face, and said, "How can you do this to your son, Mr. Verma? Just because he is offering something in return doesn't mean his son is innocent. Don't you want the culprit behind your son's accident to be punished? Don't you think that the accident that made your son disqualify from his dream football team shall be fought for justice."
"And you, Mr. Singh, your son was clearly under the influence of drugs. He needs to be punished for his crime before he goes around running over people with his car," I added, looking straight at Mr. Singh.
He looked at me angrily before speaking. "I have had enough of your kindness nonsense, Ms. Mathur. I am offering more than any other person in my place would offer for such useless people. And don't forget what I have done for your firm in the past—otherwise, I know how to undo it by making you lose your firm in the process," he threatened.
"Is that a threat, Mr. Singh? Because let me remind you, I don't respond well to threats. And also, don't you dare forget that you are standing under my roof. I have enough proof against you to make you run for the hills. Also, it was Mr. Sehgal whom you helped that day—don't forget, he owes you one, not me," I said angrily.
Mr. Singh fell silent at my response and looked away. Before continuing, I turned to Mr. Verma.
"Look, Mr. Verma, I can win this case for you. You just have to give it to me. Are you really going to let his son go free? We have more than enough proof, and I am ready to fight on your behalf," I said, disbelief evident in my tone.
"Yes," was his short and firm response as he looked directly into my eyes.
"But why?" I asked, unable to understand his reasoning.
"Because my son is my present and my future, Ms. Mathur. No matter how hard a poor man like me works, we can never compete with the power these rich people hold. If someone is offering my son a secure life, I will gladly accept it," he said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Before I could respond, he continued, "One day, you will understand, Ms. Mathur, that when it comes to your family, sometimes you have to become an unethical, immoral person and turn a blind eye to the wrongs around you."
" And to talk about dreams we lower middle class people don't really have that luxury in our life" he said Ruefully.
Present
His words about family made me understand his dilemma before I drafted the rough document and made both of them understand the terms. I had additionally added a clause that Mr. Singh's son would be sent abroad and that Mr. Verma's son would be guaranteed a job at Mr. Singh's office.
Yet I couldn't help but feel the weight of this moral defeat quite certainly in my chest. the helpless body of the boy lying on the road with all that blood almost made me feel to stop both of them yet again. Or perhaps just Mr. Verma but I know it would be vain to even fight this.
That's what I hate sometimes about my profession it doesn't always guarantee a white Justice. But I guess sometimes even the shade of white makes the thing a little easier to bear with and you'll have to learn to live with it along the way.
Once both agreed to the terms, I explained that since the victim would attain legal maturity next month, it was an obligation under the law to get his acceptance on the contract.
Mr. Singh unwillingly agreed and informed me that the boy was admitted to Harmony care hospital. I decided to visit him personally to explain what his future held if he agreed to the terms of the contract.
As soon as I reached the hospital, I asked the receptionist about the boy's room. She informed me that he had been shifted to a private VIP ward.
Walking down the corridors, I stopped in front of Room No. 786. Knocking on the door, I was about to enter when a nurse interrupted me.
"You are not allowed to enter, ma'am. Visiting hours start in the afternoon."
"I am the patient's lawyer," I replied.
"Then you need to meet the doctor first, ma'am. Lawyers are not allowed to meet the patient without the doctor's presence."
"Okay, then call the doctor."
"He is in the OPD right now. You need to wait."
"Look, I don't have the whole day. Just call the doctor, or I'll go inside myself."
"Ma'am, you need to understand—he is not available at this moment."
"Fine, just tell me who he is."
"I am the doctor," a deep, manly voice resonated from somewhere behind her.
Hey guys I am back!
So how was the chapter please let me know in the comment section.
Also, what do you think about the justice served by Kiraz?
Until then bye!
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