PUPPETS

KARTIKAY SHATMA

“Your honour, Mr. Burman is a highly respected

individual. Everyone in this courtroom knows that. And
there’s also no denying the fact that he has done some
serious charity work in the past. He’s a politician so of
course he is as innocent and god-send as one can be.
Money springs out of his wallet when he sees an
underprivileged person. The media just happens to be
there, covering all of it. To date, Mr. Burman has
donated exactly twenty two lakhs eighteen thousand
and four hundred rupees. In cash, of course. He doesn’t
do checks. Needless to say that all those murder, child
abuse and embezzlement charges are baseless
allegations against who is truly, a genuine Indian
superhero,” said Advocate Krishan, addressing the
judge.

“That’s all right, advocate. But, whom are you stating

these facts for? From what I see, you have a pretty
resounding victory on your hands here, given that
neither the plaintiffs nor their counsel bothered to
show up,” said the judge, gesturing towards the empty
seats to his right.
“That is true, your honour. Now, some would say that
neither one of the plaintiffs showed up because my
client, using all his political influence, threatened them.
But, what about our learned counsel, Advocate Hari?
You know him, your honour. He is the bravest and most
honest person out there. Even if the plaintiffs lacked
the guts and valour to show up, Hari won’t be affected
by that, would he? No, he won’t.”

“Well then, where is he?” asked the judge.

“Truth be told, your honour, I have no clue. I have no

clue about anything anymore. Three years ago when I
was on the verge of graduation, one day one of my
professors, who was very fond of me, called me up to
his office. He sat me down and told me that I’m a
brilliant student and would make a brilliant lawyer too.
He told me to be honest, to fight for justice, and always
self-introspect. But, he also told me to not be
disheartened when I’m not required to do these things.
I was 23 years old and was pretty firm about my
principles and the basic idea of right and wrong. These
words coming from someone I had idolised for almost
all of my college life were shocking, to say the least.
Obviously, I had questions. Questions that he sensed I
would be having and thus, provided answers without
me asking for them. He said that in the end, all human
beings are puppets in the hands of the higher authority
that directly relates to them. He said that this is the
system and that we are all bound by it, that we are all
bound by duty. Today, I finally understand what he
meant. Here I am, defending this trashy person, bound
by duty.”

“He is trashy, that’s true,” said the judge.

“I know, right? I mean, you know he’s guilty. You’ve

known since the beginning. Everyone in this filled
courtroom knows that. Then, what are we even doing?
He is guilty, your honour. He did commit fraud that
destroyed the lives of those innocent plaintiffs and
several others whose voices couldn’t reach the doors of
this court. And somehow, it my job, my duty to prove
that those plaintiffs are nothing but attention seeking
lowlives who want to extract monetary aid from this
horrible person.”

“So, what is it that you want me to de, advocate?”

asked the judge.

“I want you to let me fail. I want you to not let me do

my job. Not this time,” Krishan answered.

“So, that’s what you’ll get. Today, this courtroom will

put aside all limitations of facts and evidences and do
the right thing. Today, this courtroom will convict and
penalise Mr. Ravikishan Burman. The judgement will be
given after the lunch break. Till then, the court is
adjourned,” announced the judge and got up from his
chair and walked up to Advocate Krishan.

“That was awesome,” said Krishan.

“Truly. You do know that that’s not what’s going to

happen, right?”

“Of course, Hari. It’s not a perfect world. Hey, so

tell me, did I go overboard at places?”

“Yes, you did. You could’ve avoided that entire law

school backstory,” answered Hari, as they both sat
down.

“That was for the dramatic effect. Next!”

“You referred to this empty courtroom as ‘filled.’ That

was a little too much. I did like the fact that you praised
me, though. Super sweet!”

Hari and Krishan continued with their conversation as

the doors of the courtroom opened suddenly. In came
the plaintiffs, Mr. Burman, a couple of police officers
and many more. The real judge also entered and
everyone rose up in respect. The judge signalled
Krishan and Hari to start with the proceedings.

“What will the score be after this one?” asked Hari,

whispering.

“3-1. In favour of me,” answered Krishan. “Don’t stress,

drinks are on me.”

“I would love to have drinks. You know, if your client

doesn’t try to get me killed.”

“He wouldn’t do that. Although, if I were you, I would

throw out any suspicious looking bouquets. Could be
an explosive.”

“Thanks, man. Let’s begin, now,” said Hari.

“Your honour,” Krishan said as he rose, addressing the

judge. “Mr. Burman is a highly respected individual.
Truly, a genuine Indian superhero…”

Because in the end,

all human beings are puppets,
in the hands of the higher authority.

THE END