So It Begins

Dear Charvi

I wonder if you’ve ever been inside a courtroom. It looks a lot like how they show it in the movies, right down to the drama and the theatrics. As a legal intern, occupying the last bench in the courtroom, I spent the entire November watching a new story unfold before me day after day.

On one such day in the Court, I took up my usual seat in the back corner to observe the proceedings on a matter of some significant national importance. The doors to the courtroom were opened and one by one great legal luminaries entered in all their majesty, their black robe flying behind like a cape as they marched importantly to their respected seats. Each of these legendary advocates had at their heels a team of junior advocates, ready to attend to any requirement of their senior during the case. Then came their interns who, looking as important as the senior advocate, took their seats beside me. Soon the room was filled in this manner. I really wish you could have seen the crowd assembled there. It was like a zebra themed fashion parade in there, as if they were determined to compete with each other in book and in look.

Anyway, the proceedings started and the first person to speak efficiently put half the room to sleep. As for the other half, I am sure I saw 6 different caricatures of the judge in the matter by 6 different people – lawyers and reporters alike. The next speaker was entertaining to watch. It was like watching Ian Mckellen on stage. But he made a remark which enraged the opposing counsel and soon the two were taking potshots at each other. It was sure as hell edge-of-the-seat drama. Loud voices boomed in the stuffy room as each spat more ill concealed insults at the other. It seemed to be a battle for their life.

But the whole episode ended when the judge called the court to order and the matter was adjourned until a future date. I rushed outside to wait for my senior like a faithful puppy. I expected him to look fatigued after the heated tussle. He came out, shook a few hands, exchanged a few words with the juniors and then noticing me, smiled at me and commented on the pleasantness of the weather. He then turned abruptly and walked off to another courtroom where another rigorous argument was made.

People are funny V. They are inspiring and at the same time confusing. It’s really strange how they work for black and white while all the time remaining grey themselves.

Forever yours faithfully

A(u)nty