Slesha: Put her on the line then.
[Rau pulls out his cell phone and Slesha on a second thought stops him in his tracks.]
Slesha: I want Mr. Rajiv to talk to her on his cell.
Rau: What’s the hitch if I contact her myself?
Slesha: I’ve my reasons for wanting him to do that.
[Rajiv tries to contact Ramya on his cell phone but she doesn’t answer his calls.]
Slesha: Don’t I see, she’s not receiving your calls. Why this estrangement?
Rau: An unanswered telephone call is no proof of a marital discord.
Slesha: What if she’s cut up with him because of the alleged rape.
Rau: It’s for the police to find that out, isn’t it? But I expect you to respect my client’s right for silence on this issue.
Slesha: Dear lawyer garu, habits seem to die hard. Why put the cart before the horse. Don’t you know the matter is still under investigation and is yet to be committed to trial? [Turning to Rajiv] Is your wife estranged from you because you had raped Ms. Divya?
Rau: When he didn’t even admit to the alleged rape, your question doesn’t brook an answer, does it?
Slesha: Oh I see. But he can guess nevertheless?
Rau: But guesswork makes no evidence, does it?
Slesha [turns to Rajiv]: Do you admit to your estrangement?
Rajiv: It’s just a storm in our marital teacup.
Slesha: What was the cause of it?
[Rajiv contemplates for an answer.]
Rau: Why not elicit that from Ramya? I can ask her to come now.
Slesha [checking up with her wristwatch]: Ask her how long it would take her.
[Rau makes contact with Ramya and talks to her (mime).]
Rau: She said she would be here in half an hour.
Slesha [to Rajiv]: Meanwhile, I would like to go over the alleged crime scene. Do you insist on a search warrant?
Rajiv: Please, I’ve nothing to hide anyway.
[Slesha goes into the bedroom leaving Rajiv and Rau. While Slesha was at work in the bedroom Rajiv and Rau deliberate.]
Rajiv: If not for you, I wouldn’t have any respite from your wife.
Rau: It’s just a case of lawyer’s instincts at work and no more.
Rajiv: Maybe it’s a straw but it still carries hope, does it not?
Rau: I’m sorry I can’t be of much help to you. Don’t you see my wife hasn’t finished as yet and your wife too has some unfinished business with you?
Rajiv: I know I’ve no right to expect either.