@Haneesha. YOu cannot proceed properly if you do not decide clearly as to future course of action. It appears you are confused about future course of action. You want to negotiate, but are you sure you want to get rid of the existing relationship with husband? I don't think so. MCD is an option. But there is dilemma. You might have already given lot of dowry. Will you let him go easily having given so much dowry? Unless you recover that amount how can you be at peace when you marry second time? So you have to be clear about choices you make as of now with regard to future course of action. Legal action starts after you say firmly, this is what I expect from the existing marriage. Like -
I want to remain his wife and be part of his house : Then file RCR petition or Residence orders under DV Act.
I want justice, I am angry about their behavior : Then file 498A or S.3 of DV Act. But then you have to remember once the legal proceedings begin, there is no way marriage is going to work for you. So before initiating legal action, you should be clear that you lost your husband and be mentally prepared for it.
I want only maintenance : Then file for maintenance under S.125 Cr.PC. or under DV Act or under HMA.
I want divorce : Then file for contested divorce or if he is ready for mutual consent, go for mutual consent divorce.
I want divorce along with recovery of dowry amounts and streedhan : Then file for recovery of Streedhan under Sec.406 IPC along with Sec.357 Cr.PC. and also compensation under Sec.22 of DV Act along with Divorce petition with Section that is applicable for your case.
I want only mediation, they shall be forced to come on to table for discussion : Then file 498a, before filing FIR police will arrange for mediation. But remember if the intention is to re-unite never use this option. Nobody having discussed family matters in the presence of police will accept a DIL or wife, that too when DIL or wife forces them to come and mediate.
These are all the options for you or for that matter for any woman whose marital life is at cross roads and comes to seeking legal opinion when marital relationship is not working. Depending on what you choose Advocate decides about the legal proceedings to be initiated.