some evidence you can show
- your attempts to reconcile with your husband
- negligence on his part to reconcile/call you back.
- why did he ask you to leave the house? That is very imp. which you hvae not mentioned.
- Did you apply for maintenance? or atleast ASK HIM? if not, you cant blame him for not maintaiing you. he will say he offered and you refused :). I am not aware of any legal aspect where a husband is expected to pay maintenance to wife 'forcefully'.
- you didnt ask maintenance, but you are expecting alimony. what is your plan? lumpsum rather than peanuts every month?
If this is all his fault, you should have taken some steps as soon as possible. 2.5 years is too late, so you need to justify why you didnt take any steps (including not asking for maintenance amount in these years, not applying for RCR, RTR under DV etc.).
did you expect to live separated all your life? He would obviously want to move on corect? Or were you waiting to see if you get another option? Sorry but this question is quite natural.
You can still contest, it is your right to complain also it is your right to contest. but results, dont know about it. Gud luck.
*** you seem like a breath of fresh air among of all the nasty wives that most of 498a victims have and are discussed here. Hope you are innocent, good luck !***