Firstly, you cannot be forced to give divorce merely because your wife wants it. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, divorce can happen either by mutual consent or by a contested petition. If you do not agree, she will have to file a contested divorce and prove legal grounds such as cruelty, desertion, etc. The court will decide based on evidence—your consent alone is not enough to grant divorce.
Secondly, regarding your children, custody is not automatically given to the mother. Courts decide custody based on the welfare of the child, which is the paramount consideration. Since your son is above 18, he is legally an adult and no custody issue arises for him.
As far as your daughter is concerned, the court will consider:
her age (14+),
her preference,
her welfare and safety, and
the conduct of both parents.
If your daughter is not comfortable with her mother and there are instances of physical abuse, this becomes a very important factor in your favour. Courts generally give significant weight to the child’s wishes at this age.
Your wife cannot forcibly take your daughter against her will. If she attempts to do so, you can immediately approach the court seeking custody or protection orders under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, and also seek restraining orders.
Further, physical abuse by your wife towards you and the children amounts to cruelty, which can also be a ground for you to take legal action. You may also consider filing:
a complaint for domestic violence, or
seeking custody orders proactively to protect your daughter.
In conclusion, you are not bound to consent to divorce, your children will not be automatically separated from you, and your daughter’s welfare and preference will be crucial. Given the allegations of abuse, it is advisable to document incidents and consider initiating appropriate legal proceedings to safeguard your and your children’s interests.