Dear Vishwa,
As you are saying that; " I have received a summons ", ....if you received and acknowledge the receiving of summon either by Postal Department/Courier Post or By Court Bailiff....then no way left, except to appear before the concerned Magistrate, and seek time to engage an Advocate and to file counter. Then from next date of proceedings it is the burden for your advocate, no need to prepare by yourself for the defence.
After ' First Appearance ' only your advocate will file a petition to 'dispence with your attendance'. so all the excuses are at latter stages only.
Or otherwise, if you don't appear on the date of hearing mentioned on the summon, either personally or by counsel, Non Bailable Warrant (NBW) will be issued by the concerned magistrate against you.
As you received summon, your time already starts from the date of receiving of summons to file counter/Reply in maintenance case; if there is 'Interim Application (Crl M.P.)' then 30 Days to file counter and for Main Case (M.C) 90 Days. so how can you avoid from this, if you won't file reply as above within limitation, then fine will be imposed and then Ex-parte Order will be passed.