Divorce petition against me - Hindu Marriage Act

Dear Expert, I have received a divorce petition against me through a family court in Kerala. And the court is asking me to file in this court an appearance in person or a vakalatnama within 3 weeks from the service of this summons upon me. And also i'm summoned to appear before the Judge to answer the petitioner's claim on 9th December 2019. Here i have two major queries: 1. My first query is what does it mean to file an appearance in person in the court ? Would it be enough if myself visit the court and required to sign anything in the court premises ? Whom should i meet in the court in the first instance ? 2. The court has asked for the second visit on 9th December 2019. But I work abroad and need to report back to duty in the first week of November itself. How will i communicate this to court ? Will court listen to my pleadings ? In the petition the petitioner is asking for Rupees Seven Lakhs as compensation amount, which i'm ready to pay. Kindly guide me on the same.