Chasing Love ~ A Jaidev-Jaya SS | Chp.8 Pg.20 (June 5) - Page 3

Jaidev was still asleep when Jaya awoke the next morning. She freshened up and went about her morning chores as usual. It was a regular day just like any other but Jaya had decided that she would change that. Her conversation with Jaidev last night played through her mind and it had led her to make a few decisions. Until now, she had spent her life in accordance with others' wishes, right from her parents to in-laws and then Jaidev. She had spent a considerable chunk of the past four years trying to be the doting wife and perfect daughter-in-law. While she had been successful in the latter, the former was an altogether different story. Her husband didn't want anything to do with the relationship and spent every moment rebuffing her attempts. Every attempt to gain his approval or garner his pleasure had been met with disdain, mockery and cold fury. The conversation last night had been the final straw for Jaya and she had decided it was time to take things in her own hands. She and her husband were miserable in this sham of a marriage and it was time to put an end to their misery. Her life had become a pity party and she didn't want anything to do with it. Jaya Raichand had been a force to reckon with in college before Jaya Sinha had taken over and subdued her. It was time to take back control of her life and do something worthwhile. She dialed a number as she sipped her coffee.

"Hey, Jaya!" A feminine voice greeted her.

"Suki, hi. Listen, you remember the proposal you'd mentioned when we'd last?" Jaya queried.

"Yes, of course," Suki replied.

"If it's still available, I'd like to consider it. Can we meet somewhere to discuss the details?"

"Sure. In an hour at my office?" Suki suggested.

"I have another appointment at 10.00 am. Does 4.00 pm work for you?" Jaya offered.

"Works! Let's rock and roll, babe!" Suki chimed.

Jaya laughed, "Sorry to dampen your spirits but let me remind you, I haven't agreed to anything, yet."

"Ahan! Yet, being the key word," Suki drawled. "See you at four!"

Jaya smiled as she disconnected the call. Suki was an ever-optimistic, uber-enthusiastic person who always managed to find the silver lining in the darkest cloud of gloom and Jaya was sure that today would be no different. She was glad that Suki was a woman who was in control of her life and future, and hoped that like Jaya, she never would need to relinquish that control for lack of a choice.

*

When Jaidev walked into Adarsh's room, his brother was rummaging through the drawer in his desk while the news played on the LCD mounted on the wall.

"...while this is the third lawyer who has backed out of representing Cherish even before the case has started, Subhash Lal and his party have maintained their stance of being caught in the NGO's tactics for publicity..."

"Cherish NGO versus the Lok Shakti party? You think the NGO stands a chance against Subhash Lal?" Jaidev asked as he took a seat on the plush sofa opposite the LCD.

"Bhai, good morning. Considering his connections and the power he wields, their chance of victory is slim. Not to forget the fact that the NGO hasn't been able to rope in a strong lawyer who would stay rooted against all that pressure," Adarsh replied as he took a seat beside his brother.

"Any sane lawyer will look through the case for what it is, a flimsy excuse to tarnish the image of a politico and gain some much needed publicity in the process," Jaidev shrugged. "The man has worked hard to build up a reputation for himself. I'm wondering, how will they prove their case?"

"You'd be surprised at what a smart lawyer will find with a little digging in the right places," Adarsh winked.

"You mean there's some truth to the matter?" Jaidev was incredulous.

"Three of the NGO's employees have resigned without concrete reasons since the news hit the media, and two of the lawyers have met with minor accidents."

"Now, Adarsh, what is a concrete reason for someone to change a job?" Jaidev tried to reason.

"A high-paying job in a top-shot corporate firm?"

"Why not?"

"Because the said firms are owned by Lok Shakti party's top funders," Adarsh grinned. "To the media, Subhash Lal may be the refined politico who's trying to make a difference in the lives of the people, but the truth is, deep down, he is a ruthless man who will not stop at anything to achieve his goals. He's spent four years trying to cultivate his image in the minds of the people so that he can reap the benefits in the upcoming elections. You think he's going to let an NGO get in the way of his dreams?"

"Interesting. In that case, I hope Cherish does find someone who can be undaunted in the face of pressure. Maybe, someone like that newbie who managed to trump Singhvi and get a stay order on Ahuja's development project. What was her name?" Jaidev asked.

"Swadheenta. Swadheenta Ramakrishnan," Adarsh promptly replied. "But I doubt she would be able to take up this case even if she was willing to because she is now an assistant to a top-shot lawyer."

Jaidev was surprised at the dazzling smile on his brother's face as he mentioned Swadheenta. Did his brother have a tendre for the lawyer? He did seem to know an awful lot about her for an acquaintance. Was that why he wasn't interested in marrying Vanshika?

"Yes, Swadheenta. You know, according to Dad, he hasn't ever seen a new lawyer defeat an established one in their very first case, except Mom," Jaidev continued, while keeping an eye out for any expressions that might give him a little more clarity about the connection between Adarsh and Swadheenta. Adarsh didn't disappoint.

"I'm not surprised. She's a rare gem," Adarsh mused.

"Who?" Jaidev raised a brow.

"Mom, of course," Adarsh replied, trying his best to clear his face of all emotions.

"Right."

"Bhai, you wanted to discuss something when you came to see me?" Adarsh tried to steer the conversation to neutral grounds and Jaidev didn't miss the evasive tactic for what it was.

"Yes. Adarsh, are you happy?"

Adarsh was taken aback by Jaidev's words but he quickly recovered and a little too jovially said, "What's not to be happy about?"

"Adarsh, I'm talking about Vanshika."

Adarsh got up from the sofa and started putting his laptop in his bag, "Mom's happy."

Jaidev decided it was best to go for the kill, "But you love Swadheenta."

Adarsh froze, the files he had picked up still in his hand. A moment of silence passed between them before Adarsh sighed and turned back to his brother.

Jaidev stood with his hands folded, brows raised and an expectant look on his face.

"Yes."

***

A/N: A big thank you to all the wonderful people who have read and responded with feedback. I wanted to write more about Jaya and Jaidev and how they ended up where they are today but these conversations felt important to me as they will be shaping up the story ahead. Instead of waiting to write everything in one chapter and make it super long, decided to give you guys an update. As always, feedback and criticisms are most welcome. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this update. Also, those who want PMs, add me to your buddy list.