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

Originally posted by: Javeria3991

awesome update

looking forward to read more.

thanks for the pm

Originally posted by: JazzyM

The convo between the brothers...brilliant.. very normal and well placed...

Originally posted by: AdyaXoxo

RES

Chapter 3 ~ How it All Began...

Jaidev hadn't seen Jaya all day and she had retired early for the night. He wouldn't be surprised if she was being unobtrusive on purpose. Their argument last night had been unlike any other so far. In the four years of their marriage, never once had she been anything but nonresistant. But seeing her snap last night was a first for Jaidev. He agreed that he didn't care for much conversation between them, but may be, he should tell her that when it came to anything concerning his brothers or his family, she should first bring it up with him. Perchance, then at least, she would listen to him. Or perhaps not. Just like four years ago.

The leaves of the trees rustled melodiously overhead as the wind danced through them, the waves lapping at the shore creating a medley of their own. Jaidev glanced at his watch as he waited for Jaya in a quiet corner of the beachside cafe. This was an unconventional meeting but it had the potential of making or breaking his life. It was weird how he was sitting here waiting for someone who he hardly knew, yet was forced to trust. But he didn't have much of a choice. Talking to his parents at this point wasn't really an option considering the fact that they loved to speed things up once a decision was made. Which was why, his hopes now lay with the woman who was walking up the path to his table. Sporting a maroon churidar, her dupatta swaying with the wind in tandem with the hair dancing around her face, she was a vision of beauty. The maroon color struck a contrast with her pale skin and added a blush to her cheeks. But her eyes were the most alluring feature of her face and had the power to enthrall a man in their gaze.

"Hi," she greeted as she reached the table.

"Hello, thanks a lot for coming," he responded. "Please have a seat."

"Formalities, much?" She smiled.

His answering smile was spontaneous, "Well, it is a little unconventional given the circumstances of our acquaintance."

"Your family has offered for me and my family is yet to respond, but we have already jumped ahead to this meeting, so yeah, it is unconventional. But I believe you wanted to discuss something important?" Jaya replied, her statement a spot-on analysis of their predicament.

"Yes, but first what would you like to have?" he asked, trying to put her at ease in anticipation of their conversation ahead.

"Coffee will be fine," she said in response to his gentlemanly charm.

Jaidev summoned the waiter and ordered two coffees while they made small talk as it arrived. Once the waiter left after serving their beverages, Jaidev began, "I don't know how to start this conversation."

"The easiest way is to be straightforward," she suggested to Jaidev's surprise.

"Right. So, is there a way I can convince you to divulge your response to the proposal a little sooner than you'd like?" At Jaya's raised eyebrow, he hurriedly continued, "Only because I don't want to sound too conceited when I say what I am going to say next."

"I promise I won't judge," she teased.

"My family has reason to believe that it will be a yes from your family. If that is the case, I was hoping I could influence your decision," Jaidev said in an expectant tone.

"You mean you want us to refuse the proposal?" She queried, her teasing countenance replaced by earnest sincerity.

"Blunt, aren't we?"

"Doesn't leave room for misunderstandings," she shrugged.

"Yes. But, hey, don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with you..." Jaidev trailed off at the sound of his own words at the same time that Jaya broke out laughing.

"Sorry, that sounded so...," she broke off, embarrassed.

"...cliched?" Jaidev offered with a smile.

She nodded, then continued, "It's okay, Jaidev. This isn't a love match that your refusal will break my heart."

"Thanks, that means a lot. It's just that I have other important things in life right now that take precedence over marriage. I do not have the time or dedication for a commitment like marriage at this point," Jaidev explained.

"I can understand. Though I'm curious, did you talk to your parents about this?"

"No, they wouldn't understand," his voice was flat and she didn't prod any further.

"I'll talk to my family and let them know that I'm not interested and they will accordingly convey it to your family," Jaya informed him.

"That will be great!" Jaidev replied. "And if I could ask but one more favor?"

"That our conversation remain private?" she offered.

He nodded.

"You can rest assured."

"Thank you. I really appreciate your help. If there's anything I could do for you, please don't hesitate to ask," he replied.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Jaidev, and I wish you all the best in life," Jaya said as she stood up to leave.

"Thanks, and good luck to you too."

As Jaya walked away, Jaidev realized that the meeting had turned out to be better than what he had anticipated. All morning, since he had called her, he had been wondering how she would react. The options going through his mind had only fueled his nervousness further as they ranged from hysterical tantrums to angry indignation and cold fury. He hadn't expected the graceful poise, and calm, rational acceptance peppered by jests. She would make some man a fine wife. He felt light, relaxed and hopeful of the future. He was also glad of the fact that she had accepted his request without demanding the specifics of his reasons.

That night he had left for Australia for a week-long business conference, hoping that things would be settled by he was back so that he could then discuss his future plans with his parents. However, he had returned home to a brightly lit Sinha Mansion, elaborately decorated for his impending engagement the next day. He was flabbergasted as he struggled to fathom how had the course of events taken so drastic a turn! And if he was still harboring any hope of this being an illusion, courtesy his jet-lagged brain, it was ruthlessly crushed when he saw Jaya, decked in all her finery, walk into Sinha Mansion with all the pomp and glory of a soon-to-be bride, the next day. The smile on her face was blinding!

In that moment, he saw all his dreams being brutally shattered, his trust callously plundered and his hopes meeting a mortal fate. That day he had vowed that though Jaya Raichand had forced herself into his family and his life, but she would find no place in his heart. Her heart would be as cold and empty as she had made his.

*

The next morning, the entire family was present at the breakfast table, except Jaya. This surprised Jaidev because the woman never let their personal differences affect her interactions with the family. She had always insisted on presenting a facade of marital bliss to their relationship before the family, instead of the empty shell that it was. On that one aspect, he had grudgingly agreed with her. He couldn't believe that this time, she was taking things this far. But one quick look around the dining table told him otherwise. The table was laid with the same delicacies as preferred by each member of the family for breakfast on Wednesdays. Right from his oatmeal pancakes to his father's poha and orange juice, onion and tomato omelets for Adarsh and Abhay, sheera for Simmi and sandwiches for his mother. It was all there. But she wasn't around. A stray thought made way into his head. Had he really been wrong in blaming her for the Adarsh-Vanshika fiasco? But then, if she hadn't brought up Vanshika's name before their parents, Adarsh wouldn't be in the situation that he was today. Adarsh's quiet presence on the table was difficult to ignore. Maybe his mother was aware of where Jaya was?

"Mom, - "

His sentence was cut short with the ringing of Suhasini's cellphone. She excused herself to answer the call.

Jaidev returned to his room after breakfast to collect his bag before he left for office. On his desk, he found a file with some papers and a note sticking to the top.

Jaidev,

After our argument two days ago, I've realized that I was wrong all these years to hope that with time, things would improve between us. That eventually we would give this relationship a try and succeed in creating something lasting was a flimsy belief that I clung to. I accept now, that I was wrong. It takes two people to make a marriage work and with my excessive endeavors, I have only been making things suffocating for you and painful for me. There is no future for us. I have thus decided that it is best we part ways and put an end to our misery. I have placed the divorce papers on your desk, please do sign them. I will then take it ahead with my lawyer.

As you also believe that I am responsible for ruining Adarsh's life by introducing Vanshika to Mama, this is also my way of making that right. It's time Mama and Papa see that a decision that they believe is right for their children may not necessarily be so.

P.S: I know it will be difficult for you to talk about this to your family so I will not task you with the ordeal. I will talk to Mama about this once you've signed your consent.

-Jaya

Jaidev balled up the note and hurled it across the room. The woman never failed to infuriate him. At a time when he was trying to find a solution to this mess, she was hell bent on creating another one. At another time, he would have appreciated the chance of freedom, but right now, he was furious! He stalked out of his room in search of his mother. He found her in the study, her head buried in a file.

"Mom, where is Jaya?"

"Jaidev, I know you're used to having your wife around but that doesn't mean you forget such an important day in her life. In fact, you should have dropped her to the airport as it was an early flight," Suhasini replied, her tone more teasing than reprimanding.

Important day? Airport?

"Mom, I have an important meeting - "

"Yes, I am aware. Your father is waiting for you in the car," she cut him off.

But where had she flown off to?

"Don't worry, Jaidev. I'm sure Jaya will call you as soon as her flight lands in Mumbai," Suhasini teased, seeing her son lost in thought.

He forced a smile and walked off.

What on earth was the woman upto?!

***

A/N: Longest update so far and an important one. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on it!