8~*NOT just a passionate affair*~Pt 49(17 Aug) FINALLY!SOLID CLUES

CHAPTER 48 - Another battle won!

November 4th

ENROUTE UNIVERSITY GROUNDS

'Hey congrats Jodha...' echoed a voice from nearby 'Heard you topped your batch...'

'Huh?' a distracted Jodha glanced up - and at a familiar group of seniors 'Oh... thanks...' she acknowledged with a formal nod, before subsequently continuing on her impatient way towards the grounds. It was quite tough masking her restlessness with a calm look every time someone came up to congratulate her, it was tougher to keep up that look when her restlessness was only worsening by the second 'Meera must be there...' she fretted for the tenth time in a row, as she made haste 'If only I knew Jalal's ticket number - I would have been able to check his results online by now... this wait is killing!'

'Congrats Jodha...' came another greeting a few seconds later. This instance, it was from a voice that was far more familiar 'We heard you've done exceptionally well...'

'Shucks!' forced to snap out of her thoughts, Jodha hurriedly reinforced her steely look, before spinning around to face her new callers 'Thanks Abdul...' she paused 'Hi Maan...' she paused again 'Hi Salim...'

'So' he took a deep breath 'How are things your end?'

'Fine!'

The loyal buddy waited for a minute - and when she said nothing further, he couldn't help but smirk at her blatant display of disregard 'You don't even care to ask how Jalal's doing!'

'No point...' she nodded coolly 'When everything's over between us...why revisit all that unnecessarily?'

'Wow...' he shrugged in disbelief 'I had promised Jalal that I would never cross-question you about what happened... but it's so difficult to be quiet when YOU are happily prospering in all walks of life, while he's destroying himself over memories of you... he didn't even attend his OWN birthday party on 2^nd, you know that?'

'W...what' Jodha was about to blurt in alarm, but rapidly reminded herself of how important it was for her to not get swayed at this point 'Don't react... don't react...' gulping down hard, she managed to restrain her emotions from showing just in time 'Stay calm... stay calm...'

'He is so hurt by what you've done...' Abdul continued morosely 'Yet, he never lets any of us utter a word against you...'

'Abdul' she interrupted the sentimental young man with a straight face 'If you have promised your buddy that you would never cross-question me about my decisions... then maybe you should keep up your promise to him...' she deliberately ended the meet-up by going on to verify the time on her mobile 'I have to leave now...'

'Jodha...' it was Salim's sullen voice that'd stopped her from making that hurried exit 'Before you go...I have something to give you...'

'What's it?' she looked up, mildly puzzled - while simultaneously noting the appearance of subtle disapproving frowns on both, Maan's and Abdul's faces

Digging into his backpack, he fished out an invitation card 'I got engaged to Sana... a few days ago...'

'Oh... wow...' Jodha gushed, genuinely amazed by the news 'Didn't know about it... congrats...'

'It was a very private affair...' he explained flatly 'Didn't invite anyone for it...that's why we're hosting something for our friends now... it's meant to be a rooftop pool party at the Amrutha Castle...' his dull tone became even duller 'As circumstances stand, I understand it might be embarrassing for you to attend ... but, Sana wanted you to receive an invite as well... so this one's from HER!'

He'd stressed on the 'her' to make it seem like the invite WAS NOT intended to be from him. Understandable. After all, Jalal's friends were going to stick up for him.

'Congrats to BOTH of you' she smiled, on receiving his half-hearted invitation 'I wouldn't be able to make it... but, I wish you both all the best!'

A clumsy spell of silence later, Jodha bid the guys a diplomatic farewell 'Bye'

'Bye'

'Bye'

'Bye'

SRI UNIVERSITY GROUNDS

'Meera'

'FINALLY!' Meera glimpsed up at the fast approaching profile of her friend 'You're here...'

Huddling her bag to one side, Jodha instantly plonked down on the squishy lawn with an exhausted groan 'Ok! Spit it out... tell me...'

'First, YOU tell me how your date with Rishabh went...'

'Oh THAT!' Jodha scrunched her nose at the unwanted shift in topic 'It's a long story... I'll explain afterwards... basss samajh lo ki... ghar pe machi toofan!'

'WHAT' Meera appeared instantly horrified 'God! That's bad!'

'Arre...' breaking out into a sly smile, she hurled her pal a naughty wink 'That's GOOD! But back to my question now... tell me...' she waited for a short spell and when no answer came, she took both her palms to Meera's neck -like she was going to strangle her 'Stop torturing me and reveal Jalal's exam results NOW...'

The enthusiasm that'd been marking Meera's face for the past few seconds died down, as she broke her silence 'Not great news, I'm afraid...' she exhaled 'Jalal hasn't done very well... pretty average scores overall... in one paper, he hasn't even got through...he's going to have to re-sit...'

'WHAT!' the vibrant sparkle in her features had blanched into a dull grey 'Are you sure you are right... I...I mean... the roll number... was it his... did you double-check the percentages? Because...'

'Yes... yes and yes!' Meera vouched

'No... this can't be...even when Robbie passed away, he crammed his entire semester in a week and topped his batch... this can't be him...this is NOT HIM!'

'But sadly, it IS him now ...' she repeated tenderly, trying to calm her pal's nerves

'He's already lost his social life... he's spoiling his health with drink...' she shut her mouth 'And now, he's botching up his education too...' and just when she was beginning to be truly happy. Just when things were beginning to look up for her. Damn! Did luck always have to have something against THEM? Devastated by the distressing tidings - something she'd truly not expected - her face gradually slipped into the confines of her palms, seeking a few moments of seclusion 'Jalal... last semester, I'd challenged you that I'd beat you in the next set of exams...but, THIS wasn't how I'd meant to win that challenge! Are Renu's words coming true? Am I becoming the reason for your downfall? Nooo...' she immediately extinguished that line of thought - the very notion was awful 'NO... NO... I only meant to keep you safe for a few months ... this is not what I wanted... I never thought you'd give up on everything like this! What are you trying to prove? That you love me sooo much? Buddhu! I'm really angry with you now... when this gets over, I'm going to shake you so hard for doing this to yourself ... I'll coax you to re-sit your exams... I'm certain you will pass with flying colours...' just then, a second voice resounded in a different part of her head 'Yeah yeah...it's so easy for you to say all this Jodha...you are confident and positive, cos you know what the truth is... he doesn't! Had YOU been in his place, your life would have probably disintegrated into chaos too! So, stop with the lectures... and give him credit for...'

'Jodha are you ok?' patting her shoulder, Meera bent down to read the expressions on her face 'Are you crying?'

'No no...' wiping the stray tear off, Jodha proceeded to meet eyes with her 'I'm fine...'

'I thought you didn't want to talk about him ... then, why are you delving upon all this and bringing such pain upon yourself...' unaware of her plans or the real reason behind her misery, Meera continued advising in earnest 'Anyway... remember you'd said that Renu will be the reason for Jalal to snap out of this spell of gloom...' leaning forth, she hushed her pitch down 'And the college buzz is that... THAT is exactly what's happening between those two... so, be happy for him!'

'Huh?' Jodha asked, confused by her suggestive whispers 'What do you mean?'

'Woh sab chodo...' Meera dismissed the discussions thereon, lest she ended up upsetting her pal even further 'Wanted to ask... did you meet Payal? Tujhe dhoond rahi thee...'

'Yeah I did...' Jodha muttered blankly - her mind still preoccupied in many-a-dilemma 'Met her just before she left with Maan... she's scored well too...'

'Yup! We three should get together and celebrate!' she erupted into a wide beam - before subsequently realizing that her friend wasn't in the right frame of mind to enjoy and party yet 'Theek hai yaar... I should go now... I got papa's call... only a few buses are travelling towards Tirumalgherry since the bandh hasn't been fully lifted yet...' she commenced re-gathering her stockpile of books 'So, I better hurry home... my library ka kaam bhi finished...'

'Oh' a partly-dazed Jodha turned to her bestie 'Vishal bhaiyya is picking me up today... warna, I would have...'

'No no... it's ok... my house is a good distance away from yours...' Meera blinked gratefully, before picking up all her belongings 'Are you coming to Ram sir's house for tuitions baad mein?'

'Not today...'

'Fine... I'll meet you tomorrow then... but, I better get going now...'

'Ok bye...' Jodha sighed in response 'And thanks for everything...'

'Hey girl...' standing up in her spot, a concerned Meera eventually bade farewell with a set of heartfelt wishes 'Please cheer up...sab theek ho jaayega...'

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OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Tucking back a lock of hair that'd been annoying her for a while now, Meera shaded her face from the harsh sunrays as she halted near the crowded college gates. Making a quick survey of the noisy dusty roads in front, she let out an audible moan. The trek home wasn't going to be pleasant. Two buses plus a 15 minute walk meant she wouldn't reach home for at least another hour and a half.

'Urgh' her face drooped 'Did I really have to give my two wheeler for service THIS week? I wish...' all of a sudden, her grumbling stopped midway 'Renu?' she frowned, when spotting the silhouette of the lanky young lady leaning against the campus compound wall some distance away. From the blatant agitation written all over her face, it was obvious that she'd been standing out here for a while now 'But... why is she waiting at this place when the rest of her group are inside?'

The very next second, her doubts were answered.

The familiar silver Audi drove past and pulled up to an empty spot on the left - right in front of where the woman was waiting 'Jalal?' Meera silently exclaimed 'Outside our campus?' rooted in her spot, Meera observed the unfolding scenes with intrigue - noticing how the passenger side of the car door opened and the how two chums greeted each other with the broadest of smiles. It was only a few seconds later that she realized how silly she was being 'Why am I bothered... why am I so surprised... they are best friends... at least, it goes to show that Jalal is possibly not as depressed as we thought...' she shrugged 'Anyway... I better get going now...'

Spinning around, Meera began accelerating her pace in the other direction. She was on her way to the nearest bus stop when she heard someone call out to her from behind a minute or so thereafter

'Hey Meera'

'Nooo' she shut her eyes in unease at once. Why? Why did she have to linger around their vicinity for longer than necessary? Why did she get herself trapped in this awkward reunion now? What if he was meaning to ask her something she couldn't talk about? Fearing the consequences of this unexpected mini-get together, Meera turned to face her bestie's ex-boyfriend with a strained smile 'Hey Jalal...' she wished him back 'Hey Renu'

While the conspicuously disinterested Renu preferred to snub Meera by not responding, Jalal proceeded to make conversation as always 'So, how are you?'

'I'm fine...' she replied, observing the guy as she did so. Like Jodha, she hadn't seen him for two months either - only heard all sorts of stories. However, she had to admit - the man looked well-enough. Smart and swanky as usual, his tone commanding too. The only hint of softness she could perceive lay in the profound depths of his gripping eyes.

Thereby passed a whole minute of stillness before his next words arrived - but when they did appear, Meera was barely surprised why it'd taken the man so long to spill it out

'And how is SHE?' Jalal finally asked - struggling to remain composed as he posed her that query

'Oh!' Meera was careful not to disclose too much 'Jodha is fine... s...she's happy...'

'You mean she SEEMS happy?' he swiftly retorted in tell-tale Jalalian fashion

'Well...' Renu butted-in, out of the blue 'She HAS to be happy Jalal...I didn't tell you this, but I heard she's passed her exams with brilliant results! Anyway, chalo ab...' her palm taking hold of his wrists thereon, she nudged him 'Let's go from here...'

'Oh' he fell quiet, obliviously ignoring Renu's gestures. His heart was trying to deal with a rush of unfamiliar jitters just then. He'd received news of his girl's success - but he couldn't understand why he didn't feel as 'exhilarated' as he should be feeling. In fact, his ego was hurting even more than before! Somehow, he was beginning to feel insecure by the fact that she was doing well for herself. Was it because he couldn't imagine how SHE ALONE was able to get on with life as normal - while he was so severely affected by the pangs of separation 'And... and...' the troubled lover faltered 'Has she spoken to you about anything? I... I... mean...about what happened...or what's going on at her place...' he glanced aside to take a brief respite from the staggering waves of grief crushing his soul 'I mean... has she mentioned anything about us... about me...' he couldn't believe that he was inquiring about her so plainly - that he was exposing his vulnerable side thus - but he was. Yes, it'd been two months since he'd had any form of contact from her. Yet, something didn't allow him to let go. It was almost as though a faint flicker of faith was still clinging onto a corner of his heart - hoping for the smallest signs of good news -hoping that all this was only a nightmare 'I... I... mean...' he stammered again Is the wedding still going ahead as planned...in Jan?'

Meera looked down - feeling so sorry for what the guy was going through 'Yeah...'

'Why are you doing this to yourself, Jalal?' Renu stepped in angrily. She'd had enough of Jodha Singh stomping all over Jalal Muhammed. She'd become fed up of watching her best-mate mess his life for a good-for-nothing girl. Not anymore! 'Stop sacrificing your self-respect for those who don't value it...' she shouted, before wrapping her hands around his arm 'Now forget about all this and come on...' she started tugging the lost man away from the place with assertive affection 'You promised me that you're coming home for dinner tonight...so, let's get going... the rest will join us there...'

As the bull-headed Renu managed to successfully drag her engrossed companion from the bustling area, Meera's eyes continued to stay focused on their receding profiles - her mind pondering on all that she'd seen so far.

Was she imagining things today or was there indeed something subtly different about the exchanges between the two best friends? Yes, the duo were always very close - but hadn't their equation changed slightly from what she'd seen of them in the past? She could be wrong, but she couldn't deny that the whole Renu-Jalal spectacle gave her a funny vibe'Jodha and Jalal are extremely unhappy ... the rest of the group have mellowed down too... then, why is Renu so unaffected after the breakup... I don't remember her being THIS clingy before! Almost feels like she's taking advantage of Jalal's emotional state...' she paused to make a quick mental comparison of both of Jalal's closest chums 'Abdul's literally clammed up now ... but Renu seems quite...errr... happy... haan, she never liked Jodha...but is there more to her happiness than meets the eye?' was Renu only taking advantage of the separation or was she the driving force behind it? Was she only serving her own interests following the split-up or did she actually make it happen? What if she knew more about the texts - and its sender than she was letting on? 'I'll have to talk to Jodha about this later on!'

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THE SINGH HOUSEHOLD

'What is the point of apologizing NOW for what he's already done to my sister?' boomed bade bhaiyya's furious voice from this end of the phone line 'Whatever happened...however annoyed he was... how could he leave MY SISTER alone in that restaurant? In the middle of the night?'

She stared at her youngest brother and then at bhabhi - both were as flummoxed as she was! Then, she went on to examine the rest of her household. Frozen in their seats. Faces wrecked by unrest. Nerves as frayed as could be. The tension in that modest living room was becoming so thick, it could be sliced with a knife.

True, every member present was exhausted after a hard day at work. True, most had been aching for that refreshing cup of evening chai - but one irate phone call from Mr. Raghuvanshi ten minutes ago had changed all that. Now everyone was sitting back and watching on as the nail-biting climax to the whole Raghuvanshi affair evolved - something Jodha hadn't expected to happen so soon and that too, with such intensity!

All of a sudden; papa took everyone by surprise - when he tilted forth from his recliner to fretfully grab the phone from his oldest soon. He wanted to overhear the complaints coming from the other end for himself.

'Phew' Vishal quietly whistled, on beholding the latest developments 'PAPA too?' he turned to Jodha 'And you're almost enjoying this, right?'

'They so deserve it!' she shrugged

'I understand you might be upset about those texts Raghuvanshi sahab...' papa retorted bitterly 'But, what was the need to gossip about those indecent messages with our relatives...how could you discuss about her morals, character and whatnot with others, without talking to me about it first? Rishabh is young ... but I expected you to be wiser in this matter! We've already had three calls from rishtedaars with regards to this... what's HER fault if a psychotic man is out to ruin her name?'

The signs of excitement that'd momentarily graced her eyes had long faded away - the sordid reality had hit her again 'God!' she grimaced 'People are ready to gossip with no basis whatsoever... thanks Rishabh for spreading all sorts of nonsense about me so YOU don't get defamed ... I'm the laughing stock of the town for no fault of mine...'

Having silently detected how the unfolding setbacks had made her go from 'Miss Hopeful' to 'Miss Disheartened' under the span of a minute, Vishal found himself feeling very enraged for his sister. Leaning nearby, he whispered softly 'Rishabh's a jerk... but you know what choti... alternative angle se dekho... scandal dies down after sometime... but he's out of your life forever na... and this is what you ALWAYS wanted...'

'Huh?' She was compelled to look up at him, as her mind reflected on his last sentence. It didn't take her low spirits too long to realize that he was actually making sense! No doubt; it was surprising to hear another round of wise words from her Vishal bhaiyya, but her battered soul could do with such doses of positivity every now and again! As he'd pointed out, maybe the alternative angle wasn't so bad after all. While these baseless rumours would NEVER change her equation with the only people that mattered to her, they could automatically scare off all pests like the Rishabhs and the Saurabhs.

'Yes that's it from us too... bye...'

Papa finally slammed the phone down, after what seemed like a never-ending confrontation

'They've called off the wedding, na?' mama sniffled, nearly on the verge of dissolving into another round of wails

'Mamma...' Jodha squeezed her mother's arms supportively 'Be happy that we came to know of all this BEFORE the wedding!'

'But, why is he blaming YOU for everything choti?' an enraged bade bhaiyya turned to his sister 'Why are they saying you weren't being very dignified?'

'Ha... ha... ha...' she cackled loudly 'I told him I like to watch football... I told him that a couple of my college friends are guys... and THAT is undignified? Undignified is what HE did!' having affirmed her stance she waited to observe the reactions of bade bhaiyya and papa. Not surprisingly; their features were tainted with hints of both worry AND remorse 'Feeling cheated bhaiyya?' the hurt sister quipped. She wasn't going to let this opportunity pass - she was going to show them how far her own sentiments had been offended too 'Ideal Rajput ladka? Thorough gentleman? He didn't even PAY for the dinner that he'd called me out for... ran away the minute he heard a few threats, leaving me stranded in the middle of a bandh night!'

Hurling the paper that was resting on his lap, bade bhaiyya got off the sofa and walked up to the showcase. His hurt pride simply couldn't face her 'wronged' expressions any longer - he'd endured enough of those expressions for more than 24 hours now.

Regardless, Jodha prodded on - knowing that the best time to strike was when the iron was molten hot 'I thought the basic SANSKAAR of a man was to protect his lady's honour... par aapkaa sanskaari ladka has ruined my reputation and honour completely!' following up on her sarcastic rant she stood up from the sofa and deliberately took her own time to scan the long faces of her entire family 'Everyone compelled me to stick to our traditions so that our relatives will stand by us through thick and thin...where are those rishtedaars today?' she erupted into a sad smile 'Quietly watching the tamasha like everyone else... did any of them speak up for me when Rishabh made all those false claims?'

'All men are not like this...' an extremely disgruntled bade bhaiyya voiced out 'I'll make sure it doesn't happen again...'

'But the damage has already been done, bhaiyya!' she sniggered at her own fate 'And the ONE man who stood up for me... spoke up for me... fought for me... you want me to forget...just because he's...'

'That's enough choti...' bade bhaiyya spun around to front Jodha, increasingly aggravated by her taunts

'Jalal RISKED his life for my sake even after he was thrashed to a pulp...' she persevered, without so much as battling an eyelid

'Choti, I agree we made a mistake... but, THAT IS ENOUGH...' his gazes flashed like streaks of live embers by the end of that threat

Reading his irate responses, she felt inundated by his stubborn arrogance. Her whole FAMILY'S arrogance! She was angry. Sad. Disappointed. Hurt. Isolated. Her speech started crackling. Her eyes started moistening up - but she didn't relent 'I didn't even have one Rupee on me day before yesterday night... do you know how I made that call to you?' a resentful tear rolled down her cheek 'Jalal had once given me some spare cash ... money he'd compelled me to keep inside my purse in case of an emergency...that was what helped me get to you... why don't you compare the two GENTLEMEN now?'

Bhagwant ground his teeth 'If you'd asked us for money, wouldn't we have given it to you?'

'That is not the point bhaiyya...' her voice escalated in frustration 'The point is that the very ladka you'd called manhoos... has saved my life and honour innumerable times...'

'Jodha... calm down...' her mother swiftly interfered - seeing how the arguments were taking a nasty turn 'He's much older to you... don't speak to your brother that way...'

'No mamma... for more than two months I stayed silent... did as you all told me to... so today, please let me speak!'

'Choti...' Kranthi joined in, hoping to moderate the unpleasant confrontation 'College boys do all this to impress girls... it doesn't mean...'

'Impress? Jalal has stood up for me even BEFORE we were on friendly terms!' she overrode all their phrases 'You know... he's not let his family or friends speak ill about me even once till date!' she reverted her attention to the oldest brother - the one she was dearest to - and yet, the one that was currently her biggest adversary 'Bade bhaiyya...' she posed him a final challenge, knowing very well that his fury was teetering on the brink of an explosion 'Can you promise me that you'll be able to find me a man who'd match ALL those credentials?'

'JALAL! JALAL! JALAL!' he roared, turning red-faced 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!'

'What happened bhaiyya?' she asked You aren't able to give me a proper answer... so you'll just yell and shut me up instead?'

SLAPPP PPP PPP!

Her face had just been struck by a rock - at least, that's how it felt. Her ears were still ringing from the sound-burst. The skin on her face was commencing to scorch from the impact! For a while, all she could hear were angry howls around her

'Bhagwant!'

'Bhaiyyaaa!'

'What do you think you're doing beta?'

'Calm down ji...'

Bhaiyya could say nothing thence - he was forced into silence by the shock of his own actions. His fingers were shivering. Tears had blurred his eyes. He stared in disbelief at her discolored cheeks. He looked down at his trembling hands. The very hands that'd once carried her around - that'd taught her how to cross the road - that'd coached her how to ride a bicycle were now inflicting violent strikes upon her.

Jodha didn't react much either. She wasn't appalled by the slap or taken by the supportive cries surrounding her. All she needed to decipher were the sentiments in her bhaiyya's eyes - and when she peeked in, she saw what she'd been waiting for so long. GENUINE EMOTIONS!

At that moment, she could see it. Sense it. Even if bhaiyya didn't reveal his thoughts, his ego was starting to melt down in front of her sufferings. Her loved ones were beginning to feel sorry for her. She felt as though she was rediscovering her home once more . Now, how could that be any less than winning the biggest battle of her life?

A day would come when they'd understand the reasons behind her adamancy and accept her choice too. A day when Jodha Singh would cease to be the stranger that she'd become in her own household - and something told her that day wouldn't be too far off!

'Thank you stalker and Rishabh...' she mentally signed off, for then 'For without your help...I couldn't have achieved any of this!'

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If you liked this chapter, please leave me a like/comment if time permits so that it helps the reader in me to keep going 😳

Originally posted by: adianasr

Hi Shraddha, have been reading all your updates of this tale - and now I am going to play spoil sport - the stalker is Renu - if I am not mistaken - and I am going to now wait for when Jalal will know of both Jodha having kept that MMS from him and of knowing that it is Renu !!!!!!!