19~NOT just a passionate affair~60 & 61- Like we used to (30/11)

Compilation Thread ~ Parts 1-62

(Thanks to Anushka)

INDIVIDUAL LINKS (Thanks to Nams)

Excitedly counting the days ahead. While not really sure if she wanted the countdown to end too soon. Earnestly stepping-up her talk-&-walk practise therapy in the mornings. And ending up a little flustered when the results weren't noticeably better by evening. Enthusiastically mixing and matching new attires every chance she got. But not too satisfied with any result she saw in the mirror a minute later.

This is pretty much how her state of mind had been the past three weeks - sweating in good ways and in some not-so-good ways over this MBA farewell bash. And knowing Jalal's popularity, this 'bash' was bound to be a grand affair.

For everyone else this was just another typical opportunity to drink, dine and socialize with ex-collegemates. But for Jodha, it was a life examination of sorts. She was coming out of hibernation to execute an impromptu performance on stage in front of numerous unknown - including, a few judgemental - faces.

Faces to whom she was the-student-who'd-been-molested-by-a-professor-and-come-out-of-a-coma-all-different! Understandably then, she was just as anxious as she was excited about attending this bash.

Yet, she was here. For the one person who truly mattered.

In fact, not only had she braced herself for the challenge - she'd decided to go bold by embracing her change in status from 'Goddess' to 'Rockstar'.

And surprise everyone.

Even, Jalal.

Most of all, Jalal!

'Calm down Jodha...' she told herself for the nth time 'Many have given your outfit a thumbs-up... even mamma gave you half-a-compliment!' she stood tall in front of the large arched wooden door in front 'Remember what the counsellor said yesterday... people stare at you cos they're curious... cos they forgot their manners at home... doesn't mean they're being evil...' sighing aloud, she led her finger to the ringer 'If only Meera and Payal could have made it today... anyway...Jalal's there in case you goof up... and when Jalal's busy, just hang around Abdul, Maan and Renu... you'll be fine! Now go in!'

Trrring!

She waited.

A minute later, she was about to press the ringer again when the door opened.

Just in time! Using the doorframe as guide - so she didn't trip over the entrance threshold - Jodha gradually stepped in. The gala conversations and raucous laughter that hadn't hushed down for so long, muffled at once!

'God!' her heart leapt into a gallop the moment she caught the sea of profiles staring at her 'There must be at least 200 people in here'

'H... hi'

'Hi...'

'Hi Jodha...'

'Hi...' wishing her greeters with a diplomatic smile, she began scanning the crowd - seeking some form of respite from all the gaping. Where was her favourite guy? Where were her friends? The magnificently vast living-dining spaces were packed to a T - and none of the initial faces she'd identified felt extremely comforting 'Jalal... kahaan ho tum?'

Just then, out of the blue - someone called out to the large gathering

'Who is this popstar? Anyone recognize her?'

'Hey Raam...' Jodha instantly erupted into a mild smile. The prankster! She couldn't locate him yet, but he had to be around - somewhere 'Ye pagal Abdul bhi na...kyaa kyaa names these guys come up with! Popstar?'

Finally making his entry, the friendly chap emerged from the throng - with a drink and a goofy grin 'If no one's claiming to know her in the next FIVE seconds...' he paused to mimic a *drumroll* 'I'm going to ask her to be MY company for the evening...'

'Achchcha?' Jodha could barely repress her giggles as he took his place beside her 'And where's Jal...'

'Shhh!' Abdul deliberately hushed the already-embarrassed lady, before continuing with his antics 'Tic tic 1... tic tic 2...' his pitch turned louder and louder towards the end of that countdown 'Looks I'm going to find myself a date very soon... it's my lucky day today...YESSS!'

'Lucky day? Dream on...' a challenging voice abruptly cut through 'Looks like someone's just made a death wish!'

A pin drop silence befell the already-quietened partying folks. Suddenly, everyone was on the visual lookout for the whereabouts of the owner of that handsomely brusque tone. The invisible challenger who'd managed to make Jodha's smiles go from mildly-abashed to very-abashed in no time!

A few seconds later, there was a ruffle in the gathering. At the very far end. Somewhere behind the marble steps.

Her palm unwittingly squeezed her belly tight - in a vain bid to settle the wild monsters that'd started doing crazy stunts inside 'Oh my God...' there he was - a distinctive outline creating a ripple through the crowd as he approached the hall. She could eventually spot those remarkable pair of eyes from amidst a hundred others faces. Those characteristic grins too. He'd been covertly watching the drama all along, hadn't he? Watching and enjoying it!

'G...God!' she ultimately gave-up taming those belly monsters. Well, she'd just had a clearer picture of her man - and a barrage of special memories were flooding back 'Wow!' had he just gotten himself a smart haircut? Was that expensive beige shirt recently-bought? Was he wearing her favourite stonewashed grey jeans today? The cologne had to be new too - she could smell the fresh musk from a mile away!

And here she'd presumed that SHE was going to be the one throwing around some attitude, leaving him agape!

'Abdul... she's already been spoken for...'

The warning arrived as soon as he'd joined them. Leaning across thereupon, the boyfriend added a fact - for her ears alone 'In fact she was spoken for the moment I'd set sights on her... 1 year 10 months ago...'

'Achchcha?' Jodha quipped - resisting the urge to appear fascinated by yet another fancy line of his '1 year 10 monththsss ago? Are you sh...sure your calculationsss are right, Mr. Muhammed... b...becausse...'

'Oh my calculations are right' he refuted - with an assertive wink 'I'm sure'

Gosh! She couldn't believe it - but she was actually enjoying both, the spotlight and Jalal's typical 'Scorpio' possessiveness! Another feeling that somehow reminded her of the good-ol SRI days! She raised a brow to pose him another question - while still sneakily basking in the glory of her guy's attention 'And don't you have anything to say about how I look today?'

His smirk only widened in reply. He knew she was desperate for an answer - but she had to wait. Obviously, it wasn't HIS fault that he was so tongue-tied. It was HERS for having stunned him thus. So THIS was why she had kept all info on the 'Why's and 'How's of her arrival a mystery!

Nevertheless, he was yet to finish assimilating her new form - something he'd been doing ever since she'd stepped in five minutes ago. And something he would have continued doing silently had his bestie not provoked him into making an early appearance.

Letting his gazes glide along, he checked her out from head to toe. My my! Did she look different or what! With bold eyeliner highlighting the hazelness of her hazel eyes! Stand-out jewellery like large looped earrings and a stout bangle. A red checked shirt. And tight jeans sitting pretty on those perfect curves!!!

YES - Jodha Singh was actually sporting a proper western attire for the first time in her life! Maybe she'd figured out that a tomboy-hairstyle would suit a 24 year old in jeans than it would a 24 year old in dainty Anarkalis!

'I like what I see...' he softly declared on arriving at the end of that analysis

'R...really?' the girlfriend had to make a conscious attempt to keep her 'gushing' under check 'Th...thanks'

'Hey Jodha' it was Renu - yelling out from the parade of onlookers 'Yes we all agree that the jeans look cool on you! That you should try it more often...and that your boyfriend's gone all fidaa...'

'But if you both have finished flirting... mind re-joining the party?'

'Yes Maan I agree... we've all been abandoned for long enough now...'

'Yeah yeah...we're done flirting!' having darted his group a playful glare to bring a prompt end to their onslaught of awkward comments, Jalal reverted to his girlfriend 'Chalein?'

'Sh... sure! J...just one ththing...' she brought out the plastic cover that she'd been poorly concealing all along 'I...I got you a giffft... it's noththing too exceptional... but I thought it'd be a nice c...college memento for your trophy sshelf... our group'ss photo t...taken at SRI canteeen!'

'Thank you!' acknowledging the thoughtful gesture with a wide beam, he held his hand out for her - a sly frown cropping up on his brows as he did so 'Now... come with me... I can't wait to familiarize myself with this bundle of surprise!'

'Ok...' she naively handed out the bag to him 'Here's your bundle of surprise...'

Recognizing the innocence behind her mix up, Jalal accepted the gift from her with an affectionate blink. Once he'd carefully set it on a side table, he murmured his original intentions into her ears 'I'm sure I'll LOVE that surprise too Jo... but right now, when I was referring to my bundle of surprise...I was referring to YOU!'

'Oh!' she looked down with a silly smile. She'd finally understood what he was trying to say.

THE LARGE MAKESHIFT BAR - ON THE PATIO

'Tired?' he enquired tenderly as he helped her take a seat at a table in a comparatively less-crowded corner

'Not too muchch!'

She'd lied. She WAS tired after having played co-host at the Muhammed Bungalow for the past hour. Using his comforting arm to support her limp, she'd gone around with her boyfriend - hand in hand - greeting all attendees. And the stint had been a very pleasant one too. No goof-ups. No awkwardness. If anything, it hadn't taken her long to realize that she'd been needlessly fretting over this first public appearance.

However by the end of that prolonged party round, her wobbly legs were giving in and the loud music indoors was beginning to set-off her migraines. Besides, after having answered 'I'm-fine-thank-you' to about a 150 polite people, her parched throat was thirsting for a drink.

So, she vouched to rest her tired self at the patio, while setting her man free from her clingy-ness for the rest of the eve!

'Like it?' Jalal was referring to the patio they were seated at

She glimpsed at the vibrant ambience surrounding them and then up at the starry night skies. The arrangement was perfect. A large canopy erected in the open terrace with a few tables and chairs dotted around. A makeshift bar that would free up some space indoors for the night 'Well ththought, Jalal...'

'Simon' he then indicated to the suave bartender working behind the bar 'Simon can whip up an amazing Blue Hawaiian... I'm getting one for myself... wanna cheer mere saath? With a sip, maybe? Will suit your new attire too!'

Angling forward, she bore right into his mischievous stare 'Can Ssimon whip up a g...good masssala lassi too? This rockstar is different... she doesssn't d...drink...'

Erupting into a knowing laugh, he slickly tapped the table 'I wouldn't have hired him, had he not known how to make the perfect masala chaas! SIMON!' he yelled over the hungama to call out to the man

'Sir?'

'One blue Hawaiin for me and one masala chaas for this lovely lady here...'

'Sure sir...'

Once he'd finished placing the order, she gradually began playing with his fingers that were busy drumming beats on the table 'Issske baad Jalal...I ththink you shshould go and ssspend time with y... your friends... I'll waitt here...'

He leaned back on his chair. Slowly. He wasn't so sure 'By yourself, Jo?'

Hurling him a definite I'll-be-fine look, she nodded 'Yesss!'

'Ok ma'am!' he jested around with her strict orders by bowing his head oh-so-obediently 'As you say!'

**********************

'Hey'

'Hi Jodha...'

Setting down her glass of lassi, she looked up 'Hi...' it took her a few seconds to recall their names - seeing how she'd rarely interacted with the HR batch of seniors 'Oh hi Harsh... and h...hi... er...'

'B... Bharat!' he reminded her

'Oh... yesss...'

'You've been sitting alone here for a while now...' the men darted each other a swift glimpse 'So just dropped by to make sure you were fine...'

'Th...thanksss' she smiled - that sounded sweet

'Waise...' Bharat launched off, dragging out the empty chair next to hers 'You've done really well...' he nudged his friend 'Hasn't she?'

'Yup' the shorter of the two men helped himself to another chair right opposite 'I mean we read the papers and all... what'd happened at Professor Ram Charan's place must have been terrifying for you, na?'

Ok now THIS development didn't sound too sweet. Firstly, she wasn't the kind to open up about 'disturbing life stories' with near-strangers. Secondly, their queries seemed to be a by-product of idle curiosity rather than genuine concern. And most importantly, the stench of alcohol from them was so prominent they HAD to be seriously drunk. But, the manner in which they'd besieged her from both sides and made themselves comfortable at her table implied they weren't going to scoot-off anytime soon. So, she inferred it would be up to HER to end the trivial conversation and weasel out anyhow!

'Arre' the senior quickly responded to her tight-lipped stance 'We understand this must have been horrible for you... but, we were just curious as to how you coped?'

'We are amazed by you... that's why!'

Amazed? Well, Jodha wasn't too convinced. Nevertheless, she decided to put their doubts to rest - formally and firmly 'It wasss tough... but, I... I'm over ittt now...' her tone faded 'Ssorry, butt I don't like to t... talk about it...'

'I'm sorry' the man who called himself Bharat inched nearer 'I didn't get you... what did you say?'

She shuffled on her chair - irked by both, their attitude and the advance 'Ththat I'm over ittt now... and I d... don't like to t... talk ab... about it...'

'Over what?' he turned to his friend - as though genuinely seeking some form of guidance 'Harish, did you understand what she was trying to say?'

'No yaar! Me neither...'

The lone lady stiffened up. All right - now this wasn't going good. These two were actually indulging in fun at the expense of her stutter. Ragging her! How juvenile! 'I... I'm over ittt now...' she scoffed 'Now, if y...you'll ecsscuse me...' she scanned the remaining faces in the terrace for assistance - but none of the preoccupied people were familiar-enough to latch onto for an escape!

Indefinitely worse - the guys didn't appear ready to give up their stupid pursuits either!

'Harish... did she say she's over the professor?'

'Why will she be over the professor? Bewakoof! She must have said she's over what happened there...' the man tapped her on her shoulder 'Jodha, we are confused... can you repeat it again?'

Sickened to her stomach by their appalling remarks, her glares were compulsively redirected towards them. No, she wasn't paralyzed by fear or tears - but by disgust. Plain disgust. Could two men be so drunk that they didn't realize they were mocking the lowest points in a lady's life? Or could two morons be so vile that they derived entertainment from ridiculing someone's disabilities? It was horrid. So horrid, she momentarily forgot that she was planning escape a second ago. So horrid, she didn't even care to feel sorry for herself - because she was beginning to feel sorrier for them!

'Can you repeat what you just said one last time, Jodha? Woh kyaa hai ki... your speech isn't very clear na...'

The agitation that'd been marking her eyes so long assumed an icy cold aura. She folded her arms. In unmasked unadulterated disdain 'Actually' she sniggered 'I... I have a medical problem ththat explains why I can't ssspeak properly... wonder what physical p... problem you guys have ththat you both can't hear at all! Care to shshare it aloud? If it'ss not too bad, I know a few d... doctors who might be able to help...'

They instantly fell quiet - their expressions now resembling REAL 'amazement' for the first time. In fact, she didn't let it show but she was quite amazed too - with herself. That was the clearest paragraph she'd uttered in a while - and that wisecrack had come out of nowhere. How did that happen? Maybe it was just her latent anger. Or maybe because she'd had no time to wallow in self-pity. Either way, she gave herself an invisible pat on the back.

'Sorry...' Harish ceased the clumsy lull 'Shaayad... we plucked a raw nerve with those comments...'

'Haan... we must have had a bit more to drink than usual!'

'Ok... please pour us a glass of water... and we're gone...'

Her brows tangled into a You've-gotta-be-kidding grimace. After all they'd just said, they expected she would pour them a glass? She was about to fob them off with a 'No way... do it yourselves' retort - when something struck her. If she didn't hand them the jug, the man would have to lean across her to get to it - which she could guess would only give them some twisted pleasure.

So she bit the bullet and decided to do them one last favour. She passed over the jug to their side - to help them get lost.

'Please pour it out for us...'

'Our hands are sticky'

'Not lying...' they even put their palms up to prove their point 'Side effects of beer!'

'Hey...' one of the guys suddenly slapped his forehead 'Maybe she can't do it, you know!'

'Oh yeah...'

'Chod dete hain... in case, she starts crying and all...'

'Ok ok...' they fabricated an empathetic pout 'We understand...'

'Buraa mat maano...'

Venting a very long very bored sigh, she ultimately grabbed the jug. She'd never attempted doing this task before. It was a 'finer' skill that required finger-strength too. Yet, she wanted to do it - and allowed herself be sucked into this farce. Something had just come over her. Maybe because she didn't want to scurry and limp away from the table - while the two rogues got away by insulting a person's handicap.

So, she wrapped both hands around the jug at first - well aware that the idiots were busy gawking at her twitchy hands to make her more nervous. But, she kept going '1... 2... 3... concentrate...' she wrapped her fingers around the handle '1... 2... 3... concentrate...' slowly strived to lift the heavy jug up '1... 2... OUCH... this is heavy...' plonked it down. And tried again '1... 2... 3...concentrate... like the physio taught you...take it slow...' she made another attempt. And another. Till her palms had finally garnered enough strength to lift it off the table '1... 2... 3...concentrate on the glass... on the glass... the glass...' she zoned-off the sounds. The lights. The stares. Everything. Just focussed on hand-and-eye co-ordination. Her entire right arm was tremoring - so she supported it with the left '1... 2... 3... concentrate ... water in the glass...' and as the droplets finally started trickling inside - with no spills - she couldn't help but smile. She was enjoying an unimaginable sense of achievement there and only someone in her shoes would know why. Had her people witnessed it, they would have cheered her on 'Phew' she set the jug down once she'd succeeded the challenge - giving her fingers and wrist a rest

'Wow Bharat...' Harish spoke up snapping Jodha out of her happy-trance

'Did you notice all that hand-jerking?'

'I know...'

'Life for her boyfriend must be so colourful...'

A second later, both broke out into a loud snigger

'Wh...' she scowled 'What d... did you guysss just say?'

'We mean...' he could barely temper down the guffaw 'When you guys do what other NORMAL couples do...things must feel so different, na!'

'Kyaa' she was cringing in her seat - finding herself reluctant to even decode what those remarks could mean. Whatever perverted nonsense that insult was referring to, she knew she hated that she had to listen to it. How dare they? How the bloody-hell dare they?

'Oops' she hastily yelped

'Wh... what! Shit!'

'Shit man!'

The men stood up from their seats, enraged.

Her 'jerky' hands had toppled the jug and the glass at one go - forcing the water to flow over the table and onto their pants! Double Oops!

Think of it, she'd only given them a taste of their own medicine. It was only fair that they also cringed-in-their-seats - and those large wet patches on their trousers should make them do that. Literally.

For added effects, loads of people were currently watching too!

'You did it on purpose...' Bharat screamed

'Yeah... she did!'

'Sssorry...' Jodha fabricated an apology - just like they had a few minutes ago 'It's one of ththe side-effects of j... jerky hands!' and she showed up both her palms to prove her point!

'Shut up!' Harish retaliated 'Wonder why... and how Jalal is still sticking to a clown like you!'

'Wonder why and how Jalal is still sticking to a clown like you!'

Gradually, the smug look on her face washed away. All hints of victory or happiness that she'd been revelling in so long - somehow suddenly felt worthless. They'd made fun of her stammer. They'd ridiculed her mannerisms. They'd passed lewd remarks - and all of them had bounced off her fresh-and-shiny armour of resilience! But the final comment was something that'd managed to pierce right through. Destroying her will and self-worth. If Jalal was her bolster, he was her Achilles' heel too! Why then? Why did they have to say this? Why did she have to hear it?

'Why and HOW is he still with a clown?' the question kept returning to haunt her. Any self-pity and rage that she'd kept daringly supressed so far did surface up now - in the form of tears.

'Ouuuch!'

'Argggh... that hurts man!'

A piercing pain had just shot through the rear of their necks - someone had just grabbed them extremely hard!

'Kyaa chal rahaa hai? Clowning around... Bharat? Harish?'

With an air of nonchalance, Jalal stepped forth to join the group - while still covertly wringing the skins on their backs 'Damn! I came late and missed all the fun, didn't I?' offering his noticeably-anguished girlfriend an encouraging 'secret' wink, the smooth-talker reverted to the duo 'And WHAT'S THIS!!!' his eyes had widened in alarm - he'd just spotted the state of their trousers 'Yaar... I knew you guys would help yourself to all the free alcohol you could... but itna ki...'

'Itnaa ki...you couldn't even find your way to the bathroom?' Abdul completed what Jalal didn't!

'Tch tch...' Renu chipped-in 'Some guys never learn, do they?'

'Nope!' Abdul shook his head

'Shut up!'

'Get lost Abdul and Jalal...'

'Abbey' Jalal sneered - cannily interrupting their protests by lowering his voice to a murmur 'Picking on someone in trouble would have been reason alone to have you both thrown out... when you plan to pick on MY girl... in MY house... in MY party... imagine the repercussions!' as he concluded that threat, the force of his grip stealthily increased. Till his well-kempt nails had left a few fancy imprints upon the skins on their backs - his devious 'get-even' strategy that none else in the party would know of 'By the way... you wanted water, didn't you?' dipping his hand into the stagnant pool of water, he splashed it at their eyes with no forewarning 'Here... hope that helped you sober up... now apologize to her...'

What? They hadn't expected this sort of retribution - this was HUMILIATING! Anyhow, they had little option other than to give in to their captor's demands for then - even though they hated doing it!

'Sorry... Jodha!'

'Sorry...' Bharat grumbled 'It was only meant to be in light-hearted humour'

Partially satisfied with the outcome, Jalal re-adjusted their now crinkled designer shirts 'Renu's right... some guys like you NEVER learn... but some guys like me DO! It's the last time I've had anything to do with you both...' patting their shoulders with a 'farewell' bye, he let the silent deadly daggers in his glares conclude the finale 'So get out of here before things spiral into something uglier...'

CRASH!

A chair at the opposite end had unexpectedly toppled, drawing the attention of a few onlookers

'Jodha... can I help you?'

'Are you ok, Jodha?'

'Sambhaalke...'

Looking up, Jalal caught her fumbling a hurried exit from the terrace 'Jodha...' he called out, concerned 'Ruko... ek second... '

***************

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'Jussst go away...' her voice was sore 'I want t...to be alone...'

His eyes remained transfixed upon her slouched shoulders. Three minutes on and she was still turned the other way. Stubborn girl!

It was obvious she didn't want him there - watching over her like this.

But, he didn't mind - he wasn't going to leave her alone at a time like this. Any other day and he would have given her her space - but not today.

Latching the study's door, he approached her from behind and placed his palms on her shoulders.

'Y... you heard what ththey said...'

'Jo...' his forehead dotingly reclined against her '150 people were supportive and kind ... why take to heart what two morons...'

'You ththink it's never ssstruck me otherwisse? And t... tell me there is NO truth to ththeir sstatement!' she slowly spun around - giving him the first glimpses of her swollen red eyes 'I try and try and try... to be c... confident... to be happy... to sssucceed... but I'm not m... my old sself, Jalal - maybe n... never will be... and you're fine with ththat?' she paused to catch up on her breath. She needed to - the agitation was worsening her stutter 'Even ththe most selflesss person... my mamma... expects me to help her c... clear the table after sshe's made dinner... I take and take and take from you... how c... could you NOT expect anyththing in return?' frantically wiping the blurring tears, she persisted with a few more pitiful facts that'd she'd bottled within for months now - pitiful facts that'd corroded her peace bit by bit 'Yooou're a 25 year old s...socialite, Jalal. An intttelligent able handssome overachiever... you deserve t... to go outtt and enjoy life... you don't d... deserve THTHIS! You deserve a partttner who walksss beside you, not a p...patient clinging onto you...' noting how his frowns were getting really disapproving, she looked aside - guiltier than she already was 'D... don't look at me like ththat... I'm not my old ssself anymore... I've been a fffinancial, physsical and social burden on all my l... loved ones... so, cut my depresssed guilt-ridden outburst ssome slack!'

'And God forbid one of your loved ones suffers this way... wouldn't you care for them like how you're being cared for now?' since she had nothing to say to that question for a good while, he moved onto another one 'You have me on speed-dial, na? Why didn't you call me when things were getting bad? If Alice hadn't told me about...'

'Becaussse...' she overrode him 'You shshouldn't have to babysittt me all the t... time! I shshould be able to take c... care of myself...'

No response came from his end. Even after a few seconds. So, she reluctantly glanced up - to see what was going on.

Strangely, his frowns had morphed into a subtle grin! What! Why was he grinning?

'There! THAT's your old INDEPENDENT self... wanting to rely on none else to handle an issue!' ultimately having managed to grab her unwitting attention, he persevered with a few more pointers - pointers to show that her old-self hadn't gone anywhere. That she was very much there. Within. And resurfacing too 'Ok... at first you were reluctant to attend the party but when you'd made your mind to come, you went the extra mile to dress so fashionably...why? NOT only to surprise me... you wanted to show my batch-mates that you're still capable of standing out in a crowd! Now, that's your old PRIDE speaking!' before progressing to reason No.3, he had to play a cat-and-mouse game to avail a peek into the eyes that were deliberately hiding away from his 'Jodha... you didn't just walk away from the humiliation - you wanted to teach them a lesson... that's your old SELF-RESPECT speaking! You didn't break down in front of anyone... you came here to cry... that's your EGO speaking!' he gave her a moment to take it all in before gathering her into an embrace 'I'm very sorry you had to go through this...but only when we meet the good, the bad and the ugly do we know how we deal with it... today, you met the ugly and dealt with it just like you used to!'

'Okay!' she uttered a not-too-enthusiastic hush groan. THIS was a different perspective. Every single word that he'd just said made sense - so much so that they'd mysteriously managed to quell the flow of her relentless tears too. But still. Ego and self-respect weren't going to bring back her old life, were they? 'You're...' she refocused her stares in a different direction - aware that he was waiting for her to surrender to his logic 'You're just sssaying all ththis to make me happy, Jalal!'

'I know I'm saying the truth!' he shrugged

'No!' with a jittery clasp, she put away the hands that were cradling her 'Do you r... remember how I WASSS? A talented d... dancer... trained in c... classical mussic...'

'Yup!' he defiantly tugged her back into his fold 'And you will still be the best dancer at MY place... me thinks the best singer too!' his pitch modified into something more playful 'Trust me... I've heard Shantamma and Balaji sing... and... I'm afraid... they both aren't very good!' he shook his head, as a mark of total disappointment 'Sadly, I had no idea about this when we hired them...'

'Jalal...' she nudged his hands off, refusing to be entertained by his frolicking 'I usssed to paint... and now I can't even hold a p... pen... my fingers are...'

Immediately interlocking those very fingers within his, he pulled his prisoner close 'Congratulations Miss Singh...' his accent was different again - strangely, it was resembling her physiotherapist's accent now 'You are getting the hang of using the phone and a keyboard. I predict it wouldn't be long before you'll be holding a pen too...'

God - that mimicry was good. Very very good! But Jodha. Was. Just. Not. Going. To. Smile! 'Jalal...' she yanked her hand out with all her might 'I used to sslot the keys into my sscooty... drive off anytime... now I C...CAN'T EVEN CROSS a road alone! I might never d... drive...'

'Waise bhi your scooty was dying... but, I'm letting you in on your boyfriend's secret and you BETTER NOT TELL anyone this!' his emphatic manner having stupefied her into a brief trance, Jalal tilted forth. And forth. And forth - till she was boxed into a corner 'He's planning to buy you a car AND get you your own driver when you shift here permanently... and once you owned a car, you would have automatically given up your scooty - thanks to our infamous Hyderabad pollution, heat and noise!'

'Huh?' it took a second for the effects of his spell to wear-off. But once out of it, she realized how her REAL problems were suddenly appearing so trivial now - thanks to him. Grrr!

'Jalal!' she jabbed his chest 'Here... I'm referring t... to ssserious issues... my health... my tttemporary blankness... my mood swings! You are ok to put up with ththis unpredictability ffforever?'

'What an exaggeration!' he dismissed her complaint with a stylish snap of his fingers 'The counsellor told you it's the hormones... which should gradually settle down!'

Fighting the distraction that was a handsome face lingering hardly a few millimetres away from hers, she raided her mind for any other grievances she could think of 'My hair ththat you LOVED is taking ffforever to...'

'Hey' he softly blew through her locks 'It's almost as long as mine now... not long before you'll win this race too!'

Having run out of steam, Jodha pitched him a sullen glare before shifting around - to meet with the rows of Business books stacked on his shelves 'Ththe girl you fell in love with won d... debates... topped examsss... hosted businesss stalls...' her words faltered. His presence was steadily closing-in on her back. A second later, his palms travelled up her arms till her petite form had been reinstated inside his strong embrace. And a whisper followed 'Jo... you WILL recover some of it... even if not all of it...'

Damn! He never caved in, did he? And my, was she was glad he didn't!

The snugness of being huddled in his arms. The solace of his soothing voice. She buckled. Melted. Allowed herself to be rocked in his hold. After all, she was tired of fending off this utterly adorable boyfriend. Of putting him through a tantrum just because she was unhappy with herself 'H... how are you so p... positive, Jalal?' she rested backwards upon him 'How do yyyou never gettt disheartened?'

'Who said I don't?'

What? Her Jalal disheartened? How? Why? She wanted to know more. And turned to observe his expressions as she heard him out further!

'I do get disheartened when I see you struggle...' he admitted 'But I stay positive because I count the 25 steps you've already covered... instead of counting the 75 steps yet to be crossed! Six months ago, you couldn't even stay awake through an entire sentence... today you're standing here and arguing with me... isn't THAT something?' he ran a finger across the delightfully-inquisitive lines that'd emerged on her forehead 'Forget all this... I have a very touching story that keeps me positive. Once, I had to witness a girl... left for near-dead in a killer's house... she had no pulse... she was cold... and I could do nothing to save her... I had no hope that she would be rescued in time... when I woke up three days later, she was barely alive...' he paused for a short recess. However chirpy his attitude, this 'touching story' always managed to lug at his heart's strings. So much so that he had to attempt every trick in the book to keep his voice from cracking. Once sure he was fine, he concluded his narration 'She was barely alive... and at that point, I would have settled for something of her... ANYTHING of her... THAT is why I'm so grateful today!'

She gazed on. Speechless. Time seemed to stand still as she did so. What a beautiful memoir had he just shared! Now that he'd put it that way, how inspiring did their journey sound? Inspiring enough to nurse her aching soul to health. Inspiring enough to nourish her sombre spirits to normalcy 'Why have you n... never tttold me this before?' she asked, immensely moved

'Because I don't like speaking about that day... and I didn't say this to make you cry again...' he was objecting to her re-moistened eyelashes 'Your headache is...'

He was about to wipe her eyes, but she held down his hand 'Ok Jalal... I p... promise... I'll never weigh myssself down so ...but ifff and when I slip...' she rolled her hand out - and it wasn't even twitching now 'You must p... promise to tell me ththis story again... deal?'

A warm grin materialized on his lips 'You really like listening to my stories, don't you?'

'Deal?' she pressed-on, signalling towards her open palm

Well, if that was what made her happy - then so be it 'Deal!' he closed her hand 'Khush now?'

'Almost...' she crinkled her brows - like a little girl requesting for one last go at a playground 'Sirfff... one last quessstion...'

'One more? Ok go on...'

Though hesitant to continue at first, the girlfriend slowly began fiddling with the seams on his shirt 'My boyfriend has stttopped calling me sssexy... Goddess... and diva... I'm not sh...sure why... I mean I love his new d... dictionary too... but, I miss ththe old names...' she peeped up 'And as a big girl, I can deal with it ifff it's cos my looks have chchanged... so tell me frankly'

'W...what?' the tints of light-hearted mischief that'd been marking his features ebbed into mild bewilderment 'Really? He stopped calling you all that?'

'Yes' she nodded, puppy-eyed

'Acha?' Jalal wondered. How could that be? Had he really stopped calling her all that? He mulled upon it - and realized that he had indeed! So wasting no further time, he set out to make amends with an apologetic grimace 'Your boyfriend says it wasn't deliberate...that since he's been dealing with so many issues... all tough... and all at one go... it must have slipped his mind... he'll take care it doesn't happen again!' he let out a long sigh 'Any more grievances ma'am?'

'G... grievances?' she murmured, breaking out into a tranquil smile 'No!' if she had listed ANY, she'd be lying through her teeth because she had none now. And not because her boyfriend had wiped them all clean with his words, but because he'd shown her how to deal with them. Shown HER how it was done!

'He's been dealing with so many issues...all tough... and all at one go' what a simple statement he'd put across. All as part of a sweet act to cheer her up - but how poignant its deep reality. If these health issues had been tough for her - 'dealing' with her changes must be just as tough on him, right? If society had been testing her, 'dealing' with society and their families and his exam and his case and his business must have infinitely more testing for him too! Yet, he was enduring all of it without so much as a whine! 'God Jalal...' she pined, whelmed with a reinforced pang of adulation for the guy 'I still have so much to learn from you...'

'By the way Miss Singh' he spoke up spiritedly, interrupting her thoughts 'Your boyfriend does protest against the latest accusation. He has tried showing his attraction in many OTHER ways... but it has gone unnoticed!'

'What! What d... do you mean?'

'Well...' he was amused by the instant signs of curiosity glossing over her childlike stares 'Remember the fun-filled attraction-fuelled moments we used to have? I've sorta been missing those... have dropped hints... but, you haven't really... er... sensed it...'

'H... haven't sssensed what?'

'Ok...' a sheepish sigh ensued 'I've tried jesting... sending texts... tried coming close... and... a few other things... but you weren't aware that...'

'What! When d... did all ththis happen?'

'Wow' he chuckled - this conversation was taking on a wholly different tangent. But, it was cute. And funny too 'For instance, it happened at our date!'

'Huh?' she had to admit - this new topic had caught her entirely off-guard. As she sought to get the drift of what he was suggesting, her thoughts inadvertently drifted off to the episode. It took her a few subsequent seconds of brain-storming, but she eventually managed to identify the cues 'Oh...' her eyelids widened in awareness thereon 'So THAT was what it was. That was why he was disappointed?' she stuttered 'It... it wasn't deliberate... I... I mean... it never even ssstruck me that...'

'I know!' he shushed her 'And I only said all this to show you I'm still just as attracted to you! I am NOT trying to guilt-trip you, so DON'T blame yourself!' he shrugged 'I've understood... after a trauma, hormones are all over the place so...it's normal NOT to be romantic... besides, when you're still concentrating on trying to master basic tasks, intimacy is obviously not going to be ...'

'Arre...' she held his cheeks tight with her unsteady palms - to put a quick stop to his medical mumbo-jumbo 'Jalal, why didn't you TTELL ME you've been ffeeling like ththis?'

'Because... it's impossible to explain a sentiment that's supposed to be spontaneous ... and more importantly, I didn't want to stress you out more than you already are...'

'JALAL!' she yelled - tightening the stronghold on his cheeks 'I know ththat NOTHING's impossible for you... jusst t... talk to me and I'll undersstand... my ego can deal with being a t... temporary budhu... what I can't deal withth is you getting upset - all by yoursself!'

'Woah!' his heart needed time to recover from the few beats it'd missed on having being subjected to that 'thoughtfully-threatening' message. That spunk with which she'd just admitted her shortcomings. That assertiveness with which she'd told him off. Plus, those fiery glares. He loved it 'Wow!'

Observing the apparently-smitten look written all over his face, a pink-faced Jodha urged him on 'Stop wow-ing and say sssomething...'

'But, I don't know how to respond to the sexiest threat I've ever received!' he confessed 'I'm already dangerously in love with you woman... don't make it worse than it already is!'

My! How could she come-back to THAT comeback? Therefore, she wisely decided to preserve the moment by shutting up and gazing at him instead. Anyway, there was a new glow about him that she was interested in analysing. A fresh haze on his features that'd come on ever since they'd rid themselves of their insecurities. After they'd had their 'talk'.

So, her lovely mister had really been missing the romance, hadn't he? Such a hero had he been through all of her personal ordeals that she'd forgotten he was built like any other human too. That he would like to feel attractive. And wanted. That he would like to be flirted with by the one person he sought that validation from - HER!

Well then, it was up to her to set matters straight. Just like how he'd never let her feel anything but 'great' about herself, SHE wanted him feel 'amazing' about himself! And it wasn't fair to make him await this feeling of 'amazingness' while her brain-injury-affected hormones took their own sweet time to return to normalcy. So, while he went about taking care of a hundred other things, she would take care of him - in her own sweet way!

'Hmmm' she attentively led her palms upwards till they sat upon his shoulders. Having reflected upon how they used to do this, she phrased her approach carefully 'I'm a bittt rusty in a fffew departments... and the d... docs are teaching me t... to walk, talkkk, read and write like I used to... but, if I need to relearn my sskills at romance, I need someone c... capable... to teachch me all that too...' she blinked impishly 'C... care to be my tutorr?'

It took him a few instants to process her invitation. And when he did, he laughed out loud - at the most adorably-sensual request a boyfriend could have ever been asked 'Really?'

'Well... how am I... I going to relearn, oththerwise?'

'God!' he exclaimed, still trying to come to terms with the developments. Was she amazing? Or WAS SHE AMAZING? Aware that she'd driven him to go red - like a high schooler - he decided to regroup himself and give her the kind of answer she needed to hear 'My pleasure! Happy to teach you anything you'd like to know...'

She slowly pulled him close 'And, how are we sssupposed to stttart?'

'You want me to start classes? Here? Now?' he asked thrice. To be sure he'd heard it right. To be doubly sure he wasn't imagining things again. And to be triply sure he hadn't died and gone to heaven yet 'Sach mein?'

'Well' her gazes trailed towards the study door 'It's lockedd... everyone outside knows we had a bit of a d... drama... so they musttt assume that I'm bawling in here, while you're sssympathizing with me...' she shrugged very matter-of-factly 'They've waited for 15 minutes... what's anothther 10?'

Ok then. Made perfect sense. He wasn't the type to waste his energy and time arguing with such incredible logic. So he tilted his head low, till the edges of his lips were brushing against the edges of hers 'And where would you like me to hold you as we go through chapter 1?'

'Oh!' she blushed, recollecting that he couldn't grab her by her hair or cradle her neck like he used to 'You c... can hold me on my waist... after the surgery, I'm no longer ttticklish ... so, don't worry... I'm not g... going to jumpp...'

'Even better then' the opportunist gradually placed his hands on her jeans. Allowing his sultry eyes to reveal his intentions, he traced his palms in. Under her shirt. Then, under her silken vest. Stopping only when they'd reached her bare waist

As the heat of his fingers grabbed the curves beneath her clothes, her body curled up onto his chest in nervousness. Just in time for the first chapter to take off. The first proper touch of their lips. The encounter was a bit different. A bit thrilling. A bit awkward. And very new. The novel tastes that arose when their wet lips met. The long-forgotten sensations of his rougher jaws chafing against her softer skin. The temperature of her chilly cheeks rising in response to the warm currents of his breath. The mellow skin on her waist going pink under the pressure of his tightening clamp.

What started off as a few soft pecks steadily flared up into a whirlwind kiss. And the flurry didn't stop even after it had evolved into a stormy make out session.

However, it wasn't long before she perceived she wasn't doing it right. If anything, she knew she was acting as inexperienced as a 14 year old girl would - bungling it up. After all, a kiss was something that needed co-ordination too. Therefore, somewhere along the way, she just discontinued her attempts to synchronize with him and left it to her more seasoned partner to guide them through. Knowing she'd eventually relearn the skill - and match him on it, one day.

'Ja...Ja...' she heaved, rising up for a puff of oxygen. Either she had to be timing this wrong or positioning herself wrong - cos her lips were tenderer than she remembered from their past experiences. And she hadn't been breathing for the past thirty seconds or so either!

'Bloody hell...' he rested against her forehead for a break, very much out-of-breath too. That was when he detected the colour on her lips. Did he unleash all of his inhibited urges at one go? 'Sorry...' his impish frowns emerged 'Your lips are pinker than when your lipstick was on!'

'Oh!' she barely curbed an embarrassed giggle. Maybe, she wasn't as rusty as she thought she was then?

'Should've paused...' he chuckled through his gasps 'But, it's been so long...'

'It's been so long...'

Jodha smiled. Sheepishly. That infamous reference! And all that'd happened following that infamous reference - because she'd assumed something else altogether! Quietly giggling at how she'd unknowingly left him short-changed the last time, she loosened her grip from around his shoulder. And guided her hands down towards his first button. She was going to make it up to him. To finish what she'd kick-started during their last date, with a sweet romantic finale - something like he would've imagined!

'Hey' he quipped on witnessing how her fingers were beginning to fiddle with his buttons. Again?Somehow, this new agenda seemed a bit suspicious though 'My shoulder is fine... you know?' he teased 'The scar's not going to go anywhere!'

'Ththat's why I'm not b... bothered about the sscar...' aware of how intently he was spying on her actions, she issued him a girlie warning 'Now sstop staring at my hands... you're making ththem conscious...'

'Oh..kay!' Jalal marvelled. In outright astonishment. The surprises just kept coming, didn't they? This student he'd taken on was more unpredictable than he'd presumed 'Does that mean we are moving on to chapter 2 now?' he made a wild guess!

She refused to reply. She refused to even glimpse up. So, he derived his answer from the fact that she was biting her cheek to mask all signs of bashfulness.

'And you don't need help with the buttons this time?' he quizzed a husky reminder

'Becaussse I know how ttto...' she explained, continuing to successfully work her way through her challenge 'I've tttried so many tops and shirts the past ththree weeks that I have gotten ththe hang of it... par these jeans' buttons are ttrickier... I still need ssome help kyunki...' suddenly, her face blanched. She froze - on having grasped the high-sexed implications of what she'd just blurted in her naive enthusiasm to share ALL sorts of details with him 'Jodha, you idiot!' now she had to put up with the consequences of having handed her cunning devil-of-a-boyfriend the perfect excuse to taunt her mercilessly!

And as expected, the 'devil-of-a-boyfriend' exhaled slow. And long. And hard. Extorting as much delight as he could from the hilarity of her slip-up 'So you want me to help you with your tricky jeans' buttons, now?' he whispered craftily 'I had no idea we were supposed to go through SO MANY chapters today!'

Suddenly grabbing her jeans by its waist-belt, he pulled her closer. Till there was no space between her feminine outline and his rugged musculature now exposed through the buttons she'd unfastened.

'Jalal...' she had to swallow hard to overcome the anxious lumps forming in her throat. As though her predicament weren't bad enough already, his fingers had begun their naughty tricks too. Fraying her nerves by taking a perilous route from her waist to navel and onto the button - to and fro! Summoning all the grit her dainty form possessed, she glimpsed up to meet eyes with him 'You know it wasss an in... innocent remark!'

'Was it?' he smirked 'I think you'll forgive me for being unable to differentiate between an innocent Jo and a chaalu Jo anymore!'

'You ba...bad...'

'Badmaash? Yes that I am!' he gladly admitted 'And you thought you could flirt around with this badmaash... in a sexy tight jeans... and escape without any repercussions?'

'Nooo...' her face flamed into the deepest shade of scarlet 'How am I supposed to deal with a rascal like you?' since it was becoming as tough to look away from him as it was to look at him, she finally buried her head on his chest - hiding from him like an ostrich would.

'God... Jodha' laughing at the delightfully coy manner in which she'd sought a hideout, Jalal decided to spare her from any further abashment and sheltered her by firmly blanketing her inside his arms.

And thus, he relived the sensations he'd been dying to relive. Her endlessly silky-smooth skin grazing against his stony abs. Her ice-cold body burrowing onto his warm torso - the contrasts felt so nostalgic. So rousing. So good!

Really, it'd been so long!

Following a minute or so of euphoric silence, he glanced down to see what she was doing. And it was then that he discovered that she was in a world of her own - dreamily staring at his physique. Or rather, at the shiny silver object hanging against the backdrop of his bare physique.

'Your Tttaveez!' she sighed - gazing at the holy symbol that held such significance for the two

'You've always loved gazing at it...' he added longingly 'Do you remember what else you used to love doing?'

'Whattt?'

Gently lifting her palm, he placed it against his heart 'Can you hear it?'

'Haan...' she recalled the fond memory in a misty daze 'I used to love this...' her fingertips sensed the quiet vibrations 'Your heart's racing...'

'Just like yours is!'

'And what else did YOU love?' she peeked into his glimmering eyes for a hint. Then, in a flash - one particular magical-formula came to mind 'Oh yeah...how about this?' supporting herself appropriately, she manoeuvred her lips upwards. From the sharp edges of his collarbone, along the sides of his neck and stopping right at a sensitive spot behind his ears 'You loved ththis... didn't you?' she murmured, wholly unaware of the effects this unexpected gesture had just had on his already exasperated testosterone levels

Loved? LOV-ED? In past tense? Was she kidding? He still loved it JUST AS MUCH 'Of course... I...' he wanted to deliver a spicy retort - but the flooding excitement had sapped all moisture from his throat. So, he responded in kind instead.

All of a sudden his left hand climbed inside her top, caressing the nude stretches of her back - while the other one shifted the shirt and bra strap off her left shoulder.

Clearly, the intimate upheaval that followed was impulsive. Impassioned. And intense.

Thud! Somewhere during the course of this 'upheaval', the arc of her back softly banged against a shelf 'Wow!' she thought - on seeing two of his cherished business books come flapping to the floor.

But even THAT didn't make him stop!

A knowing smile graced her lips thereafter. Even her foggy hunches could deduce what this meant. Closing her eyelids, she caressed his hair with her fidgety fingers while enjoying the thought of him practising his accomplished foreplay on her neck and shoulders. While enjoying the notion of her boyfriend revelling in this steamy tryst that he'd been craving for.

And by 'enjoy' she wasn't referring to the physicality of it. Nope. Just like how post-surgery she'd lost the ability to experience ticklishness, she'd recognized another reality now. She'd temporarily lost the ability to experience the spine-tingling, toe-curling, moan-inducing perks of lovemaking too. Her recuperating nerves-and-hormones had tinkered with her womanly libido. No wonder then that she hadn't even realized that she'd been missing out on all this passion.

But what she DID relish was how her heart whizzed in tune to his fastening beats. How she came alive from watching the radiant afterglow on his features. How contented she was every time his robust arms protectively coddled her at his hearth. Most importantly, what she DID love was being the only one able to give him what he wished - the feeling of being desired!

As for her own hormones and nerves and libido, they should return to normal too - along with the other aspects of her life. Till then, she'd savour the feeling of being 'emotionally aroused' - which was no less beautiful in any way!

KNOCK KNOCK!

'Are you guys ever gonna come out of there? It's been an hour! The booze is over. The food's finished... and a riot's broken out here...'

'God!' supporting both his hands upon a shelf behind her, Jalal pulled himself away from his equally-amused girlfriend 'Shut up Abdul!' he laughed. Obviously, the timescales were an exaggeration - and the rest a blatant lie 'We're coming...'

The breathless boyfriend then gazed at her state - her ruffled hair and messy makeup a testament to how heated things had gotten 'Are you ok? Your headache - how are you feeling?'

'Are you assking the sexiest woman in H... Hyderabad how she fffeels?' she teased with a twinkle 'And how abbbout you?' she pointed to the beige shirt that was no less than a royal wreck 'You ok?'

'Are you asking the luckiest man in Hyderabad how he feels?'

***************

If this made for a worthwhile read, please don't forget to hit like/leave a comment if time permits... it really does help the writer in me to keep going 😳

Unres :::

MY GAWD! This time I am completely speechless di... I just fell in love with this update. My god. ❤️

How did you write that... god.. my heart was beating so fast at the end of the chapter. happily satisfied wala beating! ❤️

My morning couldnt have started more beautifully than this! This was beautiful di...

~ Loved the self talk of Jo before she entered in the bash. Loved the way how she was self confident upon her new found attire, the modern clothing.

~ Abdul is hilarious 😆 ...And god! Pindrop silence as handsomely brusque voice came! Gawd... Di ur words ... No wonder, monsters were dancing in Jo's belly! Loved it.

~ Jalal's new smart haircut, new expensive shirt, stonewashed grey jeans.. gawd.. i am dying. I am dying.

~ Loved how Jalal so boldly took Jo off guard by his 1 year 10 months ago' line. ❤️

~ Jodha's western attire... so LOVED it! No wonder Jalal was pleasantly surprised. ❤️

~ Aww.. loved Jo's gift. And She's so cute and innocent. But I am glad Jalal so softly told her that it was her he was referring to as his bundle of surprise ❤️

~ Woow.. The patio arrangement was so dreamy And god.. Jalal's liners make me go all crazy. ❤️ And Jo is such a darling. She asked him to enjoy with his friends. 🤗

~ The whole fiasco wrt Jo, Harish and whatever was the name of third one, 😡 was well fought by Jo. She's my one strong girl...a fighter. No where did she fumble or stumble once (confidence wise) and countered back the two scoundrels BOLDLY. I love the effort she puts in making efforts. (I hope that line made sense) I just love love love her self confidence, her self respect ...which are slowly and gradually resurfacing! ❤️ Loved how she dropped the water in their pants. Lol.. bichaaro ka susu nikal gaya 🤣

~ but.. the last ridiculed comment by the two morons did hurt her. Ouch!

~ The way Jalal punished the two morons.. and humiliated him.. god! Cant be more proud of him. ❤️

Coming to Ja-Jo in privacy! ❤️

This has to be the best I have read ! Or I dont know.. I mean the whole story has been beautiful and you never cease to surprise us all the more..

The Jo-Ja talk was very much necessary.

The outpour by Jo was definitely heart wrenching. She must definitely be feeling all this from long while and today, all the bottled up agony made its way out.

And Jalal.. god! What do I say about him. I am now out of words for this gentleman.

Loved how he countered back Jo when she putforth her low points..and how Jalal rendered her speechless wrt the same points she said. Loved how he made her believe in herself once again. ❤️

Jo is slowly but evidently recovering and Jalal is so positive about it. And that the fact that his girl is trying so much for him makes him love her all the more ❤️

~ God this Jalal... I want him re. Desperately. Look at his antics to make his girl smile and comfortable. Didnt check Shantamma's and Balaji's singing when they hired them 🤣 and.. his mimciry. He'd get her a car and driver! God this guy! He's one freaking hell of a gentleman!

~ I love how Jo finds solace in his warm hug. God.. i cant stop myself from falling in love with these two again n again. I love how Ja is so positive and optimistic about his girlfriend..and he boosts her every now n then! ❤️

~ I was moved by the story.

This is one of the most beautiful excerpts of NJAPA I've ever read

'Forget all this... I have a very touching story that keeps me positive. Once, I had to witness a girl... left for near-dead in a killer's house... she had no pulse... she was cold... and I could do nothing to save her... I had no hope that she would be rescued in time... when I woke up three days later, she was barely alive...' he paused for a short recess. However chirpy his attitude, this 'touching story' always managed to lug at his heart's strings. So much so that he had to attempt every trick in the book to keep his voice from cracking. Once sure he was fine, he concluded his narration 'She was barely alive... and at that point, I would have settled for something of her... ANYTHING of her... THAT is why I'm so grateful today!'

She gazed on. Speechless. Time seemed to stand still as she did so. What a beautiful memoir had he just shared! Now that he'd put it that way, how inspiring did their journey sound? Inspiring enough to nurse her aching soul to health. Inspiring enough to nourish her sombre spirits to normalcy

I.. I am immensely moved. Loved this. ❤️

~ Hehe.. Jo is such a cute darling. Loved how she innocently complained about her boyfrnd not calling her sexy or diva off late. And Jalal's one liner reply was genuine and heart touching. And she understood it with a smile. What love man! ❤️

~ Then came the thoughts of Jalal..of how he missed the intimacy but he obviously understood that it wasnt going to be easy at all for her to understand by herself. But just loved the fact that he shared this with her.

Just as the way Jo had shared her pains and difficulties and Ja had removed them all with his love and care, same way Jalal had such desires too..and this time, our Jo understood what he was going thru and relieved him ... she fulfilled his desires and without any compulsion ... on her own..with her own consent and understanding. That is what I loved the most ❤️

I loved the tutor student thingy 😆 ❤️ and the passionate rendezvous that followed later on rendered me speechless.☺️ Their kiss, wild kiss.. the hugs.. the unbuttoning of Ja's button (ja's teasing and Jo going red 😆 ) .. then Jo's flip up and Ja teasing her with Jeans' unbuttoning.. Ja holding Jo's bare waist.. and then, caressing her nude back... gaawwddd! I loved all the details you added. My heart is still beating so fast... I loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. This was a beautiful bliss to read. This was pure and intense. ☺️ I am going to re-read it so many times.

And about ending of the story..I am not saying anything. I just cant. Unable to say anything.