Posted:
Helllooo PBDians... 😛 m here with a spl thread on pbd as we had 2nd anniv celebrations so I thought of making a spl musings thread for d anniv...it all started when kal had made a thread and since I was running out of ideas really couldn't make it but diksha sent me a pm asking d reason y I hadn't come up with any post on d anniv 😕 and after knowing my reasons she straight away told me not to give her any xcuses and come up with something... 😆 so after scratching my brain a lot I thought of compiling all d musings from chaps 1 to 37 with my retro pics...on pbd... 😉
in short a retro thread on pbd... 😉 so I would like to thank 3 ppl for this 1st of all dikshu as on her insistence I really came up with idea... 😉 and obviously if I have to compile musings and compose one and I dont contact d malika e musing kal aka kalgi it would b unfair... 😉 so kals thanx a lot for ur efforts in sending me all d musings thru pms...🤗 and sorry I f I have pestered u by asking kosthens about d chap nos... 😆 😉 and last but not d least thank u our dearest notorious author..🤗who gave us a splendid story and brought us into a fantasy land called pbd without her we would not have come up with d celebration threads...😆thnx all 3 of u and love u all... 🤗
I have complied all d musings with modifications of mine some r mine own musings on few chaps... 😛 since I have no idea and amateur in composing musings so frnds bear me as in some place if u find d pics out of blue ...so whatever apt I have felt for d scenes I have come up with it... 😉since m used to making a retro thread but making a retro thread on pbd was really tedious and tough job... 😕 so hope u all will like it... 😃 as m pretty nervous... 😆
PROLOGUE...
(So, my dear sister, if the world we live-in is a speck in this vast space, how small are we and how trifling our upsets are? At any juncture in life, recite the above lines, chant the mantra "Pale blue dot" and keep smiling.
- Gautham
That was the letter from a 17 year old brother, to a 15 year old sister, a letter conveying the most valuable teachings of life, a lesson that had changed the girl's attitude towards life, once and for all. She truly smiled for the first time in past seven days, overcoming the anguish she's been in, ever since she saw her 10th grade score. She kissed the letter, folded it with a smile, secured in her cupboard and headed downstairs to her father's room, least known to the fact that, she will be revisiting the letter sooner and this letter is going to turn out as the last token from her brother.)
CHAP 1...
"May your life be as ravishing as a Roman mansion, as aesthetic as a French villa and as crazy as our Indian home. Happy birthday Samyu", wished the petite young lady as she started off strolling along the coastline of Goa beach.
"Wow. The much-awaited wishes are here, and this time the theme is our own Architecture!! Loved it Jo, loved it completely. You know how much I wait for your theme-wishes, right!!", Samyuktha replied excited.
"Yes, I know. I very much know that these wishes are the only source that wake up my friend at 5 in the morning. Actually, I should pat myself for introducing you to Sun rise, though once a year, lest, you should've forgot long back that things like sun rise do exist in this world", Jodha said it all in a go.
CHAP 2...
"mm.. hair seems to be silky," she predicted looking at the strands kissing his forehead, "sharp nose as well, how curved his lips could have been? This SUN bhi na, why don't you rise a little early today, I'm unable to see his form properly", with her left elbow resting on her thigh and cheek in her left palm, she stealthily watched his persona, while the young man is engrossed in his trial. A sudden cold touch disturbed her attention; as she looked down to identify the source, she noticed her toes colliding against his wet shoes. "Oh, so this handsome hunk trekked in the water to follow me", a triumphant smile brightened her eyes and uplifted her spirits.
"Wait!! What's that in your hand?", Abdul pointed at the unusual object in his friend's hand.
"Err.. This..?" looking at the thorn strand in his hand he answered his friend, "nothing, just found it on the way, picked it up to dump in bin before it hurts someone," trying hard to sound casual, he moved to the trash bin to throw it, but an unknown feeling stopped him from doing so. He slipped it adjacent to the bin, hoping to collect it after his friend leaves the room. "Chalo, I'll be out in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, you people finish the checkout process", having said that he shut the bathroom door behind him.
CHAP 3...
"Why do you want to go for Medicine Meenu?" Gautam questioned Jodha wondering the reasons behind his sister's choice of study.
Since Jodha is stepping into 10th grade that year, her family thought that it is high time she decided on her career options so as to plan the subjects to be taken up in +2 accordingly. Hence forth, that has become the hot topic of the evening while they relished the sumptuous dinner.
"Bhaiyya there are two people behind this decision, one is Shreya didi and other is Jaya aunty. We know that Shreya di joined medicine through donation, but do you how much she poses for that as if she is the only one pursuing MBBS in this world? Even most of our relatives talk high of her, sing her praises quoting her hectic curriculum for not appearing in any single family function. That's when I made up my mind to take up BiPc in Intermediate, score high in Eamcet and attain a free seat in the same Gandhi Medical college.
And Jaya aunty is another reason, for I love her doctor's attire alot; in those light shaded cotton sarees, with a white coat and a stethoscope adorning her neck, she just looks like an angel", envisioning herself in that attire, Jodha elucidated her dreams.
Enthralled by her explanation, rest of the audience looked at each other in amusement. "You want to be a doctor just because you envy Shreya di and admire Jaya aunty's sarees? This is too much Meenu." gently striking his fist on her head, Gautam chided his sister.
CHAP 4...
"Hey bade papa! What a pleasant surprise? When did you come? Did peddamma (badi ammi) also come with you?" bewildered by the sudden appearance of her bade papa on an unexpected day; Jodha parked her scooty swiftly and rushed to them. Reposing herself on the hand rest of her father's chair, she continued with her enquiry, "I called mamma in the afternoon, she didn't inform me even then?"
CHAP 5...
"Any elders at home? Does she have any brothers?" these questions reverberated in her numb mind, exhuming the long-ago-buried-wound in those deep layers of her heart. "Elders! Brothers!" she murmured low, "yes, where is my brother? Gautam, where are you? Who are my elders now? Mamma? Papa? Bhaiyya? Who am I left with? Where is my family?"
A surge of emotions swirled in her mind there by breaking her down completely; "Bhaiyyaaa!" yelping out loud in pain, she crashed down sobbing terribly when two pairs of hands embraced her in solace.
CHAP 6...
"When did you call me Samyu? Let me check!!" Tucking her hand into the bag, she searched for a few moments and finally took out the silent iPhone flashing "Samyu (2)". "Oh yeah, I put it in silent mode during the meeting and I forgot to turn it on", flipping it to normal mode, she placed it on the table and continued, "Anyways, why do you sound so worried? Kya laga tha tujhe?" she questioned with a faint smile as she anticipated her pal's answer. "I thought you are upset and..", Jodha interrupted her before she completed.".. and crying?? What Samyu!! Har roj 3 to 4 mein thodi naa roti hun!! I did it once doesn't mean I do it daily."
CHAP 7...
"So, how are you feeling Jodha? How exciting is the drift from NCC to Regal?" Divya asked playfully, leading Jodha to her cubicle. "Hmm a bit strange Divya. I mean the first evident change is 500 to 50 people. Being low in number, you people might be well connected, right?" she asked excitingly looking at the office interior. "True Jodha, most of us bond well though there are a few exceptions. You met Raj in the induction, right? He is the coolest manager. He gives our space to work. I bet you'll love working with him. This is my room, here almost all the senior architects are given a closed chamber. I guess you too will get one of such kind." Gazing at the rightly spacious glass-door chamber, Jodha exclaimed in delight, "Wow, Divya! This is marvelous. I mean, this has everything just in place to claim as a perfect work place."
CHAP 8...
"If you are wondering why I intruded into your chamber, well, if an associate can barge into another's without permission, why can't the MD, Miss Jodha?" with his trademark smirk, he left the cabin leaving the young lady flabbergasted.
"Urgh!! He is Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Managing Director of Regal Infra. And I am rude to my boss in the very first meeting. Tch, tch, not so appealing Jodhu?" striking her forehead in disbelief, she stood dumb leaning against the desk reminiscing their not-so-friendly first altercation.
"Sir!" that reference made him turn back with his usual impish smirk; darting her a -"yesterday Mr Jalal and today sir, huh?" - kind of glare, he acknowledged her gratitude. "That's ok. By the way I don't mind to be called by my name," having said that he gracefully concluded the rendezvous with a simple smile and "See you".
It was his stare that let her discern what she just blurted out. "Uff, why did I say that when I never intended to do so, ab ye smile ka matlab kya hai, victory for making me address him as sir or sarcasm," reprimanding her self for the unconscious call, she got into the car with Divya's remark playing in her mind... "..there is SOMETHING in him that inhibits us from taking his name."
CHAP 9...
Listening to Abdul and Sara, he noticed them sitting opposite to him, with her back facing him. Presuming the handsome guy as her friend, he didn't bother thinking of them and returned to his conversation.
CHAP 10...
"Arree wah.. pink dress, pink studs, pink lips, looking as fresh as a pink rose! What's special pinky baby!" Divya winked at her, openly admiring her friend's refreshing charm in that baby pink Aargandi cotton salwar.
".. thanks to our references in senior management of Ericsson that Regal is considered for designing their new offshore development center in Bangalore. They generally outsource only construction to Indian infra companies, but for the first time they are out sourcing architectural design too, to a non-Swedish firm. We have two more competitors in this venture, so I request you all to put in your best to crack this deal. We have got only two months in our bag and I hope you all understand the exigency and be judicious in your leaves for the coming two months. This is a paramount opportunity for us, we should pour in all our efforts to bang it at any cost, for, it smoothens our entry into international projects." His base voice echoed in the utmost silent conference room making the fifteen members in the room glitter with excitement and anxiety.
CHAP 11...
"Hi Jodha, this is Jalal!" the baritone echoed in her ears taking her by surprise. She quickly peeked at the screen as in confirming the caller, but being ignorant of his number, she closed an ear to focus - "Pardon, who's this?"
"Jodha, this is Jalal!" this time the pitch is loud enough to thrash her doubts. Swiftly rising up in sofa from the sleeping posture, she faltered in addressing. "oh, haa, hello sir, one minute please" patting her forehead for the goof up, she darted to her room leaving her badepapa confused.
Closing the door behind, she composed her breath before actually answering him. Guessing the reason behind his sudden call, she calmly responded, "ji kahiye!"
CHAP 12...
"Uff!" he restlessly flung aside the black metallic piece, whilst his legs involuntarily accelerated the swing and his head rested back. The chill Martini filled glass is totally failing to have its effect on him. He pressed the glass against his temple so as to find solace from the fluttering inquietude.
"Did I go overboard with her?" he self-evaluated. "Did she really meet with an accident? But she looked absolutely normal, even her car is all-good, not a single scratch on it, then how can she claim so? May be she woke up late and was abashed to confess it, so she'd have come up with this excuse," he self-justified his stance, though the pragmatic senses rebuked this justification as her still dead mobile erupted as a testimony to the whimsically strange phenomenon.
"You are not as responsible as we supposed and you lack dedication...," she rolled on the bed sideways hardly shaking head to scoot of the arid echoes. After hundreds of inquiries on accident and a visit to the family doctor, her peddamma pressurized her to sleep and locked her in the bedroom two hours before, but sleep is nowhere sympathizing with this perturbed soul. The letters of Gautam to her when the former studied at a residential college and letters of her father to her when she was away from home, resting below the pillow were witnesses of her despondency. They are her any time resort whenever she is crumbled to lowest possible level.
"We can afford losing talent..."
CHAP 13...
"She is indeed gutsy!" he avowed recalling the fiercely lady's backfire the other day. "No one dared to slam a door on my face till date, but she did!" surprisingly a playful smirk escaped his lips thinking of her audacity. With time, his anger seemed to be satiated as the memories of the fateful day failed to flare him up any longer. One mere thought of her, unleashed a chain of memories forcing him navigate back in time reliving all their private and public encounters, all the while a beautiful smile smeared his face.
CHAP 14...
"Hi Divya, BBMP (Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation) is good at their job. You guys need not help them by cleaning roads with your attires!" he seriously averred. "What?" whacked by his sarcasm, both of them checked their dresses in unison; "Oh God," swiftly pulling up the floor touching cloth, she involuntarily scanned the surroundings to locate him. Disconnecting the call, he delightedly watched her deeds from back of his goggles. As she turned back, she spotted his black jaguar diagonally opposite to their vehicle. "Theda man, seedhe seedhe kyun nahi bol sakte hain," unable to discern his hidden expressions behind the coolers, she casted a steely glance griping at his theda approach. His lips then slightly stretched into a lopsided grin illustrating her that he noted her pouting.
CHAP 15...
"The management doesn't make baseless allegations on its employees Jodha," he coldly replied. "If someone is pointed out, the intention is to let them aware of their mistakes so that they correct themselves, for better. Imagine yourself in shoes of the management and tell me how would you react when the reputation and business of organization is at stake for whatsoever reason. Is it practically possible to stay composed? Also the other accuses are generic, they weren't targeted at anyone specifically. They apply to all other employees present in that room as well. If you believe you don't befit them, just ignore", he casually shrugged.
"Come in," hearing his authoritative base voice, her heart skipped the first beat. "Idiot, don't forget why you are here. Stop skipping beats for every word of his," she scolded her heart and entered his cabin mustering all the guts. The first few steps were fast and fierce, but as he looked up to her from his laptop, her gait slowed down, albeit involuntarily.
"Hi Jodha," he greeted as she neared his desk. "Hi," she greeted in return and skeptically halted unsure of how to proceed further. "Have a seat," he offered with a charismatic smile and she dutifully obeyed meekly nodding her head. Shifting the mobile to left hand, she rubbed her sweated palm against her dress wondering, "Why are my hands sweating like a low BP patient?"
Discerning her discomfort from the incoherent glares and cuddled hands, he intended to let her tensed muscles relaxed. "What would you like to have? Tea, Coffee, or may be something cold... ", he slyly paused taking the receiver into hand... "to dwindle the heat. I mean isn't it very hot today?" his eyes feigned innocence, but his lips erupted into a wry snigger.
Gazing her pestered form, he bit his lips not to erupt a chuckle and rile her up any more. "Anyways, your reputation is never tarnished, Raj accolades you as always and your team respects you the same. What else should matter to an employee than his/her team and manager?" he persuaded. It's obvious that he wanted her to continue in his company, but was just too bossy to directly confess the same to her.
She remained pensive at his persuasion. "You talk of Raj, team and every other soul in this company, but not about you mister? Why don't you admit your mistake and ask me to stay back," she fumed. "Fine if you are so stubborn, let me introduce my adamancy to you. I'll make you accept my resignation, by hook or crook, by truth or by knack!!" she resolved.
"More interesting? Like what?" he sounded suspicious. To him, it seemed a bluff story she promptly came up with to force him accept the resignation.
"Ah, so there is a long way to go. When your plans are not finalized, it's not wise to hasten in resigning." With every increasing question, they realized the discussion is moving far from being formal. It was no more an employer-employee colloquy, but was more like a cat mice fight, where the cat is trying to trap and the mice is trying to not be trapped.
"In that case, you may go on leave without pay," he immediately said, as he wasn't the one to give up. "You can resign after you get an admission and visa. We don't mind putting your position on hold till then," he played his trump card.
"Woah!" undoubtedly she was startled by his last move. "Think fast Jodhu! You can't let him win," she pressurized her grey cells, whilst he stared at her with a victorious smile.
"Thank you for the offer, I feel privileged," few seconds later she quipped. "But sorry that I had to turn it down... as I'm getting married next month to my uncle's son living in the US," she dropped her all time trump card.
CHAP 16...
"Well... I just shared as I thought you'd love to be congratulated", he evilly smirked placing his left hand in pocket. "I was unaware that it was a secret to your colleagues Ms. Jodha, any special reason behind this concealment?" he questioned with an impish squint.
CHAP 17...
"O o ooo..." a meek scream made its way out as she tripped back colliding his toes, but her scream failed gaining attention of her parents or the maid, all thanks to the high volume music. Not knowing exactly what caused her to trip and where she was falling, she tightened her grip on both the articles in her hands expecting to safely land in the plush couch, but alas, her teasing stars had a different plan altogether that evening - passion filled the air as if the romantic demigods waved their magic wands to bring the couple together.
The moment she realized she isn't actually falling on the seat as there's an unknown obstacle between she and the couch, she pinned her elbows strong against his chest balancing her slant body between ankles and elbows, only unwilling to land up in a stranger's lap - argh, but the demigods angered watching her defiance. The bearers of her weight, the elbow joints, pounded his chest hard forcing him to push her up soon. Meantime the jasmines in her hair silently tickled his lips and stole a precious possession from the young entrepreneur - a possession many spinsters overtly or silently crave for - his lip signature.
For a moment, he forgot the world drowning into the heavenly fragrance of flowers clubbed with the natural fragrance of her body. Recomposing his senses soon, he gently pushed her up holding her shoulders, but being hesitant to touch her for long he receded his arms before her feet fastened on the ground. The quondam angered deities waved their wands once again and the result - she stuttered on her feet and landed straight into his lap.
"Shyea!" disgusted by her plight, she set her hands free letting the tray slip - the flowers scattered all over their torsos symbolizing blessings of the appeased gods. Blissfully that didn't mark the end of the show - as she slithered further to her right, her right arm extended to clench the couch seat while her left one reached out to something readily accessible - the collar of his shirt to be precise. The young man's hand unconsciously circled her shoulders to help her stop from falling aside - the celestial forms smiled in content and disappeared as their mission for the day accomplished.
"Who the hell is he?" Bestowed with the opportunity to get a glimpse of the intruder's face, her brows squeezed and eyes fumed showing off her extreme contempt in a stranger's unannounced arrival. As his salient features gradually registered, the brows un-knitted and the lids parted wider mirroring her astonishment. Blithely, it was no less than a feast for him witnessing her ablaze transforming into amazement and then into perplex, from too close to be counted a distance.
"You?" she asked bewildered blankly staring at him forgetting the position she's in, "How come you are here?" her voice excited. Instead of answering her, his eyes drifted to her fist clutching his collar, naturally, a mischievous smirk made its way out. "Oh no!" coming back to senses, she immediately flung up making sure she stood straight this time.
CHAP 18...
"You mean..." the listener's eyes widened in horror and his torso straightened in alarm.
"You heard it right Jalal... Saradhi ji suspects a life threat to Jodha!!"
CHAP 19...
"You're denying everyone as if you're a princess. What kind of guy will appeal to you madam? Will you ever find such one?" As her conscience mocked, she looked aside momentarily closing the eyes, to shove off the pounding thoughts. "Huh...," exhaling the burden out, her lids parted open, and there she found - an answer to all her questions.
"Your feelings for him are crossing admiration barricade and steering towards a risky passion Jodhu. Be aware and be alert!!" her mind reproved. She had a sudden urge of running away from the place, from his charm, from her conscience, to a safe hide out. Though amidst tens, two people in the hall were lost in their own world, Ramesh and Jodha. The former observed the lady turning passive and it fed his ego. "She should be liking me, else why'd my proposal have such an impact on her," he foolishly deducted.
CHAP 20...
Plush bed, mild AC, light music, every single thing is failing in its effort to bring on sleep to his burdened eyes. After a long time, he felt alone - absolutely alone in a grandiose home with all comforts, save a loving partner to share the comforts with.
Ever since he retired for the day, his thoughts revolved only around Jodha - her dance, her smile and the slightest hint of blush before she walked off stage, to be precise. Apparently his torso ached in desire; an urge to take her to his arms, brush every inch of her face with his lips kindled umpteen times, but then, he also despised the inkling every time. "She doesn't deserve to be a second woman in anyone's life" - he chanted and chanted, but with every chant, the fact that he couldn't advance with his emotions worsened the pang. "If only... if only... I met you two years before Jodha..." his heart churned. "I'd have had no qualms in expressing myself to you. I'd have left no stone unturned to make you mine".
The horrendous expression on the husband tickled Jodha to such an extent that she felt sealing lips tight that moment was the toughest ever job she was subjected to. Brutally shutting her mouth, she looked at Jalal; the latter is looking away but his shoulders were shaking and she discerned that he too is struggling to mutinous his laugh. Encouraged by similar reciprocation in him, she unsealed her mouth.
Hearing bouts of giggles from Jodha, Jalal too opened up turning to her. Moving away from the crowd, they madly laughed together. "If not for you...," she giggled, "I...," she held her tummy stammering, "I... I'd..." she couldn't complete the statement, but he got the gist. "Thank you boss!" driven by joy, she playfully raised her hand for a hi-fi. Though pleasantly surprised by her addressing, he swiftly joined his hand to complete the gesture.
CHAP 21...
Observing her advancing figure from bike mirror, he waited till she is close enough to hear him. "What is Ms. Jayanagar doing in Indira Nagar?" getting off the bike, he promptly asked as she tried to ignore and walk past him - her gait abruptly ceased marking The End of game. "This is bound to happen", she breathed deep before facing him; "after all, whom did she challenge!!"
"How did you spot me?" she asked turning back smiling. "Guess," he majestically smiled and then realized her special attire - bottle green crape saree, maroon blouse, simple neck set, his morning turned out glorious as he glimpsed her in a saree for the first time. Cool breeze carried one's fragrance to the other and the experience is just transcendental. The appreciation in his eyes amplified the heat in her; nevertheless, the woman in her unconsciously matched his gaze with the one he gave to marketing-wali on dinner day. To her satisfaction, it was beyond comparison.
CHAP 22...
"Allaahh..." He silently prayed snugging her to his chest to assure her, rather, his horrified soul that she is safe. "Thank god!" relieved that he's not injured, her hands circled his waist as she snugged deep into his broad chest - his chin rested on her head and her lids shut in solace as the frayed nerves soothed in his comforting arms.
"What are you doing here?" Her spine shuddered hearing a roaring yell that thundered in tranquility of the night. Flummoxed by his sudden arrival, she stood straight dazedly watching the furious man nearing her in long strides.
"Jalal... what happened? Why did you..." before her question completed, she found her wrist squeezed by him and next second she was literally dragged along. "Hey..." She tried to object, but her mouth shut perceiving Abdul and another unfamiliar man behind. "Hello Mr. Abdul... how are you?" she greeted as they halted.
"Will drop her and come shortly", he informed his friends and continued the stride.
"Jalal... I'll go... no need to accompany me," stopping at ninth floor, she protested.
"You said the same two hours before and I trusted you", he angered.
CHAP 23...
"But for your kind information, I do have a family, friends and many others to be worried of me. You needn't carry the onus of parenting me please..." The words were hurting!! Truly and deeply hurting, but the motive behind those words was more hurting. It was obvious that he resorted to derision only to shove her off unanswered, but why?? He can share with Abdul... he can share with some other man she never knew... but NOT with her!! ... why???
"Is it that I'm not THAT close to him?? Is it that I'm not THAT trustworthy to him??
Or does he think I'm too dumb to handle such things??" - "Yes, it must be one of them or all of them", she ruefully surmised taking a sharp turn to the left.
"Fine Mr.Don... you don't answer my questions. Granted I have no right to worry about you... but... the one who has proper rights will do it!! Let me see how you're going to escape from them." The resolution smoothened the rigid nerves and she drove fast home to unleash the burden onto her best confide.
"She was here..." his soap filled hand that reached left of his chest a minute before stopped moving further. Unconsciously his palm pressed against his heart as if snugging her face deeper. Currents of tepid water that continuously showered silently dripped from tip to toe empathizing with his pain and passion. "And here..." he looked at his palms recollecting the softness of her cheeks when he cupped her face. Aah.. how he wished he lowered his lips on to those trembling eyes, pert nose and then... a boyish smile escaped his lips. His thoughts gradually drifted to the events thereafter; the authority in commanding him, the tenderness in tending to his wound, the anguish for his life and the icy coldness when he ruthlessly hurt her!!
CHAP 24...
"Look at me Jodha..", he gently implored. His voice was as soft as cream and she feared she'd die of his tenderness. Taking a discreet moment to compose, she raised her lids to him. He's dangerously close and she gulped the inflaming tension unbeknown that she's affecting him the same way. He yearned to pull her to his heart, shield her from all evils, but before that he had to inject faith in her, on him!!
CHAP 25...
"Haw..." she complainingly pouted.
"Suddenly modest means? Am I rebellious otherwise??" Imagining the shape her lips would have taken while pouting, he laughed aloud. "Please don't put me into fix with such questions Jodha... I find it difficult lying!!"
CHAP 26- 1...
"Surprise!!" relishing her warm touch on his fingers, Jalal winked. Seeing her after a long gap is a bliss, seeing her thrilled after a long gap is bliss-bliss, and seeing her so close in a cute outfit, thrilled and pouting, after a long gap is bliss-bliss-plus.
"That architect seems to be a loyal, beautiful, brainy bitch!! Wish she worked for me!!" the third man wet his lips recollecting Jodha's petite form.
"She works for me," Jalal's hardened cold gaze chilled the third man's spine. "...and is a family friend."
CHAP 26-2-1...
"It's not time to loiter over ethics or manners idiot," her conscience snapped. "Forget her and just go to him." Encouraged by intuition and unblemished faith on the man standing fifteen feet away from her, Jodha came out of the hiding and took confident steps toward him. His side profile was only visible as he faced Aaliya and with every progressing step their words became better audible.
"I missed you Jalal...", the sobs intensified. "...terribly missed you my friend." To the advancing woman's daze, Aaliya tightly hugged Jalal, however, Jodha's march continued with unaltered determination. A moment later Jalal's voice reverberated- "I missed you too Lil!!" At that asseveration, the former's feet froze.
"Did he say that?" she stood still witnessing their embrace. "Did she hear that?" The vision before her blurred!! Her mind benumbed to such an extent that she didn't realize when her feet began trekking back.
Chapter 26 -2 -2...
Silently securing the heavy bags in closet, Jalal casted a side-glance at the sleeping beauty. The running television indicated that she dozed off in sofa while watching it. Turning it off, he tiptoed to the couch and cautiously sat at an end minding not to disturb her peaceful sleep. Crossing arms, he leisurely leant back and slightly tilted head to have a glimpse of her.
"Woah!" he gaped at her feet that delivered a perfect kick in sleep. She's struggling to stretch her legs and as part of the trial they kicked the hurdle that impeded their way. "What a perfect timing..." he giggled, "...like she heard my insight", withdrawing to the farthest corner, he made place for her feet. Passionately studying the curves of the shapely toes, he stayed still. "Sexy speck!!" A black mole beneath the first toe on left foot attracted his attention, and he couldn't resist softly brushing it with a fingertip. For one whole minute, he constantly peered at it unconsciously fondling with his finger and seeing her toes coiling his finger retreated. "I got to know your little secret," a doting smile danced on his lips and in no time his gaze swiftly returned the captivating black dot. "This dot..." narrowing his eyes, he thought. "I know this... I've seen it before..." feeling a strong connection with the little mote, he racked his brain. "A thumb and a mole beneath it... I definitely saw this combination before... when and where??"
"Tried to... but NO!!" no sooner her confession finished, Jodha's head thumped against his chest. "Ya allah...' a silent thanks heaved out as he pressed her deeper into his heart. Reveling in his emboldened protection, the enervated lady finally experienced euphoria after a seemingly eternal wait. "Can heaven be more peaceful than this?" her eyes closed in solace. "Why Jo? Why always you? Why fate is so cruel to you?" his nerves tangled in agony.
Clinching her cheeks, he lifted her head up. "He didn't harm you in any way na," he reiterated checking for bruises on her, if any...
CONTINUED BELOW(PZ SCROLL DOWN)...
in short a retro thread on pbd... 😉 so I would like to thank 3 ppl for this 1st of all dikshu as on her insistence I really came up with idea... 😉 and obviously if I have to compile musings and compose one and I dont contact d malika e musing kal aka kalgi it would b unfair... 😉 so kals thanx a lot for ur efforts in sending me all d musings thru pms...🤗 and sorry I f I have pestered u by asking kosthens about d chap nos... 😆 😉 and last but not d least thank u our dearest notorious author..🤗who gave us a splendid story and brought us into a fantasy land called pbd without her we would not have come up with d celebration threads...😆thnx all 3 of u and love u all... 🤗
I have complied all d musings with modifications of mine some r mine own musings on few chaps... 😛 since I have no idea and amateur in composing musings so frnds bear me as in some place if u find d pics out of blue ...so whatever apt I have felt for d scenes I have come up with it... 😉since m used to making a retro thread but making a retro thread on pbd was really tedious and tough job... 😕 so hope u all will like it... 😃 as m pretty nervous... 😆
PROLOGUE...
(So, my dear sister, if the world we live-in is a speck in this vast space, how small are we and how trifling our upsets are? At any juncture in life, recite the above lines, chant the mantra "Pale blue dot" and keep smiling.
- Gautham
That was the letter from a 17 year old brother, to a 15 year old sister, a letter conveying the most valuable teachings of life, a lesson that had changed the girl's attitude towards life, once and for all. She truly smiled for the first time in past seven days, overcoming the anguish she's been in, ever since she saw her 10th grade score. She kissed the letter, folded it with a smile, secured in her cupboard and headed downstairs to her father's room, least known to the fact that, she will be revisiting the letter sooner and this letter is going to turn out as the last token from her brother.)
CHAP 1...
"May your life be as ravishing as a Roman mansion, as aesthetic as a French villa and as crazy as our Indian home. Happy birthday Samyu", wished the petite young lady as she started off strolling along the coastline of Goa beach.
"Wow. The much-awaited wishes are here, and this time the theme is our own Architecture!! Loved it Jo, loved it completely. You know how much I wait for your theme-wishes, right!!", Samyuktha replied excited.
"Yes, I know. I very much know that these wishes are the only source that wake up my friend at 5 in the morning. Actually, I should pat myself for introducing you to Sun rise, though once a year, lest, you should've forgot long back that things like sun rise do exist in this world", Jodha said it all in a go.
CHAP 2...
"mm.. hair seems to be silky," she predicted looking at the strands kissing his forehead, "sharp nose as well, how curved his lips could have been? This SUN bhi na, why don't you rise a little early today, I'm unable to see his form properly", with her left elbow resting on her thigh and cheek in her left palm, she stealthily watched his persona, while the young man is engrossed in his trial. A sudden cold touch disturbed her attention; as she looked down to identify the source, she noticed her toes colliding against his wet shoes. "Oh, so this handsome hunk trekked in the water to follow me", a triumphant smile brightened her eyes and uplifted her spirits.
"Wait!! What's that in your hand?", Abdul pointed at the unusual object in his friend's hand.
"Err.. This..?" looking at the thorn strand in his hand he answered his friend, "nothing, just found it on the way, picked it up to dump in bin before it hurts someone," trying hard to sound casual, he moved to the trash bin to throw it, but an unknown feeling stopped him from doing so. He slipped it adjacent to the bin, hoping to collect it after his friend leaves the room. "Chalo, I'll be out in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, you people finish the checkout process", having said that he shut the bathroom door behind him.
CHAP 3...
"Why do you want to go for Medicine Meenu?" Gautam questioned Jodha wondering the reasons behind his sister's choice of study.
Since Jodha is stepping into 10th grade that year, her family thought that it is high time she decided on her career options so as to plan the subjects to be taken up in +2 accordingly. Hence forth, that has become the hot topic of the evening while they relished the sumptuous dinner.
"Bhaiyya there are two people behind this decision, one is Shreya didi and other is Jaya aunty. We know that Shreya di joined medicine through donation, but do you how much she poses for that as if she is the only one pursuing MBBS in this world? Even most of our relatives talk high of her, sing her praises quoting her hectic curriculum for not appearing in any single family function. That's when I made up my mind to take up BiPc in Intermediate, score high in Eamcet and attain a free seat in the same Gandhi Medical college.
And Jaya aunty is another reason, for I love her doctor's attire alot; in those light shaded cotton sarees, with a white coat and a stethoscope adorning her neck, she just looks like an angel", envisioning herself in that attire, Jodha elucidated her dreams.
Enthralled by her explanation, rest of the audience looked at each other in amusement. "You want to be a doctor just because you envy Shreya di and admire Jaya aunty's sarees? This is too much Meenu." gently striking his fist on her head, Gautam chided his sister.
CHAP 4...
"Hey bade papa! What a pleasant surprise? When did you come? Did peddamma (badi ammi) also come with you?" bewildered by the sudden appearance of her bade papa on an unexpected day; Jodha parked her scooty swiftly and rushed to them. Reposing herself on the hand rest of her father's chair, she continued with her enquiry, "I called mamma in the afternoon, she didn't inform me even then?"
CHAP 5...
"Any elders at home? Does she have any brothers?" these questions reverberated in her numb mind, exhuming the long-ago-buried-wound in those deep layers of her heart. "Elders! Brothers!" she murmured low, "yes, where is my brother? Gautam, where are you? Who are my elders now? Mamma? Papa? Bhaiyya? Who am I left with? Where is my family?"
A surge of emotions swirled in her mind there by breaking her down completely; "Bhaiyyaaa!" yelping out loud in pain, she crashed down sobbing terribly when two pairs of hands embraced her in solace.
CHAP 6...
"When did you call me Samyu? Let me check!!" Tucking her hand into the bag, she searched for a few moments and finally took out the silent iPhone flashing "Samyu (2)". "Oh yeah, I put it in silent mode during the meeting and I forgot to turn it on", flipping it to normal mode, she placed it on the table and continued, "Anyways, why do you sound so worried? Kya laga tha tujhe?" she questioned with a faint smile as she anticipated her pal's answer. "I thought you are upset and..", Jodha interrupted her before she completed.".. and crying?? What Samyu!! Har roj 3 to 4 mein thodi naa roti hun!! I did it once doesn't mean I do it daily."
CHAP 7...
"So, how are you feeling Jodha? How exciting is the drift from NCC to Regal?" Divya asked playfully, leading Jodha to her cubicle. "Hmm a bit strange Divya. I mean the first evident change is 500 to 50 people. Being low in number, you people might be well connected, right?" she asked excitingly looking at the office interior. "True Jodha, most of us bond well though there are a few exceptions. You met Raj in the induction, right? He is the coolest manager. He gives our space to work. I bet you'll love working with him. This is my room, here almost all the senior architects are given a closed chamber. I guess you too will get one of such kind." Gazing at the rightly spacious glass-door chamber, Jodha exclaimed in delight, "Wow, Divya! This is marvelous. I mean, this has everything just in place to claim as a perfect work place."
CHAP 8...
"If you are wondering why I intruded into your chamber, well, if an associate can barge into another's without permission, why can't the MD, Miss Jodha?" with his trademark smirk, he left the cabin leaving the young lady flabbergasted.
"Urgh!! He is Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Managing Director of Regal Infra. And I am rude to my boss in the very first meeting. Tch, tch, not so appealing Jodhu?" striking her forehead in disbelief, she stood dumb leaning against the desk reminiscing their not-so-friendly first altercation.
"Sir!" that reference made him turn back with his usual impish smirk; darting her a -"yesterday Mr Jalal and today sir, huh?" - kind of glare, he acknowledged her gratitude. "That's ok. By the way I don't mind to be called by my name," having said that he gracefully concluded the rendezvous with a simple smile and "See you".
It was his stare that let her discern what she just blurted out. "Uff, why did I say that when I never intended to do so, ab ye smile ka matlab kya hai, victory for making me address him as sir or sarcasm," reprimanding her self for the unconscious call, she got into the car with Divya's remark playing in her mind... "..there is SOMETHING in him that inhibits us from taking his name."
CHAP 9...
Listening to Abdul and Sara, he noticed them sitting opposite to him, with her back facing him. Presuming the handsome guy as her friend, he didn't bother thinking of them and returned to his conversation.
CHAP 10...
"Arree wah.. pink dress, pink studs, pink lips, looking as fresh as a pink rose! What's special pinky baby!" Divya winked at her, openly admiring her friend's refreshing charm in that baby pink Aargandi cotton salwar.
".. thanks to our references in senior management of Ericsson that Regal is considered for designing their new offshore development center in Bangalore. They generally outsource only construction to Indian infra companies, but for the first time they are out sourcing architectural design too, to a non-Swedish firm. We have two more competitors in this venture, so I request you all to put in your best to crack this deal. We have got only two months in our bag and I hope you all understand the exigency and be judicious in your leaves for the coming two months. This is a paramount opportunity for us, we should pour in all our efforts to bang it at any cost, for, it smoothens our entry into international projects." His base voice echoed in the utmost silent conference room making the fifteen members in the room glitter with excitement and anxiety.
CHAP 11...
"Hi Jodha, this is Jalal!" the baritone echoed in her ears taking her by surprise. She quickly peeked at the screen as in confirming the caller, but being ignorant of his number, she closed an ear to focus - "Pardon, who's this?"
"Jodha, this is Jalal!" this time the pitch is loud enough to thrash her doubts. Swiftly rising up in sofa from the sleeping posture, she faltered in addressing. "oh, haa, hello sir, one minute please" patting her forehead for the goof up, she darted to her room leaving her badepapa confused.
Closing the door behind, she composed her breath before actually answering him. Guessing the reason behind his sudden call, she calmly responded, "ji kahiye!"
CHAP 12...
"Uff!" he restlessly flung aside the black metallic piece, whilst his legs involuntarily accelerated the swing and his head rested back. The chill Martini filled glass is totally failing to have its effect on him. He pressed the glass against his temple so as to find solace from the fluttering inquietude.
"Did I go overboard with her?" he self-evaluated. "Did she really meet with an accident? But she looked absolutely normal, even her car is all-good, not a single scratch on it, then how can she claim so? May be she woke up late and was abashed to confess it, so she'd have come up with this excuse," he self-justified his stance, though the pragmatic senses rebuked this justification as her still dead mobile erupted as a testimony to the whimsically strange phenomenon.
"You are not as responsible as we supposed and you lack dedication...," she rolled on the bed sideways hardly shaking head to scoot of the arid echoes. After hundreds of inquiries on accident and a visit to the family doctor, her peddamma pressurized her to sleep and locked her in the bedroom two hours before, but sleep is nowhere sympathizing with this perturbed soul. The letters of Gautam to her when the former studied at a residential college and letters of her father to her when she was away from home, resting below the pillow were witnesses of her despondency. They are her any time resort whenever she is crumbled to lowest possible level.
"We can afford losing talent..."
CHAP 13...
"She is indeed gutsy!" he avowed recalling the fiercely lady's backfire the other day. "No one dared to slam a door on my face till date, but she did!" surprisingly a playful smirk escaped his lips thinking of her audacity. With time, his anger seemed to be satiated as the memories of the fateful day failed to flare him up any longer. One mere thought of her, unleashed a chain of memories forcing him navigate back in time reliving all their private and public encounters, all the while a beautiful smile smeared his face.
CHAP 14...
"Hi Divya, BBMP (Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation) is good at their job. You guys need not help them by cleaning roads with your attires!" he seriously averred. "What?" whacked by his sarcasm, both of them checked their dresses in unison; "Oh God," swiftly pulling up the floor touching cloth, she involuntarily scanned the surroundings to locate him. Disconnecting the call, he delightedly watched her deeds from back of his goggles. As she turned back, she spotted his black jaguar diagonally opposite to their vehicle. "Theda man, seedhe seedhe kyun nahi bol sakte hain," unable to discern his hidden expressions behind the coolers, she casted a steely glance griping at his theda approach. His lips then slightly stretched into a lopsided grin illustrating her that he noted her pouting.
CHAP 15...
"The management doesn't make baseless allegations on its employees Jodha," he coldly replied. "If someone is pointed out, the intention is to let them aware of their mistakes so that they correct themselves, for better. Imagine yourself in shoes of the management and tell me how would you react when the reputation and business of organization is at stake for whatsoever reason. Is it practically possible to stay composed? Also the other accuses are generic, they weren't targeted at anyone specifically. They apply to all other employees present in that room as well. If you believe you don't befit them, just ignore", he casually shrugged.
"Come in," hearing his authoritative base voice, her heart skipped the first beat. "Idiot, don't forget why you are here. Stop skipping beats for every word of his," she scolded her heart and entered his cabin mustering all the guts. The first few steps were fast and fierce, but as he looked up to her from his laptop, her gait slowed down, albeit involuntarily.
"Hi Jodha," he greeted as she neared his desk. "Hi," she greeted in return and skeptically halted unsure of how to proceed further. "Have a seat," he offered with a charismatic smile and she dutifully obeyed meekly nodding her head. Shifting the mobile to left hand, she rubbed her sweated palm against her dress wondering, "Why are my hands sweating like a low BP patient?"
Discerning her discomfort from the incoherent glares and cuddled hands, he intended to let her tensed muscles relaxed. "What would you like to have? Tea, Coffee, or may be something cold... ", he slyly paused taking the receiver into hand... "to dwindle the heat. I mean isn't it very hot today?" his eyes feigned innocence, but his lips erupted into a wry snigger.
Gazing her pestered form, he bit his lips not to erupt a chuckle and rile her up any more. "Anyways, your reputation is never tarnished, Raj accolades you as always and your team respects you the same. What else should matter to an employee than his/her team and manager?" he persuaded. It's obvious that he wanted her to continue in his company, but was just too bossy to directly confess the same to her.
She remained pensive at his persuasion. "You talk of Raj, team and every other soul in this company, but not about you mister? Why don't you admit your mistake and ask me to stay back," she fumed. "Fine if you are so stubborn, let me introduce my adamancy to you. I'll make you accept my resignation, by hook or crook, by truth or by knack!!" she resolved.
"More interesting? Like what?" he sounded suspicious. To him, it seemed a bluff story she promptly came up with to force him accept the resignation.
"Ah, so there is a long way to go. When your plans are not finalized, it's not wise to hasten in resigning." With every increasing question, they realized the discussion is moving far from being formal. It was no more an employer-employee colloquy, but was more like a cat mice fight, where the cat is trying to trap and the mice is trying to not be trapped.
"In that case, you may go on leave without pay," he immediately said, as he wasn't the one to give up. "You can resign after you get an admission and visa. We don't mind putting your position on hold till then," he played his trump card.
"Woah!" undoubtedly she was startled by his last move. "Think fast Jodhu! You can't let him win," she pressurized her grey cells, whilst he stared at her with a victorious smile.
"Thank you for the offer, I feel privileged," few seconds later she quipped. "But sorry that I had to turn it down... as I'm getting married next month to my uncle's son living in the US," she dropped her all time trump card.
CHAP 16...
"Well... I just shared as I thought you'd love to be congratulated", he evilly smirked placing his left hand in pocket. "I was unaware that it was a secret to your colleagues Ms. Jodha, any special reason behind this concealment?" he questioned with an impish squint.
CHAP 17...
"O o ooo..." a meek scream made its way out as she tripped back colliding his toes, but her scream failed gaining attention of her parents or the maid, all thanks to the high volume music. Not knowing exactly what caused her to trip and where she was falling, she tightened her grip on both the articles in her hands expecting to safely land in the plush couch, but alas, her teasing stars had a different plan altogether that evening - passion filled the air as if the romantic demigods waved their magic wands to bring the couple together.
The moment she realized she isn't actually falling on the seat as there's an unknown obstacle between she and the couch, she pinned her elbows strong against his chest balancing her slant body between ankles and elbows, only unwilling to land up in a stranger's lap - argh, but the demigods angered watching her defiance. The bearers of her weight, the elbow joints, pounded his chest hard forcing him to push her up soon. Meantime the jasmines in her hair silently tickled his lips and stole a precious possession from the young entrepreneur - a possession many spinsters overtly or silently crave for - his lip signature.
For a moment, he forgot the world drowning into the heavenly fragrance of flowers clubbed with the natural fragrance of her body. Recomposing his senses soon, he gently pushed her up holding her shoulders, but being hesitant to touch her for long he receded his arms before her feet fastened on the ground. The quondam angered deities waved their wands once again and the result - she stuttered on her feet and landed straight into his lap.
"Shyea!" disgusted by her plight, she set her hands free letting the tray slip - the flowers scattered all over their torsos symbolizing blessings of the appeased gods. Blissfully that didn't mark the end of the show - as she slithered further to her right, her right arm extended to clench the couch seat while her left one reached out to something readily accessible - the collar of his shirt to be precise. The young man's hand unconsciously circled her shoulders to help her stop from falling aside - the celestial forms smiled in content and disappeared as their mission for the day accomplished.
"Who the hell is he?" Bestowed with the opportunity to get a glimpse of the intruder's face, her brows squeezed and eyes fumed showing off her extreme contempt in a stranger's unannounced arrival. As his salient features gradually registered, the brows un-knitted and the lids parted wider mirroring her astonishment. Blithely, it was no less than a feast for him witnessing her ablaze transforming into amazement and then into perplex, from too close to be counted a distance.
"You?" she asked bewildered blankly staring at him forgetting the position she's in, "How come you are here?" her voice excited. Instead of answering her, his eyes drifted to her fist clutching his collar, naturally, a mischievous smirk made its way out. "Oh no!" coming back to senses, she immediately flung up making sure she stood straight this time.
CHAP 18...
"You mean..." the listener's eyes widened in horror and his torso straightened in alarm.
"You heard it right Jalal... Saradhi ji suspects a life threat to Jodha!!"
CHAP 19...
"You're denying everyone as if you're a princess. What kind of guy will appeal to you madam? Will you ever find such one?" As her conscience mocked, she looked aside momentarily closing the eyes, to shove off the pounding thoughts. "Huh...," exhaling the burden out, her lids parted open, and there she found - an answer to all her questions.
"Your feelings for him are crossing admiration barricade and steering towards a risky passion Jodhu. Be aware and be alert!!" her mind reproved. She had a sudden urge of running away from the place, from his charm, from her conscience, to a safe hide out. Though amidst tens, two people in the hall were lost in their own world, Ramesh and Jodha. The former observed the lady turning passive and it fed his ego. "She should be liking me, else why'd my proposal have such an impact on her," he foolishly deducted.
CHAP 20...
Plush bed, mild AC, light music, every single thing is failing in its effort to bring on sleep to his burdened eyes. After a long time, he felt alone - absolutely alone in a grandiose home with all comforts, save a loving partner to share the comforts with.
Ever since he retired for the day, his thoughts revolved only around Jodha - her dance, her smile and the slightest hint of blush before she walked off stage, to be precise. Apparently his torso ached in desire; an urge to take her to his arms, brush every inch of her face with his lips kindled umpteen times, but then, he also despised the inkling every time. "She doesn't deserve to be a second woman in anyone's life" - he chanted and chanted, but with every chant, the fact that he couldn't advance with his emotions worsened the pang. "If only... if only... I met you two years before Jodha..." his heart churned. "I'd have had no qualms in expressing myself to you. I'd have left no stone unturned to make you mine".
The horrendous expression on the husband tickled Jodha to such an extent that she felt sealing lips tight that moment was the toughest ever job she was subjected to. Brutally shutting her mouth, she looked at Jalal; the latter is looking away but his shoulders were shaking and she discerned that he too is struggling to mutinous his laugh. Encouraged by similar reciprocation in him, she unsealed her mouth.
Hearing bouts of giggles from Jodha, Jalal too opened up turning to her. Moving away from the crowd, they madly laughed together. "If not for you...," she giggled, "I...," she held her tummy stammering, "I... I'd..." she couldn't complete the statement, but he got the gist. "Thank you boss!" driven by joy, she playfully raised her hand for a hi-fi. Though pleasantly surprised by her addressing, he swiftly joined his hand to complete the gesture.
CHAP 21...
Observing her advancing figure from bike mirror, he waited till she is close enough to hear him. "What is Ms. Jayanagar doing in Indira Nagar?" getting off the bike, he promptly asked as she tried to ignore and walk past him - her gait abruptly ceased marking The End of game. "This is bound to happen", she breathed deep before facing him; "after all, whom did she challenge!!"
"How did you spot me?" she asked turning back smiling. "Guess," he majestically smiled and then realized her special attire - bottle green crape saree, maroon blouse, simple neck set, his morning turned out glorious as he glimpsed her in a saree for the first time. Cool breeze carried one's fragrance to the other and the experience is just transcendental. The appreciation in his eyes amplified the heat in her; nevertheless, the woman in her unconsciously matched his gaze with the one he gave to marketing-wali on dinner day. To her satisfaction, it was beyond comparison.
CHAP 22...
"Allaahh..." He silently prayed snugging her to his chest to assure her, rather, his horrified soul that she is safe. "Thank god!" relieved that he's not injured, her hands circled his waist as she snugged deep into his broad chest - his chin rested on her head and her lids shut in solace as the frayed nerves soothed in his comforting arms.
"What are you doing here?" Her spine shuddered hearing a roaring yell that thundered in tranquility of the night. Flummoxed by his sudden arrival, she stood straight dazedly watching the furious man nearing her in long strides.
"Jalal... what happened? Why did you..." before her question completed, she found her wrist squeezed by him and next second she was literally dragged along. "Hey..." She tried to object, but her mouth shut perceiving Abdul and another unfamiliar man behind. "Hello Mr. Abdul... how are you?" she greeted as they halted.
"Will drop her and come shortly", he informed his friends and continued the stride.
"Jalal... I'll go... no need to accompany me," stopping at ninth floor, she protested.
"You said the same two hours before and I trusted you", he angered.
CHAP 23...
"But for your kind information, I do have a family, friends and many others to be worried of me. You needn't carry the onus of parenting me please..." The words were hurting!! Truly and deeply hurting, but the motive behind those words was more hurting. It was obvious that he resorted to derision only to shove her off unanswered, but why?? He can share with Abdul... he can share with some other man she never knew... but NOT with her!! ... why???
"Is it that I'm not THAT close to him?? Is it that I'm not THAT trustworthy to him??
Or does he think I'm too dumb to handle such things??" - "Yes, it must be one of them or all of them", she ruefully surmised taking a sharp turn to the left.
"Fine Mr.Don... you don't answer my questions. Granted I have no right to worry about you... but... the one who has proper rights will do it!! Let me see how you're going to escape from them." The resolution smoothened the rigid nerves and she drove fast home to unleash the burden onto her best confide.
"She was here..." his soap filled hand that reached left of his chest a minute before stopped moving further. Unconsciously his palm pressed against his heart as if snugging her face deeper. Currents of tepid water that continuously showered silently dripped from tip to toe empathizing with his pain and passion. "And here..." he looked at his palms recollecting the softness of her cheeks when he cupped her face. Aah.. how he wished he lowered his lips on to those trembling eyes, pert nose and then... a boyish smile escaped his lips. His thoughts gradually drifted to the events thereafter; the authority in commanding him, the tenderness in tending to his wound, the anguish for his life and the icy coldness when he ruthlessly hurt her!!
CHAP 24...
"Look at me Jodha..", he gently implored. His voice was as soft as cream and she feared she'd die of his tenderness. Taking a discreet moment to compose, she raised her lids to him. He's dangerously close and she gulped the inflaming tension unbeknown that she's affecting him the same way. He yearned to pull her to his heart, shield her from all evils, but before that he had to inject faith in her, on him!!
CHAP 25...
"Haw..." she complainingly pouted.
"Suddenly modest means? Am I rebellious otherwise??" Imagining the shape her lips would have taken while pouting, he laughed aloud. "Please don't put me into fix with such questions Jodha... I find it difficult lying!!"
CHAP 26- 1...
"Surprise!!" relishing her warm touch on his fingers, Jalal winked. Seeing her after a long gap is a bliss, seeing her thrilled after a long gap is bliss-bliss, and seeing her so close in a cute outfit, thrilled and pouting, after a long gap is bliss-bliss-plus.
"That architect seems to be a loyal, beautiful, brainy bitch!! Wish she worked for me!!" the third man wet his lips recollecting Jodha's petite form.
"She works for me," Jalal's hardened cold gaze chilled the third man's spine. "...and is a family friend."
CHAP 26-2-1...
"It's not time to loiter over ethics or manners idiot," her conscience snapped. "Forget her and just go to him." Encouraged by intuition and unblemished faith on the man standing fifteen feet away from her, Jodha came out of the hiding and took confident steps toward him. His side profile was only visible as he faced Aaliya and with every progressing step their words became better audible.
"I missed you Jalal...", the sobs intensified. "...terribly missed you my friend." To the advancing woman's daze, Aaliya tightly hugged Jalal, however, Jodha's march continued with unaltered determination. A moment later Jalal's voice reverberated- "I missed you too Lil!!" At that asseveration, the former's feet froze.
"Did he say that?" she stood still witnessing their embrace. "Did she hear that?" The vision before her blurred!! Her mind benumbed to such an extent that she didn't realize when her feet began trekking back.
Chapter 26 -2 -2...
Silently securing the heavy bags in closet, Jalal casted a side-glance at the sleeping beauty. The running television indicated that she dozed off in sofa while watching it. Turning it off, he tiptoed to the couch and cautiously sat at an end minding not to disturb her peaceful sleep. Crossing arms, he leisurely leant back and slightly tilted head to have a glimpse of her.
"Woah!" he gaped at her feet that delivered a perfect kick in sleep. She's struggling to stretch her legs and as part of the trial they kicked the hurdle that impeded their way. "What a perfect timing..." he giggled, "...like she heard my insight", withdrawing to the farthest corner, he made place for her feet. Passionately studying the curves of the shapely toes, he stayed still. "Sexy speck!!" A black mole beneath the first toe on left foot attracted his attention, and he couldn't resist softly brushing it with a fingertip. For one whole minute, he constantly peered at it unconsciously fondling with his finger and seeing her toes coiling his finger retreated. "I got to know your little secret," a doting smile danced on his lips and in no time his gaze swiftly returned the captivating black dot. "This dot..." narrowing his eyes, he thought. "I know this... I've seen it before..." feeling a strong connection with the little mote, he racked his brain. "A thumb and a mole beneath it... I definitely saw this combination before... when and where??"
"Tried to... but NO!!" no sooner her confession finished, Jodha's head thumped against his chest. "Ya allah...' a silent thanks heaved out as he pressed her deeper into his heart. Reveling in his emboldened protection, the enervated lady finally experienced euphoria after a seemingly eternal wait. "Can heaven be more peaceful than this?" her eyes closed in solace. "Why Jo? Why always you? Why fate is so cruel to you?" his nerves tangled in agony.
Clinching her cheeks, he lifted her head up. "He didn't harm you in any way na," he reiterated checking for bruises on her, if any...
CONTINUED BELOW(PZ SCROLL DOWN)...
.totally unexpected...u left me speechles for few minutes...😳 ...simply simply brilliant...
You did it finally!!! So that I'm free from your PM then 🤣 But to be honest... Such a wonderful effort dear.👏👏👏 Totally loved it!❤️ 🤗 
CID
