FF: Rescue last part , pg 9 16th nov - Page 2

Jai found Atharva & he now has bounded with him.

Bani calling out for Kingkong in grocery store.😆

Hi guys, I know I took quite a big break but I was waiting for my sister to bring book. I just didn't want to miss anything important and ruin Nicholas beautiful work. Here guys the next one.

Jai walked beneath the marlstone archway, which acted as an entrance to the headstone in Slough Park Cemetery (I don't know if there is any). Though he is from a Hindu family his mom wanted to keep something memorable so made a cemetery for her husband. Slowly he made his way toward it and removed some dried flowers and dust that has settled there. Nearly two decades of heat and rain is now slowly being successful to erase the writing in there.

Uday Walia

Living father and Husband

1937-1973

How much you try you can never stop the flow of time nor can you go back. Year by year, visit-by-visit Jai has grown older and now he is same age as his father when he died. Whenever he thought of him he can only picture him just a month before that fateful event. He looked so young and youthful, no worries of life and same time so wise and older but why he doesn't feel the same way so mature and wise. His mom had worn white for nearly a year mourning. The house looked so big and silent then, saying its just two of us now but we need to move on. His mother didn't let it affect their usual routine he spent his adolescent life like others fishing, camping, etc but he was always the silent one. The only friend he made in his life was Aditya, his true mate.

He was never so keen on opposite sex and has not dated much. He was quite serious twice. Once was Roshni Chorpa, who had broke up from disastrous relation as she found out her boyfriend had gotten another women pregnant and it was him who she had turned to but later she was building expectation on their relation, which he was not quite sure he could give and they parted away.

Later then it was Pia Shukla, who had just come to the town. A new one but smart and hence was working a lot in her office which caused her to make nearly on friends in there. He met her when he had gone to bank where she was working to apply for the mortgage. He introduces her around which began their new relationship but as previous one she to wanted commitment form him which he was again not sure of. His friend wife, Jigyasa and her sister tried a hell lot of time to set him up with some one but there was always something that pulled him back. They say there is something in him that they can't reach and he is not able to free himself of it.

After he was done, he stood up his knees cracking and aching by kneeling in that position for long time. He folded his hand and made a small prayer. He again bent over to touch the headstone.

"I am sorry dad. I am so so sorry."

He was making his way out of the park when he found his friend, Aditya leaning against the van with two beer in his hand hung together by the plastic ring. He threw one to him.

"Hey what you doing here?" asked Jai surprised.

"Oh nothing I knew you would be here and thought you would need one", said Aditya signalling to the beer in his hand.

"So how are you holding up?"

"I guess I am fine", said Jai shrugging off the question and Aditya knew better then to push him off. Even after all this year they hardly talk about his father.

"So does Jigyasa still want you to give it up?"

"Its not just about Jigyasa, its kids as well. She doesn't want anything to happen to me."

"What do you think?"

"I think she is right. I am too worried about my family. I think in that time I can spend some time with my kids, have a decent dinner with my family not worrying about any call that might come any time of the night."

"But we too need you."

"But today there are lots of people who is ready to volunteer and the size of our department is growing as well", said Aditya taking the last sip of his beer and chucking the can in the bun nearby.

Jai was ready to get in the truck when Aditya shouted, "Hey I hope you remember about tomorrow evening we will be waiting." Jai just showed his thumbs up indicating he remembered.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''...

Atharva was already awake this morning and made his way towards his mommy's bed. He jumped onto the bed and shook her "Wake up Mommy wake up" but she just groaned and rolled over. Not being able to wake her mommy up he climbed over her and tried to lift her eyelid. He was not successful to open her eyes but finding the situation hilarious he laughed aloud that made Bani laugh as well. She hugged him and gave him a very sloppy kiss on his cheek but he was already running out of her bed to see the cartoon. When she came to living room after completely her morning ritual she saw her son with a spoon on his hand eating cereal and really engrossed in watching Scooby dooby doo.

"Atharva what are you watching?"

"Scobi"

"Atharva I have lots of work today to finish. Have you finished your breakfast yet?" he didn't answer. Bani had already asked a lot of question regarding his accident like "where was he?, why did he leave?, was he hurt?, where did he go?" but as expected he didn't say anything. May be one day he will remember and tell her but now it was almost impossible.

She wet near him and touching his shoulder said, "say Atharva I have finished"

"I hab finz" but he was still engrossed in his cartoon and started laughing suddenly as one of the mummy came out and Scooby started running his legs now moving as a cycle tyre.

"Hez runi" (he is running) he said throwing back his head and laughing.

"Yes beta he is running" said Bani riffling his hair.

"Ms. Dixit I don't want to alarm you but I think your child is autistic," said the doctor with serious face. Bani just stared at the doctor. She never in her life had thought that her child would have such a serious problem that it staggered her for some time. All kind of thoughts ran through her head. Will he be able to live his life like other children, go to school, university Is he going to live in an institution.How willhis future be like?

"We are still not sure we would like to take few test and evaluation to be sure."

She left the office in a daze and spent the next few days trying to come to grips with what she'd been told. Before she'd left the office, as the doctor told her to have her son evaluated, she made the appropriate calls.

It took six weeks for the evaluation to take place. Six weeks of worry, six weeks of stress, six weeks of absolute fear. Getting the results added another couple of weeks, and when he finally accepted it, she sat in the office with another doctor.

"Based on the evaluation, we're pretty sure he is autistic," he said.

"Is he going to be okay?" she asked.

"I don't know."

"What do I do?"

"I don't know, but you should know that a few things didn't check out, so we recommend getting another evaluation."

Six more weeks of worry. Two more weeks to get the results and the doctor sat her down again and essentially said, "I am sorry ms. Dixit we were wrong with our first evaluation. Your son isn't autistic. We think he has what's called Pervasive Development Disorder."

"Oh," she said, "Well. . . is he going to be okay?"

"I don't know."

"What do I do?"

"I don't know. But we do recommend getting another test, this time on his hearing, so we can be sure nothing is physically wrong with him."

She did. It took another six weeks, going through same process again from fear to acceptance and the doctor sat her down.

"I am sorry again Miss Dixit," he said, "your son doesn't have Pervasive Development Disorder. The problem with your son is that he's profoundly deaf."

She looked at him. "Then why," she asked, "does he turn his head when the air conditioner clicks on?"

"Oh, he does that? Well, let's get another test . . ."

She did. Two months later, she sat down again.

"Well, you're right," the doctor said, "your son can hear. But the problem with your son is that he's profoundly retarded with attention deficit disorder, which is like dyslexia, only instead of processing visual signal, it has to do with processing sounds."

That's how her year was spent. On and on, evaluation after evaluation without answers, without a plan of action, without knowing what was wrong with her son or whether it was going to be okay.

(Guys this story is closely related to Nicholas as this is the same thing that had happened to his son but now he is perfectly fine.)

The shrill ring of phone wake Bani from her thoughts. Wiping the sweats that had formed on her forehead Bani picked up the phone.

"Hello"

"Hello Bani beta, Its Krishna her, Jai's mom. I hope I am not disturbing but I just wanted to know how you two are doing and wanted to know if you needed any help."

"Thanks for the call aunty. We both are completely fine."

"Good I am glad to hear to hear that. We have got a small annual festival this weekend where everyone joins and I was wondering if you would like to attend"

Festivals means lots of games and foods and spending lots of money and thinking about her financial condition she is now after having her accident and moving into new place she denied.

"Sorry aunty I would love to but I may have work on that day."

"Oh" Disappointment was clearly evident in her voice "Well try to come beta, I would love to show you around and introduce to some new people."

"I will try aunty. Thanks for the invitation and your call too. Bye Aunty"

"Bye Beta"

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''...

Later that evening Jai, Aditya, Jigyasa and their three children were gathered up in the backyard, chicken and lamp already sizzling in the charcoal. The weather was quite warm and humid. When Aditya got ready with a tongue on his hand, Jai nursed the beer, his third in the evening. The climate was really good and he was going in good pace. He has already told them about his nighty trip that day and how he had met her yesterday at the store and finally dropped them home.

"They are doing quite fine. It won't be a problem for them to settle", he said slapping the mosquito that had landed on his leg. Though he had said it innocently but Jigyasa eyed him thoroughly and asked leaning forward in her chair.

"So, you like her, huh?"

Before he had chance to say Aditya cut him, "What did he say? Did he like her?"

"I didn't say that" Jai said quickly.

"You didn't have to. It's written in your face and besides you didn't have to drop her groceries off if you didn't " She turned to her husband and said, "Ya, he likes her"

"You are putting word to my mouth"

She smiled wryly "So'Is she pretty?"

"What kind of question is that?"

She turned to her husband again and said, "he thinks she is pretty too"

"Hmm, that's why he was quiet when he arrived. Are you going to ask her out?"

Jai spun his face from one to anther wondering how the conversation has spun to his direction.

"I hadn't planned on it."

"You should. Sometimes you need to go out somewhere."

"I am all day out."

"You know what I mean", said Aditya winking.

"He is true. Beside you are already past your age. You can't keep dating all your life. You aren't getting younger"

"Thanks a lot next time I need any abusing I know where to come", said he shaking his head.

"You know we are just teasing" she giggled

"Is that a kind of apology?"

"If its make you change your mind about asking her out" said Jigyasa dancing her eyebrows up and down.

"Ok ok I will think about it," He finally said.

"Fair enough" said Jigyasa showing all her enthusiasm.

Ok guys that's it. Hope you liked it. Jai and Bani are gonna meet in next update. 😊😛

Jai visiting his fathers grave. WHy did he say sorry.

Poor bani . has to go through so much alone. Has worries about Atharva in addition to financial problems.

Hope she can make it to the festival & Jai too.

Jai seems to be intrested in bani.

HEY POOJA

Gr88 part

So jigs and adi trying to fix up jai and bani

Cool yaarand whats wrong with atharwa

Poor kid would have been exhausted by going through so many tests

plzzzzzzzzzzzz cont soon

"Hey there. I didn't think you would make it." Krishna called out happily.

Making their way through the crowd Bani and Atharva made their way towards here. "Hey Aunty didn't think there would be so much crowd. We were quite lost."

"Oh ya. Lots of people come during this time. Way of meeting old people and knowing some new. I am really happy to see you both." "Hey Atharva, how Re you son" asked Krishna nudging his ribs.

With serious expression he presses his chin on his chest and showed his toy, "awpane" (aeroplane), which Bani had said him to bring with him if he gets bored. Bani knew it was his way of conversing with people nevertheless she told him, "C'mon sai I am fine thank you"

"I n fie, kenk u" and went back to playing his toy

"Is something going on over there?" asked Bani looking at the field.

"We have football match between Slough fire department and Slough Enforces. Local police and sheriffs are in the team and whoever lose have to pay 500 to the local library. It's just a friendly match but they are quite into the game. You know how men are all ego and stuff" said Krishna leading them toward the field. Finally spotting few seats they made their way and sat down.

Bani saw Jai running in the field. They were really concentrating on the game. After watching few minutes Atharva got bored and went aside to play. He was running and jumping here and there. It was a bit crowdy so Bani had to stand few times to have a look at him. Whenever she did that Jai eye wandered towards her. Wearing a sleeveless top and Capri she was looking quite lively and pretty too. Many heads toward her giving her admiring glances but she was unaware of. Suddenly Jai felt envious of his mother who was sitting next to her.

Not only was here presence distracting but also his mind kept in going back to what Jigyasa had said. The place she was sitting on was straight to his position, which made it impossible for him not to see her. So many times he glanced toward her and once his stare stayed too long that she smiled and waved at him. Embarrassed he waved back and turned back, wondering why n earth is he feeling like damn teenager again.

"So that's her" asked Aditya from the back surprising Jai

"Who is who" asked Jai pretending not to understand

"Bani"

"Oh I didn't really notice"

"You were right"

"About what?"

"She is pretty"

"I didn't say that Jigyasa said it"

"Ya right " said Aditya nodding.

When Jai's attention went to the game Aditya looked at him and asked, "then why were you staring at her?" not able to hide anymore and smirking at him.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''...

After sometime Jai getting thirsty was drinking the water near the fence when

"Hewo Jai"

Jai turned to find Atharva grinning at him.

"Hey little man, how are you?" but Atharva kept on looking at him and said

"hez fowman" "He is fireman"

"That I sure. Are you having fun watching the game?"

Instead of watching the game he held his aeroplane in front of him.

"What have you got there little man?"

"Awpane"

"You are right. Ita nice."

"you kin hode it" (you can hold it)

Jai hesitated before taking it.

"Thanks for showing it. Do you want it back?"

"You kin hode it"

Jai then kept it inside his pocket thinking might ask it back nut he was fine with it and just smiled at him. "Ok little man I am taking it, it might be my lucky charm.

It definitely was his lucky charm as he even scored one goal, which made their team won by 2-1. After the game was over he came running back to Atharva.

"I told you little man its lucky for me. It's a good aeroplane.

"Yes ee awpane ess goo" (yes the aeroplane is good)

As they were engrossed in their conversation Bani came to them as Krishna was being called by her other friends.

"Hey Bani how are you? Good to see you here."

"Fine thanks. That was a good match. Hope to see some more."

"Thanks but the match is going to be next year only now"

Slowly they began walking across the park. Atharva saw a slide on the park and started running toward it.

"How come you are in fire department?" asked Bani to continue the conversation. The question made Jai go stiff but he control himself.

"Well Its just something I wanted to do since I was a kid." The tone of his voice got changed which didn't go unnoticed by Bani and thus changed the topic.

"You must be hungry by now. Lets have something" and then they made their way toward the food stall. Krishna was there too. After congratulating Jai about his play she started introducing Bani to her friends and neighbour. Since she was born her she knew lots of people and Bani was tired of smiling at all of them. She can't remember all the faces forget their names. In between this Jai had already slipped from there.

Children were called for the lunch and as expected Atharva didn't come. She began walking where he was and found both Jai and atharva few feet away from each other. When she realised what they were doing, her breath caught on her throat. She almost didn't believe it. She closed her eyes for long moment and opened them again.

Frozen, she watched as Jai gently threw the ball in Atharva's direction. Atharva stood with both arm stretched out, forehead closed together and as a magic ball flew in the air and dropped in his tiny hands.

All she could do was stare in wonder. Jai Walia was playing catch with her son.

On seeing Bani Jai called out, "Hey, we were just playing catch."

"Have you been doing this whole time?" asked Bani unable to hide her amazement. She'd tried numerous times to get him interested in it but he never even made a attempt. She wasn't just surprised with Atharva, but Jai as well. It was first time someone had ever taken time to teach something to Atharva something new. He was playing with Atharva, nobody played with Atharva.

"Pretty much. He likes it."

At the same time Atharva saw her. "Hewo mowe" he waved at her

"Hey Atharva, you heving fun beta"

"He cachs it" (He catches it"

She couldn't help but smile at him. "I saw that. It was good catch. How did you do that?" asked Bani looking at Jai.

"Well actually he started it. I was just standing her when he threw it at me and it almost head my head. I showed him how to catch it and then we have been playing. O must say he learnt it pretty quick."

"Do it again then I have to watch it." After that Atharva made his position without moving even a bit and waited patiently for Jai to throw the ball with his arms stretched out. It exactly landed on his hand and he threw it back.

"Good one" said Jai.

Ball went back and forth several times before stopping as Bani said she needs to get back as she was getting late for her work. After throwing the ball last time Atharva came jumping to her smiling and she hugged him.

"That was really good beta"

They were making their way across the park toward the exit when Jai suddenly asked, "Can I drop you home"

"I have brought my bike. We can manage it."

"I know" Jai said looking at her face.

Bani knew by the way he was looking at her that he was asking her out of kindness like last time but its something that is related to what will happen between them. It was easy for her to say no. Her life was already complicated and she didn't want to mix it more. Her mind was telling her it's not a good idea. She doesn't have time for all this and top of all she doesn't know this guy standing in front of her but despite all she surprised herself by saying, "I'd like that."

After her answer she came to know about one more thing that why did she come here today? She hadn't come here to meet Krishna nor some new people. She came here to meet Jai Walia.

Aditya and Jigyasa watched them as they departed. Aditya moved toward his wife's ear so that other wouldn't hear him.

"So, what did you think of her?"

"She's nice" Jigyasa said honestly. "But its just not up to her. You know how Jai is. Where this all goes from here it all depends on him."

"Do you think they will be together?"

"He is your friend. You know him better than me"

Aditya shrugged, "I am not sure."

"Yes you are. When Jai sets his eyes on someone you know how charming he can be. I just hope this time he doesn't hurt someone."

"He is your friend Jigyasa. You don't even know Bani"

"That's why I have always forgiven him."

Hope you like it.😛

good!!! so Jai has a past!!!

hey pooja

aww cute part

Hi guys. Sorry, I know I am late. But I had work and I have started driving as well. I just gave my theory test and I passed but practical is totally different. It's a hassle man; just to move on a car u need to remember so many things. I get so confused. Here's the next part.

"Monstew twuck", (Monster car) exclaimed Atharva. It was really a big vehicle with enormous tyres. Atharva wrung his hands together, excited "Monstew car", he said again.

"Do u like it" Jai asked.

"Yes" he nodded enthusiastically.

Jai loaded their bike at the rear end of the truck and since truck was quite high helped Atharva get in. Bani was next and he accidentally brushed against her as he showed her where to grab to pull herself up.

The drive was a silent one. Bani need to sometime for her thoughts and Jai understanding her gave her some tine. Bani let her thoughts wandered and finally it settled on Jai. With a corner of her eyes she looked at him and found him concentrating on the road ahead. Jai wasn't so handsome man. If she had founded him on the road walking she wouldn't give him second look but there is something about him she found ruggedly appealing. His waist was narrow and his arms were heavily loaded because of his work nature. His job as a contractor has modelled his look. She wondered if he ever has been married before or involved in some kind of serious relationship before. Today at the festival most of them were family person but looking at him it made her suspect he'd ever made any commitment.

After driving nearly for fifteen minutes when they were near her house Jai gradually applied brake until car came to stop. Pushing the clutch in, he let the car idle which made Bani look at him curiously.

"Hey little man, do wanna drive my car?" he asked

It took moment before Atharva understood.

"C'mon, you can drive it"

After a brief hesitation Atharva slightly moved before Jai pulled him into his car. He placed Atharva hand in the upper pert of his steering wheel and his near the lower end so that he can grab it when necessary.

"You ready?"

Atharva didn't speak but Jai slowly let the clutch out and the truck began to inch forward. Atharva little unsure, held the wheel steady. His eyes widened when he realised he has the control and all at once he turned the wheel into the left. The truck moved into the grass, bouncing slightly and moved toward the fence before Atharva turned the wheel other way. The drive was erratic but eventually he drove. They were moving no more than fine miles per hour but Atharva broke into huge grin and looked at Bani with "look what I did" expression. He laughed in delight before turning the wheel again.

"Hez driving" (He is driving) exclaimed Atharva.

The truck rolled toward the house like a big S missing every tree, thanks to Jai and when Atharva laughed second time, Jai winked at Bani

"My dad used to let me do this when I was little, I just figures he might like it, too"

With Jai verbal and a lot of manual guidance Atharva stopped the car near her house. Atharva straight away went inside the house. No one said anything and at last Jai cleared his throat, "Let me get ur bikes"

As he moved back into the car Bani stood here slightly unravelled. Once again Jai has surprised her. Twice in single afternoon he'd done something kind for Atharva, something considered normal in other children's life. The first time he had caused her to stare in wonder but second tie, had touched her in place she'd never expected. Bani being a mother can only love and protect Atharva but can never make other people accept him but Jai has already done it and she felt her throat close up a little. Her son has made his first friend in his five years of life.

After Jai lowered the bikes to the ground he stood with his face hidden by sunlight. Standing close to him she could see the images of the evening's event and she knew that she wanted to know about Jai Walia more. She wanted to spend more time with him, wanted to now the person who has been so kind to her son. Most of all, she wants him to feel the same.

"I have some time before I go to work. Would you like to have some tea?"

"That's sounds good, if its ok with u"

Slowly they went inside the house where Atharva was already in front of his cartoons.

"Let me get u ur tea" said Bani trying to hide her nervousness. She pulled out a jar of tea from refrigerator and added some ice cubes on it and handed him a glass. She was conscious of how close she was to him. Just to clear her nervousness she asked to Atharva, "Honey, do u want something to eat?"

"Hez wonse sum wonner" (He wants some water)

Bani thanked for the interruption and went to get some water.

"Are you ready for tub? You are all sweaty"

"Yes" he said drinking the water his other had given him on his favourite Scooby pictured cup and spilled some in front of his shirt.

"Can you give me a minute to get his tub ready?" asked Bani glancing at Jai.

"Sure, go ahead."

In the room alone Jai inspected the house. Being a contractor nothing missed his eyes. The house has been vacant for some time and still of Bani's best effort it shows some sign of neglect. The carpet were coming off at the corner in the floor, the walls were getting yellow with the age, some cupboards of kitchen were hanging slightly and sink had a slow drip that has left rusty marks on the porcelain. Still, it was obvious that Bani had tired her best to keep it presentable.

As the water shut Bani returned to where Jai was. He was intently looking at something.

"Interesting readings. Atharva?" he asked and she answered with a nod.

"What are those?" he asked again pointing to the piles of papers at the end of the table.

"Those are Atharva's journal. Whenever I work with him, I record what he is able to say, how he says it, what he's having trouble with, things like that. That way I can follow his progress."

"It sounds like a lot of work"

"It is, would you like to sit?"

Jai and Bani sat at the kitchen table and Bani slowly explained what wrong with Atharva and he listened without any interruption.

"So you work with him everyday?"

"No we take Sundays off"

"Why is language so hard for him?"

"That's the magic question. No one knows it. Books and doctors suggest lots of therapy but its different for different children."

After hearing her Jai thought about his exchanges with Atharva sometime ago and said "You know he doesn't talk that bad. I understand what he is saying and he understands me as well."

Bani ran her finger along the edge if the table and said "he's come long way in last year."

"Jai leaned and said "I am not just saying I mean it. When we were playing yjis evening he was telling me to throw the ball and was saying good job when I would catch it."

Throw ball and good job just four word, that's not much if you think about it, is it? Was what Bani wanted to say but right now she didn't want to discuss with Jai regarding Atharva's speaking limitations.

"I think that has lot of to do with you. You are patient with him, which lots of people are not. You remind me of teachers I used to teach with."

"You were a teacher?"

I taught for three years until Atharva was born"

"Did u like it?"

"I loved it. I used to second graders and children that age like their teacher and are always eager to learn. It makes you feel you are making some difference in their lives."

Jai took another sip and looked at her closely by the rim of his glass. By listening her, observing her and her expression and he found her to be softer, less guarded than before and quite not used to talking about own self.

"Ok now you tell me about yourself you are contractor huh?"

"Twelve years now"

"And you build home"

"I used to now I am in remodelling. I like it, for me it's challenging than building something new. You have to work with something, which is already there, limited space, limited resources and limited budget and it's fun to figure out to get them the most for their money."

Bani looked at the person sitting across her and comparing with the man she used to be. Not only what he does and how he looks is different, he is content with the world he is in. Bani took the last sip of her tea and glanced at the clock nearby and realised that she will be late if she doesn't move now. Jai looked at her and knew it was time for him to move now.

"I must be moving now. They must be wondering where I am"

"Do you thing they are whispering about us?"

"I don't think I know they are nut u don't worry I will tell them it wasn't something special"

Before she could stop herself she blurted out, "but it meant something to me"

Jai looked at her in silence, considering what she'd said and a blush erupted through her cheeks and neck. He looked around the kitchen before focusing at her.

"Are you working tomorrow?"

"No" she said little breathlessly

Jai took a deep breath. God she is pretty.

"Can I take you and Atharva out at carnival tomorrow? He would love all those rides."

Bani knew he would ask that but listening it aloud she felt a rush of relief through her.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Later at night, unable to sleep tossed and turned on his bed. He can't understand how a normal day has turned into something so different. Bani is like a snowball, which he has no control over. Sure, she's attractive and intelligent, no doubts about that but he has met attractive and intelligent women before. There was something about her; something about their relationship that he is losing a slip of the tight control he had on his life.

He flipped his pillow and mashed it into shape. He'd only few conversation with him, just met two three times, may be she isn't even anything he has imagined her to be. Besides, he doesn't want to get involved. He's been that road before

Jai took off his blanket in sudden irritation. Why on earth did he drop her home? Why the hell did he ask her out tomorrow?

And more importantly why are the answers to those questions giving him so uneasy feeling?

OK that's it for today. Hope you liked it. 😊😛

yea!! it was good. looki9ng forward to the next update.