ff -Justajoo updt chap 9 pg 15, 12/12 - Page 4

Thank you, I appreciate all of you taking the time to drop a comment.

A special thanks to Divan, Chickster and Pooja1_76 for suggesting names for this ff.

The name of this ff is now going to be Justajoo, which was suggested by Chickster.

BD

Thank you for all your comments, loved everyone of them.😀

Special thanks to Chickster for the title.

Jai stood at the airport, breathing in the warm Mumbai air. He had missed this place, the smells, the sounds, the buzz he felt everytime he was here. But, his heart felt heavy. He didn't really want to come back home. He had made up countless excuses for not being able to come, but when he heard Anu's voice on the phone, all of them seemed to evaporate. She had become his weakness over the years, and when she asked him whether he was coming to meet her, all he could said was yes. Anu's flight had landed three days ago, he had delayed his arrival as much as possible, but he had promised her that he was going to be there today for her babyshower, and then stay for a week.

He stared at the limo that was waiting in front of his private jet, unsure of whether he could do this, whether he could face his past. He felt numerous conflicting emotions at the same time, and he could feel himself getting weaker by the second. But, then Anu's face flashed in front of him, and he was on his way home.

Krishna kept staring eagerly out of the window, waiting for Jai.

Mom, please relax. Bhaiya will be here soon, Anu said, muching on some hot pakoras.

Anu had been having a lot of cravings lately and was glad to be back home. Krishna and Bani indulged her in every way. She liked Bani, she was very sweet, and she loved the way she help take care of everyone in the family. She got along great with Rano, though they were a few years apart in age, it didn't stop them from forming a great bond. She didn't know much about them, except that Bani was a widow, and they had nobody except each other. Anu felt sorry for them, she couldn't imagine anyone turning away such nice, loving people and especially a wonderful kid like Aman. He was just a year and a half old. She giggled thinking about him, he was probably the naughtiest kid she had ever met, but he always had an angelic smile, that it was had not to laugh at his antics. She was always curious to know more about their lives, but Bani never spoke about her past, and although Rano's dislike for them was evident when she would occasionally pass a comment about them, she never really said anything else.

A loud honk bought her out of her thoughts. She saw her mom immediately get up and run into the temple. Anu walked to the door, and opened it. She saw Jai walking up, and she wobbled towards him as fast as she could and hugged him, catching him by suprise.

You should be taking it easy Anu, he said gently, patting her affectionately.

Please bhiaya now don't start. Ma has already given me long lectures, she said pouting.

Jai smiled at her childishness. They walked together to the entrance, where he saw Krishna standing with a thali. Jai felt uncomfortable, but for some reason, he stood still. Krishna began the aarti, and then out of habit raised her hand to put the tikka, but stopped midway. Jai looked at her for a moment, and found himself lowering his head towards her. He felt her hand touch his forehead, and then looked up to see Krishna smiling at him and tears clouding her eyes. She gave him the prasad and moved so he could come in with Anu.

Okay bhaiya, you go freshen up, then you can join me in eating pakoras, she said walking towards her half eaten plate. He nodded and looked at Krishna, she was looking at him intently, he gave her a small smile and walked upstairs.

The next time when he peered in, Jai ran towards him. The kid squelaed in delight and went behind the door. Jai jumped out and hugged him, screaming 'caught you', only to find he had caught a woman by her legs instead, causing her to almost trip.

Jai smiled to himself and walked into the washroom to freshen up. He stared at the mirror and wondered who the woman was. He had never seen her before. She had a beautiful serene face, and a beautiful smile, it seemed so genuine, so pure, there was not an inkling of pretence anywhere about her. Her son, he was just aorable. Jai never really spent time around kids, but there was something about him that was just so captivating. He chuckled remembering the scene before. The boy sure did have an infectious laugh. He felt his heart suddenly feel lighter at the thought of the two of them, it was like a refreshing breeze in the hot arid weather.