AKDHA FF: 'No Name To My Desire' THRD 4 - Chap 17(11 Oct)

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INDEX

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TREAD ONE

FOR Chap 1-6 >>>> CLICK HERE

TREAD TWO

FOR Chap 7-10 >>>> CLICK HERE

TREAD THREE

FOR Chap 11-12 (Part 3) >>>> CLICK HERE

TREAD FOUR

Chap 13-17 (scroll down)

TREAD FIVE

CLICK HERE

TREAD SIX

CLICK HERE

KOLKATA

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'Which one?..right wala or left wala?' asked Jalal on phone, as his curious eyes searched through the lanes...on his both side. His cavalcade was moving through the 'not so wide' lanes of Newtown. He was continuously looking for the right landmark, Abdul was describing him. Jalal was on his way to his son. He knew his son was fine...he was at safe hands...but for some unknown reason that piece of information was not being able to soothe his worried heart. May be that's how a FATHER feels when he is distanced from his child? The MIGHTY Jalaluddin was nothing but a weak father...who will have to live through uncertainty, until he has his son near his heart. Jalal was growing more and more impatient with every passing second.

'Our kitne turns...god damnit!!!' After half an hour of left and right...finally Jalal blasted off.

'Just one more...take right next...and you have IT', replied Abdul in a pacified tone. He was aware of the mental state of his friend...He knew how much eager Jalal was to meet his son. Abdul also wanted Jalal to reach the place as soon as possible. Not because Jalal needed Rico, but because Rico needed Jalal. Lil boy was a bit scared when Abdul reached him. In spite of all his efforts neither Rico came to him, nor let Abdul come to him. The kid was still standing at the corner of the dark room, he was locked in. Abdul clearly knew that only those can make the boy feel better to whom he is close to.

One turn on left and Jalal reached the place. It was a shabby looking house on the dead end of the lane. Entire lane was taken in control by Jalal's men. It was cordoned off from the commoners. Jalal's cavalcade stopped near the house...Abdul was waiting at the gate. Jalal hastily came out of the SUV and without wasting any more time, rushed to Abdul.

'Where is Salim?' asked Jalal in a restless tone.

'Come inside.' Abdul showed him the way inside. They entered the house.

'The guy was snooping Jodha's calls...I think...wohi se usse sab pata chala...threat calls trace karke...we got the address. Jalal...he...he...locked Salim in a room...bachha thora dara hua hai...he is a bit scared...pehle usse millo...then we'll see the kidnapper.' Abdul summarized the whole update in a go. He led Jalal to the room where Rico was kept.

Rico had always been a brave boy...Fear was not something that could checkmate him so easily. But a merciless kidnapper, rounds of beating, being locked in a dark room and then numerous unfamiliar faces...everything together frightened the lil soul to the core. He had no idea why that bad guy took him away from his mother...he had no idea why he beat him up...he had no idea why suddenly so many people with heavy guns were roaming around him. He was scared...hell scared. The lil heart was beating too fast. He just wanted to get back to his mother...anyhow. All of a sudden Rico heard the sound of boots approaching the room. He shrunk more into the corner with an unknown fear.

The door jerked open...entered Jalal. For first couple of seconds his eyes couldn't see through the darkness...but as soon as his gaze started settling in, he could sense a lil figure at the corner. Before he could react that lil figure rushed to him.

'Friend!!!' cried Rico as he ran to Jalal. Jalal swiftly got down on his knees to receive him. Rico almost jumped on to him and hugged him. Jalal could hear his lil sobs...He could feel the quiver in his body. Jalal hugged him back...wrapped him with his arms.

Till now Jalal was thinking that he knew how it feels like being childless...but this one hug' made him realize what he was bereaved of. It made him realize...how it feels when your loved one finds solace in your arms...made him realize...how it feels to be a FATHER. Jalal clutched him close to his heart. He wanted to take his son to the place where he belongs to...his HEART. A lone tear scaled down Jalal's cheek...making way for the new set of feelings, taking birth in Jalal.

Rico buried his face on Jalal's shoulder...he was sobbing hard. His son's tears moved Jalal. He caressed his back, tried to pacify him, 'Its ok love...it's ok...am here...see am here to take you back. It's over. Ab koyee tumhe pareshan nehi karega...calm down...calm down.' Jalal placed a kiss on his earlobe...while continuously caressing him. Rico clutched him more tightly...as if somebody would tear them apart if he loosens. Jalal's heart twisted, imagining how much torment his lil son had to go through. An immense rage was building inside him. He felt like crushing the head of the man who let this happen. He felt like bringing hell on the person who dared to touch his son. But his first priority was to take care of Rico...the rest can wait. Jalal lifted Rico with his arms. Rico was still hugging him tight. Jalal too kept him close to his heart. This was one piece of GEM he could even die for.

After a couple of minutes...Rico finally broke the silence. 'He...he...he...is a bad guy...he is a bad guy' uttered Rico in between his sobs. He slowly lifted his head and looked at Jalal. 'He hit me...shove me to the wall...see...marks on my hand...he is a bad guy'. Rico showed his bruised arms to Jalal.

So much pain and tears in his son's eyes stabbed Jalal's heart like hell. Each drop flowing from Rico's eyes was squeezing Jalal's heart to death. He was crying too. Jalal couldn't even imagine how on earth a human being can hurt such an innocent soul!!! The more he was thinking, the more his anger against the kidnapper was soaring. If his son wasn't there he would have thrashed that jerk to hell by now. Somehow he was trying to hold himself back.

Jalal kissed on Rico's cheek and brought his head back on his shoulder. He knew...the boy needs a huge dose of love and care now...those are only things that can bring him back to normalcy...bring him back to the regular RICO.

'I want to go to mom...please take me to my mom...' uttered Rico in a soaked voice. That brought something in Jalal's mind. He quickly picked his phone out of pocket and dialed a number. 'Hello...just wait a sec'. With this Jalal handed the phone to Rico, 'your mom's on phone...talk to her.' This news spread brightness across the lil boy's face. He eagerly grabbed the cell and answered, 'mom...'

Jalal slowly put Rico down. Lil soul was engrossed in narrating his terrible experience to his mother. Jalal decided not to get in to the mother-son convo. He let Rico be on himself...at the same time instructed two of his personal security men to keep an eye on him.

The more Jalal was thinking about his son's bruises, the more he was feeling the urge to thrash that b**t**d to death. Till now he was checking himself because of his son...but not anymore. 'It is time to teach him a lesson', thought Jalal. He turned to Abdul. Jalal could feel his entire body was trembling with raging fire. He wanted to burn the tormentor alive.

'Where is that b**t**d Abdul? I need to make him pay for this.'

'Come with me...', signaled Abdul as he left the room.

The duo approached the next room. Entire house was packed up with Jalal's men...armed and alert...though Jalal himself was surrounded with his personal security staff...that's how 'Z' plus category is designed to be. They were about to enter the room when Abdul spoke something about the kidnapper...that puzzled Jalal, 'well...he is a blast from the past buddy...and I think...you won't be that glad to see him.' Failing to fathom his words, Jalal gave a confused look to Abdul and entered the room. The kidnapper was sitting on a chair...tied to it. His head was hanging low...face not clearly visible to Jalal. Abdul walked up to the chair...pulled his head back by hair. This revelation left Jalal shocked!!!

This was the very face that snatched away Jalal's peace years ago...that caused him living numerous sleepless nights. This was the very person who dared to hug HIS Jodha...in front of him. Yes ... it was the guy whom Jalal saw with Jodha, the day he and Abdul went to meet her at the orphanage. It was the guy with the helmet!!!

His face brought every bit of the memory from that day back to Jalal's mind. He could taste the fire in his blood all over again. If Jalal's desire for Jodha didn't fade away with time, his wrath for the person who tried to take her away also didn't. Jalal was slowly forwarding his steps to him...an immense rage was venting out of his gaze and face. His eyes fixed on the guy.

The kidnapper was boldly staring back at Jalal with fearless eyes...he was anything but repentant. For him it was all for a purpose. On the other hand Jalal didn't know for which reason he was angrier on him...his audacity to touch Jodha or his dare to hit his son. Jalal felt like ripping his skin off...but somehow he controlled himself and threw a question to the guy.

'How dare you beat my son?' Jalal gritted as he hurled the question. But the one he addressed was equally headstrong in his reply.

'Trust me... I wanted to kill him... I wanted to kill that b**t**d...I...' Before he could finish Jalal drove a punch on his face. The kidnapper almost got knocked off from his seat...somehow managed at the last moment. Jalal's rage crossed every limit...he yelled at the top pitch of his voice, 'Himmat kaise hui teri...haan...himmat kaise hui...Jalaluddin Mohammad ke bete ko ba...' Jalal couldn't finish...his voice stumbled on the word. Within no time Jalal blew another punch on his face. This time a thin line of blood appeared from the corner of the kidnapper's lips. Jalal took few seconds to compose himself... then began in a much controlled tone, 'Why did you do this? For money?'

'No...not money...I wanted to take revenge on you...I wanted you to feel the pain, I am writhing under for years. I wanted you to feel...what it takes to lose the person you love more than your life.' With this the kidnapper paused for some moments. Jalal knew things were bound to breach the intimate barriers now...he went for privacy...ordered the security men to leave, 'Leave us alone.' Without any delay they followed the order their master gave. Now it was only Jalal, Abdul and that kidnapper.

'Got scared??? Darr laga??? Ke sabko pata chal jayega that you are a rapist?', asked the kidnapper with a smirk. This audacity fired Jalal. He gripped the man by hair and gritted, 'I am not a rapist...I only claimed what's mine. SHE IS MINE.'

'She isn't...she will never be. Woh kabhie tumhari nehi banegi...she loves me and she always WILL...she must have told you right???' a mocking smile appeared on the kidnapper's face.

''I will never leave Sanjay...he is my life...he is my love''

Words uttered by Jodha were still alive in Jalal's mind. How could he forget those words that sucked the life out him once? How could he? But it was the last thing he wanted to remember...and Sanjay...dug the grave for him. Jalal felt like cutting him into pieces right there. The MUGHAL in him was raring to begin the ravage...but today Jalal had something else in mind. He wanted to punish that guy in a different way...he wanted him to live a life worse than death. It was time to show him...Jalaluddin needs no sword to batter an enemy.

'You are right Sanjay...you are absolutely right. Jodha loves you...pyaar karti hai tumse. Tabhi toh pichhle 5 salon se mere bachhe ko paal rahi hai...' a mild laugh could be sensed in Jalal's voice as he uttered the last sentence. He went again, 'she could have got rid of that kid...abortion karwa leti...ya kisi ko de deti...but she didn't. She mothered him...took care of him...loved him. And you know what...I would never be able to love my son the way she loves. She did all this because she loves you...Am I right Sanjay?' Looking at Sanjay's face Jalal knew he rubbed on the right nerve.

'After leaving Simla, she went to Pune. I met her there...she was...a few months pregnant then. I...I...told her...to abort the kid...told her to get rid of it. But she didn't. Pagal ladki...kehti hai...'mera bachha'...ab jo bachha uske marzi ke khilaf ho...woh uska bachha kaise ho sakta hai...never.' Sanjay vented his disbelief through his disgust. Only if he could know how much delight his words spread through Jalal. He seized the opportunity to counter him left, right and centre.

'Well...that's the way a mother's heart works...you must not be aware of it...BAAP jo nehi ho...' uttered Jalal with an extra stress on last few words. A winning smirk adored his face...eyes fixed on his target. Jalal loved the game all the way...he could see his opponent succumbing to his spin...slowly. Sanjay's next words were testimonial to it.

'It's because of you I lost my love forever...it's because of you she never came back to me...mujhe laga tha...I will take care of her and pull her out of this horrible memory...but then your son came in between...it's because of him, she snapped all ties with me. She wanted to live a mother's life...nothing else...I lost my Jodha forever.' Sanjay almost broke into tears with his words.

'You shouldn't have pinned your hopes on her. At least...not after knowing my desire for her', spoke Jalal with a straight face.

'I didn't pin my hopes on her...we were lovers...tum bich me aye...and destroyed all.' Sanjay almost yelled at Jalal. But that hardly made any difference to Jalal. He was more into his new found 'strategy' game. But at the same time there were many questions Jalal wanted answers to.

'You could have kidnapped Salim much before...why now?' Jalal couldn't hide his curiosity.

'Khonewale ko agar pata ho ke usne kya khoya hai...tab khone ka dard 100 guna bad jata hai. I was waiting for the day when you would know about your son...And I was damn right...wasn't that pain killing???' Sanjay's blatant reply raked Jalal's nerves. But before Jalal could reply Abdul interjected. 'Jalal...I think we should live now. We need to set out for Mumbai'. Abdul's words pulled Jalal back to the present scenario. He realized how far he has gone in his counter chase. But how can he leave the sport in the middle!!! Jalal decided to harp one last time. 'Oh yah...I forgot...Jodha must be waiting for me...we MUST leave now Abdul'.

'But iska kya karen?' asked Abdul pointing at Sanjay.

'What do you suggest Abdul???' asked Jalal playfully.

'Katke fek dete hai'. Abdul couldn't think of any better punishment for this kidnapper. He thought his buddy will agree with him too. But Jalal's reaction surprised him to the core.

'How can I Abdul!!! How can I?!!! How can I forget those ehsaans he has on me!!!' This time Jalal's words went beyond Abdul's power to recognize. 'I am not getting what you are saying Jalal'. It was Jalal's turn to explain.

'Abdul...I owe much to HIM. If I hadn't seen him with Jodha, I wouldn't have lost my mind...wouldn't have called Jodha to me...wouldn't have been a father now. And that's not all...today because of him I have my Jodha with me all over again. If he wouldn't have kidnapped Salim, she would have never come to me. Ab tum hi batao Abdul, who's a bigger friend? You or Him?' here concluded Jalal.

'Hmm...baat to sahi hai...then what???' asked Abdul with a frown. One thing he was sure about his buddy must have something or other in mind. What Jalal spoke next just confirmed his assumption.

'Don't we need labors at our Samarkand Mines...send him there. Jab tak jeeyega...ghulami karega. First for me. Then for my son.'

Abdul got the point. He nodded for affirmation. 'I'll take care of this. You should go now. Salim wait kar raha hai...'

'Jodha bhi...' hurling this pair of word at Sanjay, Jalal walked out of the room, leaving a devastated enemy behind. He could still hear Sanjay's fading voice from the room...'kill me Jalal...kill me...I can't live like this...kill me...' But with his every forwarding step that voice was slowly losing in the background...within a couple of seconds...it was completely lost.

Jalal won the battle. He broke the neck of his enemy, that too without a war. But victory was still miles away from him. When he was making fun of Sanjay's love...he was aware that he himself is not even in the vicinity of Jodha's love. He knew...how much Jodha despises him...he knew how much she hates even being in his presence...he knew she is not waiting for him. 'But that's only for time being...she will have to love me...she will...someday', Jalal consoled himself.

Loaded with thoughts Jalal was strolling on towards the gate...when he felt something soft touched his hand. He turned his gaze towards the point. It was Rico. He wrapped his tiny palm around Jalal's. This sight filled Jalal's heart with all shimmering' delight...made him forget all his worries...his insecurities in one go. Looking at those angel eyes Jalal realized how it feels to be a FATHER and what he missed in last four and a half years.

'Are we going to mamma?' asked Rico.

'Yes', replied Jalal as he picked up Rico in his arms and started walking towards the SUV.

A few minutes later...

Jalal's convoy was speeding down the posh avenues of South Kolkata. He was on his way to Jodha. Inside the car Jalal was sitting by the window. Rico was sitting on Jalal's lap...resting his head on Jalal's chest. Lil boy was totally exhausted. Jalal was continuously caressing his back...trying to soothe him as much as possible.

Something was playing in Jalal's mind for the last couple of minutes...but he didn't know how to begin. Some more rounds of thinking...and finally Jalal set off.

'Salim...have your Mom told you anything about your father?' Jalal asked very carefully.

'Yes...she told, my Dad lives far away...he can't come to us.' Rico answered without moving his face from where it was.

'Don't you wanna meet your Dad? Don't you miss him?' asked Jalal in a caring tone. This question of his, struck something within the boy. He slowly lifted his head and looked at Jalal.

'I miss him...school me sabke Dad ate hai...bohot bura lagta hai...I want my Dad too...But...' before Rico could complete Jalal interjected eagerly, 'But???'

'But Dadi told me not to ask about him to my Mom. That's why I don't'. Growing amount of moist could be seen on Rico's eyes as he uttered those words.

'Dadi...does she come to meet you often?' Jalal felt a building curiosity inside him.

'Not often...but she does. Whenever she comes, she brings so many toys for me...cars...robots...bats. Mom ke liye bhi gifts lati hai...but whenever she comes, Mom cries a lot. Sometimes Dadi also cries...mujhe bilkul bhi achha nehi lagta hai...' finishing this Rico returned to his previous posture...rested his head again on Jalal's chest. But his words made Jalal restless. His heart ached thinking about Jodha...thinking about her pain...thinking about the responsibility he bears for the same. On that very moment he promised himself one thing...he will do something very soon...something...that will change everything.

Precap: 'Marry me'

PS: love you pals...see am dabing more and more under your ehsaans...

Just as always, Rico felt bad about his mom's tears. 'Mom...don't cry. See am here now.' his words somehow pulled Jodha back into her senses. She broke the hug and looked at her son. The marks of tears on Rico's face stabbed Jodha's heart. She couldn't even imagine of so much pain for her son. A fresh roll of tears again made its way towards her eyes. This time Rico wiped them before they could make it to the end of their journey. 'Don't cry mom...I don't like this. Mujhe bhi rona ata hai.' Rico's voice became heavier as he uttered those last words. Looking at her son's moist eyes Jodha somehow controlled her second round of breaking down. She can see anything but tears in her lil boy's eyes...she can even die for a little happiness of her son.

Jodha cupped his face with both her hands and placed a kiss on his temple. She showered motherly love on her pained son...filled his face with affectionate kisses. Mother's pamper made Rico feel much better in no time. That was the moment Jodha's gaze fell on Rico's bruises. Blood marks on her son send a shiver down Jodha. She was shuttered.

'Am sorry my love...mom couldn't take care of you. Am sorry that I let all these happened to you. Am sorry Rico am sorry...mamma is really sorry.' Jodha couldn't hold her emotions anymore. She broke into sobs. Jodha hugged her son again but this time it was her guilt that made her do so. 'It's because of me and my carelessness you had to go through all these.' Jodha spelled all she had in her mind. Her state was inconsolable in every means.

All the while a pair of unblinking eyes was gazing them from far corner of the huge living. It was Jalal. He consumed the view to the fullest. It was his dream to see these two together in front of his eyes. These were two hemispheres that make his world perfect. He felt contended...for the first time.

'I think Salim must be hungry...we should give him something to eat.' Jalal's words brought Jodha back to reality. She felt a bit embarrassed...how she could forget, Rico must be hungry. She quickly wiped her tears, 'Rico I have ordered chocolate milk for you. Room me rakhha hai...let's go' Jodha took Rico to the adjacent room to feed her.

From the moment she took Rico in her lap till she entered the room, Jalal's gaze followed her. He didn't even leave her for a single second. It was really aching for him to see his Jodha from such a distance yet not touching her. But he had to. At least till he settles his terms with Jodha. Till then gazing was all he could do.

Few minutes later...

Jalal poured second glass for him. His mind was still boiling with Sanjay's words and his deeds. 'B**t**d' grunted Jalal as he gulped down the entire glass in one go. His agitation was yet to be pacified. The more he was trying to push away those words, the more they were pushing into him.

Jodha came out of the room...tear marks could still be seen on her cheeks, though her face was much at peace. Her eyes fell on Jalal who was standing by the bar counter. After some initial moments of hesitation, Jodha started taking small steps towards him. The mother in her wanted to thank him.

'Thank you.' uttered Jodha...her eyes were fixed at nothing. It was still tough for her to look into his face. She wanted to communicate, but keeping the distance alive at its best. And just as expected her words took Jalal by surprise. The very last thing he expected from her...was a 'thank you'. He turned his gaze towards her with a pair of hopeful eyes but her missing look was enough to convey the message...'she is still far away'. Jalal drew his gaze back with a deep sigh. Then something played in his mind, he took out his phone and pressed for gallery.

Jalal put a picture on view and placed the phone on counter...pushed it to Jodha. She was a bit surprised at this act of him. Jodha hesitantly picked up the phone and looked at the picture. She was dumbfounded.

The picture was of Sanjay. He was sitting on a chair, tied to it. For some moments Jodha could not get hold of the matter...Sanjay's photo that too in such a state...in Jalal's mobile - things appeared like a riddle to her. 'What is this?' asked a lost Jodha.

'Isn't this guy appears to be familiar?' Jalal asked with a stern face. He was still fighting with Sanjay's words...'she isn't...she will never be'. An inner storm was raking his nerves. His entire being was in turmoil.

Jalal slowly dragged his gaze onto Jodha...she was still engrossed in the phone. He looked at her face...let his eyes linger on her presence for some time. A burning rage was feasting on Jalal's mind...pushing his sanity to the edge. Sanjay's words were relentlessly poking his mind, making him crazier with every passing second. He wanted to prove that jerk wrong right away...he wanted to prove, its him Jodha belongs to...nobody else. But he knew the huge price he will have to pay for such a deed. And he just couldn't afford to loose Jodha once again. He didn't want to live that soulless life once again. Hence gulping down the rush of emotion, Jalal pronounced, 'you know him right?'

'Its sanjay. Off course I know him...but...' paused Jodha.

'But?' Jalal interjected.

'But what is it all about? Where from you got this?' Jodha gave a confused look to Jalal.

'This IS the b**t**d who kidnapped my son...this is the b**t**d who has beaten my son...this is the b**t**d...' Jalal gritted his teeth as he uttered those words. It left Jodha shocked...hell shocked.

'Impossible!!! I knew him for years. Woh aisa kar hi nehi sakta hai...there must be some mistake.' Jodha's words pinched Jalal hard. It made his troubled state even more troubled. How can he digest...Jodha taking her lover's side in front of him...that too on such an issue!!! Jalal couldn't hold himself anymore and blasted off, 'Oh! Why am I shocked! Why would you believe me over Sanjay! Right? Fine...go and ask your son...he may not lie to you.'
'Magar woh aisa karega kyun? woh toh mujhse...' Jodha checked herself at the last moment from uttering the word 'PYAAR'. She knew Jalal was certainly not the right person to talk about such a thing. She corrected herself and resumed in a much controlled tone, 'It's been years since we met. He must have moved on by now.'
'No...He hasn't...he never did move on...he was always there...around you.' Jalal uttered those words between his teeth. For the first time in his life, his own words were stabbing his being...his soul...relentlessly. His grip on the tumbler was becoming harder with every passing second. This change in him didn't go unnoticed by Jodha. But she was herself much dipped in restlessness. Her heart was still refusing to believe that Sanjay could do something like that.

'I can understand his emotions but why would Sanjay kidnap Rico?' Jodha was still miles away from any plausible reason.
'He wanted to take revenge on me...he wanted to make me suffer...he wanted to kill...' Jalal couldn't utter anymore. Even pronouncing such things for his boy was unimaginable to him. His words stunned Jodha. 'What...he wanted to...he wanted to...' Jodha couldn't believe that the guy she once lived for actually wanted her son's death! She felt the world spin around her, snatching the balance out of her head. Jodha gripped the edge of the counter to avoid a fall. A number of thoughts were rushing to her head...Sanjay, her love wanted to kill her son...she could have lost the only support her life has...she could have lost her son forever. The last thought sent a tremor down Jodha. For the first time she felt a different emotion for Sanjay...It was quite opposite of LOVE...precisely HATRED.

'Waise...fault's not all his...kambakht ishq chees hi aisi hai...It can make hell out of a human.' uttered Jalal with a pained laugh. Emptying the remaining of the glass, Jalal turned to Jodha. It was time to confront her...It was time to get an explanation from her.

'May I know which compulsion made you lie to me, in spite of knowing the fact that it could be fatal for Salim?' asked Jalal with a stiff face and stern look. There was a strange ferocity in his gaze that troubled Jodha.
'What do you mean? When did I lie?' Jodha simply had no idea what he was talking about.
'Oh really? Then let me help you in this...' continued Jalal with disgust on his face. 'Few hours back when I asked you...who else knows about us...you replied, you never talked to anyone except
Ammijan...Am I right or not?' Jalal almost gritted at her.
'Yes I did.' uttered Jodha confidently. She was still lost.
'Tell me why did you lie? Why didn't you tell me...that b**t**d knows everything...you have told him all. Why didn't you tell me damnit?' Jalal yelled at the top of his voice making Jodha gasp for a second. She took a few moments to get hold of the matter and looked at Jalal's glaring gaze.
'I didn't lie. It just slipped out of my mind. It's been years after all...I thought...' Jalal didn't let her conclude.
'How can it JUST slip out of your mind! Haan? Tell me...there are many things that took place years ago...have all of them JUST slipped out of your mind like this? Or THIS was a special case? Tell me Jodha? You owe me an answer.' Fire could be seen venting out of Jalal's eyes.
'I owe you nothing. Alright?...main zarrorat nehi samajhti apko jawab dene ki...raha sawal Sanjay ka...toh I forgot about him. Apart from my son, nothing else matters to me now. So...when you asked me...I couldn't remember about him. Ab jo bhi hai yahi hai...If you don't feel like believing it...then don't. It hardly matters to me.' hurling this Jodha turned to leave but Jalal's next word knocked her out of her senses.

'I will take my son with me.' Jalal's words shook Jodha's world. She couldn't believe her ears...She couldn't believe what she heard...How can he even think of?
'I said, I will take Salim with me,' repeated Jalal as he got no reply from Jodha. This time Jodha turned to face him again. She was shocked! Shocked at his audacity! Shocked at his words!

Jodha's silence empowered Jalal to breach further. 'I hope you don't have any problem with that...' speaking this in a casual tone Jalal gave his attention in pouring another glass for him. But to his
surprise Jodha opened her mouth a bit late and on a high pitch. 'How dare you? Aapki himmat kaise hui aisa kehne ki? How could you even think that I will give MY SON to you? Kaise soch liya apne? Haan?' Jodha felt a surge of emotion rushing up her throat. She gulped it down and continued, 'I will NEVER give my son to you. NEVER! Hope you have got your answer?' Jodha glared back at Jalal...That very moment Jalal realised...getting his son won't be a cakewalk for him. But Jalaluddin Mohammad is nothing if he is not a winner.

All of a sudden Jalal started closing in on Jodha...minimizing the distance between them. His forwarding steps sent an alarm through Jodha...she felt an uneasiness...the kind of which was very known to her. Jodha started receding back...she could feel a glitch in her breath...she was wondering at the same time...what could be the reason behind this sudden turn of behaviour...what was playing in his mind...what was he up to? Her mind was clogging with questions. She didn't had to wonder for long...got her answer within next few seconds.

Before Jodha could recede any further Jalal clutched her by arms. He pulled her close to him. Jodha could feel her breath losing its regular speed in his strong hold. She had no idea what was going on...before she could utter anything Jalal began, 'I have the power to possess anything I wish to...be it my son or his mother. But this time I don't want to force for anything.' Whispering this to Jodha Jalal released her. He came back to the counter and spoke again...this time without turning back to Jodha, 'I am not forcing you for anything but you need to understand...life will never be safe and secure for Jalaluddin Mohammad's son...aaj ek ko pata chala hai, kal dusre ko pata chalega...is baar toh maine apne bachhe ko bacha liya but what if...what if...I fail' with this Jalal turned to Jodha. Both faces were subdued in the horror of the apprehension of that unborn POSSIBILITY.
'Will we be able to bear that loss?' Jalal threw a direct question at Jodha, to which she obviously had no reply. Though the answer was pretty much undisputable to her...she knew she won't survive without her son.

The latest evolving scenario and Jalal's logic pushed Jodha into a deep dilemma. She strolled to the couch and sat on it. Jodha knew she can go to any extent for her son's safety, for his wellbeing, but is she ready to pay that much price for it? Jodha was lost. Sensing the situation Jalal decided to go ahead with it. 'Look it's not like I am taking him away from you or something like that. Salim is your son and there is no way anyone can detach him from you. I am just concerned about his safety. That's very important for me.' Jalal stopped here and waited for her reply. But Jodha was dead still. She was lost in her thoughts. Jalal made few steps towards her and uttered again, 'You can meet him whenever you wish to. He is yours and he will always be. I promise.' Jalal ends here.

Jodha had no trust on this man...no faith on his promise...she wanted to say a 'NO' on his face. But can she? She knew giving her son to this man would be a heavy price to pay for his safety. But one question was raking her soul, making her nerves and her resolve weaker What if in future this NO turns out to be costlier than the price she will have to pay now? What will she do then?' Too many thoughts ... too many ifs and buts made Jodha's senses numb. She looked up to Jalal...moist was slowly engulfing her eyes.
'He is everything I have in my life.' uttered Jodha in a heavy voice.
'Mere paas bhi usse kimti koyee chis nehi hai', uttered Jalal knowing fully well, she won't get what exactly he meant.

Just as he thought, Jodha didn't get what he meant. She gave a blank look at Jalal and then turned her gaze from him. After some moments of silence Jodha spoke out to give her consent. 'Fine! Take him.' She wanted to say many things at one go but couldn't. A flood of emotion chocked her voice. Though she successfully averted the break down... but tears found their way. The sight of her tears troubled Jalal. He knew what it takes on her part to give her son away. But he himself was helpless...damn helpless. Jalal simply couldn't afford to lose Salim at any cost.

Jalal released a breath of relief with her consent...it was a much needed one. But his mission was not yet over. He was yet to ask for the THING he desired most. Jalal knew what answer was awaiting him but he is a kind of man who believes in making the answer acceptable rather than
making himself accepting it. Jalal went to Jodha and sat beside her...he was careful enough to maintain the distance between them. Stealing a quick glance at her, Jalal began, 'Aaa...There is another thing as well. Salim is gonna be with me from now on. So there will be certain things...like...school admission, official formalities and all...and for that I will need legal right over him. So...things need to be official...like him being my son. Hope you can understand what I am saying?' Jalal looked at Jodha with a sceptical gaze. He had no idea how she was going to burst at.

'Kya karna parega?' Jodha asked emotionlessly as she was still immersed in her thoughts of upcoming gloomy days. She didn't even bother to look at the addressee. But not for long as his next few words shook her entire being.
'Marry me'. Jalal let it out.
'What!!!' Jodha couldn't believe her ears. She glared at Jalal. It was perhaps the last thing she expected him to come up with. Jodha was hell shocked. She sprang out of the couch...stood as far as possible from him. She felt her mind would burst out any moment under such immense pressure. How could he even think of this!!! Jodha turned to counter, 'Ohh! I forgot whom I am talking to...main toh bhul hi gaye thi...What did you think? Haan? Ek baat maanli hai, toh dusri bhi maan legi...Let's try and watch...yehi socha na??? You are such a...'

'Trust me Jodha, I never thought like this. I just want my son's life to be hustle free. I don't want ki...kaal koyee usse is bare me kuch kahe and he feel hurt. I don't want that. I want to give him a normal life...so that he feels while growing up...that...ok I have parents but for some reasons they don't live with each other. That much he will be able to bear with... otherwise'.

Jodha didn't let him conclude and interjected, 'I will rather die than get married to you.' Jalal gasped with her reply. It was hard indeed.

It wasn't that Jalal was not expecting such kind of a reply but 'rather die' was indeed a shock. Jalal squeezed his eyes as he gulped down a huge rush. How can he make her understand HE WILL DIE if he doesn't get her. He felt like pulling her in his arms and love her till she gives in. Truly he needed more strength to stay away from her than to love her. Jalal somehow rolled his desires back into him and proceeded with his mission, 'I know... I can understand...but that's for our... aaa...I mean...MY son's sake.' Jalal was quick enough to correct his mistake before it caught up to her ears.

'I don't think I can marry you.' This time Jodha sounded much pacified. But a terrible battle was taking place inside her ... between a mother who can do anything for her son's wellbeing and a woman who can never compromise with her dignity. She was torn between the two. Somehow looking at her eyes Jalal sensed the happening. He seized the opportunity to play on it.

'Look Jodha, it's not like something you are thinking about. It will be a secret wedding. Kisi ko pata nahni chalega. Just signatures that's all. Mujhe bas Salim ka legal right chahiye nothing else. We won't stay together or something like that. Tum apni life mein, mein apni life mein...everything will be just as before. SIMPLE.' Jalal hoped this worked on her. He waited for her reply.

Jodha was damn confused now. The mother in her was pursuing her to accept his proposal as it appeared to be an unharmed one. But the other part was not ready to go with his WORDS. She felt her mind would split into two parts ...that too very soon. She went to the divan and sat on it lifelessly. But Jalal was still at it. He left the couch and closed into her...uttered in a low but convincing tone, 'I will never interfere in your life...in your freedom. We both will lead our own life like we always do. Nobody will ever get the hint of what took place between us'.

The storm was growing wilder in Jodha's head. Should she? Or shouldn't she? Should she trust his words? Or stick to her previous stand about him? Jodha was yet to hit the answer. She looked up to Jalal, 'you are not tricking me into something right???' Jodha didn't really have an idea what she was actually asking. She was just lost. But Jalal mastered this chance to his victory.

'No I am not...never'. Jalal could sense the smell of his victory nearby. But suddenly, something struck in his heart. What is he doing? Lying to her? Feasting on her vulnerability? Won't she be shattered again knowing his true intentions? How can he let that happen again? How can he consciously bring her to so much pain? Numerous questions riddled Jalal's heart within seconds. For once he felt like divulging everything to her...felt like telling her, its SHE all he wants... Salim's legal rights means nothing to Jalaluddin Mohammad who himself has the authority to change law. Jalal wanted to pour his heart in front of her. But he was scared of her...scared of her denial...scared of HIS reaction to her denial. Jalal was scared of losing her once again. He just wanted to bind her to him by hook or crook. He really had no choice.

Jalal knelt down before her...leveled his eyes with her's and uttered, 'nothing will ever take place without your CONSENT. That's Jalaluddin Mohammad's zabaan to you.' Jalal poured these words straight into her eyes. For some unknown reason...for the first time Jodha felt...she could give TRUST a chance this time.

PRECAP: 'Missed you DAD'.

PS: love you pals.

'Jodha Singh Rajput'.

This was a name that gave her everything...from her identity to her pride. This was a name that told her, what her parents couldn't. This was the only bridge that could connect Jodha to her past...to her origin. She clung to this name whenever she felt lonely...whenever she felt the need of a near one. It was her SOLE identity...it was the ONE and ONLY testimony she had to her being...but...not any more. This day marked the end of her lone journey. From now on 'Jodha Singh Rajput' won't be alone...it will have a companion to ride with...that is...'Mrs. Jalaluddin Mohammad'.

A few scratches on the paper...and her future was sealed. She was officially 'Mrs. Jalaluddin Mohammad'...Jalal's begum. A status for which many dreamed of...a status for which Jodha never dreamed of. It was more sort of an adjustment for Jodha...for her it was one of those numerous compromises she had to bear with in her much troubled life. Neither she had any expectation from it, nor did she look forward to have any. She had no idea where this decision will take her to...but one thing she was damn sure of...after this...NOTHING will be same as before.

Signatures were done. They were officially Man and Wife now. Jalal arranged a back dated FORM to validate the marriage from that day onwards. It was not a big deal for him and his men. The Registrar assured him to hand over the certificate within 48 hours. Jalal paid him off a good sum for his pleasing performance.

Jalal was pleased indeed. He was pleased at his own convincing power...pleased at Jodha's CONSENT...and above all pleased at their marriage. Everything played out just as he wanted it to be. He was the winner all the way...got his son with him...had his Jodha as his wife. What else he could have wished for? But for some unknown reasons smile was missing from this pleasing face. That aroused query in Abdul.

'Haas bhi de yaar...shadi ho geyee teri...finally you got, what you were longing for...ab yeh udasi kaisi?' Abdul slid his arm around Jalal's shoulder...he was a bit confused about Jalal's reaction to the entire occurrence. Serious face...reserve attitude...not a single ray of smile - everything appeared a bit weird to Abdul. He couldn't imagine of any reason for Jalal not being happy. Jalal's reserve appearance was ailing him to the core. So he decided to ask his buddy directly about this. Jalal didn't disappoint him either...he poured his real concern in front of his pal; 'it's only marriage Abdul...only marriage. She is still far away. She will not come with me...I won't have her in my life...woh yehi rahegi...she will lead her own life...she won't let me enter into it.' A pale shade of gloom could be seen in Jalal's eyes.

'But why? She is your wife...' Abdul couldn't get what Jalal just spoke about.

'She won't be, if I try to take her with me...' Jalal walked up to the sofa and almost threw his dejected body on it. Fixing his gaze at nowhere, Jalal continued, 'I will have to bear this much to make her mine.'

'Kar payega tu? Reh payega door usse? You couldn't stay away from her when she was barely known to you...ab toh woh wife hai teri...' Abdul was prominently skeptical about Jalal's resolution. To his utter surprise even Jalal himself had no faith on it.

'You know Abdul...I have no faith on Jalal, when it comes to Jodha. But trust me...I don't want to prove myself a ravager this time.' A long shimmering pain could be seen in Jalal's lost gaze...the one consuming his life for years. Looking at his friend's eyes Abdul got reply to his every query...every question. He wished...someday Jodha finds it too.

Few minutes later...

Abdul was gone. He left for the airport to get the carrier ready. Proper security checks must be done before Jalaluddin Mohammad rides and Abdul never takes any chance with it. On the other side Jalal was still leaning on the sofa...subdued in his thoughts of what he got and what he not. Just then the sound of the opening of a door caught his attention. He turned his gaze. It was Jodha...standing just outside Rico's room. A strange calmness was hovering on her face. Failed to decipher that, Jalal asked, 'what?'

'I think you should talk to him.' uttered Jodha blankly.

'Oh yes...I must tell him...' but before Jalal could finish, Jodha interrupted, 'I have told him...told him everything. You should talk to him now.' With this Jodha hastily left the place and rushed into another room...though Jalal was sharp enough to notice the tear drop trickling down her left eye.

It wasn't that Jalal was not aware of the amount of pain Jodha had to go through to depart from her son. He knew how much Rico meant to her. But he was bound to his own compulsions...his own helplessness. He could only hope...someday Jodha would understand him and forgive him for he deed. Till then he had no other option but to play the VILLAIN of the story.

Jalal walked into the room. Rico was sitting at the edge of the bed...head down...hands cuddled in his lap. Lil soul was dead still...as if he was in some kind of trance. After shedding some initial moments of hesitation, Jalal started walking towards his son. He didn't know what to tell him...didn't know how to make him understand, the reason of his staying away from his father. Jalal didn't know how to tell him that he will have to leave his mother...and come with him. Jalal had no idea how he was supposed to fix this mess up...how he was supposed to make things normal. But one thing he was sure of...he will have to do this...anyhow, at any cost.

Jalal placed his hand on Rico's head. But before he could utter anything, SON of Jalaluddin Mohammad showed which breed he belongs to. Rico pushed off Jalal's hand and jumped down from the bed. His blood red swollen eyes shocked the hell out of Jalal. He tried to say something but his words were cut by Rico's rage.

'Don't touch me...nehi baat karni hai mujhe apse...I don't wanna talk to you. Just go away from here. I don't wanna talk to you. Chale jaiye yaha se...chale...' Rico couldn't utter any more as huge rush of sobs took over his voice. Jalal's heart twisted seeing tears flooding his boy's eyes. He went down on his knees and tried to wipe them, but Rico receded back. 'Don't touch me...don...' Rico wiped his tears by the flip side of his hands. But failing his attempts, tears renewed their path again and again.

Even death would have been a better thing for Jalal than watching his son crying so hard in front of him. He wanted to bring the world at his feet to make those tears stop. He never felt so helpless in his life...he wanted to do many things but not being able to do a single. His mind never gave up the way it did now. He had no words to utter...nothing to say. It was all blank...dead blank. The shrewd businessman in Jalal failed to present even a single thing...that could please a child. But that failure made way for a new success. Success of Jalal as a father!

It was Jalal's maiden brush with the father in him, whose existence was yet unknown to Jalal himself.

Failed to gather any suitable word, Jalal went with what his heart told and pulled Rico in his arms...hugged him tight. This only aggravated the lil soul. He sobbed louder and started hitting Jalal with his fist. But Jalal didn't flinch for a single moment and waited for the storm to get over. Rico vented his anger through his tears and his fist. 'Leave me...I don't want to talk to you...I hate you...leave me...' Jalal listened to everything without uttering a single word. He knew he deserved each and every bit of this hatred. There is no way he could escape that. He knew that was the only way to redeem his guilt.

Couple of moments passed. Rico's sobs slowed down, so did the ferocity of his fight. The storm had lost its power...finally. Rico's head was now resting on Jalal's shoulder...though faint sobs could still be heard. Jalal slowly moved his hand back and forth...the one he had on Rico's back...initiating an effort to pacify the tormented soul. This action of him opened a floodgate of different emotion in Rico. He broke into a fresh round of sobs...but this time...it was allegation instead of hatred that came out of it.

'Aap kahan the itne din? Why didn't you come to meet us? You know how...how much I missed you?' Uttered Rico in between his sobs. His fists, hitting Jalal few moments ago, were now clutching his shirt with all its power. 'Kitna miss kiya maine apko...DAD...' The last word uttered by Rico swung the world around Jalal. In last five years he almost lost the hope to be called by this name ever. He never imagined anyone will ever call him DAD...never imagined God will ever bless him with this PRIDE. But from the day he came to know about Rico, he was eagerly waiting for the moment when his son would call him DAD. Finally he did.

This single WORD changed the world of Jalaluddin Mohammad in a moment. Jalal could feel a gust of pleasure transmitting through his veins, dissolving the aches on its way. His entire body was waking up to a strange happiness...he never felt before. Some of which made their way out through Jalal's eyes...they flooded his face. 'DAD missed you too beta...DAD missed you like hell...' Jalal wanted to utter many more things but a rush of emotion chocked his voice. Tears kept flooding. Two men...high in emotion...expressed their untold words through their tears. But not unnoticed.

Jodha returned to the room to finalize Rico's packing. But what she saw was enough to move her. She was least bothered about what Jalal went through or what he felt...those were matter of no concern to her. But what moved her to the core were her son's feelings for his father. Jodha always thought she would be both MOM and DAD in Rico's life...she will never let him feel the absence of a father. Until today, Jodha thought she performed her duty with distinction. But this one sight forced her to the reality...she bumped into the hard fact...realized...whatever she thought was nothing but a mirage. She was living in her own world of illusion...which perhaps had no existence in Rico's life. Her boy missed his father.

From the moment Jodha decided to let Jalal take Rico with him, some bothering questions were raking her mind...was she right in her decision? Will Rico like to stay with his father? Is her boy going to be fine with Jalal? So many questions...no answer. But now she knows...she knows...how much her son needs his father. Perhaps every kid...needs his father as much as he needs his mother. No one can ever compensate for another. Jodha felt what was pure poison for her, may actually be nectar for her son. She wiped her tears to brace for what's coming.

Jalal pulled out from the hug...cupped Rico's face and wiped his tears. He placed a kiss on his forehead. A breath of relief realized Jalal's body. Smile of rejoice adored both the faces. Jalal looked at his son and uttered, 'so...Taimur-e-nasle-e-waris...are you ready to ride home?' Rico didn't get by which name his father called him. 'Taimur what???'

'Nothing...lets go home.' Jalal picked him up in his lap.

'Aaa...I will just check the packing...' Jodha's voice interrupted the duo. Rico's excitement reached a new high seeing his mother there. 'Mom...jaldi packing karo...we will go home with DAD'. Without replying anything Jodha went to the corner of the room...picked up Rico's bag and placed it on the bed. 'Mom...' Rico called again; this time also it went unheard.

Lil boy felt a bit disappointed at his mother's snubbing. This was something very new to him. He looked at his father with pouted face...hoped for an urgent intervention in this regard. Sensing his boy's wish, Jalal readily jumped into action. 'Well boy...Mom won't be able to come with us now. She has some work left here.'

'Why!!! Why won't she come?' asked an annoyed Rico.

'Darling that's very important work she has here. She must stay...' here Jalal paused to steal a glance at Jodha, then uttered in a low voice, 'but don't worry she will join us very soon.' With this Jalal turned his gaze to Jodha...well...only to be shot by her glare.

'Pakka na?' reconfirmed an adamant Rico.

'Pakka', Jalal assured his boy and quickly moved his eyes to avoid further smacking. He knew very well what those burning eyes spelled to him...but he feigned to sense nothing at all. On the other hand, after securing the assurance a much relaxed Rico smiled at his father.

'Go Salim...say bye to your friends...' Jalal handed him his phone. Rico took the phone and ran out of the room. Now there was only Jalal and Jodha left inside.

Jalal turned to Jodha. She was still packing...without any word...without any expression. As if she was miles away from whatever taking place around her. Jalal walked up to her...tried to give an explanation for his latest words. 'Well...you know...bachhe hai...nasamajh...kehna padta hai...I didn't really...' Jodha didn't let him complete what he began and cut it off with her closure, 'doesn't matter.' Just as expected she didn't even bother to look at the addressee.

This aloofness of her...this indifference of her, scorched Jalal's soul like hell. He wished...he could pull her down on bed and beat that rebel out of her. He wished...he could smash her against his masculine chest and let his voice penetrate her ears...'I will bring the world down if you don't come with me.' He wished he could. 'Ahh...' Too much control was feasting hard on Jalal's mind...making the plugs loose with every passing moment. Oblivious to this storm...Jodha was busy in her own task.

After finishing the packing Jodha zipped the bag. She was about to pull it but all of a sudden she felt somebody's warm gaze on her face. She turned...only to gasp at the dangerous proximity of Jalal. He was barely inches away from her...his dark eyes fixed on her lips...stern face laced with desire...Jodha was hell shocked.

Dipped in her task Jodha didn't realize when Jalal came so close to her. She was practically stunned at his audacity. Jodha sprang out of the place...at a lightning speed. 'What you doing!!! What...' Jodha checked her yelling voice at the very last moment as her eyes fell on her son...busy in phone just outside the room. But she hurled the rest through her furious gaze on Jalal, who himself was pretty much unaware of the exact reason of this entire occurrence. Jalal too didn't realize when he went so close to her...last thing he could remember was his ranting with his failed wishes...then it was Jodha's yelling that brought him back into his senses...what took place in between...was a mystery.

But the entire happening made Jalal realise...it was not at all safe to let his mind roam free in her presence...it can result in something...something very dangerous...something he doesn't want to happen.

'Am sorry Jodha...am sorry. I didn't mean to...am sorry...' Jalal hurriedly left the place, without even concluding his sentence. Looking at what just took place there, he couldn't take the chance to remain in the same room with Jodha anymore. He left...leaving a fuming and lost Jodha behind.

Half an hour later...

'Yes Abdul...ride's ready?...Yap we are leaving.' Jalal hung up the phone and called for Rico.

'Rico...lets go beta...Ri...' Jalal forced to stop in the middle as his gaze fell on his son, coming out of the room in his mother's lap. Jodha was wiping his tears...'Spiderman doesn't cry remember...chalo ankhen pocho...' Jodha placed a kiss on his cheek.

'Jaldi ajana haan mamma...mujhe aapke bina achha nehi lagega...' Uttered Rico in between his sobs. Jodha's heart ached lying to her son...but she did...'I will dear'. She hoped he will understand his mother's compulsion some day.

Jodha put Rico down in front of Jalal. With every passing second it was becoming more and more difficult for her to hold back her break down...to hide her tears. But she had to do that...somehow...for her son's sake...for his well being. Jodha put in all her efforts to gulp down the surging emotion threatening her boundaries. She took few seconds to compose herself and spoke in a go, 'He is allergic to mushrooms...don't give him any food that has mushroom in it. While sleeping in AC, make sure he wears full sleeve t-shirt. He catches up cold too fast. Apna homework khud karleta hai...bas maths me thora help karna padta hai. And...take care of him...plz...' With this Jodha turned around from both. Tears broke her every barrier...flooded their way down. She knew she won't be able to hold herself anymore if she laid her eyes once again on her son.

Looking at her in so much distress Jalal felt thousand stabs in his heart. He wanted to hug her... console her...love her. But so helpless he was...Only thing he could do was watching her like this...then leaving her in this hell...to burn forever. This mere thought boiled Jalal's blood like hell. How could he let his Jodha ruin in this disaster? NEVER!

'Aaa...you can come over to Mumbai. That way you will be able to stay close to him...I will arrange eve...' Jalal couldn't conclude his suggestion as Jodha broke into.

'Take him away...right now,' told Jodha without even turning back.

'I can get you a job...if you feel like...' this time he made Jodha's rage hit the roof.

'I don't need any help from you. Just go away from here...now.' She yelled at the top of his voice.

Jalal knew whatever he would utter now will only aggravate the situation, nothing else. He swallowed the rejection...picked up Rico in his arms...and left the place. Lil soul was too shocked to say even a goodbye to his mother. This was a person...totally unknown to him. He hid his face in Jalal's shoulder and left his mom's sight in tears.

Jodha waited till she could listen to the sound of the door getting close. It did. And she broke down on the floor...all drenched in tears...all dejected. She cried her heart out in that deserted room...cried out her son's name again and again. She cried and cried and cried...didn't know for how many hours.

After few hours...

'Jodha where is Rico? And why you guys disappeared all of a sudden? Do you have any idea how much tensed I was?' Bhabya showered Jodha with her queries.

'Rico is with his father. He will stay with him from now on', replied Jodha in a somber tone as she unlocked the door of her apartment.

'What!!! His father!!! You never told me anything about your husband...who is he? Where does he live?' Bhabya was shocked to the core at this sudden appearance of Jodha's husband. She wanted to know everything right there right then. But Jodha was too spent to talk about anything...'Bhabya...can I talk to you tomorrow? Am not feeling well right now.'

'Oh sure dear...anytime when you feel like...take rest now...agar kuch chahiye ho toh keh dena.' This lady in her late twenties was smart enough to gauge her mental state, hence decided not to bother her anymore. It wasn't really tough for Bhabya to get hold of the fact that something drastic must have taken place in last couple of days...that has drained Jodha to her roots.

Jodha turned on the lights and locked the door. She rolled her eyes around...looked at the deserted room. Everything was just the same the way she left it.

For last four and a half years Jodha's life was all about Rico. From sunrise to sunset only thing she bothered about was her son...nothing else. She didn't even spend a single day without him...now she will have to live her life without him. Without her son...everything was empty...lifeless to her. Jodha felt as if her heart...her soul - everything would tear apart with unbearable pain. Her world slowly crumbled around her... pulling down her peace along with it. Jodha threw herself on the bed...burying her face in the pillow...let her tears lament on her loss. She wanted to cry till the last tear drop exists in her body.

After some time...

Jodha's phone rang for third time. This time as well she didn't pick it up. She neither had the strength nor the will to talk to anybody. She just wanted to have some time of her own. But that surely wasn't something she was going to have, as the phone started ringing for fourth time. An irate Jodha pulled herself out of the bed and angrily walked up to the table to receive the call. She swore to bash the person hard who called her in such a way. But the moment she heard the caller, all her rage washed away in a fraction of second. It was Rico,

'Mamma.'

PRECAP: 'Beta hai...toh biwi bhi hogi...'

PS: pals...I swear you have the potential to become a good writer.

KOLKATA

-------------

'Mamma...when are you coming?' asked Rico without knowing what would take on Jodha's part to answer this question.

'Mamma ko thora waqt lagega Rico...you...' Jodha couldn't finish as he started in the middle. 'Noo...you'll have to come fast...Mujhe aapke bina achha nehi lag raha.' Jodha could envisage her boy's pouty face here. Rico always does that whenever he comes up with streams of allegations. And nothing fills Jodha's heart like this act of her son. The mother in her loved this sight more than anything. Whenever she came across a pouty Rico, she showered her affection on him to make him break into giggles. Lil boy himself was much aware of this liking of his mother. He knew how much he could manage through this pouty face...he knew what influence this has on his mother. And that's what he wanted this time.

Jodha's heart twisted imagining she couldn't do anything to make her son happy this time...she felt a stab in her heart thinking she won't be able to love her son...won't be able to pull him out of the gloom this time. A killing helplessness was pulling her soul down. Jodha didn't know...how to make this little fellow understand...that his mother can never come to the place he is going to live from now on. She had no idea how she was supposed to explain that...he will never have both his parents together...he will always have to opt out one, to choose the other. 'These are the truths Rico will have to face...today or tomorrow' thought Jodha. But before she could spell her mind, something deep inside her, pulled the plug. 'Am I doing right? Is this ok to drag a kid into all these complications?' These questions forced Jodha to dump her mission and stroll on the path less harmful for her kid. 'I will come soon my love.' She uttered, leaving the rest with TIME to take care of.

'Pakka? ' reconfirmed Rico.

'Yes. Pakka.' Jodha gulped down the guilt as she lied to her son again. She had no idea how she was going to cover that lie up in future...she absolutely had no idea about that. Only thing she hoped was that someday her son will understand his mother's compulsions and forgive her.

'Mamma...are you there?' Rico's call brought Jodha back from her thought-trance. She answered, 'Yes beta...'

'Mamma...Dad gave me this phone...told me to call you whenever I feel like. Aap bhi mujhe call karna...OK?' This time a trace of joy could be sensed in Rico's voice. Lil fellow was happy to find a way to connect with his mother whenever he wishes. This little joy in Rico's voice made Jodha feel relieved to some extend...she hoped within some days...her son will learn to live without her...

'Ok...I will call you'. After pausing here for some moments Jodha called her son...'Rico'

'Yes Mamma.'

'Apna khayal rakhna beta...thikse padai karna...' A much known taste of moist was slowly overpowering Jodha's senses.

'Yes Mamma...I will.'

Here the call ended...leaving one writhing under the loss...another pinning on the hope. Jodha clutched the phone close to heart...trying to feel her son there. A fresh round of tears found their way out all over again...pushing Jodha deeper into her pain.

MUMBAI

------------

Jalal's cavalcade was speeding across the sea link. It was on its way to IMPERIAL HOUSE...Jalal's home. Man himself was sitting by the window...clutching the most precious gem in his arms...his Salim. Rico was sitting on his father's lap...hugging him...resting head on his chest. Lil soul was still hovering over the question...when he will get to see his mother again. He was already missing her...missing her badly. But he was not alone in his journey. There was another one who was missing Jodha...perhaps terribly. It was Jalal.

Unlike Rico, Jalal never got her love or even her loving gaze...but he was fortunate enough to have her presence around him for last couple of days...now even that will be a furlong dream. Sometimes mere presence of your beloved around heals every wound your heart carried for long. But this healing churns the desire for more...such was the case with Jalal. For last five years there was not a single day he didn't think about Jodha...there was not a single day he didn't long for her...but things are much more complicated now. Now Jalal knows where she is...he knows what is she up to...and above all she is his legally wedded wife now. So many things together in Jalal's mind were making the situation even more critical...critical for him to stay away from her...critical to keep his WORD further. He could sense the end of his promise he made to Jodha, inching closer every passing second. Truly...he could never trust himself...when it came to his JODHA.

IMPERIAL HOUSE

------------------------

'Maham...baat kya hai? Jalal ne aise kyun bulaya? Do you have any idea? Aisa kya leke araha hai woh Kolkata se?' Ruqaiya spelled all her queries at Maham who herself was quite lost. 'I have no idea Ruqaiya...he didn't tell me anything. Just asked to be present here...and said he has a surprise for us all.'

'Aisa kya surprise hai!!!' Ruqaiya let her mind run in all directions but every time it returned without any answer. She was curious...damn curious. But in spite of all her efforts, her mind couldn't come up with any suitable logic. And that made her hell irritated.

On the other side things were a bit different for Maham. This smart lady sensed something more than a simple surprise in this. She knew Jalal from those days when he couldn't even think on his own. She witnessed the transformation of a playing Jalal into a player Jalal. And that is why she knew...a man like Jalaluddin Mohammad...who doesn't even bother to formally greet a person...how can arrange a surprise for all!!!

One thing Maham was damn sure about...Jalal was bringing something along with him from Kolkata...and THAT he wanted them to see...'now the million dollar question is...what THAT can be?'

'Maham... what are you saying? What THAT!!! Are you ok?' Maham's words just bounced over Ruqaiya's head.

'No...nothing Ruqaiya...I was just saying...let's wait for the horse himself.' Maham turned the topic to avoid a fresh round of speculative QA with Ruqaiya.

Just then the main gate of Maham's apartment swung open, Jalal entered.

Both the ladies hurried forward to receive Jalal...but suddenly their gaze fell on something...and they halted midway. It was surely not a 'shock at first sight', but it was something they didnt expect to come before their eyes. They saw a lil boy entering the house along with Jalal, holding his hand. Initially both Ruqaiya and Maham were equally surprised looking at this unexpected guest. But things started taking a different shape very soon. The one most affected with the outcome...was unquestionably Maham.

A clear view of this boy shook the earth beneath Maham...she couldn't believe her own eyes. 'Have I lost my mind? Or am I hallucinating?' Maham couldn't believe what she was seeing in front of her.

How the hell...this boy can be a Xerox copy of Jalal...same face, same attitude, same mannerism!!! In other words he was 'little Jalal'. With this realization, numerous thoughts started flooding Maham's mind, most of them too scary for her. Sensing something terrible, her mind finally gave up...she couldn't imagine who this boy could be...in other words...she didn't even dare to imagine who this boy could be.

'Arre...main Jalal hi hoon...why you guys staring at me like this!!!' Jalal tried to mount the mystery upwards.

'Jalal who's this kid?' Ruqaiya couldn't hold her curiosity anymore.

'What do you think Ruqaiya?' Jalal asked with a wink.

'How on earth do I know Jalal?' Ruqaiya was completely clueless and a bit annoyed at Jalal's cunningness too.

Jalal was enjoying the situation to the core. After all... that's what he wanted. He wanted to surprise everyone. So he did. He could see deep frowns of both the ladies clearly. And that marked his victory. After spending some moments of self-appraisal Jalal finally decided to let the truth out...a truth that turned Maham's world, upside down.

'This is Salim Mohammad Mirza. MY son.'

Jalal's words pulled the sheet under Maham's feet. It shuttered her world into thousand pieces in a fraction of second. She couldn't believe her own ears. 'Did he say...MY SON!!! How can it be possible!!! How can he become a father!!! How can IMPERIAL have a successor!!!' Thoughts were piercing Maham's mind like thousand spears. She knew, being a NON-MUGHAL her own son will never be able to succeed IMPERIAL. But she hoped someday Jalal will hand over a huge share of the property to Adham. But how can it be possible with the existence of a legal heir!!! 'No...this can't be true...Jalal kabhie baap nehi ban sakta...he must have adopted this kid...' Maham tried to console her mind. But Jalal failed her effort with his next couple of words.

'Nehi choti ammi...he is not adopted...he is mine.' Jalal announced like a proud father. With this he turned his gaze towards Rico, who was literally hugging Jalal's leg with his tiny arms. Lil soul was a bit nervous at so many new things happening in his life. Hence he clung to the one, he felt old enough.

This heavenly sight pricked Maham's eyes like hell. She could see her big dreams getting crushed under those little steps. She felt like throwing that kid out of the house right now. But Maham knew...she must control her outburst...at least for time being. If Jalal gets to know what she thinks about his son...she can bet there can't be a worst devil than Jalaluddin Mohammad. Hence, for her and her son's sake she must accept Jalal's son right now.

'Aiye...chote Jalal aiye...hum aapki dadijaan hai.' Faking a caring smile, Maham forwarded her arms to Rico. For some unknown reasons lil boy didn't quite like that approach. He hid himself behind his father. Sensing his son's mood, Jalal decided to intervene, 'I think...he is yet to get used to new place, new people. You can meet him tomorrow. Ab toh yeh...yehi rahega.'

'Yah...why not...ab toh...sath me hi rehna hai.' Maham managed to mask a smile again. There was another thing simultaneously playing in her mind. But before she could utter, Ruqaiya shot of. 'Jalal...does that mean you have a wife also?' She couldn't hide her concern of not getting the title of Mrs. Jalaluddin Mohammad.

'Ruqaiya...why do you think...you...really need to know this...and more than that...why do you think...I really need to answer you this?' Jalal asked with a 'who the hell are you' look adoring his face. Now this was a big snub to Ruqaiya. She knew it was Jalal's style of saying...'kiss my a**' Hence, she didn't even dare to take this discussion any further and turned her gaze to dodge the insult.

Taking cue from the disastrous closure of Ruqaiya's quest, Maham didn't even dare to pass by the path. She pushed it aside for future.

'Alright guys...me and my son both are damn tired today...need a good sleep now. See you later.' With this Jalal picked Rico up in his arms and left the apartment. Leaving two ladies...rambling in dark.

'Maham...kuch samajh me aya? Is this really his son?' asked a lost Ruqaiya, right after Jalal left the room.

'100 percent. Jalal will never lie on this...and looking at this boy...I don't even need anyone's certificate...HE IS JALAL.' a dejected Maham quietly sat on the sofa. She knew...an all new battle was awaiting her...worst part...she was yet to see the entire opponent force and that was ailing Maham more than anything. 'Beta hai toh biwi bhi hogi...but the question is...why is Jalal hiding her? Chakkar kya hai?' Maham closed her eyes...but her mind ran in every possible direction to look for an answer. She knew...she must get to the root of this SON. That was the only way to secure her own roots in IMPERIAL.

After few hours...

Winning a match, clinching a deal or conquering a battle - nothing can even stand when it comes to having your kid at your heart. Entire world crawls at your feet when he breathes in your arms. It makes you feel heaven when he clutches you with his tiny arms. Jalal heard these phrases numerous times before but he never imagined he would actually get the chance to feel them in real. It was no less than a beautiful dream for him. He wanted to relish every bit of it. Jalal wanted to compensate for everything his son missed in these years. He didn't want to stay away from his son, not even for a single moment. He missed his birth, his toddler days...but he didn't want to miss his growing up.

Jalal swore to become a dedicated father...without knowing...he already had become one. The doting father had already started overshadowing the bohemian Jalal...that too without making him aware of it.

Jalal was lying on his plush bed...caressing Rico, who was resting on his father's chest. Jalal's mind was filled with a strange peace...a kind he never experienced before. This feeling was soothing his much hurt soul like a sweet breeze. He was enjoying it to the core. But suddenly an ailing thought snapped his stupor. It raised an alarm through his mind...he jerked open his eyes and uttered, 'Salim.'

'Yes dad.'

After shedding few moments of 'where to begin', finally Jalal whispered to his attentive son, 'Salim...now am going to tell you something very important. You need to listen to it very very carefully. OK?'

'Ok dad'.

'If anyone ask you about your mother, tell them...you don't know anything. Just tell them...you know nothing about your mother...what's her name, where she lives, what she does...tell them you know nothing. Koyee bhi puchhe...be it your dadi or the aunty you met downstairs...never tell them anything about your mother...tum samajh rahe ho na Salim?' Jalal paused for his son's confirmation.

'But dad...why would I lie to all?' If Jalal would have known his son well, he wouldn't have ended his instruction without explanation.

'Salim...actually...you know...' Jalal was grappling hard for a suitable answer. His mind searched across every possible way...finally it returned with a splendid one. 'You remember the bad guy who kidnapped you?'

'Yes dad'.

'He is now looking for your mother...if he gets to know about her...then he will kidnap her as well. You don't want that right?' this time Jalal knew the answer.

'No dad. Never. I will never tell anyone about Mom...I will never tell anyone.' Even the idea of losing his mother sent a chill down the lil soul. He gripped his father harder with his shaky fists. And with this...one thing Jalal was damn sure about...come what may...Rico will never spill the beans.

After few minutes...

Jalal checked the quilt for last time...made sure it covered Rico properly. After being fully satisfied with his efforts, he finally left the room.

2 am@night.

Jalal was leaning against the easy chair...beside the pool and doing his favorite job...gazing the stars.

When construction of this floor was underway, Jalal's security advisor insisted not to leave this terrace open...mainly because of security reasons. He tried everything to convince Jalal to close the roof and make this swimming pool an indoor one. But he finally had to give in before Jalal's stubbornness. As a result...a quarter of Jalal's apartment area is open. Jalal liked it this way.

Staring at these midnight stars...means many thing for Jalal. These blinking dots in the unseen darkness...reflect the hidden self of Jalaluddin Mohammad. It was more like a mirror to his soul. In other words...Jalal's life was just like this starry sky. Few glittering dots visible to all...the rest...too dark to see through. If you go by the dots...you miss the truth...and if you try to decipher the darkness, it swallows you within its riddle.

A RIDDLE...that's what Jalal's life was. A riddle...he never let anyone solve...a riddle...he never let anyone sneak into. But it was not like he never wanted it to be solved. He wanted...once.

It was Jodha.

He wanted HER to solve this riddle named Jalaluddin Mohammad. He wanted her to take over his being. He wanted her to tie up his scattered life. But she refused. Hence...it was the same Jalal again...UNSOLVED...UNSEEN. This would have remained for the rest of his life...had he not seen Jodha once again. After spending those hours in her proximity...feeling her presence all over again...Jalal was anything but in a mood to let her go like that. With every passing moment, it was becoming more and more difficult for him to restrain himself from rushing to her. He knew...if this continues for another couple of days...he will end up either hurting her or himself. Hence for the sake of their wellbeing Jodha needs to come to him.

One thing Jalal was damn sure about...Jodha won't be able to live apart from her son for long...she will surely come to him. But that will obviously take place at a natural speed and Jalal can surely not afford to wait that long.

'What should I do...what should I do...' Jalal was awakening the shrewd businessman in him to bring up possibilities. 'Should I tell Salim to call his mother...or should I call her myself...no no...how can I do this...why would she listen to me...' Jalal's mind was relentlessly searching from one corner to another...but things were becoming more jumbled up with every new effort by him. Jalal was slowly losing his strength to this extensive search and his senses were gradually slipping under the marching army of slumber. Sleep was taking over his entire body.

Moments before giving in to this overpowering force, Jalal uttered as he closed his eyes for the day...'Please GOD...show me a way...please...mujhe meri Jodha dilade mere Maula...mujhe meri Jodha dilade...'

PRECAP: 'Your wife can sign on your behalf.'

PS: NO PS😳 (dekhle pals😡)

KOLKATA

--------------

'Mamma...I have come to shopping with dad. Aapke lie kuch lena hai?' asked Rico innocently without knowing his parents were light years away from such a normal bonding.

'No love...Mamma doesn't need anything right now. You get your things.' Jodha handled the situation carefully. But then the mention of 'shopping' brought something in her mind and she uttered, 'Rico yaad hai na beta...never buy more than you need'.

There were much deeper thoughts behind this simple looking advice of Jodha. She never expressed but inside her Jodha had already started feeling worried about Jalal's influence on her son...worried about his attitude, his flaws infecting her son too. Hence, she was more cautious in her efforts to keep Rico as much close to earth as possible.

'Yes mom...I know.' Replied Rico.

'Good. Chalo abhi phone rakho...and do your shopping. Ok?'

'Ok mom.'

Here the conversation ended, leaving Jodha hovering over her motherly worries...hovering over the troubling questions, her mind pushed ahead.

'How long will I be able to keep him immune from HIS effects...how long...?'

Maybe it was a bit early...but Jodha was not at all wrong in her worries...rather she had many reasons to have them. One of them was Jalal himself.

MUMBAI

------------

Life was never so strange for Jalaluddin Mohammad. A self centered man who never thought beyond his own target...own wishes...own desires, was for the first time feeling what it means to live for others. Since morning there was not even a single moment Jalal thought about him. It was all the way Rico. Rico's likes, his dislikes, his needs, his wishes - these meant the world for Jalal. He never found so much satisfaction in fulfilling other's wishes. It was a different experience all together.

Things were a bit different for the attendants in IMPERIAL as well. Few hours of this boy's arrival and they knew who this was and what importance he held in this house. Keeping in mind Jalal's concern for the boy, they took an extra effort to please this lil master. Irrespective of the rank, they all got one thing very clear...if Jalaluddin was the PRESENT of the empire, then Salim was the FUTURE. Hence they waste no time to welcome the prince with full heart.

Though Prince himself was a bit awkward initially. New place, so many new people around...and above all - a completely new way of life. Everything together added up to increase Rico's awkwardness. Till then he was living a different life...his world consisted of only two - he and his mother. From cooking to dropping him at school, Rico always seen his mother doing everything by herself. There was nobody to help or assist her. Not that she craved for any. In fact his mother always loved to do her work by her own. Even she encouraged Rico to do the same. But here in IMPERIAL everything was different. Jalal's portion alone had 15 to 20 attendants. A few of them were specially assigned to Rico. They were given the responsibility to take care of him. All in white uniform and always ready to take orders. Rico just needed to wish for a thing and it appears within minutes...no bargain, no refusal. Life was too easy here...unlike with his mother, where even fulfilling a necessity could take a month. As a kid Rico was taught to respect other's feelings...other's compulsions. He was taught not to make illegitimate demands. But here in IMPERIAL no demand was illegitimate. Anything the prince wishes for is an order which must be fulfilled. Be it a dish or something else. Rico was yet to get hold of the worth...he is of.

Next morning after Rico's arrival at IMPERIAL, Jalal decided to take his son out for shopping...to buy him some cloth and other stuff. Jalal himself preferred exclusive clothes...in fact he never bought anything from normal branded showrooms. But getting exclusive clothes for Rico would take time and he wanted to get him some suitable dresses as soon as possible. Whatever his son brought along with him from Kolkata, failed to please Jalal. He didn't find anything up to the mark in them. For Jalal...none of them were worthy enough to find a place in his son's wardrobe. Hence...a good round of shopping was imminent.

11:30 am...

Father son duo headed for the shopping mall in their black Porsche, surrounded by cars carrying Jalal's personal security stuff. It was only a few hours shop out for Jalal. But he had no idea what a hell amount of problems this one act going to give birth to.

Half an hour later...

Jalaluddin Mohammad entered the shopping mall with his son. One of his security men informed...kids section was on the third floor. They headed for it.

This arrival churned quite a flutter inside the mall. The person, who can only be seen in the front page of newspapers or on the cover of leading magazines, was walking down the corridors of a crowded mall...surprising indeed. People paused their shopping to have a glance at the most talked about figure in the world of business. Same was the condition of the shop keepers. In other words, the entire mall slipped into a standby mode to witness this arrival. Fully aware of these happenings around, Jalal kept on his quest for a suitable shop. These flutters didn't affect him anymore. This was a part of his regular life since he took over as chairman of IMPERIAL and joined the bandwagon of so called 'Public Figures'.

A good round of look-a-thon and finally Jalal found a shop...it was a bit better than others. He entered with Rico. Salespersons gulped seeing the newly arrived customer. They were looking at each other's face...trying to figure out who should go first and greet them. Finally the Manager of the shop came to rescue. He went to the gate to receive these NEW customers. 'Welcome to our shop Sir. What can we do for you?'

'Show me your kid's collection.' Uttered Jalal in an authoritative tone.

'Off course Sir. Please this way.' The manager showed Jalal the way to the kid's section. But before they could proceed any further, Jalal uttered, 'aaa...will you mind if my security men restrict the entry of this shop for some time, while we are here? I mean for security reasons.' It looked like a humble request but the tone in which Jalal spoke was no less than that of an order. The manager had to comply. 'Off course Sir. It's our pleasure to have you here.'

Giving a signal to his security staff, Jalal proceeded towards the kid's store...he didn't even bother to reply back the speaker. Well...not that the manager expected any.

5 minutes later...

'Sir...these are our best collections. Ekdam naya hai.' Spoke the manager with proud face.

'I see...but one thing I didn't get.' Jalal was surfing through the t-shirts.

'What is it Sir?'

'Why every design has so many copies? I mean you have the same design in various sizes, in various colours. Why?' Jalal was visibly annoyed at this finding of him. But the manager failed to fathom the reason behind this annoyance. After all that's how the branded clothes are being sold for years!!!

'Sir...readymade garments me toh aisa hi hota hai. People choose the design according to their sizes and preferred colour.'

'What!!! You mean hundreds of people wear similar looking clothes!!!' the man in bottega veneta couldn't hold his surprise. And why not!!! Jalal has always lived his life exclusively...from his clothes to his shoes...nothing ever had any parallel. EXCLUSIVE...that's what fashion meant to him. He couldn't even think of in his wildest dream that hundreds of people wearing similar clothes...walking on same earth. He was all surprised and annoyed to top all. 'In such case...where is the exclusivity of a product? It's all damn common.'

'Sir...exclusive product ke liye...you will have to order separately. Then only we can get you exclusive stuff.' The manager explained with utmost modesty, making sure it doesn't aggravate Jalal's annoyance at any cost.

'Fine...then send in somebody with designs to my home. I will order. But now I need to buy something. That's urgent.' With this Jalal turned to his son who was nearly lost in variety. 'Salim do you like anything?'

'Yes Dad. The red one, blue one and the black one.' Without wasting any time, Rico told his father enthusiastically. But Jalal didn't seem quite happy with his boy's selections...more precisely with the number of his selections. 'Just three!!! Get a few more. Let me select it for you.' Jalal went ahead across the rows and picked seven more t-shirt. Here Rico hesitated a bit. Words of his mother echoed in his mind.

'Never buy more than you need.'

Rico was sure of the fact that he didn't need 10 t-shirts right now. But he didn't know how to stop his father...how to convey him that he doesn't need them now. Rico tried to utter something...'I...I...don't need...' But before he could finish of Jalal picked him up in his lap and moved towards the shoe section. 'Come...now we will get the shoes'.

'kaun kaun sa chahiye???' Jalal asked his boy, who was still trying hard to communicate to his father. Jalal waited for his reply...but it never came. 'Salim...chose your shoes fast beta...Dad need to go to office.' Here Jalal sounded a bit impatient.

'Dad...I don't need shoes.' Fighting off his hesitations Rico finally uttered loud. But it didn't go down well with Jalal.

'What! What do you mean by you don't need?' Rico's words ruffled Jalal.

'Dad...mom says we shouldn't buy more than we need. And I already have four shoes. So I don't need any more right now.' Lil master explained his point in his sweet voice. Now this did strike the cord with Jalal. He knew...words might be of Salim but thought behind it was surely of Jodha...HIS Jodha.

Mere thought of Jodha spread a delight through Jalal. He felt as if somebody nourished his ruffled soul within no time. His agitated self cooled within a fraction of second. Jalal looked at his son again, but this time with a smile on his face.

'Your Mom is right son. You shouldn't buy more than you need. But who says you don't need them. Do you have separate shoes for squash and cricket? I don't think so...Do you have walking shoes? No. Do you have sufficient casual shoes and light sneakers? Again a NO. See...you only have four shoes...which are of no specific occasion. Then tell me Salim...how come you don't need a new one?' He could never negate Jodha...but that surely not stop him from being Jalal.

'But Dad, do we really need to wear separate shoes for every separate occasion?' that was something Rico heard for first time.

'Yes love...that's what the etiquette says...I mean society me aisa hi hota hai. Don't worry...tum bohot chote ho...that's why Mom didn't tell you all.' With this Jalal knew his job is done.

'Hmm...ok...then shoes le lete hai...' Rico turned his attention to the shoe racks.

Ten minutes later...

'Pack the stuff and send them to my car.' Jalal ordered the manager who was finally relieved after crossing the storm unharmed. 'Sure Sir...my pleasure...'

Without even looking back at the manager Jalal turned his gaze to his son, who was lazily resting his head on Jalal's shoulder. Jalal kissed on his forehead and uttered, 'Salim...do you want sports cars?' this question of his father shook Rico out of his laziness. Jalal read the answer in his son's gleaming eyes.

The father son duo headed for the toy shop on the other side of the floor. But before they could enter the shop, a sudden flashlight caught Jalal's attention. Somebody standing nearby just clicked a photo with his camera. Jalal's security men rushed to the guy and nabbed him. They looked at their boss for further order.

'Just delete the picture.' Delivering the order Jalal entered the shop with his son in his arms.

'Sir please...hand over the camera.' One of Jalal's security staff requested the guy.

'I won't...I mean...it's just a photo...what's wrong with it?' argued the guy.

'Sir you WILL have to delete the photo. Please don't waste our time.' Uttered another security man, this time in a tougher tone.

'Look am a Journalist. You can't interfere in my Job.' The guy tried to retort back.

'Whoever you are Sir...if you don't delete the picture right now, we gonna break the camera for sure.' The bulky bodyguard of Jalal gave the ultimatum.

Now this voice conveyed the ultimate warning to the guy. He got the fact that...he had no other option but to comply with. Hence, after weighing all his chances, the guy finally handed over the camera to the bodyguard...who swiftly put the memory chip on format.

After checking the camera for sixth time, finally Jalal's bodyguard returned it to the guy. 'Thank you for your kind cooperation...Sir.' Rendering a not so polite 'thank you', security men walked up to the shop, where Jalal was buying sports car with Rico. They took position outside. Things returned to normalcy on the floor...well...not completely. The entire episode left the guy fuming in anger.

'Fine...no picture. Tasveer ko toh rok liya...magar news ko kaise rokoge Jalaluddin Mohammad? Ab toh baki ki baten kal ka newspaper dekhne ke baad hi hogi.' The guy left the place with a smirk. Blowing the bugle of a new war.

Next morning...6.30 am

Ring...Ring...Ring...

The landline placed on Jalal's bedside table, started ringing for third time. This ring finished the job its previous two versions left unfinished...it crushed Jalal's sleep. Sound of this ring sent Jalal's rage to the top. He finally threw the quilt away from his face and picked up the call. 'Who the hell is this?' Jalal roared in a suppressed tone.

'Jalal it's me...' uttered Abdul.

'Kya yaar...neend kharab karega mere bachhe ki...' an annoyed Jalal checked his son if this ring broke his sleep...but the sight made him relieved...Rico was quietly sleeping beside. After checking his quilt, Jalal again returned to the call, 'Ab bol...why you called so early?'

'Jalal go and check today's TIMES.' There was eagerness in Abdul's voice.

'Ab aisa kya chapa...aaa...kamino ne?' Jalal uttered in between his yawns. He was actually used to the scores of gossips and scoops about him that keep doing around in media. These hardly bother them anymore. Hence Abdul's news was 'no news' for Jalal. But the name he took next was grave enough to pull Jalal out of bed.

'They published about Salim.'

'What!!!' name of his son awakened the senses of Jalaluddin Mohammad. Within a fraction of second he was on his foot.

'Ok...I'll call you back.' Jalal hung the phone rushed out of his bedroom.

Eight column news on the front page. Jalal quickly glanced the title, and then shifted his eyes to first few lines of the article. The more he kept on reading, stiffer his face became. With every line, he could sense his anger breaking every barrier...marching to the top. Within no time Jalal's face turned rock stiff...eyes blood red, as if a glance would be enough to kill a man. Jalal felt like bringing the world down then and there. Before he could reach the end of the article, he threw the paper aside and grunted, 'Assh***'.

KOLKATA

-------------

'Jodha have you seen today's paper?' Asked Rinki enthusiastically. There was still half an hour to go before the classes to begin. Till then they were all sitting in the teacher's room...and brushing up their regular gossip updates. Jodha always stayed aloof from such activities but sometimes other's enthusiasm cracks your resolve.

'Bata na...aaj ka paper dekhi?' Rinki went again.

'I don't read newspapers.' Jodha tried to get a home run but failed miserably by Rinki's next words. 'Koyee gal nehi...main batati hoon kya chapa hai...' hearing this from Rinki, Jodha simply hung her boots here. She knew...if Rinki decides to ride on even God Himself can't push the break. Just as expected...without wasting any time further, Rinki started her aaj ki tazza khabar 'You know Jalaluddin Mohammad has a SON!!!' while saying this Rinki's propped out eyes perfectly matched the 'O' in SON. She continued, 'Kal aapne bete ko shopping pe leke gaya tha...his son was calling him DAD!!! Can you imagine!!!'

'Not even in dreams', uttered Jodha in a disinterested voice without even shifting her gaze from the notebook. But that hardly mattered to Rinki. She continued, 'pata hai Salim ki ma kaun hai?'

Now this shook the earth beneath Jodha. It ran an alarmed through her. She reacted unconsciously, 'Kaun hai?'

'Oho...tujhe bari interest hai!!! Abhi kya boli...main newspaper nehi padti. Jhuti!!! Anyways...main bata hi deti hoon. See they wrote about two possibilities. First, yeh Jalaluddin jin ladkiyon ke sath sota firta hai...I mean those random girls he sleep around...it can be one of them. Second...' here Rinki paused to take breath...then started again, 'secondly, maybe he has a secret girlfriend. It can be her son'. With this Rinki ended her bulletin. Jodha breathed relief and again concentrated in her notebook.

'I don't think it's from his girlfriend. Aisa hota toh...he would have taken custody of his son much earlier. Why would his girlfriend keep the son for 5 years then hand him over to Jalal? That sounds too unconvincing.' Now Ridhima joined the guess-game from extreme left corner.

'Then what do you think?' asked Rinki.

'I think he has a wife. For some reasons he is keeping his relationship in dark.' Uttered Ridhima confidently.

'You are such a dhakkan I tell you! The MAN, who has never been seen twice with the same girl, is married!!! That too secretly!!! Have you lost it!!!' Rinki almost blasted at Ridhima. But Ridhima's reply pushed Rinki to thought...and Jodha...to uneasiness. 'May be that's why he has never been seen twice with the same girl. See...I have no idea what exactly have taken place...but I can refer to an interview Jalaluddin gave to a magazine last year...he was asked, when will he get married? He replied, I wanted to...four and half years back but couldn't. Now...I don't think I will ever get married. That was the interview. Abhi Jalaluddin is seen with his son. According to media reports...the kid is of about 5 years. I think these all together says a lot.'

As soon as Ridhima finished, Jodha stood up to leave. The entire analysis raised Jodha's heart beat to a dangerous level. She knew that it was nearly impossible for Ridhima to dig out the truth, but these details somehow pushed her to extreme uneasiness. Last few years of her life has gifted her THIS vulnerability. If somebody asks her anything about her personal life, however general it is, her heart raises a suspicion...does the guy know about her? Is he sent by Jalal? Now that phrase is over...but now she has a new TRUTH to worry about. Her marriage with Jalal.

Ridhima's words stroked that worried nerve of Jodha...raised her heart beat dangerously. Growing anxiety could easily be seen on Jodha's face. Even she herself was aware of this. That's why Jodha just wanted to ran away from the place...so that she could hide her expressions from those eyes. But she couldn't. Ridhima stopped her. 'Where are you going Jodha? There is still 10 minutes to start the classes.'

'I know...but...I just...wanted to attain early.' Jodha stumbled upon her words as she tried to gather her stuff. Nervousness was evident in her messy attempts. This didn't escape Ridhima's gaze. 'Jodha...are you ok? Tabiyat toh thik hai tumhari?'

'Yah...just...kal thora fever tha...' Jodha tried to manage the situation.

'Ohh...are you sure there's nothing serious? I mean...you will be able to take classes na?' asked Ridhima.

'Yah...I will be fine. Don't worry.' With this Jodha left the room in hurry. She couldn't afford anymore leak ups.

'Bechari...kitni sincere hai...fever me bhi class lene agayi', Rinki uttered to Ridhima.

'I hope fever hi tha...' uttered Ridhima before leaning back on the chair again. One thing this smart lady was sure of...whatever happened to Jodha's health happened in last few minutes...be it fever or something else.

MUMBAI

------------

'I will kill these bas***ds. How can they write such stuff about my son! How can they write something so cheap about my...about my son's mother! I will sue them to ashes.' Jalal roared at the top of his voice.

Abdul was trying to cool down his friend for last half an hour but still no result. 'Jalal...we have already sent them legal notice. And I personally made sure that that bast**d journalist has been fired.' Abdul went again to pacify Jalal. But failing his effort again, Jalal banged his fists on the table with full force and roared, 'that is not enough Abdul. Ask them to publish an apology. On page one. At the same place. Do you have my point?'

'Alright...I will make this happen too.' With this Abdul placed his hand on Jalal's shoulder and uttered softly, 'Sab ho jayega...now you cool down. So much anger is not good for your health.'

Here Maham intervened for first time, till now she was silently inhaling the entire fiasco. 'Actually Jalal, its big news that you have a son...so...' before Maham could finish Jalal began, 'Choti Ammi...I don't have any problem in their breaking the news that I have a son. Main khud media ko batane wala tha. But who gave them authority to write such stuff about Salim's mother...how they dare call her random! What do they know about her!...bloody...'

'But Jalal...they don't know anything about her...so they...speculated.' Maham threw her crafted words at Jalal. Intention? Well...not tough to guess.

'Speculation ki m...' looking at Maham's face Jalal somehow controlled his outburst at the last moment. But almost hissed in a controlled but harsh tone, 'no matter what the situation is...I will never tolerate such sh*t about her. And I will make sure...yeh baat sab pe roshan rahe...(everybody keep this in mind)' Throwing a final glance at Maham Jalal left the room, followed by Abdul. Jalal didn't utter anything else, but what he told was enough to start a storm in Maham's mind. She sensed her worry looming large there. 'Ek article...chaar line...ek word...our ITNA GUSSA!!! Never seen Jalal so possessive about anybody...never. That means...aag bahar jitna dikh raha hai...usse kahin jyada ander hai...(there's much more behind than what's in front). Ek baat toh pakki hai...Jalal is hiding something really big from us...and that's solely related to the women who gave birth to his son...Ruqaiya...lagta hai...tere achhe din toh gaye...' Glimpse of Ruqaiya's possible future, brought a faint smile on otherwise TENSED Maham's face.

PRECAP: same...(sorry for aping CVs here...)