FF: Pale Blue Dot (Chap 10, page122 14/10) updated - Page 22

Chapter 5

1:00am

A sumptuous dinner at Paradise followed by unlimited gossiping in Jodha's bedroom, the three friends succumbed to deep slumber after the clock struck twelve.

"Mein pareshan pareshan pareshan" Jodha's ringtone buzzed for second time forcing her to wake up. Stretching her arm reaching out to mobile, she blinked her eyes trying to focus on the screen that was flashing "Daddy".

"Haa Papa kahiye, kaha tak pahunch gaye aap?" her voice sounded heavy in sleep.

"Madam, who is speaking there? This is Dornakal station constable calling. Kya AP 28 CG 2556 aapki gaadi hain?

Switching the lights on, she rubbed her eyes and glanced at the mobile once again to confirm the caller name. "Daddy" the screen confirmed her doubts.

"I'm sorry, I didn't get you. Who is speaking? This is my dad's mobile, how did you get it?" Jodha inquired straining her ears against the honks and vehicle speeding sounds from the other end.

"Madam, I'm constable from Dornakal station. May I know who is speaking? Is AP 28 CG 2556 your car?" the constable retaliated in patience.

"Yes, it is! Why, what happened to it? Are my parents around? Can you pass on the phone to my father once?"

"Madam, aap zara shanti se suniye! Your father's car met with an accident on Warangal highway, near Dornakal. Some passersby informed us about this accident. We reached the spot 10 minutes ago, we found this mobile in your car. This was the last dialed number, hence we called you. So, are these your parents in this car? Do you have any elders at home? I prefer talking to them."

"Accident!!" her mind stopped perceiving beyond that, the rest of constable's banter fell deaf on her ears "Accident!" she gasped heavily trying to sink in his words while her subconscious psyche prayed silently for their safety. " How are my parents? Are they fine? Are they conscious? Can you make me talk with them once?" she asked in a jiff suppressing the tears that welled in her eyes.

"Madam, actually they aren't conscious, can you give the phone to some else nearby? I'll explain them the situation."

"Hosh mein nahin hain? Then what the hell are you doing standing there, call for an ambulance immediately. Are they badly injured? Was it a major accident?" unable to resist the delay she screamed at him, but when reality hit her, she toned down her voice resorting to nearly begging, "Please, I beg you, please take them to the hospital immediately. I'm starting right away, Priya, Samyu get up, we need to go, samyu, priya utho" wiping the tears rolling down her cheeks, she shook them hard making them wake up with a startle.

"What happened Jo?" Stressing their eyes to focus on their worried pal's face, they inquired in unison, but before she could answer them, the constable voice echoed once again from the other end.

"Madam, please don't panic. We called the ambulance and our sub inspector is also coming. You please pass on the phone to anyone else, I need to talk to them urgently", the constable shrieked loud to make him audible against the resonating honks on the highway.

"Why are you insisting me to give phone to someone else? Whatever the matter is, please tell me. You are increasing my tension with your words", grasping the phone tight she pleaded the constable, while Samyu and Priya stared at her puzzled.

Being unsure of the recipient's maturity to deal with the debacle, the constable hesitated for a minute, but having left with no choice, he finally broke the news in a much feeble tone. "Madam this is a major accident, looks like some heavy vehicle had hit the car hard from the rear. I'm sorry to say this, but I can't hide from you any more, jara sambhaliye apne aap ko, your parents are no more madam. They died on the spot."

That's it! That was the end to all her hopes, to all her silent prayers, to her incoherent mind-chants "No worse again!" The world hasn't turned upside down; she neither fainted nor yowled, to that point, even the mobile didn't flip off her hands. She froze at her place, nothing beyond benumb staring blank. She seemed dead, if not, for the involuntary tears rolling down her cheeks and for the thin heart beat that hinted her existence.

"Madam, are you there? Do you hear me?" having heard no response from the other end, the constable inquired in concern.

"Jodha say something? What happened? Who is on the phone?" scared by the frozen form of her friend, Samyu shook her vigorously, which made the mobile slip of her hands. Seizing the phone immediately, Priya turned the speaker on and eagerly questioned the caller, "Hello, hello, This is Jodha's friend here. May I know who is speaking?" The constable calmly recited the incident yet again, leaving the young ladies flabbergasted. Empathizing with the young ladies, the constable offered his sincere advice, "Madam, it's better you inform this to some gents now. Are there any other elders at home? Does she have any brothers? If so please call and tell them to come to Dornakal station." Ignorant to the acerbity of his suggestion, the constable had put down the phone there after.

"Any elders at home? Does she have any brothers?" these questions reverberated in her numb mind, exhuming the long-ago-buried-wound in those deep layers of her heart. "Elders! Brothers!" she murmured low, "yes, where is my brother? Gautam, where are you? Who are my elders now? Mamma? Papa? Bhaiyya? Who am I left with? Where is my family?" a surge of emotions swirled in her mind there by breaking her down completely; "Bhaiyyaaa!" yelping out loud in pain, she crashed down sobbing terribly when two pairs of hands embraced her in solace.

*********

20 days later

"Please listen to us Jodha. How can we live in peace leaving you all alone here? Even if you are not opening your mouth, let me decide on your behalf that you are coming with us to Bangalore. You are notifying this in your office next Monday; you either resign or seek a transfer, it is your wish, but I'm not going to leave for Bangalore without you. That's final," binding Jodha's hand with hers, Mrs Prameela avowed her decision profoundly gazing at a numb Jodha. It was twenty days after that fatal incident, the final rituals of her parents were done on the tenth day, the police too closed the case after basic formalities; thanks to her bade papa who tackled the legal proceedings relieving Jodha from the rile inquiries of the police. With all relatives being left after the rituals, bade papa, badi ammi, Jodha's maternal grandparents, Samyu's family and Rao's family gathered that evening in Jodha's home to discuss on her future abode.

Flipping her eyes off from the mobile screen, she stared blank at her badi ammi. Her ears were functioning normal; her brain is garnering the essence of their conversation, but she couldn't participate in the discussion as her throat is engaged differently altogether. While her eyes were engrossed gazing the mobile wallpaper that hosted the last reminisce of her parents; her throat was busy gulping down the lumps forming every often.

"Why are you silent Jodha? Answer me!" shaking Jodha's hand resting in her clasp, Prameela broke her tranquility, bringing her out of the stupor. She then swiftly rolled her eyes at the gathering that is earnestly waiting for her to speak up. Clearing her throat, she finally opened up in a low but firm tone. "Peddamma, I understand your concern, I must say I'm blessed that I own all your love and care. But please, please don't force me to come to Bangalore. Though mamma, papa are not physically existent here, I have their memories in this home. Every single object in this home bonds me with them and I don't want to distance myself from these memories. I know it is going to be tough adjusting to this life, but I want to give it a try. Look at this picture", showing that last photo with her parents to her badi ammi, Jodha continued, "The first time I looked at it after the accident, I cried terribly. I cried and cried for the second, the third and the tenth time as well. Now, after watching this nearly a thousand times in these 20 days, see my eyes shed no more tears. I don't say I have no pain, but it wasn't as severe as it was on first day. Likewise, I know it'll be very hurting to live alone, but please allow me to deal with this. Moreover, I'm not all alone here. I have Rao uncle, laksmi aunty just next to me, Samyu, aunty and uncle are always there for me, so please don't worry about my safety. You know what," exhaling deep to muster the courage to utter further words, Jodha continued as she recollected her father's counseling after Gautam's demise. "Mamma, papa will be happy if I come with you, but they'll be proud if l live here and manage on my own. After all, they always aspired me to be strong, no matter what comes."

This explanation nearly dumbfounded every one assembled in that hall turning their hearts heavy and eyes moist. Looking proud at her bestie, Samyu wiped off her tears, caressing Jodha's hand she addressed bade papa, "Yes uncle, I support Jo in this decision. We promise we'll take good care of her." then turning to her pal with a mild smile, she winked and said "But Jo you have amend this plan a little for my sake", looking deep into her eyes she continued "I'm going to be a troublesome tenant for you starting tomorrow. Be prepared to bare me 16 hours a day". That impish threatening succeeded in plastering a faint smile on Jodha's lips. "But.." before she could cater her objections, Samyu's palm shut her mouth saying, "I'm not going to yield to any of your protests. You better drop off that idea. Mamma, papa I hope you both accept my decision", taking her hand off, Samyu looked at her parents seeking for an approval. "Of course Samyu, we have no issues in you staying here. I have one more idea, weekdays at this home and weekends at our home. What say girls?" trying to cheer up a sullen Jodha, Sasi instantly supported her daughter's decision. Moved by their friendship, Krishna also nodded in approval gazing affectionately at the duo. "Yes Prameela ji, you don't worry about Jodha. We all are here. We'll take good care of her," Mr Rao and Lakshmi too proclaimed in assurance, subsiding the worries of Prameela and Saradhi. Their affection turned Jodha speechless, reminding her of the good old days when the three families partied, picnicked and had great fun. Swilling down the lumps refilling her throat, she murmured low. "I'll just be back", and proceeded to her room as she feared breaking down before them.

Quietly glaring at the retreating young lady, Jodha's grand maa sighed. "Saradhi babu, for time being let's accept Jodha's decision. I'll continue living here, we can think of a permanent solution to this later. We being so elderly are unable to get along this; she is too young to cope up such despair. She needs more time to sync into reality." Everyone in the room remained silent to these words, getting lost into their own thoughts.

*********

Jan 2^nd 2014

Thanks to you dears for all your genuine concern and care for me. As to how I am doing now, this quotation better speaks for me.

"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone."

- Rose Kennedy

"How true!!" wondering once again at the aptness of the quote to her present state of mind, Jodha pressed "Enter", thus posting something on her FB after a long time. That update is more like a one line reply to the hundreds of consoling messages, worrying queries on her sanity she received on face book. Drifting her chair away from the monitor, she leaned on the headrest and closed her eyes in thoughts. "Two and half months Mamma!!" she breathed deep, "Two and half months without your tantrums, without your lunch box, without teasing you. I so miss your tantrums on my reluctance to cook, my reluctance to apply oil, your preaching on girly traits. Hmm look at me, I'm cooking now, thanks to granny, I'm working, eating, sleeping, talking, everything looks so normal, but I know life is missing in all this. I badly need life in me; I need you, papa or Gautam to come back to me. If not you, send me someone to inject life into me, who shields me like papa, chides me like you, and guides me like Gautam." A lone tear made its way out as an epitome of her inherent loneliness.

"Tring.. Tring" the landline phone rang disturbing her thoughts, as if marking a new beginning in her life.

**********

Chapter 6

"Hello!!"

"Hello, Jodhu, where is your mobile? I called you twice, you didn't pick up. What happened? Are you fine?" with an evident fret in her voice, Samyu pounded her questions from the other end.

"When did you call me Samyu? Let me check!!" Tucking her hand into the bag, she searched for a few moments and finally took out the silent iPhone flashing "Samyu (2)". "Oh yeah, I put it in silent mode during the meeting and I forgot to turn it on", flipping it to normal mode, she placed it on the table and continued, "Anyways, why do you sound so worried? Kya laga tha tujhe?" she questioned with a faint smile as she anticipated her pal's answer. "I thought you are upset and..", Jodha interrupted her before she completed.".. and crying?? What Samyu!! Har roj 3 to 4 mein thodi naa roti hun!! I did it once doesn't mean I do it daily."

"Hehe!! I feel so good when you speak normal Jo. By the way, I called you to inform of a job interview. You know Divya, my classmate who used to work in Regal Infra Developers, Hyderabad? After her marriage, she shifted to Bangalore branch. She said that they are recruiting 2+ years experienced architects. You too thought of job change earlier, do you want to give a try"?

"Let's talk about this at home Samyu. I can't discuss on such matters at my desk", Jodha murmured low dismissing the topic as it is against office ethics.

"Ouffo, then just step in to some private corner and answer me Jo. I want to talk to you, it's too boring here. I've no work today," Samyu pouted sipping over her evening tea.

"As if you had work on other days! GMR is wasting 40k per month on you. First working day of 2014 darling, at least work today." Jodha lovingly chided her to which Samyu bursted out once again, "Phir se wahi baath, 40k! IT, PF, Gratuity, Insurance bolke sab kuch kaat dete hain. What do I get finally? Peanuts! What I do is more than enough for those peanuts!" thrashing the cup into the bin, she vented her frustration out. "Hehe!!" keeping her chuckles low, Jodha continued with her teasing, "You pretend to work, they pretend to pay. Hissa barabar. Chalo, I'm disconnecting now, will call you from mobile, bye."

5 minutes later

"Tell me Samyu! So Regal Infra is recruiting, huh? When and where is the interview scheduled?" gulping down the first sip of her cappuccino, Jodha inquired in curiosity.

"Saturday, in Bangalore! I'll get rest of information if you are interested."

"Saturday, Bangalore? You know I'm traveling tonight to granny's village. Then how will I make it through on Saturday? Moreover, I'm not interested in shifting to Bangalore Samyu. I'll try for some placements in Hyderabad only." Since the venue and date toned down her interest in this interview, she replied disinterested.

"Hello miss, interview is on next Saturday, I didn't say it is this weekend. Also it's just an interview, not a job offer. I say you should give a try. You anyways have job change plans and we both have no practical exposure to this lateral recruitment process. If you face this one, we'll get a fair idea on the technical and HR rounds. Also you may utilize this opportunity as an excuse to visit bade papa and badi maa. What say?"

"Hmm, you are right Samyu, but I'm not in favor of going to B'lore. If she sees me, Prameelamma will start grieving and pound me with "shift to B'lore" chanting. You knew how tough it was to convince her when they both came 20 days back. Hey, ask Divya if they take up telephonic interview. That'll work out for us better!"

"Ok, let me find out if they have such option. Anyways, mail me your CV right away, lest you should forget this completely if you get into your work", Samyu retaliated knowing her dedicated pal's absent mind, once she engrosses into work.

"Ok baba, will mail you right away. By the way, come home soon, we should leave by 8:30 to station. Chalo, bye!" rushing back to her desk she disconnected the call.

8:20pm

"Ammamma, what is the need of washing those vessels now? Rani will do it tomorrow. We are getting late, you get ready!" placing the heavy bags down amidst the hall, Jodha barged into the kitchen hurrying her granny. Snatching the mop from her hand, she growled, "Ah! You cleaned the stove and platform too. Hmm, taxi will be here anytime. I'll finish this cleaning, you go and change", saying so, she pushed her granny out and started placing the washed vessels in cabinets.

"Jodha! Are you ready? Did you have dinner?" Lakshmi stepped into the kitchen questioning Jodha.

"We are ready aunty; doing a bit of cleaning. Aunty, I'll be back on Monday morning. I'll give you spare keys; can you ask Rani to clean these remaining dishes and wash the clothes tomorrow?"

"No problem Jodha. I'll tell her, you leave it. It's 8:30 already, you should start now, else you'll miss the train," glancing at the wall clock striking 8:30, Lakshmi warned Jodha.

"Oh, yeah", locking the kitchen outlet door, she rushed to the key holder in the hall to get the second set of keys. Unable to locate them there, she scratched her forehead thinking of the possible spots she'd have placed them. "Samyu, do you have the duplicate keys with you?" having searched the cup-board and her hand bag, she shouted to Samyu who was packing her bag upstairs. Stepping down with her tiny luggage, Samyu nodded in a no and answered, "I left them on that cabinet yesterday, isn't it there?" Before Jodha could answer, the cab driver honked signaling his arrival. "Pch!!" hissing in disgust, she turned to Lakshmi saying," Chalo leave it aunty, it's ok, Rani will clean on Monday." Putting the jacket on, Jodha addressed Samyu, "It's very cold outside Samyu, why don't you come with us in cab?" to which Samyu denied as they'd get late and she had her scooty to drive home. Calling granny out, Jodha and Samyu picked up the bags and headed out, followed by other two.

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

Monday, 6:30 pm

The clang reverberations of her neighbor's gate followed by a two-wheeler sound caught Lakshmi's attention, who was taking off the dried clothes from her balcony. Curling the bundle of clothes, she peeped down to confirm the authenticity of the visitors. She saw Jodha and samyu parking the scooty and heading to the entrance.

"Jodha, how was the journey? How is your grand pa now? You said you'll come in the morning", relieved by seeing the girls back home, Lakshmi inquired in concern as Jodha's grand father fell sick and they had to go all of a sudden.

Handing over the keys to Samyu, Jodha retreated a few steps and turned to the opposite balcony yelping, "Hello aunty! Yeah journey was fine. It was Malaria aunty, not any normal fever. We got the tests done soon we went there. He is recovering slowly, he was adamant to send granny back with me, but I insisted her to stay back. The train was late today aunty, so I went to..", Jodha paused the casual conversation as her nose sniffed something strong. Turning back, she hesitantly proceeded to Samyu who just stepped into the home and was sniffing heavy to confirm the stench. "Gas ka smell!" the moment it struck her mind, Samyu dashed out of the entrance shouting at Jodha "Run Jodhu!" Seeing the terrified young ladies racing out, Lakshmi got tensed and yelled back," What happened Jodha? Why are you running?" Gasping fast out of fright, both of them answered in a jiff, "Aunty! Andar se gas ka smell aa raha hai! The cylinder might have leaked!"

"Gas?? You both first get in to our home", tensed by the unexpected incident, she ordered them to stay away from Jodha's house and ran downstairs calling out for her husband.

Ten minutes later, Mr Rao and another neighbor came out of Jodha's house, keeping the doors and windows open for the gas to vent out. Returning to his home, Mr.Rao faintly smiled at the petrified ladies standing at the entrance monitoring the happenings. "Don't worry girls. The gas will wane off in another ten minutes. Glad that you people didn't turn any switches on. One of the stove knobs was partly tilted and the cylinder wasn't turned off. You might not have noticed before leaving to station on Thursday, " leading into the hall followed by the ladies, he tried to sound as poised as possible, for, he didn't wish to scare the already-paralyzed souls with his theories on the narrowly missed catastrophe.

Settling down in the sofa, all the three ladies sighed in relaxation, when Jodha uttered in an apologetic tone, "It was my mistake uncle. We were in haste that day and I forgot to switch the cylinder off. Also ammamma has cleaned the stove too, the knob might have tilted then. But please don't reveal this to anyone, if peddamma comes to know, she'll screw me up." As a mild smile escaped her lips thinking of her hyper badi maa, she requested the couple to maintain the secrecy.

"You are smiling Jodha? My limbs are still shivering thinking of what would have happened if you didn't notice the smell. I'll not allow you both to live there alone experimenting with your lives. You either stay with me or in Samyu's home till ammamma returns," a panicked Lakshmi ordered her strictly as she was terrified with the unpredicted happening.

"Yes Jo. Aunty is right. We better go back home. If mamma, papa comes to know of this, they'll definitely grind us." Samyu asserted firmly conceding to Lakshmi's proposal.

Though Samyu has masked her fright, Jodha perceived the stew ongoing in her and hence she succumbed to Samyu's decision. "Fine Samyu, let me get my dresses. Aunty, I'll give you duplicate keys. Please get the house cleaned by Rani."

"Ok Jodha, but don't go now. I'll prepare dinner for you both. After dinner, we all can go." Saying so, she proceeded to the kitchen for arranging dinner.

Two hours later, all the four stepped into Jodha's home and cautiously turned on the lights. With no signs of danger, they felt relieved that the gas had completely puffed out. "Samyu you search for the keys while I pack my bag," saying so she climbed upstairs while Samyu set out to search in the hall. Few minutes later pulling the keys out from under the wall cabinet, she screamed to Jodha conveying that she found the keys. "Oh, where were they?" stepping down with her bag, she questioned in curiosity to which Samyu pointed at the gap between flooring and wall cabinet. "I remember placing them on the cabinet. Rani maiyya would have slipped them off while dusting".

"Fine, chalo then", turning off the lights they came out and Jodha locked the house. Handing over the keys to Lakshmi, she recited her messages to Rani once again. "Aunty tell Rani to clean the house daily and water the plants once in two days. Ask her to wash the clothes and take them for ironing. I'll come on the weekend and pay her. See you aunty, bye uncle," bidding them good-bye, they drove off to Samyu's home.

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

Chapter 7

Three days later

"I'm not going to talk to you, Jodha. I assumed you were truthful to me whenever I questioned of your well-being. I called you on Tuesday and you said everything is fine. Today, after three days you are informing me in sweet words, huh? I'm not going to talk to you Jodhu, not until you agree for shifting to Bangalore. I can't take this tension thinking of your safety and well-being," pain and hurt are evident in Prameela's voice after being apprised of the vicious incident that happened two days before. If not for Sasi's persuading appeal, Jodha would never have shared this with her Badi Maa fearing similar kind of reciprocation; but Sasi convinced her to break the news as they hold every right to know about her whereabouts and they shouldn't be deluded for long.

Darting a somber I-told-you look at Sasi, she tried to coax her hyper peddamma in a pleading tone, "Please maa, don't say that. I know how badly you are disturbed these days; I just didn't want to aggravate the gravity. That's the only reason behind hiding this from you; I didn't mean any disrespect or deceit. Please talk to me, I swear I'll share every trivial information with you from here on. Don't say that you'll not talk to me, I feel shattered." She shook her head in regret and uttered the last line with genuine sincerity.

"You'll say anything but doesn't agree for coming to Bangalore, right? I'm not going to buy in this time, I'm handing over the phone to your papa, you show your sweet talks there," highly enraged as her attempts to entice Jodha failed, she handed over the mobile to her husband who had been a silent listener of the conversation.

"Hello Jodha, how are you beta?" he asked in utmost affection, pleased by the valor of his brother's daughter. "I'm fine papa, I think you listened to our conversation. Trust me Papa, I didn't want to snatch your peace of mind conveying all this. Badi maa is very angry with me, you please cajole her," she earnestly requested him as she cannot withstand her dear one's anger.

"That's ok beta. I'll convince her, don't you worry. I need to discuss another important matter now. Last time when I visited you, we discussed on the insurance amount, remember. You asked me to come up with ideas on utilizing this amount for charity. Instead of a charity, I rather suggest you open a trust on name of Raghu and Vasudha and fund this amount for the unaffordable one's education. You knew Raghu was always keen on education, so this would be an ideal motive."

"That's an excellent suggestion papa," elated by the advice of her bade papa, she exclaimed in glee. "No other forms of charity can rightly justify that amount. You please proceed with the legal formalities involved in this." excited by the very idea, she immediately declared her approval. "Jodha, I'll assign that task to one of my juniors. But you see, if you want to set this up in Hyderabad, it'll be difficult for me to coordinate and you'll be over burdened. If it is in Bangalore, it'll be easy for me monitor the trust and extend my help whenever needed. Also I have many contacts here who can contribute to the trust with funds. Being owner of the trust, your presence in B'lore is prominent, so I recommend you to shift here. What do you say?" being a shrewd advocate, Saradhi narrated the scenario in a way she cannot contradict, and had to budge into to his proposal.

"Hmm, true!" she sighed heavy as she couldn't refute that sensible explanation of her bade papa. After a few moments of thought process, she smiled to her bade papa amusing at the fix he has put her in. "Papa, very smart. You've trapped me in such a way that I cannot deny. Tell badi ma that this treacherous advocate finally succeeded in persuading his daughter to transfer to Bangalore. I give up!"

Sasi and Samyu posed inquisitive faces to Jodha at this statement of hers. Giving them a will-explain-soon glance, she continued on the phone, "By the way, I have an interview this Saturday in Bangalore. Earlier I didn't think of it, but with this call, I decided that I should take it up. Give phone to badi maa, I'll convey the news myself." After a ten minute cajoling session, Jodha finally ended the call with a contented heart.

With a wide smile gleaming her face, she turned to Sasi and Samyu who are trying to connect the bits and pieces of information they perceived from Jodha's talks. "Jodha, what did bade papa say that you accepted to shift to B'lore?" as the sudden news of Jodha going away from her crushed her spirits, she sounded disappointed. Wrapping her arm around Samyu, she gave her sweetest smile and recited Saradhi's proposal of establishing a trust and his reasoning behind her transfer. Meantime Krishna too joined the group and Samyu instantly updated the news to him. After a quality discussion on ifs and buts of a trust, Krishna, being an experienced economist, put forward his suggestions. "For the trust to flourish longer, money should keep floating Jodha. If it is a one-sided funding, all the money would exhaust one day and trust becomes short-lived. We should think of other sources too apart from donations."

After a momentary thought process, Jodha replied "Then uncle, let's make it a two-way transaction. We can make an agreement before sponsoring, that once they finish their courses and are employed, they should reimburse the money, of course interest-free, or they should voluntarily sponsor any other student. This way we can keep the trust going thus reaching out to more students. And as you rightly said people generally don't value anything that comes for free, this makes them bound to requite. What do you say?"

Thinking over the practicalities of her suggestion, Krishna paused for few moments before approving it. "Sounds reasonable Jodha. We can ask Saradhi ji to come up with legal arrangements accordingly. But what will you do if they breach the agreement? Do you want to sue them?" being a prudent man, he couldn't stop thinking of the possible drawbacks in this arrangement. "Nah uncle, our motive is not to bully people. All these legalities are to remind them of their duty to pay back the favors, as people tend to forget once their needs are fulfilled. I count on those responsible, dutiful volunteers than the forgetful ones. In future, if the latter poses a threat to the trust, bade papa is always with us to take up needed action. Samyu, now let's dial-up Divya and inform her that I'm attending the interview. We should get some inputs soon on technical and HR questions. Also I need to book the tickets. Ouffo!!"

15^th Feb, 2014

"Jodha, make sure you don't leave any valuables behind. We secured all jewelry, property documents, and equity bonds in the locker last time, after that you didn't bring home any of them, right? Cross check once. Also keep the house taxes, electricity bills file handy. You can hand over to Swetha soon she comes. Any thing else to pack?" monitoring the on-going packing, Saradhi casted a general reminder as he just returned home after visiting his clients. "Nothing papa. I verified all the cupboards, no more cash or jewels at home. Also I'm not carrying much beyond clothes, books and albums. Even if I forget something, Swetha can secure them and send me if needed. I'm done with packing. Samyu, chalo let's make tea for all." She signaled Samyu to follow her as they wanted to relish their last few private moments.

Five minutes into the kitchen, the duo kept staring at the boiling water, lost in their thoughts. They didn't dare utter a single word, as both were well aware that they would break down if they open their mouths. Adding milk to the decoction, Jodha glanced at Samyu from corner of her eyes. "What are you thinking Samyu?", breaking the lull she questioned in a low voice, still staring at the vessel. Receiving no response from her, Jodha continued in trance as if voicing Samyu's thoughts. "We never expected this day, right? We always thought the first reason for our distancing would be one of ours marriage. But see how fate has turned out." That profound annotation unleashed Samyu's long suppressed tears; unable to control further, she side hugged Jodha for support and turned her face away. Not bothering to wipe out the tears continuously flooding from her eyes, Jodha rocked at her place fixing her gaze on the stove. She neither hugged Samyu back nor cajoled her as she knew she is devoid of the strength to comfort her bestie in any way.

Composing herself after a few minutes of self-hypnosis session, Samyu swabbed her tears and faced Jodha. Handing over the napkin to her, she smiled faintly and attempted to lighten the situation in her own way. "Ok, enough of crying. I'll take complete blame on me this time for making you cry though I chided you always for doing so. Fine, now stretch your hand and take this oath," stretching Jodha's hand straight, she continued, "I, Jodha Akkineni, here by promise that I'll not devote half of my nights to weeping. I promise that I'll call you, no matter what point of time, if I feel depressed. And I also promise that I come to Hyderabad once in two months. Come on Jo, repeat this pledge."

That sweet gesture from her friend moved Jodha completely; dropping her hand down, she hugged her tight and blurted her heart out. "I should thank my stars for having you in my life Samyu. You are the best." Breaking the hug, she smiled back at her pal saying, "And I swear I'll stand by all your statements, especially the second one which gives me the privilege to call you at 5:30 in the morning," she winked with an impish grin as she uttered that. "Oh no. Jodhuu, no devilish thoughts ok, I warn you", she is about to pinch Jodha hard when Sasi dashed into the kitchen interrupting them. "What are you both doing here? Chai banane mein itni deri kyun? Kahi chai ki patti lane ke liye assam toh nahi gaye the na? Arre, what's that," glaring at the over flowing tea, she immediately rushed to turn off the stove. Darting them killer looks, she shook her head in contempt and quipped, "Khade ho kar tamasha dekh rahe ho kya? Ouffo, look at the mess you both made. Now I truly pity the poor chaps who will marry you. God bless them and.. " listening to the non-stop banter, Samyu and Jodha signaled to each other evilly and the next moment Sasi was squeezed by four hands into a tight embrace with two heads resting on her shoulders saying, "calm down baby, calm down!"

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

Feb 19^th 2014, First day at Regal Infra, Bangalore

"Do you have any questions guys?" Mr. Raj Gopal, the mid-aged dynamic project manager of Regal Infra, warmly questioned the three enthusiast new hires seated before him. Hearing a "no, we are good to go" answer from them, he concluded the session with his charismatic smile. "Fine then, let us conclude the induction session folks. You'll get your ID cards in two days, meantime our HR would escort you into office. Feel free to approach your peers for any questions or any help, of course, you can reach out to me too. I once again welcome you all to Regal Infra. Wish you all gala time here and all the best". Thanking him for the welcome, the three new joiners stepped out of the conference room along with the HR who is supposed to guide them through the office.

"Hey Jodha, done with the induction?" seeing Jo stepping out of the room, Divya approached her with a friendly smile brightening her face. "Yes Divya, we are just done. Ms Nina is about to walk us through the office" Jodha replied with her trademark smile to which Divya turned to Nina saying, "Hey Nina, I'm going for lunch. Do you mind me taking Jodha with me? You may show her cubicle later." Nina instantly agreed to it saying, "Sure, no problem" and advanced with other two folks.

"So, how are you feeling Jodha? How exciting is the drift from NCC to Regal?" Divya asked playfully, leading Jodha to her cubicle. "Hmm a bit strange Divya. I mean the first evident change is 500 to 50 people. Being low in number, you people might be well connected, right?" she asked excitingly looking at the office interior. "True Jodha, most of us bond well though there are a few exceptions. You met Raj in the induction, right? He is the coolest manager. He gives our space to work. I bet you'll love working with him. This is my room, here almost all the senior architects are given a closed chamber. I guess you too will get one of such kind." Gazing at the rightly spacious glass-door chamber, Jodha exclaimed in delight, "Wow, Divya! This is marvelous. I mean, this has everything just in place to claim as a perfect work place."

"Right Jodha, our MD is very particular in these things. Though we are relatively a smaller firm, we are provided with the best of amenities to work here. Every one is rightly recognized and appreciated for their work. What else do we want? I'm happy working here Jodha, hope you experience the same," with a palpable content on her face as she spoke of her organization, Divya smiled at Jodha and took her lunch box out from her bag. "You seem really happy Divya, I like it. By the way who is our MD and where is he? Does he sit in this office?" intrigued by the description of their MD, Jodha questioned in curiosity. "He is currently in Hyderabad Jodha, he'll return soon. The chamber next to Raj's is his, I'll show you after lunch. Shall we go now?" Soon they stepped out of Divya's room, they heard a hello from behind. A middle sized young man walked towards them with a greeting smile, "Going for lunch?" he causally questioned her and once his eyes located Jodha, he smiled wider asking, "So is she your friend you were mentioning earlier, Ms Jodha?"

"Yes Mohan, she's Jodha. Jodha, he is Mohan, senior, oops sorry, super senior architect." She introduced them to each other, to which Jodha casted a friendly hello and a smile. "Welcome to Regal Jodha, by the way, you are pretty popular here." Smiling at her confused face, he bid them bye saying "See you soon." Alarmed by his comment, Jodha quickly turned to Divya questioning in a low yet firm tone, "Divya, why did he say that? Do they know about my parents' tragedy? Did you share that information with them?"

"No Jodha, I didn't. Samyu already warned me to hide it. He is hinting at your name, it's a peculiar one, so it caught every one's attention. Of course, there is one more reason behind the attention too," she slyly smirked as she said that. Heaving a sigh of relief Jodha averred, "Thanks Divya. I don't want my details to be out till I get to know the people here. I have bitter experiences in NCC in this regard, Samyu would have told you. By the way what is that another reason behind the attention?"

"Aha! Not so easily baby" she smiled at her jovially and said, "Let's celebrate your new job first, then I'll reveal the reason. Meanwhile, keep guessing!!"

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

20 days later

"Urgh, rain in the month of March!! This city has the most unpredictable climate." Jodha wondered listening to the sudden heavy shower sound reaching out to her from the cabin window. Leaving the floor design work mid way, she got up from her desk stretching her arms and neck, and moved to the window to have a glimpse at the rain. Ten minutes of glaring at the busy roads from tenth floor of that administrative building, her eyes caught the sight of two kids in the opposite bus stop, a boy and a girl in their uniform, playfully swaying their hands in rain, while their mother was pulling them back. A mild smile erupted on her lips as the kids reminded her of her pranks with Gautam. As she continued watching them, an amusing idea flashed her mind turning her excited. She swiftly fixed a sheet on the board and started sketching the enthralling view of those frisky kids.

"Wow!!" gratified by her work she gave few more touchups to the sketch, unpinned it and rushed out of her cabin to gift her work to those kids before they leave. In no time, she returned to her desk and quickly sifted her handbag to locate the snickers she bought the other day. Grabbing the sketch and chocolate tight, she barged into Divya's room disturbing the serious discussion going on between Divya, Mohan and another man. "Hey Divya, how is this?" unwinding the chart, she questioned raising her brows in delight, completely ignoring the stranger's presence in that room. "Mmm, nice sketch yaar," skeptical of the third person's reaction , Divya replied with a faint smile.

"Thank you, I'm taking your umbrella, I have to go out," without waiting for Divya's response, she snatched the umbrella lying on the desk and stormed out of the room.

"Who is she?" the silent observer questioned seriously with an evident disconcert featuring his face.

"Sir, she is Jodha, one of our new architects." Divya calmly replied trying to perceive his reactions. He simply nodded at that statement masking his irritation and turned to Mohan saying, "Shall we resume our discussion?"

*******

Recollecting the kids excitement on seeing their sketch, Jodha entered her room with a playful smile dancing on her lips, only to find a tall, sturdy young man engrossed in examining the rough draft of the residential complex pinned to the drawing board, with a hand in his pocket and other on the slanting board.

"Who is he?" she thought with a confusing frown evident on her face.

"Hello," disturbed by her entry, the stranger greeted formally turning to her and questioned pointing to the board, "Is this the initial draft of SMR's residential complex floor layout?"

Mystified by his question, she proceeded toward him answering, "Yes!"

"And the final version?" he asked again. Pointing to her laptop she answered, "In my system," still guessing the identity of this person.

"Ok, may I have a look?" moving towards the system he questioned her, deepening her confusion. "Who can this man be? How can he intrude into my room and question me on the project? How can I show him the project without confirming his identity?" suppressing all the questions lingering in her mind, she sternly replied. "Sorry, the final draft is not yet ready. There are a few more modifications to be done."

"But you are supposed to submit by end of day, right?" watching out her expressions, he questioned inquisitively.

"Yes", irritated by his questions, she replied bluntly.

"If it takes 14 days for one floor design, how long would it take for 14 floors?" placing one hand on the chair, he looked straight into her eyes and calmly shot his shrewd comment. The hidden sarcasm in that statement irked Jodha to the core as it indirectly challenged her efficiency.

"14 days and two hours," came an instant stern reply from her, followed by the curt explanation. "It just takes two hours to copy paste the layout, edit the flat markings and print out fourteen designs."

Amused by her response, he squashed the erupting smirk so as to look normal; darting a diplomatic glare he continued, "Fine then, let's resume at 2:30pm, that is, at end of fourteen days and two hours," he stressed on two hours with a mild smile reading her changing expressions.

She creased her brows in a disgusting frown as she watched the receding form, wondering who this intruder can be. She is about to blurt her frustration out, when she heard his graceful roaring voice along with a haunting stare. "If you are wondering why I intruded into your chamber, well, if an associate can barge into another's without permission, why can't the MD, Miss Jodha?" with his trademark smirk, he left the cabin leaving the young lady flabbergasted.

"Urgh!! He is Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Managing Director of Regal Infra. And I am rude to my boss in the very first meeting. Tch, tch, not so appealing Jodhu?" striking her forehead in disbelief, she stood dumb leaning against the desk reminiscing their not-so-friendly first altercation.

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

Chapter 8

"If you are wondering why I intruded into your chamber, well, if an associate can barge into another's without permission, why can't the MD, Miss Jodha?" with his trademark smirk, he left the cabin leaving the young lady flabbergasted.

"Urgh!! He is Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Managing Director of Regal Infra. And I am rude to my boss in the very first meeting. Tch, tch, not so appealing Jodhu?" striking her forehead in disbelief, she stood dumb leaning against the desk reminiscing their not-so-friendly first altercation.

"Jodha, shall we have an early lunch today? Boss rescheduled the meeting to 2:30pm," stepping into Jo's cabin with her lunch box, Divya questioned the pre-occupied pal.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Jodha stared bemused at Divya remarking, "Itni jaldi?" She quickly unlocked her system and scrolled to Outlook to confirm the news . Accepting the invite she seethed within, "I was still standing dumb, while he went to his cabin and altered the meeting too. Hmm, he's pretty fast in acting."

Presuming Jodha's "Itni Jaldi?" as a response to her early lunch proposal, Divya clarified causally. "Yeah, earlier than usual time. But I have to finalize my task before meeting. Let's finish off lunch and sit undisturbed."

"Ah! I too have a lot to do Divya. Shall we eat here, so that I work and eat simultaneously?" she requested resuming the work, to which Divya agreed and pulled in a chair.

"By the way Jodha, our MD was beside me when you came for umbrella. I was a bit scared of his reaction, but thank god he didn't erupt. He generally doesn't tolerate disruption in discussions, " chewing the morsel, Divya kicked off a casual conversation.

"Hmm, he might not have exploded then, but I see the aftermath," winking at her puzzled colleague, she slowly narrated their first altercation. "FOURTEEN days and TWO hours," breaking into a bout of laughter, Divya set aside the morsel she was about to consume, as she feared choking. "You said that to HIM? Now I get it why he rescheduled the meeting," she said continuing her tittering. Feigning a somber face at Divya's laughter, Jodha mimicked, "Had I known he takes me serious, I'd have said 3 hours instead of two. Pch, pch". This mockery made Divya chuckle even louder; composing herself after a while, she muttered, "Jodha.. tum bhi naa. But I should say, what an INTERESTING first encounter with BOSS!!"

"Poor me, that I depicted myself an arrogant irritant before my boss and you call it INTERESTING! " continuing the mock somber, she shook her head in despise and sighed heavy. "But that's not all my fault too. That's how I naturally react to a trespasser poking me with mystic questions," coming out of the mockery, she shrugged her shoulders in a what-to-do gesticulation and winked at Divya. Getting over her giggles, Divya resumed eating and continued, "Waise, I must say he'd have enjoyed riling you up. You know what, you look too tempting when piqued," she raised her brows teasingly watching out to Jodha's reaction.

"Tempting!" rubbing her temple in distaste she quipped, "I know you have weirdest of tastes. So, no point arguing with you, " gulping down the morsel, she diverted the topic to avoid further razz from her friend. "Waise, I'm curious as to why is he joining today's discussion? It's purely a technical one, right? I mean you told me he is an automobile engineer, he owns a carburetor-manufacturing unit and he doesn't tend to Regal's business more. Then what is he going to do in today's meeting?"

"You are right Jodha. Boss used to handle "Four wheels" along with his friends, while Aliya mam looked after Regal. But ever since she resigned, he took up the charges as MD and started involving in all business and technical meetings as well. Earlier he used to turn up only during client visits, but now he is largely dedicated to Regal and his friends are managing Four Wheels."

"But how does an automobile engineer understand architecture? " skeptical of Jalal's capability, Jodha sounded dubious narrowing her eyes.

Giggling at her expressions, Divya swiftly emptied her lunch box before she responded. "I too used to have this doubt earlier, but after seeing him in our meetings, I found my answer and I'm sure you too will get your answer soon. Now back to work. If I finish my work fast, I'll ping you and you can send me the designs to be edited, ok?" having done with packing the box, she bid adieu and walked out of the room.

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

"Shall we go Jodha?" as the clock was about to strike 2:30, Divya peeped in with her laptop to which Jodha nodded and picked up her laptop. "Hope he doesn't counter attack me for not completing my task in time," Jodha uttered low nervously collecting the printouts.

"Aisa kuch nahi hoga. It's common that tasks are delayed, mine was delayed by one week and he said nothing about it in morning's discussion. He totally understands the limitations dear. Chill and relax', Divya persuaded. Darting a faint smile at Divya, she thought, "But why do I feel like he'll definitely retort in someway?"

Entering the conference room, they formally greeted Raj, Mohan and other team members and settled down in their seats listening to the ongoing discussion. Two minutes later, the audience eyes turned towards entrance door with a welcome smile greeting their MD. Pulling a chair beside Raj, the gentleman settled down wishing the team "Good afternoon folks!" "So, how was the Hyderabad trip Jalal? Any interesting updates?" Raj initiated the casual talk before getting into actual business, to which Jalal smiled and shared Hyderabad branch updates exchanging glances with rest of the team. After congratulating him for completion of a commercial complex venture in Hyderabad, Raj explained the agenda of current day's discussion for the next few minutes. Before going for a one-by-one update, he decided to first introduce Jodha to the MD; "Jalal, as I said we recruited three architects and I have already introduced you, to the other two in the morning. She is the third, Jodha Akkineni. She came from NCC Hyderabad."

"NCC!" Apparently her shift from a bigger firm like NCC took him by surprise, but squashing his feelings, he gave his diplomatic smile to her and winked at Raj commenting, "Wow, NCC to Regal. We are growing popular Raj!" Raj laughed out loud at that jest while rest of the team joined him. Turning to Jodha once again he extended his gracious welcome, "We're glad that you opted Regal Ms Jodha. Hope you have a great time here and nice meeting you." That warm welcome brushed away her inhibitions and she replied with her usual endearing smile, "Thank you and nice meeting you too Mr.Jalal."

"Mr.JALAL!!" while Divya's jaw dropped for a moment hearing the addressing, Jalal's brows raised in gaiety with a wry grin playing on his lips, which fatefully didn't go unnoticed by Jodha. "Why is his smile teda?" she mused within blissfully unaware of how he's being addressed by employees of Regal. Waning her thoughts away, she concentrated on the meeting that continued with individual updates with she being the last in row to speak-up. Once Divya is done with her update, Jodha handed out the print outs to Raj and explained the modifications flown into the designs after their last meeting, simultaneously looking at the same in her laptop.

"... so as per our discussion, I moved the East entrance of 5^th flat to North-East, thus increasing the living room area followed by kitchen Raj. As of now we have the designs ready for ten floors. I'm yet to edit the markings for remaining four floors. I suppose I'll finish that in an hour after this call." That explanation seemed to be targeted to Jalal, though she put a straight face talking to Raj and returned to her laptop screen once done.

"Looks like your calculations went wrong... ... Raj!" Tossing his branded smirk to Raj, he slyly watched out for reaction from the opposite chair. There she is, acting all calm hiding the seethe simmering within, due to that sheepish retort from her so called UNDERSTANDING MD. "I expected this," cursing under the breath, she quickly rolled her eyes up from laptop to scan his intentions, only to meet a mischievous pair of eyes that were eagerly waiting to study her stimulated eyes. "Having fun at my expense," abruptly breaking the eye-lock, she turned to Divya signaling if she noticed the sarcastic pause in his statement. Blinking her eyes in agreement, Divya bit her lips and adjusted in her chair trying to act composed, while rest of the audience was pondering on Jalal's comment and missed this acute mini eye talk.

Resuming the conversation, Jalal clarified his stance with his natural composed smile, "I mean, you planned to deliver tomorrow, but going by the latest update I don't think we're ready for that. Seems your calculations went wrong this time."

"Yep, but for better Jalal," swinging his chair to right Raj asserted in glee. "SMR flickered a lot in requirement specification, hence the delay. And I don't mind my calculations going wrong for a better outcome Jalal," shrugging casually the coolest manager grinned back at Jalal, while Jodha steadily observed for her boss's response at this counter. With a diplomatic nod, Jalal agreed to it and admitted the reasons behind delay. "Of course, Raj. I apprehend the delay and I suppose SMR is apprised of the altered delivery date." Raj replied that a mail communication has been sent already, so with nothing to discuss further Jalal concluded the meeting appreciating the team for their effort and asking Raj to stay behind to chat on other matters.

**********

"We all address him Jalal sir and you called him by name, that's why he is amused. But it was worth watching his face when you took his name!" starting off with her giggles, Divya clarified Jodha's doubt on his teda smirk after her greeting. "SIR? But why, this isn't a school and he isn't a teacher. Who calls SIR in a corporate company Divya?" flustered by the fact, she questioned in disdain. "Well, actually Aaliya mam started this culture. She preferred to be addressed as Ma'm and we continued the same with boss too. In fact he is very much against this and warned us couple of times to stop calling him sir. But you know Jodha, there is SOMETHING in him that inhibits us from taking his name," Divya admiringly remarked pushing Jodha into further confusion. "How should I address him now, hmm?" thinking deep, she fantasied herself calling him "Jalal sir". Stifling a giggle at the very imagination, she shook her head in rebuke. "I can't do that, I better stick to my way. Anyways, if he has no issues, why should I bother?" pleased by her decision, she joined Divya for the much needed break to relish on a cup of coffee.

-----

"What's your persuasion on our new joiners Raj? I know it's too early to judge, but I'd like to listen to your take on them," after a ten minutes discussion on upcoming projects, Jalal enquired curiously as he always regarded Raj's opinion high.

"Well, as you asked me, I'd say they are good in their tasks. Ramesh is very creative in interior designing, but I feel he's slightly slow in work. The other two are equally talented and fast enough. I have no complaints," letting out a hearty chuckle he genuinely shared his first impression on the new comers.

"Great!! Glad to hear that from you Raj. And what about their attitude toward working long hours? You know the financial crisis currently Regal is in. We are aiming bigger projects and our teams need to work hard to achieve them. Are they ready to extend their working hours? I know the other two come from smaller firms than ours, so they should be habituated to working long. But what about Jodha? She comes from NCC and we know how relaxed people work there. Do you think she can cope up with our work culture?"

"Absolutely Jalal. I strongly believe she wouldn't bother working long when needed. I can't guarantee on other two, but I can assure on Jodha," Raj stated with firm conviction.

"Ah, such a confidence on her Raj. Seems you are pretty much impressed with her," smiling in content, he jovially commented swinging in his chair.

"Of course Jalal. To be frank, I was highly impressed with her performance during the interview it self and I'm glad that I was right in selecting her. She's talented, responsible and dedicated. "

"Wow! Too many adjectives from you, means she is really something," he playfully raised his brows at that applaud, as he is very much aware that it's difficult to win Raj's accolade.

Chuckling at his chirpy gestures, Raj asserted in firm belief, "Though you ask for my opinion, I know you judge people based on your own terms Jalal, but I'm sure one day you'll admit that I'm right in judging Jodha."

"Hope so. Let's wait and watch," with a buoyant wink, he cheerfully shook hand with Raj and they proceeded to their respective cabins thereafter.

**********

A day later, 10^th floor, The Estate Building, Bangalore 7:30pm

"Oh no! Stop stop!" noticing the sliding elevator doors from the main entrance of her office, she ran so fast towards it, that she nearly glided on the marble floor while her hand reached out to elevator button. Holding the wall for support, she pressed the down button so hard as if taking life out of it, if any. Thanks to her stars and thanks to a man, the elevator doors wide opened saving her from a further wait of 10 minutes till the other elevator turned up. Pleased by her feats, she got into it super elated only to be welcomed by a few impatient looks and of course a teasing smirk. Perceiving that it was HE who paused the elevator, she delivered a thank you cum hello smile and moved to a comfortable corner securing her position. Thanks to the peak hours, the elevator filled to it's maximum capacity in no time forcing Jalal to scoot back to the left corner, thus positioning him beside Jodha.

"Cling!" as soon as the conveyor hit the ground floor of that ten-floored building, the vehement associates got ready to purge out like anxious kids out of school. One.. two.. three time flew passively, with no signs of doors being opened however hard the buttons were pressed. Adding to their dismay, the conveyor started trekking up once again carrying the whole lot, creating a mini-commotion in that tightly packed zone.

"Ab ise kya hua!" gazing at the ongoing ruckus, she raised on her toes to see if someone is pressing the alarm or dialing up the security. Satisfied by the attempts of fellow associates, she set back exchanging a faint smile with her boss. The malfunctioning machine stopped at 1^st floor making every one happy, but alas, instead of doors being opened, it paused for a while and again started traveling up and continued the same at every expected floor where people were waiting to get in. The whole fiasco seemed entertaining for the first two stops, but with every unfruitful pause-no open-go trial, Jodha's pulse started aggravating, while the unperturbed man stayed put watching the hoopla before him unaware of the fraught his adjacent peep was going through.

"Why are the doors not opening? What's the security doing? How long does it go like this?" Those were some of the few sane questions her still poised brain wondered about, before the claustrophobic devil in her gushed up stomping her brain with weird hallucinations. Few more stops later - "What if this goes on all night? What about dinner, I'm hell hungry already. Moreover how do I get oxygen? It is damn crowded; should I breathe in carbon-di-oxide exhaled by all these people? By the way, which is more dangerous? Shortage of oxygen or intake of co2? Urgh! I feel suffocated. Is this real or am I hallucinating! " With a surge of ghastly thoughts resonating in her brain, she impulsively breathed in deep to feed her lungs with Oxygen, but sadly the breathing exercise no way gratified her evil phobia. "Sxxxt.. Had I missed getting into this stupid elevator, I would have been half-way home. You ran fast to fall into trouble, idiot!" cursing herself hard, she took one more breath. "What did I inhale now, Co2 or O2? Gosh.. mark it Jodhu! Not oxygen, not nitrogen, you are surely going to die of claustrophobia this night!" she hissed within flustered by the creepy thoughts that got into her nerves.

Attempting to sidetrack her fears, she recollected the list of deeds she generally does in such circumstances. "Talk to someone, eat something, listen to songs," her mind suggested a few, but at that instance none of them fitted the situation she was in. "No one to talk, nothing to eat, no earphones to stick on.. what else to do?" she gradually diverted her focus on to better alternatives whilst her fingers unconsciously started kneading her temple. "Z, Y, X, V,U..", satisfied by the impromptu conundrum she came up with, Jodha lowered her head and started citing the alphabet in reverse order.

After a casual tour of a few amused, a few anxious and a few pissed off faces before him, Jalal looked sideways to perceive his new employee's response to this unwelcomed mishap. His first glimpse at her - left arm folded, the other rubbing her temple, head lowered, breathing deep and chanting something - was potentially sufficient for him to get the gist that she is actually not comfortable. Few more seconds of subtle scrutiny, he apprehended her attempts to stay composed. "Seems she is claustrophobic", anticipating her plight, he opted to handle the situation in his own style.

"So how do you find Regal, is it as enchanting as NCC?" coming out of her stupor, she beamed at the direction the question came from. A soothing smile and a warmth in those deep black eyes conveyed the honesty in his query, hence she mildly smiled nodding in approval. "Yes!" after a pause she continued, "So far so good." "Great! Any interesting reasons behind you quitting NCC and choosing Regal?" his intrigue was obvious. "Not really, I was looking for a change and Divya informed me of this offer, I gave a try and I'm here finally," unwilling to share the facts, she put it as short and simple as possible, silently praying the next set of enquiries shouldn't be on her family or whereabouts. "What kind of projects you worked on, in NCC?" thankfully his next question was on her all time interesting topic, of which she can talk for hours with out getting bored. "Initially I was into corporate construction projects, like nearly for 7-8 months, then one hospital project, later.." she explained her work, entwined by some more questions from him on work culture, team hierarchy, for say.

-------

"Phew!! Finally!" listening to relief-stricken sighs from peers, they looked ahead and realized that the doors finally opened up at ground floor, all thanks to security. The agitated group started evacuating as fast as they can, skeptical of doors getting closed once again. Exchanging amicable smiles, they got out of the elevator and headed to parking in the cellar; Ten minutes of walk to the parking with no questions from him, Jodha reached her car and turned to him wishing "Bye!" He responded with a simple smile and advanced to his car, while Jodha virtually scratched her head thinking of him. "Strange! He was so talkative in lift and completely silent after coming out. What'd have happened?" opening the door, she placed her bag on the passenger seat, and sat in driver seat thinking of the entire incident. "Thanks Baba the doors opened finally, else I'd have died of panic attack today!" touching the small glass idol of Sai Baba fixed on the deck, she sent a silent prayer which is when the reality struck her. "Woah, I totally forgot my panic attack soon I started talking to him. That implies he observed my state and deliberately engaged me into that conversation. Now I get it!" an abashed frown filled on her face as she realized he now knew her complexes. "Anyways, you owe him a thanks Jodhu", pleased by the elegance with which he tackled the situation, she hurriedly stepped out of the car looking for him and there he is - near his black Jaguar - unlocking it with remote.

"SIR...", she called out loud followed by an appealing smile, "Thank you"! Her impromptu call and gratitude was so uninhibited that she literally forgot how reluctant she was in addressing him Sir' a day before.

"Sir!" that reference made him turn back with his usual impish smirk; darting her a -"yesterday Mr Jalal and today sir, huh?" - kind of glare, he acknowledged her gratitude. "That's ok. By the way I don't mind to be called by my name," having said that he gracefully concluded the rendezvous with a simple smile and "See you".

It was his stare that let her discern what she just blurted out. "Uff, why did I say that when I never intended to do so, ab ye smile ka matlab kya hai, victory for making me address him as sir or sarcasm," reprimanding her self for the unconscious call, she got into the car with Divya's remark playing in her mind... "..there is SOMETHING in him that inhibits us from taking his name."

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

Chapter 3

Originally posted by: shahbhavini

Chapter 3

Very interesting writing... Love pink scooter part... Jodha is hilarious... she is so persistent ... poor beggar ko kese bhaga diya... I love her family... such a sweet brother ... mom... dad... aww.. kisi ko nazar na lage... finally Jodha joined NCC... COOL... I love story behind Jodha Name... so sweet.. amazing update.. U really write beautifully... On our JA forum we have amazing writers... I really enjoy your writing... thank U so much... and sorry for late comment...

Thank u for ur sweet comment Bhavii.. now read the rest of the chapters too and comment 😉

and please don't say sorry.. I understand your busy days 😊

OMG!!! I AM SHOCKED...KYA HO RAHA HAI...😲 POLICE STATION SE PHONE😭 KYA ACCIDENT HUA HAI...OH NO... PLEASE... GOD... DON' T GIVE US HEART ATTAK... MERA DIMANG FREEZ HO GAYA... I LOVED ENTIRE CHAPTER... LOVE THE PART HER MARRIGE PROPOSAL PART.. WAS REALLY FUN... I LOVE WHEN EVERY ONE TEASE HER MOM WHEN SHE WAS GETTING READY... U R A SUPERB WRITER ...👏👏👏

HEEMA di!! That was way way way sad chapter!!! U rmindblowing writer !!!! Hatss off to u di !!! Truly that was too sad!!! I just read this 5 chappy as i told u i didnt read previously!!! But what an update!!! Too good!!! Yaa pain goes but scars r left behind forever!!! Wowe now jodha life will have a new beginning!! Oo la la oo la la!!! Thats great!!! Atleast she will overcome with the grief!! I cant even imagine what she is going through!!! But u r really some creative person !!! Superb se bhi upar!!!!

Hema such a painful and wonderful chapter.. Really the part where the constable ask Jo to give the phone & latter she gets to know about her parents death of so much painful especially when she already lost her brother & now her parents.. Poor Jodha.. Love the bonding of two families who are now supporting JO... So Jo is now living with her grand mother and her friends ..

It's true the pain will be reduce as time passes but scars still there... I am waiting to someone who will bring her life back...You are a good writer especially pinning out the emotions... I must say JA forum a lot of wonderful & excellent writers way better better than actual CVS..