SS ||...~ethereal love~...|| #2 page 12 NEW UPDATE :P PMs later!

"My legs are shivering and body is aching and here you are thinking of future plans? Huh! UNBELIEVABLE SOUL"

"Oh please, shut up you melodrama queen, am just saying I want to become a kindergarten teacher"

A sound of something falling and breaking and a sudden shriek followed as she completed her statement!

"WHOA"... another loud sound of shriek continued and in between she could hear broken words from her best friend or rather sounds blended with shrieks and cry!

"Eeks you are doing all your MASTER's DEGREE to teach kids A for APPLE and B for BALL Jodha?"

"Why? What's the problem? I love to be around kids, it's so much fun and beautiful" Jodha said twisting her jet black wavy hair into curls and giving a child like smile to her friend.

"You are NUTS" her friend said and threw a pillow onto her while walking out from her room!

Bakshi Banu seemed out of place in her new house, newly married and among strange unknown people she was trying to find caring faces. Heavy household duty pulls her away from thinking and her busy husband hardly comes her way and she after completing her the chores sits on the bed and think of her family, her mother, her brothers, everyone. Today too she sat down thinking of them and a slight smile passed her face. The photograph on the table which she had kept on her very first day in her husband's house, she lifted it and looked at the smiling faces of her loved ones. Capturing smiles of each one of them, her eyes fixed on one smile. A vague smile, yet genuine but was hard with deep sadness. She looked at her brother's pained face and her heart ached. Her brother few years before was ripped off from all happiness and since then no one has ever seen him smile or laugh. She recalled those days when her brother used to be a prankster, the naughtiest among them, the fun loving, always smiling, and goofy fellow. She used hug him whenever she sees him laughing because she feels he is the most adorable creature ever entered the earth. She grinned at the thought of her loving memory and then as she came to reality a sudden burst of tear flowed through her eyes. Hugging the photo close to heart she prayed to God "may be this is my first ever serious prayer am going to make and Allah, please fulfil my prayer, I know no one can ever replace her in my bhaijan's mind, nor am asking you for it like Ammijan but you can bring in someone else to his life, who can take a place in his heart not by replacing her, please Lord bring in a farishta to bhaijan's life, I want to see him laugh and smile like before" and wiping the tears Bakshi kept the photo back on the table and while keeping the photo back, she saw a message flashing in her mobile. Eager she picked up because its been ages since she has seen her mobile blinking, except for calls from her home, nobody was contacting her these days. And a sudden thrill filled her heart and she jumpingly took the phone and saw a message from an unknown number. The message read like this

Hey BB? Ssup? Long time! Guess what? Am in Mumbai! And so sorry yaaar... cundt make up to ua marg.. well now we got all time in the world! Am Back!!! And have loads to talk.. PS: its my new number! Guess me :P ;)

Bakshi's face gleamed with happiness, she knew whose message it was because no one in this entire world called her BB other than her BEST FRIEND JODHA! She smiled and jumped with joy. She was never this happy in this new house of hers and now she was literally dancing with joy!! Suddenly she took her phone and replied to Jodha..

JO! JO JO! meri jaaan, kaha thi? Long time! And you in MUMBAI? Gosh! When can v meet? Lets meet fast!! Missed u tonnes! Not gonna spare u for missing my marg ;) call me asap! Lets make a plan :D xoxoxo :*

"Where is Jalal?" Hamida came out into dining hall asking for her son, she was little worried and her voice creaked as she took her son's name. Who knows her son's pain better than her, she was always worried for Jalal, she has seen the pain in his eyes which made him almost dead like living in this house, everyday she prayed to God to ease his pain, to bring joy, to give him a better life but now for her it's almost hopeless to see her son back again to the naughty little boy who runs around playing pranks.

"Ammijan, bhaijan is with kids"

"Bakshi, you here?"

Hamida was too shocked yet happy to see her daughter, she got little scared thinking why sudden unexpected visit by her daughter but she was missing Bakshi so much that her heart filled with joy at the first sight of her little princess.

"I am on my way to meet my friend Jo, I have told you about her right? She is in Mumbai now, so passing way I thought will peep into home"Bakshi giggled

"Oh Bakshi" Hamida embraced her daughter.

"I should have thought Jalal must be with kids" Hamida said after making her daughter sit for breakfast. "He is so fond of them, in fact it with those kids he gets some peace and relief"

"Yes Ammijan" Bakshi agreed her mother thoughtfully "bhaijan is happy only with them"

"Well yes, am sad seeing Jalal like this, Mirza was saying he pays no attention to work"

"Bhaijan needs time" Bakshi was lost in thought about her brother. Her brother who was so responsible regarding his work once now comes and goes to his workplace whenever he feels, most of the time he is seen riding a bicycle and playing with kids.

"By the way, how's Jo? I could never meet her" Hamida said changing the topic.

"Ammijan, I can't tell you, how thrilled I am today to meet her. She said she is now in Mumbai and is looking for job"

"Bring her here one day, hope to meet her soon" Hamida said lifting the tea cups

___________

There was joy, thrill excitement as Jodha opened her bag and took out her red Punjabi suit gifted to her by her aunt who lives in Punjab. She recollected her aunt's words "Jodha wear this for your special day, it will be the day where your destiny would change for good". Jodha smiled at her aunt's innocent thought. She had a look in the mirror before leaving"Am indeed looking pretty" she said to herself and giggled.

Stepping into this busy city Jodha made a quick prayer to almighty to make her day good, she had her plans all set. First she was to meet Bakshi, then have lunch with Bakshi and go for her interview. Jodha hates getting tensed as she believes tension mess up things so she thought will chill around and ease out her tensions before going for her job interview as a teacher in a private school.

"Taxi" Jo weaved her hand to make a taxi stop but the one rushed in super fast speed splashing dirt over her dress "shit what a beginning" saying she giggled even more. Two three taxis passed without stopping and Jo felt timing running out a bit too fast and started getting little worried thinking about the interview. She was making mental calculation of time when someone suddenly bumped into her making her lose her balance, she almost fell down but then got hold of a post and made herself stand without falling. She looked at the person who made her almost fall down but she saw no one instead just a cycle. "Huh", she felt just a cycle and the again looked for taxi, suddenly heard someone call from behind, making her turn around to look who is it. She saw a man in casuals, wearing a light coloured green t shirt and dark blue denim three fourths. He was very good looking and she for a second stared at him awestruck.

"Excuse me, it's my cycle" he said walking towards her.

"Oh, sorry" she said and wondered why on earth she said sorry as if she stole his cycle and walked away.

"It's Ok!" he said and taking the cycle he walked back.

"Strange man, don't even have manners to say sorry to me?" she thought and called him "Excuse me, Excuse me, EXCUSE ME" he seemed not hearing so she ran behind him.

"Excuse me" he called him and tapped over his shoulder, with utter surprise he turned back. His face looked so innocent totally unaware of why the lady ran all way behind him.

"Yes?"

"Say sorry" Jo said looking adamant.

"Sorry?"

"Ok! Fine! Next time please get some sense" she said and walked away leaving him totally dumbstruck.

"Is she mad or what?" he asked himself looking at Jo walking away till she vanished out of sight.

As he stood there wondering about the strange behaviour of a stranger lots of kids ran towards him, some even hugging him. His thoughts broke and he hugged them all back and a smile crept on his face adding a charm to his looks.

"Let's play cricket Jalal bhaiyya" the smallest kid among the group said and all agreed even Jalal.

"But I will bat first" Jalal said with a wink.

"Of course, after all you are our Sachin bhaiyya" the kids said and all cheered.

The cricket match between Jalal and kids were getting intense when suddenly one kid who is enjoying watching the match, came running to the field holding Jalal's phone "bhaiyya your phone is ringing, your phone".

Jalal signalled to stop the match for a second and looked at his phone, he saw some ten missed calls from office and one from his brother Mirza. He never attends calls from office nor obeys their order as he feels they are too arrogant and are insensitive to his feelings and also hurts his ego a lot of times publicly announcing he is not a capable person in this business and all he can do is doom all workers. But Mirza unlike them makes him understand and also understands him, he soothes his pain and also encourages him. He called back Mirza.

"Bhaijan where are you? I want you to be in school right now?" Mirza from other end said his voice sounded as if it's of great importance.

"School? Why? You can handle it, I mean it's you who always handle it right?"

"No, bhai, I can't! Am going out of town, I have an urgent meeting to attend in Pune, so you must go"

"But Mirza..." even before Jalal could complete the phone was cut from the other end.

Mughal Sweets one of the brand names for Indian sweets, it was started years before as a small sweet shop in Mumbai but with the passage of time it reached pinnacles of success and is now a leading brand of Indian sweets which has even branches outside India. With the success of their sweet business which was started by the great grandfather of Jalal and Mirza, they became one of most successful and richest business men in the country. As a part of their business expansion, it was Jalal's mother's idea to open an old age home and orphanage to look after the poor and needy for free. Anyone who ever needs can join there, minimal formalities and no fees. It was Jalal's idea to open a school. He was fond of playing cricket with kids. He played cricket with slum kids and when he learned that their education is not proper, he suggested opening a school for them, this school is for poor kids, slum kids, orphans, kids who don't have money for their education. Here Jalal wanted to give world class education free for the kids, for that he wants the best teachers and instructors. So they conduct nationwide interview to find the perfect teachers. And a teacher could only be appointed with the permission of Jalal, in fact Jalal is one who gives final word to everything because this school was like baby to Jalal. Ever since death of his love Jalal has gone careless, he too made mistake in the functioning of his school, though very small but was received with huge criticism from others and he too was disappointed with himself that he decided to stay away from his school for his own school's benefit. But Mirza knew that if something that could bring life in Jalal, then it is his school and his kids. So Mirza decided to make Jalal the one to select new teacher for kids. Mirza's suggestion was vehemently refused by rest of the trusties but Mirza had immense faith in Jalal and he diced to make Jalal take the interview, no matter what.

__________

"JO, not again" Bakshi said seeing Jodha taking a packet of potato chips and a coffee from vendor machine.

"BB, please, I am LATE! I can't afford a coffee chat with you" Jo said in a hurry, tearing the packet of chips and munching few.

"Am wondering how come you stay fit despite feeding on JUNK" BB said teasing Jo and making weird expressions.

Jo glared at BB and said "Am blessed" and gave her a devilish smile

"Yeah yeah yeah"

"BB hell with your sarcasm, am going, please do wish me luck" Jo hugged Bakshi and started running towards taxi stand.

"Should I drop you? By the way, which school are you going?"

"NO thanks" Jo yelled and she was out of reach so BB could hear the name of school.

______________

Jodha adjusted her duppata "sheeek, I hate duppattas, can't help today" she murmured to herself as she entered the school building.

"Welcome Ma'am you came for interview?" a pleasant looking lady asked Jo to which Jo nodded. "Ma'am that way, please". The lady showed Jodha the way to the interview cabin.

"Thank you" smilingly Jo walked towards interview. She was getting nervous and felt like something was growling in her tummy. She had an urge to go and grab something to eat but she knew its nothing but her nervousness. "Chill Jo, Chill" she tried pacifying herself. "You are going to do well because you are the best"

Uttering things to herself Jodha walked towards the cabin, to her shock she saw lots of candidates waiting and in her mind she recollected BB words on the farewell day of college"only you will be there to teach A for apple and B for Ball"

"Oh yes BB, see the only me" Jo said to herself sarcastically. "Well just one vacant post and fifty to fight for it, good luck babe, Jo can you stop talking to yourself, people are thinking you are mad" Jo said and hit her forehead.

"Ma'am please take your seat" another pleasant looking lady came and pointed Jodha to a seat there.

"Err thanks, am having hallucination" Jo said not thinking.

"Sorry ma'am?" the lady asked not hearing what Jo muttered.

"Oops nothing" Jo smiled and sat down.

"Kanha help me" it was almost her time to enter, all coming out after interview was cursing them for being so foolish. This was making Jodha more and more nervous.

"Ma'am your turn"

Nervous Jodha got up and started walking towards the cabin.

_____________

As soon as Jodha entered, she saw the same guy whom she saw earlier that day, they guy who was playing with kids is now sitting right in front of her, perfect gentle man like in black suit and coat. Her heart skipped a beat seeing him. "GOSH he is SO GOODLOOKING"she said in her mind.

"Hey YOU" Jo said not able to control her excitement and shock.

Shocked Jalal looked up to see who it is. In his first look he couldn't recognise who she is but the giving a closer look at her face, he realised it's the same weird girl whom he met in morning.

"Oops am sorry" Jo said realising its not proper manner to utter like that.

Jalal continued to look at her, she felt his eyes had some magnetic effect that her heart beat got churned up and was beating irrationally. She suddenly took a step back.

"Sit down" Jalal said and looked back into the paper he was reading before.

Jodha still stood there not able to figure out what is happening to her.

Jalal kept the paper aside and forwarded his hand for her resume and certificates, after few minutes of stretching hand and receiving nothing Jalal looked up again to see Jo still standing.

"Could you mind sitting? It will help me" he said with tone of sarcasm.

"Sorry, am Sorry" saying Jodha gave her documents.

There was an awkward silence in the room as Jalal was scanning through her files. She looked at his face, saw a serious expression and understood he is reading through every detail very seriously and sincerely. Flipping through the pages, he mechanically questioned her on her academic knowledge. From school level questions to post graduate level, he thoroughly questioned her to which she gave answers properly, sometimes taking time and sometimes not. She wondered about his education qualification but one thing she understood is that he is indeed well qualified and well read.

From subject related questions to current affairs everything was questioned and she was comparatively satisfied with her response than she thought she would be delivering. Now he kept the file aside and faced her.

"You are well qualified, no problem regarding that" he said and Jodha smiled taking it as a compliment. He continued "but I wish to know why you want to work here?, is it because of the high salary we offer?"

"Well yes and no" Jodha said and his face expression twisted questioningly.

"What I meant is" Jo continued "Yes salary is attractive only fools would say am not interested in salary, but I loved about this school is the concept. I have heard lot about this school from my friend" she paused for a moment then with great admiration in her voice she continued saying "the reason for this school, it was the idea of one of the brothers of Mughal sweets enterprise, Ha I wish I could see him, you might know him, he wanted to open this school for the education of street kids, kids with no financial aid for education. I know they are quite rich and all but to open a school with clear motive which is selfless, no rich person would do that, people does charity, give money and all, they might even open Hi tech schools too but to open one such and prove world class education that too for free and also not compromising with the salary of teachers and staff, don't you think there is real good classy professionalism with the teachers and staff yet the kids don't get affected with this professionalism. To be frank am a fan of this unknown guy and would love to meet him in person once..."

Jalal cut in between her fan girl speech about himself "don't you think its more or less like you are having a crush on this unknown guy?"

"Erm, may be yes, but I always wanted to teach kids" she

"Why?" this time Jalal was curious.

"Because, I believe the toughest jobs are for teachers who teach kids and not teens or college student, they are one who introduces education to fresh budding minds and it's not easy, one need to understand them like a mother and nurture them, that in long run will make them good individuals"

"Ok, well, you seem to lecture and gush a lot" Jalal said and without waiting for a reply said"you have got high qualification, higher than needed, it's rare to see such people coming for school teacher jobs but qualification alone won't help, we need to know how good you are as a teacher, here I have shortlisted three candidates including you, two weeks will be training period for you and if you turn to be satisfactory as a teacher, you will be appointed, well that will be said after training"

Jodha smiled nodding her head.

"You can either join from today or can come tomorrow for training, one of the other joined today itself"

"I will also join today" a happily excited Jodha said.

No one were pleased with Jodha, they actually made up a mind of not to trust the ability of the teacher whom Jalal appoints as they were sure that in this state of carelessness he won't be making proper decision. And Jodha being the one solely selected by Jalal was not welcomed warmly by the rest of staff.

Jodha smiled as she entered the staff room, a lady was asked to take Jodha and show her school. There was excitement and thrill in Jodha's eyes but she controlled them catching the grim faces of others around.

"Ma'am, this is where you can keep your belongings" she said to Jo

Jodha smiled and kept her bag over there and proceeded to the class as instructed by Jalal.

As she was walking into class tow of the staffs from the school standing near coffee counter was ogling at her. One of the guy whispered quite loud, audible for her ears "she is not that bad dude, look, she is HOT" and both giggled.

Jo hearing this turned and glared at them, her face was gleaming with fury.

"Uffo look getting Hotter" the other said and both gave each other a high five. Jodha who couldn't stand this anymore went straight to them and trashed the coffee in ones hand, the coffee cup flew and the coffee inside it fell on the other.

"What rubbish are you doing?" one of them asked angrily, "don't you know this is school? And here manners are to be followed?"

"Shit! Stop your moralising, how can such people be even taken in school?"

"Madam, you are not even permanent, so for your Job's sake, ignore us and move on" the man who commented first said with an evil look.

"Get the ****** out of here, I have my principles" Jo said and walked away straight to Jalal's cabin.

"Stop her" one guy said to the other.

"Chill brother" said the other rather calmly.

________________

Without even knocking the door Jo barged into Jalal's cabin giving Jalal a sudden jerk.

"What the? How dare you enter like this?" Jalal asked quite surprised seeing the fury in Jo's face.

"People here sucks" Jo said and then she took some breathe and calmly composed herself before giving further explanation.

"Am sorry, I know, I should have been calm at the first place and should have behaved according to the etiquettes" a deep sigh followed and then continued "but it's in my habit that I react so suddenly without even thinking"

Jalal sat there patiently waiting for her to complete, well this was not something which he had in his persona, patient listening before reacting, but somewhere ever since he saw her in the morning, Jo has been intriguing him a lot and like the action of an involuntary muscle his brain and mind paused to listen to her without saying anything.

"Two staffs of this school were passing comments as I was walking into classroom, I wouldn't have been this fury had this happened on the road, in bus stop or anywhere because you expect such cheapos there but in a school that too well reputed like this? I would slapped back had this happened outside, but here I guess it's my responsibility to lodge complaint to management, in future they can even misbehave, no wonder many such cases happen these days..."

"Ok" Jalal cut in "tell me their names"

"I don't know their names but I can say who they are, I mean I can show you" she offered.

"Ok, I will call you, now attended class, am coming with you" he said.

There was an air of calmness with the way he dealt with her. She was impatient and he was cool, his cool and calmness was irritating her as she wanted action to be taken as soon as possible. But he was rather confident in what he was doing though he didn't say anything to her.

Jalal led her into one of the naughtiest class, where kids just do as they feel and never listens to any teacher, in fact the kids by the end make sure that the teacher does as per their wish. He felt it's unfair in his part to give the toughest class on the first day itself but he had an inner feeling that she would manage it and will be a treat to see how. He himself felt so shocked the way in which he was trusting her abilities after all its not even a day since he know her. But maybe, the way in which she carried off the interview have got him impressed he thought. He felt may be its test for his impression also. "Let's see whether first impression indeed remains unchanged" he said to himself softly.

"Good day kiddies" Jo said sweetly and smiling

Kids ignored.

"GOOO ooo ooD DaaY Kidiiiess" she said stretching and making it sound musical and lovely.

Again the kids ignored.

Sitting in the corner of class Jalal smirked at her attempt.

"Hello why no response?" she asked making herself sound sad and keeping a puppy face.

Kids ignored.

She walked towards one of the kid and asked to him softly "what is your name baby?"

"Yikes, don't call me baby, I hate it" the six year old kid said.

"Awe...Why?" she asked

The kid looked at her but didn't bother to reply.

Jo smiled and plucked his cheek and the moved to the other kid.

Jalal was enjoying this, watching her go from one kid to another. Talking to them, getting no response from them but still she smiled and talked to them. The whole hour went just like that and as bell rang, all kids got up for lunch break, to rush out when Jo said.

"Wait wait..." but they rushed off yet she said "see you kiddies morrow"

Jalal was impressed by her patience. He knew that no one could do magic with one single day to the class but she had great patience. Every teacher loses their patience with these kids and shouts by the end of the hour and he knew that constant scolding from all teachers has made these small kids so rough. These kids were his favourites as he was the one who bought them to his school. The kids were bought up in streets and had tough time so they don't tend to behave like normal kids of six years but teachers who come to teach them fail to understand this and give them even tougher time which aches Jalal a lot.

"So you too couldn't manage them? He asked testing her

"Well, need time, within a day to bring change, it's not movie and am not any angel to change within a day" she smiled then continued "but kids are sweet and they need care and love"

He smiled at her

"I know child psychology, you see" she said and winked.

"Why is she always hyper?" he wondered.

The two staff members who have been working there for quite some time has got trust from the other staffs and so they cooked up a story in such a way that Jo became an arrogant girl with high attitude in the eyes of other staff members. And all started gossiping about her in the staff room and when she entered loud gossiping became whispers. The gossip mongers made up stories even of small gestures of hers.

Jodha who was completely unaware of all this smiled and talked with all normally.

___________

"Sir had called a meeting after class" a lady came in and announced. All wondered why, Jodha hoped may be because of the complaint she made.

Whispers poured in and something did really catch the ears of Jodha. She was astounded to hear how some of them were defending the two staffs and telling weird things about Jo. Still she kept her head cool as nothing was decided about the matter.

"Welcome you all" Jalal said addressing every staff "you might know why I called for this meeting, and I am sire talk about this is going around"

All were silent. Even when people talked bad about Jalal when with him no had the guts to speak a word against him, that is the kind of fear they had of him.

"Well, I never knew that our school had such cheap staffs who don't respect woman" Jalal said giving a deadly look at two of them.

Again the whole of the people assembled were silent.

"I will tell the complaint registered against them, in case anyone of you is not aware which I seriously doubt" he looked at Jo and then at the whole people assembled and said "two of our staffs Mr Chopra and Mr Malhotra spoke in foul way to one of the trainee teacher which is not at all acceptable. You might think she can be wrong, but I did a background check up and am sure she is not, still it's not in my hand to take action all by myself, so, a proper meeting would be held as soon as Mirza will be back, but, till then they both can be at their home".

Without even wasting a single moment he gave his verdict and walked out finishing the meeting. Everyone had sceptical expression and many even frowned at Jo, these both guys stood there dumbstruck not believing what they just heard.

One thing Jo got clear after the meeting is that no one here is pleased with her joining.

_____________

"Huh, you are not going home?" Jalal asked seeing Jodha the only one left in staff room.

"Sir, I was waiting to see you" she said getting up as he entered.

"Why? To say thanks?" he asked rather dispassionately and irritated.

"No, but to know where the hostel is, I wish to have a look at the kids in hostel"

"You are not allowed" he said sternly and calmly.

"But my friend said here they will allow" Jo said sounding genuinely sad.

Jalal was worried over some matter and he was getting very irritated by now "who is your friend that keeps telling stories about our school?" He got kind of angry.

"She owns this school" Jo said rather proudly making Jalal look at her like he has just seen a retarded person.

"My best friend BB" she said.

"BB?"

"Bakshi Banu" Jo said giving Jalal another jerk second time the day.

"Good heavens" he said.

"What?"

"No, I mean before you go and complain, I will take you to hostel" he said and smirked as he saw she was not looking at him.

"Great" she said jumping.

She smiled widely, a sign of gratitude of introducing her to the hostel kids, there was happiness, genuine love for kids and pain in her eyes knowing about their plight. He saw her eyes welling up at times and how she wiped without anyone noticing. He smiled catching it.

Standing in the corner of the hostel dormitory he observed her. The crazy lady whom he met in the morning is now like an angel for the kids, talking to them, laughing with them, making all smile and happy. He knew there is no need of any tests for her make her permanent staff, being with these kids and being a part of their joy is all that mattered to him. These kids who were ostracised from the society, born to parents who never wanted them, helpless and homeless, unknown of their own home. During his long travel in and around country, whenever he comes across any such child, he readily adopts him or her. If they have a family or are looked after by organisation he talks with them and with their permission brings them Mumbai. They were his life. And seeing them smile and laugh like every normal kid. He felt nothing he could ever ask from God again as he received what he wanted badly.

Smiling unknowingly he remembered Bakshi's dialog about Jodha during their college days,"My Best friend is a gem of person Bhaijan". At that time he never knew that one day would come when he will meet her and what Bakshi said will turn out to be true.

"So let's go?" she asked

He smiled at her.

She was amused by his smile. One of the sweetest smiles she has ever seen.

Amused she kept on looking at him till he waved his hand in front of her face making her come back to reality.

They walked out of the hostel, silent, both seemed to be lost in some deep thought.

He looked at his watch and saw the time to be late, later than he expected. There was nothing waiting for him but he was concerned for her, it was her very first day and that too came for interview and now it's almost nine at night. He looked at her to see if she was bothered or worried over being late but her face looked serene totally lost in some deep thinking.

"So where do you stay? I will drop you" he offered.

She didn't seem to hear him at first, confused looked at him and he repeated his offer.

"Oh!" her face gleamed like before, joyful and full of life "I stay at a hostel in Juhu, well I don't know Mumbai, so you can drop me" she giggled.

"Well, you seemed you didn't hear me, I said I will drop you" saying he walked towards his car.

_______

"Do you mind keeping quiet?" he asked pretty irritated.

"Me?" she asked keeping a straight puppy face.

"No, am talking to myself"

"Sheeesh... so rude Sir..." Jo said.

He ignored.

For the past one and half hour he was driving and she has not for even once kept her mouth shut. Mumbai traffic was getting worse and to top with a cherry on cake she kept on giving him wrong directions totally confused.

"How long have you been here?"

"Just a day" she said calmly giving him kick on sudden break.

"WHAT? Why you didn't say that before?"

"You never asked"

"Brilliant"

He stopped the car and looked straight to nowhere. He felt exhausted and tired. He felt like a fool making her give directions instead of finding it all by him. She was new to Mumbai, so it was obvious she will take time in knowing the place he thought.

"A day..." kept his head over the steering wheel he sighed.

Jo smiled, since childhood she loved playing pranks with her friends and with Jalal she felt a never before felt connection with which she took the right to play prank over him too. That was her reason for not telling him that she didn't knew way to her hostel and is completely new to the city.

"Sir..." Jo silently called him making him look at her with an I am fed up of life' face.

"Sorry sir..." she said.

"It's ok! It's not your fault... it's my... I should have sense the level of insanity in you" he said making her open her mouth wide open.

He grinned. When she said sorry he realised, she can't be a fool and she purposely didn't say it to him. He then thought if she plays prank then he will play a step ahead of her and grinned widely.

"Give me your address" he said and she produced a piece of paper on which she has written down the hostel address.

"Knowing Mumbai by heart is the best thing about me" he said "just a look and I will know the place".

As he started the car, he gave her one of his classic smirk.

She asked him to keep music to which he nodded.

Soft silent song played as the continued their journey.

Though short, the journey was a beginning of a new journey in both their life. A journey of new beginning, a journey to unleash the past, a journey which was the beginning of acceptance of new things in life, in short it was journey of new hope and new desire. Serene and peaceful.

As the car took a turn to enter Juhu, it drizzled.

Mumbai monsoon's first drizzle of the year.

Coming from a land where it hardly rains Jo was amazed seeing the early monsoon shower. She eagerly looked through the windows and like a small kid started drawing on the window with her fingers.

Jalal through his side view he could see Jodha, he smiled at her antics.

"If you want you can open the window and feel the rain"

Jodha looked at him surprised. Over joy she felt like giving Jalal a hug for this permission, she felt as if he read her mind and offered.

Tilting her head outside the window, she let each drop of rain dig deep into her cheeks, she felt like a man whose thirst of days gets quenched. Each droplets which fell on her had a magical impact, she felt herself being transported to a land of serene peace and heavenly bliss.

Aah! She felt refreshed!

Mumbai seemed like a breath of fresh air for her.

Jalal felt happy seeing her. He felt she was the kind of girl who spreads happiness around everyone and hardly think about one's own happiness. He recollected how she was with the kids in hostel, making each child feel special. Like how rain gives life to plants he felt she can give life to his favourite kids. His thoughts were broken with a sudden shriek by her.

He stopped the car suddenly and gave her curious look.

"What is your problem?"

"Vada pav" she said still ogling at a vada pav stall from the car.

"What?"

"I love them Sir and I am super hungry and I won't get food from hostel...Am super late Sir"

"As if it's my problem you got late"

Jo turned to face and pleaded.

He seemed adamant.

She started pleading and begging nonstop.

"Vada pav in this rain?" he asked finally which was like a ray of hope to her.

"Yup!!!! Yummy "

"Ok" he said "but not from here, I know the best place in Mumbai for Vada pav" he winked.

Jo also smiled.

________

"Man, this is the yummiest Vada Pav I have ever had" she said licking her fingers.

"I know, this is the best place for vada pav"

"I want two more..."

Both Jalal and Jodha were eating as if they have not eaten for ages. They both were excited and kept on ordering vada pav. Jodha always knew that she had huge big tummy to stuff in all the foods in the world yet it never showed... she giggled at that thought.

"You giggle a lot" Jalal said munching the vada pav.

"Can't help. Addicted I Am to it" she giggled again making Jalal also giggle.

"Goodness, I am giggling like a girl because of you" he said.

"But it's cute" she winked.

They both laughed. Paused a second, looked at each other and laughed again.

"Wohooo lets get drenched...It was my dream since college to dance in rain" and without waiting for a reply from Jalal she ran out.

Rain got heavier and heavier and Jodha ran right into the centre letting her have a shower. She stretched out her hand breathed in the rain kissed mud's smell. It was an ethereal feeling.

Jalal still standing inside called her, asked her to come back. He looked at watch it was past eleven but she seemed not to hear. Instead she ran towards him and pulled him out into the rain. When the drops of rain fell on Jalal, he too feel soothed, he felt like how a hot iron melts. He too felt like lot of negativity in him is getting melted away. Slowly breathing out he too stretched his arms and after years welcomed the rain in Mumbai whole heartedly. His face was as calm as a new born baby. Jodha looked at the way he was cherishing the rain and was feeling happy seeing it.

Suddenly from nowhere like a thunder Jalal freaked out. He shivered and he looked like a boy lost in a huge crowd. His face saddened and was at the verge of tears. It was like as if rain wiped out the happiness from his face and burdened him with torture and fear. Not wasting another second he rushed to pick the car and asked Jodha to come.

Jodha saw pain in his eyes. An intense deep pain. A pain of having lost someone. A pain which was beyond repair. Sudden tear crept in her eyes seeing his pain. She didn't know reason for his pain but felt it was something grave and has hit him had.

________

The journey back till her hostel was silent. Neither of them said anything and even the music was off. Jalal didn't want to think of anything and Jodha was thinking about him. She wanted to know reason for his pain not out of curiosity but out of genuine concern towards him. Though she had only known him today, she felt as if she knew him since ages and gave a swift prayer to God asking for the lost happiness in him.

They reached her hostel but lost Jalal didn't realise it.

"Stop, stop stop" Jodha said suddenly giving Jalal jerk for the third time the day.

He suddenly stopped his car and looked at her.

Her seat looked like a tiny pool as she being completely drenched in rain.

He frowned

She giggled as she opened her car door. She smiled and waved him a swift good bye.

He waited to make sure she enters her home safe.

As soon as Jo reached the gate, she turned back, looked as if she forgot something very important in car and rushed towards the car. Jalal gave her a sceptical look.

"Sir, Sir, Sir..." she was panting...

He signalled her to take time.

"Sir, what is your name?" she asked giving out a deep breath, and her voice muffled with the air she breath out made her question inaudible to Jalal and he gave her another questioning look.

"I mean..."Jo now paced down and clearly spoke "we have been talking to each other whole day, in fact this day since we met each other was a roller coaster one, you helped me, I thanked you, so many things happened, it even rained..."

Jalal kept a neutral expression listening to her melodramatic way of speaking but somewhere deep he was enjoying it...

"So I was saying..." she continued "we ought to say our names at least right?"

He looked at her; she looked like a kindergarten kid giving reasons for the need of a lollypop.

He smiled at her and very calmly said "but I know your name, you are Ms Jodha Sharma"

"Uffo, that's because you did my interview"

"So?" Jalal was controlling not laugh, he don't know why but the seriousness with which she speaks of silly things makes him feel like laughing.

"But I don't know your name"

"Oh, so you wanted to ask me my name, why say such stories for it?"

Jalal didn't want to reveal his true identity to her this soon so he thought a while for a name and said "Mohammad"

Jodha seemed waiting for him to complete his name.

Without thinking he said the only name which came to his mind "Akbar"

"Ooh...Mohammad Akbar..." Jo said, smiled and walked into her place.

Jalal smiled, despite the pain he held he smiled. She, he felt was one of the sweetest he had ever seen. Smilingly he drove back.

Jodha silently walked into the hostel. Her thoughts were completely over Jalal.

"I will be eager to meet tomorrow you Sir, Mohammad Akbar" she said stressing the name Mohammad Akbar'.

Jalal's hand shivered as he sat in his room recollecting the day. The rain outside was getting fierce and wild. Jalal's heart wept in pain as he saw each drop falling from sky, each drop of rain brought back the most traumatic memory of his life. The memory from which he was running away, the memory which took his life completely leaving just bits and pieces of living soul to survive every day. Those harsh memories which he wanted to wipe away yet he couldn't, he wanted to save the good moments yet like a shrewd arrow these memories strikes him.

He went near the window of room, opening the window he looked out. Drops of rain fell on his cheeks as he stretched his head out for the rain to fall. As those droplets of water fell on his cheeks, he closed his eyes, keeping one hand on his chest he slowly whispered"Ruquiyya"

Memories drifted back, there was a time when he used to laugh and play pranks, where he always woke up looking forward for the day. Each day was magical and each day he lived his life. Stress where there, upsetting things did happen but always there was solace for him, his love, his beloved, Ruquiyya. Even when they fought, they couldn't stay away from not talking to each other. One way or the other they patch up always.

He smiled remembering those good memories of his life, those memories which will never come back, and those memories which will remain just memories.

How like a fairy tale was his life, full of happiness and joy, it seemed for someone who sees Ruquiyya and Jalal together that nothing can go wrong with them, they looked like a blessed couple. Ruquiyya was his childhood friend, his first crush when they were in high school and later his girl friend.

He smiled again remembering the first time he asked Ruquiyya out.

"Everything was so good right? Then why fate played such a dirty trick?" Jalal yelled to the empty sky, asking for an answer, as he uttered each word, the pain of losing love could be felt.

Tears rushed down his cheeks, blood like tears, he knelt down and wailed "Ruquiyya why you have to leave me? Now whom do I have?" As he said each word it was stammered with his wailing and his pain. "Even, if destiny wanted us to be apart, why such a cruel way?"

Jalal cried, wept and wailed like a small baby. He had lots of pain deep in heart and never could he vent it out. Whenever it rained he locked himself up the room, escapism was his method because he feared something unknown. Today he got the courage to face his fear, the fear which was locked up in his mind since the death of Ruquiyya.

He broke down and prayed as tears fell down, prayed hopelessly hoping for a morning where he will wake up afresh and happy like once he used to. He prayed like a bad nightmare everything should vanish. He prayed to God begging for happiness, he prayed for fresh air to breathe in, he prayed for Ruquiyya's soul and suddenly slept off. Even in sleep one could hear his sobs and silent uttering of Ruquiyya and prayers to God.

Next day morning Jalal woke up as the rays of sun directly from the open window hits on his face. He slept on the floor and the sun's rays were on him disturbing him from his soothing sleep. He rubbed his eyes and opened them but the glare of sun rays fell on his eyes that he shut them as soon as he opened. For a second, he didn't realise where he is and what happened the day before, but then he could recollect everything that happened yesterday night and surprisingly didn't feel the pain he expected to feel. He was sad and upset but then he felt the pain that haunted him all throughout is not there. Then he closed his eyes and made a swift prayer and opened the eyes in the hope that God has heard his prayer yesterday. He smiled, and walked towards getting ready for school. This time he didn't look like the lost Devdas' but like every normal human being yet the Jalal' in him is not yet back. He never expect that Jalal to be back also.

________

On the other side Jodha was completely lost in Jalal; she knew there was something bothering him yet was not aware of what. Yesterday she saw a glimpse of how he was when he let out himself in the rain but then the pain which suddenly came and drew him back disturbed her thoughts completely.

Suddenly a beep from her phone brought her back to senses and she looked at her mobile. A smile came to her face seeing BB's message early morning.

The message read like:

Ssup babe?

Jodha smiled again and then suddenly thought about Jalal came up to her mind, so she thoughtlessly replied.

Am thinking of Akbar Sir

Not even a second was passed after Jodha left the message Bakshi's reply barged in.

What the? Who's Akbar? Someone from school? And not even a day is passed and ua in some lala world! Huh?????? :O

Jodha giggled reading Bakshi's message and typed back

;) will meet up and tell ya everything :P B-) getting late for school.. textya later ;)

XOXOXO :* <3

Jodha knew none of the staffs in school held good opinion of her, yet she decided to befriend everyone. She didn't want to be felt like an alien she thought and said to herself "may be at least I should give a try in befriending everyone"

She smiled as she entered staff room, her smile was genuine and all could feel that, seeing her smile at them after knowing none of them stood by her when wrong happened to her made them all feel awkward. She silently went and stood in her place and arranged everything out there.

One of the staff came towards her and said

"Hi, I am Aisha!" and extended her hand towards Jodha.

Smilingly Jo shook hands with her.

Aisha continued speaking "am sorry, I knew they were wrong, they once commented badly to me also, yet I couldn't stand by your side"

"It's Ok! I am happy, at least now you came to me" Jo smiled.

"You are very nice, yesterday I even saw you handling those kids, and you are indeed a good teacher"

Jodha was curious on hearing appreciation about her teaching, she understood hearing Aisha that, all have made up their mind in the conclusion that Jodha was not a good teacher.

"Why? I mean why you felt before that I am not a capable teacher?"

Aisha was hesitant in giving the reason, yet she said "because the person who selected you, no one trust him"

"Why?" Jodha asked automatically knowing something related to Jalal is coming.

Aisha pulled her chair towards Jodha's chair and said almost like a loud whisper "see no offence to Sir, he was very good and capable person but ever since death of his love, he lost interest in everything and makes decisions thoughtlessly, it's that Mirza Sir is compelling him to work".

Jodha could feel the gossiping instinct in Aisha's voice for which she didn't wish to continue talking about Jalal to her, yet to know what happened to Jalal Jodha asked "what happened to Sir's love?"

"Same usual story, she was forcefully married off to someone but those people were not good and she died. Sir's belief in love is gone. We have our sympathy towards him but that doesn't mean we will let him spoil the school with his thoughtless decisions, but you are good Jodha"

Jodha gave a vague smile and hurried outside staffroom saying she has got something to do. Jodha was getting really uncomfortable hearing about Jalal's story that too in way where there is no genuine emotion for Jalal's loss. She felt bad for Jalal and was now able to feel the reason for his pain which she saw yesterday. She didn't want to hear anything more from anyone, she felt may be one day Jalal himself will tell her the reason. Thinking she took a deep breath and walked aimlessly in school corridor.

Each day in school for Jodha was an adventure ride, especially with those kids. Finally she managed to break the ice and kids to everyone's surprise became cordial with her. Yet Jodha knew that there is lot more to do and she has successfully climbed the first step in this ladder. Every time she thinks of school, she is reminded of these kids and a smile pastes on her lips and suddenly without any control her thoughts shifts to Akbar... She muffles slowly... "What a Royal name" and grins...then her face go sad and eyes droops down when she remembers his story. "Sometimes it's good that I never knew what love is". But she feels sad, a sadness which she is reluctant to accept when she talks of the good thing in never falling in love.

________

"Betraying your own heart?" BB asks with smirk.

Jodha who was so lost in her thought blankly looked at her.

"Jo, you are my best friend and I know you better than anyone, I know your upset of something but What, that is my question"

Jo munched in the cheese sandwich which was kept in front of her and avoided Bakshi's question.

"You need anything more dear?" a voice from distance distracted Jodha and she turned to say a No but before Jo could saying anything BB barged in saying "Yes..One orange juice"

"Whoa? What's your problem?" Jo sounded exhausted.

"What is the problem with you? Why you're getting so irritated for nothing?"

"I don't know"

BB moved and went to sit near Jodha; she held her hand and gently patted on her shoulders, keeping her arm around JO, she asked "tell me, when I will be of use to you?"

"I am happy BB, I enjoy being with kids but then whenever I see Akbar Sir, I don't know it makes me so uneasy...I feel sad for him but I fear my uneasiness has got to do with more than mere sympathy towards sir" Jo paused for breath and continued "I avoid thinking of it but today am feeling bit awkward sitting in your home"

Bakshi smiled genuinely and caringly "But why, it's my home dear not Akbar Sir's" she looked for Jo's expression and feeling Jo is bit relaxed she continued "Or may be his house will be near" and giggled.

Jo gave a glaring look and laughed...They both laughed like insane souls for no reason.

"Well! You know Jo your sir's story is quite similar to my brother's!"

"Ooh! I wanted to meet your brother" Jo said quite excited, the admirer in her rouses up with excitement. "I have lots to say, about school and everything"

"About your school?" a perplexed Bakshi asks

"Yes! Why, if not to him to whom shall I ask?" even more purpled Jo asked

BB was not able to understand what Jo was saying and she continued to stare dumbly at Jo when suddenly Jo said "wait, I told you am working in your school, you didn't hear that then?"

With a sudden jerk BB looked at her, this time her surprise knew no bounds... "Whooa...Oh yeaah..." Bakshi lied, why even she didn't knew and making an excuse to get some coffee she went to kitchen.

"So Jo is in our school and she hasn't met Bhaijan, and who is this Akbar...I have never heard of this man and why is his story also like that of Bhaijan... Allah! Is he and bhaijan same but the bhaijan who plays pranks is no longer...but what if he is..." Bakshi was busy talking to herself in clearing the confusion when suddenly the door bell rang.

__________

"Bhaijan, you shouldn't have bothered to come"

"No, Mirza there is lot to discuss about our school" Jalal said thoughtful.

Mirza smiled, he was happy seeing his brothers interest in school after long time and that to a change which happened in short span of time! Mirza swiftly thanked God and nodded his head to listen to what Jalal has to say about school.

"Well, you know a lot happened in your absence"

"Yes, I can see it" Mirza giggled slyly.

Jalal gave him a curious look and Mirza shook his shoulders.

Jalal started giving a detail account of school's report and in the middle of this report he said about the suspended staffs who misbehaved with Jodha.

Mirza was full ears and was hearing in detail everything which Jalal was saying.

"I will open the door Ammi" saying BB rushed to entrance.

Jodha was busy munching and she ignored the bell, while BB feared whether Jo will open the door and sees Jalal. Then whatever the reason was for Jalal to lie, his lie will get exposed and Bakshi didn't want it to happen. Bakshi knew that her bhaijan without any reason or purpose don't lie if not for fun sake which she clearly doubted to be the reason.

"Bhaijan...my friend is here" Bakshi said as soon as she opened the door and both Mirza and Jalal looked at her stunned as if what is the problem if her friend is at home and why on earth she is so panicked.

"So?" Jalal asked.

"Jodha..."

"Jodha...?" Both Mirza and Jalal asked in unison.

Mirza was now accustomed to Jodha's name as all through the school report which Jalal gave, there was frequent mention of Jodha's name.

"You never said she is Bakshi's friend" Mirza asked turning to Jalal.

"But Mirza bhaijan, Jo don't know bhaijan is bhaijan" BB said exhausted.

"What?" Mirza asked

"Both you keep quiet and please tell Ammi too, will you Bakshi? Don't call me bhaijan, I am just an employee of yours" Jalal said looking for Mirza's approval.

After the journey all Mirza wanted was to take rest, so without thinking and without asking further question Mirza nodded a yes. And Bakshi feeling it's not the right time to question Jalal went to Hamida to warn.

_____

"Jo, meet my bhaijan" Bakshi said pointing to Mirza.

Jo assuming Mirza to be Jalal greeted Mirza with great respect and admiration. Mirza was quite impressed by Jodha that he turned and gave a wink to Jalal. A disinterested Jalal looked up the ceiling and all what passed between Jalal and Mirza, Jodha's sharp eyes didn't fail to capture.

"Akbar sir, you here?"

"Yes! I came to pick up and drop sir home"

Jo suddenly turned to face Mirza, she smiled and bowed a Namaste. She mistook Mirza for Jalal and with eagerness she said "Sir I am your big fan"

Mirza who just need a sleep after this tiring journey nodded and with a smile excused himself and walked into his room.

Jodha felt little bad in receiving such a response from a person who she admired since the day she has heard of him, yet she made herself understand that he had his own personal reason and might not be feeling good. Then she looked at Jalal and said "Sir, thank you"and turning to Bakshi said "ok, am leaving, catch you later" and went.

As soon as Jodha left, Bakshi looked at Jalal stunned because she never has seen her friend like this, what is the reason for this sudden change, Bakshi felt whether Jodha understood that both Jalal and Akbar is same person. But Jalal though little surprised guessed the reason behind Jodha's behaviour.

He recollected how Jodha gushed about him in the interview and he understood that Jodha mistook Mirza for him and like a typical fan was about to praise Mirza, but Mirza gave a royal ignorance and left. This hurt the fan in Jodha and she just wanted to escape.

Jalal smiled at Bakshi and assured her that nothing is wrong and asked her to get him a cup of coffee.

A completely confused Bakshi went in to get coffee.

"Wait, wait, wait...I need Masala chai" she cheered making him stop the car abruptly.

He turned to face her, and with an irritated look he asked "would you mind doing me a favour of leaving this car?"

Keeping her face as if he is speaking to someone else, he continued to stare at the tea vendor outside, on the road.

"But I love tea and am hungry"

"Why just limit yourself to tea, go have a full course mean and come" Jalal frowned.

"Insensitive fellow" Jo muttered

Jalal rolled his eyes

"Why you looking at me as if I kidnapped you" Jodha asked

"Someone kidnapping me would have been much better option" Jalal sighed and started the car giving Jodha a sudden jerk.

"Stop talking like that" Jodha said

"Who began? You are getting so hyper, you ever kept your mouth shut since you got in?"

And all of a sudden, Jo went silent, she realised that she has been acting way too weird since few days especially when she is with Jalal or rather for her Akbar. She keeps thinking about him and in school often bumps in front of him, and then continues thinking. When he calls her to tell something regarding school or asks her about the performance of kids, she goes hyper and continues talking nonstop and senseless matters. Just like how it happened today. When all of a sudden she got an order to go to Pune to attend a meeting held for teachers of all schools of the state, she felt little nervous to take such a huge responsibility of representing the school and when she was planning of how she will travel, Jalal came in saying he too is going with her as it was his duty too. She sighed feeling relieved that someone will accompany her but then suddenly her relieved state of mind drifted away and she frenzied. An unknown feeling crept in her and she wanted to escape, escape from something, from that feeling, from Jalal, from many things yet nothing. And in her attempt to hide and escape that feeling she keeps talking, talking nonstop of things which doesn't even matter.

"What happened? Why suddenly silent" Jalal asked and smiled seeing her thoughtful face.

"Ah, nothing" she said not even hearing what Jalal asked.

________

It was Mirza's plan to send both Jalal and Jodha to Pune. At first Mirza himself wanted to attend the meeting as it's a very important meeting and he didn't want to risk it but then suddenly a thought struck him, he felt like sending Jalal and Jodha together. He understood that it was Jodha whose impact is creating such changes in his brother. The brother whom he left and went changed drastically on his return and Mirza very well knew that little more then he will get back his old Jalal back.

On discussing matters of school and other important events, Mirza understood that unknowingly Jalal is getting affected by Jodha and it is she who is lighting the dull life of Jalal. Though they never talk about staffs, but in every matter they discuss somehow Jalal brings in Jodha.

If Mirza talks about food he had during his trip then Jalal will talk of the vada pav he ate with Jodha, when they talk about climate, Jalal will recollect the rainy evening they spent. Moreover of they talk of crimes happening around then Jalal will remind Mirza of the staffs who misbehaved with Jodha.

Each time Jalal brings name of Jodha, Mirza smiles, he smile slyly and think of how to make them both spend more time. It was then it struck him to send both of them to Pune.

"Who knows on return Jalal will be changed man" Mirza said to himself and winked.

__________

"Ms Sharma, please get the reports ready before we enter the seminar hall"

Half lost in her own thoughts; Jodha nodded her head and continued to stare outside the window.

"So agreed?" Jalal asked knowing very well Jodha didn't hear a single word he said.

Still lost Jodha nodded a yes.

"Ok, so be ready" Jalal said emphasising word ready hard to make her attention turn to what he is saying.

"Oh, fine..." Jo started saying recollecting herself "but for what?"

So badly Jalal wanted to keep a stern and angry face but seeing Jodha perplexed and terrified expression, he had no control over his laughter. Right there in front of her he started laughing hard and each time when he took break from his laughter to look at her, he laughed harder.

On the other hand seeing him laugh like a maniac Jodha was feeling light, her nervousness and her unknown emotion was getting ease and she found herself getting lost in his laughter. Her eyes twinkled and unknowingly she smiled.

"So what? Why are you looking at me like am some cartoon?" Jalal asked in between his laughter to which Jodha gave an abrupt nod.

"Ok, Okay... Enough of your silent nods...well we have seminar and meeting in an hour, please prepare the report. I have given you details, I will be down" he said and walked out. As he was walking out, Jodha could still feel he is laughing.

Jodha gathering papers he gave and pulling out her laptop started to work on the report but each time she think of how to move ahead with words, she feels her throat dry and her thoughts wandering aimlessly. His laugh got imprinted in her memory that she keeps on getting lost in it.

"What is my problem, concentrate Jo, just concentrate" telling she with great difficulty focused her thoughts to the papers...

_______

"Seems so happy Jalalludhin" an old yet wise looking gentleman asked on seeing his smiling face.

"Mr Chaudhary, no nothing special, feels like breathing in fresh air after long time" Jalal said smiling genuinely.

"Good to see you like this, young man" The old man said and excused himself and walked away.

"Whose it?" suddenly from nowhere Jodha's voice came in making him alert.

"Who? Mr Chaudhary? An old friend of my father"

"Why he addressed you as Jalalludhin?" Jodha asked sounding confused

"You were spying on me?"

"NO!"

"Then? He didn't addressed me as Jalalludhin, may be your admiration of Jalal Sir is making you hear his name always"

"But..." before Jodha could complete what she was saying, he went away smirking.

"I no longer admire him, he doesn't seem to be the kind of person I assumed him to be" thoughtfully she said recollecting her meeting with Mirza and assuming him to be Jalal. "But you seem more like what I have heard of Jalal..." Jodha continued under her breath.

____

The meeting went well; everyone seemed impressed by the presentation which Jodha presented. Jodha there befriended some nice people and with them went on for a city sightseeing after the meeting. She asked whether Jalal wants to come but since its only ladies and he had met some of his old friends and colloquies there, he kindly refused the formal invitation of Jodha's.

"So brother, you seem to be back on track" a young man of jalal's age asked.

"Really?" an amused Jalal asked, but his face had got back the old charm and glow which went missing since Ruquiyya's death.

"May be I should have come over to meet you people early" he said but even as he said that he knew he was lying, he knew during those time he could have never even thought of leaving his room or staying away from the kids. He knew he was slowly able to move out and is feeling happiness; he could sense him changing to better much before they came on trip. Though deep in his heart he could feel that presence of Jodha has affected him to change he shall never admit to it.

Ever since he met her, he was amused by her character, they way she mistook him for someone else and they way she unknowingly praised him in front him made me feel happy and he had an unknown pleasure in playing prank with her. He didn't know when he will reveal to her that he is Jalal or will she find out, but as of now he enjoyed this and didn't want to make her know the truth.

_____

"Why are you looking at me as if I did this on purpose?"

"Nothing"

"You know what Ms Jodha Sharma, you should have listened to me and started early, instead of shopping around, then we wouldn't be here standing in the middle of a deserted road at night"

"I love seeing new places" Jo said curtly

"We came here not for picnic" an irritated Jalal said.

"Why blame me? You too seem to have had great fun with your old buddies"

"Jealous that I had fun and you had to bear gossips from your newly found friends?"

"Oh shut up! I don't wish to talk to you" saying Jodha went and sat inside the car. She put on her ear phones and started listening to songs with volume of her phone kept high.

Story So Far

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Cmon yaaar new new threads open toh kartey

Lekin usmein updates KAM aur Comments Zyadaaa hotein hai ... i dont get this

BTW plz yaar update soon & PM me plzzz