FF: Pale Blue Dot (Chap 10, page122 14/10) updated - Page 61

Originally posted by: hemakeerti

Stop your melo drama darling.. If I don't have any work tomorrow in office.. I'll update tomorrow night itself.. 😉

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

What tomo?

🤣

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

😆

Originally posted by: hemakeerti

a simple continue and thanks for all 8 chapters.. how should I respond yaar 😕😆

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

😆


She likes your story very much that's why asked you to "Continue"..

and She wanted to "Thank" you for this wonderful story..

So now you simply say "You're welcome" 😉

Originally posted by: varshaakulkarni

🤣 ... jahnuuu u r surrounded by all crazzyyy peeps ... isnt it ???😆

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

😆


She likes your story very much that's why asked you to "Continue"..

and She wanted to "Thank" you for this wonderful story..

So now you simply say "You're welcome" 😉

Originally posted by: varshaakulkarni

🤣 ... jahnuuu u r surrounded by all crazzyyy peeps ... isnt it ???😆

Chapter 9

28^th March, 2014 08:00PM, Regal Infra

"..arre yaar.. let's think rationally. Yes, I do remember pale blue dot mantra, but that doesn't mean you give a damn to your parents' advices, take wrong decisions and repent later. Anyways this discussion is never going to end if we keep on blabbering like this. Let's talk something fruitful or," returning from washroom to her cabin, Jodha continued, "I'll start now. I'm getting late and I'm the only one left out in office," her voice sounded a bit higher indicating the frustration that started simmering within.

"But Jodhu, how can you leave in middle like this. You know how delicate this matter is to Anu, if we are not going to help her, who else will do. phir bhi tum..", Sravanthi interrupted Jodha, expressing her dissatisfaction at Jodha's frustration.

"I know Shravz, I know how delicate this issue is. That's the only reason we are spending hours talking this, trying to persuade her. But she is not ready to buy in," having stepped into her cabin, she fervently reposed in the chair and leaned forward on the desk rubbing her temple.

----

"What is she doing so late?" passing by Jodha's cabin to the main entrance, he halted on his way, as the partly opened door is transmitting her words out.

----

"Yes Jodhu. You all are talking as if nothing is serious and it's a common issue. But, put yourself in my shoes to understand my situation," still not convinced with her friends' recommendations, Anu complained adamantly.

"le.. phir se wahi baat," wiping her face with palms to subdue her vexation, she breathed deep, pulled the speaker of ear phones nearer and ushered in a low convincing tone, "Anu, we completely understand your situation ra, but you please calm down and try to discern what we are saying. Taking divorce saying that we are not compatible', he is too egoist', he is too dominating', ye sab hamare bass ki baat nahi hai dear. Divorcing for petty issues might go well with THOSE high profile MAHAAN brats, but not for us. Breaking a relation might not be serious for them, but it does matter for us. Ok fine, you answer me, what does these people achieve by divorcing for ego or so called self-esteem issues? One day or the other theyll re-marry and what if that person also has similar or even worse complexes. Will they divorce and marry again? Kab tak chalega ye sab. At some point of time they'll be forced to compromise, right! If they do it then, why not now? Just give some space in relation dear. That's what I was trying to say from last two hours."

----

"Divorcing for petty issues might go well with THOSE high profile MAHAAN brats," this statement of hers ceased him from knocking the door, as he returned to ask her the reason for staying late. Unfortunately that casual comment and the following ones, took an unperceived ill-turn forcing him to misinterpret the intention behind them. Driven by offense he receded his hand from door, darted a steely glance at her and made his way out to exit.

----

Totally unbeknown to the scuffle her words initiated between her boss and she, she proceeded with her perorate. "So please stop being influenced by your rich, ladli cousin, Anu. If she divorced for similar reasons doesn't mean you should follow. We are with you, aunty-uncle are with you, we'll help you sort out your issues dear."

"Jodhu is right Anu, don't heed to your cousin. Divorce is common these days, but better think well before taking a decision. I agree with Jo that you should give some space to your relation; after all you've been married for just a year and a half. What's wrong if you wait for few more months before taking a significant decision," Priya asserted firmly seconding Jodha's opinion.

"Yes Anu, meantime you accept that new job offer in New York, may be this distance can help you sorting out these issues. You'll be away for 5 days and meet only on weekends, what if this creates some magic between you both. What say girls?" Samyu came up with her advice, to which all other girls avowed their approval.

Enticed by her friend's proposals, Anu gave up her adamancy. "Ok Samyu, I'll follow your suggestion, but I have no hopes that he'll miss me if I'm away. I'm observing him for one and half years you see. On top of it, what if he is happy with this distance?"

"Then I too will join you in kicking him out of blue, OKAY? And for heavens sake, stop being negative and please proceed with this plan meri ma," Samyu begged ardently making others giggle loud. "It's not funny idiot and I'm not negative. I'm just looking at other side of coin too. Fine as you say girls, I'll accept this offer, I'll stop expecting him to think & act like me, I'll try not engage in arguments, I'll put all my efforts to fulfill this relation, I'll shoe my rich cousin's vile preaching off and what not. Phew, any thing else that I missed out?" Coming out of despondency, Anu pouted cutely waning off the prevailing tension among the friends for past two hours.

"Thank god finally you are back to normal," Sravanthi heaved a sigh of relief. "And any tough or dull moment here on, you first call us than sitting alone and pounding your head with nasty thoughts. Samjhi!" she didn't mind literally warning her bewildered pal.

"Of course Sravz, I didn't share this earlier because situation wasn't acute then. Also I didn't want to bother you all, as you guys are pretty burdened with your own tensions. And Jodhu, I tell you, if he is not going to mend his ways even after my trials, I'll leave him to you and your counseling. Bewakoof will then realize that my arguments are much better than your bhashans . He will come running to me from you clutches", Anu sweetly chided her bestie for the way she counseled her.

"BHASHAN! You call it bhashan devil," packing her bag, Jodha sarcastically retorted her pal. "But, it's not my fault either. Agar sunne walon ki kanon mein mom bhari ho, tho mein kya karu," listening to a few giggles and a few threatens at that comment, she continued with contended laugh "Anyways, you send him to me for a session. I'll make him pay for persecuting our dearest devil."

"Sure, sure, waise Jodhu don't you think our Pri is lucky in this aspect? Karthik seems to be completely FIDA on her, hai na girls?" back to her frivolous mode, Anu initiated a new teasing session with an impish grin.

"Arre.. why are you pulling me and Karthik in between? Moreover there is nothing like fida wida, he is no Shahrukh yaar," before anyone else responded, Priya try to brush off the topic, feigning to be casual though she blushed deep thinking of her man.

"Ahcha.. madam wants sharukh huh? Then leave Karthik to me, I can adjust," Sravanthi replied instantly making Priya scream loud, "To you? Poor Karthik, you'll make his life a mashed potato and I can't do that to him. I can give him to Jo or Samyu, but not to you idiot!"

"Wow, Pri I'm ready. But don't count on Jodhu, she doesn't need anyone know."

Halting at the filter for a glass of water before exiting the office, Jodha questioned in surprise, "What do you mean Samyu?"

"I mean you got SOMEONE more interesting, exquisite, enchanting than Karthiks or Rahuls, who is also becoming part of our phone talks and FB chats, uhu uhu," Samyu coughed mimicking Madhuri in Hum aapke hain koun while others too joined with a "hu hu"

"You are absolutely right Samyu, I'm still lingering on that SOMEONE's' entry.. wah, bande ne kya entry mara hain yaar, tune mari entry yaare dil mein bhaji ghanti yaare," Sravanthi started singing while Samyu, Anu and Priya joined in chorus, "Tan tan tan!"

"Kuch tho sharam karo ladkiyon. You are talking about a MD of a company and moreover a married man," Jodha replied in disgust listening to the ongoing farce.

"So what, married but divorced na, so line clear," Anu continued with teasing.

"Ayyo, am I that bad to go after a divorcee, girls," scanning herself from tip to toe, Jodha strongly condemned.

"No darling you are not bad, but what if he is TOO GOOD?" Sravanthi questioned with a naughty snigger. "Hot, Handsome, multi-talented, rich," stressing on every adjective she uttered, she moaned huskily, "Haa.. with all these qualities his marital status takes a back seat for me."

Rolling eyes at her friend's idiocy, Jodha curtly replied, "Fine then, let me introduce him to you and you can try him for yourself." Getting out of the main door, she continued, "I'm no competition to you and NOW I'm seriously dropping off this call. My ears are literally fuming," though her volume was normal, it echoed in the lone corridor making him peek at the source of the sound. Walking towards the elevator, she saw him waiting there; Stupefied by his sudden appearance, she hastily disconnected the call ignoring the shouts of her friends from the other end. "Think of the devil and here he is. What is he doing so late? Hope he didn't hear our banter." Feeling slightly embarrassed to meet eyes with him, she let out a sham smile and his response was no lesser; a very short-lived stern smile crept on his face, reflecting his thoughts, but unfortunately she is so mused in reliving her conversation with friends that she failed noticing the difference in his smile.

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

April 14^th, Village Restaurant, Bangalore Central Mall, Jayanagar

"Abdul and vegetarian restaurant, what a stark contrast! Why did you call me here all of a sudden?" Slipping off the coolers, Jalal seated before his awaiting friend.

"You better ask Sara when she comes. I have no clue," Abdul replied with a casual shrug and they indulged into a casual discussion on Regal', Four wheels' before Sara joined them. "Sorry guys, thodasa late hua", sitting beside Abdul she gulped down a whole glass of water, and wiped her face with a tissue saying, "It's too hot today".

"Excuse me, what thoda sa? We're waiting here for last thirty minutes," Abdul quipped. "So what!" she shrugged coldly and retorted, "Before marriage, you used to wait for hours in front of my college gate, hope you still remember." Mocking a grave face, Abdul exhaled solemnly, "Ah! I hate it when you remind me of my mistakes Sara!"

"Mistake, huh?" pinching him hard, she turned to Jalal complaining, "Look at him bhaiyya, how mean he is! Before marriage, he used to wait with out complaining, fulfill all my wishes. What ever I ask for his head always used to nod in a YES, and now after marriage it always nods in a NO!". Well aware of the risk in taking anyone's side in such situations, Jalal zipped his lips and refrained from commenting all the while smiling.

Taking advantage of her comment, Abdul quickly riposted. "Not exactly dear, you try asking me, "Abdul, do you want to be free from me?" and see how my head spins," winking at his friend, he span his head making Jalal burst into laughter while Sara grew wilder. Grabbing a fork from the side plate, she tried pounding on his ribs stealthily, but Abdul seized her hands in time saving himself from the attack. "God, I now understand why you have so many patients and the secret behind your business. Don't have a patient, fine, make one!"

"Sir your order!" disturbed by the waiter's presence, she had to stop countering that allegation; returning to her decent form she quickly placed the order asking the other two for their choice. Before Sara resumes the scuffle, Jalal diverted her attention questioning, "By the way, why did you call us here suddenly Sara?"

"Because I love this resto's food," stretching her legs, she leisurely replied with a wry grin. "You are making us eat ghass-poos for your pleasure, Sara!" Abdul exclaimed in part-disbelief, part-disgust making Sara retort cutely, "Vegetarian is good for health hubby. Spare some chicks and shrimps once a while!"

Giggling at the couple's antics, Jalal interrupted before Abdul counters and they again start arguing. "If it is a casual meet, you'd have called on a weekend or for a dinner Sara, not on a weekday for lunch. Now tell me the actual reason." Pleased by his shrewdness, Sara smiled wildly saying, "You know me better than Abdul, my dear bhaijaan. Ok, the reason I called you is, our hospital is planning medical camps in remote areas of Karnataka and we are seeking donations. Whom else can I loot first other than you two?"

Displeased by the word donation, Abdul made a sour face repelling, "Donation again? You looted 1 lakh from each of us just four months back in name of donation dear and you are asking again!"

"That was for a kid's surgery Abdul, and this is altogether different," giving up on her husband, she asked Jalal with cutest of her expression, "bhaijaan, you tell me. You'll help me right?"

Darting a don't-agree warning stare at Jalal, he ushered - "Don't fall for her sweet talks Jalal, I warn you. Waise Sara, I don't understand one thing, why should you go for donations all the time? Half the money in your chairman's Swiss account is more than enough to adopt whole of Karnataka. Go and smack him first. Saala, paisa logon ka aur naam unka," munching on the starters, he smirked sarcastically.

"Uffo, Abdul. He is also donating 2 lakhs personally. Moreover, I don't bother about him, for me, my contentment matters. Can you imagine how many poor people are going to be benefitted by these medical camps? Bhaiyya, we are going to do free check-ups, blood tests, but medicines cannot come for free, right? We are collecting money to buy medicines and distribute for free."

"Very noble initiative Sara. I'll give you the cheque, you fill in what ever amount you want" touched by her words, Jalal assured willingly making Sara overwhelmed with happiness. "Thanks bhaiyya, so sweet of you," casting a see-and-learn-kanjoos kind of glance at Abdul, she pulled her starters plate and demanded for his cheque. "It's in office yaar, I don't roam along with cheque book in back pocket. I'll give it at home."

Facing Jalal, he couldn't help retaliating in dismay, "Regal is in debts, Four wheels is mortgaged and here you are distributing blank cheques? If our plans go wrong, we two will be seeking donations very soon!"

"What ever be the crisis Abdul, we can never deny Sara, right! And our situation is not that bad that we can't lend a lakh!" Jalal convicted with his usual smile to which Sara hi-fied him in glee. "That's my brother. Moreover, help others and Allah helps you, as simple as that. Now stop worrying and enjoy your ghass-poos, hubby." With an endearing smile, she winked at Abdul making him smile and fall for her once again.

--------

Taking in the first spoon of fuming hot vegetable biryani, Jalal's eyes casually peeked at the entrance, to catch sight of a delighted Jodha walking into the restaurant along with a handsome young man. In a pale yellow netted salwar, with French-braid hair, she looked as beautiful as ever, but there is a strange happiness on her face that made her gleam brighter. She looked very cheerful talking to the man beside her and they straight away headed to the take away counter.

"Your order is almost ready mam. Here are the curries, veg pulao, and rotis. The naans are yet to come, please give us ten minutes. Meantime would you like to order some drink or dessert?" the counter guy politely asked packing all the food into bags. "Yeah, one tuity-fruity ice cream and..," she looked the guy for his choice and he replied, ".. and a coke." Having placed the order, they returned to an empty table diagonally opposite to the table Jalal was sitting.

------

Listening to Abdul and Sara, he noticed them sitting opposite to him, with her back facing him. Presuming the handsome guy as her friend, he didn't bother thinking of them and returned to his conversation.

----

"So how much money was gathered altogether?" sipping on his coke, the other man continued their chat. "Nearly 70 lakhs bava. Papa and maa's insurance amount was around 45 lakhs and bade papa managed to collect 25 lakhs. I was really thrilled by the way he mustered such a large amount just in four months, of course, that included his personal share too, but still, 25 lakhs in 4 months is something beyond my imagination," gulping down the mouthful of tuity-fruity, she professed in delight.

Smiling at her excitement, he adoringly glanced her saying, "Your intentions are righteous Jo, so everything happens in your favor. I was awestruck when you said you are starting a trust, but thanks to bade papa, it materialized and today Mama's wish is going to be fulfilled. I'm really proud of you, but I feel very bad that none of us were with you during the mishap. Papa was only physically with us but his heart was always here," he caressed her hand gently in an apology for his family's absence during the demise of her parents.

"That's ok bava. That was very unforeseen situation. I didn't want you all rush to India leaving akka(sister) alone during her delivery time. Though you were not physically here, you all talked to me daily on phone na. Chalo chalo let's stop this discussion here, else I'll start crying now and people will think you misbehaved with me," lighting up the mood, she smiled faintly.

-----

"Who can he be? So close that he can touch her?" knitting his brows into a thinking frown, he receded his gaze from them but he couldn't concentrate further on Sara's banter.

---

".. and I'm very excited for today's inauguration bava, it'd be worth watching peddamma adorning the chairman chair. She'll be completely busy hereon with trust activities. Bade papa was very relieved with my decision of making her chairman, saying that she'll now have no time to experiment all those stupid recipes shown on TV". They laughed their heart out, completely ignorant to the effect of their giggles on a disturbed soul sitting a few feet away from them. Interrupted by a waiter who handed over the check and large bags of food, they composed themselves and thanking him they picked up the bags and left the restaurant.

-----

"What happened Jalal?" perceiving his friend's creased brows and narrowed eyes, Abdul questioned him inquisitively following the direction Jalal was staring. "Nothing Abdul, someone seemed familiar," he lied and focused on his plate wondering, "Every one is busy with work in office and here she is happily roaming with a friend applying a leave. Hmm!!" He could apprehend that he is definitely disturbed, but was unable to decide what bothered him more - She freaking out bunking office or She freaking out with another man bunking office.

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

May 5^th, Regal Infra

".. thanks to our references in senior management of Ericsson that Regal is considered for designing their new offshore development center in Bangalore. They generally outsource only construction to Indian infra companies, but for the first time they are out sourcing architectural design too, to a non-Swedish firm. We have two more competitors in this venture, so I request you all to put in your best to crack this deal. We have got only two months in our bag and I hope you all understand the exigency and be judicious in your leaves for the coming two months. This is a paramount opportunity for us, we should pour in all our efforts to bang it at any cost, for, it smoothens our entry into international projects." His base voice echoed in the utmost silent conference room making the fifteen members in the room glitter with excitement and anxiety. "Sure sir," "we'll do our best sir", and few other vivacious assurances flowed in for the next two minutes cheering up the air.

"Such a prestigious project! We'll be having very exciting and busy days ahead then," friskily raising her brows, Jodha murmured low to Divya. "Of course, that also mean extended working hours and no leaves", Divya responded with an edgy smile to which Jodha patted on her hand saying, "Chill yaar. It'll not be that hectic also, we are fifteen members now and no foreseen occasions to avail.." she halted abruptly as a forgotten fact whacked her out of blue. "Arre yaar, Priya's marriage!!" her heart skipped a beat as Priya's deadly warning reverberated in her mind, ".. there wasn't any engagement ceremony, so thank me for saving a day for you. I'll inform you as and when the marriage date is fixed and if you are not going to be with me for all the three days, remember girls, no one can be worse than me."

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