FF: Pale Blue Dot Thread 2 (Chap 14, page1 21/11) updated

Banner credit to my dearest darling Kalgi who startled me out of blue with her masterpiece. Kal, You know what!! You are highly magnetic!! You pull anyone towards you with your magnificent silent hunars !! Love you so much.. muahhh!!

INDEX

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 11

June 6^th, Priya's residence, Hyderabad, 1:00am

"... uffo Jodha, office work again? For god's sake, give a break", having changed into a comfortable night suit after hours of carrying heavy lehenga, Priya screamed at her bestie unable to tolerate any sort of intrusion in cherishing the last few hours of her spinster life.

"Almost done Pri, just 10 more minutes! If I finish this and email Divya, it'll be helpful for her to continue with the next phase tomorrow!" without diverting from the laptop monitor Jodha replied.

"Ah, why do they bug you when they know you'll be busy here. And you too, you should learn saying NO Jodhu. It's not good to be too saintly!" repulsing her friend's generosity, Priya chided masquerading a grave face.

"Saintly? Me?" the assimilated lady tittered looking up to her pal, "Prii, by calling me saintly, you are insulting the ACTUAL pious souls on earth, for say, like our holy cow Pooji," she admonished pointing to Pooja who's busily folding the pile of sarees and lehengas the friends unburdened a while before. "I'm just being practical. Divya can get it done by others in the team as well, but by the time she explains them the background and elucidate what to do and how to do, a day will pass off. So it's better either she does it or I do. Anyways, you should have a complaint only if I worked amidst Sangeet, I didn't do that!!" resuming the business, she counter attacked with an impish wink.

"He he, Pri indirectly Jodhu ordered you to shut up and let her do the work, hai na Samyu?" Sravanthi construed adding ghee to fire, while Samyu and Pooja chuckled aloud.

Baffled by her wicked friend's interpretation, Jodha flung a pillow at Shravz screaming, "Idiot, stop being a lady Narad. Why don't you go and help Pooji instead of lazily rolling on the bed?"

Not bothering to budge an inch from her place, Sravanti quipped looking into her phone, "Nah dear! My astrologer warned me not to work today from 10:00pm to 6:00am."

Pinching her lazy friend hard, Samyu beseeched, "Same pinch my dear senior kaamchor. But tell me how are you managing work at office? What's the secret?"

"Ouch.. uf, uf" rubbing her arm in anger, Sravanthi howled, "You devil, cut those nails first. I bet you'll make your hubby run for life every night!" "He he he,,", the rowdy girls broke into buoyant giggles at that piquant wit catching the attention of retiring old souls outside their room. After receiving a first warning from Priya's granny, the girls silenced for a few seconds sealing their lips.

Too adamant to give up, Samyuktha repeated her question, apparently in a low tone this time. "Tell me Shravz, how do manage in office?" Casting a poor-Samyu kind of smirk, Sravanthi revealed the secret. "Why do you think I work Sam? There are many bakaras available in market who work at the expense of a girl's smile, fortunately I have few in my project too."

"You devil," knuckling on Sravanthi's head, Priya piqued, "When you are so lazy, why to do that job? Resign and sit at home." "Ahaa, find someone who pays me for sitting at home; I'll happily do that. I have to earn my expenses till I officially find my personal banker," she winked evilly urging the gang to giggle.

With eyes on the laptop and ears on her friend's chatter, Jodha hastily winded up her work and set aside the system after emailing the project to Divya. "Haa.. ", resting leisurely on one of the mattress, she pleaded in a tinge of laziness summed with extra dose of cuteness. "Priii... Rasmalai please"

"Uffo, Rasmalai ki deewani.. ", lovingly rebuking her pal's sweet craving, Priya left the room to accede her yearning. Watching out the way Priya immediately complied to Jodha's wish, Samyu rolled her eyes. "God, anybody should learn from you how to be sooo sweet Jo." Hi-fi-ing Samyu, Sravanthi also seconded, "Absolutely right Samyu. I'm sure even Rasamali turns diabetic once Jo tastes it!"

Securing the neatly folded clothes in the cupboard, Pooja settled beside Jodha smiling at Sravanthi's banter, "just like someone uses their smile to get things done!" and hi-fied Jodha. Before the riled duo retorted, Priya interrupted with a big bowl of rasmalai.

Waiting no further, Jodha attacked on the sweet getting lost in its taste. "mmm.. sooo soft, sooo yummy! I miss this taste guys, somehow Bangalore sweetshops failed to please me with their Rasmalais. This is just heavenly!" Enticed by the softness of Rasgulla, the other four quickly charged on the bowl, fearing Jodha would empty it in no time. Just when Sravanthi was about to devour a spoonful, Jodha promptly pulled it to her and gobbled. "Your astrologer warned you not to work from 10 to 6. Did you forget?" Killing her friend with steely glares, she took another piece from the bowl stating, "I condone astrology from 1:20 to 1:30" and quickly gulped down before someone else impeded. Again the girls only room reverberated with a fresh set of giggles alarming Priya's still awake mom. "Arre chatterboxes, enough of rant for the day. Sleep now, I'll wake you up by 4:30 mercilessly."

1:45 am

The lights dimmed and a serene lull strewed the wedding home, but sleep was nowhere discernible in that vibrant room. An unfathomed anxiety reigned amongst the girls as the clock ticked fast beckoning the biggest day of their friend's life.

"Excellent sketch Jodhu, it manifested Pri and Karthik's proposal moment marvelously. Pri you are lucky!" Pooja complimented recalling the sketch Jodha gifted to Priya. "Hmm, I don't know how luck I'm. But currently I'm damn nervous Pooji, I'm trembling thinking of life after wedding," Priya disclosed confessing her fidgety mental state. "Woah!" Sravanthi exclaimed in surprise, "Am I hearing this from THE FIRE BRAND of our group? I didn't expect this from you darling."

Smiling at Sravanthi's remarks, Pooja clarified reminiscing her own state on pre-wedding night - "You are mistaken Sravz, these pre-wedding blues are inevitable, be it be firebrands or holy cows". Muddled by her experienced pals citation, Priya grumbled. "Then how to get out of this state Pooji? This anxiety is not allowing me to sleep". Squeezing Priya's hand in solace, Pooja replied. "Only remedy is to bear it and wait for the time to pass Pri".

"But you know Karthik and his mom very well and you are very comfortable with them, then why this tension Pri?" Samyu questioned wondering her friend's plight.

"You are right Samyu, but I don't have an answer. This feeling is strange, may be I'm overthinking. From the day we talked to Anu, I have this sick feeling, what if Karthik too changes after marriage like Anu's husband. You remember what she said that day - "Before marriage all guys act goody-goody, you get to know their true self only after marriage" "

A brisk tranquility levied in the room as none of them had a prompt reply to pacify their friend. "How confident are you that YOU'LL not change Pri?" stabbing the respite, Jodha's question darted as a dagger, astounding the rest. "What do you mean Jo?" the instantaneous head turn and raise of Priya from the mattress on her elbow, conveyed her apparent perplex. Prudently framing her thoughts, Jodha calmly turned to her bewildered pal, repeating the question in same conviction. "I mean, can you guarantee that you'll be the same forever? He is a Tamilian, you are Telugu, he's a vegetarian, you a non-vegie, you are Ms. Fire and he is Mr. Cool, there is such a stark contrast between you both. Today you are willingly strolling into a new culture, but how confident are you that this willingness will last forever? Are you sure you'll not regret your decision in future?"

Intrigued by her friend's pragmatic suspicions, Priya turned numb for the following moments. Warily revisiting her relation with Karthik and his mother, she answered the keen consorts. "Mm, I believe culture is not going to be barrier between us Jo. Karthik and aunty accepted me the way I am and they are not of the kind who enforces their customs onto others. And I'm not that rigid to tune to their traditions, so I don't foresee any hardships in this relation."

"Acha, how do you say that they accepted you as is?" the amused girl smirked raising her brow, whilst Samyu, Pooja and Shravanthi curiously turned to Pri waiting for her response. "Kaise matlab, I never had to pretend to impress them. Even after six months of friendship, I didn't realize they were pure vegetarians. Like an idiot when I cooked chicken and carried to their home, aunty preferred tasting it without ado, as she didn't want to hurt me. Thank god, if Karthik hadn't stopped her, I'd have carried the guilt of making her eat non-veg for the first time all over my life. She had every right and reason to refuse, but she didn't do that, you see. It implies she pardoned my ignorance and wanted to keep me happy. What can better prove that they both accepted me with all my flaws? Coming to me, I love Karthik means I accept and respect his values equally."

"Haw.." yawning loud at that long explanation, Jodha leisurely rested her head back on the pillow. "Someone who frets at a question even after knowing the answer is called a fool in our town. Now that you got your answer, you better sleep and let us sleep, else beautician will charge extra bucks to cover our dark circles tomorrow". Just before she finished the last word, she swiftly pulled over the blanket to escape pillow shower and fist war from agitated souls.

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

June 10, Jodha's residence, Bangalore, 8:30am

"Jodhu, see how tired you are looking. Why don't you apply leave and take rest today? From four days you'd not have slept properly. Bangalore to Hyderbad, Hyd to Chennai and back to Bangalore, uff such a tiresome trip, I think you need proper rest," Prameela caringly chided the young lady who's busily getting ready to office.

"Even I'm dying to sleep peddamma, but what to do, project is in final phase. So I have to go," braiding her hair fast, Jodha replied viewing Prameela's reflection in mirror.

"You'll not be able to concentrate in such state Jodhu. Do one thing, sleep for few hours and go from afternoon, you'll feel fresh," Saradhi roped in time with his expert advice. "But papa..", before she could complete, Prameela dismissed the discussion passing her verdict. "But wat kuch nahi, Badepapa is right. You text your manager that train got delayed and that you'll come from afternoon, what can he do?"

"Ayyo, my manager is not a fiend that I should lie. But personal responsibility naam ka cheez bhi hota hain na. I already availed two days leave while others are working. It's not good on my part to extend it more Maa," with a darling smile, she tried to persuade her badiammi, but the trick showed no effect on the stubborn lady. "You need not be sooo responsible at the cost of your health Jodhu. Just do what I say, come on, sms your manager", saying so she handed over the phone and literally stood beside Jodha to check the message.

Having left with no option than to heed to her badiammi's order, Jodha texted Raj - "Hi Raj, feeling unwell, will be coming from afternoon - Jodha". Relaxing after the message being sent, Prameela hastened the duo to the dining, "Chalo, let's have breakfast aaram se."

----

Winding up the breakfast with ample updates on two marriages, Jodha headed to her bedroom texting Divya of her late arrival. Meanwhile Prameela returned with a glass of water and a tablet saying, "Take this pain killer Jodhu. You'll not be able to sleep properly with that periods pain." Without much ado, Jodha accepted it as the pain was intense and she too craved for a sound slumber. "Put your phone in silent mode; else your office people will keep calling you as if the world has turned upside down," Prameela sweetly reprimanded and left the room allowing her daughter to rest.

Stretching her back on the bed, Jodha felt heavenly lying on a proper bed after four tiresome days. As she closed the lids inviting sleep, all the lively events that transpired in last four days during Priya's and Kiran's weddings replayed in her mind. She sighed deep thinking of their good time on pre-wedding night, inherently longing for the next occasion to meet her friends.

"How confident Priya is about Karthik!! Her eyes gleam in pride taking his name," she admired. Reviving the manner Priya sincerely performed Tamil rituals at Karthik's home, she wondered, "Seems marriage spells an instant magic, it brings in a overnight maturity. Pri looked totally new following new customs without any qualms. Does love have such an impact on people?" rolling aside on the bed, her musing continued, "If it were me, will I ever be able to accept a man very different from me or my culture? Who knows, jab khud ka number ayega tab pata chalega..", smiling at her thoughts, she closed the lids tight welcoming sleep to take over.

2:00pm, Regal

"... Boss announced WTC conference room as the venue and then, yeah, we discussed on who'll give presentation to clients. Waise, can you guess who?" Divya merrily raised her brows surmising Jodha's exhilaration. "Mohan, who else?" diffusing Divya's jive, Jodha casually replied candidly scanning the integrated designs. "No, second chance," Divya said hoping to get a right answer this time. "Is it Raj?" pouring water on her colleague's excitement, Jodha coldly replied. "No budhu, it's you!" having lost faith on her occupied pal's guessing ability, Divya revealed excitingly anticipating the same reaction from the latter. "Me?" with no signs of thrill or excitement as her pal expected, she appeared pensive. "Who suggested my name?"

"Raj, who else? And everyone in the meeting agreed to his proposal," she narrated the discussion during team meeting that morning, while Jodha endured silent speculating the reasons behind Raj taking her name for such an esteemed presentation. Though she exerted no qualms in taking up the task, she decided to talk to Raj for once.

"Why are you silent Jo? Are you nervous?" Divya inquired skeptically, but Jodha dismissed it with a smile, "No Divi. I'm wondering if Mohan is not offended by this announcement. Being senior, he might be expecting this opportunity."

"Not at all Jodha, he seemed genuinely happy. If Raj announced your name, there should be appropriate contemplation behind it," Divya asserted brushing off Jodha's dilemma. "Fine, if everyone is happy, me too happy. By the way, what are the updates in my absence? Did boss come to know of my leave?" she asked eagerly expecting an answer in her favor.

"Oops, Jo wo kya hain na, actually in today's meeting he asked for you, but before I could manage, Ramesh blurted that you were on leave for two days. Ofcourse, I later covered up saying you are sick and informed that you'll come from afternoon. Anyways, he didn't seem affected, so chill," Divya assuaged recollecting Jalal's ACTUAL momentary grim gaze after hearing the news. She deliberately skipped sharing it, as she didn't wish to impair her friend's delight.

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

June 19^th, Jodha's residence, 10:00pm

"Don ko pakadna mushkil nahi, namumkin hai..", the angry young man of yester years, the super star of Bollywood is mouthing the most popular dialogue with innate grace from the 56" LED screen.

"Jodhu, what time is your conference tomorrow?" settling in the adjacent couch, the elderly advocate questioned the young lady engrossed in dribbling superstar's performance. "At 10am badepapa, I'll start at 8:00 so I'll be free of traffic jams," she quickly answered and returned to TV screen.

"Why do you want to go by scooty, take your car? You'll look withered by the time you reach WTC!", Prameela suggested once again, as she is not pleased with her decision of going by Scooty to a client meeting.

"That's my sentiment peddamma. My Scooty is part of all my accomplishments till date. Had it been possible, I'd have cargo-ed it to Bangalore too to attend Regal interview. I'm so very attached to it, you see. Tomorrow is a big day for me, and how'll my day flourish without my pinky darling? As for my looks, don't worry, I'll touch up at WTC," she playfully lifted her brows in an attempt to convince the repulsive mom with her senti-talks.

"Fine then, as you wish," Prameela ended the debate with a give-up smile and left for the kitchen. "Jodha, you better sleep now, you'll feel recharged after a good sleep," badepapa suggested grabbing the remote resting on center table.

"Just half an hour papa, will sleep then. Please don't change the channel now, your news channels run 24/7 with same repetitive news, you can watch it after 30 minutes, pleaaase" she pouted cutely enforcing him to heed to her request.

Just before she refocused on Big B, Chinmayi started singing Ban ke titli dil uda' on her iPhone. Flustered by the disturbance, she looked for the caller to decide whether to attend it. Glaring at the unfamiliar number, she ignored the first few rings owing it to some wrong dial, but as the phone buzzed continuously she picked it up to answer.

"Hello, Jodha?" a known-unknown voice enquired from the other end.

"Yes, who is this," trying to deduce the voice, she sounded dubious.

"Hi Jodha, this is Jalal!" the baritone echoed in her ears taking her by surprise. She quickly peeked at the screen as in confirming the caller, but being ignorant of his number, she closed an ear to focus - "Pardon, who's this?"

"Jodha, this is Jalal!" this time the pitch is loud enough to thrash her doubts. Swiftly rising up in sofa from the sleeping posture, she faltered in addressing. "oh, haa, hello sir, one minute please" patting her forehead for the goof up, she darted to her room leaving her badepapa confused.

Closing the door behind, she composed her breath before actually answering him. Guessing the reason behind his sudden call, she calmly responded, "ji kahiye!"

"What are you doing?" browsing some random sites on his laptop, he questioned casually. "What?" wondering if he actually called to ask this question at such an hour, she skeptically replied - "Nothing much, just watching a movie."

"Oh, ok. I called in to confirm if you are well prepared for tomorrow. You don't have any questions or concerns, right?" he plunged into actual business without further dither.

"mm, not any Mr. Jalal. Whatever doubts I had, I got them clarified in yesterday's mock presentation. I don't think I have any now," she assured remembering previous day's session with Raj and team.

"Yeah, Raj told me you were confident, but I just wanted to be sure," he clarified his stance for dialing up.

"Oh, ok," she replied silently stretching her legs and leaning against the bed headboard. Unsure of how to proceed further, both of them stayed put for a few moments. Battling his hesitations, he finally opened his heart out - "This project is very important to me Jodha," he paused a minute to array his thoughts in a better pragmatic and appealing manner, while the recipient remained silent amazed by the profundity in his voice. "The entire team rendered a fabulous job in last two months and tomorrow is THE DAY to emblazon your efforts. Tomorrow's meeting is the only fortuity we have to showcase your assiduity before clients. I wish you stay strong and confident and deliver your best."

Those bonafide wishes from the most unexpected and the perceptible fervor behind his statements endowed her speechless. Wetting her throat to satiate the simmering jittery, she honestly requited. "Sure Mr.Jalal. I promise to give my best and not let y.." she quickly checked her words and continued, "let the team down. I believe we'll end tomorrow's session on an extremely positive note."

Appeased with her assertion, he didn't want to bother her anymore with his fervid talks. Henceforth, he drifted to an informal conversation to lighten up the piety, "Great! So which movie are you watching?"

"Big B's Don, it's aired in Sony max," the instant reply hinted him how excited she is about that movie.

"Aha! What if I promise to gift a DVD of Don to Ms. Jodha tomorrow and request her to hit the bed right now, as her rest is more important to Regal's business?" he graciously witted stressing on Ms. Jodha rewinding how she calls him Mr.Jalal.

Dumbed by his sudden mood swing, her jaw dropped in shock. "What happened to him? Is he in his true senses or do teen pegs chale gaye andar!" amusing the new avatar of her boss, she swiftly smiled, "Ofcourse Ms. Jodha would oblige, even without the gift!"

"Thank you, I'm honored," he acknowledged cheerfully making her chuckle harder.

"So good night and see you tomorrow," he bid farewell for the day earnestly waiting to watch the performance of his charming employee the next day. "See you, good night," she returned the greeting with an endearing smile and waited for him to disconnect the call.

---

"Uff, an hour of hesitation for a five minute talk!" wondering at his ego that inhibited him from calling her for last one hour, he self-chided. This call is important to him as he thirsted to convey the prominence of tomorrow's meeting for Regal's future. He knew his personal note would definitely bring the desired effect on his employees.

---

"Did he call now to encourage me or to warn me to be careful in tomorrow's meeting?" predicting her boss's intentions behind this sudden gesture; she rubbed her phone against the temple. "Huh, he is no less than a Don, isko samajhna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hain!" giving up the weary thoughts, she unlocked the mobile to save his number. Just as she was about to type in Mr. Jalal, a naughty idea crept her mind, "Nah, his contact can't be so simple," pondering over a suitable name, she typed in "Don" against his number and sniggered.

----

"Good night peddamma, good night badepapa!" Having mused enough recalling his voice, she stepped out of the bedroom to wish the relaxing couple goodnight. "Goodnight?" surprised by the abrupt greeting, Saradhi retorted, "Someone was hell bent on watching Don a few minutes ago, what happened now?"

"Wo, actually what happened is ," she quickly thought of an excuse, "haa, realization. I just realized how disobedient I was by dismissing your advice badepapa, so rectifying myself now," she shrugged with a vivacious confession amazing the elderly duo.

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

June 20, 8:00am

"Peddamma, I'm starting," wrapping up her daily prayer, Jodha entered the living room shouting to her badiammi engaged in kitchen. "Coming Jodhu," Prameela yelled back pouring a portion of hot kheer into a bowl.

Seizing the Scooty keys, she started packing her backpack and whispered to her badepapa, "ahum, ahum, today's breakfast menu, dosa with Avocado chutney, for your information lawyer ji," she naughtily smirked hinting him to be prepared.

"Avocado chutney again, good lord!" as the tormented husband worried sick, the frisky young lady blinked in confirmation.

"Jodha, have it," puffing the spoonful of kheer to cool it down, Prameela offered with all her love wishing good luck to her daughter. Side hugging her most adorable badiammi, Jodha thanked for the kheer and the blessings.

"Bye badepapa, bye peddamma," waving hand at the enchanting couple standing at the main door, she put the helmet on and kick started her pink partner.

8:15 am

"uff, these school and college buses are no less than RTC buses. They stop anywhere on the road as per their wish!" jig-jawing through the morning traffic of school buses, she gagged. "Why didn't Divi call yet?" peeking at the mobile lying in Scooty basket, she wondered.

Just then, a five-year kid with school bag on her back, flechetted out from her home waving bye to her mother and flashed a few feet before Jodha's scooty. Ignoring the shouts of her mother to wait, the little devil turned back to laugh at her mom's tension and dashed to the school bus parked on opposite side of the lane.

"Heeyyy...," a loud scream, a sudden brake and an abrupt turn of handle bar saved the little angel from a massive massacre, but Jodha had to bear the penalty as she glided along with her lucky vehicle for 50feet before it halted.

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

Chapter 12 - Part1

"Heeyyy...," a loud scream, a sudden brake and an abrupt turn of handle bar saved the little angel from a massive massacre, but Jodha had to bear the penalty as she glided along with her lucky vehicle for 50feet before it halted.

"Kuttiii...," the frightened mom cuddled her baby into a tight hug and screamed to her husband calling him out. Thanks to the early hours, there is no heavy traffic on the lane that'd have augmented the misery. Two men walking along the pathway curtly stopped on their way, watching the gliding young lady and swiftly sprinted to her rescue.

"Aaah..," she moaned shutting her eyes as the heavy vehicle thumped on her knees. The kid's father and the other two men hastily lifted the vehicle, while the kid's mother took Jodha's side for help. Once the vehicle is unloaded from her, she felt relieved and managed to sit with support from the other lady. "Are you ok?" the lady questioned in trepid scanning Jodha all over. "I'm ok," she replied low, removing the helmet.

The worried couple helped her to get up and stand straight. Though she fluttered initially as the legs turned numb due to unexpected incident, she composed herself soon. "Thank you so much amma. You saved my daughter today. We are extremely sorry, are you fine? You are not injured, right?" the lady questioned fast exhibiting her concern. Smiling faintly at the tensed mom and the innocent kid, Jodha assured, "Its ok. I'm fine, please don't worry. Hi baby, are you ok?" she lovingly patted the kid's cheek.

"uu..", nodding her head in response, the little angel murmured, " akka.. blood..." pointing to Jodha's elbow.

She swiftly glared at her hand, only to find a long scratch across the elbow that started turning red with slowly oozing drops of blood. "Ayyo it's bleeding," the lady shrieked in fright catching hold of Jodha's left hand. "That's ok, not a serious wound, please calm down," assuaging the frightened lady, she placed the helmet on parked Scooty, and began dusting her dress; that's when she realized the scraped pyjama exhibiting fresh bruises extending above and below the left knee. Though the knee length white anarkali top is successful in covering 90% of the chafe, her lucky dress getting wrecked on such a day dabbled her sentiments. "pch, my lucky dress," she fretted more for the worn pyjama than the injury.

"Arre, you are badly wounded. Please come let's go to a hospital," the kid's father suggested worried by the bleeding scratches. She quickly checked her watch to decide if she got enough time to visit a hospital. "8:40am," she sulked glancing at running time, "It'd take minimum of thirty minutes if I go to a hospital and then thirty more minutes to reach Brigade Road. No, no, I don't have that much time; I should be at there by 9:30 at any cost, else they'll get tensed. First let me go to WTC, then I can think of rest," she winded up the streaming thoughts and cordially dismissed the man's offer. "That's ok ji, I have a meeting today and I should be at WTC by 9:30. I'll manage, please don't bother."

The grateful father didn't seem convinced by the young lady's rebuttal. "But how will you drive with these injuries? There is a small clinic nearby, just in the adjacent lane. There'll be a nurse or a compounder readily available, if not a doctor. Let's get your wounds dressed quickly, and then I can drop you at WTC. You'll not be able to ride Scooty in this state," he persuaded her by talking sense.

"Yes amma, don't say no. Please go to hospital first, later my husband will drop you wherever you want," the lady affirmed asking her husband to bring their car. The other on-goers too insisted her to visit a clinic first.

Embarrassed by the continuous pleadings and increasing head turns, Jodha decided to buy in their advice. She wanted to first inform Raj of the incident and a possible delay - thence she looked for her mobile in the basket. Aggravating her situation, the device was nowhere found in the place it was supposed to be. "My mobile..," swiftly searching around, she ushered - "I placed it in that basket."

"It'd have fell down there, where your Scooty first skidded," one of the commoners suggested pointing to the spot before the kid's home. She quickly ran to that place accompanied by the kid's father. Without much ado, she spotted the black piece lying on the ground. "Thank god," moving back to her vehicle, she sighed thanking her stars, but the relief didn't last longer. "Uff, what happened to it?" she fretted trying hard to switch on the dead piece. "Come on please please," she silently prayed watching her attempts go futile in restarting the device again and again.

It was then the actual tension started simmering in her stomach. She looked at her watch once again, "8:47..." she gasped fast. "Can I use your mobile once?" she asked the observing man who readily shared his phone. She immediately grabbed it wishing to call Raj, and gain a grim reality hit her hard. "What is Raj's number?" she rubbed her forehead trying to recollect, but she couldn't as she never memorized for once.

"Mohan, Divya, Jalal, whose number you remember Jodhu? Think fast," she tried her best to recall at least one of her peer's numbers, alas, only their office extensions sparked in her mind. She tried recalling Divya's number, as it is supposed to be a more often dialed contact than other colleagues at office. Pressing the numbers that flashed to her, she fervently wished it be right. "The dialed number does not exist. Please check your number and dial again, " the recorded message echoed viciously shoving her hopes.

"Let's go to the clinic first, you'll get late otherwise", having observed her growing anxiety, the kid's father hurried. "Ok, ok," dispensing her intention to convey the incident to any of her colleagues, she decided to head to the venue first. Thanking the commoners for their help, she followed the couple along with Scooty, to secure it at their home. "If a nurse is not available, I'll ask him to directly drop me at WTC," she determined.

Having parked the scooty, she unhooked the backpack to check on the laptop. "Thank god, at least this is fine," greatly relieved on its wellbeing, she waited for the car to arrive meantime talking to the baby.

"Ouch!" a fresh rumble of pain forced her to look up to the bruised leg; the oozing droplets of blood started smearing the snug fit white bottom turning it to an un-presentable form. "How do I present myself in this smudged pyjama?" she panted. "I need to change this, but I don't have enough time to go home and change."

Pondering over the best possible ways to deal with the dress, she glared at the watch, "8:50, it's too early for the shops to open," she breathed deep to placid the butterflies whisking her stomach. Perturbed by the arrival of car, she took leave from the lady and the kid in a thankful smile.

"How else can I manage without a change of dress?" she reasoned, but the instance her eyes landed on his mobile placed on car mobile holder, a timely thought ignited her brains. Requesting the man's permission to make a call, she dialed up her home landline. "Pick up peddamma, pick up," growing impatient with each ring, she whiffed. "Hello," the addressing from her peddamma never sounded this heavenly to her before. Wasting no time further, she promptly asked, "Hello peddamma, did Ranga come today?"

"Yes Jodha, why, what happened?" the elderly lady inquired in perplex. "Nothing, please send my black and red full sleeve salwar with Ranga immediately. Ask him to get my car and also give me his number. I'll tell him where to come," without revealing the details, she put it simple, throwing the bewildered lady into more confusion. "What happened Jodhu? Are you ok?" she questioned in evident fret. "I'm perfectly fine maa," assuring her, she swiftly thought of a valid excuse. "wo kya hai na, my scooty tire is punctured and its leaking oil too. That oil spoilt my dress, so please send him fast maa, else I'll get late to meeting. Give me Ranga's number," she hurried up without letting her peddamma to overthink or cross-examine her anymore. "Hayyo, I told you to take your car, see what happened now, ok, ok, this is Ranga's number," mouthing the mobile number on phone, she brisk walked to Jodha's room to pack the dress.

9:10am

"Hi Mohan, morning. Is Jodha too here?" entering the lounge of reserved waiting hall, Raj greeted Mohan. "Good Morning Raj, she hasn't come yet. She might be on the way. Let me call her," saying so he dialed Jodha's number.

"Her mobile is switched off Raj", having tried two times with no luck, Mohan reported. "Strange! May be she is driving and network is not reachable. Let's wait." They were about to proceed to the waiting room, when Jalal and Abdul made their entry just in time.

"Hey Raj, Hi Mohan. It's been too long since we met, right?" shaking hands with them, Abdul winked. "Yes Abdul, sleeping partner doesn't mean you should be way too sleepy. Please make time to visit Regal too," Raj playfully retorted. "Ha ha," smiling loud at the quick wit, Abdul replied, "See that's why I'm here today. So, are we all set?"

"Yes all set. We are awaiting Jodha, she's the one who'll be carrying the presentation today. Jalal! any news on Nina, Marketing manager and AMM?" Raj inquired.

"I asked the marketing manager to escort our clients to WTC and AMM is on the way. She called me 10 minutes back and informed that she'll reach before 9:30. Nina is at Sheraton coordinating breakfast arrangements," Jalal explained glaring at his exotic Hublot.

"See how shrewd your MD is, Raj! He sent a marketing manager to escort; it's like two birds at one shot game plan - The clients will be impressed by this personal gesture and also our Marketing Manager will best use the travel time to give an earful of our company's achievements in his extreme sweet talks. Wah, what an idea!! When you have such a clever MD, what is my need in Regal Raj?" Abdul quipped patting on his friend's shoulder. Chuckling at his wit, they proceeded to the reserved chamber to wait for the clients to arrive.

---

"Madam, don't strain your leg today. Please take complete rest, else the swelling would burgeon", winding up the dressing, the duty nurse advised her. "Oh, but I have a meeting today, I probably need to stand few hours," peeking at the bandage, the antsy patient sulked.

"But how can you stand in pain?" the nurse surmised. "Can you prescribe some pain killer? I have no other choice than to manage myself for few hours, later I can take proper rest," she pleaded earnestly. Glaring pensive at this stubborn patient, the nurse checked for a sample in doctor's medicinal chest. "Pharmacy is not yet open, this will help you," she said handing over a strip of Ibuprofen.

"Thank you so much, sorry that I had to rush you in dressing. Thoda urgent tha, isliye.. anyways please take this," handing over a Rs100 note to the nurse, she thanked her once again for the timely help and got out of the doctor's room. "How are you now?" the kid's father eagerly asked glaring at the bandage on her arm. "Much better," she answered in her appealing smile. "Your driver called just now, he'll be here in two minutes," he informed bringing huge relief on her tensed soul.

"9:15", gulping down her anxiety along with the pill, she glared at the large wall clock hanging behind the reception desk. "Ranga", she yelled to the vivid young driver who was asking for her at the reception. "What happened madam? How did you get injured?" terrified by the bandage on her hand, he immediately questioned. "Will tell you later, give me that packet first," squeezing the packet from his hands, she ran to a nearby washroom simultaneously checking if it is the same dress she ordered for.

9:20am

"The number you are trying to reach is switched off", ending the call Raj nodded sideways parting his lips in 'tch'. "Did she inform anyone before she started? May be Divya?" Jalal inquired speculating the reason for her delay. "No sir, let me call Divya," Mohan reacted in time.

"Hey Mohan, I was about to call you. Is Jodha there? Her number is not reachable," the counter question from Divya weakened his hopes. "No, even we all are waiting for her. I'll inform you when she's here, by the way do you know her landline number or any other contact?" Receiving a No from Divya, he disconnected the call pondering over other alternatives to get whereabouts of his missing colleague.

"Clients will be here any time and no signs of her yet, how careless," he fumed within masking his rage. Meantime, the AMM joined them wishing good morning.

---

"Ranga will drop me at WTC and on return he'll collect my bike from your home. Glad that you forced me to visit this clinic. It's really helpful, I feel very better now. Thank you and see you," thanking the kid's father once again, they got into the car to drive off to the venue.

"Ranga, do you know any alternative route to WTC? We may get delayed if we take the main road?" she anxiously questioned. "Yes madam, aap phikar mat kijiye. I'll drop you there by 9:40 at any cost. You relax", assuring his fret master, the vivacious chauffer pressed the accelerator down.

"Great yaar! By the way don't leak this accident news to anyone at home. I'll personally tell them in the evening. You take my Scooty directly to service center, don't take it home, ok," she warned ensuring all precautions to hide the ordeal till she returned home.

9:37am

"Your this decision is going to cost you high Jalal. Do you think you can get away with a simple Talak?" Aaliya's haughty threaten rattled his mind. He is absolutely normal outward smiling, chatting with the clients hosting the formal breakfast, but a volcano of emotions is blazing his mind.

"Any news?" his eyes silently inquired. "No," Raj's lips silently answered.

"Two serious facts about Swedish Jalal - Coffee and time. They are very punctual in business meetings and expect you to be likewise; and serve them best of the coffee possible. Make sure you impress them high, and I promise I use all my power to bag this deal to Regal," the innuendo of his Ericsson contact constantly vibrated in his grey cells.

"Why Jodha? Why are you doing this? I personally informed you how important this deal is to me and you still do this?" he raved in angst.

"What is the alternative if she is not turning out today Raj?" Abdul texted Raj and Jalal, promptly thinking of a solution. After a momentary thought process, Raj replied, "I'll do it myself. I have the presentation with me as well."

----

"None of my lucky partners are with me now; my Scooty, my mobile, my dress. Why Baba, why me and why today?" a lone tear escaped her eye as she constantly stared at Baba's idol. "My confidence is completely dampened. In this low state, how am I going to face the clients?" she grieved closing her eyes.

"This project is very important to me Jodha", his base voice echoed in her ears awakening her from hovering blues. "Yes Jodhu!! You HAVE to cheer up. You can't smash someone's hopes with your silly sentiments. Think positive, you are almost near the venue; you are making it on time amidst all the havoc. Your Scooty can be repaired, mobile can be restored, dress can be resurrected. But beware, if this opportunity is lost, you have absolutely no ways to amend it," she self-hypnotized recharging her deaden morale. Taking a deep breath in, she opened her eyes with boosted spirits. Surprisingly, Baba is smiling to her bestowing all his love on this child- at least that is how she perceived.

*********

Chapter 12 - Part2

9:45am

Excusing himself from the clients on the pretext of arranging the systems for presentation, Mohan stepped out of the executive dining room. He tried once again calling on her mobile with no luck, that's when he spotted her brusquely running searching for the right conference room. "Jodha," he yelped so loud in elation that he never minded how unprofessional he sounded. Highly relieved on seeing him, she ran fast happily ignoring the head turns.

"What happened? Why are you so late? What happened to your mobile?" the flow of questions was endless, but she signaled him to stop, gasping hard. "Met with an accident and mobile is dead", her broken words explained the physical run and the inherent tension she went through in search of the conference room in that gigantic unfamiliar building.

"Accident? but how? Are you ok?" he questioned anxiously. Controlling her breaths, she swayed her head and raised her palm in yes-ok gesture. "Will tell you the details later, shall we join them?" she asked leading to the adjacent dining room, when Mohan abruptly stopped her. "They'll be out in 5 more minutes, let's set up the projector. Come fast," he hurried her, simultaneously texting Raj of her arrival.

"She's in," the SMS from Raj had been the best ever stress buster in HIS life. He looked up to Raj for confirmation and the latter affirmed the same with his blink.

9:55am

"Boss slides check, CAD designs check, ppt check, anything else Mohan?" she quickly questioned having opened all the necessary files. "Nothing Jodha, keep the welcome slide on", adjusting the projector display he replied.

"Perfect," gratified by perfect projection they exclaimed in delight. "All the best Jodha. Rock it," he cordially wished uplifting her spirits. "Thank you Mohan," she replied in her sweet smile, but something else was pricking her within. "Had this piece not gone dead, I'd have had a glimpse of mamma, papa, bhaiyya", she winced.

A minute later, her fast pacing grey cells hinted her on an accessible location of the picture she was longing for. Swiftly restoring to normal display, she browsed on her personal folder where she stored few personal pictures from iPhone into her work laptop. "Yes here it is," highly energized on seeing her family pic, she smiled in confidence - "Be with me throughout the presentation and keep me strong, okay" she self-talked to her enchanting family smiling from the picture.

10:00am

"God!" her lips parched subsequently wading the mesmerizing smile she casted, on seeing him. "A stern intense glare in return for a welcome greet!" her heart skipped a beat. "Seems he's very maddened," snapping out of her demeanor, she turned to the clients as Raj introduced her to them.

"Forget him Jodhu. His anger is justifiable, and so is your delay. You can deal him later," she self-consoled. As the team settled in their seats, the meeting convened with Jalal's inaugural talk on Regal and its businesses. After ten minutes of crisp, yet impressive introduction to their organization, he handed-over the job to Jodha to precede the meeting further.

11:15am

"Habba!" after an hour of standing, what can be better celestial than getting an opportunity to sit? The past one-hour flicked fast with absolutely no place for dampening sentiments or haunting killer glares; her focus was fixated on only bird's eye, that is, clients.

"Is he still angry?" slowly stretching her legs, she wondered, as she looked to him one more time. "Should be!" she confirmed as he scrammed their eye-lock with a curt head turn. Depriving her of the chance to think about him, she was dragged into casual discussion by clients, whilst another round of coffee was served.

One hour later

"Ouch, did the painkiller stop working? Why is my leg aching? And why is my left arm so heavy?" concentrating on the ongoing exchange, she mused and cautiously leant against the edge of long table, planking all her weight on the right foot.

"Yes Petri, you are right! Low-emissivity glass reduces heat loss, while allowing high levels of valuable free solar gain to heat buildings without significant loss in natural light. However, in the summer, unless combined with solar control glass, it can become uncomfortably hot. India being a Tropical country, the temperatures are generally high throughout the year if compared to Sweden. So we opted a blend of solar control and fire resistant glass, instead of a low emissive one for roof and facade," she elucidated the reason for not choosing low-emissivity glass, which is common in European architecture. Gratified by her explanation, the client suggested her to resume.

The next thirty minutes surpassed with debate and doubts on the proposed architecture, all the while, she managed by switching between the legs and taking tiny steps trying not to levy weight on the injured limb. It was all so very natural, that even the well observant boss didn't perceive the discomfort in her posture or was he just not bothered?

"... with this we end today's presentation, but before I conclude I'd like to thank my team for this wonderful opportunity and congratulate them for their splendid effort in delivering this project. We have a surprise planned for our guests and I request Raj to take over, Raj, please," she concluded her part with an enchanting smile and invited Raj to take over.

"A picture is worth a thousand words says the famous adage and in Regal we believe a prototype is worth a complex computerized design. We request our honorable gentlemen to unveil the prototype awaiting to be admired," Raj proudly announced pointing to a veiled masterpiece mounted at a corner of the large conference room.

The clients were apparently impressed that the team came with a prototype as well in such a short duration. Mentioning the same, they walked up to the spot anticipating a meager art form, but their pupils widened in ecstasy as the veil slid down. "Wow!" whilst one of the three gentlemen openly admired the decor adorned in metallic silver and glass cubes, the other two had their best smile spreading their lips and filling their eyes.

"Excellent work!" the architect amongst the clients genuinely appreciated the team. "Do you mind us carrying this masterpiece back with us to Sweden? I mean, this model speaks for itself and would save us from the weary job of demonstrating the designs," he chuckled.

"With all due honor," Jalal exhilarated, "We'll be pleased if you carry it home!"

"You should have unveiled this upfront. You unnecessarily strained Ms. Jodha with hours of oration," the EVP of Ericsson witted bringing smiles on all.

"But the best player reserves his trump card to the end," the marketing manager retorted enhancing the jubilance. The sole owner of this prototype building idea, received a silent appreciation from Raj and Mohan, but she couldn't speculate what's going on with her boss, as he never minded to glance at her. Having admired the piece of art for few more minutes, they shooed for lunch.

----

The exquisite aroma of Sheraton's buffet brimmed the executive dining flaring up the appetite of everyone, but it had a contrast effect on her. The moment she stepped in dining with Nina and assistant marketing manager she felt a strange swirl in her stomach. "What is this strange sensation? Feel like puking!" she sulked.

Growing uneasy with the weird sensation, she excused and left to a washroom and tried her best to forcefully vomit so as to be free from nausea, but her trials turned futile. The forty minutes lunch session passed off in a blink with casual discourse on Bangalore, its climate, its culture and what not. But she couldn't contribute like her usual self - all due credit to her physical sickness. And there was yet another reason behind this non-normalcy - the restlessness that resulted from his slashing avoidance, blissfully ignorant of when his attention turned important to her. Being seated in a not-so-favoring order, she couldn't get a proper glimpse of him rather than listening to his baritone.

The second half of the meeting was purely business oriented involving the management and marketing team, hence Mohan and Jodha got ample time to rest in a reserved waiting room. "Now tell me, how you met with an accident?" Mohan enquired as they reposed leisurely in the seats.

---

"3:30..," she checked at the system time sighing in boredom. "FB done, talked to Samyu, Divya, what else to do?" she brushed the impulsive closing lids trying best not to sleep, all thanks to the second painkiller she consumed post lunch. Mohan was away to meet one of his friends working in the same building; the loneliness and nausea combined with pleasant AC enforced her to succumb to slumber. Resting her head on the table, she closed her eyes and in no time she yielded to a powerful nap. Fifteen minutes later when Mohan returned, he found her happily resting - unwilling to disturb her, he resorted to browsing some random sites.

"Mohan and Jodha - come here. They are ready to leave." Receiving Raj's message, he woke her up and both of them joined the rest in conference room. With apparent glee, the clients appreciated the team once again on their work and took leave of them. Jalal, Abdul, Nina and the marketing team escorted them downstairs, while the technical team stayed behind.

"Finally!!" they shook hands in relief, "We made it!" and congratulated each other.

---

"Nina, you settle bills with Sheraton and file up to accountant on Monday. Once done, you may go home. We too will be leaving soon," Jalal instructed the HR and got into elevator to return to conference room in 14^th floor.

"I must say Raj is very pragmatic in suggesting Jodha as the speaker. She did a wonderful job," out of the elevator, Abdul commended as they walked to the conference room, while Jalal turned grave at that applause. "Arre bhai, cheer up now at least. Everything went as per plan, we succeeded in impressing them by all means, and didn't you observe how satisfied they are with our designs. I'm very positive about this project now. Let's celebrate tonight, I'll ring Chetan and Prithvi too", Abdul cheered, but Jalal darted a steel gaze.

"Everything went as per plan, huh? Imagine what'd have happened if she was late by ten more minutes? She may be talented but lacks commitment yaar," the irking chapter he yearned to condone since morning, re-flared his mind. Surprised by his friend's anger, Abdul quipped - "You seem to be unusually upset with her. Any specific reason?"

"What the heck Abdul? You are asking me the reason? Don't you know how serious we are about this deal? Did you forget why Regal is in debts today? Don't you remember Aaliya's forewarn when she withdrew her share from Regal? Did you forget how we mortgaged our dreams just to keep Regal running? Don't you foresee the humiliation we'd be subjected to if Regal doesn't recover financially in next few months? Her ten minutes delay would have shattered Dad's hopes, our dreams and you ask me the reason for my anger, damn!!" he exploded in wrath.

"Ok, ok I understand, let's discuss this later. You chill and relax now," the amazed man tried his best to calm his rave friend down before they reached the meeting room.

---

"Where is Mohan?" Jalal questioned as he found only Jodha and Raj in the room. "In a call, he'll be back. So, are we done for the day? Shall we leave Jalal?" Raj asked.

"Yes Raj, marketing manager left along with clients, Nina and AMM will clear the bills and go. We are also good to go. I once again congratulate you and your team for the awesome job you rendered. Hi Jodha, I must say you simply rocked! Hearty Congratulations, "Abdul extended his hand to convey his gratitude. Meeting hand with him, she acknowledged in her sweet smile, "Thank you so much! It means a lot!" she only knew whom the second phrase was intended at. "Not even a single gesture of applaud, what happened to him?" she grumped.

"By the way we should thank you miss. We blink missed a heart attack in the morning!" Abdul witted in his usual style, but Jodha felt embarrassed at that comment.

"I'm sorry, I met with a minor accident and my phone was dead. So..," even before she completed her apology, a sharp retort echoed in that closed chambers. "aah, accident? A very subtle and much better excuse than a sick leave to attend friend's wedding."

"What?" she didn't blurt, but if her eyes were to speak, they'd have shouted the same to him. Dazed and dumbed by his curt statement, she stood blank and the situation was no different with Raj and Abdul. It's quite new for them to watch Jalal lose his compose.

"Didn't get me? Let me explain. The last time you attended your friend's wedding, the pretext was sick leave and since this time the situation is crucial, so is the excuse, accident, hmm, sounds convincing!!" as his sarcasm crossed the limitations, so is her temper.

"Jalal," Abdul and Raj called out simultaneously, one to interrupt him, the other to clarify him of the leave. In a no mood to face her further, he turned back to leave saying, "Abdul come on, we got to go!"

"But why do you think I'm lying?" thrashed a rigid demand from her, thus making him halt in his tracks. "May I know why you don't trust me?" she firmly asserted, condoning his misinterpretation of her leaves.

"Because you are not as responsible as we supposed and you lack dedication!" his voice was normal, but the vigor in his assertion was plenty enough to pound her to pieces. Mohan, Nina and Asst. marketing manager who stepped into the conference room just then, were surprised by the sudden accusation and ongoing ruckus.

"What a demeaning allegation!" her heart sank perceiving the never dreamt humiliation. Unfortunately, the swirl effects resumed at a very untimely moment creating havoc in her tummy. Her legs quivered and she could anticipate an overall vibration in her torso.

Pin drop silence prevailed in the room as none of the audience dared speaking against him, since it is highly unethical to thwart a Managing Director. The only man, who owned all rights and guts to object this fiery MD, Abdul, silently patted him to stop, but the determined entrepreneur didn't budge a bit.

"You may be talented and smart in your subject, but if you utilize office hours for your personal work, stay late to chat with friends, go on leaves as per your wish and delay to crucial meetings, it only showcases how irresponsible you are!" he gravely continued.

"How lame?" she blinked in sheer disbelief as he started accounting the endless list of complaints he had on her. "If these reasons depict me irresponsible, then what should my devotion to this project and my conviction to attend this meeting portrays me? An idiot?" she roared within.

"Regal has prospered over years not solely because of talented professionals, but their dedication is a major counterpart. We can afford losing talent, but not..."

"Woah, so he is indirectly apprising me to quit!" That was the zenith of insult she received till date. Her ears jammed at the very line, 'we can afford losing talent'. "Enough is enough!" her ego thundered urging her to cut him short ruthlessly and blow out her flare. Just when she ardently opened her mouth, her abdomen mercilessly ganged up against her sending another major twirl thus weakening her - that moment, she confirmed she is going to puke. Deeply hating her non-cooperative body, she sealed her lips tight but couldn't hold giving him one last glare - a gaze filled with hurt, anguish, temper, insult and disgust. The next moment she dashed out of the room, least bothered of what her sudden dismissal would convey, while the audience just stood watching, all dumbfounded.

"How audacious!" the assistant marketing manager's low comment echoed behind the slammed doors aggravating the riled man further.

----

"Damn with these tears!" she hastily splashed another handful of cold water to subside the reiterating tears, unaware of the fact that they are not just tears of physical stress after a vomiting, but also tears of insult. She pulled a handful of tissues to barbarously dry her refilling eyes; the restlessness is not allowing her to wait until she settles the equation with him.

"Breathe in, breath out" she carried on the exercise for ten times to recharge her dejected body and soul. Before spurting out, she casted one final checking glance at the mirror to reconfirm her eyes are neither swollen, nor wet.

"Jodha, are you ok?" Raj and Mohan questioned in concern as they waited near the conference room entrance. "Yes Raj," answering him short, she unlocked the door, but alas, the vacant room scoffed at her. "Are you looking for Jalal? They just left!" Raj informed.

Greatly disappointed by the news, she stepped back, "Oh, ok!" she murmured. "Fine then let us also leave! Bye Mohan, bye Raj," she walked to the adjacent room to get her bag, but stopped abruptly as there is one more demur yet to be clarified. "Do you also agree I'm irresponsible Raj?" She asked in a calm low voice, but she only knew how challenging it was to put a straight face while shooting that question.

"Not at all! Not in past and never in future I can think of you so Jodha. Mohan just narrated me what all you had to undergo today and I admit I'm proud that I chose you for today's session. And please don't mind Jalal, I surely say his vexation is temporary and he really doesn't mean what he blurted today," Raj averred making a genuine attempt to amend the slander.

"Thanks Raj! Your opinion means a lot to me," she sincerely thanked with a faint smile, though her hurt ego couldn't come in terms with Raj's last remark. "I'll get my bag now!" she excused, while the other two waited for her to return.

"Sure, will call you. Bye Mohan, bye Raj," she waved them good-bye and headed to her car.

***********

11:00pm

"Uff!" he restlessly flung aside the black metallic piece, whilst his legs involuntarily accelerated the swing and his head rested back. The chill Martini filled glass is totally failing to have its effect on him. He pressed the glass against his temple so as to find solace from the fluttering inquietude.

"Did I go overboard with her?" he self-evaluated. "Did she really meet with an accident? But she looked absolutely normal, even her car is all-good, not a single scratch on it, then how can she claim so? May be she woke up late and was abashed to confess it, so she'd have come up with this excuse," he self-justified his stance, though the pragmatic senses rebuked this justification as her still dead mobile erupted as a testimony to the whimsically strange phenomenon.

---

"You are not as responsible as we supposed and you lack dedication...," she rolled on the bed sideways hardly shaking head to scoot of the arid echoes. After hundreds of inquiries on accident and a visit to the family doctor, her peddamma pressurized her to sleep and locked her in the bedroom two hours before, but sleep is nowhere sympathizing with this perturbed soul. The letters of Gautam to her when the former studied at a residential college and letters of her father to her when she was away from home, resting below the pillow were witnesses of her despondency. They are her any time resort whenever she is crumbled to lowest possible level.

"We can afford losing talent..."

"Damn it!" she got up not exactly knowing how to tackle herself. "I badly need to do something for my own sanity!" she cuddled arms around the folded legs in thought. Few minutes later, her hands impulsively reached to the laptop, still unsure of what she wanted to do. "Huh, congratulation email!" reading the general status cum appreciation mail to entire team from HIM, she hissed.

"Email! Yes," she THEN knew what EXACTLY she has to do to regain her sanity. Tick! Tick!" the wall clock silently flicked not daring to remind her of the passing time. Half an hour later, she scanned once again the drafted email and clicked on Save' with visible gratification.

"Mr.Jalal Ahmed, from tomorrow I have only one wish in my prayers!" she determined strong and pulled the blanket over.

---

"Whatever! She was never as serious regarding this project as I," he flinched. "How blissful the day would have been Jodha, if only you reached as planned!! Why? Why was it so casual for you, just like any other project, despite my personal annotation?" a whirlpool of emotions churned his mind eating up his tranquility.

His bizarre mind continued to gripe in all sorts, but one question, probably the most relevant and prominent of all, escaped flicking his gray cells. "Why is Jalal Ahmed yearning for a four month old employee to reciprocate to his problem as her own? She is, after all, a normal employee like any, or isn't she?" a question never asked and never answered.

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

Chapter 13

Sunday evening, Jodha's residence

"Madam, ye lijiye... keys, your credit card and check, they charged Seven thousand two hundred and fifty. They fixed the dents, replaced left mirror and repainted the vehicle as we instructed. It's shining bright like a new bride now," Ranga jested handing over the keys to Jodha.

"Wow, Ranga thank you so much. Let me see my lucky chap!" she sprinted from the couch to glimpse the renewed form of her pink dearie, but the elderly lady sitting next to her curtly pulled her back. "Where are you running? Sit right here!" she intimidated.

"Huh, Peddamma I'm not a patient just out of coma that I always sit or sleep. It's a small injury and you are looking at it through magnifying glass. My legs are turning numb with hours of sitting, let me walk for some time, aunty please explain your friend", the young lady pouted to another elderly woman sitting in the opposite couch and smiling at the duo.

"What small bruise? I saw how small it is while doctor was dressing," she condemned with a deterrent glare. "Ranga, park the car and go home, we are not going out today. Come a little early tomorrow as you have to drop Jodha at her office before you go with sir", she instructed him and waited for him to leave. Once he is away, she resumed her tantrums. "You are not going to touch that Scooty anymore. This is why Badepapa always insisted you to go by car, you see. And remember, I permitted you to go to office on Monday only if you heeded to my terms and conditions these two days, "she reminded Jodha of the promise and turned to her friend Vasantha, "Its pure luck that her leg isn't fractured. You should have seen the wound, it was so scary extending from here to here," she illustrated gliding her hand from hip to knee.

"Ouch... Terrible! You should listen to Peddamma and take proper rest Jodha," Mrs.Vasantha asserted taking her friend's side. "Aunty you too..." Jodha moped creasing her brows.

"And me too..," a sweet voice echoed from the entrance catching the attention of ladies. "Hi Divi..." Jodha broadly smiled at the expected guest and walked to the door to welcome her friend. "You were pretty fast. Did you find the address easily?" she asked taking Divya's hand into hers.

"Yeah, it wasn't difficult and traffic is a bit less today," Divya replied as they approached the elderly women. "She is my Peddamma and she is Vasanta aunty, Peddamma's friend. Maa, so this is Divya, finally madam ji ka darshan hua aap ko," she graciously introduced. Revering the ladies with a Namasthe, Divya settled on the couch along with her friend. After fifteen minutes of casual chitchat complemented with hot snacks, the young ladies shifted to Jodha's room for a private tete-a-tete.

---

"Thank god you are all normal. I was very skeptical of facing you, thinking you would be upset with Friday's incident. By the way, why do you want to come tomorrow? Why don't you rest at home? Anyways, we will not be allotted another project so soon!" Divya amazed.

"To mitigate the spice of rumors," she winked smiling at her stumped friend. "You know our marketing-wali na. I anyways can't stop her stereophonic cinema-scope narration of the incident. She might be aspiring I'd back off or quit the job; so let me dampen her hopes by turning up tomorrow. What say?" Jodha sheepishly sniggered reminiscing Asst. Marketing Manager's devious smirks the other day.

"Really? Is that all the reason?" Divya playfully swayed her head with evident mischief in her orbs. "What do you mean?" the dubious lady knitted her brows.

"I thought you are yearning to come to settle scores with someone," she feigned innocence veiling her grins. "Waise, when did our marketing-wali's comments started to matter to you. The last time I warned you, you just smiled and dismissed, what's different now?"

"I'm no longer interested in settling equations with anyone Divi", Jodha avouched in contempt. "And I didn't say I care her comments. I just don't want to strengthen her rumors with my absence; apparently I can't be so generous to such vile beings, you know right," she retaliated.

"Hmm," Divya sighed conceding to her friend's disposition. "Forget her Jo, but why do you say you don't want to talk to boss? I think it's better that you both talk and sort out the misunderstanding first. I'm still surprised as to how he wronged regarding the leaves," she wondered the reason behind his illusion.

"What do you want me to talk about Divi? If he has complaint on my work, then I owe an explanation. But his problem is I, not my work. I mean, look at his argument; going by two, three stupid coincidences, he stamped me as irresponsible, conveniently ignoring rest of my endeavor in these four months. His outburst unraveled that he doesn't like me and if someone doesn't like me, it's his or her problem Divi, not mine. I'm not here to please everyone," she refuted Divya's proposal in disgust, but the anguish behind those bitter words was palpable to her friend. There by, she silently creased Jodha's hand and refrained from responding, as she apprehended the fluster of her friend. "This leaves misconstrue is nothing when compared to other horrid perceptions he has about me Divi," Jodha added after a subtle pause.

"May be..", Divya cracked her fingers speculating the source of misconception. "That day, when Ramesh said you were on leave and I said you are unwell, he'd have clubbed both and that is where the confusion might have started," she suggested pondering over possible grounds for delusion.

"Then how did he know I was away for a wedding? I don't think Raj would purposely go and talk to him of these matters," Jodha averred in disapproval. "Point!" she agreed with her sensible pal, but being an uncompromising lady, she put forth one more prediction. "May be Shashank or someone would have casually blurted, if not purposely." Dispassionate in lingering anymore on the daunting topic, Jodha tried to brush it off, "Whatever Divi, leave it. There is no point smacking our heads now. The only concern to me in this whole fiasco is, if he had a problem with me, why can't he question me in private? What's the need for a public ridicule," she heaved in discomfort.

"Yes dear, I too was surprised when you said this. We haven't seen him losing his composure past one year, not even during his personal woes. There are many tricksters in office, who actually befit his accuses, but they are Scott-free and you fell prey," Divya sincerely sympathized with her friend's plight.

Unintentionally, Divya's remarks scratched a delicate nerve in Jodha. "Oh, so he is fine with everyone's faults, except mine? Why such indifference only to me?" her heart pounded as his bitter sarcasm rumbled her ears. Undoubtedly, this latest discovery magnified her restlessness - someone misjudging her is always a sickening truth and if that someone is the one whom she values, its even worse.

"What are you thinking?" Divya asked snapping at her quieted friend. "Nothing..." she faintly smiled attempting to taper off the dismaying facts. "I'm wondering who on earth pays fifteen thousand and get a ridicule in return," she lightened the discussion consciously diverting the topic.

"What fifteen thousand?" Divya intrigued at the sudden absurd citation. "Scooty and iPhone restoration charges, plus the hell lot of medical tests Peddamma hurled me into, total 15k." she sighed heavy in a what-an-irony expression. Giggling loud at her petulant acts, Divya replied with an impish wink, "Don't worry, once everything is set, let's put up the bills for reimbursement."

"Yes yes, full and final settlement," she sheepishly sniggered raising a brow, thence stimulating doubts in her sleuth pal, "What do you mean?" the immediate inquisitive knot of her brows, conveyed Divya's alarmed mind. "I mean money for money and words for words. Let that Sweden deal finalize, and that awful day I'll talk to him. I have an answer for every word of his", Jodha gravely replied mimicking the antagonists in Telugu faction flicks.

"he he he," smiling loud at her friend's expressions, Divya asked, "What if Regal doesn't get that deal?" "Then I'll wait for next project to finalize," Jodha casually shrugged, making Divya laugh louder. "You know what, I so love this attitude of yours."

"Wah, so finally Divya became Jodha's fan. Chalo kuch tho fayida hua iss incident se," she grinned playfully fanning herself, while Divya pinched her wicked friend hard - "I'm serious here and you make fun of it stupid."

"Ouch," rubbing her reddened arm, Jodha quipped, "Why do you and Samyu always pinch before you speak? I heed to you even without this pinching, okay."

Lovingly patting on Jodha's head, Divya acquiesced - "What to do dear? Samyu is contagious. I was a victim of Samyu's this habit during first year of college and then I understood that I too should inculcate it in order to defend myself. Struggle for existence!", she winked. "By the way, how is Samyu, it's been long since I talked to her. I was too lazy to call her as I was getting regular updates from you. Also how is the new bride doing?"

"Samyu jaise koyi nahi!" she gleamed as her bestie's name never failed to bring a smile on her. "lazy, bindass as usual. And Priya is also good; they are back from honeymoon, let me show her honeymoon pics," she pulled the laptop from side table to show the newly wedded couple's charming pictures.

"Wow! Mauritius is very ravishing!" Divya exclaimed glancing at the enchanting landscape. "Mm... it seems a perfect destination for the newly wedded," Jodha slyly winked at her excited pal.

"Yeah, beaches are romantic and foreign beaches are extra-romantic," Divya admitted with an impish grin browsing over other photos. "They seem a very happy couple", finished with viewing all clicks, Divya returned to Home page - the naughty poses of lovely ladies in the profile and cover photos embellished the home page.

"I loved this cover photo Jo, you all look simply gorgeous. This pink and purple lehenga looks exotic on you, the temple jewelry set and that vaddanam are very elegant; they complemented the look perfectly," Divya complimented glancing at the picture of vivacious girls clicked during Priya's Sangeet. "Thanks Divi, you know something, that neck set is very special to me and my mom," she paused lovingly staring at the picture, "I gifted this to my mom on their 25^th wedding anniversary. Do you know how I bought it?" she smiled as the memories revived. "We have a regular jeweler in Hyderabad. Once Samyu and I casually visited that shop and we spotted this set there. I so loved this design that I wanted to buy it immediately, but that time we had only half the amount in our accounts. It's been only six months since we started working, so we gave 10k advance to the jeweler and blocked it. Then for the next one-month, Samyu and I were on only one mission - apply for all sorts of credit cards, if sanctioned, swipe to its maximum limit. Finally we achieved our target and when I gifted it, my mom was super excited seeing this. Later we explained how we managed to buy it and we got four ears-full from mom and Sasi aunty, he he, and of course papa paid our credit card bills later, that's a different story," she shamelessly grinned reciting the euphoric moments.

"Awesome!" Divya too joined the giggles and casted one final glance at the girls before closing the system. "Hey Jo," she screamed in excitement as an eclipsed evidence triggered her detective brain. "Now I get it how boss knew of you attending Priya's wedding. He'd have seen this profile pic. In FB, profile and cover photos don't have access restrictions, so he should have definitely viewed them", she affirmed excited by the very revelation, but Jodha remained unaffected.

"Ahaa.. chalo, let's accept that is the case. Even then why should he think it's a latest one? I can update an old one too, right?" she retorted sarcastically, adamant to empathize with her boss in any sort.

"May be he got notifications when Shanshank and other office mates commented on your pics. There are a few who added boss to their list and I know for sure that Shashank too added," Divya convicted in firm belief, blissfully unaware that she came very close to the real scenario behind Jalal's delusion.

"What? Who the hell adds MD as their friend?" she panted at Shashank's stupidity donning an alluring disgustful look. "Budhu...", Divya laughed simultaneously patting on her friend's forehead, "those who fervor to be in his good looks will add him!"

----

"Chalo, its 7:00 already, let me start now, else I'll get late to birthday party", Divya ushered getting down of the bed. "Hmm... ok," glancing at the wall clock, Jodha reprimanded, "Next time make it for dinner. Of course, I'll come back with a proper invitation, but telling you in advance. Peddamma feels bad if anyone goes without eating her haath ka khana," she winked and side hugged her friend. "Thanks for coming dear, I feel better after talking to you," she acknowledged.

"Thanks, for what? Don't be formal budhu," Divya chided and hugged her back. As she broke the hug, her eyes hooked to the portrait hanging above the bedstead - "Is this your family?" Divya moved closer to wall for a better glimpse. "You look cute, should be around 12 or 13, right?" she smiled.

"You are close, I'm fourteen then and that's my brother Gautam, he's two years elder to me," she dotingly introduced the teenager smiling from the group photo. "My father named him very aptly, he is a born Budha and I'm a budhu," she guffawed peeking at her family. "You said you love my attitude, right! You should actually credit these people for that, especially my brother. He used to edify me in simple yet practical ways, but then I didn't value it. By the time I realized how blessed I am for having him as a brother, he left me alone...forever," her eyes impulsively turned moist and tears trickled down her cheeks.

Deprived of subtle words to aptly respond, Divya wrapped her arm tightly around Jodha's shoulder sharing the grief of her friend. Wiping her eyes hard, Jodha faintly smiled turning to Divya - "This is why I don't prefer talking about my family Divi. My father never liked me crying; to him I'm a strong and a brave girl. And I hate it when I cry and breach his trust," she grumbled. "And you wondered how I am all normal despite the bloody offense, right? Because, according to my family - Life is too short for all these upsets. Still, if you are upset with someone, confine the repercussions also to the one. Don't let others be effected."

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

Sunday 8:00pm, Four wheels administrative building

"Tak, tak tak tak...," the closed glass chambers reverberated with fast pacing keyboard clicks alerting the otherwise silent premises of his presence. Fifteen minutes later, he reread the acknowledgement email to Toyota Corporation for the latest contract they signed with Four wheels.

"Mm!" having clicked on 'Send', he stretched his neck back and crackled his knuckles giving them rest after hours of sedentary work. Past three months he had to dedicate majority of his time to Regal's activities, while Abdul along with Chetan, managed Four wheels. Contended by the progress of projects in Regal, he henceforth shifted his focus to his favorite venture. Sticking to that Aeron chair for nearly sixteen hours a day, updating himself with ongoing production statistics and revenue figures illustrated how badly he missed his doting company.

"Better have a coffee!" he closed his strenuous eyes giving them solace; few seconds later he moved from the position where he had been sitting for hours to brew a coffee of his taste. Enjoying the aroma of the steaming hot beverage, he glided the French window of his chamber making way for fresh air to surge in. "Hmm!" enriching his lungs with fresh oxygen, he lovingly stared at the magnificent manufacturing unit, a testimony of his dreams.

"This new deal with Toyota would half-unburden Four wheels from mortgage!" he sighed in relief. "And if Regal bags Ericsson venture, it'll also be liberated from crisis. After that it can self sustain with ongoing projects," he wished and conveyed a silent thanks to the Almighty for all His love. Unfortunately a mere reminder of Regal's current financial juncture acted as a mnemonic and steered him back to awful memories he least wished to recollect.

"Whom are you competing with Aliya? With me? Your husband and a good friend? But why?" the baffled man questioned in sheer disgust at the very topic brought for discussion at the dining table an odious evening, a few months ago. "Because that's ME Jalal!" the pompous young lady retreated stiffening her conviction. "I'm always competent and that's what you EXACTLY like in me, just in case you forgot!" she countered in sarcasm.

The perceptible derision behind those sour words, irked the bewildered man to the core, but he regained his composure, as poise is one of his innate traits. "I still like the competitive edge in you Aliya; I always extended my support for you to accomplish your ambitions and will do it in future too. But let me remind you we are not just friends now, we are a family and we are going to complete our family soon. Your few months of tolerance is going to reward us high, much higher than any profits you or I make in business. I promise you with the best pregnancy memories than any other woman on earth, so please never ever think of aborting our child. As the doctor informed, this nausea is inevitable during first trimester, but why do you fret? I'm there for you, I promise to do what all I can to lessen your stress and keep you happy," the concerned husband tried his best to persuade his indifferent wife plus a soon to be mother.

"But I'm not prepared for this Jalal," the stubborn wife retaliated. "Presently I can't think of anything beyond the international project I'm aspiring for and this physical strain is not allowing me to focus. You have no such constraints, so you are happily concentrating on your company, garnering more deals, what about me? A pregnancy is something I least dreamt of at this time."

"Aliya, you are the pillar behind Regal, the business circle accolades you for its success, they applaud you as an astute business woman, what else are you thirsting for? If not this project, you'll definitely gain another one. Don't stress yourself, you know how happy your parents are, my parents are with this unanticipated benediction?"

"Aah, Jalal so it is all simple for you? My ambition has no value before your yearning, right? You simply say if not this project, you'll get another. What if I follow you and I too say, if not this child..."

"ting.. ting.." the default iPhone ringtone resonated in the silent chamber snapping him out of thoughts. It took a while for him to get back to actuality shredding off the sore memoirs. He peeked at his watch anticipating the caller to be Abdul as he is supposed to join them for dinner. "Raj?" he wondered as he seized the mobile flashing on the desk. "Hello Raj, how are you doing?"

"Hi Jalal, hope I didn't disturb you. I called in to ask if you are coming to Regal tomorrow, I'd like to schedule a meeting with the team who worked for Ericsson project; sort of project windup meeting, are you going to join it?" Raj enquired.

"Not tomorrow Raj, I'll be there on Tuesday, please schedule it at ten on Tuesday," he replied peeking at his mail calendar.

"Fine then, see you", Raj wished good night and disconnected the call.

"A perfect PM!" a gratified smile adorned his lips as he admired the smartness of the canny project manager. Involuntarily, the mention of Ericsson team shoved off his gloom and an unknown pleasure refilled his heart as a cute devilish face with dragon gazes appeared before his sight.

"She is indeed gutsy!" he avowed recalling the fiercely lady's backfire the other day. "No one dared to slam a door on my face till date, but she did!" surprisingly a playful smirk escaped his lips thinking of her audacity. With time, his anger seemed to be satiated as the memories of the fateful day failed to flare him up any longer. One mere thought of her, unleashed a chain of memories forcing him navigate back in time reliving all their private and public encounters, all the while a beautiful smile smeared his face.

"She is not that apathetic either!" his heuristic intuition recommended. "What if she lied for leaves, that's what everyone does in today's corporate world. That alone doesn't make her careless or irresponsible that she should be pointed out before others," he conceded as the frustration withered, and the cognition shined. After a fervid contemplation, a naughty smirk curved his lips mirroring the chirpy thoughts surging his mind.

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

24^th June, Tuesday, Regal, 9:40am

"Ranga, after dropping badepapa at court, you go to Apple store in Forum mall, probably sometime around afternoon. Here is the voucher; you call them before you go, okay!" Jodha instructed the vivacious all-rounder as she stepped out of the car.

An undefined anxiety dawned upon her as the subconscious mind alarmed of the dwindling time to face him, first time after their last atrocious encounter. "Why am I tensed as if entering a lion's den!" swiping her id card, she wondered at the strange nervousness whisking her heart. As per her regular custom, she stopped by Divya's cabin to say hello before she advanced to her cubicle.

"Hi Jodhu! Good morning!" Divya greeted with a broad smile, but her smile vanished as her eyes scanned her friend's costume. "I told you to wear short sleeves today. What is this?" she angered pointing at the 3/4^th sleeves of Jodha's salwar.

"This is called 3/4^th sleeve, a bit longer than short sleeves and shorter than long sleeves," she witted feigning innocence, but it badly riled up the latter. Cautiously escaping the en routed pinch, Jodha giggled, "Chill Divi, I gave you my answer yesterday itself. I'm not interested in a sympathy parade. What if my hand is not injured or the wounds are internal that I cannot exhibit? Does that mean I lied about accident?"

"That's a different case, but when you have valid proofs for your defense, what's wrong in exhibiting them?" Divya debated folding her arms. Smiling at her agitated friend, Jodha repelled, "You should have been an advocate Ms. Architect", she winked and added, "Trust naam ka cheez bhi hota hai dear. This is life and no court that we should always be equipped with evidences. Chalo, see you in ten minutes in the conference room, bye!" depriving Divya of a chance for further discussion, she swiftly trekked out of the cabin.

----

"What is this?" she puzzled taking the glittery pack into her hands; the instance she settled in her cubicle, it was the first object to catch her attention. She flipped it upside down to check for any sort of message on it, but alas, it bore no such signs. "Is this for me or did someone forget it here?" she hesitated to unwrap it, but the apparent intrigue thrived her to open and see.

"What could it be?" she speculated carefully opening the plasters, so as to seal it back, if the material was not intended for her. As she slowly tugged the object out from one end, the first glimpse she perceived was a poster of Big B's intense eyes, followed by the title, "Amitabh Bachchan as DON".

"Woah!" her pupils grew wider staring at the DVD in her hands. She then confirmed - it was for her and from whom.

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

Chapter 14

"Woah!" her pupils turned wider staring at the DVD in her hands. She then confirmed - it was for her and from whom.

"So Mr. Don is living up to his promise, huh?" her daze transformed into disdain. "Does he think this can compensate his atrocious actions?" she scowled, "and what does this imply? Is it that he is not upset with me anymore or is this to show off his professionalism, huh?" she scratched her forehead anticipating his calculations behind the gesture. "Tuck, tuck," perceiving Divya's silhouette at the cabin door, she quickly thrashed the article into cabinet and joined her awaiting friend.

"Hi guys, Good morning!" Jalal and Raj greeted the boisterous team chatting about their work free day after a hectic schedule. Once settled in the positions, the dynamic MD casted an overview glance at the team looking for someone, but the one he looked for didn't bother to look at him - she is busy greeting everyone in the room, except him.

"I suppose you guys have enjoyed one full work free day yesterday. I think it's time to thump your heads with another project!" the frivolous boss witted making his employees chuckle. "Raj convened this meeting to discuss about ongoing projects, resuming site visits and other regular stuff, but before that let me take this opportunity to congratulate you all for the earnest effort and energy you guys vested in this project. Raj'd have already updated you on Friday's client meeting, it went very well, they seemed impressed with our work, and not to forget, our interior design team did a commendable job; they were pretty pleased with your prototype guys, so pleased that they wanted to carry it back to Sweden!" he paused as the loud round of applauds crinkled in the conference room.

"I look forward to same endeavor from you all for future projects as well. Good job guys!" he acknowledged and looked to Raj for further proceedings.

"Look forward to same endeavor, damn crap! All bosses are alike; make money at the expense of team effort and end of the day, ruthlessly turn them down!" the vigorous lady fumed resting back in her chair, not interested in meeting eyes with him.

Raj advanced the discussion with his round of formal appreciation, mentioning each and everyone's name, and when it was time to take Jodha's name, he ensured he touched the right strings. "... and we all owe you for your determination to stay strong despite your non supportive physical state Jodha, I appreciate it!"

Startled by the unforeseen annotation from Raj, she leaned forward gazing at him in perplex. Before she could subtly respond, the wise manager darted another question clinging her into more confusion, "By the way, how are your bruises now? Are they healing fast?" She is visibly surprised by his inquiry, as the same questions were asked by him a day before and she answered. "Better Raj, yeah healing fast", she replied and peeked at Divya featuring a why is he asking again? kind of suspicious frown. Divya meekly shrugged in a no-idea gesticulation and both of them glared at their PM discerning his intentions.

"Great! You better don't try a two wheeler again," the half suppressed chuckle of the ingenious project manager accompanied by the cordial warning, finally hinted them what he is up to. "Oh, so he is doing this to clear air for someone else!" They were undoubtedly pleased with Raj's truly diplomatic approach of confiding, and for Jodha this turned to be more overwhelming; after all, not every employee is blessed with such affection from superiors. She silently conveyed her gratitude with a charming smile and an approval.

Fortunately there is one more man in the conference room who's highly impressed by Raj's tactics, the man whom the entire fiasco was targeted at. Though the facts were vague, he apprehended the cue. Thereafter, he graciously questioned conducting the duty of a distinguished employer. "How are you now Jodha?" "Fine, thank you!" she replied formally accomplishing the duty of an ethical employee.

"Ok guys, you carry on with site visits allotment, I got to go. See you soon!" he concluded with his trademark smile and got up to leave. But before he stepped ahead, he ensured he got one last glimpse of her. "Is she really cool or is it just a facade?" he wondered scrutinizing her otherwise calm face.

*********

11:30 am

"1. Respond 2. Ignore". Having vexed enough with "Should I respond to his notion?" dilemma for last thirty minutes, she resolved to transfer the strenuous burden to a better trusty worthy source, the pious deity Saibaba. Henceforth, she scribbled the options on chits, shook them well and chucked on the table. "Baba help me please!" she closed her eyes and quickly picked one chit.

"Respond!" she smiled as she read Baba's decision. "But how Baba? How am I supposed to give it back? Had he not been my boss, I'd have just smacked this on his face shouting I don't need your courtesy', but now my hands are cuffed by morals," she cogitated leafing through the Dvd once again. The superstar cum angry young man of yester years reminded her of HIS igneous flare on the awful day. She then decided on what she has to do!!

"Hey Divi, give me your scooty keys, I'll be back in one hour!" five minutes later, she gusted into Divya's room adjusting the tripping strips of handbag. "What? Where are you going?" Divya questioned in surprise. "Nearby, kuch trust ka kaam hain, I'll be back before lunch," she explained. "Shall I come with you? I don't mind being your driver, but I fear giving you Scooty keys. Your Peddamma will kill me, if she comes to know of it!" Divya refused grinning wider.

"Arre, how will Peddamma know? Will you give now or you want me to use my force?" she threatened with stern glares advancing to Divya's handbag. "You devil!" Divya scoffed handing over the keys, whilst the devilish friend pinched her hard saying, "Same pinch" and barged out of the room.

One and half hour later, she quietly stepped into MD's chamber, for first time ever, making sure she isn't eyed by anyone - thanks to the long lunch break. She swiftly dropped the pack in her hand on his table, ensuring it to be first eye catcher when he returns. Gratified by her accomplishment, she silently tiptoed to her cabin and gasped hard to calm down her racing beats.

---

2:30pm

"We need to revise the square feet price in par with increased manufacturing cost. So schedule a meeting tomorrow afternoon and I haven't reviewed the commercial complex brochure yet. I'll do it later today. Let's discuss that as well in tomorrow's meeting", the dexterous MD instructed the marketing manager who shadowed him into his cabin. As per habitude, he removed the blazer, hooked it to headrest of his Aeron chair; As he reposed in his seat, a glittery pack shining brighter under lights of false-ceiling caught his instant attention.

"Anything else?" taking the pack into his hands, he questioned the awaiting manager.

"Nothing Jalal, I'll send meeting invite right away, see you," casting a curious glance at the object in Jalal's hands, he turned to leave. The intrigued MD waited for the door to shut and once done, he scrutinized the pack flipping it all directions speculating the concealed article. "A sleek square shaped pack in a golden shimmer wrap", a mild smirk made its way as his instinct hunched him of its content. "Ms. Audacious would've returned the dvd", he surmised gliding his finger along the edges. Sipping over a glass of water, he slowly unwrapped it only to confirm his intuition - it was indeed a Dvd!!

"Lushly romantic and subtly sexy!"

- Claudia Puig, USA today

"Makes you believe in true love and happily-ever-after"

- Stephen Holden, The New York Times

"What the heck!" he choked and jolted in his chair reading the bolded captions on back cover of the object. Utterly gob-smacked by the most unexpected lines, he immediately flicked it to glimpse the other side.

"Pride & Prejudice!" the title glistened with a close up picture of Keira Knightley, but there is one more cynosure on that front cover - The red thick underline below the word Prejudice. "So this is it!" a naughty grin smeared his lips as the marked word explained him all. The ingenious MD couldn't help admiring the smartness of his zesty employee; after all, not every employee is as cleverly gutsy as her.

***********

6:00pm

"Where shall we go for dinner? Shall we try Aroy, that Chinese restaurant or BBQ Nation?" Divya asked as they awaited the elevator. "Whichever is nearest to the boutique! I remind you, you got only one hour for selection, after that I'm going to pull you out even if you haven't chosen anything," Jodha threatened. Casting a boring glance at her impatient friend, Divya quipped, "You are such a bad company for shopping Jo. I should pity myself for opting you."

Giggling at Divya's comments, she casted a casual side glance and spotted the entrancing boss coming along with Shashank chatting about something seriously. "Ting!" as the doors opened, she rushed into it immediately and pressed the close button with all her might. "Jo, boss and Shashank are coming," pulling Jodha's hand off the button, Divya pressed open', but Jodha hastily striped Divya's fingers off. "So what, let them wait", she sternly replied and pressed close button again. By the time the slow-programmed machine decided on executing an open or close command, Shashank swiftly slithered stopping the doors from shutting.

Irked by his timely move, she removed her fingers and trailed back faking a welcome smile at her wicked colleague. "Hi," he greeted the young ladies, all the while blocking the elevator with his hand. "Thanks," Jalal stepped in with a generous smile, and as he looked ahead, the glimpse of the chiseled persona, with folded arms and unbothered gaze, converted his smile into smirk. "Hi sir," Divya let a formal smile, and since her friend has greeted Jodha too had to succumb to professional ethics. She meekly smiled and without waiting for his response she turned to Divya. Positioning beside Jodha, Shashank inquired, "What are your plans for evening?"

"Nothing specific!" she answered short, wishing for the chatterbox to shut his mouth. "Sir, you too are leaving early today. Any plan for the evening?" he repeated his query to Jalal. "Dekho, Boss ka chamcha!" she winked at Divya silently conveying her comment through eyes, whilst Divya sealed her lips feigning a straight face.

"No plans as of now, but I got a DVD today. So planning to watch it this evening," he replied observing her straightened form from edge of his eyes. "Wow, which movie is that?" the gasbag inquired in a jiff. "Mmm... I don't exactly remember the name, but there was a caption on back cover that clinched more in my mind," he sheepishly revealed.

"What's that?" Shanshank intrigued, while Jodha puzzled. "Is he mentioning about my dvd or something else? Does it have a caption on back cover?" she pondered recalling whether she checked the back of dvd before getting it gift-wrapped.

"Aah, the caption is something like... lushly romantic and subtly...," he slyly paused enjoying her fast changing expressions. The moment she perceived first two words of the caption, her mouth and eyes opened wider; she then quickly re-composed and squinted her eyes wondering if his statement is true.

"...and subtly something," his brows creased as if he forgot the exact words. "and there was one more line too... like... makes you believe in true love' or what so ever, I suppose it's a romantic flick, not really of my genre," he riposted jesting a cool shrug. Unbeknown to the details, Divya simply smiled at Boss's remarks ignorant of Jodha's plight.

"Gosh," she virtually smacked her head for not verifying the back cover. It's getting more and more difficult for her to hide the embarrassment and act normal. "What would he have thought of me seeing those captions? Cha cha... how awkward the whole situation turned into?" she panted. "Baba, is this why you ordered me to respond? See how cruelly he is smirking," she angered with her deity friend.

Meantime, the non-stop conveyor machine halted at the fourth floor and a bulk of people flooded in pervading the vacant space. As a cautionary reflex, Shashank lifted his laptop bag, which he placed on the floor just before his legs and thrived it to his right shoulder. In the process of securing his bag, he forgot to be careful with the injured lady standing beside him.

"Sss...," she hissed in pain as the metallic sports water bottle whacked on Jodha's left elbow, exactly on the spot she was injured. "Oops sorry sorry," he immediately apologized for his negligence checking out if she is ok. Slightly massaging over her arm, she fumed at him, while Divya chided saying, "Can't you see?"

"Ouff, it was a mistake. Don't kill me with your stares meri maa," playfully clasping his hands in an excuse-me pose, he moved besides Jalal pleading, "Sir you please come here. They'll murder me if I stomp once again." Watching them swapping the positions, Jodha squeezed more and moved as close to Divya as possible, while Divya amused at the advent of events that fateful evening.

"Is it hurting?" the serenity of his gazes and proximity of his voice made her look up to him. His concern was evidently genuine, which thereby forced her to give up her expressionless art-film actress facade she'd been subjecting him to since morning. She affably responded in a no' and he sweetly smiled. Needless to say, the prevailing awkwardness was dampened by his tender gesture; thence she relaxed a bit loosening her tightened arm fold. By George, even the elevator seemed to be teasing this couple as it stopped at every possible floor thereafter, blessing them with an elongated proximity.

"Why did you get out here? We have to go to cellar na?" Divya questioned in confusion as Jodha signaled her to step out of the elevator at first floor. "Let's go by steps, thoda exercise tho banta hain," she lied masking her escapade from his impacting proximity. "What!!" casting an inspective glance, Divya playfully nodded grinning, "Ms. Exercise hater suddenly turned exercise lover, should I thank someone special." "Think whatever!" Jodha rolled her eyes and deliberately toned down her pace, unwilling to encounter him once again at parking.

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

"Give me your phone," Jodha asked after Divya was done with masking her face behind the scarf. Handing over the mobile, she raised the accelerator dashing towards the exit ramp. "Pride and prejudice dvd cover," Jodha swiftly googled craving to confirm her suspicions. Zooming in at one of the pictures, that resembled the one she gifted, she studied the sentences on its back cover. "Lushly romantic and subtly sexy, oh my god," her hand impulsively closed her mouth; this time she physically patted her head for her recklessness in not checking the back cover.

"It's 6:20 now, but feels like 3:00 in the afternoon, hai na," Divya yelped fussing at the scorching heat of Sun clubbed with pollution from voluminous vehicles. "Yeah, the wind is still hot," closing the browser window, she agreed adjusting her flying tresses. As the vehicle halted at a signal, she removed her clip, folded the recently straightened silk hair into a bun and clipped it back so as to save it from forming lumps. Meanwhile, the dupatta that was locked by her firm grip earlier got freed and it slowly started trekking down from her lap.

At the change of signal, Divya jig-jogged between the cars with utmost knack, ensuring they crossed the jam before signal turned red again. Once out of traffic, she raised the accelerator speeding at 60kmph. The unleashed end of Jodha's dupatta started flying closer to the rear wheel, touching the road on and off.

"How careless!" The man in black Jaguar spotted them crossing his car, and honked at the young ladies noticing the piece of cloth flying dangerously closer to the back wheel. But alas, deeply engrossed in their discussion, the honks failed to gather their attention. Fortunately, the speeding two-wheeler was enforced to slow down at the next traffic juncture; not wasting the opportunity, the worried man dialed Divya's number.

"Boss!" peeking at the caller's name, Jodha wondered if it is office boss or ghar ka boss. "Divi, call for you!" she handed over the mobile to Divya who was in turn puzzled by the caller. "Why is sir calling me now?" she thought and turned the speaker on. Intrigued by the confirmation of caller, Jodha too leaned forward to listen to the conversation.

"Hi Divya, BBMP (Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation) is good at their job. You guys need not help them by cleaning roads with your attires!" he seriously averred. "What?" whacked by his sarcasm, both of them checked their dresses in unison; "Oh God," swiftly pulling up the floor touching cloth, she involuntarily scanned the surroundings to locate him. Disconnecting the call, he delightedly watched her deeds from back of his goggles. As she turned back, she spotted his black jaguar diagonally opposite to their vehicle. "Theda man, seedhe seedhe kyun nahi bol sakte hain," unable to discern his hidden expressions behind the coolers, she casted a steely glance griping at his theda approach. His lips then slightly stretched into a lopsided grin illustrating her that he noted her pouting.

"Thank you sir," Divya mouthed on behalf of Jodha and he flicked his palm in an its-ok gesticulation. Observing the silent exchange between the two, the irked lady meekly pinched on her friend's waist. "Can't you keep mum? What's the need of thanking him?" she gritted, while the latter giggled. "Because we owe him and since you did not requite, I had to!" she quipped and resumed driving.

**********

Three days later, Regal, Cafeteria, 3:30pm

"Divi, no coke here, what should I get?" Jodha asked over the phone searching for a coke tin behind the glass doors. "Sprite", having got the answer, she disconnected the call picking two Pepsi and one Sprite tins.

"Kounsa gaana Chotu? Mujhe bhi sunade!" paying for the tins and her other order, she playfully asked the teen canteen boy who was tapping his foot at the song playing in his ears.

"Apne Sallu bhai ka gana didi," he smiled and disconnected the earphones from his mobile. "Dhinka chika dhinka chika dhinka chika.. he he he he..", a minute later she too started giving a low chorus, playfully tapping her right hand on the wooden plank before her. "Chotu ye le samosa," getting a call from the chef, the teen returned to kitchen, while Jodha waited for her order continuing with her humming.

"Saab, aap yaha?" the young boy baffled staring at the unannounced presence of MD in cafeteria; in his two and half years of tenure in this canteen, the teenager seldom got a chance to see the boss, either his official aide Murali places the orders or they receive his orders on phone, if Murali is away.

Surprised by chotu's amazement, she glanced on her left with a confused knot. There he is, few inches away from her, right hand in his pocket and left on the platform, staring her tapping fingers. Impulsively, her mouth and fingers ceased their actions; she erupted a meager cover up smile and turned to Chotu.

"What happened to landline?" he asked.

"Landline?" Chotu immediately checked the connection, as the machine was in good condition a while ago. "Sorry sir," profusely apologizing for the misplaced receiver, he corrected it and dutifully asked, "Do you want something sir?" Meantime the chef stepped out, listening to Jalal's voice. "Hakka noodles and chilli chicken for three. Get it to my cabin at 4:30," he instructed accordingly.

"Ok sir, anything else" the chef humbly asked, while chotu packed the freshly fried onion samosas and handed over to Jodha. Swaying his head in a No, he impishly glared at the bulged pack. Observing his snigger from corner of her eyes, she sulked. "How can I explain that all these dozen samosas are not just for me, there are two more lazy foodies gossiping in Divi's cabin?"

As she headed her hands to grab her wallet and packet, the half sleeved left arm exhibited the healing scratches. Her erstwhile creamish skin is now partly red and partly black with hardening wounds and the visual was definitely not an appealing one to him. "ouf..", he earnestly empathized with her and had a momentary repentance for his rudeness towards her.

"Why did you remove the bandage?" he gently asked walking along with her. Unprepared for his impromptu query, she first looked at her hand and then at him before she actually answered. "Doctor advised to remove it as wounds heal faster when exposed to air," she plainly replied.

"Ok!" After a momentary pause, he continued, "But be careful, since it not bandaged, it is more perilous," he warned in concern. Pleasantly surprised by his compassion, she nodded in acceptance like an obedient student. "Wait a minute," her egoist grey cells awoke from slumber, just in time. "Now that he got confirmed with accident, why can't he apologize?" her false ego flared up. But before she could show her discontent, his mobile buzzed. "Yes Murali, what's up there? Is he agreeing to our renewed contract?" he advanced to his cabin talking on the phone, leaving the riled lady behind.

4:40pm

"Why do I feel like you are finding excuses to be in Regal these days?" the charming young man inquisitively squinted his eyes swirling his fork on steaming hot sumptuous noodles.

"Right Abdul, off late I see him at production unit only on weekends", Chetan slyly added.

"Shall we talk business now? Only if you are done with your bakwass theories," the exuberant boss coldly requited.

"Nah, I want to know what is that pulling force in Regal," Abdul asserted putting the plate down.

"Business," came in a curt reply from the irate friend. "I'm here only for business. If you guys are willing to take over Regal activities, I'd be more than elated to be indulged in Four wheels," he twitched.

"We would also be more than delighted if you think beyond business Jalal. And please don't pretend as if you don't know what I mean," Chetan forewarned.

"Seems you guys are jealous of my freedom," the young man witted. "Listen guys, one wrong step in life penalized me with 200 crores; I'm still recovering from that repercussion and here you want me to take a next step soon. Let me first recover from these debts and be prepared for next dhakka. By prepared, I mean by ALL means...," he chuckled and winked at his besties alleviating the gravity of situation. An hour later, when the three gentlemen crossed past Jodha's chamber, his eyes involuntarily searched for her - the charming force that pulls him to Regal every morning, and a fact that he's way adamant to admit or to acknowledge.

**********

18^th July, 11:30 am

"What could be the reason behind this sudden meeting?" the team whispered to each other wondering at the sudden call from Raj to assemble in the conference room. The whispers muted as Raj stepped in, they glanced at him curiously assuming he'd know the purpose of this meeting. Perceiving their un-uttered questions, Raj replied, "I'm also clueless on why we are called here, let's wait for Jalal to come and answer."

Few minutes later, Jalal joined the team but didn't greet them as per practice. Surprised by his seriousness, the team drowned into sheer silence. "Hi guys, I just received an email, let me read it out for you all," he jumped straight into business without any ado.

"Dear Mr. Ahmad,

It's been long since we last contacted you and we apologize you for the oblivion. Undoubtedly, our team's India visit was an ebullient experience. It was exciting meeting the young entrepreneurs and the experienced leaders across different organizations", he paused and glanced at the attentive audience, precisely at the interesting lady sitting at the farther end keenly listening to him. Registering her cute posture - palm under the cheek and a pensive knit of brows - he continued reading, "We presented the proposals from all our clients to the decision makers of Ericsson. After a meticulous contemplation and evaluation, we are pleased to announce that Ericsson is delighted to team up with Regal Infra developers, Bangalore for the construction of its first offshore development center..."

"Wow... hey," soon the tensed ears perceived the gist of the email, the still dead room revived to life as the team boomed in excitement with the loudest range of applaud possible. He smiled large savoring the ongoing celebration exemplifying how a true smile would be - illuminating the face, starting at lips and ending in eyes. Giving up the fruitless task of disclosing the mail further, he glimpsed at her, obviously yearning to watch her thrill and there she is, smiling heavenly and sharing her excitement with Divya.

"Congrats Jalal," Raj rose from his seat and squeezed his hand in utmost exhilaration. "Thanks Raj," the happiest MD reciprocated with a sweet hug. "Congrats Jalal," the marketing manager got up to wish him. "Congrats Mr. Jalal," the assistant marketing manager too shook hand with him expressing her delight.

"I should congratulate the technical and marketing team for this success. Kudos guys, you did it!!" he cheered them up with the most mesmerizing of his smile. Needless to say, the hearts of all young ladies throbbed at this smile, regardless of their marital status.

"And thanks Jodha for making it on time that day despite all the limitations. You did a fantastic job!" he admitted looking straight into her eyes.

Woah! He said it! The long awaited recognition is finally here!

On contrary, her excitement dampened ascertaining the much-yearned reciprocation. Her heart neither jumped in joy, not was startled by this abrupt appreciation. Instead she had a strange tranquility, a conglomeration of gratification, self-esteem and above all a huge relief. "Thank you," she acknowledged with a simple smile. "Finally, the day has come!" she determined.

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

Originally posted by: Rashmi81

Awesome.Ekdam Mast..Jhakaas.I loved the new chapter,Will write more soon.Just finished reading the chapter a minute ago.Wrap up some Diwali work and will write more .

And why you and Shradz are behind my JO 😭