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
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai August 5, 2025 Episode Discussion Thread
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 04 Aug 2025 EDT
UPMA&ICECREAM 4.8
SATYAMEV JAYATE 5.8
BALH Naya Season EDT Week # 8: Aug 4 - Aug 8
Abhira’s infertility issue
Anupamaa 04 Aug 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
Dhanush And Mrunal Thakur Reportedly Dating
Member topic: What do you do on weekends?
Anupamaa 05 Aug 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
The Ultimate PotterHead Challenge
25 years of Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega
Rate episode 66: "Ekk Insaan Do Maut"
Chapter 29 - Part1
"Would she take the hug wrong?" the meditative man wide opened the curtains granting easy access to the morning rays to burnish the sophisticated room. "She wouldn't!!" his hunch attested, "Certainly not!!"
"If you're so confident... what are you waiting for?" the excited heart galvanized. "The yearning is mutual, the desperation is mutual and so is the madness, then what are you waiting for?" The roses that shined with dewy mist, the athirst to bloom hibiscuses and the flickering broad green leaves gracefully swayed in harmony simulating nature's encouragement to his musing.
"All factors are seemingly in place - friction, passion, adoration - yet something is missing in our relation," he thought gazing at the birds that chirped in a nest on mango tree. "Belongingness...", the tiny little home of the birds hinted him of the missing factor. "We openly talk, tease and care for each other, but she is very skeptical of sharing her grief with me. And that is exactly how our relation is ought not to be. I don't care if I'm not the first person she shares her pleasure with but I should be the first to share her pain. The day she unwaveringly looks for me to partake her suffering, that day would embark the true beginning of our virtuous journey. That day I'll be her home and she my abode. Till then all I need to do is to maneuver our relation to that crux. I've to be patient and prudent not to repeat past mistakes." The birds melodiously tweedled agreeing with the gracious man's discreet determination. With filled heart, he reached to his mobile to start the day with checking mails as per habitude, but his disobedient fingers lead him to messages instead.
"😊... Good night... see u in office!!" The smiley in her text, a reply to his reached-home message fetched an endearing smile on him; he scrolled up revisiting their old chats. The latest advancement in their proximity helped him master the kinesics of her body, therefore, behind her every text he visualized the expressions her face would have made while typing them. For example, while typing "Weren't Jalal and Jaguar inseparable?" her lips would have sealed to obscure the naughty smirk.
"How expressive and transparent her eyes are!!" he marveled. Every gesture of her evoked a different passion in him. The innocent smiles - a wish to softly kiss on those pure eyes; the cute pouts - a longing to cup her cheeks and peck her scrunching nose; the impish smirks - a desire to crush those teasing lips; the angry fumes - a fire to squeeze that petite waist and smooch her to silence... with every passing thought, he realized the arousal of raw passion within him. "Uff..." shaking head to gain control over senses, he glared at his hands. "Now that I know how it feels to have her in arms, will I be able to keep my hands off her?" he sardonically sighed. Her breathe on his neck, soft flesh pressing to his chest, arms round his waist... her presence around him still felt fresh and he so loved reminiscing the passionate moments again and again. "Wish she goes dizzy daily..." a selfish desire fetched a mischievous smirk on the fascinated man"... and lock me every day in her arms. I'd be a happy prisoner."
"Was she really giddy?" His sleuth cells always had this doubt. "How to know? She's not the one to admit, my stubborn Satyabhama!" he lovingly swore. "Whatever!! If she's truly giddy, I'm happy for being there. If it was a pretense, I'm happier. What else can be more delightful than her initiative in taking liberties", with a contended smile, he proceeded to compensate the missed workouts.
Jodha's Residence, 7:30am
"What!!" The stunned mother attentively seized her daughter's hand, while the dazed father blankly stared. Though accustomed to frequently hearing such incidents in news and reading in papers, it was beyond their wildest dreams to envisage a physical assault on their daughter. The blunt reality that it happened to their very own blood relation massively shocked them. When their dear daughter convened them to share something significant, they didn't have an iota of suspicion that it could be of a molestation attempt. The general parental tendency to dwell in blind faith that anyone can be subjected to misconduct except his/her children was no different with the wise advocate and his wife either. Now that their faith is ruthlessly uprooted, they sat shattered.
"How could he? On YOU?" the incoherent words of Prameela manifested her astonishment.
"Its purely God's grace that I escaped Maa, else I wouldn't be coolly sitting here talking of it. I don't dare imagining my situation if something atrocious has happened," profoundly loathing the mere envision, the distressed daughter held her parent's hand.
Wrapping an arm around Jodha, Prameela murmured. "Very true, God is with us, else?" the lumps in her throat didn't permit the agonized lady to finish. With fuzzy eyes, she glanced at her husband - a grief-stricken-glimpse that the wise advocate only could fathom. The miserable plight of a twenty two year old, a rape victim who attempted suicide two days ago, flashed before Saradhi's eyes. The victim's father being an ex-employee of Usman ji, the advocate was requested to personally tackle the legalities behind the case. Fortunately the girl survived after serious hospitalization, but the repercussions kept haunting. Saradhi ji spent the weekend counseling and imbibing courage in the victim and her family, that time, he never dreamt he'd be soon dealing with one such situation in his very home. For a moment, the paralyzed man visualized his daughter in that girl's state - his body shuddered in tangible terror.
"Where is that rascal Jo?" out of grief, the advocate roared. "He should be punished; I have to see him behind bars!!" Had he not witnessed a rape victim's despair from close quarters, he'd have been a little congenial as his daughter is unscathed and safe, but with fresh imprints of that girl's misery he was in no mood to pardon the felon. "How dare he touches you and how shameless to come back seeking apology. Such a calculative hard-core crook, I'll make sure he doesn't come out of bars", he angrily seized his mobile.
"Whom are you calling papa?" Jodha quickly stopped the infuriated parent. "Please calm down. Let us discuss before taking a decision. I don't know where he is. He didn't fly with me last night, may be he's still in Delhi. Shouldn't we first confirm that?"
"Where will he hide and how long?" the aggravated man fumed. "If we lodge a complaint the police will take care of hunting him. How dare!! He didn't fear the presence of Jalal either..." remembering the presence of Jalal at Delhi, he seriously demanded. "Peddamma said Jalal came to conference, right? Didn't he know this?"
"He knows... I told him yesterday evening", Jodha cautiously said.
"Evening?" the enraged man looked on shocked and disapproving. "I don't understand what made you wait till evening. The moment you escaped you should've gone to Jalal. He'd have caught Ramesh red handed and get him arrested on the spot. At least you should have called me from anywhere... it's a hotel not a forest or desert that you didn't find a help. Or you could call the police directly, there were many ways to retaliate Jodha but you did none of them? I wonder what happened to your sensibility. One call to any of us and the situation would have been in our control. Top of it, you kept it a secret till now? I'm upset with you Jo."
The denunciation in her Badepapa's eyes made the doomed lady squirm in guilt. "How to explain you papa... my rationality was masked by uncontrollable jealousy and anger that time!! You're so right!! Had I been a bit wiser, that nerd would be paying for his misdeed by now!!"
Commiserating her daughter's plight, Prameela came for Jodha's defense. "Why are you shouting on her? It's easy to say, but that time nothing comes to mind than a safe hideout and that's what Jodhu did. Let's not ponder over what had passed, let's think on next steps!!"
"What did Jalal say?" toning down, Saradhi ji asked inquisitive. "He said he'll talk to you!!" Jodha slowly replied.
"Strange!! Why didn't he call me then? How can he be silent? Did he fear his company's reputation?" unwitting to arrive at conclusions, the poised advocate made a note to talk to his client before acting upon the issue. Gradually, anger subsided welcoming love and warmth for his dolorous daughter. Fondly glancing, he signaled her to take a seat beside him and she gladly complied.
Caressing her head, the doting father proudly said. "Jodhu... I'm very proud that you didn't succumb to fate and give up fighting. Courage is the only weapon in such situations and glad that you didn't leave your weapon. You accomplished your part, now it's our turn to take over. I promise your suffering is benignly compensated. All I request from you is your cooperation. To seek legal justice you should be strong and courageous, are you ready for it?"
"Of course papa!" placing her hand on Saradhi's in asseveration, Jodha smiled. "Why'd I back off when you're by my side? I'll abide by your every decision and promise to extend my cooperation." Sensing staunch faith in his daughter's eyes, the gladdened parent sighed in relief. Circling her foster father's arm, Jodha rested head on his shoulder reveling in the parent's warmth. The concerned father continued caressing her head whilst his heart crucified thinking of the complicated knots in his daughter's life.
Complaining for leaving her alone, Prameela too joined the duo completing the family moment. "Why didn't you tell me when you called yesterday morning?" Prameela started off with tantrums making the remorseful daughter duly apologize for her idiocy.
"Phew finally!" having resurrected the smiles on Prameela after an extensive cajoling session, Jodha gleefully got up checking time. "Oh its 8:30... I've to get ready fast", she dashed to leave but was roughly pulled back to couch.
"You're not going anywhere!!" the stern order from Prameela made Jodha gasp in worry, deep within, she somehow suspected this is bound to happen. "Here on you'll be at home till you get married."
"Why?" the father and daughter asked bemused.
"Because I can't let you into risk. Prevention is better than cure!" the steadfast mother staidly avouched and the helpless daughter piteously glanced at her source of rescue. Noticing Saradhi blinking in assurance, Prameela fired. "You're not taking her side this time and I'm not going to listen to any of you."
"I'm not taking sides your honor", the shrewd lawyer smartly started. "But don't you think you are punishing Jodha for a bloody fool's sin?"
"It's not a punishment, it's a precaution!" the tenacious lady firmly declared.
"A precaution which makes no sense!" he calmly said. "How long can she stay at home escaping the world? And for what, when there is no fault of hers? Why should she hide when the felon is happily roaming out? If Jodha backs off, it'd be his direct victory. Do you want to see Jodha lose?"
"Leave that person ji, he's one we know, but there're several such creeps in the society," the bothered lady argued. "Who knows this incident wouldn't repeat with another man and no surety that luck favors us every time. I don't want to take a chance, please try and understand me."
"But Maa, according to your theory I can never step out of home, even after marriage. Present society is equally dangerous to any woman, from two year old to eighty year old. Its like you are punishing me for being a woman, is this fair?" Jodha implored and Saradhi attested her stance. The debate unequivocally continued till Prameela yielded to the irrefutable argument of Saradhi ji. By the end of it, Prameela had no option than to heed to the father-daughter duo. Giving up her adamancy, she agreed to send Jodha to work but on her own terms and conditions - be at home by 6:30pm every evening, no going out alone, no late night parties, no conferences or official trips... were a few to name. Elated with the permission, Jodha planted a thankful kiss to the adorable mother and ran upstairs.
"What to wear?" fruitlessly scanning all the outfits, she questioned herself for nth time. The exercise grew difficult with each passing minute as her fingers fidgeted back and forth over a couple of dresses. "This is not happening..." exasperated with her indecisiveness, Jodha decided to play blind. Closing her eyes, she scooted her hand over hangers and swiftly separated one. Opening eyes she peeked at the dress destiny decided for her - the starched and ironed pink cotton dress softly kissed her hand for the pick.
**********
Regal, 10:00am
"He hasn't come yet!!" The search that started at parking ended after seeing the latent MD chamber. "How long does it take to get ready? Even women don't take this long!" despising his delay, the impatient woman dived to her friend's chamber.
"Hey... Jodhuuu!" the frivolous friend welcomed with a broad smile as if meeting after ages. "I already bought the dress you asked for, so you can safely wrap up the sugar coated smiles", slyly grinning, Jodha approached Divya. "Shucks... you doubt the smile of the most sincere and selfless woman? What an insult!!" dramatically banging table with fist, Divya glanced at the pack in her friend's hands. "...but I'm too shameless to be offended, show me the dress first."
"I know" giggling at her friend's curiosity, she handed over the packet and asked. "What's the bustle in marketing section?"
"Semi-annual meeting", eminently satisfied with the sky blue full-length suit, Divya gleamed. "It's an all team meeting at 11:30. Check your email for invite. This is so beautiful, superb pick darling."
"All team meeting, so he'll definitely come. Huh... one and half hours more to wait..." getting disappointed at the slaying wait and simultaneously wondering at her plight, she thought. "Previously I used to count days now I'm counting hours. What's wrong with me?" reprimanding the jeopardous craziness she slipped into, Jodha brewed a charming smile to her elated friend.
"Dhanya ho that you liked it... what's up when I was away?" settling in seats she distracted her mind from the most disturbing man , Jalal.
-----
"She's in!!" noticing Jodha's parked car, Jalal vivaciously strode to the elevator. "She said she'd talk to Saradhi ji, did she? What was his reaction? I've to talk to her," eager to meet his ladylove, he pressed the elevator button again and quickly took back his fingers, a little surprised by his edginess. "She's right!!" an embarrassed smile escaped his lips. "We truly seem exchanging characters, else why am I restlessly hitting the button as if it'd instantly descend straight from tenth floor. Gosh... she's overruling me day by day. Idiot, what have you done to me?" His fond accusation interrupted with a call from the advocate whilst he gawked surprised at timing of the caller.
~~~
"The meeting invite was sent on Friday, means his today's visit to office was pre-planned. Cha... cha... how silly of me to think he's coming on my request..." accepting the invite, she scrolled through the inbox. "Ramesh!" the project related mail a week ago from him apparently diverted her attention. "He's not seen in office, like Badepapa doubted did he really abscond? Shashank should be knowing as they're roommates", she got up to leave to Shashank's cabin. "And why's Jalal silent? He didn't tolerate a petty ploy against me in Wonderla, how could he be passive now? Is it Regal's name that's stopping him from acting?"
~~~
"Its not about Regal's reputation uncle, its about the snail paced Indian judiciary system", the young man's voice solemnly resonated in the cellar. The moment Jalal picked the call, the elderly man dived straight into business seeking Jalal's opinion on legal action against Ramesh. To his displease the young man denied, taking the advocate by surprise. Needless to say Saradhi ji was evidently dissatisfied, and however hard he tried, he couldn't help sounding hostile. "Your denial is understandable Jalal, after all who prefers tarnishing their reputation," was his immediate retort and Jalal discerned the grouch behind it. Empathizing with the hurt father, Jalal calmly faced his allegation, as he knew there is no point getting offended for words of a grieved parent.
"Who else knows better of our judiciary system than you uncle? How long does it take for any case, however trivial it is, to get a final verdict? Also this is a case of molestation attempt. Granted we have solid evidence, staunch influence in authorities but there would always be a sordid lawyer to defend the culprit. Don't you know how gross the defense cross question in these cases? Can we endure Jodha going through that humiliation?" As Jalal's candid questions embarked a prudent contemplation in the recipient, Saradhi ji resorted to silence.
The high profiled acquaintances, the handy evidence and a subdued family background of Ramesh emboldened Saradhi to legally proceed, but Jalal's argument riveted a bonafide fact. Ramesh might be a commoner with no influence in judiciary, but that wouldn't stop him from hiring a lawyer, and one covetous advocate is enough to sabotage his daughter's courage and confidence. What should he do? How is he supposed to confer justice to his persecuted girl?
"Sorry to say, I've little belief on these legalities uncle..." Jalal continued perceiving a pensive silence from other end. "And zero patience to wait for trials and verdicts, so I carried on with what seemed just to me. As you assumed, I didn't silently return to Bangalore setting the creep free. Ramesh is missing because he was bashed, robbed and rendered desolate on Delhi roads!!" To completely satiate the aggrieved father, Jalal patiently narrated the chastisement the jerk was subjected to.
"That shouldn't be the end of it uncle, he deserves more, he has no right for mercy," unconsciously ire imbricated his composure as he retracted down the memory lane. "As I said, I hate waiting for years for verdict when we have the potential to mete our own judgment without violating law. I only request you to think beyond law and come up with a perfect punishment that would hound that baxxxd forever!!" A complete silence prevailed as it took few subtle moments for Saradhi ji to recoup from overwhelm;the fervor and rationale of this young entrepreneur rendered him speechless. Constraining the exuberant gratitude, he cleared his throat. "Your sensibility and poise always outwitted my expectations Jalal, this time it is no different. I wouldn't belittle your magnanimity with a mere thank you," ensuring he didn't choke as he said, Saradhi completed his statement. "All I say is... I'm with you in whatever decision you take."
A gratified smile uplifted the triumphant boss's morale!!
~~~
"Switched off?" Jodha stared agog. "Since when?"
"I last spoke to him on yesterday afternoon; I called him today morning as he didn't return to room last night. Since then it's the same answer, switched off. Why didn't he travel with you? When did you last see him?" clueless about his friend's status, Shashank asked baffled. He believed Jodha would know his whereabouts as they traveled together, but Jodha's reverse inquiry numbed him.
"At lunch yesterday!!" the dazed woman replied. "I didn't see him after that and I thought he took a different flight for some reason!!"
"Let's not wait, we have to inform Raj." the worried colleague dashed out of his cabin and Jodha thoughtfully followed. "Is Ramesh deliberately doing this or did something happen to him?"
"Where is she?" not finding the desired lady in her designated place, Jalal casted a surveying glance continuing the stride to his chamber. The little commotion his arrival created in the office ambience testified how much the employees cheered their boss's presence. Ironically, the face he yearned to first see was nowhere in vicinity and he couldn't resist a mild disappointment seeping in. The marketing manager distracted Jalal from his track requesting the latter to show up in his cabin for a quick discussion. Five minutes later when the boss stepped out of marketing manager's chamber, he spotted his favorite employee listening to Raj and Shashank outside Raj's work place. The knitted forehead indicated the depth of her contemplation. "Seriousness amplifies the oomph factor and she looks ultra-sexy", posing an inattentive ear to the marketing manager, Jalal stealthily scanned her from tip to toe. His observant eyes instantly recognized the dress on her - it was the same attire that imprinted a pretty posture of her in his memory. Few months ago, she was in the same dress when he barged into her cabin - with a messy bun and pencils protruding out of it she looked like a cute clown that day and today is no different - pink on lips, pink on cheeks, pink on dress - she appeared so fresh, delicate and delectable that he couldn't stop comparing her with a...
"What are you doing here?" The message alert vibrated her hand and the name of sender vibrated her heart. With unmasking elation, Jodha looked around and spotted the boss solemnly talking to the marketing manager - his face so grave that, for a moment, she doubted the authenticity of the recipient. "Is it for me?" To confirm the same she simply texted... "?!!" and held a vigilance from corner of eyes on the conniving boss's movements.
"May be his phone is lost, the office records should have his home number, try with Nina" suggesting the duo, Raj stepped aside blocking Jodha's vigilance on Jalal. "By the way how did the conference go? Did you find it useful?" the manager casually asked.
"Good Raj and very informative it was..." she began citing the experiences when her mobile buzzed again. A quick glimpse of sender confirmed that the previous message was indeed to her. Continuing with the colloquy, she stole glances at the lengthy text at every found opportunity. Though talking to Raj, undoubtedly her mind fixed on deciphering the puzzling text she received.
"What are you doing here when your friends are searching for you at Lal Bagh??" was the message from Jalal and obviously it made no sense to her. "My friends searching in Lal bagh?!! Who and why?" she rigorously racked brain to solve the enigma. "Did Samyu or Pri come to Bangalore? No way!! Then who's in Lal Bagh?" A cavalcade of surmises cascaded her sleuth cells but none of them seemed sensible. Urging to fathom the mystic query, Jodha took a side step making herself and the bafflement in her eyes visible to the sender. What if she couldn't text in Raj's presence, she has better means of communication than phone - her eyes. And she's so right!!
The sharp black orbs that deftly held vigilance on the hazel eyes espied perplex in them. A joyous smile hurled out descrying her trouble to decode his question and the restiveness slashing her composure. My, my, how much he loved troubling her!! "There is more to it idiot... be prepared," resolving for a direct attack, he excused from the marketing manager and conspiringly walked to her.
The lopsided smirk on the approaching man instantly alerted the target; her eyes squinted trying to read the devious intentions churning in the Don's mind. Next moment she saw him typing really fast, once done, he looked up to her and winked. Alarm bells in her mind vigorously rang fathoming that it was a reply to her and the vibration on her phone confirmed the same. She dreaded to read before Raj but the curiosity didn't allow her stay passive.
"The Red, the White, and the Yellow roses are frantically searching for the missing PINK ROSE!! Tell me now... what're you doing here?"
"What??" Her eyes first squinted in confusion; a second later it hit her when she looked at herself. "PINK ROSE!! He called me that!!!" the astonished orbs immensely widened; her heart pumped with extra vigor flushing her cheeks with the most desirable shade of red and an uncontrollable grin threatened to broaden the lips. Her fingers impulsively rose to shut the unruly mouth before she made a fool of herself in front of Raj, alas, fate wasn't in her favor.
"What happened?" The bewildered manager wanted to ask but another voice from behind mouthed the same question. Raj and Shashank turned back surprised while Jodha looked away feeling too shy to meet eyes with the owner of the husky voice. She needed time to recompose as the entire happening was so unexpected!! True that when she picked the pink dress and readied with extra interest, she anticipated some sort of appreciation from him, but what came her way was... too aesthetic!!
"Hey Jalal!!" Raj animatedly shook hand and the sturdy boss charmingly grinned. "Hi Raj... what happened?" relishing the blush on his lady, he sheepishly repeated. "You guys are in a serious discussion?!!"
"Nothing important... how did your break go?" Raj asked.
"Great!! Productive and promising, especially the last days... we progressed a lot!" To Raj, who's aware of his research, those words appeared candid but the slyness in his gaze conveyed their original meaning to the besotted lady. She casted a quick astounding cum serious glance at him and immediately shifted her attention to Raj but the amplified blush on her cheeks contradicted with the gravity in eyes. "Aah..." catching her profusely blushing, his gates of passion unleashed. "If only I puffed more pink to those radiant cheeks with my..."
"Excuse us Raj, we'll see Nina..." her hasty escape eventually scattered his desirous rumination. The manager nodded and Jodha evacuated the place without wasting a second. The devilish boss treacherously grinned sensing her haste in running away.
"The ROSE came in search of its THORN!!" A minute later his mobile buzzed with that message making his grin wider.
11:30pm, Conference hall
"Did you see boss today?" taking a seat next to Divya, the female colleague whispered.
"No... why?" Divya wondered and Jodha stared intrigued.
"Killer alert!!" the colleague winked. "Long hair, light beard, dashing brown Tuxedo... he looks dapper... office is on fire... isshhh", the infatuated colleague mockingly fanned.
"Is it? I can't wait to see him..." Divya excitingly claimed. Giggling at her pal's excitement, Jodha riposted, "Someone is forgetting her marital status here..."
"Hello oldie..." the crooked friend retarded. "A thing of beauty is a joy forever... and for everyone... married or unmarried!! Anyways... what am I doing? Educating a nun on beauty and romance?!! Sheer waste!!"
"Nun..?!!" suppressing the urge to madly laugh, Jodha nodded in acceptance with a misleading smirk. "If only you knew what this nun did last night!!"
The bustle in the conference room muted as the MD, accompanied by managers and other superiors walked in. Jodha's eyes trailed through the gazes of the female colleagues surrounding her. Most of them carried fascination for their mesmeric boss making her heart fill with delight for the unasked boon she has been blessed with - her Badepapa. "If not for him, the entire affair would have been quite impossible, I'd have been one amongst these girls silently admiring or totally out of this office two months back. By now, Jalal would've forgotten that an employee named Jodha worked in his company," she wistfully thought blithely overlooking that - when destiny dawns a game, it also devices the master moves well in advance.
"What keeps running in her brain all the time?" gracing the podium, the beloved MD casted a precise glance at the still-staring persona and an overview one at the rest of occupants. Definitely her eyes were on him but not gaze, else how'd she miss reciprocating the special hi silently delivered to her. A dab of mike followed by his baritone successfully garnered her attention. She glanced at him with perceptible admiration and the act that followed totally bowled the speaker; the slender fingers of right hand coiled into an arc, lifted till eyes and swiftly descended down - an aadab it was, a gesticulation beyond his anticipation. His eyes glistened with awe and blinked in acknowledgement!!
The meeting continued with financial progress of Regal over the first half of the year, projects in progress and completed, impending targets and projected figures for the other half. "It's a sinking ship!" the arrogant lady's warning replayed as Jodha intently tried discerning the current financial status of Regal. The huge numbers, the percentiles and statistics offered her nothing than a vague estimation of the status. For first time ever, she averred her lack of knowledge in the subject. "What did I think while rejoining Regal? To help him with all I can, but what do I possess to offer him? With zero knowledge on automobiles or finance, how can I be of any help to him? If only I were an MBA...", she sadly thought. "Better late than never budhu... Think seriously about pursuing MBA... no wrong in giving a try!!"
"I attribute this success to each of you... without your strenuous endeavor it'd have not been possible", are the routine phrases of every entrepreneur but the same words coming from him didn't sound mundane to the employees. It's his sincerity behind it that added a personal touch to the message. "With rejuvenated spirits lets keep the good work coming... Thank you so much and..." with a captivating smile reserved for his exclusive employee, he concluded. "Aadab!!" Needless to say, the overwhelmed audience trumpeted the hall with loud cheers and lauds for their boss and themselves.
*********
Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad, 1:00pm
"One Strawberry shake... large!" placing the order, Samyuktha looked around to see if the expected man arrived. She was supposed to meet Prithvi at KFC, Inorbit mall at one o' clock and her office being close to the venue, she reached ten minutes before. The appetizing aroma of fried chicken coiled her intestine as the slowly running mice set out on a marathon in stomach. Having waited for ten stressful minutes, she couldn't control her hunger anymore. "Let me quickly grab a milk shake before he comes..." once decided, she didn't waste time in placing the order.
"Where are you?" with satiated hunger after emptying three forth glass, she leisurely dialed her friend.
"On way to a book store near office..." the response came from the other end.
"Ok... are you sending sweets tonight?
"Yes!!"
"Good girl!! Which book are you buying?"
"Latest edition of... Top 10 ideas of refuting a proposal... for you!!", came a chirpy reply.
"Wow... Thank u darling. So sweet of you!" sardonically thanking, Samyu sipped the drink. "What to do!! I'm not privileged with a handsome bachelor as boss unlike lucky someone!!"
"What if you had?" Jodha giggled.
"I'd have mastered the book How to sneak into an MD's heart... and make him fall flat for me in two days."
Giggling more, the vivacious lady snapped back. "..As if the bosses keep their hearts open and vacant for employees. Where are you?"
"KFC..."
"KFC... again? How many buckets of chicken will you dump in that tiny stomach?"
"At KFC but not for the wings bucket madam..." Samyu hastily explained before more tantrums flooded in. "Came here to meet someone."
"Who?" maneuvering into the bookstore, Jodha asked inquisitive.
"Boyfriend..." the naughty friend winked and the latter chuckled... "Accha... Tadhasthu!!"
"Hi Samyuktha!", perceiving a male voice from the other end Jodha's brows rose in exclaimation. "Wah... what a timing!! Say my hi to your secret boyfriend!!" she teased but it fell deaf on the panicked friend. Hurriedly getting up, Samyu skeptically stared at the giant body robustly standing before her.
"Hi... Prithvi?" she hesitantly asked wondering if he heard her comment on boyfriend, and then realized the mistake she just committed. "Shuck... Shhh!" placing a finger on her lips she warned him not to speak and picked up the slipped ear phones. "Jo... I'll call you later... bye!!" without waiting for response, she ended the call.
"Aah... too hurry to disconnect. Who's that man? Did Samyu say Prithvi? Which Prithvi?" getting out of the vehicle, Jodha intrigued.
"Sorry... its Jodha on phone, so...", apologizing her behavior, Samyu cordially smiled. "Hi... nice meeting you. When did you come? I didn't see you coming..." settling in seats, she dubiously asked.
"I came when you're promising not to touch chicken bucket...", he quipped impishly conveying that he heard the boyfriend conversation as well. The cordial smile on Samyu transformed into an embarrassed one while she detested her reckless tongue.
"You said your informer is also coming...", to alleviate the awkwardness, she initiated a purposeful talk. Though it is their first face off, the back and forth calls over past few days regarding Jodha's case established a level of ease between the duos. Whenever she spoke with him on phone, Samyu envisaged an image of a tough and rugged officer; she has been eagerly waiting to gauge her imagination ever since she was apprised of their meeting. To her pleasure, the man before her turned out more dashing and appealing than the one in her imagination.
"Yes... he'll join soon. Meantime, shall we order? I hope you're not done with lunch," dubiously scanning the large glass of milk shake, Prithvi gibed.
"I'm not..." fathoming the mischief behind his glare, the riled lady sternly said.
----
"Am I doing it right?" glimpsing at the huge volumes in hands, Jodha pondered. "In an attempt to help him, am I compromising on my identity? Management isn't my cup of tea, will I be able to pull it along?" she vacillated before proceeding to the cash counter.
"I was so vexed with the father and son's business talks that I ended up learning stocks," she recalled Jalal's mother's statement during dinner at her home. "If his mother could, why not I? Anyways I'm not going to take it up as profession, it is only to learn the subject", she explained herself. "Help him or not at least I'll have the knowledge to understand his world!!" encouraged by self-attestation, she advanced to pay.
----
"Jodha's site visit was impromptu. She didn't know till an hour before... then how did the murderer know? Two options: One: He stalked her all the day. Two: Someone informed him", Prithvi analyzed. "Chances are minimal for first option and my instincts go with second one. If we can crack who informed him, we are almost done with the case."
"May be one of her colleagues?" Samyu guessed. "But why'd they scheme against Jodha? Moreover, the first attack happened much before she joined Regal. So I doubt her colleagues having any connection with this."
"Apart from her colleagues, there're two more people aware of the visit. Jodha's peddamma and ..."
"... and?" the intrigued lady anxiously asked.
"YOU!" the canny officer calmly said.
~~~
"What happened to it all of a sudden?" irritated with all attempts going futile, Jodha disgustedly got down. Impatiently opening the bonnet, she looked at the engine, battery and radiator. To the amateur, unfortunately everything seemed normal. "Hmm... Ranga can only help", unwitting to waste anymore time, she reached to the mobile but then a naughty thought bumped across. Dialing another number instead of Ranga's, the ebullient woman curiously waited for the call to be picked up.
"Hello doctor!" was the immediate addressing Jalal heard as he picked up Jodha's call.
"Doctor?" Jalal grinned at the new name. "My parents named me only once, but she does it everyday!!" "When did I become a doctor?" steering through the busy road, he asked entertained.
"Just now, when my car turned a patient" she chuckled and sighed in mock grief. "Its condition is deteriorating doctor... only you can save it!!"
"Idiot!" laughing at her sigh, he enquired. "What happened and where are you?"
"Sapna bookstore near our office...", she replied and he surprisingly looked ahead at the complex on right. "My car suddenly became patient, it doesn't start Jalal. Will you guide me over phone, I'll fix it??"
"I'm driving, can't instruct you on phone, wait I'm coming!!"
"No no... That's ok... you might be going on some work... I'll call Ranga, don't worry", jumping in joy at the impending private encounter, she put up a false courtesy. "As usual he will not heed to my words and come here!!" a happy smile danced on her lips. "Love you darling for playing cupid...", she fondly stroke the dead engine.
"Ahaan... acting all goody?" The manipulator devilishly smirked. "Ok, call Ranga, that'd be better... bye!!" crushing her hopes, he disconnected the call.
"Huh?" The rejoicing heart collapsed.
~~~
"Me?" Samyu stared stunned. "I remember Jo called me the next day and informed about the incident... but...", she stressed her memory. "I don't remember if we talked before the visit... anyways how do you confidently say I knew it?"
"From Jodha's phone log... you're the last one to call her that afternoon...", Prithvi clarified intently looking at the inquisitive lady.
"Hmm... may be... we call each other everyday and that could have been one such casual call... what do you have to say? I informed the murderer?" scrupulously glaring at the officer, Samyu fumed.
"Unknowingly", the officer corrected. "There's a chance for you and Jodha's Peddamma to unknowingly pass on the information. I'm now sure the colleagues have nothing to do with this case though I had a few initial glitches. That day Jodha and Prameela ji were at a function of family friend. Saradhi ji confirmed that the attendees hardly knew Jodha or her family. So the chance of information being unknowingly passed from Prameela ji is ruled out. The only remaining option is you. Do you remember where you were when you called Jodha?"
~~~
"Why can't you shut up when he's ready to come? I'll call Ranga... don't worry...", mocking herself , the piqued lady took her anger out on the bonnet. Leaning against the car she strained her grey cells for an appropriate fib to convince Jalal to come. "I'll say Ranga is away... how can he refuse this time", self-impressed with her talent of cooking excuses, she joyously dialed Jalal again.
"Now what?" leisurely picking up the call, Jalal snapped. "Is Ranga not available?" The sarcasm in his tone evanesced the mirth on caller's face. "Cha... I shouldn't have called him... all because of this riotous heart!!" she self-chided. "No... I actually called to..." she scratched forehead fidgeting what to say. "haa... to ask about Ramesh. He didn't come to office today, no idea of his whereabouts... what if..."
"Relax Jodha..." parking the car in a row behind Jodha's, he coolly cut her short. "Where will he go? If not today, he has to come tomorrow. Lets think over the immediate problem, when is Ranga coming?"
"Um... I didn't call yet...", she lowly said.
"Why? Isn't the patient's condition critical?" the amused man chuckled. Slowly closing the door, he tiptoed to back of red Santro.
"It iiss..." she musically dragged, "...but I think it needs an expert like you", closing eyes in embarrassment she finally uttered; "Will you come... please?" In response, she heard a teasing laughter from behind.
~~~
"I might be at office... or at home if it was a weekend", Samyu said. "Do you remember what day it was?"
"28th August", Prithvi replied checking the case notes in his mobile. "... A day before Ganesh Chaturthi", he added hoping that'd help her in recollecting.
"28th afternoon..." she thoughtfully looked down, "...should be at office only... mmm", she said to herself; "I spoke to Jodhu on Ganesh Chaturthi, that's when she said about the accident at site and what else we talked?" A few moments rolled in intense cerebration. "... I told her about choti's pregnant news... oh yes...", a surge of excitement gushed through her as she looked up to Prithvi.
"I wasn't at office that afternoon..." she revealed, "Was at an engagement party of my Dad's friend's son!! Srini uncle asked me to call her, as we all missed Jo's family", Samyu narrated recalling the event. "Jo said she was driving to site, and the discussion shifted to real estate prospects in prime areas of Bangalore. Amidst that, Lakshmi aunty forgot to share her daughter's pregnancy news, so I called Jo next day. Now I vaguely remember Jo talking of the site details, in that case..." the horrified lady's pupils expanded in alarm, "...everyone gathered there knew where Jo was!!"
~~~
"You are such a teaser Jalal... hiding behind me and...", staring agape at the approaching man, the stupefied woman groused.
"And?" erecting before her, he raised a prodding brow.
"Spying!" saying that she lifted on toes mysteriously checking his back.
"What?" following her gaze, Jalal puzzled.
"Looking for your secret wings. Else how can you be so fast?" sheepishly squinting eyes, she dropped to feet.
"That is because..." he cheekily leant forward whispering to her ear. "A THORN is always within a ROSE's reach!!" A gush of blush smeared the enthralled lady's cheeks, yet again!!
~~~
"Lakshmi aunty..." Prithvi's shrewd cells convulsively pondered over the name. "Every discussion about the case finally leads to her reference. Is this coincidental? Can't be!!"
"Who's in your mind officer?" pensively glaring at Prithvi, Samyu quested. "Whom do you suspect among them?" Evaluating the pros and cons of disclosure, the officer glimpsed in dilemma. Saving him from the situation, the informer made his timely appearance.
~~~
"I was close to this complex when you called..." unfastening the cuffs, Jalal casted a surveying glance at the interior of bonnet. The hands of off-white shirt were pulled up exhibiting a pair of manly arms that competed with shirt's color. Resting hip against the car, Jodha stood aside happily drooling. "Where were you going?" she asked.
"To join Abdul for lunch... and then to site", he answered verifying the spark plug cables.
"Which site?"
"New one..."
"Any progress in your ACP friend's enquiry?" keenly watching his deft fingers in action, Jodha intrigued. Stupefied, Jalal's movements ceased and he dubiously looked aside. "Which enquiry?"
"On the site incident?" she replied surprised. "What else?"
Sighing in relief, Jalal continued with checking the battery. "I told him to ignore it. There isn't a proof against the brother-in-law of site owner, it's a mere suspicion."
"Ignore?" she bent forward astonished. "It's about your life Jalal... an attempt of murder it was!! It happened once implies it may happen again, how can you be so cool?"
"Mmm... I'll ask Prithvi to look into it again", marking in mind to soon cook a foolproof story to avoid Jodha's future interrogation, Jalal deviated the topic. "Was the car left under rain last night?"
"Haan... I don't park in garage daily and too lazy to cover it", she shamelessly admitted.
"And you punish me for calling disorganized... idiot!!" sweetly scolding he reached out to the distributor cap. As the congested area posed a danger of scratch to his expensive watch, his greased fingers set to remove it when Jodha hurriedly stopped him. "Why do you take trouble when your assistant is here boss?" preciously holding his hand, she gently freed his wrist of the watch while his gaze glued to her bowed head and groomed fingers. "How casually she did it? Like a wife tending to her husband," an irresistible fantasy loomed up. Securing his accessory in her palms, she sweetly smiled and he returned the favor. "Thank you... by the way... which book brought you here so urgently from office? Any new novel in market?" blowing the moisture beneath distributor cap, he jested.
"No", anticipating his reaction, she divulged on guard. "Came here for MBA entrance books." His lips that curved to blow air momentarily halted as he faced her amazed. "MBA?" his brow raised and she smilingly nodded.
"Why all of a sudden?" his gaze narrowed.
"Just like that..." abashed to reveal the real intention, she meekly shrugged.
"MBA is not a decision to be taken JUST LIKE THAT!! What is she hiding?" Without uttering a word, he strewed a studying glance and silently resumed the task. "She's a deft financial and marketing strategist," his very own words about Aaliya involuntarily reverberated.
"Don't you have anything to say?" unable to decipher his solemnity, the bemused woman persisted but all she got in response was his reticence.
"Jalal..."
"What do you want to specialize in MBA?" half a minute later his voice echoed. When Jalal asked that question, he also had an expectation of the answer. Misjudging her response to please him, Jodha gleamed. "Finance and marketing!!"
"Mm", his head waved as in predicating himself that he rightly guessed. Darting Jodha a rigid glance, he calmly left to get an aerosol can from his car. He was cocksure... if he were to speak, the words would only leave her hurt!!
~~~
"The investigation should start from maid," Prithvi declared expectantly looking at Samyu and the other man, his informer. "Her sudden disappearance from Hyderabad fifteen days after gas leakage is a matter of suspicion. As rumors say she'd have truly eloped with her lover, but we can't take it for granted without confirmation. Simultaneously he'll be digging into the roots of those documents. At any point, if he needs your help, he'll contact you. Hope that is ok with you?"
"Absolutely..." Samyu more than willingly nodded. After exchanging the contact details and receiving few more instructions from Prithvi, the informer left.
~~~
"Why is he not happy?" Watching Jalal silently accomplishing his work, her spirits dampened. "Jalal...", she called but he didn't reciprocate. "Why are you silent? Don't you have any comments on my decision?"
"Why should it matter when you already decided?" he plainly said spraying aerosol on the moist cap.
"Why do you say that?" clouds of bleakness permeated the joy she experienced a few minutes ago. "I'm waiting to hear your feedback. I value your opinion Jalal as you know me as much as I know myself," she earnestly implored.
"I don't know you Jodha..." he gravely stared, "Seriously, I don't know you..." Jalal's head shook in sobriety making the tensed lady lucidly squirm; after all, wrath is not the response she anticipated from him.
"A night before you call the very subject disgusting and the next morning if you come up with a declaration to master it, how am I supposed to claim I know you?" his gaze slashed her straight. "Forget me... do you know about yourself? Do you know what you actually want? I doubt it..." the aggravated man stopped seeing the paralyzed lady's forlorn eyes. Disheartened to excruciate her more, he passively shut the bonnet.
"Check it" dusting his hands he ordered. Seeing her stand still, Jalal repeated. "Go and check Jodha!! I'm getting late!!"
"Mmm..." feebly nodding, she obliged. "He's right... anyone who knows my aversion for Economics calls me insane if I suddenly announce I'll pursue financial management. Yet, if I say it is to assist him he'd outright stop me." She slowly walked to the driving seat and the dullness in her gait tangled his heart. Exercising great control not to take her into a cajoling embrace, he stayed constrained.
Its crystal clear that her decision is out of jealousy for Aaliya, but why? Appreciating Aaliya doesn't mean degrading her... alas, why is she comparing herself with anyone? What takes her to realize that she is unique and beyond comparison? Since I praised Aaliya yesterday, she resolved to take up management, else would she ever think of it? Anyone who thoroughly knows her can blindly bet management is not her forte. She's a transparent thinker, a versatile creator. Only creative work can keep her happy not concocting insidious marketing strategy or financial statements!! The engine started disrupting the lull quarters and eventually his thoughts. Seizing a bottle of water and car tissues, Jodha got down.
"There...", spotting a dustbin, she slowly headed and he accompanied. Pouring out water to his hands, she steadily watched his starchy side profile - annealed jawbone epitomizing his anger, impenetrable lips and pert nose - "His masculinity multiples manifold when he is angry... a kiss on that tight jaw would be a perfect punishment for shouting on me..."
"Jodha..." wiping his hands; Jalal bluntly called and she braced herself for more bashing to come, "I'm clueless on what spurred you arrive at this decision but if you are happy with it..." he bitterly sighed, "Congratulations on your decision!!"
"I'm not..." her explanation was curtly interrupted by a call on Jalal's mobile, "Yes Abdul... I'm coming", leaving her behind, he treaded to his car while the stimulated woman looked on griping.
~~~
"May I ask you something?"
"Sure..."
"What's the reason behind video chat that day?" Once the informer left, Samyu mouthed her long pending dubiety. "If questioning about the incident is the motive, the same could be done without video!!"
"To analyze the candidness of your answers..." the officer casually said unbeknown of the effect of his revelation.
"Why did you think I wouldn't be candid?" she skeptically quirked a brow.
"Because I had a suspicion that...", his statement hovered as he saw her gaze stiffening. "That..??" Samyu nudged.
"I mean... like you see... unintentionally..." fathoming that he's in trouble, Prithvi tried covering up the damage but she cut him short. "Don't beat around the bush Mr.ACP. Put it straight... you suspected me as murderer, right?" her throat parched and he flatly nodded. "Don't take it personal Samyuktha, its part of my duty. Till I gather right evidence everyone is susceptible including Jodha's foster parents. Anyhow, that was then. Now I have no doubts of...", his persuasion halted seeing her staidly scanning him. The beautiful orbs that darted daggers at him carried not only anger, they broiled with angst and hurt.
"How could you suspect without knowing the relation Jodha and I share? Two days... for two days after your interrogation, I dreaded answering Jo's call, do you understand why?" she soberly asked. "Because I feared I'd break down before her. Do you know how hell it is to act normal though knowing death is lurking around your dearest one? Ask me about it!! A surmounting fear that lurks each time you see them, talk to them, shuddering what if this is the last talk? Have you ever experienced the fear of losing someone.. forever!!" As tears threatened to burst out, the aggrieved lady looked away and Prithvi understandingly glimpsed her.
"Anyways, no point talking these sensitive feelings to a man of the clan to whom every other human is a criminal," she suddenly got up to leave. "I'm leaving officer. I'll be in touch with your informer and extend all my cooperation, fret not. Tell him not to hesitate to call me anytime of day... and one more thing", darting a penetrating gaze at the befuddled man, she avowed. "Suspect me, my family, our friends or whoever you can Mr. ACP... I give a damn!! But dare you fail in discovering the culprit or in protecting my Jo...", her eyes resembled those of a preying tiger. "Mark it... I'll be the end of you!!"
She left with determined strides while Prithvi looked on boggled. A woman, neither his friend nor his superior, ordering him what to do and swearing to be his death... a dazed smile emanated and soon it transformed to a bout of laughter. "This girl is impossible!!"
***********
2:30pm
"I repeatedly called on his home number Jodha..." Shashank said bewildered, "but no response. I doubt if there was a family emergency."
"Possibly", she pensively nodded. "Son commits a crime... first he goes missing and then his parents. Can it be a family emergency? No something fishy!!"
"Ok Shashank... don't forget to inform me if you hear from Ramesh or his parents." having said, she returned to her desk and dialed Saradhi's number to pass on the update.
"Tell me beta..." the advocate answered and she explained her speculation on Ramesh's absconding. "Oh... I know where he is Jodhu. I was busy in a hearing this morning, so couldn't tell you. Ramesh is in Delhi, and his parents, if I guess it right, one of them should be on the way to Delhi or reached there already to help their destitute son."
"What?" Jodha asked baffled. "I didn't get a bit of it Papa."
"I'm not sure why Jalal didn't share this with you, may be out of modesty, but this is what happened to Ramesh..." he briefed whole Jalal's execution including his smartness in garnering evidence from CCTV footage. Too awestruck to make a sound, Jodha stayed numbed through the entire citation.
"Got it now? But don't reveal to anyone, lets see what he bluffs in office and don't be surprised if he goes on sick leave for a week...", the advocate vengefully laughed. "To recoup from Jalal's shock, he needs that much time at least."
"Mmm... bye", is all the astounded lady could say before disconnecting the call.
"JALAL", chanting his name, her head descended to the erected arms; an avalanche of emotions so whacked her body that she felt completely drained of energy. "He was punished...", a ray of happiness prominently protruded from the myriad of emotions, "Jalal punished him...", the single ray multiplied into tens. "No no... Punishment is a small word. Its butchery... he butchered that jerk by all means", the ecstasy seemed too paramount for the tiny heart to endure; thence it dribbled down the cheeks as pearls of tears. Ramesh being punished was only a trivial part of her ecstasy, the major part of it stemmed out of the sense of haven she felt. "Time and again, you prove you won't spare any creep that comes near me Jalal...", her heart cried, "How can I thank you enough? You don't know what went through me past few months. I had everyone around me, yet the inherent loneliness intimidated me every minute. Though I guise to be strong, the fear of being exploited never abandoned me Jalal. After many months of slaughtering insecurity, today I'm truly experiencing the euphoria of a sheltered protection," convulsively sniffing to restrain the flooding eyes, she leant onto desk hiding her turmoil from the world. "...but I can't admit this before you... what if you find me lame and timid after seeing this vulnerable side of me? What if you are no longer proud of me?"
The agitation continued with few more ifs and buts till the whelmed senses calmed down and cool of mind returned. "He may be too modest to voice his magnanimity but I can't be ungrateful. A simple thank you is no match to his gesture, I've to think of a subtle way to express this inundating gratitude," swabbing the soggy eyes she plunged into serious brainstorm. A few minutes in meticulous rumination and there she is... with an idea to elegantly acknowledge his generosity. Immensely gratified with the thought, her fastidious fingers set into immediate action.
----
"Any update on iron load?" studying a collection of vouchers presented by the supervisor, the boss enquired.
"No sir... they said they'd call and inform once the load is ready," the supervisor obediently replied.
"Don't wait for them... keep calling and follow up. Its our urgency not theirs, don't expect them to be proactive", solemnly instructing Jalal proceeded to supervise the interior work in progress. Fifteen minutes later, the red Santro maneuvered by the resolute lady made its way through the site gates.
"Where is Jalal sir?" she asked the first person that came on her way.
"8th floor madam..." the engineer replied.
"Thanks!" storming to the staircase, she peeked at the paper in her hands. "Give this... say thank you and calmly return. Don't succumb to excitement and do something to repent later..." hypnotizing the excited heart, she briskly ascended the stairs. "Be calm, be strong... no break down..." sending instructions to the nervous mind as she stepped into eighth floor, she looked for Jalal. Finding him nowhere, she surfed through the corridor and open rooms profusely panting.
"When will this be done?" hearing his voice she dashed in that direction and found him at a far end of corridor talking to the supervisor, with his back facing her. The moment her eyes laid on him, all the self-imposed instructions dissipated in air. Her pulse raced at express speed reminiscing what all HE did for HER. Hiding behind a pillar, she took time to catch up on breath and thumping excitement. Amidst the clanks of metals, growls of engines and hustle bustle of workers, she could prominently hear Jalal's roaring voice, and it said that he was evidently angry on the slow paced work and workers. "Had it been any girl in place of the supervisor, she'd break down crying buckets seeing his wrath... my angry boss...", reveling in his infuriated form, she waited one more minute for the gasping to completely dwindle. Dabbing the sweat beads on forehead with dupatta, she stepped out of hideout, only to see the supervisor singly talking on phone and walking towards her. Surprised, Jodha scanned ahead and saw Jalal heading to a secluded room; smiling at her luck she swiftly marched and halted at the entrance door. With hands in pockets, the boss sturdily stood at center of room, surveying the half done interior unbeknown of the bliss to come.
"My silent savior..." her heart sprang in pride watching the brawny man, "...an unsung hero!! People like you are rare and precious Jalal", refraining no longer, she ran to him firmly clutching the paper in her hands.
Engrossed in assessing the work, Jalal failed perceiving the sound of footsteps till they resonated right behind him. By the time his reflexes alerted, his carved frame was massively locked between two arms while a soft body fanatically embraced his back. "Damn it", highly irritated, he angrily tilted his head to see the intruder. To his raged eyes, it took a moment to discern whom the head that rested on back of his shoulder belonged to. "Jo..." he glared jolted - her presence at that place, that time, that way was beyond his imagination.
"Hey... what happened?" baffled, he tried to turn back but the firm lock he was in didn't permit him to flip. Not getting a bit of it, he looked down to her hands that held a paper and then back to his shoulder. "Jo..." placing one hand on her head and the other on her clasp, he anxiously called unaware of the emotional upheaval deluging her. Seeing him, all the trauma she went through in office resuscitated. She didn't expect his presence would be so affecting, but it did. Struggling hard to shun the eddy of tears pooling behind the lids, Jodha solidified her clasp in response to his touch on her head. Creasing brows in an attempt to discern her strait, his fingers crawled down bracing the right side of her face - her cheek felt hot to his cold palm. "Is she crying?" forcefully turning within the cinched arms, he came face to face with her. Comprehending it is time to face him, Jodha slowly recomposed taking a back step. Retreating the arms, she stationed in front of him with bowed head. Dithered by his love's doomed form, Jalal clutched her face with both hands forcing her to look up to him. "What happened Jo? Why are you upset?" he flustered.
Managing to sway her head in no, she painstakingly glared at him. The muted mouth and puffed eyes explained him that she's on verge of tears - his perplex magnified. "You are scaring me with silence idiot. Please say... what happened? Did anyone hurt you? Are you upset because I angered on you?" Faintly smiling at his anxiety and hastily nodding before he jumped to conclusion, the whelmed woman made the paper in her hands visible to him.
"What's this?" taking his hands off her, he seized the coiled paper. Straightening it, he looked once at Jodha and then at the paper. Discerning it as a pencil sketch, he scrupulously stared at the drawing. It had a fully bloomed pink rose, fresh and fragile, a huge thorn that magnificently grew beyond the flower and a black veiled man symbolizing a devil with his hand slightly touching the rose as if trying to crush it. The thorn is portrayed so ferocious that it surpassed the flower and pierced through the devil man's palm. The crackled palm and droplets of blood that oozed from it depicted the atrocity of thorn. The sketch looked beautiful, yet he couldn't get the gist of it. Glancing back at Jodha, he intrigued. "What is this Jo?"
"Check again...", without answering him, she faintly smiled. Dubiously glaring her, he revisited the sketch and then the letters inscribed on petals of the rose caught his attention. Straining eyes to read the small font, he put the letters together - "THANK YOU DEFENDER!!" were the exact words and his lids immediately lifted up. With a happy smile on lips and happy tears in eyes, Jodha nodded conveying that she knew the truth.
Stricken by verity, he peeked down to the paper in his hands. The rose, the thorn, the devil and the thorn injuring the devil, everything made sense to him now. She's the rose, he's the thorn and Ramesh is the evil, the moment he comprehended its significance, he remained thunderstruck. How pure, how exquisitely she thanked him!!
"Thank you Jalal!" devotedly watching his awe, Jodha cleared her throat. "...for bringing back the missing haven", the ethereal smile masking the pain behind it was his total undoing. "Jo..." with irresistible compassion, he curled his fingers into her thick tresses and pulled her towards him. That was it... an end to her self-restrain!! The dammed tears revolted against her and ruthlessly trickled down dampening his shirt as she firmly braced him. He understood she's weeping and the wetness sank to his heart awakening his love for her. "You don't have to thank me Jo...", he said moving his fingers under the tresses and pressing her more into his heart. "Whatever I did, it's for my sanity", slightly pulling her head apart, he looked into the pain smothered eyes. "I failed shielding you once but I swear not to repeat it," preciously holding her cheeks, he wiped off the dewy drops. "As long as I'm there, I'll not let any harm on you...", kissing on her head as a promise, he tugged her back to his chest and held her there.
"What's happening?" devouring the repercussions of his first kiss all over her body, the disconcerted lady felt at loss of activity. The rhythm of his life right in her ear reinstated his oath. "I'll not let anyone harm you as long as I'm there... did he say that?" her lips parted in rapturous delight. "Did he just promise to protect me forever? For a lifetime?" An immediate urge to see those pledging black orbs that carried intense affection for her stirred her heart. Without any ado, she tossed in his embrace and looked up. Disturbed by her abrupt movement, he glimpsed down. The two pairs of eyes entered into a lock silently trying to read each other.
"What?" the sharp orbs asked.
"Nothing" the hazel eyes replied. With a mysterious smile adorning her lips, she rose on toes and before he discerned, she cheerfully hit his forehead with hers. "Thank you thorn...", her lips framed, "for everything!" and then her face speedily descended down. OKAY!! She didn't mean to kiss him but in the descending process, what if two noses became one and four lips became two for a flick of a second, only for a flick of second!! After all, the entire happening is so unplanned and unintentional, isn't it??
************
"What?" the sharp orbs asked.
"Nothing" the hazel eyes replied. With a mysterious smile adorning her lips, she rose on toes and before he discerned, she cheerfully hit his forehead with hers. "Thank you thorn..." her lips framed, "for everything!" and then her face speedily descended down. He softly chuckled devouring the slightest brush of her lips against his while she puzzled at the tremors that created havoc in her body. "How strange!!" she wondered. "Even body knows it's the right man. It squirmed in aversion at that jerk's touch, but with Jalal its different altogether", the faint black smudge on his shirt, imprinted by her eyeliner, caught her attention; unconsciously her fingers began wiping it off. With one arm still on his waist, the other wiping the speck and head lowered in thoughts, the immersed lady wasn't in a state to realize the effect of her finger strokes on him. Locking lips to suppress ticklish chuckles, Jalal fondly watched her act. "Jalal's touch has a divinity that purges the taints that rascal left on me, I feel purified... Aah... why is this not going?" To her, the black taint on clean white shirt resembled the stain Ramesh engraved on her chastity. She so hated it that involuntarily her fingers slithered into the shirt lifting the speck up and she arduously scratched it as if erasing it is equivalent to annulling the blot on her sanctity.
"Try with a brush and soap", the amused boss seriously suggested imposing her to look up. His impish giggles that followed fetched realization with them and she looked down baffled at the position of her hands. "Shucks!!" The fingers swiftly retreated and the abashed lady as well.
"Wo... that stain... sorry...", she stammered and he heartily laughed. "Fret not, some stains are treasured!!" Brushing of the embarrassment with a faint smile, Jodha pointed to the sketch in his hands. "So that was what you did leaving me alone in your suite? You shouldn't have been so modest boss. I wish you called me to witness his torment", she playfully complained and Jalal looked on in contemplation. Though he hadn't had a significant reason behind the secrecy, the unyielding boss resolved to utilize the opportunity in his favor, albeit in his unique style. There are certain clouds to be cleared, certain facts to be reinstated and what could be the best time to accomplish it than on heat of the moment.
"I didn't say as I was skeptical of your reaction" keenly watching out her squinting eyes, Jalal alleged. "You didn't like my involvement in the affair, right? Isn't that why you tried notifying only your Badepapa and not me though I was right next to you?" At that false accusation, Jodha stood benumbed. Her mouth opened to outright refute his blame, yet stopped at the nick of time. What should she reply?? That she saw him with another woman and burned in envy? Deprived of the righteous answer, her face turned aside avoiding his blazing scrutiny.
"So I'm right!!" he staidly declared perceiving her silence. "What's point in sharing something you despise of? What if you condemned my involvement in YOUR PERSONAL issue?" That blunt retard earned a fierce glare from the hurt woman in return. "Had it been the case, I wouldn't have come knocking your door for help Jalal", the wounded heart reflected in the angry orbs.
"Ok, I was absent from room doesn't mean you remain aloof and shut me off. You had many ways to reach out to me but you didn't; and what about next day? You had all time to attend conference, roam here and there but not a single minute to divulge the ordeal, right? I bet you deliberately avoided me Jodha, do you dare to deny?" his thundering voice spawned tension in the frayed lady. "Why this discussion now when its all over?" She looked on affected. Anyways, if he is so urging for answers, I better speak than leaving him to untrue assumptions!! Mustering valor to encounter, Jodha feebly nodded. "Right, I deliberately didn't tell you!!"
"Why?" the apparent question stemmed out. Sighing the broiling tension out, she replied low. "Because I was upset with your absence from room!!" she met his studying glare.
"Anger for absent from room or?" his glance hardened. "...or for presence at pool??" The moment the last words registered in her brain, Jodha stared stunned. "Did he know it!!? But how??" The surprise gradually transformed into anger for getting cornered; she immediately turned back to leave. "I think I answered your question Jalal. Let's leave now!!"
"Surely... after I get the right answer" his persistence halted her. "Tell me what angered you more?" Jalal repeated and the incensed woman's anger transformed into disgust. Confronting her man about his intimacy with another woman, can anything be more disgusting than this?
"The CCTV footage tells that you came to pool looking for me Jodha, what happened then? Didn't you find me?" advancing towards her, he insisted. With his instigation, the buried vulnerability revived. Remembering how devastated she ran for him and the disgusting sight that greeted her, the repelled form sorely glimpsed back. "If you know everything why're you questioning me Jalal? I don't know what pleasure you're deriving from this inquisition, but to me...", too egoistic to show her debility, Jodha sternly looked aside. She pretended to be unemotional, yet the underneath brittleness was barely hidden from the vigilant man.
Yielding to her fragility, Jalal gave up the tenacity but not before heralding the message his ladylove had to be apprised of. Authoritatively seizing her shoulders, he shook her to face him. "If speaking of it hurts you so much, did you imagine what goes through me when you avoided me for no fault of mine?" his questioning gaze rendered her speechless. "...and I don't derive pleasure from your pain idiot... NEVER!!" his hands frantically grappled her cheeks. "I should have said this before but..." shoeing the remorse off his head, Jalal reinforced the actuality into his idiot's brain. "My presence anywhere, anytime with ANYONE and in ANY SITUATION should not stop you from coming to me, you get that??" he solemnly gritted eliciting a vibrant gleam on the whelmed listener. "Never forget it and slip me into guilt with your senseless inhibitions or assumptions." The clouds of hurt and disgust vanished inviting an idiotic grin on the enticed employee. Lovingly twining her fingers into his, she buoyantly nodded. "Mm!!"
"As to my absence in the room I was away helping a DRUNKEN FRIEND. Had I had an iota of hint of your suffering..." his serious elucidation stopped sensing the mischief sneaking from corner of her lips.
"What?" he demanded.
"Ahem... ahem... actually", Jodha feigned clearing throat. "Since when did the bossy boss start giving unasked explanations?" her brows kinked in mockery. "That too for no fault of his?"
Puzzling the vibrant transition in her mood, Jalal tauntingly knuckled on her forehead. "This clarification is much needed for this idiotic brain, to stop it from being destructively creative!!"
"What?!!" her eyes squished at new terminology. "Care to educate me what is destructive creativity sir?"
"Why not!!" the cool boss stylishly agreed. "Ideas like roaming on site at night, running to terrace at midnight, and yeah not to forget, the overnight decision of MBA..." he slyly quipped "...are termed destructive creativity!!"
Chortling loud, Jodha folded her arms. "First two seem reasonable, but how come MBA is a destructive decision?"
"IT IS!!" stressing in assertion, Jalal showed the sketch in his hand. "This tiny brain is programmed to produce creative wonders like this. Not to broil in odious marketing schemes."
"Why do you say that boss? How will a MBA degree hinder my creativity? I mean look at our Asst. marketing manager, despite into marketing isn't she creative?" purposefully taking AMM's name, she sheepishly accented.
"In what?" Jalal's face scrunched in distaste.
"Seductively dressing..." the naughty mind screamed. Quickly hiding the silly smile her wicked thoughts brewed, Jodha put up a straight face. "In many things like... she sings, dances... and..."
"Haan haan...", the uninterested boss cut her short. "I know how creative she is!! Anyways, our topic is not she, YOU!! Management is not your forte and you'll not be happy taking it up, any bet?"
"How can you say that even before I tried?" making an innocent face, she cutely pouted.
"Because I KNOW YOU IDIOT!!" Jalal confidently claimed forgetting his very contradictory statement two hours ago.
"Huh? What did you just say sir?" the appeased woman evilly bent forward with a hand near her ear. "I didn't hear it properly, please repeat!!" she quipped and the smart boss discerned he was trapped!!
"I said that..." his fingers treacherously moved as he whispered, "This ear should be strangled till it properly functions..." much before his sentence finished, a scream from owner of the ear echoed in the lonely room. "You devil!!" pushing his hand away, she cursed massaging the reddened ear and he gladly chuckled.
"Hey... is it truly hurting?" noticing her painful frown, Jalal asked worried.
"Uuu..." pouting and griping she demanded, "...and what do you mean by truly hurting? As if I'm acting!!"
"Oops... let me see..." closing in, he cleared the locks on ear that jammed his examination. "Damn..." perceiving the shade of blood red, he scorned himself. "Sorry idiot... I didn't mean to hurt you, shucks", sliding fingers into tresses behind the ear, he drew her face close and puffed on the reddened skin blithely unaware that redness was NOT out of his strangling but was the outcome of her deceiving rigorous massage. The small jhumki adorning her ear vibrantly swayed with the blows of his breath whilst her lips sealed the triumphant smirk from hurling out. A moment later, when the heat of his breath invaded into her body via the ear cavity, she realized how volcanic the impact of his act was. Quickly shutting lids to obscure the emanating desire, the possessed lady clenched her dress tight to refrain from hugging him.
"No point educating a nun on romance..." Divi's naive remark replayed. "Nun?!!" laughing within at the most unfit title, she devoured his concern. "Your nun is spontaneously cooking wicked ploys Divi. Yesterday giddiness, today ear pain... tomorrow?" A shy smile noticeably spurted out imposing Jalal to cease his treatment. "Feeling better?" gently soothing the ear, he asked. Opening eyes, she slyly nodded.
"But why you stopped... continue please" with cuteness personified, the cunning lady implored jolting the charming boss. "Continue what?" he nearly shrieked.
"Sorries..." biting the lower lip she quipped, "I barely hear an apology from you, boss! Now that you uttered one, its better to finish the quota you owe me..." rolling eyes in calculation, she counted. "Aa... only two, no three more!!"
"Sorry?" Jalal's glare viciously sharpened. "For what?"
"One for deriding my hero, one for making fun of my bike, and one for throwing me into embarrassment before Raj!!" she clarified and hurried him. "Come on, come on say it!!"
"Enough or you want more?" the predator calculatedly stepped ahead and the prey cautiously stepped back.
"Enough for now..." spying on his hands she carefully said. Sensing his hands descending down her torso, the intuition shouted. "Run Jodha run!!" Nudging the unprepared man with all her might, Jodha dashed out in a flick. "Idiot stop there!!" chuckling at her escapade, Jalal yelled. "I'm not yet done with talking!!"
Stopping on her tracks, Jodha suspiciously turned back. "What is left?"
"Come near, I can't shout from here..." he calmly replied as if he meant real business.
"Pch pch... not done sir..." she knowingly winked, "I'm not going to fall for your tricks. If you really want to talk, I'll wait downstairs. Come there!!" With that she disappeared and the plywood planks in the messy room became mute spectators to his radiant grins and mushy curses.
~~~
"Sir I called the iron dealer. He says the raw material is scarce so the load delivery is delayed by a week," fearing the repercussions, the supervisor slowly revealed. "He said and you believed?" the boss gravely retarded. Having grown up in close quarters of construction business, Jalal very well knew the glitches in it. "The load would've been delivered elsewhere for a winsome rate" he discerned. Unenthusiastic to educate the naive supervisor, he calmly stated. "I'll temporarily arrange for one from Hyderabad, but don't stop tracking him." After delivering last instructions for the day, he left to join the awaiting lady.
"Any tension?" noticing his seriousness from distance, Jodha eagerly enquired. "Routine tension!" leading to parking, the chill boss smiled unperturbed. "Hmm..." sighing in pity, she followed. "I'm so happy to be an architect. Plan, design, handover to Raj and then done. A tension free, hassle free life!! Poor managers and bosses Jalal, they hardly have time for life amidst the work chaos", she understandingly said and Jalal smirked.
"Now why that sarcasm?" she grumped, "What's wrong in my statement?"
"Its so right miss!" he teased. "But pitying managers on one hand and planning for MBA on the other, how contradictory!!"
"Who said I'd pursue a career in management?" Jodha demanded. "MBA is only to garner knowledge on the subject. I have no plan to deviate from my most cherished profession."
"Is it?" the unconvinced man's brows quirked in mock surprise. "Why this sudden interest in subject? May I know?"
"No" tipping her chin up, she crankily said. "Neither you cared to know before angering at me nor you had the time to listen to me, then why should I say now?"
"So you're not saying it?" his arms crossed in determination.
"No, never!!" pulling the car door, she haughtily turned back. "Bye... See you!!" Before the door completely opened, Jalal's burly hand surpassingly laid on hers and pushed it down. The half opened door closed again!!
"Oy... let me go!!" fruitlessly trying to nudge his grip off, Jodha grinded. Alas, if only it was that easy to liberate from his captivating hold... on her hand...on her heart!!
Eminently entertained by the friction between their palms, Jalal closed in from behind relishing the tempting curvature of neck and fierce shoulder movements. Had he resolved, it would be no less than a cakewalk to overpower her and loot the keys... but what fun in it?!! Cornering her to submission would be the ultimate win and the pleasure gained in the process... "Mmm" he breathed in her fragrance... TANTALIZING!! In the fervor to fight, the occupied lady didn't perceive her body getting caged between the vehicle and the robust frame. "Mmm" the slight sound from him grabbed her attention and the protest nimbly halted. Why is he moaning? Befuddled, she swiftly looked back only to perceive the distance between their bodies is too minimal to be named distance. Gasping at his sizzling glare, her fingers slowly retracted but were stopped with a tight cuddle from the conspiring boss. How can he let her silently back off when his game is not yet over??
"Mm, continue... why you are giving up?" leisurely lounging elbow against car top, Jalal brought her fingers back to handle. "Let's see who's mightier!!" The tease in his orbs is different, something new that she hasn't experienced before. God!! Her throat parched in tension. She so wanted to retort, to fight back and prove her might, yet she stayed paralyzed unable to budge an inch. The magnetic fields of charm around him seemed engulfing all her vigor as she felt totally depleted. "Its ok..." heaving the fluster out, Jodha effortlessly surrendered, "I give it to you. You're mightier than me. Let me go!!" Wise enough to comprehend the consequences of a revolt in such situation, the smart lady willfully submitted. The more rebellious she is, the more wicked he becomes!!
"What's hurry Missy?" laughing at her evident anxiety, Jalal teased. "You didn't tell me the reason yet. Also, you're so eager to hear my apologies. Oh, I forgot how many did I owe you?" his fingers seductively brushed the slender ones in his clasp. "Gosh!! How devilish can someone be?" clutching her stomach to quash the jitters, she helplessly leant forward onto the car. "What happened to all the workers? At least one of them can turn up here so that his devilishness ends... cha cha... useless people!! And what's wrong with my body? Its burning like I have 104 temperature!!"
"Feeling giddy again?" mercilessly enjoying her jittery, the boss snickered snaking his hand from her palm to waist pretending to hold her from falling. "Huh", soon his hand reached her waist, the petrified woman rapidly swirled liberating from his proximity. "I'm fine, not giddy!!" she hastily retreated three steps back maintaining a safe distance. The panic on her face was worth capturing and the tickled boss preciously secured the same in his photographic memory. Curbing the desire to burst out laughing, he posed a grave face leaning against the front door, thus blocking her escape. "Ok, but why did you move away? I have to utter apologies and you have to listen. Top of it, you have hearing problem, I can't shout, come close!!" he commanded.
Today is just not my day!! Condemning her fate, the frenzied lady hastily blurted. "That's ok, you don't have to apologize. You're excused!!"
"Sure? Think again Miss", the unrelenting man averred.
"Yes... sure!" her lips formed into an accepting smile, but the eyes spoke a different language. Do I have a choice devil Don?
"Fine as you wish!" coolly shrugging Jalal stood straight tucking a hand in pocket, "and... what about the reason behind MBA?"
Ayyo... Baba... Where are you? Your friend is cornered here... come for help!! Grousing at the hardy man scanning her from tip to toe and awaiting her answer, Jodha feigned a smile. If I say the actual reason, there'll be no end to his teasing!! Cha... why did I say about MBA? I should have bluffed something... stupid brain, doesn't work at right time!!
"Want more time to concoct a foolproof story?" watching her cognitive posture, Jalal jibed.
"No thanks", riled by his satire, Jodha fumed. "Cooking stories is not my all-time hobby. It just happened once or twice when the situation demanded. That doesn't mean I'm a hardcore liar."
"Tch tch... I'm the one to decide it after listening to your reason" he replied uncompromising.
"Mm... wo", bracing herself for the derisive smirks to come, she slowly revealed. "I didn't completely understand what you presented in today's meeting. I mean the statistics and all".
"So?" he stared truly confused. "What it has to do with your MBA decision?"
Momentarily closing eyes to shred the hesitation off head, she calmly said. "I knew Regal is in financial crisis but I didn't clearly apprehend the status from your presentation. I discerned there was good progress yet the facts are vague, like... is the progress good enough to indemnify the losses?"
Smiling at her embarrassment, Jalal professed. "Then you can directly ask me Jo, I'm there to explain you."
"Today you'll explain, tomorrow, in future?" she pointed. "I want to be self-sustained Jalal. To help myself and you..." lowering lids, the wary lady concluded. "...if needed."
"Oh... this is it!!" the innocence on her face testified her candor. "Its not out of jealousy then? She's ready to study the subject she hates most for my sake. Hmm!! Greatly pleased with her concern, the impressed boss forwarded his hand. "Come here..." he lovingly signaled with a nod. Though initially skeptical, the purity in his gaze asserted his intentions are far from mischief. Succumbing to the love filled eyes, Jodha moved ahead giving her hand to him. "So... MBA is to help me?" dotingly glimpsing her, his fingers impulsively set out on his favorite task - fixing the rowdy lock.
"uu...", shyly smiling, her head lowered and the unruly lock manifested its defiance by drifting down again. "My decision sounds ridiculous na? Like spending two years to attain knowledge when Regal is in problems today!! Don't laugh please... that's what my dumb brain could all think of. I may be useless today but someday in future, I can ..." her shy explanation halted with a tight squeeze on her cheeks. "My sweet idiot..." his forehead fondly hit hers, "...will kill you if you call your decision ridiculous... you have no idea how impressed, touched I'm!!" He possessively patted on her head and she gripped his shoulders in elation. "Phew... you are ok with it then? Shall I do MBA?" with overflowing happiness, Jodha violently shook him.
"No!" impishly winking, Jalal coolly said and her balloon of ecstasy blasted. "Why?" she asked dejected. "Because you'll learn management from me", chuckling at her apparent disappointment, he playfully tapped on her nose. Huh? Is this a new trick to persuade her?? She stared suspicious.
"Uff... don't stare like that idiot. Trust me once a while, at least..." he heartily laughed, "as you say you only want knowledge on subject, I'll help you. Once I'm done with research and Japan trip, I'll start teaching the basics. If you find it interesting and wish to continue, lets think of MBA then. If not, good-bye management!! What say?"
"What to say other than yes when the offer is so tempting? If you promise to be the teacher, why just Economics I'm ready to learn rocket science my Don!!" cheerfully grinning, the charged up lady happily nodded. "Done!!"
"As to helping me, I've long term plan in seeking your help, don't worry!" back to teasing mode, the buoyant boss winked retreating his hands and the alerted employee glimpsed skeptical. "What's that?"
"Not now!" opening the door, he signaled her to get in. "I'll surely say when time comes" his impish smirk whipped her curiosity yet she didn't insist further. Extracting a secret from the steadfast boss is next to impossible and after seven months of acquaintance she's ought to know it!!
*********
Jodha's residence 08:15 pm
"Jalal is right!!" soon the advocate finished his narration, Prameela said. "Morning, we all reacted on heat of moment. Later when I peacefully thought about legally proceeding, I didn't like the idea. Now that she's safe; why to unnecessarily publicize the affair? We should be glad that no one is aware of it till now. Remember ji, Jodha is yet to get married; we can't tarnish her reputation with our own hands. However progressive today's men are, these issues are highly sensitive and not widely accepted. Better forget it here, if not, do something offline. I'm staunchly against futile court cases and trials like Jalal."
"Hmm" the thoughtful husband nodded in agreement. "I'm also dropping the idea of legal complaint, but not satisfied with the punishment Ramesh got Prameela. Jalal did his part, now I have to do something."
"Such jerks should be rendered impotent ji!" the infuriated mother cursed. "They have no right to marry and pass on their seeds to next generation. Whatever!! Think of an appropriate punishment and don't forget Jodha's name shouldn't be out."
"Right... by the way, I spoke to Rao on arranging workers to white wash Hyderabad home. The ceremony is only one month away and as I'm off to Mumbai in first week of October its better to finish all work by this month end. Also I told Ranga to look for a watchman. Till now we didn't find the necessity for one, but with jawan ladki at home, its good to be cautious," getting up from couch, Saradhi looked for Jodha. "Where is Jodhu? Call her for dinner."
"In her room doing some art stuff ", proceeding to make the table, Prameela replied, "Oh, I forgot to say Jodha wants to visit Shirdi on return from Banaras. From Shirdi we've to go to Tirupati - mm, the trip is extended to a week. Glad that you told to look for a watchman, days are not good. Locking home for two weeks can be dangerous. Recently few security incidents are reported in our colony too", saying to herself the elderly lady disappeared into kitchen.
~~~
"Oh my God!!" the excited friend screamed at top of her voice. "Mr.MD IS IN LOVE with Ms. Architect!!"
"Sshh... chup stupid... when did I say that?" radiantly blushing at the truth in her friend's statement, Jodha argued.
"Oho... he fights on your behalf, swears to protect you, indirectly claims that you're his first priority and you tell me this isn't love? What is it idiot? Except for the three magical words, he said and did everything a man does only for HIS woman!" Samyu snapped back.
"I don't know the love part but you're right. Definitely he cares for me a lot, like a true friend!" taking the dried flowers out from color solutions, Jodha proudly said. "Friend? When did Jalal become your friend and since when did you start HUGGING male FRIENDS?" the inner voice laughed.
"What friend?" the unconvinced girl retorted. "Whom are you trying to fool? I haven't seen friends making lifetime promises like your boss did. By the way, why was I told only one part of the tale? Why do I feel like my idiot skipped the most scintillating part of the budding love story?"
"I didn't skip anything" condemning the expert mind reader, Jodha slyly smiled. Of course she couldn't constrain sharing the recent twists n turns in her life with her sister-alike kin, yet the revelation was subdued. She divulged Ramesh's atrocity, Jalal's endeavors and her reciprocation to it, conveniently sidelining the most interesting part of the tale, the advanced physical proximity. The minute Samyu heard of Ramesh's atrocity, she began cursing him with all profane terms she ever learnt. Once anger diminished, she showered the savior with praises. And the latest development of Jodha's thankful sketch-note and Jalal's promised protection effortlessly explained the smart girl of the changed equations between boss and his employee.
"Liar!!" Samyu shouted from other end. "You both spend hours together and say that we just talk standing meters apart. Am I the one to believe it? A touch, a hug, a kiss something should have happened, come on say it!! I know my friend is too irresistible to keep hands off, of course, the boss is no less either!!"
"Mr.Boss is too decent to be a bad boy darling" carefully drying the colored flowers on different plates, Jodha jibed veiling the intimacy they shared. Alas, how could she reveal it? Wouldn't it be inviting an immediate teasing-to-death? "And remember... all our talks should be buried between you and me!! I'll not spare if our Gandhi batch gets a hint of it!!"
"Totally unfair!!" Samyu groused. "You so bugged Pri to share every minute detail of her love story and now when it's your turn, trying to escape, eh? Hmm... not done!!"
"Idiot, its not just about me", Jodha corrected. "Its about Jalal too. How much I love sharing this with our batch, I should also be cautious before taking Jalal's name. I don't want any rumors around his name and importantly, I should never be the origin of those rumors. One more warning for you... don't call it a love story yet. It's just a beginning of a new dimension in our relation. There's a long way ahead and when I'm sure he loves me, I'll not hide from you. As to my feelings, I like him, value him a lot!! Of course who wouldn't? He's one such gem of a person!!"
"And my darling is lucky to possess that gem" Samyu smiled, "You may not admit it now, but I already see you both as a couple. A blissful life is beckoning you Jo and I'm so happy for you!! You know what, I'm insanely blushing here like I was the one in love."
Touched by her pal's unconditional love, Jodha chuckled. "Reserve the blushes for your man Motu. Oh yeah, I forgot to ask who's that Prithvi whom you met today?"
"Oops... she heard the name", smacking for her negligence, Samyu covered up. "Wo... he's my senior in college. You don't know!!"
"Aha... why suddenly is this senior interested in my friend?" kinking brows, the entertained lady countered.
"Nothing like your evil mind is assuming" Samyu chided, "That man is too haughty for me. I can't tolerate such men, anyways he actually came to", rolling eyes for a right bluff, she waited. "...to invite for his wedding!!"
"Too haughty?" feigning surprised Jodha jested. "More than you? Tch tch!! I bet no one can beat my darling in that. Had your senior not rushed to wed, I'd have requested him to marry you and crush that haughtiness."
"Haww..." the piqued friend screamed, "Idiot, devil, stupid, rascal..."
"Jodhu... come down!" the call from Prameela came for the whacked lady's rescue.
**********
September 16, Four wheels
"This is not appealing Jalal" casting a studying glance at the diagrams in system, Abdul hissed. "They're too plain!!"
"Why?" Chetan wondered. "They look ok to me!! How else do you expect them to be?"
"Three dimensional" Jalal sniggered, "Having habituated to three dimensional (3D) designs in Regal, no wonder Abdul finds these two dimensional (2D) images plain."
"You're so right!!" the former nodded in agreement, "3D projection gives a vivid depiction of the parts, I'm going to get it changed, any problem?" he expectantly looked for his friends' approval.
"But how long would it take?" Chetan hesitated. "We don't have more than ten days!!"
"Lets ask the designer. Even if it takes a day or two more, I'd go for it. These pictures are way too blunt to be presented to Toyota!!" Receiving consent from the other two, Abdul proceeded to talk to the designer. Twenty minutes later, he returned disappointed. "The one who did this is going on leave for three days and the other is novice in animation. What to do?" The friends looked on pensive!!
"Is it okay to approach Regal designers?" a while later, Chetan suggested. "Yes!" Abdul glimpsed excited. "The designs made for Ericsson presentation are impressive. Talk to Raj for his team's time Jalal!!"
"This might be too burdensome for the already loaded peeps Abdul. Anyways let me confirm with Raj!!" without delay Jalal's fingers tapped Raj's number.
"The 3D designs for Ercisson project were majorly done by Mohan and Jodha", the manager replied. "Should I tell them to contact you? I don't think they're too overloaded with tasks at present!!"
"No Raj, I'll call Mohan or Jodha directly, thanks!!" with that he disconnected the call turning to his friends.
"Oh your tigress is animation expert. Why late then? Call her, I'm sure she wouldn't deny you", sheepishly winking at Chetan, Abdul quipped. "Yes... having an expert in our very own group is a plus. Lets involve Jodha into our task, hope I get to see her in this pretext", Chetan added. Posing a deaf ear to the banter, Jalal dialed another number. "Hello Mohan... are you free now?" seeing their expectations go wrong, the baffled friends silently exchanged glances.
"I've an animation task at hand..."
"No... Not Regal... it's my personal work..."
...
...
"Fine... finish your work and be ready. Let's catch up post lunch. I'll explain you in detail, bye!!" winding up the discussion, the cool boss swung in the chair satisfied. "Done!! We'll soon have the drawings in 3D as you wished Abdul."
"Why Mohan?" Abdul asked bemused. "...and not Jodha?"
"Simple. Mohan is more experienced than Jodha and will easily comprehend our requirements. These automobile parts are novice to her, so it'll take time to get into its skin and we don't have that time. Moreover in an effort to help us, she'll take unnecessary stress and I'm against it!!"
~~~
"Hi guys..." the manager pinged Mohan and Jodha in a group chat, "Jalal is looking for help on animation. I gave your names. He'll reach out to you!!"
"Sir already called me Raj..." Mohan replied, "We scheduled to talk post lunch today."
"What is it about Mohan?" Jodha asked.
"Some designs of automobile parts to be converted to 3D. He said he'd share the files afternoon and explain."
"Ok... let me know if you need help" the conversation ended and contemplation began. Why didn't he ask me when he was told I too know animation?
3:00 pm
"Jodha... I'm in call with boss. Would you like to join?" The message from Mohan activated the lethargic lady. After conversation with Raj, Jodha speeded up her pending tasks for the day to be available at boss's service from afternoon. Having received no intimation from Mohan, she assumed the discussion is postponed. Huh!! They're in call already and Mr.Don didn't bother to ask for me. Is that because he doubts my ability? I'll get answers from him after this meeting. Thus determining, she grabbed the laptop and left to Mohan's cubicle.
The moment she stepped in, Jalal's voice from speakerphone welcomed her. Subconsciously a sense of hurt for being under evaluated and ignored seeped within. "Hi... come" putting the phone on mute, Mohan greeted. "We just started. Seems the work is huge. I'll definitely need your help. Better you too hear it from boss rather than me explaining to you later." Silently nodding, she pulled a chair by Mohan's side to have a peek into the files on his system.
"What are these?" The intricate diagrams, a stark contrast to her construction designs, appeared alien to her. Jalal and Abdul continued explaining their requirements taking each image at a time and to the perplexed lady it sounded bizarre. For five consecutive minutes she tried comprehending the instructions and to her dismay, she fathomed she's not getting into it. "Does Mohan understand?" She skeptically glanced at her colleague, who was engrossed in noting down the points. "HE IS, and I'm not!! I don't think I can do this!!" succumbing to temporary distress her attention shifted from system.
"Shut up stupid!! You can't give up like a dud!!" the competitive spirit scorned. "If Mohan is discerning it, why can't you? Stop seeing it as alien subject. Whatever genre it belongs to, end of day; it's a picture - built on coordinates!! Forget the tangled lines and curves and concentrate only on the coordinates. Think of the best possible way of transforming each (x,y) into (x,y,z)," the undying learner in her suggested a feasible approach.
"Yes!! After all it's just another picture though not the usual one I'm accustomed to!!" With boosted spirit, the resolved architect glimpsed back at the system. Her meticulous eyes glued to the diagram and the keen ears focused on the instructions over phone. Half an hour later, the absorbed lady realized she's actually visualizing the pictures taking 3D shapes in her mind. A confident smile darted out of the sealed lips while the fastidious fingers continued noting each and every instruction maneuvered from other end. The session lasted for two hours and all throughout, she kept her presence oblivion to the speakers. All her questions and doubts were put forth in Mohan's voice and ensuring they are good to start, the colleagues nodded to each other contended.
"That's it Mohan!! How long do you estimate it to take?" Abdul eagerly asked.
"Ask them when they want?" muting the phone, Jodha spoke and the latter repeated the same.
"Next Wednesday would be ideal", a response came from boss. "If first version is ready by then, we'd get enough time to review and reiterate" expectantly looking at Abdul and Chetan, Jalal suggested.
"Is that ok for you?" Mohan signaled and Jodha agreed.
"Okay sir, Wednesday is ok with us!!" his tongue slipped and Jodha banged her head. To her luck the engaged boss failed perceiving the plural in Mohan's response. "Thanks Mohan, we'll be waiting." The session ended and Mohan laughed at his colleague. "Why this secrecy?"
"I don't think they trust my competency" she casually said, "If they come to know that their work fell in hands of an inexperienced designer..." she patched up hurt with a naughty smile, "They'll go berserk!!"
"Now back to work... first diagram let's do together to be sure I'm doing right. Once done, share it with boss for review. Later on we shall divide remaining work, ok??" Agreeing to the proposal, Mohan seized a fresh paper to start with a draft sketch.~~~~
"Hello sir... this is Ramesh!!" The voice of unknown number took Jalal by surprise. Why did he call me? Curbing the building rage, he answered. "Yes... tell me!!"
"Sorry to disturb you sir... but it was a compulsion", the jerk obediently started. "Sir my situation is worse, only you can help me!!"
"What happened??" Speculating the questions to come Jalal calmly asked.
"Sir I was badly beaten and robbed. I don't remember how I lost conscious and what happened thereafter, but I found myself on a highway road far from city when I regained conscious. The last thing I remember is partying with you in Taj's restaurant. Sir, do you know what happened later? How did I get onto streets? Please tell me any information you are aware of sir!!"
"My goodness!" smirking at the shattered man's plight, the persecutor feigned surprise. "You're robbed and left on road, but how? That evening I asked the bartender to escort you to suite, as the drinks got into your head. Sensing you might take time to recover I cleared your bills and ordered for a cab. That's all Ramesh. I've no idea as to what happened later. I thought you flew back to Bangalore. Where are you now?"
"In Hyderabad sir..." the nerd piteously replied, "May be the cab driver is the felon, he should have looted me and left afar from city. I don't understand why I was beaten, probably I resisted. He stole everything sir, money, cards... everything depriving me of single penny", Ramesh revealed not knowing the pleasure his plight is fetching to the merciless boss. "I had to literally beg for help to reach till city and call my father. And worst part is, today when I checked with the banks; they told me the cards are swiped to two lakhs. How horrible sir!!"
"Horrible?" The mute listener gritted. "If this is horrible then what your heinous crime is?" "Hmm... Sorry to hear that Ramesh. I have no clue of the actuality. What do you want to do now? Lodge a complaint?"
"How sir? It happened in Delhi. I can't go there to file a complaint. Even if I do, there's no use. I just wanted to know if you had an idea. Thank you for your time and once again sorry for disturbing you."
"Bloody bug!!" disconnecting the call, Jalal furiously leant back in chair. "This time it was an indirect attack, next time I'll ensure you're fully aware why you're punished and for what!!"
**********
Saturday, 20th September, 12:00pm
"Peddamma I'm not coming home for lunch", dabbing the tired eyes, Jodha said. "I'll eat something here... will come in evening."
"Are you crying?" sensing gloom in the caller's voice, Prameela rightly guessed. "I know you'll find some excuse or other to skip food today. Nothing doing come home now!!"
"Arree... I'm not crying..." faking a smile the daughter lied, "feeling sleepy from reading all piled up letters. Today my tummy is demanding hot noodles, so planning to go out for lunch. I'm not skipping food, will be back home soon... ok?"
"Mmm, ok. Come home soon, don't sit alone and cry!!" with a doting warning, the parent yielded.
"I too hate tears, but today I'm not having a hold on them" resting head on desk, she wheezed. Having accustomed to celebrating this day in full fun with unexpected gifts and surprises, its no wonder she felt void doing nothing!! 20th September is her parents' wedding anniversary and every year the brainstorm to celebrate this very day in a unique style used to start a month ahead. Thinking, planning, organizing used to be a huge burden on her shoulders and this year she has been freed from the burden. Yet, she so hated this freedom.
"Akka..." the young clerk of VRR trust vivaciously barged in, "Today's post!! Will you read or shall I read and sort?"
"I'll...", taking the bunch, Jodha dismissed her. "You said you've to be at home by one O' clock, start now!!"
"One more hour here, after that?" unsealing the first letter, she rued. "I want to be alone, to myself for sometime without any disturbance!! Where to go?" her eyes landed on the id-card tag protruding from unzipped handbag. Two hours later, swiping the same card, she stepped into vacant office quarters finding comfort in strange silence.
4:00pm
"Tonight let's sit and finalize the designs", Chetan announced.
"Yep I'm all excited. Mohan is pretty fast. We said next Wednesday and he gave by this Friday. We're lucky to have him in team. And where's the sitting this time? Home or guest house?" Abdul turned to the occupied man. "Guest house!" dotingly touching the carburetor-assembling-unit, Jalal jested. "To spare Mani with bulk cooking!!" No matter how many times he visited the plant, the contentment he found in those machines is something fresh and different... every time!!
"Man, Mani is a pro in cooking. I die for his roasted chicken" recalling the taste, Abdul cravingly sighed. "Not guest house, change the venue to your home. I decided to have Mani's chicken as accompaniment to my drink!!" he winked.
"Ok, I'm leaving to home now. Jalal, better you too start. You've to go to Regal too for pen drive and take some rest as the night is going to be long." Chetan reminded before moving out of the production unit.
~~~
"Hmm..." crackling the frigid fingers, Jodha shifted glances between the picture in her phone and the sketch pinned to the slanting board. It was a pic clicked on her parent's last but one wedding anniversary. Decked in a peacock blue Sari and temple jewelry neck set Jodha gifted, Vasudha looked utterly gorgeous. Tired with silent mourning since she entered Regal, Jodha drifted her mind to the ever soothing hobby - drawing.
"Not bad!" a happy smile brightened the doomed spirits. Self-impressed with her ability to create a replica of the pic, she set out to complete remaining part of the sketch. The hungry stomach rumbled demanding to feed it, but the tenacious girl didn't plan to budge without finishing what she started. "Maa, papa, bhaiyya and me is that all?" her fingers suddenly stopped. Her initial thought to sketch Gautam and she behind her parents suddenly seemed inappropriate or rather... incomplete!!
"Where is my place?" the latest addition to her fantasy family flashed on the paper demanding HIS place. Casting a pensive glance, she erased the strokes she just started of with on back of her father. Closing her parent's photo in phone, she scrolled down to the anticipated one - the selfie Jalal clicked in Delhi after shopping.
6:00pm
"Hell with weekend traffic!!" checking time, the irritated boss steered into Regal premises. "I should have told Murali to bring pen drive home instead of leaving at my desk yesterday."
"Some dreams never come true!" a painful sigh stemmed out while she continued passively fondling the completed sketch. The dissipating daylight indicated its time to go home; though she lacked the vigor to move, she had to, lest Prameela should set out on a search mission. Casting one final glance at the sketch in hands, she neatly coiled it. "UTOPIA!!" tipping head against the glass window, she ruefully smiled glancing down at busy roads. If she were to name it, utopia is the only perfect term for her never come true fantasy.
The sketch had Raghu and Vasudha seated in front row and Jodha behind her parents at center. To her left was her brother, not the teen aged boy of her memories though. She portrayed an imagination of a grown-up Gautam decked in the shirt she last saw him in. And to her right was the newfound relation of her life - Jalal. The drawing, in total, emerged as beautiful as it could get, but the resplendence of entire sketch lied in the center lady - with Gautam's right hand curving over her shoulder and Jalal's left hand circling her waist, the effervescent youngster gleamed with an ethereal smile as if the world was at her feet.
As per newly developed habitude, Jalal advanced to his chamber casting a side-glance to his favorite cubicle, though confident that a Saturday evening would only treat him with an empty seat. He's almost near his chamber when the alerted senses drew him back. Someone was there? His feet retreated.
"Jodha!!" his eyes squished peeking through the glass door. "It became a hobby for her to surprise me with unannounced presence at unexpected places and times." Silently pushing the door, Jalal tiptoed to the window. Lost in reverie, Jodha failed noticing the happenings in vicinity. Positioning behind her, the naughty boss looked down following her gaze. Except for the routine roads, he found nothing intriguing that captivated his girl's attention.
"What's special about this road?" the baritone right beside ear so startled Jodha that, if not for the closed glass window she'd have definitely tripped off from tenth floor. "O... o", helping her to stand balanced, Jalal laughed.
"God!! You?" the astonished lady breathed deep filling her lungs to maximum. "One day you'll be my death, hell with your surprises", hitting him with the sheet in hands, she screamed and instantly broke into an electrified smile. "What're you doing here? When did you come? And why?" not bothering to pause, she darted question after question. Her excited questions fell deaf on Jalal's ears as her first remark loitered over.
"Dare say again that I'll be your death", he seriously warned crushing her upper arm. "This is the second time you said it and remember no third time!!"
"Sss... sorry... it was casual!!" holding ears Jodha sincerely apologized. "Will never repeat, I swear. Now tell me, what brought you here at this time?"
"To collect a pen drive" he answered. "And what are you doing on a Saturday evening? I don't think you're loaded with project stuff that demanded overtime!!"
"Not office work", she accepted. "I actually went to trust and after done with work there, came here to pass time."
"By studying roads?" the unconvinced man raised a brow.
"No..." laughing at the disbelief on his face, Jodha witted. "Passed time in drawing. I was about to start home when you magically appeared out of void."
"Is this what you drew?" Jalal's hand moved to the sketch. "Let me see!!"
"Yeah," mindlessly, she offered the coiled paper and then retracted horrified. "Tut!! What am I doing?" profusely rebuffing her absentmindedness before him, Jodha rectified the misdeed with a sugarcoated smile. "This is silly, you don't have to see!!"
"Silly?" the smart boss plopped a devilish smirk. "Then I should definitely see. To know how silly an idiot thinks!!"
"Huh..." laughing again and realizing that she's laughing for third time in five minutes, Jodha cleverly scooted to her desk. "No way. This is a girl's thing. Men are not supposed to intrude" saying so she locked the sketch in cupboard and turned back facing the incensed boss.
"You hide it from me?" solemnly glaring, Jalal walked to her.
"I do!!" unperturbed, she winked.
"Fine, keep it to yourself, bye!!" he shrugged and dashed out in a flick.
"Oy... itna gussa? Not good for health", enjoying the rare pout, Jodha followed behind. Turning the lights on, Jalal looked for the objective of his visit and finding it on center of table; he hooked to system to ensure it contained the designated stuff.
"What's in it?" Jodha asked intrigued but he stayed mutinous. Not prodding further, she silently waited to see it for herself. Curious to have a quick glimpse of last set of images added on Friday, Jalal opened the files. "What are these?" Anxiously waiting to see his reaction, Jodha feigned ignorance. "Good..." gratified with the work Jalal answered in excitement, "Diagrams of carburetor internal parts, the research we've been engrossed in for almost two years. I sought Mohan's help as the designer in Four Wheels in unavailable."
"Oh... ok", carrying on the act, she asked inquisitive. "So did he do it right? As per your expectations?"
"More than that..." switching between files, Jalal appreciated, "He did a splendid job Jodha. We gave him 2D images and solicited to convert to 3D. Per day he finished like ten images, and you know how time consuming it is, right? I'm damn sure he'd have worked overnight. Only to avoid such stress I gave him ample time, yet he self-imposed the deadline as Friday I suppose. Oops this isn't still changed?" stopping by an image, he exclaimed and Jodha intently looked on. "I only did this one, what's wrong with it?" she puzzled when Jalal's voice echoed again unknowingly giving her the answer. "I asked him to change top view projection to side view. He'd have forgotten!!" noting the modifications, he casually said.
"Why didn't Mohan inform me?" wondering the reason, she made a mental note to do necessary alteration after reaching home. Though Jalal's praises for Mohan included her share, to that matter, three forth of the share, as she only knew the late hours she expensed on HIS work, her questions are yet unanswered. Why did he choose Mohan over me?? Its not that she's jealous of the senior, it's a mere hurt of being underrated.
"Mm... I see he did a commendable job. My expertise on animation might be limited, but I can recognize his skill from the little nuances" she flatly remarked speculating Jalal's response.
"True Jo... that's the reason I didn't trouble you. I know you are skilled in animation, but this work solicits more expertise. For example, let me show you one..." carried away by excitement, Jalal failed noticing the changing expressions on the listener's face. "I was so skeptical of this image's conversion to 3D as this is the most complex of all. And when I first saw its transformed form, I was awestruck. I mean look at it... what a finesse!! Abdul was super impressed with this. He said he'd come on Monday to personally thank Mohan. For this particular one he deserves a special appreciation." Ignorant that the special applause should actually be accounted to the idiot silently standing beside him, Jalal cheerfully smiled closing the files.
He was right!! That particular diagram truly demanded a lot of contemplation and time!! Recollecting how restless she felt till the right projection emerged, Jodha sardonically smirked. It wouldn't take a minute to claim her credit, yet, she wouldn't. Had it been with any other person, she would not let her effort go unrecognized but with Jalal... she's just too angry to disclose!! With his prejudiced decision of avoiding her, that too without attempting to explain the complications, Jalal unknowingly bruised her ego!!
Another rumble from the starving stomach reminded her of the pacing time. "Ok Jalal, I'll start. Peddamma should be waiting", strewing a farewell smile, Jodha headed to walk out but was stopped by a tug on her arm. "You are hungry Jo!!" Jalal announced taking her by surprise. "The traffic is too congested; it'd take an hour to go home. Better eat something, let's go to the food court in adjacent mall. Come!!"
His voice spilled love but her anger overpowered it. "No Jalal. I have to go home by 6:30 every evening. That's a new law imposed on me. I'm already late and don't want to delay more!!""Ok..." taking his phone out, the resolute boss dialed a number. "I'll inform Saradhi uncle that you are with me and I'll drop you home. Then you shouldn't have a problem, right?" listening to the rings he avowed.
"Hey stop!" snatching his phone, Jodha swiftly disconnected the call. "Why're you so stubborn?" returning the black piece to its owner, she grouched. "Ok, let's go!! I've no aspiration to starve and am too hungry to argue. Let me inform Peddamma!!"
"Make it fast!!" the victorious boss hastened.
~~~
"Which one?" halting at the entrance of mall, Jalal asked.
"Any one where food is ready and served in less than five minutes", Jodha clearly mouthed her criteria. A handsome man advancing to the exit door looked aside perceiving the familiar voice. "Jodha..." his eyes shone in surprise.
"Oh... you're damn hungry then. Come let's go there", leading to a Chinese cuisine food court, Jalal doubted. "Did you skip lunch?"
"Haa... aaa..." jolted by the abrupt swept of feet, Jodha's response came out as a scream. Perceiving a stranger holding his lady, Jalal's fists clenched. He took a long stride to deliver a blow on the man's face but the addressing of the man obstructed his onslaught.
"Hey little idiot!!" the man excitedly held Jodha's hands. "Caught you!!"
************
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