Chapter 33
JALAAL's POV
At night, after everyone went to bed, Jalaal paced around the room, then sat on the bed, then once again stood up and paced around...he kept repeating the process over and over and over again. He was anxiously waiting for Jodha's call while murmuring to himself 'I'm in so much trouble...She was so mad at me. What am I going to do?? She didn't even talk to me before leaving, forget talking...she didn't even look at me after what I did. How am I going to make it up to her for what I did??' He anxiously thought. 'I have to think of something fast to make her forgive me, that too before she calls me.' He looked at the wall clock and thought 'It's almost time for her to call.' He went and sat on the bed near the phone, ready to call back as soon as he gets the missed call from Jodha.
After a few minutes of staring at the phone, a scary thought came into his mind. 'What if she is still mad at me and doesn't want to talk to me?? Could that be the reason she hasn't called yet?? Oh no what if she didn't call at all?? What will I do then??' He started freaking out.
JODHA's POV
Jodha was sitting near the phone contemplating if she should call Jalaal or not. Part of her was eager to call him, talk to him, badly missed him. But, part of her was mad at him, sad about the way he behaved. She kept staring at the phone unable to decide, to call or not to call...
'He must be waiting for my call right now and probably freaking out thinking why I haven't called yet...' She thought to herself. Once again, she remembered what he did and angrily she mumbled 'I won't call him, let him freak out...' She pouted irritably.
*************Earlier In school **************
Everything was going well. They were enjoying their day together. Only 4 more periods were left now. Thinking about how less the time was left, was making Jalaal agitated and on top of that next period he had class 11 coming.
They were all sitting around Jalaal's desk when one girl Sanju from Science section, who was sitting next to Jodha started asking him about his new job and move and if he's excited and all.
Jalaal smiled and said "Yes of course I'm excited." Then he looked towards Jodha and continued "It will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. One I'm really looking forward to."
"Sir, will you keep in touch with us??" Sanju asked hopefully.
"Of course, I'll always be available through email." Jalaal promptly replied.
"Really!! Thanks sir!" She happily replied.
Jalaal smiled at her. Every now and then he was glancing at Jodha, and every time he glanced at her he found her smiling right back at him.
Then suddenly Sanju asked a very surprising question. "Sir, once you are settled would you help us find jobs there too?? I would really like to go to USA" then suddenly she turned towards Jodha and asked "What about you Jodha, would you also want to go?? Would you like him to help us find jobs there???"
Jodha looked at her with wide eyes, thinking 'Well, I don't know about you, but I'm going to be with him' then Jodha turned towards Jalaal and they both shared a knowing look. He knew exactly what she was thinking as he was thinking the same. They smiled at each other.
"Sure, why not!!" is all Jalaal could say.
Soon they heard the bell, indicating it was time for the 11th class to come and Jodha along with all other 12th class students stood up to move in the back. Jalaal once again firmly told them to be quiet.
'Only two more periods left after this' Jalaal irritably thought.
During the class Jalaal was explaining the answer of a question asked by a student when he heard some talking noises from the back.
He turned around as he angrily glared and shouted "Stop talking Sanju, Jodha... Didn't I tell you all to be quiet and not disturb the class??"
JODHA's POV
Jodha was sitting quietly with her hand tucked under her chin and enjoying watching him teaching graciously. Sanju was sitting next to her.
Jodha felt a tap on her shoulder, she turned and saw Sanju's bored expressions. Jodha raised her eyebrows in question, Sanju leaned closer saying "I'm bored..."
Jodha smiled and shrugged her shoulders and gave her a look of 'So what do you want me to do??'
Sanju shook her head smiling and whispered "I loved your project, The astrology part was especially interesting, where did you get all the data from??" She asked.
Jodha looked at her with wide eyes, thinking 'Is she crazy or just plain stupid? Why is she talking after Jalaal specifically asked not to talk...'
"It's from Linda Goodman's book and I think we should not talk right now. " She replied and turned her attention back to Jalaal.
Sanju totally ignored Jodha's point of not talking and leaned closer once again, saying "I have heard a lot about that author, is she really as good as people say??"
Jodha turned to her feeling irritated she said "Stop talking, you are going to get us both in trouble!! Ask me later whatever you want..."
Before she could finish her sentence she heard Jalaal angrily saying "Stop talking Sanju, Jodha... Didn't I tell you all to be quiet and not disturb the class??" He continued glaring at Jodha "I didn't expect this from you...What are you both talking about??"
Everyone turned and looked towards Jodha and Sanju while Jodha looked at Jalaal with her eyes widened, filled with disbelief and hurt, she felt so embarrassed. She looked at Sanju with disappointment for getting her in trouble and then looked down embarrassed. She was more annoyed and angry at Jalaal for scolding her when all she was doing was trying to get Sanju to shut up. She was not angry at him for scolding them, but she was angry because he didn't even try to find out whose fault was it and without thinking further, in front of so many kids he scolded them rudely. She gulped her tears while thinking painfully, 'He is getting mad at me for no fault of mine, he didn't even notice that I was just enjoying looking at him and here I was really looking forward to spending the next two periods talking and sitting with him, but now forget it... she pouted in her thoughts... Now I am feeling so mad at him, that forget about talking I don't even want to look at him right now. Doesn't he know me how disciplined I am when it comes to study??? I have never been scolded like this before, how can he think I would do something he specifically told not to. He just assumed i was talking and started scolding me in front of everyone...he didn't say much to Sanju who by the way was the one actually talking and just saw me at fault.'
JALAAL's POV
Seeing the disbelief and hurt in Jodha's eyes, Jalaal felt bad for snapping at her. 'Why did she have to talk and disturb the class??' He thought irritatedly. He shrugged his shoulders and thought 'I saw her talking, I can't just not say anything, if it had been any other student I would have done the same... I can't treat her differently in front of others. So I did the right thing... right??' He asked himself. 'Then why do I feel guilty?? And why do I get the feeling that she wasn't at fault and is now mad at me.' He thought confused.
He turned around and started teaching again, but his heart was pinching, he glanced at her many times after that during the rest of the 25 minutes, but every time he looked at her, she was busy looking down and scribbling something on her register which annoyed him more. 'First she makes a mistake and then she gets mad at me in return as if it was my fault...Her attitude is really unbelievable!! I caught her talking when I specifically instructed not to, what was she expecting that I'll ignore her mistakes??? Did she think I won't say anything just because it's her. No way Jodha... No doubt you are my life, but you are my student here and you have to understand that I have not done this purposely, it was just an instant reaction...' Jalaal thought shaking his head in irritation.
Soon the period was over and all the class 11 students started leaving. Jalaal glanced towards Jodha, she was still looking down in anger and then I saw Sanju mumbling something to her and from her expressions it seemed like she was apologizing to her. I looked at them thinking 'Why Sanju was apologizing?? My heart sank as the realization hit me...It was Sanju who was talking earlier and not Jodha...but... But I saw Jodha talking not Sanju... Did I get mad at her for no fault of hers?? Great...simply great. I have to find out what exactly happened, if it wasn't her fault then her anger is justified, Oh god...I'm in big trouble. She is very stubborn, it won't be easy to make her forgive me. Great going Jalaal...just great!!!'
JODHA's POV
As the class 11 students were leaving Sanju started apologizing to Jodha "I'm sorry I should have listened to you...You got in trouble because of me..."
Jodha just nodded her head thinking 'What's the use of apologizing now...the damage has already been done!' She got up and moved towards the front making sure not to look at Jalaal.
They all sat and Jodha purposely kept her gaze on her register and continued scribbling.
JALAAL's POV
Jalaal saw Jodha and other students walking towards the front to come and sit. But he felt disappointed seeing Jodha looking down and not at him.
'Why is she mad at me?? What did I do?? And why the heck do I feel guilty??' Jalaal irritatedly thought.
They all sat and Jodha just sat quietly looking down and continued scribbling on her register. She wasn't looking at Jalaal and her silent retort was driving him crazy.
'I need to know what was going on' he thought and then asked loudly while looking at Jodha "What was going on back there earlier??"
Jodha flinched hearing the question and closed her eyes. 'Can't he just let it go!!' She thought disappointed and looked up to answer him, but Sanju beat her to it...
"Sir I am sorry, actually it was my mistake not Jodha's... I was the one who was asking Jodha about her project and the astrology part of it. I wanted to know where she got all that data. And she was just warning me to stop talking..." Sanju explained in dim voice.
"Ohhh...Well you should have known better than that" Jalaal snapped at her.
"Sorry Sir!!" Sanju apologized.
Knowing the truth made Jalaal feel even more guilty. He didn't know what to say to Jodha?? Or rather what could he say in front of everyone??
'She is not even looking at me...how do I make her talk to me?? I have to do something!' He thought determined.
"So these are the last two periods, does anyone have any questions??" Jalaal asked hoping Jodha would at least look up to reply, but she just nodded her head and mumbled a "No" in low volume.
"Sir, I think she is mad at you..." Sanju suddenly said.
Jodha gaped at her and quickly said "No!! Nothing like that. I just...uhhh... Don't have anything to say." Pausing a little she continued "Can we please talk about something else??"
After that Jalaal tried talking several different things trying to get Jodha to also get involved in the discussion, but she just answered in minimum words and avoided making eye contact. Time seemed to be flying, as before Jalaal could make any progress it was time to go home.
As soon as last period finished she got up with her bag and walked out of the class first without even looking at him.
'She didn't even look at me properly before leaving' Jalaal thought feeling upset. 'Now I have to wait till tonight to talk to her. Oh Nooo... What have I done?? She gave me such lovely cards, made me so happy, made me feel so loved, let me hold her hand, gave me such sweet memories and what did I do in return...got mad at her. Wonderful Jalaal just wonderful. Way to go.'
Suddenly he remembered about the last card which Jodha asked to open when he is alone and not in front of anyone. He quickly packed his things to leave so he can open the card as soon as possible. He wished all the other teachers goodbye and walked faster towards his scooter to leave.
He was on his way home as he had already stopped all the tuitions this being his last week and all. As he drove he realized that he wouldn't be alone at home either to open the card plus he had to stop by the jeweler as well to order the ring. He couldn't wait to see the card, he decided to look at the card in the parking lot of the jewelry store.
Soon he parked his scooter and quickly opened his bag to take the card out. 'Why does this card feels heavier than others??' He thought, but then moved on and took the card out of the envelope and smiled seeing the front
'Awww sooo cute!! Where did she find all these cute cards!!' He smilingly thought.
Then he opened the card, but just as quickly closed it again. "Oh My God!! Now I know why she asked me to open it alone..." You see, as soon as he opened the card it started saying "I LOVE YOU" Jalaal looked around and saw there was no one around so he opened it again and heard it saying "I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU..." His smile grew even wider. He kept looking at it and smiling.
Then, something caught his eye surprising him... "Is it... Did she actually... I think she did..." He touched all over the card and realized what he was thinking was in fact right... "Wow I can't believe she actually kissed all over the card... Ohhh how I wish it was me and not the card." He mischieviously smiled on his thoughts. "She gave me such a wonderful surprise, made me so happy and I got mad at her... I'm such an idiot..." He felt guilty all over again and then some. 'How could I do that... I better think of something to surprise her with and make up for what I did... And it better be really good Jalaal!!' He told himself.
He kept the card back in his bag and proceeded to the jewelry store.
Once he got inside, he showed the ring to them and requested for an exact replica of it. After examining the ring carefully the jeweler said "I can make a replica but not exact, there might have a bit difference here and there, you might be able to see the difference or you might not. I can try to make it but no guarantees..."
"Ohhh but I need an exact replica! Uhhh thanks, I will try somewhere else." Jalaal came out of the store disappointed. 'What should I do now??' He stood in the parking lot for some time thinking. 'Maybe I should check with Vipul, he should know where I can go??'
He took out his phone and called Vipul right away. After Jalaal explained what was going on Vipul suggested meeting in a different market after three hours where he knew a couple of jewelry shops they could check.
Jalaal felt hopeful knowing there's still a chance of getting the ring made before he goes. He went back home and waited to leave again to meet Vipul. As he sat looking at the watch his started thinking 'Tomorrow is the last class at Jo's house, but there's still Wednesday and Thursday before I leave on Friday night. Friday everyone will be there at home to meet me, my friends, sister's family, brother's family, mom, everyone... but I have to meet Jo at least one more time before I leave... I can't just meet her on Tuesday and leave on Friday without meeting her again in between... I have to find a way to meet at least once more before Friday. But first I have to make up for my behavior in the afternoon' he sighed feeling guilty once again.
~~~~~~~~Three hours later~~~~~~~~~
Jalaal met Vipul in the market at the parking lot.
"Hey man, how are you??" Vipul asked shaking hands with Jalaal.
"Good yaar, thanks for coming..." Jalaal replied. "Do want to go grab a coffee or something first??"
"No no, let's go to the jeweler first, later we will go and sit somewhere." Vipul said mischieviously.
Half an hour later Jalaal was ordering their cappuccinos while Vipul sat on a table waiting for him.
They came there after successfully ordering the ring. Jalaal was very happy knowing the ring will be exactly same so now no one will know it's a different ring. The only thing is he won't be able to get it for two days, but it will be ready only by Wednesday evening .
Jalaal came and sat on the table opposite to Vipul with their cappuccinos. Vipul noticed him looking all lost and upset. "How's everything going??" He cautiously asked.
"Fine" Jalaal replied in a low tone.
"What's going on?? Earlier I thought you were worried about not getting the exact ring made or not getting the ring on time, but even after knowing you would get the exact ring and on time, still your mood hasn't changed...so what's going on??" Vipul asked straight forward.
Jalaal sighed loudly knowing that he can't hide anything from his best friend for long...so he decided to share his problem.
Jalaal rubbed the back of his neck and looked down guiltily and spoke "Well, I made a mistake and did something I shouldn't have and now Jo is mad at me..."
Vipul looked at him in shock, his eyes were wide, eyebrows up.
When Jalaal shared that he made a mistake and did something he shouldn't have, the first thing that came to Vipul's mind was 'Does he actually mean what I am thinking?? I don't think Jalaal can do that, he himself is so reserved and from what I know of Jodha so is she!! How can things get so out of hand??'
After not getting any response from Vipul, Jalaal looked up at him and saw his baffled expressions. He narrowed his eyes at him thinking 'What's up with him??' and then he asked "What??"
"Yyyou...when did you get so bold??" Vipul asked still trying to get his head around what Jalaal said. "What exactly did you do??"
"What do you mean BOLD??" Jalaal asked confused.
Vipul just shrugged his shoulders and cautiously spoke "Uhhh I mean... Why don't you tell me what happened??"
Meanwhile Jalaal was thinking about what Vipul could have meant when suddenly he realized what Vipul meant. His eyes grew bigger and eyebrows rose higher. "Are you crazy, I didn't do any such thing...don't get any stupid ideas" he angrily spat.
Vipul flinched in guilt seeing his anger.
Jalaal continued "All I did was scold her for someone else's mistake in front of the whole class and ever since she didn't even look at me, forget about talking or anything..." his voice became sad at the end of the sentence. "She gave me such wonderful gifts and was in such a good mood, but I spoiled everything and now I don't know what to do to make her forgive me. I have so less time with her and I did this... I don't know when I became an idiot??" He sighed dejectedly.
"Ohhh" Vipul patted his shoulder to comfort him. "Well don't worry so much...just tell her you are sorry and I'm sure she'll understand and forgive you. Do something nice for her" he suggested.
Jalaal nodded his head in agreement and soon both friends were off to their houses.
***********************************************
JALAAL's POV
'Today she hasn't called yet, it's been 30 minutes past the regular time she calls, seems like she is still mad at me. I have no idea if she would even call me tonight or not' Jalaal sulked.
He waited few more minutes and thought 'Maybe I should call her today?? But would it be safe?? What if someone is with her or what if someone hears the phone ringing?? I can't take that risk... What should I do?? How will I pacify her if she doesn't even calls me and gives me a chance or talk to me?? And even if she does call me, I still have no plan on how am I going to make everything okay between us.'
He was just going crazy by each passing second, he kept looking at the time and silently praying for her to call.
Finally, her number flashed on his mobile as she gave him a missed call indicating she was alone and ready to talk.
"Oh thank god..." He heaved a relieved sigh releasing a breath he didn't even know he was holding.
JODHA's POV
She was sitting with her books trying to study, but felt restless. Her plan of not calling him tonight and letting him freak out was not working at all. She herself was getting restless and missing him. She wanted to hear his voice, even though she was mad at him she still wanted to talk to him...well at least part of her did. 'Why is it that whenever I get mad at him and decide not to talk to him, I feel like I'm punishing myself instead of him' she thought to herself with a deep frustrated sigh. 'Maybe I'll just hear his voice and not really talk to him... hmmm ya that's what I'll do...' And that was when she decided to call him and gave him a missed call.
Few seconds later he called, but instead of picking up the phone Jodha let it ring instead of picking it up on the first ring like usually.
After four rings she picked up the phone, but didn't say anything.
"Hello...hello..." Jalaal spoke confused.
"Hmmm..." Jodha quietly replied.
"Are you okay?? Is everything okay at home?? You took so long to call today... I was getting worried " Jalaal hurriedly blurted out sounding worried.
Hearing his worried tone Jodha felt a bit guilty for purposely calling late and worrying him. She wanted to freak him out, but now she felt bad for doing it. But suddenly remembering why she did it made her feel less guilty.
"You were worried, why?? You weren't worried when you scolded me for no reason!!" Jodha asked with sarcasm.
'She is still mad at me' Jalaal thought and sighed loudly.
"I'm sor..." before Jalaal could finish apologizing Jodha cut him off saying "I don't want to talk to you..."
After hearing his dim and guilty voice Jodha wasn't mad anymore, but she didn't want to tell him yet. 'What if he thinks it's okay to scold me and then just say sorry and he can get away with it... I won't give in so easily...' She thought.
'What should I do?? My jaan is mad at me, I'm in so much trouble...' Jalaal thought to himself and then suddenly an idea hit him. He smiled to himself thinking 'This will surely make her happy and hopefully she'll forgive me.'
'Why is he so quiet?? He isn't even trying to pacify me...' Jodha pouted and sadly thought to herself.
Suddenly she froze as she heard Jalaal singing in low voice
jaan meri rooth gayi jaane kyon hamse
aafat mein aafat mein pad gayi jaan
(Why my darling is upset with me, my life is in trouble now)
are laakh kahoon ek nahi maane kasam se
(I have said many times, she's not listening to me even once I swear)
aafat mein aafat mein pad gayi jaan, jaan meri rooth gayi re
(trouble, my life is in trouble now, my darling is upset with me)
Jodha's mouth was open in shock 'He can sing??? That too so well!!!' She thought to herself astonished.
ban jao shola ya chingaari chhodu nahi main baah tumhaari
(you can be hot lava or spark, I still won't leave your hand)
ya ye tamasha dekhegi duniya ya phir maano baat hamaari
(either people will see this drama or you listen and do what I'm saying)
ladana bhi hai tumse sanam milana bhi tumse
(I will fight with you only and also love only you)
aafat mein aafat mein pad gayi jaan, jaan meri rooth gayi re
(trouble, my life is in trouble now, my darling is upset with me)
She smiled quietly hearing the wordings. It was the perfect song for the situation.
naak pe gussa aankhon mein masti, thodi garazati thodi barasati
(anger on nose naughtiness in eyes, little thunderous little rainy)
choom na le koi aisi ada pe, honton se chup hai aankhon se hasti
(I feel like kissing you for such style, lips are quiet but eyes are smiling)
Jodha giggled at these lines making Jalaal smile victoriously. His plan worked perfectly.
pichhe hi pad jaaye bacho, aise sanam se
(someone save me from such a lover)
aafat mein, aafat mein pad gayi jaan
(trouble, my life is in trouble)
laakh kahoon ek nahi maane kasam se
(I have said many times, he's not listening to me even once, I swear)
aafat mein aafat mein pad gayi jaan
(trouble, my life is in trouble)
jaan meri maan gayi maan gayi jaanu
(my darling is not upset with me anymore)
aafat se aafat se bach gayi jaan, jaan meri maan gayi re
(My life is safe from the trouble, my darling is happy with me)
"I can't believe you can sing and you have such a soothing voice" Jodha said excitedly forgetting her anger completely.
"Anything to make you happy Jaan. Please don't ever get mad at me. I'm so sorry for getting mad at you today, I know it wasn't your fault, I was just irritated as the day was ending, soon...You were gonna leave and you know..." he trailed off. "Anyway, forgive me!! Please..."
Jodha smiled happily as she replied "Yes, but please don't get mad at me again. At least, not before you are sure I made a mistake, because if I make mistake and you scold me then I will not get mad at you, but if you get mad without any mistake then I will not talk to you" Jodha rambled innocently making Jalaal smile.
"Promise Jaan!! Never again" Jalaal softly replied, then he lovingly whispered "I love you Jaan."
Jodha smiled and whispered back "I love you too."
Now that everything was back to normal Jalaal didn't waste any time to express his feelings for the lovely cards she gave him.
"Jaan..."
"Hmm"
"I loved all the cards that you gave me, but I loved the last one the most" Jalaal excitedly revealed.
"Really..." A huge smile made it's way on Jodha's lips, she felt happy and relieved knowing he loved the cards.
"Where did you get all these adorable cards?? And the last one...that one was the best, it will be the closest to my heart. I can always open it and feel like you are telling me those words, sitting right next to me..." His voice was a whisper by the last sentence as he felt emotional and his voice choked a bit.
Jodha's eyes brimmed with tears too... The upcoming separation was slowly breaking them both, but they tried to stay strong for each other.
Jalaal cleared his throat and continued "And I specially loved the kisses on it, now whenever I want I can kiss you. How do you come up with these wonderful ideas??" He asked genuinely intrigued.
Jodha smiled shyly and shrugging her shoulders replied "I don't know, I just felt like doing it so I did it. Didn't really plan it or anything."
Jalaal smiled at her innocence and his heart warmed up feeling her love for him. He still has trouble believing that he is lucky enough to be loved back by the girl he loves so much. 'Sometimes I still feel like it's a dream...' He mused.
"I will miss you a lot..." Jodha whispered suddenly grabbing Jalaal's attention.
Jalaal's heart constricted hearing the sadness in her voice and he softly replied "I will miss you too Jaan..." He took a few seconds of pause to compose himself, then firmly said "But remember, I will come back for you and take you with me forever. Don't ever forget that Jaan."
Jodha smiled through her tears and hummed a soft hmmm back to him.
"Come here Jaan... I am getting cold here without you..." Jalaal said mischieviously hoping to distract her and cheer her.
"Okay here I come, your personal heater..." Said Jodha while giggling.
"Jaan I took your ring to the jeweler today. I ordered an exact replica of it and I will get it tomorrow evening only. So I will give it to you on Thursday, okay?"Jalaal asked.
"Thursday?? But there's no tuition class on Thursday, tomorrow is the last class... How will we meet on Thursday?? Have you thought of an excuse to come over??" A hopeful Jodha asked all the questions in one breath.
"Don't worry I'll think of something. Anyway I was planning to meet you on Thursday and now I'll bring the ring too." Jalaal dismissively replied and then sweetly said "For now let's just enjoy our time together."
Jodha smiled and mumbled "Okay" agreeing with him.
"Jaan tomorrow when you bring my coffee don't forget to make it extra sweet..." Jalaal requested.
"You want me to add more sugar than usual??" Jodha mischieviously asked trying to pretend she doesn't know what he means. Though she knew very well.
"Yes, I want more sugar, but from your sweet lips...from my very own, only my sugar factory." Jalaal retorted grinning.
Jodha laughed "You and your nicknames..."
Then they spent their night talking and wishing that the night never ends.
Hope u all liked and enjoyed the chapter😃😃
Luv U all
Preet😃
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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