FF: Pale Blue Dot Thread 9 (PS added topart2 23/02/2016 page1) updated

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

Hemakeerti OSes - Compiled

PBD INDEX

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Pinning his gaze to hers, Jalal lowered his head whispering to her ears. "Welcome Home Jo!!"

Mesmerized by the cozy welcome, the resplendent lady blushed entwining her fingers into his. "Thank you!!" smiling angelic, she inched closer glimpsing down at their feet that stepped into the home in unison. A wave of gale swept past the couple, silently blessing the twined hands, and tickled the wind chimes on the adjacent wall. The drowsy chimes alerted at once and clanked in delight welcoming its Mistress home.

"Come!!" Gently unwinding his fingers, Jalal guided her to the living. The westernized living, a contrast to the traditional homes she's been habituated to, served as a muse to the Architect in her.

"Any drink Jodha?" showing her a couch to rest upon, Jalal asked.

"Water..." feeling the need to wet her parched throat, a consequence of the little edginess the new place is treating her with, Jodha smiled.

"Sure, be right back", he left and she looked on charmed, for, she didn't expect him to personally attend her solicitation when he had servants to administer his orders. It doesn't take complex verses or expensive gifts to let someone feel special. Very often, a simple gesture does!!

Resuming with her musing Jodha settled on couch rolling eyes over every nook and corner ahead. The ivory finished walls, the classy wall hangings, the swank furnishings, the marble stair case, the fancy ceiling - every bit of decor, including the shag rug that softly kissed her feet conveyed something secretive to her.

"How do you find it Ms. Architect?" seeing her absorbed in studying the architecture Jalal jested. "Did it pass your evaluation?"

"Before I say, I've a question. May I ask?" accepting the glass from him, she simpered.

"Of course" sitting opposite, Jalal curiously glimpsed.

"Is this home built by you or purchased from someone?"

"Designed by Regal Architects and built from scratch!!"

"With no female intervention either in design or during construction or in the interior, right?" she raised a thoughtful brow and Jalal stared surprised. "Right. How did you know?"

"I guessed," the architect gleamed at the certainty of her prediction. "I didn't perceive a feminine touch either in decor or design. Every trivia of this home depicts a man's predilection."

"Very smart," the impressed boss angled his head, "So how do you find this man's taste? Passable?" Momentarily pausing before passing her verdict, Jodha casted a final glance around the interior. "More than that," she nodded meeting his curious gaze, "Classy and contemporary..." she strew a soft smile and added "... just like its Master!!"

Chuckling aloud at the candid compliment, Jalal winked. "A forthright compliment from Miss Tough nut. I never received one but my home managed to earn it!! Phew finally!!"

"Jalal, do you know you just sounded like I'm a bull-headed who doesn't indulge into courtesies and compliments?" Jodha pouted.

"Are you not?" Jalal quipped leisurely propping right leg on left knee. "In past seven months, I don't remember receiving any compliments from you. Besides, I remember devoting half my time to cajoling you."

"Is it??" Jodha made a sad face. "And I was thinking I've been the nicest and fairest of girls all along," swaying head in repulsion, she feigned offended. "World is so unfair to the fair, I just complimented you and you criticize me." Giggling loud at her fake sullen eyes, Jalal fondly rebuked. "Idiot!! You're anything but fair. You're so TRICKY."

"What an awful beginning!!" deeply sighing, Jodha dramatically shrugged. "Looks like, I've to brace myself for more insult to come. Don't worry Jo!" she patted herself as if consoling the hurt soul. "This world was always ungenerous to the greatest of scholars. When Galileo, Socrates or Copernicus couldn't escape blame, how can you? Forgive your boss for his ignorance." Those whimsical antics of hers converted the latter's conceited giggles into a gale of laughter taking the attendants in kitchen by intrigue. Amazed by the exceptional conduct of their master, they sneak peeked from kitchen to have a glimpse of the happening in the living.

"God!! Jo!!" Jalal uttered amidst laughter. "Your dance training has completely ruined you. You get incredibly dramatic at times."

"Mm!!" cherishing the sound of his profound laughter, she joyously agreed. "One more question, is Raj the architect of this home?"

"No. Hyderabad branch architects designed it while I was in the US. Raj wasn't in Regal then."

"Oh... it's before your wedding?!!" She casually remarked glancing at the wall decor. "Now I get the reason behind missing feminine touch. But its strange that Aliya didn't change any of the..." drawing back to senses, Jodha abruptly ceased her statement. "Aliya!!" The name brought back an image of the gracefully arrogant lady, an image she always detested to reminisce and preferred to bury beneath memories. Hesitantly, her gaze shifted from wall to the sturdy man seated opposite.

"Wedding?!!" Jalal solemnly looked on. "A bitter past that continues haunting!!" Donning a meek smile to mitigate the uneasiness, he glimpsed at her undisturbed. "No one inflicted a change Jodha", he asserted. "Neither on this home, nor on me!!" Unable to aptly respond, Jodha faintly smiled and looked aside.

"Aliya!!" her mind constantly revolved around the face behind the name. "She lived here, in this very home. The place you're sitting now was once lounged by her. Every nook and corner of the home was once owned by her... including the man before you ..." a few veins in her heart twisted; her fingers in lap tightly curled to curb the emanating anxiety. "I'm trying best to condone his past, escape from it, but fate cruelly throws me here, into a situation from which I can't escape. Every minute I live here, wouldn't Aliya's imprints keep haunting? Will I be able to overcome it? Will I be able to cross the barrier of his past to share future with HIM?"

"Why Jo?" keenly observing her curled fists, Jalal felt a tug. "Why do you let my past affect you? Please don't do it. Please don't distance me for something I couldn't isolate from me. Sometimes I fear if you'd ever cross that barrier and accept me the way I am."

"Sir shall I serve dinner?" Mani's timely intervention emerged as a saver from the prevailing awkward silence. "Yes..." Jalal nodded signalling Jodha to get up.

"Isn't it too early to dine by your standards?" accompanying him, Jodha joked.

"Yes, and too late by your standards. Its 9:15, and I know you generally eat by eight", he casually replied heading to wash basin, unaware of the awe in her eyes. "True... but I'm not hungry. Given a chance I'd be happy skippi..." Jodha's feet stopped as her eyes beheld the array of dishes on the table. "God!!" her already full stomach felt more full as her hand sadly glided over her tummy. "What Amma?" grinning at Jodha's daze, Vasantha asked. "Nothing...," shyly smiling, she looked appreciative at the elderly woman. "You took a lot of trouble preparing so many items. I see you had a busy day in kitchen."

"No trouble madam," Mani responded adjusting the bowls to make place for desserts, "You're our guest. Its our pleasure to cook for and serve our guests." Nodding with smile, Jodha silently joined Jalal at the washbasin. "By any chance", she whispered gauging his reflection in mirror, "did you tell them a GIANT is joining for dinner?"

"What?" nonplussed, he turned facing her and she wearily sighed signalling to the table. "Why such a heavy menu?"

"Your first supper in this home," he lovingly said, "Ought to be exclusive!!"

"Oops!" feeling both happy and sad, Jodha ruefully frowned. "Had I expected this, I wouldn't have gorged over Samosa chat in evening."

"Street food again", muttering under breath, he threw her an admonishing glare. "I've to soon segregate this habit from you."

"I see!!" Slyly quirking a brow at him while she washed hands, Jodha asked. "May I know what else do you plan to segregate from me?"

"Freedom!!" observing her reaction in mirror, Jalal announced.

"Huh?" Her quirked brows coiled into a baffled frown. "Yes!!" he nodded in assertion and returned to dining with a perplexed Jodha closely chasing him. Contended with the arranged table, Jalal casted appreciative glances at his attendants and signaled them to leave. Ensuring they're left with privacy, he pulled a chair honoring his lady and she looked on fascinated falling for his gentlemanly decorum. "Thank you!" graciously smiling, she occupied the chair wishing him to sit in the adjacent chair than in the opposite. And when he did, she hid the joy behind a demanding question. "What did you mean by segregating freedom?"

Smiling at her eagerness, he grabbed the pitcher to fill their glasses with juice. "By freedom I meant," he offered her a glass and said. "You're going to be cooped up in this home till you return to yours."

"And why is it so?" with her inquisitive eyes hooked to the side view of his taut jaw and sharp nose, Jodha failed noticing the movement of his hands.

"Because you're my RESPONSIBILITY now", he declared with authority. "And I'm totally against spoiling you with excessive freedom, like Saradhi uncle."

Woah!! Didn't he just sound like my mother? Not a bit offended by his authoritative tone, even worse loving it, Jodha looked on besotted. "Spoilt child?" seizing the fork by his plate, she prepared for an assault. "You call that the most obedient of daughters one ever had?"

"Obedient and YOU...", sheepishly shifting gazes from the fingers that held the fork and the eyes that spilled mock fury, his shoulders shook in laughter. "Your posture now, with that fork in hand and fire in eyes, is far from obedience."

"You..." her hand flashed towards him but Jalal didn't flinch. Instead, he pierced a carrot slice to the fork and redirected it to his mouth.

"Devil!!" retreating hand and dropping the fork, she darted him a satirical glance. "One should learn the tact of converting an attack into advantage from you. Back to topic, if I'm locked up here what about office? "

"You'll be escorted. Dropped and picked up by me!!"

"I take it as an honor, though it's quite a lousy idea", her nose wrinkled at the mere imagination of him driving her forty minutes to Regal and then drive all the way back to Four wheels for another hour. "Whose awesome proposition is this? Badepapa's or yours?"

"Whose so ever!!" he shrugged carefree. "It doesn't matter and don't you worry, despite all the restrictions, your stay here would be pleasant and comfortable", he paused with a buoyant wink. "Of course, subjected to my terms and conditions."

"Oh I see," raising a brow, she sheepishly smirked. "Let me get to it later. But isn't it strange that..." her remark dissipated in air as her gaze moved from his face to the plate before. "Jeez... What's this!!" she screamed horrified.

"Starters!!" Jalal feigned innocence. "And why're you shocked? I'm just following your standards," he sniggered. "Isn't this how you filled my plate in your home?"

"Seeking revenge?" Jodha pouted and seized his plate. "Thank you so very much Mister courteous host, but", with a spoon she transferred three forth contents, including the non-vegetarian starters, from her plate to his. "There are too many items to taste and too little space in my stomach. So please..." she sold her charm making a pleading face. "... moreover its Navratri time. If I eat non-veg, Peddamma will make me do 108 rounds around Durga temple."

"Oh sorry!" Jalal glanced apologetic. "I didn't know that you don't eat non-veg during Navratri. Leave it and take another plate."

"No its ok," she smirked impish. "How can I turn down a plate made by the magnificent of bosses for his employee? It's a rare honor one is bestowed up on."

"Idiot!" The delighted boss chuckled and lowered his head to hide the blush, but the eagle eyed employee was too quick to catch the shade of red on his nose. "Jalal," she called with utmost sincerity and innocence. "I can help you with closing my eyes or turning aside if you need some time for yourself, you see." Discerning her tease, the uncompromising boss boldly retarded. "Not unless you find my face grotesque," he snapped and wryly added. "But I believe something is strange about it. Isn't it what you're saying a while before?"

"It wasn't about your face," beguiled by his smart turn around, Jodha countered. "It's about your thinking. I find it extremely strange that a man who shares his birthday with the greatest of the freedom fighters dons the thinking of a dictator."

A moment later, Jalal's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you find it out?"

"Guess!!" she challenged.

"From Saradhi uncle?"

"No!!"

"From office staff?"

"No!!"

"Then?"

"From you!!" she chirped and he looked on suspicious. "I don't remember revealing it to you, not even by chance!!"

"Yes, but your wallet did!!" with cheek rested atop her palm, Jodha beautifully blinked asserting that he heard her right. "When it was left in my custody for few hours in Delhi, your wallet whispered to me that your birthday falls on 2^nd of October." The perplexed listener's eyes brightened cracking the cue.

"You got it from driving license?"

"Right," she chuckled nodding.

"Damn it!! I should've been careful", shaking head hard, the defeated boss griped. "I forgot I was leaving it with an intelligent idiot."

"Not my fault sir!" adoring his griping eyes, Jodha simpered.

~~~

"Want to change and rest?" returning to living after the rapturous dinner, Jalal gently asked.

"No" Jodha checked time. "Will sleep a while later. Meantime may I have a tour of home? I hope a walk would help lighten my ready to explode tummy."

"The way you ate..." guiding her through the adjoining door, Jalal quipped, "... can be hardly termed eating. You only tasted a spoonful of each dish. No wonder you hate to exercise and still manage to be petite."

Thoroughly ravishing his first so ever remarks on her structure, Jodha glimpsed up at him. "Glad you find me petite, but that word better suited me a year before than now", following Jalal into a vast hall which appeared to be a library cum mini office, she briefly halted in tracks. "Oh!!" she exclaimed. "You got a huge collection."

"Yeah" watching her radiant features, he said. "I like collecting books."

"Besides toying with cars!!" she jested fidgeting fingers through the huge volumes mounted on racks. "Do you get time to read these Jalal?"

"I used to..." he answered moving behind her, "... not now though. But I continue to buy with a hope to read them one day, may be after retirement."

"So this is your retirement treasure?" she turned back to him smiling. "Very valuable treasure indeed."

"Thank you!" relishing the coziness of moving behind her amidst the racks, he gladly offered. "You're free to pick any book that interests you Jodha, but sorry if you're disappointed on not finding Mills and Boons or Pride & Prejudice", he teased.

"Jalal..." fazed, she shook head remembering the Pride & Prejudice moment between them. "I'm no Mills & Boons fan, neither I read Pride & Prejudice. But I'd definitely like to try your Ayn Rand collection, for, I've heard great of them and was planning to read since long. But the problem is Philosophy puts me to sleep in less than ten minutes, taken up any time of day", she sardonically sighed. "My father gifted me one of Swami Vikekananda's works a few years ago and am still struggling to finish it."

Laughing at her serious comical expressions, Jalal puzzled. "If not Romance or Philosophy, what is your genre of reading then?"

"Suspense thrillers!!" gleaming in ecstasy, Jodha replied. "Give me one novel to hand, I'll surely finish it overnight."

"Aha!!" nodding in perception, Jalal grinned. "I now understand the roots of your nocturnal adventures. Those books spoiled you."

"Partly..." the amused lady chuckled in agreement, "... and partly my brother. He IS..." she stopped and rectified with a nonchalant solemnity, "... WAS my partner in crime." Bothered, Jalal stepped to her side to have a close glance at her to assure himself that she's fine. "Sometime later when you're utterly bored, I'll recite you all of our adventures" Jodha added with a laugh to ensure him she's absolutely normal.

"I needn't be bored to hear them Jo. I'd be a happy listener anytime" Jalal asserted and Jodha's heart skipped a beat at the genuineness in his eyes. He didn't say it for courtesy sake, he truly meant what he said and the tenderness of his gesture was too overwhelming for her.

"But that wouldn't end there Jalal", she forewarned. "I'll be excavating your childhood adventures too."

"Most welcome!" he replied unperturbed. "But you'll be disappointed as I don't have any exciting moments to share. I was a calm and obedient child..." he sniggered, "OBEDIENT - in true sense of the word, not like you." She answered that quip with sealed lips and squinted eyes, and he joyously grinned. "Fret not idiot, I've a secret to share" Jalal whispered as Jodha curiously looked on. "Obedient people are dry and boring, unlike you, the disobedient lot."

Cheekily narrowing eyes, Jodha asked. "Am I to suppose you're encouraging me to be disobedient, boss?"

"Absolutely!" he winked and she brazenly bowed. "Thank you!!"

The entourage continued with same gaiety while Jalal veered her through the rooms in ground floor and first floor till they halted before the one allotted for her. "This is your room", he led her through the doors. "Vasantha took care of fixing it for you. In case something is missing ask me or Vasantha", he showed the dressing and bathroom. "Do you find it comfortable Jo? If not, you can shift to a bigger..."

"Jalal..." Having finished a quick, satisfied glance around the room, Jodha cut him short. "A comfortable bed and bath is all I need. This room has more than that!!" she smiled. "I like it Jalal. Where is yours?"

"That one!" he pointed to the opposite door. "Come!!" As they advanced towards the locked door Jodha felt the same anxiety, the one she experienced while entering the home, rebuilding in her. Jalal too had similar apprehension and was truly surprised at his own racing beats as his fingers spun the doorknob. Exhaling a peculiar fragrance that instantly hit her nostrils, Jodha walked past Jalal as the door opened to an exquisite ivory white and metallic bronze suite. Hovering his eyes over her face, not to miss any miniature of her expression, Jalal closely walked by. With prominent awe in her doe-eyes, Jodha took slow, tiny steps to the center of the suite and halted. An illuminating smile stuck to her lips all along and the lone owner of the suite had a sudden strong belief that the darkness of his loneliness is evicted by her radiating smile; he felt the moment too poignant to be ever forgotten.

Her posture - the petite frame in a beautiful turquoise and white salwar anchored at centre of the suite with obvious reverence and admiration in her rolling eyes - was a visual feast to his eyes.

"How is it?" unable to wait too longer to hear from her, he hastened to ask.

"I- I can't say", she replied struggling to identify the aspects that made this particular room unique and singular. "Actually I don't know what to say. Its different from rest of the house Jalal", she thoughtfully said moving towards the large French window. "Other rooms are grand and pompous. This also looks grand, luxurious... yet there is some strange coyness... simplicity. There is something in this air, some uniqueness about this room Jalal, that... mm", she waited to paraphrase her thoughts. "... THAT BRINGS THE INTIMACY OF A HOME...", as she turned back saying that, the expression on Jalal made her abruptly cease - it happened to be a conglomeration of content, gratification, awe and what so ever, but it appeared too complicated for her to decipher and the same reflected in her eyes.

"Didn't I make any sense?" she doubtfully asked wrinkling her nose and Jalal burst into giggles. He felt a sudden urge to scoop her up in his arms and tell with a kiss how much he liked her description, yet the polite host role he had been entrusted with refrained him from doing so.

"I gather I sounded too whimsical", mistaking his giggles, Jodha pouted. "No", bereaved of an excuse to embrace her, Jalal carried on with the next possible act. "Come here!!" he said extending his hand. When she did, he tightened his grip and pulled her to the closest permitted distance.

"Not whimsical idiot", he corrected fondly looking into her eyes. "I've heard people exclaiming marvellous, stupendous. I've also heard people calling it plain and bland..." his eyes shifted to her stray lock while his mind replayed Aliya's scrunched face when she uttered the exact two words. "... but no one felt the intimacy of a home. I'm immensely glad you did." In pretext of tucking his favourite lock back to its position Jalal lingered his fingers a little longer beneath her ear.

"But you laughed..." managing not to shudder, an impact of his proximity, Jodha continued staring dubious.

"That's for this wrinkled nose. You looked funny", he playfully tapped and she smiled liking his touch.

"Who called it bland Jalal?" Rolling eyes to assess what's bland about the room, Jodha wondered.

"Those who felt it so", unwilling to take his ex-wife's name, Jalal averred. "It doesn't matter Jo. Want to have a look at the sit out?" holding her hand, he slowly directed her to the connecting door. "It's a long balcony. The backdoor of your room also opens into this." Walking hand in hand, Jodha felt his voice more melodious to her ears than before. The welcoming sight of potted crotons, hanging roses, the branches of a giant mango tree lurching on the balcony railing greatly enthralled Jodha. Before she opened mouth to comment on the panoramic setting, her gaze fell on the grandeur sculpture proudly anchored at the centre of balcony.

"Wow!" an impulsive marvel emanated out of her mouth and next moment Jodha found herself trekking towards it leaving Jalal behind. "Beautiful Jalal!!" trailing her fingers over the floral carvings of the finely polished Rosewood royal swing that shone under the moonlight, she exclaimed.

"Like it?" capturing her childish excitement in his memory, Jalal walked to her.

"I've a special liking for swings", giving him the broadest of smiles, she resumed admiring the masterpiece. "... and this is one very fine piece. I totally fell for it Jalal. I already see this is going to be my most sought out place for next couple of days."

"If that is the case", positioning himself behind the submersed lady, Jalal huskily said. "You may count on me to accompany you while you hang out here. For, this is my favourite place too."

"Really?" slightly tilting her head to get a view of his chiselled face, Jodha smiled. "Yes," revelling in her fragrance and in the snugness of the moment, he blinked. "Finally something we both like without a debate," she winked and he realized the same desire igniting in him again - the desire to glide his arms around her, tip his chin upon her shoulder and adore the contours of her rosy form while she adored those of the Rosewood form. While he stood struggling to be decent, her voice disrupted his thoughts.

"Shall we sit?" Jodha pleaded showing the plush seat of swing. "For few minutes, if your laptop isn't waiting for you."

"Laptop is waiting..." gesturing her to sit and then occupying the place next to her, Jalal finished, "But defying your wish would be far more trouble than unfinished work."

"Why?" joyously knitting brows, Jodha chirped.

"Because the issue would be escalated to higher authorities - your Badepapa and my father - and I'd be subjected to a trial in family court for being a discourteous host", the boss feigned scared.

"Don't worry Mr. Host," scooting her shoulders an inch closer to him, Jodha whispered a promise. "I'll give an excellent report on your hospitality. You don't have to fear any accuses."

"Ah!! I'm obliged. Thank you My Lady!!" Jalal whispered back with great gratitude and the couple broke into another round of giggles.

"So what do you do sitting here?" slowly swaying swing with feet, Jodha asked.

"What do you think I do?" crossing arms and relaxing, Jalal questioned back.

"That depends on what time of day you spend here..." she tried reasoning.

"Night," he answered. "Late hours in night!!"

"Mm..." looking down to her feet, Jodha stayed pensive assaying his habits. Smiling within at the envision that flashed in her mind, she naughtily looked aside. "I could think of only one alternative", she stifled a chuckle to look sombre. "With a drink in hand and a deadweight of thoughts in mind, you should be staring into space - blank and forlorn like this." She enacted as she said and Jalal's shoulders started shaking in mirth. "What an idiot you are!!" His laughter musically echoed in the lull ambience.

"Thank you!" smiling in accord, she leant back. "How close is my guess to reality?"

"Drink part of it is true," Jalal agreed recovering from mirth. "And to an extent thoughts part too, though I'm not very sure of the forlorn staring into space. How did you guess?"

"Because I used do the same, of course without a drink!!" She thought, but her response bore no reflection of her thoughts. "I know two things about you - either you work at night or relax with a drink. As this setting is too picturesque to have a laptop as a companion, it should be the second alternative."

Enamoured by her reasoning, Jalal smiled straight to her eyes. "You're very analytical and observant, aren't you?"

"Trying to grow up to the level of someone", shyly averring his admiration, Jodha retorted, "... who observes both that is visible and hidden." Recalling her reflexes when he said that, Jalal's eyes traced down to her dupatta. "I seriously doubt my ability to see all that is hidden," he sardonically sighed and Jodha had to struggle to make a dignified perception of that proclamation. "Had I been as observant as I claimed, I wouldn't be oblivious to your anger and later come up with nutty attempts to cajole you." Chucking him an impish smile, Jodha lowered head to look down to her swaying feet, only to hide the heat that began surging through her nerves. The words attempt to cajole you brought back the memory of their intimate moments - her hands garlanding his neck and his hands neatly wreathed around her body. "The warmth of his kisses, the comfort of his arms, the rhythm of his beats... uff", mentally giving her passion a massive shake, she tried looking up to him when an untimely and unwelcomed similitude devastated her reverie. For reasons oblivious, that very moment she remembered Aliya finding comfort in Jalal's arms in Delhi and her shy smiles dissipated in a flick. To her dismay, the misery didn't end there. Her imagination began to grow wilder as she fantasized Aliya in her position - in the swing, talking and laughing to the man beside her. "She was his wife," her imagination corrected. "Why'd she be sitting a meter afar from Jalal like you? May be an inch away or may be no gap at all. What if she sat in his lap?" Her feet ceased moving the swing.

"What's going on?" Continuing to be a silent spectator as he has been all the while, Jalal wondered. After his last comment he noticed her blushing, smiling and then falling into thoughts that dismissed her smiles. He knew she's recalling their hug when she blushed, but he couldn't fathom what transpired in her mind thereafter. Nevertheless, he patiently waited expecting her to voice out her thoughts.

"What'd happen after that?" temporarily forgetting the presence of Jalal, Jodha carried on with her ludicrous illusion. "What'd a beautiful wife and an irresistible husband do sitting so close in such an ambience? Definitely more than talking and laughing," a burning sensation kindled in her veins and her eyes shut. "How many times would their romance have started here, in the swing and ended in...", the large bed in Jalal's suite flashed behind the closed lids and she sprang up on feet with an immediate urge to flee - from the spot, from the home, from the suffocating illusion.

"What happened Jo?" Seeing her suddenly standing, Jalal too got up. Redeeming to senses, Jodha stared baffled not knowing what to say. "Huh... washroom," she uttered the first word that came to her mouth throwing Jalal into more confusion.

"Are you ok?" he asked worried and Jodha simply nodded. "You may use mine. I'll wait here," attributing her mood swing to a physical ailment, Jalal gently said but Jodha realized she couldn't be of a good company to him any longer - she needed seclusion and a few moments to herself before she faced him again. "Mm... no Jalal. It'll take time," discerning the nonsense she just blurted, Jodha quickly amended. "I mean I've to make a few calls - to Badepapa, peddamma, Samyu. I'm sleepy too, I'll go to my room now", hating herself for the excuses she's been fabricating and for abruptly turning him down for no fault of his, Jodha squirmed in guilt. "Sorry for leaving the conversation in middle Jalal."

"Don't be formal idiot. Come", wrapping his fingers on her wrist, Jalal showed her the way to backdoor of her room. The moment she apologized in guilt, he knew something was disturbing her - not a physical sickness, as she wanted him to suppose. It offended him as it did whenever she hided something from him, but he also knew there is no point pestering her, for, he'd only get fibs as he got in the past and now. Walking past the open French window of Jalal's suite, Jodha caught a glimpse of his bed and almost immediately tore her gaze from it, for, she didn't want another round of repulsive imagination to ruin the solace she's gathering from his touch.

"We've all time to talk Missy," making light of the situation, Jalal jested. "You'll be here few more mornings, few more nights..." opening the backdoor of her room, he added, "... and I've all ears to hear you, if only YOU'RE WILLING TO SPEAK," his fingers softly pressed her wrist before taking leave of her hand; and the gesture conveyed Jodha that he noticed her mood swing. Proudly looking up to the man who read her in and out, Jodha nodded. "I will Jalal", she smiled staunchly wishing for the day to come soon when she could boldly discuss of her inhibitions, "... till you're bored of listening to me."

"I don't think I'll ever be bored," returning her a cheesy smile, Jalal quipped. "I'm damn tired with silence, you see."

"I see", she chuckled. "Brace yourself for non-stop chatter then. Good night Boss!!"

"Good night BoB!!" he winked.

~~~

"Doesn't closed circuit surveillance sound a better idea?" Jalal opined. "Better than a security guard's vigilance?"

"Absolutely!" Prithvi seconded his friend. "Get it fixed on the exterior wall so that a good portion of the street is covered."

"Right, it'll be my first thing on Monday. Bye" Jalal was about to disconnect when Prithvi stopped him. "Wait... I've something more to discuss."

"Tell me..." glimpsing at the spot Jodha and he sat a while ago through his bedroom window, Jalal asked.

"Now that Jodha is living with you, are you going to express your feelings for her?" Prtihvi asked pensive. Taken back by the unanticipated topic, Jalal's brows knitted. "I haven't planned on it Prithvi", he answered returning to bed. "It takes only a moment to speak to her of my feelings and if that moment comes while she's here, why'd I back off?"

"What'll be the consequences once you confess your love Jalal?"

"What are you looking for Pritvhi?" intrigued by the question, Jalal quizzed. "Do you suspect a denial from Jodha?"

"I don't", the thoughtful officer affirmed, "and that is where the problem lies. Once your feelings come in open, the matter goes to your parents and it becomes public. I don't think this is the right time for it."

"Why? What complications do you foresee?"

"It's the timing Jalal," Prithvi elaborated. "You'll be leaving to Japan soon and you said Jodha will be in Hyderabad for her parents' annual rituals. Don't you anticipate what happens if your love affair is out by then?" he reasoned. "It becomes a topic of discussion in Hyderabad during the ceremony. Everyone believes Jodha would get married once you're back from Japan. Don't forget we have a strong reason to believe the murder attempts on Jodha would stop once she's married. Also we suspect the murderer to be one of Jodha's close acquaintances. In such situation how'd he or she react? Don't you think they'd try to finish their work at the first available opportunity? If that is the case, what else could be the ideal chance than Jodha's long pilgrimage trip?"

"God!!" kneading forehead in pain, Jalal asked low. "What should we do now?"

"I've a plan. There is no immediate harm to your and Jodha's relation if you don't confess, so let it be the way it is. I'll find some excuse to attend the ceremony in Hyderabad so that I get a chance to know the people and Jodha's home by myself. To ensure there wouldn't be any attack on Jodha, I'll ask Samyuktha's family to join Jodha in trip and will also arrange for an undercover police escort; more the people, less the chances of attack, you see. And if we don't find a breakthrough in the case before your return from Japan, go ahead with your proposal and get married soon. Let's not risk Jodha's life any longer. "

"Do you think our marriage is the ultimate solution to this problem?" Jalal sounded doubtful.

"Its only my belief Jalal, not cent percent sure though", Prithvi genuinely agreed. "I wish I could solve it before your wedding so that you've a tension free life with Jodha. That is also the real reason why I never forced you to advance with marriage till now. But if there is no progress in the case, there's no point in delaying. Anytime, its safer for her to be married than to be single. Either the assaults would permanently stop or there'd be a long gap before next attack. Either case, we can buy in time."

"Prithvi", touched by his friend's prudence and concern, Jalal tenderly called. "How am I to repay your help yaar? What can I do for you? I fear I'm getting endlessly indebted to you."

"Very true" sarcastically sighing, Prithvi accepted. "Let me think of how to get my debt paid and be ready to agree to all my terms. Now may I ask you a serious question?"

"What is that?"

With an obvious exhaustion in his voice, Prithvi shot. "Didn't you find anyone else than Jodha to fall for?"

"Why? What's wrong with her?" Chuckling at the tone of his friend, Jalal urged.

"Complications boss!!" the cheeky friend gritted. "For past five years you've been riding a roller coaster ride. First, setting up Fourwheels, then wedding with Aliya, then break up that ended in a huge financial mess. Just when we're about to happily sigh at the settling chaos, you fall in love with a complicated girl with an even more complicated past, phew!! Don't you agree you've a strong liking for complications?"

"Establishing Fourwheels is my dream, wedding with Aliya is my mistake", laughing along with Prithvi, Jalal gibed. "In former case complications were expected, in the latter unexpected - either way it's my fault as those decisions were solely mine. But Jodha's case is different yaar. She is not my choice. She's my destiny. I knew Saradhi uncle's family for fifteen years, yet I've no clue of this niece of his until she walked into Regal seven months ago. I've no clue when she became a subject of interest to me. We're almost separated when she resigned, yet got reunited in the last moment. Doesn't it sound strange? Even after she re-joined, I tried hard to shun her, not to think of her and each time I tried so, something or other happened that forced her back into my life like a Boomerang. Sometimes I feel like - her parents, the perpetrator, Saradhi ji - all these people are mere pawns in game of destiny; a game played to bring us together with major role played by the murderer. If not for him, Saradhi ji wouldn't have sent her back to Regal. If not for fear of her life, he wouldn't have left her here, with me, today."

"Pretty much agreeable", Prithvi nodded and added with a smirk. "As per your destiny philosophy, something might be in store for me too. Else I wouldn't be transferred to Bangalore at the very same time and pulled into this fiasco."

"Very much right. It means you're only playing your part of destiny's game and no question of debts here", the shrewd boss smirked. "So no deal!!"

"Abe saale!! Don't show your business tactics on me. I'm going to..." Jalal's chuckles intensified listening to the mushy curses.

~~~

"Metallic bronze frame would go with other interiors of his room, not chocolate brown..." tossing under sheets, Jodha made a mental note. Back to her room, the first thing she did is to dial Saradhi to convince him she's having comfortable stay. And then she called Samyu to apprise her of the latest twist in tale. After an elaborated interrogation of what's, when's, how come's, how long's, Samyu felt happy and sad for her friend- Happy for the opportunity to live close to Jalal and sad for the life threat chasing her bestie. Done with calls, Jodha tried to sleep but the edginess of new ambience and the nagging thoughts sequestered sleep from her. To divert her attention from Aliya, she set out to finish Jalal's birthday gift. An hour later, with an extremely contended glance at the nearly finished artwork, she wrapped up the task and rested on bed inviting sleep.

"I should be the only woman in my man's life!!" Behind the closed lids, her conversation with her parents and Badepapa a year ago began playing. "How ironical!! I always anticipated marrying a man of equal economic, social and religious status and I proudly gloated the same a year ago. Now, a year later I'm here, desperately yearning for a man's love, to whom neither I'm the only woman in his life nor do we match in one single aspect. Yet, I love him and pine to be equally loved by him," her contemplation ceased as her eyes opened.

"Do I truly love him? If so why am I letting his past affect me? Its evident he has no feelings for Aliya now, then why am I thinking of her and ruining my... no... OUR happiness? Our chitchat at the swing would've developed into a sweet memory, had I not brutally ruined it. Sheya!! Why did I overthink? And the expression of Jalal at that moment, will I ever forget? It exuded perplex, worry and hurt - shucks!! What's point in being guilty after erring?" she admonished herself. "I've to be cautious hereon. No more blunders from my side" she pledged within.

----

"What changed her mood all of a sudden?" The excitement of his ladylove's presence in his home, in his opposite room, left Jalal sleepless. Thence, he returned to the place where Jodha sat a while ago. "Did she think of her parents?" he speculated. "Or is it Aliya's thoughts that disturbed her? Earlier in living room too she stopped midway taking Aliya's name. Could that be the reason? How to know?" he felt sad at the unbreakable wall of nonchalance Jodha built between them. "Without a confession of my feelings, how to make her cross that barrier? How to convince her that she can talk to me on any topic, about any person without constraints? What am I supposed to do?" Drowned in introspection, he slowly drifted to sleeping position there itself.

"Next time if she constricts herself from saying anything, I've to profusely counsel her. I'll no longer leave her to her freewill. I've waited enough. If she is not ready to speak, I'm going to force her speak." With that resolution, he happily shut lids eagerly waiting for the morning to come - with renewed hopes and happiness

----

"Everything happens for a reason!!" As the burden of thoughts started dwindling, Jodha felt light. "May be I should take this opportunity to overlook his past and start accepting the reality. Had this been the case after our wedding, the situation would have turned awkward and disgusting. Looks like destiny brought me here for a reason, for a purpose and that is..." a naughty smile crept over her lips, "... to look at his home, at his suite, especially at his large bed without an image of Aliya running in background. Come on Jo, this is your mission to accomplish before you leave this home." With that resolution, she happily shut lids eagerly waiting for the morning to come - with renewed hopes and happiness.

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

Yet another morning!! The naturally programmed body clock incited he's later to wake up than the regular schedule, but the burdened lids are soliciting to give them more rest. Batting the non-cooperative lids, Jalal glanced at the digital calendar on side table. 28.09.2014 Sunday 7:50am it displayed!!

"Sunday!!" the heavy lids closed again. Off late, his detestation for the lethargic Sundays exponentially increased as he's running out of ideas to engage himself in some activity - Monday to Saturday, days turn into minutes and pass away in a flick but on Sunday each minute becomes an hour for him. He didn't like disturbing his friends, as it's the only day in week they get to cherish family time. With no office and no friends, he spent most of the Sundays in his garage toying with unused cars. Off late, even that was getting mundane. He tossed under sheets again thinking of the schedule for the day, but the clogged nose diverted his attention.

"Hmm... hmm", taking deep breaths to clear the clog, Jalal wondered why he caught on cold overnight. He then remembered spending two thirds of the night in balcony, open air. Inhaling again, he recalled why he ended up sleeping in swing. The instant he arrived at the answer, his eyes opened. "Jodha is here!!" Alacrity returned, shoveling passiveness and the sluggish Sunday morning no longer felt sluggish.

Ten minutes later, decked in a snug fit sports shirt and trousers he stepped out eagerly glancing at the opposite door. The wide opened door, with no signs of Jodha's presence inside, turned him doubtful. "Where is she?" he turned back to check in the balcony when a faint laughter from downstairs reached his ears. As he swiftly trekked down, the sounds become more audible - it was an amalgamation of laughter and exclamation coming from the kitchen.

"Did you do that?" he heard Mani asking in part amusement and part disbelief. Briefly halting at entrance, he peeked into kitchen expecting Jodha, but he found only Mani leaning against the exit door and looking out.

"Yes Mani. It wasn't intentional, a blooper on my part!!" Jodha's voice came from outside and he perceived why Mani was looking out. Predicting her to be seated on the steps that led to patio, Jalal silently tiptoed in, and stopped by the kitchen island.

"A perfect blooper which ended up in disbanding a rich alliance," he heard Jodha giggle. "What a morning!!" he felt satiated with the life her giggles brought along. Curiously slanting against the island, he prepared to listen to her story of rich alliance.

"What happened Amma?" Vasantha's enthusiastic voice echoed from outside.

"It happened last year, a few months before my parents' death..." Jodha began narrating.

"Oh!! She told them about it? How come the cat is out of its shell so soon?" he smirked.

"There is this rich & haughty distant relative of my mother who wasn't interested in us until a year ago. Then they suddenly started socializing with us, increased the frequency of their visits to our home and we're dazzled by their sudden interest in us. One fateful evening last year, they stopped by our home when I was experimenting with Upma. Those were my initial days of learning cooking, let me confess, I'm not quite enthusiastic about cooking, but these mothers na..." her head shook in contempt. "My mom was hell bent on grooming me as a prospective bait in the matrimonial fishing. When I returned to the living with Upma plates and teacups, I saw this rich couple in serious discussion with my parents. Since I cooked only for three of us, I had to offer the plates to the guests. They're clean bowled, as they didn't except me to cook. They praised my mom left and right saying - You taught her cooking? That's great!! Which girl cooks these days? Jodha is smart, intelligent, obedient, this, that, what not!!" The listeners giggled at her style of narration.

"After done with singing glories, they took the first spoon in, and their faces paled. We three instantly realized something went wrong and my mom skeptically asked them how it tasted. With great effort, they gulped the morsel and nodded in fake delight. My mom heaved a sigh of relief while I sympathetically glanced at the couple trying to analyze what went wrong." Muting his giggles, Jalal glanced at Mani who barked a loud laughter, trying his best to hold the coffee cup from tripping.

"After two more tormenting morsels they kept the plates down and hastily sipped on tea and..." looking at Mani, Jodha gave a teasing pause.

"...and?" Vasantha prodded.

"...and their eyes popped out!!"

"Oh my God!!" holding her stomach, Vasantha snorted.

Finding it too difficult to be silent, Jalal too laughed out but it got muffled in the domineering laughter of Mani and Vasantha. "While we three stared baffled, they furiously got up gritting under breath - If you don't like our proposal, there're better ways of saying it. This is wrong... very wrong of you!! And then they're gone!! Forever!! Later, when we met in a family function, they turned their faces on us."

"What did you add in Upma and tea?" too anxious to wait, Mani probed.

"After they left, my mom rushed into kitchen to taste the leftovers. As expected, she spitted it and demanded... like you just did," she winked at Mani. "I confidently showed the containers and she banged on my head with one of it- "Idiot, this is IDLY ravva not Upma ravva," she yelled and then opened the other jar, which I assumed to be sugar, poured a pinch in my mouth and howled "This is lemon salt not sugar!!" Happily watching her guffawing audience, Jodha waited another moment.

"The guests assumed I did it on purpose, after eavesdropping their conversation. They made sure they spread the gossip of my audacious act to everyone in our circle. Had I erred in either Upma or tea, they wouldn't have taken it as an insult. But no... I messed up both. I've this habit of doing anything to perfection, although it is erring!!" she sarcastically smiled. "Thankfully, I used this incident as an escapade from kitchen. The proposal was gone and so was my reputation. It was a chartbuster for several months and used to be hot topic of discussion in any family gathering. Even today, my uncles and aunts suspiciously stare at the plates when I serve them anything. They eat, only after I swear that I didn't step into kitchen while it was cooked." Smiling, Jalal remembered Jodha assuring the same to Prithvi when they attended breakfast at her home. Now he knew the reason behind it.

"Didn't you get an iota of doubt before adding Ravva to Upma?" wiping the tears off her eyes, Vasantha asked.

"Naah..." Jodha nodded. "Both Ravvas looked very similar. Even their jars were similar; I didn't even doubt I picked up the wrong ones. That is acceptable, but my biggest mistake was to not taste after cooking. Of course, the best thing is, it taught me lifetime lesson - Taste before you serve!!"

"Haach!!"

Carrying a broad grin, Mani looked back to the source of sound. Discerning the man standing before him, he stood straight in attention, lowly greeted Jalal and rushed towards the stove to fix coffee for his master.

"Bless you..." thinking it to be Mani who sneezed, Jodha looked back smiling. Perceiving Jalal at door instead of Mani, her smile thickened. "Oh... you're here!! Good morning!!" she joyously wished giving a melodious start to his day. "Indeed a very good morning!!" he thought and smiled to her in return. Sensing its time to get back to work, Vasantha hustled into kitchen leaving the couple alone.

Loving his shining even teeth between the exquisitely parted lips, she vivaciously spoke. "Good that you woke up, else I'd have come looking for you. The aroma of Mani's coffee was too tempting to wait longer. Manii..." she shouted to the man in kitchen. "Two coffees please!!" She placed the order and brightly smiled. And then her smile vanished!!

"Why're your eyes red?" trailing her gaze over his tired features, she puzzled. "And nose too?" Studying her worried eyes, Jalal spent a moment in thought before answering her. "My eyes are red because," he cleared his throat, "after you left, I spent the night in the swing, sitting in your place and looking around."

"What?" dazzled by his absurd answer, her eyes narrowed. "What did you look for?"

"For THAT INTRIGUING sight which you saw from your place that fetched a sudden turnover of your mood, and which I obviously missed seeing from mine," he witted. "I spent rest of the night looking around for it, but with no luck. How did I miss?"

"Girls thing?" he repeated, speculating how closely Aliya is related to this girls-thing.

"Yes. For how long were you out?" gauging his heavy lids, she asked.

"Most of the night," he casually said. "I fell asleep in the swing."

"Mm... that explains your red nose as well", Jodha bowed again looking down to her fingers - guilt and pain didn't let her meet his gaze. "He suffered for my stupidity", she admonished herself. "I've to be very discreet hereon", setting up a staunch reminder in mind, she quickly thought of alternatives to tackle the situation. "Since I'm the reason for your cold" she looked up cheerful, "I'll take it on me to ensure you feel better."

"How?" he curiously frowned.

"Manii..." She called as an answer. "Cancel the order for two coffees, and change the order to..." Evilly smirking at the dubious boss, she finished. "One coffee and one turmeric milk."

"What? No!!" he repulsively screamed but it had no impact on the bewitching girl who already vanished into kitchen.

~~~

"Mm... What a coffee!!" loudly sniffing the aroma, Jodha threw a side glance at the irate man darting dire glares at the milk glass in his hands and at her.

"Stop glaring at the glass Jalal" Jodha laughed, "Milk might curdle."

Stifling his giggles, Jalal took a sip and choked. "Ah!!" his hand caught his throat. "What did you add to milk?"

"A pinch of turmeric and a spoon of pepper," she looked tensed. "Why?"

"Are you sure its pepper?" he seriously asked and Jodha grew doubtful. "Oh yeah!! Mani told me its pepper powder only," she placed the coffee mug down and forwarded her hand. "Give it here. Let me check."

"I doubt!!" he shrugged and passed on the glass to her. While she's busy staring at and sniffing the milk to assimilate its ingredients, Jodha heard his loud husky voice. "Mm... What a coffee!!" She promptly looked up and the devilish smirk tugged on his lips gave away his ploy.

"Liar!!" she raged putting the glass down. His smirk transformed into grin.

"Cheat!!" she banged on his shoulder and Jalal accepted the title with a gracious nod.

"That's my coffee..." she pouted.

"I know. I just wanted to prove that," returning her coffee, he whispered. "...its not quite difficult to have what I determined to have. Be it coffee OR..." his gaze lurked over her flushed cheeks.

"Or?" bewildered, she asked but he calmly went for his glass not bothering to respond.

"Or what Jalal?" Jodha fervently demanded.

"Leave it!!" he cheekily winked. "It's a boy's thing. You don't understand."

She glared at that retort and then broke into an amused chuckle. "You are too good at leveling scores. Aren't you?"

"If you say so!!" He grinned and asked. "Whats up for the day? Any plans?"

"I've to go for shopping", she sighed tracing the contours of mug. "Peddamma has the tradition of gifting the staff for Dussehra. We were half done. Since she was running out of time yesterday, she instructed me to complete it today."

"Let's go after lunch," Jalal suggested. "Shall we eat out?"

Jodha almost nodded at the proposition when something else struck her mind. "Some other time Jalal", she deferred. "Yesterday also I ate out, I lack the appetite to go out. Let's have lunch here and then go for shopping."

"Fine then..." Finishing the last sip, he got up. "I'll now leave for gym. Will be back in an hour. You need anything?"

"Gym?" standing up, she looked distasteful. "You're sick Jalal. You've a perfect reason to skip it and take rest."

"I'm not as sick as you're establishing it Jodha," he laughed and casted a measuring glance. "Tell me you're bored to be alone, I'll think of it."

"Indeed I'm!!" she shyly admitted. "Now... will you stay back?"

"I'll", he nodded delighted. "But only if you promise to give me company in my personal gym upstairs."

"Oh no... Please!!" She sickened at the thought of running to exhaustion on a treadmill, but then she had a sudden mood swing. "You said company right!!" she pointed out. "Ok done, let's go!!" Scooping the empty glass out of his hands with natural ease, Jodha turned on her heels and hustled into kitchen. Enthralled by the poignancy of her gesture, Jalal slowly followed behind, with a besotted smile dancing on his lips. After all, not every woman snatched a defiled glass from him with such prim authority.

~~~

"Where's the gym?" joining him at the stairs, Jodha enquired.

"Second floor!!" he answered trekking up.

"Above that?"

"Entertainment lounge. Want to have a look? We're only half done with home tour last night."

"No, it's ok. I'll explore rest of the home all by myself," she volunteered. "I already strolled around your garden and intruded into your garage, since I woke up early this morning. The garden is artistic and your garage..." she chuckled remembering the sight. "...is more like a mechanic shed than a garage."

"Mechanic shed?" Jalal glanced partly averse and partly amused. "How awful!!"

Laughing at his scrunching nose, Jodha amended. "Ok, ok... I gather I sounded offensive. Let me think of a sophisticated word..." she thought for a while. "Aa... how about a laboratory? Oh... yes" her brows rose in delight. "I'll name it Jalal labs or even better..." She seriously announced. "Jalal Ahmed Research Center. How is that?" she solemnly sought his opinion and then the couple burst into giggles in unison.

"You are..." Grinning and shaking head, he started. "...an out and out idiot!!" she completed for him. "A riotous idiot," he corrected and quipped. "I wish I were as good at name calling as you. I'm running out of adding adjectives before idiot." Shamelessly taking pride in the titles he endorsed her with, Jodha jested. "How many hours do you spend in your research center, Dr. Jalal?"

"Most of the Sundays Ms. Architect!!" he replied and asked, stopping by the shoe rack. "I strongly believe you didn't get your shoes. Would you like to try mine? I'll do a quick fix to make it fit your size."

"Shoes? For what?" she kinked a confused brow.

"Of course to exercise!!" Jalal glanced nonplussed. "Are you planning to take it barefoot?"

"Tch tch!! Poor boss!!" sardonically twitching lips, Jodha posed sober face, like a sagacious Guru enlightening an ignorant student. "Those who exercise need shoes, not those who pretend!!" She said that mimicking the tone of the Babas seen on television and Jalal couldn't help barking a laugh. "You... idiot!!" he growled, fondly patting on her shoulder. Self-appreciative of her skills in bringing smiles on him, Jodha pointed to the exercise cycle. "I'll sit there and give you company while you exhaust yourself on rest of the machines," she grinned and puzzled. "By the way, when you have state of the art Gymnasium at home, why do you go out?"

"For the same thing which you're giving me now," putting his shoes on, Jalal glimpsed up, smiling. "Company!!"

Capturing his loneliness behind the smile, Jodha returned a naughty simper. "I hope you like what I'm giving... company!!"

"I'm already liking it!!" stretching his body to warm up, he gave her a boyish wink conveying that he noticed the slyness in her statement. Flushed by the compliment and by the sensuous movements of his torso, Jodha shyly moved away towards the equipment. She stopped by the elliptical posing a studying face.

Seeing her blush and turn away from him, Jalal sheepishly smirked. His gaze lurked over her perfectly curved back, the waist length hair and slender long legs. Blue kurti, white pajama - he made a note of her attire and wondered how exotically she filled any kind of dress - be it formals or casuals or sleep wear.

"Jodha..." He couldn't refrain calling. When the mystified lady turned back, Jalal seriously asked. "Promise to share your secret with me."

Growing suspicious if it's again about the last night wrack-up, Jodha asked, "What is that?" Pinning his eyes on her, he walked ahead while she stood perplexed, her back glued to the machine. Pleasuring on her frozen form, Jalal deliberately stopped right next to her, barely two inches away. "The secret behind..." he whispered and stopped engulfing her fragrance. Planking his shoulder against the handle of elliptical, Jalal leisurely lingered his gaze on her face as if he forgot to complete what he began to say. Clutching her dress tight and holding her breath, Jodha stood still looking down. Seeing no other word coming from him, she slightly tipped up her chin and that movement brought her face precariously close to his mouth. Her mellow, nervous eyes met with his intense, compelling ones and it demanded a great effort from her to stand straight, battling against the quaking limbs. "Secret behind?" she murmured drawing a shaky breath.

Smirking at her feverishness, Jalal brought his lips down, to her ears. "Secret behind..." His breath fanned her earlobe. "...your slender form. How do you manage to be thin without any workout?" Done with exertion, he smirked and pulled his torso back, liberating her from his captivating aura. Sighing in huge relief, Jodha scooted aside, simultaneously wondering why she couldn't do the same earlier - scoot aside and get over with his magnetism. "Under his spell," she griped under breath. "My mind freezes along with body. If not for that, there is no reason on Earth to explain my stillness!!" After conveniently attributing her feebleness to his overpowering charisma, she felt free of guilt.

"I detest exercising on machines," she let out an abashed smile. "But I used to dance. A lot!!" she emphasized. "It served as exercise!!"

Not her shyness, but it was the past tense in her statement that caught Jalal's attention. "Used to?" he asked inquisitive. "Not now?"

Discerning her mistake, Jodha's smile faded. Yet, she forcibly brought it back contemplating over the alternatives to subtly respond - she could either defer it with a fib or candidly reply. However, fibbing to him always ended in awkwardness, thence she decided to be honest. Also, she looked at it as an opportunity to make up to last night's error.

"Yes... used to!!" she confirmed bracing for the next obvious question to come.

"Why did you stop it?" his brows formed a bemused frown.

"I was always passionate about dance, but it was limited to classes and regular practice till my brother's death," she flatly said. "After that there was too much silence in home to endure. It made me frenetic and I resolved to fight it with dance. Music played in my home almost all the time, I walked less and waltzed more," she smiled and lowered her head. "But after my parents' death, I gave it up."

Flustered, Jalal inched closer. "Why?"

"Because", she mustered courage to stay stoic, "This time silence was not IN HOME. It was WITHIN ME. And..." she swallowed the lump clotting her throat. "...and I didn't have the nerve to fight." Moments rolled in absolute silence while Jalal stood benumbed, steadily staring at her bowed head. "Actually I didn't find a reason to fight," she continued without looking up. "Last time I did it partly for myself and mostly for my parents. This time I didn't know for whom I should..." she looked up and abruptly stopped. The silent listener's sharp black orbs brimmed with vivid pain and Jodha's heart sank.

"Oh Jalal..." She quickly called, patting her head for getting melancholy. "I see that was too bleak, though I didn't mean it to be so," she chuckled cheering him up. "Now, back to your exercise. I'm doing my part, talking, but you haven't started with your part" she started moving away but Jalal swiftly pulled her back. Startled, Jodha placed her hand on his chest and balanced her body from hitting him.

"What?" taking off her hand, she silently asked. In response, Jalal left her hand and fished his mobile out. After a few taps on screen, he glimpsed at the curiously awaiting lady. Switching the phone to left palm, he offered his right hand. "Shall we fight the silence..." his fingers tapped on a random number as he completed. "TOGETHER?"

It took a moment for Jodha to discern what he asked and when she did, she felt her heart leaping into throat. Too dazzled to move, she stood fixed, drifting gaze from his emotive eyes to the offering hand. She knew the forwarded hand didn't simply imply a solicitation to dance. There is much more beyond that -an unspoken plea for togetherness in their loneliness; and she also knew when she placed her hand in his, she's going to make a promise, a lifetime one, to be his defending partner. Despite all the concealed vows behind that gesture, Jodha, in her true volition, placed her hand in his and beautifully smiled - a smile that started on her lips and ended in his eyes.

Deluging in her warmth, Jalal curved his fingers over hers, first gently and then firmly as if engulfing them into his palm. Unwilling to move and miss the bliss, they stayed like that a little longer, silently relishing the togetherness.

The high pitch notes of the number playing from Jalal's phone distracted their blithe. "Will you start your exercise now?" Jalal expectantly asked. Smiling in approval, Jodha slowly swayed her body to the rhythm - with her hand in his and eyes on him. While Jalal delightedly watched her waltz, she took a few steps front, a few back, moving their twined hands accordingly. When she swirled, the pristine tresses leaped to life splaying across his chest and face, a few athirst locks brushing past his lips. Jalal felt aroused!!

Jodha swirled again, and again unknowingly stirring his desire. Growing feeble with every moment, Jalal took a step to pull her towards him, but to his sheer surprise, she released his hand and began collapsing to her knees. "Jo!!" he screamed slipping the mobile down, held her half way and scooped up into his arms. Covering two thirds of her face with palms, Jodha banged her forehead against Jalal's shoulder and shuddered. "Jo... what happened?" protectively cuddling her, he inquired, but got nothing in response except for the convulsive shaking of her head and shoulders. And he fathomed she's sobbing.

"Jo... please. Please don't." Fastening one arm around her head, Jalal repeatedly brushed his other hand down her spine in soothing caress. Alas, his soothing seemed to only intensify her pain as she quivered more. Deciding its best to let her vent out, he stopped soothing her back, circled his arm around her waist and drew her closer. His left palm plunged into her hair, drawing smooth lulling patterns.

"I can't", he heard her say and saw her forehead rub against his shoulder. Pain stricken, he clutched her tighter.

"I can't dance..." her incoherent voice came again, "...while you're staring at me like that Jalal. I feel like..." her shoulders rigorously shook. "...like a courtesan dancing in court of a King."

"What?!!" totally confounded, Jalal tenderly gripped her hair and jerked her head back. There she was... with teary eyes, uncontrollably laughing while he foolishly assumed she's sobbing. "You're laughing?" he asked astonished. Her mouth still obscured behind palms, Jodha nodded. At loss of right rebuke, Jalal flared up at the laughing lady.

"Looking at your disappointment," dabbing tears from corners of her eyes, Jodha jested. "I wish I cried."

"I don't know how it was shown but its supposed to be anger, not disappointment", he gritted, detesting his foolish assumptions.

"Anger on me?" Jodha giggled some more. "For not crying?"

"No. For untimely speaking up and ruining my plan," he gravely stated. "Had you been silent for one more minute without confessing that you're laughing, I'd have..." he intensely stared at her, thinking of the best way to level scores.

"Mm... you'd have?" taking his seriousness light, Jodha rose a naughty brow.

"I WOULD HAVE..." his eyes zeroed on her lips; his black pupils turned blacker than sin and Jodha apparently deduced the remaining part. His scorching gaze parched her throat and she twitched in his arms intending to escape. Alas, the predator's clasp only strengthened, his fingers clutching sides of her waist like steel manacles. The layers of cloth that is supposed to protect her skin seemed to have miserably failed in its duty, as Jodha felt searing heat flowing from his fingers into her skin. She slowly lifted her lids to him, imploring to set her free.

"You know your pain weakens me and I know what weakens you idiot!!" Jalal triumphantly smirked enjoying the fragility in her eyes. "Where are you going?" he teased. "Weren't you curious to know what I'd have done?" he held her tensed gaze for a while and then softly glided his fingertips along her waist sides. His act didn't dawn up on the frozen lady, not until Jalal repeated his tickling albeit more sensuously.

The jittery sensation made Jodha briskly jump back, nudging him, all thanks to his loosened grip. Despising her meaningless fears, as he wouldn't boldly advance without her consent, Jodha glared at him. "Total charlatan with beguiling eyes," she couldn't help cursing as he smartly strayed her with his incensing gaze. She still wondered what his intention was - to kiss her as his eyes said or to tickle her as his fingers said. Nevertheless, she backtracked to a safer distance and stomped on his dropped phone.

"Oops," she picked it up and hurled it to him. "Check if it is alive," she grouched. "Else my earnings would end up in repaying your dead mobiles."

Turning the phone on, Jalal sniggered. "As if you repaid the last damage? I thought we agreed upon some sort of cumulative interest?" he probed, deliberating if she'd reveal the secret he is aware of. "What happened to it?"

"I offered you a cheque Jalal," crossing arms, she reminded. "Its not my fault that you refused. Anyways, that amount is already spent."

"On shopping?" Jalal probed more.

"Thirty thousand on shopping?" her nose wrinkled in displeasure. "Just that you once saw me buying in bulk, don't think of me as shopaholic," she pouted. "Your money is spent on a right cause, don't worry."

"Right cause?" he pressed. "Some sort of donation?" he hinted making it easy for her, for, he knew she's not of the flaunting types.

"Wow!! You're too good at guessing," she stared pleasantly surprised. "I gave it to a student in our street. He has a shop there and I love their kulfi. Oh, yes!!" Her eyes glinted with mischief. "I can't get your money back but I can compensate for it. How about a Kulfi treat on your birthday?" her hands clasped in delight.

"Kulfi?" amused by her childish excitement, Jalal chuckled.

"Don't like it?" she coolly shrugged making another offer. "No problem. I'll give you a Mirchi bajji and Jalebi treat!!"

"Huh? As if that's my favorite..." Jalal rolled eyes in amusement but Jodha's joy faded in a jiff. It instinctively reminded her of her conversation with Gautam many years ago. Two days before Gautam's birthday, they had a similar argument. As planned, she treated her brother with Kulfi on his birthday unbeknown that it's going to be his last birthday celebration. Today, after several years, she unknowingly initiated the same conversation - few days before Jalal's birthday - and she didn't feel good about it. A negative vibe scurried through her body dampening her morale.

Observing her blanched face, Jalal opened his mouth to confront her, but his nose itched at nick of time making him sneeze. "Bless you!!" Jodha reacted instantly, though discouraged by the timing of his sneeze. She wished he didn't sneeze when negative vibes were surging through her. "Bless him with long life Baba," she sent a silent prayer and moved ahead, to find relief from negativity with Jalal's touch, but then she refrained just in time.

"You carry on with exercise", gazing at his red tipped nose, she affectionately said. "I'll be back soon."

"Where?" his eyes squinted wondering if she's going through another bout of girls-thing.

"To prepare the next remedy for your nose," she replied thrashing his doubts.

"Another remedy?" His heart sank. "I'm still reeling from the awful taste of turmeric milk. Jo, please..." he pleaded like a child, fetching smiles on the dispirited lady.

"Oh, but you don't have to drink anything this time," she clarified with a conniving smirk. "Be right back Dr. Jalal. Sorry, patient Jalal", she winked and then she's gone.

"God save me!!" Jalal smirked watching her luscious swaying hair from behind. "From her sweetness and her charm." Moving to the cross-trainer, he recalled last night's conversation with Prithvi. "Will I be able to curb my feelings?" he weakly shrugged. "It's not going to be as cakewalk as I thought it to be. Definitely not, when she opens up her past to me. I always urged she did it, but looking at the after-effects, I wish she didn't speak of her past while she's here. It's too laborious to refrain from holding her, and once I hold her, I have no control on the consequences that follow. Ya Allah!!" he drew a heavy sigh. "What an acidic test you're putting me to?"

"God save me!!" descending downstairs, Jodha crackled her fingers. "From his hands and his gaze. My goodness, what a heat his touch ignites in me!!" unconsciously her fingers rubbed the curves of her waist. "Actually he needn't touch. One dark glance, like the one he gave before, and I'll be clean bowled. Baba!!" she sighed. "I've already lost my mind and heart to him, don't make me lose my bod..."

"You need something amma?" Vasantha's intervention disrupted her prayers.

~~~

"Phew!!" Carefully finishing the last step, Jodha exhaled the withheld breath. She looked up at another set of stairs to be mounted and down to the vessel in her hands. "One more floor with this hot vessel, blah, not done."

"JALAL..." Without much thinking, she yelled and when she didn't hear a response, she called again, albeit a pitch louder. "Jalal... O... Jalal... please come down once." The people downstairs and the man upstairs simultaneously heard her musical shout. While Mani and Vasantha exchanged amused glances, Jalal broke into a boisterous grin. Safely bringing the bench press machine to a halt, lest his shaking shoulders should drop the rod on his chest, Jalal wondered. "When was the last time someone shouted at top of their voice in this home?"

"Jalal..." he heard the impatient lady shout again and he quickly got up. Running out of time to wipe the sweat off his face, he bustled downstairs. "Did the hell break loose?" he asked approaching her in long strides. With sweat beads dripping down his temple, and biceps bulging out of shirt, Jalal appeared steamier than the hot vessel she held.

"Yes, had you delayed any longer something of that sort would've happened," she crankily said, irritated by her own debility. "I'm standing here carrying such a hot vessel and you take ages to come down?" she raged as if it was his mistake. "Now come fast," she scurried to his bedroom and the confused man shortly followed.

"What's that? What're you going to do?"

Not caring to answer him, Jodha carefully placed the vessel down. "Sit down," she simply ordered and went to pull the duvet from his bed. "What's going on?" Jalal dubiously asked.

"Arre baba, sit first," Jodha forced him to sit and draped the duvet around him. She then removed the lid of vessel and cut two steam capsules into the broiling water. "Whiff the steam, quick," she ordered pulling the duvet down, thus sealing Jalal and hot vapors beneath the blanket.

"What?" he sat stupefied staring down at the vessel. "God!! What all she makes me do?" coming out of stupor, Jalal took few deep breaths as per her order and threw the blanket up. "Done!!"

"What done?" she laughed at the loathing on his face. ""You've to whiff until the vapors stall. Get back!!" she pulled the blanket down but Jalal threw it up again. "Its suffocating Jo", he griped.

"Uffo... don't complain like a kid Jalal," she chided bringing the blanket down. "If it's too suffocating, take a break after every thirty seconds." Noticing his straight posture, Jodha warned. "Oy, no cheating!! Bent your head down... close to the vessel." Seeing him concede to her instructions, she fondly smiled. "How cute he looks with those griping eyes!!" she felt a desire to pull his cheeks. "...and how cutely he caves into my orders, though he has all reasons to bluntly refuse!!" her heart filled with love and pride. While she stayed silent, listening to his whiffs and groans, a naughty thought clipped into her devilish cells. Putting it to immediate execution, she got up looking around for a suitable object.

"Jalal..." A while later, she called. "...give me your hands."

Confused by the direction of her voice, Jalal tried to remove the covering off his head, when she hastily stopped him. "No... Don't take it off. I'm here," Jodha patted on his elbow, plunging her hand from back. "Give me your hands."

"Why?" skeptical of what she's doing on his back, he asked suspicious.

"Just give it na..." she sweetly implored luring him to submission. Though leery of her intentions, Jalal yielded to her imploration.

"I'm only holding them to ensure you don't blow off the blanket every now and then," she lied, clasping them behind his back.

"I doubt," he voiced his exact thoughts. "Get me a towel. It's deadly sweating here."

"Here... take it," Jodha promptly offered from back and he puzzled at the promptness. Why did she keep the towel handy? He decided to question, but then thrashed it as a silly suspicion. Waiting for him to be done with dabbing, Jodha ensured to grab it back from him. For next few seconds, Jalal felt Jodha's fingers moving around his wrists. Doubting that she's tying his hands, he demanded sitting upright. "What are you doing?"

"TYING..." Jodha brazenly replied finishing the knot, "Next step is to BEND you..." She got up on knees, clinching his tied hands with one hand, and forced his head down with another. "...and then to COMPEL you into some concessions."

"Idiot," he grinded trying to get up, but her might on his hands and head amplified. "Don't move," she warned with an evil smile. "Else you're going to poke your nose into hot water. Be a good boy and answer me."

"Damn it. I shouldn't have trusted you," he cursed, irked by the heat of continuous vapors.

"Tch, tch!! Too late boss," she feigned sympathy. "Anyways, I've very few things to ask, so let's get done with it soon. To start with: One - You shouldn't segregate me from street food. As a matter of fact, promise me that you'll gladly, I repeat... GLADLY join me while I gorged on it."

"No", Jalal protested and her fingers pressed his head half inch down.

"Ok, YES!!" the heat of steam made him succumb.

"Good. Number two - No escorting me to office. I mean, how silly it is to drop and pick me up every single time when our routes are opposite? And what if our office people see me getting of your car?"

"That's out of my control," Jalal clarified. "Its your Badepapa's idea. Talk to him. If he's fine with it, I am too."

"Is it?" surprised, she paused thinking of the reason behind such proposition from her foster father.

"Are you done? Let me up, I'm burning here", Jalal shrieked disrupting her thoughts.

"Almost done," Jodha resumed with the exertion. "Number three - I shouldn't hear anymore it's a boys thing, you don't understand' stuff coming from you. There is nothing a girl cannot understand, you see," she haughtily bragged.

"Who started it all?" Jalal snapped exasperated.

"Ok, ok," she atoned. "I'll not say. You too don't say, deal?"

"Mm!!" he groaned.

"Good!" She loosened her grip and Jalal jerked his head up when she remembered the most important grant she missed asking. "Oh no!!" she hurled him back to position. "What the heck!!" being unprepared, Jalal howled. "What is left?"

"To beg your pardon..." She said with damn seriousness. "Excuse me for giving away Rasmalai to those kids."

"Idiot," stifling the laughter smouldering his funny bones, Jalal rebuked. "You force me into forgiveness? How nasty!!"

"I couldn't think of other ways..." Jodha pouted, "...and I can't be guilt free until you do." The heat of water dwindled considerably and the steam was no longer severe, henceforth Jalal took his own time contemplating about it. "Are you sure you won't repeat your mistake?" he asked a little later. "Anything I give you, will you keep it to yourself?"

"I do..." Jodha swore without thought, simultaneously loving his possessiveness. "If I were to share, I'll ensure it has you approval."

"Good then..." he smirked, "You're excused!!"

"Thank you," she smiled and began untying the knot around his wrists. "Tut!! Tut!! One last thing," fastening the towel again, she sniggered. "Please repeat after me."

"Now... This is getting too much Jo!!" Jalal cautioned with a half-smile.

"Mm... I know... but this is important. One last time... pleassseee..." fully aware of how to coerce him to her will, Jodha strew her charm.

"Fine... say it!!" despising his own debilitation when it comes to her, Jalal relented.

"I, Jalal Ahmed," she began. "...hereby pledge that all the promises made by me were done under my true volition, not under any force," suppressing the laughter simmering within her, Jodha continued. "And I'll not resort to any kind of verbal or physical attack, be it cussing, hitting or strangling your neck once my hands are set free. I wouldn't even glower or glare, rather I'll try my best to smile!!"

Immensely amused by her tact, Jalal smirked. "You truly believe you could get away with this Jo?"

"I don't..." Jodha undoubtedly admitted, "...truly don't. I'm super sure you'll level scores later. This is only a lame attempt to postpone matters. Now, repeat please..."

"You scheming idiot," he grimaced. "You force me to pledge in your favour? You surely are going to pay for this", his head firmly nodded. "For now, have it your way!!" he caved in and repeated her words, trying his best to sound grim. Au contrary, Jodha chuckled loud perceiving the false anger in his timbre. "Jalal... you know something?" she chirped, unfastening the knot. Not waiting for her to completely unwrap the towel, Jalal jerked his hands free, pushed the blanket off his body and sharply turned back.

"You pledged to smile..." slyly grinning, she offered him the towel, "You can't glare."

"Right..." Wiping the sweat off his face, he solemnly nodded. "I wouldn't glare, not now, but later when the agreement is off", he said plastering a smile as per the agreement. "I'd kick on your sides and when I'm done, I'd chain your hands on your back..." he continued, "...and while you're chained, I'll ensure there are platters of Rasmalai, jalebi, kulfi, chicken or whatsoever, right before your eyes. How does that sound?"

"Awesome punishment..." The unoffended girl cheekily inclined - her hands dragging the duvet and her mouth whispering to his ears. "...as long as you feed me while I'm chained." Fascinated, Jalal stared at her and she laughed. "Finish your shower soon and come down for breakfast." She moved away to put the blanket back on bed. "I'll be waiting there..." she said picking up the vessel.

"Oy idiot," he called and she turned back. "You said, you know something?' and then didn't finish. What's that?"

"I wanted to say that..." Jodha fondly gazed at him. "You're the best!!" she said, but that was only one half of what she intended to say."...man a woman can get," she silently completed. While Jalal stood surprised at the untoward compliment, she beautifully smiled and disappeared.

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

"Grrr!! Grrr!!" The reverberations of a silent mobile vibrating on the wooden side table finally managed to draw Jalal out of his slumber. To the smoggy open eyes, it took a moment to discern which part of the day it is. Lifting on elbows, he checked the vibrating phone - "2:45pm" It said, flashing the caller's name.

"Yes Abdul," he answered, his voice deep and low.

"Where are you?" Abdul asked. "I called you twice, you didn't pick up?"

"At home... sleeping", stifling a yawn, Jalal replied. "Phone is silent."

"Sleeping? Now?" Abdul teased. "Didn't get a chance to sleep last night?"

Jalal's lethargic senses didn't miss the slyness in question. "What did you call for?" he frowned.

"To find out how the first night... I mean... last night went?" the devil's incarnate jibed. "But I think I have my answer. I see it went so well that you had to compensate by sleeping in day."

"My last night went as good as any other night..." Jalal gritted, "...and my day sleep has nothing to do with it. It is to stop my flu from spreading."

"Flu?" Abdul grinned. "Saala... lucky you. Ladylove and sickness bustled into your home hand-in-hand. How's the treatment going?" A cheesy grin resulting out of remembrance of her steam treatment dispelled the last bits of lethargy. "Top-notch," checking his revitalized image in mirror, he asked. "What's up?"

"Are we meeting today?" Abdul finally remembered his business. "Last evening, you're too excited with news of Jodha's arrival that you left the work half done."

"Oh yeah!! Come home after dinner", Jalal proposed and thought for a moment. "No, we'll meet in your home. I'll come there, inform Chetan too..." rethinking of Jodha's discomfort in presence of his friends, Jalal amended the plan.

"Okay!" getting the clue, Abdul didn't prod further. "I'll inform Chetan!! See you tonight!!"

"Four hours!!" Detesting for being a sleepyhead, he stepped out searching for Jodha and found her in a settee in the living - lazily stretched along the couch, braided hair kissing ground, mystically smiling lips, fingers briskly moving on scribble pad - "PERFECT PICTURE ON MY HOME CANVASS!!" is the first phrase that sprouted in Jalal's mind and next moment he broke into a self chiding grin at the absurd poetic outburst.

"Cursed me for sleeping like a log?" the engrossed lady heard and glimpsed up - messy hair, rejuvenated eyes, spunky gait - Mmm!! She got up smiling. "Not at all..." she closed the flap and adjusted her attire. "Feeling better?" she enquired, curbing the temptation to do the same while she fixed his messy mass.

"Much better", he winked reposing beside her.

"Turmeric milk, steam therapy, sound sleep," she snickered and headed towards kitchen. "They work you see."

"Yeah, yeah..." Jalal lazily nodded. "Awful milk, suffocating steam, midday sleep!" He bitterly scowled and she laughed.

"Where are Mani and Vasantha?"

"Mani went out for Dussehra shopping and Vasantha is taking rest." She answered from the dining.

"Ah shopping!!" he glanced apologetic. "We too should go, right?" he checked time - You're late by two hours, the wall clock said. "You should've waked me up."

"Shopping can wait," Jodha returned with a glass of water. "Rest comes first." she forwarded the glass and he smiled contented, both for her gesture and concern. "Thank you!" he emptied half glass and took the scribble pad to hands. "Weren't you bored?" he flipped through the pages.

"Not much", treading towards kitchen, she began loudly annotating the tasks she accomplished when he slept. "I finished the home tour, picked up Atlas Shrugged from your library, read two pages and then neatly placed it back in rack..." Jalal chuckled recalling her disinterest in philosophy. "... accompanied Vasantha in cooking, spoke with Peddamma..." returning to dining with a bowl of hot rice, she saw him checking her scribble pad "... and finally when I ran out of pastimes, I took the scribble pad to hand", she paused placing her hand on hip and making an exhausted face. "... and what that incomplete picture is, I'll explain while we eat. Now, will you please care to get up from the couch? I'm starving", she exaggerated.

"You didn't eat yet?" looking up from the incomplete sketch, Jalal frowned.

"Obviously..." Jodha frowned in return. "Why would I eat alone?"

"Idiot!" Reaching her in long strides, Jalal chastised. "It's almost three. You shouldn't have waited. At least you should have waked me up!!"

"You were in so deep sleep that the loud phone buzz couldn't bring you out of it." Jodha informed with her hand still on hip. "I was in balcony when your phone rang. Seeing you not answering it, I sneaked into your room through back door and muted it." She said that and didn't say how she lingered in his room for few more minutes drooling over his cute sleeping form. "It was Abdul's call. Did you check?"

"We just spoke. You could've answered instead of muting", pulling the hand on her hip, Jalal made her sit. "Its only Abdul's call. You don't have to hesitate." Her fingers that held the serving spoon ceased its action. "Does Abdul know I'm here?" she asked troubled.

"Yes!!"

"Mm..." she stayed pensive for a while and then continued with serving. "Who else know?"

"My parents..." Jalal revealed, though not ignorant to the discomfort his answer churns in her. "I informed them after uncle's call." In response, Jodha simply nodded and concentrated on serving. The fact that her stay is no secret to his parents made her coil in embarrassment and anger, the latter on her Badepapa for forcing her into such situation. Reading the exact thoughts surging through her mind, he assuredly patted her hand. "They know you're here and they also know uncle for years. If he believes his daughter is safe here, we take it as privilege," he smiled. "He's like family..." a moment later, he added, "... so are you!!"

Enthralled, Jodha glimpsed up. "Thank you!!" she shyly smiled. "A little uneasiness it was Jalal," she murmured justifying her silence. "I'm not very acquainted with your family na," she said contritely and quickly added before he misinterpreted her. "I don't mean I'm not comfortable coming here or living here," with worried eyes, she placed her hand on his. "I'm only saying in comparison with Samyu or Kiran's home. Don't take me wrong," she softly pleaded.

Jalal smiled gripping her fingers. "I understand Jo, you don't have to explain."

"Thanks," Jodha blinked in relief and signaled him to start. "Peddamma was shocked when Badepapa announced his decision of sending me here. It was a surprise to me too, but I'd have been more startled had I not seen him passing weird instructions lately," she grinned. "The day he left to Mumbai, he called and ordered me not to drive to work, and I've to let Ranga escort me. I shouldn't go to Baba temple in the morning, to that matter, morning or evening, I should never go out alone..." Jodha continued with complaints, unbeknown of Jalal's alerted eyes. "I know Delhi incident is the reason behind his precautions, but certain times I feel there is something else troubling him," she paused paraphrasing her thoughts. "Some tension, which he's not sharing with Peddamma or me. Sometimes he keeps staring at me and gets lost in thoughts like this..." she enacted by propping cheek on palm and staring at Jalal. "When I ask about it he simply shrugs the topic", profusely sighing, Jodha returned her attention onto plate. "God only knows what is in his mind."

Though Jodha stated in a lighter vein, Jalal could sense the lurking danger behind her contemplation. "He's worried of your safety, like any custodian would be," he tried putting it as a casual concern of a parent. "Also his experience with criminals doesn't let him relax. All these restrictions are to avoid risk. Don't you agree its better to be prudent than to be careless and repent?"

"Right... yet..." Jodha vacillated but Jalal slackened further discussion with a jest. "This is what happens when you read too much of crime fiction. Stop magnifying every trivia."

Subsiding the disquieting thoughts, Jodha smiled and nodded. "As you say boss!!"

Feeling hugely relieved, Jalal diverted the topic onto shopping. "Where should we go now?"

"Majestic road. Peddamma has already decided on the shop, the amount, the fabric and everything. I only have to execute her instructions."

"Makes things easier for us," Jalal winked and she agreed. "Yes!! By the way, you don't have to really accompany me if you have any other program laid out. It doesn't take much time Jalal. I'll be back in two hours, if the weekend traffic permits."

"I've nothing to do until dinner Jo," he affirmed. "After that I've to be at Abdul's place. This Tuesday we've a meeting with Nissan delegates. If everything goes as planned, we'll bag a new deal.

"Wow!!" Jodha squealed in delight. "That's a great news boss. How positive are you about this deal?"

"Very positive!!" Jalal impishly smiled. "I believe lucky stars are in my favor these days!!"

"Ameen!!" Jodha seconded, taking him by surprise. "Am I not right?" she doubted seeing his furrowed brows. "I thought it is the equivalent of Tadhasthu!!"

"Absolutely right!!" he approved with a devouring smile. "And I forgot to ask you this in the morning - did you discuss about your parents with Mani & Vasantha?

"Yes!!" she agreed. "The topic of families came up in the morning and I saw no harm in revealing it to them, moreover..." her shoulders moved closer to Jalal while she whispered, "It'd fetch the much needed sympathy." Jodha naughtily winked leaving Jalal confounded. "Since when did you start liking sympathy?" his eyes squinted.

"Since morning..." she giggled, "..in some exceptional situations sympathy becomes virtuous," she enlightened, "... like the situation I'm in now. They wouldn't say it out, but the question of why an unmarried female is living here? should be boggling their heads. Now that they know my story, they find me as a hapless woman finding shelter here. Wouldn't that sympathy be enough to alleviate any gossips?"

Amused by her foresight, Jalal laughed. "I don't think Mani or Vasantha are gossip bonkers".

"Good if they're not..." she shrugged carefree, "I was just prudent."

**********

"God!!" Halting at the entrance, Jodha let out a vexed sigh and apologetically turned to Jalal. Firstly, the congested roads delayed their arrival by thirty minutes, then the congested parking tested their patience till they found a slot and now the even more congested shop made her squirm in guilt. "You shouldn't have come Jalal, this place is total mayhem."

"Festival and holiday time", Jalal stepped ahead unbothered. "What else can be expected?" Making way amidst the commotion of festive sale, they proceeded to Sari section. It was no less - clustered with bountiful women of all ages and a few, very few men, of course, to hold the infants, it appeared jam packed. "Poor you Jalal, there's no male of your age here," Jodha laughed seeing around. "The best I can do is to be as quick as possible", she threw an empathizing smile and paced to a free spot. For him, the next fifteen minutes rolled in mutinous pleasure as he stood by his girl observing her fleeting action. After that, he had to take a break and turn to his left. The young girl, a few customers away from him smiled on seeing her fervent attempts finally getting paid. Jalal too smiled, utterly amused by the audacity of the girl who could flirt with a man of his age and stature, right under the nose of the elderly lady beside her. The entertainment reached its peak when the girl tried a Sari on her and eagerly looked at Jalal via mirror. Suppressing the laughter bubbling within him, Jalal twitched his lips expressing his disapproval. Without another thought, the girl ditched the one on her and picked up another. The revelry continued with two more Saris before the girl tried one exclusive piece on her. The silent observer's eyes widened, his torso straightened in amazement - behind the beautifully draped clothing, he's not seeing that girl, he's seeing...

"Jalal!!" Jodha's call brought him back to senses. "Which looks better?" she propped two Banaras silk saris before him. "Yellow!!" he said in one glimpse and turned to the girl, only to find her brightly smiling to the salesman. The Sari that made him amazed was in hands of the salesman, ready to be dispatched. Darn!!

"Done!! Let's go to the kids section," Jodha announced picking up her bag but he seemed to have no such intentions. "You keep going," he said. "I'll join you soon." She smiled and left, and the man, too busy in his contemplation missed the mystery in her smile. Twenty minutes later, with a boisterous smile smothering his lips, he joined Jodha in the kids' section.

"Which color finally?" he heard her ask but didn't understand if it was for him or the salesman. For, her gaze was pinned on the frocks in salesman's hand when she asked.

"Which color Jalal?" she repeated, this time facing him and mystically smiling. "Pink", presuming she should be asking about the frocks, he pointed to the pink frilled frock. "Girls look beautiful in pink."

"Aha?!!" whimsically raising brows, she turned to the salesman. "Pink one please." Intrigued by her mystic smile, he intently looked on while Jodha proceeded to the cash counter.

By the time they stepped out of the shop, evening's luster began giving into night's haze. They started walking towards outdoor parking when an auto stopped right next to Jalal. "Sir... auto," the driver honked in expectation, but Jalal refused with a quick side look. Two more steps and he turned back. A rough bearded man he was, probably in his early thirties; if not for the goggles on his face, he appeared very much like any auto driver. A driver with goggles after six?!! That too when Jodha is here?!!

Holding vigilance on the driver from corner of eyes, Jalal strode towards his parked car. "Jalal, have you ever been in an auto?" placing the bags in back seat, Jodha quested.

"Yes," he replied, his gaze on the auto driver who drove past car parking and steered it into the auto parking. "How do you find it?" she excitedly asked making him turn to her. "What?"

"How do you find an auto?"

"Why, like an auto. Is it anything different?" for a moment, he doubted his knowledge of the vehicle.

"Doesn't it look like a scooter with tent?" she chirped. "Aren't autos unique? A combination of car, bike, rickshaw - roof on head like car, handlebar like a bike, exposure to air like rickshaw. Isn't that experience unique? I bet it can't be replicated with any other vehicle," she proudly tipped up chin as if she's the inventor of the vehicle. "And driving an auto, My God!! Its a different fun altogether. Pulling the start rod, squishing the round horn, galloping it onto road..." her eyes half closed in fascination.

"Jodha," tracing his gaze along her dreamy orbs, Jalal called. "Mm?" she turned to him in full effervescence. "You aren't half crazy as I thought," he solemnly brushed his chin. "You've lost it, totally lost it, tch!!" he bitterly sympathized with her.

"Jalaalll..." she shouted and pouted, "You call me mad?"

"Why not?" he feigned utmost seriousness. "Any one with heads on their shoulders would call you that."

"Did you ever drive an auto?" raising a demanding brow, the now incensed girl snapped. "Never, right?!!" she answered not letting him speak. "Of course, how'll you have time for autos when you've dedicated your life to this boring Jaguar?" she avenged by smacking on the steering and Jalal promptly reacted by shielding it with his hands. "Since you've mocked me," her fastidious fingers unfastened her seat belt while she spoke. "Let's decide who's right. Come."

"Where?" inwardly cursing for digging his own grave, Jalal glanced intimidated.

"One round around Majestic road", unclipping his seatbelt, she completed. "...in auto."

"What?!!" he choked at her crazy decision. "Never mind my words Jo," he helplessly relented. "I accept autos are the best, better than Jaguar or jet planes," with supreme effort, he stifled the derisive smirk from plopping out. "Now please fasten your seat belt. We'll be stuck in traffic if we delay more."

"We'll surely go," she declared with undeterred determination. "...but only after a drive in auto." Unwitting to waste time in arguments, Jalal moved across her to pull the seatbelt. "Please Jalal..." her breath fanned his cheek as she implored. Ceasing his act, he dwelled on those pleading eyes. "Please... please..." she pressed hard keeping her eyes the mellowest ever. Seeing him stop clipping the belt and revisiting her plea, a tiny victorious smirk tucked at edge of her lips. After all, doesn't she own a Masters degree in the subject of coaxing Jalal?

"Mm..." Jalal agreed darting her an inscrutable stare. "Some other time," he nodded and finished - both his statement and task at hand. "Huh?" The unprepared lady's mouth opened in disbelief and defeat. Defeat because his some-other-time is as good as a NO and she very well knew it. Jalal heard her sigh; his lips again stifled the frothing grin.

"Why not now?" she pouted, too adamant to accept her defeat.

"Why not some other time?" fixing his seatbelt, he shrugged nonchalant.

"I can't wait to be proved right," she urged like a cranky child.

"Practice patience!" he counseled like a bossy parent. Discerning Jalal wouldn't relent to any of her tactics, Jodha had to yield. She gave him one last gauging glance and sat silently with her head down, eyes fixed on fingers in lap. She rewound the whole conversation and broke into an idiotic grin, albeit silently. "Oh boy, he can be immune to my puppy eyes too?!! That's a news!!" She frivolously thought. "If not puppy eyes, there should be something that compels him. What's that?" she pursed her lips. "How about a kiss!!" she blushed at the naughty thought. "Had you been that bold, you'd have confessed your love long ago, waste girl", the inner voice ridiculed. Submerged in shushing the inner voice, Jodha failed to notice why the car hasn't moved when the ignition is on and the gears are shifted. Had she lifted her head, she'd have seen the boss tapping fingers on steering and keenly gazing at her.

He knew his Jaguar is all set to pounce on the road and was waiting for him to take his feet off the brakes, yet...

He knew her demand is grumpy and he has no obligation whatsoever to yield to her, yet...

He also knew his one nod in approval would establish him a besotted fool, yet...

"Deal!!" The grey cells dug out a promise slipped amidst layers of memory. "Don't I have one unclaimed deal? Sometime back he promised me... when?" she concentrated further. ""Yes!! In flight!! He promised to give anything I ask for", her eyes lit up in glory.

She knew her inane adamancy has every possibility to tick him off ... yet

She knew her grumpy demand establishes her as a lunatic idiot... yet

She also knew she wouldn't be truly happy if he succumbed to HIS WORD than to HER PLEA... yet

"You promised to give anything in your reach, remember, in flight?" oblivious to his altered mind, silenced engine and unleashed seatbelt, Jodha demanded.

"So?" his brow rose in inquisition.

"So this is it. Shall we go..." praying for him to refuse, she completed. "NOW??"

He stayed silent for a while, simply measuring her with profound glances.

Say no!! Say no!! Shouting in mind, she leveled him with equal profundity.

"Do YOU have a choice?"

Huh? The YOU in the question confused Jodha. Shouldn't it be I? She prepared to ask but his shifted gaze gave her answer. It was darted at auto parking. Oh!! He's yielding to his word?!! she suddenly lost interest in the game. "Yes, one with a round rubber horn," she said disinterested, hoping for no such auto to be available.

Jalal seized the keys and stepped out signalling her to come out. It is when she proceeded to unclip her seatbelt that a mild suspicion rooted in her. "Didn't he fasten his belt before? When did he unclip it?!!" she glanced puzzled at the dangling latch on driver side. "Was he already prepared to get down?" a ray of glee emanated, "... much before I spoke of the deal?" The suddenly lost interest returned equally suddenly, of course in doubled fervor.

"Hope no familiar faces come across our way..." Jalal sighed, unbelieving his own debility when it comes to her. "Ameen..." with aggrandized spirits, Jodha grinned, "Anyways, I doubt people of your fraternity sneak peek into so scant a vehicle as auto. Its no Mercedes or BMW to trigger their attention."

"Pray your stars for no such thing to happen," devilishly warning, he stopped by the arrayed three wheelers, "... and wait here till I hunt your round horned auto. If I don't find one, the deal is off, okay?" he declared and she willfully agreed.

His tread amidst the parked vehicles halted when he spotted one perfectly befitting auto. Noticing a customer looking for him, the driver slipped his goggles on, not before Jalal witnessed his red sore eye. Ah!! That explains it!! So he's not the stalker!! Relieved, Jalal approached him.

"Yelli hogbeku sir? (Where should you go sir?)"

"Majestic road."

"Majestic roadalli yel hogbeku? (Where in Majestic road?)"

" Yellu ila!! Summane ondhu suthu haaki barabeku ashte! (Nowhere, just one round around it)!!"

The driver glanced doubtful; nevertheless he calmly went to his seat. "Come sir!!"

"Neenalla, naanu odisthini !! (Not you, I'll drive!!)" bracing for the obvious horrendous reaction, he finished. "Nanage nina auto beku maraya! Ondhu gante baadigege!! (I need you to rent your auto to me for an hour)."

"Rent?" the fellow driver, who had been a silent spectator till then, shrieked.

"Yes!!" swearing under breath, Jalal posed a calm face. "What is the rent for one hour?" Totally busy in scanning the bizarre customer from top to bottom, the drivers failed responding to his question. Positioned a few yards away from the setting, Jodha tossed on toes and craned her head to get a better view of the happening.

"What.is.the.rent.of.your.auto.for.one.hour?" curbing the urge to turn on heels and disappear, Jalal patiently repeated.

Bestowed with enough time to recoup, the driver finally perceived his customer's demand and broke into a wide toothed grin. "Neevu odisthira Sir? (Will you drive Sir?)" he doubted, his eyes checking on his branded shirt and shining boots. "Do you really know how to drive an auto?" he asked again for his own confirmation.

"I do..." tightly holding onto the reins of patience, Jalal nodded.

"Neevu gadina odsi, yelladharu hodadhre? (What if you hit it somewhere?)" unconvinced, the driver stressed.

"I'll pay for the repairs!!"

"Ok... five hundred for rent and..." calculating in air, he added. "Five thousand as caution deposit."

"WHATTT?!!!" It is Jalal's turn to be startled. "WHAT DEPOSIT?!!"

"Caution deposit sir... what if you flee with my auto? Or what if you hit it somewhere and later say you don't have money? I've to take my precautions, right?"

"Yes, yes, he's right!!" The second driver seconded as if it is most intelligent proposal one can come up with.

HE fleeing with a wrecked auto?!! Of all the posh vehicles on Earth?!! The envisage so tickled Jalal that he didn't mind to openly show it up. "My car is parked here," he said amidst giggles. "If not for your auto, I've to come back for it."

"Oh then leave your keys with me", the driver finalized the deal startling Jalal. "Return my auto and collect your keys."

Jaguar keys in exchange of auto keys?!! Like seriously... he turned back darting an alleging glare at Jodha. "Idiot, what all you make me do!!" he griped but his conscience instantly retorted. Why do you blame her for your weakness? Failing to perceive what's going on and why Jalal turned to her, Jodha worriedly stepped ahead.

"What if you flee with my car?" Jalal counter argued with the driver's own point.

"It is up to you sir, you are the one to trust me if you need my auto!!" the driver proved to be smart.

"How about five thousand deposit as you first said?" Jalal bargained and then remembered the nearly empty wallet. Shucks!! For once, he hated the invention of cards.

He again looked back, his mind lingering over the entire deal. Is this all necessary? He saw Jodha strolling towards him and closed his eyes for a moment - "Jaguar keys Vs Jodha's happiness" he weighed and in no time arrived at the decision.

"Alright..." he handed over the keys, and fished his wallet out. Saving him from dishonor, his wallet held a little more than required rolls. He passed on five hundred notes, and proceeded to get acquainted with the less acquainted vehicle.

"You've to key in here, accelerate while you pull this rod... this is reverse gear..." the driver paused seeing Jodha stopping by his customer. Arms folded on her stomach and an unstopping smile touching her lips, Jodha stood watching her automobile expert turn into a student, altogether again, for her sake.

"All set?" she asked, her heart brimming with affection for the endearing man. Reveling in the immediate returns of his venture - her glorious sparkling eyes - Jalal showed the seat by his side. "Hi..." she greeted the baffled drivers and sat beside Jalal.

Wow!! Any little fuss he held about the deal completely vanquished the moment Jodha's body touched him. Its not going to be that bad!! An impish smirk quirked his lips.

"May I?" Jodha asked hinting at the long start rod and when Jalal nodded, she stepped out and pulled it with such exuberance that two sounds immediately followed - one, of the started engine and the other, the horrified scream of the owner. At his girl's might, Jalal laughed pleased, but sadly it wasn't the same with the troubled owner. "O madam", he snarled and quickly toned down seeing Jalal's glare. "Gently please, else the rod will disentangle", he weakly pleaded.

"Sure, I'll keep it in mind next time" Jodha assured and ecstatically scooted to Jalal. Her firm clasp around his arm conveyed how happy she is; he looked down to her curved arm, then up to her eyes and he felt totally satiated.

"Lovers?" observing the distancing vehicle, the second driver gossiped with the first.

"Should be..." the first opined, feeling relaxed by Jalal's perfect maneuvering , "He was cool when I asked for car keys, but got angry when I shouted on that lady". He looked down to the keys in hands - the logo on remote shined under streetlight and the drivers' mouths opened in unison "OMG!! Jaguar?!!" the first looked at the second in disbelief. "Crazy lovers!!" grinning, the second shook his head.

"What took you so long? You seemed to have a lengthy discussion with the driver?" answering the curious looks darted at them with a carefree smile, Jodha inquired. "Why not?" pinning his gaze onto road, Jalal snapped. "After all, I had to wait till the dumbfounded driver realized I need the auto for rent, not for hire," he mocked. "All thanks to your madness."

"Most welcome boss," she shamelessly acknowledged. "If not for it, you'd have missed this thrill."

"Thrill?" Jalal scowled. "My eyes are frenetically hopping from nameplate to nameplate idiot. God save us from awkward encounters this evening!!"

"If you're so bothered of your reputation," she generously offered. "I'll drive, you sit in the back. Anyone who sees us would assume I'm a lady driver and you're a passenger." Rolling eyes, Jalal gave her a sickened glance. "Seriously?"

"Yes," she blinked in sheer seriousness. "That serves both our purposes; you'll be free of fright and I can try my hands on this cute handle," she gave a luscious caress to the handlebar beating Jalal out of his tranquility. "Take your hands off," he scowled. "Don't make me repent my next decision idiot," he warned with a stern stare and she got the cue.

"Don't like it? Never mind," she shrugged, her eyes busy in adoring the gentle sway of his silky front locks. "I got another brilliant idea..." she cried and much to Jalal's horror she implemented it without minding to wait for his approval. "Jo, STOP," he tried to object by jerking his torso away but with no luck. In less than a minute she metamorphosed the sophisticated businessman into a disheveled driver.

Messed hair - check

Rugged collar - check

Pulled up sleeves- check

"I wish I had a red kerchief to tie around your neck," scanning his disrupted form, Jodha solemnly opined, "... that'd complete the look", receiving a 100 degree hot glare from him, she spurted a loud chuckle. "But, you still look too stylish to be a driver Jalal. Check yourself," she pointed to the mirror. "I may mess up your attire but can do nothing about this innate grace," gently pressing side of her face to his shoulder, she fondly glimpsed at their reflections. The smitten boss almost blushed at the sweet compliment, but a series of impatient honks disbursed it. "See everyone is seconding me..." Jodha positively smiled and Jalal did what he had been doing all along - smile pleasantly suppressing the simmering irritation. Having been habituated to the soothing air conditioner and nearly lull quarters of his sedan, the ear deafening honks and the greasiness of polluted air definitely scraped his patience, yet he endured under breath. As a matter of fact, every time he saw a waving hand signalling for auto to stop or every time a super enthusiastic pair of eyes ogled at them, he felt a strong urge to escape into void, of course with his girl. Nevertheless, each time his exasperation was subtly compensated with an angelic smile or a doting touch from his girl and the compensation was so alluring that he decided not to mind if she demanded to stretch the ride to hundred miles in that bouncing little vehicle. Damn it!! An old wrecked auto speedily overtook them and dabbed a cloud of pollution on the couple. Scrunching his face, Jalal covered his nose and swore under breath.

Part2 continued below.. had to separate due to message size limits

Continued..

Gazing at his frown in side mirror, Jodha smiled to herself. Every time he wiped his face or rolled eyes at the unnecessary honks, she didn't fail perceiving the agitation broiling within him. Many a times, she turned to him to mutter the only sentence that formed in her mind - Let's go back Jalal!! Yet, she refrained each time seeing him smile against odds. She knew he smiled just for her and the knowledge filled her heart with boundless love... pride shortly followed.

Why is he so patient with me, always? She thought and the only answer that befitted her question puffed a deep shade of red to her cheeks; she glimpsed at his image with utmost reverence. She saw him wiping his forehead again and this time, she didn't hesitate to subtly respond. Dabbing his forehead with dupatta, she firmly announced. "Lets go back Jalal."

My!! My!! Did she do that? His surprised eyes glimpsed down to the dupatta in her hands. Didn't she become a little bolder since morning? He smiled, thoroughly loving this side of her - she felt real and intimate.Drawing his attention back to driving, Jalal teased "What's wrong Jo? We aren't even close to completing one round around Majestic road."

"No need," she cheekily dismissed. "The purpose is served. You now realize how fascinating it is to drive an auto. Don't you?" she bit back a lip.

"I do," he quipped, "I admit it is so fascinating that I don't mind a second trial," he winked slyly hinting at their close bodies and she looked away, profusely blushing. That moment, certain alterations happened in Jalal's mind; one amongst them was a change of his favorite color - from green to pink, precisely to the hue of pink her cheeks were just painted with. Girls look beautiful in pink!! His very own comment flashed. Especially my girl!! She is beyond beauti... DAMN, Fxck!!

"Fxck?!!" startled, Jodha turned to Jalal and followed his gaze. A few yards ahead was an unpleasing encounter waiting for them- a police check post, to be precise. Dazzled, they looked back and around for routes of escape... alas!! As they looked on, the old auto that passed them a while ago was brutally pulled aside. "Bloody shxt," Jalal cussed in frustration but Jodha had an altogether different swing of mood. She felt so entertained by the abrupt twist in story that she looked away and silently grinned. To her luck, Jalal missed catching her grin, lest she should have witnessed the Narasimha avtaar of him.

A man and a woman in driving seat of an auto?!! The scene triggered the intrigue quotient of the constable to such highest levels that he gave up the case at hand and threw himself on path of the auto. Festival time and a family at home - he got his own expenses to be met and it seemed the day is too fateful for him.

"Get down..." he exerted authority patting on the auto and forcing it to a side. Jodha heard another cuss from Jalal followed by an accusing glare targeted at her. "Sorry..." She murmured making a sweet innocent face. "Get down," the constable shouted and when they did, he stared agape. When did auto drivers become so stylish? He gave a full head to toe scan to Jalal, stopping at his branded shoes and watch a little longer.

"Are you a driver?" he puzzled but then he decided its not his business. Who the man is, is of least botheration to him. How much his purse weighed is exactly his matter of interest and hence he dived into actual business without waiting for Jalal's answer. "Why are two people sitting in front? It's against rules, you know?" he haughtily yelled. "Show me your license."

Detesting the tone of the constable, Jalal held the card out. "I don't know how to teach driving without sitting in the front", he seriously said taking Jodha by surprise."Neither does she, she's the learner!!"

Wow!! Not bad boss!! What a foolproof story!! She turned her face aside, not to irk the constable with her grin.

"Teaching auto driving?" The constable suspiciously stared. "To HER?"

"Yeah..." Jalal nodded in sheer solemnity. "Her life ambition is to become auto driver."

What the... Jodha coughed, making it up to the irrepressible laughter. The constable's gazes shifted from Jalal to Jodha and he understood he's being fooled. "You shouldn't teach on main roads," he grimaced. "Show me auto papers... RC book, insurance..." with a guaranteed hope to make money, he ordered. Papers? Jalal doubted where the papers were secured, nevertheless he proceeded to check.

"You don't have papers, right?" the constable rushed much before Jalal ended his search. "I'll seize your auto," he was literally counting five hundred notes in his mind while he falsely threatened. "I'll write challan, come to station, pay and collect", he was rejoicing his luck when he heard a gruff voice from behind. "What's going on?"

"Saala aa gaya," the constable grinded before turning back. Now he'll snatch the major share like a vulture.

Shoot!! Two greedy mouths and an empty wallet?!! Jalal darted another steely glare at his girl before he stationed in front of her, thus blocking her from the inspector's lecherous scrutiny. Jodha read the allegation in his eyes but was too overwhelmed by his protection that she least cared to be offended. "Sir... they don't have papers. They both are sitting..." the constable began. Nodding his head to the details, the inspector casted a good measuring glance at Jalal.

"Who are you?" the inspector asked, rightly guessing he couldn't be an auto driver, "and who's she?" Jalal showed his driving license as an answer to first question. "FAMILY!!" he shortly answered the second question sending Jodha to a world of euphoria.

"What type of family?" the inspector wickedly smiled putting his experience in action. The more troubled, the more bribery offered!! "What are you both doing sitting in one seat?"

Enraged by the inspector's filth, Jodha clutched Jalal's elbow. At the tug, Jalal tilted his head - anger and guilt were what he saw in his girl's eyes. "Relax..." he sent a silent assurance and turned to the depraved officer. Reluctant to waste time in unproductive talks, he dialed a number.

"Whom are you calling?!!" the inspector demanded. "Cut it and answer me!!"

"Yes Jalal..." the moment the ACP answered, Jalal slicked, "Prithvi... I'm stopped here at Majestic road check post. I don't have the vehicle papers... talk to the inspector", he said in one go and flicked the phone on to the bewildered inspector, "Asst. commissioner on line, he'll answer you!!"

"What?" the inspector frowned, but seeing the expensive phone flipped into his hands, he had to tone down. "Hello..." he spoke doubtful and came into immediate attention after recognizing the voice on the other end.

...

"Yes sir!!"

...

"Ok sir..."

...

"Two people were sitting in the front, a man and a lady, so we had to..."

...

"No, no... Not car sir... auto!!"

Dumbass!! Jalal quickly raised his hand to snatch the phone before the inspector revealed unnecessary details.

"Yes sir... auto only... not car, I'm 100% sure..." the inspector was saying when Jalal scooped the phone out of his hands. "Prithvi, not time for details. I've to go, shall I?!!" he asked on phone but his sharp gaze was on inspector.

"Of course... but why are you driving au..." Prithvi was still questioning when the inspector respectfully nodded. "You may go sir."

"Thanks..." disconnecting the call, he turned on heels taking Jodha along. And then he turned back.

"How many types of families do you have?" he pounced, straining the color out of inspector's face.

"Sorry sir..." the inspector muttered but Jalal cared in the least.

"Sir... who's he?" staring at retreating couple, the constable puzzled.

"ACP Prithvi Tej's friend."

"Auto driver? ACP's friend?" the constable couldn't believe.

"Fool... he's not a driver. Didn't you see his watch?" the inspector snapped. "Hublot it is. And he has the latest model iPhone. Does he look anywhere like a driver? He looks ultra-rich. May be they are trying a prank. Don't we know the madness of these rich brats?"

"Yes sir..." the constable nodded, disappointed by the missed opportunity. Inspector saala... came untimely and spoiled my golden chance. Else I'd have easily earned a thousand from this rich man.

~~~

"Sorry Jalal... I didn't expect this," Jodha tried to mitigate his anger but receiving a blunt glare, she shushed up. He kick started the auto and when she moved to sit beside him, he glowered. Getting the cue, Jodha silently moved to back seat. Three minutes later, his phone buzzed with the expected call from the ACP. A curt disconnect is how the incensed man answered it.

How long will he be angry? Why doesn't he shout on me and get done? Jodha restlessly tossed in seat. "Moreover what's the use of angering with me now? Had he been strict in the first place, this situation wouldn't turn up!! It's your mistake boss", She complained to Jalal's reflection in side mirror.

Jalal, au contrary, wasn't brainstorming about the ended encounter. He's thinking of the catastrophe yet to strike in form of cruel tease-a-thon from his friends. "Jodha and I aren't crazy like you..." It is his over confident challenge to Abdul that hounded him since he disconnected Prithvi's call. The issue didn't end there, it just began!! Now that Prithvi had a faint knowledge of his adventure, he wouldn't wait till he dug every damn detail from him. And once he did, he wouldn't wait till it goes viral amongst his circle. He's cocksure of it and he's just counting minutes for the next call.

"Jalal..." unable to bear his silence, Jodha gently placed her hand on his shoulder, "I said sorry na..."

"Not another word Jo..." he tautly snapped, "...not until I dispose this fxcking auto!!"

"Okay!! Fine!!" she coldly retreated, a little offended by his unceremonious anger. Fxcking auto!! The words replayed in mind, a mild simper closely followed. Somehow, she assumed Jalal isn't capable of any profanity beyond damn or idiot and it was a welcoming change to see how cuss words easily slid on his tongue. "Blaspheming aristocrat," she naughtily entitled him, gazing at his stoic reflection. She realized she so loved this side of him - he felt real and intimate. The realization brought a cheesy grin along and his anger no longer nettled her. With palm under cheek, she continued staring at Jalal's reflection, not to miss the added tinge of seduction.

Was I too rude? Jalal felt the impulse to look back and check on her yet curbed the debility with great effort. Damn weakness!! This is the root cause of all troubles!!

One... two... three... he counted to divert his attention but he didn't reach ten before his impulsive eyes shifted to side mirror. What the hell is she doing? his eyes squinted seeing her temptress avtaar and when their gazes locked... the temptress teased with a wink. Amazed, Jalal quickly averted his gaze but couldn't control his lips from curving into a ravishing smirk. "Some more..." Jodha impishly implored from behind, "...please."

"Brazen idiot..." he cursed, helplessly grinning at her outrageous tactics to coerce him.

"Thanks boss..." patting her back in appreciation for successfully bringing him out of angry mode she leaned forward, "Let me live up to the title. May I come to the front?" She didn't hesitate to ask. Is there a limit to her audacity? Jalal opened mouth to bash her when another glorious thought slipped across. Changing lanes, he brought the drive to an abrupt stop.

"Come..." stepping down, he ordered the perplexed lady. Why did he get down? Jodha suspiciously stared at his stern eyes. Is he leaving me alone?

"Go... sit!!" he showed the driving seat and she took it as a mockery. "You're still angry with me, I understand," she saddened and turned back, but he stopped by her hand.

"Didn't you yearn to try your hands on that handle?" he rose an inquisitive brow and she didn't understand if he's serious or mocking her. "What?!!" her eyes narrowed.

In response, he made her sit in driver's seat and he sat beside. "Shift the gear and slowly accelerate", he instructed and when she still stared skeptical, he placed her hands on handle. As an attempt to guide her, he too positioned his right hand on the handle, albeit, via her waist. "You will be driving from here," he smirked blowing up his facade of anger.

"God Jalal..." She held her head as she relaxed back against his broad frame, "You're just too..." she shook the tension out of her head, "...unpredictable."

"Am I?" he tilted his head boisterously grinning.

"Of course, I just thought you're kidding me.. but you.." she playfully hit him, her eyes shimmering with seamless delight. Without a blink, she looked at him for one long moment and then whispered. "Thank you!!"

"For what?"

"For everything," she smiled. "For your patience, endurance and especially for turning every silly wish of mine into a happening", her smile turned heavy. No wonder she remembered her father then, the first ever man who endured her craziness with utmost patience. Understanding the emotions scurrying through her, Jalal fondly caressed her arm. "Why not madam? After all, don't you have my promise to give anything with in my reach?" he jested as if he did everything only for the sake of promise.

"So is this all only to live up to your word?" she teasingly prodded, well aware of the true reason, which is something more promising than a promise.

"Partly," his lips devilishly kinked, "and mostly because you are..." he stopped as she anxiously waited, "I am?!!"

You're my WEAKNESS!! He thought.

"You're my GUEST!!" He said. "And it's the duty of host to please the guest."

Inscrutable aristocrat!! Jodha sweetly rebuked his smart escapade. "That opens doors for more silly demands Mr. Host." She evilly warned.

"Sillier than this?" he rolled eyes. "Please give your madness a rest. Now lets leave this place before a curious crowd forms here," he started the auto and helped her gallop it onto road.

WOOHOO!!! Jodha squealed in sheer joy - one for her successful maneuvering of an auto for first time; two, for learning it in the confines of the most handsome tutor's arms. Absorbing her happiness into him, Jalal broadly grinned. His phone untimely buzzed playing gooseberry amidst the love birds.

"Yes," he picked it up without seeing caller's name, thus welcoming the impending catastrophe.

"BASHA BHAI..." Abdul so fervently shouted from other end that Jodha could hear it, despite the non-speaker mode of the call. Basha bhai?? Her nose wrinkled.

Damn Shxt!! Jalal fathomed the identity of the caller and his intention as well. He was about to disconnect when a message notification plopped up. "Don't disconnect, lest next call should come on +9198xxx...," the message flashed Jodha's number. "We know she's with you!!"

We in the message hinted his other wicked friends are conferenced as well and his teeth clenched. Prithviii!!

"Yes you're officially my Basha bhai, my Rajnikanth starting today..." Abdul continued at top of his voice, accompanied by a few mushy giggles. "You're no less than Superstar boss and sorry that we're blind to your struggle all these days. Managing office in the morning, and driving auto in the night?!! Toiling with double shifts to bring us out of debts? How Bhai? How?" Abdul increased the drama quotient. "How can you be so sacrificing?!!"

Idiots!! Cursing inward and posing a solemn face outward, Jalal skeptically glanced at Jodha. Her sealed lips indicated she's controlling her mirth behind them.

"And how gross of us to enjoy at home while you're broiling in sweat," Chetan continued. "From today I'm behind Basha bhai," he guffawed remembering the particular scene in Basha movie where five people stand behind Rajnikanth. "You're not alone Basha bhai. We three are with you and don't worry, I'll manage other two. I'm right away ordering 5 khakhi shirts. But Bhai, we're totally naive to auto driving, you've to help us with initial training. By the way, how to rent an auto? What's the rent for one hour?"

"Cut the call, NOW", Jalal threatened, but with no luck.

"Superstar..." Prithvi screamed. "Tell me your auto number and the routes you usually go. I'll alert all traffic police in those lines. After all, what's the use of being in Department if I can't be of help to Superstar?" Jalal saw Jodha struggling to handle the auto with single hand as her other hand tightly clamped her mouth to mute the giggles.

"Kick your asxes, saale!!" he brutally disconnected and took control over the vehicle. As if waiting for that, Jodha slammed back on to his shoulder covering her mouth with both hands. Her body convulsively shook along with the rhythm of her laughter. "Idiot, get a hold. Else you'll slip onto road," Jalal warned but it had no effect on her. "Basha..." she incoherently said, "Basha bhai?!! Oh my God!!!" She coiled into a ball clutching her stomach. "Jo..." wrapping an arm around her to prevent her from sliding down, he steered the auto to a side and brought it to a complete stop. She remained coiled, her head propped against palms, and her shoulders rigorously shaking.

"Funny, eh?" he scowled tightly squeezing her arms. "If you think this would end here, you're mistaken. They'll hound us for years to come."

"How to.." trying her best to finish the sentence, Jodha glimpsed up, "How to rent auto Superstar?" Seeing his sulking face, she broke into another bout of irresistible laughter. "Enough Jo," he forcibly pulled her up, but she couldn't sit straight. Slumping onto his right shoulder, she curved a hand around his waist and laughed to her heart's content.

Damn!! He felt intoxicated by the sway of her head against his shoulder. He then resolved he shouldn't mind if she laughed at him, even for hours, in THAT EXACT POSITION. Relishing the unexpected blessing to its fullest, he redirected her head from shoulders to crook of his neck, and firmly held it there. Though fazed by happy tears, Jodha fathomed the intrigued looks of people walking by. She grew conscious but then banished the hesitation, unwitting to spoil their bliss with unnecessary inhibitions. If Jalal is fine with it, why not me?!! She answered her reservations.

"It was damn hilarious," finally done-done with her mirth, she looked up at him. "You got perfect bunch of friends Jalal," she jested. "Devilish minds with noble faces."

"Absolutely," Jalal asserted hitting her forehead with his. "That is exactly what they are!!" he smirked. She chuckled and slowly freed from his embrace. "This is the best evening in recent times," she acknowledged, unbeknown of the impending beautiful finishing touch to the day. "Thanks to you and your friends. Now let's hurry up. We left your Jaguar alone for too long", she moved to the passenger side.

"Hope the auto owner's hands didn't itch to try them on my Jaguar..", Jalal sighed starting the auto.

"Why'd he?" Jodha puzzled.

"Because I left my keys with him."

"What?!!" her face scrunched. "Why?"

"Exchange offer," Jalal sighed. "He lent his auto only after I gave car keys, like caution deposit. He's afraid I'd flee with his auto." It took longer than a moment for Jodha to discern what she heard and when it did, she stared aghast. "You gave car keys to him?" she repeated in disbelief. "Seriously Jaguar keys?!!"

"Yes, he didn't relent without that," Jalal coolly shrugged.

"You are mad Jalal", she frowned, slumping back and smacking her head. "Who leaves his car keys with a stranger for whatsoever reason? What if he steals the car? You're incredibly mad," she chastised and when he laughed, she grew more furious. "Why didn't you tell me before? We'd have stopped this madness then and there. Actually its my mistake..",

"Hold on miss..", Jalal brought her lecture to a halt. "You think I didn't think of all the odds before leaving keys with a stranger?" he chided. "What do you think can he do with the keys? At maximum, try his hands on the car. That's all. Is he a fool to steal my car leaving his identity with me? Relax idiot, Jaguar is safe!!" he coolly smirked. Befuddled, Jodha glanced at him, her nose red in anger. He's right in every point, yet mortgaging his prized possession for her silly demands.. She didn't feel good about it. I've to be careful!! She marked a reminder fathoming the extent he can go to fulfill her wishes. Damn careful before asking him anything. He's just too..

"What's with your silence?" seeing her knitted brows, Jalal teased. "Don't tell me its another crazy idea." Jodha rolled eyes and took her anger out on his shoulder. "You call me mad but you're really the one Jalal," Done with punishing, she offered remedy by tucking hand into crook of his elbow and pressing her head against his shoulder, "You're just too mad.."

about you!! He completed within, lovingly looking down to her resting head.

about me!! She completed within and shut her eyes experiencing immense peace.

"They'll hound us for years to come", she recalled Jalal's unconscious blurt. US!! A euphoric smile escaped her lips. "How beautiful, how rightful it sounded!!" her head pressed into his shoulder depicting the bliss scurrying through her. The pressure on his shoulder made Jalal glimpse down again. What's cooking behind that sweet smile, my love?! He cheerfully thought.

**********

8:15pm

"How'd she react?!" impatiently striding along the balcony, Jalal stopped by the window once again to check on the object he left on Jodha's bed. "Am I doing right?" he resumed his stroll. "Is it too early for such a step? Would she take it wrong? Why didn't I think of this before buying? How could I be so unmindful?" The questions pounced one after the other. It has been ten minutes since he sneaked into Jodha's room and left the object on her bed while she bathed. Since then, he had been restlessly strolling in balcony, like an anxious teenager eagerly waiting for his lover's reciprocation to the first gift. Jalal didn't give a second thought during paying for it or during dropping it in Jodha's room, but once he's out of the room, umpteen thoughts slashed his sanity.

Dab!! He heard the door sound followed by a soft whistle and he swiftly scooted to the slightly opened window of Jodha's bedroom, all thanks to his perfect planning. Very soon, Jodha came into his view and he felt his heart pounding against ribs.

Freshened by a comforting shower and beautified by a pale green chikan work kurta, Jodha appeared ethereal. Continuing to whistle the Hindi romantic number, she moved to the dresser. Rowdy rascal!! The silent spectator fondly cursed seeing her dexterity in whistling. Her hands reached to unleash the bun of hair when her eyes caught the reflection of a packet on her bed.

Didn't I put all the packets in cupboard before going to bath? She retreated to bed and peeked into the cover. Unconsciously, Jalal gripped the window frame, every nerve of him anxiously waiting to see her reaction. What is it? Jodha's brows furrowed seeing a Sari in the cover, albeit not the Yellow one she bought. Confused, she ran to the cupboard to check on the packets she brought home.

Idiot!! Just open the packet and see!! Chiding her delay, the impatient boss gritted.

Yellow sari is here!! Then what is it? In doubled confusion, she returned to the bed and plopped the Sari out.

"WOW!!" The radiance on her face posed a tough competition to the radiance of the silk that smoothly glided on her fingers. "BEAUTIFUL!!" She exclaimed in pure wonderment and the secret observer breathed in relief. Thank God!! She liked it!! Done with one part of the trouble, he eagerly waited for the second part, her acceptance, to happen without much ado. If not, he has no valid reason to coax her into acceptance.

Is that you Jalal?!! Fondling the sari with great admiration, she speculated. The shop name printed on the cover asserted it could be none other than Jalal. He bought a Sari for me? An incredible grin danced on her lips. Like seriously.. Sari? She still couldn't believe her eyes. She knew exchanging gifts would begin at some point of their relation but she wasn't prepared for one on that day. That too, the first gift that came her way was much beyond her imagination. Not accessories, not gadgets, not exclusive dates like the affluent lot indulged into. "My mister businessman shopped a Sari for me, all on his own", she couldn't contain her happiness. "My special-est.. unique-est Don, mechanic, doctor" she chuckled at her madness, pulled the Sari to her heart and dropped her face into it breathing its fragrance.

Wuhoo!! A wolf whistle threatened to spurt out of Jalal's lips. Witnessing every bit of her reciprocation to its finesse, he felt totally.. TOTALLY OUT OF WORLD.

Back to senses, Jodha swirled to share her ecstasy with Jalal, the folds of Sari slipped from her fingers. Uff!! She bent to pick it up but the sight before her rocked her to the ground. Wide spread on ground in its beautiful splendor was not a green Sari as she supposed. The actual portion is now revealed conveying that she glimpsed only the pallu part till then. It was - A Peacock Blue Banaras silk Sari with exotically woven gold threaded feather motifs all over it. An elegant piece of craftship it is, but what Jodha is seeing is not its magnificence. Her widened eyes are staring at the striking similarities to another such masterpiece she last saw... ON HER MOTHER!! THE LAST MEMOIR!!!

**********

PS: The Kannada dialogs are a dedication to all my Kannada friends, especially Geeta. Girl, I remember it, you see!! 😉

To all the non-Southies who's wondering the significance of BASHA BHAI: Basha is a south Indian (originally Tamil) movie featuring Rajnikanth as lead. He played the role of Mumbai based DON who metamorphoses into an AUTO DRIVER, along with his 5 followers. Watch the Hindi dubbed version!! You'll surely love it!!