CHAPTER 20 
Finally it was D day, when Jodha would be back to her home...After almost a month she would be returning back. After checking her reports the last time,the doctor gave her a thumbs up. With Jalal's help,she started walking normally, and everything was gradually returning back to normal. Rukaiya,Surya,Aarav,Moti, Maina and Jalal were too engrossed ,from the last two days, in preparing for Jodha's welcome. 
 "Good morning jodhu!"greeted the exuberant brother entering in with his mother.
 "hello bhai.." she greeted in return with a bright smile.
 Raj's phone buzzed.He glanced at the name flashing and picked it instantly.
 "hello! What happened? Is everything fine?"
 "Yes... I'm feeling unwell since past 2 days."
 "what!Did you visit the doctor?"
 "yea I did.. He even subscribed some meds but they aren't working out."
 "You want me come there?"
 "No I'll manage.Just give me the no of our family doc."
 "ok. I'm texting you and will try to be there till evening. Take care."
 Maina worriedly asked about the speaker. Raj instantly answered, "It was you DIL maa. She's not feeling well. So asked me out family doctor's number."
 "bhaisa i think its better you go." Voice the concerned sister-in-law.
 "yes jodhu.. I was also thinking about the same. Maa i'll go and book my ticket."
 "ok beta. Don't stress yourself."maina humbly instructed her son.
 The caring husband nodded and went out while checking for the tickets.
 "Hope he gets the ticket."said the worried sister looking at the brother going out. "It's vacation time,so its hard to get the tickets." She added.
 "hmm.."answered the thoughtful mother. Jodha noticed her mother thinking something deeply and asked her,but she negatively nodded her by saying that its was nothing like she was thinking.
 AFTER SOMETIME
 "Maa!"Raj barged in catching the 2 ladies attention. 
 "There are no tickets available,neither by air,nor by train."he added disappointingly.
 "then go by water."Jodha tried to add some humor but failed miserably in turn getting glares from the other two.
 "sorry."
 "Ha. I'm not getting any tickets. I even tried in the emergency,but no avail." The trio was silent thinking about the next step,when Jalal stepped in. He sensed some tension in them,so he voiced out.
 "What happened?Any problem?"
 All were silent, probably no one wanted to involve him when he again asked.
 "Any private matter which you don't want me to know?Then I'll go out." Sensing the fear of hurting the caring boy,Maina uttered, "No Jalal, you are a part of our family. You have all the rights to listen to our matters.It's just that.."
 "Bhabi is unwell so bhaiya wants to go there.But there are no tickets available anywhere."Jodha continued.
 "Bas? Such a small thing and you people are so much distressed." He said casually.
 "This is not a small thing jalal! And if you feel so,then give the solution.!" Jodha countered.
 "Are Why to worry? You can use my private jet bhaiya.!" He offered.
 "But.."
 "no ifs and buts...You are going by my private jet.!Thats all" Jalal announced.
 Raj thanked him and went out to prepare himself for the journey,while jodha gave a contended smile and thanked him through his eyes.
 IN THE EVENING
 Ultimately it was the time for Jodha to leave the place which had almost become her home over the past month. The doctor happily bid adieu to his patient and gave her the date for the next checkup.
 Jalal drove the mother daughter home,while Raj had already left for Mumbai. Oblivious to the fact that her sweet friends had planned a pleasant surprise for her, Jodha rang the door bell, when the maid opened the door. As soon as she stepped in, there was a shower of rose petals,which were mean't to welcome her. "WELCOME BACK!" screamed her buddies, coming out from their hiding places. 
 All of them hugged jodha one by one,and made her sit on the couch. 
 Making a disgusting face,the fussy girl finally agreed to have the plate full of fruits after a lot of pleading by Jalal. Since the gang was too hungry,the dotting mother served everyone some snacks.
 After surya and Aarav went back to their just-a -doorstep-away home, Jodha took the initiative to show Jalal their newly renovated house and Rukaiya moved giving the couple the much needed privacy. Starting with the living room,she managed to amaze him at every step.
 The hall was painted in a deep aubergine shade which defined rich sophistication and chicness. It was combined with a funky yellow at the patio and a creamy white,giving the room a more divine look.The room was well furnished yet sober.
 Moving on to Jodha's bedroom, it was a combination of elegancy and cuteness. A huge photo-frame of Jodha was hanging above the headboard. There were many Teddy bears placed all around the room and pictures of chocolates and jodha's as well. The pink color with a brassy touch added warmth to the essence of the room. 
 Stepping ahead,Jodha opened the door of another room. The observer peeped in and he was captivated by its beauty. Emerald and blue combination looked marvelous.
 Soft,milky blue textured bedspreads and curtains looked inviting and the ceiling painted in the bold emerald was reigning. Rukaiya's room was painted in a soothing lavender color and purple added vibrancy to it.
 Jalal was just awed by the designer's choice. Curiously,he stated; "It just left me speechless.A true gem in the world of designing he is, Jo I'd like to meet him. And surely next time,he's gonna design my house."
 "Let me correct you mister.It's not he,it's she." Jodha corrected. Meanwhile Rukaiya joined the duo.
 "Ah,Jalal Let me give you a hint. It's some one you know."she hinted.
 "Meenakshi Shah??" doubted Jalal.
 "Who's she??"asked Rukaiya and Jodha in unison.
 "My house's interior designer.She's the only designer I now."he said casually shrugging.
 "Jalal would you take the pain to use your brain??And how would we know her?" sarcastically Jodha uttered.
 "And are you sure you don't know any other designer??"asked rukaiya squinting her eyes.
 "Nope."he confirmed.
 "Com'mon ruks.He doesn't know."
 "ok Jalal. Then it's going to be a great surprise for you."Rukaiya paused for a moment to look at his expressions .He looked quite desperate to know about the anonymous lady.
 "Its...Its JODHA"she screamed,alarming Maina to peep out of the room.
 "Seriously??"Jalal couldn't fathom what was going on.Was it really Jodha or were his ears ringing?
 "Yes my buddy!She's a certified designer who attained expertise without practice."and rukaiya chuckled at her own not-so-funny statement.
 "That's not about practice sis,its about choice."Jodha fluttered.
 "Jo!You are just fabulous!"Finally Jalal spoke something.
  "Thankyou my majesty!"said jodha with her breathtakingly sweet smile.
   "hey bro,where were you?And why didn't you call me in the past week?"scolded the ever-caring buddy of Jalal.
 Sitting on the exclusively designed swing,Jalal called Abdul after a long time.
 "sorry Abdul.Actually Jodha was injured.I mean she is,but now better."That's the reason I cancelled all my plans."
 "Who was not well?"asked a confused Abdul.
 "Bro,Jodha!My girlfriend."
 "Oh!Since when do you have Jodha as your girlfriend?"
 "I'm with her since the past 5 months.I love her."
 "Ohhh! So I was a nonentity in your life for the past 5 months.Then why do I exist now?Better I'n out of it."said abdul furiously.
 "Sorry..Sorry..I apologize brother.But I never got a chance to tell you!please forgive your bezzie!"
 "ok..Ok bout now I want a report on daily basis without fail.And when can I meet her? And take care of bhabi."
 "I'm sending you her picture.And I'll surely take care fo her."He then forwarded his lady's most beautiful picture.
 Some time passes when abdul called back.
 "Subhanallah Jalal.She's no less than a celestial nymph. How do you get these beautiful ladies? I cant manage to get even a single one."complained abdul. Jalal just laughed at his companion's antics.
 "Ok all that later.Tell me how did you meet her?By the time I know she's the actress right?"
 "Ok..Yes,she's the actress Jodha Singh.Remember in October last year I and ammijaan visited maina aunty,in Mumbai?"
 "hmm.."
 "It all started since then.She's Maina aunty's daughter.And I'd love to introduce you to her."
 "Okay.So I'll come the day after to meet her and pick you up.What say?"
  "You can come day after but lets see if I go back with you." Stated the lady.
   "Jodha." called out Jalal.
 "Yes Jalal what happened?"questioned the agitated lady.
 "My friend Abdul wants to meet you this weekend. So he's coming up here. I hope you don't mind."
 "No problem. I'd love to meet him." Said she while setting up the dishes on the dining table.
 "Guys the dinner is ready.Take up your seats!"Yelled Maina from kitchen to the 4 sweet friends sitting out.
 Rukaiya came out with bowls of Food for serving. Maina too came out with some.
 After serving everyone, both of them seated on their respective places.
 "wow..Shahi paneer! Smells tasty!" uttered surya excitedly looking at his favorite course.
 "its awesome Mumma..But i'm sure you're not the one who made it."said Jodha.
 "yup. It's rukaiya."
 Jodha choked and coughed badly. Immediately Jalal handed her a glass of water and rubbed her back.
 "What happened Jodha?" asked he,perplexed.
 "Rukaiya? You mean...Seriously? when did she start cooking?" the biggest surprise for Jodha,Rukaiya cooked something. Rukaiya who loathed going to the kitchen had made something and that too tasty! 
 "Jodhu..Shut up. I'm not kidding."said maina seriously.
"Sorry."
 "Ruks its awesome."said aarav.
  "Thanx buddies!"said the girl with a smile.
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Sorry buddies.🥱 I apologize for disappearing for such a long time. i know i'm not updating regularly. But since my class 12th is managing really well to keep me busy so couldn't update for such a long period. 
Sorry for the mistakes! I'll try to update asap.😃And thanks to all those who liked the previous chapters!
Please buddy me for pms... Please hit likes and post your precious comments!... Criticism accepted..😊 
 Edited by 155pari - 9 years ago