JaBir FF - The Stalker - Part 19, Page 19 - Page 14

Originally posted by: eshasrk

You've done it again.....awesome update as usual. After reading this chapter, now I totally understand Kabir and why he was acting the way he did. Both Pooja and Kabir are so vulnerable. And u describe the emotions sooooo real. Kabir has really come to understand Pooja and he is right : she is always trying to run away from her feelings, from her emotions. She has a real difficulty coping with her past and as long as she doesnt let go of tht completely, it will always keep haunting her. She will never be really free to start afresh and enjoy life as she deserves. And I am sure Kabir will help her with this. I am so waiting for ur next update. My gosh ur characters are sooo real.

Honestly your story is now the only reason for me to visit this forum. Coz after the wedding and seeing Pooja as a sati savitri in the show all of a sudden without any solid reason is making my blood boil. And there is still no sign of her mom ??? Im just fed up of Pooja and all her nautanki to become an ideal bahu and tht for a family who stood by and watched her father getting murdered by the head of tht same family. Its just plain bullshit !!. And Kabir.....well no use wasting words on him.

Plsss update soon

Aaahhh thank you so much! I always love to see your comments and reviews for the story darling <3 and yess I really wanted to show their vulnerable sides (which you'll be seeing more of in the next chappy :P)

It's such an honor for me to know that you're liking the story so much! And yes I agree! I can't stand this sati savitri pooja! dunno what they've done to her character man...D: She's becoming a typical hindi tv serial bahu day by day...ughhhh

Apparantly Kabir is finally supporting Pooja in today's episode though...little late...i wanted to see this a long time ago :/

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments <3 They always make my dayy!!! And now I'm back with Part 17 of this story!!! Hope you enjoy it!

Part 17

"I didn't have the happiest childhood," Kabir began hesitantly, finding a spot on the sofa next to Pooja. "My father wasn't around most of the time. It was clear that his priorities were his business, his luxuries and then his family - in that order."

His eyes flickered to Pooja who was gazing intently at him while taking intermittent sips of her coffee. His eyes had a faraway look in them. He was lost in memories of the past. And then, as if shaking away the thoughts, he sighed. "I suppose I can't complain though. The love and affection that I didn't receive from my father, I received from my mother and grandfather."

He swallowed, a pained look crossing his eyes. "Regardless of what he was, he provided me with all the comforts a child could ask for. And so, I loved him. He was my father after all. Though he spent most of his time engrossed in his work, I never once suspected him of being a murderer." He turned to Pooja and slowly whispered "Do you know how it feels when you learn that a person you have such high regard for is not only a lying deceit but also a murderer?"

Pooja's eyes fell to his hands. They were clenched together and he was shivering. This was hurting him. Talking about this was hurting him and Pooja could clearly see that. And she was responsible for this pain. Without quite understanding what she was doing, she rested her hand gently on top of his. His eyes widened, flickering towards in surprise. She immediately felt the tension loosen. She swallowed. "You...don't have to tell me more, Kabir. I'll understand if you don't want to talk about it."

But Kabir merely shook his head. "No," he sighed. "I need to do this. For my own sanity."

Pooja nodded and waited for him to continue. It was a few moments before he spoke again. "I'm hurting, Pooja." He murmured. "I feel like the thread that I've been holding on to for so long...the thread that has held me together..is slowly withering away." His voice shook as he spoke. "31 years." He whispered. "For 31 years, I believed and trusted a man who was undeserving of it. He was my hero. I thought I knew everything about him. And now...and now I realize that all these years, I've been living with a stranger." His eyes met hers and the intensity she saw within them was shocking.

"I'm falling apart, Pooja." He whispered. "And I'm scared." Slowly, his fingers wound around Pooja's hand but his eyes didn't leave hers for even a moment. "If a man I thought I knew for 31 years...my own father...could betray me so easily...how can I ever trust again?"

How can I ever trust again? His words were reverberating in her mind. How can I ever trust again? When she had brought out P.K. Mittal's truth to Kabir, she had only been focused on her own betrayal. The anger SHE felt. The pain SHE felt. She hadn't thought about how it would have affected Kabir to learn of his father. Not even ONCE had that thought crossed her mind. Suddenly, she felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Had she been selfish?

Both were quiet for several moments. No one knew what to say. But one thing was becoming clearer to Pooja by the minute. This was entirely her fault. Kabir's pain was her fault. She was the one who had demanded for him to explain his feelings before she revealed hers. And so, barely a whisper, she finally said, "I'm sorry, Kabir. I'm sorry for everything."

He looked at her for a moment, as if trying to identify the truth behind her words. He slowly shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry for. It's my family who should be sorry. My family deserves everything you did to them and more."

"But you don't," she murmured. His eyes immediately turned towards hers as if unbelieving that the three words had really escaped her lips. They gazed at each other for a moment, hand in hand and transfixed. Both were seeing a new side to each other. Pooja had never understood just how much his father's reality had hurt Kabir. He was confused. He was betrayed. And the betrayal was breaking him.

She closed her eyes, attempting to place herself in Kabir's shoes. How would she have felt if she learned, one fine day that her own father, Ashok Sharma, had murdered thousands of people for his own greed? She shuddered at the mere thought. It wasn't something she wanted to think about. Her father was her rock. Even when he wasn't physically with her, he was her emotional strength. She gazed towards Kabir who looked as if he had aged ten years. He looked exhausted and his shoulders were slumped. Would P.K. Mittal not have been Kabir's strength once upon a time as well? And now, after realizing his truth, Kabir was more lost than ever before.

It was then that a glimpse of reality at last dawned on Pooja. Were Kabir and her really on different sides? Or were they simply two sides of the same coin? Kabir had been just as betrayed by the Mittals as had Pooja. He wasn't supporting his father. He wasn't on his father's side. He was and always HAD been on Pooja's side.

With a sharp intake of breath, she pulled her hand away from his. Her head was spinning. Kabir Mittal. She thought back to the kidnapping. The anger she had seen in his eyes when he had initially read the notes. The way he had stepped up and supported her through it. The way he had stayed with her the night. He had wanted to know more about her. To understand her past. He had listened to her as she had spoken about her dreams and he had promised to always protect her. He had promised to stay by her side. How had she not realized at that very moment, Kabir's reality? How had she been so stupid?

Not stupid, She thought to herself. Selfish. She had only thought of herself and her pain. And yet, Kabir had not complained once. He had not brought any of this up until today. And that too only because she had asked. Kabir had always ensured that she was alright. He had made Pooja her priority. He had been angry when she hadn't shown up to work because he was concerned about her. But she hadn't seen his feelings then. No. She had been too busy throwing herself a pity party to consider what he must have felt...knowing that his own brother had nearly murdered her. He had even gone as far as to suggest for Dhruv's arrest. Time and again, he had gone against his family for her. And Pooja? She couldn't get past his last name. A Mittal.

She felt disgusted with herself. She thought back to her Amma's words. Just as Pooja isn't Jahnvi, Kabir isn't a reflection of his father. She hadn't understood it then. But she was seeing it for herself now. And suddenly, she wasn't afraid. She wasn't afraid of opening up to him and telling him about herself...her past..her dreams. Because she had finally acknowledged the reality she had been avoiding for so long. Pooja Sharma trusted Kabir Mittal.

"I've been having nightmares," Pooja announced, turning to Kabir. Her voice was confident and that surprised Kabir. He hadn't expected her to open up to him so quickly. "Nightmares," he repeated thoughtfully. "About?"

She sighed, rubbing her face in exhaustion. "It's the same thing every night." She swallowed, trying to prevent her voice from shaking. "I'm alone, in the dark...barefooted. And I'm running along a street. Someone's chasing me but it's too dark to see. Every part of my body aches as if I have been physically running for hours on end." She closed her eyes, disturbed at the clarity of the images. "He always catches up to me. Always. He's wearing a black mask and I'm on the ground in pain...He has a knife that I can see glistening in the moonlight. And I beg him not to hurt me. But I know he won't listen. He wants to kill me. He loves seeing me so frightened. And then he removes his mask."

She turned to Kabir, unsure if he was prepared to hear her next sentence. And though his face was clouded, not revealing his emotions, she knew he was listening. "It's always Dhruv."

Kabir stiffened and he immediately turned to face Pooja. The shock was evident in his eyes. As she waited for this to register, she noticed Kabir's face grow several shades paler. He hadn't anticipated this. "He kills me," she finally whispered.

A pregnant silence fell over the duo. Kabir's eyes were daggers, as if piercing into Pooja's soul. She saw a flurry of emotions rush across his face, some of which she couldn't even name. "How long," he finally asked, strained. Pooja sighed. "Since it happened...Since Dhruv..." Kabir nodded, preventing her from speaking further. Both knew which incident she was referring to. "Do you have this dream every night?" He then asked.

She shrugged. "Yes. For the past several weeks, I've had it every night...with one exception." He looked at her curiously and her eyes faltered, unable to make contact with his. "It was...when...we...you know..last night..." she mumbled. Kabir coughed, choking on the sip of coffee he had decided to take a swig at at exactly that moment.

"I see..." he finally responded, stuttering. Pooja raised her eyes, nervously meeting his. "That's why...tonight..when I had the dream again...I thought..if we...you know..did it again...I would sleep better." Kabir's eyes were fixed on her with curiosity. She was nervous and he didn't miss the slight blush that her cheeks took on. He couldn't deny that she intrigued him. He knew very few girls who would boldly go up to a man and openly request him to have sex. He admired her courage and he appreciated her honesty.

"Thank you," he murmured. And when she offered him a confused glance, he added, "for trusting me."

She cleared her throat, feeling another rush of nervousness overcome her. "I-I'm sorry for earlier. It was extremely inappropriate of me to just assume..that you would want to...but I guess I'm not the greatest at reading people," she said apologetically. He shook his head, releasing a sigh as he closed his eyes. "No, don't say that," he said with sincerity. "It really wasn't you. It was me. I have a lot of things going on inside my own head right now and based off of what you've just told me, so do you. Sex isn't an outlet, Pooja. We need to figure ourselves out first...before..." he waved, unable to finish his sentence.

She nodded. "I understand," she whispered. And then, turning to look at the door, she added, "I really should go back to my own room then I suppose." There was a moment's hesitation. In all honesty, the last thing Pooja wanted to do was go back into her isolated hotel room. She feared that she would have the same dream again and it was already throwing her into a fit of anxiety. But after she had practically thrown herself at Kabir? She wasn't going to just stay in his room. And certainly she wasn't going to bring up the idea to do so herself. If Kabir offered, then yes, she would gratefully accept. But no, she wasn't going to pose the suggestion to share a room herself.

And then, as if the lord himself was hearing her prayers, Kabir spoke. "Wait," he called out. Pooja turned to him expectantly. He motioned towards the bed. "Sleep here," he declared. It wasn't a suggestion, it was an order. And then, as if to clarify his intentions, he stated, "You said you didn't have nightmares last night when we were together...so I think you should sleep here. And besides, we have to meet with our clients tomorrow afternoon. Can't have you sleep deprived."

Pooja's eyes widened, incredulously. Though she had been hoping for him to bring up this suggestion, she hadn't been anticipating it. "Are...Are you sure?" She fumbled. "I mean, I can go sleep next door. It's fine." She straightened her shoulders, faking bravado. Kabir simply rolled his eyes. "Pooja, come on, it's not a big deal! Just take the bed and I'll sleep on the couch for tonight." And then with some hesitance, he added, "I'll be right here to watch over you."

Just as she opened her mouth to object once more, Kabir raised his hand to stop her. "Look, it's a one-time thing. If this helps you sleep then it's fine by me." He shrugged, motioning for her to take the bed. And then, taking both of their coffee cups and chucking it into the sink, he grabbed a blanket for himself and flopped down onto the couch.

As he saw Pooja settling in, he couldn't help but wonder who this girl was in front of him. Everyday he learned something new about her. For starters, though she liked to put up a brave face all the time, Pooja was as vulnerable as a child from within. Perhaps that's where his protective tendencies arose from. Whenever he was near her, he felt a compulsive need to ensure her safety and security. He sighed, shaking his head. It was beyond messed up. And the two people who had once been sworn enemies were now sharing a room. How the hell did things come this far? Kabir wondered, appalled. But of late, he was starting to realize something. Pooja wasn't the enemy. She had never been the enemy. Perhaps he and Pooja were the same. Both were hurt. Both had been betrayed. Both were broken. Two broken souls in perfect, wholesome harmony...together.

END

Alrighty guyss! So that was a bit of a heart to heart between JaBIr! Hope you enjoyed that!

I'd just like to thank everyone so very much once again for reading and loving this story! It honestly means so much to me!!!

And as a side note...my university classes have started (unfortunately) so updates may not be as frequent and I may only be able to do once a week updates! D:

Hope you guys will still stick with me and support me!!!

And also, I will be posting up a "teaser"/promo chapter of sorts to introduce the big twist :P

Much love to you guys!!!

Mwwuahh

Can we expect this from cv's too aahhh thats a dream which will never come true! ! !

Originally posted by: adventure_gurl

loved it

Thank you so much hun!

Originally posted by: shruzzy

Can we expect this from cv's too aahhh thats a dream which will never come true! ! !

Thank you Shru!

Hi everyone! Thank you for reading and commenting on the story once again <3 love you all! Here's chapter 18!

Part 18

It was less of a cabin and more of a boardroom. Pooja fathomed that at least 15 people could easily host a meeting in this room. Although, when Pooja scanned her surroundings, she found, to her dismay, that the room was rather bland and lifeless. She certainly hoped this wouldn't be a reflection of her client.

Kabir and Pooja had entered the Mehra group of companies over thirty minutes ago now. They had been directed by the stern receptionist who, as per her name tag was called Marla, to this room and were advised to wait. Mr. Mehra was running late in a meeting and he would join them at his earliest. Apparently his definition of 'earliest' was different than Pooja's. With an impatient sigh, she turned to see how her companion was getting along.

On the chair next to hers, Kabir sat with arms folded over his chest and a cross expression on his face. He liked things to be done in an orderly and timely fashion. And Pooja knew this extended wait time was driving him up the wall. She suppressed a chuckle as she rolled her eyes. Typical Kabir.

She thought back to their night spent together...the things he had shared with her...his deepest worries. Pooja was starting to gain both a new understanding and appreciation of the man sitting next to her. And she liked their new rapport. It was significantly easier to not have to put up a wall around herself every time she was around Kabir. And for some reason, she felt that the ease she felt around him was equally as reciprocated by him.

"Kabir," she smiled. "You know you could at least pretend to be less irritated."

His head snapped towards her and a deep frown fell across his expression. "Well excuse me for thinking that our client is just the slightest bit unprofessional for making us wait so long." he responded with dripping sarcasm. "Haven't even met him and I don't approve of him already," he grumbled.

Pooja laughed. "Well, lucky for us that our deal isn't dependent on your approval or disapproval of our client."

While Kabir fully intended to retort with a snarky remark, they were interrupted by the presence of a tall gentleman. He was at least 6 feet in height and dressed in a business-like fashion with a suit. His hair fell messily against his forehead and when he offered Pooja and Kabir a smile, it seemed to reach right up to his eyes. He was handsome to say the least. Pooja found that she was rather taken aback by him. He could have easily passed for a model. And for one ridiculous moment, Pooja wondered what he was doing in the textile field when he was certainly more cut out for the fashion industry.

"You must be miss Sharma," he greeted warmly, extending his hand for her to shake. Words, she had to remind herself. Use your words. Clearing her throat, she stood and met his extended hand with her own. "Pooja is fine," she replied with a smile. The client then turned towards Kabir, raising his eyebrows. "I apologize, I'm afraid I don't know your name. I wasn't aware that someone would be accompanying Pooja today."

If Kabir's mood hadn't been sour to begin with, this comment certainly hadn't helped. "Kabir," he announced curtly. "Kabir Mittal. I work with Pooja." Not with...but UNDER Pooja, he reminded himself. But who cared for specifics here? He already had a bad feeling about this man.

But it seemed that their client was in no way uncomfortable with Kabir's presence (though the same couldn't be said for Kabir). He smiled and motioned for them to take a seat. Pooja, as if drawn to her client like a moth to a flame, couldn't seem to look away. Kabir nudged her shoulder, suddenly irritated. Receiving no response, he took her by the hand and guided her towards the large boardroom table. Pooja, realizing her folly, immediately grew a deep shade of red. However, if this had been noticed by her client, he was considerate enough to not mention it.

Instead, he said, "I'm Krish Mehra. Co-owner of the Mehra Group of Companies." He motioned towards his surroundings. "We're a relatively new firm in Canada but have been around for several decades in areas in the USA and of course, India." Pooja nodded, waiting for him to continue. "You see," he continued slowly, eyes flickering between Kabir and Pooja. "The fashion industry is rather dynamic. There are new styles that are released to the market every day. And one of our main goals this year is to expand our firm." He rubbed his thumb across his chin thoughtfully. "To do so, we will need some newer and more unique designs...which I believe your company can provide us with, Pooja." He gazed at her, eyeing her up and down.

On the other hand, Kabir's blood was boiling. Pooja, what the hell, are you not seeing what I'm seeing right now?! The way he's looking at you...how the hell can you be okay with that?! His mind screamed. But it seemed as if Pooja was in her own world. She hadn't seen the way his eyes had scanned her form, but Kabir had. Kabir had noticed it alright. I was right. He's a lecher. Kabir thought, his anger growing. He was, however, interrupted from his thoughts by Pooja's voice.

"Well we're glad that you've chosen our company, mister Mehra. Sharma textiles prides itself in the most up-to-date and unique fashion choices. We would be happy to show you some of our work," she offered as she dug into her purse for the photographs she had brought along.

But Krish shook his head. "Oh, that won't be necessary, Pooja." He grinned. And oh how Kabir wanted to wipe that smile off his face. "I've been following your company for several months now. I've been reading about and seeing your designs. That's why I contacted your coordinator, Mr. Chopra. And thankfully enough he was able to arrange our meeting." His eyes once again moved up and down Pooja's form.

What the f*ck, Kabir thought. This was disgusting. Clearly he wasn't interested in the designs, nor in any deal. He was interested in Pooja only. Which was likely the reason he hadn't even made eye contact with Kabir since the start of their conversation. And Pooja didn't seem affected whatsoever. I thought females were supposed to be observant, he thought, annoyed. But no. He supposed they only paid close attention to the minute details that never really mattered.

Instead of noticing the several warning signs in front of her, Pooja instead provided their client with one of her most dazzling smiles. "That's fantastic. It makes our job all the easier!" she enthused. "I've looked into the textiles from your company as well, mister Mehra and I definitely believe that our tastes are complimentary. I think our companies would work well together." She turned to Kabir. "What do you think, Kabir?"

Her eyes were bright with excitement. She was so dazed in wonder at this deal that she failed to notice Kabir's extremely irritated expression. "I wouldn't come to any hasty decisions," Kabir remarked. "It's important to know who we're working with before we make any commitments." He stated bluntly. Pooja turned to him. Her mouth had fallen open in a surprised 'o' and a light shade of red was beginning to highlight her cheek. After shooting Kabir a look that clearly screamed 'what-the-hell-are-you-saying', she faced Krish and shook her head. "I apologize, I'm certain he didn't mean it the way that it came across - "

"I meant it exactly as I said, Pooja." Kabir retorted, eyeing Krish with intensity.

Krish too, was looking towards Kabir now. After a moment, he offered Kabir a lazy smile and sank back in his seat.

"You're right." He declared. "It's certainly a good idea to know who you're dealing with before you make any moves." His eyes didn't shift from Kabir for a moment. And for some reason, Kabir got the feeling that the remark was more about him and less about the company's deal.

He shook his head and turned to Pooja, a smile once again lighting his face. "I'd be happy to get to get to know more about your company, Pooja. And I know the perfect way to do so." He stood up, pushing back his chair and walking towards the large french windows in the cabin. "I'm hosting a party this evening. It's a company sponsored party. We're celebrating the company's 20th anniversary. I would be pleased if you...and Kabir...would so kindly join us."

Pooja's eyes widened. A company party?! With the client?! She turned to Kabir, shooting him a look of disbelief. What the hell was happening? Kabir however was less surprised and more shocked. This was going in exactly the opposite direction to what he hoped. And what the hell was this about 'getting to know the company'...that was clearly code word for 'getting to know POOJA'.

Krish whirled around, facing Pooja. And Kabir had to do everything in his power to not intervene between the eye contact that the two were currently having. "There'll be some bigwigs. CEOs of the company...my father too, who initially started the firm." He shrugged. "It'd be the best way to familiarize yourself with us and also get an idea of the kind of fashion designs we're interested in."

If Kabir had had a say in the matter, he would have pulled Pooja immediately to the side and mentioned that he suspected foul play in Krish Mehra's offer. But alas, it seemed Pooja didn't need any help from Kabir in taking this decision. She grinned, giving Krish a firm nod. "We'd be happy to join you Mister Mehra."

He smiled, offering first Pooja a hand shake and then Kabir. "Great. So I'll see you at 7 P.M. sharp?"

"We'll be there!" Pooja announced enthusiastically.

Just as Kabir and Pooja were exiting the cabin, Krish called from behind: "And Pooja? Please call me Krish."

And just like that, Kabir's day was ruined.

END

Hi everyone!

Not sure how many are still interested in reading this fan fic now that the show is ending...please let me know if you would still like me to continue this!

My heart feels too heavy about the show, because there's just so much that we didn't get to see between JaBir...so many tracks...and I guess that's what I'm trying to do with this fanfic...trying to add in all the tracks that we so badly would have loved between our babies <3!

Love you all!

👏 I LOVE JEALOUSY TRACK.

i can see the story is developing their relationship to a new comfort and trusting level.

yet they can't live without banters.

WONDERFUL UPDATE.

will wait for more .....

_________________________________________________________________

i have also updated previously left chapters.

ASSAULTED

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/151168306?tid=5111865

5) TIP TOEING AND A LINGERING QUESTION - UPDATED NOW !

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/151168280?tid=5111865

PLEASE share your views.🥳

Awesome dear I really loved it

Wow i am liking this track

Want to see their work Dynamics

Summer is over— vacay and lazing around is over. And the amazing on top of everything person that I am (feel my sarcasm there?) I had a crap load to finish off before my life goes back to being robotic again. Ugh. Didn’t get a chance to come online much so I feel like I’ve missed out on so much.

Read the last three chapters in one go. And as always I loved it. I so so so wish the writers would have taken the shows story in the direction you have. So many things would have been justified without creating awkward and linkless situation. I am missing JaBir so bad. I can’t concentrate on anything. Your FF are my life savers now. Like literally!

I like how your JaBir are so mature and understanding- especially Kabir. He did not think Pooja was some road side slu* when she went to him to the first night at the hotel in Canada. He stopped her to understand why she was and what made her so out of her senses? He prodded and got the deets out. Smart cookie he is. Love him!

The last chapter was hilarious! I love “jealous” boyfriend/ lovers type situations. I dig for it—I’m so sadists sometimes. Haha

I’ll write more soon.. waiting for your next chapter. Lots of love and hugs babes 😘