Akdha SS - Where Passions Collide - Update Part 3 11/08/2025 - Page 3

Please update soon

Originally posted by: ParijatDeewani

Damn! What a beautiful update!! I loved every bit of it. Jalal and Jodha are both holding back and wanting to go for it at the same time❤️☺️Please please continue soon…can’t wait 😂

Thanks a lot ❤️. They can't or don't want to recognise what is happening to them.

Originally posted by: Fillowship

Oh !!! So beautiful

Thanks for the tag dear

Thank you

Welcome

Originally posted by: JlovesJ

Such an exciting chapter this is 🥰

Them trying to figure out what is between them and their exchange of words to each other was beautifully written❤️

🌸🌸🌸

Thank you so much Choti

They don't really understand what is happening between them

Originally posted by: ParijatDeewani

Please update soon

Will try to update soon

Part 3

The Exhibition

Themessage had been read but not answered. “Edges keep things sharp, Mr. Khan.”The last thing she typed. And since then… silence. Part of her had expected himto answer something, anything. He hadn't. So, she shoved it away. Businessdidn’t pause for ambiguity. And neither did Amber Spices. In the following daysshe threw herself into preparations for participation in Bangalore’s exhibitiongrainTech India, India's largest technology exhibition for flour, rice, pulses,spices, food and processing technology. It was the first time Amer Spices tookpart in such a big fair. But after the success on social media, Jodha saw thisas a great opportunity to expand and to increase the level of awareness of AmerSpices. Final samples for the luxury line and new spice blends were composed.Mahir had created new labels and an appealing design for the trade fair stand.The flights were booked, and everything was loaded onto a large truck, whichtook everything to Bangalore.

Jodhaand her father arrived the day before the fair opened and checked into thehotel. Mahir was yet on site and had already set up the fair stand togetherwith some workers. She had visited the stand and had helped with the set-up.She draped colourful cloths and put the items from her luxury line in the rightlight. Now it was time to go to the opening.

Jodhawas waiting at the hotel lobby. She plucked at her multicoloured traditional scarf,which she had thrown loosely over her shoulder, once again. She clutched herbeloved worn leather folder tightly to her chest as the elevator doors opened.Her father stepped out, crisp in a white and beige kurta-pajama, Mahir trailingbehind him.

“Beta,”her father said, smiling as he approached. “You’ve turned Amer Spices intosomething people stop and speak about. Even here, in the south.”

Jodhalifted a brow playfully. “Credits go to Mahir only. We wouldn't have got thisfar without him and his commitment to social media. “

“You’reright. You both modernized without selling out, in an aesthetic way. Scaledwithout losing your roots. It’s not easy.”

Shelooked at him touched. “Thank you, Papa.” Mahir only smiled brightly.

“Istill remember you as a little girl, grinding gloves with your dadi in thecourtyard,” he continued. “Now you’re presenting at India’s largest exhibition.Your dada-dadi would’ve been proud.”

Jodhasmiled softly. “I hope they would.”

Mahirleaned in, mock whispering, “They definitely would. Also, I think your standsmells better than entire Hall A.”

Herfather chuckled. “Come. Let’s show Bangalore what Amer Spices is made of.”

Asthey walked out into the sunlit street to a taxi, he added gently: “No matterwhat else happens at this exhibition… business leads, media coverage, whatever,remember Jodha: the real success is how you carry yourself.”

“Iwon’t forget.”

Touchingher head with his palm he blessed her, then turned to Mahir. “Keep her fromgetting into debates with potential clients.”

Mahirwinked. “No promises.”

Andwith that the three of them got into a taxi in the direction of the exhibition.

grainTech Bangalore – Day One
Hall A
The hall pulsedwith energy. Banners floated overhead, each stand gleaming under LEDspotlights, promising smarter food futures. “Empowering Food Tech”, “SustainabilityThrough Technology”, “Grain, Ground, Global”.

Jodhastood beneath the soft golden arch of her Amer Spices stall. A deliberatecontrast to the steel-and-chrome excess around her. It was a feast of coloursand for the senses. Earthy fabrics draped the counters, terracotta bowlscradled deep amber turmeric, scarlet chilies and warm toasted cumin. The airwas heavy with scent. Not aggressive, just quietly persuasive. In one cornerabove some rustic sacks Mahir's videos ran in a continuous loop on a big flatscreen. The grainy one with the grinder and Jodha's hands, a wide view over thehaveli and the courtyard with rustic sacks and drying spices, jars of spices,the old stone mills and workers grinding the spices by hand. Her exhibitiontaglines in gold script: “Tradition Refined, Spice Reimagined”. She’ddressed accordingly. Business elegance with traditional touch. Crisp creamlinen kurta and matching heels. Her hair tied back in a coiled braid and jhumkecompleted her elegant look. Controlled and poised. More and more prospectivecustomers entered their stand and Jodha and her father were busy advisingcustomers while Mahir took orders.

Hall C
Jalal’s cryogenicgrinder display attracted many suited visitors. Jalal spoke sparingly, let thedemo screens for almost all goods and the results speak for themselves. Hisemployees answered patiently all the questions for which goods the grinder wassuitable. His grinder was refined, pure technology.

Jalalwatched a man with silver hair and a grey suit who was fascinated by the demoof cold-pressed chillies. “This is excellent,” the man murmured in accentedEnglish.

“MayI help you?” asked Jalal politely.

“Thisgrinder is fascinating. I wonder if it can also be used to crush lavender.According to this demo, all the fragrances are retained. It is about thepreparation of essential oils in perfume production and the lavender may onlybe very lightly crushed, not pulverised. It should be used to produce essentialoil for perfume production. Is there a possibility that this grinder can dothis? “

“Sure,Sir. The degree of grinding or shredding can be adjusted exactly to yourrequirements. The AI sensor recognises any deviation and automaticallyreadjusts immediately. This avoids most rejects. The cold temperaturesguarantee the preservation of the highest flavour. Perfect for your purposes.”

“Magnifique!Could we do a test here on site?"

“Mycompany is based in Agra. If your time permits, we can arrange an appointmentafter the fair. I can order lavender, and you can see the quality for yourselfon site.”

“Oh,you are the owner of Khan Engineering?”

"Yes,Jalal Khan. And you Mr.?

“MonsieurDubois from the perfume brand Lavande Lumière from Provence.”

“Ah,Monsieur Dubois, may I welcome you to Agra for a test?”

"Byall means. The day after the fair? Is that possible?"

"Ofcourse, you’re welcome. Give me your contact details and I'll send youeverything you need to know."

"Merci,Mr. Khan. Fragrances and ethereal oils are a feast for the senses. But tell me.Have you visited the spice stand in Hall A? That's where I became aware of yourmachine. The aroma there… Mon Dieu! I thought I had stepped into Kerala,Rajasthan and my grandmother’s kitchen all at once.”

Jalal’sbrow lifted. “No,” he said simply. “I haven’t left this hall.”

“Youmust not miss it. They use your machine for industry.” The man leaned inconspiratorially. “Amer Spices. Unbelievable blend of heritage and refinement.I don’t usually say this at tech fairs, but that stand has soul. Smart hybridbranding. Whoever’s behind it, they understand the market. See you in Agra, Mr.Khan.”

Jalalturned back to the screen. But his mind was no longer on particle retention or AIsensors. Without a word, he excused himself briefly from the team.

Thearoma hit him, before he could see the stand. Warm and layered. Jalal walkedslowly and stood finally before Amer Spices. Golden script. Earth-tone fabrics,real spices, not mock-ups.

Andthere, Jodha stood at the centre. Cream kurta, traditional shawl, her hair in aneatly coiled braid, calmly directing the flow of inquiries from buyers, chefsand curious investors with her father. Jalal was lost in her as her fatherturned.

“Jalal!”A warm genuine smile. “Well, this is a good surprise.”

RatanSingh Shekhawat stepped forward and extended his hand. His voice carried thesame warmth Jalal noticed that evening in Amer.

“You’rehere with Khan Engineering?” Ratan Singh asked as he shook his hand.

Jalalnodded. “Precision grinders. Stand C7. We’re making less this noise this year,but sharper dust.”

RatanSingh chuckled. “I’ve no doubt. We’ve had a dozen food engineers ask about yourgrinder. Jodha’s buyers keep mentioning the consistency in her new line.” Heleaned in slightly. “She won’t admit it, but your machine did impress her.”

Jalalflicked his gaze toward Jodha. She was speaking with a contributor. “She hadn’tsaid much at all,” Jalal murmured.

RatanSingh smiled knowingly. “That means she’s thinking.”

Beforehe could reply, Jodha turned toward them. Her voice was polite, professional.

“Mr.Khan.”

“MissShekhawat,” he returned equally composed.

RatanSingh looked between them, amused by the visible restraint.

“Youboth make it sound like you’re meeting for the first time.”

Jodhagave a small smile. “Just setting the tone.”

Jalallet that sit. His eyes flickered to her sign. “Grinded with CryoPrecisionTMfor industrial use.” And next to it another label in elegant calligraphy: “LuxuryHand-Grounded Line – Amer Heritage Reserve.”

“You’rerunning both lines,” he observed.

“Nothingbeats manual labour. You can't lump all spices together, can you? But thequality of the grinder speaks for itself. I only use tools that work."

“Seemsyour edges are still intact.”

Sheblushed lightly and smiled coldly. “They serve their purpose.”

Somethingin his jaw flexed. “Didn’t think you’d be at grainTech.”

“Didn’tthink you’d watching my social media account.”

Abeat! He glanced over her layout. “Your stand smells like home.”

“Yourssmells like machinery oil.”

Anotherbeat! Jalal laughed. Just once. Low. A flicker of something unguarded threadedthrough it.

Herlips twitched. Almost.

Justthere a few people approached. Ratan Singh stepped aside to let Jodha handlethem but leaned once more to Jalal. “You know,“ he said quietly, “you’re alwayswelcome to stop by Amer again. The introduction to the world of spices is stillpending.”

Jalallooked after Jodha for another moment. She hadn’t avoided him. But she hadn’twelcomed him either. “I definitely will, Mr. Shekhawat.” He bid farewell toRatan Singh and went back to his stand.

WhenJodha looked back. Jalal was gone. He hadn’t stayed.

grainTech, Bangalore - Last Day

Jalalhadn’t gone back to her stand. He focussed on numbers, calibration demos andAI-driven software. And now it was the last afternoon. Stands being packed.Vendors exchanging leftover samples. An undercurrent of endings and exhaustion.He stood alone at his stand, watching his team fold up the last of the grinderdisplays. His order books were filled, flight already booked. He could leave.But instead, he found his feet moving towards Hall A.

Jodhahas just dismissed a British buyer who wanted to know whether her cardamom was “trulyhand-sorted or just aesthetically marketed”. She smiled with teeth, and heretreated finally. Mahir was off filming the last b-roll. Almost all spice jarswere already being packed. She reached for a tray of saffron samples. Andpaused… he was there! Again. She didn’t straighten immediately. Let the momentstretch. Then, without looking up: “Ran out of steel and sensors?”

“Justchecking if the saffron was real.”

Shelifted her gaze slowly. “It always was.”

Henodded. “Didn’t doubt it.”

“Andyet you came to verify?”

Hesmiled faintly. “Could say the same about you.”

Theireyes locked. No sharp barbs this time. No ironically drawn lines.

“Leavingtonight?” she asked finally.

“Midnight.”

“Backto steal and systems.”

Hegave a low chuckle and nodded. “Back to specs and silence.”

“Shenodded. “Safe travels, Mr. Khan.”

Hepaused. And then, softly, “Jodha.”

Silence.Her name lingered in the space between them. She didn’t answer. Then he gave asmall nod and turned. He didn’t look back. And yet the scent followed him.

Beforeshe could gather herself, another voice slid into the silence.

“Youdidn’t tell me.”

Sheturned. Rajeev Malhotra. Her childhood friend. His family had been close tohers for decades. He’d grown up orbiting Amer Spices, showing up at Holi, Diwaliand other occasions. Lately his visits felt different. Eyes lingering longer onher, his tone warmer than necessary. And now sharper.

“Younever told me about him,” Rajeev said quietly.

Jodha’sexpression didn’t shift. “Who?”

“JalalKhan,” Rajeev said with low voice. “The engineer behind the famous cryogenic grinder.You know how many clients have been after his specifications.”

Shefolded a cloth slowly over a sample jar. “Showing up unannounced at the lastminute? What are you doing here at grainTech? Are you going to infuse your fabrics with turmeric?”

Ignoringher questions, Rajeev’s smile was thin. “Jodha, we’ve known each other foryears. I’ve seen the way your family runs things. I know your history. Youremember Karan, don’t you?”

Jodha’seyes flickered. A brief shadow flew over her face.

Rajeev’svoice softened. “I’m not here to reopen old wounds. But I’ve seen what peoplelike Karan do. How they left chaos behind and disappear. You don’t deservethat.”

Shemet his gaze, steady and unreadable.

Rajeevcontinued. “Since you bought this grinder, Amer Spices has attracted moreattention. Some of it isn’t clean. People want in and not just the usualcompetitors. You have to be careful who let you close.”

Jodhaarched a brow. Rajeev’s comments made her uncomfortable and she didn’t likethem either. “What do you mean? What do you think about Mr. Khan?”

Rajeevdidn’t flinch. “I’m saying you deserve better than being someone’s pawn. Youdeserve loyalty not strategy.”

Herlips pressed to a line. “It’s business, Rajeev!”

Rajeevtook a step back, low voice, the warmth returning. “I care, Jodha. More thanjust business.”

Unpleasantlytouched she looked away. Toward the empty aisle, where Jalal had stood.

Rajeevgave her a final unreadable glance and walked away. Jodha stood motionless. Butinside something stirred. Not confusion. Not fear. Something more dangerous.Doubt.

Jodhastood furthermore unmoved beside the saffron tray. Mahir appeared at her sidewith a bottle of water and a raised eyebrow.

“Whywas Rajeev here? What did he want?”

“Oh,nothing special. He congratulated us on our success.”

“Andthat’s why he comes to this fair? Doesn't look like it.”

“Mahir,let it be!” Her voice was sharp.

“Youdo realize I’ve seen this movie, right?”

“What?”she asked confused. “Which one would that be?”

“Theone where the tall brooding guy walks in at the last minute, says somethingcryptic, and walks away with unresolved tension trailing behind like dramaticmusic.”

“Therewas no music.”

Mahirgrinned. “There never is. That’s what makes it worse.”

Shegave him a side glance. “You’re reading too much into a five-minute exchange.”

Mahirmocked a shrug. “Sure. Just like you read nothing into the fact that someonedidn’t come near our stand for two days… and then did. Also, the way he scannedour stand like he was searching for more than spice jars.”

Jodhapicked up a wrapped jar of garam masala and slid it into a crate with too muchprecision. ”Whatever it was, it’s done. He leaves tonight.”

“Yeah.But tell me, why does five minutes with him look like it’s rattled you morethan Rajeev’s visit?”

Shefroze.

“You’vebe different, Didi. Since the grinder. Since him. Not weaker, just… open inplaces you never let be touched since Karan.”

Shedidn’t respond.

“Justdon’t confuse distance for safety.”

Jodhafinally looked at him. “And don’t confuse charm for character.”

Hegave a small nod. “Still… I saw how he looked at you.”

“Mahir!”

Hesmirked again. “Okay, okay. I’ll shut up. But for the record. Some edges aren’tmeant to keep people out. Some are just… waiting to soften.

Mahir'swords hit her with force. “Edges keep things sharp Mr. Khan.” Are theywaiting to sharpen or to soften?

Flight back to Jaipur

Thecity lights of Bangalore dwindled below her like scattered sparks on darkvelvet. Clouds brushed the wing in gentle grey streaks. Jodha’s thoughts werelouder than the steady hum of the plane’s engines. She should have felt relief.The fair was over. Her orders had doubled. The luxury line had drawn interestfrom high-end retailers. Amer Spices was no longer a whisper. She had receivedinterview requests from The Economic Herald and WEI360. Participating in thegrainTech exhibition presented her with new challenges. And yet… Her mindrefused to settle. Jalal’s face hovered in the silence behind her eyes. The wayhe’d said her name. Stripped of irony, laced with something unreadable. Notsoft, not sharp. Just… honest. She hated that it stayed with her. Hated more, thatshe didn’t know why. Was it interest? Respect or mere calculation? He was a manused to women, who smiled easily at him on business trips and faded from memoryafter. She heard the rumours. Jalal Khan. Brilliant, focused and after all anattractive, rich bachelor. Accompanied by different names at different galas.And yet, he hadn’t flirted. Not really. He’d teased, yes. Matched her sharptongue and held her gaze too long. But never crossed into territory that madeher feel cheapened or cornered. It made him harder to place. And harder toignore. She closed her eyes and leaned back. Her mind flashed back to theterrace in Amer. The jolts that shot through her when their hands brushed.Neither had spoken of it. But something had shifted then. Rajeev’s words cameto her mind. Echoing with an unmistakable undertone. Not exactly jealousy, butsomething protective, that masked possession. She liked Rajeev. He was a steadypresence in her life. He knows all about her family and her. But lately hisvisits lingered longer. His compliments edged towards something else. And nowhis appearance at the fair… There was kindness in him. But he wanted more.More, that she couldn’t give him. She felt uncomfortable when he made advancestowards her and she felt annoyed by his possessiveness. After all he was a goodfriend. No more and no less. She sighed deeply. Still, his warning gnawed ather. Jalal Khan he’d said, didn’t belong to their world. Men like him enteredto disrupt and then vanished. She didn’t know what stung more. The implicationor the suspicion that Rajeev wasn’t entirely wrong. And now? Was Jalal curious?Was she? Did he see her as a woman worth knowing? Or did he see her, AmerSpices, as a challenge to acquire for his own benefit? Her fingers curledslightly. She had trusted once. And paid dearly for it. She wouldn’t do itagain just because someone knew how to look at her. But… The way he hadn’t lookback today. The way he walked away, not needing the last word. That unsettledher more than any witty reply. She opened her eyes and looked to the inky nightoutside the window. The stars blinked cold and distant. Her chest was taut withtension of wanting answers and dreading them. She told herself it was alledges. Sharp and necessary. But even edges could cut. And this, whatever thiswas between them, it wasn’t spice. It was smoke. And she wasn’t sure yet whatwas burning.

Somewhere over Central India

Jalalsat back in his seat. The hum of the plane strangely aligned with the rhythm inhis chest. Clam, but restless. His team had been efficient to the end. Ordersexceed projections. One of the Japanese delegates even asked for a licensingpartnership. By all measures, the fair had been a success. But… He hadn’t goneback to her stand for the duration of the fair. Had buried himself incalibration demos and AI-driven software. Until the last day. The final hour.He hadn’t planned. Not really. But his feet had moved before logic caught up. Towardthe saffron trays and that golden arch that smelled like memory. She’d sensedhim before she looked. “Ran out of steel and sensors?” she’d said.Maddeningly calm. He could still hear her words. Still see the way her handshovered over the glass tray before she looked up. She hadn’t smiled. But hereyes had softened for a moment and that was worse. That stayed. The way shesaid, “Safe travels, Mr. Khan.” And then stillness when he simply saidher name. Not as a challenge. Not as a game. Just “Jodha”. The silencebetween them was louder than anything else in that bustling hall. He’d walkedaway. It was the right thing. But he hadn’t look back. Not because he didn’twant to. But because if he had, he might have stayed. He exhaled slowly. Thesmell of her spices still lingered somewhere in the folds of his jacket. Ormaybe it was just in his head. Edges, she had said once, keep things sharp. Hewasn’t sure anymore if she was warning him or herself. The seatbelt lightflickered on. Landing in short. Back to specs, back to silence. But somethinghad shifted, and he wasn’t sure the steel in him could hold it.

Beautiful Update

Waiting for this Karan's story to unfold!

update soon ...