The Relation

All the characters referred to in the below blog are fictitious and bear no resemblance with anyone living or dead whatsoever. Any co-incidence is purely co-incidental and unintentional.

For first time readers, please refer to the post, “The Dinner” for continuity.

Her mom had noticed the smile and the shine in her face. She was happy and grew wary at the same time. Time and again she had seen gory incidences of teenage couples splitting up on stupid issues and causing grave and at times irreparable losses to their lives, careers, mental peace and spiritual happiness. Being a relationships counselor such problems were a daily occurrence to her. But she knew Jahnavi, her daughter, her darling and her SON and was just waiting for the right moment to talk to her.

Jahnavi, on the other hand, was very happy. Her first date and that too with a moron. She was indeed happy, happy about the dinner, Pooja’s background, and more importantly, Jignesh’s company. Such a sweet memory. Little did the poor soul know what awaited her? Our hero, Jignesh was also no less ecstatic. He had been waiting for this meeting since ages he felt. He seemed like travelling in a desert, alone, tired, worn out, thirsty and suddenly cited an oasis and later reveled to know that it was not a mirage, it was an actual water body which not only quenched his thirst, but rejuvenated him for the arduous journey ahead.

In the morning she got up, got ready and went to the breakfast table. Her mom had been waiting for her.

Mom: “Hi sweetheart, how is my darling doing?”
She smiles, her mother was like her world to her, as her father was busy with his business he did not get much time to devote to family except for on holidays, if he is not travelling.
Jahnavi: “I am fine mom.”
Mom: “So how was the party yesterday?”

Jahnavi forgot she had put up an excuse of going to a classmate’s birthday party. Though her mom was not very supportive of the modern urban fast life, she never was too strict and had given Jahnavi her own space and freedom to blossom and prosper, so she was not very inquisitive about who the friend is and other informative details. So when Jahnavi told her about the party she was not very enquiring. But now, Jahnavi had forgotten about the excuse, she was still lost in the reverie of the DINNER.

Jahnavi: “Oh it was fantastic mom.”
Mom: “So how old have your friend turned up?”
Jahnavi: “Which friend?”
She froze. Immediately she realized the blunder she had just committed and was not sure whether her mom had actually caught her or not. She had. But she was a better player than her daughter. Jahnavi tried some damage control.

Jahnavi: “Mom we did not want to embarrass her on her day, so just did not ask. I am done with breakfast. Getting late, have to rush. See you in the evening.”

She gasped for breath. She cursed herself for being so involved in Jignesh’s thought that she did not realize goofing up the whole thing. But she slowly recuperated that probably her mom has already caught her and wanted her to disclose. But she was not yet ready to disclose. She decided to postpone the matter. Right now she had only one thought on her mind, Jignesh. Oh really, not really, she had Pooja also in her mind. She felt like giving the girl a piece of her mind.

But then another thought crossed her mind and that was not so pleasant. Although Jignesh had expressed his pleasure to be in Jahnavi’s company and had also cared for her to call her from Delhi, she was yet not sure of his feelings for her and how seriously he considered this relationship, and moreover with Pooja being around she felt a little bit insecure as well. She treasured Jignesh very much and was not willing to lose on him.

Beep goes her cell. Jignesh’s text.
“Hi, where are you?”

The name of the sender was more than enough to make her smile, blush and flush at the same moment. She was again beaming. She replied.
“Coming, on the way. Learn to have some patience” She was happy teasing him. But Jignesh was looking for her. Just when Pooja called him from the back.

Pooja: “Hi Jignesh, how are you?”
This was the least he had expected. Already he despised her presence as that used to remind him about his work being shared. Being the only child sharing came to him with a price. However, he composed himself to answer.
Jignesh: “I am fine. How are you?”
Pooja smiles.
Pooja: “I am fine.”
Jignesh: “I have some work. Will see you later.”

Hurriedly he left towards the library. Jahnavi had seen him leaving. She was wondering, what might be the nature of conversation between them and did Jignesh see her before leaving. She was not sure of this. Anyways she found herself drifting towards the library. Pooja was not sure as to why Jignesh avoided her. Being a smart and beautiful girl, she had never experienced boys avoiding her. This all the more aggravated her curiosity and wanted to know as to why Jignesh avoided her? Was there someone already in his life? Or was he doing all this just to make her beat around the bush for him? If there is someone already in his life, then this stupid fellow does not know, he is missing something not worth losing? These thoughts were enough for her to follow him. She knew it could only be one place where he was to be found – The Library. So she maneuvers herself towards the temple of knowledge. And she is aghast at what she sees. Jignesh talking to a girl. She could no longer stand it. She places herself in such a position wherein she can overhear the conversation without being noticed.

Jignesh and Jahnavi were busy in themselves bothering the least about others. They were talking, laughing and having a gala time together.

Jahnavi: “You know, I think mom has come to know that I did not attend a birthday party yesterday. She asked me the age of the friend and I was so engrossed in yesterday’s dinner that I just told, ‘Which friend’ and I immediately realized the blunder I had committed and ran from there.”
Jignesh was laughing his lungs out. Jahnavi saw him laughing in such a manner for the first time and fell all over for his laughter and so was falling Pooja. She could hardly stand Jahnavi there. Somehow he contained his laughter and spoke.
Jignesh: “I was also very restless since the evening. I just want to tell you Jahnavi, you looked awesome in that dress. I was just thinking about you ever since. Made a blunder at the breakfast table as well.”

The words made her day. I just want to tell you Jahnavi, you looked awesome in that dress. What more could she ask for? Had been waiting to hear this since ages. And now there was more she was waiting to hear, the blunder. She thought, it is high time he has not given a performance.

Jahnavi: “What happened in the morning?”
Jignesh: “Well, I was lost in the thoughts of the evening and was applying butter on the lid of the butter can, rather than the bread. I did not realize till my mom told, ‘Breads are yet soft my dear, do you mind concentrating on your breakfast.’ I just realized what had I been up to and just grinned. Then I left, saying I am still tired by the journey.”

Both of them started laughing. Then they realized, they had been talking for quite some time and became conscious again. Slowly the laughter subsided and both of them gave each other a look with a smile. Amazon forest was already on fire; Pooja was burning seeing all this.

Jignesh: “I have some work in the library, I will see you later.”
Jahnavi: “OK, see you.”

Jignesh was now no longer alone. She was with him all the time. But now he was a bit tensed. He was in a dilemma. He was feeling good talking to her. More than that what was more enjoying today was his ability to tell her that he had liked her in the evening and also about his breakfast blunder. Slowly he realized, he was opening up to her. He found himself betraying his personality. He was surprised, how he could speak so much in front of Jahnavi. He realized he was changing. Whether the change was good for him was not known to him, but he definitely enjoyed in her company and was also feeling good telling her about his feelings.

Jahnavi, on the other hand, was engrossed in a plethora of thoughts. On one hand, she was at cloud nine for seeing a caring, sharing and sensitive Jignesh for the first time. She had been living to see this facet of his. But one thing definitely bothered her. And the most surprising aspect of this botheration was that she had confidence in Jignesh but not on herself and definitely not on Pooja. She knew it could be only a Hi-Hello meeting, but could not ask this to Jignesh. What if he is upset, what if he sees the lack of trust? Moreover she thought Jignesh would tell her by himself.

Pooja was restless by now. Whatever she heard, was least expected by her. She could never think even in her wildest dreams that a moron like Jignesh would have the guts and ability to woo a girl like Jahnavi for a dinner. All the while she was disturbed as to how it could possibly happen. Now she could very well relate those phone calls of Jignesh. Given his image, she thought he is calling his mother from Delhi, but now the revelation was uplifted. He used to talk to Jahnavi. She was feeling very dejected. She had been approached by guys many times, but she had liked none and nothing went beyond a little flirting. But she had liked Jignesh from day one and now she saw him being taken away by Jahnavi. She was in a fix, what to do.

The day got over and they met again at the coffee table and were lost once more. Pooja noticed them and walked away silently.

The Dinner

All the characters referred to in the below blog are fictitious and bear no resemblance with anyone living or dead whatsoever. Any co-incidence is purely co-incidental and unintentional.

For first time readers, please refer to the post, “The Call” for continuity.

The plane touched down Mumbai airport at 6:00 PM. It had been a long flight for both Jignesh and Jahnavi. She was waiting for his call that he has arrived and then she wanted to tell him that she will be waiting for him at “The Paradise” hotel. Jignesh was silent in the whole flight, just sat closing his eyes, thinking about Jahnavi and wondering if she would agree for the dinner or not. Pooja noticed him deeply engrossed. She had tried to talk to him in the airport but he was not much entertaining, and so she thought, he was tired, but of late she was slowly realizing that he is deeply involved in some thoughts. Maybe someone. She guessed. And then ruled out the possibility, What bullshit, she thought. After finishing the airport formalities, the first thing Jignesh did was to call up Jahnavi.

He must have boarded the plane. He must have had his lunch properly. He must be talking to Pooja. She must be trying to talk more to him, as he will not talk. Idiot is a moron and will ever remain so. Stupid, Idiot, Donkey, Monkey, Fool. Did not even tell me about Pooja, or his paper, or its selection, or his trip. All he could tell about was Sid. Who wants to know about him?

Tring Tring.

And her cell blows away to glory. She sees the number and beams with joy.

Jignesh: “Hi, I am back. How are you?”

Jahnavi: “Oh Jignesh, I am fine, how was your journey?”

Jignesh: “Pretty well. What is your…...?”

Just at that moment, Pooja motioned to him that she was leaving.

Jignesh: “Yeah, bye. See you later.”

Jahnavi: “What!!!”

Jignesh: “Hey nothing, I was just saying bye to Pooja. What is your plan in the evening? If you are free, we can meet up for dinner.”

Jahnavi was boiling. Already the thought of a girl with him since the past three days had disturbed her, and now to add fuel to the fire, he was bidding her bye-bye while talking to her. She felt like putting some excuse, but that would mean lying as she had been waiting for the dinner. She could not. She agreed.

Jahnavi: “I guess we can meet. Tell me where do you want me to meet?”

Jignesh: “Hotel Paradise, 7:30 PM? Sounds music?”

Jahnavi smiles and is taken aback at the same time. How did he know?

Jahnavi: “Sure, I will be there.”

Jignesh: “On time, I assume.”

Smiles and hangs up. Jahnavi was doubly surprised. Is this the same moron she had seen here? For the first time ever she had seen him in a little mischievous spirit and liked it very much. She wore light Pink Salwaar Kameez, put up slight lipstick (pink), a little lip gloss, a little eye shadow, a bit of mashkaara, a pinch of foundation, a small bindi, her watch, a yellowish-orange double shaded chunni, flats and started off. Jignesh put on a Black Shirt and Blue Denim, his watch, shoes and walked off taking his wallet with him. Both of them were very excited. Made some stupid cooked up story to account for not having dinner at home and set off to dash into each other.

It is 7: 30 PM. Jignesh is waiting. She lands up at 7: 45 PM. Jignesh is taken aback seeing her. He had never seen her so beautiful. He wanted to reprimand her for being 15 minutes late, but her beauty compensated for everything. He fell in love with her all over again and thanked Sid again.

Jahnavi: “Hi.” Her tone was soft and she was a bit nervous and shy.

Jignesh: “Hi.” His tone was full of romance and life. He felt like dancing with her.

Jignesh: “Ummm shall we?” He led the way. Both of them seated at a cozy corner 2 seater table.

Now both of them were in a fix. In spite of having a plethora of topics to talk upon, they were not sure, where to start, how to start, what to start? Jahnavi knew very well, today she needs to forget that she is a girl; she will have to take the lead, as the moron is a useless waste material with absolute purity. No mixture.

Jignesh: “You are looking very beautiful today. I could never imagine you can look so good.”

She melted. She was not prepared for this. Since the last two days she has been getting one after another surprises, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. She gathered herself and spoke.

Jahnavi: “Thanks.”

This was all she could say. She somehow wanted to start the topic of Pooja, how did he meet her? How did they become teammates? And most importantly, how close had they grown? But she was not feeling very comfortable; she could not understand the reason for it. Everything looked so nice. She was dining with him. She had also noticed the stare he was giving her. Not for a second could he remove his eyes off her. Also the glare and the warmth in his vision were not alien to her.

Jignesh, on the other hand, was totally oblivious to her objection regarding Pooja. He was more concerned regarding Sid, though he had a slight inkling, she has accepted it, as otherwise she would not have entertained his messages, call and dinner proposal. He too thought to start the topic but was somehow not feeling comfortable as he was stunned with her beauty today and was also aware that probably she is aware of this, but he knew things had to move forward.

Waiter: “Order, sir.”

Hurriedly they finished off giving him orders. It was just a necessary disturbance to them; none of them was interested in the menu. They were far too engrossed with things tastier than food, at least for today’s evening. She smiled. He basked in glory and gave slight grin. His dimples appeared. She felt awesome. Oh my God he is so cute and his dimples, I love them. She fell for his smile.

Jignesh: “Hey you know, we won the contest there.”

Jahnavi was jolted out. Aah, this stupid moron, what better can be expected of him? She thought. Now she had no other choice but to participate with him in the boring discussion. So she did.

Jahnavi: “Oh that is great. So where is my treat?”

Jignesh: “We have not met to discuss the agenda for our next meeting. This is the treat. And this is a special one for you. Only you.”

Jahnavi felt ridiculed at the stupid question of hers. And then Only you had made her evening, she did not need anything more.

Jahnavi: “Then you should be ideally celebrating that with Pooja; you see she worked with you on the project.”

Jignesh was surprised. He was not prepared for this. But life is not an easy test. He answered.

Jignesh: “Pooja? Well I never wanted to share my success with her. She is some relative of the principal and he had insisted me to take her. All work was mine. Had to include her at the last moment. Not only had to share credit with her, also had to explain to her the concept and then help her prepare for the presentation. That was the reason I could not even meet you on the day of leaving, as I was engaged in explaining my paper to her in the Library.”

Probably most of the questions bothering Jahnavi had been answered. This revelation also explained why Pooja was never mentioned to her, as there was no Pooja ever. She felt bad for cursing her Jiggu for this and cursed Pooja like hell. Later. She thought. But now she was happy. Not only that Jignesh had not concealed anything from her, but he was also unhappy that Pooja had been dropped on him. She felt bad for Jignesh as his credit was divided now and she also knew that Jignesh will never declare this in public that the paper was solely and entirely his efforts and Pooja had nothing to do with it.

Jignesh: “But this is just revealed to you. Even Sid is not aware of this. So be very careful. Everybody is under the impression that we worked independently and parallely on this and then clubbed at the behest of the principal.”

Jahnavi: “Don’t worry about it. No one will get to know the truth. I know it is harmful for you as well.”

Both of them were feeling better now. They talked about many things, the rest of the evening, whilst during the dinner and then the walk, post dinner. Jignesh dropped her home, bade her goodnight and left. Jahnavi kept watching him for a few minutes, when her mom jolted her out of the reverie.

Mom: “If your show is over, we might walk in.”

Jahnavi was shocked.

Jahnavi: “Yes mom.”

She ran straight into her room. It is time to talk to her now, her mom thought.

The Call

All the characters referred to in the below blog are fictitious and bear no resemblance with anyone living or dead whatsoever. Any co-incidence is purely co-incidental and unintentional.

For first time readers, please refer to the post, “The Separation” for continuity.

Jignesh was preparing to leave for the airport when his cell beeped. He had got a message.

All the best, when is your presentation?

Jahnavi had wished him. He replied.

Thanks for the wishes. Reach there tonight. Presentation is in two stages. Tomorrow afternoon and the morning of the day after tomorrow.

Then he left for the airport and all this while he was just thinking about Jahnavi and realized how badly he missed her. He regretted for not getting a minute to talk to her throughout the day. He had really put in a lot to prepare his paper and had truly hoped and wished for his paper to be selected, but today when his paper was actually selected he was feeling more dejected for missing Jahnavi than feeling ecstatic for having achieved the feat. Now he wanted time to flyby and he could go and talk to Jahnavi.

On the other hand, the situation of Jahnavi was also no less perturbed as she was also missing Jignesh like anything. Though she was aware, there was a lot to be discussed between them, but these short messages meant a lot to her. She was surprisingly feeling much better than how she was feeling after just talking to Sid. And again beep goes her cell. Saakshi had texted.

Need some big help. Tell me what you can do.

Reading that, Jahnavi suddenly realized that she was going a bit slow in her studies, now that Jignesh is not around for three days, she can probably make it up by studying. Also she thought going over to Saakshi’s place she can study well, for Jignesh won’t let her study in her own room. He used to get very naughty inside the room. She loved it and despised at the same time. So she went over to her place and spent the night there only.

Next day was hell in college. Jignesh was not there in the college. She missed him at the breakfast table, during lunch break and all throughout the day. Similarly Jignesh too missed her in the breakfast. He told his project mate that he did not feel like having breakfast, but she insisted saying that they will sit through the presentations and required to be attentive as well, so they better eat something and go. Being an ardent student of biology, this was not Greek-Latin to Jignesh but he had other reasons for not having breakfast which he will not be able to explain to Pooja, his project-mate. Finally he had the breakfast thinking about Jahnavi and after that entered the hall where the presentations were going on and they sat through them, some were interesting, some were boring. Jignesh was struggling to concentrate. Their turn was to come up after lunch. After they finished their today’s part of the presentation, they headed towards the canteen to have tea.

Jignesh: “Hey you just order something; I will join you in a moment.”
Pooja: “OK.”

Tring Tring
She was so engrossed in Jignesh’s thoughts that she did not even bother to see who is calling and received the call dispassionately.

Jignesh: “Hi.”

Jahnavi could not believe her ears.

Jahnavi: “Jignesh!!!! Is that you?”
Jignesh: “Yeah it is me. How are you?”

Someone had injected life into her. Her face started beaming with happiness. Excitement overpowered her, poor girl, barely could she speak.

Jahnavi: “I am fine, how about you? How was the presentation? Did you have anything? Did you sleep properly?”

Jignesh smiled. The moment she would start showering so many questions he would understand that she is too happy and now he was also feeling so happy talking to her.

Jignesh: “Hey I am fine here. Presentation was good. We had lunch and now we will have tea. But I could not sleep properly as I was tensed about the presentation. You know I worked hard for it. Let us see how the second session goes tomorrow and then we have the results on the day after tomorrow and same evening we will leave.”

Jignesh was not feeling comfortable lying. He could not sleep as he was thinking about Jahnavi and was missing her. He had also thought of calling her, but discarded the idea.

Jahnavi: “Hmmm. You told me, ‘We had lunch and now we will have tea’. Do you mind elaborating on ‘we’?

Jignesh was confused, why she is asking like this.

Jignesh: “Oh that’s Pooja; we are jointly presenting the paper. I will hang up now. Call you later. Bye and take care.”
Jahnavi: “Bye.”

These revelations were disturbing to her. He is with Pooja there. And I was not even aware that Pooja has been his co-worker on this project. But so what, he remembered to call me. And I am sure there are many things he wants to tell me, just that we are not getting time.

The whirlwind of thoughts continued and the day passed. It is again lunch time the following day. Her cell goes ringing. This time she was sure about the caller. It looked like ages to her since she was waiting for this call.

Jahnavi: “Hello Jignesh, how are you?”

Jignesh sensed something. But he chose not to mention it now. Anyway he was apprehending a long talk with her on returning.

Jignesh: “Hey I am fine. You know the session was brilliant. We handled it so well. Today was the questionnaire round and we faced the brickbats in an awesome manner, to be honest. I am feeling great. Now I do not care about the final results. And how is your college going on?”
Jahnavi: “Nothing much here, just normal college life going on. But I am happy you had a great session there. What time will you reach here tomorrow?”

Jignesh had not ignored the eagerness in her voice and the anxiety with which she was waiting for him to return. He liked it and also did not want to keep her waiting for long.

Jignesh: “We have our flight at 3: 30 pm. So we should touch down Mumbai by evening I guess, if there are no delays in the flight. Hey listen tomorrow I have a packed schedule here and might not get time to call you. Can we meet for dinner?”

Somehow he had gathered all his strength to ask this question and this was the first time he was asking this to a girl and that too without consulting Sid. But then he thought, it is his life after all and Sid cannot take all decisions.

Jahnavi: “Why don’t you give me a call on reaching? Will plan accordingly.”
Jignesh: “OK, bye.”

As usual, he was confused again and the million dollar question making rounds in his mind was, Gosh, was it right on my part to ask her for dinner? We have yet not discussed Sid properly, anyways the arrow has departed from the quiver, cannot be undone. Will handle it on reaching Mumbai. He thought.
Why does he need to use words like WE, OUR? Can’t he say I have my flight at 3: 30 pm. Stupid, idiot. Wait let him come? He needs a good class. Thinking this she blushed and then smiled. Her face was again glowing with joy as Jignesh had asked for a dinner date. She could not believe Jignesh could do this, but was happy that he did and she was also feeling great as she had kept him in dark about her decision. Slowly she realized she loved teasing him. She could comprehend his situation, Will she, won’t she? And this question was really driving the nuts out of Jignesh. Pooja was busy summarizing the day with him but he was lost. Twice she shook him to jolt him out of the reverie. Felt like asking him, but something just stopped her. She liked him, but he had never shown any personal interest in her.

The Separation

All the characters referred to in the below blog are fictitious and bear no resemblance with anyone living or dead whatsoever. Any co-incidence is purely co-incidental and unintentional.

For first time readers, please refer to the post, “The Lightning” for continuity.

Jignesh finished the studies and went home and the first thing he did was to put the cell phone on charging. His dead cell was regaining life and then pops a message. It was from Vodafone. You have 25 missed calls between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Send GET as reply to the message to get the details. Jignesh was pleasantly surprised. He hurriedly replied GET to know the call details. He got a reply back and jumped to his feet knowing that Jahnavi had been frantically trying to contact him. He was feeling ecstatic, and at the same time grew wary of the situation for he was not sure as to why Jahnavi was trying to contact him. May be she was angry with him and as usual Jignesh was confused, but he knew he should not contact Sid this time as now the situation had to be handled as per Jignesh’s and Jahnavi’s understanding. He went to sleep and thought to take up the issue next morning in college.

Jahnavi, on the other hand, had set the Vodafone office on fire in her dreams. Exasperated, with her frantic efforts of trying to reach his cell, she went to sleep but sleep eluded her and then she realized that today she is disturbed as she wants to talk to him, and can talk to him, but is not able to because of technical and logistical constraints, how would it have been for Jignesh who might be so disturbed with the turnout of the day’s events and equally suffocating must have been those nights when he wanted to emote his feelings to her but could not due to some stupid limitations. She did not realize when she fell asleep thinking about her Jiggu.

When they reached college, the following morning, the same thoughts were making rounds in the minds of both. Jignesh was in a fix, whether he should go and talk to her and Jahnavi did not get a chance to speak to him. She spotted Jignesh during the lunch break, and walked straight towards him without wasting a second. But Lady Luck was smarter today. Just when she was about to reach him, a classmate took Jignesh along towards the principal’s cabin. Jahnavi cursed her like hell. She could no longer take the fate since morning, all she wanted was five minutes with Jignesh and she was not getting it.

The day ended and now she was looking for Jignesh, but he was nowhere to be found. She spotted Sid and asked him.

Jahnavi: “Hi Sid.”

Sid was not sure how to face her as he knew Jahnavi was aware now and he still did not know whether Jignesh and Jahnavi had talked or not. Somehow he managed himself and tried to act normal, as if he was not aware of yesterday’s development.

Sid: “Hey Jahnavi, what’s up? How was the day?”

Jahnavi: “Hey I am OK. Day was normal. Yet another day. By the way did you happen to spot Jignesh, I looked around for him, he is not to be seen anywhere.”

Sid: “Oh is it? Let me call him up.”

Jahnavi was so intrigued in looking for Jignesh around the college; she completely missed out calling him up. But it worked fine in a way for Jahnavi as now Sid’s call will be definitely answered; also Sid had noticed her eagerness to talk to Jignesh. This made Sid happy. Jignesh picks up the call.

Sid: “Where are you?”

Jignesh: “I am home, have to leave for Delhi, my paper on ‘Genetics: The unique presence of Mathematics in Biology’ has been selected for presentation at the “National Seminar of Combination Sciences. The principal told me in the lunch break, so I came home, will be leaving in half an hour. If you see Jahnavi, just inform her as I will not be in a position to speak to her, you know.”

Sid: “OK, bye. But when will you be back?”

Jignesh: “3 days.”

They hung up. Sid apprised Jahnavi of the situation. She was shocked beyond limits. Jignesh did not even consider it necessary to tell her about the paper, his supposed journey and then today’s sudden travel. She was hurt very badly. She had not expected this.

Jahnavi: “Don’t you think he should have at least told me that he was supposed to travel. I just don’t understand why do you guys take everything for granted? So what he had taken your help in understanding a girl’s behavior and how to talk to a girl. He could have at least tried to talk to me after that. Like a fool I have been frantically trying to contact him since yesterday evening. Today also I did not get a chance to speak to him and now I come to know that HE has told you to INFORM me. FINE THEN, YOU also inform him that he is going to have a tough time when he comes back in cajoling me. And this time if he takes your help, he be better prepared for a tougher fight. God only knows why you morons carry useless brains with you when have to waste them just like your life.”

She left the place fuming. She was feeling bad for having blurted out so badly to Sid, but she too was human and had her own limitations. Sometimes enough actually meant ENOUGH to her. Sid, on the other hand, was in a fix now. Jahnavi knows it that Sid is now aware of yesterday’s happenings. He thought he should inform Jignesh about Jahnavi’s reaction, but he better keep mum till Jignesh presented his paper. But then he also thought, it will not be fair on Jahnavi’s part to keep her waiting till 4 days. Already she has tolerated a lot of nonsense from Jignesh. So he texts Jignesh asking him to drop a message to Jahnavi as she had been looking around.

Beep goes Jahnavi’ cell. She sees a message from Jignesh. It read:

Hey Jahnavi, I am so sorry I did not get a minute to inform you. Please grant me a couple of days, will take all your queries then. I hope you understand. Bye Jignesh.

Jahnavi knew Sid must have asked him to text, but she was happy receiving the message. She was waiting for his return eagerly.

The Lightening

All the characters referred to in the below blog are fictitious and bear no resemblance with anyone living or dead whatsoever. Any co-incidence is purely co-incidental and unintentional.

For first time readers, please refer to the post, “The Revelation” for continuity.

Jignesh was moving faster than his heartbeats. Having confessed to her, now he was feeling very light, realizing the fact that now Jahnavi knew the reality and will not have a false image of him. Truth always gave him the strength to endure, but the fact remained that he had to endure separation from Jahnavi as well. He was feeling very heavy, he called up Sid.

Tring Tring.
Sid’s cell rings. For the first time, Sid was not sure, why did Jignesh call up at this hour.
Sid: “Hello.”
Jignesh: “Hey what’s up buddy, where are you?”
Sid: “I will be home in another five minutes. Tell me what’s the matter, you sound a bit wary, everything’s fine I guess.”
Jignesh: “Yeah, can we meet for studies today?”
Sid: “Why not, come over?”
Jignesh: “OK, I will be there by 8 pm.”
Sid: “OK, we will have dinner together, I will tell mom. Will be waiting. Bye.”
Jignesh: “Bye.”

Jahnavi, on the other hand, was revering the fact that Jignesh confessed to her and now she knew many things. Even though she knew he was not a real moron, yet she had found something fishy in his behavior while performing a debacle and while covering it up. There were debatable trends of questionable variety in his behavioral patterns, something which depicted a logical inconsistency, but now things were clearing up. He used to act moronic to maintain a distance from girls sans substance, but at the same time he liked Jahnavi and would get disappointed at his debacles and would then look forward to Sid’s help. She was indeed thankful to Sid that he had helped Jignesh and never boasted of it. For this, she looked up to Sid.

Ting Tong.
Sid’s doorbell rang.
Sid: “Hey man, what’s up? Come on in. I must salute your punctuality. Dinner is ready; we will finish that and then sit for study. That should be fine?”
Jignesh: “You are seldom wrong.”

They hurriedly finished the dinner and then went to the study room. Sid was quick to note, there were certain things waiting to come out, but he thought pushing would not be a good idea. But his curiosity was getting the better of him as he knew it had to be only one matter.

Sid: “What are you studying?”
Jignesh: “Cardio-vascular system.”
Sid: “Which part?”
Jignesh: “Oxygenated and De-Oxygenated blood circulation between the lungs and the heart.”
Sid: “Hmmm, and what about the source of Oxygen?”
Jignesh: “Means?”

Sid smiled. He loved confusing Jignesh in life and Biology. He was a master at both. He knew the iron was hot now and this was the time for the hammer to descend.

Sid: “What is the matter, dude?”
Jignesh knew the secret was out and hated Sid for his excellence.
Jignesh: “I told Jahnavi about you, how you had helped me in those situations.”
Sid: “What??????????????? And how did she react?”
Jignesh: “She was pondering over what I said. Did not speak a word with me. I came out from there as her silence was killing me.”

Sid was not able to comprehend, what on earth had compelled Jignesh to tell Jahnavi about Sid. Now she will think Jignesh is of no use. A Good-for-Nothing fellow. He felt all his efforts going down the drain. How sincerely I was trying that these two souls can come closer and establish a never-ending relationship. He thought.

Sid: “Are you nuts? Why the hell you told her all this?”
Jignesh: “Sid, I will be indebted to you the whole life, for the help you have extended selflessly to me. Initially I liked her as she was different from the other girls around. Her beauty was not skin deep. Slowly my attraction increased exponentially and you know what, secretly I used to wish for a debacle to happen as it gave me another chance to speak to her. Of course, that second chance would not have been successful without your help, buddy. And we became acquaintances, and then friends, then good friends, then close friends and then some steps ahead of what we call “JUST FRIENDS”. We had started realizing each other’s worth and importance and had started developing a sense of respect for each other. She also realized that I was not a real moron and was surprised knowing that I had managed to be-friend her on my own after all those debacles. This was partly true; she has to know the truth. I cannot continue in the relationship with a false image about me. If I lie now once today, I will have to keep lying until I screw up the relationship and a few lives. It’s like a shirt’s button, if one button goes out of line, all the others follow suit and the rectification has to be at the first button going awry. I know she will be upset knowing the truth, but she is mature, understanding and knows me as a person and will realize. I have faith in her; she will come back to me.”

Sid was taken aback, was he talking to the same Jignesh, the moron, the bio-geek who used to come to him after every debacle. He realized Jignesh was a master-piece of a human being. Sid thought, I just knew how to talk to a girl and I was probably too generic in my approach as well, but Jignesh is far too excellent then me in handling relationships and understanding the far-reaching consequences of a long-lasting relationship.

Sid: “Dude, you have surprised me today like anything. I salute you for the mature sense of understanding you have just displayed. And trust me, going by my analysis of Jahnavi I can say that she is mature enough to know the REAL YOU. She will definitely come back to you. Just give her some time and wait for her call.”

Jignesh saw his cell phone and froze to deaths.

Jignesh: “Jesus, the cell battery did not get a better time to die out. Do you have a charger?”
Sid: “Seems like you have some hard luck today. Mine is Reliance phone you know, Dad has a Nokia charger but that broke in the morning itself, so he’s too charging the cell in the office. Let’s get back to studies, will see tomorrow.”

Jignesh grinned and went back to study. Now he knew he won’t even know if she tried to contact him. If she actually did, the possibility of which looked remote to him, then more troubles were waiting for him as she always used to tell him to be particular about charging the cell phone and he was careless in this matter and with today’s confession, a dead cell battery was the last thing he expected to happen.

The Vodafone number you are trying to call is switched off.
Jahnavi: “Why is his cell switched off? Must have forgotten to charge his cell. These guys never listen. The more you tell them, the more they act stupid and careless. Oh Lord, can’t you grant some wisdom to these morons?”

Mom: “What happened sweetheart? Whom are you cursing?”
Jahnavi felt embarrassed at being caught. She warded off the topic saying that it was about a friend whose cell phone was switched off and she urgently needed some college notes. I will have to tell mom sooner or later, can’t hide for long. She called again, switched off. Now how long do I have to wait before that stupid realizes that he has to charge his cell phone? Thinking she went inside her study room.

The Revelation

All the characters referred to in the below blog are fictitious and bear no resemblance with anyone living or dead whatsoever. Any co-incidence is purely co-incidental and unintentional.

For first time readers, please refer to the post, “The Brain and the Soul”

Its time to get up, the time is six thirty am. Jignesh’s cell phone alarm was ringing. After thinking a lot about Jahnavi and how to tell her about Sid, he had gone to sleep late. He got up lazily rubbing his eyes, saw the time, 6:40 am. Oh Shit, got late. Hurriedly he got up and the first thing he did was to SMS Jahnavi, Hey, can we meet in the canteen before the lectures. She replied with a smile. The silent bridge of words between them was the most exhilarating form of unrequited love between them. Lectures started at 9 am. They met in the canteen at 8:45.

Jahnavi: “Good morning, you look sleepy. Slept late? Studied till late?

Jignesh: “You ask a lot of questions.”

Jahnavi giggles.

Jahnavi: “So, tell me Sir, at your service.”

She was beaming with joy as this was the first time Jignesh had called her to meet. Though she had wanted to call him many times, she could not, long live her inhibitions and Jignesh’s moronic image. But today was different and so was different Jignesh today.

Jignesh: “Hey you know I wanted to tell you something.”

Jahnavi: “I am listening.”

Jignesh: “Well you know as we are good friends. And also initially we did have some petty issues.”

He was still hunting for words, when the voice banged him from back. It was Sid there. Oh Shit, bad timing for the first time. He thought.

Sid: “Hi Guys, what’s up?”

Jahnavi: “Hi Siddharth, how are you?”

Sid: “I am great; I think its time for the lectures. Shall we, Jignesh?”

Jignesh motioned with his eyes, later, to Jahnavi. She caught it and they headed towards their respective departments. Now Jignesh was not at all able to concentrate on his lectures. He was in a dilemma, how to tell her? what if she goes away? He feared hatred and rejection. His insecurities were getting the better of him. Now she will think I am a real moron who can commit blunders independently but needs a friend to apologize, Jignesh thought. But it’s not totally my fault, for had it not been for Sid, his love for Jahnavi would have died within him. He just hoped Jahnavi to understand and realize this. Lunch break happened but they could not meet as Jignesh was called by the principal for some Biology seminar. So they had to wait for the evening coffee meet and the day seemed like ages to Jignesh and Jahnavi, who had sensed some amount of apprehension in his voice in the morning and had been wondering the whole day, What could be the matter? Why was he looking uncomfortable with Sid around? Why did he say ‘later’? These questions were making rounds in her mind. By the time the day ended and they met for coffee, they were like just about to barge into one another and finish off the matter. Jignesh had failed to muster courage to speak out, he feared losing her and Jahnavi wanted him to speak and feared losing Jignesh if he did not tell her. Seeing his composure she knew it, he will not speak, she will have to dig in, and so she spoke.

Jahnavi: “Hi How was the day?”

Jignesh: “Nothing special, yours?”

Jahnavi: “Ok types.”

Now she waited, hoping he will speak up. But he did not. And he was cursing her silence as that would mean, he will have to speak. His breaths conveyed his aggravated level of discomfort to her. So she spoke again.

Jahnavi: “I am noticing, there’s something you feel like sharing with me, but God knows why are you stopping yourself? Tell it na, what is it related to? Any tensions?”

Jignesh felt as if a gunshot was fired on his chest and he was not feeling the pain unless he saw himself bleeding. Now he had no choice. The silent bridge of words was crossed.

Jignesh: “I am in a dilemma. It’s related to us and I fear knowing it you will run away from me. Can you just take it as my weakness and my limitation and accept me the way I am. I mean see I did not mean it. I admit my part of the mistake but somehow I was helpless.”

Jahnavi was exasperated now. She could not make a head or tail of whatever he was saying. All she could make out is, there was something he wanted to share and he fears I will go away from him, knowing it. What bullshit, does he not know how I have fallen for him and how much I have started loving him. I am ready to accept him as he is whatever he has done and wants to share, Oh Lord, please make him do so. I promise I will not go away.

Jahnavi: “I need more details, Jignesh. I am not able to make any sense of what you are trying to convey. If you fear our relationship will be affected adversely knowing it then let me tell you one thing. If the relation really suffers knowing a fact, then the relation is not worth spending time on, and we should actually move on. And if the relation is really that strong and rock solid, believe me, it will not suffer, it will strengthen on the contrary. So just lighten your burden.”

Jignesh also knew this thing. But his insecurities still had an upper hand. He made one last attempt to escape confession. His soul was gasping for breath by now, but his brain was still in the controlling position.

Jignesh: “I can understand, but please can you not grant me this much liberty of knowing that whatever it is, it was my limitation and I do admit my mistake in it as well. I agree to whatever you say and your right to know is also justified, but my fear of losing you is killing me.”

Jahnavi: “Well, if that is the case, then let me tell you that, if you tell me, then there are chances I might not go away, but coming this far, now if you decide not to tell me and convince me for the same, then I will definitely go away and never come back to you, come what may.”

Jignesh knew his brain was losing, and since Jahnavi was the only child of her parents, her stubbornness was not a surprise, after all he was also no less stubborn being the only child. He finally prepares himself for the worst outcome of his confession and tells her everything about how Sid had helped him and how he had suggested him how to talk, apologize, and how Sid had shared his skills of handling girls. Jignesh admitted he used to get confused with her behavior and reaction at those debacles and then Sid used to explain him and guide him further and that they owe a lot to Sid for their relationship. Had it not been for Sid, the relation would have never nurtured so far so beautifully.

Jahnavi was listening, dumbfounded, speechless and awestruck. She could not find any words and kept pondering over whatever Jignesh had just told her. She was happy that he finally mustered courage and listened to his soul and also confessed, but his confession had far reaching repercussions. Since yesterday, dramatic colors were getting added to the hitherto black and white image of Jignesh; Jahnavi had so far developed with her own observations and analysis.

First of all, he was not boring, he acted moronic, but he lacked certain realization powers as well, which she had so far thought he possessed, but now she came to know it was Sid’s contribution that worked. But then Jignesh was truthful, honest and the moment he realized that the relation was getting serious he cleared the initial veil. This she treasured. Also everyone is not born intelligent, people tend to get matured with experiences and also learn from them. Jahnavi was happy that Jignesh had proved himself as a quick learner, this showed that he did not have ego, for ego is the biggest hurdle to learning.

Jignesh was getting wary over her silence and interpreted it wrongly. Sadly he moved out of the place, thinking he has lost her forever and will treasure whatever time he has spent with her so far. But he was feeling much lighter confessing. Jahnavi was so deeply involved in her thought process that she did not realize Jignesh leaving and by the time she did, he was gone. She sighed, smiled, and thought she will call him.