Friday arrived soon. It was the day

Friday arrived soon. It was the day of the conference call for Jodha. She got up to a fresh morning. Today marked the end of the first week for her at Jalal's company. The prospect of the weekend made her very happy as she would not have to see Jalal's face for the next two days. He had troubled her a lot over the past two days by calling her to his cabin for assigning work as well as unnecessary things. Also, he had made her feel slightly uncomfortable with his stares. So she was happy at the prospect of the weekend even though she had to wait till late in the office. She had a bath, prayed to Kanha and proceeded to dress up for office. Since today was Friday, she could dress-up a little casually. She opened her cupboard.

Jodha - Hmm...so what should I wear?

Jodha had a few clothes which she had bought just a while back. She decided to wear a pair of black skinny jeans with a blue formal top she bought recently. She then reached the breakfast table where her father and Sujamal were sitting.

Jodha - Good morning, Papa and Sujamal

Both - Good morning

Mainavati had made vegetable sandwiches for them. They all began eating together.

Jodha - Ma and Papa, I will get late today

Mainavati - Aree beta, but why?

Jodha - The thing is that I have a conference call with a vendor from America today. And since morning in America means night in India, I will have to wait till at least 10 pm. Usse zyada bhi late ho sakta hai

Mainavati - Par Jodha, itna late! When will you eat dinner?

Jodha - Don't worry about that Ma, I'll manage. I'll eat out. Aur haan Papa, can I take the car today? It will get late na. Also, we can go together!

Bharmal - Ha beta, no problem. We will go together now, and you can get the car back home later

Mainavati - But why don't you wait with her in office? You can come home with her later also na?

Bharmal - Maina, I have a lot of work to attend to. We have the society committee meeting at 8pm.

Mainavati - Aapka kaam kitna badh gaya hai. Why don't you just resign from the committee?

Bharamal - Maina, I can't do that. I have taken the responsibility so I will fulfill it. I will complete my full term and only then I can think of leaving it

Jodha looked at her father with pride. She had got this quality from him. Not to backtrack on any responsibility given to you. This was the only reason she was able to deal with Jalal at office.

Sujamal - Ma, I am going for a party tonight at Maan's house tonight. And it will get late so I will crash at his place tonight.

Mainavati - Offo! Tum bhi, beta! Now for whom will I make food tonight?

Bharmal - Chhodo na yeh sab! Maina, don't make anything. We will also eat outside

Mainavati - Okay

Bharmal then took the car keys and both of them left the house. He drove the car and they reached the office. Bharmal told Jodha to go punch-in for the day while he parked the car. Jodha did so and entered the reception area.

Ruqaiyya - Hey Jo, Good morning! You are looking so hot today!

Jodha was slightly embarrassed at the comment. However, she smiled and greeted Ruqaiyya and complemented her outfit as well.

The atmosphere in office on Friday was entirely different than the rest of the days. For once, it was more relaxed. Probably because a long break over the weekend was awaited by everyone and also many people had their plans to go out and chill in the evening. But not for Jodha, today marked the end of the first week at office, yet she had to wait back for some conference call! She was slightly bugged at the thought but then the lesser she thought about it the better. She went to Jalal's cabin to report for the day.

Jodha - Mr President, may I come in?

Jalal - Jodha, yes come in

Jodha entered his cabin and sat on one of the chairs. Jalal's eyes were gleaming.

Jalal - Good morning, Jodha. I hope you remember that you have the conference call today. Did you prepare the file as I told you to?

Jodha - Yes Mr President. Here it is

Jodha took out the file from her laptop bag and handed it over to Jalal. He opened the file to check its contents. He kept reading it for a while.

Jalal - Very good, Jodha. You have covered all the points that are required. But make sure that you convince the vendor on all counts. I hope that you will manage to do that

Jodha - Okay, Mr President

Jodha then took the file and left the office. Jalal kept staring at her delicate form as she left the cabin.

Jalal - I have been hypnotized by you Jodha! You never fail to disappoint me!

The first half of the day went by in a blur. Jodha was busy preparing for the conference call. She made a list of the points she would put forward during the call. Occasionally, Jalal would come near the glass partition and look at her. Jodha, however, did not notice this. Besides, she also did the other work Jalal had assigned her. She was busy preparing the budget for her department. By lunch time, she had finished half the work. She then decided to have lunch with Salima and Ruqaiyya. She headed to Salima's desk where she met the both them. They shared their lunch and chatted with them. Her lunch break got over and she headed to her desk. She sat there and continued working uninterrupted till about 6 pm. Her father then came to her desk.

Bharmal - Jodha beta, listen

Jodha - Yes Papa

Bharmal - Jodha, your chacha is in the hospital

Jodha - But why?

Bharmal - He was standing on the stool and putting the clothes for drying. He lost his balance and fell down. He has fractured his leg and his hand.

Jodha - Which hospital has he been admitted in?

Bharmal - Nanavati Hospital

Jodha - Achcha, so you will you and ma be going to see him? What about Sujamal?

Bharmal - Yes me and ma will be going. We have told Sujamal not to worry. He is going to attend the party at Maan's house. But beta, there is one thing

Jodha - Yes Papa, what is it?

Bharmal - I will need the car, beta. I am so sorry. You will have to go home in someone's car.

Jodha - Okay Papa, I will arrange for something. You don't worry. But what about the committee meeting?

Bharmal - Don't worry about that, I have told them that there is an emergency and I cannot make it. They understand. Beta, here take the house keys. We will be getting late and Sujamal will not return till tomorrow so keep it with you. Also, please eat something, don't remain hungry. And keep calling us at intervals, okay?

Jodha - Okay, Papa don't worry. I will call. And do tell me how chachaji is, okay?

Bharmal - Okay beta, anyways I need to go now. I will pick up Maina and we will go. I will call up and tell you how is he.

With that Bharmal left the office. Jodha, on the other hand was tensed. She needed to make arrangements for her to reach home. She couldn't schedule the conference call for another day. Jalal would not take any excuse.