Jagdish made his way to his room at three thirty mid night. The talk session with Yashodha's cousin stretched so long, he hadn't realised how fast time flew. They were a bunch of crazy people whom he had fun being around.

Seven out of ten cousins who were there was a part of the Indian Army. They fascinated him when they mentioned Yashodha had been a sole purpose for them to actually have an interest in the military and not their fathers. 

A highly influential lady in the family, he thought as he settled on the bed.

Though he had spent a long time mingling with the bunch, his mind still hovered over the talk he had with Janaki and her cannot-be-forgotten husband, Govind.

"Tell me. What you want to talk about?" Janaki asked when they reached her room.

Jagdish sat on the bed comfortably.
"Hmm... Patti, how many grandkids do you have?"  He asked.

"13 including my great grandchild. Why?"

"Wow! Big family. Do you love all of them, Patti?"

"Yes I do. But why do you ask so?" She was frowning, unable to understand the reason behind his question.

"Well, I'll get straight to the point. Why I'm asking  is because Swathy had mentioned you were a part of the plan to bring Arun here despite knowing his presence isn't welcomed here. Don't you love her, Patti? Isn't she your granddaughter too?" 

Jagdish knew he shouldn't get involved in their family matter but he wanted to be of a help in one way or the other for Yashodha. It got harder for him to see her breakdown often. How could her own grandmother and sister do this? Even after she had clearly established her reasons. He felt bad for her.

Maybe he shouldn't have done it, he thought when there were no response from Janaki. 

She simply sat  almost motionless. He begin to think of unfortunate events at unexpected time. He took a purposeful step towards her. Jagdish heaved silent sigh of relieve when he heard her sniff. 

Taking a seat next to her, her rested his hand on hers. 

Janaki's trembling hands held his. 

"I do love my granddaughter, Jaggu" she broke the silence in a quavering voice.

"Then why did you do that?" 

"Trust me, Jaggu. Arun convinced me that he had changed and he wants repent his mistake. He had been meeting me at Swathy's house often. I believed he had good intention for he made an effort to convince me to persuade Yashodha to patch up with him. I wanted only good for her. Yashodha wouldn't believe if I tell.

I know I had said a lot of mean things to Yasho and I meant it when I said those words. That's because I was angry to hear her denials, she never told me anything on what actually happened. I assume it was her mistake when she did not disclose about it" Janaki sniffled. 

"That's the problem, Patti. You want to convince your granddaughter to accept the man she had denied long time ago. Believing his words to be true. So, what if she didn't tell you anything. Perhaps, she has a reason. 

But what you assumed was wrong, Patti. I'm sorry if I'm crossing my limits but I think you should have understood her better. You have seen the world longer than any of us have.

I'm sorry for being a little harsh but there has to be someone to talk on behalf of her"

"I know. I was wrong but I fear she would end up alone ... Like my sister..." the last part of her sentence was almost inaudible.

However he managed to catch the phrase.

"Sister? What happened to her?" He asked, curious.

Janaki shared a story of her sister, Satyamurthy's mother. A story how she tragically ended up losing her life.

"I don't want Yashodha to face the same. I fear though it might not happened anytime soon but what if it happens later?" Janaki's wrinkles on her face was even more prominent than he remembered seeing her earlier. They display worry, fear and care.

"Nothing of that sort will ever happen to her, Patti. She is strong. You need to believe her, okay.

Please don't force her anymore. Pestering her will only increase the amount of anger she has on you" he said with an assured squeeze on her hand.

"I told her not to do it. She still continues. Haish.... Sometimes, human tend to listen to other people but not their own" Janaki's husband Govind's voice boomed, he startled them both.

"I heard about it, Janaki. I found out Arun came and made a fuzz. Didn't I tell you not to be too hard on her. You will end up hurting her more. Yashodha is a strong girl physically and mentally when comes to wars and battles. But I also know that she yearns for love when she returns home. She wants to be spoiled, pampered especially from you. Just like you do to the rest of our grandchildren. Yashodha herself had told me before. Poor girl  never got that from you" Govind shook his head in disappointment.

"You know why I am angry with her. I didn't like the fact that the eldest granddaughter of the family joins the army. That's all!" Janaki retort, getting back to her form.

"So, you will be hard on her? I'm proud of her. She is continuing the family tradition into joining the army along with the rest of her brothers. There is nothing wrong for a lady to join the army. You should be proud of her, Janaki!" her husband answered her back.

"Well, I'm proud of her" Jagdish added reminding the old couple that they are not alone.

"Patti. Probably you should relax around Yashodha. It's not that if she doesn't get married she will not have a happy life, right"

"I just don't want her to spent her days after retiring from the army alone. It will devastate her. I have seen my sister go through it. The loneliness is miserable. That's the reason why I never wanted her or my other granddaughters to join army from the first. But Lingeswar and Yashodha tricked me when they got her enrolled for medical. No one told me she is enrolling in AFMC!" Janaki grumbled. 

"Janaki! That was her choice and it's an old story now.  

Plus, she is old enough to know what and when she needs companion in her life. She might even find one in this wedding" Govind winked at Jagdish. "Isn't it, Jaggu?"

Jagdish was startled at the sudden question he stammered to answer. But why? He asked himself.

A short silence after, Govind shot another question that caught him off guard.

"Tell me, Jaggu. Do you love my granddaughter?"

"Tata! What?!!!" he exclaimed.

"Yes, I have been noticing everything. It's hard to hide things from a silent man who watches everything. Tell us, Jaggu. This old couple wants to know" Govind tapped his shoulder and gave a light squeeze.

Jagdish took a moment to ponder about the question. It has been a lingering thought in him back then and now as well. Yashodha had certainly made a spot in him, no doubt yet it seems hard to name it as love.

He clear his throat to present his answer.

"To be honest, I liked her since the first day we met. She was different than others, she had a different kind of aura emitting from her. She kept everyone around her warm and respected. I like her but love...." He dragged, skeptical to use the word. Perhaps it was only an infatuation.

"Oh, of course you do. Tell me which man would take the effort to talk to the lady's grandmother if he doesn't have an interest in her. 
Trying to explain to her granny why she should show more love instead of being hard on her.

That's an effort taken only by a man who knows the pain the lady goes through. A man who only wants to see his lady love happy. You understood her and you want to relieve her from the pain.
Simple. You are in love son.Young man like you always needs a push. Let me be the one" Govind said, a hearty laugh echoed around the room.

------

The start of the day was calm and relaxing for the guests. However, the bride and groom's family were as busy as bees preparing for the wedding next day. There wasn't much things to do either. Even his new found friends (Yashodha's cousins) were busy for the event in the evening. 

Thus, Jagdish and his friends planned for a quick outing to a nearby bazaar.

"Maybe we should get something from here. After all it's once in a while trip" Raj nudged Salim who nodded checking out the products displayed outside the stall.

Rows and rows of ethnic wears, music instruments, artifacts and jewelries were on sale for the day. Each one were picking up something or the other from every shop they stopped except for Jagdish and Lakshman who were least interested in shopping.

Raj and Salim were being the pro in bargaining price for a pair of shoes at the stall nearby to the entrance of the palace. While Aarifa was at the opposite stall checking out a new jewelries. Her gaze met the reflection of Jagdish on the mirror hanging from the stall. She turned to him and gestured him to come to the stall. 

"Not getting anything for you?" she asked. 

"No"

"What about your friend?" she smirked at him. 

Jagdish left the question unanswered as his eyes roamed over the beautiful jewelries neatly arranged on the cart. There were lots of varieties but none he found that could compliment her. At least he hasn't found anything special for her yet. 

"What happen Jagdish? Not finding the perfect gift?" she jested and picked up an anklet with tiny bells dangling here and there. "How about this?" The tinkling sounds was lovely but it did not convince him to get it for Yashodha. He scanned other stalls around from where he stood and then realisation struck. 

'What am I doing?' he asked himself. Why was he looking for a gift for her? Yes, she's a friend but should he really buy something for her, he thought staring at another anklet design Aarifa showed. 

If he buys, he would only prove what Govind Tata(grandfather) said was true. 

How can he be in love when he is too afraid to let go his fear? Has his fear gone? 'Impossible' he whispered to himself. 

Jagdish shook his head in negation and left her to shop while he joined Lakshman at the tea stall. However, one particular stall caught his attention.

-----

The night turned merrier with the colorful lights hanging everywhere, deafening music blasting from the speakers and sweaty bodies colliding each other as they shook their legs to the beat. 

Yashodha however, avoided being in the crowd. She stood by the buffet area munching snacks while having a talk with one of the server preparing the snacks. 

"You are doing a good job!" she yelled trying to overpower the loud music. 

"Thank you, ma'am!" he too followed suit. 

"This is delicious! Tell me if you need a better job. I'll get you a job at one of the army base! We are lack of good snack maker!" she laughed then looked around if there were any senior officers around her. 

She spotted Satyamurthy seated at a table quite further from the dance floor. Yashodha requested for another plate of the delicious delicacy and headed to the table.

"Hi, periappa. How are you?" she chirped and sat opposite him. 

"How are you?" he asked her instead. 

"Fabulous. 

Didn't see you since morning. Where were you?" Yashodha inquired as she pushed a plate to him. 

"Was with my brothers and sisters. Just like you were with yours"

"Yeah. Were you'll practicing too?" she spoke with her mouthful. 

"Nope..." Satyamurthy said and went silent for sometime before he spoke again.

"Yashodha, I'm sorry for what happened yesterday. I—didn't —"

"Periappa. I told you I'm fine and please don't ask sorry to me. You are making me feel bad now" 

"But still what Swathy did was not acceptable" As a father, he felt he had failed to raise his daughter with basic manners. something so simple yet Swathy couldn't understand.

"I know. It's hard for me to accept too. I always knew Patti would do something or the other. That's her nature. Though I'm angry with her somehow, it will subside. But what Swathy did is a little difficult for me to forget.

I'm sorry, periappa but I'll get over it. You don't worry, okay. Swathy will be fine too, perhaps she longed for the love of her cousins who supposedly been clinging to me since young. You know the usual stuff. Forget about it and have this, periappa" she took a piece of the delicacy and fed him.

"You are being too good Yasho" Sathyamurty commented. 

"That's me. I can't think bad for her just because we don't get along or for what she had done to me. After all, she is my cousin too. It's just that we can't get along" Yashodha shrugged. 

They did not spoke about the matter further. Letting it go was the best option. Hence, they sat there enjoyed another couple of plates of freshly prepared snacks by the server who she was talking to earlier. 

Yashodha casually scanned the crowd and found Jagdish somewhere in the middle with his friends. He looked dashing as ever in his white suit, she had a hard time trying avert her gaze. But she quickly evaded when his eyes turned to her direction.  

She instantly waved to avoid the awkwardness. He waved back.

The scene did not go unnoticed by Satyamurthy, Yashodha's action a while ago had only validated Gayathri's statement, she had told them in the morning. 

"So, what's up with this new guy?" he asked. 

"Jagdish? Nothing" she replied. 

"His from the Navy, right?" 

Yashodha hummed her respond, inwardly wondering why was he asking about Jagdish.

"What going on between you two?"

"Nothing, periappa. We are just friends"

"Are you sure he is just a friend? Because I heard something else. Its from a reliable source" Satyamurthy nodded knowingly. 

"What?" she asked, as she stared with cow eyes. 

"Did Gayu tell you about Jagdish and me? Ignore her, periappa she is blabbering. We are friends." Yashodha kept her face straight, hiding the embarrassment. 

"Really? I would have believe you but what I see is contradicting to your statement"

"Why is everyone after me" she mumbled in a low voice and pinched the bridge of her nose. 

"Okay. But you do have feeling for the lad right?"

"No!"

"Alright!" Satyamurthy abruptly stopped their conversation, angrily shifted on his seat to look at the other side.

Gayathiri was right, he thought. "Periappa, she will keep denying until you are tired of asking her but don't give up. She will listen to you"

"You are leaving to HAWS (High Altitude Warfare School), right?" he queried. 

"Yes, will be reporting in three weeks"

"Good. I suggest you to tell him" Satyamurthy suggested, knowing that if there was no action taken when they were at the same place, there won't be any progress between them later either. What they have for each other would probably stay in them forever unexpressed. 

"Tell him what?" 

"Yashodha. Gayathri had told us everything. When I say everything, I meant everything from what started in Coimbatore till today" he stressed every word he uttered as if he knew all of it.

Yashodha snapped her eyes shut, regretting the day she told Gayathri about it. She slowly lifted her hand to her forehead and applied pressure. 

"I can't just go to him and tell, 'hey! I think I have a liking on you but we will not be seeing each other for at least the next a year and half'  That doesn't make sense. Even if I manage to say it, a lot can happen in between. I can't take risk. You know better about being in HAWS" she argued. 

"That is what I'm telling you, Yashodha. One year is long. Just tell him. Sometimes you need to follow your principles. It's not enough to keep telling others to be expressive when you aren't" Satyamurthy had moved his seat next to her, he held her hand.

"I can't. I just can't for this, periappa. We will be apart most of the time. It's better we don't come together" she heaved dropping her head down. 

"Think of me and your periamma. She served at the north part, Punjab and I, down south. We too hardly get to meet, our leave always clashes but we made effort. Aren't we happy together?

Listen, going to HAWS is a big thing and risky too. It takes a lot of emotional strength to survive in the mountains and the danger that follows.

When you have love for the nation you would be ready to die for HER at any given moment but when you have love waiting for you back home you would fight harder to keep yourself alive.

I want you to have the latter as well. The former can be easy but the latter is tough. That's what you need, a push to survive. Then when you both look back together, the pain will be beautiful" Satyamurthy let those words sink into her. Her silence told him, she was trying to grasp the essences. 

Those words hit her really hard. It meant a lot deeper, making sense to everything she had been feeling when he was around her. The feeling of wholeness, the happiness, the certain kind of strength he gives her, and the familiarly unfamiliar emotion were giving her a different meaning. 

The tap on her shoulder, pulled her out of her reverie.  

"It's not too hard, Yasho. I don't want to be too pushy. But give a thought about it. You have about eighteen days. You know best" he ruffled her loose hair. 

"Yes, periappa"

The smile on his face grew wider, Satyamurthy showed a thumbs up to Lingeswar and Vaishali who was seated two tables away as a sign he had almost succeed to what they had planned. 

"Here, have this" as Satyamurthy fed a piece of the delicacy she had brought for him the lights at the place went off. 

The entire palace engulfed in darkness causing commotion in the sangeeth ceremony. 

"Periappa, I'll be back," Yashodha briefed her uncle and headed to the lobby using the flashlight of her mobile phone as a light source. 

*********

Thank you for reading! ❤️❤️

Thesr Fabulous covers by cutie_pixie123 . Thank you so much dearie!!!

I have also wrote an OS titled 'It Doesn't Matter'. If you are interested do, check it out.