Javed naam hai mera phir se

Chapter 9

- NK, you don't really have to go with us, it's not much for you in that temple, - Anjali tried to cut her brother lose from his self-inflicted guardian duty but his resolve to follow them was unwavering:

- Nu-uh, Di, I'm going, the end of the story!

- I'm sure you are looking out for us but how much danger can lurk in the midst of praying people? - asked Khushi jokingly. She was rearranging flowers in the vase that was supposed to go to one of the corner stands and that is why she'd missed the shadow of horror that swayed across NK's face – he knew exactly what kind of danger they were up against and he was not going to let his ladies to face it on their own.

- Nope, still coming! I have few ideas for a family photo shoot; need to check few things out…

Both women shrugged – NK wasn't half as bad of a company so they mainly insisted for his sake but was not going to turn him down anymore.

NK nodded to this silent agreement and went to check his camera equipment – indeed, he was going to check few things out, but not for the photo shoot – NK has had an assignment.

- Hari Prakash, - Khushi hollered, - please, tell the driver to bring the car to the front, we will come out soon.

Instead of HP's voice came another voice – deep, velvety…charming.

- Today I will be at your service, if ladies don't mind, - Jev inclined his head regally making it look like he was doing them a great favour and not asking for permission.

Khushi smiled happily:

- Javed-ji, you should be careful with offering your driver's services so often – our driver may think you are rooting for his job!

Javed smirked:

- Yes, I specifically took six years at Harvard to put my S.D.J. to good use and be Raizada's driver!

Anjali retorted:

- Well, if we bother you so much…

Javed turned to face her – his expression was a mixture of disbelief and hurt but it quickly resided when he saw her mischievous smile – she was simply pocking his ego again.

- Anjali-ji, my servitude to you is a simple attempt to live up to highest of praises you've bestowed upon me when I started driving you to the office. I'm afraid, you called it upon yourself by your kind and generous nature…

Anjali pouted realising how he turned everything upside down:

- Yes, Javed-ji, we are most grateful for your help! If it is not too much to ask – may we request your services later today when Nani-ji and Mami-ji were planning to go shopping for Raksha Bandhan presents?

Javed stiffened a bit remembering about upcoming "brotherly" holiday that was no more than three weeks away. Somehow he dreaded that day…

But Anjali and Khushi took his sudden tension as a sign that they overuse their welcome:

- Javed-ji, we would understand if you have other things to do, we will manage, - offered Khushi quickly.

He contradicted:

- Not without me you won't! Today is my day-off and if I get to spend it with all of you I would consider myself lucky!

Khushi nodded satisfied with his answer and went to take her bag. Anjali watched Javed for a minute and then asked in a hushed voice:

- How do you do it? How can you so effortlessly charming… don't you get tired of all the pretend?

He didn't reply at first. Javed knew that there was more to this question than met the eye – maybe even more than Anjali realised herself. When he answered he spoke very seriously, solemnly, trying to make her understand:

- I do not pretend to love women. I genuinely do. I was raised to believe that women are earthly miracles for only they can create life… And it's not up to women to showcase their beauty and charm – it's up to men to notice it, find it if needed.

He looked her in the eyes not letting her drop his gaze:

- Not all the women are same kind of traditional beauty. Not all of them are kind or generous or funny or warm. Some of them don't cook, some forget to water plants. Some are crazy for soap operas and some are shopaholics… But each and every one of them has some – or few – feature I will admire. The matter is to find that feature and praise it with all sincerity.

Javed stopped to take in his breath before one last statement:

- Not all men lie about their feelings. Not all compliments are deceitful. I am not… him.

Anjali nodded when his words had reached her mind… and soul. Maybe he was telling the truth… maybe not every silver-tongued man in her life would turn out to be lying murderer. Like the one she used to love.