Javed naam hai mera phir se

Chapter 28

She didn't think it was possible but it actually happened... life went on. Normally.

Akash left to Canada to get his new post organized - and to find a home for their family that was about to get bigger. Javed had insisted that they'd stay in his house as it was empty anyways but Akash was adamant that it's time for them to have their own place.

Payal stayed behind to pack and get things in order in Delhi - but she was joining Akash in a week or sooner - depending on how quick she'd get her visa approved. Javed pulled some strings - visa wouldn't be a problem - and so Payal was busying everybody in the family wish constant shopping trips... it seemed like she was trying to buy the entire India so she wouldn't have to miss a thing in her new home. And the ladies of Raizada parivaar were all very much happy to help her with shopping duties.

In a meantime NK took an English exit and left almost unnoticed... "almost" - because whenever anybody asked of NK sudden departure, Khushi smiled this pleased mysterious smile and went on to sing some ridiculous song about "weather that is perfect for a wedding season". In respond to that Arnav only rolled his eyes and murmured that his wife is crazy... and Khushi smiled wider and sang louder.

The only thing that Anjali couldn't wrap her mind about was her relationship with Javed. Did they have it? A relationship? What was it?

It's been a week since that day on a terrace when they... kissed. And when she'd tried to push him away. At times it felt like she'd succeeded - Javed felt so... leveled... calm... distant. Was it him giving her some much needed space? Or did he actually change his mind about their couple? Because if there was one thing Anjali was sure of about Javed - that either way he would stay a gentleman. But with his polite and dignified attitude how was she supposed to know which way his heart went after that conversation?

Anjali was seriously considering asking him directly but today was not the day to do it. Today was the day when Javed's parents invited them both for a farewell dinner - the next day they both were leaving India.

Anjali dreaded this evening. Her own insecurities and mixed feeling aside, there was this big elephant in the room - her ex-husband sent Javed to the hospital... and that wasn't a good recommendation for a perspective bride... and based on their previous meetings Anjali was sure that disliked her even before...

Yes, that was some night ahead...

...

They sat on a second floor terrace of Rara Avis - one of the most exquisite French restaurants in Delhi. Their table was cleverly concealed by flower arrangement that gave them some privacy from the rest of the guests - and the restaurant was full! Anjali marveled how was Javed able to book a table on such a short notice and he'd explained that it wasn't his doing - his father took care of it. Apparently, knew the owner - hence, the special treatment.

One could say that evening started on the wrong foot... insisted that Anjali would call him by his name, but made a point of requesting to be called "Madame Genevieve"... and that wasn't a good sign, right?

Javed tried keeping up conversation and his father helped him with that masterfully, but Madame Genevieve mostly kept silent, watching Javed intensely and offering only short snarky remarks occasionally. It was hard for Anjali and she was grateful to Javed for shielding her from this negativity by being such a smooth-talker.

And then... this happen.

Madam Genevieve asked softly:

- Chérie, passe-moi le sel s'il vous plaît.

Anjali looked around trying to understand to whom this request has been addressed. She could've passed the salt too but she wasn't sure that Madame Genevieve would call her "chérie". But the response came from Javed who gave his mother a saltshaker and said very quiet: