Episode Seventeen: Protocol and Deceit

[Pooja Garcia]

1850
Indra Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi

Pooja stepped out of the airport, the moment she did, feeling of being home again - after a long time - warmed her. The urge of coming back to India which had over the course of time dimmed into an ache every now and then, vanished. The peace her heart had carved settled in. Breathing in the air, that smelled of home hit her brain, smiling to herself, she looked around the crowded parking lot to see if she could spot her bother. The rush and yelling and honking of cars, vans and taxi’s alike didn’t seem to faze her. The sound of home seem delight her to no end. Leaving again would be tough. Just a mere thought of it pierced her heart. But for now she would enjoy her time and cross the bridge when the time came.

The evening air was cool and sharp. She wrapped her shawl closer for warmth against the chilling air. Darting her eyes again, scanning the crowd she scowled when she didn’t see her brother. What the hell was keeping him? It was either he failed to find a parking spot or he hadn’t left home yet for the airport. Urgh, men, she thought as her anger rose, each in own way were unreliable. Sighing she rubbed her temple, knowing her anger wasn’t really directed at her brother, but more towards a certain Commander she knew. The man had nearly blown up at her after they all had gotten to Iliad. Pooja still never seemed to figure out just what was wrong with him? She growled when his face flashed before her.

“Someone’s cranky,” a male voice commenting in Hindi as he looked amused, his brown eyes sparkling at the sight of her.

Pooja looked up and narrowed her eyes, at the man, “You would be too, if you had been waiting too long,” she snapped at him only to find a grin spreading across his face.

“Really?” he asked, “Well that’s too bad. I was hoping to introduce you to your soon to be sister-in-law,” his voice was carelessly full of mock air.

“Oh really?” she questioned him pointedly, “then why didn't you bring her?” she got her feet and send him a challenged look, “If I’m going to meet her, why didn’t she come?”

A bark of laughter out him blended into the noise around them; as he pulled her into a hug and held on, “I was going too, but-” he cut off when she pinched him hard on the arm, “Where the car?” she demanded now eager to get home, arm in arm she allowed him to lead her, “Seriously Raj,” she began, “I would be the first to know if you ever got engaged,” she gave a snort, “Which means you haven’t yet.”

Her brother gave a her long look, as if he was hurt by her remark, “You think I, Raj Rai, would lie?”

She smiled easily as the boot of the car opened and she placed in her suit case, “Of course.”

He leaned over, “Just wait till tomorrow,” he warned, before getting into the driver’s seat and bringing the engine to life, leaving his baby sister gasping at him looked an idiot.

Oh, I'll get you, she warned.


<<er...tags??>>

[Jerry Garcia]

0850
Indra Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi

Jerry stepped off the plane into the terminal. He had just spent 16 hours on that plane and being able to move about felt good. He stopped and looked about trying to figure out where his luggage might be. Guess I may as well follow the crowd As he walked he thought about the last time he and Pooja had been together. She had really been upset, and He started to think this was a really big mistake, showing up unannounced. Better not expect a warm welcome. she was pretty pis*ed at you last time.

0915

He waited at the carousel for his bag to appear, people grabbing their own and leaving towards customs. His bag finally appeared, the last one off the conveyer. He walked to where it was and grabbed it. He noticed how sore he was as he picked it up, muscles complaining after the long flight. Customs was at the end of the baggage pick up area and he headed there.

He stood and waited till he was in front of the customs officer, handing over his passport and visa, noticing that his US Military ID was sticking out of his passport. The customs officer took a moment to look over the paperwork, What is the nature of your visit to India? Jerry looked up as the question was asked, To get my butt chewed off again.... Vacation, sightseeing. The customs officer looked at the passport and then at Jerry, then at the ID. After stamping the passport and handing it back to Jerry Welcome to New Delhi, Commander. Have a nice visit.

0946

Jerry stepped out of the terminal, and a wave of heat smacked him in the face, Damn it's hot. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he pulled the paper with Pooja's address on it from his pocket. He found a waiting cab and climbed in, giving the address as he got settled. The ride took forever, traffic here was worse than in New York.

As they arrived at the the address, it suddenly occured to Jerry that he had not converted any money to Indian currency. The driver told him how much the ride was and Jerry pulled a $50 bill from his pocket, I'm sorry but, I don't have any Indian money. Will this cover it? He held the $50 up to show the driver. Yes it will, with a generous tip as well. the driver told him. He gave the money to the driver and exited the cab.

1015

He stood at the door trying to figure out what he would say when he saw her. He finally walked to the door and knocked. He stood on the stoop and waited till the door opened. Pooja stood in the doorway, a surprised look on her face. Before she could say a word he blurted out, I know this is unexpected, and if you don't want to see me, I'll understand. I have a reservation at the Hotel Ajanta, just in case.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

0800
Rai Residences

She woke up the unique scent of morning that was in the air, opening her eyes she smiled. Stretching she curled under the covers lazily when she realised that she had no work, no mission report to write or to read, plus no mission to go on. With all this free time on her hands, she had no idea what she could/should do. Shopping seemed ideal as well as grabbing a book and reading it under the warm weather. Purring like a cat she sat up when she heard her mother’s voice making her way to her room. Rubbing the sleep from her face Pooja saw her mother peek through the door way and huff with a frown on her face, “You still aren’t ready yet?” she scowled, as she entered. “You do know that the bride’s parents/few relatives are going to be here in the afternoon.”

Calmly she got out bed and walked to the window, looking at the already woken up streets of Delhi, “Yes,” she simply said in her native tongue, “then why don’t you go and fuss over Raj?” she asked her mother, “He’s the one who’s getting married.”

Jaya ignored the smirk in her daughters voice, “I need your help too. I can’t do everything myself. If we had four – five months I wouldn’t be running around like a mad woman.”

Pooja sighed as she gave into her mother’s light request, “Okay, I’ll be ready tell me what you need help with.” Her mother had always knew which buttons to push. But it wasn’t easy that there were only 10 weeks till the wedding took place. The whole household was going to be turned upside down. Jaya handed her daughter the list, and with a final nod she walked out.

Exhaling Pooja left the list by the dresser and grabbed a towel and clothes before heading off grab a bath.

1015

If she didn’t get out the house soon she was going to insane. Her mother was already on her way with cooking. With all that extra fussing that was going on she nearly escape to her father’s den and lock herself there for a while. What she needed was a distraction and big one. As if her prayers were being answered the door was knocked on just in nick of time. Grinning she headed to the door and opened it. Seeing Jerry standing there she looked at him in surprised and shock. Before she could think of slamming the door on his face she deiced to listen to what he had to say. Noting his opening line didn’t really give out much she looked at him in confusion, shaking her head more at herself than at him, “Commander, what are you really doing here?” she asked when the first thing hit her mouth. Oh great, now her filters weren’t working clearly, and it seemed his own speaking manners without a filter was rubbing off on her.

She had come to India to figure out just what was going on between them. It was something she wasn’t really able to fully understand. Were they friends of something more?

“Aren’t you going to invite him in, Pooja?” her mother’s voice registered in her brain.

Turing to face her mum, “I...uh...” she trailed off as she looked between her mother and Jerry, the awkward situation made her force a smile, “Commander, my apologies. Please do come inside,” she moved back to let him in and send her mother a glare after she closed the door behind her all while she was facing Jerry's back.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

1017
Rai Residence

Commander, what are you really doing here?

Her question came as a surprise. He looked at her trying to come up with a reason for being on her front stoop. I....I...I wanted to clear the air between us. She looked incredible, and Jerry tried to not stammer and sound like a real fool.

Aren’t you going to invite him in, Pooja? The voice came from an older woman, obviously Pooja's mother. Pooja looked back at her mother and then back to Jerry, anger showing clearly on her face. Commander, my apologies. Please do come inside. She stepped back to allow him the enter the house. Jerry waited for Pooja to introduce them, and turned to face her. It was Jerry, just a week ago.

For being so hot outside, there was certainly a lot of ice inside. Jerry knew she was mad, and he knew that had to change. Please introduce us. he whispered. He placed his bag in a corner, and checked his watch . Check in time was 2 PM so he had time to either check in or cancel the reservation.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

1017 -1020
Rai Residence

His warm eyes when they met hers sent a wave of butterflies in her stomach and her pulse racing shallowing she kept her cool calm exterior. When he spoke the words she filched, “I guess you and I weren’t bricking heads back then,” she shot at him in a whisper as she looked at her mother, “Ma, this is Commander Jerry Garcia of US Navy. A friend of mine from the program I’m working with. Jerry, this is my mother, Jaya.”

Her mother’s eyes asserted Jerry for a moment, narrowing her eyes at the man before her for second she looked at her daughter, and nodded at the Commander warmly. There was something about the way he behaved, didn’t sit well with her. Since her daughter wasn’t worried, she wouldn’t be either. She had learnt it long ago not to come meddling in Pooja’s circle of friends. “Have him freshen up. He looks like he just came straight here,” Jaya spoke in hindi, “I don’t need to remind you I have work and guest coming.” Then Jaya walked away ranting and making more list in her head.

Pooja’s lips twitched at the first part of her mother’s comment and she laughed, “I know,” she mumbled in her home tongue then groaned at the second part. Facing Jerry again, “You look like you haven’t slept at all,” noting the bag in his hand, her eyes went wide as saucers, then asserted him suspiciously, “Did you just arrive here?” she asked as she lead them up the stairs, “By the way, mother said freshen up and join us downstairs.”

Without a further word she led him to her room, “Bathroom’s that way,” she pointed to her left, and looked at him, still keeping herself at a safe distance, “You can leave your belonging here. I guess I’ll leave you to get started.”

<<Tag Jerry>>

((Don't worry about her mother, she's a little old fashioned.))

[Jerry Garcia]

1020
Rai Residence

Ma, this is Commander Jerry Garcia of US Navy. A friend of mine from the program I’m working with. Jerry, this is my mother, Jaya.

It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am. He started to walk toward her to shake her hand, but stopped short. He wasn't sure it was the proper thing to do in this culture.

Have him freshen up. He looks like he just came straight here. I don’t need to remind you I have work and guest coming.

You look like you haven’t slept at all. Did you just arrive here? By the way, mother said freshen up and join us downstairs.

I slept a bit on the plane, and yes, I arrived about 2 hours ago. Jerry followed Pooja down the hallway to one of the bedrooms. The house was immaculate, and he noticed the room they went to was Pooja's bedroom. Bathroom’s that way. You can leave your belonging here. I guess I’ll leave you to get started.

She started to walk out when Jerry stopped her. Pooja, I don't know what happened to us. Being under fire and the rush of adrenaline, do strange things to people. I hope you understand. He looked deeply into her eyes as he spoke, As I said, I have reservations at the Hotel Ajanta, and I would feel more comfortable staying there. Would I be insulting your mother by doing that?

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

1020
Rai Residence

She found him looking back in her eyes, this time a bit more deeply than he had with her mother around. Her stomached played up again; she shook her head to clear the cobwebs. This was crazy, he was a friend, but she didn’t really understand the effect he was having on her, “I’m sure she won’t mind if you do leave. But I think she be insulted if we were to send you away without feeding you first. Not after all the trouble you have gone through just to come here.” She wanted to snicker but she knew it would be very inappropriate. The poor man had traveled all this way just to apologize? She was certain it could have waited.

“Why don’t you freshen up and have a bit of a nap to work of that jetlag and I’ll come and wake you when lunch comes around,” she turned to head towards the door. She needed sometime to get over his surprise arrival at her door step. Walking out and shutting the door behind her, she saw her brother rushing towards her in a hurry.

“Have you seen my red silk tie?” he asked as he fiddled with his cuffs unsuccessfully.

Growling at him she took his and fixed the cuffs herself, “Your impossible,” she told him, as she shoved him towards his room, “Your soon be in Laws are coming in less than 3 hours and you aren’t even ready. By gods I hope your wife would have more patience’s with than I am at the moment.”

Raj only laughed, and then noticed the slight hardened look in his sister’s eye, “What’s wrong?” His concern grew.

“Nothing,” she sniffed, as she brushed his concern away, “I just can’t believe you’re finally settling down.” Another sniff was sounded.

Seeing the slight softness, “Hey, even one day you will have to do this, you know” he spoke tenderly, “even one day your own doli¹ will come.”

“I won’t go,” she spoke childishly, knowing the whole thing was having funny effect on her. She struggled with her tears before hugging her brother fiercely. Maybe she was still jet lagged after all.

Raj laughed at her pouting refusal but held her, knowing what he said would one day be true. She was a silly girl. “Now why don’t we go back down before Ma comes looking,” he smiled at her only to see her nod, “your my little fool, you know,” he laughed with is shoulders shaking as he spotted his tie.

She snorted, “And the Rajkumar² finally finds his tie,” she added dryly then whacked his upper arm with all affection before they bickered back and forth down the stairs.

<<Tag Jerry>>

((There's no deeper meaning or any hint to her reaction. So Jerry's still on safe base ))

1 This is still used as reference when talking regarding wedding days with the females.
2 Rajkumar translates to Prince

[Jerry Garcia]

1020
Rai Residence

I’m sure she won’t mind if you do leave. But I think she be insulted if we were to send you away without feeding you first. Not after all the trouble you have gone through just to come here. Why don’t you freshen up and have a bit of a nap to work of that jetlag and I’ll come and wake you when lunch comes around.

With that she stepped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind her. Jerry heard muffled conversation outside the room, but went about pulling a fresh change of clothes, and stripping down for a quick shower.

1024

The hot water felt good, but he stepped from the shower and toweled off. He quickly dressed, and laid back on the bed, noticing the bed smell like Poojas' perfume. Within seconds of his head hitting the pillow, he was in a deep sleep. His dreams quickly drew him to his last mission. The only difference was his team was dying all around him, he watched in horror as one by one the team was gunned down.

1245

As voice broke through the dream, calling him. Jerry! Jerry! He opened his eyes slowly, to find Pooja sitting on the edge of the bed, her hand resting on his shoulder. Wow, that was one hell of a dream. It was the last mission, and I was the only survivor of the team. I was being hunted on the Olympian battle cruiser. I ran down a corridor, only to find myself in the middle of s crossfire. As I was hit by blaster fire, I heard a voice calling my name. It was you, but I knew I was dying, I had lost too much blood. It was just a dream though, and it made me thankful for what I had.

He looked into those beautiful brown eyes as he spoke and his heart rate settled a bit as he did so. He sat up in the bed, and turned toward Pooja, Can we foerget all this stuff that happened, and start fresh? I really don't want to lose you.

<Tag Pooja>

OOC - I went on the internet and picked an actual hotel in New Dehli, to give the story a bit more realism.

[Pooja Garcia]

1020 - 1220
Rai Residence

Both Raj and she came down laughing as she kept on picking her brother about his soon to be wife. He gave up once they entered the kitchen and saw their mother cooking a new dish. Wanting to avoid questions she knew her mother was likely to grill her on, Pooja took her brother’s tie and helped him tie it up.

“Where is he?” Jaya asked, with slight curiosity. Her face more collected now than it had been earlier.

Pooja saw Raj raise an eyebrow at her in surprise as he watched her concentrate on the tie like a lifeline, “He?” Raj asked, “Who’s he?”

Struggling to stay composed and not blush, “A friend from US. He’s a Commander in the Navy,” she slowly looked at her brother, and then faced her mum; “He’s freshening up in my room and having some sleep; since he came right here from the airport.”

Raj’s interest picked up, something was brewing under his sister’s cool facade and he was going to find out what. He was being nosy, he knew that, but he also wanted to protect her like any brother would. Regardless whether the man was Military or not; “Why?”

Her eyes met Raj’s as if he had asked a dumb question, “I’m the only one he knows in this country.” And she hoped he would drop the matter. Seeing his nod, she sighed.

Most of the time had passed with chatting when her Aunt and Uncle had come over, along with her cousins as well. Seeing the time she knew, she better start getting ready. So excusing herself, she went to her room.

1220

She walking in quietly and bare feet, walking over to her waredrobe, she opened it, the loud noise open the opening of the door had her automatically darting her eyes at her bed where Jerry was fast asleep, she waited for a few seconds to see if the noise would have him stirring, seeing no such movements, she picked up her cloths and closed the door of it. Turning she watched him or a minute or so, trying to have his presences in her home settle in, but she knew it would take a while for the surprised to pass. Deciding she had to get ready Pooja tip toed out of her room and towards her brother’s room to freshen up and change.

1245

She walked in after getting ready, placed her previous cloths on the edge of her bed, then looked at the clock, knowing it might be a good time to walk him up. She moved to the head her bed, seeing him sleeping on his stomach she tried to ignore his well defined arm as she slowly placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling the spark, she gulped. This was one effect she didn’t really understand. Shaking his shoulder, “Jerry,” she spoke softly, when he didn’t stir, she thought he was more tired than she realised, perhaps driving him to the hotel was out of question, “Jerry,” seeing him stir awake she sat down.

She listened and flinched, at the dream he had, “It must have been a hell of mission,” she commented, “I know and you know, that you have the best team here. Currently they are all over Earth and safe.” But the thought of losing him in such way send a chill down her spine, making her shiver.

His question caught her off guard, when it registered what he was saying, smiling, “And lose the foundation on which our friendship can be built on?” she laughed lightly, “I think we can forgive and forget.” But his start comment made her flush in her cheeks, “I don’t it will come to that anytime soon. I’m stubborn as you have noticed.”

Pausing a bit, “By the way, I hope you have something presentable to wear, since my brothers future in-laws are coming over any minute.”

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

1250
Rai Residence

By the way, I hope you have something presentable to wear, since my brothers future in-laws are coming over any minute.

Jerry looked at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. I brought something to wear that will make do. If you give me a couple of minutes I'll get dressed. With that said Jerry got out of bed before Pooja could move, a look of surprise on her face. Luckily he was wearing a pair of boxers, otherwise he would have been in his birthday suit.

Opening his bag he pulled out a pair of slacks, socks and shoes. He dug a little further and came up with a nice polo shirt and quickly got himself dressed. Well, what do you think? Will I make the grade? He turned around where he stood so she could get a good look.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

1251
Rai Residence

She giggled at his reaction, heard what he said and much to her surprise, he was out of bed before she either move or speak. Seeing what he was wearing, she quickly looked away as her face went deep red at the thoughts her brain had traveled to. Knowing she needed a distraction, she moved to her wardrobe and pulled out a jewelery box from the built in safe. Opening the box she took out the jewels and heard Jerry’s question, seeing what he was wearing she nodded, “That will do and yes you do pass.” Her lips curled into a smirk and her fingers fiddled with the little lock at the end of the chain, absently.

“I’ll have to warn you. My cousin is downstairs and she’s a total flirt at times, so if I were you I did be careful, around her,” she explained, as her eyes danced with laughter all while she struggled with the meeting of the lock behind her neck. “Why don’t you give me your passport and tickets and I’ll leave them in the safe.”

When she finally got after much fighting, she moved on to have the earrings, placing them on her earlobes one by one. “I see you haven’t answered my question, Commander.” Her eyes met his through mirror’s reflection.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

OOC - What question ?

[Pooja Garcia]

((OOC: “And lose the foundation on which our friendship can be built on?” Hope that helps))

[Jerry Garcia]

1251
Rai Residence

That will do and yes you do pass. I’ll have to warn you. My cousin is downstairs and she’s a total flirt at times, so if I were you I would be careful, around her. I see you haven’t answered my question, Commander.

Pooja's last comment stopped him. I certainly wouldn't to jeopardize anything that we have developed. He took a couple of steps in her direction, I also know how I feel about you, and how I would feel if you were not there. Jerry held out his hand to her, hoping she would take it. He took another tentative step toward her. I'll be careful around your cousin. we had better go down before they send a search party after you.

Jerry walked to the door and opened it. Something smells very good. Just what is your mother making in the kitchen? He waved Pooja to the door, as if asking her to lead the way. Coversation could be heard downstairs, both male and female voices.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

1252 - 1255
Rai Residence


She turned to face him as he spoke and smiled at his reply, “Oh good. I thought we would have had to go back to square one,” she picked up her bangles and slide them into her wrists while she walked to meet him halfway. His second sentence was something she hadn’t been prepared for. Feel about her, she thought a bit baffled, but decided not to touch it for now, simply she wasn’t sure if it had a deeper meaning or not. Taking it for what it was- a general comment. “You would feel bored,” she assumed.

She grinned, “There’s a crowd downstairs so few people missing would go unnoticed for another few minutes. The house isn’t that big that they would call a search party. Ma might send my brother to hunt me down.”

She smiled as he sniffed the air, “Oh,” she began, “I think she’s got Tandoori Chicken, Sambaar, then Aloo Gobi, which is potato with cauliflower, palak paneer. Then there are 3 different sweets,” she spoke as she led them down the stairs. Stopping half way, “And before I forget, you might like to call the hotel as well.”

Then took the lead to the lounge where her family and nervous brother were waiting. It took her till now to notice that in all the chaos she hadn’t seen her father since Jerry arrived, “Where Papa?” she asked her mother as she gazed at her defensive looking brother, who seemed to be sending a calculated gaze to someone over her should and immediately realized that it was aimed at Jerry.

Jaya nodded at Jerry, and then looked at her daughter, “He’s gone to pick them up from the station. The train’s been late. Would you please ask him, if he would like some tea or cold drink?”

Pooja titled her head towards Jerry, in such angle where she could see her cousin looking at Jerry with her mouth nearly dropped open. Trying not to giggle, “My mother asked if you would like tea, coffee or a cold drink.” Pooja translated her mother’s request.

“Jerry, this is my Aunt Seema, my uncle, Vjay, their daughter Payal, and their son Krishna,” she made an introduction, “This is my friend Jerry.” She looked at her extended family.

<<Tag Jerry>>