Tying the Knot

[Jerry Garcia]

November 22
1615
LA International Airport
Los Angeles CA

Jerry was sitting in the passenger waiting area, a copy of Time, Newsweek and the LA Times in his lap. It felt odd to him to be traveling unarmed and in civilian clothing. He was on his way to New Dehli to catch up with Pooja, meet the family and attend her brothers' wedding. She had gone ahead to prepare her family, and he had stayed in the States, to do a little shopping. His carry on bag had two small boxes in it. One was the engagement ring he had bought for Pooja, the other a matched set of wedding bands. The announcement came to board and he slowly rose to get himself settled.

He was on a non stop flight that would have him landing late the next day. It was a long flight and he would be happy to see Pooja again. Last time he had seen her he had proposed and now he planned to make it all official.

He boarded the plane and got himself settled in his seat. He had gotten himself a first class ticket for the extra leg room and the fact that it would not be as crowded. Amazingly enough the flight took off on time.

<22 hours later>

Jerry had not slept the entire flight. The memory of "the dream" replayed through his mind the entire way. It had all seemed so real, that time. He had died that time, saving Pooja. He sat in his seat has everyone deplaned, the memory still running as if it were real. He finally rose and disembarked, following everyone toward the luggage carousels and customs. He picked up his bas and moved toward the line at customs, his passport and military ID in hand. He passed through customs and exited the area to find Pooja waiting for him. He walked toward her, dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and gently kissing her. It's good to see you, babe.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

November 24
0220
Indra Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi, India

Pooja paced nervously, in the crowed area for the arrivals. It had been two weeks since she saw him; when she was heading back home early to prepare her parents to meet the man she loved and to whom she had been engaged since April this year. Her brother had refused to believe it for some odd reasons only he knew and didn’t share them with her. He had claimed she was pulling his leg. In the end she knew she was going to have the last laugh when Jerry came face to face with her sweet yet idiotic brother. She had to wonder what level of sanity, her soon to be sister-in-law had when she agreed to marry Raj.

She had to give credit to her brother for one thing; if it hadn’t been for him in the ‘dream’; Jerry and her would have never gotten where they were. Maybe one day she might able to thank Raj, but for now it was going to her little secret. She watched few more departure happening, and wondered what was taking him so long when she spotted him, coming out, grinning she poked her brother’s arm, “He’s here,” she announced, as a yawn broke out. They had been here for an hour. Between the two of them who had decided that 2 am arrival in India was a greatest idea around. It was dead of the night and freezing cold.

Watching him come closer, she felt her heart race, oh she had missed him, she noted when his arms went around hers, and pulled her in a long slow kiss, pretty much making her forget where she was, looking at him between a dreamy and sleepy state, she smiled, “It’s wonderful to see you again,” she moved her arms around his neck and locked them there, “You have been missed.” To prove it she pulled him into a short kiss.

Since the end of April they both had worked towards healing he scars his MIA had caused. More healing had been done once Delta had been forced to close thanks the IOA. The ghosts that had been haunting her were leaving. There were still days she had the flicker of the pain, but it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle.

Raj raised an eyebrow at the man who approached his sister. He just had to assume this was the fiancé she was telling him about. Seeing the kiss he grimaced, when she kissed the man, “Alright, get a room,” he mumbled to himself then coughed to get their attention.

Pulling back Pooja rolled her eyes, “Jerry, meet my idiotic brother, Raj,” she turned to look at the said man and had to try not to smug at him, “Raj, my fiancé, Jerry.” Picking up the bag and grabbing Jerry’s hand with other, she slowly towed both men along all while looking at Raj with a challenging look for put his foot in his mouth, “Come on let’s get you home for some rest.” They could talk on the way to the car and drive home. Jerry looked beat after the long fight, she asserted. A hot meal and shower along with few hours of sleep would do him some good.

“How was the flight?” she asked as the cold hit her in the face making her shiver.

<<Tag Jerry>>

((Remember Raj is still NPC ))

[Jerry Garcia]

November 24
0220
Indra Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi, India

It’s wonderful to see you again, You have been missed. The first kiss was long and deep, then Pooja kissed him again quickly. I missed you as well.

Alright, get a room. The man standing by Pooja must be her brother, Raj. Jerry, meet my idiotic brother, Raj. Raj, my fiancé, Jerry. Jerry extended a hand to Raj and shook his hand. Memories of the dream filtered through his mind, Nice to meet you, Raj. Your sister told me a lot about you. Raj gave a smile, All good, I hope. Jerry chuckled at the comment. You know how sisters' are. Mostly good, said you were protective of her. Jerry and Raj looked each other in the eyes, as if taking their measure of the other one.

Come on let’s get you home for some rest. Jerry looked at his watch and saw it was still on LA time. What time is it, anyway?

<Tag Pooja>

They headed out of the terminal and into a large parking lot. They crossed halfway across the lot and got into an SUV that resembled a Nissan Trooper, but had a different name. The drive was not longer, maybe 15-20 minutes, before they arrive at a home at the top of a small rise. It did not resemble most Indian architecture, it looked like and Italian villa with a terra cotta roof. Somewhere in the history of this home, it must have been occupied by the British.

Let me show you to your room, Jerry. Jerry looked to Pooja. Alright, lead the way.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

November 24
0220
Indra Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi, India

She watched the interaction between the two, smiled then it turned into a smirk when the battle of glares happened, shaking her head she made a mental note of not to leave them along for a second. Results could be disastrous or they could be good. Depending on one’s view. Currently she wasn’t having the best image. She would test waters to see if she could leave them alone.

“It’s almost half past two in the morning,” she replied, “and biting cold out there.”

They had walked in silence on the way to the car, since all three of them needed rest. She helped him store the luggage in the truck of the car. Climbing in to the car she got settled with Jerry in the back as Raj had navigated the drive back home.

0255
Rai Residences

Walking to the front door of the house, as she watched her brother help out with the bags; she unlocked the front door, “Try not waking mum and dad up, will you,” she warned her brother. Her parents knew he was coming; her father had a long day ahead of him, her mother was going to be busy as well. That suited Pooja just fine to steal time with Jerry before he faced his future in-laws and hopefully not too many questions from her father. Her mother had already made it clear that, they would meet him once Jerry had rest and worn out the jet lag.

She knew her parents were eager to meet him, but still were patient enough till the time was right; simply due to nonstop questions coming in the past two weeks out of her mother. Her train of thought was cut by Raj’s voice, she looked at Jerry, “Raj,” she called to her brother as the two men were climbing the stairs, “my room. NO buts.” Her voice held no room for debate or arguments.

Raj rolled his eyes and nodded, “Yes, your highness,” he replied sarcastically in Hindi, looking at Jerry, “Come on.” Then took the lead to his sister's room.

Gazing at her fiancé, “I’ll bring up something to eat for you while you get changed, fresh up and unwind bit. I’ll be up in five minutes.” With that she disappeared hallway and into the kitchen.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

0255
Rai Residence

Try not waking mum and dad up, will you. My room. NO buts. Yes, your highness. Come on. If looks could kill, Jerry would have been dead on the spot. I’ll bring up something to eat for you while you get changed, fresh up and unwind bit. I’ll be up in five minutes. Jerry smiled and turned to follow Raj up the stairs. They came to a stop at a door and Raj opened it and walked in, placing the bags by the foot of the bed. Thank you Raj. I'll see you in the morning. Thanks for the ride from the airport. Jerry extended his hand as Raj glared at him, and slowly took his hand to shake it. Jerry's handshake was firm and Raj tried to squeeze a little harder. Jerry wasn't about to get involved in a pi**ing contest with Raj, and let the issue go.

Raj headed out of the room as Pooja came in. Jerry watched him leave and smiled as Pooja entered the room. He walked to her side and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her body tight against his. Their lips met in a long lingering kiss. Whatever the perfume she was wearing was making his head spin and his hormones race. I missed you so. It's good to be back with you.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

0255 – 0259
Rai Residence
Kitchen

The first thing she did was put the water to boil for his coffee. It fascinated her that he could drink that stuff even in the dead of the night. Black and strong; yet he still could sleep into the next morning. She had learnt of his habits and whatnot while she lived with him in San Francisco after they had returned back to Earth.

Pulling out a pot she placed more decent amount of water for noodles. Toast and eggs weren’t going do much for him at this time of the night. Taking out two packets of Maggie noodles from the basket they sat in, she dumped the noodles in the hot water and waited till they were soft before discarding the powder in it. Once they were cooked, she placing the contains in the plate and then moved to get his coffee, ready. Moving everything to the small tray, she tidied up before leaving.

0300
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room


She had walked into the glaring match between the two of them; she knew she should find it annoying that they were looking like ready to kill each other. After all both men were going to be brother-in-laws, in few short weeks. But it was really doing the opposite, for some odd reason she was finding it amusing. Maybe it was oozing from the fact that Raj wasn’t ready to let her go just yet or that he was finding it hard to get used to the idea she was going to go too; getting married soon after him.

In the ‘dream’ he had been the one to tell her that her own doli was going to be coming too, after all. Seeing the tension ease, she walked in just as Raj left, she knew at the moment it was going to be useless to try talking sense into her brother; “I think my engagement’s been a shock for him,” she spoke as she set the tray down and closed the door behind her brother, “He just can’t seem to get used to the idea and he’s just taking it out on the next best person he can; you. Just don’t mind his anger. He’s not really angry, he just....” she trailed when Jerry’s arms went around her waist and pulled her towards him, cut of whatever she was going to say next with a long slow brain mushing kiss. Her heart was already pounding inside her ribs as a tingle of the other kind of heat spread all over her when she noticed his reaction, “Same with you. I’m so glad you’re here, I was certain another week without you was going to drive me insane. My mother had been kept busy all day yesterday so I didn’t keep looking at the time every five minutes. I think by doing that I was annoying her,” she gave into muffled giggles.

Tipping her head towards the food she brought; “Have them while they are hot. The noddles, may, may not do much, but it was the only quick meal I could think of at this time of the night and then there’s coffee,” she moved out his arms; took his and lead him to where she had kept the food, “eat while I go and get changed; then we shall see if we can take care of your other type of frustration.”

Leaving him with the meal she headed towards the bathroom to change, possibly into something that he could quickly discard off her.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

0300
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room

I think my engagement’s been a shock for him, he just can’t seem to get used to the idea and he’s just taking it out on the next best person he can; you. Just don’t mind his anger. He’s not really angry, he just.... Jerry smiled and looked her in the eyes, He's just being protective, I understand. The smell of coffee wafted towards him followed by the smell of noodles.

Have them while they are hot. The noddles, may, may not do much, but it was the only quick meal I could think of at this time of the night and then there’s coffee, eat while I go and get changed; then we shall see if we can take care of your other type of frustration. The smell make him hungry and her last comment caught him by surprise. Are you sure that is wise? What about your parents? Jerry certainly didn't want to get off on the wrong foot with her parents. Jerry took a sip of the coffee and then sat down with the bowl of noodles.

The noodles quickly filled the hole in his belly, and the coffee was just what he needed at the time. As he put the cup down he heard a noise behind him and turning he found Pooja standing behind, wearing a nightgown that left little to the imagination. Jerry smiled at the vision that Pooja had become. I'd like to take a quick shower if I could.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

0301
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room


She giggled as she peeked through the gap between the door and it’s frame to look at him, all while she was changing, “No, it's not wise,” she said it long and slowly and deliberately lazily, “but it would beat going around with a hungry look into your eyes, like you are going to pounce any second to eat me. Plus, this just might get my brother off your back.”

“As for my parents, the door can be locked from inside,” she pointed out, “it will keep the peeping toms, I think the term and unwanted faces out.” Ducking to grab the robe she put it on allowing it to flutter around her feet as she walked out. Seeing him pay attention to the food she moved to lock the door. It would also allow him some undisturbed sleep from the morning chaos, she knew would come.

Seeing the smile she walked over and eased into arm rest of the seat he was sitting in and moved her arm around his shoulder, “Go right ahead,” she titled her head towards the bathroom.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

0301
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room

No, it's not wise, but it would beat going around with a hungry look into your eyes, like you are going to pounce any second to eat me. Plus, this just might get my brother off your back. Or have your brother attack me on sight. It could go either way.

Jerry started to undress to get into a shower, a bit apprehensive about the way his body looked after the last 2 missions he had been on. He had added a couple of new scars, neither of which looked very nice. The one on his stomach looked like he had been split in half. The whole time he undressed Pooja watched, so he stopped when he got to his shorts and headed toward the bathroom. Is there a towel in there for me? he said over his shoulder as she rose to follow him.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

0301
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room

She laughed as she slid into his vacant seat, the warmness from the seat against the chill in the air made her silently purr. “I’m sure you can handle him if it came to it, after all, you have faced interglacial enemy. It would be too amusing if you did have to hide behind your wife’s back from your brother-in-law’s attacks.” The image was far too funny, but she didn’t dare laugh at it.

Watching him undress; she forced her brain to stay with the conversation they were having, “If he does attack I’m sure, I’m going to zat him. He will be asking for it.” It was tough choice if one had to side with her husband or her brother.

Seeing him head over and the slight of his head over his shoulder and towards her was just enough for her not to jump into his arms. That look she knew was her weak point when it came to Jerry, she was sure he wasn’t aware of it. Walking over she leaned against the frame, she watched him get the water temperature right, “It has everything you need, expect of course your shaving kit,” she smiled easily, “towels are over there,” she pointed to the rack, where light pink towel embroidered with roses hung, giving some color to the white tiles in her bathroom, “I know they aren’t exactly masculine, I’m sure they would do. I’ll leave you to have your shower.” With that she turned and headed for the bed after shutting the door behind her.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

0301
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room

It has everything you need, expect of course your shaving kit, towels are over there, I know they aren’t exactly masculine, I’m sure they would do. I’ll leave you to have your shower

As she left and closed teh door he took one last look in her direction. He stepped into the shower and felt the water run down his body. It was hot and relaxing, just what he needed after a long flight. He had almost forgotten how long it took to travel, without the aid of the Stargate. Emerging a few minutes later he towelled himself dry and wrapped the towel around his waist, exiting the bathroom.

One small light was on near the bed as he walked over. He dropped the towel on the floor and slipped into bed next to Pooja. She wrapped herself around him laying her head on his shoulder. He put his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body.

The combination of a full belly, a hot shower, a flight that took forever and jetlag on top of it, had him asleep almost right away. He barely had time to mutter I love you, before he was fast asleep.

<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

0310
Rai Residence
Pooja’s room

She heard the bathroom door open and turned to see Jerry exit with only a towel around his waist, book marking the novel she was reading and placing it on the bed side, she snuggled under the covers and cuddled against him using his shoulder as pillow all while her free arm went around his waist. Moaning she moved her gaze to look at him, seeing him nearly dozing off, Pooja smiled, hearing the three words she moved to reply more out the habit the two of them had formed, but he was already asleep . She shifted for a moment to kiss the bridge of his nose before snuggling next to him again.

She sighed when the flood of questions came at her. Their timing was equal as her putting her foot in her mouth at best of times. She knew what she had to do as a wife, she seen her own mother do it; but what the heck did one do as a military wife? More what was the difference between the two; if there was any. She could ask Kim, but the Captain was Military herself; she didn’t know Troy or Travis’s wives well enough to ask, her other friends were either single or female members for the armed forces, but really needed to learn the ropes. Feeling the lack of answers plus shaking off other questions that seem to be coming Pooja decided to learn and find out for herself by herself. She would just take one day at a time.

Her train of thoughts kept running till sleep claimed her.

1545
Nov 25
Rai Residence

Pooja groaned as she threw the seemed to be the fiftieth book the table. Shook her head and rubbed her tired face. Since she had woken up about two hours ago, her mother and her very soon to be sister-in-law had dumped bridal magazine on her. So they sat out in the veranda, debating, discarding and putting few choices aside all while soaking up the winter sun, drinking tea. It was odd Pooja noted going through these just a week before her brother’s wedding. Her mother had waited till Jerry was here to start handing her the piles and piles of magazines to look through.

Scowling, “There’s nothing here I like,” she announced as she picked up her cup to take a sip of her tea, “Half are too bright of my skin others won’t go well with his Navy Dress-” she cut off when she realise that, she hadn’t even till now considered as to what he was wearing on the evening; a full civilian suit with a tie, or Navy Black dress or the traditional Indian groom attire. She would have to ask him before she could finalise on her end.

Kajal grinned at Pooja, her own eyes twinkling, “Trying to mix and matching it?” she asked with a laughing making the youngest Rai blush and squirm, “I’m certain anything you choose would go well with his choice of clothes for the evening.”

“Easy for you to say,” Pooja mumbled as she drank, trying really hard not to lung at other woman.

“Where is he?” Kajal looked around for the man her fiancé’s sister was getting married to. Raj’s sulky mood towards the man confused her. She would have a good long word with future husband later on, since her mother-in-law was asking. Calm him down, rather than getting him worked up over this.

“Still sleeping I think,” Rai replied as the front door opening caught her attention and she saw her father making his way towards them. Eagerness was already in his eyes, Pooja took a note, plus there were traces of humour in them too. Of the latter she wasn’t fully certain. Shifting she made room for her father to sit next to her, “Your home early than expected.”

But he didn’t sit, but made some sound of agreement, “Well I came home early to meet him.” He spoke as he took the tea his daughter poured him and drank.

Oh, she blinked then looked amused, “Upstairs, sleeping,” she told him, as she watched him turned to leave, “my room,” Pooja clarified, “want me to wake him up?” but she only got the gesture to sit and enjoy the sun. Uh oh, the first thought came to her since she wasn’t sure if her father would go full clown and jokes; or he would pull a full ‘I’m her father’ routine on the poor Commander, facing Kajal, “I think we better pray, that Jerry’s still alive once my father’s spoken to him.”

Down side she couldn’t even give a head warning to the poor Naval Officer.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

1545
Nov 25
Rai Residence

Jerry had awoken to find himself alone in the room. He looked at his watch and noted the time, then did a quick mental calculation to adjust for what part of the world he was in. He rose quickly and got himself dressed. He pulled on a pair of lightweight cotton pants and a button down shirt to match, slipped into a comfortable pair of shoes and head out of Pooja's room.

As he neared the top of the stairs he met an older man coming up. He stuck out his hand, You must be Pooja's father. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. Jerry put his best smile on and tried to remain calm. He knew her father was coming up to meet him, and a discussion of sleeping arrangements was more than likely in order.

Yes, nice to meet you at last, Jerry. Jerry had caught him a bit off guard, so he made the next move. How about we go downstairs, and meet the rest of the family? Pooja's father turned and started back down the stairs, with Jerry in tow.

Look who I found in the hallway? her father said as they entered the living room. Jerry entered the room, eyes searching for Pooja. Good afternoon everyone.


<Tag Pooja>

[Pooja Garcia]

1545
Nov 25
Rai Residence

Pooja unburied her face from the magazine she was flipping through turned to look at her father and blinked, “I didn’t know he was lost,” she commented as she eyed Jerry with amusement, “I’m certain I placed him somewhere safe. Where he could be found easily,” she laughed but patted the seat beside her and then held her hand out towards Jerry, “where you find him?” she asked using Jerry’s shoulder to rest her head on after he sat next to her, as she chuckled, “Sleep well?” she asked Jerry softly.

“On top of the stairs, I think he was escaping from my red sack,” her father told her as he took a seat, looked at his daughter-in-law and grinned, “I’m going to have to tie him up till Christmas, you don’t mind, do you?”

She giggled as she listened to her father; it was an old joke between them going back thirty years. She knew he pulled the same stunt every year, from different, angles, pretending to be father Christmas simply since she was born on 25 of Dec. She looked at her father baffled, then at Jerry, “Till Christmas?” she really didn’t get it, “now why on earth you...” she trailed and laughed.

Facing Jerry, her eyes twinkled, “You don’t mind being my present do you? It’s not every day a girl gets a fiancé for Christmas.”

Kajal chuckled but shook her head. She didn’t see the fuss Raj was making over the man. She was sure the two men could find something in common that didn’t involve Pooja. Getting to her feet she moved on to help Jaya get the lunch set up.

<<Tag Jerry>>

[Jerry Garcia]

1545
Nov 25
Rai Residence

You don’t mind being my present do you? It’s not every day a girl gets a fiancé for Christmas. Jerry smiled and sat down next to Pooja. You want to tie me up till Christmas? a laugh escaping his lips. Hello Raj, good to see you again. Raj blustered a Hello and glared at Jerry.

Jerry felt the entire rooms' eyes on him and nudge Pooja with his elbow, You going to introduce me?

<Tag Pooja>