With many new hopes and dreams for the family, the following day arrived. Juli's parents' bedroom was illuminated by the sun's rays through the open window. The birds' chirping confirmed a full daybreak. Stella was awakened from her slumber by the activity of her neighbors. She opened her eyes to find her husband still sleeping.
Suddenly, she realized that it was a Sunday, a day of little relaxation for her. She removed the blanket to slip off the bed silently, but she consciously felt a tight clutch on her right arm. She turned back to see her husband awake with his eyes wide open.
She rolled her eyes and blushed like a new bride, "O... ho... now don't be crazy. What's the matter? Speak fast, I have a lot to do today. Ladies, you don't have the luxury of a single holiday."
"What's the hurry? Darling!! I just want to know whether Juli has changed her mind or not?" he uttered with a look of anguish on his face, stroking his nose.
"Yah! I was also about to talk to you about this," she retreated with folded legs and sat upright.
Now that the conversation was flowing, George could not wait to hear it.
"She was late again yesterday. Luckily, I caught her red-handed when she got off the bike. That ruthless brat will carry our daughter one day. I don't believe him, whatever. He is not a gentleman. Spoiled fellow," She cursed him rudely.
George seemed curious, "Stop cursing that spoiled boy. Your curses are not going to change him at any cost. Let it be, now carry on."
"I preferred to remain silent but.....," she paused and continued, "While eating up her dinner she conveyed that she had broken ties with that fellow. She will never think of him again and will not go against our wishes. I was very happy to hear that inwardly, but her words were very difficult to digest."
George raised his eyebrows to utter, "But, the important question is, do you think she will abide by what she says, or will Jude forget her so easily?"
"George, I don't know anything about Jude, but I trust my daughter. She will never make us shameful in society. You know how much she is scared of you. And that Jude knows well that you are a stern lawyer and put him behind bars anytime. Now will you set me free? "
" Yes, yes, go and start your day afresh. Don't bother too much about her, I am there to handle her affairs. She might be thinking what a heartless father I am. I also have some work in court, let me finish my morning ablutions first," he pulled his blanket and got out of bed speedily.
He was satisfied with the morning dose of happiness. Juli was taking pleasure in her nap. She felt relieved after speaking with her mother the previous evening. It had been several days since she had slept well. Twice she would set the alarm clock to silent, so she could sleep in. She was blissfully unaware when her phone, which was resting next to her pillow, abruptly flashed and vibrated, urging her to pick it up right away. With a reluctant rubbing of her eyes, she quickly answered the call. As expected, Jude was on the other side.
"Good morning dear,'" he pleasantly greeted her.
She opened her mouth to welcome him back, but then her mother's harsh words began to echo in her head. She said nothing as her hands trembled to end the call. The phone flashed and vibrated twice, thrice, and many more times, but Juli did not pick it up, as instructed by her parents. Her intransigent behavior was causing her worry, heartbreak, and sadness. Her sparkling eyes gave off a worried vibe. She displayed discomfort by loitering around the room.
She thought to herself, "If I received his call I would be cheating my parents and if I didn't receive his call, he may get anxious. I love my parents more than him. I should listen to them. They are not wrong. How can they leave their girl with an unemployed man to make life forever? Their concerns are genuine. "
The phone was still ringing, arousing more discomfort in her. At a moment, she decided to answer his call for the last time. Her subconscious mind refused to take such action. She sat silently until the beeping stopped. Her brain underwent a guilt trip for having done something wrong, about which she was not pretty sure. Finally, she picked up the phone to block his number. Suddenly, a message splashed on her screen.
It read, "I am coming tomorrow to meet your parents. I am going to prove my worth. You can forget me but I will not."
Juli kept the phone aside after reading the message, taking it casually. She yawned a little, stretching her arms.
Her mother knocked on the door to speak," Breakfast is ready. Come out of bed. "
" Yes Mom, give me some time," she replied.
Juli strolled to the washroom to freshen her fatigued body and mind. She came out afresh after a fresh body and head bath. She smelled roses and jasmine. She gathered all her wet hair at the back. The water was dripping out of them. She didn't make an effort to dry her hair because of the current turmoil running inside her heart. She was in her long western gown. All the time spent with Jude was splashing over her mind.
She remembered one day they had visited a park. Jude was feeling very lustful and romantic. Valentine's Day was coming up, so he had brought her chocolate and roses. He also had the extra quality of being a girl's crush. Any girl could be won over or have her heart stolen by him. After all, he was a hunk. Juli was occasionally envious of this characteristic. She experienced insecurity when Jude remained in the company of college friends.