Bollywood-esque drama incoming. Be warned.

Also, if you haven't figured it out already...

I hope you like long, detailed stories because this is one of them. I'll be taking my sweet time.

Enjoy!

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🎶 Playlist 🎶

Shershaah Movie (Soundtrack)

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Raataan Lambiyan (sung by Jubin Nautiyal & Asees Kaur)

https://youtu.be/eINnsEtccMI

🎶

𝟔

• • •

[23rd June, 2006]

• • •

CARLISLE GAVE HIS REFLECTION a once-over, hoping his Alice-approved wear would pass the - as she called it - first date vibe check.

What vibe Alice was going for, the doctor was unsure. Looking like a rich, arrogant man used to getting his way in an off-white shirt, fitted khaki trousers and his hair combed back certainly wasn't going to win him any favour from Jodha. He should've stuck to his original plan of a simple shirt and blue denims.

Come to think of it, this get-up made him feel like a hormonal twenty-something year old looking to get lucky at the bar rather than the thirty-five year old, responsible man he was supposed to be.

Responsible as he was, though, it didn't stop the flicker of awareness in the back of his mind reminding him that he was indeed a twenty-something year old with needs. Sexual desire didn't erase when immortality ceased his human bodily functions. In fact, at one point in time, that part of him that once laid dormant reared its sinful head.

Still, mate bond or not, he had no right to think of all the possibilities with Jodha. Inhuman and human couples were not the norm in his world. Such relationships always ended with the human getting killed or changing to be with their mate for eternity. They never stayed alive for long.

Even Edward and Bella were destined on that same path. Yet, he felt like he was missing out on something integral in his son's relationship as it was now. There was information to be found before treading on unsteady ground and the vampire-human couple might just be the key to unlocking that discovery.

Research of a different calibre laid on the horizon for him. Research no one cared to do over the centuries, not even him, until now.

Needed more than ever since human mates were an emerging trend - all the more amplified by their postponed transformations, holding onto their mortality for as long as possible. Or worse, the truth of their mate's reality hidden from them.

Lifting the weak mental shield everyone had practiced when it came to Edward, Carlisle made his son aware of his intentions and the need for a discussion whenever he felt comfortable.

As it stood, he'll simply enjoy this Friday night date with the woman he was quite smitten with; perhaps he'd get to kiss her senseless, and then, he'd hope to God that his future would have nothing but magical experiences with her.

• • •

"MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOSE the glasses for tonight."

"No way." Jodha stood, arms akimbo, before her Bapu who sat on the couch reading the newspaper. He'd arrived since five o' clock, the fire station having allowed him an early day, and she suspected that it was because he wanted to meet Carlisle before sending her off on her first date. Still, she was glad he'd be spending most of the weekend with her, probably go to Saturday Mass before heading back to the station on Sunday. It would give them ample time to discuss about their entire week and, if she knew her dad, her date would be the main feature.

She pouted, feigning dismay that he was insulting her bright yellow glasses. "Carlisle has already seen me wearing them. He shouldn't mind."

Shivraj gave his daughter a cutting look. "Weird name. Carlisle. Who the hell names their kid that? And since when did you stop calling him Dr. Cullen?"

Jodha cocked her head to this side, an unbidden grin adorning her face. "Since he asked me to. And he's thirty-five, hardly a kid." A giggle erupted at the scowl on her father's face and she dropped beside him on the couch to wrap her arm around his midsection. "Oh, come on, Bapu. Carlisle is a very nice man. He's kind and sweet. A complete gentleman. I think you'll end up liking him more than I do."

She wouldn't deny her attraction towards Carlisle in front of her father. He was the only family she had. Who else would she talk to about such things if not her Bapu? After everything they've been through, she knew that he began seeing her as an adult despite the fact that she would always be his darling child.

No matter how much Jodha missed her mother, it was sad to know that Jhanvi Absalom never really understood her husband's progressive outlook on life. It's what made Jodha love him so dearly. She was raised to be a progressive individual just like him and appreciated that his protectiveness hadn't gotten the better of him since they arrived in the U.S.

Her freedom to go on a date with a man she met less than a week ago was testament to that. It did help that the town was close-knit though.

Her Bapu let out a grumble, the rich bass of his voice reaching her ear as he pressed a loving kiss on her temple. "I highly doubt that, laado. I'm supposed to find fault in every guy you bring home."

She scrunched up her nose. "Not all my first dates came home. Only the ones Ma liked setting me up with."

Her father snorted. "She really was a firecracker. Good thing I put a stop to that. I can tell you weren't into it. Your independent first dates always fell through too." He moved back slightly, observing her face that flushed at his next words. "You're interested in this Cullen man more than any other guy I've seen you around." Sighing, he folded the paper and dropped it on the wooden coffee table before them. "But yes, you're right. Chief Swan confirmed all of what you told me about Dr. Cullen and more. Well-to-do, hardworking and generous in his financial involvement in community service. Adopted five kids, and the Chief's daughter is getting married to one of them. Despite the crazy-ass age gap between you two, he sounds decent, which is why I'm not battling against this as hard as I should be."

This time, Jodha wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, making him tumble back with a surprised laugh. "Thank you, Bapu. You're the best papa in the whole world."

"I know." He narrowed his eyes, making her face him. "If he hurts you in any way, Jodha, he's a dead man. I hope you know that."

"He's not like that, I promise." Her earnestness must have alleviated some of his worries because he nodded and cupped her face - giving her a gentle smile.

"You look beautiful, laado. I'm glad you didn't cake your face with those godawful products."

Fathers were naturally biased but she hoped she looked good. Since Carlisle told her to dress casual, she assumed they'd be doing the typical dinner date and she rifled through her drawers for a burnt-orange chiffon blouse tucked into soft black pants complete with her signature leather jacket and ballet flats. Her neck and ears were bare of accessories. She did, however, apply a thin layer of nude lipstick that she ensured matched her complexion. Having no fashion sense, the only colour she felt confident in choosing was for the blouse and she kept everything else simple. It was easy and frankly, she still thought she was being too gaudy. Her curls, which lasted for the week, were loose and unruly so she moistened her fingers with water and detangled them but otherwise left her hair free. She kept a small portion of hair draping over her shoulder to the front and while the rest flowed down her back.

Natural. Simple. Imperfect.

Would Carlisle like what he saw?

"Thank you, Bapu."

"You should really ditch the glasses though."

"Bapu!"

"What? It sticks out like a sore thumb on your damn face. Why, in Jesus' name, did you pick that colour?"

Their laughter filled the atmosphere as they poked fun at each other.

• • •

CAREFREE LAUGHTER SOUNDED FROM inside the cottage as Carlisle unlatched the gate and walked the short path leading up to the doorway.

The cottage was small but beautiful. The yard was well-kept. Jodha mentioned her father's love for gardening and landscaping in one of their telephone conversations. He must have done the work required to restore it to a pristine quality.

He made slow progress towards the front door, carefully cradling the pot and flowers Esme gave him - feeling uncharacteristically nervous.

Jodha's father would have many questions and concerns about his intentions with her but that wasn't what frightened him. Rather, he hoped that his - supposed - age wouldn't pose too much of a problem. Nothing was greater than the fear of being denied his mate. Even if she didn't know it yet, she felt their connection, which would more than suffice.

Standing in this place, knowing that he came here for his purpose in life, garnering the permission from his children to finally be a little selfish, failure was never an option.

Also, if what Jodha stressed to him, about Indian parents being ultra-protective of their only child, was true then he was quite prepared to do as much convincing as it took, with honesty and sincerity.

Those exact qualities Jodha always exhibited over the phone. The unfettered, blunt manner in which she expressed her opinions, her brash and unfiltered questions, her unexpected softness and femininity, her guileless admission of being imperfect...they all made her more perfect in his eyes.

Excitable, playful voices and a harmony of laughter increased as he got closer. Jodha and her father seeming engaged in a jesting game. Her laughter, seductive and mellow, were windchimes tinkling in a gale.

Her humor and bubbly nature caused a spark of obsession within him.

He might as well consider himself in love.

Nearly sorry he had to interrupt, he raised his hand and gave three short raps on the door and waited. Struggling not to twist his lips into a grin, the voices quietened and exchanged whispers that would surely embarrass Jodha were she to know of his advanced hearing. Awkward first meetings were bound to happen and, after living for as long as he did, he expected and embraced that attribute of human nature.

Stepping back a bit as heavy footfalls neared, Carlisle's polite demeanour was met with the brooding countenance of Jodha's father. He had that fierce look, one that a firefighter was sure to wear when entering a burning building. There was no way he couldn't respect this man for his valour.

"Good evening. My name is Carlisle Cullen. You must be Mr. Absalom." The vampire extended a hand, trying not to smile at the sound of deep breaths Jodha was taking to calm herself. It was clear from her behaviour that she wasn't too experienced in this and somehow, that made him soar. "It's nice to finally meet you. Jodha has spoken extensively about you."

"Hmm." Shivraj tried his best to look foreboding but the mask was dissipating into muted appraisal as he surveyed Carlisle from head to toe before gripping his hand in a firm shake. "Call me Shiv. All good things, I hope?"

Ah, it seemed like this would be happening on the doorstep. "Oh, certainly. I don't think Jodha can speak ill of anyone, especially not her father."

The man narrowed his eyes. "You've been getting to know her quite well."

A closemouthed smile crept its way onto the doctor's face at Jodha's panicked oh-my-God's. "We speak frequently over the phone. I assumed Jodha would've mentioned it to you."

"She did."

Alright, then. Carlisle nodded, trying his best to keep his composure but at a loss as to how to proceed. Indian parents were different.

Nevertheless, he was determined.

He gestured to the inside of the cottage. Perhaps a tiny dose of subtle assertion would do the trick. "May I come in?"

Shivraj seemed to consider it but Jodha was already coming to Carlisle's rescue, her tone pleading and harrowed as she pulled the door wider. "For God's sake, Bapu, please let him in."

Shivraj rolled his eyes and made way. "Daughters, always ruining your hard work. Come in, Carlisle."

Carlisle thanked him with a chuckle, feeling like that hormonal boy he thought he grew out of when his gaze fastened on her. What he noticed in the first few seconds was her long, lustrous hair. Coiled tightly in medium curls when he met her, they now streamed down her shoulder towards her waist. Silky as velvet and darker than midnight.

He could only imagine how it would feel lacing the thick locks through his fingers.

Becoming a habit, he reeled his thoughts back to the present.

He wondered how lovestruck he looked to Shiv when he approached the girl. "Good evening, Jodha. How are you?"

Her tongue, small and pink, darted out to lick her plump lower lip before smiling. His jaw clenched.

"A little nervous, I must admit." She fiddled with that outrageous pair of glasses which added to her innocent charm. "I haven't, you know, gone on a date in a long while." She took a slow breath.

"Well, that only means we're in the same boat." That earned him a scoff from Shiv. "We'll take it one step at a time, hm?"

Her smile widened, doing the lovely headshake that tempted him to cup her face and taste her lips. "Deal." Then she frowned. "I smell chocolate."

The flowers. He held up the vase that Jasper and Emmett painted and varnished in which laid the chocolate-scented blooms. "Oh, I almost forgot." Another common occurrence around her. "I brought these for you. They're called Chocolate Cosmos because of their colour and special fragrance."

The vase was short with a shallow base, white on the inside and brown outside upon which the kaleidoscopic splendour of the Indian decorative pattern adorned its surface. Even with the plant seated within it, the pot was light with two small handles for easy holding.

Their fingers brushed over one another, Carlisle taking the opportunity to cover the back of her hands in his palms to ensure she held the pot securely before releasing. The stain of a blush coloured her brown cheeks to a beautiful shade. Russet but not quite.

"Thank you." He didn't miss the surprised awe and gratitude in her tender voice. She raised the blooms closer to her nose, eyes closed as the fragrance tickled her nostrils. "Wow. I haven't seen or smelled any flower like this before. It's one of a kind."

"It's a dying species, unfortunately. Not many of it exist around the world."

Shiv also neared the two, leaning closer to inspect the plant with piqued interest. "If it's dying, it must've cost a small fortune for you to get it."

Carlisle let out a nervous laugh, hand reaching to rub behind his neck. "Actually, my sister, Esme, is a horticulturist. Passionate about environmental science, she's been attempting to clone near-extinct species of plants and herbs a few years now. She's been very successful."

Father and daughter gaped at him, amazed and wholly impressed.

He continued, wondering if he said too much but unable to retract it. "She's very particular about plucking her blossoms but she ended up giving me a plant for you."

Jodha glanced between him and the pot, the thump of her heart displaying the level of her anxiety to him. "But why did you let her give away her special plants?"

His sweet girl. "Esme wanted you to have it, Jodha. And I can understand why. The Cosmos are rare to come by and quite beautiful, like you."

Her cheeks turned darker, but her tender smile showed her acceptance. "Thank you so much, Carlisle. Do tell your sister that I love it and I'll cherish it forever."

"I will."

"Does that mean your family knows of your interest in Jodha?" Shiv asked when they finally took a seat.

While Jodha went to place the plant in her room, it allowed her father to give Carlisle the shakedown, which the doctor didn't mind. It eased the man's concern for his daughter and he saw just how loved and cared for Jodha was, even with the absence of a mother.

"Most certainly. My sister, mainly, knows how I felt the moment I met your daughter." Her beauty was like no other and her personality drew him to her like bees to the honeycomb. "Forgive me for being so blunt, but I knew I had to see and talk to her again."

"My daughter has grown into a beautiful woman."

"She is remarkably beautiful," Carlisle agreed, making small gestures as he spoke. "But it's not the only reason why I wanted to meet with her. Her qualities and personality and overall positive outlook on life are what attracted me. She is quite mature."

A downtrodden, wry smile appeared on Shiv's face as he nodded at Carlisle's last statement. "It took one year for her to be as mature as she is now. Other than that, before she lost her mother, she was...a child at heart. She loved her freedom." Shiv sat back, wiping his face. "I mean, she laughs and jokes around but it's not the same as before. She's more reserved and introverted than she ever was."

Pain lanced at Carlisle, knowing Jodha endured such an experience. In the prime of her life, when she would need her mother's love, advice and guidance the most. Understandably, her mother wasn't a subject she seemed to want to discuss yet, whenever they spoke about it, there was an unmistakable trace of unbearable, sorrowful guilt mixed in with her indifferent words.

"Honestly, Shiv, something tells me Jodha hasn't lost that quality nor will she ever, regardless of her maturity."

She came skipping down the stairs, offering the men a cheerful smile as she sat next to Carlisle on the three-seater. "What are we talking about, fellas?"

The vampire didn't miss the way Shiv watched how she situated herself right beside him yet somehow managed not to let any part of her touch Carlisle. She had that respect before her father and he knew she wasn't the type to throw herself at anyone.

"I was asking Carlisle about his family."

"Oh, they sound like a wonderful bunch, don't they?"

"Yeah, though it beats me why you'd want to adopt kids so young." Shiv directed that statement to Carlisle who anticipated this topic.

"My kids were abandoned or orphaned at a very young age but they exhibited talents that could take them places, if they had someone to care for and support them. My sister and I wanted to be those persons in their corner." Carlisle smiled, remembering his past years. Blaming himself for changing persons without their conscious permission yet amazed when they forgave him and learned to accept their new life. Even if they complained at times, he was glad it all worked out for the best. His children were settled which left him and Esme to look after themselves. "After all the trials they faced in their young lives, we were happy to do what we could to help shape their future."

Jodha hummed and he turned to her, confounded by the admiration in her eyes. He'd done nothing spectacular like that, even if it was close to the real story.

"You have a kind heart, Carlisle."

"No, Jodha. Anyone else would've done the same, I'm sure."

Shiv shook his head, leaning forward once more - the look on his face grave. "Not everyone, Doctor. The world needs more good souls like you."

Carlisle tried not to flinch at the last few words. Still, he saw a chance and took it with some humor to taper off the edges. "Does that mean I can finally seek permission to court your daughter? If all goes well with our date, that is."

"You want to court my daughter?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

Carlisle locked his fingers together as he fixed his eyes on the maroon carpet, pondering his response. "I'm looking for a stable, durable relationship. Which can lead to a long-term commitment, if possible." A cruel thought struck him and he glanced at her in apology. "Unless Jodha isn't looking for something so permanent then I'll-"

Her dainty hand squeezed his shoulder and electricity spiked through him, making him speechless. "I want something long-term also, Carlisle. I'm tired of men who only want to meet you because they think they can get in your pants or get you to shack up with them."

Not only him but Shiv also stared at her in complete astonishment, before the two males glanced at each other.

"Is that-" Carlisle paused, leaning closer to her, "-is that why you asked if I was married or...taken?"

"Partially," she hedged, gaze flickering from Carlisle to her father. "I would appreciate if you two didn't gang up on me. I would like to have a fun, peaceful evening."

"Now, I know you're not telling us something," Shiv remarked, resting his chin on folded hands and pinning his daughter with a scathing look. "What is it, Jodha?"

"Nothing."

"Jodha."

She puffed out her cheeks in a whoosh of air, closing her eyes as if she would regret this. "Fine...Did you know Ma's family convinced her to probably put me in a common-law arrangement if no one wanted to marry me legally?"

"What?" Shivraj jumped to his feet, pacing like a madman. Aggression in his every step. "God, how did I not know this?"

Carlisle stood too, unable to absorb what he was hearing. Couldn't understand how such practices still managed to exist in this freedom-fighting world. Sheer horror didn't describe the feeling taking over him. There was a roiling sensation in the pit of his stomach so overpowering that he feared he would've regurgitated the blood from his recent hunt. The repugnance of her experiences wasn't lost on him.

"Oh, Lord. I shouldn't have said anything." Jodha jumped up, a plea for peace on her face. "Relax, Bapu. I knew you would've flipped like me when I found out. I wasn't supposed to know either. I...the last guy made a mistake and that was how I knew. You know I can't speak ill of Ma but it's not her fault."

"Not her fau-Jodha, do you have any idea what you're saying?"

"Bapu, please. Not right now," Jodha begged, her head bowed as she turned away from Carlisle.

As much as he wanted to console her, assure her that it was alright, that he didn't care about her past, Carlisle took a step towards the kitchen - thinking he should give them some privacy when Shiv stopped him.

"Stay, Doctor." The man's face was tired and drawn, a quick deterioration from the shock of Jodha's statement. "You should know what you're getting yourself into if you want my daughter in your life."

"He's not getting himself into anything." She folded her arms and turned to watch him. Shame lingered on her expression and Carlisle didn't like seeing it, especially when there was nothing to be ashamed about. "It's in the past, Carlisle. I'm over it but...I just have to make sure that I'm not getting myself involved in anything wrong, you know? Even the dates I did on my own, the men were so...horrible. I'm so sorry if those questions ever made you uncomfortable."

"I completely understand, Jodha, and I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's not your fault." He offered her his hand, smiling when she took it and getting lost in the dark depths of those piercing eyes. "You have to protect yourself and your heart, and I don't blame you for it. But, I also want you to know that you never have to put up any defense against me. I have nothing to hide." A total lie, but that detail wasn't something he wanted to dwell on. "I'm free, single and disengaged, as they say. My word is my honour, Jodha. You will never feel doubtful with me and, if you do, then you tell me and we'll deal with it. I promise you."

"Carlisle..." she whispered, launching into his body, her arms wrapping around his waist as tight as possible. He froze for a split second, glancing at Shiv before he relented and closed his arms over her petite body. "I don't know how to thank you. You, giving me a chance like this, seems too good to be true."

He breathed out a shy laugh, her scent and shampoo tickling his senses. Her head rested beneath the crook of his chin and she felt so warm and fragile against his chest. "I like you very much. You don't have to do anything. Just trust me."

This girl was his mate. His true mate. There was no one else for him. No one else he wanted. Sure, any onlooker might have told him he didn't owe her anything yet nor should he be making such promises, but it didn't matter. This moment of vulnerability from both father and daughter showed that they already trusted him more than they were probably letting on. He'd gotten a glimpse into what they hid from most folks and, as much as the details appalled him, he was grateful for every iota of information when it came to Jodha.

If Carlisle had to prove himself then no task was too gargantuan for him. He'd court this woman, get to know and understand her better; and he'd eventually find a way to ease her into the reality of who he was before marrying her.

For now, he'd soak her up in all her vivacious, messy glory.

• • •

I didn't plan this. I feel bad for putting Carlisle through that Zee TV episode but her mother's death is quite important to the story as it reveals sides of Jodha that Carlisle is yet to see.

Also, as awkward as writing that was, something tells me that Carlisle would've handled it wayyy better than I made him so...it's all good 😉

Votes and comments to encourage me or help me improve are always welcome and much appreciated.

And if you're interested in keeping up with my writing progress, do give my profile a follow!

Thank you for reading ❤️

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