Moonsoon Series -Before the Rains/Dhani/p61 Nov 21 - Page 31

Dhani that was tooooo good.......the three muskeeteers' mission accomplished.......please keep writing....

Too cute I'm inspired to finish a SS i called Barsaat ke mausam mein,Mmmm shall i PM you Kanta WINK!!!!!!!

Shaz I will be waiting for Barsaat ki mausam...now that sounds so romantic.

Ok I don't know if I mentioned it before, but there is an index on page one of all the stories. It's a pain to do....

Here is my next story...let me know if its good, bad or ugly...

< ="-" ="text/; =utf-8">< name="ProgId" ="Word.">< name="Generator" ="Microsoft Word 9">< name="Originator" ="Microsoft Word 9">

The Rescue

She felt miserable, she was caked with cold slimy mud, her boots were full of water and huddled under her raincoat, sitting under rock hardly provided any relief. Her teeth clattered and she shivered with cold, "I hate you Di…I told you it wasn't a good day to go hiking."

Bani peered from under the hood of her raincoat and gave a sorry look to her young sister. But it was their last day in Shimla and she wanted to make most of it. In the morning it had been bright and sunny and the weather guy on TV had said there was a slight chance of light rain, not this torrential downpour that she and Rano were caught in. They would have been ok, if it hadn't been for the mudslide, she had panicked and clutched at Rano as were dragged down and somehow she didn't know how she had managed to grab on to roots of a tree and stop themselves from going further. But in the process of saving themselves, she had lost her back pack which contained food, water and some emergency items. There was nothing to do but wait until it was safe to make their way down.

"Di I am freezing." Rano stammered trying to stop her teeth from clattering. Bani shifted closer and wrapped her arms around Rano, hoping to give her some comfort. Whether it was the cold or tiredness, Bani found herself falling asleep, her head resting on Rano who was already sleeping. They slept as the rain continued to pelt down.

"Sahib…Sahib…" The shrill shouts woke Bani up. She opened her eyes slowly to find herself staring at an oldman covered in yellow plastic raincoat and black gum boots which looked way too big for him. He smiled showing his half missing teeth and nodded his head at her in a friendly manner. Bani shifted herself to remove her arm which was wedged between the rock and Rano's back and in process waking up Rano.

"Can we go home now Di?" Rano asked as she opened her eyes.

Bani slowly stood up, her mud caked boots felt heavy making it hard to lift her feet. She bent down and slowly helped Rano up and using her hand, tried to brush some of the mud caked on the raincoat down.

"Hello I am George…wait Sahib is here." The old man said in his sing song voice.

Bani stared at the man dressed in a black rain coat. He was much taller than George and his face was seemed strange under the hood of the raincoat.

He stared with anger at Bani and Rano. "You girls should count yourself lucky. What the hell made you go up these hills in the rain."

Rano crept closer to Bani. Bani took a deep breath, "It wasn't raining when we came here in the morning."

He smirked and his voice filled with anger, "I know it wasn't raining but don't you check the weather or ask someone…someone like George here if it's safe to go strolling in these hills."

Bani spoke again, her voice rising slightly, "The weather said light rain, not a monsoon downpour. Anyway we would have made it safely down the hill."

He scanned them both, noting the mud caked everywhere and said coldly, "Yes you would have made it down ok, if you hadn't both got hypothermia before nightfall." He pushed his hood back angrily, "How far do you think you would have gone in your mud laden boots and clothes."

"George, give me the pack." George handed his backpack to the man, who unzipped it and pulled out two thin thermal blankets. He looked up at Bani, "Take off your raincoats and wrap this around you."

Bani took the thermal blanket from him mumbling, "Thanks."

They stood clutching the thermal blankets around them, not sure what else to do.

He glanced at them, "Ready? Then come on, lets get down before it gets too dark." He pointed at Bani, "You come with me and she can walk with George."

"But I want to walk with Di." Rano wailed timidly. The man turned and glared at Rano. "Look if she falls then you fall too and I can't look after both of you. So walk with George so he can help you."

Rano fell in steps with George, who kept on giving her encouraging smiles. Bani trudged along with ahead. No one said anything but trudged through the mud, slipping now and then in the mud. It seemed to take forever to get down and Bani's legs ached terribly from the effort. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw the road in the distance and a black Jeep parked on it.

The man opened the door to let them get in the back. Slamming the door closed he went to the back and then came back couple of minutes later holding two large cups of steaming tea which he had poured out from a flask. Opening the door he handed them in and said gruffly, "Tea! Drink it up, it will warm you."

Rano smiled at him, "Thanks sir. I am Rano and what is your name sir?"

"Jai…Jai Walia."

"Oh nice to meet you Mr Walia. This is my sister Bani." Feeling warm and safe, Rano who loved to talk, even with people who she met for the first time, relaxed back and said, "Actually today is our last day in Shimla and well Di loves photography and wanted to take some more pictures."

Jai Walia scowled, "Well your sister certainly made sure you had a memorable last day."

Rano laughed, "I agree with you. Actually I told her we shouldn't go, but she wouldn't listen." Bani gave a sharp dig into Rano's side, "Shut up!" she hissed.

"It's true di, if you had listened to me then Mr Walia wouldn't have to come and rescue us." Rano looking at Jai Walia again, "by the way how come you came looking for me."

For the first time he smiled, his face relaxing a bit, "Actually, the hotel you are staying at is part of my chain of hotel and the receptionist had noticed you two mentioning about going hiking and when she didn't see you come back, she got worried and told the manager."

"I think it must be our luck, to be found safe. I must thank the receptionist." Rano finished her tea and handed the cup back to him. Bani had only drunk half and gave him the cup back, she didn't really like tea that much.

Within half an hour they found themselves in their hotel. Jai Walia got another room for them so that they could both clean themselves without having to wait. Bani stood under the hot shower working hard to get mud out of her hair and from the parts neck and arms which had been exposed. Slowly the chill left her body and half an hour later, wrapped in her robe she sat down on the bed, stretching her tired legs out. It felt good to be warm, cosy and safe in the room and Bani grudgingly admitted she had been foolish that morning, not listening to Rano or seeking advice.

A knock sounded on the door and Bani opened it to see Rano smiling and holding a tray with two bowls of soup and bread. "Mr Walia had these sent up for us. I think he is so cute di." Bani didn't say anything. She was upset with him for being so choleric with them.

Bani did finish her bowl of soup. It was good and once she had a couple of spoonful she found she was hungry, not having eaten much since breakfast. After they finished eating, Bani dried Rano's hair and then made her lie down on the bed. She too wanted to lie down and sleep, her muscles were aching now. Her hair was almost dry when there was a knock on the door. Bani tightened her robe around herself and opened the door to face Jai Walia. Both of them stared at each other in shock.

He was not the same man who had rescued them today. He definitely did not look like a middle aged man who she assumed he was under that rain parkha. Wearing jeans and a polo shirt, his jet-black hair, he looked much younger.

Well she definitely doesn't look like the girl he had rescued much earlier. The girl in front of him had squeaky-clean face and did not look much older than fifteen. With her muddy face and oversize raincoat, she had seemed much older. Her face has lost the stubborn streak and traces of indignation from before. She was very attractive with oval face and large dark eyes, and she looked tiny…the bathrobe seemed to engulf her small frame.

He gave a nod and clearing his throat, smiled at Bani and his voice pleasant, "I came to make sure you and your sister are ok. If you need anything, I can arrange to get it for you."

Bani felt colour creeping up on her cheeks, "Thank you. Actually we are fine. Rano is already asleep. Thank you for everything."

He absently ran his hand through his hair, "Well if you need anything or don't feel well, just call the reception. I have left instruction with the person on night duty to call me."

Bani gave him a shy smile, "Goodnight Mr Walia."

She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, the image of her rescuer firmly planted in her mind.

Early in the morning Bani stirred. Her body ached everywhere and she winced at the pain as she stretched her muscles. She turned at looked at Rano who was still fast asleep. "Rano…are you ok?" Bani touched Rano's shoulder and flinched when she felt the heat through the nightdress. She touched Rano's forehead and found she was burning. Bani shook Rano, "Rano…are you alright. You seem to have a fever. Rano…open your eyes."

"Di let me sleep," Rano mumbled without opening her eyes, "I feel so tired."

"Rano, I think you are sick. Wake up and take some medicine and then go back to sleep. I will order some tea as well."

Bani quickly got ready and called room service for tea. She rummaged in her bag and found a bottle of pain reliever and she forced Rano to take couple of them before tucking the duvet around her. She sat wondering if she should cancel their return home. Rano could possibly not travel while in this condition. May be she will ask reception to get a doctor and see what he says.

Bani got dressed and called the reception and asked them to send for a doctor. Bani sipped her tea slowly while waiting for the doctor. She will call her parents up after the doctor checks Rano she thought. Two hours later the doctor had not arrived and Bani went down to reception.

The young woman behind counter smiled as Bani approached. Bani smiled back, "I am waiting for a doctor. I called two hours ago and asked if a doctor could come and see my sister."

The young woman looked confused, "I am sorry but I just came on duty and the person who was on duty has left and did not tell me anything about a doctor. Would you like me to call the doctor?"

Bani sighed, "Yes…please ask him to hurry up." Bani waited until the call was made and then left. She walked slowly up the stairs lost in her thoughts that she did not see Jai Walia walking down.

"Hi." Jai called out. Bani absentmindedly called out "Hi." Without looking at him. Jai turned and grabbed her hand, "Are you ok?" he asked. Bani gazed blankly at him and then at his hand holding her arm, "Yes, I am fine. Thanks for asking." Jai dropped his hand, "You don't look fine. Is there anything wrong? Where is your sister?"

Bani just shook her head, "It's nothing. Actually Rano has fever and I am just waiting for a doctor."

"Why didn't you get the reception to inform me?" he snapped.

Bani just stared at him and couldn't help spitting back, "There is nothing you can do. It's just fever. I did call reception two hours ago to ask for the doctor but he hasn't come yet, may be he is busy."

"Come on lets go to your room and check up on your sister." Jai turned around and pulled her along.

Rano was wide-awake when Bani entered. "Hi di. Can I get something to drink? I am really thirsty." Bani walked up to her and felt her forehead. "You are still hot. How do you feel? The doctor should be coming." Bani told her as she poured out some water in the glass for her.

Rano smiled at Jai, "Hi Mr Walia." Rano gazed at Bani fussing with the bed covers, "Di you shouldn't have called the doctor. Are we going to leave soon?"

Feeling uncomfortable with Jai hanging around, "Do you think you can travel? May be we can leave after the doctor checks you out."

Jai walked up to Rano and felt her head, "I don't you will going anywhere young lady until your fever goes down. You are sick from getting wet yesterday." Jai pulled his cell phone out and asked the reception if the doctor was on his way.

He faced Bani, "I am going down to wait for the doctor. Don't go anywhere, stay here."

Bani raised her eyes heavenwards, why was he creating such a big fuss. She could handle it. It's not as if they haven't fallen sick before. Rano reading Bani's mood, "Come here Di. Sit by me and massage my head a bit. I am sorry to delay our return."

A few minutes later Jai returned with the doctor. After checking Rano he wrote out a prescription and handed it to Bani. "Nothing to worry about, just a bad case of case."

"Is it alright for her to travel?" Bani asked the doctor.

Before the doctor could reply, Jai thundered, "Both of you will not be going anywhere until Rano is fully recovered."

Bani glared at Jai. The doctor oblivious of the tension, "She can travel once the fever is gone."

Bani gave a freezing stare at Jai, "Thank you doctor."

Once the doctor left Jai came up to Bani and held her gaze and in a stern voice said, "You are not to leave until I say so." He grabbed the prescription from Bani's hand, "I will go and get the medicine."

Rano who was peeking out of the covers at the two of them looked flushed as her eyes darted from Jai to Bani and back. As Jai left Rano squeaked out, "Thank you Mr Walia."

When the door of the room closed, Bani fumed, "Who does he think he is? I have a good mind to pack our bags and leave right now."

Rano who felt really tired now, "No Di…I don't think I can travel. I just want to sleep now."

Bani quickly came over and sat by Rano and held her hand. "Go to sleep. I will wake you up to take your medicine and promise we won't go until you say so."

XXXXX

Jai Walia scowled as he watched his wife don a raincoat. "Where do you think you are going Bani?"

"Just for a stroll…" Bani answered whilst fixing her gaze outside at the darkening clouds.

Jai stood up and walked up to her, "You know it's going to rain soon Bani."

Bani nodded her head and smiled at him. "Yes I know, but I really need a walk Jai. It doesn't help me to sit around doing nothing."Bani rested her hand on the slight roundness of her stomach and then wrapping one arm around him and in a pleading voice, "Why don't you come with us for a walk?"

Jai sighed, he had a lot of work to catch on but he hated to let Bani go outside alone in her present condition. Couple of times she had said she was just going for a stroll and ended up taking a couple of hours hike. He pressed his lips on her forehead and smiled, "Fine I will take you out, but we can't stay out too long. I don't want you getting wet in the rain."

Bani grimaced her face, "What good is a raincoat then?"

Jai laughed, "It only keeps what it covers dry Bani…what about the rest?"

Bani didn't reply, she really did not want to spend time arguing with him. She pulled him along, "Come on then…before the storm hits."

THE END

.

SAVING

Awwww cuteness!!!! I loved it :) LOL Rano liked him.. maybe for her Di and maybe shes the one that made her stay? :) Or maybe Bani fell for how he took care of them.

Loovely mushy story :) Loved it!

haila shadi kar li donon ne...

Just read Deewanapan by Sonam- Bani and her family bearing the brunt of the hardships on Jai's disappearance 😡 But all is well that ends well. Thanks Sonam

Match Makers - Dhani, I love that Raindrops song too....And the back-and-forth between Bani and her nani and Jai and his Maasi was very cute. The jogging trio is awesome - they got the job done!! JB ko pata liya. Fun ff. Kantaben - yeh beech mein thoda part missing hai...seedha shaadi - haila, I feel cheated!!!! 😉 Very cute.

very cute story...JB got marreid..

hahaha.. lmao.. jb r sooo funny kanta.. wow.. another one plzz.. heheh.. that was hilarious.. poor rano.. ehhe