Thanks Popeye... you're a dear friend. I hope you know that.
Part 80 ***********************
Jai walked downstairs with Neha in his one good arm. As hard as it was, he wasn't going to miss the chance to play with his little girl. Sitting at the dining table with Neha in his lap, he waited for everyone to join him at the table. Masi soon came to the table, quietly taking her seat. She glanced over at Jai who was busy Neha her usual dry cereal.
Neha became excited upon seeing Masi at the table. "Aadi khana!" She said holding up a few bits of cereal for the elderly woman. For the first time ever, Masi gave Neha a small smile and shook her head, it broke her heart to know what this baby had gone through.
Jai noticed but stayed quiet, he was still quite upset with what Masi said to Bani. He looked up to see his wife entering the dining room with a breakfast tray in her hand. She set it down carefully, but like the day before didn't look up. Masi noticed that she served Jai breakfast before putting any in her own. After serving Jai, she excused herself to go back to the kitchen, but Jai stopped her by catching her hand.
"Sit Bani… Tony can take care of the rest. We always have breakfast as a family, and today is no different." He said casting a quick glance at Masi. Bani picked at the food on her plate, as the rest of the family ate. Taking a piece of toast and placing it in his plate, he began to scrape butter on it with the one useful hand. After he finished, he placed it in Bani's plate.
"Please eat it… you didn't eat a proper dinner yesterday." She looked at his worrisome eyes then nodded. Masi watched the two of them quietly as they finished their breakfast. After Bani finished eating, she took Neha in her lap and finished feeding her.
Masi's eyes fell on Neha, and she pondered how Neha seemed so happy despite all the trauma she had endured. The smiling face was not something she would have expected after all that. She watched as Jai quietly made faces at Neha making her laugh and Bani giving her timid smile at the two of them. Clearly Neha was attached to both of them.
Once Jai had finished eating, Bani brought him his medicine, ensuring he took them on time. It was then he noticed that Bani was dressed and ready to go.
"You're all ready for work?" He asked finishing his juice.
"Actually no, a doctors appointment." She replied quietly.
Jai nearly dropped his glass. "Are you ok? Are you feeling allright?" He asked trying to check her temperature.
"Im fine," Bani said finally giving him a small smile. "Neha has to get her yearly check-up and vaccination, so Im taking her to the Pediatrician."
"Vaccinations? You mean shots? My baby is going to have needles stuck in her? Why didn't you tell me?" Jai suddenly felt worried.
"Because you need to rest. You are already in enough pain cause of your hand. We wont be long." Bani said checking the time. "I'd better get going. Ready, Neha?"
"Eddie!" Neha said clapping.
"No, wait. Im coming, too." Jai said standing up quickly. "Tony! Bring my jacket and tell the driver to come around!" he called out.
Masi was surprised at Jai's behavior, suddenly seeing him protective of Bani and Neha. It surprised her to see this side of him. She had never realized how attached he had become of them.
****
When they returned home, Neha was sniffling after crying so long upon getting a shot on Bani's shoulder and clutching a red lollipop in her hand. Jai, too, was feeling tired and the pain in his wrist was starting up. Bani smiled, finally seeing the worry off of his face.
He was nearly a train wreck at the doctors office. She had to send her poor husband outside when Neha was about to get her shots because he was panicking more than the little girl was. Only when it was all over, did he finally show some sign of relief. Bani took both of them up stairs, making Jai lie down and Neha sit with him while she got his medicines.
Masi had seen them return from the doctors office, and she peeked in their room seeing Jai resting quietly while Neha inspected her lollipop. She tried to not make herself seen as she watched Bani bring Jai his tablets.
"Your medicine…" She said softly. He obediently took the pills from her and swallowed them, with the full glass of water.
She took Neha in her arms, who was now falling asleep and took her to the next room to put her in her crib. By the time she returned, her husband had fallen asleep and she covered him with a blanket to make sure he was comfortable. Just before Bani walked away, she pressed a soft kiss in on his cheek. Masi left after watching that scene wondering why she hadn't seen Bani do such a thing before.
****
Masi was sitting downstairs later, reading a magazine. She heard a cry coming from upstairs. She waited a few minutes, then looked around when the crying hadn't yet stopped. By this time she was wondering why Bani wasn't running up to get Neha from her room. She knew that Jai was sound asleep. She finally saw Jigyasa coming out of the kitchen, her hands covered with flour.
"Masi, Bani had to step out for a little bit. I told her I would watch Neha for her, but I cant run upstairs right now. Do you think you can check on her?" Jigyasa asked.
Masi looked at her and hestitatingly nodded. She made her way up the stairs and saw that Neha was standing against the railing of her crib crying. Neha looked tired and all she wanted was to be held. She held her arms high up. Masi was reluctant, but she put her arms out and lifted the little girl up from her crib. Neha immediately rested her head on Masi's shoulder, much to her surprise. She patted the little girls cheek and paused for a moment.
Touching Neha's cheek again, she realized the little girl had a bit of a fever. She rushed downstairs. "Jigyasa!"
"Ji, Masi?"
"Beta, Neha has a fever." She started to feel worried.
"Masi?" Bani said quietly walking into the room.
The elderly woman turned around and saw Bani standing there holding a small bag in her hand.
"The doctor said this could be one of the side effects of the shots. They said to give her a mild fever reducer in case it did. I just went out to get it." She said holding up the bag. Masi looked at her and nodded. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Bani, who expertly took Neha from her arms and calmly feeding her the medicine. Neha looked at her Mama and completely relaxed in her arms. Bani felt bad that her Neha was awake but not her lively self. Bani gave her little girl a kiss on the head then took her upstairs to put her to sleep.
Masi made her way upstairs, thinking she can catch a quick nap. She passed by Nehas room where Bani was sitting on the rocking chair, helping to put her to sleep.
"Bani!" Jai called out groggily. Bani looked at a sleeping Neha and quietly set her down, before heading to their room.
Masi heard Jai speak when Bani went back to the room. "Bani, can I get another glass of water?"
She nodded and poured him a glass, sitting with him as he finished it. He smiled, kissed her cheek, then went back to sleep. By that time, Rano walked in with Raima in her arms.
"Bani Mami, do you think you can watch Raima for a bit? I have to take a shower because she spit up all over me and Raima's nanny is out today. Mummy is in the kitchen so she cant watch her. If its not any trouble?"
"You don't even have to ask," Bani replied with a smile taking Raima into her arms. She bounced Raima in her arms, making the baby smile and gurgle.
Rano walked out of the room, while Masi quietly stepped to the side, unable to be noticed. She couldn't figure out why everyone was depending so greatly on Bani. Even Rano was giving responsibility of her own child to Bani. Masi peeked in the room again, seeing Bani playing with the child as if she were her own. An uneasy feeling came over her as she saw Bani genuinely happy to take care of Jai, Neha and now Raima. Even Rano was more than happy to leave her daughter with this woman.
Masi left towards her room feeling thoroughly confused.
She was all over the place- whether with one or both of the kids, tending to Jai, or helping around the house like she normally did. The part that confused her the most, she did it with a smile.
Later in the afternoon, Bani had found some time to sit and finish some of her work. She sat in their room, while Jai read through some files. He, too, was catching up as he would soon return back to the office. Jai glanced up at her occasionally, loving the crinkle on her nose as she concentrated. But today, he noticed that Bani was looking tired. He could tell in her eyes that she was drained, yet had so much more to do.
"Maamaaaa!" Neha cried out grumpily after waking up early from her nap. Both Jai and Bani's head shot up. Bani set down her file preparing to get up.
"I'll go." Jai said putting down his pen and paper.
"No, it will be too difficult with just one hand. I'll go," Bani said with a reassuring smile.
She found Neha sitting in her crib, with her lips pouting. "Whats wrong, baby?" She lifted her out of the crib. Her fever was slightly there and Bani checked the time to see when her next dosage would be.
"Mama ouchee…" She whimpered to Bani.
"Where?"
Neha pointed to her arm. Bani kissed her arm, then Neha rested her head on her Mama's shoulder. Bani walked with her into their room and she saw Jai sitting on the bed.
"Papa!" She said pointing to Jai because she wanted to be in his arms. Jai looked up and smiled.
"Not today, baby.. I don't want Papa's hand to get hurt, cause you're such a big girl now." She replied. But Jai knew she was overly exhausted. She faintly smiled at him.
"Bani, Im not that injured where I cant help out. Leave her with me… we'll be fine." Jai reassured her. He climbed out of the bed and touched her arm. "Bani? You're warm!" He checked her forehead. "You have a fever too…."
"No, Im fine."
"Bani, you've hardly slept over the past few days, and now too you are overworking yourself. Please just lie down for a little bit."
She heard Rano calling for her in the other room. "I have to run…" She couldn't figure out how to be two places at once. Jai saw her dilemma, and as much as he wanted her to rest, he knew he wouldn't be able to stop her. He took Neha in his good arm and set her down on the bed, then nodded to her to go on.
Neha sat in the middle of the bed smiling up at her Papa who sat right next to her. "Papa shee! Ouchee!" She pointed to her arm, which was still a little sore. "Ish ouchie?" She asked pointing to his arm.
"Yes, sweetheart. A big ouchee." Jai explained. She looked at his arm with curiosity, then blew his arm a flying kiss.
"Ish betta!"
He gave her a smile, although he was feeling worried for Bani. He didn't like that she was pushing herself this much and wanted her to rest so she didn't fall further ill.
Still he couldn't ignore the little girl who was trying to make her Papa smile. "Much better, thank you so much!" He said giving her a big hug and kiss.
***
The next couple of days went by in a similar fashion. Jai was now not in as much pain as before and Neha's fever was gone by the next day. Her playful nature had returned, as well as her curiosity which sent Bani running all over the house. On top helping Jai and taking care of Neha, as well as Raima occasionally, Bani had brought home some of her office work as she was afraid she was going to fall behind.
Jai, too, had his office work with him, but it was hard to type on his laptop with a hand. Bani offered her help a few times, especially when things were urgent, but he tried his best to do it on his own.
Masi quietly watched her from afar. Jai noticed that after he spoke with her, Masi had hardly commented against Bani or taunted her in any way. After those couple days she found Jai busy reading some files in his room.
Jai stared at the file in hand, but unable to read any of the words. He had hardly seen Bani that morning. He saw her during breakfast and then early afternoon when she came to drop his medicines. But that was hours ago. He saw that she had been running around nonstop for the past couple of days. From what he could tell her fever hadn't gone down. She would be shivering a bit during the night, but still wouldn't listen to him in the morning.
Jai turned as he heard a knock on the door. Masi stood there, studying his concerned face.
"Jai, whats wrong?"
"Nothing, Masi. Is there something you needed?"
"No.. nothing I needed," She said as she sat on the edge of the bed. "But I did want to say something."
Jai sat up curiously as Masi has a pensive look in her eyes.
"I know that when I came here I was a little harsh. I was making assumptions without knowing the reason behind everything here. But I couldn't help it! After all that you had been through with Roshni, it was all too quick. When I returned to Haridwar after the Yatra, people were showing me the papers, telling me these pieces of gossip. And there I was, clueless about my own family. What else could I assume? I didn't want to see my son being trapped by another woman."
Jai looked at her wanting to explain from his heart that he was never trapped by anyone. But Masi's look stopped him from speaking. He knew she had more to say.
"Then the other day I spoke with Jigyasa. I realized I might have judged them too soon." She admitted. Jai couldn't believe his ears. "She told me all of what they went through, especially Neha. I couldn't believe it. Such torture for a little baby." Masi said wiping the tear that fell from her eye.
Jai looked at her sadly. "Masi, I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you the other day. I couldn't help it. I love Bani and Neha so much, that I cant see either of them unhappy."
Masi gave him a smile. "I know that. And Bani seems to care for you a lot, as well. I just need some time to think and to put my doubts aside. Will you let your Masi think things over?"
Jai nodded and hugged his aunt. "Masi, you can take your time. Thank you for understanding. Im sure that you will love her just as much as we do." He felt elated inside.
Masi nodded understanding where he came from.
Just then Neha ran into the room excitedly running for her Papa.
"Papa shee!" She said point to her teeth.
"See what?" He asked curiously.
"Mama shee theeeech! Nea big!" She said bouncing up and down.
Bani walked in looking tired, but was surprised to see Masi sitting there. She looked to the floor but Neha kept bouncing up and down.
"Bani?" Jai asked.
Bani looked up and quickly walked to him, handing a tablet and glass of water. "I brought your medicine…"
"Mama! Papa shee Nea theech!"
She smiled. "You showed Papa your teeth? Very good. Did you tell Papa how many teeth you have now?"
Neha put both her hands up, displaying all her fingers just like her Mama had done earlier. "Ich many!"
Jai gave her a surprised look. "Wow! You are a big girl!" Neha giggled then looked at Masi who was smiling softly at her.
"Aadi shee!" She said opening her mouth. Masi laughed then pinched Neha's cheeks.
"Wow, my little gudia is such a big girl now! Chalo lets go play! What do you say?" Masi left with Neha, hand in hand, leaving Jai and Bani both surprised. Bani smiled, happy that at least Masi was caring for Neha as well. Her eyes fell in the clock and she realized she had some time to take care of some office work before she went to get dinner prepared.
Bani, sneezed and brushed it off. Jai looked at her carefully. He saw as she grabbed her file then decided to head to the study, but Jai caught her hand. "Bani… you still aren't well. You need to take some rest. You're fever has not gone down for the past few days because all you have been doing is working."
"I know but I need to take care of all this-"
"Sshh…." He commanded. Taking the files and tossing them aside, he pulled her around so she was lying in bed. He rummaged through the drawer, found some medicine and poured her a glass of water. "After all you have done, you will listen to me, ok? You can not keep working like this. See how weak you have become?"
She didn't even have the energy to argue with him. Lately, she had been more tired than normal, and after taking care of everyone, she was totally drained. After Bani took the medicine, she could feel the exhaustion coming about. Now she wanted nothing more than to sleep. Bani felt her eyes begin to shut almost instantly. She watched Jai as her eyes closed and he lovingly covered her with a blanket as she fell into a peaceful and much needed slumber.
***
Some time later, Jai walked down the stairs, greeting everyone in the drawing room. They were sitting watching a movie on television. He was surprised that Neha was sitting on Masi's lap playing with her dollies, occasionally babbling as if they were talking.
"Jai, where is Bani?" Jigyasa said realizing that she hadn't seen her sister in law running around the house.
"Sleeping… I just came down actually to ask Tony to make her some soup."
"Why?" She asked her brother.
"Shes got a fever… I don't think she slept much for the past few days, and she cant take her medicine on an empty stomach."
"Tony went out to the market for a little while. Hold on… let me get it for you." Jigyasa said rushing off to the kitchen.
Masi glanced away from the TV as Jai patiently waited for Jigyasa to bring a bowl of soup. Setting Neha down with Ranveer, Masi got up and went upstairs saying it was was time for her own medicine. When she finished, she stepped out of her room to see Jai walking carefully with a tray in his good hand, somehow pushing the door open with his foot. Masi quietly walked by and peeked inside, seeing that Bani was asleep.
Jai sat next to her and set the tray on the table. He touched her shoulder lightly to wake her up.
"Wake up, Sweetheart… I brought you some soup." He said softly.
"Im not hungry…."
"Hmm.. that I know, but you need to eat to take your medicine. Come on, get up…" He said sweetly, while helping her up.
Bani moaned slightly as the sleep did not seem to evade her. She sat up leaning against him and slowly opened her eyes. He smiled and brought the tray in front, setting it on his lap. Taking the spoon, he brought it to her, but she stopped him.
"Wait… did you eat?"
Jai smiled. "Later. First you eat."
But she shook her head. "No…"
"Bani, please eat. I don't want to see you fall sick. If you fall sick, who will take care of me and Neha? We need you…"
"And I need you…." She took the spoon from him and held it up to his lips and he drank a little bit of the soup. After having a few bites, he finally tried to give her some and she ate it without another word. After finishing about half of the soup, Bani stopped eating. Jai didn't push her as he knew that something was better than nothing. Bani snuggled against him, loving the warmth of his body against her shivering one. He rubbed her arms and held her close.
"Jai… I have a lot of work to do…" She mumbled. "Mujhe jaana hai…"
"Bani, I told you already. You aren't going anywhere. You are only going to stay here and rest. And that's an order." He said in a mock firm tone. Bani smiled sleepily, eventually falling asleep in his arms.
Masi stepped away and slowly walked down the stair. Unlike any other day she had seen Bani, a tear had formed in her eye. It seemed that Bani did care a lot about Jai, and vice versa as well. She felt her eyes water at the way Jai had taken care of Bani, but she couldn't deny that Bani had done the same for Jai over the past few days. She left no stone unturned to ensure that Jai was well taken care of.
*******************************
Happy reading!
Edited by Hkaurk22 - 17 years ago
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