just fyi... this is allll mush and fluff.. :)
Part 105
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Bani's eyes flew open, the sleep that she wanted to embrace was running away from her. It was now late into the night, she was sure. She didn't need to look at the clock to realize how long she had been up. She sighed deeply. She couldn't find a comfortable position and attempted to toss and turn, which was clearly getting more difficult by the day.
She turned to face Jai's side of the bed, who who had not yet come to bed. When she said goodnight to him, he looked tired, that was for sure. He had to put in some long hours for a presentation that he had worked so hard on and it still wasn't finished. This week he had been returning home late the past couple of nights, feeling bad that Bani had eaten without him, and wasn't there to share stories about Neha or the baby during dinner. By the time he returned home, she had fallen asleep waiting for him. But he made sure to check on Neha, tuck Bani in, and kiss her stomach before slipping under the covers himself.
She missed him, and even being in the office, she would hardly see him. That didn't mean he didn't take care of her. He stopped at her desk every day, making sure he brought juice or badam milk for her, and stayed till she finished it.
The room seemed empty without him, even though she knew he was just in the study. Bani took a deep breath and rested her hand on her stomach, closing her eyes. She hoped for a moment that she would be comfortable. Two minutes later, she realized she still wasn't able to fall asleep. Feeling a familiar sensation, she smiled to herself and threw back the covers.
Bani quietly made her way to the nursery, seeing Neha soundly asleep. Her little angel looked precious as she slept clutching her haathi. Fixing the blanket, Bani tiptoed out towards the study where the light peeked through the door.
She didn't really bother to knock. Peeping in, she saw Jai staring into his laptop, dark circles and a glazed look in his eyes. His hair was disheveled, most likely because of how many times he frustratingly ran his fingers through his hair. He yawned, and felt like he was being watched. Looking up he saw his wife standing at the doorway, observing him quietly.
"Hey… Why are you up? Its so late!"
"I couldn't sleep…" She entered the room slowly, her hand resting on her stomach.
Jai eyed her for a moment, then sat upright, the sleepy feeling abandoning him for a moment. "Are you ok? Are you feeling ok?" He popped out of his chair running towards her.
Bani wanted to laugh at his fatherly instincts, but decided against it. She knew he was being protective, as much as he could.
"I'm fine…" She looked slightly embarrassed as to why she was up. "I couldn't sleep…"
"Why?" Jai said as walked back to his chair, pulling her along with him and sitting her down on his lap.
"Well.. First you weren't there. Second, I just cant find a comfortable position… I tried sleeping on my side, and it didn't work. Then on my back, and it still didn't work. And third…"
"Third..?"
"I started feeling hungry. I remember seeing some chocolate cake from earlier…" She said with a gleam in her eye. "Chocolate cake and milk. Doesn't it sound yummy?"
Jai snickered to himself. "Wow…"
"What?"
"Im surprised its not chocolate cake and pickles… No weird combination today.. just cake and milk."
Bani giggled, resting her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her back softly. "You still have work to do?"
"Hmm…" Jai responded affirmatively. "I just cant seem to get this cost analysis correct…"
"Need help?"
"No… No work for you. You need your rest."
"But I will be up anyways-"
Jai quieted her down by putting his finger against her lips. "No."
She sighed resignedly and headed downstairs, finding the perfect piece of frosty chocolate cake and a tall glass of milk, both of which she devoured in the matter of minutes. As she was setting the plates in the sink, a thought occurred to her and she smiled to herself.
Sometime later, she made her way carefully back to the study. "Jai…"
"Why aren't you in bed yet?" Jai asked without taking his eyes from his laptop screen. "I thought you went to bed a while back…"
"I made this for you…" She walked to his desk, and set down a steaming cup of coffee. Jai looked at the cup and then her, with a warm smile.
Walking towards her, he touched her cheek softly and leaned in giving her a tender, but drugging kiss. Resting his head against hers, he whispered softly. "Why are you so good to me…"
Bani couldn't answer, and simply wrapped her arms around him as best she could and hugged him tight. "I cant reach around you anymore…"
Jai looked down at his petite wife, she was just so cute sometimes. "You will… Its just a couple months. Then you can reach around me all you want…"
Bani smiled as she held on to him, savoring the feeling of being in his arms because he had been so busy.
"Besides, if you think about it, this way I get to hold both of you in my arms…" He replied softly. "Come, lets put you to bed…"
He led Bani back to their room, tucking her in, and sitting next to her in silence. He tenderly stroked her hair, until he looked down to see her finally asleep. He watched her for a few minutes, the moonlight increasing the glow that was already on her face. How he could sit there and just watch her for hours at a time, and never tire. But he knew that he had work to get done. Reluctantly, he eased himself off of the bed and kissed her so softly, he didn't want to wake her. He shut the door behind him as he left for the study again…
***
Jai woke up with a jerk. He dreamt that Bani had gone into labor early and immediately began to panic. His eyes flew open, and he saw Bani sound asleep next to him. He smiled when he saw her safe and sound and casually looked over at his clock.
With a jump, he leapt out of bed. "SHIT! I have the presentation today! I cant believe I overslept! I slept through my alarm!"
Bani woke up a bit started and she saw Jai rushing around the room trying to gather his sanity and clothes for the day. She looked at the time and she knew why he was now rushing. Even she had slept in late, but she knew that it would be worse if he missed his meeting. After a superfast shower, Jai walked out with his hair dripping wet.
Something crossed his mind as he put on his left sock, and ran out of the room. Bani held his other sock in her hand and made her way towards the study walking as fast as she physically could. But before she knew it, Jai whizzed past her running back to finish getting ready.
"Wheres my sock? I thought it was just here…" Jai mumbled to himself as he frantically looked through his drawers.
"Jai here…" Bani handed it to him, then called Tony quickly to arrange for something for Jai. But Jai was panicking, trying to get his papers together. Tony arrived with a glass of juice in hand, she took it and excused him. Bani had asked Tony to bring it as she knew that Jai would most likely not take time out for lunch till much later and he would not be able to work properly on an empty stomach.
"Jai have this juice before-" Bani started to say, but she realized that he had just walked out of the room towards the study again. Walking towards the study as fast as she could, she found Jai trying to pack his things.
"Jai you cant go to the office without having-"
"My watch!" Jai ran out of the study, leaving Bani standing there holding the juice glass in her hand. Bani grumbled to herself, hating the fact that she couldn't run after him. She started to walk back towards the room, where she found Jai run from the drawer to his cupboard to find a tie and his coat.
"Jai, here, drink this before-"
"Where is my blue tie?" He asked her, not realizing that she had been talking.
"Its right in front of you," She stated as she walked towards him. "Jai, juice…"
"Ok.. let me make sure I have everything," Jai said mumbling to himself. He snapped his finger, and ran to the study again, with Bani behind at a much slower pace.
"Jai, juice…"
"I will have it later…" He responded absently.
"Jai-" Bani said sounding a little irritated.
But it was too late. He ran out of the room again picking up his briefcase, while Bani headed to the drawing room with the glass of juice. She was tired and frustrated with going back and forth. She could no longer run after him and here he was not letting her even finish her sentence. She looked like she was pouting as Jai walked down the stairs.
Almost running towards the door, Bani had enough. "Jai, pleas have your juice…"
"I'll have it at work…" Jai said as he was heading towards the door.
"Jai Uday Walia! Come back here and drink your juice this very minute!" She scolded him.
He froze looking at his wifes irritated expression, not knowing how to react. The entire family, looked at Bani with a jaw-dropping expression, never having seen this side of Bani. Jai swallowed the lump that formed in his throat and slowly took a few steps towards her as she held out the glass.
He drank it silently, while Bani muttered. "You very well know you are unable to concentrate on an empty stomach. It will only take one minute to drink the juice, but no! You don't have time for anything…"
He quickly finished it and quietly held out the glass, afraid to look her in the eye. "Bani… C-can I leave now?"
"Yes…" She responded solemly. Jai pecked her cheek quickly and ran out the door. Bani turned around, seeing everyone still staring at her. She thought for a moment, then started to feel bad.
"Maybe I was too harsh on him?" Bani stated. "I don't know why I yelled at him…" She felt bad. Aditya, Rano and Ranveer simply laughed, while Jigyasa was also entertained. Masi was the only one who felt bad for her saddened daughter in law.
"Oh Bani… It happens sometimes.. Besides, you know him well enough to know he cant work on an empty stomach, right? That's why you are here, to take care of him…" She said trying to comfort her. "Besides, he needs a good scolding every now and then… especially if you keep spoiling him…" Bani laughed, then perked up when she heard Neha. Masi let her go upstairs.
Bani opened the door to see Neha standing in her crib, looking grumpy.
"Hi, baby…" Bani brought Neha into her arms, and Neha just rested her head on her Mama's shoulder. "Did you sleep well?"
Neha whimpered but stayed still. "Papa?" She asked after a few minutes. "Papa ere?"
"No… Papa is not here… Papa is at his office…" Bani sat on the rocking chair with Neha in her lap. "How about today… Neha and Mama play and eat and nap together? Would you like that?" Bani poked Neha's tummy making her giggle. Bani smiled. She was going to stay home and watch Neha, as Masi had to head out to visit one of her friends, while Jigyasa and Rano was taking Raima for her checkup.
"Pay Niiita!"
"Nihita? Nihita isn't here right now.. but I promise we will see her soon."
They played in the morning, then early afternoon Bani had put Neha down for a nap, and had taken one herself too. She awoke, feeling Neha was up and playing with her dolls next to her.
"Mama sheep!" Neha asked Bani, who was now awake.
"Mama is not sleeping.. Mama is awake…" Bani said sitting up. Neha handed her the teddy. "Papa!"
Bani giggled. "You want to talk to Papa?"
Neha nodded. Reaching for her phone, Bani dialed the number to Jai's cell phone and put it on speaker.
"Hello?" He answered, sounding fatigued.
"Hi… its me and Neha.. Neha wanted to talk to you… Say hello to Papa…"
"Ish Papa!" She shrieked. Jai felt himself smile.
"Hi Sweetheart…"
"Papa pay! Papa towee!"
"Yes, Papa will come home and play and tell you a story.." He promised. "Are you being a good girl for Mama?"
"Esh… Mama sheep!"
"Yes, Mama was sleeping… along with Neha…" Bani said tickling her little girl, inciting a giggle.
"Ok Neha… Papa has to go.. will you take care of Mama and baby for me?" He asked sweetly. Neha nodded and then crawled her way to Bani, handing her the haathi.
Bani explained what she did, and Jai hung up the phone feeling lighter and better about his day.
"Ok, Neha.. Mama is feeling hungry.. how about we get you something to eat too?"
"Joosh!"
"Yes, you can have your juice, too…" She held Neha's hand and together they went downstairs to eat.
****
Jai returned home later that evening, tired and exhausted from the back to back meetings that happened that day.
He loosened his tie as Tony took his coat and briefcase, and he saw his little angel sitting in the living room listening to her make the animal noises from a toy that played 'Old MacDonald Had A Farm'.
"Mooo!" She called out when she heard the word cow. He smiled, amused at his little girl as she jumped along with it. Bani was on the couch, watching her run around, but obviously tired. He was sure Neha had worn her out.
"And what does a ducky say?" Jai said bending to Neha's level.
Neha smiled and waddled to him. "Papa up!"
"I missed you, sweetheart!" He kissed her on the cheek. Neha simply patted his cheeks and kicked her legs. She was very happy to see her Papa.
"Papa pay Nea!" Neha said firmly.
"Hmm.. first Neha has to tell Papa what a ducky says…"
She thought for a moment then looked up at him. "Ack ack!"
"Very good! You are so smart!"
"She missed you…" Bani said easing herself up from the couch and walking towards them. Jai smiled at her and leaned in, giving her a precious kiss, until he felt two hands pat his face.
"Heehee…" Neha said cheekily.
"Silly girl…" Jai laughed. Bani giggled too, seeing her little Neha acting silly.
He sat next to Bani with Neha on his lap, and talked with Bani, while Neha amused herself with a cartoon on the tv. He yawned, and felt his stomach growling.
"Why don't you go freshen up… I'll have Tony put dinner on the table…" Bani said stroking Jai's hair lightly. He looked utterly exhausted. He nodded and set Neha down while he walked towards the stairs. Neha just watched him.
"No! Papa no go! Papa tay…" Neha sounded like she was going to burst into tears. Jai turned around seeing his baby girl with a sad look in her eyes.
"Hey.. Papa isn't going anywhere. I will be right back sweetheart.. Im just going upstairs for a few minutes…"
"No!" Neha began to whimper and she ran to him, hugging his leg. "Papa tay… No go… peeez…"
Jai felt his heart break into little pieces. "Ok.. I will stay right here with you. I wont go anywhere. He lifted the little girl into his arms and held her close to him.
"Jai… dinner…" Bani called. Together they ate dinner, with Neha not leaving Jai for even a second. She sat on his laps, putting fistfuls of rice from his plate into her mouth, then looking up at him smiling cause she fed herself dinner.
Afterwards, they sat in the drawing room while they played with the same "Old MacDonald" toy. He yawned a few times, Bani felt bad.
"Go to sleep, Jai…" She said to him. "I'll put her to bed.. you need some sleep after the late night and long day…"
He shook his head. "I promised her I would play.. I cant break my promise. Right, Neha?"
"Esh!" She exclaimed, even if not knowing what he had said. She turned around and smiled. "Papa towee!"
"My angel wants to hear a story? Good idea! Lets go up and find one… Ready… steady… Go!"
"Go!" She clapped. He scooped her up and sat her on his shoulders while he went to the nursery to find a good book to read. Bani smiled to herself, and slowly made her way upstairs too. She was exhausted after going after Neha all day. She was extremely grateful Masi and Jigyasa Di were there to help her once the baby was born.. She wouldn't know what to do. She listened quietly as Jai making all sorts of character noises.
She rummaged through the cupboard trying to find something comfortable to wear. After changing, she could no longer hear anything. Curious, she made her way only to find Neha was playing on the floor with her toys, and Jai had fallen asleep on the chair.
Bani smiled sympathetically.
"Uh-oh!" Neha said. She laughed and continue to play on her own, while Bani stepped towards him.
"Time to go to bed…" She touched his arm lightly. He awoke for a second, trying to figure out where he was.
"I fell asleep?"
"Mmm hmm…" She held his hand as he got out of the chair, and brought Neha back to the room. As soon as he hit the pillow, he was promptly asleep. Neha started to 'talk' to her haathi, but Bani tried her best to keep her quiet.
"Ssshhh… Papa is sleepy…"
"Sheep? Neenee!"
"Sshhhh…" She mimicked her mama. "Mama dow!" Neha pointed to the ground. Bani let her down slowly. Neha made her way towards Jai and put her haathi on his stomach. She patted his stomach once and then walked back to her mama.
Bani smiled watching her little girl be so generous to give the haathi to her Papa.
"Papa appy!" Neha said proudly.
"Yes, Papa will be very happy and proud you gave him haathi.."
She noticed Neha yawning and rubbing her eyes, knowing it was time to put her to bed. She took Neha to her room and did just that before retiring for the night.
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Happy Reading
Real Estate
