Thank you all for the woderful comments. Its truly encouraging and hope you like the next part. And I know this time I am late to do the update. I was busy with work and did not have any chapter as a back up written also. Yesterday there was some problem with the internet that I couldn't send anything across by mail it was showing net work error. Then I came to know there was some problems in the cable. Any ways this week I am a bit relaxed so I hope to be regular.
And I would like to know if you all appreciate the approach I have taken to write. It's a flash back phase into the marriage of Jai and Bani. But we will see it in two parts one in the perspective of Jai and the other in Bani's view. What I would like to reflect on their relationship through the eyes of Jai and Bani how they saw it. Do let me know if you like it that way or just to read it as a flash back.
Chapter 17A
Jai as he walked out of the hospital saw his driver bring up the car. He just asked him to give him the keys and he would drive himself. Leaving the driver stunt. Jai kept on driving. He didn't have a destination in mind. He just kept on moving through the highway. He could see that the whole place was covered with snow. It was barren not a green in sight. It was as though life wasn't present Just the whit snow. Jai could feel the cold wind as he drew his window down. But still it couldn't bring in the numb feeling. He stopped his car by the side of the park where he saw some kids skating on ice and he saw children making snow balls and throwing. How innocent they looked and they seemed to enjoy life to the full.
Just then he felt someone tucking on to his coat.
A little girl was asking him to pass the ball that had got into his car through the widow.
Girl: Could I have my ball back.
That brought Jai out of his revive.
Jai: Eh he just looked around and saw the ball was in the car. He took it out and gave to the girl.
Girl: Thank you the girl smiled and was to run away when Jai responded
Jai: Your welcome and saw the girl smile back at him. That's when something struck him it reminded him of the same innocent smile his angel had.
He always wanted to see his Bani that way. Smiling and cheerful. She could make others too smile too. In their four years together Jai had seen her blossom from the young teenager to a woman and who influenced a lot of people. She was the darling of the press. They loved to photograph her. The two parties she threw every year were the highlight of the season. One was the Diwali party and the other was for his birthday. She made her point after the first wedding anniversary that hence forth it was going to be their day so she would like to spend the time alone with her hubby not with a room full of people ogling at them. That didn't make her a social recluse like him.
She had many friends from different walks of life. She went with Massi to most of the charitable organization be it fund raising or working with them she always lend a hand. Then her passion for dancing and music made her a great among artists she could really keep up with their temperaments. He often used to complain to her that she never had time for him. But both of them knew that he was far busier than her. She always found time for him. He wanted her to be a part of the business so he could be close to her. But she always avoided that one segment. She commented the office requires only one Jai Walia to drive them up the wall not another one in the management and she didn't want to spoil the image. Because even though she was not a part of the day to day functioning, she gave in her inputs for the betterment of the work force. Like introducing the bonus at the Diwali time rather than giving it as an end of the year review. She organized Diwali party for the whole staff of the industries. She introduced awarding ceremonies for the best employers, and she also did something for the family of thee workers like scholarship for deserving students. She always had something to give to everyone to bring about a change in their life and make them smile. Was it really too much of a strain to be the perfect Mrs. Jai Walia that she lost touch with herself that had her running away from him. Just to be the plain Bani which he got to see only with him from the first day of the marriage.
Flashback after the first night.
Jai was sleeping with his Bani carefully tucked in along his side. She had her head resting over his chest and her legs were entwined with his. She was fast asleep and had a smile on her face. Which made him smile too? He was woken up with the call from Massi saying that they were leaving for Bombay and to take care. He then spoke to Adi and he had told him to inform when they reached there. Jai now wanted to take the shower and was trying to ease out of Bani's hold but she was holding on to him tightly. But somehow Jai had managed to pull out of her grip and kept pillows for her in his place. Now she was holding on to them.
Later he came in with two mugs of coffee to wake her up. As he was trying to wake her up all she did was snuggle up more close to him and now she was almost sleeping on top of him. Jai just gave a sigh. How was he going to wake her up?
Jai: Bani murmuring into her ears. Wake up darling it's late.
Bani: Come on let me sleep Last night also you didn't let me sleep now at least let me.
Jai: I don't mind you sleeping but it's almost going to be noon and then Massi would be calling again from Bombay and she would want to talk to you.
That had the jolting effect on Bani.
Bani: Massi in Bombay
Jai: Yes they left today early in the morning. She had called you were fast asleep.
Just then Bani notices the time as ten thirty.
Bani. It's so late. She tried to ramble out of bed but that's when she realized her position and state of undress that she quickly covered herself up with the sheet. All of a sudden she went shy and she was looking around for her to wear something just then she notices jai's shirt from behind and looks up to him to get it for her but on seeing him about to laugh at her antics she goes red with anger first he doesn't allow her to sleep through then he is laughing at her.
Bani: don't you dare laugh now and pass the shirt.
Jai: I am not your servant madam. And that shirt belongs to me.
Bani: You said yesterday I was yours so that goes two ways you are mine and what ever that goes along with it is also mine so pass the shirt.
Jai: So we are back to the fighting mode. Fine I will give you what do I get in return.
Bani: Mr. Walia why is it that for you everything has to be a game that you play to win.
Jai: Bani every game I have played till now I have won. I am yet to see a person who is born to challenge that.
Bani: Sure. I am just confused are we just talking about the shirt here right. Seeing that Jai will not concede defeat she changes tactic goes sweet all of a sudden can I have it now pretty please I want to use the washroom badly now and gives her cute smile.
Jai: that's better so my darling angel knows to be sweet too. And he hands her the shirt
Bani: I am always sweet only in the influence of some other people I turn out to be an acrid.
Jai knew she was getting back to him.
Jai: Well I need my reward now.
Bani: You are not getting any Bani said and she tried go over the bed towards the washroom But that was a wrong move on her part that Jai caught her by the leg and she was now flat on the bed and he was on top of her caging her with her both hands held in place by Jai and he was looking into her eyes and Bani too was now not going to give in so she looked straight into his eyes but somewhere Bani felt his eyes soften and they held something more for her.
So slowly she whispered
Bani: what do you want?
Jai: So my angel is ready to give me anything.
Bani;mm
Jai: good and he kisses her with passion that Bani slowly began to respond to the kiss and now she was holding onto him tightly and Jai knew if he didn't stop now one thing would lead to another. So he just eased himself up to see her smiling at him
Jai: Gosh angel you will kill me one day with that smile of yours. Now get up and get ready I will take out your clothes and ask them to set the table for breakfast or rather should we say brunch.
Bani: Blame yourself for that and she moves into the bathroom and shuts the door not waiting for Jai to respond.
But once out again she was up against him over his choice of wear. They have been arguing back and forth for the past en minutes and Jai was seething with anger.
Bani: You want me drape myself in that nine yard material. Sorry.
Jai: Stop arguing and there are no other clothes for you here. Other than, if you want to wear the night wear. And don't forget you are Mrs. Jai Walia now so get used to it
Bani: I think the night wear is a better option than this. And being Mrs. Jai Walia doesn't mean being your slave.
Jai: Who said that here. You are my wife and better start acting like one now. You can have all your temper tantrums around me but now I am running bit late for a meeting so you decide you want to join me now for breakfast or stay in the room. Because if you are to step out you ought to put some clothes on not just walk in a robe.
Bani: Fine Mr. Walia your wish then you can start helping me wear it too as I have no idea how to do this.
Jai: God woman.
Bani: Stop cursing and you were the one who wanted to make me your wife so quickly.
Jai: fine it was all my doing I will get one of the maids to help you wear it.
Bani: why cannot you help me.
Jai: Darling you would want to get dressed not undressed so it better be the maid.
Bani she didn't get the cream of what Jai said.
Jai: Don't break your head over it. I want us to have the breakfast unless my wife decides to be the breakfast now for me.
After a moment it dawns to Bani what he meant and she just blushed in the mean time Jai had called the maid to help Bani dress up.
When she walked down into the open dining area of the house Jai had ensured the table was set. She had her juice poured out and he was sipping coffee.
As Bani walked in he could only stare at her. She was a stunning beauty in the light green sequined sari and she had worn matching Bangle and studs with it the only other jewellery was the manglasutra and the rings he put on her finger. She looked divine.
Bani: I'm not for breakfast my darling husband morevoer I am famished. Jai notices that Bani loves to try out all kinds of food that were kept on the table.
Jai just kept looking at her
Bani: What are you staring for.
Jai: Where does all this food you take go.
Bani: Are you saying that I eat too much.
Jai: no my cook Maria in Bombay would be delighted to have you. She always complains that I do not eat properly and I skip meals.
Bani: Well now on wards she can stop worrying as I would ensure you don't do that and please can I have the phone.
Jai: Why
Bani: To call Massi.
Jai: But I just spoke to her in the morning. And Adi said he would call.
Bani: They would have reached by now. And I did not speak to her. Also it wouldn't hurt to talk to your mother in law.
Jai just chocked on the coffee.
Jai: My mother in law. Where did that come from.
Bani: Massi.
Jai: For your information. She is my massi not yours.
Bani: Yes in terms of relation . But she is one who practically brought me up and everyone calls her Massi. So now your massi is also your mother in law. Now be a good son in law and enquire has she reached safe and sound.
Jai just couldn't believe that Bani had talked him to talk over to Massi again. And Massi was surprised that he had called again. That she was so worried and asked was Bani alright.
Jai: Your daughter is fit and fiddle in one piece. And I hope I too will remain like that.
Massi: Why what happened?
Jai: Ask your daughter.
Bani took the phone from him glaring at him.
Bani: Massi I'm fine and your Munna is also doing great. He is only trying to fool you to get you again into that panicking stage.
Massi: I know you both . I hope you are not up to some mischief there. Jai is not like Pushkar or Nattu who will go along with your pranks.
Bani: Massi you worry too much. I know this time I have got a bigger fish to fry so I have to be cautious.
Massi: I am warning you Bani don't or you will find me in the next flight there.
Bani: that would be nice Massi. Are you really planning to come.
Massi: No I have a feeling this is your plan to get me there. You can move heaven and earth I am not coming you and your husband sort it out among yourself.
Bani: very bad Massi now leaving me alone with the ware wolf.
Masi: Well you made the choice.
Bani: Ya blame me for everything and take care Massi have your medicines on time. Tell Anu and Sahil I will be there in another three weeks Mean time don't finish the candies I have counted them and placed in the Jar. Remind Pushkar to take Ranveer for his tennis lessons…
Massi: Oyi meri ma I know what is to be done in my house you take care of yours. And stop giving my Munna a hard time. And please give him the phone.
Bani: Massi very bad you change sides so fast and gives the phone to Jai
Massi: Looks like you are living up to you promise. Please Munna like every time I know you will not let me down and have I ever said how lucky that I'm to have you as my child. Bye and take care also of my little girl.
Jai for the first time felt Massi was trying to tell him something more that she had wanted to give him more and she was sorry for not being there for him always the way he wanted her to be there.
Jai left to take care of some work and eh told Bani to get familiarized with the house and un pack the books and other thing sin the study so she could do her lessons. And he would come in the evening and then they could go for walk down the garden and go down to the farm.
Bani was happy and she explored the mansion, got to see the staff but the thing that bothered her was none of them spoke properly Hindi they spoke mostly the local dialect which was hard for her to follow. But she unpacked her stuff made note of what she has to review the next day and now she was waiting for Jai to come but past six no sign of him. She even slept in the afternoon as she had nothing better to do. Now it was going to be seven and there was no sight of him. She was getting mad first then she was feeling sad and crying. She wanted to call Massi but then she thought other wise as Massi too would get scared. She felt hope nothing bad happened to him.
Close to eight Jai walks in and Bani on seeing him runs towards him and hugs him. Jai was shocked by her this way of welcoming and he was about to tease her when he notices her eyes were filled with tears and she was upset and now she was mumbling.
Bani: what took you so long. You said you would come in the evening. Its eight now. Why didn't you call at least and you did not leave any number to call. And all the people here do not talk Hindi and they don't understand Only Tony is there and he is no where to be seen as you send him some where . …
Jai. Eases up and tries to hold her and says don't worry I am here now and Bani just keeps looking into his eyes like a lost child. Jai felt as though he couldn't recognize this Bani only. She was always jovial and smiling but today he saw some kind of fear in her eyes. He felt a jolt that just one day and she has become so attached to him. But then may be it was because she was in an unfamiliar surrounding in between strangers.
Slowly he motions the driver to leave his bag in the study and as the care taker comes in tells him to send tea and some snacks for him up.
He Then takes Bani to the room still she has not left the hold on his hand.
Jai: You know I am not going anywhere now. I am all yours angel. And from tomorrow I will tell Tony to be here always and also to keep a lady for you who knows to talk Hindi properly. And as for not me calling the signal in this area is weak. But I shall give you a call when I get out of office and its about 45 minutes drive. May be this Saturday I can take you also. And as for me being late. I thought I will finfish up some work so that tomorrow I don't have to go and we could go around the farm. Do you like horse riding.
Jai was trying to change the topic as he noticed that Bani was only holding on to him and listening to his banter but was in another world.
Bani: Eh
Jai: Do you like horse riding?
Bani: wow you have horses.
Jai: Yes and tomorrow I am all yours so now can I see the smile.
Bani: Yes but I am not talking to you.
Jai: Why not I told you why I was late.
Bani: Ya but you could have told me all this in the morning before going. I thought you left me here and went off.
Jai was shocked with her reply.
Jai: Bani why would I leave my angel who I got hold of with so much of difficulty and don't worry you are not going to get rid of me this life time. I can bet there would be times when you would feel that if I would just get off your back.
Bani she just moved on to his lap and said that would never happen. I You will always find me waiting for you. Just then she notices some flowers in his hand as he removed his coat. They were Jasmine.
Bani: For me.
Jai: Of course in all the hungama I forgot to give it to you. Today when you were coming down the stairs you looked perfect but the flower in your hair would have added more charm to it. So I got it for you.
Bani: How sweet and she gives peck o his check.
Jai: Gosh Bani sweet I am not a kid.
Bani: No you are just one big grown up kid and now help me to put this in my hair. I am very bad in all this.
Jai: Hope no one gets to see Jai Walia the business man dresses up his wife.
Bani: Why not? Because I'm a child bride.
Jai: Oh please Bani you are anything but a child bride trust me. And you will have every man turning their head I just wanted to get hold of you first so I made a devious plan to get you.
Bani: What? No wonder they all say you cunning like a wolf.
Jai: Stop that it's not good to call your husband names.
Bani: Who said so?
……………………………………………………….
Jai soon felt that Bani was back to her teasing ways. But Jai still had that nagging feeling that why was she so upset when he was just late by three hours or so. He did get to the bottom of it later.
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Anupamaa
Hindi TV Shows
Cricket
