Chapter 24 B
That night Bani cried to sleep. Jai hadn't bothered even to enter the room that night. Next morning their butler had come and taken Jai's clothes to get ready for office and he just left without saying good bye.
Bani too were like a zombie that day. Deb was now worried he felt guilty as he thought he was the cause for Jai's anger. And Bani looked haggard. He wanted to apologize to her.
Deb: I'm sorry Bani I never knew that Jai would vent out his anger over me on to you. I was just trying to help.
Bani was now confused and looked at him.
Deb then went to explain what happened last night and how Jai had misunderstood his intentions and what he was trying to say.
Bani: It's not your fault. At times it's like I'm talking to the walls. He just refuses to see the point. And it was not because of you he was upset.
Deb: Then.
Bani: Oh a long story and don't get me wrong I like to sort out the things for myself.
Just then Deb reminds her there is an afternoon appointment with Mr. Mohan Khandewal and will she be there for it.
Bani: Oh not him again as though last night was not enough.
Deb: Last night I thought we met the person two weeks back.
Bani: Ah last night I had the privilege to see him for dinner. They two are of a Kind. One the vampire the other the witch
Deb: O.K. I know Mohan is not your favorite person and he is the vampire now who's the witch here. Did he have a girl friend?
Bani: He and a Girl friend. That weasel will not find a girl in this life time I can guarantee that. And what the hell are you laughing for.
Deb: No it's nice to see that you are back from the depression mode. But just out of the curiosity who's the witch. And for the first time I get to hear you bad mouthing about someone.
Bani: You know really that woman is something I don't even mention anything about her and the men flock her. I am sure she knows black magic.
Deb: If you create so much of mystery surely any one would be intrigued. So who is she?
Bani: His sister and supposedly one of my husbands so called friends.
Deb: His sister as in Meera
Bani: Ya why that look
Deb: Just stay away from her.
Bani :( In her mind Wow one person wants me to get to know her and help her and one wants me to stay away from her. What is the chakar here?)
Deb: I don't get it? After so many years she has come back.
Bani: Ya Jai mentioned about not keeping well. Under some treatment she is just back in town I guess.
Deb: Not keeping well. Did he not tell you she was there because of mental disorder?
Bani: She looked like a sane person to me last night except for the fact that she was trying to hit on my husband.
Deb: Looks like old habits die hard.
Bani: what do you mean by old habits?
Deb: Well to put the story in short. She had a huge crush on Jai everyone knew except for him. But then when he came to know he tried to straighten things out. But the way he choose to get rid of her, was a disaster. He went round with Roshini and on the graduation party day he even proposed to her in a game of truth and dare. That was the last we saw of Meera. Later I came to know she had tried to commit suicide then she lost her mental stability. And so on don't know what the true picture is. But then when I met Mohan here last month he said she was still in the U.S. pursuing her career so it's a surprise all of a sudden she is back here.
Bani: You know both the brother and sister can go and jump over the fence as long as they stay from me. And I hope it's the last I see of the witch.
Deb: Just stay out of their way. Those people may be good from outside. You know Jai and I openly disliked one another. But Mohan never openly showed his anger towards Jai. I always felt that he envied him.
Bani: Great one more enemy in that long list of his conquests.
Deb: Oh they were always competitors. You could say.
Bani: But this competition did cost Mohan his sister and I don't think he is a man to forgive easily.
Deb: Let's hope he has forgotten the past and ready to start new.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
But Bani feared things are not going to be good. And her fears came true. Jai gave Meera position in his Pune office. Though they never interacted on a daily basis. She got the opportunity to work on one of Jai's pet project that was in memory of his mother. Initially Bani was monitoring it but due to the lack of time and the recent expansion plans. He handed a part of the project to Meera. Bani didn't like it. But she never raised her opinion. Everyone was expecting some reaction. But then she just kept quite. Moreover she felt a little bit of distance would be good. As it is now a days Meera was encroaching too much into their life.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Though after that night there was no really time to reflect on their actions as Anu had a small accident when she fell off the steps and Jigyasa was hysterical as usual and of no much use. Adi was at loss, so it was up to Jai and Bani to see that the girl was in good hands. Though Adi felt guilty that instead of the parents, the little girl looked forward to Jai and Bani. Anu was the mediator this time to patch up things for them. Her innocence and stubbornness like Jai and Bani had to read a bed time story for her. They had to come every evening after work and have dinner together. Then on the weekend she whined to get two of her brothers there in the hospital though they made a racket in the hospital. Jai was sure that the children's ward wouldn't have had so much of fun and laughter. He got to see his old Bani. Who became the little girl for all of them? He was always the villain of the story.
Like they enacted out little red riding hood. Bani was the red riding hood and Jai was the big bad wolf. Jai had jokingly said why is that always I become the bad one.
Bani just said because only for me you are the knight in shining amour.
So that black night was behind them by the time Anu got discharged from hospital after a week.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
But in office everyone was kind of curious when Meera attend one of the important board meetings in regard with the new project and Jai announced that she would be now heading the project till Adi is back to full time. Now he takes more time to spend with the kids and he didn't want to be too much away from Bombay Jai understood that. And Meera was more than willing to help out Jai. But everyone thought that Bani would be the one to handle.
It was a surprise to even Jigs that she commented quite openly. Bani looks like now you have a competitor. Jai glared at her while Bani just ignored and Meera found the observation quite amusing and she had a smile which did not go unnoticed by Bani. And Bani knew that meant trouble for her.
And massi was greatly surprised by Jai's actions that she questioned Bani:
Bani: Massi I'm not responsible for all the actions he does.
Massi: why would he want to make an outsider a part of his dream project?
Bani: You know how busy everyone is and it requires someone to be in the Pune office for a long time.
Massi: I know all that. But then why her.
Bani: Obviously she is the next choice as she was assisting Adi uncle.
Massi: Did you both have a difference of opinion again.
Bani: Massi why is it that you are always so suspicious and jump to conclusions.
Massi: No it's so unlike Jai to give away his pet project to some unknown outsider without much of experience.
Bani: Don't worry about that Jeet knew them from school days as I have heard.
Massi: School days.
Bani: Ha she is Mohan's sister. Mohan and your Munna used to be in school together in fact in college too but in different stream I guess.
Massi: She is Meera Khandewal.
Bani: The one and the same.
Massi: What's she doing here now I thought she had let for the U.S.?
Bani: Well now she is back in town and Jai is trying to help out an old acquaintance Bani stressed on that word as she saw Meera passing by and she could hear every bit of what Massi and Bani was discussing.
Massi: I don't why that boy wants to help out all those people. Couldn't he just give it to you. Everyone knows you would have done a great job.
Bani: That's alright. Also I would have to stay sometimes away from Bombay And you know Massi that's is not favorable now as we are thinking of a family.
Meera had always heard so many good things about Bani and blow efficient she was. Meera's jealousy knew no bounds as she was getting envious of Bani. And to add that she heard now Bani herself saying they were thinking of having kids now. It seemed to her there was no way she could get a break in entry. Though the family was not that close but they wouldn't utter anything against Bani as they all loved her. Even Jigs who did not like her very much wouldn't go against her as she was a major stake holder in the business. The industries in her name brought much cash in flow into the hotel and real estate market which was owned by Jai. To top it the old Lady had a big soft spot for the girl.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The person who was most surprised was Jai as Bani never uttered any opinions on him appointing Meera in place of Adi. So as Bani came in to give him the invite to the gala art show. He brought the topic
Jai: What's this?
Bani: An invite to the exhibition I have been working on for the past four moths.
Jai: Oh so that's done. And I hope you are fine with my decision this time about Meera replacing Adi.
Bani: You are the boss. Hope you can make it for the show.
Jai: felt hurt little bit by the remark. He wanted the Bani who fought for her rights. He did not like the resigned Bani now days she never opened the mouth. She took it as each day came in.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The night of the show Meera's jealousy saw no bounds. She had a drink in her hand.
And she was observing how Bani tagged along with Jai and introduced him to some of her famous clients. And it was that Bani in her own right knew some really affluent people that could contribute to their business.
Mohan: She is quite a woman don't you think so. No wonder Jai got her hooked to him. When he got married I thought it was just to keep the business in tact. But looks like the she has her own charm.
Meera: Oh so now my own brother is praising her. I thought you and I wanted the same things in life.
Mohan: I know how much he hurt you and how I was the laughing stock because of him. But must admit he has a taste.
Meera: I hope in all this you do not forget our real aim. And that girl seems to be smitten by Jai that she wouldn't even give a second glance towards you.
Mohan: What a pity should have met her before him.
Meera: Sorry to say this but from the grape vine I heard Jai had married her even before she was eighteen but it was announced later.
Jai: Must admit it the guy knows to catch them young and keep them glued to him.
Meera: Are you trying to indirectly refer to me. Then brother I am over him it's a fact. But the only thing is he is oblivious to others feelings but I will show him what it is to loose oneself. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
After that night Meera was careful in her every move she made. Unknowingly Jai had started to make frequent trips to Pune as there would be some issues to settle out like workers unrest, Land dispute so on And that always required his intervention It was beyond Meera's hand. Little did he know these were created by Mohan.
Bani started to feel quite suspicious. Though now she hardly went to help out at the gallery she voiced her concern to Deb and he promised to keep an eye on those two.
This weekend she was going to join Jai in Pune and surprise him as he had to be away the whole week as the sites were having problem with the workers union.
Meera had planned the same night to give Jai a surprise dinner by cooking the food herself. She didn't want to scare Jai off so she had been very subtle and casual about the whole affair. She put in such a way as he couldn't refuse
Meera: My treat to night Jai no saying no as I feel guilty that I had to pull you away from
Bombay and you eat daily the hotel food. I have seen that normally you have only home cooked meals even in office.
Jai: That's because Bani sees that my diet is as per doctors instructions. She jokes I want to see my husband live longer.
Meera: So I hope you don't mind me trying to keep your wife's wish.
But then Bani came in the evening and surprised Jai when he was about to get out of office. Meera saw her plans go down the drain right in front of her eyes as once Bani walked in and she showed told him it's a surprise treat from her. He had forgotten all about Meera and her dinner. What hurt Meera the most was that even after the weekend when he came on Monday morning he did not even remember about her invitation and all he had to talk was about Bani. How she had surprised him with the dinner basket and they got to spent a good time at the farm house which was an hours drive from here. Meera realized one thing Jai had fallen too far for this girl and no one else could take her place. So if Meera couldn't have Jai Bani also shouldn't have him. He had no right to be so happy after what he made her and her brother go through. So Meera changed tactics. She no longer was interested to become Jai's girl. Bani did notice that now days Meera hardly even called and all of sudden things started to be great at the Pune office. Bani thought may be after her visit down there Meera would have realize that there is no point in trying to get in between them.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
A month later Bani realized how wrong she had been. That morning Bani was upset as she had started to spot and her periods would set in any time. She was in the office and looking through the tender file which was to be submitted in the afternoon Jai was away for a week as he had to work on the tie up with Roshini she too was going to be a part of the dream project. Roshini had some conditions and one of it was they had to get this tender. It was crucial as then only she would invest into the project and give a helping hand. Jai was very keen on it. So he had asked Bani and some of the senior people in office to look into the filing of the tender as he did not want any mishaps happening in the launching of the project. It was matter of prestige and he had lot of money riding on it. Not to mention the share holders and stake here.
But as she was just filing in the last reports along with Pushkar's father he collapses in the office he had an attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. She somehow tried to get Pushkar from the office to go along in the ambulance. In all the chaos Bani did not see a lonely figure that had walked in and made a copy of the tender. Yes it was none other than Meera. She had now set the stage for the down fall of her one time love of her life.
Bani got busy that night to see that Pushkars father was well taken care off.
But when the tender result was out it was a major show down between Jai and Bani. Jai walked in fuming at Bani and she was discussing something with her co workers they all stepped aside and Jai just started barging questions in and out and Bani couldn't make a cream of it. But then little later she too was shocked when she came to know of the result. She was sad that Jai did not get it. She tried to pacify him. But his anger became all the more. She had begged and pleaded to him to listen out to her before he went and saw Pushkar's father in the hospital. She knew he never tolerated cheating. And now Jai wouldn't spare anyone. She was worried for Pushkars father he has just come out of the ICU and he was the main person behind the tender details. But after meeting with him Jai came to know that the tender was filed in as per his suggestions At least the initial report was done that way and the final printing was done by Bani. So Bani was the one who could shed some light. That night when he came home Bani was just flipping though Channels and waiting for him. Bani had felt humiliated that Jai just barged out of the room after breaking the news to her and not listening to a word to what she had to say. Today she got to see a scary side of Jai. She did not know who all were going to perish in his anger. All the office colleagues were rooted to their spot.
Bani: You are back. Shall I serve dinner.
Jai: No before that I need some answers.
Bani: In the afternoon you were not even ready to listen to me out even after pleading to you in front of the staff. Now you want to talk I have nothing more to say than Mr. Shukla has already told you.
Jai: Oh not that fast tell me how can someone can quote just .5 less than us when only very few of us knew about the details.
Bani: How do I know? That afternoon it was a bit of chaos and I cannot recall all the details. I'm not a machine.
Jai: That's not what I'm looking for as an answer. I'm answerable to lot of people and all you cannot recollect what happened that afternoon. Was there something suspicious?
Did someone come in or...?
Bani: If I knew I would tell you keeping on asking me doesn't help matter. You know Mr. Shukla fell ill and things became a bit chaotic and I too wasn't in the best frame of mind that day.
Jai: How can you be so careless you knew what was stake at here.
Bani: I know all that Jeet but it might be just co incidence.
Jai: Co incidence my foot I want to know who is the traitor here. Some one has leaked out the information. I want to know about the security lapse over here. Are you trying to help someone out here.
Bani: Why would I do that? Get an enquiry done. And stop questioning me like a culprit.
Jai: Are you aware that you are the first suspect here. As you were the one handling the final report and you submitted the tender.
Bani: What the hell are you talking? Jeet. Why would I do something like that?
Jai: Just tell me one thing Bani I know you were upset as I was too busy to get things around for the project did you just make any changes in the quote rates. And to top it you were not keen on getting the tie up done with Roshini you felt it was too risky and not worth it. You even vetoed against it in the board meeting. I got through it only because the bank was ready for the guarantee.
Bani was shocked by his accusation.
Bani: Do you think so little of me Jeet that I would do something just to bring you down. You are my husband.
Jai: I may be your husband but I know one thing you stand by your decisions come what may. Is this one of your game?
Bani: My game Jeet. My husband is not a game for me. I love him and I want to see him reach great heights. Not his down fall. And games are your front not mine.
Jai: Well then you have contributed a lot for his downfall and the love you speak off is not enough to cover up the mess you have made by overlooking over the matter.
Bani was shocked by Jai's words.
Bani: My love is not a business deal. And as far as I know about the tender. I filed it as per your suggestions itself. And you want to verify that you can ask Mr. Shukla.
Bani was going to walk away. But Jai hold on to her
Jai: You cannot just walk away like that form the mess you have made.
Bani: As far as I see it was not created by me. It was your decision to go ahead and expand and rope in Roshini too. I was never for it like you said. And when things didn't fall in place you blame me.
Jai: I am not blaming I want to know who leaked out the information and it was your hands that has happened. So you better have an explanation or else we are finished.
Bani: So that's it. I never knew our relationship was just like any of your business deals
Jai: How come I cannot count on my wife for one thing that is important to me. And all she has is counter accusations always.
Bani: what do you mean by always?
Jai: You were suspicious of my relationship with Meera, Roshini Shonali and so on. Whenever I questioned on the extra interest Deb or Daksh had in your life. I have never questioned your stand in the relationship. But you always questioned my integrity. So you felt I cheated out on you.
Bani: I have never said that. And don't drag all these people now. But as of now I understand you are suspicious that I have done something to jeopardize the deal. How could you even think like that Jeet?
Jai: Then what am I to make out Bani. First you are not interested in the move you are against it. Then you are ready to help me out. But my competitor quotes the tenders just .5 less than me in all the deals. And to top it you are now being indifferent.
Bani: Me being indifferent.
Jai: Looks like always your priorities lie somewhere else. That evening you went to see Pushkar's father at the hospital and all but you did not have time to re check and go through the tender papers.
Bani: I had gone to the hospital for personal reasons too. Not just to see Mr. Shukla. In case you forgot we had an appointment with the gynecologist the same evening which you had promised to come along.
Jai: Oh so another thing to point out how negligent husband I am. That's it Bani how much ever I try to do things it's always not enough. You seem to have a world of your own. But I have lot of people depending on me. I just cannot shut my eyes when you will understand that and be more responsible. And try to help me out with it.
Bani: So now you find that I'm not the wife you were expecting. And you feel I'm irresponsible too. How come you never raised these issues before? I don't think I have changed that much.
Jai: Changed Bani some days I cannot recognize from where you become stubborn all of a sudden and you want things done your way. You have time for the entire world except for me.
Bani: I never knew caring for people was that bad. And Jeet just because you lost the tender it need not be the end of the project.
Jai: That's exactly you never see the point. Yes we may be able revive but at what cost.
My reputation and lot of money is at stake that has been put in good faith by others. Do you realize the enormity of it? No for you were more worried on trivial things like the doctors appointment.
Bani: For you having a baby has become now trivial Jeet.
Jai: Yes when we ourselves don't understand one another I don't think an addition into the family is a great think and are you sure you are going to be able to be able to cope with it in your schedule.
Bani: Now you feel I am not ready to start a family also Jeet. Looks like we never understood one another.
Jai: Frankly Bani I don't know what to make out. So now just let me sort it out and it would be of great help if you could add some light into what happened that afternoon. Rather then trying to remain impartial.
Bani: I have told you so many times I don't recollect anything out of the ordinary that afternoon. How many times do I tell you that? And you suspect me of trying to jeopardize the project that's not done Jeet.
Jai: Listen you might have the time to cross examine but I got to be somewhere. First I have to brief Meera on salvaging the issue. And then meet up with Roshini also.
Bani: You never have the time to listen out to me. But you do have time for the other people. And on top of that you blame that I am not taking care of things.
Jai: Please Bani not now and can you just keep the jealousy bit aside and try to think rationally and give me a reason for not suspecting your motives. And now you seem to be least interested in cooperating towards finding the leak. You just want tome to move out of it.
Bani: I have nothing to say Jeet. You have said it all. Just let me remind you one thing I loved you and I guess like Massi said love is not enough you need to trust and the day you feel you can trust me I will be waiting Jai.
Jai: Trust Bani its two ways not one way. So the least said the better. And now I have to go.
Bani: But you didn't eat anything since afternoon. Please Jeet you will kill yourself like this. She held onto Jai's hand. I am sorry for all that happened but we could try…
Jai Try what Bani and just shook her off.
Jai: I got to be somewhere else and I do not have time for all this.
Bani was now literally on her knees she wanted him to take things with a cool head he has been running around like a manic after he came to know he lost the tender and she feared for him. But she was left there all alone in that house and Jai just walked away without a backward glance failing to see his wife seeking forgiveness. If Jai had just looked back to see her eyes. To see through all the tears she had shed that night.
Yes that was the last Jai saw of his Bani. He left for London that night to see how to salvage the project. Yes they did have a conversation over the phone were in Bani tried to bring the subject that Meera had come in to office that day to get some signature . Also her brother was there to pick her up. Jai went fuming mad on that call Still she couldn't give up on Meera and concentrate on the up coming board meeting Jai has to attend.
To the present day in Canada
Yes Jai wished he had listened out to her phone call. May be things could have been salvaged. But then fate came in between after he landed at the airport two nights later and he was so tensed that he hardly cared about the bad weather and his car skidded and fell into the valley down. Yes the car was a total right off. It was someone's prayers and blessings by which he was thrown out of the car. But he was hospitalized for a long while and when he was back into action his Bani was no where. But she had set into motion to salvage the project. Yes his family and he had wronged her. But still she went out of the way to help them out. It was too late by then. But still he hoped that he would be able to find her as she had said she would be waiting. Even the last message she passed it across through Deb she said she is waiting. But it took just more than twelve long years to find her.
And Deb the man whom he never thought he could become friends with was the man stood by his side when the rest of them deserted. And he had only one person to thank that for His Bani.
He was walking back to the car. His eyes were red and looked as though there was unshed tears for the past twelve years. Today he was going to see his Bani and tell him how wrong he was. Yes she was the only right thing in his life and how he had wronged her. To date, he could hear out her pleading voice. Please Jeet I beg of you don't slam the phone down. Its important hear me out I will never ask for anything more please. That tear filled pleading voice had kept him awake so many nights
************************************************************************
Hindi TV Shows
Bindi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Jodha Akbar
