And Along Came Jai'.
Prologue:
Bani knew from since she was nine that her parents dreamed of marrying her off to their closet friends' only son, Pushkar Shukla. It was a known fact to everyone. Nishikant and Kiran Dixit both had gone to high school with Avinash and Sarika Shukla and remained friends since then. In fact, they even ended up living in the same neighborhood in the initial years of Bani's childhood, therefore, Bani and Pushkar had become playmates. Bani and Pushkar shared a unique relationship'bitter and sweet. They could be each other's greatest enemies or each other's greatest friends. About the time when Bani turned seven, Pushkar and his family moved away from Mount Abu and to Delhi so his father could do business. But the praising of the Shukla family never faded in the coming years of Bani's life. She would be made Pushkar's wife and become the Shukla's bahu, this was the future plan that her parents always reminded her of. Bani never paid much attention to the idea before, simply overlooking it and thinking that it would be a number of years till she would get married. When she turned twenty-two and moved to Mumbai for work, the thought came back to haunt her'
It turned out that Pushkar, three years her senior, lived in Mumbai himself, living on his own in a rented flat in the city. His parents still resided in Delhi for the past thirteen years and respected his decision of making it on his own. It was in a caf that they bumped into each other. Pushkar had knocked into her and spilt her coffee. He requested politely to buy her another and soon they were sitting at a table, talking animatedly about each other. It wasn't until twenty minutes into their conversation that they placed one other as they had changed a lot over the years. From that day one, they spent much time together catching up.
Pushkar was an active employee working for one of the top companies of India's successful businessmen, the Walia Group of Industries. It was three weeks into her stay in Mumbai that he managed to bag a job for her in the same company. As long as being friends, they turned into co-workers as well. An unexpected turn made its presence into Bani's friendship with Pushkar and she learned that Pushkar was becoming more interested in her than just as a friend. She was in two minds. She liked Pushkar and adored him as any one of her friends. She, however, never thought of him in any other particular way than just that. She was stunned on hearing his confession and asked for some time to think it over. She was too confused on what to do that she resorted in asking her parents, even though she knew what their answer would be. And perhaps that is why she went to them for advice'knowing that they would have an answer that she didn't have herself.
Pushkar is a handsome, determined, and fine man. She knew this. She also knew that he would make a great life partner and make any woman happy. With much pressure from her parents she gave in and accepted Pushkar's request. Months into their dating Bani found that she was content with Pushkar, he made sure to keep her happy and she was touched by his efforts. He is a good man and would treat her well, she thought. That is the reason why she did not decline his proposal six months later into their dating and willingly agreed. It was what both of their parents wanted and what was to be expected. So she went along with it'.
It was what her parents and life had planned out for her since she was a little girl. She would marry Pushkar and complete her parents' dream. She would become Mrs. Bani Pushkar Shukla. She knew all this'. It was all a part of the plan'..The plan her parents had made for her and a plan that she had gradually accepted'. The problem was, though, she just didn't plan on Jai Walia to happen'.
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Chapter 1:
With a loud thud, she fell down onto the plastic covered couch in disbelief. Her insides grew numb and her mind tuned out. She felt a sudden chill around her and shivered from the cold. An icy feeling closed in on her chest, causing her irregular breathing. She fails to see the man standing across from her, run his hands through his hair and pull on it agitatedly as if he wished to rip his head apart. The tears shed and roll down his face. He turns away from her for a moment, not able to see her current state. His words play through her mind like a never ending reel'.
"I was weak'. I wasn't strong enough to resist it'. But it only happened once' Just once' It never happened again'." ''
Then another voice came back to taunt her'.. "Be careful' He is acting very strange and unlike himself' These disappearance acts he's pulling and not attending any of your calls'. He is up to something' And I am thinking that he is up to no good."
Why didn't she listen before? Why did she stupidly defend him over and over? Why couldn't she see what was happening before her eyes? Was it because she didn't want to believe it? Because believing in it would ruin everything? Because it would change her life drastically? Or because she really did trust him?
It all had started two months ago. His strange behavior and distant attitude came as a strange turn in her life. The man she once knew was changing before her eyes. The man she was engaged to for a year was changing completely. He didn't make any plans for outings anymore for them, nor did he call as much or attend his calls, he rarely ever visited, disappeared for visits, made excuses to get out of dinners, and never met eye to her as well. Guilt was present in all of his actions. Strong, hot, shameful guilt.
And still she thought otherwise. She refused to believe her friend who repeatedly warned her that his actions only meant one single thing. She brushed it off though. She called her crazy and very filmy as she would always get crazy ideas from the films she watched twenty-four seven. Oh how she wished she believed her friend then. So she would save herself from this blowing shock. Save her from facing embarrassment at herself for behaving so navely. Oh how she wished she would have listened'.
His miserable sobs awaken her from her thoughts and she raises her eyes to look at him, sitting on the chair across from her, his head buried into his hands. Tears reach to her own eyes as she feels the impact of the truth hit her harder. It was real'. This all was real. It wasn't a joke.
What would her parents think now? They are so happy with the thought of them together. The ideal couple, they would call them. A match made in heaven. If they were meant to be'if they were perfectly in love'then why did he do this to her? Why?
"Pushkar is such a fine young man'. He will be a great husband and wonderful son-in-law'. Your father and I want you to marry him. You will never find a greater man than him'," her mother had constantly told her as she was growing up. Her poor mother and father'. If only they knew what their wonderful "son-in-law" has done to her. What he has done to their relationship'.
Blinded by her growing tears, slowly anger begins to take in the presence of her shock and fills her with the strength she needs in order to face this bitter truth. Her hands roll into fist and she carries herself up from the tacky covered couch, hovering over her remorseful fianc's form.
Pushkar: Bani, please if you can' forgive me'. I have wronged you'. I know I have. I've committed a sin'. I betrayed you and your trust. But still, I am asking'for your forgiveness'. Give me another chance, please. I will make it all better again. '. I love you and only you. I never wished to hurt you. I don't know what it was that I was thinking'. Or why I did it'. But I know that I have always loved you and will always continue to'.
He hastily spoke as she rose from her seat on the couch. His eyes have become bloodshot red and his face crumbled from fear, desperation, and regret. His words fall to deaf hears as she only wishes to know one thing'.
Bani: '.. How long?
Her whisper seems to carry an echo in the silent, dreadful room, a room that she was growing to become suffocated in despite its large space. Pushkar seems to be unable to understand her question and hesitantly asks in return'
Pushkar: How long, what Bani? '. (gently)
Bani: How long'. How long has this been going on' (her voice growing an edge)
Pushkar's face blanches for a second before he quickly recovers and promptly replies to her ominous question.
Pushkar: '.(stammers) It-It was only once'. I had told you'. Just once' It-it n-never happened again'. Baby, I would never think of doing it again'. (explaining himself to her)
Bani: Don't call me baby! It sounds disgusting coming from your mouth!
She shouts at him, her pain and anger all exposed in that one outburst. Pushkar flinches from her scream. The tears begin to fall and a sob builds inside of her.
Bani: You' You are nothing but a cheat and liar'. (crying) ' How can you even look at me in the eye and lie to my face still? Wasn't sneaking behind my back and breaking my trust enough? '. Why can you not just be honest for once and tell me?
Pushkar has become silenced by this and he hangs his face in shame. He looks the other way. Her soft sobs begin to grow as she approaches Pushkar and bends down beside him. Her desperate eyes trying to search for any honesty left in him.
Bani: '.. How long? (she repeats)
A long silence prevails between them, in which her heart hammers hard against her chest from anticipation. Finally he painfully meets her eyes and murmurs miserably'
Pushkar: Two months'
His words are equal to a slap for her and she closes her eyes from the impact of it. The salty tears stream down her face. Another ugly silence builds between them which she breaks a few moments later'
Bani: '. Who is she?
She unwillingly asks, not wanting to know the name of the woman who has managed to destroy her life'as it will only strengthen the fact that Pushkar has cheated on her. But still, she wanted to know. Know the woman's name who has turned her world upside down'. Fear flashes across Pushkar's face and he shakes his head in refusal'
Pushkar: ' I-it doesn't matter'. Sh-she doesn't matter' I am your culprit' Not her'.
Bani: (whispers) It matters Pushkar'. It matters to me'. Please'. Tell me' Who is she? '. This is the least you can do for me after what you have done to me' (tears falling fast)
Staring into her teary face, Pushkar sees how important this is for her and he somberly gives her what she has been wanting to know since the moment he had told her the truth'.
"'.. Pia'.. Pia Chopra' from finances'," he reveals before breaking into another sob whereas Bani's mind begins to whirl with surfacing thoughts. Of course' She should have known. The signs were all there. The flirtatious smiles and looks, the touching, the discreet glances'it was all there and she still didn't believe it. Pia was a flirty woman'everyone in the office knew. Bani simply looked past it. Who did the woman not flirt with?, was her reasoning. She continued to hold faith in her fianc. But look where that has gotten her to. Look how it has hurt her.
Finally she erupts into tears and takes a fistful of his shirt, pulling at him with desperation and developing hate.
Bani: How could you do this to me?! How could you, Pushkar?!'How could you?! '. (sobbing) I have been nothing but good to you! I promised to stay by you! I took care of your needs more than my own! I worried for you! Thought for you! 'I did everything that a good wife should do! '. (sobbing harder) We were supposed to get married! Our parents wanted for us to get married! ' But now you have ruined everything! 'I hate you! I hate you!
She screams while punching him on his chest. Pushkar springs up from his seat and stares at her with horror. Instantly he begins to panic and takes a hold of her arms into his hands.
Pushkar: Bani'Sweetheart, you'you don't mean that do you? ' We'we're still going to get married'. Aren't we?
Bani: (fighting him off) Get your hands off of me! ' I don't want to have to do anything to do with you anymore! '. I don't want to even look at you and you are hoping that I will still marry you?!
Pushkar: Bani, please, don't do this to me! I love you. I love you so much. I can't live without you. I am sorry. Forgive me. Punish me'punish me however you want but just don't leave me. We are supposed to be together. You and me'. always.
Bani: That is what I had thought too Pushkar' But I guess now I am out of the wonderland that I had created.... I thank you for that'.
Pushkar: Bani, please'
She angrily jerks her arm away from his hold and hurriedly gathers her things to leave. Seeing this, Pushkar further panics and reaches for her'and when he does, he gets down onto the floor and takes a hold of her waist, placing his head against her slim stomach.
Pushkar: I will do anything'. Anything for you to stay with me.
Bani tries to struggle out of his arms but they are solid around her waist, preventing her from leaving anywhere. She helplessly remains trapped and listens to his cries and pleas for her to stay.
Bani: ' .(her voice low) Just tell me one thing, Pushkar'. Why? Why did you do it? '. Was I not enough? '. Did I not make you happy?
Pushkar: (hastily) No, you made me happy' You always made me happy'.
Bani: (crying, frustrated) Then why? '. Why?!
Pushkar: Oh Bani, I was so weak'. I gave into the temptation'. I was mesmerized by what she could give me and what you were unwillingly to do for me'. Even while we are engaged to be married'. I went crazy'. I was attracted to her like a bee' I was so weak' (finishing off softly)
Her face distorting into anger and the tears still running fast, she pushes Pushkar aside and watches him move back from her.
Bani: So you went ahead and sl*pt with her when I wouldn't?! ' You couldn't wait for me?! '. Couldn't wait till we were married?! 'You knew I wasn't ready Pushkar! You knew I wanted to wait! You said you respected my decision! '. But you were so crazed to have s*x that you were willing to stake our relationship on the line?!
Hurriedly shaking his head, he denies her.
Pushkar: No, Bani, that is not what'
Bani: (hisses) Don't touch me!
She snaps at him as he attempts to place a hand on her.
Bani: And don't you dare lie to me again! I am sick of your lies! You don't have integrity in any bone of your body! You are a coward, a cheat, and a liar! I hate you Pushkar Shukla! I hate you!
The last thing Bani remembered saying to him just before throwing his engagement ring at him and storming off, slamming his apartment door after her'.
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She opened the wooden door and stared into the small, yet classy looking bar. There wasn't much of a crowd, but it wasn't completely empty either. She locates the bar counter and the bartender working behind it. Without another moment of thinking, she walks to it and seats herself down onto one of the stools. Her tears were now long gone as well as her disbelief. All that was left was anger. Anger at Pushkar's betrayal and anger at her own stupidity. How could she be so stupid?....
The bartender looks over to her with a level of interest and while rubbing one of the clear glasses with his cloth, he asks welcomingly, "What will it be, darling?"
Bani: Whiskey on the rocks please'. (automatically)
He gives her a startled look but listens obediently. He sets to the task, leaving Bani to mope behind and brew in her existing anger. She misses the stranger beside her, who seats two stools away from her, analyzing her with fascination. His dark eyes rest on her fragile form and he rubs the bottom of his chin with his fingers as he wonders what could possibly have happened to the woman that has caused her to be so distressed.
When the bartender comes back with her drink and hands it over to her, Bani scrutinizes for a moment until she gives in and takes it into her hand, lifting it to her lips. Before she can even take a sip of the alcoholic beverage, the man next to her intervenes in her actions and draws her attention'
"Are you sure you want to do that?" he asks with humor in his rumbling, masculine voice. Startled, Bani turns to her side and her eyes land on the figure of the man. Her eyes take in the presence of him'..
He is the tall, dark, and handsome man that every young girl would fantasize in their dreams. He meets the height of six-two or six-three, has broad wide shoulders, a well fit of a body with how his perfect muscles are outlined through the sleeves of his dress shirt, and dressed to kill in an all black suit. He has wonderful, rich thick hair'jet black'darker than any she has seen, finely shaped eyebrows overlapping his captivating stormy gray eyes with sooty lashes (ones that she was beginning to envy as her own are short and stubby), a chiseled like nose, full curved lips, a strong firm jaw line, and enticing bronze skin. He takes a swig of his beer and stares at her with his teasing eyes.
She stammers at him, still in a slight hypnotized state by his dashingly handsome appearance. He must be a heartbreaker, she concludes. Women probably throw themselves on him every minute of the day. She herself had felt a sudden reaction inside of her at the sight of him.
Bani: D-do what?
The man raises his brow slightly and indicates by pointing the rim of his beer bottle over to her drink, still held firmly in her slender fingers. "That' the whiskey'. I highly doubt that a small girl like you will be able to contain it in herself'.," his dangerously low voice speaks once again. There is humor still present in his tone. This angers her. The last she needs is someone to mock her. She has been ridiculed enough. She will not stand anymore, that too, from a complete stranger.
Bani: (hotly) For your information, I can have whatever I wish. I am a grown woman who can take care of herself, thank you. Not a small girl how you put it.
The man's brow rises further but instead of taking offense by her curt tone, he smirks at her and chuckles softly to himself. He takes another sip of his beer. "I am sorry Miss' Please, carry on'. I do not wish to impose on your choice of beverage' ," he says afterwards, the smile still lingering on his lips. She scowls at him, detesting the mockery in his tone and the twinkle in his gray eyes. She turns to look at her drink, gives it another thorough look, and takes the first sip of it. She immediately spits it out and chokes from the strong acid like quality in it. Her eyes begin to water. She hears a throaty laughter coming from the stranger and glares at him through her now blinded eyes.
"I am assuming that this is your very first drink'. As it is, you do not seem like a drinker to me'. ," he states. Again he takes a swig out of his drink. Oh if she could, she would smash that bottle of his onto his head. The pompous jerk'how dare he poke fun at her? "Tell me is it?" he asks, interrupting in her train of thoughts. Her cheeks flush with anger.
Bani: (snaps) So what if it is?
"Well' you want to pick the right drink. See what it is that you can handle' You want to take it slow and not kill yourself with whiskey on the rocks like how you have resorted to'," he admonishes her lightly. Bani's cheeks redden further. She didn't know what the big deal was. She had seen it in the movies'the hero always resorting to whiskey on the rocks when they were furious or depressed. It seemed like the solution to everything. She just wanted to see if it had any unknown magic that would suddenly rid her of all her problems' Why else would there be such a fuss about the drink?
Bani: (defensive) You are saying that I can't handle it because I am a small girl?
"Small girl? Why, I thought I was talking to a grown woman just a second ago'," he exclaims amusingly with a forming grin. He sees how he is getting under her skin and personally is loving seeing her getting all riled up the way she is. She is perhaps the only woman he has met that looks beautiful even when angry.
Bani: (mutters) I hate you'.
He chuckles as if this is the funniest thing he has heard. "You hate me? Already? '. Am I really not that good at first impressions? ' Here, let me make it up to you sweetheart' I'll buy you a drink' But be warned, it will be nothing on the rocks'" Bani continues with her glaring and watches as the man turns and calls out for the bartender'
"Hey Raj, light beer for the young lady here'. It's on me'," he finishes while adding a wink in Bani's direction. She scowls once again.
Bani: No thank you Sir, but I do not accept drinks from strangers'.
"How do you know that? From what I know, this is your first drink'. And call me Jai'. Sir makes me feel old' I know I am nowhere near my twenties anymore, but I like to believe that I still have a good few years left in me'.," he replies with a friendly twinkle in his eyes. The corners of Bani's mouth rise, her lips about to curve into a smile, but she immediately holds back'reminding herself that he is a stranger, a stranger that is crossing his limits.
She however cannot help herself from replying to him, his talks drawing her in. Bani scrutinizes him curiously with her soft hazel eyes.
Bani: How old are you?
Instead of taking offense by her blunt question, like how she was expecting him to, his grin only widens'his eyes never leaving from her. "Why? ' How old do you suppose I am?" he asks, intrigued by her query in him. He watches as her eyes run him down, as if seriously thinking this through. Her gorgeous honey brown eyes meet his once again.
Bani: I would have thought you were twenty-eight if you hadn't said you were not in your twenties'.
Bani is surprised to see him laugh heartily at her response. She looks on as the man turns in his chair and grabs the bartender's attention. "Hey Raj, I have passed as a twenty-eight year old'. And here I thought that I was doomed an early end'," he informs him while still chuckling. The bartender smirks at the man, sharing his laughter. "You were born lucky with good looks to last you lifetimes, Jai' Whereas unlucky men like me actually look older than how we look' I am only thirty-one but am mistaken as forty'" Jai simply gives him a pat on his shoulder and reassures him. Bani is puzzled by why it is amusing to both men that she had mistaken him as younger. How old is he then really?
Bani: I don't understand what is funny'. What is your real age?
"I am thirty-five, sweetheart'. Will be turning thirty-six next month'.," he replies. Bani looks at him in further awe.
Bani: (stammers) B-but you look so young'.
"Yes, I know, a girl once had told me that I looked twenty-eight," he answers with a lazy smile. She blushes under his lingering gaze. Raj then intervenes by placing the bottle of light beer in between them. Bani looks to it as if it is the strangest thing she has seen before in her life. Jai smirks on seeing this.
Jai: Missing your hard drink on the rocks already?
Bani, rattled out of her thoughts, turns to look at him and shakes her head after a moment. She looks gloomily back to the bottle and untwists the cap. After a hesitant second, she lifts it to her lips and takes the first sip. Jai's eyes carefully watch her as she does this. He senses her growing silence and speaks to break it'
Jai: Tell me' What made you become into a drinker? I am thinking that something very terrible must have happened'otherwise you wouldn't have chosen whiskey for your first drink'..
Bani places the bottle back onto the counter and fiddles with the bottle in her hands. She moves her head to look in his direction and solemnly looks at him, their eyes clashing, and her previous emotions resurface inside of her. She didn't know what made her do it. Or why she did it. But the next thing she knew, she was telling the stranger she had just met five minutes ago about the story of her life and the deception she had gotten out of it'.
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She woke up to the sounds of the early birds and the irritating sunlight peeping through the half-opened curtains. Taking a deep breath into her, her eyelids flutter open and she woozily looks around. A throbbing headache kills her and she squints her eyes as the light blinds her severely. It isn't until a minute later that she refocuses her sight and notices the change of her surroundings. This wasn't her room. Her room was a small, cozy pink room with pictures of her family and friends, art work adorning the walls, and a clutter of mess every step she took within it. But this room was large and spacious (as well as perfectly clean), a master bedroom with Baltic blue walls and expensive paintings hung perfectly for display. The richness in the color of the dresser across from her surprises her, as well as the marble floor, and her eyes then land on the white French doors leading to the terrace outside. It is then that she also realizes that this is not her bed. The twin, lumpy bed that she had become accustomed to has somehow transformed into a firm, large mattress with expensive silk sheets and a royal blue comforter with golden designs.
Highly confused as to where she is, Bani moves to rise but is held back by a firm hold around her waist. She finally realizes the feel of two muscular arms around her mid-body and the warmth it gives to her. She turns around in the bed and gasps as her eyes land on the figure next to her'the man who tightly has his arms caged around her and is sleeping with a content look on his face. Taking a closer look as her vision is slightly blurry, she gasps even further as it turns out to be the man she had met from the night before'.. Jai the bar man.
Her cheeks flame red as her body burns from his masculine touch'his arms circled around her n*ked waist and his bare chest pressed against her back. She panics and conservatively pulls the covers up to her neck and attempts to free herself. In the task of removing his arms, she sees from the corner of her eyes as he stirs in his sleep and lines begin to crease on his forehead as he faintly frowns. She wishes not to wake him'she won't be able to stand a confrontation. Not after what she has done'not after sl**ping with a man she only met once, that too, just last night!
Bani swears to herself as his hold on her is solid tight but to her great relief, as well as fear, his eyes slowly open and he rises from his peaceful sleep. Something in her rises as well as she stares into his gorgeous gray eyes which look around'taking in his surroundings'and finally gaze back at her. She flushes as they do. He stares at her for a long while, his eyes soft and calm like an ocean, not speaking a word which nerves Bani to no ends. He then does something that surprises her, he tightens his hold around her and buries his face into her silky hair.
Jai: (husky) What are you doing up so early? '. It is only seven'. Sleep'.
He advises her and contently closes his eyes to do so as well, comforted by the warmth and cushion of Bani's shoulder. He sighs in a satisfied manner. Bani stares at him in a shocked manner'stunned by his audacity. It is then she no longer objects in pushing him away from her. She is happy to see him look startled out of his drowsy sleep and look at her with confusion.
Bani: (squeaks) How dare you!
She manages to say after her shock as passed by. She is dissatisfied by the lack of anger in her tone'she had wished to sound angry so he can see the seriousness in the situation. Confusion builds on his face as he does not understand her behavior.
Jai: ' How dare I, what?
Bani: (cries) Y-you took advantage of me! You took advantage of me when I was vulnerable and drunk! How could you?!
The confusion now long gone, Jai rises as well, sitting up on the mattress, and looks at her incredulously. His brows lower and he gives her a look as if she has lost her mind.
Jai: You are accusing me of taking advantage of you? As I recall it, you pleaded to me to take you home with me last night. Not the other way around.
Bani: (blushing) I wouldn't!
Jai: That is what you think. But it is the reality, sweetheart. So if you really think about it, I am the victim here'not you.
Bani: You're lying! (disbelief) I-I would never even think about sl**ping with you!
Jai: Oh?'. Would you like for me to show you the nail marks you have so generously left on my back, then? 'Which by the way I am going to make you compensate for in my own way'. (eyes twinkling with mischief)
Bani flushes further, her cheeks burning red.
Jai: And I do believe that's my beard burn you are wearing'.
Guiltily, a hand flies to her face as her eyes grow wide.
Bani: You are kidding, right?! (panicking)
Jai: No, I am not kidding. You are completely chafed.
A look of self-satisfaction spreads across his face and he opens his arms for her in an inviting manner.
Jai: Now come here and be a good girl. I want to finish off things from where we left them'.
Bani decides then that it is not safe for her to be in any proximity with this man, he is lethal and dangerous to her system. It doesn't help much that a part of her wants to challenge him and see what he does'and also finds him adorably cute with his stubble face and dark hair sticking up in tufts. She holds the covers close against her and makes a movement to move away from him but is stuck in a predicament as she does not know how to get up without revealing herself.
Bani: (stammers nervously) I won't be compensating for anything'Now turn around. (ending with a command)
Jai throws her a puzzled look as she begins to wrap herself securely with the comforter she has.
Bani: I don't want you to look when I'm trying to get up'turn around! (orders once more)
Jai: How is that going to help, I have already seen you na'
Bani: (warns hastily) Don't say it! N-nothing happened'.
She ends, slipping into the whelms of disbelief and denial. She wouldn't believe it. It just wasn't something that she would do. But perhaps she may have? Pushkar's betrayal had come as a blown'it would seem likeable for her to react stupidly as well.
Jai: (raises a brow) Nothing happened? Woman, I believe for the past few hours I was making passionate l*ve to you and now you are saying that nothing happened?
Bani's cheeks seem to have reached its darkest color and the blush remains intact as she tries to recollect any memory of last night. To her horror, she can remember her kissing him with much enthusiasm'remembering the feel of his delicate, tender lips kissing her own senselessly. His lips strong and controlling, guiding her to his wants and desires. But the hangover she was experiencing right now was interrupting her from trying to recollect anymore. She could only remember the kissing'nothing else. And still she was not going to give in to his words.
Bani: (ignoring him, flushing) Turn around!
Jai mumbles a few incomprehensible words under his breath and follows her demands by turning around and looking the other way. Bani takes this time to sneakily get her discarded clothes on the floor with the comforter still around her (embarrassed by the sight of her clothes there in the first place).
Bani: (mumbling to herself, flustered) Mummy and Papa will kill me! I am going to hell! '. Hai Ram' Ram ram ram'..!
Jai: Are you chanting prayers?
He asks with amusement. Bani hears him rise from the bed and his voice grow louder. Alarmed, she whirls around to look at him to see if he is watching. Just as she turns around, she sees his back faced toward her and catches him pulling on some boxers and reaching for his robe. She burns from embarrassment from both her silly chant and the sight of his lean, fit body.
Bani: (meekly, eyeing him) And so what if I am?
She pulls on her own clothes hurriedly (afraid of him turning around), fitting her purple blouse and dark jeans onto her.
Jai: (chuckling) ' None of the women I have been with before ever chanted any prayers' Don't think they knew any'. And don't worry, you won't be going to hell '. I don't think God will punish you so severely' I hear he is a forgiving man.
Bani: (flustered, automatically) I am not one of your women'.
Jai: (amused) Never said you were'. Would you like to be? (adding slyly)
Bani: (blushing) I hate you'.
His chuckling surprisingly does not irk her how she thought it would. Perhaps it is because she has gotten used to his laughter by now.
Jai: I see that I haven't managed to change that first impression of yours about me'.
Bani: (letting his comment by) How do you know I won't be going to hell? 'I have sinned!'.
Jai: Is that what you think of this? A sin?.... Hmm'. Then perhaps I will be there with you as well'
Bani: (hastily) I would rather die than go there with you'. I don't want to have anything to do with you'.
Jai: Well isn't how you get to hell is by dying in the first place? 'Sorry my dear, but you are doomed a long eternity with me'. May I turn around now?
Bani: How is that possible? I am never going to see you again, that is for sure'.. And yes, you can.
She watches with anticipating eyes as he turns around and stares at her with his haunting dark eyes. Bani tears her gaze away, becoming uncomfortable by the intensity in his eyes.
Bani: '. (hastily) I'I need to go now. It-it was nice meeting you. (finishing awkwardly)
Jai: Nice meeting me?'Are you really so restless to get away from me? (eyeing her close)
Bani: You are a horrible symbol of my sin'.. I don't want to be anywhere near you. (stammers)
Jai: ' So you have agreed that something did happen'. You are getting off to a good start. (mockingly)
Bani: (scowls) I hope I never see you again'.
Bani says to him just before turning to leave. She storms out from his bedroom door, ignoring his initial protest for her to wait, but then soon hears his good humored chuckle fade away with every step she takes'.
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On the way back to her apartment that she shares with a roommate, Lakshmi, Bani's mind went through a state of turmoil. What would her parents think of her? What would her friends and colleagues think? ' What would Pushkar think?! Pushkar'She was now no greater than him. Hadn't she done the same crime he had committed? She has cheated'. She has cheated him, his parents, and hers as well. Shameful guilt filled inside of her and made her once steady composure shaken. She forced herself not to think about the incident and forget about the fact that she had ever met a man named Jai before in her life. As far as she knows, she hasn't done anything. And that is how it will stay'.
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Should I continue? --Please leave me your thoughts. 😊
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