SS: And Along Came Jai...Last Ch PG 40 - Page 3

I would like to thank you all for your wonderful comments. I am glad by the response I got from it and also that you all enjoyed the first part. Hopefully I do not disappoint you. And sorry for the long wait. This update does not contain much on JW (he is though mentioned), but I promise the next one will. 😉

Chapter 2:

The moment Bani walked in through the door and met face to face with her roommate, Lakshmi (as well as her best friend of six years), her motion flew out of the window and she began to babble onto her friend of what she had done. "Where have you been? ….. And how come you are wearing the same clothes as yesterday?" was all that Lakshmi had to say in order for Bani to break down and confess…..

No doubt Lakshmi was disappointed in Bani's actions, but soothingly assured her that everything will be well and that she hadn't "cheated" Pushkar since they had technically broke things off an hour or two before the incident. This calmed Bani somewhat but it did not get rid of the massive guilt living inside of her.

Lakshmi: So what are you going to do now? …. How will you tell your parents about Pushkar? ….

She asks Bani after some time. Bani wipes away the last of her tears and forces herself to focus on the upcoming task that was necessary to do.

Bani: They will be crushed to know…. But I have to tell them. It just wasn't mean to be—Pushkar and me…. If not now, it probably would have occurred later on in our marriage….. Everything happens for a reason, right?

Lakshmi nods and encourages Bani by handing her the black cordless phone and letting her know that if she needs anything, she will be in her room. Bani thanks her graciously for her support and comfort and after Lakshmi leaves, hesitantly begins to dial the number of her parents' house.

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Sunday, the day she usually used to rest or laze around, she woke up bright and early, showered, dressed, tied her hair high up into a ponytail, and covered her dark eyes from her consistent crying with concealer. Lakshmi was not home so Bani was not distracted in any way. She took the bus since she does not possess a vehicle of her own, due to money and also since Pushkar always drove her everywhere. In ten minutes she arrived at her destination and let out a sigh before straightening her posture and walking through the glass door of the caf.

There she saw him, looking as lost as a lamb and confused. Misery is still present everywhere on his guilty face and before she would have looked past it, but after what she had done herself—she could only relate to it. But only relate, not sympathize. He still has done her wrong.

Bani: Hello Pushkar….

She greets him a formal, yet curt tone as she takes her seat at the table across from him. His eyes seem to swim even more in fear and guilt. Those eyes she always saw brighten up and twinkle with mischief now had lost its color.

Pushkar: Bani….

He responds, trying to build confidence in his voice. She places her bag onto the table and does not bother to make herself any more comfortable since this will only be a brief meeting.

Pushkar: … I…. I was surprised that you called…. I had the assumption that you would never wish to speak to me….

He admits a moment later to break the building silence between them. If he was hoping to get a reaction out of this or any kind of explanation, he was proved wrong as she simply took a sip of the glass of water next to her and then reached into her bag to pull out something. She takes a quick look at it before throwing it over to Pushkar's side of the table.

Bani: My parents have made a list of all of the things we will need for the wedding…. They have split up the shares so both of our parents can pay evenly…. Make sure you give this to Aunty and Uncle….

For a long while Pushkar stares at her baffled and speechless. Out of bewilderment, he takes the list into his hands and looks it through. Then slowly his eyes go back to her and he finally has the ability to muster a few words after his shock passes by….

Pushkar: We… We are still getting married?

Bani: (nonchalantly) Of course. It is what our parents have wanted since we were little kids. Or have you already forgotten that by now? … I wouldn't doubt it actually, you were able to forget our relationship in a moment of passion…. Who knows what else you are capable to forget…. (tauntingly)

Pushkar flushes out of embarrassment and shame and does not say anything to defend himself, having nothing to say and choosing not to as well.

Pushkar: You are still willing to marry me?

He asks hesitantly instead. He watches as Bani finally meets his curious looking eyes and her built up composure she had created in order to appear ruthless diminishes.

Bani: (softly) Yes…. It is what my parents want.

Pushkar: But it is not what you want….?

Bani is silent for a moment before responding.

Bani: Does it matter at this point, Pushkar? …. Since I was nine I was told by my parents that I would be married to you…. And now it is too far to change things…. Our engagement has made my parents so happy. They are planning for the wedding with so much enthusiasm, a wedding that is four months from now. Our marriage is all they ever think, talk, and dream about Pushkar…. How can you expect me to take that away from them?

Pushkar lowers his gaze and instead chooses to let them rest on the list held in his hands.

Bani: ….. I tried telling Mummy and Papa…. About what happened…. I was going to tell them that things just were not working out and we are better off being friends—but before I could even tell them this, all I ever heard from them was their excited chatter about the wedding and how they couldn't wait till I got settled and had you as a son-in-law…. They completely adore you… I couldn't find it in me anymore to tell them the truth…. So if creating a farce and living a lie will give them this happiness they have been waiting for, so be it…. I just don't want to see my parents get hurt out of your betrayal Pushkar…. I won't allow it.

Pushkar: (begins in saying) Bani, please, you must hear me out…. I never meant to hurt you or your parents… I love you so much…. It was just a mist---

Bani: Don't…. (abrupt, harsh)

Pushkar is silenced by her quiet burst of protest and watches miserably as the ruthlessness in her returns.

Bani: We are getting married, that is how it was planned in the beginning and that is how it will remain. Nothing has changed except for the fact of our relationship. We may come across as a happy couple to everyone else, but you should know better to think else wise… You and I are not the same. If I could have it my way, I would never want to speak or even see you again for the matter…. But unfortunately I will have to… Just because I am here speaking with you and allowing you to remain in my life does not mean that I have forgiven you. At this point, the idea of giving you forgiveness does not seem favorable to me…. You will have to work hard to regain my trust again Pushkar…. Real hard.

Pushkar: And I am willing to do just that if you just would—

Bani: (cutting him off) I don't want to hear anything…. I came here only to tell you this, not for a chance for you to make amends….

She gathers her purse and pulls it onto her shoulders as she stands from her seat. Before turning around to leave, she looks back to a defeated looking Pushkar and says her last words…

Bani: By the way, Mummy and Papa have invited us to dinner on Friday…..

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On Monday when Bani returned to work, she knew it would not be the same for her as it used to be. Sure she had her wonderful coworkers and friends—Rano, Sonali, Raashi, Ranveer, and Daksh—but she would be constantly reminded of her fianc's infidelity….. with finances, Pia Chopra. It was in this office that her fianc first spotted temptation….

She forced herself to think of anything else but that and was grateful to be allowed this distraction as she walked in through the office doors. Everywhere she went it seemed that the whole office was in a buzz of gossip and interest, very unusual as this is a proper and efficient working place—well, if you count everyone else but her department (who all have proved to be a family to her). She only caught bits and pieces as she made her way up to her desk….

US…. First time…. Seven years…. Boss…. Her mind fluttered with these words as she tried to make sense of the gossip that has got the whole office into a flurry. As she approached her desk, she smiled truly since the past two days as she was greeted the sight of her friends sitting around each other's desk and chatting aimlessly. These were her friends… her family…. The home she had created for herself here in Mumbai.

Ranveer: Hey Moti, what took you so long? Catching up on your beauty sleep?

Ranveer was the first to notice her. His favorite pastime is always to poke fun or tease Bani in every possible way. It was annoyed Bani especially since he and her friends got a good kick out of her teasings. But today, hearing his teasing makes her feel somewhat good inside—as if a realization that nothing has changed and that her life will perfectly go on the same…. She is so happy with this sense of relief that she can just kiss Ranveer, but obviously she wouldn't since he is taken by Rano, who would probably murder her afterwards if she did.

Rano hits Ranveer on his chest and gives him an admonishing look. Ranveer lets out an "ouch" which later on follows a light chuckle.

Rano: You are always after the poor girl…. Let her alone for once, will you?

Ranveer: No can do, she has become into my favorite punching toy…. It's even better since she never has anything to say in return…. (laughs)

Rano: Ignore him Bani, he is mean for picking on sweet girls like you….

Bani smiles wonderfully at Rano, only a year older than her but always has treated her as a daughter since she joined the company. Rano had taken her under her wing and guided her throughout her work—it is probably due to that that Rano has become motherly towards her and protective.

Bani: It's okay Rano, I don't mind. (sweetly)

Daksh: You don't mind?

Daksh questions with a raise of a brow. He and everyone else are quite used to seeing Bani pout and whine from any one of Veer's teasings.

Bani: Yes, why would I mind Daksh?

Daksh scrutinizes her for a good second.

Daksh: Did you hit your head on something or what? –Since when have you ever been okay with one of Veer's jokes?

Bani: (smiles) Since now…

Daksh opens his mouth to say more but is cut off by Raashi who rushes over to their desks with a bright look on her face and her mouth wide from excitement. Just one look at her and they all know she has some gossip to share. She is the only reason why they are intact with personal matters going on in the office, she is their little gossip box.

Raashi: Oh, you all will not believe what is happening!

Ranveer: (rolling his eyes) What is it this time Raashi?

Except for everyone else, Ranveer's tolerance level with Raashi is quite skim. It is only due to Rano that he even puts up with the gossipy girl. When Bani thinks about it, Rano has quite an influence in everything that Ranveer does….

Rano: Well good morning to you too Raash… What is it that you have to share?

She asks Raashi with her usual, sweet honey coated voice. Rano is the typical mother hen who dots on everyone. She can never find any faults in anyone no matter how many times Ranveer tries to point it to her.

Raashi: Morning Rano, oh—I didn't see you there Bani…. Well then that's perfect…. We are all here so I can tell it to you guys….

Daksh: Wrongo, Sonali isn't here. Why don't you wait for her?

Sonali, unfortunately, does not belong in their department. But she does drop by time to time to catch up and joins them on their outings to lunch.

Raashi: Oh, this can't wait! Besides, Sonali is busy with Aparajit sir at the moment. Which reminds me of something else I have to say, but this one is more important….

Bani: (unsurely, interested) Does it by any chance have to do with what everyone in the office is talking about?

Raashi: (disappointed) Oh, Bani, do you know then?

Bani: No, I only heard little of it but wasn't able to get much…. Spill, what is it that you have?

The look of excitement returns on Raashi's face as she prepares herself to tell them.

Raashi: Okay…. So the 411 is that our long missed Boss is in the city at present and plans on making a visit here in the office soon….Isn't that such big news!

Ranveer, who usually wears a look of disdain and disapproval on his face when hearing one of Raashi's gossips, for once perks up on hearing this and contains a look of shock on his face. As well as Daksh and Rano.

Ranveer: You have to be screwing with me….

He says in disbelief, the first in the group to utter anything. Bani looks on at everyone's shocked faces with puzzlement.

Raashi: No, it is the truth! After seven long years, can you imagine?!

Daksh: It is completely random. Why would sir want to come now when he never bothered with us before?

Raashi: (shrugs) Who knows….

Rano: Perhaps he has something planned to do with our branch?

Ranveer: But what would he want to do? Daksh is right, he has never bothered with us before. Our branch has been running on Adi sir's orders for the last seven years. Why would he come back now all of a sudden?

They all take Ranveer's words into consideration and brood over this quietly until Bani speaks up hesitantly.

Bani: …. Guys, I am not following here…. I thought Adi Sir ran the company…. There is someone else higher than him?

Ranveer, Daksh, and Raashi look to her as if she is crazy whereas Rano gives her a sympathetic look and explains to her sweetly.

Rano: Bani, Adi sir only runs our company here in Mumbai… However, he is not the head boss….

Bani: (confused) What do you mean?

Rano: (uncertain, giving Veer a glance) I think it'd be best if you ask Ranveer… He was around at the time….

This is where Ranveer comes in with his own explanation….

Ranveer: Bani, the CEO of the Walia Group of Industries is Mr. Jai Walia…. He inherited the business from his father, Uday Walia, who built the company from scratch. But Jai Walia made the company into what it is today. He expanded it overseas and as he did that, he went with the company as well. He left Mumbai seven years ago and has been in the US since then. The headquarters of the company used to be our office but Mr. Walia shifted it to Delhi, where his brother Nachiket Walia lives. He then made Adi sir, who is his brother-in-law settle in Mumbai and look after things here while he left himself to the US to do some outside work and promote the company in other areas… I was twenty-three when Mr. Walia left and I haven't seen him then.

Daksh: (adding) Well no one could really see him when he was here as well. He is not like Adi Sir who makes sure to interact with all of us. He always remained on the top floors and never associated with his employees unless necessary. It was very rare if any one of us caught a glimpse of him.

Raashi: Oh, but I hear that he is such a charmer from the ladies on the twelfth floor… (dreamily)

Bani is a little surprised on how Raashi, someone who has joined the company only seven months ago, whereas Bani has been here for more than a year, knew about this instead of her. But then again, the girl lives off on gossip and news.

Ranveer: (rolls his eyes) Raashi, don't be so shallow to judge the man by his looks… It's his capabilities that matters…. And Jai Walia is a very highly successful man.

Ranveer states and Bani can't miss the air of arrogance and pride in his voice. This Jai Walia must be a huge deal in order for Ranveer to idolize him, Bani muses to herself. It is hard to gain any admiration coming from Veer.

Ranveer: You know he took up the company when he was only twenty, fresh out of college, not even had studied for his MBA? And look at what he has managed to do…. The company has gained so much recognition over the years and it is only because of his doing. Now everyone all around knows about the Walia Group of Industries….

Daksh: (snorts) Rano, seems to me that you have competition with our boss. Your Ranveer is infatuated by Jai Walia and is perhaps waiting till he comes so he can sweep him off his feet.

Everyone shares a laugh at this while Ranveer's face turns red and he angrily throws a blue file at Daksh. It took Bani a good few minutes for her laughter to subside. Her query in meeting her boss, Jai Walia, was only increasing by each passing day….

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