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Entry #1

"Tony, go and wake up Jai" says Krishna, wife of Uday Walia. Krishna is a stay-home mom who was a Literature Professor by Major. She quit after giving birth to Jai Walia, One and only son of Uday and Krishna Walia. As Tony goes to wake up Jai, Krishna heads to the kitchen to over-see the breakfast menu, which is regularly done by Tony- their servant. After checking everything was right and all the dishes were made(which were very few btw, due to her husband- Uday being very strict on food restrictions), Krishna makes her way to the table, where Uday is already seated, reading his newspaper, as usual- "The New-York Times".

"Why are you reading newspaper in the morning, when you know morning time means family time?" asked Krishna for the millionth time "Kya Krishna tum bhi, you know I read newspapers as I want to know how the US Stock Exchange finished yesterday" "Haan, like they are on the most greatest time of their life right now, you know they are going down more and more everyday, and you know you can do this in office" said Krishna taking away the newspaper from her dear husband.

Krishna and Uday Walia have been married for past 26 years! Their's was a true arranged marriage where they did not see each other's faces after the engagement till the wedding day, like it used to happen in those days. Both are very strong believers in arranged marriage, though they don't oppose love marriage either, but looking at the divorce cases in the other countries such as US and UK, where arranged marriage word is like a shocker to people, they prefer arranged marriage as they think, parents are the ones who knows best about their kids.

"Krishna, where's Jai" asked Uday just as Tony walked in with tray of food. "I asked Tony to wake him up" says Krishna turning towards Tony as she continues "Tony, did you wake up Jai?"

"Maam' Jai sir is already up and he left for the gym long time back, infact, he should be on his way back" replied Tony.

"Theek hain tony, thank you, can you get some butter and jam from the kitchen, Jai will ask for food as soon as he comes in" said Krishna

Just as predicted, Jai came home as Tony was going in the kitchen. "Mommmm, where's my food" asked Jai. Jai Walia, Son of Uday and Krishna Walia. Cardiologist by Profession. Got his degree at an age of 22, making him one of the youngest surgeon to graduate with a doctorate degree.

"Jai son, aaja, we just started" replied Uday Just as Jai was about to drink his just..all of a sudden. "Jai, what do you think of marriage?" asked Uday

"What?, Marriage? Why dad? All of a sudden?" asked Jai almost choking on his juice. "Not sudden, me and your mom were thinking that its time for you to settle down, you have a degree, you are in the right age, you are successful, and most importantly, you are smart" said Uday

"Haan Jai, we think that this is the right time and I will have someone to talk to when im home alone when you two are at work" replied Krishna agreeing with her husband.

"Haan and if you are ok with it, here's the girl's pic, you can look over it and give us your answer whenever you want, no hurry" said Uday as he got up and went to get ready for work. Krishna followed little while later.

Few hrs later: At work, Jai could not concentrate on his work, as he kept getting disturbed by the thoughts of the girl, yes that girl, he saw the pic after his parents left the table, and once he saw, he couldn't stop staring, the eyes, the smile, the naughtiness in the eyes…

Teri nigaahen, paa gayi rahein

Par tu yeh soche jaaun na jaaun

Yeh zindagi jo hai naachti toh

Kyon bediyon mein hai tere paanv

Preet ki dhun par naach le paagal

Udta agar hai udne de aanchal

Kaahe koi apne ko aaise tarsaaye

Jo hai ankahee jo hai ansuni

Woh baat kya hai bata

Mitwa kahein dharkanein tujhse kya

Mitwa yeh khudse toh na tu chhupa- KANK/KK/Javed Akthar

"What are you doing" asked Ranveer, Jai's assistant.

"Nothing" replied Jai.

"Nahin, there is something..bata chal yaar..if you think I am your friend, then tell"

"Nahin aisi kuch baat nahin hain, its just that Mom and dad want me to get married"

then, what's the problem?"

"marriage ranveer, I haven't even given a thought about it, though im not against it" clarified Jai.

"Look jai, there's nothing wrong with marriage, and I know you are not against it, meet the girl, if you don't like her then tell your parents, and as far as I know them, they wont go against you"

"haan, you're right..milne mein kya problem hain"

Saying that, Jai and Ranveer continued their work…

Walia Mansion: Krishna and Uday were sitting in their bedroom reading when..

"Dad, Mom, I'd like to tell you something" said Jai. "Haan, come in beta" said Krishna

Jai walking in and sitting in the chair nearby "its about the proposal, I have decided to meet the girl, if I like her then I'll marry her, but if I don't, then I wont"

"Ofcourse beta, no pressure on you, if you like her only then will we go ahead with this proposal" said Krishna excitedly

"kab jaana hain" asked Jai . "We will leave tomorrow, as its Friday and you usually have Friday's off, hum gadi se kal subah early jaayenge, as they live in Mt.Abu and its quite far" replied Uday picking up his phone "aur let me call them telling them we will be there tomorrow evening" replied Uday.

Mt.Abu:

"Bani betaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" shouted Nishikant and Kiran Dixit. Nishikant is a professor in foreign language and Kiran is a stay-home wife. "Kyaaa hain papa" shouted Bani, walking down the stairs to the main room from her room. Bani Dixit. Finance major with minor in administration. Bani was always in top throught her whole college years and she graduated in Cambridge School of Business, which is considered one of the top most universities in the world. She is currently an Financial Advisor in Microsoft Company.

"Beta, you know meine tumhe mere dost Uday Walia ke bare mein" said Nishikant "wohi Uday Walia jo Bombay mein rehte hain" asked Bani

"haan wohi, he just called, who log kal raat ko aa rahe hain yahaan, gosh! I haven't seen him since ages!! Kitne saal ho gaye" "wow dad, great news!" said Bani

"Haan aur yeh news double great hain, poocho kaise" "kaise dad?" asked bani, confused..

yeh aise ke they are coming here for one more reason aur woh reason hain ke woh tumhare liye unke bte Jai ke liye tumhara haath maanga hain, that is if you agree, wohi Jai jiski photo maine tumhe usi din bataayi thi.."

"kya dad? Marriage? Why dad? Abhi abhi to graduate hui hoon" protested bani

"dekh bani, tune graduate complete kar diya hain, you are working with one of the top companies in the world aur aise mein hi yeh rishta aaya, mein aur tumhare dad don't wnna let go of this alliance" replied Kiran

"but.."

"tu sirf Jai ko ek baar dekhle face to face, agar tujhe pasand aaya to great, agar nahin to hum tumhe force nahin karenge" replied Nishikant

"theek hain dad"

Nishikant and Kiran got excited and hugged Bani in excitement, almost choking her…

"theek hain beta, they will be here tomorrow evening, lets go Kiran" said Nishikant walking with Kiran to their bedroom, excitedly awating the next morning.

Bani's bedroom..

Not being able to decide anything, bani decides to call up her best friend, Rano.

"Hey bani, wats up yaar? Itni raat gaye phone kiya" asked Rano

"rano, sorry to call u so late, but im in a dilemma" said bani

"haan bol, koi serious problem?"

"Serious nahin…sigh..haan serious in a way" said bani, who went on to explain about the Uday Walia, The Proposal, and most importantly Jai Walia.

"To is mein problem kya hain? Like uncle/aunty are saying, ek baar use milne mein kya problem hain?, if you don't like him, usse reject kar le, simple" said Rano truthfully, just like her nature.

"lekin agar woh mujhe pasand aagaya to?" asked bani, slightly blushing

"hmm..to madam yahaan confused hain, agar pasand hain to haan karde, its not like ke uncle-aunty teri shaadi kal karva rahe hain"

"hmm, baat sahi hain teri" said bani

"aur haan madam, you dare not get married without me, you better tell me your decision first, before uncle-aunty"

"haan haan baba, theek hain, will tell u before I tell mom dad, theek hain? Rakhoon? Kal subah mom mujhe early wake up karne waali hain" said bani

"haan sooja, kal ka din bahut bada hain, kya pata, kal kuch kuch ho jaaye" teased rano

"bye" said Bani and ended the call immediately before rano teased her more.

Next Evening.. Do anjaane ajnabi chale bandhane bandhanHaay re dil mein hai ye uljhan Milkar kyaa bole kyaa bole kyaa bole re milakar kyaa boleNayi umamg nayi khushi mehak uthaa hai aangan Haay re ghar aaye man bhaavanMilkar kyaa bole kyaa bole kyaa bole re milkar kyaa bole - Udit Narayan/Vivah

"Banii, jaldi jaa ke taiyaar hoja, woh log aa rahe hi hoge" shouted Kiran from the kitchen who was supervising the last minute things to be done before the Walia's arrived.

"haan maa, ja rahi hoon" replied bani, who couldn't seem to think what to make out of this feeling that started since Nishikant told her about Jai and his reason to come here.

Few minutes later: "they are here" shouted Nishikant as he approached the door to greet Uday Walia and his family

"Udayyyy long time no see yaar" said Nishikant as he hugged Uday

"Haan yaar, we haven't met since like what, 20 odd years? " replied Uday

"come, come in" said Nishikant

"This is my wife, Kiran, Kiran this is Uday and his wife Krishna and their son Jai" said Nishikant

"Namaste, kaise hain aap log? Kaisi ho Krishna? We haven't met since like Uday bhai saad said about 20 years! Wow! Time flies ke!!" said Kiran excitedly

"Haan all due to our busy schedule phir kids aur u know how it is" replied Kiran excitedly too!

"Yeh hain mera beta Jai" said Uday

"Namaste" said Jai as he got up from his seat and went to touch Nishikant and Kiran's feet.

"Namaste beta, kaise ho? " inquired Kiran

"Theek hoon aunty, thank you" said Jai politely

Kiran liked Jai, for his softness, careness, the looks were like a greek god no doubt, but mostly for the sanskars he had in her.

"Kiran, Bani ko le aao, kahaan hain woh" asked Nishikant

"Abhi aayi, woh apne kamre mein hain" said Kiran as she got up to go get Bani from the room.

Bani's room..

Baichaini betaabi aaj mujhe ye kaisi

Aaj hai jo peheli na thi dil ki haalat aisi

Ankhon ko usika intajar hai

Unhike liye ye roop shrigaar hai

Dekhi hai taszir hi aaj milenge darshan

Haay re badh ne lagi hai ulzan

Milkar kyaa bole kyaa bole kyaa bole re milkar kyaa bole -Vivah

Bani sat nervously waiting for her mom to come and get her looking extremely preety in a Dark Blue/Dark Green color combination chudidaar, her heart beating extremely fast at a rate of almost 50mph, after she heard her dad inform that the Walia's were here. She did see Jai through the door opening though..she had to agree, he looks more extremely handsome in real life then in the picture, although he looks extremely handsome in the pic itself. And she's sure now that her mom/dad loves him too after talking to him and seeing his careness-ness..

"Bani, ready ho? Walia's are here" said Kiran coming into the room

"haan mom, ready hoon" said Bani nervously

"chalo" said Kiran, not before kissing her daughter affectionlly on the head .

Downstairs: As Nishikant is serving the Walia's some tea, coffee, and some snacks, Bani is brought down by Kiran. "Uday, yeh hain meri beti, Bani" said Nishikant proudly. "Namaste" said Bani nervously, trying not to look at "him"

"Namaste beta, aao yahaan betho" said Krishna lovingly and indicating a seat between her and Jai.

Bani smiled and sat between them, nervous to the core..

"Beta, yeh hain Jai, mera beta" said Krishna

"Hi" said Jai, who couldn't stop staring at how beautiful bani looked as soon as she started walking down the stairs. Those eyes again, and that smile, the way she smiled at Krishna..

"Hi" replied Bani.

Sensing their awkwardness, Kiran said "Bani go and take Jai around the house"

"Ji mom, chaliye" said Bani as she got up and Jai following her

Entering Bani's room.: "Nice room" said Jai

"Thanks, I like to design my own room, infact, I designed mom/dad's room too, its kinda like my hobby" replied Bani

"Not bad..so you like to do interior decorating as a hobby…by the way, I am a Cardiologist by profession, im sure you know" said Jai, now knowing how to start a topic

"yea I know, dad ne bataya tha, congrats on being one of the youngest to be a surgeon in the country, and im a Financial Advisor, and im sure, you know that as well. " said Bani, smiling a little

"Yes I know, mom dad ne aate samay bataya tha" said Jai, smiling and feeling a little relaxed

"Look Bani, I don't want to force you this relationship on you, if you are not ready, you can let me know now, I'll tell mom-dad, I "was" kind of not ready when I heard about it too last night.." said Jai

"was? Meaning you are ready" said Bani, interrupting Jai and looking straight into his eyes.

"Yes, was, because I just graduated and didn't want to think about marriage, lekin jabse I saw your pic yesterday aur phir aaj tumhe dekha.." said Jai, stopping mid-way not knowing how to continue..(neither do i..haha)

"ruk kyon gaye?" urged Bani

Taking a deep breath, Jai continued "Since I saw your pic yesterday aur phir aaj I saw you, my mind heart has completely gone out of my hands now, your smile, your shyness..i think.."

"I think kya ji?" asked Bani

"I think…I think…I think im falling in love with you" said Jai at a fast speed and as soon as he said it, he knew he said it too early, what would she be thinking..she must think im a huge looser..cannot even say things right..thought Jai.

"Kya kaha aapne? Phirse kahiye?" asked Bani, surprised as what Jai said..

Taking another huge deep breath, Jai said "Bani, I said, I think im falling in love with you, but if you think its wrong, let me know, I'll let mom-dad know and we'll go back tomorrow morning"

"Nahin, aap waapas kyon jaayenge" asked Bani

"but I thought u don't like me" asked Jai, confused

"maine yeh kab kaha" asked a shocked Bani

"abhi abhi to kahaan"

"maine yeh nahin kaha, infact maine kuch bhi aisa nahin kaha"

"So that means you approve of me?" asked Jai, who was now curious

Just as Bani was about to answer him..

"Jai beta, kahaan ho, neeche aajao" called his father

"Ji papa abhi aaye" said Jai

"Chale" asked Bani, about to walk out when..

"Not so soon Ms.Dixit, I still am waiting for my answer" said Jai, holding her wrist.

Turning around, Bani just looked at him and was about to say it again, when jai let go of her wrist..she looked at her wrist then at jai, confused

"Chalo Bani, Mujhe mera jawaab mil gaya" said Jai, smiling

Blushing, both Bani and Jai made their way to downstairs and sitting themselves down..

"To yeh rishtaa pakka samjho Nishikant" said Uday happily

"Lekin humne haan kab kaha dad" asked Jai, confused

"Lekin aap logo ne naa bhi to nahin kaha" said Uday/Nishikant together, teasing both of them

As soon as the rishta was pakka, the sweets were being fed …"to yeh sagai abhi karde Nishikant?" asked Uday curious/excited

"Lekin itni jaldi, I mean I don't have a problem but koi samaan bhi nahin hain aur rings bhi nahin hain" asked Nishikant, confused

"Don't worry about that, I have all that ready..we have the shagun in the car, which I told my driver, Tony to go get it as soon as it is yes, infact here it is" said Uday

"Lekin rings.." asked Kiran

"Don't worry about rings Kiran, we have that too..we knew it would be a yes, so hum prepared aaye hain" said Krishna excitedly

Soon, the shagun was given, and Jai-Bani soon began a very enormous, exciting, long-lasting journey of their life, as Mr. & Mrs. Jai Walia.

Entry #3

Bani sat in the caf and waited. He was late…….again. Jai always managed to get on her nerves with his tardiness. He was never on time. But what could she do? She loved him too much so she overlooked his trifle shortcomings.

She lifted her head once more to see who came in as she heard the distinct sound of the caf door opening. Thankfully, it was him this time. He was dressed in a casual black jeans and red shirt. His hair was gently tousled over his forehead and he donned a Rolex watch. She could smell his Curve cologne as he walked towards her, holding a single red rose in his hand. It was Valentine's Day – a day when love filled the air.

Jai eyed Bani from the corner of his eye. He knew she would be highly miffed about him coming late but he had to do something for his mom and didn't notice the time. Anyhow, Bani was his fiance and he knew very well how to pacify her. He drank in her slim curvaceous figure as he walked towards her. She looked gorgeous in a red salwar kameez. When he reached her, he kissed her cheek lightly and gave her the rose. Bani would have murdered him if he kissed her on the lips publicly.

Jai – Happy Valentine's Day honey! Sorry I took so long. I had to do something for mom.

He eased in beside her as she accepted the rose and his apology. She gave him a teddy bear.

Bani – Happy Valentine's to you too sweetheart!

Jai and Bani went back to their first Valentine. Strangely, they were both four years old at the time.

Flashback – 21 years ago

Bani sat in a corner of the small kindergarten classroom filled with screaming children. She was building a tower of blocks and paid no attention to the teacher as she introduced the new kid.

Teacher – Kids, this is Jai Walia. He is new here so we have to treat him nicely. Everyone say hi Jai.

Kids (except Bani) – Hi Jai!

Teacher – Okay, now everyone tell him your names.

One by one, the kids told Jai their names. Bani said hers quickly and went back to building blocks.

Teacher – Run along now Jai and find something to do.

Jai had already set his blue eyes on the girl building blocks at the back. She was pretty. His father had told him to talk to the pretty girls. And for a reason unknown to him, his mom would yell at his dad afterwards. Something with telling his son how to flirt – Jai didn't understand the meaning of the word until he was ten. Anyhow, he walked over to Bani.

Jai – Hey sexy! (His dad taught him the word, telling him that girls like when they are called that.)

Bani looked at Jai obviously bewildered.

Jai – Can you talk?

Bani just stared at Jai. He pulled out a rose from his small backpack and gave it to Bani. She took it tentatively. Jai proceeded to kiss her cheek. His father had told him to give rose and kiss to prettiest girl in class.

Jai – Appy Alentine's Ay, Ani. (He was sure that his father told him to say Appy Alentine's Ay but it sounded funny from what his father said.)

Bani – My name is Bani.

Jai – Who cares?

That angered Bani so the two kindergarteners began to fight. They pulled each other's hair and bit each other's hands. The teacher pulled them apart and punished them. They were forced to apologize. Jai was sent to a corner and Bani was sent to another corner. They spent the rest of their day like that, both giving each other murderous glares. However, by the next week, Jai and Bani were best friends and partners in crime. One could assume that the two would spend the rest of their lives together.

Jai held his teddy bear in his left hand and put his right hand around Bani. Bani kept the rose in the vase she had brought with her. She knew Jai would bring a rose as that was what he did every Valentine. He had a rose bush front of his house that he picked roses from every Valentine to give her including the time when they were four. When he was about ten, Jai took care of the rose bush all by himself so he could give Bani roses from the same rose bush every Valentine. Bani was thrilled that Jai did this just for her. He made her feel a lot more special in his life. She wrapped her arms around him as they talked about their upcoming marriage. A little before lunchtime they left the caf. Bani dropped the rose at home in her car while Jai followed. Afterwards, Jai drove Bani to the restaurant where they had their first date. Coincidentally, it was Valentine's Day at the time. Bani reflected on the past couple years of her life.

Flashback

After Jai first wished Bani on Valentine's, he never failed to wish her every Valentine with a rose and a kiss on the cheek so it wasn't unusual to anyone when Jai asked Bani on a date.

Both Jai's and Bani's parents had agreed without an argument as they knew their children would carry themselves in a proper manner and they were in good company. Jai and Bani had met each other's parents several times.

Jai took Bani on their first date and one thing led to another. After almost four years of dating, Jai proposed to Bani on their graduation night. If Bani thought she couldn't get any happier after getting her degree, she was wrong. A couple months later, they were officially engaged and now set to marry on June 19^th.

Jai and Bani were amazed with the transformation of the restaurant. Everything was heart-shaped and white and red. It was very romantic. The restaurant also offered a special Valentine lunch which Jai and Bani thoroughly enjoyed. It was a total lovers' environment.

After lunch, they enjoyed doing some Valentine shopping. They flirted with each other and teased each other nonstop. Jai bought some sexy nightwear for Bani telling her that she had to wear it when they were married. Bani teased him back by buying Scooby Doo, Superman and Batman boxers telling him that she wanted him to wear them after marriage.

After some time, Jai was taking Bani to a surprise place. When they reached, Bani saw that it was their kindergarten school – where they first met. She was thrilled. Jai took out a box of chocolates for the kids and they walked inside. As soon as they stepped inside, the kids all walked up to Bani when Jai gave them a signal.

Kids – Appy Alentine's Ay, Ani!

Bani's eyes watered. That was so sweet. She was convinced that Jai was the best lover that she could find. He left no stone unturned in making her feel special. Together, Jai and Bani gave chocolates to the kids. They thanked the teacher for the class time and left. When they were in the car again, Bani flung herself unto Jai and hugged him tightly.

Bani – I love you, Jai.

Jai hugged her back tightly.

Jai – I love you too, Bani.

They stayed like that for some time. When they separated, Bani kissed Jai lightly.

Jai and Bani decided to spend the rest of the afternoon with the family. First, they went to Bani's house. Kiran and Nishikant were happy to see their soon-to-be son-in-law. Rano and Pia, Bani's adorable but annoying little sisters, teased Bani and Jai nonstop. Bani would just glare at them from time to time to shut them up.

Everyone enjoyed a casual chat. Jai gave them gifts for the occasion as Valentine's was all about loved ones.

Afterwards, the happy couple went to Jai's house. Uday and Krishna were hugging on the couch when Jai and Bani walked in. Jai pulled a face at his parents. Uday and Krishna quickly broke apart.

Bani giggled. Anu, Jai's little devilish sister, ran downstairs and pulled Jai and Bani to the couch. She sat between them as the family had a casual chat. It was close to dinnertime when they finished. Krishna offered dinner but Jai refused as he had something planned for Bani. Bani gave gifts to her in-laws and left.

Jai drove Bani to the restaurant where he had proposed to her in front of almost forty people. But tonight, it was just them. Jai had booked the entire restaurant just for them and he had decorated it personally too.

Rose petals were strewn all over the floor. Heart-shaped balloons hung from the ceiling. Teddy bears marked 'I love you' decorated the various corners of the room. A single table stood in the middle of the room. There were heart-shaped cushions on the seats, heart-shaped table mats on the table. It was beautiful and totally showed Bani how much he loved her. They sat down to eat. There was excellent service and all of Bani's favorite dishes were made. However, Bani wouldn't eat until all of Jai's favorite dishes were made. So they waited. When it was done, Jai fed Bani and vice versa.

Afterwards, they decided to spend the rest of their Valentine on the beach. They went to a public beach where there was an event to celebrate the occasion. There was that 'Dance on Paper' game which Jai and Bani won proudly. They walked in water along with the other couples and entered the various events, winning all of them. At around ten, they decided to leave. However, just as they were about to, fireworks started. They wrapped their arms around each other and watched the colorful lights till the end where they kissed.

Jai took Bani home where they kissed once again, murmuring words of love.

When they married on June 19^th, committing themselves to stay with each other for life, Jai and Bani expressed their love for each other everyday in a special way, not only Valentine's Day. But yes, every Valentine Jai gives Bani a rose from the same bush and kisses from the same lips.

The madness of love is the greatest of heaven's blessings. – Plato (427 – 347 B.C.) from "PHAEDRUS"

Entry #4

She stepped down from the train, holding her luggage in both her hands.

She was new to the town, and hence she knew nobody....except him. It was her promise to him that had brought her here, the promise she made to him 8 months ago.....

~~~~~~

"Jai, do you really have to go?" Bani, was trying hard to fight back tears, but they flowed freely. She held both his hands firmly in hers, refusing to let go. The love of her life, Jai, was going away from her...without any promise to return in near future.

"Bani, there is no other way....my Dad is seriously ill, and he has no one in this world except me....I can't turn a blind eye, He is my responsibility Bani......I can't" He looked at her with helpless eyes....hoping that she would understand. It was paining him to leave her like this, but life had landed him in a situation where he could simply not avoid his responsibility. His dad, had cancer...it had reached its second stage....and he needed to be taken care of...he needed his son.

Bani reluctantly nodded, "I understand Jai...but atleast you could tell me when you..." she trailed off as she saw Jai softly shaking his head....She understood that he could not make a promise....she realized that this may be their last moment together....

Bani broke down and buried herself in his arms...She sobbed violently as Jai rubbed her back.....he was crying too....he hugged her even more tightly, trying to convey his feelings through that hug...

After an eternity, they broke apart as Jai cupped her face between his palms, "But Bani, I want you to promise me something..." He continued as she nodded, "I can't come back to you because my responsibilities don't allow me to.....but if I call you within 8 months, will you come?.......and if I don't, I want you to live happily ever after " she opened her mouth to say something, but he cut her off, "Please Bani, I need you to be happy....please" He pleaded. She looked at him for a long moment and then softly nodded...He smiled weakly, and then hugged her again....

~~~~~~

So here she was, in Delhi....He had called her and asked her to come....Tears had stinged her eyes when she heard his voice after such a long time....She wanted to ask so many questions, but he had cut off the conversation by saying, "I'll tell you everything once you come here...."

She looked around frantically and desperately, to find him in the crowd of millions....She went to a nearby bench and kept all her luggage there....and then was about to turn around again to find him....but her eyes caught something, she turned back to see him standing at a distance, with a smile on his face. Her face curved into a smile at his sight, and she was running to him in no time....he enveloped her in a rib-crushing hug, as they stood there hugging each other for an eternity, unaware and unyielding to the curious glances. Unconsciously, tears formed in their eyes and rolled down their cheeks.

They finally broke apart, Jai joined their foreheads together, "Bani....Only I know how these 8 months have passed....I missed you everyday Bani....every moment...."

Bani looked up at him, "I missed you too Jai, beyond words.....but I knew you would call, I had faith in you....and our love..."

He smiled and hugged her again....Bani broke apart as a question struck her mind, "Jai.....your Dad...?"

He smiled, "He's fine Bani...It took a lot of time and it was painful for him too, but we got through....your love was my strength Bani..." He said as he intertwined their fingers...

Bani put her head on his shoulder as he put his arm around her....They picked up her luggage and walked out of the station, never to be separated again.......

The end

Entry #5

"Promises are like the full moon, if they are not kept at once they diminish day by day"

"I will come back 'Bani'" jai said'looking into her crystal clear hazel eyes' the beautiful eyes which mirrored her unblemished heart and soul'

"Promise'" bani asked, uncertainty clouding her mind'the thought of separation brought a mountain of grief to her, for the last entire week she had been wetting the pillow'crying all night'

"Promise'" jai said lovingly'his thumb reached out to whisk away the ugly tear which was in the process of forming in the corner of right eye' '

Bani burst out into a fountain of tears'her cheeks tinged with red, wet with the flowing tears'his heart pricked to see her like that, lost and broken'but he had no choice'he cupped her face and brought it closer to his'his lips moved over her soft face kissing away those tears' 'bani gasped'

"I promise Bani'I will come back'" he whispered leaving her oval white face'

"I will wait'" she said softly'as she saw him leave'holding his backpack'he turned around one last time to fill his mind with her pretty face'he smiled'she smiled back hiccupping'he was going back'to from where he had come' '

Bani bent down the brick lane of the terrace to catch a glimpse of him as he sat inside the taxi'she kept looking at the moving taxi until its image disappeared around the curving allay'
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Jai jerked out of his revive' the sharp chill of the morning sent shivers down his spine'he pulled his jacket'he watched the empty streets through the open window of his BMW'it was too early for the bustling market to open'he was reaching his destination' the place was still the same'just that it was a bit more crowded with the mushrooming of the shops and concrete constructions 'the narrow streets seemed narrower than before' the shouts of the neighborhood children still echoed in the silent street 'through the dark muddy lanes behind the houses to the back doors of the dark dripping gardens where smells arose from the ashpits, to the hayed dark odorous stables of cows and buffaloes which had nothing else to do but to keep chewing the same stack of grass'everything seemed as if they were just a day old' '

He smiled as he remembered the times he had spent in the warm and earthy confines of his ancestral home with his grandmother' his car stopped with a screeching halt before the cobwebbed ancient wooden doors of the palatal house, it seemed almost in ruins, clearly testifying the lack of care it received over a prolonged period of time' holding the heavy metal handles, he pushed the door a jar' a creaking sound echoed, giving an eerily feel' the images of the bright sunny afternoon floated before his eyes when he had first crossed the entrance'
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"Daadi'"an over-enthusiastic voice crowed as he jumped from the bullock-cart over to the stony steps'

"Jaiii'" Krishna screamed as she saw her grandson' her silver hair shone in the sunrays, clad in an all white avatar she personified the winter landscape of the west' jai touched her feet and proceeded to lift her up'

"Neeche utaar muhje'badmash'" Krishna yelped'finally putting her down he pecked her cheek'

"Kaisi ho aap'" he asked fondly'as they proceeded to walk inside'it was always his grandmother who came to visit them in Mumbai, but this time he decided to pay a trip to his homeland'

"Main theek hoon, tu bata'achanak..woh bhi bailgadi main'"

"Arre, who koi taxi nahin mil rahi thi toh, iss main aana pada'aur main aapse milne nahin aa sakta kya'"

"Aa sakta hain, par na koi chitti, na phone'"

"Woh mera college khatam hogaya hain, papa office join karne ko keh rahen the, maine soch thode din ghoomu phir toh kaam hi karna hain na'"

"Acha kiya jo tu aagaya'teri bohot yaad aa rahin thi'"

"Bohot yaad aa rahin thi, na koi chitti, phone bhi nahin kiya'aap hamare saath kyun nahin rehti, iss baar toh main aapko leke hi jaaoonga'"

"Arre'in boodhi hadiyon main abhi jaan kahaan, main yahin theek hoon'sheher main mujhse raha nahin jaayega baba'"

"Main kuch nahin sunna chahta, aap bas aa rahin hain'keh diya na toh keh diya'"

"Bilku apne dadaji par gaya hain, woh bhi aise hi zidd karte the'theek hain aaungi'chal haath moo dhole'teri manpasand cheez banati hoon'"

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Jai walked inside the house, examining every corner with affection'time was so fast'you never know when it slipped away like a stealthy thief'it was a rude shock that his lovely grandmother had passed away two years ago'though people went away but their memories lived on'those who we love never go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen and unheard, still near, still loved, still missed and still very dear' 'every steep corner of the house mouthed the bittersweet moments spent'he stopped in his tracks as his eyes fell on the framed picture hung on the wall'he took out his kerchief and wiped the thick layer of dust'revealing the picture perfect couple of his grandmother and grandfather when they were newly married' his grandfather held his wife by her shoulder while his grandmother smiled shyly'jai smiled as he pictured himself and bani alongside him smiling in a similar fashion''

He walked to the backyard'the stables were empty, the tulsi pot dried with only a mound of dry mud covering it...bani's laughter reverberated as he stood near the mango tree'she used to always climb it to pluck unripe green mangoes'munching the sour pulp with great pleasure'sitting on one of the branches '
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Bani came rushing into Krishna's house'jai choked his aloo paratha listening to the loud banter...he felt as if a mini earthquake had come'while Krishna gave a knowing look, shaking her head'

"Bani'bagal waali ghar main rehti hain'toofaan mail hain'" Krishna said affectionately'

"Daadi'kache aam lage hain'" bani said as she barged in'with a catapult in her hand'

"Haan haan pata hain'" Krishna said knowing fully well what she intended to do'

"Tod loon'" bani said making a puppy face'her eyes big as a burrow'

"Toofan mail ko koi rok sakta hain bhala'" Krishna said'bani gave a dimpled smile and hugged Krishna, she was about to leap into the backyard'when she returned back...giving jai a curious look who was blankly watching the hurricane girl who entered the small room'bani raised her eye-brows'

"Yeh kaun hain daadi'" she asked still eyeing jai in a peculiar manner'her hands resting on her hips'

"Mera pota'jai...Mumbai se aaya hain'" Krishna replied'

"Hi!!!" jai greeted her'bani wriggled her nose'throwing her long pleated pony around her neck she sprinted away'jai kept watching her, he felt something incredulous inside, his heart beat increased suddenly'he knew the girl had stolen his heart'he had never seen someone like her ever before'and he knew he was about to fall in love'he leaned back smiling to himself'the next two months of his holidays were going to be interesting, very interesting' while bani nervously climbed the mango tree, knotting the duppata across herself'she felt a bubbling sensation inside her, she had never felt so nice, it was more her spontaneous excitement than snobbishness not to acknowledge him'sitting on the tree branch, her legs on either side'she peeped through the canopy of the green leaves inside the house to catch a glimpse of the attractive stranger'he was not visible, she frowned, she moved her head in other direction only to face his steel grey eyes fixed on her, he was standing at the doorway of the backyard, leaning casually'he passed a smile at her, she blushed furiously and hid her face behind the curtain of mango leaves' '
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Jai moved around the widespread terrace 'the awkward meeting had turned into a friendship ad slowly into love'the house was spread with their constant din, always fighting over something or the other'the million times they argued, joked and laughed sitting on the terrace for endless hours'and unknowingly they had foolishly fallen in love with each other. Jai leaned on the boundary wall, it was almost crumpling' 'her fragrance still mingled in the crisp air which blew'he could smell'his eyes wandered to the terrace of her house'it was empty'even the ropes tied to dry the clothes were missing, he was desperate to go and see her'but it was too early, just eight in the morning'as he descended down the steps he remembered the way she swung as she moved, her soft rope of hair tossed from side to side'

'Jai came down, walking on the soft soiled ground, he reached the well'it seemed to be still the same, filled with water, but the meniscus had decreased and the surface was littered with dried leaves and twigs swimming afloat carelessly'he moved behind it, there lay a clear patch of dry earth, her mother and his grandmother together had gone out that day to a local wedding'it was the very same place where they had made love'under a moonless night, in the dark watches of the night with just the faint glow of the lantern kept aside'she had looked ethereal especially with the soft light casting shadows on her nubile bodily contours, she glowed like a diya'enchanting, the process was brief' clumsy' hurried too she was too shy to even open her eyes, he too was inexperienced'but the feeling was wonderful, to have loved someone and to have been loved by someone so intimately and deeply'
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They lay under the watchful eye of the mangosteen tree, the broad well shielding them from any intruding eye'the white termites on their way back home, the white ladybirds on their way home, the white beetles burrowing away from the light, the white grasshoppers with whitewood violins playing white music'all gone'one by one'he drew her lengthy, thick hair around them like a tent'small stones pressed into their skins' the adhesive soil particles sticking to their slick, sweaty bodies'she lay against him'over him, their legs intervened, trying to steady her frenzied emotions, while he ran his fingers through her hair, his puffing chest refusing to slow down'

"I love you'" jai whispered breathlessly for the first time ever'gathering courage and ignoring her bashfulness she kissed his heart'whispering the same back to him' '

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Jai came out of the house; his nervous steps leading him to next door, a whale of questions ran through his numb mind'How would she be? How would she look? What would she say? What would he say? With all those questions he knocked the door'impatiently he knocked it again'a bit loudly this time' he pressed the palms of his hands together until they trembled'murmuring to stop the torture he was putting them through'his impatience and anxiety grew with each passing second, after which seemed an eternity to him, an old man opened the door'he didn't recognize him'the man pierced through jai via his old-fashioned spectacles'which was constantly slipping down his crooked nose' '

"Kya chahiye'" he asked in a toothless voice'

"Jee'woh yahaan'bani'.mera matlab'Suriji rehte hain'" jai asked' optimistically, his face looking inside'

"Suri'" the old man thought for a second'

"Oh!!! Woh toh chale gaye'"

"Chalegaye'" jai looked shocked'he gulped down'

"Haan, ek, ded saal hogaya shayaad'"

"Kahaan hain'"

"Pata nahin'"

"Aur unki beti'"

"Pichle saal hi uski shaadi hogayi'kahin videsh main rehti hain'koi'Lodon'"

A cold sweat drenched jai, he felt helpless, orphaned, a sort of despair haunted him'

"London'" he mumbled'

"Haan, haan wahin'"

Jai turned back, his feet guiding him to destination unknown' he had been so embroiled in his moribund city life'swept away by the invisible tide of time that he never ever could keep in touch with bani' he had never been able to break those strands of complacency which had coiled around him'he was too busy and preoccupied'but she had always been on his mind and in his heart'he bitterly smiled at his fate' '

In lieu of his promise' she had waited, he had fulfilled his promise too'but it was too late'time had won the race' '

Driving back in his car he passed the same narrower streets'going back to the palce'from where he had come' '

"And be these juggling friends no more believed,
That palter with us in a double sense;
That keep the word of promise to our ear
And break it to our hope'"
~William Shakespeare

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I'd firstly like to thank all of the writers who took out their time to write such lovely short FFs for us. Really, it was a treat. I loved reading them all and they were fabulous but unfortunately we have to vote for one. I will have to go with The Promise, Entry #5. I am a sap for happy endings but this one SS really touched me despite its sad ending. It was beautifully written and I loved the way Jai reminisced through his memories with Bani and his grandmother. Very beautiful story.

Wonderful work to all the writers and I wish them all good luck!

Love,
Dil

Congratulations to all the creative writers who have posted their stories... I loved them all.

All the FFs were wonderful. It was hard to choose as we can only choose one.

my vote goes to Entry no. 1