During next and half week Jai spent most of his time at Bani's. After finishing his work when he knew that Bani must have finished her work with Atharva he goes there. He now a days regularly drops her to her workplace and sometime she takes Jai's truck to do buy groceries. With Atharva as well his relation is improving. He is trying to teach new games and Atharva's enthusiasm brings tears to Bani's eyes.
"What are you doing this Sunday?" asked Jai eyeing Bani under the rim of cup through which he is drinking coffee.
"Umm nothing, why?"
"Well I was thinking we could go somewhere for dinner."
"Oh! I don't know u know how Atharva is he doesn't eat most of the things."
Jai took a long sip of coffee taking his time and said "I was thinking this time why don't just us to go for it. I have asked mom she is ready to baby-sit him"
"But he doesn't know her properly what if he doesn't agree"
"Well we can go a bit late after he is asleep and u can tuck him in and go"
"It seems you have thought all the options huh?"
"I didn't want to give u any choice to say no"
Bani leaned forward inches away from her face "in that case I would love to go" and grinned.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Krishna arrived around seven thirty just after she has put Atharva in bed. Today she had kept him pretty busy, playing all day outside so that he would get tired and sleep easily. After two minutes Jai arrived.
Jai took her a beautiful and quiet restaurant where couples mostly come to celebrate their anniversary and engagement. They were seated at a small table in the corner. She was scanning the menu twirling the strand of her hair between her fingers.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Bani was wearing a small black cocktail dress that had been stuffed in the corner of her closet for years. With her hair straightened and little bit of make up she was looking very simple but graceful and elegant at same time.
"Twice already but I don't mind"
The dinner that followed was wonderful in every detail. The food was delicious and setting undeniably intimate. For dessert jai reached for her head across the table and didn't leave for next hour. They emerged themselves in each other. Jai told her about his life in fire department and more dangerous stunt he has pulled. Bani told him about her college life and life before Atharva was born. To both of them it was a beginning of their life as a couple and it was the first time they spoke without bringing Atharva in their conversation.
After dinner they planned to walk home. Walking on the empty street side by side there was not need to say anything. Slowly she leaned on to his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her.
Krishna was reading novel when they arrived. Krishna informed them Atharva hasn't even moved a bit while they were away.
"Did you two have a good time?"
"Yes we did and thank you for watching Atharva" said Bani and made her away inside to have a look at Atharva, while Jai walked Krishna to her car.
Jai was in the living room, squatting by the cooler he had brought from his truck when Bani came in. He didn't hear her closing her son's room door, lost in was he was doing. Bani leaned on the wall watched him slid open the cooler and took out two crystals flute. He slowly put them on the table and took out champagne bottle next. After peeling off the foil, he untwisted the wire that held the cork and popped the cork free. After placing the bottle next to flute he reached in to the cooler and fetch out strawberry. After everything was neatly placed on the table he leaned back to have a better view when he saw Bani standing there. He froze, and embarrassed expression on his face and smiling nervously stood up.
"I thought it would be nice surprise but I didn't know whether you would like wine or champagne but I took chance."
"Thank you" said Bani holding her breath. "I haven't had champagne for years."
"Can I pour you a glass?"
"Please."
Jai poured in two glasses when Bani told him to wait and rushed to the kitchen. She came back with two candles and a matchbox. After lighting the candle she switched off the main light that transformed the room to something more beautiful and intimate. In the glowing light Bani was more beautiful than ever.
"To you" he said as they tapped their glasses together and he mentioned to the couch. They sat close together with her knee rested on his thigh. After sometime she asked, "What are you thinking?"
"Thinking what if that accident wouldn't have happened?"
"I would have my car"
Jai laughed loudly before becoming serious. "No I mean to say would we be together."
"I don't know but I would want it."
"Why?"
"Because I have never been happy in last five years how much I have been in last two weeks."
Jai could only stare at her, humbled by the emotions behind her words. She was so honest, so vulnerable and so incredibly beautiful.
In the glowing light sitting together she looked at him squarely, her eyes lit with mystery and compassion and that was the moment that jai Walia fell in love with Bani Dixit. He reached out and took her hand, feeling the softness of her skin as a wall of tenderness rose within him. He touched her cheek; Bani closed her eyes willing the memory to last forever. She knew meaning of his touch and the words that he has left unspoken. Not because she'd come to know him so well but because she had fallen in love with him at same moment.
Later that as they were laying Jai caressed his arms, "you are perfect" he whispered.
"No I am not but thank you. For everything" He sat on the bed then, his back against headrest. Bani moved up and he draped his arm around her and pulled her close. In that position they finally slept.
I know its short but I am running late. I will try to update tomorrow but I can't be sure. Hoped you like it.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
