Dear friends,
I am back. 😃 Was a bit off key for a few days due to certain events in my life but then I when I write I get to live in my make believe world and forget about my troubles. I had fun writing Pride, Honour and Love which became an adventurous story from a love story so this story which I am writing, I hope to make it into an intense story with a lot of emotional drama, lets see how it works out as lately I am noticing I plan to write something and end up writing something different. Hope you will enjoy this, love Tin
My Previous FFs:
Pride, Honour & Love : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1237744
A Shining Star : https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1220885
Coffee & Rains : https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1237322
A Touch of Remembrance: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1172085
'The Uncut Diamond' https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1152499 'Dance with me tonight' https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1149016.
The Emperor & the girl : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1122861
A Little Space : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1103113
A New Beginning: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1083796
The Christmas Cake : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1082945
A Tear in the Wind: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1069888
SS : The Everlasting Love : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1065677
Kasamh Se https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/929115/ff-kasamh-se-ch-51-end-pg-116-updtd-on-25-9
The Captured Heart: /forum/kasamh-se/1026470/ff-the-captured-heart-ch-18-pg-45-last-chapter
Chhoti si mulakat : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=999441
A New Dawn : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=974981
The Phone Call : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/910155/ff-the-phone-call-epilogue-pg-52 Dil Ki Suno : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/874713/ff-dil-ki-suno-epilogue-pg-53 Eternal Soulmates: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/869198/ff-eternal-soulmates-ch-5-pg-7-end The Flowers of Spring, https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=853938&T PN=1
Ek Kashish: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/830952/ff-ek-kashish-ch-20-and-epilogue-pg-58 The Crushed Innocence :https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=800150& TPN=1#13464286
The Destiny: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=779329&T P
Ankho hi Ankho me: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=738121&T PN
Woh Raat : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/731347/ff-woh-raat-chapter-6-pg-10-last-ch
Anokha Rista (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/712391/anokha-rishta-chapter-18-and-epilog-pg42).
Chhoti si aasha https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/672677/ff-chhoti-si-aasha-ch29-and-epi-pg-76:
Kuch Achhe Kuch Bure (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/641995/kuch-achhe-kuch-bure-ch-24-and-epilog-pg71); Thori si bewafai (https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=615869) Kuch Rahen Anjaani Si (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/573991/ff-kuch-rahein-anjaani-si-ch-36-pg111): Contract Heir: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=536274&T PN. Return of Bani Walia, https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/515481/return-of-bani-walia-note-on-pg-31: :Business Tycoon Jai Walia marries a Mt Abu Girl(https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/486636/business-tycoonjw-marriesfinal-prt-pg64). Mai Apke bina nehi reh sakti hu (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/457994/mai-apke-bina-nehi-reh-updt-pg-11-pt-ix)& Finding Bani (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/469208/finding-bani-ff-part-viii-page-8).
The Painting
Match and Championship to Miss Bani Dixit, the referee announced, followed by a thunderous clap, Bani ran upto the net to shake hands with her opponent. Her team mates came to hug her, they lifted her and shouted their congratulations!! Once again Bans, you did it again BD, wow Bins, you were still unbeatable, after all the backslapping, hand shaking, hugs and kisses they all queued up for the presentation ceremony...Bani picked up her jacket putting it on over her tunic, wiping her face and combing her hair'.
There were whistles and cries from the stadium, as usual boys called out her name, trying to draw her attention, some were saying they were good coaches for the game, a fashion designer if you will walk the ramp for me while another added he was a film maker if she will come for audition. Bani just waved her hand and waited for the organizers to get ready for the ceremony'
So the tournament has come to an end, Interstate College Sports, 10 enjoyable days coming to end'
So Bani you are passing out this year, one of the main organizers came forward'.
Yes Sir, Bani replied'
We do not get to see you anymore, so will you give up Badminton?
Well I have to earn my living now'
Yes, yes I know, having seeing you for so many years now'.The man sighed, what a waste, he whispered'.
Bani gave him a bright smile'.never mind Mr Batra, you will get new talents to represent India and I am too old anyway'.
Well my dear it is difficult to get natural talent and you were natural, it is a pity we could not nurture you despite our best efforts, the fault is ours we cannot sale our sports like the cricket and when will this country realize we have more than cricket to offer 'Mr Batra went on cribbing again, Bani with a smile on her lips heard him, this is nothing new, she heard these words from so many people but then she knew she cannot make sports her career, she needed to stand on her two feet pretty soon and sports she played, Badminton and Basketball, had very little to offer as career choices in India, here all the money was for cricketers and that too for men's cricket team, anyway at 21 it is now too late to think about to begin a sports career.
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Bani stood under the shower, washing her hair, the water felt cool, washing the grime and sweat from her body, this year she completes her college, the exams are done, with this tournament over now, her college days have come to an end, next week she will start her job, she was looking forward to it, a journalist with one of the leading news channels, they wanted her to be an anchor but then Bani wanted a real job, writing reports, doing studies etc, Bani wrapped a towel around her body and came out'her roommate picked up her own clothes and went towards the bathroom, your inbox must be full now Champ, messages are pouring in'.
Bani got dressed, wearing a slim fit pants and long top with top with noodle straps'picked up the hair-dryer to dry her hair, now they were going to attend a party, tomorrow after mid-day they will return home.
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At last after the roll calls, the professor pulled the door shut of the bus, the boys and girls waved through the window to the rest of the participants who were waiting for their transport outside the hotel, the bus moved, Bani took out her mobile scanning the messages, from her friends and classmates, all very happy she became a champion once again, as she read them, she felt her eyes drooping, the rhythm of the bus was making her fall asleep, she only returned from the party in the wee hours of the morning, a bit drunk but after a hard tournament it was worth it'.
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Bani waved at her friends as the Bus dropped her at her hostel gates, she got greeting and thanking the people who congratulated her, she went upto her room and opened the door, her roommate has already moved out, within next two days Bani will also move out, she has already seen a place which she will share with her friends, who were staying back in the city, making a career, some are getting married and others are going back to their native places to be with their parents, many are going abroad. Bani flung the bag and threw herself on the bed, her sleep was incomplete, body tired, she was not hungry for dinner, she needed sleep more'.
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Her stomach was making noises but her eyes refusing to open, she knew she should get up but then she was too tired when she heard her mobile ringing, god who can it be so early, she stretched out feeling for her phone, without opening her eyes she answers the phone'..
Good morning my dear, replied a soothing voice from the other end, so the Champion is still sleeping'.
Pranam didiji'.Bani bolted up'
Pranam'.maine kal tumhe ek sms bheji thi, since I am yet to hear from you in that matter, I thought let me call you up'.
Hummmm, I mean, I am sorry, actually I am yet to read, actually mujhe time nehi mila
Ha ha mujhe pata hai, my dear, I know I know'.after all mai tumhe aaj se thori na janti hu'I know what happens after a tournament gets over'.beta I would like to see you, can you please come to the Ashram say around lunch time, we will have lunch together''
Ji didiji I will be right there'.Bani disconnected the phone, and looked at the time it was already 9.30 and in the ashram lunch is served from 1230 over by 2.30, God she has to run'.
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One hour later, sitting in the bus on the way to the Ashram, Bani remembered the face of Didiji, or Kumari Saroja Devi as she was called. Bani must have been around 6 or 7, remembers getting down from a big car in front of the Ashram accompanied by a pleasant looking gentleman. It was raining hard but the chauffeur held an umbrella over their head and escorted to the reception. Didiji was waiting for them, she welcomed them kissing Bani and speaking to the gentleman, the chauffeur brought in a suitcase and a bag, Didiji directed the same to be put down in the corner and asked Bani to bid goodbye to the gentleman'..
Won't I return to my mother? She asked'.
The gentleman ruffled her hair, this is your new home Bani and this lady will be your mother from today'.
Lekin uncle, meri ma
Bani, as I told you, tumhari ma abhi bhagwan ke pass hai aur bhagwan ne tumhe nayi ma diya hai, be a good girl, if you need anything Didiji will give you'.he gave a final wave and left. After that day, she did not get to see that man, she did not know his name and now his face was also blurred.
As Bani grew up in the Ashram, she underwent an all round development, studies, sports, dramatics were encouraged, Bani was a natural athlete, though she did well in studies but sports was her first love, the Ashram being supported by rich business houses had lots of facilities and the nuns or 'Sadhikas' who ran it under the name of 'Saradadevi Kalyan Samiti' also encouraged their inmates make use of all facilities. The girls school attached to the Ashram participated in various events organized by different bodies competed with other schools be it educational, sports or cultural. Didiji, their head warden accompanied the girls to various outstations during such events. Bani's talent was spotted early, many authorities came forward offering to groom her for national and international events, while Bani was elated, Didiji smiled and said will let them know'.
The official of the Indian Badminton Authority showed great interest in Bani, she is natural and has the height too, tall for her age, Didiji it is difficult to get real talent, we have camps, let her attend one and participate in the national levels.
I will let you know, didiji promised, I have to consult mataji'.
I understand but please let us know, I am sure Mataji will be happy to see someone from her Ashram doing well'.
Didiji had smiled in return'.on their return journey, holding the cup, Bani asked countless no. of times when will didiji speak to Mataji i.e Mata Siddeshwari, their Principal'.
Didiji laughed and said let them reach first'.
On their return, Bani kept a watch on didiji, who to her irritation went about doing her routine work instead going into Mataji's office, on being eye to eye with Bani couple of times, Bani glared and urged her but didiji like always smiled and nodded, carrying on her work..
It was when Bani and her hostel mates were going for evening tea, Bani saw Didiji crossing the corridor and go towards Mataji's office'.Bani somehow swallowed her tea and waited at the strategic point to keep a watch. After 15 /20 minutes when Didiji was finally out, Bani jumped before her startling her, Mataji agreed, so I am going to the camp, she asked brightly '..
Didiji smiled and said come Bani lets go for a walk and see if the new chrysanthemums have bloomed or not'..
Ha ha chaliye chaliye'.Bani could not wait to hear what talk they had, she went dancing besides didiji to see the new flowers blooming, Didiji was showing the new colours blooming this year, and some new types of seasonal flowers, when Bani felt somehow Didiji was avoiding the main topic'.
Kya baath hai didiji, Mataji kya razi nehi hai'.Bani asked'.
Didiji sighed and then pulled her to seat on the bench under the mango tree'.
See Bani, sometimes Mataji's hands are tied even'
Why? Isn't she who has the final say always? You only say her decision is the final, whatever she will say we have to follow''everybody is saying I am good, you have seen me playing and you too know I am good so where is the problem'.
The problem is the person who sponsors you'..
Bani frowned, sponsors us? What is that? She was too young to understand the nitty-gritty how an 'Ashram' ran'.
Didiji started explaining how they were depended on grants given by different business houses and some individual donors etc, we have to depend on them to run this place'.
But I am getting all expenses paid for the camp, I do not know where does the question of cost arise'.
Well it does not arise in this case but the man who is sponsoring you has a lot to say in this '..
A man sponsoring me?
Well sometimes when parents die, you have a relative or friend of your late parents who cannot take you into his family sponsors you instead''
I have a relative? Bani asked, she has got two photographs of her mother and both single, except for her name she did not know much about her mother though she had faint memories of seeing a woman in white uniform, most probably a nurse, she had no memory of her father '.
Well I am not sure if he is your relative or a friend of the family, but the thing is he does sponsor your education over here, inspite of not coming to visit you here, I understand he takes full report of yours from time to time from Mataji'.so when I told about your offer to Mataji after we returned when I went up to wash and change, Mataji told me, she will get back to me in the evening after speaking to him'..
And? Bani looked at Didiji'.
Well he has not agreed, Didiji sighed'.
He does not have to pay a dime for this'..I will be getting sponsored'.Bani cried'
Yes my dear you will but remember all through the year he is sponsoring you, your studies, your sports, your cosmetics, your books, your racquets and shuttle corks'''
Bani got up, she was shaking with anger and grief''I appreciate his charity but he does not come to see, not even once after he dropped me here so why is he showing so much interest what I do or don't'.
He dropped you? When?
Well around 3 years back when I drove in that big car, remember?
But it was not him, I mean I don't think I have seen him ever'..I don't even know his name'.I mean ''.
You don't know him? Why? and then how do you know the man you saw 3 years back is not him'..
No No that I know he was an employee, the gentleman who dropped you but you see Bani, I do not know this person, I mean Mataji of course does, she has to but remember my dear many people like to remain anonymous while they do their charities and we have to honour their feelings''
Why do they want to remain anonymous? Bani asked'.
Didiji looked a bit flustered, tidying her sari, then smiled an uneasy smile, well my dear everybody has their own reasons, we are not in a position to question but only abide, for our sake'.
So what is the reason he gave for not allowing me to the camp?
Well My dear, he did not give any reasons, he is not bound to give any reasons'..
Bani got up and ran towards the hostel building'..
Bani, didiji called out, inspite of not wanting Bani stopped, she was too angry but then it was didiji Bani, he will not stop you from playing in inter schools and colleges, he has agreed to that'.
Bani gritted her teeth, that is hardly any level'''
Well you can play atleast and Bani, Didiji hesitated a bit, well my dear, Mataji also told me to convey to you now that you are growing up, your uncle will like to hear from you time to time?
My uncle? Bani frowned, who is my uncle?
Well since we have to write to the gentleman it is best we address him as something, so lets address him as your uncle''
Uncle my foot, Bani ran towards her hostel, not even turning to see if Didiji was following her or not'.
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