SS - The Sales Part 15/16 pag 9 Mar 27 - Page 2

The Sales Prt 5

"Bani…lets go out for lunch today…my treat." Pushkar said as he stacked a box near Bani.

"Hmmm…I don't know Pushkar. We are awfully busy…and you know there are always lineups at the caf."

"We can go for a late lunch…that we, we are here in the shop for the lunchtime crowd and when we go out the caf should be quiet too." Pushkar said as he cut open the box for Bani. "Please say yes…I don't fancy…eating plain roti and sabzi today."

Bani smirked at him, "Well…you could have my tiffin…I made aloo paratha this morning."

Pushkar shook, "No…my mother is obsessed with making parathas…told her so many times it is not good for her and dad with their cholesterol and diabetes…do you think she understand?."

"So is your girlfriend a good cook? I mean if you get bored with sabzi and roti and don't love aloo parathas…she is going to have hard time feeding you." Bani teased him.

"God don't ask…she can't even make an egg." Pushkar rolled his eyes as he spoke.

Just then they heard the familiar tune of "Jhumkha gira…" behind them.

"Ello…elloji…this Arun Das…speaking," AD spoke in his mobile.

Bani giggled and then whispered, "Thank God, he only deals with local suppliers…imagine him trying to deal with a firangi company."

Pushkar picked up a fancy cushion and stuffed up the front of his t-shirt and then pressed his hair down and combed it to the front. Pretending to chew pan, he mimicked AD's walk and then tweaked Bani's hari, "Chokri…I don't pay to stand and talk. Fill up these shelf quick…can't you see my customers walking out empty handed." Pushkar blew his breath in and out, so that the belly made the cushion move up and down. Bani bent over and giggled into her hands, "Stop it…" she whispered. "Quick get rid of that cushion…he is walking this way."

Pushkar hastily pulled the cushion out and threw. And then pretended to open the box.

"So…Bani…I hope your special friends are coming today…may be you can phone them," AD thrust his mobile towards Bani. Bani cringed looking at the pan spit crusted on the phone.

"No sir…I don't know their number. And they are not my friends…they just come for shopping." Bani said quickly.

AD's eyes gleamed, "Haha…funny girl. You know…me not stupid man. Have very sharp eyes…Mr Walia…big businessman…and he come into my shop for special reason."

Bani groaned, while Pushkar winked at Bani. "I don't know what you mean sir. You are always telling us to sell stuff to people who come in the shop…and that is what I have been doing."

AD laughed, his belly rolling as he did so. "Come…Bani. Don't be shy. Nice rich man." And he wiggled his eyebrows and laughed hollowly.

Pushkar made a puky face and then to divert attention, dropped a metal vase on the floor. AD turned around and glared at Pushkar, "I hope that is not broken…else I deduct from your wages."

Pushkar picked up the vase and rubbed it on his t-shirt. "No…damage sir. Just slipped out of my hand."

AD raised his hand in a mock jab. "Stupid guy. Always breaking something." He grabbed the vase and peered at it and then grumpily gave it back when he couldn't find anything wrong.

After AD had walked away, "yeeeeww…what a dirty old man." Bani groaned.

"I can't believe he would talk to you like that…cheap, stinking b******." Pushkar said angrily. "Hey…lets go for lunch…it's quiet, so lets slip away."

Thoroughly disgusted with AD, Bani readily walked out of the shop with Pushkar. They crossed the road and made their way to their favourite caf.

Anu watched with glee as she caught Pushkar and Bani going into the caf. She pulled out her cell phone and called her uncle.

"Hey mamu…are you busy?"

"A little bit Anu…just finished with a meeting."

"Well then you must be hungry. Why don't I treat you to an early lunch? What say you mamu?" Anu asked in her familiar manipulative voice.

Jai looked at his watch and then at his desk, nothing needed his attention urgently. "Ok…where do I meet you?" he asked Anu.

Anu gave the direction for the caf and then made her way there. She entered and spotted Pushkar and Bani sitting in the back. She strolled up casually and then pretended not to notice them.

"Hey Anu…right?" Pushkar called out on seeing her.

"Oh…hi guys! Fancy meeting you in here." Anu said, looking surprised.

"This is our favourite caf. Come sit with us." Pushkar invited her.

"Well I am expecting company. I guess I can sit with you until he comes." Anu said sidling up next to Pushkar.

"He?" Pushkar asked with a smirk.

Anu jostled him, "Only my mamu…I am treating him to lunch."

Bani felt her cheeks warm up as she remembered who Anu's mamu was.

"Great…he can join us too. We don't mind…do we Bani?"

Bani shook her head, but did not say anything.

They ordered drinks and some snacks and sat chatting away. It was another twenty minutes before Jai walked into the caf. Anu waved at him to get his attention. Jai walked over and then arched his brow when he noticed who Anu was sitting with.

"Hi mamu…sit down…come on." Anu said pointing to empty seat next to Bani.

Jai sat down and smiled at Bani, "Hi…I hope you don't mind." Bani shook her head again and just smiled.

"We ordered some snacks already Mr Walia…what would you like to drink?" Pushkar asked politely.

"Coffee…black. Thank you." Jai replied.

Anu started the conversation going after a few moments of awkward silence, "We were just talking about your business mamu…Pushkar is in his final year of doing his degree in finance and mathematics."

"Interesting…what do you plan on doing afterwards Pushkar?" Jai asked with interest.

Bani sat quietly nibbling away at the snacks and listening to Pushkar and Jai talking, not really understanding much of what they were saying to join in. Anu would now and then chip in with her views. After sometime, Jai became aware of Bani sitting quietly, he turned and gazed at her, "I think we are boring you…with all this business talk."

Bani smiled at him, "It's ok…please don't stop. I am used to Pushkar talking about it sometimes," she fibbed.

Pushkar laughed, "Yeah…Bani…I talk like this all the time. When do we get time in the shop to talk?"

Bani glared at Pushkar.

"Oh by the way…our boss…wants you guys to come in and shop some more…he is very impressed with you Mr Walia…"

Jai chortled, "I bet he is…the way Anu has been buying all that junk in there."

"Mamu…" Anu wailed, "It's not junk…its decorations…they get chucked anyway after use…so cheap is better."

Jai turned his attention back to Bani, "So Bani…how long have you worked in the shop?"

"Since leaving school." Bani replied softly.

"Hmm…you did not want to go to college?" he asked.

Bani flushed, the pink colour glowing on her skin. "Yes…but then my father is ill…cannot work. So I had to take a job to support my family."

"I think that is great…I like people who take up challenges."

"Challenge?" Bani asked confused.

Jai's eyes held an appreciative gleam, "Yes…you know there are too many people who in your place would be sitting in home and crying and blaming everyone else for their situation. Instead you realized that if you sit at home and cry…no one is going to come feed your family."

"Oh…well you are right. Papa needs medicines…Pia and Rano needs school fees. I thought it best to quit school and go to work." Bani stated, sounding way too mature for her young age.

Pushkar squeezed Bani's hand. "Yeah…I am proud of her too. I hope she gets lucky and can move to a better job."

Jai watched Pushkar with a bit of jealousy, the familiarity with which he and Bani interacted.

"Hey mamu why don't you stay here with Bani…while I pop into their shop with Pushkar and get couple of things. I won't be long." Anu stood up and pulled Pushkar, who stumbled behind Anu, who did not wait for Jai to reply and walked away.

Outside the shop Anu stopped and giggled loudly, "Hey Pushkar…I hope you don't mind. But you know…my mamaji likes Bani…and I am kind of trying to make him fall for her."

Pushkar rolled his eyes, "good luck! I have been hinting Bani that may be Mr Walia likes her…but she is too practical."

Anu laughed, "Well may be she will forget any sensibilities and fall in love with mamu…"

There was silence between Jai and Bani, both kind of stumped at being left alone. After a while Jai took a deep breath, "I am sorry…but Anu can be a brat. Do you have to go back to the shop?" Jai asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

Bani looked at the clock, "I am ok for a little while. Anu is very lucky girl to have you as her uncle. Most men do not like to shop…especially for stuff that Anu has been buying. We mostly get women coming into the shop and sometimes odd men may come in out of desperation." Bani laughed as her mind flew back to the times when harried men would come in…ask quickly for something their wives had asked to buy and then grab it, pay for it and run out of store. Jai watched her face, fascinated by the way her eye colour changed with what she was thinking.

"You have lovely eyes…Bani. Thank god you don't plaster those awful colour around your eyes like some women."

Bani blinked and blushed when she realized what he had said.

"now you look even more pretty…sorry I am embarrassing you aren't I?" Jai said feeling guilty at making Bani blush.

Bani gazed at Jai, "I am not used…to it."

Jai looked at the expensive Rado watch on his wrist. "You know…lets walk back to the shop. I have a meeting to get to. And knowing Anu…" he left the rest unsaid.

Bani followed Jai out, they drew curious glances as they passed by people out on the street. Jai opened the door of the shop and let Bani walk in. They found Anu and Pushkar in one of the aisle, talking away. Jai tapped on Anu's shoulder, "Hey miss…what happened to I will be quick?" he asked amusedly.

"Oops…mamu. Sorry…we got carried away chatting. I have got my stuff. Thanks Pushkar. Bye Bani…it was nice having lunch with you."

Bani just smiled, Pushkar grinned, "It was great lunch…we must do this another time."

Anu winked at Pushkar. "Yeah…good idea. May be dinner…what do you say mamu?"

Jai pinched Anu's arm lightly. "Lets go…I am going to be late for my meeting. Bye Bani…Pushkar. Thanks for the lunch."

"No problem Mr Walia…anytime." Pushkar replied.

Jai smiled at Bani before he walked away with Anu.

After they had left, Pushkar walked up to Bani. "So…what did you guys talk about?" he teased.

Bani glared at him, "Stop it Pushkar. We didn't talk much…and I think it was mean of you to leave me with him. I mean what do we have in common to talk about."

Pushkar grinned, "Lots…he likes you. You should just relax and be yourself. He is not interested in discussing business with you."

"Pushkar…drop it. I don't want to discuss him. He is just being nice because of Anu." Bani said with annoyance in her voice, hating Pushkar for being vocal about Mr Walia.

Part 6

Bani dumped the bag with cash rather forcefully on AD's desk. AD looked away from the cash register and glared at her. "Kya problem hai teri?"

"Nothing sir!" snapped Bani, although she wanted to scream at him that he was pig and a tyrant who overworked and underpaid his employees. She stormed out before AD could open his mouth and spew the pan spit in all directions.

Pushkar was waiting by the door, "Ready?" he asked.

"I am so tired now…I just want to go to bed when I get home." Bani picked up her bag and turned off the light switch to throw the shop into darkness. "lets go…"

Pushkar locked the door with key as Bani waited.

"Come let me give you a ride Bani." Pushkar offered as they walked down the street.

"No…we live in opposite direction. I will be fine. There should be bus coming soon."

"Fine…but don't hang around if the bus is late, take a rickshaw home." Pushkar advised. He did not like Bani standing around at night, especially in this area.

Bani gave a weary smile, "Go home Pushkar. I can take care of myself."


There were a few people waiting at the bus stop, which meant the bus was yet to come. Bani stood in line and contemplated what to make for dinner. A car came to a screeching halt making her and the others jump. The window rolled down and she saw familiar face of Jai Walia staring at her. He opened the door and stepped out, "Come on…get in the car, I will drop you off wherever you want to go."

Bani stood still, staring at him dumbly. A young girl standing with her mother giggled and nudged Bani, "Oye…he is talking to you."

Bani looked at the girl and then back at Jai Walia. From the look on his face Bani knew, it was better to not to argue with him. She sat inside the car. Jai Walia closed the door and walked around to the other side and got in. "Where to?" he asked.

Bani gave directions to the driver and then turned towards Jai Walia, "Thank you…" she felt uncomfortable, sitting in such close proximity to him.

He smiled at her, "No thanks, I just happened to see you. How come you work so late?" he asked.

"The shop got a bit busy in the evening…and I had to stay behind to help out." Bani replied. A thought came in her mind, she had not seen Anu come into the shop for a few days, leading her to she ask, "Is Anu ok? I haven't seen her for a few days."

Jai Walia laughed, "Yes…she is fine. I threatened her…that if she asked to step into that shop again…I would stop her stop her allowance."

Intrigued Bani asked, "Why?"

"Really Bani…all that junk she was buying for no reason." He replied with laughter.

"But…she said she was buying for her a party." Bani said, remembering clearly what Anu had remarked when she brought some of the stuff.

"Yeah…but she didn't need that much stuff for the party."

Bani chewed her lower lip as she tried to figure out what to say.

"You know you better stop doing that, or I will end up taking you to hospital." Jai told her as he continued to watch her.

"Stop what?" Bani asked, puzzled by the question.

"Chewing your lip." He replied.

Bani felt her cheeks going hot, "Oh…I didn't realize, I was thinking."

Jai smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement, "I know." The driver stopped the car. "We are here sir."

Bani looked out of the window and found a number of people staring at the car.

Still feeling embarrassed from his remark, she picked up her bag and said quickly, "Thank you Mr Walia," as she opened the car door.

"No problem. Good night Bani." He replied, looking at her with a soft gaze.

Bani quickly walked out, not bothering to look at people giving her strange looks. It was none of their business, idle lot, and probably thinking worst of her seeing her coming out of the fancy car.

"Hey di…" Rano shouted at her sister.

"Rano…" Bani smiled at her sister. "What are you doing out here?"

"Waiting for you…di…who was that in the car?" Rano asked.

"Oh…just one of the customer…his niece kind of drags him for shopping in the shop." Bani replied as they climbed the steps to get to their floor in the building.

"Nice car…is he nice?" Rano asked.

"I guess so. I had to take ride…he kind of stopped right in front of the bus stop…and all those people standing, waiting for bus." Bani justified why she took the ride.

"Oh…you didn't want to embarrass him. Kind of sweet of him to give you a ride. At least you got home a little bit quick. I cut up some sabzi di…will you teach me how to cook it today. I can start to learn…and then you don't have to do all when you come home from work." Rano spoke, sounded all serious and grown up.

Bani opened the door of their home, "Sure…at least you want to learn…unlike Pia. Where is she?"

Rano shrugged, "Out with her friends."

"Di…do you like him…this guy?" Rano asked with a grin.

Bani stopped and gave Rano a quizzical look. "Why do you want to know? What is going on in that head of yours?'

Rano blushed, "I just want to know."

"He is nice. Are you happy now?" Bani dropped her bag on a small table. As she walked towards the bathroom, she thought next time she better refuse…she hated the thought, that Rano or even Pia would get some stupid ideas in their heads.

The Sales Part 7

"Hi Di…" young Rano greeted Bani as she walked into her home.

Bani slipped off her chappals and walked towards the bathroom. Rano tugged giddily at Bani's hand, "Uff di…later…come I want to show you something."

Bani smiled tiredly, "Later Rano…let me just freshen up."

Rano shook her head wildly, "No…I am waiting all day to show you. Come please…"

Bani gave in and let Rano take her into the small room which served as dual purpose as sitting room cum bedroom. There on the small table at the side of the bed was a huge flower arrangement. "Ta da…di…aren't they beautiful…there is an envelope attached with your name on it."

"But Rano…who would send me flowers, it must be a mistake." Bani said with confusion written all over her face.

Rano again shook her head, "No…the delivery boy asked for you by name…I told him he must have come to the wrong house…but he insisted this was address of delivery. I am dying to know who sent you flowers. Even mom's been asking funny questions."

Bani sighed and opened the small envelope and pulled the card out, all it said was "To the most beautiful girl in the world." She blushed and looked at Rano, "There is no name…I don't know who they are from."

Rano grabbed the card from Bani's hand and read it out aloud, "To the most beautiful girl in the world. Haye…Haye…so romantic. I wonder who he is. Do have any idea?" And then as if a light bulb clicked in her head, Rano giggled and did a little dance, "I know who it is…it has to be him…"

Kiran walked slowly in the room, "What are you making so much noise about Rano? Bani beta…how was your day?" Kiran sat down on bed as she struggled to breath. She coughed several time. Bani came and sat down next to Kiran, "Maa…you should stay in bed…see how even few steps make you sick."

Kiran smiled, "I know beta…but I couldn't help it. You know beta how people are….in the neighbourhood. They gossip…and today…Latamasi next door came and made some remarks…about flowers and…. something about you coming home late in fancy cars."

Bani pulled a face. Rano said angrily, "She is stupid maa…di only came home once in a car…and it was only because it was late and she got a ride. I was downstairs maa…the man looked decent."

Kiran glared at Rano, "You are telling me now…why…didn't…you tell me before."

Bani held her mother's hand. "Maa I should have told…but you were asleep. Maa…Mr Walia…I know him from shop maa…he like some boys who were hanging around the bustop and stopped to give me ride. I came straight home maa."

Kiran dabbed at her teary eyes, "I trust you Bani…but people like to make up bad things…especially since we are working class. I don't want your reputation ruined because of some people's wicked tongue."

"I promise maa…I won't do anything to make you ashamed of me. In fact I told Mr Walia…that I couldn't take rides any more…"

Kiran patted Bani's cheek. "I know beta. Now go and freshen up. Rano has made sabzi and rice already. Just have to make some roti."

As Bani went off to bathroom, Kiran looked at Rano. "I hope you are not going to go around telling anyone about the flowers. If they ask just say…it was your birthday and Bani sent it for you."

Rano with a sober face, nodded, "Yes maa."

XXXXXX

Jai Walia walked briskly along the street. He wanted to see Bani…to see if she got the flowers. He couldn't call her…so he was going to have to go personally and ask her. It was more than week ago when he had tried to offer her a ride but she had refused explaining that it wasn't appropriate for her to be seen with him. He had argued softly but she had said she didn't want her parents to be hurt because of people talking. Everything that he had been planning in his head to do to spend little bit of time with her had to be abandoned.

Bani had been feeling bored. Today Pushkar had taken a day off so she was mostly working by herself. Her day had not started well. First it had been Tarun ogling at her from the corner of the shop and then she had broken a glass that had sent AD cursing her and then AD kept glaring at her every time he passed her. Of course she had to curb the urge to pick up a glass and hurl it his wadding backside.

Picking up empty boxes Bani made her way to the back to dump them and encountered Tarun at the door. He licked his lips and gave her lewd stare. "Can I take you out for lunch Bani? Today you don't have any company…and I am free."

Bani ignored him and walked out to the back to dump the empty boxes. When she came back Tarun was still standing there. He followed her as she went back to the aisle. Bani bent to cut open a box. Tarun stood quite close to her so that when Bani stood up she collided with him. His arm wrapped around her waist. "Hey…there Bani…steady or you will fall!"

Bani pulled his hand off and turned around, her face red with anger. "You filthy bas***d. You did that deliberately." She screamed.

"I did not…I was just came to clear some stuff…" Tarun said calmly. His eyes slipped down to her chest, rising and falling rapidly. Bani slapped him, "You liar. You are nothing but a dirty creep. If I owned the shop…I would throw you out."

Tarun grabbed Bani's arm, "Well its not your shop is it…so you can't do anything. And today…you know I can do what I like…cause that pesky Pusky is not here."

Bani's almost fainted as Jai grabbed Tarun by his neck and lifted him up bodily. Tarun screamed, "Put me down…"

Jai dropped him and Tarun fell to the floor. He looked up at Jai's face,dark with anger. "What's wrong with you? Why did you do that?"

Jai's eyes breathed anger as he stared at Tarun. "Just tell me what you were trying to do with Bani? I heard you threaten her. Want to repeat what you said to my face?" he asked.

Tarun stood up and tried to look tough, "That is not your business. Who are you to ask? This is not your business."

Jai grabbed Tarun by his collar. "Not my business. Well when you mess around with my girlfriend…it is my business."

By now few customer had gathered around them. Even AD had slithered up. "Beat him…he is creep. He gives me dirty looks when I walk into the shop!" one of the women shouted. Couple of other joined her. Tarun now looked worried. Jai twisted Tarun's arm and said in a steely voice, "Apologize to Bani."

Tarun whimpered and then stammered, "Sorry Bani…sorry." Jai let go of his arm and pushed him away. "If I catch you again…anywhere near her…I will beat you black and blue." AD decided there was enough trouble in his shop for the day. He pushed his way forward and then looked accusingly at Bani, "You are fired Bani. I don't want you around, making trouble in the shop."

Bani's jaw dropped, "But sir…I didn't do anything. You can't fire me."

Jai grabbed Bani's arm. "Let's go…I don't want you working here anyway. I don't trust either of them."

Bani started to protest, "But Mr Walia…" Jai glared at her, "No Bani…I will find you another job. But you are not working here." The crowd cheered as Jai dragged Bani away. Half of the customer followed them out after shouting at AD and Tarun.

Jai walked Bani into a coffee shop. "Here sit down…I will get us some coffee. And then we will talk."

Bani sat looking glum while Jai ordered coffee and sandwiches for them. After there order came he spoke. "Come on Bani cheer up…you know you hated working there."

"I know…but I don't have a job now. And I don't where I will get another one. It at least paid the bills Mr Walia. My family depends on me…"

Jai took her hand and gazed at her sofly, "Look I promise I will find you a better job. One with a little bit more money and where people are nice to work with."

Bani brushed at her eyes, tears had sprung in her eyes. "I…don't want charity." She whispered to him.

"Listen it won't be charity…just tell me where you studied and what you are good at. I will have a look around…ask my human resources department so see if there is something in one my offices."

Bani wanted to say no, but knew how hard it would be get another job. She was going to have to swallow her pride and let him help her. Jai smiled, "Is that fine with you?' he asked to confirm she was ok with it. Bani nodded, "yes…thank you. But I don't want any favours. I will only accept the job if I am interviewed for it like other candidates."

Jai held his hand out, and shook Bani's hand gently "I agree with you…after all I want to make sure too that I hire the best candidate."

After that they ate sandwiches and drank coffee as they chatted away. Bani felt that she felt a lot happier now that she knew she didn't have to go back to her old job. She had a little bit of savings that should tide them over. The only thing, she was going to miss Pushkar.

XXXXXX

Three months later…

"Bani…" Adi called out to Bani. Bani had been working in the accounts department doing data entry for two months now. She liked working with other girls and Adi. He was always cheerful and told them funny jokes. There was no shouting if she made mistakes, but he would point it out gently what she did wrong. In fact now she almost worked as fast and accurately as other girls.

Bani moved away from her desk and came to Adi's cubicle.

"Come sit down. I thought I would do a review today…I know we said three months…but why wait when I know you are a terrific worker. I mean I don't want to lose you."

Bani sat down and clasped her hand. "But Adi sir…where would I go? I love my work. And everyone is so nice."

Adi smiled, "I know dear. And everyone else likes you…and you work hard. So I am making you permanent now…so there will be a raise along with company benefits with your next pay check."

"Thank you sir." Bani beamed a wide smile at Adi. The nagging fear she had at the back of her mind, disappeared.

"Now before you go back…I want you to do something for me…take these files and drop them upstairs at Mr Walia's office."

Bani picked up the files in her arms and walked off promptly. She liked going up to Jai Walia's office. It was on the top most floors. It was so quiet and spacious with huge windows that gave a great view of Mumbai. She hoped Jai Walia was around so she could give him the good news. She had seen him only a few times as he was always busy with meetings. Sometimes he would come into the canteen and sit Adi, who always happened to be sitting with them.

She stopped at the desk of Mr Walia's secretary. "Hi…Adi sir sent this for Mr Walia."

The secretary looked up, "Oh…go drop them in to his office… he has been waiting for them. Thanks Bani."

Bani walked upto the Mr Walia's cabin and knocked softly.

'Come in." she heard him call out.

She opened the door and stepped in. "Adi sir sent this files for you Mr Walia."

Jai looked up from the papers he was reading. He smiled, "Thanks Bani. Put them here. How is it going down there?"

"Great Mr Walia…Adi sir made me permanent today," she said, unable to contain her happiness to share the news with him.

"Hey…that is great. We should celebrate. What say…we go out for lunch?"

TBC…