Sorry it took me so long I was really busy.
PART 5
As they reached the shopping centre, Jai let Bani lead him around, as she knew what was needed to be brought. It seemed that like most women Bani too loved to shop. She bought Saris, choodiyan and jewelry for both Anu and Raashi. Every now and then Bani would throw him a smile, a glace over her shoulder or ask her opinion about buying something. By the time that they walked out of the fifth shop, Jai's arms were full of parcels and bags. He was also starving, from all the exercise that Bani had made him do.
"Bani, I'm going to take the stuff to the car, why don't you wait in the restaurant for me; I'm starving," he said, and also took some of the bags that Bani was holding. She nodded and turned and started walking away. Jai watched her as she walked away, watching her hips sway gently back and forth. When she was out of sight he turned away and went to the car. On his way back he saw a shocking pink sari with gold embroidery on it. He thought that Bani would look beautiful in it. He took a step closer to look at it properly and saw that the back of the sari blouse was made completely of dori's. He went inside and bought the sari, thinking of how he was going to tie each dori of the blouse. He brought matching jewelry and choodiyan to complete the outfit.
Bani was waiting in the restaurant thinking that it was taking Mr. Walia awfully long to put the stuff in the car. Finally she caught sight of him and waved to get his attention. Mr. Walia joined her and sat across from her. He was smiling and she smiled back in return.
"Bani have you ordered lunch yet?" Mr. Walia asked.
"No Mr. Walia, I was waiting for you," Bani replied.
"Okay," he went to place an order for them and joined her again. Surprisingly the conversation flowed between them easily, without the other noticing. They talked about Anu's wedding to favourite films and songs. They were so engrossed in talking that they didn't notice when they had finished their lunch.
"Bani ghar chale, or do you still need to do some more shopping?" Jai asked. Bani looked down and timidly said; "Mr. Walia I was thinking ke shaadi ka mahul hai we should buy presents for the family."
"Okay, come on then, lagta hai tumhe mere sare paisa kharch karne ka irada hai aaj," he teased Bani, smiling gently at her. Jai took hold of her arm, because he just wanted to touch her and led her away. They brought presents for everyone in his family. He noticed that she hadn't mentioned anything about getting Rano a present. "Bani, what do you want to get Rano?" He enquired.
"Mr. Walia, Rano ke liye?" She asked confused.
"Yes Bani, she's family as well, choose something that she'll like," Jai said decisively.
Bani's heart swelled with happiness at what Mr. Walia had said. She felt tears prick her eyes and knew than and there why she loved him so much. It was because of his heart. She knew he said mean and nasty things, but they were only to hide the hurt that he felt. Mr. Walia was the love of her life and that alone was enough for her to survive. Bani was soo happy. She picked out a royal blue lengha for Rano to wear on the wedding. Bani felt a pang of sadness for her sister as she thought of Rano. It hurt her that she couldn't do anything for her. It was just too late to help them. If only Rano had told her she had asked her about Sahil. But now two days before the wedding nothing could be done.
As they were walking back to the car, Bani spotted a black sherwani.Mr. Walia will look really good in that she thought. She wanted to buy it as a surprise for him. "Mr. Walia, can you take these things to the car, I forgot to get something that Anu needs, I'll just go and get it," she said making any excuse that came to her mind.
"Bani tum bhi na …… okay hurry up," Jai grudgingly said. Bani threw him a smile over her shoulder as she walked away, already making him feel better.
Bani walked into the shop and took a closer look at the sherwani. It was beautiful, lightly embroidered with beads on the collar and cuffs. Bani bought it and made her way quickly to the car.
Shiv Shakti
