Part 35
Jai stood next to his friend and let his eyes wander the ballroom till they found the dark eyes he was longing to see. Bani was shocked to see Jai standing next to Zyad and wondered what he was doing in Dubai and when he had arrived. She tried to smile, to look away, to walk away, but she couldn't. Jai had locked her in his stare. She stared back and for a couple of moments forgot all that was around her, till she saw the two gentlemen moving her way. She panicked and wondered what to do. They were coming closer and she and Jai were still starring at each other. 'Bani.' Zyad demanded her attention. She looked up and smiled. 'Hi, mr. Walia. Nice of you to join us.' She tried to sound as normal as possible. Jai nodded his head. 'I was missing you hence I've came to Dubai.' A blush adorned her face and she looked away from him. Zyad's mouth almost dropped open out of shock, but he quickly recovered himself and decided to help his friends out. 'Don't you think she looks absolutely gorgeous Jai?' As in trance Jai nodded his head and smiled shyly. 'Absolutely breath taking Zyad.' Bani coloured even more and tried to change the subject. 'Have you met Anjali yet? She will be thrilled to see you here.' Zyad didn't give his friends time to part again after coming this close. 'Jai? Won't you ask our guest of honour for a dance. I'm sure there are dozens who would kill to dance with her.' Jai set a step forward and reached his hand out. Bani blushed even more and put her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor.
Bani enjoyed the dance and so did Jai. Their heart filled with regret when the dance was over. None of them had spoken a word, but their eyes had said enough. Bani set a step back and looked around her. For some strange reason she felt uncomfortable again. Jai smiled and hold her arm gently. 'Come let's go for a walk.' He lead her to the garden and they walked for a long while. Jai wanted to tell Bani so much, but he couldn't. He thought she loved him, but then again was scared she didn't. He knew he liked her. No love her, but he was simply afraid to tell her. Afraid to shock her and drive her away from him. Bani wondered what Jai was thinking. She wondered if he liked her, loved her and cared for her. A sudden breeze made her shiver. Jai smiled and took of his jacket and gently put it around her shoulders. Bani blushed and cutely thanked him. 'Shall we walk back?' Bani just nodded in response, while wishing she had the courage to just say something. When they had almost reached the ballroom again Jai finally opened his mouth. 'Bani.' He put his hand on her shoulder and made her stop walking. Bani felt her heart beating like crazy. She turned towards him and smiled. 'Yes, mr. Walia?' Jai set a step towards Bani and hold both her shoulders. He took a deep breath and hesitated. 'Thank you for taking so good care of my little princess.' Bani felt a huge disappointment and Jai could just kick himself. Bani just nodded her head and walked away fighting her own tears and cursing herself for being such a fool, thinking that actually mr. Walia could be in love with her. Jai wanted to stop her, but the words stuck in his throat. He wanted her so bad, but he couldn't betray Zyad. He just looked at her as she walked away.
Bani just wanted to be alone and rushed through the crowd. She did a good job avoiding people till she bumped into someone. She stumbled back, bumped into a waiter who was caring a tray full of glasses and fell on the floor. The sound of breaking glass, draw the attention of the guests and a sudden silence took over the party. Bani blushed and look around her. She felt clumsy and stupid and tried to get up quickly. 'I can see you are still as charming as always Bani.' The voice that Bani could recognize from thousands drew her attention immediately. Bani looked up and saw how two dark sparkling eyes were looking amusingly at her. Her heart skipped a beat and a huge smile appeared on her face. She couldn't believe that out of all people he would be standing in front of her. 'Angad?!' He showed her his one million dollar smile that had always driven her crazy and reached his hand out to her and pulled her up. The hugged and he twirled her around. The party slowly started getting on again and everybody got back to what he was doing, except for Jai who was standing watching Bani and Angad from a distance. 'Don't you like what you are seeing?' Jai looked annoyed at Zyad. 'No, why should I? If someone shouldn't like it, it's you. Isn't Bani YOUR fianc?' Zyad laughed out loud. 'Me and Bani? Are you out of your mind? Why would I get engaged to the girl that my best friend loves.' Jai was surprised. He didn't know whether to feel stupid or relieved. He gave Zyad a question mark look. 'Face it Jai. You love Bani. You know it. I know it. Hell all your family, friends and employees know it. So why are you denying it and what the hell are you waiting for? For a guy to come and snatch her away from you?' Zyad looked towards Bani, who was chatting and having the best time ever with Angad. Jai looked at them in envy. He wondered who they guy was. 'Jai ā¦ don't waste time.' Zyad tapped his friend on the shoulder and walked away.
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