fan-fiction (please read) - Part 2 - Pg 2

Jai Walia - A 37 year old shrewd business tycoon. He is a billionaire and has everything money can buy. He does not believe in love. He has a long line of girl friends and changes them as often as he changes clothes. He is always seen posing with a different model/actress on business magazine covers or news papers. With his money and charisma, it is not a mystery as to why so many women fall for him. He always got what/who he wanted and is not used to hearing no for an answer. He has an elder sister Jigyasa, who is as haughty as her brother, only she is malicious too. He also has his Maasi living with him who is a living epitome of the perfect and loving mother, whose only goal in life is to see her nephew married and with kids. She believes and knows that somewhere beneath that cool and hard exterior is a soft heart looking for his real love.

Bani Dixit – An 21 year old extremely beautiful middle class innocent girl from Mt Abu. She has never experienced it but has a firm belief in love. Her parents died just as she completed her MBA. She later moved to Bombay in search for a job. She has been working for Walia Industries for 4 months now. She reports to Abhinav Gupta who is handling the construction of a restaurant at one of the Bombay sites. She has seen the mighty Jai Walia multiple times when he made visits to the office where she worked. She has seen him deal with the workers and his employees and has always admired his professionalism and had a great deal of respect for him. Jai Walia had mentored Abhinav and liked him a lot. They were friends outside work and he used to come to her office often if not for work, atleast to meet Abhinav. He never personally spoke with Bani and she suspected he probably was not even aware of her existence but that did not matter. She was in awe of him. She admired his cool, professional and reserved nature. When that admiration and respect turned into infatuation and may be even love, she did not know. She only hoped that Jai Walia would never find out because she knew if he did, he would probably laugh at her. He was far too experienced for her. Once she made that realization, she always tried staying out of Jai Walia;s way when he dropped in at her office in fear that he may see her infatuation in her expressive eyes.

Abhinav Gupta – A 25 year old man working as a project manager at Walia Industries. Jai Walia was his deceased father's student a long time ago and after his father's death 5 years ago, he was taken under Jai Walia's wing. He mentored him and even paid for his MBA degree. What he learnt about business was from Jai Walia. He had a great deal of respect for Jai Walia. Bani has been working for him for 4 months now and he secretly admires her exceptional beauty and has fallen for her. He tried asking her out a few times, but was always politely turned down. Little did he know that the woman of his dreams dreamt of his mentor.

It's festival time at the Walia mansion. It's Ganesh Chaturthi and Maasi being the religious person she is, has arranged for pooja in the morning followed by dinner in the evening. She wants to invite all family and friends.

Jai is ready to leave for work.

J: Arrey Maasi yeh kya? Ghar mein yeh kis baat ki tayaari chal rahi hai?

M: Beta, aaj Ganesh chaturthi hain. Aaaj ghar mein pooja hoga and shaam to khana. Abhi ko invite karna dinner pe. Aur tu yeh kahan dauda chala jaa raha hai? Pooja mein nahi bait raha?

J: Nahi Maasi, I am really sorry. Foreign delegates aa rahe hain aur phir ek board meeting hai. Mein Abhinav ko bhej deta hoon aur haan mein dophar tak ghar aa jaaonga. Thik hai?

M: (sighs) kaam kaam aur kaam. Is saal to teir shaadi karke hi choodongi. Soch rahi hoon agar bahu aa jaaye to phir tera shaayd kuch hoga.

J: (blushes) koshish karti raho Maasi. Good luck.

And then he takes off.

He goes to meet Abhinav at work.

Bani: at work, busily reading through some project papers. she does not notice JW's arrival.

J: (taps on her desk) Excuse Miss. Is Abhinav at work still?

B: (glances up) She notices his jet black suit and a grey tie to go with it. The little grey shades in his hair make him look so much more GOOD.

He looks at his expensive rolex and seems a little irritated by the lack of her quick response. She just realizes that she has been staring at him and is about to reply when Abhinav comes from behind.

A: Hi Jai. Oh so you have met Bani finally? Jai, this is Bani Dixit. She is my assistant assisting me with the Juhu restaurant project. She has been working for us for about 4 months now. And Bani, as you may already know, this is Jai Walia, the owner and Chairman of the Walia group of Industries.

B: (smiles weakly) It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Walia.

J: (waves his hand and says curtly) I sure hope you don't take this long to get your work done, Miss Dixit (and leaves a confused Abhinav behind as he walks away)

Abhinav follows him.

J: Abhi, Maasi is having a pooja at home for the festival. God I forget, what festival is it today?

A: Ganesh Chaturthi

J: Yeah right whatever. Anyways, I cant make it to the pooja because I have to receive the European delegates and then have a board meeting. Can you please go home for the Pooja in case you are free? Also take any friends of yours. Maasi will be happy to see people. I will be home around 2 pm.

A: Sure thing Jai. I will definitely attend the Pooja.

Jai then leaves for his meeting.

A: Bani, Jai just told me that his Maasi is having a Pooja at his house. I am going, do you want to join?

B: (surprised) No. But Thanks for the invitation.

A: (disappointed) why?

B: to begin with, I don't even know Jai Walia and secondly, he did not invite me and thirdly I don't feel comfortable going to the bosses house un-invited and fourthly I have work to do and do you want me to go on still?

A: (still disappointed) no you don't. actually Jai told me that I could take any of my friends along. Plus the invitation is not even from Jai. It is from his Maasi. She is a very nice person. I am sure you will like her if you meet her.

B: (firmly) IF I meet I am sure I would like her, but still NO.

A: oh come on Bani. Please come with me. Plus this is a Pooja and I know you are a great devotee of Lord Ganesh. Plus, Jigyasa will be there (sensing her questioning look, he adds) Jigyasa is Jai's elder sister. She is so snooty. She hates me and always tries to make some remark when I go. If you are there with me, I will have some protection. Come on Bani Pleaseeeeeeeeee?

B: (still unsure) I don't know Abhi. Plus I am not even dressed for a pooja.

A: (excited) No, we'll first go to your apartment and you can get changed and then we'll go to the Walia mansion, ok?

B: (still unconvinced) I guess. But what about this report? Don't we have to get this done by EOD tomorrow?

A: don't worry about it. We'll not stay too long. Plus we have all day tomorrow and we can work tonight also.

B: ok then and walks out of the office with him.

As promised, Abhi first drives to her apartment. He turns on to watch the TV while Bani goes inside to freshen up and get dressed. She chooses and light pink saree and pearl ear rings. She unties her hair, which is usually tied up at work and leaves it hanging loose over her shoulders. At the end, she puts her bindi and a small pearl necklace. She steps out to the living room. Abhinav is too mesmerized by her beauty to respond.

B: Abhi, Abhi, Abhi???

A: (shaken ut of his reverie) Oh Bani you look spectacular. You should leave you hair loose.

B: (uncomfortable) thanks. Shall we go?

A: yeah sure.

They leave. In the car:

B: Stop here Abhi. I want to buy some flowers and fruits for the pooja.

A: OK and stops near the grocery.

Bani buys and they leave for the Walia mansion.

As they reach the gates, Bani realizes that the Walia mansion is a mansion indeed. It is ENORMOUS, just like an emperor's palace. The guard stops them at the gate but on seeing Abhinav, opens the gates and lets them go.

As Bani walks in carrying the flowers and fruit basket in her hands, she fees so small in such a huge place. The priests are doing pooja. There are 2 older women and another woman about Jai Walia's age seated. She rightly guesses one of the older woman is Maasi and the younger woman is Jigyasa.

All of them look at Abhi and her and Jigyasa makes a face and turns her attention back to the pooja. One of the older woman smiles, gets up and walks towards them. She warmly hugs Abhi.

M: Arrey Abhi beta, kaise ho? Acha kiya tum aa gaye. Dekho na, Jai kaam par chala gaya hai. Naastik hai na. Ek baar uski shaadi ho jaye, tab jaake badlega mera beta. (Then turns to look at Bani with approving look) Abhi beta, Mujhe nahi milwaoge apne dost se?

A: Arrey haan Maasi. Yeh hain Bani. Yeh hamare hi office mein pechle 4 mahinon se kaam kar rahi hai.

B: (bends to touch Maasi's feet) Namaste Maasi

M: (very impressed) Jeeti reh. Kitni pyaari hai.

B hands over the flowers and fruits to Maasi

M: (smilingly accepts) Andar aao na.

B and A follow her and Maasi introduces her to Jigyasa, Dadi and Aditya. Aditya and Dadi are very polite and warm while Jigyasa is her snooty self and does not even acknowledge Bani. B is about sit in a corner when Maasi asks her to sit besides her. B smilingly accepts as she can feel J's cold stare on her.

M: Bani, tumhare ghar mein kaun kaun hai?

B: Ji mere maa baap to pichle saal car accident mein guzar gaye. Main ab akele hoon.

M: Oh I am sorry. Tumhare koi bhai behan?

B: Nahi aunty mein ek lauti beti thi. (sadly)

M: aisa nahi kehte beta. Aur mujhe aunty nahi Maasi kahan kar.

B: (smiling) Ji Maasi.

Suddenly Tony the butler comes running and whispers something in J's ear. She is all worried and runs into the kitchen. When she does not come out for sometime, M and D go in.

J: Maasi ab kya hoga? Ratna (the cook) had an asthma attack. She is in the hospital. And Shalu has left town to celebrate festival with her family. Nothing has been cooked in the kitchen. What will we do? What will we feed the priests?

Aditya: kyon J, tum nahi bana sakti? (teasing, he fully knows J cannot cook)

J: (angrily) this is not a time to joke aditya. I thought of ordering food from a restaurant but this is for a pooja, we cant have restaurant food. That's why I always told Jai to hire a few more cooks. But he never listens to me.

M: Ab bas karo. Main khana banaaongi.

J: Nahi maasi. Aapka aaj vrat hai. Apne subah se kuch nahi khaya. Aur Dadi ke pair me moch hai to who khade rehkar nahi bana sakti. Oh my god, ab kya Karen.

B is hearing all this from a distance. She comes into the kitchen and quietly says

B: Agar app logon ko koi aitraaz na ho to main kuch kahoon?

J: (glaring) tum yahan andar kaise aayi? Yeh hamare ghar ka maamla hai. Tum hoti kaun ho hamare beech bolne waali. Aage se apni haisiyat dekhkar baat karna. Tum ek employee ho Walia grp mein. SIRF employee.

B is taken aback and feels bad and bends her head and is about to leave when Maasi stops her.

M: Jigyasa!!! Ghar mein aaye hue mehmaan se aise baat karte hai?

A: haan J aur isme haisiyat ki baat kahan se aa gayi. Bolo Bani kya kehna chahti ho?

B: (stammers) woh main… main aapki baatein sun rahi thi. Mujhe khana banana aata hai aur main yahan bana sakti hoon.

M: array nahi beti yeh tum kya keh rahi ho. Ghar mein mehmaano se kaam karvate hain kya?

J: (interrupts her) array Maasi yeh to bahut acha hai. Ab hamare paas koi aur chaara bhi to nahi. (turns to Bani) and gives her a list of all items needed to be made and before anyone can interrupt, she gives Bani a quick tour of the kitchen and then drags M and D out on the pretext that they need to be sitting in the pooja. She then drags Aditya saying that he has some phone call to attend and majestically walks out herself beaming with pride leaving Bani all alone in this humongous kitchen. Abhi sees this and rushes into the kitchen.

A: Bani yeh tum kya kar rahi ho? Why did u offer to help?

B: that's ok Abhi, I love to cook and especially if it for a religious occasion. Don't worry about me. I will manage. You go out in to the family room, otherwise Jigyasa ji will come back with some sharp retort. (And with that, she pushes him out of the kitchen)

She is very nervous in this place which is totally new to her. He looks around scared and trying to remember as much as she can from the quick tour that J gave her and begins cooking. She pulls her sari pallu around her waist and drapes it at her tummy, ties her hair in a bun and begins cooking. She tries to look for J when she is unable to find some spices but realizes that J has smartly disappeared somewhere in the mansion. Not wanting to disturb Maasi or Dadi, she searches herself and quickly finds it. She inwardly appreciates the cooks of the walia mansion cos they arranged the kitchen so well. Everything is in place and exactly where her instinct tells her. Finally she is done and puts all the items in neatly decorated containers, takes out her pallu and arranges it nicely, loosens her hair and comes out to Maasi.

B: Maasi khana khatam ho gaya aur maine bhagwan ke liye Prasad bhi banaya hai. (and hands over the modaks to her) Jab pooja khatam ho jaye tab khana paros deti hoon.

Just then Jigyasa comes out of nowhere and tells her coldly that she will serve the food to everyone when the pooja is done.

Abhi is watching Bani silently all along and admires her all the more. She would make the perfect wife he thinks. He knows Bani never considers him in that way and just wishes and hopes things would change and that she would reciprocate his love someday.

Maasi is very impressed with Bani and makes no secret of it.

Maasi: Bani tumhare parents ne tumhe kitne ache sanskaar diye hain. Agar tumhari jaise ladki Jai ki zindagi mein aa gayi to uski zindagi sawar jaayegi

Bani blushes to this and says nothing.

J: Haan Maasi hopefully Jai will realize and eventually go back to Roshni. Chahe kitne hi girl friends badle, he always goes back to her.

Maasi is not happy with J's response. It is clear she does not like this Roshni woman. But says nothing.

As the pooja is finishing up, JW enters. He first meets with Abhi and talks to him about some project work. Then he comes up to Maasi. As he does, he notices a very pretty young woman next to Maasi and wonders who she could be. He is enchanted by her beauty and cannot take his eyes off her. As he continues staring at her, Bani stares back and their eyes are locked. Even after those long meetings, he looked fresh. His hair was in place. He seemed to have taken his coat and tie off and the top two buttons of his white shirt were undone revealing a little bit of his hairy chest. She had the sudden urge to reach out and feel his chest.

Maasi notices this and smiles to herself.

M: Arrey aa gaye Jai beta? Kaam poora ho gaya?

J: (shaken out of his reverie, looks at Maasi and smiles) Ji Maasi

B: Good afternoon Mr Walia.

J: (quizzical look) Good afternoon, Miss???

B: Miss Dixit. Bani Dixit. (she realizes that he has not recognized her) We emt this morning Mr Walia. I work for Abhinav on the Juhu project.

J: (now recognizes her. He is shocked. She looked so different at work with her hair tied and then realizes that he probably was too occupied with himself to even notice her) Oh yes. It's a pleasure to see you again Bani.

The pooja is over and after the priests finished eating, the family sits at the table to eat.

Maasi: Jai beta, aaj ghar mein saara khana Bani ne banaya. (and then goes on to tell the entire story elaborately, much to bani's embarrassment).

Jai stares at Bani as Maasi keeps going on and on about while she blushes profusely hoping the earth would just open up and take her in with it. Unfortunately none of that happens. Only, she can feel JW's hot stare on her. Finally, after what seems to be eternity, Maasi stops. Thanks god for that.

Maasi: Bani, Abhi, baitho na.

B: (still not completely recovered, softly says) Nahin Maasi. Aaaj mera upvaas hai. Main saara din paani tak nahin peeongi.

Maasi: Kya? Tumne yeh sab kaali pet pe banaya? (really sorry for Bani)

Abhinav: Bani u r fasting? Then why did you cook all this? You poor thing.

JW is still staring at her but says nothing. His expressions are hard to read.

B: Don't worry about me. Aap sab apna khana khayiye please. Abhi, I will wait for you in the living room. Let's leave after lunch.

And with that she moves to the other room. Maasi and Dadi feel really guilty that Bani did all the work inspite of her fast but Maasi is very impressed with Bani too.

Bani is sitting on the couch in the living room flipping through some magazine that she is not interested in at all. All she can think of is JW. She knows his reputation with women and that he has never looked for a long term relationship in life and then as J mentioned earlier, there seemed to be some Roshni woman in his life too. She could never compete with his models/actresses. Then she reprimands herself for even thinking of him that way. JW has not even noticed her before today and he has everything she did not want in a man. She was raised very conservative environment and values relationships. She believed in love and would never even dream of giving herself away to anyone until marriage. JW on the other hand did not have the words love, marriage, commitment in his dictionary. She had to stop herself. Why did this man stir up these dormant emotions within her that she never knew existed? He probably did not even care to give her a second glance.

Shaking her out of her reverie, she hears Abhinav's soft voice.

A: Chale Bani? I am done.

B: (gets up from her couch and throws the magazine back on the coffee table) Haan chalo. Pehle main Maasi aur Dadi se vida leti hoon.

(she walks upto to Maasi first, touches her feet and then proceeds to do the same with Dadi. Needless to say, both are all the more impressed.)

After that Abhi completes his greetings with JW. Thankfully Jigyasa is no where to be seen. And then Bani and Abhi leave.

In the car:

Abhi receives a phone call on his cell. It is his uncle from Amritsar. His mom had a sudden heart attack and he needed to leave immediately.

A: Bani main tumhe Ghar chod deta hoon. Uske baad main ghar jaakar packing karke station chala jaaonga.

B: No Abhi. Leave me here. I will take a cab home. You please leave. I don't want you getting late. You should be with your mother ASAP.

A: No Bani you haven't eaten anything since morning. I cant leave you in the middle of the road.

B: (angrily) Now stop it Abhi. Go home. I can manage. If you have the slightest respect for me, then you will leave now.

(with that said, she makes him stop the car and she gets down)

As he is about to drive away, Abhi on instinct, steps out of the car, reaches out to Bani,

A: Mere saath Amritsar chalogi Bani? Tumhe dekhkar Maa bahut khush hogi.

B: (does not expect this from Abhinav) Abhi please. Your mom is in the hospital and you need to be with her. (she does not want to start an argument in this situation) Can we please talk about this later? Pleaseeeeeeee?

Abhi then walks up to her and places a peck on her cheek taking her by total surprise.

A: I will see you when I get back.

B: (too shocked to respond just nods) Maa ka khayal rakhna.

Abhi drives off. Bani takes a cab and just as she is about to give the driver the destination, she realizes that she had to complete a project report for the Juhu resort before EOD next day and now with Abhi gone, she had to do it herself. So she decides on going to work and start on it right away.

Half hour later, she is at her desk in the office. She had not gotten a chance to go home and change. She headed to work right from the Walia mansion.

She begins looking at the project papers and turns on her laptop to pull out the latest projections and the recent history and begins working. Mid way thru her report, she realizes that the numbers just don't add up. She is going wrong some where. She desperately tries for more than an hour to figure it out and finally gives up and decides to call it a day (or a night) when it is past mid night. Just as she is ready to shut down her machine, she hears footsteps in the corridor. She is a little scared at first and wonders who it could be at this time of the night. She is about to step out of her cube when she sees him standing at the corridor. He walks towards her. He is dressed in pale blue jeans and a red collar less half sleeved T-Shirt.

JW looks at her and is not too surprised to see her.

J: Bani, what are you doing here? I thought you were headed home after the pooja.

B: No I had to complete the project report for the Juhu resort and the deadline is EOD tomorrow. Since Abhi had to leave… (she stammers and asks) Abhi's mom had a sudden heart attack and..

She is interrupted in between

J: yeah I know. He called me from his car. Told me had to drop you off in the middle of some road and that he tried call you at your apartment but did not get an answer. He was worried sick about you wanted me to check on you. He gave me ur apartment number and I tried calling you quite a few times and I did not get an answer and now I can see why. My first instinct said that you may be at work. I called you a couple of times here and … (looks over her shoulder at her phone. Then bends over her towards her phone his shoulder briefly caressing her cheek that sends shivers down her spine) this is how the receiver rests on a phone (and adjusts the receiver properly on her phone and then straightens himself bringing him face to face with her).

Her cheek is still burning from his touch. She has never felt this way with anyone before. Earlier in the afternoon when Abhi placed a peck on her cheek, she felt nothing. It was more a friendly thing and would have been offended had she not known him better.

B: I am sorry Mr Walia you had to face inconvenience on my behalf. I am almost leaving now. (and she steps in front hoping he would move aside as he was blocking the exit)

He does not budge.

JW: (softly) did you eat anything Bani?

B: I am fasting today, I cant. I'll eat in the morning.

JW: it's past mignight. It is tomorrow already. Let's go.

B: (confused) where?

JW: I am taking you some place where you can eat. I cannot have any of my employees fall sick especially after grueling work at my home.

B: no Mr Walia. Don't worry. I will eat as soon as I get home.

JW: I wont have you go home and cook again Bani. Now are you coming on your own or do you want me to drag you along?

The serious look in his black eyes warned Bani not to doubt what JW has just said. He was used to having his own way and when he decided something, he just did it. She was very hungry and not wanting to argue with him, she quietly followed him.

In the car:

B: do you think any restaurant will be open this late, rather this early?

JW: I know just the place.

The drive passed in silence. Bani simply looked out of the window still smelling JW's faint cologne. It smelt like the midnight breeze. He soon bought her to the most exquisite restaurant she had ever seen or knew existed. The entire restaurant was empty. The manager immediately smiled at JW and led them to an exquisite table always reserved for the VIP's and brought him the menu.

At the table:

JW: kya order karna hai?

B: looks at the menu. Most of the items listed on the menu are Italian dishes and she had no clue what it would taste like.

(Sensing her confusion)

JW: Lao menu mujhe do. I'll order something for you and trust me, you will like it.

B: (smiles and hands over the menu to him) thanks. BTW, I am vegetarian.

JW: yeah I guessed that.

He orders just a latte for himself and eggplant parmesan for her with some garlic bread on the side.

B: this place is so beautiful. I have never been to a restaurant like this before. Thanks for bringing me her Mr Walia.

JW: (smiles for the first time making her heart take a leap. This man looked so good when he smiled) you are very easy to please Bani.

There is a red rose in a small vase at the center of the table. JW takes it out bends closer to her and gives it to her. She was not expecting that and not knowing what to do, she instinctively accepts and blushes profusely.

JW: Bani, you look very pretty when you blush. The pink color rising in your cheeks matches with your saree color.

Making her blush even more.

Their food arrives and JW recedes back into his chair.

Bani likes her food and eats it in silence. She is really hungry and eats to the last bit. She does not leave any bread either. JW is amused and says:

JW: do you want me to order something else too?

looks at her plate and realizes that she had been hogging and is embarrassed.

B: no I am fine. I'm sorry, I was really hungry.

JW: oh please. It is really refreshing to see a woman who does not have a bird's appetite. (and later adds with a wink) the money I spent on the food is not wasted.

B: (still embarrassed just notices that JW only had coffee) Yeh kya? Apne sirf coffee liya?

JW: (smiles) you forget, I had a heavy late lunch. BTW, tum bahut acha khana banati ho. Only my mom ever made such good food.

B: (blushing profusely) thanks.

JW: no thank YOU. Really Bani. Thanks for helping at my house today. You did not have to do that. Needless to say Maasi is very impressed with you.

B: (disappointed that JW only mentions Maasi and nothing about what he thought. On an impulse she says) Sirf Maasi, aap nahi?

As soon as the words are out, she realizes the mistake she made. What on the earth possessed her to ask that? She bites her lower lip)

JW: I am not an easy man to please Bani. But you must have already had that figured out. It's not your cooking that impresses me darling. (Gets up from his chair.) Ready to leave?

B: (still trying to figure out what he meant by that last sentence, gets up and follows him outside the restaurant)

JW: (opens the passenget seat car door for her) you need to give me directions to your place.

B: Oh no, I am not going to my place yet. I have to complete that Juhu project report.

JW: you can do that tomorrow. It is not due until the day after.

B: No I am having problems. Some of the numbers just don't add up. I need to figure them out. With Abhi gone, I have to do it by myself now.

JW: don't worry about it. I'll help you tomorrow. Now go home and have a good night's rest. I'll pick you up at noon from your apartment tomorrow and we'll work on it together, alright?

The soft tone in his voice made him sound so different compared to his harsh, curt and business man like tone. And working with him all day tomorrow sounded too good to be true.

She just nods and jumps into the car. She gives him the directions to her apartment. At her building, JW stops the car. Gets out and opens the door for B.

B gets out.

JW: Good night Bani. Sweet dreams.

B: do you want to come upstairs?

JW does nto expect an invitation and just looks at her.

B: (stammers) I mean… for coffee?

JW: (laughs) if I have a second cup tonight, I wont be able to sleep tonight and then I'll be sleeping all day tomorrow and there goes your project report. Now we don't want to screw up your work, do we?

(taps her on her head, jumps into his car, reverses his car and just as he is about to leave, lowers his window door) Be downstairs at 12 pm sharp tomorrow Bani. I hate waiting, if I don't see you here at 12, I'll just come up and carry you down just in the state you are in. (winks his eye, rolls his window back up and drives off leaving a dazed Bani behind).

The man was incorrigible yet undeniably sexy and irresistible. She knew she was falling in love with him and there was not a thing she could do about it. She sighs and goes upstairs. She is very tired and falls asleep as soon as her head hits the bed. She forgets to even put her alarm. She dreams of HIM all night. Him holding her in his arms… it was great and she opens her eyes finally. Looks at her clock and is alarmed. It is 11 am. She only has an hour to get ready. She does not doubt the threat JW made last night. She rushes to the bathroom, takes a bath. She takes extra care to wash her hair, dries it. She looks into her wardrobe and chooses a black sleeveless salwaar kameez with a bright red duppatta. She leave her hair loose, puts on light pink lipstick and a small pearl chain to go with her dress. She looks into the mirror. She looks amazing and she knows it. She knows she should not be dressed this way and that JW is a smart man to realize that she is intentionally sending him the wrong signals. But at this point she really did not care. She was falling hard for this man and she was ready to even play with fire if required. With determination, she takes one last approving look at her reflection. It is 11:55 am and she walks downstairs. Sharp 12 pm, she can see his black Mercedes entering her apartment complex. His driver seat window is rolled down. He is wearing oaklee sunglasses and looks dashing as usual in his black suit. He stops the car in front of her and looks at her, his gaze traveling from her face to her dress down to her pencil heeled sandals. He notices her change in dressing style but says nothing. Gets out of his car, walks over to the other side and opens the passenger seat door for her, his gaze not leaving her face for a second. Her face is burning from his gaze and she bends her head and sits in the car wondering if she did the right thing indeed and then thinks to herself. She probably never had a chance of him noticing her anyway atleast by doing this, she could get his attention. She ached for him so bad, it did not bother that she was actually considering even seducing him if needed. She did not know what she was going to do or what she really wanted from him, but all that she knew right now was that she wanted to spend more and more time with him, grab as much as attention from him as possible. JW closes the door, sits in the car, rolls up the windows and turns the AC back on.

JW: did you have a good sleep last night?

B: (content) Hmmm Hmmm. Slept like a baby. I woke up at 11 am this morning and had to rush things up to avoid you coming upstairs and … (her voice trails off)

JW: (amused. Knows what she was about to say) I have to say it did not take you long at all to get ready and still look the way you are considering the fact that all women I have known take hours to get dressed and could not look half as ravishing as you do, Miss Dixit.

B blushes. Plan 1 to get his attention successful. Now she has figure out a way to keep his attention.

In the car:

B: Since I was in a hurry this morning, I did not even get a chance to drink coffee. (complaining)

JW: (turns his attention from the road to her, looks at her. She can feel his eyes thru those sunglasses) There's a Starbucks round the corner. Do you want to take something there?

B: Hmmm. I love starbucks. (smiles at him) thx.

JW: (smiles back. Says nothing)

They stop at Starbucks.

JW: what will you have?

B: Caramel Latte. What about you?

JW: Nah I am good.

B: (disappointed) why didn't you tell me that you did not want any. Then I would not have wanted to stop here.

JW: (exasperated) Bani, I thought you said you wanted coffee. What difference does it make if I have any or not?

B: (childish) I always like company.

JW: (irritated now) God. These women!!! (and orders a small coffee for himself) happy now.

B: (smiles) yeah. Thanks.

JW: I can never figure you out Bani. One minute you are this afraid little mouse and the next minute you are something different. But I love exploring things and I am gonna enjoy like hell exploring you.

B takes her caramel latte from the waitress and licks the top ice cream part of her latte with the tip of her tongue in a very inviting manner in front of JW closes her eyes as though enjoying her latte and through her closed eyes says:

B: Hmmm, this is sooooooooo good. (and smiles)

JW: (staring at her with hard eyes) you are something else Ms Dixit. This is going to be a pleasure.

B reprimands herself for getting carried away like this. She has never behaved this way with anyone. She never had to fight for attention. She knew she was beautiful and heads turned where ever she went. She had boys fall for her. Infact, she had to fight to get them off her back. JW was the first man she had met who seemed to be oblivious to her beauty and did not care enough to give her a second glance until today and the irony was that she had fallen hard for this man. After yesterday, she was certain that what she felt for JW was more than just infatuation. She had strong feelings for him and was ready to go any lengths to get his attention even if it meant breaking her principles. She was not letting him go without a fight.

They drive back to work. As they reach office, JW is back to his cold, formal business man self again. He walks in front of her, goes past her desk, stopping briefly:

JW: Bani, get your project papers and laptop to my office, will ya?

(and strides into his office)

B collects all her files and laptop in one hand and holding her caramel latte in the other rushes to JW's office.

His door is closed. She knocks on his door with her elbow before going in.

JW: Come on in.

B tries hard to open the door but cannot with her coffee in one hand and the files in the other. JW notices the knob turning but no one actually entering and goes to open the door himself.

On the outside B finally manages to turn the knob and then puts her weight on the door to push it in with her back. Just then JW opens the door from inside causing B to fall directly into JW's arms. In close proximity, Bani can smell his cologne. It smells like cool breeze. Her bare shoulders are in his arms and they are burning from his touch. Their eyes lock and Bani stays mesmerized unable to move or react, staring unabashedly back at him. He finally breaks it by getting her up, takes the files and laptop out of her hands and says:

JW: Watch where you are going Ms Dixit. Now if you are ready, shall we start?

B: what?

JW: (waves the project files in front of her) Mt Abu? Presentation tomorrow? Remember?

B: oh yeah sorry. Yeah let's begin.

JW: Are you always so lost Bani or is it me that makes you act so jumpy?

Without waiting to hear her reply, he opens the files and starts reading them.

Bani takes the seat on the opposite to him on the other side of his desk and looks around his office. This is the first time she has ever been in his office. It is huge with glass wall on the side behind him. The glass wall overlooks the sea and offers an excellent view. She notices he does not have pictures of his family on his desk. His office looks well organized with everything in place.

He is completely engrossed in the reports and is back to hi professional self. He finally looks up.

JW: that was pretty good. Now here's why your numbers don't match.

He walks around the desk and places the file in front of her, goes behind her and bends over her shoulder. She can feel his breath on her neck. She stiffens. He seems oblivious to how his close proximity makes her feel and points to the problems in some of the calculations. She somehow manages to concentrate on what he is saying and immediately realizes the mistake in calculation and corrects it. She then has a few other questions which he answers with intellect. She is amazed at his knowledge. He owns the company which handles about a million projects. The juhu resort is just one of the smaller ones and he still knows about it in and out. She wonders how he manages to keep track of every single thing. With his help, she corrects the mistakes and re-does the presentation. It is almost 3 pm when they are done. She looks satisfied with the end product. He is amused with her satisfaction but says nothing.

B: thanks for your help Mr Walia, I will email this presentation to Mr Patel later today.

JW: Sure. And good luck with the presentation tomorrow.

B: (now totally confused) what?

JW: why, aren't you giving the presentation tomorrow?

B: NO!!!

JW: Well Abhi is out. So that rules him out. So who is else gonna do it? Do you have anyone in mind Bani?

B: yeah, no. I don't know.

JW: (stares hard into her eyes) surely you didn't think that I was going to give the presentation did you?

B: YES… Sorry I mean NO… (stammers)

JW: I own this damn company Ms Dixit. I don't give presentations. I make the decisions.

B: yes SIR!!! I'll do the presentation.

JW: Now that's more like my girl. (glances at his expensive rolex on his wrist) It's almost 3 pm. I sure am hungry. Grab your purse. Let's go hunt someplace where they still serve lunch.

B nods. Takes her project file, unplugs her laptop and takes it with her and walks out of his office to her desk. Places her laptop at her desk. She is plugging back her laptop when JW comes to her desk.

JW: plug that thing later. Come on fast. I am really hungry.

Not giving her a chance to respond, he walks towards the elevators.

She hurriedly grabs her purse and runs after him trying to catch up with his long steps. He sees her running, smiles and slows down giving her just enough time to catch up with him.

He takes her to a small restaurant round the corner. Looking at it, she knows it is a pricey place. But again, anything JW chooses is pricey, starting from what he wears, eats, to who he dates.

They are seated as usual by the manager himself at a corner private table. She orders some fried rice and dal. He orders some chicken dish.

JW: So how long have you been in Bombay?

B: about 6 months now. Just as I finished my MBA last year, my parents died in a car crash. Abhi's mom and my mom were long time friends and she came to the funeral. She then suggested that I move to Bombay and that her son would help me find a job. So I did. As promised Abhi helped me get this job and also helped me find an apartment.

JW: so Abhi is a good friend of your then?

B: (smiles) yeah. He's great. He has been nothing but wonderful to me.

The thought of Abhi brings smile to Bani's lips. Abhi always made her feel comfortable. She could be herself with him, say anything, do anything. He was always there for her. But he did not stir those kind of emotions in her that JW did. With JW around, Bani was always self conscious, jumpy and he made her do things she could not even imagine. She knew he was danger but still felt safe with him.

JW: (looking serious) So am I gonna hear the wedding bells soon then?

B: (shaken out of her reverie) What?

JW: it's easy to see that Abhi likes you a lot or may I add more than just likes you and it seems apparent to me that his feelings are reciprocated in a similar fashion.

B: (disappointed) I don't know what Abhi think and I don't wanna know. I only consider him as a good friend. I like him but that's it and he knows that too.

She then wonders why she is giving him an explanation. She does not need to. Why did it matter to her what JW thought of her. Why did she want him to know she was available? He seemed to have some girl friend, Roshini, as Jigyasa aunty pointed out the previous day.

JW does not respond. Just changes the topic.

JW: so how do you like it here?

B: I like Bombay although it can be a little overwhelming for a small town girl like me. Everything's a hustle bustle here. No one seems to have time for one another. But overall, it is not bad.

JW: yeah I know what you mean. But I'm glad you like it here.

They finish lunch and he drives her back to work. As she gets out of his car, he says:

JW: bye Bani. See ya tomorrow. And good luck with the presentation. I am sure you do fine.

B: you are not coming?

JW: No, I am supposed to be at the Andheri location this afernoon. But, I'll see you at the presentation tomorrow.

B: (disappointed) Ok bye Mr. Walia. Thanks for the lunch. I enjoyed it.

JW: turst me Bani, the pleasure was entirely mine.

And with a wink drives away.

Bani goes back to her desk. Gives the finishing touches to her presentation. Prints it out. Takes sufficient copies for everyone attending the presentation the next day. By the time she is done, it is almost 8 pm and she leaves.

She wakes up the next day still thinking of JW. She first calls Abhi to check on his mother. Abhi is delighted to hear her voice.

A: Bani hi how are you?

B: I am fine Abhi. How is your mother?

A: oh she is still in ICCU but her condition is more stable now. They are talking about transferring her to a regular ward in a couple of days if she continues this way.

B: (relieved. She always loved Durga aunty. She reminded her of her own mother and she was there for her when her parents died) I am so glad to hear that Abhi. You please take care of yourself.

A: I'll be fine Bani. Unfortunately I may not be able to come back to work for a couple of weeks more.

B: don't worry about work Abhi. Take care of aunty now.

A: Bani, the presentation today? who is doing it?

B: Don't worry Abhi. I am taking care of it. Mr Walia helped me with it yesterday. We are all set.

A: thanks Bani, you are the best.

B: (smiles. Abhi is always such a darling. Too bad, she did not feel the same way about him as he felt for her) No Abhi, you are. Really. Now stop worrying about work and take care of aunty.

A: Sure. Bye.

B: bye now.

Smiles and hangs up.

She takes a nice long shower and picks a brown knee length skirt and a cream sleeveless blouse on top of it with a matching brown coat on her blouse.

She leaves her hair loose and applies light brown lipstick. She does not need to wear any make up. She looks stunning. She gives herself an approving look into the mirror and goes to work. She is both nervous and excited about meeting JW. She reaches work a little early. The presentation begins at 9 am. She is in the conference room at 8:30 hooking up her laptop and adjusting the projector etc… she neatly places hard copies of the presentation slides at each seat. Beginning 8:50 am, people begin entering the conf room and take seats. She introduces herself warmly to each one personally. The room is almost full when JW enters. He is dressed in black suit with a white shirt and a maroon tie underneath. His hair jelled together, he walks in with utmost confidence and an aura. She is talking to a group of individuals when he walks in. everyone stops talking and turn their attention to him as he walks in. he looks at her very briefly before he turns his attention to the rest. His face composed and unreadable just like always. He nods at everyone, introduces himself knowing fully well that he does not require any. He talks briefly about their Juhu resort and what they are planning and gives a background. He then talks about Abhinav Gupta who is leading the project and apologizes that he could not be here cos of some personal problem. He then looks at Bani. There's something in those black eyes that makes her heart flip. He then nods to her signaling her to walk to the front next to him and then introduces her and says that in Abhinav's absence, Bani would be giving the presentation.

JW: what that being said, Bani, I'll let you carry on from here.

And comfortably takes an empty seat to the far end directly facing her. As though giving this presentation was not enough, looking at him directly definitely was not helping. She is totally nervous now. She begins to sweat and drinks the glass of water first, nervously smiles at everyone. She looks at JW and he gives her an assuring nod that boosts her confidence. He nervously clears her throat and begins. She first introduces herself again and then admits her nervousness to everyone before she begins. Once she starts her presentation, she goes on and on confidently answering all the questions. Finally she ends her presentation taking down a few questions that she did not have an answer to right away promising to get back before end of the week. As the presentation ends, JW takes charge again and concludes the meeting. People begin to leave but not before congratulating Bani on her awesome presentation. Everyone is impressed. As everyone leaves, Bani is busy shutting down the projector and unplugging her laptop when JW comes up behind her.

JW: you did a good job today Bani. Congatulations.

She blushes

B: Thanks Mr Walia

JW: We are having company lunch following the presentation in the break room next door. Care to join us?

B: Sure thing. I will join you guys in a few.

JW leaves leaving her alone in the conf room.

She takes her laptop back to her desk, plugs it in, takes off her coat exposing her bare arms. She purposely chose this skirt this morning because she knew it would go very well without the coat too.

She then takes a deep breath and with a look of determination, she walks into the break room. Heads turn as she enters. People notice her. She can feel JW's hard stare at her without even looking at him. She intentionally ignores him, goes to the food counter, carefully picks some salad and a sandwich. Just then a group of guys who were in the meeting before, walk up to her to chat. She smiles and begins chatting and giggling, carefully avoiding looking at him. from the corner of her eye, she can see he is talking to some people but constantly gives her hard glares. She is enjoying this and continues her chat. One guy in the group seems particularly interested. His name is Ritesh and he works in the Delhi office. He is here on business for 2 weeks more. He is a nice guy and Bani takes a liking him too, just as a friend though. She talks to him all though the lunch and finally when lunch is over, they exchange business cards. He promises to call her and asks her out to dinner sometime before he leaves.

Bani thinks he is away in Delhi and one dinner could not cause much harm so she agrees. They leave. Bani is still in the break room when everyone leaves. She is at the table reading something when he comes up from behind.

JW: (harshly) lunchtime's over Ms Dixit. Don't you think it's about time you get back to your desk and have some work done?

B: I was just leaving. Thanks for reminding Mr Walia.

And she gets up to leave.

JW: you're playing with fire Bani. Be careful or else you could get burnt pretty bad.

And walks away. Bani is annoyed with his reaction. She does not know what he feels for her. She knows he has begun to notice her and knows that he is well aware of her attraction for him. well she did try to hide the fact atleast not lately. But he never showed any interest beyond work in her and that bothered her. She finally decided that he was far to matured to fall for her silly charms and the little tricks to attract him and decided it was best to leave him alone. He was right, if she was not careful she could get burnt pretty bad. After making that decision, she sighs gets back to work. It's almost 7 pm when she is finished and she leaves for home. As she reaches her apartment, she is horrified to see someone at her door step. It is Vishal. What was he doing here? She knew he was in Bombay but did not expect him to showup at her doorstep.

Vishal was her classmate back in Mt Abu. He was a nice guy in general and was her friend until he started making advances at her. Bani was not interested and told him a number of times but Vishal did not just get it. He was obsessed with her and things seemed to get better when he moved to Bombay to study journalism. But it got bad again when her dad borrowed 20 lakhs from his dad to clear off some debts. He had mortgaged their Mt Abu house in return for the money. Vishal's dad was very reasonable man and never pressurized for the money back. Her dad was paying him back in installments until he died and after that Bani made it point to mail a part of her monthly check to him. he never asked for interest on the principal and she respected him for that.

When her parents died, Vishaal was in town again and she met him at the funeral. He offered to help her get a job in Bombay and invited her to even stay with him. she fully knew what it meant and politely turned it down. At that time, he responded by saying that he would waive off the loan and have her hosue back to her if she moved in with him. she was shocked and disgusted to hear such a sick proposition and responded saying that she would rather die than move in with him. at that time, vishal simply smiled evilly saying he would get her someday.

B: (coldly) Vishal? What are you doing here?

V: wanted to personally let you know that my dad expired a few weeks ago.

B: (shocked and sad) oh I am so sorry to hear that. How did this happen?

V: I don't think he ever told you, he had been diagonized with advanced lung cancer just about the time when your parents died.

B: oh that is so sad. He was such a nice man.

V: (unemotional) yeah. Anyway, I saw your check in his mail last week. (waves the check she sent to him for last month in front of her) and I got your address off there. Now that my dad's no more, everything comes to me. And guess what, the papers signed by your dad talk about interest also. My dad was an idiot to waive it, but I need the interest also. And you are well past the date mentioned in the papers. I calculated it all and I give you a month Bani. I need the full amount which comes to 35 lakhs in a month or else your ancestral home is mine. I'll sell it to a company who is interested in buying it. They have plans to break it down and construct a hotel there.

B: (shocked. That house had all her childhood memories and her parents and grand parents memories associated with it. She could not let him do that. Her dad's soul would hurt to see the house broken. And 35 lakhs? She could not get that money in a decade let alone a month) Vishal please? I don't have that kind of money. Where do you expect me to get that from?

V: that's your problem Bani. All I know is that I need that money in a month or else I am selling that house.

B: please vishaal, don't do that. You know that house os more than just a house to me. It has so many memories associated with it. Give me some choice.

V: well I can do one other thing.

B: (hopeful) what?

V: (gives that same evil smile) move in with me and the house is yours.

B: (angry) vishal!!! How dare you. I would never do that and you know it.

V: great. Then have the check ready in a month or be prepared to see the house broken.

B: (pleadingly) please vishal. Don't do this to me.

V: no, you don't do this to me Bani. I am giving you a great proposition. What's wrong with me? I am a reporter with the Indian Express making good money. I can assure I can keep you content both financially and physically. What else do you need?

B: Stop it Vishal. You are disgusting. I would never think of you that way. You do not arouse those feelings in me.

V: (now angry) why Bani? Why don't I arouse those feelings in you? Let me show you.

Bends down to kiss her. She is taken aback and pushes him away and slaps him.

B: how dare you. Don't ever try to touch me again. I am married!!!

(She immediately regrets those words when she says it. Vishaal is not gonna believe her. Bites her lower lip.)

V: oh really? May I ask who your husband is and why are you living alone and not wearing your mangalsutra?

She is confused does not know how to carry on with her story. She just blurts out what comes to her mind first.

B: that's because we got married secretly and no one knows about it yet. Not everyone in my husband's family would take this news well. He has not broken the news to his family yet. It's a big deal and we will do that very shortly and once that is done, we will make it official.

V: (still not one bit convinced) may I know your husband's name?

B: (unflinchingly) I cant tell you that. You will know once it is official.

V is still not convinced but that atleast puts him off making any advances on her. He is about to leave, and is getting down the stairs. Bani is opening the door to her apartment when JW enters. He is climbing up the stairs giving enough time for V and JW to glance at each other. V recognizes the business magnate immediately and wonders what he is doing here. JW oblivious to V, looks up at Bani.

JW: thank god I found you Bani. I need to talk to you. Do you have a passport ready? I need you to fly with me to London next week.

Bani prays V did not hear it and urges JW to follow her into her apartment.

Once inside, she closes the door.

JW: (impatiently) Didn't you hear what I asked? do you have a passport Bani?

B: No I don't and what is this thing about me going to London?

JW: well, we are expanding our business in UK and have bought some land in London to build a Walia chain there. But I guess you already know that.

B: yeah, Abhi was working on this and he briefed me on it a while ago.

JW: yeah I know. I called him a little while ago. We got a call from our partner in London that he needs us up there immediately. Apparently there are some sanction problems and the board that sanctions the construction had some questions on the project plan. When I called Abhi, he told me that his mom is still in ICCU and ofcourse I would never want him to leave her and join me in London. He told me that he briefed you on the project and that you helped him with the project plan. So I thought you would be the best person to assist in the mean time until Abhi gets back.

B: (alarmed) Oh no. I don't know much at all about the project. I just helped him a little bit and that was a while ago. I have no clue whatsoever. I don't …

JW: (interrupts her) you are the best we have at this point Bani and like it or not you would have to fill in Abhi's shoes, if you want to keep your job that is.

B: (sulking) okay. But I don't have a passport. What are you gonna do about it?

JW: (smiles devislishly) I suspected that. Hands over a form to her. Fill out this form tonight. It has your personal info on it. And give it to Shinde first thing tomorrow morning. He will have your passport and visa ready by next week. We can easily take care of it.

B takes the form from him and looks at it.

B: Sure. I'll have it ready by tomorrow. Coffee Mr Walia?

JW: thanks but no thanks. I need to leave. See you tomorrow and don't forget the form.

B: how long are we gonna stay in London?

JW: about 3 weeks. This is your first time outside the country right Bani?

B: (nods)

JW: you know what, we'll wrap up work a few days before and I'll show you around London.

With that he takes off.

The thought of spending 3 weeks with JW excited Bani. She completely forgot all about Vishaal and the 35 lakhs. All she could think of was JW and all the time she would be spending with him in London.

She immediately fills out the form. Gets up the next morning, dresses up in a dark blue chiffon saree. She looks pretty as usual. When she walks in the office, she sees lot of heads turn to look at her and whisper something to one another, some smiling strangely at her, lot of people muttering "Congrats". She is confused and then she is greeted by her friend Maria from the accounting department. She hugs Bani on seeing her and says:

M: Congratulations Bani. I am so happy for you. (and then angrily) I thought we were best friends. And you did not give me a slightest hint that this was brewing?

B: (automatically assumes she is talking about her London trip) Thanks a lot Maria. I am so sorry, I myself did not know about this until yesterday. It all happened so suddenly. I still am unable to believe this but I am so excited. So did Mr Walia announce it already?

M: (grinning devilishly) well, it's all over the…

Maria is interrupted by Anitha (JW's PA who is as haughty as his highness and for some reason never liked Bani)

A: Bani, JW needs you in his office immediately.

M: (grins) go on now. Talk to you later.

B smiles and leaves. She knocks on JW's office before entering. She sees him seated behind his desk. He is wearing a dark blue shirt matching her saree. He is not wearing his suit. His sleeves are rooled up to his elbows revealing his expensive rolex on his wrist. The top 2 buttons of his shirt are undone revealing his chest slightly. He looked absolutely amazing making Bani's heart skip a beat on seeing him. she smiles as she enters:

B: Good morning Mr Walia. I filled out the form last night. Will hand it over to Mr Shinde when he comes in.

She then realizes JW is looking very hard at her. He is not smiling. He seemed angry. If only looks could kill, she'd be dead long ago.

JW: care to explain Ms Dixit? (calm but angry)

B has a Explain what quizzical expression on her face.

He throws the news paper towards her. It almost hits her hand barely missing and falling on his desk right in front of her.

JW: (voice angrily rising in a crescendo) What the hell is this supposed to be?

She picks it up. It's that day's Indian Express newspaper. She looks at it and is horrified.

There is a picture of Jai Walia and next to his is a picture of her's.

The head lines read:

Business tycoon Jai Walia secretly married to his employee Bani Dixit.

In small print, the first line below read:

This news confirmed by the bride Mrs Bani Walia late last night …

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