Originally posted by: salmansgirl
Chapter 103
"That was fun!" Bani laughed as she and Jai walked down the bleacher steps. "The Hellcats won 31-20 and Sahil looked great out there."
"He sure did" Jai said proudly. "He scored three touchdowns today. He almost tied my record." No one can beat you meri jaan
"Almost?" Bani asked inquisitively, as she linked her arm in Jais' and snuggled close to him.
"Yeah, One Thanksgiving game I scored five touchdowns. It really wasn't a good game though. It was too easy. The Titans had a lousy team that year. We won that game 48-3. It wasn't even a contest."
"Still, five touchdowns seems to be an awful lot for one person, Jai" Bani said in awe. "I would love to have seen you play in school."Me too.😳Maybe he could have given me his winning jersey or something.
Jai smiled at her. "Someday I'll play just for you Angel" he said with a devilish grin. "And I guarantee you, you can help me score."
Bani's cheeks would have turned crimson from his suggestion if they already weren't red from the cold wind that was blowing during the game.
"Well, that's one game I definitely won't miss then" she responded with a glint in her eyes. "As a matter of fact, I can't wait."
"Come on you" Jai laughed, pulling Bani as close to him as he could and still walk. "It's time to go see everyone. I hope you like crowds, because I think Mausi is cooking for half of Mumbai." really should have told me I would have gone to Mumbai for a day.
"That's what Anu told me this morning" Bani grinned. "She was up at the crack of dawn so she could go help Mausi with dinner. I offered to go with her, but she assured me everything was under control."
"Yep" Jai said. "Raashi is there as well as Rano. Then there is Yukti and Shilpa too."well shoot everyone is there. Anam where is my invitation.
"Tarun and Yukti will be there as well?" Bani asked, pleased that she knew the people that would be there.
"Like I said, Mausi is cooking for half of Mumbai" Jai joked.
When Jai and Bani arrived in the parking lot they saw Tarun walking with his arm proudly wrapped around his son Aarav's shoulders. Aarav was one of the youngest players on the team, but it didn't stop him from being one of the best.
"Way to go Aarav!" Jai yelled through cupped hands across the parking lot.
"Thanks Jai uncle!" Aarav called back. He and his father waved happily.
"Oh Jai, can we go say hello to Khushi?" Bani pleaded when she saw Sanjeev, Rajeev and Khushi Mathur heading towards their car.Oh Kushi I love this kid, lets definately say hi.
"Of course we can" Jai answered as they headed in that direction.
"And how is Miss Pricilla Standish doing today?" Bani asked with a sparkle in her eye as she smiled at the tiny curly haired angel.
"Bani!" Khushi squealed with delight. She ran from her father right into Bani's arms. Bani picked her up and kissed her cheek.
"Hi Jai" Khushi smiled shyly as Bani returned her to the ground.
"Good day, Miss Pricilla" Jai greeted formally, bowing to her. Khushi giggled at his gesture.Oh god he is so cute.
"Thank you for coming to see my play last night" Khushi said enthusiastically.
"It was our pleasure Khushi" Bani smiled. "You know, I have to tell you, you were the best Pricilla Standish I've ever seen."
"Do you really think so?" Khushi asked beaming.
"Bani's right" Jai nodded. "You were awesome." He gave her a thumbs up sign and winked.oh this kid is going to be on cloud nine.
"Daddy! Dada ji! Jai said I was awesome as Pricilla!" Khushi shouted to her father and grandfather proudly.Oh how cute is she.
"He's right!" Sanjeev Mathur returned with a grin. Rajeev echoed his father's sentiment.
"Khushi…how many times have I told you to call him uncle instead of by his name. He's older than you, right?" Her father reminded her. He wanted her to give respect to her elders and Jai and Bani were much older than her. awwww
"Sorry Jai uncle. But wait…daddy, do I have to call Bani, aunty as well?" Khushi asked in confusion. In her mind, if Jai was to be given respect, then why not Bani?yeah
"Of course. I told you, both Jai and Bani are older than you. And since Jai is an uncle, then Bani is your aunty. And don't forget, they will be getting married soon, so you should call her aunty as well. Right?" all of the sudden that sounds old, but hey rules are rules.
"Yeah, I guess so" Khushi pouted as the rest laughed. She was too cute.
"So Bani aunty, are you coming on the hayride tonight?" Khushi asked.
"Hayride?" Bani asked. This was the first she'd heard of it.Me too dont feel left out. I want to roll in some hay.
"Yeah, it's sort of a Mumbai tradition. A bunch of the farmers get together Thanksgiving night and give all the kids hayrides. I think it started years ago, before Nintendo, football or MTV."very true.😆
"That long ago?" Bani laughed. She then turned to Khushi. "Sweetie, I think it's just for the children. I'm sure those horses wouldn't want to pull someone as big as me around."
"Actually Bani, anyone can go" Jai told her. "I went a few years ago with Anu and Sahil."
Khushi's eyes lit up. "So, will you go?" She asked, her eyes pleading.
Bani saw the look in Khushi's eyes and then looked over at Jai. He was already grinning.
"I was actually going to surprise you later by taking you on the ride. There's a big bonfire afterwards and hot cider for everyone."well surprise just came out. I am excited
"It sounds wonderful" Bani said excitedly.
"Yay!" Khushi cheered. "Bani's going!...err….Bani AUNTY is going!"You'll get used to honey.
"And so is Jai" Bani said playfully.
"Oh, the things I can think of to do on a hayride" he whispered in Bani's ear. Me too jaan, but does that include you and me or were you referring to Bani.
Bani's jaw dropped. She couldn't control her laughter or her reaction to his suggestive statement. "Behave, there are children present" she whispered back. Despite her answer to Jai, she too was thinking about the different things she would love to be doing on a hayride.Sharam karro Bani.
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"That was a lot of fun" Anjali commented, once she and Rishab were safely in the car on the way back to Los Angeles.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Rishab said. "I wasn't sure… I thought you might think I was… I don't know, strange maybe." Honey you are not strange at all.
"Why? For helping out people less fortunate than yourself?" Anjali asked. "I'd never think that. I think what you do there is fantastic. Who knows when it could be anyone of us in that situation. Don't they say that most Americans are only two paychecks away from the streets?"
"Something like that" Rishab said thoughtfully.
"Well, you'll find that what I normally do on Thanksgiving is far less noble" Anjali said with a wry chuckle.
"You do what you're supposed to do" Rishab said. "You celebrate the holiday with family and friends."
"Well, friends these days" Anjali replied. "But I am thankful to have the good friends that I do. Mike and Heather were the first friends I met after moving to this area and they've remained good friends. I've spent every Thanksgiving with them for the past five years. Well, at least part of it. There were a few times I had to work, but I'd always manage to stop in for coffee and dessert on those nights."
They rode for a while in silence. Rishab's mind was at warped speed with questions he wanted to ask, but he knew if he asked the questions, Anjali was bound to respond with some of her own. He turned and stole a few glances at her sideways while he drove, thinking about what his friend Anna had said to him earlier in the day.I know I have been wondering about that too. What did Anna mean about his past.
Anjali caught Rishab glancing at her and found herself becoming a little self conscious.
"What?" She finally asked, laughing slightly.
Rishab blushed from getting caught. "Nothing really" he smirked. "I was just thinking about some things."About what jaan.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"Only a penny?" Rishab asked with an impish grin.
"I see, you're a wise guy" Anjali replied good-naturedly.
'Here goes' Rishab said to himself. "I was just thinking about you. Wondering what kinds of things you did when you were younger, what it was like living in India with your family, you know, things like that" Rishab suddenly felt panicked and decided to stop. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked." Not wanting Anjali to see his severe reaction, he turned his full attention back to his driving and gripped the steering wheel hard.I think you have known he long enough to ask. don't dwell.
Anjali smiled. 'Why shouldn't he ask?' she thought. She placed her hand on Rishab's leg. "You can ask me anything you want, Rishab." Suddenly she was as nervous as Rishab appeared to be.
Rishab's skin under his jeans was burning from her touch and his breathing was becoming ragged. How is it that this woman managed to get to him in ways he never dreamed of? His entire life as he knew it was being turned upside down and he was powerless to stop it. Then again, did he want to stop it? If Jai touched me like that too, I would react the same way.
"Okay" he said, hiding his nervousness. "Tell me, what kinds of things did you do on holidays as a child?" He turned and smiled briefly at Anjali.
Anjali sighed in relief. "What did I do on holidays as a child" she repeated. "All right, you asked for it" she laughed. Anjali was more than happy to share her childhood experiences with Rishab, because this was really the only thing the two hadn't talked about, at least that's what she thought. She knew all about Rishab's life from the time he went to college and started his electronics store, but he'd never told her word one about his life before that. She'd told him bits and pieces of her life, but nothing substantial and he hadn't asked. This was definitely a step in the right direction. Maybe someday soon, they both would be able to open up to each other about everything in their lives.
For the rest of the drive from San Diego to Beverly Hills, Anjali filled Rishab in on some of the details of her childhood in India. Anjali always thought she had a pretty drab existence, but Rishab listened with such interest, she felt as if she'd had the most special childhood anyone could have.
'That's one of the things I love most about him, the way he makes me feel so special.' Anjali thought after she'd finished telling him her life's story.
Anjali almost froze in her seat when the realization of what she just thought hit her. Did she just think about Rishab and love together? Was it possible? Was she in love with Rishab?That is interesting. Are the feelings mutual. I sure hope so. You guys are so cute together.
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Jai held Bani's chair for her as she sat down at the table for Thanksgiving dinner. She smiled at him appreciatively. Bani glanced around her in total awe. Never had she shared in a holiday feast or any other celebration for that matter with so many people that loved and cared about one another. She chuckled to herself when she imagined any one in her family joining them; She realized that she never really missed her family beside her biological parents and Jais's family made up for all that with genuine kindness and love they showered on her. She didn't feel like an outsider in the family. She felt like she was a part of their family and nothing could have made her happier.
This is what life was all about. Spending time with the man she loved and his family, being surrounded by good friends and sharing a wonderful meal and conversation on this truly what it was an American holiday. No one cared that they were celebrating a holiday that didn't exist in India. It was all about being together and being happy. A sly grin appeared on her face when she imagined several small children running around the table followed closely by herself and Jai. She could see it so clearly and hoped and prayed someday her vision would actually come to be. Having children with Jai, the man she loved more than anything would make her life complete.
Bani came out of her reverie when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Where were you just now Angel" Jai asked. "You were a million miles away."Yeah she was, which means I am closer to you now.
Bani blushed slightly. "I was just imagining several small children running around this table," she answered.
A toothy grin appeared on Jais' face. "Our children?" He asked.No she's pulling a Pia on you. Of course your children.
Bani nodded her head, her eyes smiling.
"It's going to happen Angel," he said. "Very soon, I promise." Jai kissed her tenderly on the cheek. "How many?"I bet very soon. Why how many do you want.
"How many?" Bani asked in surprise.
"Yeah, how many do you want?" He asked again with a playful grin.
"As many as God gives us" she smiled back. "And I hope he gives us an entire house filled with them." Is your little body going to be handle all those.
"I was hoping you'd say that" Jai winked. YOu guys are going to be like little rabbits then.
Bani felt more love for Jai at that moment than she'd ever felt. He never ceased to amaze her with his kind words and actions.
"Okay, pay attention now, mausi is going to make a quick speech."
Bani nodded and she and Jai both turned their attention towards Mausi who was standing in front of her seat, with the watchful eyes of all her guests upon her.
"Welcome everyone" Mausi greeted warmly. "This year is a very special Thanksgiving for my family and I am very pleased you are all here to celebrate it with me. As most of you know, we usually start our meal with a very special prayer of thanks, but I thought we would do something a little different this year."
"I have so much to be grateful for this year and I know many of you do as well, so I thought it would be nice if we all mentioned what we are most grateful for. I will start and Biji will go next and then around the table" she explained.
Mausi seated herself as everyone joined hands and Mausi began the prayer.
"Dear god, thank you for gathering us all together at this table for this very special meal. I am surrounded by my loving family and closest friends and I feel blessed. Thank you as well for the joy and happiness you have brought to my Jai. I am first to admit that I was wary of his relationship with Bani, as I did not believe her family would ever allow such a union. I was right about that, but I underestimated the power of love and their desire to be together. Bani has always been the one bright star in that family and I love her dearly. I have always thought of her as a daughter and in a month's time, she truly will be in every sense."
Masi is so sweet.
Tears filled Mausi's eyes as she fought to get the next words out.
"And thank you for looking out for my sister and jiju and my Ronit I have faith they are safe out there somewhere under your watchful eye."
Mausi bowed her head and prayed silently. Bani glanced at Jai, tears in her eyes. Jai just smiled at her and mouthed the words "I love you."
"Thank you god for brining so much joy in our family. Thank you for making Adi and Jai what they are today. Thank you for giving me three wonderful grandchildren. Well I guess I should also thank Jiggy here as well…yes so thank you god." Daadi began as the table full of people grinned at her last statement, which of course got her dirty looks from Jigayasa. "Thank you for all the wonderful movies that Bollywood produces every year. Please don't let anything happen to my Amitabh Bachchan, keep him healthy all the time!" Everyone laughed as Daadi finished and looked towards her right to Adi who was next. Dadi is funny every where. Poor thing even had to include Jigs. I agree nothing better happen to Big B
"Thank you god for giving me a wonderful family. For a wonderful friend who has finally found his soul mate. Thank you for finally giving him some sense and bring Bani into our life. Thank you for giving me three wonderful children. Well I guess I should also thank my wife since I'm getting glares from her. So yes god, thank you for brining Jigayasa into my life even if it was to make my life a living hell" he said, smiling at Jigayasa on his right. Poor Adi I agree better thank god for Jigs or she will eat you instead of the food.
"Thank you for everything god. Exactly why are we doing this, again?." Jigayasa asked as she said her "thanks". Never fails what a snob.
Anu's turn was next. She closed her eyes as she began "Thank you god for everything you have given me in life. Thank you mamaji for all the wonderful credit cards, and thanks to all those designers for making wonderful clothed and accessories. And yes, right now I'm probably getting dirty looks from my family for talking about shopping but seriously; I had to thank my mamaji for the cards. He's the best. On a serious note, thank you for bringing Bani di into our life. Now I've got an older sister/mami I always wanted. She's brought so much joy into my cuddles life. I'm very happy for both of them. Thank you to Bani di for coming into our lives because, because of her my khadoos mamaji has melted, no offense mamaji, I do love you! And let Harsh be a permanent part of my life. Thank for brining him into my life and thank you for all the happiness you've given me. And now I'm going to open my eyes to see who would like to shoot me first, mom or dad!" Oh that was so funny. I don't know about everyone else, but we know jai and Bani got a good laugh out of this.
Everyone was shooting her dirty looks except Jai and Bani. They couldn't stop laughing. Jai shook his head. Anu will always be Anu.
They went around the table until it was little Aarav's turn to say his thank. He couldn't wait as this was his first time with a full family.
"Thank you god for giving me the best mommy and daddy in the world. Mommy because she always yells at daddy for being mean to me and daddy because he gives me ice-cream and chocolate to eat when mommy isn't looking. Thank you for making them fight, because every time they make up, daddy brings me to the ice-cream parlor to eat our favorite ice-cream when mommy is sleeping. I'm just kidding!!! I love my mommy and daddy and I hope next year I can thank them for a little brother or a sister. Please god give me a brother as I don't like girls. I mean…wait…I like mommy…she's a girl. So yeah…a brother would be better. Thank you god…now I want some food…I'm hungry" Aarav said as he opened his eyes to look at his mother giving his father glares. OMG Jaan that was too funny. I was totally laughing. This kid is so cute, but then all kids are so cute.
"I swear Yuks, I didn't give him any ice-cream or chocolate. He's kidding. Tum baache ki baat kaise maan sakti ho?" Aarav heard his father trying to pacify his mother when she gasped at what she heard out of Aarav's mouth. You have some explaining to doo.
"Baache saache hote hain Tarun. Wait till we get home." Yukti said before she turned her attention to Bani and said "Don't listen to these men. I hope Jai turns out to be better than this one here." Don't scare Bani yaar. they just got on the right track.
"Wait…daddy…does this mean, some more ice-cream tonight?" Aarav asked innocently. Oh this kid is too funny.
"Aarav yaar kyun marwana chahte ho? Pehle hi teri wajah se yeh haal ho raha hai mera." Tarun said trying to emotional. LOL
"But daddy….you said when mom is having one of her temper problems, and doesn't listen to you, we can just give her a chill pill while she sleeps" Aarav continued. Tarun looked horrified as everyone roared in laughter. Oh sweetheart you better stop before your mom murders your dad today.
"Aarav, daddy ne hor kya kaha tha?" Yukti asked glaring at Tarun.Better run while you can yaar.
"Kuch nahi kaha tha. I think it's time we moved on to someone else saying a prayer. Jai yaar kuch kar…meri madat kar yaar!" Tarun said as he tried to pacify Yukti.
Everyone laughed as they went on. Bani watched each person as they said their thanks and soon it was her turn. She took a deep breath and began.
"Thank you God for bringing me back to Mumbai. Though I am not close to my family, I do cherish the relationship I have with my brother Haarsh. After all, he was the one who had the foresight to convince me to buy a computer." Thank you god for letting me read Anam's ff through my computer. Oh I thought it was my turn now. oops😆 I guess I better wait my turn.
Small smiles could be seen playing on the lips of most of the group gathered at Mausi's table.
"I know this may seem silly, but I truly believe there was some divine intervention that allowed me to meet Jai online before I returned home. He was an inspiration to me; he helped me through some very dark times and wanted nothing in return. Meeting Jai was the best thing that ever happened to me. He's shown me what real love is all about. He loves me for the person who I am, not for the person most of the world believes me to be. Thank you for this wonderful family I am about to marry into. They have opened their home and their hearts to me, which is more than I could ever have hoped for. And thank you for my friends, old ones who have helped me through tough times and new ones who accept me for who I am. Thank you for giving me a little sister like Anu and two brothers like Sahil and Ranveer. Thank you for giving me the family I never had."You are going to make me cry. Now stop that.
Jai looked at Bani, his eyes reflecting the love he held for her in his heart.
"Thank you god for bringing us all together today. Thank you for bringing Bani into my life. I'd almost given up on the idea that I would find the perfect woman, but she is sitting here right next to me now. Thanks to my own stubbornness and pigheadedness, I almost missed her, so I am grateful for my friends and family that showed me what a fool I was. And I was that, a fool. Bani is the most wonderful woman in the world and I will thank God everyday for the rest of my life for bringing her to me. Thank you for giving me a little niece like Anu who I love to spoil. Thank you for brining Haarsh into her life, giving her happiness that she deserves. Thank you to my two nephews for everything they do for me and thank you for brining Rano and Raashi into their lives. Thank you for everything!"These two are great with words, must be all the experience from being online all the time.
Bani felt tears about to fall. She looked at Jai, her eyes shining with love and devotion. She squeezed his hand as they listened to the rest of the table say their prayer of thanks.
When the prayer was finished, someone shouted "Let's eat" and the table erupted into multiple conversations as everyone headed for the buffet table to serve themselves the best homemade food in town.
Time to eat, I am seriously so hungry right now.
To be continued…when
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Hope you guys liked it. Tried to do my best with the thanksgiving episode as I don't celebrate but have been over to friends' house who celebrate.
You did a wonderful job Jaan.
Look forward to reading your comments!
Anam
First of all sorry I haven't made any comments on the last couple. But I took out time now to do so.
That was great. Loved the dinner. Dadi, Adi and Aarav was funny and cute. Jigs was Jigs no comment there. Bani, Jai and Masi were emotional. Oh I almost forgot Anu very cute.
So what's up with Anju and Rishabh. What is the deal there. why is he not coming out and being honest with her.
I hope he decides to tell her and trust her. It would be so nice.
So she is IN love with him. That is going to be interesting. Is he ready for a relationship like she is.
Ok, gotta go now. Looking forward to the next update. I even updated today.
Lots of Love Jaan
Arjun
