VOTE for best KS fan-fic:LAST DATE OCT 30 - Page 2

Unique Number 8

NO TITLE

"What a grand thing, to be loved!
What a grander thing still, to love!"

- Victor Hugo -

Chapter 1

Pia stared at the two glasses of gin and tonic on the table before her. She glanced at the clock on the wall for the umpteenth time and sighed loudly. She knew he would not come but she would wait some more to be sure. She wrapped the light shawl tightly around her bare shoulders; the December chills in Mumbai had made the air quite cold.

He would love to sip the gin in this weather- she thought- and she would put on his favourite music. They could both stand by the window and watch the Mumbai traffic go by.

She turned her attention to the ribbon – wrapped gift that stood on the table beside the glasses. He had called her in the morning to wish her and had told him that the gift was on its way. "I will open it only when you come home," she had told him. "Don't be silly Pia," had been his retort. "You have to come," she had said as she bit her lip and tried hard to fight the tears and then she had banged down the phone quite abruptly.

As the clock in the hallway began to chime, Pia sat up with a start in her chair, scared. It was already 11 and still no sight of him. The eerie silence of the night mocked at her. "Oh Pia…what a fool you have been," she thought aloud and then she covered her face with her palms and sobbed away.

The cry did her good. She was calmer now. She looked at the birthday cake and the untouched dinner which had taken so much effort to prepare. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. The smudged mascara made her face look even paler.

"Happy Birthday to you …Happy Birthday to you", she sang softly as her voice quivered a bit. She dug the knife deep into the softness of the Black Forrest cake, his favourite, and a mysterious gleam appeared in her eyes.

Chapter 2

About a mile away Jai Walia was in his study trying to read through an office report for a meeting the next day. The soft shuffling of footsteps, the tinkling of anklets and a whiff of a soft fragrance in the air distracted him for a minute. He knew it was his newly wed wife walking past the study on the way to their bedroom. A slight smile played on his lips as he thought of Bani, the woman whom he had been forced to marry and the woman with whom he was madly in love now.

The soft fragrance still lingered in the air and was making him go crazy. He could hardly read the words on the paper before him. He shut the file and walked towards his bedroom. Bani blushed coyly when he saw him enter the room. She recognized the look in his eyes and could feel her cheeks burning. Jai advanced towards her tried to hug her when she naughtily ducked and ran into the bathroom giggling like a teenager. She shut the door and leaned against it to catch her breath. She knew Jai was on the other side and waited for his next move. The minutes ticked by and she was a little confused – had her silly act made him upset and go away. She opened the door to check, when Jai suddenly emerged from somewhere and whisked her off the floor.

They were on the bed the next minute kissing passionately.

"If this is married life," Jai mused as he caressed Bani's tresses spread over the pillow, "this is as good as it gets".

Chapter 3

Jai drove at a furious pace towards the hospital that Tony had mentioned. Beads of perspiration appeared on his brow even on that cold winter night. The time he had spent with Pia flashed before his eyes. He had first spotted her in the reception of his office where she was arguing with a manager about the misunderstanding of the date for an interview. Dressed in a black suit that made her look even slimmer than she was and standing tall in her high stilettos, she had looked stunningly beautiful. Her large kohl lined eyes and her soft brown hair falling in waves over her shoulder made it difficult for anyone to ignore her. She clutched a file in her hands tightly while she tried to reason with the manager. Jai had intervened and asked the manager what the problem was.

She was there for the interview of the events manager position and the interviews were already over the day before, the manager explained.

"I was sent an email asking to come today," she had said angrily. "I have a copy here," she said, as she struggled with the file in her hand. The argument had made her nervous and she had dropped the file on the floor sending the papers flying in all directions. They had both bent down at the same moment to gather the papers and had bumped their heads. A spontaneous laughter had followed and the ice had melted.

Pia had got the job and Jai had acquired another girlfriend, one of the many in the long list of his flings. But Pia had been different. She was lively and vivacious. She never had seemed to be in awe of the mighty business tycoon. She was never afraid to speak her mind out. He remembered one incident in particular when she had mocked him for being old and dowdy and had dragged him to the fanciest store in town and spent half a day shopping for his new wardrobe.

It was hard to imagine that she had resorted to such a desperate step. An overdose of sleeping pills, that's what Tony had told him. He parked the car in the first available parking spot and rushed to the hospital reception.

"Please check again," he urged the receptionist. "It's Pia, P I A," he spelt out the letters for her. That's when Pia emerged from behind the pillar laughing uncontrollably. She looked gorgeous in a blue off-shoulder dress but her eyes were swollen as if she had been crying. "I told you, I wouldn't celebrate my birthday without you," she said in a voice that didn't quite seem her own.

Chapter 4

Pia poured him another drink while he protested. "I have to go back Pia. Please understand."

"Just a couple of hours, that's all I am asking. "I am flying out the day after," she continued quietly. "It's all settled. I will stay with my friend initially and then I will look out for my own place."

"You will like London," said Jai, for that was all he could think of saying. He really did not know how to react to the news.

"I am sure I will," said Pia sadly.

"You are sounding different," Jai said. "You have changed."

"May be I am falling in love," she said with an expressionless face as she refilled his glass. This time he didn't protest.

"Love?" Jai could not hide the alarm in his voice. He remembered the night two months ago. They had been drinking in a pub. Jai had been upset with the deteriorating health of his mother. Even more upsetting was her insistence on seeing him married. Jai had driven Pia to her house and she had invited him in for a night cap. He had not been able to resist the offer. He sat there and had talked to Pia about his love for his mother and how it was hard for him to say no to her for anything. He had been in an emotionally vulnerable state and Pia had provided him the comfort he wanted. One thing had led to another and they had ended up spending the night together.

They had never discussed it after that. Pia had made it very clear right in the beginning of their relationship that she did not believe in marriage. She valued her independence and a relationship for her was just a fulfilment of her need for companionship. That had suited Jai just fine as he too was not a believer in the institution of marriage…. But that was before Bani came into his life.

"I think I'll make a move," Jai gathered his jacket from the couch and moved towards the door. "Wait," she said. She looked a little hesitant. Then suddenly she seemed to have changed her mind about something. She lifted an empty bottle of sleeping pills and dangled it playfully before him. "The red herring", she winked. "Take it with you, it's your return gift", she laughed. Then she hugged him. She clung to him a little longer than usual as if she did not want to let go. She waved him goodbye and stood at the door even after he was long gone.

Chapter 5

Jai walked briskly along the gurney in which they were wheeling Bani into the OT. His heart ached when he saw the woman he loved in so much pain. She tried to keep up a brave front but the tears flowing from her eyes betrayed her pain and anxiety. She looked so frail and helpless as they took her in. Jai could not believe that he was on the verge of losing his unborn baby, the symbol of Bani and his love … the dream of his late mother who died before she could see him. He hoped against hope that a miracle would save the baby but nothing could have prepared him for the shock he was about to receive. The doctor had emerged from the OT after what seemed eternity only to announce that Bani had miscarried. But the worse was still to come…Jai felt like he was sinking into a dark deep hole when the doctor informed him that his wife had also had to undergo a hysterectomy and that meant that she could never conceive again.

Jai remembered the wonderful times he had spent with Bani the few months that they had been married. He remembered her as the meek little bride who had entered his life by his mother's choice. She was the daughter of a very dear friend of her mother. She was a simpleton and Jai had found her rustic ways quite amusing. She had struggled to choose the right spoons for the right course when she sat with him on the dinner table. She was amazed when she was told that different drinks need to be served in different glasses when he had people over. But he also saw how she could be perfectly in control when she was in the kitchen and could whip up a simple but delicious hot meal in a matter of minutes. She was devoted to his ailing mother and would go out of her way to make the older woman comfortable.

And she was beautiful…. Jai had been surrounded by beautiful women always, but Bani's beauty had an ethereal quality about it. It didn't excite him; it gave him a sense of peace. The goodness of her heart was reflected in her eyes and that made them the most beautiful thing in the world for him. It was hard for the world to believe how marriage had tamed the wild Casanova in a matter of months. He had turned to Bani totally when he lost his mother. Bani, though shattered herself by the loss, had been his pillar of strength. She had held him while he sobbed like a baby as he came to terms with his grief.

Chapter 6

Jai was planning to work the night as he had to catch up with the piled up work at office. He chose to do it in the bedroom so that he could be with Bani. She had cried herself to sleep again. A hint of moisture could still be seen at the corners of her eyes. His heart went out to her as he tried unsuccessfully to distract himself by concentrating on the papers he was holding. The rude vibration of his cell phone broke his reverie. It was an international call.

"Mr. Walia," enquired the stranger. "This is Raghav Mehta…Pia's friend…I am calling from London. I am sorry but I have some rather bad news. Pia…she's no more…it was a car accident…she was due for her delivery next month…" the stranger was crying now…"she wanted you to know…the baby was yours….."

"The baby is no more….I am sorry she cannot conceive again…it was yours….it was a car accident……." The voices were ringing in Jai's ears….

"I think I am falling in love…" he remembered the sadness in her voice….he remembered her standing in the doorway waving him goodbye…. The woman who loved him and then he looked at the face of his wife sleeping innocently…the woman he loved….

"Would he ever be able to share this loss with her?" he wondered….The voices ringing in his ears would never go away…and he knew that a child's laughter would haunt him for the rest of his life.
......

Unique Number 9

NO TITLE

"Wwwwhhhh" whistled the cool night's December wind as it jovially played with the beautiful girl's dark curls. The gust send a chill down her spine but she made no attempt at drawing her shawl tighter over her petite figure... it didn't matter anymore, nothing did. She sat down on a vacant bench with no one appearing as far as sight could go. Oddly as it seemed, the whole of Mumbai appeared to be asleep. This is how it was going to be from now on anyways... she had learned to befriend her old companion... loneliness.

"Kya hua beti?" came a cracked, time-tested voice. The girl looked up to see an old lady, all bundled up, leaning on a stick and hanging her head. The girl said nothing... the old woman sat herself down next to her. "Kahan ja rahi ho beta?" This time, the girl managed to mumble, "Mount Abu" The old lady relaxed herself further in her seat. "Tumhara saaman nahin dikh raha?... kher koi nahin, shayad apne mehkay ja rahi ho na? Wahan pe rakha hoga na?" The girl looked up at her surprised. "Aap ko kaise pata mein shaadi-shuda hoon?" The old lady let out a little chuckle. "Tum aaj kal ki larkiyan bhi na. Jab mein tumhari umar ki teeh na, to mujhe apna manglasutra aur sindoor dono pehnay parte teh, varna meri saansooma mujhse poochti..." The lady let out a deep cough and then let out a deep old sigh. Her aged eyes looked beyond anything the girl could.. a silence passed through them and then the lady spoke again. ".. par hum toh khud ke liye ye sab pehnte teh. Humara suhaag hi humare liye sab kuch tah..." Her voice faded out once again as she searched her memory.. fought for a look at her beloved passed husband. She then looked over at the engrossed girl. "Manglasutra toh tumne utaar liye, lekin tumhari maang toh abhi bhi bhari hui hai... aur ye haath mein kya pakre hui ho?" It dawned on the girl as she looked at her distorted image in the broken glass of a mirror, randomly hung by the PCO at a slight distance from her. She brought her hand slowly to her head and felt it... As she brought her hand down, she looked at her red-smeared hand... and then the other, which held her most prized possession.. the black beads of her manglasutra, the remanents of her life... an aged sorrow burdened her little heart.

The old lady had been observing the girl all along. Then she spoke again. "Issay chahe jitna paunchlo, ab nahin mitne wala... Ek baar usne bhardiya, samjho ke saath janam uske huay.." The girl's face revealed a lost expression, a deep wound had been touched... another moment of silence swept away... The old lady stared straight ahead, "Itna pyar karti ho, toh chod kar kyun ja rahi ho?" .. the girl was completely startled and looked at the old lady in disbelief. The lady didn't look over but sensed the girl's reaction and let a smile appear on her wrinkled face. "Jab mein tumhari umar ki teeh na, mein bhi apne pati se ek din bahut gussa hui, aur bilkul tumhari jaise aake railway station par beth gayee. Conductor ne poocha ke kahan jaana hai, aur mere paas jawab hi nahin tah... Aisa nahin ke mere maike mein koi nahin tah, par... meinay apni zindagi mein jhaank kar dekha... aur zindagi mein sirf wohi dikhayee diye..." She let out another chuckle. "Jaanti ho, galti hum dono ki teeh... aur jab mein ghar vapas gayee toh seeriyon pe beteh mera intezaar kar rahe teh..."

The girl looked at the ground as if searching for something... What was the woman getting at? She said something, but it seemed to indicate another... a red herring? Her mind, confused as it was, went completely blank. She didn't move, it was just her yearning eyes... She sat up straight and crossed her arms across her chest. Her eyes closed and she saw him... he looked angry... and then he was smiling.. and then sad... her heart broke. She burst her eyes open, unable to bear the pain in those deep eyes of his... It dawned on her as she looked up at the gleaming moon... as she got up, the shawl left her shoulders, but the girl sensed nothing... everything had numbed. The old woman smiled to herself and shook her head as she watched the girl walk away briskly...

The man had been searching for hours... Where could she have gone? He now sat in car, parked next to a deserted road. His hand covered his sorrowed face... So long he had refused to believe it.. disregarded the fact that... she meant nothing, yet... everything to him. Flashbacks of his marriage come as he closes his anxious eyes... the forced marriage... the irrational hatred... her innocent face... it all poured in.. he opened his eyes abruptly with a lasting confidence. He was going to find her... even it took every minute to the end of his empty life...

All of a sudden the night seemed to have lightened up... the man looked up and saw a petite figure approaching him in the near distance. He didn't second guess himself... he just knew.. the car door slammed itself shut as he walked towards his destiny.... As the distance between them slimmed, the world began to shut itself out... Now she stood at an arms length away. Her beautiful face dripping with innocence... a longing it was... she sensed it in his expression. "Bani"... that was all it took... she gave up... in his protective arms and submerged in his soul.... as the same moon watched on...

****

It just had to happen now he thought as he sat in the car trying to get it to work. "Kya hua Mr.Walia?" spoke his beloved. "Pata nahin Bani... ye gaari kyun nahin chal rahi?" He looked over at her and smiled reassuringly. "Tum ruko, mein dekhta hoon" Jai got out and stood with the hood open. Jai shook his head and dialed some number on his phone... and then shook it... no connection. He walked over to her side as she rolled down the window. "Connection nahin lag raha... aur yahan pe koi dikh bhi nahin raha...ye ghari ko bhi abhi kharab hona tah." They had just been driving home from the next town after a party and were being expected at home by the evening. "Lagta hai wahan kuch hai." He pointed towards a light in the near distance. He then looked back at her lovingly and said, "Tum yahin ruko, mein bas abhi aya." Banibegan to protest, but then thought otherwise.

Bani sat in the car.. a deathly, eerie silence crept around everywhere. She rubbed her shoulders and let the goosebumps subsidize as her eyes wandered in every direction... Perhaps it was the thought of being away from him... she shuddered as the odd fear gripped her. A a loud beep jerked her back into reality as a jeep carrying some rowdy teenagers swept by.... How long had it been? "Mr. Walia abhi taq wapas kyun nahin aaye?" she thought desperately... After being away from him for so long, she did not wanted to miss a single moment of her life with him... He came walking swiftly with another man following him.

She quickly stepped out of the car and met him, holding his arm... for sake of life. He smiled at her and then introduced the other man. "Humari kismat dekho na Bani. Ye Mr.Bhonsle hai, aur inka garage yahin paas mein hai." Bani smiled and held her hands toghether in a "Namaste". The man smiled back and Jai took him over to the car...

****

"Ma'am meine kitchen mein sab dekh liya hai", interrupted Tony as Bani talked with Massi about the evening's events. Bani turned towards him, "acha teekh hai. Aap ja sakte hai." Tony nodded approvingly and quite appreciatively. The night had been amazing, but the party's organizations had taken alot of energy out of them. It was Jai and Bani's firts wedding anniversary and she had organized a surprise party for him. He was of course, pleasantly surprised at his wife's loving gesture. Now, Bani and Massi stood in the hall, ready to depart for the night's rest. Massi, "Bani beta, ab raat bahut ho chuki hai, tu ja, Jai tera intezaar kar raha hoga." Bani smiled and nodded. Massi smiled and kissed her bahu's forehead and blessed her before retiring to her room. Bani too, was tired, and yawned as she stepped into her dark room..

She figured Jai was probably asleep and thus the lights were out. Careful not to awaken him, she restrained from putting the light on. All of a sudden, the door shut behind her and then a light went on.... It was Jai. He was standing infront of a minature table, layden with beautiful red and white ribbons and a deep red table cloth, matching her sari. On top of the table sat two glasses, filled with what looked like some gin and tonic (as indicated by the bottles sitting on the side table nearby) and a sweet little cake expressing a "I love you Bani" in beautiful bold red letters. The candles which he now lit, added another element to the romantic evening. She was suprised, but very pleasantly. So much was her excitement that the previous tiredness drained away, leaving a new refreshed state of mind. "Mr. Wa..lia.. ye sab?.." He came up from behind her and bringing his arm around her shoulder, he silenced her with his finger in front of her lips. He took her by the waist and brought her to the table and together they blew out the single candle on the heart-shaped, chocolate cake... As they did, he hugged her from behind and a coyness swept over her as he burried his face in her neck. He then took her hand and they cut a piece of the cake together and he picked it up feeding her, and she then forwarded it to his readily expectant mouth. This is as good as it gets they both thought as the sweetness of the cake filled their mouthes and their love for each other came full bloom.

And then he let go of her and pulled out a little ribbon-wrapped gift box. In the moment, Bani could have wished for no more than his mere presence... "Iski kya zaroorat tee.." Jai brought his left index finger over her lips once more and said in his sweet, husky voice, "Bani, mujhe nahin maloom ke mein tumhe kabhi koi aisa taufa deh sakoonga jo tumhare kabil ho... lekin phir bhi, mein ye chota sa gift khaas tumhare liye le kar aya hoon.. Please?" How could she refuse after that? His deep, eyes burned through her. She took the box from him and slowly, very carefully unravelled it only to pull out a pair of bronzish coloured anklets (jhanjhar). As she held them out, her heart threatened to leap out... The letters J and B dangled with little diamonds embedded in them. Jai smiled at her happiness... his happiness... He took her over to the bed and sat her down. Slowly and delicately, he took one of her feet and tied an anklet around it. Bani, "mujhe inti khushi mat dijiye, ke mein saans hi na le paoon" Jai instantly covers her mouth with his left hand. "Mein tumhe zindagi ki har khushi dena chahta hoon Bani.. issay pehle toh meinay tumhe kaanton ke ilava kuch nahin diya, lekin ab... ab mein un kaanton ko nikal ke, sirf phoolon ke patte tumhare kadmon mein daalna chahta hoon." Bani smiled as Jai took her little hand and kissed it. He got up and went to the side table... as he came over he offered her his hand and she took it... and they danced away... "Resham si hai ye hawayien sanam, aao zara paas aayen sanam... jaage, jaage armaan hai, jaage jaage hum.. ohhohh..." He lowered his head and it touched hers and both closed their eyes... Her arms around his shoulders, his around her waist... They then both looked up, into each other's passionate eyes... who needed alcohol when one look into such eyes could take your senses away... Her eyes lowered as he slowly brought his face closer to his... the touch of his lips on hers... it sent a warm shiver down her spine... as if a long embedded hunger was being satisfied after decades of awaiting... as if time had just stopped in that moment... that moment of thier supreme truth... undeniable... unextinguishable...love....

****

"Krishhh..." called a Bani. She had been chasing after the little boy for ten minutes now with a glass of milk. He ran into a room and she cornered him by the bed. "Pakar liya!!" she bellowed as she held him by the shoulders. "Ab aap pehle doodh peeoge, aur phir kheloge, samjhe?" She held out the glass with one hand and held onto him with the other. The cute little boy shook his head. Bani rose her voice trying to sound a little stern, but the boy was firm. He was stubborn.. just like his father. "Dhoond..o..." He blabbered. She knew it. "Acha teekh hai, lekin uskay baad aapko doodh peena parega teekh hai?" The boy gave a sweet, myschevious smile and nodded his head. Bani got up and took a hankerchief and tied it around her eyes. The little boy ran around with utmost excitement. "Krisshh... Krishna beta?.." called Bani as she stretched her arms to find her little boy. She heard a child's laughter coming from behind her and turned... only to bump into someone. She felt the person and took off her blindfold only to see Jai. "Aapne Krish ko dekha?" Jai shook his head. Bani looked on confused and then she saw a his little head peep up from behind Jai's leg. Bani, "mere chote shetaan.. tehar tu.." Krish and Bani ran around in circles around Jai as he looked on amused, satisfied, contented... the happiness of his life surrounding him...knowing no bounds. He picks the little boy up and embraces Bani with his other arm. She smiles with her head resting on his chest and Krish puts his little arm around Bani.. "Pa.. ma..ma.. pa..kar liye!!" And they're laughing faces fade out slowly.....

....

Unique Number 10

What a day today it has turned out to be, she never thought that in all these years, (to be specific six years) that she would see him again, ever. It was a very big shock to her system to see him like that after such along time. Her heart had stopped beating and it seemed like time had stopped completely. In her wildest dreams she never though that she would ever encounter him again and today of all days the day they got divorced. What was he doing here off all the places in the world. This was the last place on earth that she expected to see him. It took her six years to build her life again from scratch, to forget every pain and hurt caused and get on with life, but life had to throw in a curve ball

It hurt to see him again; it brought back all those painful memories caused by two people that she loved most in the world, her husband and her sister Pia. She had to get away from here and fast before Jai or someone related to him saw her. Just the thought of meeting him again scared her out of her wits. God hope it was just a figment of my imagination and nothing at all. And she leaves the place without looking back.

It's a wonderful place so serene and beautiful, with greenery till your eyes could see. It was very peaceful and tranquil then the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. No pollution, no skyscrapers and no traffic at all. There were hardly any cars here at all. It was quite cold here, not like the December chills in Mumbai at all.

His beast friend Tarun had recommended this place to him, to build a spa & resort here. Have to give it to Tarun; this place was too good to be true. It was like a small paradise or a piece of heaven on earth, of what ever he had got to see till now. This place reminded him so much of Bani, she was just as beautiful and there was such serenity surrounding her, that one felt at peace and comfortable around her. What a mess his life turned out to be, and he had no one to blame for the whole cruel fiasco that life had dealt him except for himself. He ruined all of their life with his messed up and confused mind. Why couldn't he have seen, that when God gave him Bani, that was what he really need and wanted. She was the true love of his life, but he had to destroy everything that they had and shared with his pig-headedness. God he missed her, and prayed everyday of his life since he realized his mistakes that she was happy where ever she was.

Jai had bought a beautiful house here that was for sale as the owner was moving to Australia, as his son and daughter-in-law were there and wanted him to be with them. He fell in love with it on site and thus bought it the same day. He already made plans on what changes he would make to it and had gotten in touch with a competent architect already.

Three moths later...

Jai was back, and had brought along massi and Tony the butler with him. Tony to see to the house and their need and massi because she needed a well deserved break. The architect had done a wonderful job. The entrance to the house was a same foyer with a glazed glass roof top, letting the sunlight through, this led into a big hall and to the left was the dining room to which attached was the huge kitchen. The dinning room was separated from the hall by glass paneled wooden sliding doors. On the right were a complete set of French widows from floor to ceiling looking out to a beautifully maintained flower garden which was in full bloom as it was spring. It was such a breath taking view. On the far let were the curving stairs, that led to the upper floor of the house. There was a huge space in the center with a beautiful family seating area. To the left was a huge balcony from which you could see the house main entrance. In the front was an arch that led to a set of rooms. On the far right was another arch leading to another set of room which consisted of a master bedroom complete with attached dressing room and a big master bathroom with the works. Another door was a study with a connecting door in the master bedroom. There were French windows just like below here too leading on to a beautiful balcony, the view was of the garden below and the mountains in the distance. There were two other bedrooms as well opposite to the master bedroom. All together there were six bedrooms on this floor. The third floor was completely empty and except for the store room in one corner. The ceiling was slanted as the all the houses in the area had slanted clay thatched roofs. This helped keep houses warm in the winters and cool in the summers. But he had gotten the whole house centrally hooked up to an A/C, as well as a heater.

The furnishing in the house was also done tastefully. He loved it. The architect old him he hired a local person to do the interiors. The person had really done a wonderful job. Massi was very impressed as well, and so was Tony by the looks of him. It seems that the servant quarters were spacious and done beautifully. Massi "Jai beta, I would really love to meet the person who has helped with all the furnishing and everything. Its juts to beautiful for words, this house has been made into a home because of its beautiful and aesthetically pleasing furnishers." Jai, "Yes, massi was thinking the same thing, will definitely invite who ever did the interiors over for dinner and thus we can thank him or her self. What do you say?". "It's a wonderful idea munna" replied massi. While they were talking, Tony butler interrupting there conversation said, "Excuse me Sir, but there is a Mr. Desai who has come to meet you, should I tell him to call later or …" "No" Jai replied, "Tony, tell him I be with him in a minute. You have seated him in the hall?". "Yes Sir", and left the room. "Mr. Desai is the architect that has done a wonderful job on restoring this house massi. Would you, like to rest before dinner or meet him?". "I would love to meet him too munna, I'll go to rest after dinner."

On entering the hall, Mr. Walia introduced his massi to Mr.Desai and they both praised his work and asked about the interior decorator. Mr. Desai, "She is a local lady whom I hired on such a shot notice. It wasn't feasible to get anyone from the city on such short notice so I hired her. Hope there is nothing wrong." "No, no nothing is wrong; in fact we are very pleased with the job that she has done that we would love to meet her. Would it be possible?" asked Jai. "I can't say anything on her behalf but she owns a small shop in town, known as "Heart & Soul", and she also teaches in school. You could go to her shop and meet her for yourself. I hope everything else was to your satisfaction" "Yes everything is just wonderful" replied Jai. "Oh…., so careless of me what would you care to drink? Brandy, Cognac etc", asked Jai. "I would love a Gin and tonic if it's alright" replied Mr. Desai. "Tony could you get two glasses of gin and tonic for us and orange juice for massi". They talked for a little while more and then Mr. Desai left. Jai and massi had a quite dinner and went to bed early as they were tired after their long journey.

The next day….

It was a beautiful Saturday morning and Jai got up early and decide to go for a walk. While he was walking he decided to look for the shop that Mr. Desai mentioned, that the interior decorator owned. Now what was the name…..ah… yes "Heart & Soul", lovely name, he thought to himself and started walking towards town. On reaching town he asked someone for direction to the shop and found it quiet easily. It was as a small quaint little shop with beautiful antique and contemporary show pieces beautifully displayed in the outside shop window. He entered the shop and on opening the door the wind chime hanging from the door made a sound. He looked around and saw that no one was in. Weird, the shop was open but there was no one at the counter. He called out "Anyone here", no reply. He was about to leave the shop when he heard a child's laughter and banged into someone at the same time. He caught hold of the person and was going to apologize when he looked up and got the shock of his life. It was his Bani, his darling Bani, his one and only true love, the one he hurt badly and let go off. He couldn't believe his luck, it was Bani.

Bani ran into her shop followed by too little devils though there were angels most of the time. When she opened the shop door she ran straight into a solid wall it seemed. She was thrown off balance but was caught by a pair oh huge hands. She looked up to thank the person and time stopped and so did her breathing. It was Jai, no screamed her brain, it can't be him I am definitely dreaming, this has got to be a nightmare. It seemed like they kept staring at each other for hors but if must have been a minute so because soon the little angels who were following her started shouting "Mummy, mummy", this brought both Jai and Bani back to earth and their senses.

Jai let go of Bani, he was stunned to say the least and to her too lovely kids call her mummy, made Jai realize that Bani was maybe, happily married and with kids. That was one more shock for his system.

Bani moved away from Jai's grip and looked at her kids. She told them to go out; "I'll be with you both in a while, why don't you both go outside and play with your friends". The children looked at her and said, "Okay", looked at the man standing next to their mom, said "Hello", and left the shop. They left, both Jai and Bani, alone with hundred of questions, feelings, thoughts and an eerie silence between them.

"It's good to see you Bani". "What are you doing here, Jai", both of them blurted the question at the same time. Bani moved far away from him as possible. Keeping her distance from Jai helped keep her nerves in control. She was shaking internally. She needed to sit but not right now. Jai couldn't stop looking at Bani; she really was more beautiful then ever before. She seemed different somehow. He couldn't put a finger to it. Yes…she, her face showed contentment. Then why was it killing him to know that she was happily married and a mother of two beautiful kids.

Bani repeated her question again, "What are you doing here Jai?" Jai replied, "I am here to meet the owner of the shop", Bani replied, "I am the owner of the shop, what do you want from me". Jai said, "I bought the house on the hill, the one that was owned by Mr. Sharma, the one you decorated". Bani replied, "I did not know that you bought the house", she took a deep breath and continued "Does something seem to be the problem, I am sorry if you did not like the interior decoration…" Jai cut in between "No, no everything is perfect, massi and I wanted to meet the person who did such a wonderful job and wanted to thank her in person". "Massi is here, with you" Bani asked. "How is she doing? How are dadi, Aditya uncle, Rano, Sahil, Anu, Rohit and Rashi doing? After a short break, "How is Pia?"

Jai, "Massi is doing fine; everyone is fine. We need to talk. There is so much I need to tell you. Why don't you come over to the house?" Bani, cuts him off and refuses "No, I really don't think we need to talk about anything." Jai say, "Why don't you come with your family, bring along your husband and kids and meet massi at least. It will make her very happy. Bani, please don't say no because of me. Please think it over. You know where we live." Bani, replying, "I'll think about it. Can't promise anything, but do give massi my regards and love." Looking at him, directly in the eyes, she says "I would like you to leave now, please". Jai respects her wish and moves towards the door, opens the door and is about to leave, when he turns around and ask her, her children name. Without think Bani with pride replies "Their names are Krishna and Karan" and with a loving smile adds, "They are twins".

On hearing the name Krishna, Jai is shocked but says nothing says bye to the kids and walks home. Al the way he kept thinking she named her child after my mother as we always talked about naming our child. He couldn't believe that he had talked to and met Bani. So she was the owner of the shop and a teacher too. Now he understood why the house felt so warm and like home. It had Bani's personality stamped every where. He entered and was greeted by massi who was waiting fro him to have breakfast with. "Where did you go off to without telling me" "I went for a walk, and on the way decided to meet the interior decorator at her shop" replied Jai. He had a dazed look on his face still, massi inquired, "What happened there munna? You seem miles away." Jai replied "You won't believe who I met", "Who?" asked massi. "Bani, massi, I met Bani. She was the one who decorated our house". "Bani!!!!" exclaimed massi, not believing what she was hearing she asked again "Bani, munna you are not joking are you? How is she? What is she doing here? What has she been up too? Take me to her munna; I want to meet her for myself." Jai interrupting massi's bombardment of questions say, "She's fine massi, she is married and has two lovely kids. She has named her kids Krishna and Karan, Massi she named one of her kid Krishna, just like when Bani and I were expecting our first baby and I wanted her to name it Krishna." After a brief pause, "Massi she seems to be very happy and has moved on with life, so why does it hurt so much to know that", he cries out with anguish and hugs massi. "Oh…my darling munna, don't, don't do this to your self, and be happy for her, that she has found happiness at last. We could never do the right thing by her. We all wronged her so many times." Looking at her munna she asks, "When can I meet her?" Jai getting control of his emotions says, "She is not ready to meet you or more specifically me yet or talk about anything yet. I have asked her over to the house with her family of course, she said she'll think about it, but hasn't made any promises as such. Let us wait and see".

At Bani's shop…

Bani couldn't seem to concentrate at all in her work. She closed the shop and called for her kids who were playing and left for home. Her children did not want to come along with her, but they did not argue and tagged along grudgingly. She smiled at their antics while walking and her thoughts kept going back to Jai and their meeting. Jai living her, at the beautiful house that she helped decorate. Oh…God why, why did you have to bring him here of all the places. Why? She thought. It felt so weird to see him again. Massi was here too. She missed massi all these years. She was like a mother to Bani. It seems it's a time to tell the truth to Jai about her kids. He has a right to know that Krishna and Karan were his children. That he is their father. Her children too had a right to know their father. But before she tells Jai the truth, she has to make sure he never takes them away from her. He could visit them when ever he comes here, or if she goes to Mumbai, but never alone. She could not let him take away the most precious and important things in her life from her ever. Stop being paranoid she told herself, get a grip on your thoughts. He may have kids of his own and would not like to be burdened with two more. Thus would not take them away from her. He had no right over them, yes he did he was their father, and even if he did not her kids deserved to know their father at least. She was revived from her thought by Krishna asking, "Mummy who was that man at the shop?" "Yes who was he? He's new isn't he" inquired Karan. "He's….." Bani could not complete the sentence. She evades the question and asked instead, "Would you love to meet him and his massi, say tomorrow?" "What's a massi?" asked both of them together. "Massi is a mothers sister, for instance my sister would be your massi. Do you understand?" "Think so" replied the kids. "Yes we would love to meet her. Where do they live?" "They live at the house that mama help decorate, you know Sharma uncles house" replied Bani. The children were excited to visit the house again and answered in the affirmative.

The next day…

Bani had already made up her mind to meet Jai and Massi, and tell them the truth about her children. Jai deserved to know the truth as much as her kids did. They were just five years old but were very intelligent, inquisitive about everything around them. They are at an age when they seem to be constantly questioning you or someone about something or another. Recently they started asking her question about their father and she couldn't seem to give them a satisfactory answer. The kids were awake, she had already given them a bath, breakfast and got them ready in their best clothes for their visit. She also got a gift for massi a statue of Lord Ganesh which she had wrapped last night. She collected the gift, the keys to her house and gathered the kids together and left for a short walk to their destination.

They walked up to the house, she stopped at the lane leading up to the house gathering courage but her kids seemed oblivious to her dilemma and ran up the drive way to the house and ran the bell. She was left with no other option but to push forward and catch up with them. The door was opened by a very familiar face, Tony the butler. Tony seemed to be surprised to see her as she was but composed himself and welcomed her in. "Hello Tony, how have you been?" Tony replied "I have been fine maam, but it's a pleasure to see you maam, if I may say so." Tony looked at her then at the children. "Yes Tony they are mine, let me introduce you to my two sons Krishna and Karan, say hello kids" "Hello said both of them in chorus" and were then shown in to the hall.

Tony went to the study and informed Mr. Walia and massi, that Bani maam was downstairs with her kids. Massi and Jai were surprised and happy with the new and immediately rushed downstairs to meet her, before she changed her mind. On entering the hall, massi rushed to Bani and Bani on seeing massi got up on her feet stepped forward to hug massi. They didn't let go of each other for a while. Both had tears in their eyes. Jai stood back and watched them both giving them space. His attention was drawn to the two kids, who he met fleetingly the last time. They were staring at there mother who seemed to be acting all weird, then they saw the same man as yesterday staring at them. They stared back lost interest and asked their mother if they could go out in the garden and play. Bani looked and them and said "Come over so that I can introduce you to massi, and also bring the ribbon wrapped gift that we brought for her." The children picked up the gift from the small table they had placed it on and gave the gift to the lady sitting with their mother. "Hello massi", they said together. Bani "Massi this is Krishna who was wearing a blue jumper and this is Karan who was wearing a green jumper. They are twins as you can see. Krishna is the eldest by five minutes." Massi gave each of them a hug and a kiss. Krishna asking his mother again, "Please can we go play in the garden?" Bani looks inquiringly at Jai who answers the kids, "Yes you may go play in the garden" He opens the French door for them and lets them go out and tell Tony to keep an eye on them at all time.

Jai: "Your husband did not come along with you?" Looking him straight in the eye, Bani replied, "I am not married, I don't have a husband." Jai is surprised and blurts out "Then the children?" Bani looking at both massi and directly at Jai reply "They are mine and yours".

The news sent shock waves through the room. Both massi and Jai were stunned by Bani's disclosure. There was pin drop silence in the room it seemed for eternity. The only sound was of them all breathing. Jai got over his shock and nearly shouted out "What? What did you just say? They are my …." stuttering "……my kids!!!" Bani cutting him off midway replies "I think, you meant our kids, not mine or yours alone! They are our, they belong to both of us!" Jai was still stunned, staggered more like it, astonished, and very, very happy and suddenly very angry with Bani. "How could you hide this from me, for so long? I had the right to know, how could, you do this??!!!" he nearly shouted at Bani. Massi came out of her dazed state and said, "My god!" she looked at both Jai and Bani, who were oblivious to everything around them except each other, she got up and said, "Both of you need to talk things through, alone." She hugs Bani and tells her not to leave without meeting her, then she goes to munna say to him quietly "Talk to her, listen to her and please don't do something that you'll regret later". Jai says "Massi, please don't go, stay", but massi says "No, it's between both of you and you need to clear things up with her", she pats his face and leaves the room, closing the door behind them.

For a second or two, both don't know what to say or where to begin from, Bani still sitting on the sofa and Jai standing and looking at her. Jai makes a move and sits next to Bani on the sofa, Bani makes a move to get up, but Jai forestalls her by catching hold of her hand. "No, Bani, we need to talk and your not moving from her until we do so".

"Why didn't you tell me about them? How could you, hide this from me all those years? You better start explaining your reason and that too from the beginning." Bani looked at him, took a deep breath and started with her story "You know the reason, why I left you, you yourself told me you loved Pia and wanted to marry her. You told me all this after we renewed our vows and I was told the truth of what happened between both of you by Pia herself, when she became pregnant with your child. I had no option then to get both of you married and leave your life completely. When I moved away and landed up here, with no where else to go, I found out that I was pregnant. I was over ecstatic and wanted to tell you, I really did, but I didn't as I thought that I would be destroying your and my sister's life together. I found work as a teacher and raised them as best as I could. All these years I wanted to write and let you know the truth but I just couldn't, it just hurt too much. I am really sorry to keep the truth from you, but I hope you understood the situation that we found ourselves in."

Jai, "Bani, the biggest mistake I ever made was hurting you with my betrayal. I was so messed up that I could not see for myself that I loved you and only you. No its true, I fell in love with you but my ego and my stupid, stupid mind made me think that I still loved your sister, when it was not so. I was going through so much at that point in time, that she was the only one to give me anchor and I faltered. You got us married thinking that Pia was carrying my child and that we slept together but later I found out it was all a lie. I never slept with her at all, she lied, she lied to both of us, I am not excusing my behaviours but she lied to both of us and to Pushkar too. It was a red herring situation created by Pia for her benefit and her benefit only.

The child she was carrying was Pushkar's. When Pushkar found about her pregnancy he claimed that the baby she was carrying, could be his child too as they slept together too. The whole situation was a nightmare. Pia, denying all the acquisition by Pushkar vehemently. Pushkar, contradicting her passionately. I just did not know who to believe. By the seventh month Pushkar got an order from the court to carry out a DNA test to verify the paternity of the child. Pia had prepared to escape the test by leaving the city, but her plans failed. The test was carried out and Pushkar turned out to be the father. I felt so lost and cheated by faith. I became angry and lashed out at Pia for her betrayal, and then she confessed to the whole truth, that we never slept together, that she loved me and regretted ever getting married to Pushkar and thus she wanted me back in her life and she lied to you because she was jealous of your status a Mrs. Jai Walia, you getting everything, the name, the status without you wanting anything and she being left with nothing, when she could have had all of this and more if she had married me and not run way and married Pushkar, thus all those lies and deceit."

"I was completely shattered. I felt so contemptible about what I had done to you, it made me realize that how much I missed you all that time, how much I yearned for you, needed you, wanted you when everything was falling around me. Pushkar filled a petition for custody of his child; I was with him and helped him win the case. A child has every right to live with his father; I really had no right what so ever over his child. In the mean time I filled for a divorce, I really could not live with Pia, after knowing the truth. We divorced amicably with me giving her alimony. That's the only thing she ever wanted from me," saying that with a shake of his head.

"She now lives in America, if she's married or not, I don't know and I don't care one bit. It's been six years. In all this time I looked for you to ask your forgiveness but you seemed to have had vanished from the face of the earth." With tears in his eyes Jai looks beseechingly at Bani who had been crying silently through out his narration and say, "I always prayed fro redemption from god and a chance to meet you and ask for your forgiveness, it seems at last god heard my prayers. Bani, could you ever forgive me for the sins that I have committed against you. Could I ever be a part of your life again?"

"Oh… god!" exclaims Bani, get up and paces about. She put arms around herself as if hugging herself. She looks out into the garden where her children were busy playing oblivious to the highly emotionally charged atmosphere in the inside. She wiped her tears away and looked at Jai. "I can't say if ….." takes a deep breath and continues "…if I can forgive you for hurting me so badly all those years back, I need time. About you being a part of my life I can't say, but I will never stop you from being a part of my ….I mean our kids' life. You are their father, they have a right to get to know you and vice versa. But about me being a part of your life again? In what, capacity? As a friend, a mother to your children, an ex-wife…."

Jai interrupt and says "As my wife, the children of my mother, as my friend, my life and my soul. Bani I am asking you to marry me, to accept me as your husband. I promise that I'll never ever break your heart again so help me god." "It's too soon for me to decide …. I need time to think things through. I need to go" "Bani….," "No not right now, I need …" looking around for her handbag, "…give me a day or two to think over what you have said". She motions for her children to come in, looks at Jai and tells him to tell massi bye on her behalf. The children come back in and announce to them that its time to leaves.

The whole night Bani tossed and turned, going over all that was said between both of them. She still couldn't come to grips with her sister's behaviour. How could Pia, destroy all of their life in such a way. She cried the whole night for all the misunderstanding, the hurt they caused each other intentionally and unintentionally, the betrayal by Jai and Pia and most damming of all her sister's big lie.

In the morning she woke up with renewed determination. First she had to tell heart and soul of her life, her kids the truth about their father. After breakfast, she made them sit with her, and told them the truth, that the man whose house they visited yesterday was their father. For a few minutes they did not say anything, suddenly Krishna asked "Mummy are you going to leave us and go back to him?" She looked at their little faces and saw the fear and uncertainty clearly in their eyes, she took their little hands in hers and looked them directly in the eyes and said, "I love you two too much, I could never ever leave you for anyone at all, but darling he is your father and loves you as much as I do and wants you both and me also to be a part of his life. What do you think of that? Wouldn't you love to have a father in your life just as your friends?" They looked at her, then at each other and nodded in the affirmative. "Would you like to meet him and get to know him better?" The children nodded again said "Okay, mummy could we go and meet him now?" She could do nothing but laugh at their innocence and the ability of a child to accept the truth so easily.

She was getting the children dressed when; the door bell rang, muttering to her-self, "Who could be at the door so early in the morning?" she pulled the door open and standing on the patio was Jai with bag full of gifts. "Hello Bani, I hope I am not disturbing you, I wanted to call before coming but did not know your phone number and so…" he trialed off. "Oh, where are my manners, please come in and make yourself comfortable". She shouted for her children, "Come down and see who has come to meet you?" both of them rushed down the flight of stairs and came to a halt next to her. They looked at Jai, who got up from his seat and moved towards them, the children took a step towards him, they looked up and said, "Mummy says you are our father and you love us and want us all to live with you?". Jai first looks at Bani and then at the children, he gets down on his hunches and stares both of then in the eyes and say, "Yes, it's true. I am your father and love you both a lot and your mother too. Can I be your father and stay with you all". The children look at him, then their mother who gives them a nod. "Yes", they said together. Hearing this one word brings tears to Jai's eyes and he gives both of then a big bear hug, promising to himself to never let go of all of them again ever.

He goes over to the sofa and gives each of his child five gifts, making up for all the birthdays that he missed. Bani look at them with love in her eye and tears of happiness. They look at her and Jai and ask if they could go open their present right now. They both nod their head in the affirmative. The children take their toys and leave them alone. Jai and Bani stare at each other feeling at loss for words and a bit awkward.

"I…" Jai say and "About…" Bani says at the same time. Bani looks at Jai and says, "About the question that you asked me yesterday, I have come to a decision." She takes a deep breath, looks at Jai and continues "I accept your marriage proposal". Jai is ecstatic on hearing her reply and goes over and hugs Bani tightly. "Are you sure, you aren't saying this because of the children?" Jai asks, "Yes I am completely sure. From the time I fell in love, it has been you and only you for me Mr. Jai Walia and no one else ever. I love you with my heart and soul, and no one could take your place ever." "Oh Bani", Jai kisses her forehead and says "I love you too. Please, please forgive me fro all the hurt that I have caused you but from this day forward till death do us apart, I solemnly swear to never ever hurt you again till death do us apart." Hearing this, Bani starts crying and Jai kisses her tears away. Their lips meet and they start kissing each other passionately, with all the pent up feeling they had submerged for so long for each other, unaware of their surrounding except for the love they shared.

Bani and Jai thinking to themselves, this was as good as it could get …nah it could only get better.

The End.

Unique Number 11

London Times

Author's Note: Hi, hope you guys enjoy this FF! This FF takes off a few days after the June 19^th episode. It is also a rendition of K3G.

Prologue:
Bani returned to her room, feeling queasy, and had a throbbing head ache. She felt like throwing up, and really had no idea where this sudden sickness had come from. Immediately, her mind flashed back to that night, everything flooding back, the intensity, the emotion…the love. Holding her head she wondered if it was "that" which had her in this state. Shaking off the idea, she decided to go to visit the doctor. Jai was not at home, so she took a car and left, telling Masi only that she was going out for some time, not wanting to worry her in the least.
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Jai had just returned from office, and found that Bani had left about an hour back, to go out. No one had any idea where she was or whom she was with, and she was not picking up her phone. He was really worried about Bani, since they had never properly gotten to talk of what had happened between them. He was regretting telling Bani they had committed a mistake, but he didn't know how to explain himself. As he sat in his study, phoning everyone everywhere to locate Bani, Roshni appeared in the doorway. Jai hadn't looked up so she had glided over and rest her hands on his shoulders. Infuriated, Jai had sprang up, and moved away. Then, Roshni, really pissed at this, started to bash Bani and say mean, hurtful things about her. Jai, very defiant, had started yelling back at Roshni, but he began telling her how "Yes, I did hate Bani. I didn't want her near me—"
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Bani, who was really happy, but unsure of the extent of her happiness, had rushed home as soon as possible to share her good news. She was beaming and glowing, and smiling profusely and Masi was very concerned when the girl turned up nearly 2 hours after she had said to return. Before Bani could tell anyone, she wanted to talk to Mr. Walia, get his opinion on this first. She had eagerly sprung up to his study, only to hear the beginning of his speech to Roshni. Her heart shattering on the spot, tears flooding down her eyes, she leant back on the wall outside his study, crying her heart out silently. Slowly, realizing that her suspicions were true, that Jai didn't want anything from her, he didn't even love her, she fled to their room, pulling all of her belongings out it a flurry, and blindly stuffing them in a suitcase.
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"But Roshni, times change, things happen, and then, you don't know anything anymore. All I do know, however, is that you've done nothing but try to ruin my relationship with my WIFE, and it's really pissing me off Roshni! You know you've bounded me by your threats, but I won't let you any longer. Thanks for coming here Roshni, if you hadn't I would have never realised how much feelings I hide for Bani" Jai ended emotionally, but glaring at Roshni with hatred. Fuming, Roshni had stormed off, probably headed back to her room, and Jai left too behind her, to go check and see if Bani had returned. As he walked down the corridor, he noticed a light in the opposite direction, and from the crack in the door, he saw things flying about, and heard struggling sounds. Pausing, Jai realised that was his and Bani's room. Rushing over there, he saw Bani flustered, pushing her things in a suitcase, ramming it shut, and storming out of the room.
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Blinded in tears, Bani had not seen a thing that was going on around her. Dabbing at her eyes, and pushing her fly-away hair behind her ears, she thrust herself out of their room. She hit something solid. Looking up, she saw an astonished Jai bearing down on her, quite confused at what was going on.
"Bani? Wh-where…what?" He mumbled, trying to hold her hand. The rage that had built up in Bani was ready to explo.
"Nahin Mr. Walia! Please! Let me go!" and with that, she plunged forward, pushing Jai away and thundering down the stairs. Confused, Jai followed her, trying to catch up with his speeding wife. He called out behind her, but she just stopped at the door, threatening him never to look for her, or try to contact her ever again. What they ever had is over, and he proved that today. And, answering a call that had come the same time on her cell, she said "I'm ready" and walked out of the Walia Mansion for good.
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Jai, confused, pained and hurt, turned to face the family which had gathered to see the scene. Masi stood with tears in her eyes, slowly walked forward, holding Jai's elbow. Roshni stood with that smirk on her face, Jigyasa was beaming, Aditya was confused beyond reason, Sahil, Anu and Rano all stood huddled together, wearing pained and hurt expressions, as they all knew how much Jai loved Bani, and Bani, Jai. Ranveer had that solitary expression on, which never betrayed his true feelings.
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We see many days going by, Jai troubled, crying, pining for Bani's company. Then we see him blasting Roshni, flinging her by her shoulders out of his house, ending all relations with her there and then. We see a new, large portrait of Jai and Bani now erected in Jai's study.
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We see Bani, in a car first, her head against the window, remembering all of her moments with Jai. Tears running down her eyes. Many sunrises, many sunsets, Bani and Jai in their respective places, walking around lost, confused, and paining for each other's company.




Chapter 1:
It's been nearly nine months since Bani had left Jai Walia. She still carried the name "Walia" in personal matters, but was publicly known as Bani Raichand.
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Setting:
We see a sort of sitting park. We see half of a white stone table, and a stone bench, brownish grayish floor, some westernized mall in the background. Then, "Vande Mataram" starts playing to a very fast tempo. (The same used in K3G) Then, out of now where, leaps this masculine figure, jumping off the table, some pigeons scattering from the floor. We see the side profile of an extremely handsome hunk. The man is tanned, and has a very muscular build. He's wearing blue jeans, a white shirt and a black jacket, and black shades. He's wearing a fresh sort of expression, and he's smiling broadly. Finally, he removes the shades, and, my god, those eyes!! Guess who? Jai Walia! Vande Mataram is playing in background now, as we see Jai running all through a city, some westernized shops come into view (Starbucks coffee house, dolce and gabanna, malls what not). Then, we see the Big Ben coming into view- so we're in London. Jai is seen running to everyone in the streets, a paper of some sort in his hand, and he's talking to people, and they're shaking their heads, but Jai's spirits aren't dampened.
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"Sare Jahan se acha…Hindu sitar hamara hamara…." Vande Mataram has slowed to this, and we see an elegant white room. Furniture, walls accessories, all in white. Then, we see the most gorgeous hair, and then, that face. The most appealing smile is on her face, she's looking more beautiful than ever! She's dressed in a white sari, she's wearing Sindoor in her maang, and there's a very expensive magalsutra around her neck (a very familiar one at that) The woman is Bani. We see her with a nine-month old stomach, and a pooja ki thali in her hand. She's doing prayers, and then, comes to a halt and calls "Varun! Ishaan!"
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We are now in a bedroom, with similar white decorations, but a touch more of colour and life. Then, a man (very good looking!) and a little boy, spring up from their sleep, wiping their eyes groggily.
"Yes mom!" they both yell. The older man, Varun, turns to the little boy and says "Dekho, tumhara 'mummy'! Aare, Banit to Parvati…her Pooja…6 am!" he's grumbling, but there's a loving smile on his face. The child, Ishaan, is laughing, and waddles of the bed and runs down to Bani.
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"Ahh, at last! Aao na beta! Have your breakfast!" Bani said, with a ridiculous English accent, grumbling a bit in Hindi, making Ishaan, and Varun (who was following) laugh. Bani had ridiculed England a lot over the past 9 months. She had missed her India a lot, but at last she had to do what she had to do.
"Mummy…never mind… Teekh hai, teekh hai!" said little Ishaan, with an Indian-English baby accent. He was 4. He took his little tray from his mummy and went over to the TV to sit and have breakfast.
"Morning Bani" Varun said cheerily. He gave her a quick hug, and picked up an apple. He was all ready to go to the office now, but couldn't quite fix his tie! Seeing this, chuckling slightly, Bani performed her daily ritual, tying Varun's tie for him, pinching his cheek, and forcing him to have breakfast. This morning however, as Bani tied Varun's tie for him, she was suddenly engulfed in memories, of the times she tied Mr. Walia's ties for him like this (no it never happened in KS, but in my FF it did!). Realising she was being silly, she quickly put back on a smile, and proceeded to the table to have breakfast with Varun, and Ishaan, who had now come back to the table to eat with his mum and dad.
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Jai had not lost hope. It had taken him 9 months to figure out his perplexed life, but at long last, he had now cleared all confusion. Now we see that Jai had a very beautiful picture of Bani, and he was trying tog et information on her whereabouts. He had learned, roughly two months after Bani had left, that she had gone off to London. Despite her warnings, Jai had secretly been searching for her ever since, and had finally gotten word of her location.
"Um, excuse me" Jai turned around in a flash. He saw a young girl, on average she was about Bani's age.
"Haan? Matlab…I mean, yes?" Jai said, shaking his head a bit. The girl smiled, "Saab, you're from Hindustan na?" Jai nodded, realising he was quite obvious.
"Teekh hai, I don't speak much hindi, but I overheard you over there, asking for a Bani Walia, or Bani Dixit. I think I know who you are talking about."
Jai looked at her with large hopeful eyes, he instantly pulled the picture of Bani out from his jacket pocket and handed it over. He saw a light of recognition flicker in the woman's eyes. Slowly, she looked up at him, nodding her head slowly. "I…I know her…That's Bani, Bani Walia, mere dost!" she said, a kind of happy edge in her voice. Jai could have hugged her right there and then, how bursting with excitement he was, especially so that Bani was still using the title "Walia". "Acha?! Yeh sach hai!? Um, kahan hai Bani?!" he was practically jumping up and down in eagerness.
"Wait, first I need to know who you are, and how you're related to Bani di!" said the girl, narrowing her eyes at Jai. Jai could have died with amusement, "Yes yes! I'll tell you my story, tumhara naam kyaa hai?"
"Mera naam Priyanka hai! Acha, let's go, we can talk over coffee at starbucks" she suggested. Jai nodded, and, coaxing his body to calm down, he followed a bemused Priyanka to a coffee house.

Chapter 2:
"Suniye" Varun said, looking at Bani. Bani turned her face to him, but not her eyes. She was busy beaming at little Ishaan, playing and singing a song in Hindi in the corner.
"Suniye!" He said a bit more urgently, making Bani pay full attention now.
"I have a very busy day at the office today. You know everyone wants a part of Varun Raichand!" he grins broadly, as Bani playfully punched him in the shoulders. Growing serious again, "No, seriously now. I might not return till around 7, for dinner. Take care of Ishaan today ok, and yourself too. You know, I feel guilty for leaving you alone like this."
"Varun! Tum chinta mat karo! I'll be fine! You go to work, come back, and have dinner with your son and me. Don't worry, nothing would happen!" Varun glowed, giving Bani a very affectionate smile. She returned the smile, and then got up to clear up the dishes and what not. Bani did not want any English servants around (hehe). Bemused, chuckling at Bani, Varun picked up his briefcase, pecked Ishaan good bye, and left for the office.
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"Piyanka, I don't know where to start! I- I'm Jai Walia…Bani's h-husb-band" he mumbled, besides himself with excitement and nervousness.
Priyanka smiled knowingly, but inside, she was facing some serious turmoil. 'O no! What have I done! This is the man Bani had warned us of! Hey Bhagwan! Now what?"
Jai, not realising her inner troubles, proceeded slowly, then engrossing Priyanka in the entire drama of their lives. Priyanka had tried to object to the part with the convo between Jai and Roshni but Jai cleared up that too, how Bani had only just heard his start, but not his finish. That right there, softened Priyanka's heart towards him. She realised Bani had left her home, her one happiness in this world, and had run away to a strange land, without knowing the entire truth. She made a firm decision there and then to get Jai and Bani reunited once more, especially with that baby due anytime.
As Jai ended, tears of joy and sorrow had formed in his eyes. Priyanka assured him she'd do whatever it took to reunite him with his love, and picked up her phone. Jai was hopeful it was going to be Bani, but she heard a male voice instead.
"It's very urgent, starbucks on 5^th. Now!" and she hung up.
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Bani sat playing with Ishaan. Something was feeling so strange, and it had nothing to do with her pregnancy. She rest her hands lightly on her stomach, and was soon flooded by memories of her past. Every moment spent between her and Jai came rushing back like a train, hitting her very hard. She was confused, wondering why all of a sudden her heart beat differently today. She had a tingly feeling of Jai's presence, but chided herself that it had been 9 months, and Jai had taken her words seriously, not that he had cared about her anyways. But yet still, today she just couldn't get the nagging feeling out.
"Mama? Kyaa huwa?" Ishaan asked. He had noticed his mother's unusual quietness, as she was usually very jovial while playing with him.
"Kuch nahi beta!...Kuch nahi" she said, not believing herself. There was a far-away look in her eyes. Not believing a word his mother had said, Ishaan crawled up next to her, gave her a smooch on her cheek, "Jhutie mummy!" and ran off to his room to get ready for play school. Bani watched him, shocked. How could this little one tell her feelings, read her so well?
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A silver Porsche pulls up, and we see a posh black pants suit. Then, we see Varun and the starbucks coffee shop behind him, and a street sign above it saying "5^th".

Chapter 3:
"Chalo, aao na. Ishaan, you're late! Tumhara papa will give me a good lecture if his munna reaches late for school" Bani called Ishaan from the front door. As she said this, the thoughts of masi calling Jai munna came to her, almost bringing her with tears mixed with sorrow and happiness. She wiped the tears which had welled up in her eyes as she saw Ishaan trudging towards her, arms crossed and a pout on his lips.
"Kyaa huwa beta?" Bani asked in that childish way you talk to make kids smile. Ishaan raised his eyebrows at her and mumbled, "Mummy bahut pareshant hai, vo mein, mein bilkul pareshant now!" Bani glowed, laughing, she stifled him with a big hug, and a kiss on his forehead, and picking up a protesting Ishaan, they left for his play school.
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"Raichand Saab. Aap? Yahan? Matlab, welcome!" stuttered the elderly manager of the coffee house. Varun nodded and smiled, and then headed of to where Priyanka sat. There was a broad figure of a man sitting with his back to Varun. The man seemed very fit, and wore his clothes well, he seemed like competition for Varun in London now.. Putting on his extra-confident smile, he walked over to the table, taking the seat next to Priyanka. He lost all color and composure when he saw who was seated opposite Priyanka.
"Aap?! Yahan?!" he screamed out in anger. Priyanka looked at him with large eyes, Jai, a very confused expression.
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Bani gave Ishaan over to his play school teacher, chatted a bit with her (The usual women stuff, these English folk!) then left to go back to the Raichand Mansion. It was strange, that the day she had left home and had called her good friend Varun, that he had told her straight away that she must go to London with him. She could stay with him and his son Ishaan, and take care of Ishaan as her own son, as he lacked a mother in his life, and needed one severely at his age. Bani had agreed to take care of her friend and his son, since they had both suffered recently and all, with the death of Varun's wife and Ishaan ka Maa. Varun had also heard her story, and had found out about her pregnancy for Jai Walia. She knew Varun had grown to hate Jai over these nine months, for the way he treated Bani. He had threatened to wring his neck for the way he held relationships with his ex's, hurting Bani, his wife (Jai's) so much, that Jai didn't even know he was a father! This killed Bani to think that her best friend hated her husband that much, but what could she do? She knew Jai cared zilch for her, so that's why she had decided to go to London under the pretense of the new Mrs. Raichand, even though she used her former sir name- Walia. (The need never came up where she had to publicly say her full name). Tears rolled down her cheeks as she dwelled on Jai some more. She was wondering why she was thinking of Jai this much lately. It only brought tears and sorrow…but it also brought happiness. She had no idea what was going on.
"Memsaab! Memsaab?" a shrill voice cut through her thoughts. It was her driver.
"Uh, haan Sinha?" Bani asked a bit disoriented, looking out the window.
"Mam, do you want to get your usual latte or…?" asked the driver. Bani smiled, pleased that Mr. Sinha had remembered her. As Bani looked out the window, to see how near they were to the starbucks on 5^th, she glimpsed a face…A face she had not seen in reality for 9 months! 'Whoa! What the…I'm hallucinating, dreaming Mr. Walia with my eyes open? What the hell!'
"Um…No…I- I don't feel too well. I'll just go and rest" she sighed. Mr Sinha knew Bani a little too well now. He was her regular driver, and had come to know and understand her really well. He knew something was up, the way she kept blinking and rubbing her eyes and squinting at the window at Starbucks. He pulled up into the Raichand's driveway, watched Bani enter the house safely, then picked up his staff cell to call Mr. Raichand.
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"Priyanka, Why is HE here?!" Varun said, grinding his teeth, glaring at Jai.
"What?! Yeh kyaa hai?! Varun, why are you behaving this way? This is Jai Walia, Bani—"
"Priyanka, don't you remember what Bani has told us?! How could you Pri? She trusted you more than me, but this? No, I swear, if he doesn't leave I'll- I'll—"
"Excuse me, who the hell do you think you are? Bani mere patni hoon!" Jai said, now equally angry. He stood up defiantly to face Varun.
"Nahin Mr Walia, Bani vo mere patni hoon. Nahi tumhara patni!" Varun yelled, knowing he was lying, feeling guilty for this lie. That hit Jai like a rock. He was stunned, shocked, outraged…he felt betrayed. Before Jai could say anything else, a call came on Varun's cell. Giving Jai a cold stare, he answered the phone.
"Kyaa?! Bani sab teekh to hai na?! I'm coming!" He said worriedly, urgently.
"What happened to Bani!?" Both Jai and Priyanka asked. Shaking his head at both of them, Varun stalked off from the coffee house, to go meet Bani.

Chapter 4:

"What the Hell was that Priyanka?! Who the hell was that man? Why is he claiming to be Bani's husband?! What the hell's going on?!" Jai said, fresh tears in his eyes. He was shuddering with anger and sorrow. He knew something was wrong with Bani and he couldn't be there for her.
"J-Jai" Priyanka said shakily, terrified at the sight of this side of Jai. He looked up at her, his eyes blood shot. "J-Jai, that's Varun Raichand. He's a big businessman here, owner of Raichand empire. Bani is living with him, and their son Ishaan." Oops! She said "their" son, completely forgetting it was not Bani's child. They had grown so accustomed to Bani being referred to as Ishaan's maa, that it hadn't occurred to her at the time that Jai would misunderstand. Jai gave her one of those "OMG WHAT THE HELL" expressions, and, staggering, holding his heart, he exited the coffee house.
"Omg Priyanka, what have you done?!" she scolded herself. She was terrified. What if Jai did something to himself? She raced off behind him. She saw him getting in a taxi, and heading off in the direction that Varun's car had left. She immediately understood everything. Jai was going to Bani on his own. She too called a taxi, and followed in pursuit of Jai and Varun.
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"What the hell Bani? What's going on with you?!—Ouch!!" Bani clutched her stomach in pain. Fear gripped her mind. The baby was kicking like mad at her stomach. Bani hugged her stomach, rolling on her bed.
She's in a room with light pink walls, faded curtains, everything basically in a pink theme. This was her room. She didn't share a room with Varun, because they had no relationship other than that of an elder brother and a younger sister. She shut her eyes tight in pain.
She heard a rapid knock on her door, but all she could manage to do was yell in pain. Varun flew into the room, and was by her side in an instant.
"B-Bani…Kyaa huwa?! What the hell is going on?" Bani could see the fear in his eyes. Obviously he had forget all his wife had gone through during her pregnancy! Smiling despite her pain, she said it was nothing.
"Bani, it's not nothing! Sinha saab called me after he dropped you home, what's this, you're not having your morning latte and fruit salad? (yea he had paid Starbucks to provide a fruit salad for her everytime she went to get her latte)"
"Varun! It's nothing, I just had a- a little headache" she lied. Varun held her hand, squeezing it tightly. Bani's eyes were rolling about her head, but she was still smiling bravely for him. She looked ready to faint. She excerted some pressure on Varun's very strong hands, making him yelp in pain.

"Mr. Walia?" and she fainted.
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Jai had followed Varun to his mansion in his rage. He had a right to know what was going on with his wife, if she was still his. What was this that she had a child for this man she had only known for nine months (Jai Jai Jai, if you paid any attention to your wife, you would have heard her mention Varun over and over, her being invited to her friend's gatherings…but Nooooo).
He had pushed his way through Varun's security, and followed the man into his house. He was in such a rage. Priyanka too soon turned up after Jai, and followed timidly, when she saw both Jai and Varun disappearing in the direction of Bani's room.
Jai saw Varun rush into a room, and had left the door open. Assuming this was Varun's and Bani's room. He came and stood by the door, and watched the entire conversation between Varun and Bani, tears in his eyes. He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Priyanka squeezing his shoulder to give her support. Then, when Jai turned back, he saw Bani's eyes on his, and then she fainted, saying his name. He was frikkin stunned. He was paralyzed on the spot, seeing Bani after so long, seeing her well developed stomach, hearing her say his name, it all just stunned him.

Chapter 5:
Confused as hell, Varun, shook Bani by her shoulders. The girl was out cold! Remembering Bani's last words before fainting, Varun felt guilt and anger rising inside him.
-Flashback- Varun storming about the Starbucks, seeing Jai confused hurt and angered face. Priyanka's bewildered face, Priyanka trying to explain something-
"Bani!" he called out. She didn't budge, so, standing up, he lifted Bani in his arms, and staggered back a bit. Damn, she was so heavy! But there was no one else there to help him! Spinning he made to run out of Bani's room, but froze.
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"Varun…"
"Just shut up and get the hell out!"
"Lehkin Varun, Bani!!"

"Nahin! Just get out Jai, what do you care for her?"
Jai arched his eyebrows, all his feelings rising like venom inside him. What the hell did this man know? Slowly, realising Bani's life was more important right now, Jai moved aside, allowing Varun to pass them.
Priyanka made to run after Varun, but Jai held her back.
"Priyanka, I've only known you today self, but I can tell you trust me, don't you? Listen, I have to meet Bani, right now!" Jai said feverently. Tears formed in his eyes, he was genuinely concerned about Bani and her baby (Ya, it's a bit obvious), even though it was not his child, it was attached to Bani and he cared a lot about her and her being.
"Jai, I do trust you. Please forgive Varun. He's not this type of person. But he is like Bani's best friend as well, and he cares a lot about her. He's been with her for the past 9 months, taking care of her every need, her safety, listening and taking her word as law. He's truly concerned for her, and he's just reacting to knowing half of the story. Please forgive him" Priyanka said with low eyes. Jai was clutching his heart, hearing all of this. Nodding slowly, he came to the resolution that he'd just stop running down Bani, and just clear up their confusion today and leave her alone forever. Priyanka took his hand, and helped him to move, and they called a cab and left for the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~'
"Va-varun?" It was Bani. She was rubbing the side of her head, serious tension building up. Varun snapped up, flying over to her bedside.
"Kyaa huwa Bani? How are you feeling?" He wore a pained, concerned expression on his pale handsome face.
"Mein teekh hoon, Lehkin…Varun?" she asked, a bit hesitantly.
"Kyaa hai Bani? Bolo na" He said, he would do anything right now for her. She was his best friend, and "chote behen" after all.
"Varun, Mr. Walia…I saw him, matlab… I kept seeing him everywhere today, and felt a strange sensation the entire day that he was near! And then…before I fainted, I swore I saw him again!" she cried out in frustration. Varun took a step back. He couldn't comprehend, but it was slowly dawning on him, that even after being away for 9 months, Bani still had a strong connection to Jai. She had sensed him even though they had not met, or seen each other without thinking they were dreaming. He had a watery smile on his face.
"Varun, I know I'm ridiculous, Mr. Walia doesn't care for me…But…Why did I keep feeling as if he was here, next to me?" she was paining.
-Flashback-
Jai and Bani hugging awkwardly for the picture Masi had wanted, then when she had picked out his clothes for Anu's sangeet, when Jai had saved her from almost getting burned by the deya, their many many staring moments
"Bani, this morning you were dreaming but—" Varun had started to tell Bani that she was indeed dreaming earlier today, but that when she was in the room she did indeed see him, but he heard a deep cough behind him, and smiling slowly, he moved away from in front of Bani, allowing her a clear view of the door way.
There stood a teary eyed Jai Walia. He was gripping the doorframe for support. He had heard Bani's entire speech. He knew for sure she felt something for himself. She had, after all, sensed his presence before he could even contact her. He saw Varun move away, and then- Omg, it was his goddess. The one who's picture he worshipped every morning, the one he had pined for, for 9 months. She was pale and flushed, but was shining radiantly in her white sari. His eyes roved over her body first, then he saw the mangalsutra and sindoor on her head. He was about to break down, when he found the mangalsutra strikingly familiar. His eyes on the mangalsutra only, he shakily moved forward. He reached her bedside. He sensed her presence, so close. He felt tingles up and down his hand, and jerkily held the mangalsutra in his hands. Tears spilling from his eyes, slowly, he trailed his gaze up to her mesmerizing eyes, and they froze.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bani watched Jai come forward, as if in a dream. She had dreamt of him coming to find her despite her warnings, she had dreamed and longed to see him for 9 months, and now, here he was! Her heart raced, swelling with happiness. She saw him come near her, and felt his hand on her mangalsutra. She instantly felt tears in her eyes, as she remembered the way they had got married, and when Jai had put that same mangalsutra around her. He too, was remembering this. Then, they were lost. Lost in each other's eyes, drinking in each other's sight, after nine months.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Priyanka watched from the doorway, tears in her eyes. She saw Varun move graciously away from Bani and Jai, and she pulled him lightly out of their room. Taking him by his shirt, she forced him to listen. She told him Jai's side of the story, and Varun, his eyes blazing with embarrassment, felt sick in his stomach. He vowed to help Priyanka reunite Jai and Bani. As he proceeded forward into Bani's hospital room, Priyanka yanked him back. Then she explained how she might have accidentally led Jai to believe that Bani was happily married, and was pregnant with Varun's child. To that, Varun was bewildered, shocked, gaping like a moron. He looked at his watch, and realised he was late to pick Ishaan up. He explained to Priyanka he would be back soon, he rushed from the hospital to pick Ishaan up and bring him back to the hospital.
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Chapter 6:
"Bani" Whispered Jai, breaking their thick silence.
"Mr. Walia…aap, yahan?" she said softly, looking into his eyes, finding it very hard to believe that he was really here. She didn't know how to feel right now, too much mixed emotions.
"Haan, Bani…Mein…Bani…" Jai didn't know what to say, how to say what he had to say. Bani gazed into his eyes, cringing at the sight of his tears and pain.
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"Mama!" Ishaan's voice rang out in the awkward silence. Bani's eyes shot open, and Jai moved to the side, to see an adorable little boy rushing to Bani's side. He crawled up on the bed and hugged Bani's stomach and began to cry.
"Mummy! Kyaa huwa?!" he cried, clinging to Bani. Bani gave a ghastly look, but soon began consoling the weeping kid. She watched Jai's horrified expression as Ishaan called her mummy, and when Varun ran up behind him and was at Bani's other side. Varun also wore a similar horrified expression. He just realised that now Jai would think this was also Bani's kid. Jai stepped back, gripping the sides of his head.
"Mummy, I- I knew y-you w-were not f-feeling well this m-morning! And y-you lied t-to me!!" Ishaan sobbed. Bani ruffled his hair, and paying full attention to the child, she lifted him up, and made him look at her.
"Ishaan beta, you know I would never lie to you! Mummy just fainted today, because she didn't eat!" Bani ensured the child. Ishaan nodded slightly, then eased up on Bani's stomach. He gave her stomach a doleful look, and mumbled, "Krishna Bhaiya aur Simran didi are safe right?"
Jai almost toppled over. He heard the child address Bani's stomach, and realised the child mentioned two names. The first one hit him hard. "Krishna?" he whispered. This had been the name he had promised his mother to name his first child, and now Bani, Bani was naming another man's child this. He wasn't sure how to react, angry that another man's child was carrying HIS mother's name, or happy that Bani had still remembered him and his promise to his mother. (In this FF he had shared this with her a long time ago, when they were having a heart to heart)
Bani's eyes were wide, fear gripped her soul. She was dead afraid to look at Jai. Ishaan, sensing awkwardness, looked at the faces of the adults. He was familiar with Bani's, Varun's and Priyanka's but not the new man.
"Kaun hai?" he asked innocently, looking up at Jai. Varun was standing like a dummy, so was Priyanka.
"Jai…Jai Walia, tumhara mummy ki dost" Jai lied.
Bani looked at him. She saw tears rolling down Jai's eyes. She wished she could explain everything to him. She was sure he was getting the wrong message.
Varun, finally finding his voice, "Um…Bani…I'm going out in the lounge…I think you and Mr. Walia NEEDS to talk." He held Ishaan's shoulder firmly, and Priyanka's hand, and they left before either party could protest.
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Before Bani could say anything, Jai gave her a really hurt look, and began to speak in a trembling voice.
"Not a call, not a word! Bani, why?! Why Bani?! Do you know what it was like, these nine months without you?!"
"Mr Walia, you had your Roshni madam with you, why would you miss someone like me, whom you so detested and hated"
"What the hell Bani!"
"God, Mr Walia, please! Please don't try to tell me you didn't tell Roshni that!"
"Haan Bani, I did! But, you didn't hear the following words did you?! Bani, I was telling Roshni of our past, the past she was living in. I was telling her how we started and how much we had progressed!"
"Please Mr Walia, all of your meetings with her, letting her stay in our house…" she froze, she realised she had said "our" house. Jai noticed this too, and both were silent for some time.
"Look Bani, I understand that you were upset, I had never given you a reason to believe I cared for you, but leaving the way you did, you killed not only your sisters, but me as well. Bani…"changing his mind, he firmed his tone and looking away from Bani, he said "Look, Bani. I'm not going to run you down, I can tell you've moved on. You're now happily married to Varun Raichand, you have an adorable son…and I can see you're expecting again, I came with different intentions, when I found out where you were, but now…Now, Bani, I'll just leave. I know you've moved on"
Bani was confused, hurt and wanted to slap Jai for being ignorant.
"Mr Walia…"
"No Bani"
"MR. WALIA!"
"Bani plz"
"Mr Walia!!!! I'm not married to Varun!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 7:
Bani's voice rang out over the dead silent room. Jai snapped his head towards her, and saw her standing up from the bed now.
"Wh-what?!"
"Haan Mr Walia, I'm not married to Varun—"
"Lehkin"
"No, please Mr Walia, your turn to listen. I'm not married to Varun. He's my best friend sicne forever, but you would never know. His wife died about a year ago, and when I told him everything, he told me I could come with him to England under false marriage, and I could stay and help him take care of HIS son Ishaan. Mr. Walia, we never got divorced, how could I get re-married? I waited for you to come get me, despite my warning, but you never came, so I fully believed that you didn't care" Bani's eyes were too filled with tears. Her voice broke, and she turned away from Jai.
Jai, seeping in everything she had just said, was feeling a warm sensation rising inside him, inflating like a balloon. His Bani was still HIS!!!!
"Bani, if I had known…I had no idea where you went, and then, and then you left the country under false name, I didn't know what else to do! Believe me Bani, I searched the entire of India for you."
Bani felt a smile playing on her lips, her heart warming instantly. So he was looking for her, he did care!
Jai walked over to her, turned her to face him. Just then, something hit Jai like a rock! He felt Bani's 9-month old stomach on his, and then, he looked questioningly at her.
"Bani…If…If you never had anything to do with Varun, then…who's…??"
"Yours"
"WHAT?!"
"I'm sorry Mr. Walia"
"Bani?! Mere bache?! Bani, you…you never told me anything?!!! Why Bani?!"
"I'm s-s-sorry Mr. Walia! When I had found out, I was coming to tell you, but then, I heard you talking to Roshni, and then…I lost it!"

-Flashback-
June 19^th episode---

Jai wanted to lift Bani and spin her around. He forgived her instantly for not telling him. He deserved it. But, he was overjoyed! His child?! Omg, this was everything her had ever wanted! He wiped the tears of joy which had formed in his eyes, smiling jovially at Bani.
Jai's happiness was infectious. Both Bani and Jai were smiling happily at each other. They had both mutually forgiven each other for everything. Then, then Jai did something Bani was not expecting. He titled her head back in his hands, and kissed her with roaring passion.
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Priyanka and Varun stood by the door. They witnessed everything. There, they both saw the meaning of true love. Priyanka and Varun both knew neither Jai nor Bani had ever expressed their true feelings via words, but were astonished with Jai's reactions! Both wore bright expressions, their hands over their mouths, one of Varun's hands over Ishaan's face!
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Jai pulled away, realising what he had done. He had felt Bani's passion and yearning in that kiss too, but, he waned to talk to her first! He wanted to know about his child!!(Poor guy, forgot her heard Krishna BHAIYA aur Simran DIDI)
Bani looked up at him, flustered and blushing. She hadn't expected that much passion from him, or worse yet, herself! Jai's hands were around her waist and her's were around his neck. He looked away for a bit, blushing and smirking. Bani released her hands from around his neck, but Jai didn't remove his hands, shocking her again! Jai didn't want to move his hands, he quite liked Bani next to him, and wasn't yet ready to let her go again.
Slowly, Jai lay one of his hands on Bani's stomach. As soon as his hand connected, Bani and Jai both felt two tiny kicks in quick succession! Bani looked up at him, surprised, pleased that her unborn kids already knew their dad! Jai looked at her, tears of joy in his eyes once more. Figuring she should explain, Bani pulled away from him, wiping he mouth where her lipstick had smeared a bit, and sat down on the bedside.
"Haan Jai…humara bachas!" she peeped up from her eyelashes, and found Jai sitting right beside her, one arm around her back, the other on her stomach.
"Bachas?" he asked, a bit confuddled. Bani nodded, and proceeded to explain further.
"Twins…Boy and Girl"
"What?!" Jai was jumping for joy! He was so excited! Twins?! Omg! Could this day get any better?! Bani nodded, seeing him jumping around like a kid. They looked at the door, when they heard stifled sobs. Varun and Priyanka were standing, witnessing everything. Bani burned n humiliation, being the sharp one, she assumed they had also seen their kiss, but Jai, Jai was over the moon! He ran to them, hugged Priyanka tightly, shook Varun's hand furiously, and picked Ishaan up and twirled him around the room, dancing with him.
"Ouch! Omg! My water…it broke!" Bani uttered, in a dead silent voice. Jai froze, put Ishaan back, and rushed over to Bani. His eyes were wide with fear!
"Doctor!! Doctor please, come fast! Her water broke!" screamed Priyanka and Varun, both in shrill, excited voices.
Bani started to feel her contractions coming, her breathing became laboured. Her contractions were coming huge. It was happening!!

"Bani! Bani! Omg! Bani!!!!!!" Jai was nervous, shaking, holding Bani's hand tightly, as she lay back on the bed, trying to control her contractions. He was more nervous and afraid than she was!
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Chapter 8:
"My heart goes humaadumadumdum! Mein kyaa karou? I love you! What can I say, hey hey hey! Jeena haseena!" (do u guys know that song?? Well anyways, it's playing in the background)

Bani is looking pale and tired, yet beaming radiantly. She had successfully given birth to 2 beuatiful and healthy babies! Jai was watching her take both children in her tiny hands, and bursting with Joy. He was standing by her side, squeezing her shoulder. Bani handed him both of his children, how glad was she that her husband, her real husband, the love of her life, was actually here with her, at this time! Both held their children, playing with them, kissing them, snuggling them.

"Mere beta Krishna, aur meri beti, Simran!" Jai whispered. Bani had explained how Ishaan had named the girl, and so it was important to her that the name stayed. Jai had willingly agreed, as he was quite fond of that name as well! He bent down and kissed Bani's forehead. She beamed at him, then two her 2 best friends. She lay both babies next to her on the bed, and pulled Ishaan up. Ishaan sat playing and talking with the two children. She thanked both Priyanka and Varun for everything they had ever done, and told Varun she was more than ready to go home. To this, Varun looked at a beaming Jai, who turned to Bani and said.
"Bani, today, today I would like to take you back to your real home"
Bani watched at him with round eyes! She couldn't believe it. Jai was asking her to go back home with him! She was even more elated, she nodded her head excitedly. Bursting, ecstatic she agreed without complain, Jai leant in and planted another gentle, loving kiss on her lips, full of love and care. Varun and Priyanka whistled and clapped, making Jai and Bani blush.
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"Thank you for everything you've done for me Bhaiya! I'll never be able to repay your kindness!" Bani said, tears in her eyes. She stood at the door of the place she had called home for the past 9 months. She hugged Varun tightly, squeezing the life out of him. Tears rolled down Varun's eyes, but he wiped them away, trying to laugh at her for being emotional, but failing miserably. He hugged her back gingerly, kissing her forhead! It had been a week or so now, since Jai had found Bani. They still had not shared their feelings, but Jai intended to do so as soon as he returned home.
"I'll miss you Bani! Ishaan would definitely miss you so much!" said a teary Varun. Ishaan came running towards Bani. He hugged her legs tightly, and Bani lifted him into her arms. She squeezed him tightly, kissing him, and promising him that she would see him soon. Jai, who had been standing behind Bani all the while, with both babies in his hand, raised his eyes at Bani and Varun, but received sneaky looks instead.
Bani then hugged Priyanka, thanking her for getting her reunited with her true love (she whispers this in Priyanka's ear, since she still had not admitted to Jai!!) and hugging her tightly. Priyanka told her that any friend would do the same, and that she would miss Bani greatly, but wished her and Jai all the best.
Jai and Bani bid farewell, and left to go to the airport, returning via Jai's private jet to Mumbai.
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"Masi?" Jai called, striding into the Walia Mansion. Masi appeared in the foyer, seeing Jai, her face lightened up and she ran over to him.
"Munna! Munna, where did you go? You didn't say a thing to anyone! We were so worried! Munna, Munna, why are you smiling, tell me!" Masi cried, confused and concerned. Jai smiled even wider when he saw his sister, Jigs, and the rest of the Khandan crowding around. Soon they were all assembled in the hall.
"Jai Bhaiya, where did you go?! Don't you know you are supposed to tell someone before you leave for a week straight?! Bhiaya, Bhaiya why are you smiling like an idiot! Tell us!" screamed Jigs. Everyone saw Jai and Aditya exchange glances, and Jai sending a nod Adi's way. Adi beamed, and moved over to hug Jai.
Jai had called Adi and had told him everything. He had made Adi swear not to say anything to anyone. Jigs, seeing this, put two and two together, and figured, the way Jai had been acting before he ran off, he had gone to find Bani.
"Bani kahan hai?" she said in a deep anger filled voice. Jai narrowed his eyes at her, and then, turned slightly, extending one hand to the front door.
The door is pushed open, and Bani strides in confidently, clad in a red, gorgeous sari, both babies in her hand. Everyone's except Jig's face brightened upon the sight of Bani.
"Bahu?!" Masi cried, and she ran over to Bani. Rano left Sahil's hand and ran over to her di. Everyone watched the identical babies in Bani's hand, one clad in blue, the other in pink. Jai came over, took both children, and allowed Bani to take blessings from Masi, and hug her sister. Everyone was stunned seeing the Bani, but even more stunned seeing the babies.
"Mu-munna…bahu? What's this?" Masi asked uncertainly. Jai smiled profusely, and handed over the children to Masi, nodding, smiling, tears in his eyes. He seemed to convey a message thru telapthy, that this was HIS children.
"Kyaa?" Masi was astounded, took both children from Jai, and kissed them all over, hugged them played with them. She grabbed Bani into a big hug.
"Di?!" Rano said shyly. Bani ran over to her sister, hugged her and apologized for her actions nine months ago. Rano forgave her instantly and asked if she was now a mami. Bani nodded, beaming with pride at her three babies (wink wink). Sahil, Anu, Rohit, Adi and Dadi now gathered around Jai and Bani and their children, each trying to grab the children from the other.
"Bas! Enougn of this natak Bani! Who's children are these?! This could never be Jai Bhaiya's children! Jai Bhaiya aur tum never shared this sort of rishta! Batao Bani! Who's children are these?!" Jigs screamed, infuriated at the sight of Bani and her children, and Jai hugging Bani's shoulder in everyone's view. She tried to convince herself Jai was doing all this for Masi's well being, but she couldn't help but feel the nauseating truth that it had been 9 months since Bani had left, and Jai didn't need to please masi anymore.
Infuriated and hurt by Jigs's words, Jai stormed over to her and slapped her tight across her face.
"Bas Jigyasa! Yeh hai mere bachas! SIRF mein aur Bani ka bachas!"
Jigs held her face, weeping, stunned, hurt! Jai didn't care. He didn't want anything to come between him and Bani now.

He grabbed her by her elbow, and was proceeding to fling her out of the house, when he felt Bani's tiny hand holding him back, firmly. Everyone looked at them surprised.
"Nahin Mr. Walia! Even Jigyasa aunty does not to be treated this way. Waise bhi, no one would believe we had shared some sort of relationship, and I don't blame her for caring about her brother." Bani said solemnly. Now EVERYONE was mummed! They couldn't believe it!
Bani held Jigyasa's hand and pulled her back, into the house. She marched Jigs upstairs to her room, and left her there to stare at her confused. Bani too was surprised by her actions, but knew it was only in the goodness of her heart she was doing this.
Bani returned downstairs to the family, who all still wore shocked expressions.
"Finally, she has returned as the mistress of this house, and not a silent statue" laughed Masi, breaking the silence. Masi beamed at Bani, and hugged her again. Then, turned to Dadi, and said now that they have two grandchildren here with them, they have many preparations to make, for the naming ceremony and what not.
"Uh, actually Masi. We already decided on names. Yeh ladka ka naam, Krishna hai aur yeh khoobsurat Ladki ka naam Simran hai!" Jai said in a baby voice, pinching both children softly. Masi laughed and nodded, but still said they were going to do a lot of poojas and other ceremonies and what not. They sent Jai and Bani upstairs to go get rest and to leave everything to them.
Upon reaching upstairs, Bani held both children, and headed in the direction on the guest bedroom, but Jai stopped her and pointed to their room. "Hamara room! That's where you're staying! And so are these two! I called Adi beforehand and had him secretly set everything up!" he whispered in her ears, sending tingles down her spine. She smiled dumbly, and allowed Jai to guide her to their room.
She rest both of her babies, who were sleeping by now, in their respective cribs, tastefully chosen by Adi uncle, and lay on her side of the bed. Everything was feeling right! The bed contorted to her every curved as though it had been waiting for her return. She snuggled up in her place, resting her eyes for a bit, sighing, feeling complete peace for the first time since she left mount Abu.
Jai, who till now, had been admiring her from the doorway, saw how peaceful and truly beautiful she was. He made a resolution right there, that all he ever wanted to do was protect her, keep her under his wings, safe from the dangers of the world. He had lost her once, he didn't intend to do so again. He also decided to take it slow from there, gain her trust first, and then, get her to admit her love.
"Uh-Bani?" Jai cleared his throat from by the door, he saw the disturbance on her peaceful face, then saw her eyes on him. He felt as though he was under an x-ray. Clearing his throat, he said "Um, Bani, Masi sent food and tea, and said to get as much rest as possible, and that in the morning the entire family will sit for a pooja, and then some other welcome home things for the kids and you, teekh hai?" He then took the tray of food from Tony, who had come while Jai was watching Bani, and brought it inside for her. She nodded, taking the food, and sat back to eat. She suddenly noticed Jai was leaving the room, and, surprising herself again, she called out in a shy voice, "Suniye! Woh, tum…won't you stay and eat too?" Jai smiled and turned to face her. "Haan, if you wish" and he came over and sat with her. Before he could think twice, he quickly picked up the food in his own hands, and put it to Bani's mouth. Aaw, Jai wanted to feed her! Bani blinked, taken aback, but smiling slowly, after he had nudged the food towards her, she allowed him to feed her. As Jai was putting more food in Bani's mouth, enjoying everything about the moment, THEIR children sleeping peacefully, the moon, full and bright, bearing down on them through their huge French windows, Bani looking like a godsend angel, eating food from his hand. It was a very special, sweet moment for them.
"Jai sir!" It was TONY! Squinting his eyes shut, anooyed that they were being disturbed, Jai turned to Tony. Tony felt awkward after ruining Jai and Bani's moment, he knew how rare they were, but he also had a look of panic on his face.
"Jai sir, Bani madam, I'm sorry for disturbing you, but Jigyasa mam has—"
Jai's anger flared, Bani's eyes opened wide. They dropped the tray and both ran out of the room.

Chapter 9:
"Tony! Jigyasa kahan hai?!" screamed Jai as he and Bani raced outside to the hallway. Tony, trembling, appearing really scared, pointed to Jigyasa's room. The light was off and the house was shrouded in an eerie silence. None of the other's were to be seen. Jai rushed to Jigs room door, and barged in without knocking, Bani on tow.
"Jigyasa! Jigyasa what happened?!" Jai yelled as he came into the room. It was dark and neither Jai nor Bani could see what was going on. Both of them were really scared, and Jai held on to Bani's hand tightly, giving her support, and getting support in return, from her. Suddenly, the lights flashed on, and "SURPRISE!!"
The entire family was gathered in Jigs' room. Jigyasa was standing in the middle of them, varying shades of red. Everyone rushed around Bani and Jai, congratulating them personally, hugging them, kissing them, and handing over gifts for JW's new formed Parivaar. After Bani and Jai had thanked everyone, Jigyasa came forward, in an awkward silence.
"Um, Jai bhaiya…Bani bhabi" she started off. Her voice was scratchy and they could tell she had been crying. Jai stared at her coldly, but he couldn't help but feel very happy that Jigs was safe and this was all their plot. Tony had come and told them that Jigyasa was hurt and he couldn't find the others.
"Bhiaya, mujhe maaf kardo please! I made so many mistakes, trying to destroy tum aur Bani ka rishta. I tried so many underhanded ways, but…bhiaya, true love prevails always, and I see that now. I don't expect to have your trust right away, but Bani bhabi, I-I hope you could forgive me, Today you proved how big your heart is…Please forgive me! " Jigs sobbed. No one had ever seen Jigs like this…ever! Bani's heart melted instantly, and she hugged Jigs right away, bringing tears to everyone's eyes. Jai, seeing how quickly Bani forgave Jigs, softened up a bit, and just hugged her, but told her she would have to re-earn his trust, but he would forgive her only because of Bani. Smiling, agreeing to whatever she got, produced a large box, wrapped in gold paper, with a thick red ribbon. She handed it to Bani, and laughing a bit, she asked, "When can I meet my niece and nephew?...aur…who is older? Krishna or Simran?" Bani laughed, flushed with happiness at the turn of events. Bani didn't know when Jai had left, but he soon re-appeared with the babies in his hand. Both were waking, smiling peacefully. Both had their mother's eyes, but Jai's sexy brown eye colour and Jai could tell instantly that his children too, would be able to speak thru their eyes like their mother. Krish(na) resembled his father a lot, and Simran bore a striking resemblance of Bani, yet they still appeared identical to everyone else. (only Jai and Bani can mark these differences because only they know each other in that special way). Laughing, and crying, Jigs took both children, and kissed and pampered them and held them tightly.
Jai came up behind Bani, and stood very close to her, causing her too lose control of herself, creating shivers up and down her spine, making her body tingle everywhere with his nearness. He felt her nervousness, and he lay his hands on either shoulder, squeezing gently and pulling her back onto him. Masi noticed this, and winked at Bani, making her blush and try to pull away from Jai. As she tried to pull away, Jai held her stronger, and this caused everyone now to notice. Dying with humiliation, Bani allowed herself to be pulled onto him, smiling despite herself, and not making eye contact with anyone. Masi, Rano, Sahil, Dadi, Jigs, Anu and Rohit all sat playing with the children, squabbling over who got to hold who again, and troubling Rano, asking her when would she make children too! And so on and so forth. It was as good as it gets, in the Walia household that night.
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Later that night, after everyone had been bullied into their rooms by Jai, and had finally stopped sneaking one by one into the room to see the children; Bani stood by their cribs, gazing fondly at them. She gave a sidelong look to Jai, lying on his side of the bed, sleeping like a baby, then she walked over to the windows. As she stood looking at the moon, tears formed in her eyes, as she thought over everything that had happened in the last week. How quick her life had changed back after nine months of being separated from it, as though it had been waiting patiently for her to return. She knew this was where she belong, with Jai, in his arms, having his full support…and daresay his love? She wasn't too sure if he had loved her quite yet, but she knew he loved his children, and that was all she cared about. (More like lied to herself about). Suddenly, she felt as though she was having de-ja-vu. Everything appeared the same way it had on that fateful night, except with a different mood and reason. Bani was clad in white again, she was in tears, staring at the window, thinking of her life with Mr. Walia. There were candles lighting up the room everywhere, and then, that hot breath on the back of her neck! Those arms, holding her tightly around her midriff, those lips, kissing the back of her neck.

She was not dreaming this time, but it was for real. Jai had awoken, as he had turned over to hug her, but got only empty space. He had awoken with a start, but soon relaxed after seeing Bani standing by the window. He noticed her tears in the moonlight, and how pale and glowing she was standing by the window, and then it hit him! It was an exact replay of their first ever night, except with the babies sleeping peacefully in their corner. He couldn't resist this urge to go and kiss her, and stop her tears. He missed her for nine months, and despite what, she was still his wife, and he had known that when they were in England, she had felt something for him and had expressed it involuntarily, or unknowingly as the case may be.
Bani closed her eyes, laying her hands atop Jai's drawing him closer to her. Jai stopped kissing her neck, and hugged her tightly from behind, resting his head on her shoulders. They stood like this, not saying a word, yet saying everything in their heart.
Jai freed himself from Bani for a minute, and walked over to a cupboard, searching for something. Bani thought something was wrong, or that Jai was upset or something, and immediately felt hurt. She didn't turn to see what he was doing, but stood their, reminiscing.
Her body tensed of it's own accord, and then Bani realised that Jai was near her once again. Bending her head a bit, not really watching him, Jai took her hand in his, and spun her around to face him. He did that with such a force, that Bani spun wildly, and landed on him, one hand on his chest, her next hand being held firmly in his. They were too close for Bani, or Jai for that matter, to think straight. Bani felt something rough in between her and Jai's hand. Puzzled, she bit the side of her lip, and with a flick of her head/chin, she indicated to his hand. Smiling sexily, Jai opened his hand. There was the most gorgeous white gold chain in his hand. It simple yet exquisite. It was thin and had a frame of a heart as the pendant. It was a thick frame, studded with white and pink diamonds. Surprised, and stunned, Bani asked him what it was for, and without saying a word, Jai moved her hair and placed the chain around her neck, putting a gentle soft kiss at the back of her neck when he locked it. Bani ran her finger, tracing the chain.
"Wow, Mr. Walia…It's beautiful! You didn't have to" she said in barely a whisper.
"Not as beautiful as you" he whispered, pulling her back in his arms. He didn't intend to do anything with Bani, until she could trust him, and feel comfortable being with him again. Bani got his vibe, and respected his decision, as she did need time. 'Not too much though' she thought shyly. Jai led her back to their bed, and there he just held her closely hugging and pretending to sleep till Bani fell asleep. Only then could he rest, knowing she was sleeping next to him.

Chapter 10:
I)
3 months later, everything was practically back to normal. Jai had taken Bani away for a weekend in Goa, where he explained the whole Roshni scene, and how much Jai needed to know Bani trusted him the way she used to, and how much he had missed her company, how lost he was without her, and apologized for taking nine months to come back! He also expressed his apologies for not being their for Bani, for his children, when Bani would have needed him most.

He had gotten her to fully trust in him, believe in him, and do things the way she used to, after about 2 weeks or so. He had also noticed Bani's suppressed eagerness to get back into her old routine, but hadn't said a word. Their kids were growing beautifully, and being fraternal twins, they started to grow out of their resemblance, and took form after their parents. Jai was happy he had everything in his life, and more. Finally he came to the decision, that he had gone long enough without telling Bani how much he loved her, and was dying to know how much she loved him. He made up his mind that tonight he was going to express his love, his yearning, his every desire for her.
"Bani!!" his voice rang thru the house. He heard tiny, shuffling footsteps, and a panting Bani appeared in the doorway. She was wearing a parrot green sari, and was looking extremely sexy, her tummy exposed due to her dupatta being draped precariously over her shoulder.
"Ji?"
"Bani, kyaa huwa? What happened?" Jai asked, coming really close to her as she walked into the room.
"Um, nothing! I was just playing with Sim and Krish with Masi and Dadi" she said, gasping for breath. They had been swinging and playing and sliding and having fun in the playground set Jai had bought for his chote chote baches!
"*soft chuckle* I see. Suniye…Um…(he's eyeing Bani's body from head to toe, being turned on by her heaving chest-she's heaving cause she was playing all the way down in the garden, and had to rush up when she heard her hubby calling-,he glistening stomach, her tantalizing lips) *clears throat* Bani…tonight, 10 pm…wear this" he babbled, and handed over a package, then running his hand thru his hair, confused at his behaviour just then, he rushed of for two drinks, of his usual gin and tonic, to calm his nerves, and plan out everything he had just babbled.
Confused, Bani tore open the package, and the most beautiful black sari fell out. It felt like cool silk on her bare hands, and had wonderous, yet simple workings on it, keeping it light, yet beautiful. Bani wondered where she was going to wear that to, especially at 10 pm in the night. She lay it out on the bed, and noticed it was a bit exposing, with it's cleavage cut top, backless back, low cut skirt piece and a dupatta that would barely covered her stomach.(Sorry guys, I think Bani looks hot in black! And in this FF Jai does too!) She was quite curious, and her mind ran around, playing dirty games in her head. She chided herself a few minutes after, that despite all Jai had did, he still hadn't told her those three special words, but instead was looking for her trust once more.
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II)
Jai heard a child's laughter, Sim's! (haan haan, wonderful papa na? Knows his bache's laughs) He smiled as he walked into his room. Bani was leaning over the twins, playing with them, tickling them and making them laugh. It was already 9:30. Jai admired her from a distance, how her loose hair fell in her face, how cute she looked with her eyes and nose scrunched up, making baby faces at the babies. He leaned his head against the door frame, folding both hands and looking at her.
Bani felt his presence, before he could even reach the door! She had sensed him coming along, and had known when he came and was standing by the door. She felt his burning gaze on her, as it roved about her body. She had consciously tried to hide her stomach and whatever skin was left bare, without letting on that she knew he was there.
"Um Bani…It's 9:30…Um, wo…Why don't you go get dressed na? I'll stay with OUR kids"
"Ji, Mr Walia. I won't be long…" She got up and she skated into the bathroom, as though afraid to be next to him. She could sense something was up, the late, extremely late outing, the sexy black sari, what did it all mean?
A few minutes later, Bani emerged, dressed in the sexy sari. She complimented the sari well. It fit her exact, with little room to turn!!! Her face was burning, as she came out. She didn't make eye contact with Jai, just preceded to the mirror to put on her jewelry and stuff. She had not tied her dori, as she was NEVER able to do that, and so over the past nine months Varun had to either do it for her, or she used to wear some casual saris without doris (I dunno if there are any like that lol), but had completely forgotten about it. She sat, trying to put on her bangles without dropping them, but failing miserably. She could tell Jai was staring at her unabashedly, and wished he would stop long enough to at least let her put on her stuff!
The kids had already fallen asleep, and were resting peacefully in their cribs. In a swift motion, Jai had slid of the bed and was behind Bani in a one. She looked up, as she felt a pair of hands on her bare back. She looked up at Mr Walia, her voice caught in her throat. He tied her dori for her, and proceeded to put on her bangles for her, a feat he accomplished with more ease than Bani. He spun her to face him a bit more, and picked up the sindoor container, and opened it. Bani stared at him, emotions raging thru her body. She felt Jai's finger on her maang, as he placed the sindoor on her head.
"Mr. Walia…"
"Ssshhh, the kids are sleeping, Masi will look after them, I already asked her. Come let's go, it's already 10!" Bani allowed herself to be dragged out of their room by Jai. Masi sat outside with dadi, waiting for Jai and Bani to leave. The entire household, excluding Bani, knew of Jai's intentions that night, and had all vowed to do everything to make it run smoothly.
"Oi, Biji, dekho na! Mera munna aur humara bahu! Don't they just wow together? Both in Black…wow!" sang Masi from her seat.
"Oi puttar! You aur Bahu look like Amitabh Bachan and Jaya Bachan, Shah Rukh Khan aur Kajol… um… *mutters to herself now-Who are these now-a-days star couples?*" She taps her forehead and smiles lovingly at Jai and Bani as they emerged downstairs. Bani and Jai laughed appreciatively at Masi and Dadi, and Jai winked at Masi.
"Um…Munna, Biji and I will go up now and take the children to their nursery (yea Jai had one built over the three gone months)" Masi said, smiling vaguely. She held Dadi's hand and they went to remove the baches from their parent's room.
"Um, Bani…Chalo na…" Jai stammered, trying to keep his cool. He put one hand in his pocket, and slung the other around Bani's shoulder, drawing her close to him.
He led her outside, and down to the courtyard.

III)
"Mr. W-Walia…isn't the driver picking us up…or?" Bani was perplexed. Jai just winked at her, and continued his silent walk out into the magnificent Walia garden.
"Mr Walia? Yahan?...What's going on?" Bani questioned. She was confused, and was feeling a bit chilly, being out in their garden this late in a skimpy sari.
Jai just took her round some shrubs, and nodded his head forward. Bani turned to see what he was indicating too, and saw a well hidden section of the garden, draped in white cotton cloths, and candles everywhere. There were roses upon roses, pink white and red everywhere. When Bani finished gape at the things, she turned back to Jai, to find him with a single white rose in his hands. He extended it out to her, and she took it, trembling slightly…confused as to everything that was happening here.
Everything was perfect…romantic! Just the way Jai had planned. He took Bani's feeble hands, and put her to sit on a silk sheet which had been laid on the grassy ground.
Jai sat next to her, and took up a bottle of wine, poured some out for him and Bani. He leaned in close, really close
"Happy anniversary" he whispered in her ear. Bani's eyes opened widely, as she registered what he had just said. OMG she had forgotten!!!! She looked at him, blinking away tears. She had not realised he hadn't drawn his face back from hers yet, and she turned smack dab into his face. She burned with humiliation, and made to move back, but Jai instead held her shoulders, preventing her from moving away any further.
"Aren't you going to say the same back to me?" he whispered huskily, breathing over her face. He watched as her face tightened, and her body tensed.
Looking away, Bani muttered "Happy Anniversary Mr. Walia" she mumbled, blushing slightly. She was ecstatic that he had remembered, but she thought he was just doing that, you know, just like that. She still had a faint idea that maybe something was up, the night felt magical…but she could never be sure with Jai.
"Won't you, look at me?" he asked softly.
Bani slowly returned her gaze to him. They were still verrryyy close. Her lips were right there, he had to exercise a lot of control not to kiss her long and passionate the way he dreamt of doing since he found out how much she had still care for him.
"Bani…" he ran his hand over her back, drawing her really close to him, they were almost snug-fit together. She looked at him unwillingly. She was feeling so uncertain. He was sending mixed signals to her since the day he had come to London!
Jai felt her discomfort, as well as her longing, but he had to follow his plan. He had to get her to be free with him, open once more.
"Bani, are you hungry?" He asked, letting go of her and propping back on a tree trunk.
Bani didn't say anything but looked at him, really confused as to what he was trying to do. "Hmm" Jai said, then he took the only plate next to them, and starting heaping pasta and salad onto it. Then he handed it to Bani. She took it meekly, wondering how was he going to eat if she had the only plate, and why did he give her so much food?
"Um, Bani?...Aren't you going to feed me?" He asked, looking at her, batting his eyelashes innocently. He was grinning handsomely, enjoying Bani's facial expressions as she digested what he had just asked. He looked at her with mock impatience, rubbing his stomach, pointing at her, then the food in her hands, then to his mouth.
Slowly, Bani raised the fork to his mouth. She was soooooo confused as to what game Jai was playing. Jai made her eat from the same fork as well, as she fed him and herself. Slowly, they struck conversation, and soon enough they were laughing, talking bout their kids, the office (jai), the walia khandan's new behaviour over the last few months since Bani's arrival with the kids.
"Strawberries with whipped cream or chocolate syrup?" Jai was staring at her, a serious expression on his face as he asked her that question out of the blue.
"Kyaa?" Bani asked, returning to her confused state.

"Whipped Cream, or chocolate syrup?" he asked with the same seriousity.
Uncertain, if he was serious or not, Bani gave him a pathetic sort of laugh, and raised her shoulders.
Jai put his hand behind him, pulled out a glass platter packed with strawberries, and two smaller dishes, one with whipped cream, and another with chocolate syrup. Bani stared at him with side, surprised eyes. So he was serious.
"Both" she whispered. Jai looked at her with a evil, naughty sexy grin. He dipped the pointed end of the SB in some whipped cream, then dipped that into the chocolate syrup. He then crawled over to her on his knees, and put it by her mouth. Hesitantly she bit it, feeling sort of excited and happy and confused that Jai was actually showing signs of love.
Jai smiled brightly, his eyes alight, when Bani ate the strawberry from him. He quickly sat close to her once more, pulling her into a tight hug. He snaked his arms around her waist, and held her tightly. He felt her body heat in an instant, and felt his heart race as he made contact with her body.
He brought the strawberries closer to them, and they sat, silently, polishing off the strawberries.
Finally, Jai came to the last one. He smeared it with the cream and syrup, then placed it halfway in his mouth. He looked at Bani, smiling despite that SB in his mouth. Bani couldn't help but laugh at how he looked, but felt her pores raise, as she realised what he intended her to do.
He slowly, advanced on her, leaning in in slow motion. Bani felt her lips part, despite herself as he came level with her. He was looking intently in her eyes now, all fun and game replaced with a burning passion.
Bani felt drawn to him, and found that she was now biting on to the other side of the strawberry. Their lips met, it was a SB heaven!
The strawberry had finished in an instant, but the kiss didn't end. Jai had pulled Bani's face to his, and was kissing her with such passion, sensuality. Bani didn't have the heart to stop, nor did she want it to stop. Jai somehow ended up back by the tree trunk, and was leaning back, with Bani on him. His hands were roaming her bare skin, as he pulled her even closer to him, devouring her lips. Bani's mind had long melted, she had no control over anything that was happening. Only one message ran thru her head, "Don't end…I love him too much"
Slowly, Jai pulled away, seeing Bani's innocent eyes turn away from him, as though humiliated by what had just happened.
"Bani" he whispered, his voice cracking. She looked at him, fixing her dupatta which had fallen off her shoulders.
"I love you" he said, in a strong, clear, confident voice. Bani froze. He heart either stooped beating, or was beating so fast you couldn't tell if it was moving or not. She looked at him, wide eyes, tears welling up in them. He took her hand.
"I love you Bani…I always have…It's just, the way my life was going, Me being such an old man…You ran away, same day I intended to tell you this…Bani…It's okay if you don't love me t—"
Jai was shut up by Bani's lips joining his. It was the happiest moment of her life! The man she had loved, and could never forget, the father of her children, he loved her too! She absorbed everything Jai had told her, and before thinking twice, she followed her instinct and laid the most passionate, loving, sensual kiss she had ever given to him! She had stunned not only herself but, Jai too. Finally she pulled away from his sweet strawberry flavored lips, for a breath.
"I-I'll T-take that as a "I love you too"?" Jai stuttered, touching his lips where the BANI miracle had just occurred. Bani blushed brightly, and nodded feverently. Jai grinned and pulled her into a large hug, drawing her into his chest, and holding her tightly around her waist.
"You're looking…how do they say it? …'sexxxy' tonight" Jai whispered into her ear, nibbling on it affectionately.
Bani looked up at him, blushing, but glowing all the same. She gave him a half a smile, feeling her breathing become uneven, as Jai started kissing her on her neck, from behind. Jai too, felt her uneven breathing, and it seemed to…oh well…u know how a guy gets na?
"Suniye, Bani…I-- u look so hot in that sari…man…It's like tempting me to touch u everywhere available!!!" Jai complained in her ear, making her snort and laugh at his childish words! Bani and Jai spent more time, cuddling in each other's arms, breathing in the sweet night, taking note of every detail in this sweet moment, as the first time they TRULY shared a special moment as Husband and Wife.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IV)
It dawned a chilly December day in Mumbai.
setting:
Bedroom, Clothes thrown everywhere, bangles scattered her and there, some candles still burning brightly, others already burnt into a stub.

The December chills in Mumbai brought Bani to snuggle close to that warm cuddly thing besides her. Nuzzling into the warmth, she opened her eyes. She blinked a few times, and then realised she was staring into the dreamiest brown heaven she had ever seen. He eyes opened wide in shock, and realization. The warm BODY she snuggled close next to her was JAI. He was smiling down on her, beaming radiantly.
Bani felt her cheeks burn crimson, as flashback slowly trickled into her head. Slowly, she lowered her eyes to her body, and realised the only thing between her and Jai were the bed sheets.

WAR GOING ON IN BANI'S BRAIN:
Angel Bani- 'Omg, what…What happened?! Where's my clothes?! Omg! Omg! Omg! Bani…what did you do? Did Mr. Walia want this to happen…The exposing sari, the late night picnic…the roses, strawberries…I LOVE YOU---'
Devil Bani- 'Oh Bani, Just chill yaar…You both wanted this to happen…Relax! You know you both enjoyed it! Just look at him and smile, then put on his shirt! You're freezing us here if you don't realise…and Walia's bod isn't keeping us warm enough! *wink*'
Angel Bani- 'Oh foh! Just shut up yaar! Oh Bani, you don't know, oh no no no! Get up slowly with the bed sheets, and go to the bathroom!!!'
Devil Bani- 'Oh Bani don't listen to that goody-two shoes! It's about time you had some fun! Look at how he's staring at your…*ahem*"

Bani looks down, realises some stuff is exposed and pulls the blankets tightly around her, blocking out Jai's touch, and unabashed gaze.

Bani to Angel and Devil- 'OH both of you shut up and get lost! Gosh, what a predicament! I don't know what to do…but I don't need help from either of you!'

"Um…Morning Bani" Jai whispered to Bani.
"Morning Mr. Walia" Bani said shyly, looking away from him. She desperately wanted to get up and speed off somewhere far far from Mr. Walia right then. Unfortunately, Jai misunderstood her shy look, and thought she was playing hard to get! He grabbed her bare waist and pulled her on top of him (Don't worry, she's wrapped in the blanket!!!!—Jai is in his silk pajama bottoms alone ).
Bani stared at him, startled and afraid. Jai couldn't resist, Bani was looking so hott to him right then, without make up, but her elegant natural beauty, her hair loose and falling and framing around her strawberry shaped face. He leaned in, planted a soft, good morning kiss on her soft lips, then pulled away saying like a chote chote bache "Good Morning!"
Bani was looking like a startled faun! Even that simple morning kiss had left Bani paralysed.

"hehehe, Bani…Simran aur Krish has been crying for you since 9 this morning, but I told Masi and the others that you were very tired after the 'party' last night, and needed rest." Jai informed her, allowing her to roll back on her side of the bed, and wrap herself tightly in the blanket (Not only cause it was freezing, but she felt like she was on display, and needed to cover herself, especially in front of Mr. Walia)
"What?! 9? Kyaa time hai?" Bani found her voice, and got really worried.
"Um…it's 1 pm…" Jai was grinning mischievously.
"Kyaa?! Omg, 1pm? What will the other's say? Stop laughing Mr. Walia!! Mr. Walia seriously, stop laughing!! JAI!—Ooops" Bani's eyes were round. She had just called her hubby by his first name!!!
"K-k-kyaa?" Jai stammered, his heart racing a million miles an hour. Bani had just called him Jai…It sounded so ethereal when she had said it. His name had never sounded so sweet, so melodious, as if he was being called by Angels (technically yes, cause my Bani is a godsend angel!)
"I-I'm s-s-sorry Mr. Walia, I- I didn't mean to…"
"Nahin Bani! I- I like the way my name sounds, coming from your lips" Jai said, grabbing hold of her hand and placing it on his heart, as if to let her know how fast it was beating.
"Feel that?" He asked, barely whispering. Bani nodded slowly, unsure of what was going on between them.
"Bani Bani…Bani Bani…That's what my heartbeat says…Please drop the Mr Walia title…Mein tumhara pati hoon! Plz, plz call me Jai forever Bani! Plz"
Tears had formed in both of their eyes, as they slowly unraveled a new bond between them. Jai held her face in his hands, and trembling…Bani said "Mr. Wa—J-J Jai…um…I…Baches…Woh" Jai stared at her, understood her discomfort, and knew it would take time for her to accept this new relationship they had forged. But what she did, shocked him to no extent.
"Morning Jai!" pecked him quickly on the lips, savoring the moment, then tightening the bed sheet around her she raced out of the room towards the kids' nursery in the adjoining room.

"AAAAHHHHHH"

Bani came racing back into their room. Chest heaving, gasping for breath after her two minute run back into her room. Bani was as red as a red herring!

"Bani kyaa huwa?!" Jai screamed, breaking out of his daze, and rushing over to Bani. Bani rest her palms on Jai's bare chest and buried her burning face in his chest, just in time for Jai to see Masi and Dadi, Rano and Sahil, Ranveer, Rashi and Jigs, trailing out of the nursery, laughing their crazy little heads off.
Jai erupted into a deep laughter, figuring out everything that had probably just happened.
Bani punched him playfully for laughing, and tried to move away, but Jai grabbed her waist firmly, causing the sheet to drop a few notches.

She looked up at him, but this time, a new light on her face. She was no longer shy or afraid, but more bold, and prepared for him. Smiling devilishly, Jai swooped in for the big one! Then lifted Bani up and carried her into the nursery, where they stood, Bani leaning over both children, hugging them tightly. The twins, beamed up at their parents, and Jai stood directly behind Bani, hugging her around her waist, smiling down at her, and his children.

*SNAP *--Photo Ending: A positively beaming Mr. Walia, looking down at his wife in nothing but their bed sheet, and his children, a naught glint in his eyes, gripping a radiant Mrs. Walia by her waist as she holds both twins in either hands, looking positively pleased, and both twins, smiling peacefully, looking at their parents with nothing but love in their little eyes.

Unique Number 12

Mritha Sanjeevani
………………………..

Jai was sitting in the bar chair with one friend in Dubai Hyath Regency. "Two glasses of gin and tonic" someone said loudly. Jai turned to the direction from where the sound came and saw two ladies are sitting around a small table. He had a frown on his forehead seeing one of them, she is the same lady who left the child in the pram alone the first day he came to this hotel. He thought oh, so that was simply a mommy act… how can she leave the kids at home and end up in a bar at this hour of the time. He got up and walked out of the bar throwing a mean look in her way.

Bani is standing with all her things packed and almost ready to leave. She knows that if Jai knows that he is not responsible for the accident then he will not allow her go. Without divorce then everything suffered till now will go waste.

Rashi came in running, so excited and with heavy breathing, and told her, Bani mami you don't have to leave. See this file, this is the original papers Jai uncle signed. But this stamp paper is expired mami, it is not valid at all. Bani looked through the files and tears started flowing from her eyes. She smiled after long long time. Rashi took the file back telling that before Ranveer comes back I have to put it back.

Rashi came back and told her that she should not leave. She begged that Jai will understand her if she tells. Bani told her that Jai was actually going to divorce her even before the pregnancy, so that is not going to change. But she will certainly withdraw the case from her side. Until everything is cleared let the things go like this. I will be around Rashi, don't worry. Rashi's request to stay atleast today, the KC, Bani nodded no to her. She told thanks to Rashi for her understanding and help.

Without knowing the latest development Massi decided to talk to Aditya and plan something which will hold Bani till Jai come back this evening. She knows that now Jai is cleared out from the accident. Bani was about pick up the luggage then she heard Massi calling loudly like "Munna, Aditya… Tony…. " Like she is in pain.. her sound was breaking… Bani ran out. She saw Massi is suffocating, and is about to fall and is hanging on to the rail. She was breathing heavily. Bani was all shocked, she just dialed the hospital from the phone she was having, by then Aditya and Tony both came running. They helped Massi to the bed in Bani's room. Soon in the hospital Massi is taken into the ICU. (Aditya had already talked to the doctor and arranged everything before hand. So without a doubt Bani stayed back and sat in the waiting area along with Rano, Rashi and Sahil.) Aditya was called inside by the doctor. He came out after about 20 minutes and told them that Massi is getting better and started sleeping, but has to be in ICU for few hours. He asked for Bani, then only he noticed that she is missing. He was inside planning things with doctor. In between Jigyasa came running and shouted at Bani that she killed Jai Bhaiyya's baby, now she is taking Massi's life too. Bani couldn't stand it and she just got up and walked away.

Hell, Aditya thought, this Jigyasa again pushed things too far. Now I have to get Bani and get Tarun to organize things, which I will do. He walked out silently, and saw Jigyasa is talking on phone on the other end of the corridor; he passed a look and came out of the hospital. By the time he reached parking lot Tarun and Pushkar reached in their car. Tarun gave a letter to Aditya, this Bani left for me in my reception, just a few minutes back. Aditya asked "where is she now?" Tarun told him she left dropping it, didn't enter the office. He called home, Tony told him Bani came in a taxi and asked him to bring her bag. He told him that she took only a small luggage with her while the big suitcase she asked to leave with Rano. Aditya was like OMG, now what will I do.

Tarun was all this time like, "what is going on? Aditya, will you tell me. Why did you call me so urgently?" Aditya asked him to get into Pushkar's car, and they parked the car in the parking lot of a public park near by. Aditya took out a folded set of papers from his coat's inside pocket and gave it to Tarun. Tarun looking through the paper got all pale and shocked. He looked at Aditya with rounded eyes, and asked… "this means…!" Aditya looked at Pushkar… he and Pushkar told Tarun the whole story including the attack on Jai and how Bani got hit on her stomach and lost the baby. They told him now this paper is invalid. Because its date expired, so Jai has to sign it again in new set of papers before registering it. Now Jai is on the way. You have to tell the whole story, Bani is leaving, after all she lost everything for him including the baby. She lost the last bit of her happiness for him. We can't send her like that to street. You have 3 hours time before Jai lands, go and somehow catch that lawyer and find out the truth. Hold him and tell him he will find himself in jail if he doesn't stop the process. Tell him keep quiet till we ask him. I don't have time otherwise I would have gone and do it, now Bani is missing, she left home with her things. Pushkar almost jumped from his seat "what?" And now Pushkar says she had only less than 500 rs as cash in her hand. Aditya, yes, Jigyasa shouted at her that she killed the baby and now she is taking Massi's life too. Poor girl, she left immediately. Pushkar we have to go and search her. Tarun you go and get all papers and get that lawyer, I have talked to SP Ganesh, he will come with you. Then you should back to massi, come from the parking area door, directly to lab, I have arranged to get you to Massi through their private entry. Let us go and search for her.

They dropped Tarun back near his car and left. Pushkar had given some more files that bani had kept ready to transfer the money back to Jai. Tarun was like something banged on his head that he couldn't think straight. So this was a red herring… what Bani was doing with this divorce.. alimony… 50% of property… everything to stop Ranveer and get back Jai's property to him. OMG… what I was seeing… how correct Jai was … he never believed Bani was money minded… OMG… he prayed help her please…

Aditya and Pushkar was searching for Bani in railway station, near by taxi stands every where in the near by roads… it is almost 2 hours passed. The things are as good as it gets… they know only one thing that the taxi came and dropped someone and took off with Bani. None noticed the number or the driver. Aditya was thinking it is time to go to airport to pick up Jai, he asked to drop him again in hospital. He met those who were waiting there and gone out saying that some delegates are coming and he has to pick up them, will be back if needed. Rano and Rashi were silently crying about Bani. They asked about her he nodded no news, he just ignored Jigyasa.

Aditya or Jai didn't speak anything in the car. There was an eerie silence… Aditya pulled in the hospital parking area behind. Jai looked at him questionably. He said we can go inside through this way, there will be media sometime. Jai nodded, he too will go hysteric when hear the word media. They entered to the X-ray room, the technician called doctor in the phone, doctor Dayal came from another door, he shook hands with Jai and silently led them into a room which looked like a small conference room. There was another door on the opposite side which signed operation theatre. But Jai got stunned seeing Massi drinking tea with Tarun there. He looked at doctor and then Aditya… doctor said. "Mr. Walia, when Massi asked something so serious and important I couldn't just deny her. So I played along with her to get you here. Please be patient and hear what they say. I promise you without such an importance I never misuse the hospital facility for anyone" he left… Massi asked Jai to sit, before that Tarun came and gave a hug to him. Jai is almost emotionless now, one month had changed his look, no clean shave, loose shirt under the blazer.

Tarun started talking first. He showed the papers which Ranveer managed to get his signature. Massi explained him how she got Bani confess things to her at his mothers place. She told him it is she who did all the things there and was there before they and had the pooja and gone. She was scared of someone attacking him again from walia house after getting the white sari that she decided to come back. Aditya told him how she saved Jai from the attacker and got hit on her stomach which led to the loss of their baby.

Jai was like, "what the hell… why Massi you didn't tell me… OMG whatever the things I shouted at her.. you all knew it and still kept silence.. why? Atleast one of you could tell me… Massi, you too" he broke openly… "poor girl how much she had for me… " Massi told him she had done Kasam to Bani, Pushkar also knows things… then Jai told about Pia's words about Pushkar and Bani, and told them that is why he left to Dubai… Massi told him that if Bani love someone in the world that it is you… "she lives only for you" Jai was all gone numb… he asked where is she… then all of them looked at each other and told how she is missing… there is no whereabouts about the taxi even… then Jai asked him, "why, did you check with our security diary?" then only Aditya, OMG why I didn't remember it. Aditya and Jai got up. Aditya told Tarun that you follow me with Jai, if Jai is seen with me bani may not come, so just follow. And Jai should not appear till the ritual's final stage to break her vrath… Jai "she is fasting too…?" he couldn't contain his guilt, he was crying like a child, his eyes are gone puffed… Aditya came to know that the taxi is from a stand near by the private bus stand. They went there, Pushkar also came there, also SP Ganesh. Jai sat in the car. The taxi didn't come back yet. Tarun got some water for Jai which he denied saying that how it will go down his throat.. about 20 minutes of their waiting… Aditya, "Pushkar, see that is the car…" SP and Pushkar went to the car and asked the driver, he actually got scared seeing the police, but then he told that he dropped Bani in the Siddi Vinayak temple that time itself.

They all reached the temple. Aditya told Jai that you stay with Tarun, we will get her. She will be there in the Bhajan hall, even though he was doubted it himself. Jai was thinking to himself, she knows only to love and pray for others… all she is getting is pain and torture.. he was gritting his teeth with anger when he remembered Ranveer. Tarun told him how he arranged the meeting after the fasting is over. We can get him red handed. Till then be patient.

Aditya went inside the hall and looked around. He saw in the farthest corner Bani is sitting with her head on her knee with her bag beside her. He went to her and called, she didn't look up. He shook her, she slightly grinned. Still didn't look up. Then he shook her again, and took her head up, now she is just opening her eyes. He could make out that she was crying for long… eyes got puffed… he slowly told her that Massi is better, she is going home in an hour time, she asked about you, doctor told that her condition is not stable yet, but she insisted on going home telling you are their at home, if she understand you left then for sure we may loose her too… for ever. "Atleast till Jai come back we have to hold her, so please come back… before she reach home I have promised doctor that I will get you home. We were searching you all over the city last four hours… please get up Bani. Let us go home." Bani looked at him helplessly.. but then slowly tried to get up. She was so weak even to speak something. He helped her and led her out. Pushkar was waiting, when he saw bani he ran towards her and helped her by shoulder.. she looked at him and slowly walked and sit in the back seat of the car. They took off.

Jai almost jumped out seeing her, but somehow Tarun held him tight. He saw that lost look on her face and his heart was like bleeding… such tearing pain.. that he crossed his hands across his chest. It is almost 5.30 now. Tarun took Jai to a restaurant and asked him to drink a cup of tea, which he determinedly denied… Tarun knows him well so he kept quiet. They had to arrange lots of things with SP as well as with the lawyer of Ranveer. It was a blessing that Ranveer given the case in the name Walia Group, and in the name of Jai. Tarun described him what he planned that night. Jai talked him to clear Bani's name in public through press the very next day itself. He told give details to the press today itself, get Ranveer arrested.. or it is danger for Bani now. Now they have to file the case for finding the attacker.

Bani reached home and got freshen up and lied down in the bed. Massi came directly to her room and was happy to see her. He told the girls to get ready for the rituals. Massi told Tony to bring the tray for Bani. Which she hesitated a while, look on Aditya's face forced her to oblige. Massi told her no excuse; this is your first KC. You can do with a photo (I am not sure guys, but still I am going on). Bani took the tray and kept on the table. Massi gone to get ready. The ladies started the rituals sitting in round. It was getting dark. They all came out to look for moon. Then suddenly Dadi told the moon… all started looking through the sieve and turned to their men accordingly, Massi was ready with a photo of Jai in her hand, but when Bani turned from the moon with her eyes closed and opened to see though the sieve Massi held her hand correctly that she held the sieve just to see Jai's face instead. She almost dropped the tray, but he caught it. She couldn't believe, he smiled at her and Massi too. Massi eyed her to continue. Her eyes were two streams while she completed the arati and finally he fed her with water and broke her fasting… that was the ending of the starving for love for those two… Jigyasa almost ran down from the balcony seeing this, but Aditya stopped her telling they are still not divorced. Jai didn't stay long but he suddenly disappeared to the room. Massi led Bani who was almost lost her sense after seeing Jai in front of her eyes, she couldn't still believe whether it is dream or not? She looked up to the window and saw that he is standing near the window looking down at her… her heart skipped a beat… she thought she gone paralysed, somehow Massi pulled her to the room, where she pushed her in front of Jai.

Aditya followed them. All eyes with water flowing… Massi "here is your life, beta. Why you both go two ways and die when you can live together and breathe for each other. After today you both will never go separate or nothing that sort will happen. Jai if that happens then I will be no where in your life again. Take care of her.. after all she done so much for you, now it is your duty to take care of her and keep her happy and safe." Massi and Aditya turned and walked out, at the door she stopped and told I will send you something to drink, both are starving for long now. By hearing this Bani looked up at Jai, he was staring at her… tears in eyes… Aditya closed the door. Jigyasa was running up to their room when Massi told her "is it fair to intrude into a couple's room Jigyasa, you go and do your job down." She with a fuming look turned down and walked down. Massi looked at Aditya… he was like what can I do.

Jai walked towards Bani, she was almost shivering… clutching onto her sides of dress… she don't know what was going on… Massi had told her that Jai now knows everything, that he came just for her. But she is still in a daze to analyse the situation. Already weak from fasting and stress from the past few months.. she was like someone day dreaming and in daze… he stopped almost touching her… called her.. she couldn't look up… he again called her.. she tried to look up but failed…her chin tucked to her chest… that he slowly raised her chin with his fingers…. She tried to look up again, only once… she suddenly sat down touching his feet that he got stunned… before he could react she started weeping silently, no sound was coming out other than her irregular breathing , but lips were trembling and tears flowing from the eyes… he bent and helped her up.. placed a kiss on her forehead… in a sudden rush pressed her to his chest and broken out openly… he was saying in broken words all his mistakes and asking for her pardon… she didn't tell anything just held tight her hands around him. They stood long like that. He pulled her away, placed so many kisses on face. He told he can't still believe what was going on… that still he is trying to come to terms with it… she said she knows that it will be difficult for him… but she couldn't do anything else to help it… in a short time apologies are heard from both sides many a time.

Tony came with a juice tray , they did not listen the door opening sound. Tony Butler interrupting… with a cough, he gave both of them juice and looked at them with a tearful eyes, that Bani smiled back at him and said thank you. Tony said that he is happy to see her back for ever and left the room. Jai again came and fed her with the juice and she did the same… he told her that we have to go down that everyone is waiting for food.. He told her he will get ready and asked her to take rest till then. He went and took a white kurta set and walked to the bathroom. She sat on the sofa thinking the unbelievable turn outs in her life. After a while he came to see she is dozing in the sofa, which brought a smile on his face, also a sigh from his chest. He remembered how charismatic she was before in look and walk, this one sitting is the skeleton of what she was then. He looked towards the window side and the thought of him (jai) and Bani kissing brought a mixed emotion to his face. He brushed his hair and woke her up. She said sorry that she fell asleep. She went to the fresh room and came out washing her face. He led her down. This two still not ready to mingle so closely in public…

Jigyasa and Ranveer were looking upto them with fire in eyes. She started to say something when Massi again gave her a stern look. She just kept quiet thinking of the specialty of the day. They finished the food, Jai was watching Ranveer, Jigyasa and Bani very closely. Bani was so uncomfortable that she ate very little. He felt so guilty thinking that he couldn't offer her even a days peaceful time at this house… he decided, enough is enough. After the food special desert has come, Bani looked at Jai for a first time… it was her favorite desert. He blinked his eyes.

Everyone sat in the sitting area, Bani tried to escape when Massi held her back saying "arrey, tum kahan ja rahi hoon? Sit here… this is the family get together time.." she sat near Massi, kept her head down looking into her palm. They talked something about Dubai hotel and Ranveer had a sarcastic smile on his face. Suddenly the calling bell rang, Tony went to open the door.. Jai, Aditya, Massi Bani all looked at each other while Jigyasa and Ranveer looked towards the door anxiously.. Jai saw Ranveer is getting scared on seeing his lawyer and SP Ganesh is entering through the door followed by Tarun, Pushkar and other couple of policemen. Jigyasa was like what is going on here… looked at Jai. Bani suddenly got up to go inside, but Jai also got up and held her by her shoulder, and led to the seat where she was sitting. He pressed her shoulder slightly; also he did another thing giving the hell of a shock to Jigyasa and Ranveer. He sat near her wrapping his hands around her and pressing her to his body. Massi was all smiling and Aditya too. Jai asked all of them to sit, and asked Tony to serve them drinks. Jai looked at Tarun, he in turn to SP and the lawyer.

Jai: "so, SP sir, tell me, what is it all about?"

SP: Mr. Walia, whatever we found out were correct. Look at this.

(he gave a set of files, seeing the files Ranveer gone pale, with all his blood drained from his face, but still Jigyasa was sitting blinking without understanding anything. She is thinking about the divorce case. Jai's face was a scene Jigyasa would never forget after this day, gritting teeth and frowns with anger and hatred…)

Jai: (towards Ranveer) Now, Ranveer, what you have to tell about this… he handed over the property transfer papers to him.

Ranveer's face fuming with anger, looking at Bani, again turning the papers in the file…

Ranveer: haan, I transferred all your property into my name to save it from going into these three sisters hands. But how did you get this, it was in my shelf.

Aditya: I took it. I got the information from outside, and I checked it in your room and got the file.

Ranveer looked at him unbelievably. He looked at Rashi, Bani then back to Aditya.

Aditya: you don't have to look at them, Bani didn't even tell a single word to us, she was protecting you and your mother all these time… that is why we are so late to know this… otherwise we could at least save her baby…

By this remark Bani almost broken down, that she held her head with her hands, Jai held her tight to his chest and was trying hard to control his temper.

Jai: Ranveer, for the first time I feel shame of my own blood, that you and your mother are my own blood. It is proved those around me who doesn't have a blood relation loved me and cared me so much when you both, for whom I lived all my life along with your two youngsters backstabbed me. I will never forgive you.

Ranveer: now you can do nothing on this mamaji, everything is in my name now.

Tarun: ohhh, Ranveer, that was a bad dream for you dear.. you just cross check the papers in your hands, it expired a week ago… do you need another set of Jai's signature… whom you are making victims of your follies man … haan…

Now it is Ranveer who really shivered with a horror look. Jigyasa was like dead on the spot.

Jai: Ranveer, you are removed from all the Walia group positions and seats; you are removed from board too with immediate effect. Jigyasa you too. You have crores now in your account. Why, you didn't trust me that I will take care of you?. What was the need for you to play the 70 lakhs and 5 crores cheques drama keeping Bani in front? I feel shame to say you are my sister.

Jai: SP, sir, you can proceed. Tarun must have given you the petition, isn't it?

SP: yes, Mr.Walia, we are arresting him. (looking at Ranveer) Mr.Ranveer, we are arresting you on the basis of Mr.Walia's petition, along with arrest warrant … your lawyer has given all the proof against you. The guys you booked to kill Mr.Walia had agreed it was you behind the attack. So let us go.

Jigyasa: looking at Jai… Jai bhaiyya he is like your own son… please don't do it…

Jai fumed with anger that jigyasa taken aback for a while…

Jai: like son, is that why he tried people to kill me and ended up killing my baby… that baby was my dream… isn't it you who bribed that attender to tell me lies about Bani aborted the baby… (his words were broken) do you have any idea how much she and me gone through in last few weeks just because of you… now, don't take it on me… varna, I don't know what I will do to you…

Jigyasa looked down… SP got up with lawyer… jai told the lawyer that if you do another thing like this you will not see your uniform after that. Tarun and Pushkar also got up. Pushkar was sitting silently all the time, once in a while throwing concerned look at Bani and Massi. He went and gave hugs to Massi and Dadi. But Jai asked Tarun to hold a minute… he asked Tarun to clear Bani's name through press, today itself the news should go… she softly touched his hands, for the first time, and when he looked, she with a pleading eyes…

Jai: Banee, I know what you are going to tell. This time no, no more sympathy. You are my life and I want you to be able to live and walk on the street keeping your head up. It is those who maligned your name are going to get really tarred… didn't I love them… so if they need more by killing me and my wife, then this is the end… I am sorry.

He placed a light kiss on her side of the head and pressed to his chest. That girl is sitting their as if in a furnace… she is all blushing and his touch make her more nervous, that he too is noticing her increasing uneasiness… he decided to bring an end to her nervousness… everyone was looking at him with a surprised eyes… they have not witnessed him so expressive of his feelings towards her. They all had seen he watching all the time, not so close mingling… but all were very happy that finally they are together… Aditya also gone out with Tarun. He told he got some more job to finish.

Jai: Jigyasa, I never want to see even your shadow under this roof. I have phoned bauji that you may come there, that is up to you. but before I get up tomorrow morning, you should be out of this house. Or I will have to throw you out myself.

By telling this he got up helping Bani along with. He said goodnight to all and led her to upstairs. Bani was like in a day dreaming style moved along with him with her head down… she was almost red with blushing… he was never so close in public or in their private time… this is a totally new experience… the man she wished to look for a support in her life… those hands she many times wished to be wrapped with… she is feeling it every where in her body… the vibrations his touch produce in her were overwhelming… she was almost tightening her muscles and jaws … he was for a change was extraordinarily easy going now… no mean look… all smiles… care and lovelorn look… that protectiveness she was getting from was a totally new experience for her… for the same reason instead of enjoying it she was feeling bit easy…

He locked the room from inside. He is serious. He asked her is there any medicines for her, for which she simply kept her head down… "Banee, I am asking you…is there any medicine… show me the prescriptions… doctor told me that you have it… where is it".. she didn't tell anything, but told with a feeble sound… "I … I lost it… it is ok, I will go and get another copy and the medicines too…." He just looked at her… he imagined what happened… he went to the shelf and took her bag. he searched though it… there was no medicine… he took out the purse… he found only 200 plus rs in it and a picture of him cut from a news paper… he looked into it and back side, she had written "I love you" which brought tears to his eyes… by this time Bani came close. She didn't raise her head… but managed to say on his back… "please, don't be angry, I will sure go and get it tomorrow… please Mr.Walia.. I couldn't remember where I kept it… wow…" she started to search for words… he closed the shelf… he knows what could have happened… and for the same the pain and guilt he feel was so great… Bani opened the bag again and took a red wrapped pack and gave to him, "I got this by courier the day Rashi came home to tell about the papers, but I forgot to open it that day. Today when I took out one of my dress it fell down.. I am sorry for everything.." he simply took it from her hands… she went and sat on the sofa on the edge as if she is sitting on something which fixed with sharp pins. he put it on the tape recorder and along with he read the letters too… his face had no expressions… but when the sound of her mother started to hear he looked at her… she was sitting with her eyes on the hands kept on her laps… the tears were flowing and collecting in her palms… silently… always she is like that now… no sound dare to escape her mouth as if fearing to reach someone's ear accidentally…. she doesn't even try to wipe it.. he took the cassette out, and put it back into its case, tied the robe around the pack and kept inside the shelf.

He went to her… he told her he knew it… she looked surprised to see it… he told her that he know it for long years that she was attempting to suicide… he had talked to her father about it too… since he was so addicted to drinks Jai couldn't do anything to him… otherwise he would have helped him … Bani told him she is very sorry, that she never knew her mother had done something like this… he told her that this is why he told her that he can't reveal the truth to her because she will be hurt deeply that he can't see it… she got up and looked down still on his legs, fell onto his chest… wrapped hands around him.. "why you love me this much… after all what my family did to you… we all gave only shame and trouble to you …" Jai blocked her lips by his own lips… he told her shut up then… he smiled at her… he took her face into his hands… looked into that deep eyes.. this time she tried to focus… he giggled seeing her blushing… he looking seriously into her eyes, told her that… from here onwards there is nothing she will try to do like this… slowly taking her lips into his… he started places small kisses all over her neckline, face forehead. .back of the neck.. but stopped suddenly thinking something…

Jai: Banee, shall I see your …… stomach… please…

Bani got all of a sudden a shivering through her spine.. he sat down on his knee… slowly moved her top up and looked into her stomach, he was like got a shock seeing it and thrown away to the floor. Somehow he got again to the knee, looked there, the two blackened –swelling marks caught his breathe for a few seconds… he couldn't stop his tears… he just hugged her around the stomach with his lips on the marks… cried like child saying so many sorries… Bani just stretched her head back and stood like motionless…. He felt tears dropping on his head.. Then he got up to look at her face.. she bent back like an arch and was crying her heart out silently…her chest going up and down heavily… still sound hesitated to come out from her mouth… He held her to his chest tightly feeling her pain along with her… held her head pressed to his heart… "sweet heart, please forgive me… I don't know what on earth I will do now… how much pain I caused… why am I still alive to see it… ohhh Banee,, this is too much… I can't bear it any more…. I will kill him by my hand… " she suddenly took her hands and closed his lips… a brave move for first time… she told him "please, I can't take it any more, …. I have none other than you… pls don't push me to go through it all again… I won't breathe long …".. she just don't have that energy… other than him she doesn't have anyone… atleast for her sake he should not do such a thing… she told him she will not breathe again if something happens to him that she is already in so much pain… mentally and physically.

He somehow composed… he told next day first thing in the morning they will go to the doctor and have the thorough check up… he led her to the bed. She slided into the bed… and he too near him. He switched off the main lights and on the bed side lamp. He pulled her carefully into his hands crouch and placed a warm kiss on her forehead. He, on his side wrapped his hands around her and told "you sleep well, you are very week… " she played with a hair stretched out of his v opening… she looked up and asked… "do you need to wear this…. hmmm…. Wow.. agar tanda nahi to… " she is mumbling with words… but he caught it.. He knew the other night too she was playing with his chest hair… many times a day he used to automatically feel his hand on his own chest where she played with his hair. He got up and removed his top .. lied back to his side. Now she started nuzzling her nose in his chest hair… she slid her thin and small hands around him… he closed his eyes as if to enjoy it fully.. she placed a soft kiss above his heart which brought a smile on his face… he too kissed on her head… she nuzzled on the chest hair for a while and then she took her hand, started playing with the hair that he has to forcefully took and place it around him and ask her to sleep… with a smile… with a slight grin … she lied quietly. He never knew that she was longing for his presence so much and of her obsessions of such silly things… she never looked like that… mostly scared of his cold reaction… he thought how much a girl in her age would have dreamt of man … he could never be the man a girl will normally wish to be with..

It was almost 2 in the morning, Jai awaken hearing some sounds… he opened his eyes… Bani was crying loudly saying something… she is pointing up into the void and telling… Krishna… beta don't go.. pls don't go… I will take you to papa…pls don't go… beta,,, mummy is not well, pls come back.. I can't run after you beta.. pls don't go away… jai listened with a shock… Krishna… the name… he knows what she is talking… who else can make it out from those words if he can't… he shook her.. tried to get her up.. she sat like in a daze and pointing out to the void she again is telling him… stop her… she is telling that she is going to play with God… she asked me if I don't take her to papa how she will meet her papa… tell her please, I will take her to her papa… please stop her… see she is going… she is waving her hands… beta…Krishna … she fainted into his hands…. His eyes were two oceans… she is still mumbling something… he couldn't bring him into talking to her soon… he wiped his eyes… then called her. But she didn't wake up. She shook her to sense… she looked upto him… she looked around… looked to the place above where she pointed… he turned her face and held his cheek on her head.. "Banee…" it was a heart breaking call… she told him… a word… "Krishna" she was numb… no emotion… "told me she is going to play with God" she wrapped her hands around his neck… asked him why she left her… he couldn't answer… he just tried to sooth her… the roaring lion of walia dynasty for first time caught up with questions which he will never be able to answer… when he just asked to name the child with his mother's name he didn't know that she already had made a line of communication with the baby… she knew when it gone back… she knew when it gone back to God… a mothers cry… he thought his love was not enough to feel it… he knows now how much Bani was connected to the baby mentally… will he ever be able to have a link like that? He helped her down to bed… they both slept exhausted and tired… their heartbreak and happiness.. Which is leading them from front still doubts…

Morning Jai opened his eyes earlier than Bani. She is still sleeping peacefully on his hand. He cleared the locks of hair falling on to her face… watched with a heavy heart the face… pale, with dark circle around the eyes… all because of him, he thought… he took the hand wrapped around her and tried to lay straight… but as an automatic reply machine she caught it and put it back around her… grinned… in sleep… this girl is impossible.. he looked into the wall clock… it is almost 7 now… 9.o clock the doctors appointment is there. He moved his hands up and down on her back.. he noticed a long lined mark behind her ears… its seems to be like she had been beaten on her neck too with the rifle… it was small though but the mark is clear after a month… The doctor had told him when he called that she had blood omitted from her mouth after the hit… he closed his eyes with intense pain the mere thought of the scene in his mind. He again looked down. This time she stirred and looked up slowly at him. She suddenly felt a little shy that he is with his bare chest and she was lying the whole night in his hands… but now she felt she belongs there that she again pressed her face to his chest once more…. He raised her chin and asked "not hungry?, get up… we have to go to doctor now.. hmmmm … come on now…" he pushed her slightly up… she got up and tied her hair into a bun and walked out of bed. She walked to bath room with a new set of cloths in hands.

Tony knocked on the door with tea tray in hands, Jai put on his top and opened the door. Tony set the tray on the tea table and before he gone he told Jai that Massi asked them to get ready for a pooja for Bani mam at the Siddi Vinayak temple. Jai looked into his watch, it already 7.20, now it will be impossible for me to go to temple… he told Tony to tell Massi Bani's appointment with doctor is at 9.00 so even if they go with her they have to leave her early. So Jai asked some else too to join her, so that jai can take Bani to hospital… Tony hesitated one moment, and said "Sir, it seems including Anu mam every one is going to temple now" Jai brought a surprise look on his face and he thanked him then told he will be down soon.

Jai was thinking about Bani's charisma… everyone loves her… but I failed to understand her as others do… may be they are seeing her doing things… I never let her move freely.. and so whenever I am around she was always withdrawn avoiding to irritate me.. I was always on the dark side… he took his dress out from the wardrobe, closed it to see the bill he paid for her mother's bangles lying on the floor, he had kept it inside the shelf that day and forgot to give to Aditya. He remembered how he insulted Bani and gave those bangles to Pia who actually doesn't deserve even to touch those bangles at all. He decided to get another set for Bani soon. She is obviously not wearing a single ornament now the days… how he wish to see her in the chirping bird like… her sound is like a school girl… if she ever talking at all… how silent she gone now the days…

Everyone looked up and had a total brightness to the hall when they saw Jai and Bani coming down, side by side. She though in plain make up and churidar is better than the previous day. They sat on their chairs and smiled, Bani still shy and blushing throughout managed to look around once. After the breakfast they all set to temple. It took around 45 minutes to finish the pooja, they all were turned down to walk out of the temple, then the panditji "Bani beta, kya kal ka pooja ki prsad nahin mangthi... ek minute mein abhi ayi.." Massi came to Bani asked about what pooja… she about say then Panditiji came back and told her Bani did a pooja in the name of Mr.Walia, that she is doing it without fail once in a week… yesterday when the pooja was over she felt sick that she went and rested in the Bhajan hall, but when he looked her in the evening she was gone. Massi had no surprise to hear that, she had a smile and walked with Bani outside. Jai was wondering this girl didn't have money to buy the medicines but she paid for his pooja. He was thinking how much I am indebted to her … whether he will be able to give back a portion of it in this birth.

Jai and Bani was sitting in the doctor's room. The doctor told Jai that he already sacked the attender who told a false report on Bani's case. Bani looked surprised at him then only he said it that he was here in the day of her admission, and the attender in a docor's uniform told him that she aborted the child against their advice… it brought tears into her eyes… but she composed fast. She had been through a full check up and finally doctor with a smile on his face told Jai that she has no major problem now other than that she is weak. The injury on stomach is only externally – just on the skin level, that no internal damages exist now. It will be ok in few days, there is no need to worry. But there should be one year's gap before the next conceiving. She can have a normal life and she should eat well. Jai felt like flying to sky with happiness that he was dreaded to hear the worst.

They reached home and saw again everyone in the hall. He was thinking that they don't even like to go and rest now the days… Massi asked anxiously about the check up. He told her what doctor told and everyone was like wow we have to celebrate… such overwhelming happiness spread everyone's face.

Bani went to the washing area and washed her hands and came back. She sat near Anu who was carrying the baby. She took the baby and sat near by Anu and others started talking as normal leaving her playing with the baby. Jai was closely watching her expressions on face even though he is joined in the talk. Massi asked Rano to go back to office from tomorrow onwards that there is no need to take leave to look after Bani. Everybody supported her. Bani got up and went upstairs saying she will be back, but everyone knew she is not going to come back soon.

After she gone Jai told Massi that he like to do a shopping for Bani, but she is very weak now to walk around too much, so if Anu or Rano can help him it will be very good. Anu agreed that she and Rano will do it , so Jai felt saved from an embarrassing condition, that he had to agree that he never knew that part of a woman's need. He told them to take Bani too, let her not stray around too much. They decided to go in the evening and have dinner outside to celebrate her coming home. Others will join them at the dinner place.

Bani was thinking it is such embarrassing condition to shop with Mr.Walia. but this time he was so adamant to learn her tastes. She always go for cost effective things that finally Anu had to tell her to sit somewhere that she will bring things to her that she just try it. They had a great time shopping, in between Jai excused for a while when they entered the exclusively for ladies section. He told them he will join them in half an hour time. They had the dinner and all are back home, went to their rooms. Again Bani went and checked the baby, spending sometime there. She told since Dadi there with the nursery staff Anu don't have to worry at all. But Massi advised her to learn everything that only a mother can understand the baby well.

Bani entered their room to see Jai already changed into the night dress and sitting in the sofa reading a magazine. She looked surprised to see that. She closed the door only to hear the impatient question "how long you took to come, what were you doing… ?" she told "Mr.Walia, wow.. I just went to the baby… wow.. hmmm Massi .. Anu… " he got up and came to her… "now onwards don't forget that someone hear also is waiting for you… " but whenever his tone changes she gets scared that she didn't look up him but walked to the shelf to take her dress and walked to the bathroom. He had smile on his face. When she came back he was standing near the window looking outside. She thought for a minute this Mr.Walia is really angry, if I go near him he may get more angry… she looked confused… meanwhile he turned around to see her standing lost in thoughts. He stretched his hand and she walked slowly to him, into his arms. When she is going to learn this is the new romantic Jai Walia not the old roaring wolf…

He wrapped his hands around her and brought her to his chest. She closed her eyes and nuzzled on his v-open. She felt so safe and calm, though his touch raises her heart beat rate. It was so loud that Jai could feel it her chest go up and down irregularly… he also is feeling the warmth of her body tempting him loosing his every bit of control over his emotions… he traced her neck line with his hand.. she with closed eyes… stretched side way her head.. half shy.. half intense feeling.. he kissed her softly through the neckline to the v of her neck… rounded to back again on the back … her two piece gown was slipping its top revealing the strapped inner piece… she gathered to reciprocate the actions showing her longing for him.. he didn't want to rush her… scare her.. he was taking a saint's patience to control his own temtation… he slowly lead her to the bed…

Near the bed he stopped for a moment… "shall I ask something…. " she nodded yes… unable to hide her breathing difficulty… "do you think you are ready for it, Banee… ufff I mean if there is any pain… I can wait.. it is just.." she stopped him by placing her hands over his lips… "but you are so much tensed Banee, I don't want to rush you… if you feel uncomfortable…" again she "no no.. nothing like that… its just.. for first time… we….hmm just a bit shy… uff… nothing.. like pain…" he sighed in peace… then slowly took her face in his hands … after a while they withdraw separating their lips and took a deep breathe… it was something like a slow and steady but intense catching up for the lost time they were together… and a way too unimaginably intense with both of their longing for each other … he lied on his stomach partly covered her body rested on his elbow on both sides of her and were catching up with his breathe he hid his face on her neck… she with heart filled happiness kept her hands moved up and down through his hair…placed even a kiss on his head after which he raised his head and looked into her eyes… little shy though she received that intense look with a smile.. she for the first time raised her hands and placed it on both sides of his face… he closed his eyes feeling her small smooth palm like two feathers touching his face.. he knows his wife is well aware when he needs comfort.. He placed a soft kiss on her lips again and fell back to his back.. he was asking a hundredth time whether she is ok any pain like… he couldn't believe it yet till he sees her fell back with the utmost pleasure… he smiled thinking of her face… he turned again to her side and took her into the arc of his hands and patted her back to help her sleep… she is already slept … he couldn't take his eyes though he is too tired… he thought he wasted a life long time when he had a heaven to stay in and wandered around without recognizing it. He said silently to her that "mein kasam deti hum Bani, I will do anything to be with you. Nothing I need if you are there for me. I only wish, Oh God, never let me fail to understand her again.. Please help me…" he placed his cheek on her head who is stirring like baby inside his arms. Yeh kasam se hum bhi viswas karega yeh dono kabhi nahi alag ho jayega… kabhi nahi…

It is almost two months passed. Life is going smooth and in peace. After a long time in the Walia house everyone is coming home with a happy mood. It was always problems and fights and tears there for almost a span of 5 months. It is December chills in Mumbai … morning 6 o'clock Bani got up and got ready to go down. Jai was like, can't you sleep for some more time.. she was like… "yeah, when you come for the breakfast how you will say Bani this was so tasty… give me more.." she give a mean look to him … he knows she is going to prepare his favourite food and after that to play with the baby. It is a beautiful sight that Anu is struggling with the child to give bath and feed her while if it is Bani it will giggle like a cutie and obedient kid. Anu has only complaints that she suffered the pain she is not getting the credits… joking … Anu is happy that Bani is there to take care of the child whenever it need a soothing hands. Bani doesn't go out much unless Jai insists her to go. She always prefers to stay home looking after the elderly ladies and the kid and his needs.

One day he came home early. When he entered their room Bani was doing some tidying up with his dress which Tony brought from laundry. He hid something in his hands behind him while he entered. She was surprised to see him early. She told him just a minute she will bring him tea and started going out. But the Jai Walia style he held her on her arm and pulled into his front, and gave her the packet…. A ribbon-wrapped gift … she was all in surprise… she asked him what is this gift for… he said her to open it first. She opened the gift giving few looks in between on to his face… it was a beautiful set of diamond necklace.., its matching ear rings and bangles and ring too. She is taken back, and said "wow, beautiful… but won't you tell me what the occasion is?" jai told there is no need of an occasion for him to give her a gift. He ordered this specially for her and they brought it today. "Shall I see this on you?" Bani smiled and they walked to the dresser. She kept the box open and he took one by one and put on her. She has such a bright and soft skin. He couldn't believe his eyes.. she looks so gorgeous… he told he want to see her like this always… he knows her taste so selected a design which looks simple but elegant. But it was like a star feast for his eyes. He took little kajal from her eye and put a bindi at back of her ears. He wrapped his hands around her from back and said in her ears no wrong eyes on you. She was thinking when this man becomes such believer in such things.

Bani one day asked Jai to take her to Mt. Abu. Jai had transferred that property into that three sisters's name. Without her knowledge he had re-constructed the portion Ranveer demolished too. She was expecting to see that demolished house but it took her few seconds to believe nothing changed , their home is exactly there where it was in tact. She heard a child's laughter, and turned around. They saw the lady who came to Rano's wedding is standing there with a child in her hands. Bani ran to her and hugged the lady… she was so happy to see, the child was her daughter's, Bani's childhood friend's, child. Jai had informed her that he is bringing Bani today that she came to take them to her home. By then lots of neighbours gathered and all are in joy and hugs with Bani. The child is already in Bani arms started pinching her cheeks and hugging her head Bani was laughing loudly and tickling the child back all over its body. So mischievous it become that the lady took her back. Jai was overwhelmed by the attachment of this small town people, that he said in his mind that here is where people are really living. I have to do something for them. He removed his blazer and threw it into the back seat of the car and got down. Bani looked surprised seeing him getting down without his blazer. In fact she become nervous easily seeing him in the casual dress, she can't keep her eyes from him. He was also staring at her with a smile. He went and said namaste to all with folded hands. They had a good lunch with all kinds of local specials. Aunty told Jai that Bani got all the blessing from her mother in cooking and house keeping that he will never have to worry about his home with her. He threw a look at her through the corner of his eyes, but where, she is fully absorbed into the girls talks… a similar aged 5 to 6 girls are gathered. They then gone and checked Bani's house along with the aunty. Jai had arranged a guy to keep it clean so that nothing felt changed or abandoned about the house after they left. It is about 4 o'clock that they got up to leave. Lots of tears that finally Jai agreed that he will keep touch with them regularly. He will do something to the home and sent the kids to stay there, once in a while he will also come. He already decided that in his mind even before he tells them openly.

Bani was so happy that she could not believe it actually she being into her home today. She was all in tears when she hugged him in the car that he had to stop the car to the side. He told her he will start something there to improve their life, he is going to study which is the most important basic need. She just smiled. He said in his mind that " meine kasam kiya bani and phir karrongi mein" if your smile is intact on your face I need nothing else. He knows he wasted his 40 years without knowing what the life is about. But he felt so young to live with her… in her charisma he forgot his age.. He felt evergreen in his mind… and we know our Bani is such a mritha sanjeevani to bring life to a man like him with her love and care.

Unique Number 13

A night of……

Jay took out a pullover which masi made for him. December chills in Mumbai. While rubbing his hands he sat in front of the table. He began writing from where he stopped. After sometime he felt that he will write later on and closed the diary. Meanwhile Bani entered the room and handed him a cup of coffee with a shy smile on her face. Jay tried to hold her wrist but she made a quick movement outside the room. Although she left, her smile couldn't leave his thought. He was thinking, "ek din mein kitna kuch badal jata hai. Ek woh din tha jab meri shaadi Bani se hui thi, meri zindagi hi badal gayi aur kal bhi ek aisa hi din tha jab Bani meri zindagi se jaate jaate hamesha ke liye mere paas aa gayi." With a sudden excitement he opened the diary once more and started writing in a fresh page dated 25th Dec 2006 giving a title 'A Night Of..'
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It was 24th of December. The divorce case was put to a halt due to some legal problems. Jay & Bani acted like strangers to each other yet always remain concerned about each other's well-being. Jay was in the office when he got a call from Tarun. Tarun had requested Jay to go and meet his aunt, and if possible along with Bani as she was ill and wanted to meet them.

Jay went home and told masi, "Masi, main zara bahar ja raha hoon, Tarun ki aunt bimar hain. Mujhe aane mein der hogi".
Masi said, "haan mujhe malum hai. Bani ki tarun se phone par baat hui thi, woh aa rahi hai".
With a shocked face Jay asked, "Bani bhi chal rahi hai, magar..".
Masi interrupted, "main janti hoon lekin Supriyaji usse milna chahti hai aur tum ho na uske saath".

Jay saw bani coming downstairs and moved towards her to say something when all of a sudden Jigyasa asked Bani, "kisse milne ja rahi ho? Pushkar se na?".

She behaved as she was unaware of Jay's presence but actually she intended Jay to hear the stuff. Bani didn't bother to answer and continued to walk towards the door when Jigyasa said, "ab chupane se kya fayda? hume pata chal gaya hai ki Pushkar tumhara pehla pyar hai aur Piya ke usey chodne ke baad…" she didn't finish.

By this time Jay was all red with anger. He said, "ye kya bakwaas hai Jigyasa?".

Immediately Jigyasa answered, "mujhse nahi Jay bhaiya inse puchiye" pointing towards Bani.

Taking his anger in control he looked towards Bani for an answer but when he found that Bani didn't care to answer, he practically shouted, "Bani answer me. Yaad rakho abhi tak humara divorce nahi hua hai isliye mujhe yeh janne ka pura haq hai".

Bani was hurt the way Jay talked to her and unable to control her emotions she said, "yeh sach hai par.." but didn't finish to hide her true emotions and went out. A shocked Jay also left in anger.

Jay was driving the car. Neither of them wanted to face each other. It was a long distance journey and they didn't reach even half the way, when the car stopped suddenly. Jay came out of the car and saw fumes coming out of the engine and there was the 'that is it' kind of look. He looked around and could see a big gate at a distance. He immediately realized that it was his old house, he used to live their, with his family about 10 years ago. Turning towards Bani he saw that she looked sick. Jay called the gatekeeper. Bani couldn't understand anything. The gatekeeper took some time to recognize Jay and then he said, "saahab aap?".

Jay replied, "haan. Ghar ki chabiyaan do aur jao ek mechanic bula ke lao. Ek aur baat yeh prescription lo, yeh medicine lete aana aur aur… hamare dinner ka kuch intazam karna. Ab jaldi jao".

Jay indirectly told Bani to accompany him by saying just "chalo". Actually after watching Bani's condition Jay thought it would be better if she takes some rest and then they return back home. There was an eerie silence. Jay could feel that Bani was feeling scared. He held her hand very tightly more than to protect than to punish her.

One hour has already passed. Both of them were silent, fighting with their own feelings. The gatekeeper didn't return yet. Bani felt quite uncomfortable and went towards one of the rooms. The door was opened but as soon as she tried to enter the door was slammed on her face. She got scared and screamed, "mr. walia".

Jay came running and asked in a concerned tone, "kya hua?" but Bani was too scared to answer. Jay put her on the bed and came out of the room. Suddenly Bani's phone started to ring. It was on the floor. Jay collected it and saw 'Pushkar' in the incoming call. He was too disgusted and disconnected the call. There was a noise but he couldn't decide from where it was coming. Meanwhile the gatekeeper returned and told that the mechanic will come at the morning and not before that. He placed the medicine and food packets on the table and was about to leave when Jay said, "toh tum taxi bula late. Jao taxi bula ke lao".

The gatekeeper replied, "sahab is kohre mein bahar nikalna thik nahi. Kal subah aaplog chale jaiyega" and left.

Jay looked so troubled. He called "Bani" and could hear some bani,bani,bani from behind but as soon as he turned back the sound stopped. He went to Bani's room and said, "tumhari medicine aa gayi hai. Kuch khalo. Hume I mean tumhe aur mujhe aaj yahin rehna hoga." Bani came out. She saw that there was a red herring on her plate. She immediately left the table and went to the room. Jay felt "this is too much. What does she think of herself? On whom is she trying to show her anger?" and went straight to the room to find that she was not present there. Jay came back, took his seat, placed his hands on the table and rested his forehead on the table. After sometime Bani came back and saw that Jay has fallen asleep. The food was lying as it is on the table. Also there were two glasses of gin and tonic. Bani took the tonic and went to her room after carefully placing Jay's overcoat on him.

Bang! Jay heard that sound. He lifted his face and tried to recall what has happened and got furious after he regained his senses. He realized that Bani was back in the room. In a hurry he went towards the room and found Bani murmuring something in sleep. He carefully listened to each and every word and tried to figure out what she was saying. Bani was saying, "mr. walia main janti hoon aap mujhse bahut naraz hai. Aapko naraz hone ka pura haq hai magar main aur kya karti. Ranveer aur Jigyasa aunty se aapki property bachane ke liye mujhe…" Jay got all red and shouted, "Bani".

His voice was enough to bring Bani back to her senses. She hurriedly woke up and could see hatred in Jay's eyes. Jay said, "pehle tum mujhse divorce maangti ho, phir itni badi alimony maangti ho, phir pushkar…(pausing) aur ab meri behen aur bhaanje ke bare mein jhooti baatein keh rahi ho. Kitni badal gayi ho tum. (tightly holding her arms) tum meri zindagi ke saath kyun khel rahi ho? Tumhe aur kya chahiye? Mujhe yakin nahi hota main is, is bani se khud se jyada pyar karta hoon".

Bani could hear no more and broke down in tears. While crying she lost all her control and uttered the truth. Jay was shocked to see that the truth he was trying to find in her eyes for all these months simply supported Bani's words. A hurt Bani continued, "Pushkar ko main pasand karti thi magar pyar sirf aapse kiya hai, aur hamesha aapse hi karti rahoongi…" .

Jay held her tightly in his arms when suddenly both of them realized that both of them have confessed their love for each other. There was a new feeling in their hearts of being loved by that 'someone special' in their life. Jay looked at Bani's eyes which by that time have become moist but with happiness. Jay and Bani were about to kiss when they heard a child's laughter. Jay immediately rushed out of the room to search, wherefrom did the sound come. In the mean time the lights went out and Jay could hear Bani saying, "oh my god!" laughingly Jay came back and managed to find the bed in the dark and sat on it. He said, "Bani yahan koi bhoot to nahi hai? Pehle tumhara darna, phir…"

Bani replied, "please mr. walia main aisa kuch nahi soch rahi" and both of them laughed. Jay knew something was wrong in the house but he didn't want to scare Bani. He stood up when he heard the gatekeeper's voice "munna munna" and then the lights came back. A surprised Jay went to open the main door. On opening the door he found the gatekeeper outside with a lantern in his hands.

Jay seriously said, "tum kise bula rahe the?" the gatekeeper replied, "sahab mere bete ko. Shayad jab main mechanic bulane gaya tha tab darwaza khula dekh kar wo ghar ke andar ghus gaya." Jay was all surprised when suddenly he heard Bani saying, "yeh aapka beta hai?" Jay turned back to see a very cute boy holding Bani's hand. The boy sharply resembled the gatekeeper. Bani turned towards Jay and said, "lights aane ke baad yeh mere kamre aaya aur kaha, aunty baba se ye mat kehna ki maine aapki dawai mein woh sharbat he means gin milaya tha". Everything was now clear to Jay that who slammed the door, who was saying bani,bani, making noises, who was laughing and what made Bani utter the truth. Jay mischievously looked at the boy.

Just then the gatekeeper said, "sahab main jaanta hoon isne aapko bahut pareshan kiya hai main aapki pareshani ke liye maafi chahta hoon". Jay promptly replied, "maafi mat mangiye. Aap nahi jaante isne kya kiya hai" and gave a romantic look to Bani. Bani smiled and said to the boy, "munna jara ruko" and went towards the room giving a teasing smile to Jay. She returned in a moment and handed a ribbon-wrapped gift to the boy. The boy anxiously unwrapped the gift to find a box of chocolates. He jumped with joy and hugged bani and then left with his father.

Jay closed the door and enquired, "ye gift?". Bani replied, "Tarun ki aunty ke liye tha. Unhe chocolates bahut pasand hai." Jay immediately said, "mujhe bhi" and smiled. Both of them went to the room recalling all that happened on their own when Jay worriedly asked Bani, "tumne khana kyun nahi khaya tha?" Bani hesitantly replied, "mujhe herring dekhne se hi ajeeb sa lagta hai, khana to door ki baat hai. Magar meri wajah se aap bhi bhuke rah gaye. I am sorry." Jay replied, "no no don't worry about that. mera pet gusse se hi bhar gaya tha" and laughed. Both carried out talking and discussing, as good as it gets about what happened throughout all these months. They didn't realize when their eyes got closed.

Jay woke up with the sound of an engine. He went outside and found that the mechanic has finished repairing the car. He paid the mechanic and went inside to call Bani. Bani woke up and both of them left for their home as quickly as possible. While getting into the car Bani asked for munna from the gatekeeper but to her dismay she came to know that he was asleep. Jay noticed Bani's expressions. While driving Jay said, "Bani, who mun…na apne papa ki tarah dikhta hai na?" Bani said' " haan". Jay immediately asked, "hamara baccha kiski tarah hoga dikhne mein?" Bani wittingly replied, "masi ki tarah". Jay didn't expect such an answer and protested and the argument continued till they reached home. On reaching home they found that only Tony was at home.
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Bani again entered the room. She went to Jay and said, "yeh kya aapne coffee kyun nahi pi? Achchi nahi bani thi kya?" Jay closed the diary and said, "itni achchi bani thi ki pi kar khatam karne ka man nahi kiya". Bani understood that he was flirting and moved away to switch on the tv. She was surfing channels when for once she stopped but on seeing Jay turn towards the tv, she switched to a news channel Jay which usually watches. Jay impatiently said, "woh gana lagao na".

Bani switched to the previous channel. They were playing the song "kiska chehra ab main dekhoon tera chehra dekh kar / meri aankhon ne chuna hai tumko duniya dekh kar (song from the film tehkikat starring milind soman, tabu and sung by jagjit singh )". Jay was continuously staring at Bani. She could feel it and was feeling uneasy. She stood up to leave when Jay was about to say something and then Tony interrupted, "sir aaj khane mein kya banega?". To hide his feelings Jay surprisingly said, "Merry Christmas Tony. (then regaining seriousness) aur khane mein red herring banana. Tumhari Bani madam ko bahut pasand hai" and wickedly looked at Bani.

Bani said, "Tony aaj koi non-veg mat banana. Tum chalo main aati hoon" and furiously looked at Jay. Jay smiled. He took out a camera from the cupboard. He said, "Bani say cheese". Bani saw the camera and smiled and then said "cheese". Jay unsatisfactorily said, "no not done" he paused for a while and then said, "say munna". Bani said, "munna". Then jay made her say saahil, ranveer, masi, dadi, aditya, pia, rano, tony one after the other. She was already laughing when Jay said "say Jay". Due to the motion she promptly said, "Jay" and then she felt shy. It worked. Jay got the expressions which he wanted to capture and then CLICK!

...

Unique Number 14

THE TEMPORARY MARRIAGE

Far apart, two different people were gazing at the same full moon.

When does the pain stop, or will it always be a part of me, like a physical scar that never quite fades? To forget is not possible but is it too much to hope that I may at least find a measure of peace. Will I regret those magical weeks for the rest of my life? She asked herself bitterly. And then placing a hand on her gently rounded stomach, she thought, how can I when out that something so magical came my way. No, I will learn to remember the love, even if it was all mine. And I will start afresh. And helpless to withstand the pull of memories, she allowed herself to relive that time.

Do we never understand the value of what we have until it is too late? Until it is gone? And again he thought back to that time.

Nearly Five Months Ago:

Jai Walia strode through the airport terminal; quite oblivious to the numerous admiring glances he drew form both men and women; the former reacting to his aura of authority and the women to his potent masculine appeal. His lack of attention was not so much arrogance as preoccupation. He was lost in his own private world of happy anticipation. He would see her soon. He had made up his mind. She was the one and tonight he planned to declare his love and ask her to be his wife. He could hardly wait. This month long trip away, on business, which had taken him across half the globe was exactly what had been needed to clarify his mind. As he had travelled, a stranger in a strange land, he had yearned for roots, for a sense of homecoming, someone he could return to, and it had hit him with sudden clarity that he wanted a person whom he could share his life with, a lover who was more than just a girlfriend, a wife. And the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that he what he felt for her was love, he had been noticing her for quite a while; her cheekiness, her devil-may-care attitude, her slightly flirtatious attitude whenever she talked to him, but most of all her beauty: her fair complexion, her sparkling black eyes and her dark brown hair.

Yes, Pia was the prettiest among the three sisters. And with her inclination towards material comforts he was certain that she would fit right into his lifestyle. Even the disparity between their ages, she was a mere 21 to his 40, was not an insurmountable gap. He had hesitated because of it but upon second thoughts, attitude and not age mattered. Yes, tonight he would propose.

_________

"Where the devil was everyone? Ok, so he had returned home a week early but still, it was unusual for the house to be entirely deserted in the evening," wondered Jai as he called out for Tony. "Sir? You are back early, we were not expecting you till next week. Shall I get coffee for you while you freshen up?"

"No, I don't want coffee. Where is everybody?"

"Everybody has just left for your hotel, sir, to attend the engagement party for Pushkar sir. Even Masiji arrived today to attend it."

And with that Jai recalled the last conversation he had with Pushkar, who had confided that he had fallen in love. He had refused to reveal her name, sulking because Jai refused to rush home just to meet her, but Jai was used to such antics by Puskar. After all, Pushkar was like the much younger sibling Jai had always wanted; someone young enough to look up to Jai for guidance, unlike Jigyasa, who was only a year younger to him. And Pushkar took full advantage of the latitude Jai gave him, "the little rascal, fixed his engagement without waiting for me! Hmmm…must give him the shock of his life by turning up out of the blue, and announcing my own engagement at his! And Masi is also here," Jai thought with absolute delight, "it could not be more perfect if I had planned!" Jai chuckled with delight as he confirmed that Bani, Pia and Rano had also gone there. Instructing Tony to alert no one about his arrival and went to bathe and change his clothes.

_________

The engagement party was being held in the famous Orchid Bower of the ultra luxurious flagship hotel of the Walia Group of Hotels, the Walia Marine Towers Hotel. As Jai walked into the lobby dressed entirely in black, a beautifully cut and exquisitely tailored bandhgala jacket teamed with faultlessly creased trousers, every eye turned automatically towards him. The lobby manager rushed to his side, all obsequious attention. Confirming the venue, Jai dismissed him with elegantly careless thanks and leisurely made his way towards the Orchid Bower. His trademark special feature in every Walia hotel around the world, a venue named after a flower and decorated accordingly, they were the most sought after venues for all kinds of functions. This was a symphony in cream and the deep, purplish pink of an orchid. With a breathtaking view of the Arabian ocean, the Orchid Room actually comprised of a large hall that opened onto the most exquisite terrace garden.

His entrance naturally attracted enough attention for his family to spot him immediately. Masi's smile was a mile wide, "Munna! You are back! All these people told me that I'd have to wait at least a week before I saw you, I was so disappointed." "How can I ever disappoint you Masi?" he asked, bending to touch her feet, with the special smile he reserved for her, and her alone, the one that softened the harshness of his face, transforming his face into one of intense handsomeness, loosening as it did the stern, slightly forbidding _expression that was otherwise his habitual _expression.

Standing slightly behind Masi, Bani nearly gasped. If someone had told her that the stern and slightly scary Mr.Walia could look like that she would not have believed them. He looked so incredibily handsome when he smiled like that. In bemusement she thought, "now I understand why Mr.Walia has been linked with so many beautiful women."

Jai in the meantime greeted the rest of his family, Aditya, Jigyasa, Dadi and asked after the children, Aditya and Jigyasa's twin sons, Ranveer and Sahil, and their younger sister, Anu. As they all began babbling with excitement about Pushkar's engagement, Jigyasa driftrd off slightly in disgust. Pushkar was nothing more than an employee, and she did not appreciate the rest of the family, including Jai, treating him as anything more, certainly not at par with her own children. As if sensing her discontent, Ranveer drifted close to her, "What's wrong Ma?" "Nothing beta, it's just that I can't understand what everyone sees in Pushkar? Akhir hai to sirf ek employee, phir bhi sab sar pe chada ke rakhte hain usse." Ranveer shared all her views and sentiments. She looked at him with affection and love, but as she caught sight of Sahil gazing wistfully at Rano her _expression became irritated once again. "Why couldn't Sahil be more like Ranveer? Cannot believe that he and Ranveer are twins, one understands me so well, and the other is such an idiot. Sahil has definitely taken after Aditya!" she mused for the umpteenth time. And then tuned in to what Jai was saying.

"…..no, no Pushkar, I wanted to surprise you, and believe me, just my presence here tonight is not the real surprise. I have an even bigger one waiting. Something that will delight all of you, especially Masi," and as everyone began pestering him, Jai beat a laughing retreat, "nope, you are all going to have to wait for the right moment."

He made his way out onto the terrace steadily, greeting everyone who called out to him without engaging in conversation, a social skill acquired over years of being a sought after social figure. He had spotted Pia, looking dazzling in a turquoise lehnga choli standing with Rano, who was clad in a far simpler yellow outfit. But his attention was entirely on Pia. "Rano could you excuse us for a moment? I'd like to talk to Pia," Jai said without once looking at Rano, who complied obediently, albeit with a slight question on her face.

"Rano, where is Pia? It is time, Pushkar is about to make the announcement," Bani asked Rano in the hall. "Out on the corner of the terrace, right next to the swing, Mr.Walia wanted to talk to her alone." "Oh. He probably wanted to wish her happy, you know close Pushkar is to him, I'll go and get her," Bani automatically reassured Rano. They all were a little wary of Mr.Walia, except Pia, of course who seemed to enjoy being shocking and outrageous. After all Mr.Walia was such an unpredictable man; a very exacting boss, the kind person who had given them shelter after they were orphaned, the same angry man who had had Bani imprisoned for allegedly stealing money when Rano had had an accident…..It was wisest to keep a distance from him.

Pia was looking at Mr.Walia with a stunned _expression, "….what I am trying to say is, that I want to marry you, so will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" and with that he extended a small package, like a jewellers box, wrapped like a gift in red and tied with a pink ribbon to Pia, who made no move to take it. Bani waited for Pia to refuse in an absolute shock, unable to say a word. She could only stare at Pia, over Mr.Walia's shoulder (who was unaware of Bani's presence) as Pia continued looking at Mr.Walia. For one minute Bani thought that Pia was…and just then a loud voice jerked their attention towards the hall as Pushkar began speaking. Turning, Mr. Walia became aware of Bani's presence for the first time and looked slightly surprised, "Oh, Bani?" Well I guess you have heard my proposal to Pia. I know that you are a little…."he trailed off as he took in the horror stricken _expression on her face and swivelling his head towards Pia he saw something he could not identify, and then finally Pushkar's voice intruded, "…..and the girl who has made me the happiest of men by consenting to marry me is none other than Pia Dixit! Come on here darling, we are all waiting."

Bani was the first to snap out of it. Without taking her eyes off Mr.Walia, she said, "chalo Pia, sab tumhara intezaar kar rahe hain," thereby breaking the spell that held all three of them. Giving her head a slight shake, as if to clear it, Bani stepped forward and taking Pia's hand escorted her inside.

__________

A quick glance around the room assured Bani that everything was in order, and everyone engrossed in the party. Unobtrusively she made her way to the secluded corner of the terrace where a stunned Mr.Walia had remained, rooted to the spot as she had led Pia inside for the ceremony, nearly an hour ago. She was quite sure that he was still there. People had begun asking where he was and it was only a matter of moments before someone discovered him. She wanted to warn him.

She found him sitting on the swing, with an empty glass in his hand, looking lost as he stared across at the vast stretch of the Arabian Sea.

"Mr.Walia, I ..er..are you allright?" she asked with some hesitation at intruding upon so personal a moment. After a long moment, without looking at her he replied, "I'm fine. Just a little stunned… you should go back."

A little concerned at the slight slurring of his words, Bani softly asked, "if you are sure…. Is there anything I can do…."

"Not a damn thing in the whole world," he said bitterly and stood up suddenly. And just as suddenly lurched on his feet. Without thinking, Bani automatically stepped forward and reached to brace him against a fall. Even with her six inch stilettos, worn at Pia's insistence she only reached his shoulder level. Unprepared for the sudden weight of a lean but powerfully built 5'11 frame, and unsteady on her unaccustomed high heels Bani too staggered and they both fell onto the swing in a tangled heap of awkwardly entangled limbs. As she tried to untangle her limbs and her dupatta from where it persisted in wrapping itself around his forearm, an unfamiliar assault intruded on her senses. This close, with her head practically lying on his chest, she could smell him, an intriguing mixture of soap, the woodsy cologne he used and underlying it all the essential, male scent that was uniquely his own.

Finally disentangled, Bani stood up, looking slightly flustered, "just how much have you had to drink?" "I'm not drunk, if that is what you are implying," he said sardonically. At her quiet but sceptical _expression he impatiently raked a hand through his hair, "oh really, two glasses of gin and tonic are not enough to get me drunk!" Unconvinced, Bani said, "in that case you'd better fix yourself. Everyone is beginning to look for you." Jai's _expression tightened at that. "Shit, I'd better get away from here. Don't worry, this side of the terrace has an exit. I'll just leave quietly."

As he stood, he again swayed unsteadily on his feet but grabbed the frame of the swing before Bani could move. "I think you need help, here why don't you let…"and with that Bani reached out and draped one of his arms around her shoulders, one hand holding onto his hand with the other supporting him around the waist. Aware that he did need the support Jai nonetheless could not help being ungracious, "It's the combination of jet-lag, no food in the past eight hours, the shock and not just the alcohol, you know."

Concentrating on keeping her balance, Bani did not bother replying. Helping him into the elevator, she punched in the appropriate number and waited in silence. Leaning far more heavily on her shoulder than he realised, Jai too remained silent.

With a sigh of relief, Bani escorted him into the room that had been assigned to them by Pushkar for all of them to get ready in. Sweeping some scattered clothes off the bed, she helped Mr.Walia onto the bed and then briskly picking up the phone ordered black coffee and some sandwiches. And then she automatically began to tidy up the room, tsking to herself at this evidence of Pia's habitual messiness. Mr. Walia observed all this in silence. When room service arrived, Bani took the tray at the door, without letting the waiter see who was in the room. Silently she poured out a cup of black coffee and added the single spoonful of sugar, the way he preferred it, and along with the sandwiches carried it to where he was half reclining on the bed. "Here, this will make you feel much better."

_________

Ranveer was reporting to a gleeful Jigyasa, "I did not see who it was Ma, as his face was averted, but it was definitely a cosy cinch. And Bani took him up to her room and since then she has been there. I enquired and found out that she ordered food, but she cleverly blocked the waiter from seeing inside."

"God! These small town girls, they all pretend to be so moral on the outside but their reality….good maybe now the family can be made to see them for what they really are." Just as she finished a was looking Masi came up to her, "Jigyasa, I'm not feeling well. I think I should go home. Can you find Munna for me?" Jigyasa immediately saw the opportunity of killing two birds with one stone, "arre masi, gahr nahin aap chaliye, kamare main aur main abhi doctor ko yahin bulati hoon." And over-riding Masi, called Pushkar and asked him for the room key for Pia's room. All concern, Pushkar immediately handed it over and moreover offeeds to go get the doctor while Pia escorted them there.

_________

Having eaten Mr.Walia got up from the bed and approached the table where Bani was pouring out a second cup of coffee for him. Unaware of his proximity Bani turned around just as he called her name and they collided, with the steaming coffee spilling all over him. Mortified, Bani grabbed a napkin and began dabbing at the dripping coat, murmuring a disjointed apology, even as he winced at the scalding liquid beginning to seep through. Unable to break through her babble, he reached for her shoulder with one hand. Feeling his hand she stilled, "It's hot!" he said by way of explanation as he began to unbutton his coat with the other.

Bani jerked backwards as though scalded and the sound of ripping fabric sounded unnaturally loud in the still silence. With trepidation, Bani looked at her left shoulder. Snagging in his watchstrap the blouse had ripped from the shoulder all the down to the edge of her short sleeve, baring her shoulder to Mr.Walia's fascinated gaze. His hand was now on her upper arm, clutching it where the torn sleeve ended.

He knew he should look away, at least disentangle his watchstrap but the sight of that bare shoulder fascinated him. Held in his capable and tanned hand, her upper arm felt and looked so fragile. His tan served to emphasize the olive toned clarity of her silky skin. Slowly, his fingers uncurled themselves from around her arm but instead of letting her go his fingers seemed to have a will of their own as they delicately traced the line of her shoulder bone, up her clavicle, coming to rest in the hollow at the base of her throat where her pulse was now beating an insistent tattoo. Bani knew she should move but the languor seeping through her left her immobile. As his fingers probed the delicate hollow at the base of her throat, she gasped.

The tiny sound released both of them from their spell.

"I am so sorry Bani."

"It's..a.. ok. It was an accident," she said, stepping back, nearly beetroot red.

"I'll just change…" and she headed towards the bathroom.

"Wait, why don't you change here while I go to the washroom and rinse this coffee off me. I won't come out till you knock and tell me."

As Bani unpinned the dupatta from her other shoulder she thanked all the Gods she could think of that there was another blouse she could wear with this lehenga. It was the original blouse the outfit had come with, but since it was an all strings at the back kind of a choli, she had opted to have this, more demure one stitched, much to Pia's displeasure. Now, that choli would have to suffice. "Damn," she muttered to herself as she realised that she could not wear her bra with that choli, the back was nothing but sets of complicated strings and the bra stood out like a sore thumb. Quickly she put the torn blouse and her bra in the cupboard and was struggling to tie to those complicated knots when there was the sound of a key turning in the lock of the front door. As she turned her head right to look at the door, the knob began to twist and before she could move, the door opened.

Masi, Pia, Jigyasa, Aditya and Dadi were framed in the doorway, a little surprised, "arre Bani tum yahan? Kya hua…"aditya began but even he stopped as they all took in her flushed appearance and the blouse, which gaped open on her back. Bani immediately swivelled to face them, thereby hiding her back from their view, and she quickly picked her dupatta, which was lying on the bed and draped it over her front, "woh, I had to..er.. change because…" and just then the sound of a door opening drew everyone's eyes away from her, and over her shoulder. With a sinking feeling of dread, Bani risked one glance over her shoulder even as the surprised cries of "Jai?," "bhaia?" "Munna" sounded.

Mentally Bani found herself begging God for an earthquake as she took in the sight of Mr.Walia clad only in trousers, his bare torso glistening with a few errant droplets of water.

"I thought I heard voices," Jai said as he took in the tableau that greeted him. Meeting Bani's stricken eyes, he cursed softly under his breath, but before he could say or do anything, Masi's appalled voice hit him, "Munna what is going on here?"

Bani found herself unable to meet the faces in front , filled as they were with varying degrees of shock, disappointment and malicious condemnation, the last being naturally Jigyasa's, who began in her drawling voice, "arre masi, is it not obvious?" Bani looked stricken, taking a deep breath, she began, "nahin Masi, jaisa aap soch rahi hain waisa…." But Jigyasa cut in, "thodi to sharam karo Bani."

Before Bani could muster the courage to go on, strong, warm hands suddenly gripped her shoulders and pulled her backwards until her back was suddenly in shocking contact with a male torso.

Keeping his hands on her shoulders tightly, preventing her from scooting away, Jai quietly spoke, "shut up Jigyasa. Masi, remember the surprise I had promised? Well, it was asking Bani to marry me. And that is just what I did before spilling coffee all over her and me. So, all you of please excuse my startled and flustered fiance, we need to fix our appearance before we can accept your congratulations."

Bani was certain her brain functions had shut down. Having her bare back jammed against his torso with its warmth and the errant droplets, which only contrasted with the warm skin, was playing havoc with her ability to breathe. And when she did manage to draw in a deep breath, she nearly groaned out loud as the male smell of Jai Walia imprinted itself on all her senses. She heard his voice as though through a fog. She could not quite understand. And when his hands turned her with implacable force, she did not resist. Before she could quite regain her senses, she found herself in the bathroom, all alone with Mr.Walia.

Released from the sensory assault his proximity evoked, she finally found herself muttering disjointedly, "what? You..we….wha…" Raking an impatient hand through his hair in frustration, Jai said curtly, "well, what the hell else could I do? And it was your reputation I was protecting in there!" "But, we can't marry," Bani said on a note of panic. "Of course not! I do not want to marry you," Jai said forcefully and inexplicably Bani felt a momentary pang. "Look, we are just going to pretend to be engaged for a while and then later, we will just break our engagement citing incompatibility or a change of mind or whatever. But for now we just go through this charade. Especially as long as Masi is here."

"Ok Mr.Walia." and taking a deep, steadying breath, Bani averted her eyes from his bare chest and began to try and impose order on her dishevelled appearance. The wretched strings again! But before she could do more than try to deal with them, large, capable hands gently covered her hands and taking over the strings began to competently tighten them before tying them off. Blushing, Bani stole one quick glance at his face in the mirror and encountering his eyes on her face, lowered her eyes. "Here. Now fix your dupatta while I put on my clothes." "Tha..thanks."

She was as ready as she was going to be to face what lay on the other side of the door. Taking deep breaths, she reached out for the door handle. But his hand stopped hers. "Wait. There is one more thing," and with that Jai reached into the pocket of the jacket slung over his shoulder. He was dressed in a slightly damp black silk v necked t shirt, which he had had on under the bandhgala. The jacket was still too wet to be worn. Withdrawing he held out the box he had such a short while ago offered to Pia. The enormity of what they were about to do hit them both as they recalled that moment. "Here. You need to put it on." The box contained a flawless square cut diamond, at least 3 carat in size. As Bani just stood with the box in her hand, Jai impatiently took the ring and jammed it on the appropriate finger.

__________

The rest of the evening was blurred for Bani. She smiled, received congratulation, met people; spoke to them like an automaton. She was certain she would have fallen down in shock ten minutes into the party had it not been for the iron grip in which Mr.Walia kept her hand, pinning her to his side. Obedient to her unspoken plea, Pia and Rano both went along with the charade.

Long after Pia and Rano fell asleep, satisfied with nothing less than the full truth, she tossed and turned in her bed until exhaustion overtook her and she fell into an uneasy sleep.

The last two weeks had been the most exhausting that Bani ever recalled in her life. The strain of pretending; to be Mr.Walia's fiance at home and in the office, of pretending to be comfortable when they had to pose like an engaged couple began to tell on her. Rano was the only steady rock of strength. Offering silent support. Pia had begun to act strange. Bani could not understand what was going on in Pia's mind. The sudden tantrums, inexplicable squabbles with Pushkar over nothing had her baffled.

________

It had been a long day. First a full working day, where she had had to make a presentation in front of delegates who had all insisted on treating her as the prospective Mrs.Walia much to her and Mr.Walia's discomfort; and then the party they had all had to attend at one of Mr.Walia's closest friends house, Mohan Khandelwal. While she and her sisters had been standing, the wives of Mr.Walia's friends and acquaintances had come over to introduce themselves.

By the time they came back Bani had a raging headache. She had left early with Masi, Dadi and Rano. Pia had elected to comeback later with Pushkar.

As Pia walked into the small living room, into which the two guest rooms allotted to them opened, she was agitated and irritated tremendously. In her mind, she kept remembering the wives of Mr.Walia's friends. All so expensively and glossily dressed. And they had been oohing and aahing over Bani's engagement ring. Suddenly she looked at her engagement ring and then remembered Bani's. She was the most beautiful. She deserved the attention more than Bani. She loved her sister, but how could she have been ignored for Bani? Even Bani herself said that Pia was the beauty of the family. And then Pushkar had somehow been so irritating today. For the first time Pia allowed herself to articulate, the sub conscious thought that had been buzzing in her head for the past two weeks. Had she made a mistake? Just then, Bani entered the sitting room, clearly coming from the kitchen for there was a glass of milk in her hand.

"Pia. You are back early; I thought you wanted to stay for a while."

"I changed my mind. Pushkar was irritating me."

"Pia, what has happened? I've noticed that in the last few days you and Pushkar seem to arguing a lot. Is something wrong?"

"No.Yes. I don't know….maybe I've been too hasty in wanting to marry him. And look at this ring. I don't like what he chose. See it is so small ….and I've always wanted a big diamond like the one Mr.Walia got…"

Bani was appalled, "Pia, what are you saying? Pushkar and you love each other. How does the size of the stone matter? And Mr.Walia? He.."

"Oh come on di, Mr.Walia has everything I've ever wanted in my life. He can offer me so much more than Pushkar. If only I'd known before that …" seeing Bani's shocked _expression, Pia defensively raised her voice, "don't look at me like that! You know what I am saying is true, his engagement to you is just a sham, he does not want to marry you anymore than you want to marry him!"

Bani was suddenly looking at someone over Pia's shoulder in horror, and with a cry of alarm she rushed forward, "Masi!"

__________

A very worried looking Jai Walia turned to the doctor as he finished his check up of Masi and gave some instructions to the nurse. The rest of the family members stood outside.

"She has had a very minor heart attack. She will be fine, Mr.Walia, Dr. Khan assured.

"Are you absolutely sure doctor?"

"So sure that I am willing to discharge her tomorrow evening. And that too because it is standard practise to keep heart patients here for 24 hrs as a precaution. But mind, you must take care of her, no stress, no strain and no overwork." And with that the doctor departed.

"Masi, what happened?"

"Munna, is your engagement to Bani just a sham, you do not want to marry her anymore than she wants to marry you?"

An angry Jai controled his temper with effort, "yeh aapse kisne kaha? Bani and I have not said any such thing, Masi. Don't you trust me? Bani and I love each other and we want to get married. We will too. As soon as Pia and Pushkar tie the knot."

"Thank god! Because I think, Bani will make the perfect wife for you. But, are you sure beta? Because if you are then can I request you to get married now, I want to see you dressed as a bridegroom before I die. And today I realised that I could die any time and…" Jai lovingly places his hand over her's and says in a soft voice, "aisa sochiye bhi mat! If you want to see us married, we will do so now, as soon as you get out of here. You are the most important person in the world for me. And now rest."

_________

Later that night Mr.Walia is in his study, tiredly trying to see his way out of this dilemma. "And just what the hell happened? How did Masi end up discovering the truth?" Frowning, he got up, called Tony and asked him to inform Bani that he wanted to speak with her in the study immediately.

Jigyasa came in before Bani did, wanting to talk about Masi. Jai's frown lessened, irritating at times she may be, and a snobbish socialite at all times she may, but her love for her family was genuine. He soothed her fears and shared his question with her. "I have no idea what you are talking about; you had better ask Bani because she was the one present with masi when the heart attack happened." Jigyasa answered in genuine bewilderment and then she put two and two together. "Wait a minute, are you telling me that your engagement is actually just a sham?" Tiredly Jai admited the truth, and masi's reaction.

With a calculating look on her face, Jigyasa tells Jai, "look, it is just a thought but have you considered the fact that Bani may have deliberately engineered the whole scene to trap you into marriage? No, don't get mad at me but do give it a cool thought." And she left, passing Bani who was nearing the doorway.

"Mr.Walia? You called?"

"Bani, I need to know what exactly happened to cause masi's heart attack," Jai asked her bluntly, deliberately omitting to tell her what masi had said. His gut instinct about people had always pegged Bani as trustworthy, and the one time he had allowed others to colour his opinions he had regretted not trusting Bani when it turned out that she had not, after all, stolen the money. So now, he wanted to give her a chance before condemning her.

Bani found herself in a dilemma. On the one hand how could she not tell him the whole truth and on the other how could admit to Pia's shocking behaviour. Finally, her innate honesty won and minimising Pia's behaviour as much as she could she told him the truth.

He heaved sigh of relief. "Well, now masi wants to see us married. Look, I know it's damned awkward but it seems like we have to play at marriage as well. No, hear me out before you say anything, it would be a marriage in name only, and as soon as masi leaves we'll get it annulled. Nothing simpler."

Bani looked at him in shock. "Look Bani, I'll make it worth your while. I'll compensate you generously for doing me this favour." This last offer brought colour flashing in her cheeks, "Mr.Walia, now you are insulting me! If you had waited a moment, you would have heard my agreement, not based on remuneration but gratitude. For giving me and my sisters shelter. If I hesitated in answering it was because, like all women, I had imagined that when I married it would be for love and would last a lifetime, not that it would be a contract."

Jai looked at her in silence. "You do realise that you are more than responsible for getting us in this mess in the first place? Both, back at the hotel and today," he said acidly and paused before continuing in a gentler tone, "Still, I did not mean to offend you. I offered money as an _expression of gratitude, not as an incentive. What concerns me is masi. Nothing else. And for that I am willing to overlook just how we ended up at this point. As long as masi is happy. I'll organise everything and let you know."

Jai's arrogance literally took her breath away.

By the time she formulated a response though he had walked out of the study, leaving her fuming.

"My fault? Of course! I was the one drunk, and I tore my own blouse and then I dragged him out of the bathroom half naked and asked him to hold me like that and then …then tie my choli so slowly all the while touching my back.. and..and befuddle my senses and…" Bani pulled herself short, realising that somewhere along the way this mental monologue had gone off track! Giving it up as hopeless she went back to her room and tried to sleep instead.

It was nearly five in the evening and Bani was so engrossed in her work that the peon had to call her name thrice before she looked up. "Haan,kya baat hai?"

"Madam, Walia sahab niche lobby main aapka intezaar kar rahe hain. Jaldi kijiye, unhe intezaar karne ki adat nahin hai!"

Unsure of which precise project report he might want, Bani grabbed all the three very bulky files dealing with the projects assigned to her and made her way down to the lobby.

An impatiently frowning Mr.Walia did not even try to conceal his irritation, "what the devil took you so long? Never mind, let's go."

He began walking but stopped immediately, realising she had not moved, "what is it now?"

"Er.. …which file do I carry?"

"File? Why would we need a file to go and get married?" he asked impatiently.

The entire lobby stilled and Bani blushed, "married? Like this? But.." By now Jai's patience had stretched to its limit, "Bani, remember last night? What is wrong with you?" and coming closer, he grabbed all the files from her arms and dumped them impatiently on the reception desk and without turning addressed the fascinated receptionist, "have all these delivered back to Bani's office." Taking Bani's hand he literally pulled her along as he strode out.

Seated in his luxurious chauffer driven Mercedes, Bani tried to make sense of it all, "let me get this right, I am on my way to get married, like this?" looking up from the papers he was reading he asked politely, 'what do you mean 'like this'?" "I am in my office uniform for one thing and for another my sisters and your family…" Encountering the sardonic _expression on his face Bani shut up. "Bani, you do realise that this marriage is a…" he said with a meaningful look at the driver. "Please do not confuse reality with practicality, and this is definitely only the latter," he finished. Saying so much with so little, Bani thought to herself in silence, and yes, this is not a marriage, it is pretence. I must never forget that.

Tarun, another close friend of Mr.Walia and a lawyer was waiting for them outside the courthouse. "Here Jai, these are the papers, you both need to sign them before we go in." Jai signed them and turned to Bani, "it is a standard pre-nuptial agreement, meaning that..," "thank you, but I do know what a prenuptial agreement is," Bani said coolly as she took the proffered pen and signed.

Fifteen minutes later, seated in the car Bani found it hard to believe, that she was now married. She felt no different and yet one signature on an official piece of paper now meant that she was indeed married, Mrs. Bani Walia. She still felt the strangeness of that name by which the judge had congratulated her on their marriage.

She looked in disbelief as the car brought them back to the office. "I'd like to see the progress report on the resort we are developing in Shillong in my office immediately, oh and call up and check whether work on the Goa project is back on schedule or not," he said as he alighted and politely waited for her to alight. Everyone looked at them with mingled curiosity and fascination as they entered the office. Bani blushed with mortification; the office grapevine had done its usual thorough job. Refusing to meet anyone's eye Bani headed towards her cabin, to gather the files, make the phone call but most of all to gather her composure.

_________

It was seven Bani realised when she absently glanced at the clock. Most of the office staff would have already left. She had lost track of the time. Work had seemed the best way to deal with the events of the last few hours. Gathering her bag she turned her computer off, tidied her desk and left.

As she stood at the bus stop, she got a quite a few strange looks from the three office staff members also waiting at the stop. Thankfully, they only knew each other by sight and so they did not approach her. Bani could feel the heat bloom in her cheeks. Damn, they knew what had happened and were no doubt wondering why she was here and not with her husband.

At the word husband, Bani's blush deepened. On top of everything else that man is making me go beetroot red some twenty times a day! She thought to herself in irritation. Her errant musings were interrupted by the loud blast of a car horn. With growing horror she recognised Mr.Walia's car, as the window rolled down Mr.Walia's voice was audible to everyone in the vicinity, "Bani, what are you doing here? Get in the car!"

Tomato, thought Bani in desperation, she must be red as tomato by now, a beetroot was simply not a bright enough red to describe her colour she decided as she slid into the car.

"Do you know I spent ten minutes waiting for you to come out of the office, only to discover you had left?"

"What else was I supposed to do?"

"Come with me, what else?"

"And I was supposed to realise that because my telepathy is outstanding, right?"

Jai looked at her as if she had gone slightly mad "telepathy?"

"Well, you did not tell me when we spoke regarding work, you did not send me a message, you did not call, so how exactly was I supposed to know?"

"Common sense? As my wife you are hardly expected to take the bus!"

Bani gave up. Considering the way our marriage was organised and executed why am I surprised? She asked herself as she looked out of the window.

"I've already told everyone that we are married. Masi was discharged at four and when I took her home from the hospital I told her that we were going to the registrar's office to get married. Just so you do not have to rely on your poor telepathy again."

Did Mr.Walia just crack a joke? Bani thought incredulously, but when she looked at him, he was already engrossed in reading a file and his _expression was his usual stern one.

_________

"What the hell?" Jai said aloud as the car swept up the driveway. The house was decorated with flowers and lights, looking all festive and beautiful.

As they stepped into the house, they got a bigger shock. The large hall sported a traditional hindu wedding mandap, complete with a priest and everyone was dressed up formally.

Masi stepped forward, beaming, "surprise!"

Jai and Bani bent to take her blessings automatically. "Masi, what is all this?" Jai asked.

"Your wedding Munna."

"But we have already got married."

"Yes, I can see that. You in your business suit, Bahu in her office uniform, not a ritual observed! Signatures on paper do not a marriage make, at least not in my old-fashioned worldview. And so I arranged all this. Everything is ready. You go and bathe and change," and turning to Bani masi added, "beta, I know how much you must be missing your mother today! But if you have no objection then may I take her place and dress you up as a bride myself?"

Sudden tears well up in Bani's eyes, and she can only nod her assent.

___________

Bani emerged from her bath in a bathrobe with her hair still slightly damp, to find Masi, assisted by Pia and Rano waiting. They handed her a petticoat and the blouse. It was only in the bathroom she realised that the blouse was actually the same, backless, full of strings choli that had caused her so much trouble on the day of Pia's engagement. Her engagement, she thought abstractedly.

Clutching the front; I learn from her mistakes, Bani thought, there is no way I can do the strings on my own, so why even try; she emerged back in the bedroom. As Rano began doing the back, Pia began to open the sari out, Bani could not resist asking, "why this choli? Don't I have a blouse that would do?"

Pia remained silent and it was Rano who answered, "actually Masi specifically asked for this."

"Well the dull gold colour of the choli is a pefect match, besides I also thought it was lucky, considering the last time you wore it," masi said with a twinkle in her eyes. And as Bani went red, Masi laughed.

They would not let her see herself in the mirror until everything was in place. As she saw herself dressed, Bani gasped. She looked beautiful. Rano and Masi both grew misty eyed. "What a stunning bride you make! Do you know, this saree and jewellery all belonged to Jai's mom. She would have been so thrilled if she could see you now. And here, the final touch," masi said as she covered Bani's head with a gossamer fine dupatta embroidered the same as her sari.

__________

"Why do women take so long to get dressed?" Jai grumbled to Aditya in the hall.

"After more than twenty years of living with Jigyasa I've forgotten what it feels like to not have to wait at least an hour after getting dressed!" Aditya joked.

"Here they are," Sahil said, "beautiful!" he murmured, his eyes fixed on Rano, looking very pretty in a pink, heavily embroidered, salwar kammeez.

Jai was speechless! Coming down the stairs was a vision lovely enough to astound anybody.

Dressed in a sari of dull red silk worked all over with amber zardosi, Bani seemed to radiate. The old fashioned jewellery, dominantly Polki interspersed with other precious stones, like uncut sappires, emeralds, and rubies with their muted sparkle seemed made especially for her. In comparison the diamond engagement ring looked garish and decidedly out of place. Must get a new ring in an antique setting designed for her, Jai thought abstractedly, hardly realising the import of his decision. As if aware of his scrutiny, Bani looked up at him. Jai drew in an audible breath, with her face framed by the muted red and amber of the dupatta, her skin seemed to glisten like silk. And her eyes, how had he never realised that they were not brown? Rimmed with kohl, her eyes seemed to be like….Jai searched his mind for a comparison….gold? too yellow….melted caramel? too brown….hazel? too generic….like honey? yes! that was it, like the ever changing mixture of brown, gold, yellow all mixed in one….With a jolt he realised that Aditya was saying something to him.

Bani wondered uncomfortably if Mr.Walia disliked seeing her in his mother's clothes and jewellery. He was looking at her with such a still, enigamatic _expression on his face. But the sight of him in a cream coloured silk long kurta pajama literally took her breath away.

____________

As the door closed behind a giggling Anu, a quiet Rano and a disapproving Pia, Bani heaved a sigh of relief. And then ruefully surveyed the flower bedecked bedroom, which she was henceforth expected to share with Mr.Walia. The idea made her very nervous. Somehow this was something she had not really thought about since she had consented to this mad scheme. As if her thoughts conjured him, Mr.Walia entered the room. Suddenly shy, she found it difficult to look at him directly. He too stood awkwardly, as if suddenly realising that they would have to share this room.

Just then Jigyasa knocked and entering, briskly said, "Bahia, since I know the truth about this marriage, I have arranged for an extra mattress, it is stored in the cupboard, I'm sure Bani would prefer to sleep on the floor than share the bed. Good night."

Conscious of a sudden feeling of relief, Bani nonetheless felt a twinge of irritation at the calm assumption that she would be the one sleeping on the floor, an assumption which Mr.Walia clearly shared.

Mr.Walia emerged form the en-suite bathroom clad in a pair of worn grey trackpants and an equally decrepit t-shirt, bearing a faded yellow smiley face. The incongruity of the stern faced Mr.Walia wearing a smiley face t shirt caused her to suppress a smile.

Seating herself at the vanity table, she beagan the ardous process of taking of her accessories. As she removed her mang tikka her hand stilled in shock, and for long wordless moment she just looked at herself in the mirror, a woman in red and amber, a married woman, with sindoor in her hair parting and a mangalsutra around her neck. She was Bani Walia now. Bani Dixit was gone forever. She was marked for life, even after her divorce she would be the ex-Mrs.Walia.

Stealing covert glances at Bani from where he was reclining on the bed, Jai could not help but notice her. She looked so lovely that he found it difficult to concentrate on the book he was pretending to read. Shorn of all the jewels, clad only in the sari she looked even lovelier. Coming out of her reverie, Bani located her nightshirt in the cupboard where Anu had had all her belongings moved, and made her way into the bathroom. Jai made an effort to read for real, and found to his disgust that he could not even remember the title of the book! Glancing at the cover in disgust he muttered to himself, "Twelve Red Herring by Jeffrey Archer. Who recommended this book to me?" He closed his eyes in an effort to remember. They flew open at the soft, hesitant voice of Bani.

"Mr.Walia? I..er.. need some help."

Jai found himself springing from the bed in haste, until he was standing right next to her, "haan?"

Blushing a deep red Bani wordlessly turned around. Jai found himself staring at the seemingly endless expanse of her back, bare to the waist save the slender crisscrossing of the strings of her choli. Looking over her shoulder, with her cheeks nearly exploding with colour, Bani said with slight puzzlement in her voice- as if what she wanted done was obvious and why was he taking so long?- "I can't undo the strings, Rano tied them too well. So could you..?" Coming to his senses Jai began to un-knot the strings. Bani averted her face.

This Rano also! Why did she have to them so tightly? What did she think I was going to do? Aerobic exercises? Oh god! …his fingers feel so…so…warm…and why the …oh god…why is this taking so long?...

Her skin felt like heated silk. And her spine…she was so fragile….he wanted to trace the vertebrae of her spine…all the way….up to the nape of her neck…with her head bent forward it looked vulnerable…inviting..

Oh my god, was his finger actually tracing her spinal column…or was she imagining it?.. her skin was tingling?...what is happening to me…

Bani drew in a sharp breath and Jai realised what he was doing. Hastily he withdrew his hand, and Bani fled to the bathroom, clutching the sari to her chest.

When she emerged, the bedroom was in semi darkness, with only a table lamp lit. Mr.Walia seemed to be asleep. Thankfully, she took out the mattress and made herself comfortable on the floor.

It had been a surreal two weeks. If pretending to be engaged had been a strain, then pretending to be married was surely going to drive her stark raving mad, Bani decided glumly, as sat with masi for the morning puja. Somewhere along the way she had begun to lose track of the fact that this was a pretend marriage. And every time she did Mr.Walia's behaviour jolted her back to that reality painfully. And when she did not forget he behaved as if he had! Added to all of this was the fact that she was not feeling well physically, nearly every evening ended with a headache and every morning definitely began with a backache thanks to sleeping on the floor, with only a thin mattress.

Really, she decided mutinously, anyone could be forgiven a nervous breakdown in such a situation.

As they all sat down to breakfast, Bani noticed Pia's sulky _expression, and another frown marred Bani's brow. She needed to make the time to sit down with Pia and find out what was going on. And soon. Today evening, after she returned from office, Bani decided.

The office had become another minefield. All the colleagues she had earlier enjoyed a good working relationship with now treaded on egg shells around her. Bani had given up. She just concentrated on her work. The Goa project she was co-ordinating the details for seemed to be jinxed, plagued by one problem after another. And the worst of it all was that she was reporting to Ranveer on this project, who was always out to make things more difficult for her. Today was no different.

"Mamiji," Ranveer drawled from the doorway, making a mockery of the title he insisted on using, converting it into an accusation, "the report on the financial impact the delay in construction, as well as the ramifications of the new by laws being introduced for the Goa project has to be ready by today evening. I am meeting our co-partners over dinner tonight and I need to show it to them."

"But Ranveer, that requires the collation of extensive data and its analysis, there isn't enough time!" Bani replied with a glance at her watch, which read 3-30 p.m. "Mamiji, that is your problem, not mine. And it is your job that I am asking you to do, nothing extra. If you can't handle it, please feel free to quit. Please ensure it is ready before I leave for dinner." And with that he was gone. Leaving her to seethe. With a sigh, she got started.

Absently she picked up her ringing cell phone, to find a worried Masi on the other end, asking her where she was. With a shock, Bani realised that it was eight in the evening. After reassuring Masi, and promising to leave for home immediately, Bani hurriedly finished proof reading the report she had finished compiling a mere 20 minutes ago and left the deserted office. Outside, it was dark and raining. Bani hailed a cab. Usually she left with Mr.Walia, whenever he headed home but today he had gone for some site visits and Bani assumed that he had headed home directly from there.

Closing her eyes tiredly, Bani thought about Pia, whom she had planned to speak to tonight. For the last two days, Pia had been fighting with Puskar. Over what, she refused to share. I have to make her tell me, thought Bani, this can't go on. Just then the cab came to a sputtering halt. After cursorily poking around under the hood, the cabbie shrugged, "sorry madam, meri taxi to kharab ho gaye hai. Aapko dusri taxi leyne padegi."

Easier said than done, Bani thought after ten minutes. No empty cab in sight. Looking at the rain, Bani gave a resigned sigh and began to walk towards the house. Thankfully the cab had broken down a little more than a kilometre away from the house. In spite of the rain being more of a heavy drizzle than a downpour, Bani found herself soaked and shivering in the December chill of Mumbai by the time the imposing gate of Walia House appeared in front of her.

Inside the house, a surprised Jai was asking Masi where Bani was. "Office main thee jab maine phone kiya. Ab ghar aa rahe hai. Munna aisa kaun sa kaam de diya tumne usse? Newly married, and instead of a honeymoon she is sitting in office till night fall. And why didn't she come back with you?"

"Because I've been out of office since lunch time and when I finished half an hour ago, I assumed she must already be home."

But Masi was already looking over his shoulder in concern, "arre Bani beta, you are drenched! What happened? Never mind answering, first you go to your room and change into some dry clothes while I bring up something hot for you to drink," she finished in a rush, hustling Bani towards her room without giving her time to reply, and heading towards the kitchen herself.

Jai turned and followed Bani. Who instead of going straight to their bedroom stopped at Ranveer's door and when he answered the knock, handed him a file she removed from her bag, "here is the report you asked for. I hope I haven't delayed you for dinner." Ranveer rudely took the file and shut the door in Bani's face.

Without reacting Bani went into their bedroom and a thoughtful Jai followed. Bani emerged from the washroom dressed in a salwar kameez with wet hair framing her face. She checked for an instant on seeing Mr.Walia but then continued, and after picking up a comb from the vanity seated herself on the edge of the bed, facing the mirror on the near wall.

"Why did you stay on till so late? Didn't you know how worried everyone would be? And how did you get drenched?" he asked in a voice that was to Bani's ear's curt.

"I had to finish some work and lost track of time. And I got wet in the rain," bani replied tiredly, picking up a comb and beginning to sort out her wet hair.

"what were you doing in the rain?"

"walking, what else would I be doing- flying?" she retorted with a flash of irritation.

"why were you walking in the rain?" he asked with exaggerated patience, "and why do I have to draw information from you piecemeal?"

"because the cab had a breakdown and I could not get another, so I walked the remainder of the distance, and I took a cab because I wanted to get home, and a bus would have taken longer. There, have I told you everything you wanted to know?" she outdid him in exaggerated patience.

With a sudden lazy grin, he moved and sat down on the bed, besides her. "Not quite, why didn't you call me to come and pick you up from office? And what was so important that it could not wait till tomorrow?" Taking the comb from her hands, he began to untangle her hair, gently, with his fingers, "and by the way if you continue to comb your hair so ruthlessly, you will ruin your hair." As Bani gaped at him in the mirror, he held her glance, and without breaking eye contact, brought his head low till his warm breath caressed her ear and he whispered, "and I would hate that, because you have such beautiful hair. Like a length of the purest black silk."

Bani blushed but she found herself unable to look away. One finger began to trace the shape of her ear as the other hand tugged on her hair, pulling her head backwards until it rested lightly on his shoulder.

Bani closed her eyes. She knew she should protest but found herself unable to utter a word.

The finger left the ear and began to trail down the side of her neck. Automatically she turned her face ever so slightly, offering better access to his fingers and he smiled.

Bani was lost in a world of sensory delight. As his lips found the delicate hollow behind her ear, his hand began to trace the column of her neck. His hand released its grip on her hair and began to massage her scalp sensuously.

As his warm lips tasted their way to her lips with tiny kisses, Bani shivered with sensual anticipation. He planted the most fleeting of kisses on the corner of her mouth and she waited expectantly, her lips tingling with anticipation, only to open her eyes in disoriented disappointment as he pulled back. "wha…" she began but stopped as she too heard the knocking on the door.

She could only stare at the door in stupefaction, envious of his composure as he stood up, assured and completely in control of himself.

Pia entered and oblivious to all signs made straight for Bani, "what's wrong di? Why are you looking so flushed, is something wrong?"

Bani turned a deeper shade of red and meeting Mr.Walia's glinting eyes fleetingly managed to mumble some incoherent answer. He smiled lazily at her before leaving the room.

________

Jai felt disoriented for a moment as he awoke. He lay in the darkness for a moment, wondering what had woken him up. Then he heard it again, a strange noise, a muffled sneeze interrupting sniffling. Frowning he turned the lamp on and rolling over to the other side of the bed peered at Bani. Huddled under a sheet, she was clearly shivering and sniffling.

Crouching over her, he asked in concern, "Bani what's wrong?"

Keeping her head averted from his and away from the light, she muttered, "nothing."

Concerned he reached out to turn her face towards him and got a shock, "you're burning with fever!"

"tell me something I don't know," came the sulky reply. He turned her face in to the light and was confronted by red rimmed eyes and a tear stained face. "We need doctor."

"No I don't. It's only a fever and I have taken a crocin. Please, I don't need a doctor."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Because, I'm feeling ill. My back hurts like hell from sleeping on the floor, I'm cold because these bedclothes are flimsy and and I can't go to sleep. So just leave me be and go back to bed."

"Get up."

"Why?"

Instead of answering, Jai leaned over, peeled back the sheet she was huddled under and picked her up.

" Mr.Walia!"

In response, he laid her on the bed and covered her with the bedclothes. She knew she should protest, get out of the bed but it felt so good to be on a proper bed again. And the bedclothes were infinitely warmer, she found as she huddled in them in gratitude, trying to still her shivering. Just this once, she thought as Jai turned off the lamp and got into the bed. And then reaching over he tucked her in and said "just go to sleep Bani."

In disbelief Bani heard his breathing even out while she stayed awake for a long time. Sleep? With his body close enough for her to feel the warmth emanating from it? Impossible! But eventually, she did fall asleep. Waking to a delicious sense of well being. That was transformed into the most intense mortification as a freshly showered Mr.Walia emerged from the adjoining washroom, dressed for office in a dark navy blue pinstripe business suit. "Good morning. Feeling better enough to come for breakfast?" "Yes. I'll be down in few minutes."

____________

Bani spent the day in a daze. She kept remembering what had happened at breakfast. As soon as they all were seated Mr.Walia had turned to Ranveer and asked in the deceptively casual voice everybody recognised as a storm warning. "So how was the meeting last night?"

"What meeting mamaji?"

"The one for which you had to have a report prepared so urgently for by Bani."

"It ..er..got cancelled."

"I see. When did it get cancelled?"

"In the evening."

"Then why did you not inform Bani that the report was no longer urgently needed?"

"I forgot."

"Because of your carelessness Bani worked overtime, had to walk home, got drenched in the rain and spent the night being sick with fever. I suggest that you learn to be a little more careful in the future. Especially when others have to pay the price." And with this blighting setdown, Jai arose from the table, which was reduced to stunned silence. While Masi and Dadi beamed approval, Adi looked thoughtful, Rano, Sahil and Anu shocked, and Ranveer murderous. Jigyasa and Pia were yet to arise and grace the table with their presence. In the doorway, Jai turned back as if he suddenly recalled something, and said, "Oh, by the way Bani, at noon today a new car will be delivered to the house. It is meant for your exclusive use. Tony will arrange for a driver and bring him to meet you." And with that he left.

__________

Bani was sitting with Pia, taking advantage of her unexpected day off and trying to talk to her. With increasing consternation, Bani discovered that Pia's problem with Pushkar stemmed from his comparative lack of wealth. "But, one he is not poor Pia," she protested, "and two he has a good job, earns a fantastic salary and most importantly loves you."

Just then Tony, the butler interrupted them to inform Bani that the car was here and the prospective driver.

"Ok, I will be down on a minute," Bani nodded in polite dismissal but Pia insisted on asking what it was all about.

In silence, she accompanied Bani downstairs and while Bani spoke to the driver and confirmed his appointment, inspected the car. A spanking new, red Toyota Corrolla.

Inside she listened in silence as Bani again tried to make her see sense, and finally lashed at Bani.

"It's easy for you to talk of love, but money is important in life, di."

"Not more than love!"

"Easy for you to say that since you now access to unlimited amounts of it, thanks to Mr.Walia!"

"Pia, that has got nothing to do with our conversation…"

"Oh yes, it does. Don't you see? Had it not been for circumstances, you would not been married to him and I would have accepted his proposal. And we both know that he never wanted you, so I can't help but wondering that maybe after your annulment …."

Bani stared at Pia in anguished shock. "Oh come on di, don't look so shocked. Everything I've said is true and you have always maintained that you would be happy with a man only if you loved him. And you don't love Mr.Walia. Yours is a marriage in name only."

___________

What is wrong with me? Bani wondered as she entered her room. My room? My god! Since when did I begin thinking of his room as mine? And Pia is right, this marriage is a result of botched circumstances. So why do I keep forgetting it? And what does he mean by flirting with me? He is a womaniser. I've always known that. And he probably views me as nothing more than a fling. After all, he has never said anything to me to indicate otherwise. All this concern he occasionally displays is nothing but an attempt to keep up the charade for Masi.

Slow tears began to seep from her eyes, and unconsciously she began worrying the beads of her mangalsutra. Suddenly realising what she was doing she stilled as she remembered their wedding ceremony. Despite everything, truth to tell, she had begun thinking of him as her husband. The ceremony made her feel married in a way that the sterile court formality had not.

And then there was Mr.Walia. Perhaps without realising it he too added to her illusions. Just when she remembered he was her husband in name only, he would demand that she behave as a wife ought to.

Two days ago in office when following a presentation for some very important delegates from delhi he had shocked her by insisting that not only she join them for lunch, bur after introducing her as his wife had fully expected her to take over the role of his hostess, as his wife and not as an employee.

And Tony too had started looking to her for all household matters. She could not blame Tony. Last week the designer hired to refurbish the Outhouse had come to meet Mr.Walia to consult with him on the orders pre-approved by Jigyasa. And with a hint of impatience Mr.Walia had asked Tony to call Bani, and having told the designer to talk to Bani had proceeded to inform Tony that in future don't bother me with all this. Speak to Bani. It had flummoxed Bani and when Jigyasa had found out about it, incensed her.

She was still sitting and brooding, unaware of the gathering darkness when a hand suddenly and affectionately rumpled her hair.

"Feeling better I hope?"

Mr.Walia, you are back! Much better."

"Still glum? You did not like your new car," he guessed with the barest hint of disappointment discernable in his voice.

"oh no, it's beautiful. I am just a little tired."

"so what is bothering you?"

"nothing."

"amazing! You blush when you are embarrassed and when you are lying."

Going redder, "it's nothing."

Suddenly serious, "did Jigyasa say something to you?"

"no. its just that I am worried about my sisters."

"what wrong? is it Pia?"

to Bani's oversensitive ears it sounded as if there was a genuine note of concern in his voice. And, inexplicably, it hurt. "no big problem. Nothing I can't handle."

___________

Later the same night as Bani was laying her bed on the floor, while he was changing into his nightsuit.

"what the hell are you doing?" he asked as he came into the room.

"laying my bed."

"that I can see. But I'm asking why."

"to sleep."

"You don't say," he retorted with sarcasm. "the point I'm labouring to make and which you insist on pretending to not understand is why are you planning to sleep on the floor when there is a perfectly comfortable bed to sleep on."

"I prefer sleeping on the floor."

"oh really! I distinctly recall you saying that the floor makes your back hurt and the covers are too flimsy."

"that was because I was not well last night, I'm fine now."

"and I intend that you should remain that way," and with that he swept up the thin mattress along with its covers and tossed them out of the room, calling for Tony, "take these away."

"Mr.Walia, if you think I am sharing that bed with you, you are wrong."

"Bani I am not thinking. I am insisting. Now get into that bed before I throw you into it."

As Bani scuttled into one side of the bed, she told herself that this was not worth fighting over. The bed was big enough for the two of them to sleep without touching. Somehow when Mr.Walia spoke in that particular tone of voice, arguing with him did not seem half as important as obeying him!

As she lay on the very edge of her side of the bed, straight as a board, the bed dipped as Mr.Walia got in to the bed. A moment later, he rolled over and with his lips nearly touching her ear, whispered softly, "don't worry, your maidenly virtue is perfectly safe." And then with a feather light kiss on her ear, he gave a throaty laugh of masculine confidence and said, "for now," before rolling away.

_________

The whole house was in a state of controlled chaos. Today was Jigyasa's birthday and they were all headed to Mr.Walia's farmhouse, an hour's drive away, where a huge party was to hosted. Bani rushed home from the office, running slightly late. Standing in front of her cupboard, wearing nothing but a bathrobe, with her hair dripping wet, she was trying to decide which of her sari would be suitable enough to pass muster in the undoubtedly designer dressed crowd Jigyasa would have assembled, when a pair of arms encircled her waist from behind, startling her into a shriek.

"Is that any way to greet me," he teased nuzzling her wet hair aside, his warm lips electrifying on her cool after bath skin.

A nonplussed Bani could only blush in a rush of mingled pain and pleasure.

"and I'd like you to wear the sari lying on the bed."

"Mr.Walia, p…please, what are you doing?"

"Mmmm…if you have to ask, I'm not doing a good job…" he murmured in between teasing kisses that were playing havoc with her ability to think. Before she could formulate a coherent objection along the lines of "this a marriage in name and you really ought not to be trying to seduce me for a casual fling," he stopped with one long lingering nuzzle on her neck. "I know, I know, we are running late." And he went into the bathroom, calling casually over his shoulder, "would you get out my clothes from the cupboard?"

Almost automatically, Bani dried her hair and got dressed in the sari she found on the bed. A dream of a sari, deep ochre in colour, it was of gossamer fine chiffon. Seemingly plain at first glance, Bani gasped as she glimpsed herself in the mirror. It looked as if a handful of moondust had been scattered over the sari, causing it to gleam and glitter with subdued radiance. She looked radiant. She wondered who had brought this sari for her, probably dear Masi, she assumed as she went to the cupboard to take out clothes for Mr.Walia. In a moment of whimsy, she selected a grey silk kurta pyjama with a black stole and laid it on the bed. Turning back to the vanity, she lined her eyes with kohl, and then Mr.Walia called out for his clothes.

She knocked on the door, intending to hand them through the doorway, but instead he called for her to come in. Self-consciously she entered, with her eyes downcast. Silence. She finally looked up to encounter his laughing gaze in mirror. In a bathrobe, he had obviously just finished shaving and was splashing aftershave on his face. "I am beginning to be truly fascinated at just how much can blush." As she went a deeper shade of red, he laughed and finally put her out of her misery by taking the clothes from her.

She had just finished putting up her hair and was engaged in taking out bangles from the drawer, when she felt his hands in her hair. As she looked up, her hair came cascading down. "Wear your hair down. I like it better that way." She just looked at him in silence. Taking the bangles from her nerveless hand he tugged until she was standing. "you don't need those," and with that he placed a box on the table. It contained the most exquisite jewellery. A delicate choker consisting entirely of uncut rubies and uncut diamonds, with matching earrings, and a pair of kangans. Picking up the Kangans, he slid them on to her wrists before putting the necklace around her slender throat. "I'm afraid the earrings you'll have to wear yourself," he said softly, without moving. Wordlessly Bani picked them and put them on. And then looked at him in the mirror. "Perfect," he said. Bani did not say anything but quietly picked up her mangalsutra and after putting it around her neck lined the parting in hair with sindoor. He waited in silence. Finally, placing his hands on her shoulder he appraised the picture they made in the mirror. "We both complement each other," he said just as a knock sounded on the door. It was Rano, come to call Bani, looking embarrassed as she saw Mr. Walia standing there.

"Oh, I am sorry Mr.Walia. Di, we are waiting for you downstairs. Everyone else is ready." And with that she left.

"Why is Rano so scared around me?

Bani did not know what to say, so she contended herself with "shall we go?"

____________

Jai cursed his luck yet again in the car while driving. He had hoped to be driving alone with Bani, but instead he was saddled with both Pia and Ranno in the backseat. Abstractedly he again noted the reserve with which Rano dealt with him. Hmmm. Must talk to Bani about it. Ahh Bani, he mused sneaking another glance at her. She looked ravishing. Glancing at the unwanted passengers in the rear-view mirror, he sighed softly in impatient frustration.

Hearing him sigh, the vice like grip anguish had around her heart tightened a notch. And who can blame him, Bani thought to herself as she caught his glance at the rear-view mirror from the corner of her eye. Pia looked like a dream tonight, dressed in black, which served to highlight the creaminess of her fair complexion. It is Pia he is in love with. And will always be.

Pia knew she looked ravishing. She had seen Mr.Walia glance in the rear-view mirror and sigh. She was certain that he was wishing things had worked out differently. Yes, she had been an idiot for not reacting faster that fateful evening. A minute more and she would have found her tongue, gotten over the shock and said yes to his proposal. If only Pushakar had not chosen that very moment for his announcement….if only Mr.Walia had spoken earlier…..But it was not too late even now. Masi was scheduled to leave in another week or so. And then their false marriage would be annulled.

Rano, sensitive and high strung, quivered with tension as she caught the weird tensions, which engulfed everyone in the car. She was not sure she could interpret them all, but the three things she was dead certain of. Bani di was more than halfway in love with Mr.Walia,if the longing filled glances di kept sneaking at his profile were any indication. Mr.Walia looked aloof and forbidding, clearly thinking unpleasant thoughts. And the shit was going to hit the roof when she confessed to di that she had fallen in love with Sahil. She sighed softly, di was not going to be happy, and as for Mr.Walia, she could not even begin to anticipate the anger with which he was going to react.

In the other car, Jigyasa was furious. She doubted whether Bani realised the worth of the sari and the jewels she was draped in. But Jigyasa had known, in one glance. And it made her angry to see Bani not only looking that superbly sophisticatedly beautiful but that expensively dressed in such a fabulous sari and such exquisite jewellery. Masi, no doubt, she concluded bitterly.

Masi and Dadi were, in another car, busy congratulating themselves on their luck. Not only did they adore Bani but they were even more delighted to see Jai so in love with her.

In yet another car, Sahil was confessing to his dad Aditya that he had fallen in love with Rano and wanted to marry her.

__________

The party was agonising for Bani. To be treated as Mr.Walia's cherished wife when she knew that he did not feel that way about her at all was painful. And the way he remained by her side, introducing her to his friends, casually putting his arm around her waist….it evoked a bittersweet response in her. She wondered painfully what it would be like, in actuality to be loved by him. After a lavish dinner they were all sitting around a bonfire and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Bani was oblivious to the sight she presented, bathed in the flickering firelight; a radiant Maddona, with the allure of a siren, unconsciously beckoning as she glowed with beauty. Jai was not the only one who caught his breath, but he was the only wondering why he had ever thought her plain, and not very beautiful.

Probably, he mused, because her beauty lay in her elegance. At first glance, she would always be overlooked in favour of Pia's more obvious glamour. But a closer scrutiny would inevitably favour Bani, whose allure was subtle; if Pia was a flashy red rose then Bani was the narcissus lily; quieter, softer, more graceful, delicate and ultimately more potently seductive. She would, he decided, age beautifully. Beauty that was merely physical faded waned with the years, but not that bone deep elegance. That endured. He found that he desired her. A lot.

Bani got up and murmuring something about talking to Masi excused herself.

The way Mr.Walia kept staring at her had been making her distinctly uncomfortable. She needed to get away and clear her head. A walk, she decided, heading towards the dimly lit pool, some distance away, which promised a slight respite from people.

As she sat on a lounger near the pool, lit with underwater lights and breathed in the heavy scent of the white gardenias floating in the pool. She tried to make sense of it all. What Pia had said still rang in her ears. This was a marriage in name only.

But, argued a part of herself, Mr.Walia treats you less as a pretend wife and more as a real one. He wants you to take over the household and run it as if it was your house.

So what, she asked herself, he probably thinks of me as an efficient manager to whom he can delegate these tasks.

But look at the way he behaves in office, you are treated as his wife now in that entire office and that is only because Mr.Walia insisted on it. You are never allowed to behave as a mere employee. And the way he reprimanded Ranveer, and that car…

But maybe all that is only to maintain appearances, she countered.

And Bani, she told herself, if he was serious about wanting you as a wife, would he not have consummated this marriage, thereby making an annulment impossible, asked the practical part of her brain in triumph?

But what about all those increasingly bolder physical intimacies he continually indulged in, she countered in her mind.

Oh, come on, if he had truly desired you would he have stopped at this mere playful teasing? A ruthless voice in her head insisted. He knows you are physically attracted to him and yet he has never crossed the line. For god's sake he has never even kissed you properly! You are kidding yourself if you think that he is even seriously attracted to you for a minute! You are no match for Pia's beauty, and that is the beauty he is attracted to. Stop wanting him and reading so much into so little. A few half caresses and a half kisses mean nothing in the world that he lives in. He is probably just amusing himself because he is bored.

Cowed down by such relentless logic, Bani's shoulders drooped and she sat wrapped in a brown study.

"So this is where you are hiding!" Mr.Walia exclaimed with a half laugh as approached the lounger.

Bani stood up, flustered at both, his presence and having been taken unawares. "I just wanted…I just…the pool looks so pretty!" she finished lamely.

He smiled and as he said, "yes, very seductively beautiful," took a step closer. Nervous, Bani tried to take a step back, forgetting the lounger and stumbled. Immediately two arms reached out to steady her. She tried to say thank you, wishing he would let her go, but her voice died in her throat as she looked at him. Pulling her closer with one hand he tilted her chin slowly with the other as he lowered his face. Bani found herself unable to move or say a word, the glittering intent look on his face holding her captive; with his lips mere inches away from hers, he murmured, "oh, and the pool also looks pretty," before settling his lips on hers.

The sensation shocked her. She had unconsciously imagined what it would feel like to have his lips on hers but it had in no way prepared her for the reality. Delicately and with infinite patience, they plucked at hers until hers moved in response. Ever so slowly, he traced the contours of her lips with the tip of his tongue, and slowly her lips opened. With a soft groan, his arms tightened around her, pulling her closer until she was moulded against his body. Automatically her arms wrapped themselves around the width of his shoulders.

Bani lost track of time as he kissed her again and again; tutoring her innocent but passionate response until she too was kissing him back.

"Oops, Did not mean to interrupt!" said someone, not sounding in the least sorry.

"Please, do carry on!" another voice, which Bani identified as Mohan a minute later, called out gaily.

As it registered, Bani felt herself go red, and mortified beyond belief, she would have jerked back but for the arms, which continued to hold her tight. She exercised her only other option, burying her face in his chest and not looking up. Mr.Walia was clearly not in the least embarrassed, "thank you Mohan, I plan to do just that so if and you Gaurav will excuse us?" he retorted, laughing.

"Arre, is this the way to treat a friend who has come all the way from delhi and who is leaving tomorrow evening? Unless your wife is planning to run away, I suggest you ..er…postpone for a little while your …er…carrying ons!" gaurav shot back.

With a mock sigh, Jai laughingly said, "what kind of a friend are you? Theek hai, theek hai. We'll join you in just a moment. At least let my poor Bani recover from her embarrassment in private."

"Ok, but remember we are being this polite only for Bhabi's sake!" and with that they both left.

Released, Bani found herself unable to look at Mr.Walia.

"Still so shy? Don't be embarrassed, they are my dearest friends and it's me you're kissing," he said as his hand forced up her face.

"Red!", he teased seeing her blush hotly, "hmmm…I wonder if you go red all over…" he said in a husky voice and then dropping a kiss on her forehead, he took her hand and they slowly made their way back to where the party was.

Bani was longing to go and seek the solace of a bathroom to splash some cold water on her overheated face, but the sweet, teasing glances Mohan and Gaurav sent her way combined with the possessive hold Mr.Walia maintained on her hand kept her where she was.

But soon it was not a matter of mere embarrassment. She had begun to feel incredibly hot and sweat beads were breaking out on her face. Her head began to swim, feeling dizzy, she turned towards Mr.Walia intending to interrupt the intense conversation he was engaged in, and then she blacked out.

Mid sentence Jai became aware of Bani's hand tightening on his in a death grip and just as he was about to turn to her, he felt her weight on his body as she sagged against him. With a grunt he shifted his stance and managed to hold onto her shoulders without either of them falling, and then looked at her ashen, sweaty face in consternation. As everyone around them exclaimed in concern, Rano ran to fetch a glass a water and with brisk, professional competence, Gaurav, who was a doctor stepped forward. "Here Jai, lay her on this sofa, yes thank you, water is just what is needed," he said, pointing towards the sofa and taking the water from Rano, he proceeded to splash some on her face, until she revived, disoriented and even more cofused to find herself half lying in Mr.Walia's arms, on the sofa with a crowd of faces peering at her.

"What happened?"

"Di, you fainted. What happened?" piped Rano worriedly.

Taking her pulse, Gaurav soothingly broke in, "just describe how you felt Bani. Don't worry, I'm a doctor."

"I don't know, I was just feeling stiflingly hot and then my head swam and then it all went blank," she recited

As Gaurav continued his examination, checking her eyes etc. bani became aware of the whispering, which had started around them and the very obvious conclusion people were drawing.

"Bani, are you allergic to any foods?"

"No. I've never had a food allergy."

"Did you eat anything today that you have never eaten before? Try anything new?"

"No. everything I ate was something I have eaten before."

"Ok. This is strange, because all your symptoms correspond with an allergic reaction, particularly found in cases of seafood allergies, but you say you've never had an allergy to that before,"

"But di, is a strict vegetarian," Rano informed Gaurav; and while Bani continued to look puzzled, Jai cleared his throat and said, "umm, I am afraid I am not a vegetarian and I had seafood for dinner."

Comprehension dawned on Gaurav's face followed closely by amusement. Bani squirmed in embarrassment as she figured it out but Rano, puzzled, innocently asked, "but how does that explain di's reaction?"

As Bani tried to silence Rano with a look, Gaurav began to laugh in open amusement and it was left to Jai to explain, which he did with a straight face, "I kissed her."

Rano found herself tongue tied, and everyone around them also burst out laughing, particularly as Mohan to added to Gaurav, "hmmm…Jai passionately kissing Bani, I bet that is an entirely new medical problem!"

Bani found herself wishing once again for an earthquake.

Like the last time, it failed to materialise.

__________

Upstairs in the privacy of a bedroom, Bani gathered her composure as she lay on the bed. The walk till the house had been so incredibly embarrassing! She was feeling much better now, having drunk a few litres of water, which Gaurav said was all that was needed to flush her system, since she had not actually eaten any seafood. Involuntarily her thoughts strayed back to the kiss. He must have wanted me to have kissed me with so much passion, she told herself. And he had told her not be embarrassed at being seen kissing him, what could he have meant except that as he was her husband it was all right?

The door opened and Masi and dadi came in to ask her how she was and to fuss over her. Satisfied they left her, telling her to rest. Returning to her pleasant musings, Bani turned on her side, legs folded, both hand tucked under one cheek. Touching her cheeks reminded her of Mr.Walia's masculine skin had felt like against hers. My first proper kiss, she thought dreamily….and it felt so perfect ….so right….she thought as she drifted off.

____________

Slowly but inevitably, the party ended and people began to depart. Yawning, tired family members also began to follow suit. Ranveer and Jigyasa left together. As Aditya headed towards the car, Sahil turned to Rano and Pia, "chaliye, aap bhi hamare saath hi aajaiye." Rano smiled shyly at the prospect but Pia quickly answered, "nahin, hum Mr.Walia aur di ke saath hi wapas aajayenge."

"Actually Pia, Bani and I are not returning immediately since she is unwell, so I suggest that you leave with Sahil."

"Oh. Right. Maybe I should stay back to take care of di," she offered with an appraising look at Jai.

Rano, having decided that a little alone time was just what di and Mr.Walia needed, cursed herself mentally for not explaining to Pia just how exactly di had got a food allergy attack, and was just about to speak but Mr.Walia beat her to it.

"No need for that, Gaurav, who is a doctor is also spending the night here as are some of my other friends. Your sister will be well looked after," he responded coolly.

____________

Jai entered the bedroom and slowly shut the door as he assimilated the sight that greeted him. There was no light save the illumination offered by the full moon as its beams streamed in through the French windows that made up an entire wall, the doorway, also of glass, leading out onto the terrace garden. The blinds had not been drawn. Asleep on the bed, Bani was bathed in moonlight.

The serenity and purity of her profile, combined with the sensuous abandonment of sleep created a sweet paradox that utterly enchanted Jai. Taking care not to disturb her, Jai changed into his favourite sleeping attire, worn out sweat pants and an old t-shirt, and got into bed. Propping himself up on elbow, he stared at Bani for a long time before he lay down.

Bani drifted into wakefulness in slow degrees. She was feeling so comfortable and rested, and toasty warm all over. Half asleep, she sleepily dug her face deeper into her pillow, only to sleepily realise that it was warm and hard and seemed to be gently rising and falling. Blinking she tried to make sense of it. And then it dawned on her. Her pillow was Mr.Walia's chest and she felt so warm all over because she was completely entwined with him.

Half lying on him, head resting on his chest her arms were wrapped around him, the right across his chest and the left curling into his neck. There was no change in his breathing and Bani allowed herself to luxuriate in the feeling, absorbing the utter masculinity of his body. She inhaled his scent and closed her eyes, allowing herself to be engulfed entirely by him.

Emboldened by his sleep, at length, her curiosity got the better of her and raising herself slightly she gazed at his face. Relaxed in sleep it looked so different. The length of his black lashes made her smile as she thought of girls who would be delighted to have such long and thick lashes. Free of the stern control he exercised his lips fascinated her. The thin upper lip coupled with the full lower one hinted at contradictory passion and extreme self-control.

Unable to stop herself she lightly traced their outline with one feather light finger. Mr.Walia shifted ever so slightly and Bani stilled, but he continued to sleep and she relaxed. Peeking at his closed eyes, she gave in to an overwhelming temptation and softly kissed one corner of his mouth. Then as she was lifting her face, she started as his face turned slightly and captured her lips purposefully. Before she knew what was happening, he used the bulk of his body to turn, and she found herself lying on the bed, being thoroughly kissed and after the first shocked moment, thoroughly kissing him back.

With massive self-control, Jai stopped kissing her and forced his hands to stop exploring her body. Raising himself slightly he looked down into her face. Flushed with passion, her hair tousled, eyes darkened with desire….she looked incredibly sexy. Tracing her swollen lips with his fingers, his eyes wordlessly asked a question. Glowing amber eyes answered him equally silently. "are you sure?" the hand trailing across her shoulder bones insisted silently. Sliding her arms along the width of his shoulders, Bani's hand grasped his silky hair and lightly tugged in response. With a groan, Jai pulled her closer.

Much later, kissing her damp forehead, he huskily asked, "are you allright?" "Mmmm…" "what?" he asked, so tuned to her that felt the question she had not voiced. "I was just thinking… I never imagined…that it would feel so…be so …good…." She trailed off shyly as she encountered his devilish grin, "so you think that this is as good it gets huh?" he teased.

"Isn't it?"

"Nope. Not by a long shot. I give you my word. Better yet, I'll show you."

And he did.

The next three days were the happiest Bani days of her life.

The next morning, Bani woke up, aware of her body, as she had never before been. A glance at the watch showed 8. Horrified at oversleeping, she had tried to get out of bed only to inadvertently wake up her husband in whose possessive grip she was trapped.

"Mmmm…" automatically planting tiny kisses along her neck.

"Mr.Walia, let me get up, it's 8!"

"Mr.Walia? back to that are we?" "

"what are you talking about?"

"I prefer what you called me last night"

suddenly shy, "that was different."

"what are you doing?" in surprise as his hands began to explore her body with familiarity.

"trying to get you to take my name…it seems that this is the only way…."

With laughing capitulation, "J..Jai..ple..ase.. it's after 8, what will all our house guests think?"

"that wasn't quite it, but it'll do. And our guests will probably understand completely"

trying to concentrate, with effort, "please, jai dearest…"

very reluctantly, "how can I refuse now?"

"hmmm…must also teach you not be so shy," in an amused voice as he appreciated the picture she made, wrapped in a bedsheet.

And then taking mercy on her pointed towards the bags containing their clothes, which he'd had Rano pack and send over last night, after he'd impulsively decided to stay over here and invited his friends also to shift their venue from his house in Mumbai to here for the duration of their visit.

_____________

At breakfast she was introduced to two absolutely delightful new people, Raghav, Tarun and Riya's sturdy five year old son and Isha, Gaurav and Indrani's eight year old daughter. Mohan, a bachelor was the only other houseguest. Watching Jai with Raghav and Isha was a revelation. They adored him and clearly, he was a source of much indulgence for them. They were not in the least scared of him. They spent the day having fun.

They wandered around the lands adjoining the farmhouse, and had a picnic for lunch on the banks of the lake adjoining the farmland. The lake gave way to a beautiful forest that Bani was dying to explore. Maybe someday….she thought dreamily. And then smiled as she saw Jai succumb to the blandishments of Raghav and turn himself into a human horse. Isha, more conscious of her dignity wandered over to sit in Bani's lap and demanded a story.

"very good beta, bug bani aunty for a while," gaurav called out from where he was settling down for a snooze.

Bani's story, which was a narrative of the childhood antics Pia and Rano had indulged in, soon had Isha laughing loudly.

As the sound of Isha'a laughter filled the air, Tarun and Riya looked towards the source from where they were taking a walk on the edge of the lake.

"Jai is lucky to have found a wife like Bani," Riya remarked to her husband. "she loves him so much."

"the problem is that I'm not sure Jai realises what he has been handed by chance," Tarun answered, sighing, and at Riya's questioning look filled her in on the details, to which he was privy as a lawyer.

R:Uh,oh! But that poor girl has gone and fallen in love with him!

T: I know. But then women have always fond Jai attractive

R: this is beyond attraction, trust me, she has fallen for him for good. What about Jai?

T: I don't know. I mean, I've never seen a woman affect him as much as Bani has, and he has been with some very beautiful ones…but, I am not sure that what he feels is love and even if it is, knowing Jai it will take a minor miracle to make him realise it..

R: bloody hell! I like Bani, a lot. And I think she would be really good for Jai…

T: darling, I really think you should stay out of it…

R: I am not planning to interfere if that is what you are worried about! But I do like Bani and I am going to befriend her, no matter what you say.

"darling, I've forgotten when the last time I said something mattered in the least against what you had decided to de," Tarun joked, only to be rewarded with a playful punch on the shoulder, followed by a hug.

And then on a more serious not he added, "but god help that poor girl if she has truly fallen for him, because even if Jai does reciprocate, he'll put them both through hell before realising it."

_____________

The farmhouse felt suddenly quiet that night as all the houseguests departed. Jai had, to Bani's quiet pleasure had informed with characteristic arrogance, that they would be spending the next two days here.

"but the office?"

"I do own the business!"

"but I also work there and.."

"and as your boss, I most generously give you the next two days off," he'd teased, "because the boss has other things planned for you…"he added with a glint in his eyes. In response, a furious blush stained her cheeks. "yes, well that too! And that reminds me, I still haven't quite explored just how far down your body that delightful blush extends!"

They spent the rest of the evening engaged in a mutually satisfactory exploration.

____________

The next was sheer bliss for bani. They talked, of books, music, likes and dislikes; argued good naturedly over which dvd they were going to watch; took a long walk and were about to sleep when the doorbell rang. Upstairs in the bedroom, already abed, they exchanged a surprised look. Jai pulled on a pair of jeans and throwing on a shirt went downstairs, buttoning it along the way.

A scared looking Sahil and a crying Rano confronted him.

"Sahil, rano, What's wrong?"

"Rano! Kya hua?" a worried bani asked, joining Jai. Sahil and Rano looked stunned as they took in her appearance. Tousled hair, skin faintly flushed with whisker burn and to cap it all, she was dressed in Jai's black t-shirt with the yellow smiley face on it, which came down till her mid thighs and a pair of black leggings.

"She likes wearing my clothes. Now come on in," and with that he preceded them into the cosy living room illuminating two table lamps en-route.

"Rano, what's wrong?" Bani persisted worriedly as they all sat down. Rano began to weep hysterically, bani held her and looked questioningly at Sahil.

S: haltingly, "woh, mamaji, we both love each other and want to get married. we were planning to go and talk to papa and You and mamiji but ma heard us talking today and she …she…said ….some…"

Jai sighed and patted Sahil on the shoulder, "yes, we can imagine the rest. Does Aditya know?"

"yes, we talked to him yesterday, but he has gone to Pune today and so when ma threatened to throw Rano out today, I thought it best to come to you immediately, even though we don't know what you think about this," Sahil ended in a nervous rush.

Upon hearing about Jigyasa's threatened eviction Bani immediately asks, with concern, "where's Pia?"

"Mamiji, she had gone out for some party, by the time we left, she had not returned."

Bani turned and looked at Jai with a –well what should I say or do – _expression. He caught the unspoken question and seating himself next to Bani, puts his hand on Rano's head, "Please stop crying. I apologise on Jigyasa's behalf. She does not know where to draw the line. She forgets that that is my house, not hers and I'm telling you now that no is going to make you leave the house."

Bani looked at him with glowing eyes as he continued, "I suggest we show them to the guest rooms, it's too late for them to return. We'll talk in the morning."

Bani finally returned to her bedroom after settling Rano to find Jai reading.

As she got into bed, she asked, "so, what do think?"

"you are overdressed," with a dead pan _expression.

"Mr.Walia..you know…" she stoped mid sentence as Jai tossed his book aside and jerked her into his arms, "what did you call me?"

with her face buried in the satiny warmth of his bare chest, Bani replied in a muffled voice, "ok, Jai.."

Somehow the talk was postponed.

After a long walk and a long conversation, Bani and Rano returned smiling to the house.

Rano went to her room while Bani took a steaming mug of black coffee to wake up Jai, who was not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. A sleepy Jai sat up in bed and sipped his way to wakefulness. A chirpy Bani perched on the bedside plunged into conversation.

"I've just been talking to Rano. I had felt that she and Sahil might be too young but she has convinced me. So. I've no objections to the match." But, and a frown marred her brow, "I'm still worried about Jigyasadi's reaction. And about how she will treat Rano."

Continued silence. "aap kuch nahin kahenge?"

"jab app chup hoyenge tabhi to kahoonga"

silence.

"to kahiye na!"

"Ok. If Rano and Sahil are sure, even though I do think they are too young…but Jigyasa you need not worry about. I'll make sure that she behaves with Rano. Khush?"

"Very," and with that Bani hugged him tightly, taking him by surprise. This was the first time she had initiated any kind of physical contact.

___________

A few hours later, Aditya and Pia also arrived.

"Just what we needed, as if Rano and Sahil were not enough!" Jai muttered as they came in.

While Adi was brought up to speed, Pia kept sneaking covert glances at Bani. Finally post lunch she managed to corner Bani alone.

"di yeh sab kya ho raha hai?"

"what do you mean Pia? Do you disapprove of Rano and Sahil?"

"No I meant you, di."

"what do you mean?"

"you have love bites on your neck!" Pia said accusingly

"Oh dear! Are they visible? I thought I had kept them covered with my dupatta!" a blushing Bani muttered as she readjusted her dupatta.

"that is not what I meant? Are you sleeping with Mr.Walia?"

"Pia! He is my husband!"

"Oh grow up, di! Can't you see what's happening? He was bored and he decided to indulge himself and you fell for it. What did you think, that just because he wants you he is in love with you?"

Just then Rano walked in and the conversation ended there.

The following week was spent in organising a double wedding, seeing Rano and Sahil, Anu too confessed that she was in love and she and Rohit wanted to get married. A wedding to which Jigyasa gave her consent far more readily since Rohit belonged to an "appropriate" family.

The weddings went off smoothly.

Pia refused to make it a triple wedding, as suggested by Pushkar. Bani could only watch as a mute spectator, Pia no longer wanted to listen to anything Bani had to say. She was still reconciling herself to the utterly alien concept (for her,that is) that di and Mr.Walia were enjoying conjugal bliss. It did not sit well with her. Rano, with whom Bani had discussed the whole episode, had surprised Bani by saying with her usual thoughtful _expression, "you know what di, I think Pia can't digest the fact that the man who professed to be in love with her can find himself in love with you instead. I think Pia thinks that you are no match for her beauty."

"well, Pia is right, she is far more beautiful than me!" and then shyly, "do you really think that Mr.Walia is in falling in love with me?"

"have you seen the way his eyes follow you around when you are not looking at him? besides, why are you asking me? Hasn't he said something, I mean…when you are …like… together?"

"ab main kya puchu aur kab? I mean when we are together, Jai makes me kind of forget everything, and then…later it seems like a useless question…."

Rano grinned at the glowing picture her sister presented when talking of Jai.

"ahhh..so at least there it is Jai and not Mr.Walia," she gently teased.

____________

Rano was exquisite as a bride and as jai and bani performed the kanyadan ceremony, Bani could not keep her tears at bay.

Jai seemed to understand how emotional she was feeling and instead of remonstrating her, just held her quietly for the better part of the night as she talked for the first time ever about her family life before they came to Mumbai.

"Mama died after a prolonged battle with cancer 11 years ago, when I was just 14. And I officially became Rano and Pia's stand in mother. But even before that, Ma had been ill for nearly two years, so…I was used to it….

And papa, he just fell apart after Ma died. It was like he had lost the will to live. His slow descent into alcoholism was so painful to watch….i did all I could to hold the family together, but I had to be both mother and father for my sisters, especially Rano. I mean she was 8 when ma died.

Today, I felt truly as if it is a daughter I've married and not a sister…."

He did not say anything but just hugged her harder, as if he was telling me, thought Bani fancifully, that I am no longer alone with my burdens..

"Jai, you never did tell me why my father told me on his deathbed to get in touch with you and why you not only gave me a job but also your outhouse to live in…"

"because a long time age, your parents helped a stranger in her darkest hour of need, and my mother never forgot it. She always remembered Nishikant and Kiran Dixit with gratitude and told me that 'unka karz hameshe mere pe rahega.' And so I was just reciprocating their kindness."

Bani was extremely curious to ask what favour her poor parents could have done the rich Mrs. Walia but she sensed, from Jai's body language that he was not willing to talk about it so she let it go, contentedly lying in his arms, listening to his steady heart beat.

Dawn found Bani wakening with a sense of overwhelming contentment. In a rush of affection, she gently smoothed his hair off his forehead and slipping out of bed stood at the window watching the sunrise, mouthing a silent prayer of thanks to god for making Jai a part of her life.

"what are you doing out of bed at this hour," he asked sleepily from the bed.

"thanking god."

"for what?"

"for my happiness."

He stiffened and snapped into wakefulness. But remained silence.

Turning, Bani asked, "kya soch rahe hain?"

"I'm glad. And I hope you find even greater happiness in your life when you start afresh."

Bani, feeling as if she was suddenly cocooned in cotton wool, managed to ask in a faint voice, "start afresh?"

"when you leave from here."

She remained silent, a sudden feeling of dread sweeping through her.

Raking his hand through his hair in impatience, "come on Bani, you've known the score right from the start, this was just a temporary thing. And now masi is about to leave, so pretty soon we can get the annulment we agreed upon."

Bani was rooted to the spot, shivering slightly even though it was not cold. She felt numb inside. Is this what a breaking heart feels like?....but then why can I still breathe?.....how could I have so blind….it was not love…it was never love….not for him….only a fling….what do I do?.....I don't know what to do….but, no, I will not break down in front of him….he is right…he never said that he loved me….he never said anything about permanence….i just assumed….i just allowed myself to be seduced by a dream….

Getting out of bed in concern, Jai for the first time since that moonlit night paused to shrug into his black silk dressing gown. Damn! He had not expected this. And Bani's still, shocked face struck a chord somewhere deep within, making him feel uncomfortable for some obscure, unfathomable reason.

"Bani, say something…"

"Divorce," she whispered.

"what?"

Her voice becoming stronger, she repeated, "divorce, Mr.Walia. We can no longer get an annulment."

"bloody hell, I never thought of that." A pause, and then, "look I never planned for any of this to happen. It was just….look, I thought that since we are consenting adults, that you too wanted this.." he trailed off as he came close and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Finding strength from somewhere so deep within of her that she was herself unable to point to it, she firmly removed his hand from her shoulder.

Drawing herself straight, she said, "don't worry, Mr.Walia, you are right, I am a consenting adult and I consented. I am not blaming you. And now if you don't mind, I want to sleep." A detached part of her was shocked at how calm and steady her voice was.

Leaving him standing, she made her way to the bathroom. She emerged dressed in an old salwar kameez to find Jai still impatiently pacing on the far side of the room.

As she made for the doorway, he asked in surprise, "where are you going?"

"To the guest room. For the remainder of my stay here, I would prefer to stay there. And don't worry, I'll deal with Masi." With the ghost of a smile, she added, "I'll tell her you've got a cold, which is making you snore terribly."

And with that she left.

And spent the a long time sobbing her heartache into a pillow.

_________

Forever afterwards Bani recalled the week that followed as being the second most painful of her life. The first had been when her mother had died and it had been forced upon her that from then on she would have to take on her father's responsibilities too.

For the first time in a long while, Bani missed her mother, whose death, she now acknowledged had left her forever orphaned, forever alone. She had been a fool think otherwise. Jai had never, not for one moment looked upon her as a wife. Only as another of his string of girlfriends, and no doubt, she told herself, they too made fools of themselves over him.

To her relief, Jai spent the better part of the week travelling. And when he was home for two days, he accepted the new limitations she imposed on their relationship without question. The only thing that always irritated him was the fact that she refused to address him as anything but Mr.Walia. Even on the rare occasions they were alone. She never explained her reason but remained stubborn.

At least she managed to fool everyone else. Including masi. Thank god Rano was away on her honeymoon. She would not have been fooled.

Pia tried to talk with Bani.

"di, share your sorrow with me atleast"

"there is nothing to share Pia. You were right all along. And that's that."

"what the hell does he think of himself? I'll go and.." but Bani interrupted her, "you will do no such thing. This is my mess and I'd prefer it to be dealt my way, by me. What I do need for you to sort out your life before I leave here."

"di, if anything your situation has taught me what is the value of true love. For a while, I was seduced by the lure of Mr.Walia's wealth but over the last week or so I've sat down and thought long and hard. And I've honestly told Pushkar everything. And the look of disappointment on his face…but I know now just Pushkar is and what he means in my life…" Pia stopped, as tears gathered in her eyes and spilled over.

Bani enfolded her in a warm hug. "You don't know just how happy you have made me."

Two days later masi left. Jai was again leaving later the same day, for Germany concerning some work that had suddenly cropped up. He would be gone for ten days.

"bani, I'm sorry for leaving you so abruptly. I promise I'll sort all the legal stuff out as soon as I return."

"it's all right Mr.Walia. Ten additional days will not exactly kill me."

Exactly a week later, Pia and Pushkar tied the knot in a simple but beautiful wedding ceremony.

For the first time in her life, Bani felt free; felt as if she could decide what to do next with only herself and her own wishes to consider.

Rano and Pia, grieving for their di, recognised this and so made their peace with her decision.

_________

As Tarun rose from his seat, he was shocked to see Bani. Gone was the glowing, happy Bani. In her place stood a tired and clearly unhappy young woman.

"Since you drew up our pre-nuptial contract and are privy to all details, I thought it appropriate to come to you. I want a divorce from Mr.Walia. As soon as possible. I have absolutely no claim to make. All I want is my freedom."

"Where is Jai? Why hasn't he called me?"

"Oh, he's away on work but he spoke to me before he left. This is what we both we want. But there is an unforeseen emergency in that I have to leave town in three days and so you need to complete the paperwork before that. At least all the papers you need my signatures on."

"Are you sure? I mean at least wait till Jai returns…"

"Tarun this is what I want and need done, please. If you don't then I'm leaving town in any case and you can explain to Mr.Walia why he is still tied to me."

__________

Tarun thought for a moment and then picked up the phone.

"Jai? Haan woh Bani just came to my office. She is asking for all the paperwork to be completed for a divorce and I thought I should at least talk to you about it."

"I see, well we do need a divorce now and ….yeah, get started on the paperwork. By the way, what kind of a claim is she making? If it's reasonable, even if it is more than the settlement promised in our pre-nup go ahead."

"She is not asking for anything."

"oh well, the pre-nup settlement is pretty generous. So ok start the process."

Tarun sat lost in thought for quite a while before he got back to work again.

Bani had left before his return. And she had left without taking a penny from him. Not even the settlement stipulated in the agreement they had signed before their court marriage. He had assumed she had started the divorce process not that she had signed everything in one go, relinquishing all claims, accepting any and every condition Jai Walia might stipulate, had taken nothing and vanished. All that was left for Jai was to sign the papers and present them in court at the right time.

All that was left of Bani was all that she had left behind, all the clothes she had bought after their marriage, the books, the music cd's; everything, he realised with shock, that had been bought with his money or credit cards. Even the jewellery and the sari he had gifted her on the night of Jigyasa's birthday. And then there was the letter a tight lipped Rano had handed him.

"Mr.Walia,

I thought it best to leave before you returned. In any case, I've signed everything and there should be no legal problem in the dissolution of our marriage. I chose not to take the money. If you remember, on the day I agreed to this contract marriage, I told you I was not doing it for the money.

I have not taken anything that belonged to you save one thing; the mangalsutra you tied around my neck during our wedding ceremony. I know its has no value or meaning for you. But I needed it. For my own reasons. I hope you do not mind. They were after all is said and done only a string of black beads.

I hope you will be happy.

Bani Dixit."

Inexplicably, the letter made Jai furious.

He called for Tony. "Have all of Mrs. Walia's stuff packed and put it in a guest room immediately. Tomorrow have all of it sent to a charity home."

_________

Tossing and turning for the better part of the night, Jai gave up on sleep in the wee hours of the morning. And finally gave in to thoughts he had been repressing. All he could remember was Bani and as he did so a terrible guilt nagged him. In his mind he kept seeing two Bani's. the glowing, beautiful Bani who called him Jia with a lilt in her voice and the tight lipped, withdrawn Bani who called him Mr.Walia with such reserved formality. And suddenly, as if a floodgate had been opened he began to remember the small details his subconscious mind had noted and stored.

________

After breakfast, Tony approached him, "sir, what charity home would you like Bani maam's stuff donated to?"

"I've changed my mind. Just leave it in the guest room for now."

___

The bedroom felt too quiet and impersonally tidy. The clutter on her side table, the book she was in the middle of reading, her alarm clock, the picture of her with her sisters, the little vase of flowers, they were all missing. The lamp with the extendable and flexible head she had had on it, to allow her to read late into the night while he slept was also gone, replaced with a generic bedside lamp, which he suddenly decided he hated. The dresser tabletop too looked suddenly bare. And there were too many bloody lights on, he decided. Usually, when he walked in, it was to be greeted with the faint scent of fresh flowers and the strains of her one of her favourite classical composers, with only one lamp next to the chaise-lounge burning, and the drapes open. 'Gathering darkness' she'd called it. The simultaneously slow and sudden shift from day to night; her favourite part of the day, she loved to sit on the lounge and look out of the window.

"Tony, why are there no fresh flowers in this room and where is the bedside lamp? And who switched on all the lights? And where all the books?"

"sir, as per your orders everything is packed and in the guest room. As for the flowers, Bani maan used to order them personally from the florist and arranged them and I wasn't told to continue it…"

Jai sighed in defeat. "Unpack all the stuff and have it moved back here. And tell the florist that I want her orders to be considered as permanently standing. And form now, in the evening leave only that lamp on."

___________

"Tarun, what do I do if I no longer want the divorce?"

"Just don't sign the papers. But, what the hell is going on?"

"I think I've made a huge mistake. I regret letting Bani go."

"Are you in love with her?"

"I don't know…I am not sure of what I feel but …look I think we need more time …to understand..to.."

"Jai, I never thought I'd say this, but for the first time I dislike you. You're not sure? What the hell do you want to do to that poor girl?"

"what do you mean?"

"oh, come on! Don't tell me you do not know! Bani is head over heels in love with you. Has been for a long time. And she was so shattered the last few times I saw her. I mean she never said a word and I never saw a her cry or breakdown, she handled herself with such dignity, but it was obvious that she was heartbroken…"

Jai listened to Tarun in growing shock. Bani had fallen in love with him? and he had not even realised?

_____________

"Rano, I need to speak with you."

"Ji, Mr.Walia," she said in a voice dripping resentment.

"does bani love me?"

"it is none of your business."

"Rano, I don't want you to tell me what is or isn't my business. Could you please just answer my question?"

"Look Mr.Walia I really don't have to answer this question. What my di does or feels is no longer any concern of yours."

"Will you stop calling me Mr.Walia?"

"I am sorry but I do not feel like calling you mamaji."

"I am not asking you to call me mamaji. I would prefer you to call me jiju. Which I am."

"have you forgotten that you are no longer married to my di?"

"I have not forgotten anything. And I am still married to her. She signed the papers, I haven't and I never will. I want her back and I will do anything to get her back."

Confused and suspicious, Rano asked, "then why do you want to know if she loves you?"

"because if she does then I figured that you might be a little more willing to tell me where she is"

"do you love her?"

"I don't know, because I don't know what love is. All I know is that Bani haunts my every waking thought, that I feel incomplete without her, that she is the last thought I have before I sleep and the first when I wake up….."

Rano answered him, "she loves you. But I do not know where she is and neither does Pia. When she decided to leave, we pestered her to keep in touch with us but we both finally realised that di has lived all her life for other people. Never, not once has she been free to do what she wants, and for the first time she felt as if she could afford to do so and we did not want to come in the way of that…."

Ok, Jai thought, a person can't just disappear. I'll find her.

__________

Three agonising months later, reluctantly, Jai had to admit defeat. The best private investigators had failed.

He had immersed himself in his work, losing weight, losing interest in everything that had once been a part of his life. The nights were the worst. He would spend hours remembering her and her silly idiosyncrasies; like talking to herself when she thought no was around, the way she hummed – completely out of tune….he could on.

It seemed Bani was dead serious about not being found. It was as if Bani Dixit had never existed.

And tonight, as he stood by the window, staring at the full moon, he recalled another full moon night, and cursed himself. Why had he been so blind? That night when he had read her wordless consent but he had failed to read the love, which had made her eyes glow and which had motivated her consent.

Yes, love was a gift that had he had blessed with on that fateful evening when he had emerged from the bathroom to find her, embarrassed and shy, with the back of her blouse open. And instinctively, he had been possessive, been filled with a sense of protectiveness, he had had a gut reaction, which he had never paused to analyse.

Do we never understand the value of what we have until it is too late? He asked himself in anguish.

Bani's reverie was broken as a sharp shooting pain tore through her abdomen. Gasping, she waited till the pain lessened and then woke up her flatmate, Avanti. Who did not waste time in calling for an ambulance. Waiting, seated on the floor by the window, Bani could not help, through a haze of pain, looking at the full moon. Is this the end then, the bitter end to a bittersweet dream. Perhaps it is better that it is so. And with that she passed out.

Jai looked at the moon as suddenly a wave of sadness engulfed him. In the grip of a nameless feeling of dread, he looked at the moon and wondered if, through his own stupidity, he had lost forever something so precious that it could never be replaced.

_________________

The persistent banging on the door woke him up. Groggily he looked at the alarm clock. Three in the morning. What the hell, he thought to himself as he opened the door. To find a very worried looking Sahil and an absolutely terrified Rano at the door.

"Sahil, kya hua?"

"pata nahin mamaji, koi phone aaya tha aur Rano ekdum ghabra gayi aur sedhi aap ke kamare ke tarf aa gaye…"

"I've found di, she is in a hospital in Ooty. In a critical state."

Jai stood shocked for a minute and then swung into activity.

A few minutes later, he emerged from the bedroom dressed, and ready to depart.

Downstairs Rano caught up with him and handed him an overnight case, which she had offered to pack. As Sahil came in and announced that the car was in the portico, the engine running, she stopped Jai and said, "Please bring my di back, jiju." Jai hugged her tight for a minute and then left.

[since I know nothing about Mumbai or its environs, let's just say Ooty is four hours drive away from Mumbai.]

For once, Jai was really grateful for Sahil's speed demon style of driving. The car came to a screeching halt in front of the hospital Rano had given him the name of. Without waiting for Sahil, Jai got down and nearly ran into the hospital.

At the reception he asked for Avanti Prasad and was directed to a waiting room. A slender, dusky toned young woman got up with the innate grace of a dancer as he approached her and called her name. She was the only occupant in the waiting room.

"Sahil Walia, right? Where is Rano?" she asked looking over his shoulder.

"No, I am Jai Walia."

"Are you also related to Bani?"

"I am her husband."

"You are her husband?" she asked with sudden surprise, which immediately gave way to anger.

Noting the anger, jai with barely restrained patience and hitherto unimaginable humility said, "look save your anger and questions for later, just please take me to Bani."

"I can't. she is being operated upon right now."

"Oh. Ok at least tell me what is going on."

"Until now I did not know who whom she was married to, we all assumed it some Mr. Singhania, because we only knew her as Bani Singhania. And she never talked about her past. Until today, during the ride to the hospital, when all she said was that if she did not survive only then was I to inform a Rano Walia and a Pia Shukla. I could not get through to the latter, only Rano. And I broke my word to her and called even before the doctor said anything about whether she was in a bad way or not because I am afraid."

"please, what has happened to her?"

"she is pregnant and tonight she went into inexplicable labour, way too premature. And the doctors are particularly worried not only because she was so weak to begin with but…"

Jai closed his eyes in shock. She was pregnant and she had not even told him? and then, but why would she tell me. After what I did to her why would she want to have anything to do with me…

Just then the doctor emerged.

"Doctor, I am Jai Walia. My wife, Bani, how is she?"

Sighing, the doctor removed his surgical cap, "we have done all we could. We could not save the child, but she is fine, she can always have another child provided she lives…"

"provided? Why what is the matter.?"

"She does not seem to want to live. She is sinking without any reason. It's like she has no desire to pull out of this shock. Like she's given up."

"May I see her?"

"yes, but I don't know what good it'll do. She is not responding, even though by now she should be completely conscious. Let me tell you, Mr.Walia, you have taken very poor care of your wife during what was a difficult pregnancy to begin with."

___________

The sight of Bani lying wan and pale in a hospital bed shocked Jai. She had lost so much weight and her face looked so tired, so exhausted. She looked so frail, as if a gust of wind would break her into two.

Eyes smarting, Jai went and sat on the edge of the bed. Taking one thin hand in his, he said all that he had waited for three months to say, "Bani, I love you. I was a fool. I did not realise and in my blindness, I let you go and put you through so much. I deserve any punishment you want to inflict, but please, please, don't leave me. Again. "

He could no longer control his tears and they slid, hot and scalding, down his cheeks, to fall unheeded, on her hand.

Six agonising hours later, during which Jai never let go of her hand, her eyes fluttered open weakly.

Four weeks, jai though bleakly to himself. One whole month and Bani still remained in a state of dazed shock, responding mechanically, a puppet who gazed at everyone and everything with the same blank indifference. She was yet to cry.

No matter how long it takes, I will bring her back. Back to life, even if that means that she no longer wants to be with me. I will let her go if that is what she wants but I will make her live again.

With a renewed sense of determination, he thought about what to do next. He decided to take her to the farmhouse and nurse her himself. Rano and Pia agreed to let him try it. They had tried everything they could think of and were at their wits end.

__________

Bani woke up and felt a strange sense of familiarity that nagged at her, a memory hovered at the edge of her consciousness, teasing her, trying to remind her of something. She was lying in bed, and there was some one else in the bed too, with his arm draped loosely across her waist.

The full moon shone brightly through the bare glass windows. There was the haunting smell of gardenias and jasmine wafting in from the terrace garden.

For no reason she thought of a sari. A dream in ochre chiffon, glittering with moondust.

Suddenly restless, she got out of bed and went to the dressing room and began opening cupboards. She found it on a hanger in the second cupboard. As if in a dream she took it and stripping began to wear it.

Jai had woken up when she had slipped out of bed. About to get up, some sixth sense warned him to stay put and not make a move. Bani was behaving like a somnambulist. The doctor had said that she needed some trigger form her past experiences to jolt her back into the land of the living. Until to let her be. He saw her go into the dressing room.

Jai was standing and gazing out of the window when the soft whoosh of a door opening alerted him.

Bani walked towards him with a dreamy _expression on her face. Jai was afraid to draw in a breath lest it break the eerie silence bathing the room. She was dressed as she had been that night, albeit thinner, she looked enchanting as a slow, sensual smile appeared on her face. Walking to him, she automatically embraced him with a softly whispered "Jai? Where were you beloved? I missed you so much. Did I ever tell you how much I love you?"

"Every day, dearest. And I love you too. More than anything else," he said cautiously unwilling to break the spell but quaking inside, unsure of what was happening.

And then, to his consternation, his wife began to seduce him.

Jai was petrified. Of doing the wrong thing. A part of him wanted to stop thinking and lose himself in her but the other was terrified, was it the right thing to do? Bani seemed to be in some mental state he could not fathom.

"Don't you want me?" bani asked in bewilderment with the beginnings of hurt evident on her face.

Decision made, Jai wrapped his arms around her, "more than anything else in the world."

Still caught in the afterglow, Bani suddenly felt slow tears seeping down her face. Startled she touched a hand to them and instinctively looked up at Jai, who was holding her as if he never meant to let her go.

"It's ok, sweetheart. Let them out. I'm here, it's all right, I will always be here. Cry, darling, cry."

And as Bani began to weep in earnest, he held on to her and stroked her hair. The anguished intensity of her weeping, which gained in intensity as she remembered the loss of her child, broke Jai's heart. This is my punishment, he thought, to have to hear her cry like this, to hold her as she cries out the pain of paying for my mistake, he told himself.

What seemed to Jai to be a lifetime later, but was only about an hour or so, Bani uncontrolled weeping, which had given way to soft sobs, stopped entirely and she drifted into an exhausted sleep.

Bani was still asleep when he woke up. It was nine. Poor darling, she looks so worn out Jai thought looking at her. But for the first time in a long while, he had woken up with hope. Last night had been a breakthrough. Bani was on her way to being fine.

He showered, dressed, got himself coffee and was reading the paper, sitting in an armchair when Bani stirred.

"good morning darling."

As Bani sat up in bed, her eyes focused with awareness and then widened as she recalled what had happened in the night.

Sheer shock held her wordless.

"It's ok Bani. I can explain everything…"

"Explain? You bas***d, you took advantage of me when I was still grieving for my child! I'd love to see you explain this one! I lost my child a day ago and here you are…and how did I get here? I live in Ooty and two days ago I was in the hospital…and…"

Sitting on the bed, Jai tired to catch hold of her hands, only to be foiled as she was holding up the sheet with one and clutching her head with the other.

"Don't touch me, you….you….."

"How about beloved?"

silent glare.

"ok, I'll settle for Jai," hopefully.

"Mr.Walia, what am I doing here?"

"Bani, you did not lose our child two days ago. It's been over a month and we came here from our house in Mumbai yesterday because I thought maybe being here would help you remember, because this is where we fell in love with each other."

Bani stared at him in stunned shock.

Jai gave her a blow by blow account of the last month. She remained quiet. He decided she'd had enough for the moment. "Come, why don't you get dressed and come down. I'll ring up Rano and Pia. Thay've been worried sick."

Rano and Pia were delighted as were Sahil and Pushkar.

Rano and Pia seemed to be on the best of terms with Jai, it was 'jiju this and jiju that.' Rano with her innate reserve surprised Bani especially. She was not one to let people in so easily. With sulky resentment Bani concluded that he had won them over with his behaviour over the last month.

At last they all left.

"bani we need to talk."

"there is nothing to be said, Mr.Walia. Thank you for taking such good care of me all this month. I will be leaving for Ooty as soon as possible."

"I don't think so."

"it has nothing to do with you."

"yes it does. I have every right to be concerned with where my wife lives."

"excuse me?"

"you heard, darling. We are still married. you signed the papers and vanished but I found to my horror that the thought of a life without you to share it was intolerable. You have no idea how hard I tried to find you."

"I ..i did not want to be found."

"so I gathered," dryly, "I really broke your heart that day, didn't I?"

huskily, not meeting his eyes "yes…" and then with a flash of spirit, "but that does not mean that just because you want me I'll be back."

"darling we can play this out any which way you want…..as long as I get to be with you….."

"Mr.Walia, I think you are taking too many things for granted…" almost a shrieking, "what are you doing?" as he swung her into his arms.

Heading towards the stairs, "the only thing that makes you stop calling me Mr. Walia…."

Much later:

"I know I behaved like an idiot, but how was I to ever know that at the wise old age of 40, I would suddenly find a slip of a girl who would fill my life with so much happiness, with companionship, who would make me feel a part of a larger whole. Who would complete me?"

Shaken by the intensity of the emotions he was unabashedly revealing she could not stop herself, "jai, I love you. I know I've never said it but…"

"Oh but you did!" smugly.

"I did? When?"

"last night, just before you shamelessly seduced me"

Blushing, "I did no such thing!"

"Ah, but you did! And may I say it was the single most pleasurable experience of my life?"

Punching his shoulder, "ok, so what if I did? That does not mean I will fall into your arms…"

"darling, I am going to spend the rest of our life making sure you do exactly that….now that I know you love me, and having told you that I love you, I am never letting go of you."

"Er…I don't recall saying anything about wanting you to let go of me either, you know!"

Jai gave a shout of laughter and hugged her.

"But seriously, Jai there is so much we need to talk about. About our child…."

"we will, darling, we will. We have the rest of our lives. But first I have to give you this."

And with that he took something out from his bedside drawer and too her left hand in his, sliding a ring onto her third finger.

An oversize ruby flanked by diamonds, that pulsated with warm glints.

"As you came down those stairs, looking like the realisation of a dream that I never even realised I had cherished, I realised that cold, hard brilliant diamond did not do you justice. You needed the passion and warmth of ruby. And so I decided there and then to have a ring specially designed for you. I wish I had had the sense to realise there and then what such a thought implied.

So, I am asking you now, will you spend the rest of your life with me, be my companion, be my love and if you are willing, be the mother of my children…"

Moved beyond words, Bani gave in to impulse and reaching up caressed his cheek, slowly pulling down his head to claim his lips with hers.

FINIS.

Author's note: I would like to dedicate this fan-fiction to the incredible loyalty and passion displayed by the people on this forum. Serials come and go, but such dedication is awe inspiring. I hope you all find in your lifes the magic that makes KS so special for all of us.

HAIL Kasam Se Addiction! ?

Unique NUmber 15

In a busy Mumbai suburb, tucked away from the crowded streets stands a beautiful white and red house. In between an empty plot of land and a gymkhana, the house looks out of place – as if it should have been in the pages of a fairytale, not the streets of a bustling city. The garden is well-kept, the faade worn, but clean and inviting.

The postbox bears the name Dixit Dance School in faint gold lettering. Down the path lined with roses, in through the front door a faint chan-chan of chudiyan and a chirpy voice is heard… "one… two… three… and turn…"

A large and well-decorated living room… through a sparkling clean kitchen… down a cream-coloured hallway… "one… two… three… and turn…"

The hall opens out into a large open courtyard. 6 little girls are standing in 2 rows of 3 trying to follow their teacher as she teaches them dance steps…"one… two… three… and turn…"

Miss Bani Dixit, a 24 yr old beautiful girl, dance teacher by day, banquet manager by night, walks around the group shaking her head as half of them turn one way, the other half the other way!

Bani: NO NO NO!!! yeh tum log kya kar rahe ho, kissi ne practice kiya bhi hai ke nahin?!

Student: Teacher yeh steps bahut difficult hai-

Bani: Main kuch sunna nahin chahti, saara din baaten karte rehti ho, concentrate nahin karti – steps difficult nahin lagenge toh aur kya?! Show ko almost ek hafta baaki rehgaya hai or tum log…!!

She switches the tape player back on again…

Bani: Chalo… one… two… three… and turn, one… two… three… and turn

Click clack click clack…

Student: Aa gayi madamji!

Bani hears and glares before turning again to see her middle sister Pia walking into the courtyard.

Pia: Banidi?! Aap ka class abhi tak khatam nahin hua, mujhe movie se pehle dinner ke liye- aaarrrgghhh!!!!

She trips on the pile of kids shoes and lands flat on her rear end!

The children break into peals of laughter at the sight of "Pia Madam" on her backside!

Pia: BANIDI AAPKE YEH SHAITAN BACHCHE!!!!

Students: Bye teacher!!

The children grab their shoes and run out of the front door still laughing to themselves before Bani can stop them.

Bani helps Pia up and into the living room.

Bani: Koi baat nahin Pia, bachche hai! Dard ho raha hai?

Pia, scowling: Theek ho jayega!

Her frown changes to a smile as their youngest sister Rano comes in, balancing a big pile of books in one hand and a bigger pile of books in the other!!

Pia: Aa gayi tum? Chalo der ho rahi hai, we'll get some dinner aur phir movie ke tickets le lenge!

Rano: Great, what are we watching?

Pia: The Gift!

Bani: Voh Cate Blanchett wali scary movie?! No way, Pia mujhe nahi dekhni, phir me raat ko so nahi paongi please!

Pia, rolling her eyes: Uff Banidi aap bhi na! Hum hai na aapke saath?! Pleeeeeease!!!

She pulls her puppy dog eyes expression and Bani, as always, has to give in!

They leave the house together, wrapped up warm against the December chills, increasingly characteristic of Mumbai at this time of the year, linking arms as they shivered, walking down the road towards the nearest bus stop.

As they left they failed to notice a black limousine with dark windows parked opposite the house. The window slides down and someone watches them walk away before looking back at the house.

Old man, sitting next to him: Kaisa laga Mr Walia?

Mr Walia, smiling slightly: … It's perfect.

************************************************************ *********

By the time the movie finishes night has fallen and the girls decide to take a riksha home. They walk down their lane, up towards the house.

Pia: Kitni achchi picture thi! Keanu Reeves is sooooo sexy!!

Bani: Sexy?! Kitna daraavna tha woh!! Aur mujhe toh laga tha ke defintely, ussi ne uss ladki ka qatal kiya tha! I never once thought ke uski fiance qatil hoga!

Rano: Woh toh director ka bahut hi smart move tha! What a red herring! Keanu ka itna violent hona, uski hi property pe ladki ki body milna, sab ko laga ke woh hi qatil hai! Aur phir ain mauke par what a twist!! Us par cinematography, the sound effects-

Pia, rolling her eyes: Uff Rano! Kya tum kabhi koi picture analysis ke baghair nahin dekh sakti?!

Rano, bristling: Tumhaare paas analyse karne ka dimaagh hota toh tum bhi kar paati!

Pia: It's not my fault that you don't have a life ok?!

Rano: It's not my fault that you don't have a brain ok?!!

Bani is walking in front of them as they continue arguing. Climbing the steps of the porch a sudden movement catches her eye and she stops. Pia and Rano fail to notice and collide into her.

Pia: Di yeh aap kya-

She stops as she too notices the man sitting on their front porch, in their father's old rocking chair.

Bani instinctively puts her arms out in front of her sisters as they hold onto her. She tries to look confident and calm but the truth was that Bani was scared senseless!! He doesn't look like the type of guy to be scared of though! Smartly-dressed, clean-shaven, stylish watch and shoes…

He gets up and walks towards them and they edge backwards. An eerie silence pervades as each seems to be waiting for the other to speak. The silence seems to get louder and louder as the man stares into Bani's eyes. He is taken aback to see that even though she is scared her eyes convey a determination and elegant poise. Something in those eyes unnerves him – his expression changes from arrogant condescension to surprise, so unnaccustomed is he to being affected this way!

Bani: K…Kaun hai aap… yaha kya kar rahe hai?

Mr Walia: Sorry to startle you… My name is Jai Walia, mujhe Miss Bani Dixit se baat karni thi…

Pia's eyes light up: THE Jai Walia?! The business tycoon?! Maine aap ki photo newspaper main kal hi dekhi thi!! Aapko Banidi se kaam hai?!

Jai, looking slightly irritated: Er… yes. Kya hum andar baat kar sakte hai please Miss Dixit?

Bani opens the door and invites him in. He is surprised to see a modest but nevertheless beautifully decorated and clean home. He sits down and Rano gives him a glass of water.

Pia: Kya lenge aap… chai… coffee…?

Jai, putting his business face on: Main yaha business ki baat karne aaya tha.

Bani, confused: Business… humse aapko kya business hoga… I mean hamare paas kya hai aap ko dene ke liye?

Jai: Aapka yeh makaan.

A stunned silence follows as Bani tries to process what he just said.

He stands up and walks over to the mantelpiece, looking at the photos arranged there. He picks one of Bani up. There was a sparkle in her eyes… and an intensity that drew him in and made him feel like he was falling…

He turns around and smirks, amused at the stunned expression on their faces.

Jai, taking a piece of paper out of his pocket: What I mean is I have a proposal for you. This is a cheque for the market value of this house PLUS 50 lakhs. Take it… aur iske badle main mujhe yeh makaan chaahiye, by the end of this month.

Pia takes the cheque with a shaking hand and shows it to Bani.

Jai Walia, sauntering around the room: Aap ke bagal me jo khaali plot or gymkhana hai voh dono khareedli hai maine, aur agle mahine mere naye hotel ka kaam shuru hojayega! I am going to have the entire building demolished, aur yaha banega ek naya 5* hotel! Another feather in the cap for Walia Group of Hotels!

He comes and stands opposite Bani and feels the same unnerving feeling again as he sees the expression in her eyes.

Jai, arrogantly: Mera accountant kal kuch papers lekar aayega. Usse padhkar sign kardena. I don't have time for games – jitni jaldi ho sake I want this transaction completed aur phir hum turant hi is makaan ko demolish karpaayenge-

His words are cut short by a resounding slap!!! A violent anger builds up inside him and he raises his hand to hit back, stopping himself with great difficulty. He had been raised better than to hit a woman…

Bani, furiously: AAPKI HIMMAT KAISE HUI?!! HOW DARE YOU?! Aap hote kaun hai hamaara ghar demolish karne waale?!

Pia and Rano watch astonished as suddenly, the man who had looked so stylish and majestic, seemed to cower beneath the anger of their sister. They had never seen her look so angry before!

Bani: Aapne yeh kaise soch liya ke hum aapke… aapke iss cheque ko accept karenge?!! For your information, yeh makaan nahin HAMAARA GHAR HAI! Market value se 50 lakh zyaada offer karke aapko kya laga, hum yeh ghar aapko dedenge?!! Aap jo bhi kahe, jitna bhi paisa de yeh ghar hum kabhi nahin bechenge!

Jai opens his mouth with an angry retort.

Bani, interrupting him: Hame aur kuch nahin sunna aapse. Please… isse pehle ke hum kuch aur kahe jo hame nahin kehna chaahiye behtar hoga ke aap yaha se chalejaaye… just leave! This house is NOT for sale.

Jai decides that now is not the best time to show this girl her place. Without another word he storms towards the door.

Bani: Ek minute Mr Walia!

He stops and turns, fire in his eyes. Bani's breath catches as she locks eyes with the man she barely knows yet hates so much already. She wanted to slap him again for even thinking he could take their house from them… but one look into those eyes… she almost forgot what she had been about to say…

Bani, shaking herself: Apna cheque toh aap yahi bhoolgaye Mr Walia. Lejaiye… apne hotel ke liye koi aur khaali plot khareedne me kaam aayega.

She thrusts it at him and he reaches up to catch it. Their hands touch and both feel a sudden heat… a spark of electricity. Quickly dismissing it Jai turns and storms out of the house. Pia and Rano come and hug their Banidi and she assures them that she will never let anyone take this house… no matter how much they needed the money.

************************************************************ *********

A few days pass by and Jai has found out all he needs to about Miss Bani Dixit. Since he had left the house he had not been able to stop thinking about her – and it was driving him insane!

He had discovered that Bani's parents had moved to the city from Mount Abu when she was a child and opened a dance school in their house. They had both run the place until they passed away in a car accident when Bani was only 16. Bani had put her education on the back-burner in order to raise her younger sisters. She held a job while in college and as soon as she had graduated she had gone into the hospitality business. She had recently been promoted to banquet manager at the hotel in which she worked.

However, her parents had left her with the responsibility of not only her sisters but their debt as well. Loan upon loan had been taken against their property and now her two jobs helped her keep the bank from repossessing the house and turning them out on the streets.

It had been a long time since Jai Walia had seen a personality like Bani. She had dared to look him in the eye and refuse him, she had raised her hand on him and thrown his money in his face. Had Jai wanted to he could have found a hundred different plots like the one Bani's house was sitting in the middle of – but it wasn't about the land. It was about getting what he wanted, accepting a challenge. And after a long time Jai felt he had found a worthy adversary…

He knew exactly what he had to do to get that house. But why was he finding it so difficult…? He had met the girl once, why should he care what she would think of him? Why couldn't he get her out of his head?!!!

Slamming his glass onto his desk he called his secretary on the intercom. He hadn't become so successful by accounting for people's feelings and he wasn't going to start now.

Jai: Meri Bank of India ke Mr Malhotra se baat karvao… abhi… issi waqt.

************************************************************ *********

Night had fallen and with it came thunder, rain and lightning. Jai stands at the window of his study thinking about a certain 24 year old in a simple salwar kameez, grazing her hand with his, her eyes shining with anger and defiance.

He shook his head and closed his eyes, and there she was again, this time smiling, tracing a burning path down his cheek with her light touch, leaning closer and closer until…. A deafening thunderclap startled him out of his reverie and he moved away from the windows, sitting in his chair, leaning back and closing his eyes.

He was rich and powerful – unsurprisingly girls had thrown themselves at him fascinated more by his bank balance than his heart. He was no innocent soul, he'd bedded his fair share of stunning women, yet not a single one had had the same effect on him in one night, as she had had in one minute…

Little did he know that the object of his thoughts was storming her way into Walia Mansion that very minute!

Tony Butler was surprised to see a thoroughly rain-soaked young girl at the door demanding to see Mr Walia. He led her to the study but quickly disappeared to answer the phone.

Bani opened the study door and took a few seconds to focus in the semi-darkness. She could see his figure resting in a large leather chair and for a minute forgot why she was standing there. Something about the way he rested his half empty glass on his knee and leant backwards… he looked so peaceful… she could have carried on staring at him for the rest of the night!

Shaking herself she remembered the document in her hand and rage bubbled up inside her all over again.

Bani: Hamaari raaton ki neend barbaad karke aap yaha chain se baithe ho?!

Jai, startled, standing up in shock: Tum?! Tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?

Bani, throwing documents at him: Main aapki iss ghatiya harqat ka jawaab maangne aayi hoon! Aap itna neeche gir sakte hai yeh toh maine socha hi nahin tha?! Aap toh ek naami businessman hai – yeh hai aapka business ethic??!

Jai smirks: Toh Mr Malhotra ne baat karli tumse? Gussa kyun hoti ho? Maine tumhe mauka toh diya tha… you could have taken that cheque, paid off all of your debts and kept enough to buy a new place. Uske badle me tumne apne ghar ka repossession chuna!

Bani, angrily: Main Bank se extension maang leti, kaise bhi kar ke main voh paise chuka deti, aur kuch nahin toh hame thodasa waqt mil hi jaata naya ghar dhoondhne ke liye! Lekin aap ke vajah se, aapki paise ka vazan dekh kar Bank ne hame eviction notice bhej diya. Hum teen beheno ko teen din diye hai ghar khaali karne ke liye!!

She shakes as tears fall down her beautifully pale face and Jai feels a sharp twinge in his chest. He moves closer to her, feeling horrible for causing her pain, but too proud to say anything. Before he can open his mouth she looks up into his eyes and he stops in his tracks.

Bani, crying but resilient: Main pehle aap se kabhi nahin milli… mera aapse koi vaasta nahin… aur phir bhi ek hi mulaqat main, kuch hi pal main aapne meri zindagi badaldi. Jab meri dono behene mujhse sawaal karti hai toh main unse aankh mila kar jawaab nahin de paati… pehli baar aise hua, sirf aapki vajah se. Kyun… kya mila aapko aisa kar ke?

Jai cannot meet her pained gaze anymore and looks at the floor as she edges closer.

Bani, almost whispering: Kya aap ko andaaza bhi hai ke hum par kya beet rahi hai? Woh ghar hamaare mummy-papa ki aakhri nishaani thi… aur aapne ek jhatke main humse woh cheen liya? Do you even understand what that house means to us… what our parents meant to us… what that house symbolises…

So much pain in her voice… so much pain in her eyes… she was too young to look so upset… Jai feels an uncontrollable urge to wipe her tears… to lift his hand and stroke her cheek… brush the tears away and-

Tony Butler interrupting with a cough: Sir, Roshni madam aapka neeche intezar kar rahi hai…

Jai is brought back to reality with a thud.

Jai, quietly: Agar tum logon ko ghar dhoondhne main madad chaahiye toh-

Bani, determinedly: No thank you Mr Jai Walia. Aap jaise log kabhi kissiki bevajah madad nahi karte. Aur mere paas khone ke liye ab kuch baaki nahi raha.

She turns and walks away. Before leaving the room she looks back at him.

Bani: Jab aap apna hotel ka inaugration kar rahe ho toh yaad rakhna ke aap ne hum teeno beheno ki khushiya, hamaari zindagi ko apne pairon tale rondhkar voh hotel banaayi hai… Sleep well Mr Walia.

She strides out of the room, brushing past Roshni on her way out.

Roshni: Kya hua Jai, kaun thi woh? Chandaa maangne aayi thi kya?

Jai, irritably: What do you want Roshni?

Roshni simperingly: Tumse milna chahti thi Jai, can't I even come to visit you? So we aren't dating anymore that doesn't mean we can't be friends!

Jai, rolling his eyes: Roshni mere paas tumhaare in bevajah baaton ke liye time nahin hai ok! Please just leave me alone.

Roshni : Aise kaise Jai?! Tony!! Bring 2 glasses of gin and tonic aur Jai ke drink main ice aur lime daalna mat bhoolna!

Jai, gritting his teeth: TONY MERE LIYE WHISKY ON THE ROCKS!

Bechaara Tony Butler does exactly as he is told! ;-)

Roshni: Tumhe yaad hai na, kal developers ke saath meeting hai. Woh makaan ka problem solve kar liya?

Jai is reminded of Bani's face, the tears in her eyes and her parting words. He closes his eyes trying to shut her image out of his head but to no avail.

Roshni: Kya hua Jai, chehre ka rang kyun udd gaya?

Jai, after a long silence: …Maybe …maybe… that's not the best site for the hotel...

Roshni surprised: What do you mean Jai?!! Tumhi ne toh voh location chuni thi, plots khareedliye, government se planning permission le li! Ab tum hi keh rahe ho that you're not sure about the location?!! What the hell is this?!

Jai, raises his voice: I know that Roshni!! I just think maybe we can do better!

Roshni, suspiciously: Why the sudden change of heart Jai? … … kaun thi woh ladki…?

Jai turns to face her annoyed that she had hit the nail on the head: Uss ladki ka iss baat se kya matlab?? Paise mere hai, hotel mera hai, main jab chahoon apna iraada badalsakta hoon! We are not dating anymore, you are only my business colleague – apna zabaan kholne se pehle yeh yaad rakhna! This is MY company, and I will do whatever the hell I want!!

He storms off leaving her to glare at his back. She knew Jai Walia. It was written all over his face, that girl had everything to do with his sudden change of heart.

The question was… Why?

************************************************************ *********

The next day sees Bani organising her students into a group backstage at the Tejpal Auditorium. She had sent Pia and Rano to carry on looking for alternative accomodation as she had to attend the charity function at which her students were performing for a dance competition.

All night long she had been unable to sleep, worried sick at the thought of losing their home. Whenever she thought of him an uncontrollable urge to scratch his eyes out built up inside her… she hated him for what he was doing to them. But worse still, she hated herself for the other urges she felt when she thought of him. As much as she wanted to hurt him and hate him, a small part of her heart leapt at the sight of him. She felt like she was betraying her family for even entertaining the thought of him close to her… but she couldn't help it… there was something about the way he looked at her that left her powerless to form a rational thought!

Forcing a smile she claps as her students go on stage to perform. She cannot see into the audience but hears the cheers and watches proudly as they dance perfectly – all turning the right way this time! Her smile becomes genuine as her group are announced winners of the dance competition!

Presenter: Aur iss award ko present karne ke liye main ek bahut hi special guest ko yaha bulaana chahti hoon. Please welcome on stage Mr Jai Walia!!

Bani looks up in shock as she sees the man who has been occupying her thoughts for days walks up onto the stage. Wearing a black suit and cream tie he looks so stunning, she cannot take her eyes off him. His broad shoulders, the suit fit so well, top button undone, yet still looking impeccable… and his eyes… those eyes…

Presenter: Bani Dixit… Bani Dixit??

She is nudged onto stage, and comes back down to earth – remembering that this was the man who was taking their home away from them she steels herself and walks forward.

Jai, off mike: Congratulations Miss Dixit. You have taught your students very well.

Bani, unsmiling: Thank you. Lekin aapko yaha dekh kar hairaani hui hai!

Jai: Excuse me?

Bani: Zahir si baat hai, aap jaise log apne fayde dekhe bina kuch karte toh hai nahin. Yeh toh charity function hai… aapka yaha kya kaam?

His anger becomes clearly visible in his set jawline and both of them glare at each other unwilling to be the first to blink..

Presenter: We are honoured ke aaj Mr Walia award present karne ke liye aaye hai. Yeh voh shaks hai jis ke vajah se aaj ye function possible hua hai. Jinke bahut hi generous donations se hum underprivileged bachcho ke liye yeh naya school banaa sakenge, aur jinke events management division ne yeh function organise, publicise or facilitate karvaaya hai. Sirf yeh school hi nahin, Mr Walia ne kayi charitable events ko organise kiya hai aise hi worthy causes ke liye. If only every millionaire was as thoughtful!

Listening to all of this Jai looks at the floor and Bani blushes a deep red, thinking of what she has just said to him.

************************************************************ *********

After the show finishes and her students have all been collected by their ecstatic parents, Bani makes her way towards the auditorium front gates when a black limousine pulls up beside her. She is surprised to see the window roll down to reveal Jai Walia staring up at her.

Jai: Can I offer you a lift somewhere Miss Dixit?

Bani, coldly: No thank you Mr Walia – main ghairo se koi ehsaan nahin leti.

Jai: Please, mujhe aapse aapke ghar ke baare main baat karni thi.

Bani hesitates, but curiousity takes over and she steps into the limo, sitting down next to him. She looks around at the simple yet stylish interior, impressed but unwilling to show it.

As she looks around Jai watches her and she soon feels the heat of his gaze on her cheeks.

Bani, fidgeting with her dupatta: K… Kya baat karni thi aapko?

Jai, clearing his throat: Aap ko kahan chhod na hai?

Bani, quietly: Mere gh- aapke hotel site par.

Jai flinches: …Ab tak naya ghar mila?

Bani, tears in her eyes: Why do you care Mr Walia?! Please, aap ko jo kehna hai kehdijiye…

There is silence as Bani glares out of the window and Jai fidgets uncomfortably. He did want to say something but everything sounds ridiculous! What the hell was he doing?! He'd demolished thousands of buildings, why was this one any different? He looked at her face, turned away from him obviously fighting to remain calm and cold… she was why.

The realisation was no thunderbolt, he wasn't a silly little lovesick boy – the night she had left his house it had dawned on him that regardless of the fact that he had only met her twice, no-one else had touched him the way she had. Her tears felt like acid on his heart and all he wanted to do was take her into his arms, wipe the tears away, and place tender and passionate kisses over every inch of her body.

Just as he opens his mouth to speak the car swerves sharply to avoid a motorcycle and the sudden jolt throws Bani sideways straight into Jai's arms. Her body tingles at his closeness and she loses the facility to think straight as he holds her. He looks down into her eyes and time stands still as both of them find it impossible to look away.

The loud blare of the driver's horn makes them both jump and Bani pushes herself away from him, her hands on his broad chest sending shivers down his spine.

She gasps as her hair pulls hard and both of them look down to see her hair caught in his jacket button. She tries to pull it out, her hands shaking.

Jai, placing a hand on her shoulder: Tehero… wait… baal tootjayenge…

She stares at him as he concentrates on gently and carefully unknotting her hair from his button. He is so close she can feel his warm breath on her cheek, lighting her face on fire. Finally he's done and she pulls away from him just as the car pulls up outside her house.

Still blushing, Bani cannot get out of the car fast enough. Thanking the driver she starts to walk away, trying hard not to look back, but stops as she hears the car door slam and Jai call her name.

Jai: Please wait Miss Dixit, kuch baat karni thi aapse.

Without turning she stares at the ground willing it to open up and swallow her and a few seconds later the ground is replaced by a pair of smart black shoes! She looks up and he is standing in front of her… very, very close.

Jai: Jabse tum kal raat mere ghar se gayi… I… I can't stop thinking about what you said. Mujhe ehsaas hua ke shaayad business se badhkar bhi zindagi main kuch cheeze hoti hai. I'm sorry for the way I behaved with you the other night. I was insensitive and rude… I am so sorry...

Bani laughs sadly: Bahut der ho chuki Mr Walia. Achcha hua ke aapko apni ghalati ka ehsaas hua… aur function me maine aapse jo kuch bhi kaha uske liye I am sorry too. Lekin waqt kabhi pichche mud kar nahin dekhta Mr Walia. Baat beghar hone ki nahin hai – main aur Pia itna kamaate toh hain ke hum apne liye ek chota sa makaan rent karpaaye. Pia-Rano yeh nahin jaante ke aaj nahin to kal yeh ghar toh hamaare haath se jaata hi… loan extensions don't last forever…

Jai: Baat yeh hai ke yeh ghar tumhaare mummy-papa ka tha… it was an emotional attachment… mujhe shaayad yeh pehele samajhna chaahiye tha…

Bani, tearfully: Maine apni maa se vaada kiya tha ke main kabhi Pia-Rano ko unki kami mehsoos nahi hone doongi. Aapke uss cheque main mujhe apni nakaamyabi nazar aa rahi thi, shayad issi liye aap se maine bahut kuch kehdiya… aur aap par haath bhi uthaaya! Mujhe apne aap par kaboo rakhna chaahiye tha… I shouldn't have expected you to understand me. Businessmen ke paas jazbaaton ke liye waqt nahin hota na... maybe you are better off that way…

Jai: Bani, main-

Pia: BANIDI!!

Both Jai and Bani jump as Pia and Rano come rushing from the house towards them

Rano: What the hell are YOU doing here Mr Walia?! Aap phir se hamse kuch cheen ne aaye hai? Jo kuch bhi aapko karna tha aapne kardiya, ab please, I beg of you, hame baksh dijye!! Just leave us alone!

Bani's eyes are firmly fixed to the ground and he cannot read them. Jai turns on his heel and without another word walks away. This was a mistake. She may not hate him, but she was never going to feel for him what he felt for her…

************************************************************ *********

The next day the 3 sisters begin packing their bags to move into a flat they are renting not far from the house. Every little ornament, pices of furniture, even marks on the wall bring tears to their eyes.

Each one tells a little story… like the time Pia and Rano were using the fireplace pokers for a sword fight and left a long scratch down the side of the fireplace… or the time Bani had first tried cooking khichdi and left a burn mark on the counter-top… or the time they had been watching As Good As it Gets on video – Jack Nicholson had said "you make me want to be a better man", Bani through her floods of tears reached for the tissues and knocked over the scented candles leaving a scorch mark on the carpet! Each mark, each memory was sweet yet painful…

After such an emotionally-charged day Bani is exhausted but still has to go to work!

Pia: Par Di aap phone karke kehsakte ho ke aap ki tabeeyat theek nahin hai!

Bani: Nahi Pia, aaj bahut hi badi party hai. Kissi Roshni Chopra ka janamdin hai, bahut badi businesswoman hai woh. Main nahi chahti ke mere vajah se kissi ko shiqaayat ka mauka mille. Packing toh sab ho gaya hai, tum dono sojaane, kal subha jaldi uthna hai.

She takes a riksha to work and for the first time she is able to sit back and relax a little. As soon as she closes her eyes HE comes to mind. His broad shoulders, his tall frame, the hair, sleek and styled, the deepest eyes she had ever seen, and a mischeivous smile laced with a little arrogance. She felt awful for the way she had spoken to him at the function, especially on hearing the presenter sing his praises soon afterwards. She blushes again as she remembers the heat of his breath on her cheeks as he unknotted her hair from his coat button. She curses her luck at the circumstances in which they had met, and scolds herself for thinking about him this way.

The riksha pulls up outside the hotel she works at and she goes straight to the cloakroom to check her outfit. A deep red sari with a simple gold brooch pinned at the shoulder and her hair was held in a bun high on her head by a red and gold chinese chopstick. She hears thunder and rain outside as she takes a deep breath and goes into the banqueting hall to check on preparations.

Guests soon start to arrive and the party begins. Bani walks around the room checking that everyone had a drink and was enjoying themselves.

Bani, walking up to a guest facing away from her: I hope you are enjoying the party sir!

He turns quickly and she is shocked to lay her eyes on the one man she was defintely not ready to see again.

Jai: Bani tum?

Bani, quietly: Er… ji… main… yaha pe banquet manager ki naukri karti hoon.

Jai, hesitating: oh… kaisi ho… I mean… how are you…?

Bani: Fine… thank you… aap?

Roshni: Everything ok here Jai? You must be getting bored here alone!

She had recognised Bani from the other night and immediately disliked her!

Bani: Happy Birthday ma'am. I hope everything is to your satisfaction so far. Agar kissi cheez ki kami rehgayi ho toh hame zaroor bataaiyega.

Roshni, smirking: Ab tak toh sab theek hai… lekin shayad aapko apne staff ko supervise karne me zyaada, aur mere guests ko disturb karne me kam waqt lagaana chahiye.

Bani's cheeks are a deep red as she nods her head and tries to smile before walking away.

Jai, angrily: Kabhi toh zabaan kholne se pehle soch liya karo Roshni.

Roshni, "innocently": What? Maine kya kiya?!!

Shaking his head, Jai walks away to look for Bani but is stopped by an old business colleague and drawn into conversation.

Bani on the other hand, cheeks aflame, cannot get far enough away from Jai. She felt embarrassed, but was angry at herself for being embarrassed – she hadn't done anything wrong… had she?! She didn't want to admit that she was also angry at Jai. Never in a million years would she expect him to stick up for her… but then why was she so annoyed that he hadn't said anything?!

The evening draws on and the band strikes up calling all couples onto the dancefloor. Jai wants more than anything to ask Bani to dance but he knows she would never accept. He stands in a corner sulking, watching her circle the room smiling cheerily and hospitably, purposely avoiding him. Roshni takes the mike requesting everyone to please stand and make their way to dancefloor.

Roshni: Aur kyun ke yeh party meri hai, I think mujhe apna dance partner chun ne ka haq hai right?!

People clap and smile indulgently.

Roshni: Jai, please come and join me on the dancefloor!

Jai looks mortified at being put on the spot this way and tries to refuse but the spotlight shines on him and Roshni takes his arm, leaving him very little choice!

A soft lilting melody plays as they dance…

"So jaoon main… tum agar, mere khwabon me aao… meri khwabon me aao… kho jaoo main… tum agar meri yaadon me aao… meri yaadon me aao… jaagi nazar main… soyi nazar main… har pal sanam tum jhilmilao…"

Jai's eyes find and focus on the beautiful girl in a deep red sari who keeps avoiding his gaze… he imagined her dancing in his arms, holding her close to him, burying his face in her hair and nuzzling her neck sensuously…

The beautiful girl in the deep red sari was dreaming the same! Seeing Jai dancing with Roshni made her burn with a jealousy she would never admit. She turns away from the dancefloor fighting tears, praying that the song would end and they would break apart by the time she opened her eyes.

"Banke sitaara… aankho me chamko… in aati jaati saanso me meheko… Bas jao aake… tum meri jaan main… dil banke mere seene me dhadko… tum mujhko chaaho… bas mujhko chaaho… saare jahaan ko bhuljao…"

Bani couldn't take anymore. She tried to move through the crowd towards the door but was stopped by a guest who had had a little too much to drink.

Guest, standing much too close for comfort: Excuse me madam, koi mujhe bhi serve karega ya nahin?!

Bani: Ji sir… main abhi waiter ko bhejti hoon.

Guest, placing his hand on her shoulder: Jaisi service ki main baat kar raha hoon woh waiter nahin karpaayega!

Disgusted, Bani tries to move away but he is too strong. He reaches up pulling the chopstick out of her hair… it cascades down onto her shoulders and he holds it just out of her reach grinning lecherously.

She keeps her voice down, trying not to make a scene, but doesn't know that Jai is watching her every move. Incensed he storms off the dancefloor towards Bani… pulling her out of his grasp he lands a weighty punch on the lecherous guy and has to be quickly pulled away by nearby waiters.

Jai, struggling to hit the guy again: HOW DARE YOU? TUMNE ISSE CHHUNE KI HIMMAT KAISE KI?

Guest, reeling from the punch: HOW DARE YOU! Tum hote kaun ho mujhpe haath uthaane waale?!

Roshni, standing in between them: WHAT THE HELL IS GOING HERE?

Jai: Issne… issne Bani ko… USKE SAATH BATAMIZI KAR RAHA THA WOH!!

Bani, close to tears, stares at the floor as they argue and everyone turns to watch them.

Roshni: Agar Bani ko isse koi problem hai toh let her deal with it! Tum kyun involve ho rahe ho?! Vaise bhi in lower middle class ladkiyaan ko tum nahin jaante… kya kya nahin karte voh extra paisa kamaane ke liye!

Jai is too angry to speak and Bani is numb with shock at what Roshni was implying.

Guest, sneering: Oh I'm sorry Mr Walia, shayad aap ne pehele se hi… koi baat nahin, jab aap ka jee bhar jaaye tab mere paas bhejdena, iss me kya hai?!

Jai grabs him by the collar as Bani runs from the room. She cannot stop the tears and feels sick at the words she has just heard. Tripping in her heels she kicks them off and carries on running, desperate to get outside, to get as far away from this place as possible.

Outside it is raining heavily and very dark. She runs into the rain, becoming soaked in seconds. A short distance from the entrance she gasps in pain as she feels something sharp stabbing into her bare feet. She falls to the floor and cries, sobbing in physical and emotional pain.

Jai runs outside into the heavy rain, looking for her, unable to see her. He tells the valet to get his car and runs a little further down the road, coming to a stop as he sees her sitting on the ground and sobbing, clutching her bleeding feet. Kneeling down beside her he goes to touch her foot but she stands up, clearly in pain, pushing him away.

Jai: Bani I'm-

Bani: JAO… PLEASE JAAIYE YAHA SE JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!

Jai, holding her: Bani itni barsaat main… tumhaare pairon main-

Bani, angrily shaking him off: DON'T TOUCH ME!! Please, main aap se haath jodti hoon leave me alone!! Kya chahte hain aap, kyun meri pichche pade hai?! Jabse aapse milli hoon, ek pal ka chain nahin mila hai mujhe… GO PLEASE JUST GO!!!

Jai, trying to keep hold of her as she struggles: Bani… Bani… BANI!!

She is stunned at hearing him shout her name, pulling her close, staring angrily into her eyes. All that can be heard is the sound of the rain hitting the ground, pouring off them, neither of them caring that they were soaked through.

As he brings his face millimetres from hers the defiance in her eyes turns to despair and she starts crying again, burying her head in his chest, her body wracked with sobs. She cries because it hurts… everything just… hurts. The loss of her home, the pain in her sisters' eyes, the sharp twinge she feels in her chest every time she looks at this man she has known for less than a fortnight, seeing him in the arms of another woman, the taunts and the insults, the glass in her feet…

Jai wraps his arms around her, quietly understanding everything her tears say. For what seems like years she just cries, holding onto him, not wanting to let go, as he strokes her hair and hugs her tightly.

After a while she pulls away from him, her sobs calmed into little sniffs. She focuses on his chest, not wanting to look into his eyes fearing she would drown. But an emboldened Jai has other ideas. He places a finger under her chin, gently lifting her face to look straight into her eyes.

Jai, quietly but firmly: Theek kaha Bani… jabse humaari mulaqat hui hai, mujhe bhi ek pal chain nahin aaya. Jab bhi main tumhaari taraf dekhta hoon, tumhaara naam sunta hoon, pata nahin kyun dil tezi se dhadakne lagta hai. Din raat main tumhaare baare main hi sochta rehta hoon, tumse baat karna chahta hoon, tumhe chhoona chahta hoon… aaj kissi aur ko tujhe chhoote dekha toh pata nahin mujhe kya hogaya… main apne aap par kabu nahin rakhpaaya. I… I think I'm going mad!!

Gently tucking her thoroughly soaked hair behind her ears he traces a burning path down her clammy cheek with his fingertips.

Jai: I… I think… no, I know… I need you Bani… I love you… I love you so much… and I know you don't feel the same way but I had to tell you I-

Swept away, acting on impulse Bani quiets him by placing her hand on his mouth. She closes her eyes as he leans in to kiss her lips… first softly, then urgently, passionately, running his hands through her wet hair, pulling her close by the waist, further aroused by the feel of her kissing him back, running her hands over his shoulders, pulling him closer.

After what seems like an eternity they break away from each other at the sound of a car pulling up behind them. Bani's eyes are still closed and her whole body is tingling.

Jai lifts her off her feet and carries her towards the car. She opens her eyes and they meet his again setting them both alight. Opening the door he gently places her inside the car, softly kisses her hand and closes the door – not once breaking eye contact. He has a quiet word with the driver to take her home and watches as she is driven away. She turns back to look at him and feels a strange mixture of loss and elation watching his solitary figure recede into the distance.

Jai, on cloud nine, decides to walk home in the rain.

************************************************************ *********

When Bani gets home she cannot hide the events of the evening from her sisters for very long. Seeing her state they had demanded to know what had happened. Still dazed, she told them everything… well, almost everything! She tells them about the Bank, the real state of their finances, the charity function, the party, the drive home…

Pia: Bas…? Apne pyaar ka izhaar karke usne aapko ghar chhod diya?!?!

Bani: H…Haan.

Rano: Toh Di, aapne kya kaha?!

Bani: Kuch nahin! I was in shock, main kya kehti?!

Pia: I don't believe this Di… jiski vajah se humne apna ghar khoya hai, he's fallen in love with you?!

Rano: Toh isme hairaani ki kya baat hai Pia? Banidi se toh koi bhi pyaar karega! Voh hai hi aisi!

Pia: Theek hai Rano… lekin Mr Walia?!?!

They are all quiet for a while.

Rano: Toh ab aap kya karenge Di? Aapka kya jawaab hai is baat ka?

Bani, dazed: I don't know Rano… I just don't know…

Pia, getting up: I think hum sabko sojaana chaahiye… Banidi especially you. Kal raat Bank se Mr Malhotra aajayenge aur phir…

She trails off and the three sisters are saddened again at the thought of leaving their home. Pia and Rano are soon asleep but Bani tosses and turns all night long. The kiss, the warmth of his lips, the urgency and passion in his touch… she can still feel him holding her and the truth is that she doesn't want him to let go.

She hadn't said it, but it was time to admit that she was in love him just as much as he loved her. Pia's reaction had stopped her from saying anything to her sisters but the thought of never seeing him again made her physically ache. It was almost 5am. before Bani fell asleep, only to dream of him, his arms wrapped around her, his lips meeting hers, his body fused with hers…

************************************************************ *********

By 11am the next morning Bani, Pia and Rano had had the moving van loaded and stood on the porch waiting for Mr Malhotra to come and seal the house. Pia and Rano cried and cried, but Bani just stared into the distance, willing all of this to be over.

A black limousine pulled up in front of the house and Mr Malhotra stepped out holding the eviction papers in his hands. A few seconds later Jai Walia also stepped out. He looked straight at Bani as he leaned against the hood of his car and Mr Malhotra walked up to the house.

Bani focussed on Jai and her heart hammered out of control. Her palms became sweaty as she took in every aspect of his striking physique resting against his car, arms folded, sunglasses covering his eyes. She felt him kissing her again and tried hard not to blush a deep red.

Rano, sullenly: Hamne sab packing karli Mr Malhotra, bas aaphi ka intezaar tha.

Mr Malhotra, holding a ribbon-wrapped gift box in his hands: Miss Dixit, yeh aapke liye.

Confused Bani takes the box and without another word Mr Malhotra walks back to the car and sits inside.

She unties the red ribbon and opens the gold gift box to find a key, a letter, and some official looking papers. Handing the official documents to Pia she opens the letter.

Dear Bani,

Jabse maine tumhe pehli baar dekha, tabse lekar aaj tak tum mere dimaagh par chayi hui ho. Main jahan bhi jaoon, jo bhi karo, tumhaare siva aur kuch sujhta hi nahin.

Jab main tumhaare aankhon main aansoon dekhta hoon toh mera dil tumhaare liye rota hai. Jab tumhe muskuraate hue dekhta hoon toh mera dil khush hota hai. Jab main tumhe chhoota hoon toh mera dil beqabu hojaata hai. Aur jab main tumhe apni baaho main leta hoon toh mera dil jhoom uth tha hai.

Bani Dixit, I love you more than anyone or anything else in this world. Kal raat mujhe yeh ehsaas hua ke meri nazar tumhaare ghar pe kyun padi – kyun ke hum dono ka milna pehele se hi tey tha. Tumhi voh ho jo mere adhoori zindagi ko poora kar sakti ho. Tumhi ho voh roshni jo mere andhere zindagi ko roshan karne aayi ho.

Main nahin jaanta ke tumhaare man me kya hai, but I do know that last night you kissed me back and made me happier than I have ever been in my life. And I don't want to live another minute without you by my side.

Is khat ke saath jo documents hai is me likha hai ke yeh ghar, yeh property hamesha ke liye tumhaara ho gaya hai. Aur is ghar ke saath jo plots maine khareede hai waha 5* hotel nahin, balke Dixit Dance Academy aur gharib bachcho ke liye school banega.

Jo sawaal main tumse karne ja raha hoon, chaahe uska jawaab ha ho ya ne, yeh ghar aur zameen, tumhara hi rahega, us par kissi aur ka haq kabhi nahin hoga. Meri zindagi main aakar tumne jo chand dino ki khushi mujhe di hai, uske badle main me tumhe zindagi bhar ki khushi dena chahta tha, and I hope I have done so.

Raha sawaal… toh Miss Bani Dixit, will you make me the happiest man in the world…? Will you marry me?

The ground gives way beneath her feet as Bani reads the last line of the letter. The paper falls from her hands and Pia exclaims in shock as she finishes reading the accompanying documents that transfer the house and adjoining property to Bani and her sisters, including planning permission documments approving the designs for the Dixit Dance Academy and school.

Bani looks up to see Jai standing in front of his car, his sunglasses gone, his eyes pleading with her for a response. As Pia and Rano read the letter she has dropped Bani slowly starts to walk towards Jai. She thinks back on the first time she laid eyes on him, their first touch, the arguments, the look on his face eveytime she yelled at him, his fingers steadily unknotting her hair, his hands around her waist, his lips uniting with hers, being lifted into his arms, the kiss on her hand…

She felt as if she was in a dream, but then looked into his expectant eyes and ran… ran straight into his arms! It wasn't a dream, it was the happiest moment of her life as the man she had fallen in love with lifted her up and twirled her around in his arms. Slowly dropping her to her feet he leaned in close, cupping her face in his hands…

Jai: Kya kehti ho Miss Dixit… will you marry me…?

Bani, whispers tearfully: Yes… yes… yes… I love you…

He pushes her hair back from her face and looks into her eyes, tears forming in his too.

Jai, leaning in to kiss her, whispering softly: Call me… Jai.

"meri khushi main… shaamil raho tum… is zindagi me shaamil raho tum… yun to hai lakhon… armaan dil me… mehfil me jaan-e-mehfil raho tum… hothon se mere… shaam savere… yuhi sanam tum muskurao…"

*** THE END ***

Unique Number 16

A day in the life of "Tony, the Butler"

Tony!….. Tony! "Is my breakfast ready? I am getting late for office" came the harsh voice of the master of the house. Tony hurried thru the finishing touches of laying out the table for breakfast. He is usually not intimidated by the voice. This is routine for him. But today he is getting scared. Reason being he had interrupted the master and mistress early in the morning. Well, to make the long story short, he had been gifted this really fancy alarm clock by Krishna last night as Tony was getting up late these days (blaming the December chills in Mumbai). Krishna thought that she would help him because she knew that it was because Tony is getting old and not accepting it!

So back to this morning when he took the bed tea for Sir and Madam, he found Jai and Bani kissing each other quite passionately. Not that he had not knocked, he had, and the humm he heard, he thought was an affirmative to go inside the room not the humm of two lovers enjoying themselves! His usual "Good Morning Sir, Good Morning Madam" now paused at "Good Morrrr…." when he saw what was going on. There was an eerie silence in the room for a few minutes while Jai glared at Tony. Mumbling a weak apology Tony walked out the room.

Back at the breakfast table, Tony is apprehensive about seeing them in the eyes. His eyes are lowered when Jai and Bani walk in with Krishna on the tail giggling looking at Tony. Tony now realizes that it was a joke played by Krishna! She had set the clock an hour ahead and thus entered Jai and Bani's room an hour earlier than usual. This little angle's laughter was infectious and brought a smile on Tony's lips. He forgives her knowing that she is too young to know the implications of messing up with the boss. Jai sir has his breakfast and leaves for office.

The days gradually passes by preparing and serving lunch for the ladies of the house. And now Tony has a couple of hours to relax before starting the prep work for dinner. He goes back into his room and eases off in the reclining chair and puts on his thinking cap! Tony knows that he has to do something to make up to Jai Sir because he wanted a good raise and vacation time at Christmas! Thankfully Bani madam has ignored the morning's episode otherwise it would have been even more difficult to bring the situation under control.

With a smile he thinks of the day Jai sir had found out the truth about Bani madam loosing the baby and the whole divorce fiasco. When he knew that Bani madam was discussing her plight with Maasi, he has tactfully told Jai sir that Maasi is asking for Jai sir to come to her room. Overhearing the truth, Jai sir had cried like a baby and asked for forgiveness from Bani madam for his behavior. This was followed by their reunion and Krishna being born five years later. Now Krishna was a naughty 10 year old and he (Tony) often landed in trouble because of her. But he doted on her like she was his own. He just had to find a way to get back under his master's good graces without letting Jai sir know that it was all Krishna's doing. He did not want his "little angel" (as he called her) to get in trouble. So he thought of the red herring method to smooth the wrinkle out. (traits of a true butler)

He took the alarm clock, put it back in its box and wrapped it in a golden gift wrap. He tied a bright red ribbon on it and made a bow out of it. Finally, he attached a small note card to it saying "Forgive the old guy for getting a young clock, she is too fast for me. I don't need it anymore". He placed it in Jai's study where he knew Jai sir comes first thing in the evening to check his daily mail.

Satisfied, Tony goes back to his daily chores of preparing for dinner. When the bell rings, he goes and opens the door for Jai who gives him a gruff look and goes straight to his study. He sees the gift and reads the note. He has a smile on his face.

Dinner goes as usual but there is something about Jai sir that he is not able to put his fingers on. He is not able to make out if Jai sir has read the note or not. He is a little apprehensive as to what will happen. But he goes about doing all his duties for the last part of the day.

Just when he is about to retire for the day, he hears Jai sir shouting for him again. He thinks, "Looks like I am going to get fired today! Where will I go at this age!". "Yes Sir", he says. "Go get me two glasses of gin and tonic in my study right away", says Jai sir. Tony leaves for the bar and Jai for the study. Bani has a smile on her face.

"May I come in sir?" asks Tony. Jai says "Yes" and gestures him to keep the glasses on the table. He then asks Tony to sit on the chair opposite him. Tony reluctantly gives in. The last thing he wants is annoy Jai sir any more than he already has. With a smile Jai sir offers him one of the glasses and says "I know Tony you are trying to save Krishna! When she saw the clock here she asked me why I have taken the clock back from you and I understood that she must have played yet another joke on you". Tony just smiles at the mention of Krishna, his "little angle" and tries to defend her. Jai just raises his hand and says with a smile, "Tony, lets just forget what happened this morning, I don't want you to live in fear". "Good Night sir", says Tony and leaves the room. He can understand the unsaid words "without you I would never have had Krishna because I would never have come to know the truth. I feel bad that I was mean to you this morning."

Back in his chambers, Tony ponders over the day's events and with a smile thinks…..This is Life….As Good As It Gets!

Unique Number 17

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT

"Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over."

That was her, the woman from the bar. Who would have ever guessed he'd see her here, at Dixit Enterprises? Of all the places in Mumbai city, why was it his rotten luck that he'd find her sitting behind the desk outside the senior vice-president's door? Not just any senior vice-president, but THE senior vice-president who's opinion of him and his presentation would determine whether he'd be able to pay his rent for the next several months.
Jai Walia turned on his heel before the woman chanced to look up and recognize him. What terrible luck! A damned secretary with pink satiny lips and the tongue of the devil stood between him and the Dixit Enterprises Advertising account. It didn't help to know the future of his firm rested on getting this account. He'd been edgy last night worrying about his presentation and the future of his company and all his employees who looked upto him. That was why he'd acted like a royal as* at the bar.

He dragged his hand over his face. Now you've done it, Jai. If he wanted the account, he'd have to say something to placate the secretary. He'd have to face her and pray she wouldn't call for security or worse, scream her pretty head off.

No, he couldn't take that risk. He couldn't risk the account and his company on hoping she would accept his apology. Too many other people in his office were depending on him. Jai took a step toward the exit. He'd call from his cell phone and cancel. He'd say he'd come down with a disease. A terribly contagious, deadly disease. He'd send someone in his stead.

"Mr. Walia?" Her voice was clearer, less pinched than the previous night. The way she said his name, with that crystal precision, sent a tremor of desire down his spine.

Wasn't that what had sparked the fiasco the night before in the first place………………..desire?

Thinking to ignore her and leave, Jai made an even more determined rush to the exit. This account was too important to be messed up by his lonely, sometimes boisterous hormones. God help him, he'd never meant to upset her, not in his wildest dreams, but he did end up doing it and now he was gonna have to pay a heavy price for it.

"Mr. Walia," she said once again, slightly louder this time. "I'm sorry I didn't notice you standing there." She paused for a heartbeat. Jai stood frozen in the doorway. To run out now would make him look like an idiot. But he couldn't turn around and let her see his face.

"It's just been so crazy around here today. My secretary called in sick this morning, she has caught a terrible cold, she says. Serves her right for dressing so flimsily and going out on such a chilly night looking for Mr. Right in all the wrong places. These young teenagers I tell you, instead of sitting at home with their doting parents and warming themselves up with a nice cup of hot chocolate, would rather go disco and pub hopping and that too on one of the chilliest December nights the city of Mumbai has witnessed so far, and—"

Her secretary? That was the Bani Dixit sitting behind that desk? That pretty hellion with fire in her eyes was the senior vice-president of Dixit Enterprises? Without thinking he spun around to take a good look because certainly he'd mistaken what he'd seen before...she didn't look like vice-president material………….. "Jai don't you dare say that to her" he warned himself . This woman with her shapely legs and curvy body was far too sexy to be the stogy, hard-nosed vice-president who supposedly followed cricket religiously.

"I've been running behind all day, everything is in a damn mess. If you wouldn't mind taking a seat, I'll be with you as soon as I can find where Miss I got a Chill put my electronic notepad."

She stopped digging around in a bottom draw and looked up at him. Their eyes met. And she froze.

The temperature in the room dropped a good thirty degrees. When Jai released the breath he'd hastily sucked in, he was truly surprised the air didn't come out in a series of frosty puffs.

"You," she said. The single word sounded like a curse dire enough to make his ears drop off. Okay, after last night he deserved that singeing tone and razor-edged look she was presently slicing through him. But at least she wasn't screaming……………. not as yet.

Jai dropped his briefcase and instinctively threw his hands up in front of his chest, as if his empty palms could protect him from the fury building in her eyes.

"Please," he rushed to say. "Give me a chance to explain, to-to apologize Miss."

Bani rose from her secretary's chair. Her fingers very deliberately curled into dainty fists and settled on her slender hips.

"How did you find me? What the hell do you want?" She slid her fisted hand down her rounded hip and across the desktop toward the phone. "I don't want any more trouble. Just turn around and leave right now." Her knuckles turned white as she clutched the black handset.

Jai charged across the room and covered her hand with his, pinning it and the phone to the desk. "Please don't call security. Despite everything you saw to the contrary last night, I'm not some deranged lunatic."

Fear flashed in her eyes as her gaze locked on his hand trapping hers. "I-I know what men like you are," she whispered. "I've heard stories about what happens to the women nut cases men like you stalk. I won't be your next victim" she shouted back.

Jai yanked his hand away and took a quick step back. His sales pitch couldn't have gotten off on a worse foot. She believed him to be some kind of unquenchable serial killer cum woman stalker?

"I assure you, Ms. Dixit, I'm not who you think I am. I'm as shocked as you to have this uncomfortable encounter, here, in this office" said Jai with horror written all over his face.

She ripped the phone receiver off the base and began punching numbers, muttering curses. "I'm not going to let you hurt me, you-you sick-oooooo. I'm calling the police right now" threatened Bani.

"Please Miss, I have an appointment with you. I'm Jai Walia, Ms.Dixit. Your three-o'clock?"

Bani's heart stopped. That particular organ hadn't been doing too well throughout this harrowing encounter, beating like she was running a race. But when he said he was advertising's golden boy, Jai Walia, her heart flip-flopped and then stopped.

Two distinct voices echoed in her head while she stood there wondering if she had died and dropped into some twisted, painful hell.

The first voice was her stepfather's, Dixit Enterprise's CEO and Chairman of the Board. "We need our new cell phone service to explode onto the market. I don't need to tell you how that damned Reliance has copied us and plans to release a very similar service the same day as ours. And you already know how the future growth of Dixit Enterprises rests on the success of this new venture."

Her stepfather had leaned across his desk when he spoke next, "Do what it takes to get Jai Walia and the Walia advertising agency onboard. Get him under contract before Reliance can sink their teeth into him."

"You can't be Jai Walia." Bani dropped the phone back onto its base and stared at the tall man standing in front of her. He looked like he was about to throw up. His dark brown hair needed a trim. It curled at the ends and brushed the collar of his finely tailored black suit.

Let him be anyone but Jai Walia ……….. god please, don't this to me, I promise to be good. The desk standing between them seemed like inadequate protection as the words he whispered in anger last night echoed in her head. "Let me get you alone and I'll show you just how..."

A shiver coursed through her as she refused to let herself finish that memory. He'd frightened her at the bar as he held her arm and stood far too close to her for comfort. What had begun as playful flirting had somehow turned into an argument that had ended with both of them making hasty threats to each other. Only, his threats had kept her from falling asleep last night. Images of what he might do to her had assaulted her all night. They had left her feeling slightly unhinged and, she forced herself to admit, surprisingly hor**.

"I can't apologize enough, Ms.Dixit," he said. His large downcast eyes were clear and tranquil. Eyes a blind man could trust, her stepfather would say.

"I can't explain what had gotten into my mouth last night ………. Err, well…….. actually I can, it was 2 pints of beer, some salted pretzels, 1 bourbon on the rocks, 2 glasses of Gin and tonic to be precise …….. hmm what else uhhhhh, cashews orrrrrrr, buuuuuuttt, please believe me when I say that I don't make a practice of threatening women. Hell, I'm mortified by the words that spilled out. They seemed out there, like they weren't mine. You've got to believe that goddamit."

"What about the kiss?" blurted out Jai. Bani's cheeks burned. She quickly turned away. She could only imagine by the prickling heat stinging her how bright her face must have turned.

Last night, just before she'd stormed out of the bar—and yes, she'd finished a few too many Long Island ice teas herself — Jai had caught her by the arm, spun her around and in front of everyone kissed her. It hadn't been a simple peck. Oh no, it had been a long, skillful exploration of her lips and mouth that turned her legs all watery and sent butterflies fluttering in her belly.

They had flirted for a good hour before that silly argument about—about what? She couldn't for the life of her remember. All she could remember was the almost electrical attraction that had sparked between them and shaken Bani to her core.

She didn't have time for relationships. Not now. Not when her stepfather expected so much from her and his company.

"Well?" he asked again. Jai cleared his throat a couple of times before speaking again.

"The kiss?" he thought he heard her mutter.

"Yes, that kiss? Don't make me apologize. Please," he said a little louder. "I enjoyed it far too much to reduce it to an apology."
How could he be so bold about something like that? She spun around and got trapped in his intoxicating gaze once again.

"If I remember correctly, you enjoyed it too," he shamelessly added.

How dare he? She should slap him. Mentioning how she'd held onto him for dear life while he teased her senses last night was low. Beyond low. The way he was looking at her—the light was surely playing tricks — her chest tightened and her belly turned all quivery. Just like it had last night.

But she was completely sober now, so she couldn't even blame her reaction on one too many drinks. How could a man have that kind of power over her? She didn't want her legs turning to jelly. Didn't want to enjoy the feel of his stubble scrape against her face or smell his bittersweet cologne.

"Get out," Bani said as her cheeks flamed anew. Her finger pointed a straight path to the office door. "Get out! Get out! Get out!" she yelled.

Bani muttered a small prayer asking for guidance as she watched the golden boy of advertising stumble over his own feet in a rush to escape from her office.

Do what it takes to get me Jai Walia, her stepfather had demanded. Lovely………….. plain lovely. Just an hour ago that had seemed like such a simple task.

*****************************

This was why he was alone. Jai never could have a successful conversation with a woman. He'd always do or say something to ruin things. And today, he'd ruined not only his fairly non-existent sex life, but also his business. How in the world could he face his employees now?

He'd always pulled through for everyone before in the past. It was just things were worse this time. Parle-G, a national soft drink company, had contracted with Walia Advertising to revamp their entire product line and transform them into "the must have" product of the year. His whole team had invested huge chunks of time and money to do just that. His agency was on its way into making the jump to the top of the advertising market when the owner of Parle-G was arrested for embezzlement. A week later Parle-G declared bankruptcy.

Not one bill had been paid to the Walia's. Jai had kept his company afloat since then with his personal savings account. And that money too had run out a few days ago.

Getting the Dixit Enterprises account meant everything to Walia Advertising, and everyone in the firm knew it. A roomful of expectant eyes turned toward him when he marched into the company bullpen. The normally noisy room, filled with non-stop creative chatter, was eerily silent now.

He opened his mouth to apologize, to beg their understanding. He'd failed. They would all lose their jobs. Many had families. What had he done?

"Well?" Pushkar, his assistant asked. "I'm about to turn blue holding my breath like this."

Jai's lips curled into a tight smile. "I knocked Dixit Enterprises off their feet with that presentation you all helped put together," he boomed. His stomach twisted. He hadn't even been able to open his briefcase. And with no money in the bank for Friday's payroll, he wouldn't be able to fool them for long. But he just couldn't stop the lie from coming. His employees were like his family. How could he let them down? "They were begging for our services. So I upped the price." He added.

A loud cheer rose in the room. This was another red herring to escape from the real issue that he was unwilling to face because he had failed to put aside the anger he felt at his recent failure and concentrate on more important matters like rebuilding his future which was beginning to look bleak now.

While everyone was busy celebrating, Jai told Pushkar that he had had a very long and tiring day and was going to go back home and rest, and would be happy if Pushkar could handle any matters that required attention without disturbing him. So Jai slipped out of his office, got into his car and escaped as fast as he possibly could. He reached home and headed straight to his study, his "comfort zone" as he often termed it and before shutting out the world to him and his thoughts, instructed his butler Tony that he was not to be disturbed no matter what.

He kept the light off in the study and pulled the shade on the large glass window he'd made a habit of never closing. The rusty hinges creaked as he pushed it shut now. The latch clicked loudly, echoing through his dark hell. He sat at his desk and stared at the closed door and then at the various projects strewn across his desk awaiting his approval. None of these small accounts paid enough to cover the expenses. They were peanuts.

Peanuts? That's what had started the argument with the very sexy Bani Dixit last night. A flicker of a memory. She'd said something about peanuts and he'd disagreed.

Jai had never given a flip about peanuts before. He didn't have a stand one way or the other on them. She'd irritated him with that extra quick tongue of hers. That's why he'd been so quick to lash out too.

Liar.

She was smart and sexy and too full of herself. A woman like that needed to be brought down a peg.

Liar. Liar.

Jai banged his head in frustration on the top of his oak desk. She was gorgeous. He'd felt a stirring of something deep in his chest when she'd sat next to him and started up a conversation. Her lips were moist and round. Her shapely leg had brushed against his, and his whole body had grown taut...anticipating.

Now that's the truth. So why did I blow it?

"I didn't just blow it, I struck out with a galactic-sized explosion. What in the hell is the matter with me?" He smacked his forehead against the desktop a couple more times. The pain seemed to ease his suffering or so he liked to believe.

"Excuse me," an only too familiar voice said from the direction of the door—the door that should have remained securely shut. "If I'm interrupting something important I could come back later."

Jai slowly raised his head to meet the level gaze of Ms. Bani Dixit. What a picture he must have made, banging his head on his desk in the dark while she stood on the other side of the door trying hard to control her laughter. If she didn't already think he was mad, she would definitely now.

Jai cleared his throat several times and then he jumped to his feet. "Ms. Dixit, you, here, at my house errr…….. sorry study …….. errrrrrrr whatever, what can I do for you? I mean, I cannot no I should apologize enough for my behavior last night. You must believe that I am usually more — what I mean to say is that I'm not generally — I'm much more —" He dragged a hand through his hair. "Dammit, are you going to let me babble like this all day?"

"If you wish to babble, who am I to stop you. I am actually enjoying it?" she blurted out. Carefree laughter filled her voice. Jai just stood there mesmerized listening to her child like innocent laughter, watching her eyes fill up with mock tears that glistened in the dark. A small smile played at his lips. Bani's face quickly tightened into a grimace as she caught him starting at her in a manner which made her uncomfortable and she averted her gaze and started glancing around the room. Awards and large advertisements plastered the walls. She stepped fully into his study and closed the door behind her, leaving only a sliver of light to enter the room from around the blinds on the door. It was quite dark. And quiet.

"We need to talk," she said, her voice deepening to a velvet caress.

"Of course." Jai nearly dove across his desk to greet her properly and professionally. He reached out to take her hand but changed his mind. She might not want to be touched. Not by him. And he still didn't know what she wanted to talk about. So instead, Jai motioned to a leather chair.

"Please, Ms. Dixit, take a seat," he said and flipped on the overhead lights.

He started to drag his hand through his hair again but stopped himself. Too late. His hair was probably a mess by now. His nervous energy jumbled his professional demeanor, making him act like an idiot. He fisted his hands and shoved them in his pockets. If she was here, he had a shot to salvage the relationship. He had to try atleast.

Which relationship? He asked himself. Business or personal?

*****************************

Bani swallowed hard and told her heart to slow down. She'd nearly sounded breathless just then, and that wouldn't do. Her stepfather was depending on her. She had to stay professional and ignore this strange attraction she felt toward this seemingly unhinged creative genius.

But he looked so adorably disheveled with his tie loosened, his hair mussed and standing on end, and a slight reddening of his forehead where he'd beaten himself against the desk.

"Ms. Dixit," he said and moved a chair closer to her. "Please take a seat and tell me what we so urgently need to discuss that you decided to visit me in my humble home."

"Call me Bani." She studied the chair for a moment and decided it might be better, strategically, to stand.

His brows rose and a slight smile, perhaps one born from hope, brightened his _expression. "I'm Jai," he said and thrust out his hand confidently.

Bani curled her fingers around his and caressed the taut muscles crisscrossing the back of his hand. It was a strong hand. But she already knew that from the bar. Scary thing was, a dark side of her liked her men strong like that. It made life exciting.

"We got off on a wrong foot," he said in a dark tone that thrummed through her body.

"No, we didn't," Bani corrected. "We ended up on the wrong foot. That's different. We were getting along so well until you picked a stupid fight. I'm still wondering why?"

Well, this wasn't the reason she was visiting his home, but after their fiery encounter last night had kept her from finding any rest she had a right to know why.

He was much taller than her. Perfectly matched in body type, actually everything she had ever dreamed of, those strong broad shoulders, she could go on guessing his other features too. His scent, not really a cologne but a clean smell mixed with a pine forest. It made her slightly dizzy. That must have been why she eased herself closer and lifted her head so she could feel his warm breath on her cheek.

"We're well suited," she said. "Both in powerful positions and understand the demands of the business world."

"Um, huh..." His brown eyes grew darker, more intense as he watched her as if she were the only person in the whole wide world.

"And we're attracted to each other." She swallowed hard again. That darn lump in her throat burned like the hottest, most neglected lust. Because it was.

"More than attracted." Jai traced the line of her jaw. Shivers spiraled through her landing low in her belly. Oh, this guy might be slightly crazy, but he was the sexiest man Bani had ever encountered. His hands felt rough, coarse, like a workingman's. But he was a genius. An artist. A shrewd businessman.

She shouldn't trust such a seductive combination of charms in one man. She could lose her common sense...and maybe her heart too. Yet when his finger dragged across her lips, she opened her mouth and licked the tip of his nail. Jai groaned. With his eyes still trained on hers, he ran his hand over her skirt, pausing at her waist as if waiting for her to stop him.

Bani sighed and leaned against his chest. She didn't want him to stop. This thing that had started between them had to be finished before they could talk business. Otherwise, the desire sparking between them would just keep on scorching the two of them and nothing would get done. At least, that's what her very business-like albeit fuzzy mind was whispering to her as she encouraged his hand to rove higher on.

His lips touched hers, tentatively at first, and then savored her with the hunger of a man who'd been starved of affection for a very long time. The intensity of the kiss threatened to overwhelm Bani She clutched Jai's shoulders and pressed her body against his, discovering feelings she never knew existed.

"Now this is how a man and woman should get along," she whispered when he peeled his lips from hers just long enough for them to get a few good breaths of air. "You are so...so..." She kissed him, tasting the fresh scent on his breath while he ran his hand through her hair.

"Yes," he said. "This is much better than arguing. I could almost find myself —"

He froze. Every muscle tightened up and he stumbled away from her. His eyes narrowed with suspicion and he bit his lower lip. That same look had transformed his playful _expression last night, right before his tongue had gone on the attack. His skin tone paled several shades and he looked, quite frankly, terrified. He took a few shallow breaths.

"What?" Bani asked. "What have I done now?"

Jai shook his head and took another step away from her. "It's not you," he finally got himself to say.

"It's not?" Bani had a hard time believing that. One moment they were on the verge of stripping in the middle of his study — not the most prudent course of action — and the next Jai looked like he wanted nothing to do with her. Why shouldn't Bani blame herself? Who else in the room could she blame?

"It's...it's just I'm not..." he whispered.

Oh boy, that was a lie. He was in spades. It certainly wasn't a physical problem they were dealing with.

"You're scared," Bani said, deciding it best to state the obvious. "What are you scared of?" She closed the growing gap between them and took both his hands and smoothed the tight fists from them.

"I'm not..." A self-depreciating grin swept across his pursued lips. "I like you, Bani. But my track record with women...well, let's just say there haven't been any happy endings."

"What?" Caution flared as Bani pictured all sorts of horrible scenarios. Serial killer images flashed through her mind. Which was silly. She shook them away. "What do you mean?"

He drew a deep breath. "I don't know. I haven't had a relationship last for longer than a few dates. And then I meet you last night. I don't know if it's the pressure I've been under lately or what."

Not much of an answer...and all Bani wanted to do was figure out how to get him to start kissing her again.

"I'm not looking for a lifelong commitment," she said, hoping that would take the pressure off him.

"You don't understand," he said, pulling away from her again. "I looked into your eyes last night and saw a lifetime. For the first time in my life I saw a future with a woman...and liked what I saw."

Bani found the air in the room too heavy to breath for a moment. He barely knew her and he wanted a lifetime? A lifetime was too long. She had her career and — what else did she have other than her job? She'd long ago reduced her relationships to quick encounters that lasted no longer than a few weeks and then were neatly over. It seemed Jai had done the same too.

"The thought of just another quick fling —" He shrugged. "— I can't do that anymore." He was right, that kind of relationship didn't fulfill her anymore either.

A light knock on the door interrupted his smoothly flowing chain of thoughts, it caused him to frown and he clenched his jaws up in frustration over the prospect of having being disturbed.

"Tony, don't you remember what I told you about not being disturbed" he roared. "Come back later on if it is not that important". Tony informed him that Pushkar has called and stated that it was rather urgent that he take this call which Pushkar was patching through. Jai agreed after slight hesitation. The phone in his study buzzed.

"Mr. Walia," Pushkar's voice said over the intercom. "Sorry to disturb you at home, but there's a Mr. Ranveer Chopra on the line asking for you. Says it's very important he speaks only to you and that too right away."

"Thanks, Pushkar, put him through." Jai walked over to the phone. "I'll just be a moment," he said to Bani.

"Wait!" Bani couldn't let him take that call. Ranveer Chopra was the head of advertising at Dixit Enterprises rival Reliance Group. "We need to talk first." She quickly added.

Jai gave her a queer look and then pushed a button on the phone. "Take a message, Pushkar, I can't go through with this call right now."

"Sure thing, Mr. Walia."

Jai turned back to Bani then. His brows were creased and he looked pretty darn uncomfortable. "I didn't think we had much more to say to each other. You probably believe I'm a loony tune." He smiled then. "And I probably am."

"Maybe I like my men slightly unbalanced," Bani found herself saying before she could stop herself. "Anyhow, despite what happened, I didn't come to your home to seduce you. I want to hire you to head up our new ad campaign."

"But I didn't even show you—"

"Don't need to," she said quickly. She waved her arm toward the awards covering the walls. "Your reputation is good enough. I know your firm will do a superior job. Come back to my office so we can sign the paperwork."

Jai's gaze narrowed suddenly. "Mr. Ranveer Chopra ……… Chopra ….Ranveer, ahhhhhh, he works for the Reliance Group. Your arch rival. I wonder why he was calling me? Perhaps I should return his call first before we go anywhere."

Crap. She was going to lose him and his services. What could she possibly do now.

"Don't call him please," she whispered. "He wants you. He wants you to create an ad campaign that will make his new cell phone service more attractive than Dixit Enterprises. But we want you to make our service shine." She straightened her shoulders and pushed away the tantalizing fantasy of a lasting relationship he'd woven around her. Business was business. "I'm willing to pay you handsomely for that service."

"I don't know... you haven't even heard my price. At least give me the courtesy of listening to what I have to offer" stated Jai.

Bani's heart thumped even stronger as the deal and her love life felt like they were both slipping away.

"We'd have to work closely for many months," he said.

"Yes" she was quick to agree

"That wouldn't be a problem?" Jai asked quizzically.

"Not for me" she retorted. She'd love the chance to see him every day for the next several months. That would be the closest thing to a lasting relationship that she'd ever had. And then there might be other projects.

A future? Her body hummed, delighted with the budding possibilities. "We'll probably have to spend several late nights working together. Just you and me" she added.

Jai closed his eyes and seemed to be considering what she was saying. Time clicked by. A lifetime of seconds, she'd wasted. Like him, this was something Bani wanted. She wanted a chance to share that future he saw when he looked into her eyes. This was as good as it could get, she convinced herself.

He blinked. And then smiled. "It sounds like we'll need to draw up a long-term contract," he said. "What do you say we discuss this long-term relationship over dinner?"

Business or persona he asked himself once againl? It sounded like he was giving her both.

Bani's knees turned to jelly as she imagined just how heated the next several weeks—no, make that months—no, no, change that to a lifetime — with Jai would be like, she was willing to try for a lifetime of take your breath away kind of happiness.

"Dinner sounds terrific" she replied. Mortified at her over enthusiastic response, she laughed self-consciously. Huskily, she murmured, "I've never behaved this way before. I've never…"

He put his fingers over her mouth shushing her. "You've never fallen head over heels in love at first glance before?" He stroked her lovely long hair. "Me neither. I think you've bewitched me. How about we just order in here at my place" he suggested.

As their eyes locked, his eager arms circled her waist, fitting her tightly against him. One hand moved up and plunged into her long hair, as his tongue traced around her soft, full lips. She shivered with desire, locking her hands around his neck, as her thumb stroked his left ear.

"I have a peace offering for you. I know it is not required now, but since I took the trouble, I might as well hand it over to the rightful owner" chuckled Bani softly in his ear. She walked towards the leather couch and picked up a brown paper bag that was lying on it and walked back towards Jai. She then pulled out a neatly wrapped present from it and handing it over to him with a devilish smile, "this is for you, am sure it will come in handy and save you a lot of embarrassment in the future" said Bani.

Jai took the gift from Bani. Curiosity got the better of him and he quickly ripped it open, letting the blue shimmering paper and silver curling ribbon fall to the floor. On seeing the content, he jerked his head back and laughed heartily. It contained a book titled "Ultimate Guide on Peanuts – Myths & Facts."

A slow, sexy smile dawned over his face that made her blood simmer. "Let's get to know each other Bani, we both have a business to run." He dragged her hand to his chest and she splayed her fingers over his rapidly beating heart.

She smiled back deciding to follow her heart. Tracing his strong jaw line with her fingernail she delighted in her effect on him when he trembled. "Guess I got myself a campaign manager after all."

Jai laughed. "Deal. How about I get paid upfront first and we put a hold on any more business talks till morning?" said Jai ............ an so began their new business venture together!


Wise men say only fools rush in,
But I can't help falling in love with you.
Should I stay? Would it be a sin,
If I can't help falling in love with you?

Like a river flows surely to the sea,
Darling, so it goes,
Some things are meant to be.
Take my hand, take my whole life too,
'Cause I can't help falling in love with you.