"Bani doesn't have much time left."
Those words echoed in Jai Walias ears and in the halls of the hospital. How could this be happening? No, it just couldn't be happening. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of his life. He had the child that he had always wanted, a child that was part of himself and Bani. Today when he finally got what his heart desired the most, fate had thrown him a fast ball and taken away that happiness and joy as soon as it was given. He got his hearts desire ant the cost of the woman he loved. To get his daughter, he was now losing his wife. How was this fair, why was God being so cruel? Not only to him but to Bani as well. She had endured 9 months of ups and downs. She had gone through so many miscarriages to just give him this baby; a baby that she wanted herself as well. Now that they had finally reached the end of that journey, they were also reaching the end of her life's road. She wouldn't be able to see this baby she wanted so badly grow up. She would miss out on the life of the person that she gave life to. She gave up her life, to give life to his baby girl. How was that fair in any way?!
Jai was numb but knew he had to do something, before time ran out. He called home and told Raashi Bhabi and Ranveer Bhaia to come to the hospital ASAP. He asked them to bring Aaryan and Sonny as well. Bani would want to see them. He didn't have the heart of telling Raashi Bhabi what was really the matter over the phone so he told Ranveer Bhaia, who had broken the news to Raashi Bhabi on th eway over. As they entered Raashi Bhabi rushed over to Jai and asked him what was happening and how was this possible. Jai was numb and unable to respond. The nurses were kind enough to look after the boys while Ranveer bhaia took Raashi bhabi to meet with Bani. Bhabi just couldn't do it by herself. After a few minutes Jai walked over to Banis room and saw Raashi bhabi and Bani in an embrace crying their hearts out, while a somber and teary Ranveer bhaia stood in the background. Bani released herself from the hug. Jai listening intently at the door.
B- Didi...please don't cry.
Ras- Shut up! What do u mean don't cry. My baby sister is lying here dying and there is nothing that I can do about that. Why did u do this Bani, why?!
B- Didi I cant answer that, and im sorry that this is how u had to find out. Didi, I need u to do something for me.
Ras- Anything...
B- Didi I need you to look after Jai for me. After im gone he will be lonely and sad for a while. I want you to look after him and make sure that he pulls through this. He hast to pull through this for his daughter, she needs her father to take care of her. Promise me that you will look after him and make sure he is happy. I want him to re-marry and live a full life. Just because im leaving him dosent mean he has to stop leaving. Promise me, promise me didi...you will look after my Jai.
Ras- I...I...I...Promise (almost a wisper)
With that Raashi Bhabi could take no more and rano ut of the room in tears, while a equaly upset Ranveer Bhaia followed her. Bani wispered a very soft and almost inaudible "goodbye didi and jiju" but ranveer bhaia had heard her. Ranveer Bhaia had came to Jai about 5 minutes after they left Banis room. Jai still hadnt been him to see her yet, he just couldn't do it.
Ran- Jai u have to go in...take Sonny with you.
J- How can I bhaia, what do I tell my son? How do I tell my little boy that he has to say goodbye to his mamma because she is dying? How do I explain to him that is mother will never be coming home? I cant do it Bhaia I just cant. (with this Jai breaks down and cries. Ranveer puts a hand around him for support)
Ran- Look Jai I cant even imagine what u r going through right now. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, but you have to face it sooner or later. And the sooner you come to terms with this cruel tiwst of fate the better. Spend what ever time Bani has left with her, by her side. Don't waste it out here away from her. Once she is gone you will regret not being with her. Now go Jai, go to her and just be with her.
Jai slowly gets up and wipes his tears. He goest to the nurses that r playing with Sonny and takes Sonny in his arms. Asfter preparing himself he steps into Banis room. Seeing Jai and Sonny bring a soft smile to Banis face. Jai is astounded at how she looks. She is almost as white as a ghost and looks more fragile than a leaf blowing in the cold sutum wind. She stretches her arms to take Sonny into her lap.
B- How is my big boy today? Is he behaving for papa and massi out there or is he being naughty?
S- No mamma, Sonny good boy...Sonny no bab boy.
B- I know my angel is a good boy, that's why I love my baby so much (and squeezes him into a tight hug that has Sonny laughing silly)
S- Sonny lou mamma too, Sommy lou mamma this much (Sonny takes his arms and opens them wide to show her how much he loves his mother; this causes Bani to tear up and let her tears fall)
S- Cry? Mamma...u come home...i miss u mamma...(and Sonny himself hugs Bani)
B- Jai please...(Bani cant take anymore. She lets go of Sonny, who is still hugging Bani and turns her face because she dosent want Sonny to see her cry like this.)
J- Come on Sonny (he tries to pull Sonny from Bani) Let mamma rest now ok, mamma is tired, mamma wants to sleep.
S- (not letting go and begins to cry) No! Sonny stay with mamma, Sonny sleep with mamma...Sonny don't want to go...Sonny want mamma!!!!
J- Sonny don't be bad boy, be good boy...
S- (sniffles) Sonny go then Sonny good boy?
J- Yes the Sonny is a good boy.
S- (as if not beleving Jais answer he looks at Bani questioningly) Mamma?
(all Bani could do is nod her head)
Now taking his mothers approval Sonny goes but not b4 giving his mother a sweet kiss on the cheek and a "goodbye" with a promise to come back later. Jai can see the tears falling from Banis eyes like water, there was no stopping them. Her baby boy had just said goodbye to her for the last time. She had just said her farewell with the boy that she had called her own. She had parted for the last time with the boy that had become her lifes happiness and joy in the short time he was with her. It broke Jais heart to see that final, permanent goodbye between mother and child. What hurt even more than losing Bani right now was the fact that this innocent boy was losikng the mother that ment the world to him. For Sonny the world began and ended with Bani, his life began and ended with Bani. He had no idea that this was the last time he was seeing his mother. It was too much for Bani too because Jai could hear her sobs well out into the hall. He put Sonny down with Aaryan and knew it was his turn...it was his turn to say goodbye to the woman he loved...with a heavy heart, that almost felt like a stone, he walked to Banis room...when he entered he was looking at the floor not being able to meet eyes with Bani. He, however, could feel her gaze one him. As he slowly lifted his gaze he saw her tear stained face, her shaking lips...and then his eyes met with her eyes.......