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PART X
The next two hours were spent in mild agitation in the Dixit residence as the family members hovered over an unconscious Bani, the family doctor having been summoned in by Papa Dixit who was as nervous as hell. Bani's Mother had not yet stopped crying, Jai noticed, since she started crying from the time when he had picked up Bani from the terrace floor and rushed towards her room. Mayank had gone pale in apprehension and outcome of the event and this irritated Jai to no ends.
By the time Bani was in her bed, the Doctor was on her way. Rakesh Dixit sat beside her daughter, holding her hand. Jai noticed that there seemed to be no injury, at least from the external front, but it was always good to have the Doctor check things. Rano was also sitting near Bani's feet while Arundhati Dixit was praying to God. Masi was inside trying to calm down Bani's Mom and her sister. Hearing the honking of a car, Jai hurried downstairs to usher in Dr. Shah, who also happened to be the Walia's family doctor. Jai showed Dr. Shah the way to Bani's room and soon the Doctor was at work, while all family members and friends waited with bated breath, outside the room. Only Arundhati Dixit remained inside the room.
After about half an hour, the Doctor came out and called for Rakesh Dixit who was marching in front of his daughter's room impatiently.
Mr. Shah : Mr. Dixit, I have checked Bani properly. You don't get tensed please. Bani's alright.
Rakesh Dixit : But Dr., why did she pass out? I am very worried. Are you sure that she isn't suffering from any internal bleeding or whatever?
Jai, who was till then standing beside the door, his back against the wall, eased himself from the position and walked towards the Doctor.
'Dr., do we need to get Bani hospitalized?' he asked.
'No no, not at all' Dr. Shah replied 'She's absolutely fine. She passed out due to the shock. Luckily the height had not been much; she got away with minor scraps here and there. There's absolutely nothing to worry about. She will do fine though she will hurting a few muscles here and there for a few days.
No, Mr. Dixit, she isn't suffering from any concussions or internal haemorrhage . I have given her a sedative; she will sleep like a baby now. I would advise you all not to disturb her now and let her rest. I have asked Mrs. Dixit to stay back with her tonight, she might need help.'
'Thank God' Rakesh Dixit said, looking heavenwards offering silent prayer to God for protecting his daughter from possible damage and pain. Jai escorted Dr. Shah out of the House and returned after a few minutes to find that the entire family had assembled in Bani's room.
Jai said 'Well I thought that the Dr. had mentioned that we shouldn't be disturbing Bani at all and let her get some sleep. I think its better of we call it a day today.'
Everybody nodded in consent and filed out of the room. Jai was the last one to walk out when he noticed Mayank standing outside Bani's room waiting for him. He came forward and embraced Jai.
'Thank you Jai. You saved Bani today. Don't know what would have happened?' Mayank said.
Jai freed himself from Mayank's embrace and held him by his shoulder 'Mayank, there's nothing to be worried about. Bani is alright. She just fainted cos of the shock. And why are you thanking me? Bani is my best friend first and your fianc later to me at least. I did what a friend would do under the given circumstance. In fact, I would appreciate if nobody thanks me. It was no goddamn duty or act of bravery, believe me. My best friend needed help so I offered my support. Anyway, I am headed towards home with Masi, I think you should also make way for the Dixits to turn in early for the night.'
With that, Jai skipped down the stairs and headed for the door, leaving a dumbfounded Mayank behind. Mayank looked at Jai's retracing back with a surprised expression. He couldn't understand Jai suddenly, something was definitely wrong with him today, but Bani's thought pervaded his senses and he let go off the thought for a while. He went inside to take leave of the Dixits and promised them that he would be back next day to check on Bani.
……….
The next morning …
Jai woke up early the next morning; in fact it would be better to say that he had hardly slept at all last night. Bani's frightened face, as she slipped down the stair onto the floor, haunted his senses and suddenly he realized what could have happened if he had not offered his hand to her at the right moment. Its true that Bani could not grasp onto his hand but at least the action reduced the momentum of her fall. He showered early and finished his other morning activities fast and then waited impatiently for the clock hands to reach a respectable timing.
As the clock hands inched towards the 9 a.m. mark, Jai hurriedly picked up his coat, car keys and headed towards the door.
'Jai where are you going?' Maasi's voice followed his steps down the hall. 'And that too without breakfast?'
Jai stood with his back facing Maasi, clicking his shoes impatiently as he answered 'Actually I have a very urgent meeting in Office today at 10.30 a.m., I want to check on Bani before going to work. Nothing more.'
Masi came and stood in front of him "Good thinking Jai. But I have been
'Best friend', Jai chimed in.
'Ok ok, best friend. She will be married within a few months time and settle down in Chicago. We are all going to miss her terribly but you will take the hardest hit, I guess. Cos' of a number of reasons. I know how much this friendship means to you and I am so worried about you.'
'And you want me to stop meeting her and her family?' Jai said with an incredulous expression on his face 'Especially when she needs me now? Only a friend could see that spark of fear in her face when she fell down from the stairs.'
Masi replied "I didn't tell you to stop meeting her or her family members. I just wanted you to think about this issue?. I love Bani a lot but I am very bothered about you also.'
Its ok Maasi', Jai said 'Anyway I will leave now otherwise I will be late on both counts.' With that he stepped out of the house. A few minutes later, Masi heard the sound of a car engine revving towards the main road.
……..
On reaching the Dixit residence, Jai found the others in the hall having breakfast. Arundhati Dixit asked him to join them for breakfast and informed that Bani was still feeling sleepy so she's still upstairs in her room.
Jai joined them for breakfast and helped himself to a light fare with two plain pieces of toast and a cup of black tea. After breakfast he sought permission of Rakesh Uncle to go and meet Bani before heading for his Office. Permission received, he sprinted towards her room, a pair of watchful eyes following him.
Jai knocked twice on the door and heard a feeble 'Come in' from Bani. He opened the door and stuck his head inside.
'Hi sleepyhead, how are you doing? For how long are you planning to sleep anyway? The whole day, I presume.'
He entered the room a little cautiously, since Bani was still in bed, yawning badly.
'Jai, you? Good Morning. Me, I think I am fine, just hurting a little bit, here and there', Bani replied.
Jai went and pulled a chair towards her bedside and sat down, depositing his coat on the arm rest. 'Here and there, exactly where Bani?' he asked with concern.
Bani blushed slightly and said 'Well why should I tell you? Are you my Doctor?'
Jai was now very interested 'No I am not your Doctor, but if you remember Madam, I was your knight in shining armour yesterday and not your weepy fianc.'
Bani was now completely flustered. 'There he goes again', she thought 'Whats wrong with him?'
He was on his way to office, she could see. Dressed impeccably as ever in black suit and trousers, coupled with a deep charcoal grey shirt, which seemed to reflect the colour from the irises of his eyes, his Oyster Perpetual Omega in place, and that maddening after shave. His hair, still wet from shower, was slightly curled around his nape. He looked extremely handsome, she noticed.
Jai noticed Bani checking him out, with a bemused expression. She was still dressed in her night dress, looking like a child, totally guileless and innocent. It made him want to reach out and hug her tightly. Keeping a check on himself, he said slowly
'So you like what you are seeing?'
That brought Bani back to her senses and her eyes jerked back to meet his, which were dancing in amusement. She tried to remain serious but the magic of the moment caught her, and the two of them ended up laughing hysterically.
After a while, once they have managed to catch their breath, Jai picked up his coat and fished out a small box out of his coat pocket. It looked like a jeweller's case to Bani.
Jai pulled the chair closer to the bed and looking straight into Bani's eyes, said 'Bani, I am sorry for everything that happened yesterday. If possible, please forgive me. I am sure you wouldn't have overlooked that loose rung if I had not been acting like a fool. I am really sorry. Here's something I got for you, my best friend, please take it and don't say No. Please let things be normal between us' .
Bani nodded her head in acceptance and took the offered case from his hand. She opened the case with trembling fingers and her eyes went wide in amazement and surprise when she registered the gift that was resting inside the deep blue velvety case. It was a Diamant Baume & Mercier watch, of rectangular shape, studded with small pieces of diamond all along the border and the hour figures were also marked with diamond orbs. It was sinfully expensive both in taste and price, Bani realized. It must have cost a lot, she thought. She looked up to Jai who said 'You promised not to say No. So do you like it?'
'Like it?' Bani squealed almost childlike 'I love it Jai. It's beautiful'. Pushing her bed covers away, she bent forward and threw her arms around Jai's neck and squuezed him with all her might.
'Whoa girl, take it easy. Ok, I take it that you loved your present. Well go easy on me, I have only one neck you see'. He wrapped his arms around Bani's slight frame and pulled her slightly towards him. Suddenly, it felt all right to him, this morning, this moment, this embrace. He could feel Bani tensing slightly and then relaxing again in his arms, her face buried on his shoulder. Her hands loosened themselves from their grasp around his neck and slid down his hands. Jai yelped all of a sudden and pulled back, clutching onto his left hand.
'What happened Jai?' Bani asked with a worried expression.
'Nothing Bani, it's just a bruise' said Jai, trying to circumvent the topic.
Bani pulled Jai's left hand towards her and said 'Well, I am not going to have any trash from you right now'. She deftly opened the cuff buttons and rolled the sleeve up, only to be greeted with angry, elongated welt marks on his hand, from the elbow down to the wrist. She looked at him in amazement. Jai was now looking at his hand with interest and avoiding meeting her eyes.
'Look up Jai' Bani said sternly 'I am sorry. I guess it happened when I tried to hold onto your hand. Why did you not apply anything? It must be painful Jai.'
Jai freed his hand from her and rolled down the sleeve and fastened the buttons once again. Without a word he stood up abruptly and collected his coat from the arm rest of the chair. He made his way towards the door, all the while aware of Bani's inquisitive eyes boring a hole on is back. Before pulling the door knob, he turned around abruptly and, with his eyes fixed on Bani's, said 'It doesn't hurt me at all. It will heal very soon but for time being, it's like an embellishment for my love for the person who matters the most to me in this world.'
With that he turned on his heels and left the room, shutting the door on the bewildered face of Bani Dixit.
………..
The next two hours were spent in mild agitation in the Dixit residence as the family members hovered over an unconscious Bani, the family doctor having been summoned in by Papa Dixit who was as nervous as hell. Bani's Mother had not yet stopped crying, Jai noticed, since she started crying from the time when he had picked up Bani from the terrace floor and rushed towards her room. Mayank had gone pale in apprehension and outcome of the event and this irritated Jai to no ends.
By the time Bani was in her bed, the Doctor was on her way. Rakesh Dixit sat beside her daughter, holding her hand. Jai noticed that there seemed to be no injury, at least from the external front, but it was always good to have the Doctor check things. Rano was also sitting near Bani's feet while Arundhati Dixit was praying to God. Masi was inside trying to calm down Bani's Mom and her sister. Hearing the honking of a car, Jai hurried downstairs to usher in Dr. Shah, who also happened to be the Walia's family doctor. Jai showed Dr. Shah the way to Bani's room and soon the Doctor was at work, while all family members and friends waited with bated breath, outside the room. Only Arundhati Dixit remained inside the room.
After about half an hour, the Doctor came out and called for Rakesh Dixit who was marching in front of his daughter's room impatiently.
Mr. Shah : Mr. Dixit, I have checked Bani properly. You don't get tensed please. Bani's alright.
Rakesh Dixit : But Dr., why did she pass out? I am very worried. Are you sure that she isn't suffering from any internal bleeding or whatever?
Jai, who was till then standing beside the door, his back against the wall, eased himself from the position and walked towards the Doctor.
'Dr., do we need to get Bani hospitalized?' he asked.
'No no, not at all' Dr. Shah replied 'She's absolutely fine. She passed out due to the shock. Luckily the height had not been much; she got away with minor scraps here and there. There's absolutely nothing to worry about. She will do fine though she will hurting a few muscles here and there for a few days.
No, Mr. Dixit, she isn't suffering from any concussions or internal haemorrhage . I have given her a sedative; she will sleep like a baby now. I would advise you all not to disturb her now and let her rest. I have asked Mrs. Dixit to stay back with her tonight, she might need help.'
'Thank God' Rakesh Dixit said, looking heavenwards offering silent prayer to God for protecting his daughter from possible damage and pain. Jai escorted Dr. Shah out of the House and returned after a few minutes to find that the entire family had assembled in Bani's room.
Jai said 'Well I thought that the Dr. had mentioned that we shouldn't be disturbing Bani at all and let her get some sleep. I think its better of we call it a day today.'
Everybody nodded in consent and filed out of the room. Jai was the last one to walk out when he noticed Mayank standing outside Bani's room waiting for him. He came forward and embraced Jai.
'Thank you Jai. You saved Bani today. Don't know what would have happened?' Mayank said.
Jai freed himself from Mayank's embrace and held him by his shoulder 'Mayank, there's nothing to be worried about. Bani is alright. She just fainted cos of the shock. And why are you thanking me? Bani is my best friend first and your fianc later to me at least. I did what a friend would do under the given circumstance. In fact, I would appreciate if nobody thanks me. It was no goddamn duty or act of bravery, believe me. My best friend needed help so I offered my support. Anyway, I am headed towards home with Masi, I think you should also make way for the Dixits to turn in early for the night.'
With that, Jai skipped down the stairs and headed for the door, leaving a dumbfounded Mayank behind. Mayank looked at Jai's retracing back with a surprised expression. He couldn't understand Jai suddenly, something was definitely wrong with him today, but Bani's thought pervaded his senses and he let go off the thought for a while. He went inside to take leave of the Dixits and promised them that he would be back next day to check on Bani.
……….
The next morning …
Jai woke up early the next morning; in fact it would be better to say that he had hardly slept at all last night. Bani's frightened face, as she slipped down the stair onto the floor, haunted his senses and suddenly he realized what could have happened if he had not offered his hand to her at the right moment. Its true that Bani could not grasp onto his hand but at least the action reduced the momentum of her fall. He showered early and finished his other morning activities fast and then waited impatiently for the clock hands to reach a respectable timing.
As the clock hands inched towards the 9 a.m. mark, Jai hurriedly picked up his coat, car keys and headed towards the door.
'Jai where are you going?' Maasi's voice followed his steps down the hall. 'And that too without breakfast?'
Jai stood with his back facing Maasi, clicking his shoes impatiently as he answered 'Actually I have a very urgent meeting in Office today at 10.30 a.m., I want to check on Bani before going to work. Nothing more.'
Masi came and stood in front of him "Good thinking Jai. But I have been
thinking of something. I appreciate your concern for your friend …'
'Best friend', Jai chimed in.
'Ok ok, best friend. She will be married within a few months time and settle down in Chicago. We are all going to miss her terribly but you will take the hardest hit, I guess. Cos' of a number of reasons. I know how much this friendship means to you and I am so worried about you.'
'And you want me to stop meeting her and her family?' Jai said with an incredulous expression on his face 'Especially when she needs me now? Only a friend could see that spark of fear in her face when she fell down from the stairs.'
Masi replied "I didn't tell you to stop meeting her or her family members. I just wanted you to think about this issue?. I love Bani a lot but I am very bothered about you also.'
Its ok Maasi', Jai said 'Anyway I will leave now otherwise I will be late on both counts.' With that he stepped out of the house. A few minutes later, Masi heard the sound of a car engine revving towards the main road.
……..
On reaching the Dixit residence, Jai found the others in the hall having breakfast. Arundhati Dixit asked him to join them for breakfast and informed that Bani was still feeling sleepy so she's still upstairs in her room.
Jai joined them for breakfast and helped himself to a light fare with two plain pieces of toast and a cup of black tea. After breakfast he sought permission of Rakesh Uncle to go and meet Bani before heading for his Office. Permission received, he sprinted towards her room, a pair of watchful eyes following him.
Jai knocked twice on the door and heard a feeble 'Come in' from Bani. He opened the door and stuck his head inside.
'Hi sleepyhead, how are you doing? For how long are you planning to sleep anyway? The whole day, I presume.'
He entered the room a little cautiously, since Bani was still in bed, yawning badly.
'Jai, you? Good Morning. Me, I think I am fine, just hurting a little bit, here and there', Bani replied.
Jai went and pulled a chair towards her bedside and sat down, depositing his coat on the arm rest. 'Here and there, exactly where Bani?' he asked with concern.
Bani blushed slightly and said 'Well why should I tell you? Are you my Doctor?'
Jai was now very interested 'No I am not your Doctor, but if you remember Madam, I was your knight in shining armour yesterday and not your weepy fianc.'
Bani was now completely flustered. 'There he goes again', she thought 'Whats wrong with him?'
He was on his way to office, she could see. Dressed impeccably as ever in black suit and trousers, coupled with a deep charcoal grey shirt, which seemed to reflect the colour from the irises of his eyes, his Oyster Perpetual Omega in place, and that maddening after shave. His hair, still wet from shower, was slightly curled around his nape. He looked extremely handsome, she noticed.
Jai noticed Bani checking him out, with a bemused expression. She was still dressed in her night dress, looking like a child, totally guileless and innocent. It made him want to reach out and hug her tightly. Keeping a check on himself, he said slowly
'So you like what you are seeing?'
That brought Bani back to her senses and her eyes jerked back to meet his, which were dancing in amusement. She tried to remain serious but the magic of the moment caught her, and the two of them ended up laughing hysterically.
After a while, once they have managed to catch their breath, Jai picked up his coat and fished out a small box out of his coat pocket. It looked like a jeweller's case to Bani.
Jai pulled the chair closer to the bed and looking straight into Bani's eyes, said 'Bani, I am sorry for everything that happened yesterday. If possible, please forgive me. I am sure you wouldn't have overlooked that loose rung if I had not been acting like a fool. I am really sorry. Here's something I got for you, my best friend, please take it and don't say No. Please let things be normal between us' .
Bani nodded her head in acceptance and took the offered case from his hand. She opened the case with trembling fingers and her eyes went wide in amazement and surprise when she registered the gift that was resting inside the deep blue velvety case. It was a Diamant Baume & Mercier watch, of rectangular shape, studded with small pieces of diamond all along the border and the hour figures were also marked with diamond orbs. It was sinfully expensive both in taste and price, Bani realized. It must have cost a lot, she thought. She looked up to Jai who said 'You promised not to say No. So do you like it?'
'Like it?' Bani squealed almost childlike 'I love it Jai. It's beautiful'. Pushing her bed covers away, she bent forward and threw her arms around Jai's neck and squuezed him with all her might.
'Whoa girl, take it easy. Ok, I take it that you loved your present. Well go easy on me, I have only one neck you see'. He wrapped his arms around Bani's slight frame and pulled her slightly towards him. Suddenly, it felt all right to him, this morning, this moment, this embrace. He could feel Bani tensing slightly and then relaxing again in his arms, her face buried on his shoulder. Her hands loosened themselves from their grasp around his neck and slid down his hands. Jai yelped all of a sudden and pulled back, clutching onto his left hand.
'What happened Jai?' Bani asked with a worried expression.
'Nothing Bani, it's just a bruise' said Jai, trying to circumvent the topic.
Bani pulled Jai's left hand towards her and said 'Well, I am not going to have any trash from you right now'. She deftly opened the cuff buttons and rolled the sleeve up, only to be greeted with angry, elongated welt marks on his hand, from the elbow down to the wrist. She looked at him in amazement. Jai was now looking at his hand with interest and avoiding meeting her eyes.
'Look up Jai' Bani said sternly 'I am sorry. I guess it happened when I tried to hold onto your hand. Why did you not apply anything? It must be painful Jai.'
Jai freed his hand from her and rolled down the sleeve and fastened the buttons once again. Without a word he stood up abruptly and collected his coat from the arm rest of the chair. He made his way towards the door, all the while aware of Bani's inquisitive eyes boring a hole on is back. Before pulling the door knob, he turned around abruptly and, with his eyes fixed on Bani's, said 'It doesn't hurt me at all. It will heal very soon but for time being, it's like an embellishment for my love for the person who matters the most to me in this world.'
With that he turned on his heels and left the room, shutting the door on the bewildered face of Bani Dixit.
………..
