Chapter 7
Next day morning Bani was late to get up. She woke up when Tony came in with the message that Jai had asked her to be ready in half hours time. Some how she got freshened up and dressed while having coffee Jai walked in looking his usual himself full of confidence and arrogance
Jai: good morning so shall we make a move now we got a hell lot to do today.
Bani was now thinking Is he going to be like this always just walk in and every one falls to his bidding then he has chosen the wrong woman and he is going to see it today. Bani decides to play the dead act she wasn't going to say a word or do anything
A car comes to the drive way when the driver steps out only does she notice that it is a two seated convertible. Seeing Bani's expression
Jai: I know normally I don't drive but I wanted to have some moments with you alone not in a crowd hence I deiced to drive the car. Don't worry I know to drive though I never go without a driver and I will be very careful.
Bani somehow didn't like all this because he knew he was up to something.
First stop was a car showroom Bani was so perplexed.
Bani: What are we doing here?
Jai: didn't you hear a word what I said last night over dinner. Forget it I have booked a car for you I just want you to select the color and what additional features you would like to add to it.
Bani: But I don't know to drive then what's the point.
Jai: Bani in case you have not noticed I can afford a driver for my wife moreover I will enjoy teaching you to drive.
Bani: that is not required I believe there are schools which give driving lessons I can join them.
Jai: Well your loss as everyone says that I'm a good instructor.
Bani: As in what?
Just then she realizes that she was not going to say a word but somehow Jai always could evoke responses from her.
While Jai just choose to ignore her comment He went and spoke to the manager they had just launched the new BMW X5 series in India and they felt it was a good Marketing strategy that Jai walia had ordered the car for his wife.
Next stop was the jewelers store to select an engagement ring.
Jai asks them to show some exclusive pieces.
Bani is least interested so Jai purposefully goes on selecting something really big and wild which could be seen from a mile. Bani finally decided to give piece of her mind seeing his choice
Bani: Mr. Walia if you think i am going to wear one of those you have another thing coming.
Jai: then why don't you choose
And finally Bani selects an antique Asscher cut diamond ring actually Jai wanted her to choose something like that
Jai puts it on her finger and says Good choice you always know what is in my mind. Well that comment had Bani rooted to the spot now what does he mean by that or rather what is he contemplating
Even the shop manager remarks Madam really have made a very good selection it is one of a kind. On hearing the price Bani is so shocked that such a small ring could cost a fortune.
Jai: She has a good taste in everything.
Bani: I don't think we have to buy something so expensive.
Jai: No I want you to have the best of everything and the piece you have chosen is an antique piece so it is more expensive then the designer rings.
God now Bani was really lost as she never understood the difference between them more over she was getting annoyed as Jai was trying to get her respond in some way. She had decided today in the morning to play the dead act but it is not working so she had to change her strategy and work up something fast
They went to the boutiques to try the fittings for her engagement dress.
The dress was in a shade of baby pink with heavy work. Bani just kept looking at the dress.
Jai: I hope you have made the necessary changes I had asked yesterday.
The stylist took Bani to try on the dress. When she stepped out of the changing room she looked like a princess. Bani felt like a Cinderella dressed for her ball. But Jai still had some remarks about the neck line sleeves and the fall of the skirt.
Bani was wondering she thought the dress was perfect but Jai really wanted to give these girls a hard time.
Bani: Mr. Walia I think the dress is perfect.
Jai: No once the changes are done you would look like the perfect princess.
Bani was now getting small insights into Jai Walia's private life as when they stopped in front of the boutique or the jeweler store he didn't even have to park the car he would just hand the keys to the security and his purchases also would be packed and send home. The staff from the manager to down ward entertained to all his whims and fancies. What ever Jai wanted it was before him without even asking for it. Now Bani was just trying to contemplate how you stay married to such a guy. God this is a night mare. They had lunch at one of the most expensive restaurants. Some of Jai's acquaintances were there so he introduced her to them and since it was a buffet. They met up with different people half the time Jai ignored her which had Bani driving mad. If he choose to ignore her now then what will happen later.
Bani: I am through with lunch. So may be we could go back home.
Jai: No we have to go to the lawyer's office also to finalize some papers for the trust fund for Rano.
Bani: Then I think the lawyer closes his office by 3 and it's almost 2:45
Jai: what the hurry they will wait for me.
Bani: I just don't understand why you like to keep people waiting.
Jai: Bani I am not in mood to pick up a fight when many of my business acquaintance are there here and you will be seeing them tomorrow at the party too so please don't embarrass yourself.
Bani: How come always your business associates are the most important people in your life and no one else matters.
Jai: Oh now I get it
Bani: What
Jai: Bani you are getting jealous when my attention just deviates to meet up my business clients God what will happen then if any of the female friends of mine walk in.
Bani: Mr. walia I am not jealous and you said that you were 100% committed to this relationship so I don't think I have to worry about that or should I. Till yesterday I could count on every word you said so I was willing to help you out but then you changed tactics when things didn't go your way.
Jai: Bani let me make one think clear to you I never go after things just on a whim or fancy and if I have let you into my life after being a bachelor for so long the you should understand that there will be no other woman in my life other than you weather you accept it now or at later stage is your choice so shall we leave.
Bani was just sitting there looking at him.
Jai: here I thought you were in a hurry to leave this place as I was not paying attention to you and now you seem to be in your own world.
On the whole drive to the lawyer's office Bani was thinking about what Jai had said. She felt she had to call up Pushkar and talk to him or else she would go mad. But she didn't get a free time at all as from the lawyers office she had to go and meet the stylist were Jai dropped her off and then she was introduced to the event organizer for their engagement party that's when she came to know there would be a masked ball, a 5 tire cake, champagne and artists performing for the party.
On the way back she asked Jai how he could arrange something so grand in such a short time. Well some of the things had been happening a little earlier then when you said yes I just speeded up the event.
Bani: I thought it was a small gathering and how were you so sure that I would say yes.
Jai: Stop taxing your mind, relax and don't worry I won't leave your side.
Bani: Relax it is like one roller coaster ride after the other. More over it looks like you have invited the whole world to the party. I don't drink and dancing I haven't done that for ages.
Jai: Now don't break your head over that as there will be lot of people whom you are also familiar with and When Jai Walia decides to get engaged the whole world has to know don't you think so.
Bani: I don't think you require a confirmation to boost up your ego. As it is you have it in a size of a mountain.
Bani had enough of his arrogance for a day that she decided come what may she is not going to open her mouth. But she couldn't deny the fact also spending the day with Jai actually if she was truthful to herself she enjoyed it.
Bani found that getting the engagement party was taking too much of time. Massi had invited few of the family members and then the stylists and all together she never found time to speak to Pushkar and she had been trying to get Rano but she was out for a study trip. For the first time she really felt lonely after her parents death. She just hoped and prayed god I hope I am doing the right thing and her eyes were getting moist when Adi knocks and comes in.
Adi seeing Bani is dumb stuck: Oh the little girl has become a princess. Must say Jai's choice is always the best.
Bani: Are you talking about the dress or me and gives a smile.
Adi: I just wanted to see that smile on your face if you are not sure of this it would be the best time to back off.
Jai hears this.
Jai: Adi will you stop confusing her. Can't you see that she is already worried now don't add your anxieties to that list.
Adi: Just tell me who is the cause of all this.
Bani seeing were all this was heading too.
Excuse me aren't we getting late because I just want to get over with this show.
Adi leaves but Jai just looks at Bani.
Bani: Now what don't tell me that there is some flaw in the make up and dress? I just don't understand how people sit in front of the mirror for three hours at a stretch.
Jai: Relax Bani holds her hand and says you look perfect. I just want to gift you this brooch it was my mother's my father had given it to her. Hope you don't mind and pins it on to her dupatta which was neatly draped over the shoulder and it covered her fully but showing of her beautiful curves.
So here we go. Jai and Bani come down the stairs and they have a light music and when it's announced that the couple of the evening has arrived the press surrounds them to click photos and they are asking questions
Was it love at first sight?
When did you know that Jai Walia was your Prince charming?
Bani was finding all this attention a little too much that she felt she was going to faint right here. Jai sensing her uneasiness holds her tightly by the waist close to him
Jai: Please everyone we will be having a prss conference in a while till then please enjoy the party. Turning to Bani so ready to cut the cake.
They move to cut the cake and he feeds Bani and he tells her it's your favorite flavor strawberry. He goes to open the champagne bottle though two glasses were offered Jai takes only one. Offers toast to all the people gathered around him. When they say Bani Doesn't have a glass.
Jai: One glass is enough for the both of us. Bani was finding Jai's behavior strange and to top that he was holding her so close that she could feel his every breath on her. Jai then turns her and holding her by the waist offers the glass of champagne looking into her eyes.
Jai: I know you don't drink but just take a sip I will drink the rest.
Then they proceed to the dance floor after one dance Jai introduces her to many of his friends and associates. Then they have the press conference to which Jai answered most of the questions. They join back the party slowly Jai leaves Bani and moves with the other guests. Bani notices Pushkar and goes to see him there is meets Nachiketh and some other people whom she had worked with earlier.
Little later
Mohan Khandewal, Adi, Tarun and Jai were talking when Mohan remarks to Jai
Mohan: Guys what happened to his resolution not to fall in love.
Tarun: The moment he saw Bani it disappeared in to thin air.
Adi: May be his middle age has caught up with him and realized it was time to stop playing the field.
Mohan: I must say though late his choice seems to be unique though she is very young.
Tarun: Hey Jai looks like Bani is having a good time with all of them.
Adi: Pushkar is going to have another dance with Bani.
Tarun: It's their third one and don't they look lovely.
Jai was getting mad at everyone especially Bani what is she up to dancing with all the guys and Pushkar
Jai: Stop it they have been friends for so long. And keep your remarks to yourself Tarun.
Tarun: Why are you getting frustrated over me if you want to dance with your fianc go ahead whose stopping you.
Jai had enough of all this and goes to see Bani.
Jai: Please may I have the pleasure of dancing with my fianc.
Pushkar moves out and says goodnight to Bani as he has to go to Pune tomorrow he will be leaving the party now and congratulates both of them once again.
Jai: For someone who didn't dance for long she had a busy night.
Bani: Now are you feeling Jealous because I danced with Pushkar more than I danced with you to night.
Jai: No. He holds her very closely and she can feel Jai's body through all the layers of clothing. Looking into her eyes he asks her to put her arms around the neck and now both his hands are holding her closely to him. Bani were lost in those eyes and she could only feel Jai's hands on her back.
Jai: Who ever you dance with finally you are mine but I thought I had to put that guy out of his misery.
Bani: What do you mean by that?
Jai: Looking into her eye. Really you are too nave haven't you realized that Pushkar has feelings for you. In his eyes don't you see the love, admiration for you?
Bani was so shocked to hear this that she broke away from Jai and moved to the balcony of the hall.
Jai: Hey Bani I thought you knew how he felt about you.
Bani: Why is it that both of you say the same thing to me.
Now it was Jai's turn to be confused.
Bani: Well Pushkar also said the same thing that you had feelings for me and your overwhelming presence in my life was the reason no one ever came close to me even to become my friend.
Jai: I don't want a scene here Bani. But I have known Pushkar as a child and what I said is a fact whether you believe it or not.
Bani: So are you now trying to find out if I was ever in love with him.
Jai: No because I know for sure he is nothing more than a friend to you because I can read your eyes and in that I don't see anything other than friendship.
Bani: If you can read my eyes so well then what do I feel for you? It may help us both to get out of this mess.
Jai was now in a fix as he had created a web for himself
Jai: Bani that's the challenge find out for yourself by getting married to me. And Jai leaves
Bani was now all the angrier she lays out her problem in front of him and he just walks away. God If I don't make him pay for all this my name is not Bani.
The engaement dress and ring
Following two parts will the journey from engagement to wedding. Also a surprise element of why Adi is so protective of Bani.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
