Candle In the Wind; Note Pg160;New Thread - Page 30

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Posted: 18 years ago

Originally posted by: Sheena_Row

Chapter 7

2001 – After the race

He joined Monica MONICA??? Who the hell is Monica? And why is he in a balcony with her? urghhhhh! Yeh kabhi nahi sudhrega! 😡 in the balcony again to watch the rest of the races, but his mind kept pulling him back to the petite woman who fell into his arms – he still felt the tingle from the warm body that slid against him – he felt confused at the strange feeling that came across him. He saw her as an eight year old and later a twelve year old, he felt a deep connection before, but what he was feeling now was different! God damnit! It's called being in love! this guy frustrates me so much! He was almost embarrassed at the imperceptible hardening of his body, as she looked deep into his eyes – she was definitely not the kind of women he dated - not the sophisticated, spoilt women who dressed up like dolls and adorned a rich man's arm – the kind that bored him out of his mind. For the first time in many years, he felt excited and exhilarated. How about we change that? how about you start dating a certain someone who's initials are BD? That would be a great start! She's making you feel like no other women has before. Non of your Barbie dolls can compare to Bani! There's only one and only Bani and she has captured your heart buddy! When will you get that? if I were you...Abhi tak I would've been married! After the races were over, he took Monica to the stables with a pretext of meeting the Jockey who made half a crore for him. Pehle monica ko goli marni padegi! yeh kahan se tapak padi hai? can't u find someone better to be with? **hint! hint!**

Bani's little sister was hanging around outside the stables regaling the stable boys with a tall tale. When she saw him, he came running to him. "Hey Mister, I got some of thing that belongs to you, I think you gave this to me by mistake" She pulled a thousand rupee note from her jeans back pocket. An honest and straight shooter, he guessed the genes run in the family – the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. He knew it would be useless to argue with the girl, he shoved the bill carelessly in to his Gucci wallet. he learns fast...never to argue! lol!

"Mister, I want to say thank you, if it wasn't for you, Rano Dixit would not made 10,000 rupees today!!" She stepped closer as if she wanted to hug him. Jai laughingly stepped back, scared by her exuberance. Did I just read that right? Jai Walia SCARED? holy crap...yeh kya ho raha hai? 😆

"Rano Dixit, I guess that must be your name" Jai mocked her gently. "Ms. Dixit – I am Jai Walia, it's a pleasure meeting you" He extended his hand in shook the girl hand firmly. Great job! You've just met your sali-to-be! You're good at making introductions!

"Walia? Of Walia hotels and industries?" Rano's eyes widened, behind the thick glasses. The one and the only! Don't be so shocked...he'll be your jiju soon jaan! 😆😳

"The one and only!" Jai smiled and bowed sweeping his arm in front of him. He straightened to see the girl staring at him open mouthed. He had the sudden urge to laugh at her expression. With determination, he tried to have a straight face. Bad manners to laugh at little girls Jai!

"Ms. Dixit, I have a favor to ask you, I am throwing a small party for my family on the eve of my nephew's graduation from high school. You made me win a lot of money today on your 'Pipedreams'." He laughed at the irony of it. Haila...sheena! Yeh to badi cheez hai...aik dam hi party mein invite kar liye! Aacha impression bana raha hai apni sali ke uper! i love this guy right now! 😳😳

"Would you do me the honor of accepting my dinner invitation? Of Course, the invitation includes your whole family" Jai crossed his fingers behind his back. If she doesn't accept...i'll have to do something about it! waise...i'm always available!

Rano looked surprised but gathered her wits back quickly. She grinned showing her gums along with perfectly formed teeth. awwww....such a cutie!

"Do I get commission on the winnings?" She was openly audacious. Jai laughed again, he liked the mischievous teenager. haha! I love this girl! She's already talking business! she's good! Jai has found his match in his Sali! just hope she doesn't become adhi ghar wali!

"That could be arranged!! What is your commission? I would of course have to consult my legal department before agreeing to anything!" Jai drawled with a poker face. His eyes belied the mock seriousness as they twinkled with merriment. Jai...bachi ke samne u want to consult your legal department? come on jaan..it's only a few thouands...and even if it's more...why should you care? your a money tree!

Rano looked at him calculatingly. He wore a casual docker pants with a Ralph Lauren full sleeved polo shirt, probably about thirty, good looking in a rakish way, totally unlike the chocolate heroes she liked. He had a square chin and had a shadow of stubble that probably needed shaving twice a day. She liked his eyes, they were the color of the chocolate mocha that Bani di liked at Coffee Day. He was tall, with wide shoulders and narrow waist. He was also trim with a hint of hard muscle under the woven T-Shirt. She wondered silently if he was a pervert who liked young girls, God knows, he was too good looking and way too rich for his own good. omgggg! I'm laughing so hard right now! this girl really knows how to observe people! Sheena....this is too good! love the whole description of the way she thinks!

"Mr. Walia, consider the gratitude even, if you hadn't bought the ticket at that moment, I would be short of 10,000 rupees." She hesitated before saying, "My sister is very strict, she doesn't like us going to parties with strange men" Her expression was woebegone. But Jai walia can change that Rano! he knows your sister!!!! and don't worry, they're friends...she wouldn't turn him down...or she better not!

"She is right!" Jai didn't know why he defended Bani at the moment. "There are a lot of men out there who would take advantage of young women." He brought the hand he was holding at the back to sweep it over his dark, silky hair. awww...what a sweetie pie!

"But you are not like that!" It was more of a statement than a question. Jai agreed with her statement by nodding. "You are right, I am not one of those men – I am also not a stranger." He hesitated a moment before continuing. "Your sister and I are old acquaintances – from Mt. Abu" his eyes scanned behind Rano to get a view of Bani in the vicinity. She was no where to be seen. acquaintances? did he just really say that? i would say something like "she knows me...I'm the love of her life! She's been waiting for me for years but I'm an idiot and im slow...so it's taking me time...but don't worry...i'll def. make her mine and you my sali!" 😆😆

"Bani Di knows you?" Rano looked surprised at the news. "Jassi, Jassi!" She yelled loudly to get the attention of the Punjabi lad that was going into the stable. As he looked up, she asked him to call her sister from inside. Of course she knows him...she wouldn't want to know anyone else either!

Jai's discomfiture was increasing by the second. He questioned the impulsive action that brought him here to ask the girls for dinner.

Jai looked at Monica who was aloof and trying to file her nails. I'm gonna kick the girl anyways so don't worry about it Jai! let her fuss...she's a baby! she doesn't deserve you. jo tumhare ankhoon ke samne hai...usko dekh rahe ho...lakin jo tumhare dil mein hai...usko kyun nahi? 😡 Then out of the corner of his eye, he saw her. His heart skipped a beat for a second. He half turned to look at the young woman stepping out from the stable. As the sun rays hit her face, she blinked at the brightness and shielded her eyes. She was still dressed in her riding habit, the riding boots gave her couple of inches, but she could have been no more than 5 ft 4 inches tall. Her legs were long and slender, her hips widening gently and tapering again at a narrow waist that boasted a tight ribcage. She had small yet firm breasts that confirmed she is all woman. As his eyes went up to her face, he saw that she was looking back at him. Jai blushed hard, the color slashing into Jai's cheekbones while Bani dropped her eyes in confusion. She too had the color of roses blooming in her cheeks. all i gotta say is hayeee! these two are something else! 😳😳

Rano looked at each of them wondering what this was all about. She was missing something here. yes you are missing something here Rano! But don't worry you'll find out when the time is right. abhi tum bachi ho...tum nahi samjhogi! 😳😳😳

"Mr. Walia! Mr. Walia! Hello, are you there!!" The rude and insistent voice of Rano brought him back to the world again. he's too busy thinking of a certain someone!

"I am not deaf, Ms. Dixit" He drawled testily. He took a determined step towards Bani. Rano tagged along, curiosity written all over her. haha...i love the way Rano and Jai are with each other! she really knows how to get to him!

"We didn't talk about my commission yet!" She was plaintive as he kept moving towards Bani. lmao! she's still thinking about her commission! Sheena..i wana see more of Rano and Jai! these two are halirious! Jai beta...you better start talking about commission unless you would like to dream about it at night. I think you would rather dream about BD than commission! 😆 😆😆🤣

"Party for you and your friends at Walia hotels, tell me when and where, I will arrange it", Jai walked away, his footsteps taking him to Bani without his volition. what about some cash as well? 😆

"Bani!" he breathed in. "We meet again!" i see you're happy to see her!
She was tongue tied to answer him back and nodded silently. Her eyelids fell heavily over her eyes. itna bhi mat sharmao! he's gonna be ur future hubby! 😳😳

"That was a good race!" Jai pointed to the racetracks with his head. "your sister told me that you were a sure shot winner." As Bani looked up questioningly, he told her how Rano made him buy the ticket and how he himself placed the bet on her even when he knew nothing about the horse or it's rider.

"But you chose not to bet on your own horse" Bani looked horrified. Why would he do that when all he's ever wanted was to see you succeed? hello? where the hell have you been?

Jai shoved his hands into his trouser pockets, "Yes, sometimes, a business man takes a chance on an unknown" BUSINESS????? DID HE JUST SAY BUSINESS? kya karoongi mein in dono ka? urghhh!!! how about certain people make u take chances? that would've suited well!

"I would always bet on my own" The words escaped Bani before she could stop them. uh-oh!😆

Two minutes into the conversation and they were already at loggerheads with each other. Jai looked at her impatiently. of course...those who fight a lot, also love each other a lot! so keep on fighting bachas! 😆😆

"When I need your opinion, I will ask you" He squared his chin and gritted his teeth as he spoke. JAI WALIA!!!! you did not just say that! aab to tumhe zaroor padegi beta! wrong words with the wrong lady! 😆😆

Bani and Rano looked at him in alarm. Jai's face had a closed expression on it. As the seconds ticked by, Jai controlled his anger and smiled politely. haha...he's a fast! he knows he's screwed up...aab to smile karte raho aur manate raho! 😳😳

"Bani, Rano – you are invited to a party at my house. My whole family will be present at the party. You don't have anything to fear. I would like you and your family to come – it would please me if you grace it with your presence." Jai's cool manner reminded Bani of Mr. Udai Walia, the surface charm, the impeccable manners and the stiff upper lip.

A rage started building inside Bani, her eyes flashed dangerously. It was with great will power, she controlled her temper. both have great tempers...great sign! seem to have lots in common! 😆😆

"Mr. Walia – I am not sure we can make it to your party tonight, you see it's our sister's birthday, and we want to celebrate it privately" Bani took pleasure in stating their disinterest in the Mighty Walia party. who the hell cares about your sister? it's all about Mighty Walia jaan! forget pia...screw her! she's a selfish bitch anyways!

"In that case, I will leave you alone, please wish your sister a very happy birthday!" then he turned to Rano and said quietly, "The offer of the commission is still open, if you want to have your birthday party at the Walia hotels, please call this number and he will take care of you" He gave her a business card of an associate and nodded at Bani before walking out. you don't wanna know her sister...let alone wish her Jai! its better that you stay away from her and concentrate on Bani and just Bani!

"Mr. Walia! Mr. Walia" Rano shouted as he turned to leave. He stopped in his tracks but didn't turn back. once again...i love this girl! 😆

"We would like to come to the party!" Rano rushed into a speech. "It's just Bani Di and Pia Di" She gave him a shy smile. "And thank you for inviting us!!" anytime! anytime! just make sure Bani comes! warna party nahi hogi! 😳😳

Jai looked down at Bani's sullen expression unsmilingly – "Ms. Dixit? If that's OK, I will send a car to pick you up, if you give me your address and phone number" haila....phone number...kis liye? 😉

"We will come in a taxi, if you give us your address!" Bani refused his offer of the car, making him grit his teeth again. But he chose to keep his mouth shut, at least for the time being. urghhhhhh!!!!!! now she's pissing me off! Sheena...tum aisa kyun kar rahi ho? 😡

He gave them his card with his cell number and home address scribbled on it.

"The party is at seven and the dressing is semi-formal" He stated as he left them staring at him.

"Wow, what a hunk?" Rano made ogled at his backside as he walked away. don't call your jiju a hunk..only your di (BANI di that is!) gets to use that word! 😳😆

"Shut up, Rano!" Bani was irritable, "Who asked you to accept the invitation? You know it's Pia's birthday, she doesn't want to go and spend it with the Walia family.." Bani was concerned how her sister would take it. ohh...are we getting jealous? don't worry, Rano doesn't stand a chance with him jaan! And as for pia...like i said...screw her!

"Aww, don't worry about Pia, she loves going to rich people's parties, I am sure she will try to find a rich guy there with loads of money" Rano made a face. lmao! this girl is too good!

"Rano, don't talk about your Di like that, Pia is ambitious, not a gold digger!" Bani admonished Rano. truth is the truth...you can't change that!

"Sure, and I am the queen of Ireland!" Rano scrunched her face. "You always have a hard time seeing the true colors of some one you love" Rano did not believe in pulling in punches.
Bani sighed deeply, this is an argument they had frequently. exactly! I agree with her. You can't always be defending the person if he/she is wrong...even if its your own loved one!

She thought of the modest purse money she got from the race. Jockeys did not make that much money, most of the purse money goes to the owners, some to the breeders and trainers and a little bit trickles to the Jockey. She had been winning a few races lately, but mostly Maiden races in which the participating horse never won before, then allowance races.
This was the first real stakes race she won. She was excited about it. But she was excited about seeing him foremost.

He looked so handsome, even better than she remembered. Her first crush, infatuation – whatever it was. He still had traces of the brooding, aloof Jai Walia she remembered, but now there seems to be a hard, brittle quality about him. The sensitive, and caring Jai Walia seemed to have gone hiding. She didn't like the way he snapped at her even though she knew it was not entirely his fault.

She remembered an incident when she was eight, he almost paddled her when she ignored his protests and rode Jugnu hard almost injuring herself in the process. He had a nasty temper that flared immediately but went away as quickly too!

++++++++++

They were staying with the breeder's family. These past 10 years life was rough, she worked in the stables as the trainer's assistant, the money was decent, but barely enough for the rent, tuition and a modest living in Chandigarh. Most of the stud farms were based in Punjab and the horse training happened right there. They rented a small cottage from a local farmer and made it their house. Pia complained bitterly about the rural life and the fact that she didn't get to meet any young and exciting men in the outskirts of Chandigarh.

The party at Walia's worried Bani – she didn't have any suitable clothing, she wondered what semi-formal meant? She had one black salwar kameez with gold embroidery that was fairly decent, and Rano was probably going to wear a long skirt with the black sequin blouse that she bought recently. Bani made a note to herself about buying Pia some clothes for her birthday, may be she can wear the new clothes.

Even though, she didn't express it, she was excited about today's party, going to the Walia mansion and seeing Jai again, even if he was a first rate grouch.


++

Hi guys, I was under a lot of pressure from T.A.T.A to get this chapter out tonight - they know who they are! so if the update is not good, blame it on them!! 😉 loved the update! thanks so much for updating. see when you update...im such a nice person lol! the update was amazing so don't worry, they will be blaming it on you! lol!

If it's good, blame it on me!! 😆 how mean! and here i thought we would be happy to be blamed for once! 😆 truly the update was great!

thanks again for the update! loved every minute of it!

Anam

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Posted: 18 years ago
Sheena
wonderful update.beautifully written.rano is so sweet and really witty.just loved it.im sure jai is also dying to see her.looking forward to their party.cant wait. 😊

PS:just wondering how old is bani right now? 😃
TINK thumbnail
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Posted: 18 years ago
[quote=Sheena_Row]Tinku, LMAO, I opened the web page when I was at work, I was laughing like crazy, so I had to quickly close my office door!! ....haila!!! 😆 😆 😆 ....i could soo imagine u laughing like mad 😳 😳 .....but why were u laughing sheena 😕 😕 ......ok...i am joking 😆 😆 ....bad joke again ..cos tinku was demading for an update ..hehehehe

So I heard you are having a midterm soon in Macro, I thought I will help you prepare for them OK? .....with ur help sheena i am gonna be aceing the exam 😃 😃 😃 .....bring it on 😉 ...

Here are some questions in the exams tomorrow, OK!!
1) How do you rate RK's looks?
.....haila!! no this is wht i call a question 😳 ...hot 😳 ....steamy 😳 ....ruff 😳 😉 ....uuuufff...phir se hot 😉 .....hahah 😆 😆 ....sexy 😳 😳 .....gorgeous 😳 😳 😳 ....all mine 😉 ...haaaaaaaaaaiiii 😳 😳 😳 .....drop dead dashing 😍 ......haila!! yeh kaunsa question pooche liya sheena 😆 .....no i cant do the rest of the exam 😆 😆 😆 ....hehehehe....
2) Do you think he is the best Soap Opera actor in the world?
.....do u mean...the siging people...cos yaar...i dont have a klue about opera ....hahahaha...but the best actor..for me is my jai jaanu 😳 😳 😳 ....and i will stop at that....should get full marks 😉 ....
3) Are J & B getting back together?
.....amen 😃 😃 ...they are yaar....cos haila!! they make such a gud pair 😉 😉 .....and if they dont....well i will 😡 😡 ...i will 😡 😡 .....crrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyy 😆 .....they can take me instead of bani 😳 😳 😳 ....i will make sure ...jai gets together we me!!! 😉 ....hehehe....
4) who is the papa of Pia's tadpole?
.....u know i always thought it was tony ....and believe me sheena....i am standing firm on my thoughts 😃 😃 .....it has to be tony!!! 😃 😃 😆 ...hehehehe.....
5) Write an essay on Sahil: Is he a duffer or a villian? state your opinion in 1000 words or more...
....shail is a duffer 😡 😡 ....and a villian ...therefore i cannot see a argument in this 😆 😆 ....ok sheena ...just times this sentence with 1000 🤣 ....u have ur essay 😃 😃 ....and also he is a moron 😡 😡 .....there essay complete 😉 😉 ....and tinku passes 😃 ...macro 😳 😳 .....hahahaha.....who's up for a party 😃 .....[/quote]


thanx for that sheena 😃 😃 ...i thought it was a really helpfull revision 😆 😆 😆 ......tinku is gonna be fine in the exam 😳 😳 😳 .......

just found out u updated 😳 😳 😳 ....will read and comment in a bit yaar 😉 😉 😉 ....take care 😃 😃 ...luv ya 🤗 .....

tinku 😳

Edited by TINK - 18 years ago
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Posted: 18 years ago
Hi Sheena,

Jai is already shmittennnn!!! But a first-rate GROUCH like u said...like Rano and her bad thoughts...sounds more fun than the Bani with a slight attitude problem 😡 mere Jai ka invitation decline kiya 😡 😡

👏 👏 👏

bt
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Posted: 18 years ago

Awww...Shoba darling,👏

Waht a part, so he wants a second glimpse of her and is a little suprised for what he feels for her now.😆 The only difference is before he though she was a boy, then a very young girl but noe she is all woman and he knows it.😆

God love Rano and her honesty and straight forwardness alot but did we have to have Pia😡 too. Looks she is the same, self centered, selfish and a gold digger, as Rano so aptly put it and Bani as blind as ever. God give her brains to see what Pia is just like Rano.😉

Aww....so our duffers are at logger heads from the start.😆😆😆 Cant wait to see what happens next.😉😃

Bani as stuborn and full of pride just as Jai whos so stuborn and full of pride too.😆

Till your next update dear.😃

Love

Krishna

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Posted: 18 years ago

Originally posted by: Sheena_Row



Here are some questions in the exams tomorrow, OK!! 😆
1) How do you rate RK's looks?
2) Do you think he is the best Soap Opera actor in the world?
3) Are J & B getting back together?
4) who is the papa of Pia's tadpole?
5) Write an essay on Sahil: Is he a duffer or a villian? state your opinion in 1000 words or more...

😆

hope they ask these Q ....am sure will score 100%😆😆😃

n now they can also ask abt horses😆😆😆

so when i'll get next update....

plzzz update soon

amiee thumbnail
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Posted: 18 years ago
update yaar update kaha hai
i want to go to the party yaar never been to one of those rich and famous parties except once very long time ago 15 yrs to be exact 😆
pls update soon before weekend starts in weekends my hubby does not even let go any where near the 😡 and the laptop is hidden away and miraculously appears back on monday 😆
so pls pretty pls with cherry on top 😳 😉 😃
Sheena_Row thumbnail
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Posted: 18 years ago
Chapter 7
Year 2001
(Jai 32, Bani 22, Pia 21, Rano 17 going on 22 ?, Adi 37, Jigyasa 36, Ranveer 18, Sahil 17, Anu 15)

Pia was jumping up and down when she heard the news that Bani won the race and also that Rano made a small fortune betting on her. She was thrilled that they were invited to the party at the Walia's. Pia insisted that they all should buy Indian clothes in the small boutique that specialized in party clothing.

Pia had an eye for clothes, accessories and also knew the best deals in town. They shopped until they dropped, finally coming back with a bag laden with clothes.

Bani refused to buy anything revealing much to the annoyance of her sisters. She purchased a simple cream silk salwar kameez that had a modest collar and small sleeves, and a salwar that was embroidered with red flowers. The dupatta was also cream with heavy red embroidery. She picked cream color high heel shoes from Pia's enormous collection, they had simple, clear straps and had red crystal adorning the straps. The dress made her look ethereal, a picture of elegance and simplicity. Her slender, swanlike neck was left bare emphasizing the delicate collarbone, while her shell like ears were adorned with long ruby red danglers.

Pia wore a stunning blue that had a classic Nehru collared kameez without a dupatta. It had mid length sleeves and black embroidered vines on the Churidaar. She wore blue shoes with black flowers.

Bani looked at her enviously, she always looked so confident and sexy. Bani always felt uncomfortable displaying her sexuality out in the open like Pia. While Pia was bubbly and flirted with men, making a nuisance of herself - Bani stayed in the shadows, fading into the background. She provided for her sisters, took care of them, read a lot and never asked for anything in return.

Rano was the bridge between the two, playing a balancing act. She bullied both of them in an affectionate way and entertained them with her sense of humor and wit.

She wore a black trousers with a baby pink Kurti and a long scarf that had pink and black motif. Pia tied it in Hollywood style, looping it once and leaving both the ends hanging from the neck. Rano grimaced at all the fuss Pia was making about how everyone looked but kept her mouth shut because it was Pia's birthday.
It was almost eight when their taxi reached the Walia's residence. The house was decorated with lights and looked like a mansion instead of a house. Rano whistled when the uniformed butler opened the door to let them in. Expensive Austrian schonbek chandeliers hung on high ceilings, the rooms had endless wall to wall windows that were decorated with simple and elegant drapes tied back with tassles. The marble on the floor was Italian, right in the middle of the room, there was a huge Navistar created with expensive tiles.

The room was full with youngsters from the ages of 16 to 23. All of them wore expensive clothing and were jiving to the latest beat of Enrique Iglesius.

Bani wanted to run far away from it, this was not her scene at all. As she took a step back and turned halfway to make good on her instinct, she bumped into a hard, steel wall. The silver wrapped gift she was clutching in her hands dropped to the floor and on expensive leather shoes making the person inside the shoes cry out in pain. "Ouch!!" The hard, steel wall turned out to be the lean, muscular chest of the man he bumped into.

Now, truly flustered, Bani bent down to pick up the iron horse shoe that she got for Jai. It was heavy, old and rusty when Bani saw it, the story was it belonged to a racehorse called 'Lucky in Love' that won the Indian Derby three times in a row. She washed it, polished it and asked the ironsmith to engrave 'JW' on it. Horseshoe brought luck and he could probably put it on his desk as a paperweight or a decorative item.

As she picked it, she tried to get up and stumbled slightly. This time, two hands came out to catch her by the upper arms. As the large palms encircled her bare arms, an electric jolt went through her. A sensation at the nape of her neck pricked, alerting her to her the fact, these hands were the same she encountered before. For the man in front of her the feelings were mutual. For the first time in his 32 years, he couldn't wait to see for his date to arrive, if he call her a date…She was more like a guest. She gave him a once over, taking in the polished shoes, a tailored to perfection dark trousers, an open collared shirt with blue pinstripes. The sleeves were folded casually at the wrists, revealing a spattering of dark hairs on his forearms, and three buttons at his neck were open, revealing the brown column of his neck just over a round collared T-shirt he wore inside his shirt. Bani's eyes traveled to his face, starting with his jutting chin, square jaw and male lips that curved like a bow with a slight hint of smile. Bani's gaze halted on his lips for a few seconds longer as she quickly lifted her eyes and met his limpid, tawny, glittering eyes. Thick, jet black hair fell over his high forehead, silky and vibrant.

"We have to stop running into each other like this, although I like bumping into you", a sensual, husky voice whispered in her ears, so only she could hear.

It took a few seconds to comprehend what he was saying and she pulled herself together from the animal magnetism he exuded and extricated her self from his arms.

"Mr. Walia!" She blushed again and searched nervously for her sisters who were inside the door now, staring at the furnishings in the grand foyer, looking completely awed.

"Please come into the house, I will introduce you to my family" Jai restrained himself from grabbing her by her hand and pulling her into the house.

As they stepped into the house together, Maasi came out from the pooja room with the aarthi thali – it looked like she just finished her evening prayers, she wanted to give the Prasad to everyone. She stopped short as she spotted Bani and Jai walking into the door, for an unknown reason she walked towards, as if she was welcoming them as a couple into the house.

"Maasi, this is Bani, an old friend from Mt.Abu…I think she is also my lady luck, because she made a lot of money for me today at the horse races." Jai introduced Bani to the only woman confidante in his life.

Maasi looked at the picture of perfection in front of her eyes – The young woman looked like the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, divine and benevolent. Long hair was clipped back in an old fashioned style, leaving a few strands to frame her perfectly formed oval face. Her eyes shone like stars on a moon lit sky, just a touch of kohl lining them. Smooth and unblemished skin glowed with radiance. Her mouth curved in an eternal smile, revealing small, perfectly formed teeth. The only imperfection was a small, slightly upturned nose but it added character to her face making her look earthy. Maasi smiled happily, today was an auspicious full moon day and here was her nephew bringing Lakshmi into the house.

She welcomed both of them with the aarthi in her hand, putting tikka on Jai and Bani and blessing Bani as she touched her feet. Jai suppressed the small groan that came out of his mouth involuntarily at the expression Maasi had on her face. He knew she was already match-making and dreaming of a bahu in the house.

A polite cough made the three of them look at the two girls standing patiently inside waiting to be introduced.

"Mr. Walia, and here I was thinking that I was the lady luck, if I remember correctly, I was the one who made you bet on the horse" Rano pouted sweetly.

Jai winked at the young girl, "Maasi, please meet Rano, my other lady luck!!" then he ruffled her hair in the same affectionate fashion that he did with Anu. "I bet that one of these days, she is going to be arrested for underage betting!"

Then he turned to Pia who was starting at him with her mouth agape, and you must be Rano's younger sister, Pia – Happy sweet sixteenth!!" Jai teased the girl who looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Rano giggled delightfully at his jest.

Pia glared at him for this affront. "For your information, I turned 21 today and I am in college, and I don't drink milk in the morning like some one here" She took a dig at Rano who was giggling away. After both the girls said Namaste to Maasi and received their Prasad Jai urged them to come inside. He introduced them to everyone. The youngsters were getting boisterous inside, Sahil and Anu leading the dancing. Sahil was making sure he hit on every single girl at the pary. Ranveer was dressed in a stuffy looking suit and grumpy as usual and was looking out of place.

Rano walked up to him and handed his present, a book by Alexandra Robbins and Abby Wilner, 'Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties'. She smiled at him shyly and wished him congratulations. Pia and Bani wished him good luck on his graduation from high school and hoped that he would have a great time in US for his undergraduate studies.

+++++++++++++++

A hassled young mother in her twenties was running around after her eight year old. He was an adorable kid with chubby cheeks and naughty smile. He was refusing to sit in one place and eat his food. She was dressed in a beautiful lemon yellow saree that was embroidered in light green vines and was wearing gold hoops that had emerald drops on her ears. She looked at her husband beseeching for help.

"Aimee, chodo na, he will eat something when he gets home" her husband looked least bothered and was trying to talk business with Aditya and Mohan.

Aimee gave him a look that bounced off of him. She stopped when she saw Beena (BTKR) and Mandu and started discussing about her two boys. Beena told her how she has to get up early in the morning to send off her husband, and catches up with her friends on a popular forum she visits before the kids get up. Mandu talked about life in Texas and how she too loves catching up to tellywood on the forum.

Pia spotted a group of young girls around her age and went close to them. Swati Narang, daughter of Dr.Narang, the Walia's family doctor was dressed in pretty pink, she looked beautiful and was ignoring a young man who was trying to get her attention with disdain. She was 100% sure, it was either her parents or her brother doing their match making. She wished they would stop and let her pick some one to her own liking.

Anam, a serious looking young woman was dressed in a simple, yet stylish black and gold salwar suit and was sitting with a laptop in a corner trying to chat with Rooj. She kept looking at Jai and was describing in detail to her friend what he was wearing and what he was doing. She predicted to them that Jai would fall in love with a shy, young woman who was dressed in a subtle cream and red churidar. Rooj sent her a picture of Salman Khan to Anam and asked if Jai looked as hot as Salman. Anam smiled dreamily at the picture of SK and replied, 'Close but no sale!'. Anam knew what she wanted in life, she was working in two places, going to school and prepping herself to be Mrs. Salman Khan one day. Keero was hanging around close by with her husband and smiling at Anam in a decidedly sisterly affection. Keero and Justin (?) launched into a debate about college sports and her favorite team, the hornets.

Tink was hanging around with two young men who looked smitten by her and was discussing the merits of Macroeconomics. She was explaining to them about supply and demand theory. It looked like she was extremely in 'Demand'. Tink was giving longing looks at Jai who had eyes only for Bani. One of the young men asked Tink what her name stands for. Tink looked at him flirtatiously and replied, "Tinkerbell, of course!". She dressed like her namesake, a glittering dress in mauve with green and mauve dupatta. Tink saw some one entering through the corner of her eyes and jumped up and down animatedly. 'Tazoooooo!!' Half the people in the room turned to look at the new entry.

A young woman bubbling with energy rushed in with her arms stretched. She was dressed in a designer baby blue salwar suit. The dupatta had swarowski crystals sown on it and she had matching shoes and long, turquoise chandeliers style earrings on her ears. She rushed to give a hug to Jai who smilingly received her and introduced her to Bani.

"Bani, please meet my friend and the interior designer who decorated my house. As you see, she has exquisite taste!" he praised Taz who beamed and looked ecstatic. Taz joined Tinku looking around for her old friend Tarun who was standing by the bar looking bored.

Nibbles was standing with Anu telling her about school and how her teachers are making her life miserable with so much work. She loved writing and dreamed about becoming a doctor one day. Anu was ditzy as a blond and didn't understand how this young woman can be so ambitious about a career. Nibbles was infatuated with Jai too and was sending him sidelong, silent looks. She looked ravishing in an all white kameez with a modern pant that was embroidered at the bottom of the legs. The dupatta was green with white sequins. Jigna was listening to their conversation and jumped in with the goings on at her school and how things were always hectic with exams and so on.

Krishna and Reshma were hanging out together; they both lived in the Middle East and came to India for a vacation. Krishna loved reading and heard a lot about the library at the Walia Mansion and was eager to go and explore it.

Radhika (Love is Fire) and Rivya (Rivs) were discussing about a popular serial they both watch. Rivya and her husband did a lot of work volunteering at a non-profit and met Jai at a fund raiser and have been friends with him ever since.

++++++++++

Jai took the microphone and asked everyone to come together and wish Ranveer success when he goes to the University of Berkeley in California for his studies. Rano was impressed. UCB was a great school and he was probably a great student to have got admission there. She still had a year to go to finish her studies and to go to University of Pennsylvania's business school. But she doubted if she would get a scholarship to go there and they definitely didn't have the Walia money to survive.

Bani stood in a corner feeling a little odd that they would throw such a big party for some one who was just graduating from high school.

She saw that Rano had plenty of company with kids her age, but wondered where Pia went. She couldn't locate her and was getting a little bit worried. Bani quietly left the gathering and went looking for Pia. Bani spotted her at the bar drinking with none other than Nachiketh Walia. Bani was surprised at his presence at the party, she thought that Jai didn't get along well with Bernali. Nachiketh was just couple of years older than her, if she remembered correctly. He turned into a handsome Youngman, with killer blue eyes and a charming smile. Bani hoped Pia wouldn't be too enamored with him, she never did like his mother Bernali.

As she was about to go to Pia trying to warn her to stay off of alcohol, Jai intercepted her with and offer of a soft drink.

"Thank you" he said quietly as he handed her the drink.

"For what?" Bani looked confused.

"For coming to the party, and for my gift. The horseshoe, it is beautiful and very original, I will treasure it always!" Jai spoke softly.

Bani smiled, a dimple appearing in her cheek – "I am sorry for dropping it on your foot, it's supposed to bring luck, not hurt" she looked impish as she looked at him.

Jai chuckled, "Oh! Never fear that, it did bring me luck, loads of it, in fact!" He didn't know what came over him to say those words.

The couples were being invited to dance by Aditya.

Jai took the glass from her hands and placed it on the counter, "Dance with me!" he urged her to the dance floor without waiting for her answer.
Bani bristled at his overbearing attitude, but acquiesced. His arm was placed at her ribcage while the other arm held her hand in his large fist and placed at his chest. She could smell the musky aftershave lotion as his cheek lay close to her hers. Her palms felt sweaty and she thought that her knees would buckle and she would fall in a heap at his feet. It was only his arms that held her stay grounded. Over her head, Jai saw Maasi and Dadi looking at him and Bani and conspiring with each other.
He groaned inwardly, he presumed more match making was happening in the older women's heads. Jai wanted everyone to disappear right now leaving him and Bani alone.

"Bani, would you like to come and see my mother's garden, I could use some fresh air" Jai asked her after they finished dancing.

Bani hesitated for a moment before nodding shyly. He led her by the elbow out of the patio door and into the garden. The lights were lit everywhere in the garden. The soft glow fell strategically on the roses and other flowering vines. The flowers were in full bloom, trumpet vines, sweat peas, clematis, jasmine, night queen, sweet potatoes were clinging to the trellised arbors. It was like a picture book she saw of an English garden. The plants grew in abandon, of all types of foliage, colored crotons, variegated greenery, ferns, tropical grass mixed with long and short stemmed flowers – lupines, white lilies, lavenders, azaleas, chrysanthemums, pansies, peonies, tiger lilies that competed and contrasted with each other.

The fragrance from the white lilies, jasmines, roses and lavenders filled the warm air sensuously.

"My mother's legacy, each of the plant has been nurtured by her – She loved this place" a small catch in his voice made her lift her eyes to his face. He quickly masked his face again, wiping the expression off of it.

"It's beautiful, you must be really proud of her", Bani wanted to touch his arm but refrained from doing so.

Jai impulsively blurted out, "I can show you more of the garden one of these days in day light, if you like!" He recognized immediately, that he was acting irrationally.

Bani was silent for a minute, "I would like that" they had walked into a gazebo far away from the house. The gazebo was in an octagonal shape, the roof was tiled and resembled a pagoda, the sides of the gazebo were painted white and covered with trellis. Grape vines and Jasmines covered the gazebo. Inside the gazebo, there was a swing, a simple and sturdy wooden bench hung by strong iron chains.

They sat silently on the swing, Bani focused on her hands in her lap and Jai stared as the gentle wind blew wisps of Bani's hair on to her forehead. Involuntarily he reached to tuck them back behind her ears startling her.

"You look beautiful tonight!" Jai didn't recognize his own voice as it huskily breathed out the words.

In the moonlight, she looked ethereal, the soft glow from the moon reflected on her smooth, unblemished skin and once again, he was lost in her dark eyes. He couldn't take off his eyes from her soft, rosy lips and lifted his hand to touch her face. Her mouth opened slightly as he traced her lips with his fingertip. He groaned sharply and pulled her closer. "Oh God, I have been wanting to do this since you walked into my house" his broad shoulders blocked the light as he held her face in hands and proceeded to kiss her with unbridled passion.

As his lips closed over hers warmly, she didn't think about anything or anyone else other than responding to him. Her first kiss and it felt so right! Their lips clung to each other, his mouth hardening as he tasted the honeyed hidden depths. The kiss went on and on……..

Hi All, especially those silent readers, please do leave your comments...I would like to know if you like the FF!! 😭😭
Edited by Sheena_Row - 18 years ago
Sheena_Row thumbnail
18th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 3
Posted: 18 years ago
HI guys, I am sorry about not responding to all your comments...It's been crazy at work...Thank you for all the wonderful comments, I will try to comment on them if I don't fall asleep!! 😭 😭 😭
Sheena_Row thumbnail
18th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 3
Posted: 18 years ago

Originally posted by: joa123

hope they ask these Q ....am sure will score 100%😆😆😃

n now they can also ask abt horses😆😆😆

so when i'll get next update....

plzzz update soon



Allright, you will get an A++

Next time, the exam will be on horse breeding and horse racing!! 😆😆😆

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