hi guys. this is a long update. i am sorry but got carried away. 😊 do send in ur feed backs and commnets.i'll be waitinggggggg.
11
Bani refused to go for an outing with the Sahays'. Seema dismissed her protests angrily and left with her family. Bani stood on the porch and waved at the family. Seema ignored her totally. Bani retreated back to her flat. She decided to treat herself with her culinary art. She pulled ingredients from her kitchen cabinet to bake a pie. Took out her blender to treat her with fruit juice. She plugged two cotton balls in here ears. Put fruits water and milk in the juicer and switched it on. The noise from the building shook the entire building. Lalaji shut his ears and groaned from his balcony.. Mrs. Pundit looked heaven wards from her kitchen.
Bani hummed a song took out a glass from the cabinet to fill juice. The blender went off suddenly and she turned startled to find a man stand in the centre of her kitchen crossing his arms over his chest.
'DOCTOR? What are you doing in here?' she asked her eyes popping out. She plucked the cotton from her ears.
'hmmm very thoughtful of you…. You disrupt the entire neighborhood with your noise machine and you ……'
Bani's face cracked into a smile. 'Most of my neighbors are gone for holiday…' she was defensive… by the ways how come you are into this house?' she was curious.
'I did ring the bell…. And I was curious about the noise coming from your flat. He said looking around the kitchen. 'And your door was unlocked.' He added.
'Okay… what can I do for you?' she was direct.
Jai looked at her for a moment and said, 'May I sit down…' he pulled a counter stool and sat down. She poured him juice from the jar. The juice was slightly warm. The motor of the blender was tried and tested. Bani still wouldn't think of changing it in near future.
He tasted and said, 'it's quite warm.'
'That's my specialty…' she added grinning.
'Your's or the blenders'?' he asked in wry humor.
She grinned. 'Well you did not tell me the purpose of your visit?'
'I came to invite you for a party tonight.' he looked at her stunned face.
'Party?'
'Hm…
'Where?'
'At my place..'
She looked surprised.
'Why is it so surprising Bani?... er.. I can call you Bani right?'
'OH what ever, she said dismissing the subject. 'How can you forget a dinner debacle with me few weeks ago…'
' I know you can behave when you choose to…' he said getting up from the seat. 'Besides what's that got to do with this…'
'Nothing? Are you sure?'
'Well yes.. ' He was little suspicious.
'You can expect one more terror doc. I can't promise anything…. Any ways it very kind of you to invite me for the party…' she filled in. 'but I am not coming..'
Jai looked lost for a second. He was not sure what he was thinking when he came to ask her to accompany him for dinner. He could have easily avoided the party with the excuse of an emergency in the hospital, but he was missing this girl. For some reason he couldn't identify he wanted to see her. He was missing this outrageous girl for few days. The last time he saw her was on the New Years Eve. He had been out of town since then.
'Are you listening doc?'
Jai was snapped out of his reverie.
'Yes Bani….'
'Doc.. I am not coming..'
'Why not?'
'Because…. This party's invitation is in short notice.. I have no grand dress to wear. I don't have time to go out and purchase one. And even if I do.. It will not be up to your standard…'
'I have a solution to that….' He went swiftly out the door and came back in few seconds with a parcel… he handed the parcel to her.
Bani held the packet in her hand and looked questioningly at him.
'Open…' he encouraged.
She opened the parcel and took out a delicate salwar khameez. Bani's mouth dropped opened. The dress was in beige with copper embroidery. She touched the soft cloth delicately fearing she would harm the material. The duppatta was with full work. she had never held anything as such in her life. She walked to the living room near the mirror. 'It's beautiful'. Jai looked at her enthusiasm with great satisfaction. He saw her hold the dress in front of her and gaze herself in the mirror. she looked lovely and vibrant. With grave mortification he saw her face shut.
'Dr. Walia, I ca not take this sir.. I am sorry.' She folded the dress neatly and placed it on her settee.
'Why not?'
'Because. This dress is too expensive and I ….' She cleared her throat. 'Don't like sympathy.
'Who is sympathizing here? I am not standing her to shower mercy on you… you promised, you will help me… to get away from Roshni.' He looked pleadingly at her.
Bani looked at he man before her. She felt sorry for him and the entire situation looked funny to her. She placed her hand on her mouth and shook her head in denial.
'Bani you said you will help..'
'No, anything but that…' she was not in any mood to go for party and see the woman's face.
'You promised.'
'I did but I am taking my promise back.' She was stubborn.
'No girl with ethics would take her promise back.' He retorted.
'This girl has no ethics.. .' she was getting impossible.
'Say yes'. He was surprised at himself. This was not the Jai Walia he had known or rather he was. He was pleading here with an impossible female. And her answer mattered to him.
'Okay just this once…' she agreed. But you have to promise that you will take this dress back after I wear it to your party.'
'Okay.' He sighed. 'See you at 7.30 pm. I'll leave before you change your mind.' He left immediately.
Bani's gaze fell on the dress again she took and walked towards the mirror. Holding the dress she pirouetted. Bani stopped on her track at the sight of Doctor in her living.
'I came to get my keys..' showing her his key he left the house shutting the door.
Bani wore the dress Jai got for her. And sat in front of the mirror to apply make up. She was not much of a make up person. She wore a light shade of lipstick. Lined her eyes with kohl. She looked once more in the mirror. Her hair was okay she thought. Hr hair was very unruly and she did not know what she should do with it. Tucking her hair behind her ears had always been a difficult task for her. She took two tiny pins and pinned her hair back.
Glancing once more in the mirror she got out of her flat.
'Bani…' shouted a girl from next door.
Bani heaved a sigh at the sight of Lalaji's niece Reshma.
'Wow Bani you look soo… hm.. Okay.' Said the girl scrutinizing Bani from head to toe.
'Thank you Reshma…'
'Where did you buy this dress from?'
'I don't remember Reshma.. I think it was …
'It's okay any ways I am not going to get this for me… it's goady..'
Bani could smell jealousy in her tone.
'hmm I thought so too.' Reshma's eye brows rose.
'Where are you going?' she wanted to know.
'We have a party in our boss's house..'
'Oh Really that's so nice…' Reshma couldn't control the excitement.
'Hm… Have to go Reshma the car will come to pick me up in any minute.
Bani walked hurriedly Reshma following her.
Jai's car screeched to a halt.
'Wow who is that?' Reshma was anxious.
'That is our boss's chauffer…' Bani lied between her teeth looking at Jai.
'Chauffer? But he looks so dashing and handsome and his dress….' Reshma frowned.
Not believing a word Bani has said.
'He is.. Doesn't he…. Our boss is a very gracious man. He gives his cloths to his chauffer the poor man is deaf and dumb….'
"Oh!' Reshma's face fell. She looked sympathetically at the driver.
Jai on the other hand was staring at Bani, who looked dazzling, bathed in the head light from his car. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He was dumbfounded. In his trance he forgot to get out of the car and open the door for her.
Bani bid goodbye to her friend and got in beside him.
'Thank god you did not come out of the car doc.'
He looked questioningly at her.
'My friend was drooling over you and I had to make you, your chauffer who is deaf and dumb… and the look on your face compliments my lie….' She chuckled looking at him.
He looked pretty uncomfortable. 'doc.. come on…. lets get out of here before she finds the truth.
'Yes .. 'He muttered.
Their drive was in silence. Bani wondered why he did not comment on the dress. She honestly did not know how she looked. Come on… she thought, after all she was a girl. A little compliment wouldn't hurt. It's true she was less bothered about clothes and stuff but at times she too has a girlie thing… well. She sighed.
Jai was quiet. He was lost in his own thoughts.
Bani got out of the car she did not believe in men opening the door for woman and stuff. They too had hands then why not use it? She looked at the mansion. The house was decorated with lights and flowers.
Anu came running to greet her. 'Wow Bani, you look gorgeous.'
'Thanks Anu. I was actually in doubt about my look. My neighbors are on holiday and I couldn't ask anyone about it..' she threw Jai a look.
He looked apologetic.
'Anu.. take her inside and introduce to our family..' he said hurriedly trying to get away from them.
Anu introduced her sisters Rashi and Jigyasa to Bani. And her brother-in-laws. Aditya and Ranveer.
'You have a beautiful hair..' commented Jigyasa.
Bani smiled. She got on well with his sisters. Bani were an instant hit with them. They loved her innocence and sense of humor.
Roshni arrived little late with her father Raj chopra. Roshni stopped on her track at the sight of Bani. Roshni studied Bani. She was behaving like one of them. Roshni envied everything about the girl. She hated her sight. She noticed her dressing and a scowl appeared on her face.
Jai walked up to Roshni and greeted.
'Hi jai.' She kissed him on the cheek. 'Well your muse has traveled pretty fast…' she whispered in his ear. Staring at Bani. Bani caught her eye, saw them and waved.
'It isn't what you think.' He said offhandedly.
'Oh yeah! What about the dress she is wearing. I don't think that's her idea of dressing.'
'Come on Roshni…. Don't spoil the evening.' He took her arm and propelled her to the group. At the moment he felt threatened by Bani and Roshni was safe to be with.
'Hi Roshni..' greeted Jigyasa.
'Hi there..' Roshni addressed every one ignoring Bani. Bani threw him a glance and Roshni did not miss it. She looked at Jai.
'Dr. Walia, I was asking about the book Anu said you are having ..' Bani walked up to him and said.
'Book?' he was caught off guard again.
'Yes the one you gave her a week ago..' Bani winked at him with behind Roshni's prodding eyes.
'What about it?' he knew he couldn't act. But he tried to support Bani.
'I was telling Anu that I have 2nd and 3rd volume of it.'
Anu suppressed the smile. Her brother looked totally blank.
'Come on doc, I have seen the library last time when I came, take me for a tour…' Bani said walking a head of them.
Roshni send daggers at him. Jai ignored her and followed Bani. When they walked from the groups ear short. Bani accused him. 'You are absolutely……..' she did not know what else to say. 'There I was summoning up an act.. And.. You stand there like a pillar…. Look Dr. Walia I can't do a mono act. You will have to put your self to some action..' she was angry.
Studying her taut face he asked, 'well what was the book you were talking about volume 1&3….'
'The books first volume is Roshni vs. Walia in the second Bani leaves the scene. And in third volume you marry her…' she muttered. Jai couldn't hold back the mirth. He laughed loudly drawing attention from the guests. People smiled at the happy couple. Roshni and Her dad exchanged glances.
Mrs. Walia looked lovingly at her son. She had seldom heard him laugh. The girl with him does know how to make him laugh thought Mrs. Walia with affection.
Jai took her round the house. It was a lovely place. He showed her the library. It was a huge room furnished in antique she touched them lovingly. She loved old furniture.
'My dad loved them too…'he said.
'Your dad?'
'Chronic heart disease took his life…'
'I am sorry.'
'You know he kept this place the whole interior was done by his taste. We never changed anything since then.'
Bani stood near the books ...'
'Do you want any…..?'
'Oh god .No! I am sick and tired of all the medical journals…uh ho..' she bit her tongue. She was blunt again.
She smiled meekly at him.
Jai shook his head.
He ushered her out. The dinner was served Bani were seated with his sisters. she chatted and laughed amiably with them. Jai was seated with Roshni. Roshni made it a point to drag him with her. Jai's gaze fell from time to time on Bani. He need not have to worry about her she was getting along well with every one he thought. Roshni gritted her teeth following his gaze.
The band played after dinner. The couples moved on the dance floor for dance. Jai's sisters took their respective husbands and went on the floor.
Mrs. Walia saw Bani seated in a corner. She walked up to her and said, 'why don't you join them on the dance floor dear?'
'I have two left feet ma'am..' she smiled at the warmth of the woman.
'That's not done.. you have to go…' Mrs. Walia extended her hand. Bani took her hand and looked around. I don't have a partner… and I am a very bad dancer.
'Hey don't worry about that. ' Anu joined her with her fianc.
'Rohit will take you on the dance floor. She introduced her fianc to Bani..
'Yes the pleasure will be mine..'
'Yeah you will regret that word once you are on the dance floor with me…' she grinned. Rohit took her on the dance floor. Bani screened the floor. Dr. Walia was dancing with Roshni. They looked quite okay with each other. Bani wondered why he wanted her out.
Rohit took her arm and pulled her towards him. Twice she kicked him on the toe.
'Sorry…' she apologized. ' I told you I am not a good dancer.
'You aren't that bad….' He assured her. 'You will learn in no time. It's no big deal actually.'
He was right. She was learning the ropes. Jai hid his smile twice when he saw her kick his toe.
Later he was amazed to find her move comfortably with Rohit.
The music stopped and they retreated to their seats. Roshni joined them hanging on to Jai's sleeve.
'That was a good number..' she said.
'Yeah' Jigyasa joined her.
The band played again a soft number and Aditya extended his hand to his wife.
'Adi, not again.. She went and sat on the chair.
'As you wish dear…..' he said good humouredly and took Roshni's hand 'come on shines lets dance. 'He pulled her to the dance floor adding what Jigyasa was going to miss.
Anu threw her sister a glance. Jigyasa winked at her little sister.
Ranveer pulled Rshai's hand and Rohit took Anu's hand. Leaving Dr. Walia and Bani alone.
'Shall we?' Jai extended his hand. He took Bani on the dance floor. He took her hand in his and placed his left hand on her waste. Bani was little in awe of him. She felt more comfortable with Rohit. Bani looked else were avoiding eyes. For the first time she felt awkward with him.
'You are not bored I presume?' he asked.
'No the party was great. ' it's getting late…..'
'Do you want to go home?'
'Er.. no.. not that any one is waiting for me there…. I think I'll stay little more..'
Jai's heart went out for the girl. Deep down the brown eyes he knew there was unshed tears, she would share with no one. She was a brave girl. His grip tightened and he pulled her more closely. She felt warmth emanating from his body and certain security she never felt with anyone. She pressed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. He held her tightly in his embrace. Bani stiffened as his hands tightened around her body. She pulled her head away from his shoulder brushing her hair on his face.
'Dr. Walia, I told you to summon up an act. But you don't have to act like this okay…. No hanky panky. She whispered drawing away from him. He stiffened and looked around. Roshni looked at them murderously.
'Sorry..' he muttered.
'It's alright..' she cursed herself for getting carried away. She was missing Sahay's already. She was missing Seema's hugs. She needed a motherly hug. She was after all human for heaven sake. She assured herself for getting carried away with his hug. She hugged him alright that was just brotherly nothing more than that. Nothing more. Taking a deep breath she walked out of the dance floor.
Bani took leave from his folks. Mrs. Walia hugged her and asked her to visit them again. Jai drove her back home. Their drive was in silence. Bani did not know what to say to break the awkward silence between them. Finally she spoke clearing her throat.
Dr. Walia you are so mean…' Jai looked at her. 'You brought me this dress for party. To keep your promise I had to go and buy matching bag and sandals to go with the dress and what do I get? 'She looked squarely at him. 'Nothing..' she threw her hands in the air exasperated.
He looked guiltily at her.
'Er… you .. ahem look nice..' he said finally.
He stopped the car at her porch. She got down and shut the door. She walked up to his side and knocked on his window pane.
He rolled the glass down looking questioningly at her.
'I look nice right?' she frowned. 'That's it just nice….'
'Bani….'
'You don't even look nice Dr. Walia …… that jacket you are wearing.. God! What do I say……' she rolled her eyes.
'Bani…. Thank you….you had enough drama today to last for a week…. I am tired I'd like to go….' He said exasperated.
'By all means boss….' She turned on her heels and fled to her building.
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