Hey guys! Sorry, I haven't replied to any of your comments, don't have the time too () been so busy with loads and loads of homework lately, which i should be starting on right about now....😆 but i've read all of them and want to thank you guys for being so encouraging and sweet!😳 Well here's another part....yes yes, i know, i'm on a roll!😉😎😆 but only because i've kept you guys waiting a lot of times. lol. Anywayz, enough with my blabbering, here's the update!
CHAPTER 27:
A few days passed with Anu and Mausi discussing about the secret matter in their house. How were they going to catch Jai and Bani? How will they confront them? Mausi had suggested that they should straightforward tell them that they know, but Anu refused. Where was fun in doing that? No, they were going to tease them, mess with them for hiding such a thing from the family members. Anu already had it all in her mind.... it was going to be fun.
*******************
Bani had been walking down the staircase from her room and was greeted by a cheering ruckus. In the living room were Mausi, Dadi, Anu, and Jigyasa, all chattering happily with one another and embracing each other. A happy occasion was going on which Bani had no clue about... She makes her way towards them, confused.
Jigyasa: Oh I can't believe it, Mausi?! Are you telling me the truth?!
Mausi: Arre, would I ever tell you a lie, Jigyasa?
Jigyasa: Of course not, Mausi, it's just that, I can't seem to digest all of this! I-I'm so happy! (smiling)
Dadi: Billo, you have given us such wonderful news!
Jigyasa: (excitement in her tone) Does Jai know?!
Anu:(pitches in) Not yet, Mom. But he will. Hopefully he'll approve. (smiling herself)
Mausi: Arre, why wouldn't he? If I say so, he'll listen obediently!
The women chuckle together and agree. Bani watches on, even more confused.....what is this about Jai? Anu finally notices Bani and smiles warmly at her. Bani watches her nudge Mausi, who follows Anu's gaze and also smile pleasantly at her. Soon, Dadi and Jigyasa do too. All of them wear excited expressions on their happy faces.
Anu: Hi, Di!
Bani: (smiles back) Hi, Anu.
Mausi: Bani, tum kahan thi?
Bani: Ji, woh main baas meri kamerah saaf khar rahi thi.(trans: I was just cleaning my room.)
Mausi: (smiles) Accha....
Jigyasa: (practically jumping) Mausi, baataye nah usse!(trans: Mausi, tell her!)
Mausi: Shhh, Jigyasa. (giggles)
Bani throws them all a puzzled look.
Bani: Tell me what? (innocently)
Daid: Tell her nah, Billo! She should know also.
Anu: Yes, go on, Mausi.
Mausi: Oh, teek hai... Bani, yahan aao mere paas.
Bani listens obediently and sits down in between Mausi and Jigyasa. She watches Mausi take out a blank envelope and hand it over to her.
Bani: Ji... Mausi, yeh kya hai? (trans: Mausi, what is this?)
Mausi: Khud hi dheklo....(trans: See for yourself...)
Very curious, Bani opens the already opened envelope and withdraws a picture of a gorgeous looking girl, wearing a yellow salwaar kameez, her brown hair pushed to the side, and smiling elegantly at her.
Bani: (questioning glance) Mausi, yeh kaun hai? (trans: Mausi, who is this?)
Jigyasa: Iski naam Pooja hai, Bani. (trans: Her name is Pooja, Bani.) What do you think?
Bani: (confused) what do I think about what?
The women laugh at her.
Dadi: Arre Bani puttar, try to understand. We want you to tell us your opinion about her.
Bani gazes back down at the young girl and lightly smiles. She looks back into the eager faces of Mausi, Dadi, Jigyasa, and Anu.
Bani: She's beautiful.... and looks like a nice girl.
Jigyasa: Exactly what we all had said!
Bani: (gives a confused smile) Paar yeh hai kaun? (trans: But who is she?)
Mausi takes the picture out of Bani's hands and looks at it, fondly.
Mausi: Bani yeh hai Pooja Saxeena. Meri best friend ki beti. (trans: This is Pooja Saxeena, my best friend's daughter.) Her and her family have just come to Mumbai a week ago. They will be here today evening to discuss the proposal.....
Bani:....proposal?
Jigyasa: Hain. woh kya nah--- Pooja's parents have been thinking about getting her married very soon and are looking for eligible boys.
Bani: Oh.
Mausi: Maine kaha tha ki-(trans: I had said that--) what's the point going around seeking for strange men when I have a perfectly suitable boy for their Pooja.
Bani: (smiles) Accha... kaun hai?(trans: Who?) (turning to Jigyasa, a little excited herself) Didi, are you thinking about getting Ranveer married to her?
Jigyasa finds this completely hilarious and bursts out laughing.
Jigyasa: Bani, you are so cute. Of course not Ranveer. I have been trying to persuade the boy for years now. What would make him change his mind now?
Bani: (puzzled now) Phir kaun....Saahil? (trans: Then who...Saahil?)
Dadi: Arre no. We wouldn't even think about trapping this poor girl with an animal like Saahil!
Again the women laugh.
Bani: Phir....Nachiket?
Anu: (giggling) Didi, Nachiket Mamu is even worse than an animal!
Bani: (annoyed, curious) Ranveer nahi hai....Saahil nahi.....Nachiket bhi nahi....aur kaun hai? (trans: It's not Ranveer...not Saahil...not even Nachiket...then who else?)
Everyone's smiles increase as they look at a pondering Bani.
Jigyasa: Keep on thinking, Bani... what other man is left in this house? (teasingly)
Bani sits quietly, wondering to herself...... There's Ranveer....Nachiket.....Saahil....Aditya Bhaiya....aur----- Bani's eyes widen and her face loses color. A shocked gasp escapes from her mouth and she immediately stands up from the couch. She looks down at all of them with her astonished looking eyes.
Bani: (shaking) Aph-aph Jai ke baarah-----(trans: You-you are thinking about Jai---)
Dadi: Took you long enough, Puttar!
Jigyasa: Poor girl is so shocked! (laughs)
Anu: Why wouldn't she? It is Jai Mamaji we're talking about, it's a big deal. (giggles)
They all giggle once again, but Bani....Bani was far from laughter... she wanted to cry. Cry till she couldn't cry no more. Her Jai....they were talking about getting her Jai married! How they could they even----- she can feel her heart beat break literally into two pieces. Her breathing becomes uneasy and she can feel her legs begin to give in. She needed something to hold onto- otherwise, she may just faint from shock.
Jigyasa: So Bani, do we take your opinion as a yes???
Bani, startled, looks down at Jigyasa and blinks away her forming tears. She doesn't respond....she doesn't know how to. Her throat is sore from holding her tears in and she knew that if she tried to talk, she would explode into sobs.
Mausi: Arre Bani, kya hua? Do you not agree?- Just a minute ago you said she was beautiful--- do you think we should think once again since this is Munna's future we're talking about?
Yes! Yes, you should think it over! Look at me! Chose me! I'm right here! I'm better for your Jai!, Bani wanted to scream, but instead she says in a quivering voice, "....s-she is beautiful, Mausi...and whatever you have decided--- will be the best decision", and she hated herself for saying it.
She watches Mausi give her a bright smile, which doesn't make her feel happy at all.
Mausi: Now I am absolutely convinced that this is the right girl for Jai. She will be the Walia Bhao.
Jigyasa: Mausi, we should prepare for their arrival.
Dadi: Jigyasa is right.
Jigyasa: (estatic) Anu, go call your Mamaji and tell him to come home early today. Tell him that we're expecting guests.
Bani stands rooted to her spot, trying her best to fight against her tears. Anu leaves in a rush.
Bani: J-Ji, Mausi, main jaaon??? (trans: Can I go?)
Mausi looks up from the picture of Pooja and smiles at Bani.
Mausi: Arre nahi, Bani, abhi nahi.(trans: No, Bani, not yet.) It's almost nearing twelve now. You should go and give Aditya and Jai their lunch. I've already packed them. They're on the counter.
Bani swallows hard and feels the saliva run down her dry throat. The very last thing she wanted to do was meet Jai now....
Bani: (voice light) Mausi, woh--- meri tabiyaat teek nahi hai aaj.(trans: Mausi, I'm not feeling so well today.) Can someone else take them to the office?
Jigyasa: (concerned) Bani, kya hua? (trans: Bani, what happened?)
Bani gently shakes her head and says in a gloomy voice, "Nahi...baas mere sirh dukh rah hai...". Her head was spinning unbelievably fast. (trans: No...nothing, it's just my head hurts a lot...)
Mausi: (also worried) Bani...yahan aao, beti.(trans: Bani,...come here.) Let me see if you have a temperature.
Not even bothering to stop her, Bani lets Mausi check her head.
Mausi: Hmmm you don't have a fever, but if you say that you're not feeling well, you can stay home and rest. I'll send Anu, I guess.
Dadi: Bani, Puttar, take rest.
Bani: ...Ji (quivering voice)
She leaves the living room and makes her way up the stairs. On arriving in her room, Bani closes the door shut, walks to her bathroom and enters it. Turning on the faucet and shower, letting the water run, Bani rests her back against the wall, dejectedly and slides down onto the floor. She grips tight onto her knees and in seconds, the tears rush out.......
************************
Anu reachs the office on time and was about to go straight to her Mamaji's office, but spots Tiffany at her desk and decides to chat with her for a bit.
Anu: Hey, Tiffy. (cheerful voice)
Tiffany had been pulling her coat around her when she heard Anu's voice from behind. She turns around and smiles radiantly at her.
Tiff: Anu! Oh my God, I haven't seen you forever! How have you been?
Anu: Good. Aur tum?
Tiff: Never felt better. How come you're here at the office all of a sudden?
Anu: Woh- I'm here to give Dad and Jai Mamaji their lunch.
She lifts up the tiffins in her hands. Tiffany gives her a puzzled look.
Tiff: Oh....doesn't Bani usually do that? Where is she?
Anu: Kyon Ji? (pretending to be offended) Would you rather have her here at the office than me?
Tiff: (laughing) Don't be silly- it was just a question. It's just that she's usually always here giving lunch.
Anu: (calming down) Didi doesn't feel good so she's resting at home.
Tiff: Is she sick?
Anu: No, but she said she has a terrible headache.
Tiff: Poor thing... (then giggling) Jai will be upset.
Anu: Kyon?
Tiff: Because they mostly have lunch together.
Anu hides her smile. I so knew it.
Anu: Oh. Well I guess he will be. Too bad for him. (smiles)
Anu finally notices Tiffany wearing her coat and purse.
Anu: You going somewhere?
Tiffany: Um, yeah, I'm off to lunch.
Anu: Oh, am I holding you up?
Tiffany: Not really- Nachiket is. I'm waiting for him. (casually)
Ever since their first lunch, which surprisingly went well, it became a routine for Nachiket and Tiffany to go to lunch together.
Anu: (raises an eyebrow) You're having lunch with Nachiket Mama??? I heard that you couldn't even stand him when you two were kids.
Tiffany: (flushes, smiles) Gosh, why does everyone always have to bring that up? --- I was wrong about him. I was a mean little girl, I admit it.
"Is that suppose to be an apology, Ms. Ali?", Nachiket's voice, sounding amused, comes from behind.
Tiff turns around and sees him. She smiles.
Tiffany: Take it as whatever you want it to mean.
Nachiket: (grins) I'll take it as an apology. You're forgiven.
Tiffany smile becomes wider as does Nachiket's. Anu coughs to get both of their attentions and to bring them out of their eye staring. Nachiket finally notices Anu.
Nachiket:--- Anu, how come you're here?
Anu: To give your brother and Jiju their lunches.
Nachiket: Where's Bani? (questioning)
Tiff giggles.
Tiff: That's exactly what I asked.
Anu: She's not here.
Nachiket: How come?
Anu: She has a headache so she's at home sleeping.
Nachiket: Oh.
Anu: Where are you two going to for lunch?
Nachiket: Where ever Madam wishes. (teasing tone)
Tiff: (blushes slightly) It's okay, Nachiket, your pick this time.
Nachiket: Then I know just the place---- Um, Anu, you should hurry on and give Jiju and Bhaiya their lunch, especially your Dad. You know how he is when he doesn't have anything to eat.
Anu: I do! Well enjoy, guys. See you at home, Mama.
Nachiket smiles at her and lightly places a hand on Tiffany's back, leading her along with him to the elevators.
Tiff: Bye,Anu! (turning around)
Anu smiles a farewell and watches them disappear in the elevator. She goes to give Aditya his lunch first because she didn't want him to starve and went to Jai's cabin last........
*************
Anu pops her head through the door and says in a cheerful tone, "Hi Mamu!". Jai looks up from his work and at his niece. He smiles back, surprised, yet also happy.
Jai: Hey, Anu! Tum yahan? (trans: You here?) What a lovely little surprise.
Anu approaches him at his desk and sits on the corner of it. She plops his tiffin in front of him.
Anu: Yup, and I've brought lunch!
Jai grows confused.....
Jai: Tum? How come?
Anu: (sighs) Why is everyone asking me that same question? Is it a crime for a girl to bring lunch to the two favourite men in her life?!
Jai: (slowly smiles) Certainly not... I was just wondering... what happened to Bani?
Anu smiles at his question.
Anu: She's at home resting.
Jai: (worried) Kyon? Kya hua? (trans: Why, what happened?)
Anu: (smiling even more because of Jai's concern for Bani) She has a terrible headache so she's sleeping.
Jai: Oh....it's nothing serious right? She's not sick or anything, is she?
Anu: She's perfectly fine other than that headache.
Jai shuts his mouth, thinking to himself.
Anu: Well Mamu, I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm needed at home to help clean up. I came because no one else could drop off the food.
Jai: Clean up?
Anu: Arre Mamaji, you forgot already. I called you and told you that we're having guests over this evening.
Jai: Oh yes, I remember....(confused) Who are these guests?
Anu: Some of Mausi's friends....she wants you home on time- and she means it Office Boy.
Jai grins at her.
Jai: Don't worry, I'll come.
Before leaving Anu plants a kiss on Jai's cheek.
Anu: Enjoy your lunch, Mamaji. See you at home.
And then she leaves swiftly. Jai sits in his chair, disappointed that Bani didn't show up. He was looking forward to seeing her... I guess I'll see her at home.
*************************
Bani had woken up at 5:30 p.m, exhausted from her crying. Anu had come into her room and gently awoke her.
Anu: Di...wake up. They're coming soon. You might want to change because your suit has been creased all over.
In a numb state, Bani dressed and straightened her hair out, which had been a terribly mess when she woke up. She is now wearing a pretty blue salwaar kameez looking flattering on her. She makes her way down the stairs and is greeted by a happy Jigyasa.
Jigyasa: Bani, how are you feeling now?
Worse...she wanted to say, but she gives a weak smile and says instead, "Ji- main teek hoon". (trans: I'm fine..)
Moppingly, Bani seats herself in one of the dining chairs, but only gets to sit down momentarily because Mausi calls for her to help with Dinner in the kitchen....
***************
Jai came home on time as promised and was immediately surrounded by Anu, Dadi, and Jigyasa.
Dadi: Jai Puttar! Ajao!
Jigyasa: We were just waiting for you!
Anu: Sit down, Mamaji!
Not even letting him say a word, they drag him into the living room and push him down onto the couch. Jai looks up at them, puzzled.
Jai: Waiting for me?
Anu: Yes for you.
"Don't know what they're so bloody happy about, Jai", Aditya says from behind him. Jai looks behind him and sees Aditya standing right behind the couch.
Jigyasa:Happy? Of course I'm going to be happy! My brother is going to------
"Arre Munna, you've come", Mausi voices says, delighted. She comes out of the kitchen with a dish in her hand and smiles cheerful at Jai. Jai smiles back, but confused. He then sees Bani also come out of the kitchen, carrying a jug of water, and wearing a sulking expression on her face. ....
Jai: Ji, Mausi..(his eyes on Bani)
He watches her place the jug down and leave back to the kitchen, quickly.
"Hmmmm...wah, Mausi! Itana accha kaanah?!", Aditya exclaims as the aroma of the food fills his nostrils.(trans: Such wonderful food?)
Mausi: Yes, kyon ki aaj ek special occasion hai. (smiling) (trans: Yes, because today is a special occasion...)
Jai sees Bani come out of the kitchen once again with a dish in her hands and place it down on the table in a strange manner. As soon as their eyes meet, Bani looks away and stares at the floor, but not in a shy manner like how she always does, ...no where close to that.
Anu: Mamaji, water?
He removes his gaze off of Bani and stares at Anu. Taking the water from Anu's hands, he smiles gently.
Jai: Thanks, Anu.
Aditya: Kaunsa occasion, Mausi? (trans: Which occasion, Mausi?)
Jai begins to drink his water, suddenly realizing how thirsty he is.
Dadi: (intervenes, excited) Ek rishta aareha hai aaj! (trans: A proposal is coming today!)
Aditya: Rishta??? (still confused) (trans: Proposal?)
He continues to swallow the water down his throat.
Jigyasa: Hain, Rishta!
Aditya: Kisilye?- aur kiske saath? (trans: For who?- and with whom?) (curious, demanding)
Anu: Jai Mamu ki liye of course, Dad! (trans: For Jai Mamu of course!) (loudly, happily)
Jai chokes instantly. He feels someone run their hand on his back, comforting him, trying to ease down his loud coughs. He slams his glass down onto the table in front of him and looks up only to meet Bani's eyes again, looking directly into his, filled with tears. Jai hears a gasp escape from his mouth from all of his coughing, his voice becomes raspy.
Jai: Rishta? (stunned) --- kaunsa rishta!
Dadi: Puttar, ek shaadi ka rishta. (trans: A marriage proposal.)
Jai spins his head towards Mausi's direction. He stands from his seat.
Jai: (his voice booming) Mausi, when were you going to tell me this? (demanding)
Mausi: Just now. (smiles)
Jai: How can you do this without even informing me?!
Jigyasa: Jai, if we had told you before, you would had flatly refused!
Anu: Exactly, which is why we didn't inform you earlier.
Jai looks at Anu, shocked, angry.
Jai:(disbelief) Anu, you knew about this too!
Mausi: Munna, you are over reacting a little bit, don't you think? We are not saying to marry this girl, just to see her once. Would that hurt you at all?
"Yes!", he roared to himself, but he stands muted in front of Mausi, not daring to shout at her.
Jigyasa: Yes, Jai, just look at her once- meet her, and even then after that you don't like her, we will back off. Haina, Mausi?
Mausi: Absolutely....
Jai continues to stand, speechless. Mausi approaches him and cups the side of his face and asks in a soft pleading tone, "Will you not even do this for your own mother, Munna?".
He looks into her sweet tender eyes and feels himself trapped in a huge dilemma. Swiftly, he looks over at Bani, standing far away from them, and sees a tear roll down her cheek. She bows her head down and wipes it away. Jai feels a painful tug in his chest seeing her cry.
From the corner of his eye he sees Anu approach him, but he continues to look dazed and mortified.
Anu: Mamaji, here is her picture.
Mausi: Jai...just take a look. That is all I'm asking. (encouraging smile)
Hesitantly, Jai looks over at the envelope in Anu's outstretched hand. He slowly takes it from her and takes his time opening it up. As he does this, he flashes Mausi a quick look and sees her smile, obviously pleased with his obedience. Jai refuses to look at Bani, not wanting to meet her tearing eyes again.
Opening the envelope carefully, Jai withdraws the picture from inside and glances at it in a second, not really noting how the girl looks.
Jai: There you go, Mausi, I've looked at her.
Both Anu and Mausi smile, holding in their laughter, which Dadi and Jigyasa fail to do. He throws them a questioning look.
Jai: What?
Dadi: Arre, Puttar, have you looked at her properly?
Jigyasa continues to giggle foolishly.
Jai: (narrows his eyebrows) Of course I have.
Mausi: (grinning) Look at the picture more closely, Munna. Give her a good look.
Reluctantly, Jai stares back down at the picture in his hand and immediately he is astounded by what he sees...... He stares up at Mausi briskly and points to the picture with disbelief.
Jai: Mausi--- yeh to---- (trans: Mausi---this is---)
............. yes, cliff hanger!😆 I know, main baut burrhi hoon!😉😆 well i've spoiled you lot enough, you will have to wait for the weekend when i have time to update again! hope you guys liked this part!😆
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
