CHAPTER 29:
The Pundit Ji was called over to the Walia Mansion immediately due to Mausi's insistence and eager state. By then Nachiket, Ranveer, and Saahil arrived home and were given the news. Everyone hugged, congratulated, and teased Bani and Jai to no ends. Bani couldn't seem to stop blushing as red as a tomato, whereas Jai seemed to find it difficult to stop grinning. Inside, both were ecstatic and overfilled with joy. They were going to start a new life together...as husband and wife.
The perfect date to hold the wedding was exactly in two weeks. If this auspicious time passes by, Jai and Bani would have to wait for 3 months, which Mausi didn't want and immediately accepted to have the wedding now.
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The Walia Mansion glows brightly in the darkness with the several light decorations hung around it and the curtains pushed aside, showing the beaming atmosphere inside the Mansion, where it is decorated lavishly like a new bride with royal red curtains, burning candles, beautiful smelling flowers, a few fancy potteries for display, the huge chandelier blinking away, the elegant delicious food set out on long cherry wood table, covered with an expensive tablecloth, and the food letting its wonderful aroma fill the air.
The guests mingle with one another, sipping on their drinks, chatting away, and laughing amongst themselves. Jigyasa, the hostess of the party, greets everyone politely at the entrance, with Aditya by her side.
Jai stands nearby the spiral staircase, anxiously. He is extraordinarily attractive and charming in a designer black suit with matching polished shoes, wearing a black shirt with silver thin stripes underneath, the collar propped over the coat, a silver tie to go along with it, and his hair gelled to perfection. He rubs the back of his neck with his hand and rests his other on the railing, exasperated. The party had started an hour ago and she hasn't come down yet.....God only knows how Jai spent that hour, talking to numerous of business associates, guests, and relatives who bored him to death and only caused him to feel even more restless.
He feels a hard thump on his back, alerting him. Jai turns around to find Nachiket and Ranveer, both looking equally handsome, behind him wearing sleazy smiles on their faces. A groan escapes from his mouth and he tries to make a run for it, but is held back by Ranveer's hold on his shoulder.
Nachiket: Pathetic, Bhaiya...absolutely Pathetic.
Ranveer: Tell me about it...Just look at yourself, Mamaji.
Nachiket: Be a Man, Bhaiya, you're acting like an excited little girl.
Ranveer and Nachiket laugh together as Jai rolls his eyes.
"Oh shut up you two. When it is time for both of your's engagement, then you will understand what Jai is going through", Tiffany growls at Nachiket and Ranveer as she approaches them. She looks stunning in a turquoise georgette A line skirt having bead and sequins work, choli with similiar work in front with hanging tassles, and a matching dupatta. Her hair is wrapped perfectly into a bun, held by a beautiful clip, and her ears are adorned by long dangling silver earrings.
Nachiket shuts his mouth immediately and Ranveer opens his to protest, but Nachiket stops him by a warning glare. (see Tiffany, how sweet your Nattu is)
Tiffany turns to Jai and smiles radiantly at him. She pinches his cheeks, bringing a small smile onto his own face.
Tiff: Jai, I think it's cute how you're waiting for Bani so impatiently.
"Yes, too cute!", Jigna adds as she also approaches them by the stairs. She looks gorgeous in an off white pure silk long choli embroidered with sequins, beads, and zari. The silk skirt is heavily embroidered in a similar pattern. The shaded pure chiffon stole is wrapped around her arms. Her hair is let out and falls nicely onto her shoulders.
Jai surprises the girls by slightly blushing and makes them giggle.
Jigna: Aw, you're blushing! So sweet!
Tiff: Really sweet!
Nachiket and Ranveer scoff at this but are given cold glares by Tiffany and Jigna, making them remain quite and not let out a squeak.
Jai: You girls are going upstairs, aren't you?
Tiffany: Hain, we're going up to meet Bani.
Jigna: We're so excited to meet her!
Tiffany: Yes, we'll get all the details from her about you two, because I know that no matter how much we irritate you, you wont tell us anything!
Jai grins, knowing that what she is saying is true.
Ranveer: When you go up and meet her, mind telling her to hurry up and come down? Otherwise Jai Mama will keep on pacing back and forth by the stairs forever.
This has everyone laughing, besides Jai, who scowls at Ranveer. Mausi appears by them with a fond smile on her lips.
Mausi: Leave my poor Munna alone. It's not his fault that he is a poor lovesick fool.
Everybody laughs even more by Mausi's remark. Jai frowns at his Mausi.
Jai: Mausi, aph bhi. (trans: Mausi, you too?)
Mausi: Maine kya kiya? (trans: What did I do?) I was just defending you. (chuckles)
He continues to frown at her. Mausi strokes his hair, affectionately.
Mausi: Accha, baba, I'm sorry. Baacho, enough with the teasing. Bechara has gone through it non-stop for the past three days. Leave him alone.
They reluctantly agree.
Mausi: Tiffany- Jigna....
Tiff&Jigs: Ji, Mausi?
Mausi: Would you mind informing Bani to come down...the ring ceremony will be starting in ten minutes.
Tiff&Jigs: Ji, Mausi. (brightly)
Quickly a pleased smile forms onto Jai's lips, causing Mausi to giggle.
Mausi: You really are a lovesick fool, Munna.
She leaves him behind with Ranveer and Nachiket. Jai feels exceptionally happier now that he knows Bani will be down very soon. Even though they were told not to, Ranveer and Nachiket continue to tease Jai, infuriating him, even though he was trying to stay in a cheerful mood. Tarun shows up with Lakshmi by his side a couple of minutes later and they congratulate him. They also join Nattu and Veer's unending teasing.
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"Knock knock", Tiffany says cheerfully as she opens the bedroom door. Jigs and Tiff are greeted by an astonishing sight.... Bani sitting on a stool before her dresser getting her hair fixed by Anu. Bani's whole face seems to be glowing radiantly due to her excitement. She is bewitchingly beautiful dressed in a flashy light pink faux georgette saree with resham and sequins work along with a matching blouse, her hair let out in loose curls, a small bindi adoring her forehead, pink bangles on her wrist, a matching set to go along with her outfit, dark khol applied around her eyes, making her eyes look exotic, her lips painted a dark pink, and a shy smile lingering on her lips.
Both of the girls gasp, making Bani and Anu finally notice them standing by the doorway. Anu looks beautiful in a Maroon italian crepe circular lehenga choli having sequins, stones, salma and zardosi work along with matching dupatta. Bani stands up from the stool, looks at her two best friends and smiles widely at them.
Tiffany and Jigna rush to Bani's side and glee over her beauty. Bani blushes with their teasing and comments.
Anu: Okay, that's enough. We need to get Bani Di--- I mean Mami downstairs.
Jigna: Please do quick, because Jai is driving himself insane down there, waiting for Bani.
Bani smiles cutely at them and giggles with them.
Tiffany: I say we shouldn't, because seeing Bani, Jai will die from a heart attack.
Laughing and smiling, the girls lead Bani out of the room.....
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Tarun: (hastily, in a low whisper) Yaar, I'm telling you right now, don't get married. Sure Bani may seem very cute and innocent now...but I'm telling you, buddy, that'll change after marriage. Like Lakshmi--- I swear to God, after we got married, it was like she was a whole different person!
Lakshmi: (growls) Tarun!
Tarun: (innocently) What?
Ranveer and Nachiket howl with laughter.
Jai: I can assure you Tarun that Bani's not like that.
Tarun: (mumbles) I didn't think Lakshmi was like that either---
Lakshmi: TARUN! (huffs)
Tarun: Kidding, sweetheart, I'm just joking around. I love being a married man! In fact, everyone should get married!
Lakshmi: (turns to Jai) Don't listen to him, Jai, Bani wont be anything like that. She'll still be your Bani. (smiles sweetly)
Jai: Thanks, Lakshmi.
"You Mr. Sablok, I'll deal with you when we get home", Lakshmi mutters to her husband, whose smile fades away.
Nachiket: Hey speaking of the devil, here comes Bani Bhabi right now.
Everyone's heads swing over to the top of the stairs, where Bani is walking down gracefully, accompanied by Anu, Jigs, and Tiff. Jai's heart skips a beat as his eyes fall on her. He's overwhelmed by her incredible beauty... Today she has a glow in her which causes her to stand out even more. He watches her intently, causing her to blush profusely and lower her head. As she arrives at the last step, standing before him, Jai continues to stare at her, amazed and speechless.
The clearing of Anu's throat brings him out of his dazed trance. He hears the girl giggling and sees Bani smile shyly.
Anu: Mamaji, kya aph kuch kaaonge bhi- yaan nahi? (trans: Mamaji, will you say anything or not?)
Jai: (stammers) kya?
Tiff: How our Bani looks, of course!
Jigs: Anu has fixed her up like a doll today and you have no comments whatsoever?
Jai's eyes travel back to Bani, who proceeds to stare at the ground, refusing to look up at him.
Tarun: Arre, doesn't Jai's silence say anything? The man's speechless! (grins)
Everyone laughs. Mausi joins them with Jigyasa and Dadi by her side.
Mausi: What are you all laughing abou----
Her voice trails off as her eyes lay on Bani. She smiles and walks towards her.
Mausi: Bani....
Bani looks up, recognizing Mausi's voice. She smiles sweetly at her. Taking her face in the palms of her hands, Mausi kisses her softly on her forehead.
Mausi: You look beautiful....May you always look this happy. - God bless you.
She runs her hand on her hair. Bani continues to smile at her, touched. She bends down to seek her blessings, which is given to her happily.
Jigyasa: Bani, come. Before the ring ceremony, I'd like you to meet a few people.
Bani: Ji, Didi.
As Bani moves to make her way over to Jigyasa, she feels a firm grip on her hand, stopping her. She turns and sees Jai holding onto her, refusing to let go.
Jai: I'll take Bani.
Everyone grins at this sight.
Jigyasa: No, thanks. I will. I know how impatiently you have been waiting to see her and who knows where you'll take her.
Aditya: Probably alone for himself.
He says as he also approaches the group. Bani flushes as everyone laughs and agrees. Jai reluctantly lets go of Bani's hand and watches her disappear from sight, by Jigyasa's side.
Tarun: Don't worry yaar, it's only a few minutes left until she becomes yours...then no one can take her away from you. (winks, nudges him)
This brings a small smile onto Jai's face, but he successfully hides it and glares at Tarun instead, who chuckles.
Tarun: Come along guys, let's have a few drinks to celebrate this Khadoos' engagement!
Lakshmi: (pulling him back) Oh no you don't, Sablok, you stay right here. I don't want you going near that bar and getting yourself unconscious with alcohol and ruin my Bani's engagement.
Tarun: Lighten up, Laksh, it's my yaar's engagement, let me have a few drinks.
Nach: Please do, Bhabi, otherwise he'll kill us all with his ridiculous jokes! Hopefully when he gets drunk, he'll pass out and leave us alone in peace.
Jai laughs along with Aditya, Ranveer, and Mausi.
Tarun: (hurt) You don't like my jokes? I thought you all loved them?
Lakshmi: (gives in) Teek hai....but only because it's Jai's engagement.
Ranveer: Come on, Tarun Uncle.
Tarun: ----What's so wrong with my jokes?....
He asks them all as they pull him away towards the bar.....
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Pulling Bani away from a group of people, after excusing themselves, Jigyasa takes her off to the side and murmurs into her ear, "Bani, yahan rukho...Aditya is calling for Jai, we're just about to announce the ring ceremony".... (trans: Bani,wait right here.)
In a flash, Jigyasa leaves, walking towards the stage, where the DJ stood near his equipment. Bani watches Jigyasa, nervously, as she takes the microphone from the DJ's stand. She was watching her so intently that she didn't hear Jai approach her until he brushes his arm against hers. Startled, she whisks around and bumps into him, who holds her steady with his hands.
Half laughingly, "Bani, watch it...", he says to her. Bani looks straight into his chocolate brown eyes and blushes. She gently removes herself from him and continues to stand stiff in her spot, fiddling with the pallu of her saree. Her eyes travel back over to the stage, where Jigyasa begins to tap on the microphone, trying to figure out how to work it. Jai, seeing this, wraps his hand over hers, removing the pallu out of her hands. He leans in close to her ear, making her body heat up with their proximity. As he whispers, "You're beautiful....", his breath tingles the inside of her ear, making her blush even more. Bani turns to look back at him once again and smiles shyly at him.
Bani: (murmurs gently) You don't look so bad yourself....
Jai: I got ready trying my best to impress you and that's all I get? Not so bad?
Bani: (continues to grin, lowering her head) You look great....
He smiles at this and opens his mouth to respond, but is drained out by Jigyasa's loud cheery voice, which announces the beginning of the ring exchanges. In a minute, Nachiket stands by Jai's side and pulls out a small black box from his coat pocket. He hands it over to Jai, who takes it from him appreciatively.
The crowd watches with silence and interest at the couple, who were both smiling and beaming with joy. The Walia Family join them and gather around Jai and Bani, eager themselves. Jai opens the small box, revealing a breathtaking beautiful diamond ring, which sparkles at Bani. Bani looks at it, amazed, and then stares back up at Jai and flashes him a wide smile.
Mausi: (encouraging) Bani...tumhari haath aagae karo....(trans: Bani...bring your hand forward...)
Listening obediently, Bani extends her left hand towards Jai who takes it in his own. Returning her smile, Jai slides the cold silver diamond ring onto her ring finger and their eyes lock. Everyone claps enthusiastically and the guys roar with cheers. "I love you....", he mouths to her. Bani feels her heart leap and her eyes water. On cue, Anu arrives on her side and hands her a small red box.
Anu: Mami...abh aapki turn....(trans: Mamai...now your turn.)
Taking the box from Anu's extending hand, Bani opens it carefully and shows a gold ring band inside. She takes it in her fingers, looks back at Jai slowly, and takes his hand in hers. Jai's grinning face causes her to smile even more and she slides his ring onto his finger. Everyone claps loudly and whistle at the scene. All of a sudden there is a big "pop" and confetti falls from up in the air, which fall swiftly onto everyone's heads. As everybody continue to dance with glee and whistle, Bani continues to stare at her Fiance and mouths,"I love you too".....
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I know, it was pretty short, but it was satisfying, nah?😉 so you all wont pester me for another update will you?😆
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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