Part seven-A
Bani threw the book aside. It was the first time she's unable to concentrate on her studies. Books always have been her solace. Even after her parents' death she's never found it hard to study. Now what happened. The words looked like bugs to her.
She ran a finger on her favourite locket. It was a diamond pendent, in the shape of a rain drop. Inside the drop there was two letters engraved. JB
Her phone started to ring. She didn't even bothered to check the number. She knew it is Pri. "Hi yaar, mood off kya?" asked Pri.
"Hmm." Bani replied, "what are you doing? Still working on the hole?" asked Bani teasingly.
Apparently, Pri's ambition of life was to make a hole on her roof to set a periscope there. Her tutor lived right above her and Pri had a crush not to small for him.
Pri sighed, "what's the point of making hole? He's not home for 5 days."
"Poor kid." Said Bani, "where have he gone?"
"don't know." said Pri sadly, "C hardly does so."
"Why do you call him C Pri?" asked Bani curiously. "certainly his name doesn't start with C?What does C stands for?"
"No, and that's a secret. I wont' tell you."
"come on Pri. I'm your best friend." Insisted Bani.
"Then tell me what does J stands for in your favourite locket?" asked Pri slyly.
"Can't tell you, secret" said Bani.
"Ok, then don't ask me my secret."
"Won't ask, as if I'm dying to hear it." Said Bani, "Chor ti hu." She put off the phone.
And smiled, only days ago she thought Pri was mad. How can one fall in love? But now that she's fallen herself she knows how it feels.
Pri was on the other hand thinking about her love for Jai and how she was missing him. What happened to him? He hardly leaves home for so long. She thought of enquiring at his home but didn't dare to. Gossips are spread faster than bonfires.
Both the best friends were engrossed in the thought of one person, poor girls! Only if they'd know.
…………………….
Bani stood outside room no 806 of Holy Family hospital. Debating whether to go in or not Bani made up her mind. There's nothing to be nervous.
Probably he's asleep today. I'll just go and put the flowers, have a look of him and go back. She said to her mind. Then taking a long breath, he knocked the door. To her disappointment, a deep voice said, come in.
Bani's first intention was to run away. But she knew it wouldn't help. She'd probably come again tomorrow. Taking another deep breath she entered the room.
Jai was surprised at the knock. Who at this time? The nurses don't knock. Confused, he said come in. May be I'm just dreaming again, he thought. Dreams are haunting him too much nowdays. The door opened and a pretty figured entered. That seals the deal, thought Jai, I'm dreaming. And it's her again!
Both of them kept looking at each other then Bani found her voice first. "Flowers, for you." She knew it was stupid thing to say but she couldn't find anything better.
Jai groaned, what has happened to me. I Keep dreaming of her. Now I'm dreaming that she's brought flowers for me.
Bani, meanwhile, unwrapped the flowers, it was just lilies today. She adjusted the flowers in the vase, taking too much time. Jai's gaze was never leaving her. He was concentrating on her every move. Wish it wasn't a dream! Finally Jai found something to say, "From who?"
"Huh?" Bani was caught off guard, she was thinking too hard.
"Flowers from who?" asked Jai again.
"Garden of Eden." Replied Bani before she could stop herself. She regretted it instantly, she didn't mean to say this.
Jai was confirmed that it was the weirdest dream he's ever had. Even dreams aren't supposed to be like this, let alone realty.
"so, are you one of the angels we've heard on high?" asked Jai.
Bani looked at him, unable to say something. Her hand was still on the vase, Jai noticed that there was a garland of flowers wrapped around her wrist. Probably she's got it when she went to take the flowers.
Jai took the hand gently and brought it closer to his nose to smell it. Bani's whole body shivered as his lips slightly touched her hand.
"I like it," said Jai unmindfully. He's thinking, if it's a dream, I have never had such a pleasant dream before.
Bani smiled. "You can keep it if you want."
A sleazy grin appeared in Jai's face, "are you sure I can keep it?"
Bani was confused, "Yeah, guess so, why?"
Jai winked at her, "I was talking about your hand, not the flowers."
Bani felt like someone has pushed her off the cliff. She glanced at her hand, then at him, then again at her hand. She didn't know what to say, what to do.
Do you know if it's true
That real love lasts a lifetime
Does it shine like the stars up in the sky
And do you know
If you can fall for just a moment
Is a moment for all time
Why, why am I so unsure
Is that love knocking at my door ?
Or the sound of my beating heart ?
If you could read my mind
You know I just can't hide
What I feel inside
"So, why I'm blessed with you angel?" asked Jai after what seemed eternity. Bani didn't reply. She looked at her hand again. He was still holding it. Jai felt awkward and let it go. Bani took a step backwards and sat on the bed beside him.
"I…uhmm.." Bani hesitated for a moment. Then she told him how she'd come to see him by mistake.
Jai was amused. What destiny has written for us? First I bump to her and get hold of her prized possession. Last five months, there wasn't a single day when I haven't thought of her. And one day she comes to find me lying in hospital bed to offer flowers. What is this happening?
Both were silent, thinking hard. But still they seemed to read each others mind, still they seemed to know what the other was thinking. The silence was speaking volumes for them. When does the silence becomes so sweet inspite of awkward?
When a stranger comes in your life like a cloudy storm and drives away your sorrows and pain away? Whenever you feel like this for strangers? Is it regular to feel someone most unknown to you like you've known them for ages? Why someone will make you feel so special? Why emotions you never knew you had inside you will contradict your whole life?
All of my life
I have been waiting for
All you give to me
You've opened my eyes
And showed me how to love unselfishly
I've dreamed of this a thousand times before
But in my dreams I couldn't love you more
"Bani?"
"hmm?"
"why did you come the second time?"
"I don't know." said Bani truthfully. Then she looked up, "I should get going. I'll be late." Bani turned to go. She reached the door and touched the knob, then suddenly it hit her.
She turned back with disbelief in her eyes, "I haven't told you my name? how did you know I'm Bani?"
Jai smiled, "I just know angel, don't ask me now why. May be I'll tell you some other time. We'll meet again, nah?"
Bani smiled, "Hope that happens..i'll be looking forward to meet you again…?" Bani looked confusedly at him. She still doesn't know his name. Jai got the hint.
"Jai."
"Jai?" Bani was stunned suddenly.
"Anything wrong with my name?" Jai was even more confuse.
Bani didn't reply and left all on a sudden, like she's come.
As soon as Bani reached home, she took out her favourite pendent once again and examined it disbelievingly. JB. Her mind was running a race. Is it him? Oh god, is it true?
I know guys, I s*** at writing romantic parts, 😔 tried hard to made it romantic but can't see where i've succeeded, please leave your comments with any kind of suggestions....
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
