Hey!
Thanks for the comments and the PMs, I am glad you guys are liking this story! Here is the next part, managed to find sometime today as half of my AP tests got over today, and next friday I can probably write a longer part!
---Part 7----
Bani turned around and was walking out of the room when she felt a pull. She turned around to see Jai was holding the corner of her sari palu. He pulled her closer, and Bani a little scared and really nervous went closer. He planted a kiss on her right cheek and slowly moved closer. Bani's arms went around Jai's and she clung onto him. It seemed perfect to both of them at the moment, it seemed as if it was bound to happen. Bani sensed that Jai was drunk and wasn't sure if she wanted him to regret it the next day. She moved back but Jai kept coming closer to her until she was against a wall. He just stared at her and bend down to kiss her forehead. With her eyes closed, Bani reached for his face, trying to memorize the texture. She went on her toes and kissed his forehead. Jai put Bani's hair to the side, and kissed her neck, going further on while she just closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment.
Jai picked Bani up in her arms and took her to the bed, and she laid down with him coming on top. The night slowly faded…
The next morning, Bani was the first one to get up and found herself lying right next to Jai with her hands around him. A little self consciously she got up and went and stood next to the window. After a couple of minutes Jai stirred around and opened his eyes. He looked at Bani and felt an odd sensation.
Jai: Bani…
Jai: Bani…
Bani didn't turn around but just stared outside. She was hoping and praying that Mr. Walia wouldn't call the previous night a mistake, that would kill her.
Jai: Bani, how did I get here? I mean I remember the party yesterday, and us cutting the cake, and then after that me drinking that orange juice that tasted disgusting, and then I felt sick… but I don't remember anything that took place after that.
Bani stood still, her heart felt as if it had stopped beating. The most important night of her life, and he didn't even remember.
Jai: I think there was some kind of pill in that drink. Did I do something embarrassing? Or something I would regret?
How was Bani to explain the happenings of the previous night, how was she to tell him how wonderful it had been, how was she to tell him that she loved him. How do you explain that to someone?
Tears streamed down Bani's face but she wiped them off, and turned around to face Jai. There was no way she could lie to him but nor was there a way to tell him the truth so openly.
Bani: Give it some time Mr. Walia, you will remember.
That comment left Jai confused, and before he could ask her what she meant, Bani had already gone into the bathroom with her clothes. Jai went downstairs and asked Dadaji what happened last night.
Dadaji: Oh puttar, you drank something and felt sick, so Bani took you upstairs to sleep.
Jai's thoughts: Then why does it not feel complete?
Dadaji: What's wrong puttar?
Jai: Nothing, nothing.
By the time Jai had come back upstairs, Bani was already out of the room. Before she left, she had put his clothes as well as all the other things he needed on the bed.
Jai got ready and went downstairs to eat, it somehow felt as if Bani was avoiding him but he knew there was no way that she could avoid him at work. Bani served everyone breakfast and had made something special for everyone.
Jai: Let's go Bani?
Bani: Actually Mr. Walia, I just finished making food and it will take me sometime to get everything done, so why don't you go ahead, I will come in a while.
Jai glanced at his watch, he would have stayed until she finished but he had an urgent meeting.
Jai: Fine, don't be too late.
Bani: I won't.
Dadi sensed something was wrong, the entire time they talked, not once did Bani look Jai in the eyes. She followed Bani into the kitchen and found the entire place to be nice and clean.
Dadi: Puttar, if this place is all nicely clean and the food has been made, then why didn't you go with Jai puttar?
Bani: Oh… Dadi, I just… needed some time.
Dadi: What's wrong?
Bani: Nothing… it's nothing.
Dadi: Fine, you don't have to tell me. But puttar, don't keep it inside, it will eat you up.
Bani: Dadi, can I go see Mamma today? I mean, she is right next door and I just want to go see her.
Dadi: Of course, go, you don't need to ask us about that.
Bani: I will go to work straight from there.
Bani picked up her purse and went to her mom's house. She couldn't call it her own anymore. She saw her mom sitting on the couch reading a book. Bani ran and went and sat next to her mom. She put her head down in her mom's lap and cried her eyes out.
Kiran: Bani, beta, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Tell me.
Bani: Mamma, I love him. I love Mr. Walia.
Kiran: Well of course you do. He is your husband.
Bani: We didn't love each other when we got married but somewhere along the way, I fell in love Ma.
Kiran: We knew you would, otherwise do you think we would have forced you to get married?
Bani: I don't know if he loves me though.
Kiran: of course he does. Men are just a little slow in realizing their feelings.
Kiran sat there stroking her daughter's hair. She knew something else was wrong but she also knew her daughter was old enough to handle her own problems.
Kiran: I am always here, whenever you need to talk.
Bani: I love you Ma.
Kiran: I love you too sweetie.
Bani felt like a kid again, and in her mom's lap, she fell asleep. Kiran got up and went to call Jai.
Secretary: Mr. Walia's office. How may I help you?
Kiran: Tell him that Kiran Dixit is calling.
Secretary: One second please.
Jai: Hello?
Kiran: Hi, beta. This is Kiran aunty.
Jai: Hi.
Kiran: Beta, Bani came here a while ago, just to talk for a few seconds and then while we were just sitting and talking, she fell asleep. So, I just called to let you know she won't be coming to work anytime soon.
Jai: Oh, yah, that's fine. She needs her rest. Tell her there is no need to come today, I have got it under control.
Kiran: Thanks beta, I am glad you are keeping my daughter happy.
Jai: Does she look happy? This morning…
Kiran: It happens in marriages, she is just realizing the importance of everything now. Well, bye beta.
Jai hung up and wondered what Kiran aunty meant. For the rest of the day he was buried in his work and at lunch time, around 1. There was a slight knock on the door.
Jai: Come in.
Bani: Hi.
Jai: Bani, you came… I thought you were sleeping.
Bani: Yah, well I woke up and then realized that I didn't give you lunch today and so I brought it.
Jai: Thanks, sit.
Bani: No, I actually have things to catch up, all the things from this morning.
Jai: But at least have lunch.
Bani: I had it before I came.
Bani went out the door and he felt as if there was a new space between them. He thought if he had done anything wrong and he couldn't think of anything. Just then the phone rang.
Secretary: Mr. Walia, there is a call for you from Life Care Hospital.
Jai: Hospital? Connect it.
Doctor: Hi Mr. Walia. My name is Dr. Shah. I have some news… I would tell this to Mrs. Walia but it doesn't seem right from her to hear this from a stranger. Today, Mrs. Kiran Dixit was crossing the road and a driver who wasn't paying any attention, hit her…
Jai: Is she okay now?!?!?!
Doctor: Well, we are trying our best, but her situation is getting worse and all she keeps saying is Bani.
Jai: We will be there in 10 minutes.
Jai grabbed his coat and keys and ran to Bani's room.
Jai: Let's go.
Bani: Where?
Jai: No questions. Let's go.
Bani got up and went along, wondering if he remembered the events of the previous night.
Jai: Bani, please control yourself when I tell you this.
Bani was getting really scared now, her heart told her it wasn't good news.
Jai: bani… this morning… your mom was walking across a street and a car hit her.
Bani froze: Is she… is she okay?
Jai: Well, she is at the hospital right now, the doctor said she was critical.
Bani didn't talk for the rest of the ride, and when they got to the hospital and the nurse told them what room, Bani ran to the room but stopped right in front of it.
Bani: I can't go in.
Jai: Yah, you can. I am here with you.
Together they entered the room and found Kiran attached to various machines.
Bani ran and sat right next to her mom, and put her head down on her stomach. Kiran raised her hands and stroked her hair. Bani looked up, surprised to see her mom was awake.
Kiran: Beta, there can't be a better day to die then this. Both my daughters told me they love me, both of them came and sat with me for a while, made me happy. What more can I want?
Bani: mamma, please don't say that! You are going to be fine.
Kiran: Jai beta, please keep my daughter happy. And Bani, Rano has found someone for herself too, please fulfill my last promise to your father, get her married to the man she loves. Oh, and I want to see some kids running around with you two from up there.
Bani: Mom, please don't give up.
Kiran: Please say goodbye to me properly.
Bani: NO! I am not saying bye, you are going to be fine, why are you doing this to me? Please mamma, I need you, now more then ever!
Kiran: Don't say that, I wont be able to go in peace.
Bani: Mamma, I love you.
Kiran: And I you. Look there is Rano.
Rano ran to her mom and the two daughters hugged their mother.
Kiran: I can't be happier.
That night Kiran died in peace, with almost no pain. Bani didn't move from her spot but still kept her mom's hands in hers. Jai came and tried to get her up, but she refused.
Jai: Bani, don't make her sad. I doubt she wants you to cry.
Bani wiped off her tears and quietly kissed her mom on the forehead, and whispered "I love you Mamma" in her ears. She then went around and picked up Rano and the two sisters hugged each other tightly.
---To be continued---
Belans and jhootas coming my way? Sorry! ... Hopefully Jai will remember the incident in time, but right now the more importance is in Bani's loss of her mom 😭...
Hope you guys liked it!
-Pari
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