FF: Pyar Ka Pal Note: Page 16 - Page 6

Bani looked through her clothes and wondered why she had made that bet, couldn't she have thought rationally about the consequences, at least this once. She He hadn't told her what kind of place they were going to for dinner. What if she picked something formal and it ended up being a normal coffee place. And what if it was a very formal place and she dressed up in a jeans and a shirt. Bani finally picked on a simple dress that wasn't too formal but nor was it casual wear.

She looked at her watch and realized she was way too early, it was still only 6:30, and so she made herself busy. She gathered the clothes that were spread out in her room when she was deciding what to wear. She had always kept her house neat so she had nothing much to do as she waited for Jai to show up.

Jai drove down the road and looked for the house his secretary had found for him. There it stood, it was a small house but it was still homely. There was something about the house, that warned people before entering as if they were entering into a sacred place. He saw Bani standing near the window looking outside as if searching for something, her eyes were always looking for someone, something. It hurt him to think that maybe her eyes for searching for someone she loved…

He made a mental note to tell himself that she has a weak spot for flowers; her garden was full of them, all different kinds, and different styles.

But he could easily spot her favorite ones, there were little lilies on the corner, hidden but yes very well taken care of.

Jai parked the car and as soon as Bani saw him, she pretended to be busy inside the house and waited full minute before opening the door when he rang the bell.

There she stood, looking gorgeous in a simple dress. He took her hand and put it to her lips, "You are looking… amazing."

A little self conscious and trying to control herself after that tiny kiss, "Thank you, you don't look too bad yourself."

"Wow, a compliment from you!"

"Don't get used to it," Bani invited him while she went to grab her purse. "Where are we going?"

"Are you up for a ride?" Jai stepped into the house and saw that it was simple yet pretty. There was a fragrance in the house, which he tried very much to ignore.

"I guess so," Bani glanced at the car, trying to ignore him as much as possible.

"Are you going to be a good sport about this?"

Bani let out a little sigh; after all it was her bet that had made her be here "I might as well."

They drove in silence, but Bani was surprised by many things. He was listening to old Kishore Kumar songs, driving peacefully, enjoying the scenery. They didn't drive into the city like Bani had expected instead he drove down a secluded area, surrounded by mountains and beauty. Bani relaxed softly into the seat and enjoyed the ride. Jai turned to catch her every once in a while, this was the first time she was close to being comfortable with him around.

"Can I ask where we are going?"

Lazily Jai replied "Dinner."

"No really… I mean where are we eating?"

"At my place," Jai saw her become aware again, she was no longer relaxed instead it was as if all her instincts were poking her against this dinner.

His place… Bani hadn't even thought of that as a possibility. Going on a date with him was hard enough, but having to go on a private dinner with him was unbearable… She controlled herself and made a mental note to ask any guy where they would be going to dinner before agreeing. "I see, then why are we going the opposite way?"

"Opposite way?" Jai turned to look at her a little confused.

"Well, in the paper work and everything that you filled out today, the address given was to the Walia Mansion in the city and we are going towards the old part of the town here."

Jai smiled, so she did pay attention to everything he did, "Yah, Walia mansion is where I usually stay but whenever I get tired of working, and constant deadlines, I come here to relax, this is like my refuge. I find peace here."

Bani was surprised to find out all this about the great industrialist. Sure she was cynical but she had been brought up that way. "Well, this surrounding place looks really pretty. It makes it feel like home."

"Yup, that's what attracted me to this place. And that there is the house, or you can call it farmhouse."

Bani was awed, it was a small house. In front of the house was a small fountain and to the right of it, there was a river, a stream passing by. The house was surrounded by flowers, something she had a big weakness for. Jai stopped the car and without saying anything Bani got out. "This place is gorgeous. How do you ever leave it? I would just live here, never be able to leave."

Jai had never brought anyone here before, at least not someone part of the family but his instincts had told him to bring Bani here. It was exactly what was needed, he needed to bring her here. The reason he had brought her here was to prove to himself that she wasn't the one he was looking for… but she fit in so perfectly that it was hard to. "I find it hard to leave as well at times but duty is duty."

"I guess so," Bani understood the importance of duty more then anyone, especially because of… well it didn't matter. Bani put those thoughts at the back of her head and tried to focus on the present.

"Let's go inside," Bani was surprised to find no servants around. They were completely alone in the house. The house was mostly dark except for the candles put on the small table.

"Sit, I will be right back." Jai went inside the room while Bani took this time to analyze the room, as it taught her a lot about Jai.

Jai came back with plates in his hand, "Mr. Walia, why are you doing all this? Here, let me help."

"No, Bani. Sit, I am getting the food. Relax," and once again he disappeared into the room. Bani saw the food and saw that it was clearly homemade. The aroma spread around the room, it smelt delicious.

Jai came back with the food and set it on the table, "Mr. Walia, did you make all this?"

"Why not?" Jai sat across from Bani and saw her face being reflected off the candle.

Bani was surprised, not only were there no servants, Jai had made the dinner all my himself. That only scared her further… "I just figured that we would be eating out, or at least food from somewhere out."

"I am a industrialist, I meet so many people each day, with each of these people I go to either lunch or dinner as it's part of the routine, I get tired of eating outside. We would have gone somewhere out but we would be watched by paparazzi every second of the way, and I wanted to avoid that."

"Makes sense," Bani looked down at the food and it looked wonderful.

"I called your office this morning," Jai said as he served the food.

"You did? I never got the message…" a little confused.

"Well, I just had a question and Rano picked up the phone and answered it so I never left a message."

"What question was this?" Bani hated to not be in control of everything and not knowing this bugged her.

"Nothing big, I just wanted to know if you were vegetarian or not. It would just be weird if I made fish and you turned out to be vegetarian. But Rano told me you were vegetarian so I made the food according to that." Jai looked at Bani, she was awed by what he had done. He could see a rush of emotions in her face that she controlled very well.

"This looks wonderful," that was all Bani could manage to say.

"So, Ms. Bani Dixit, how did you get into this line of work? I mean producing any everything."

"I guess it's heredity." Bani avoided Jai's eyes as much as possible.

"Heredity?.... Oh my God! You are Nishikant Dixit's daughter! The great producer's daughter!"

That's when Jai saw it, there was something in her eyes, less then anger, more then pain. He realized that she was vulnerable to the topic so he avoided it, for now. "Yup, that's him, my father."

Jai tried to remember everything he had read about the Dixit family and realized that Bani's parents were divorced and it was an ugly divorce. Just then it hit him… Bani's mother had committed suicide a few years back.

Bani could see it in his eyes, he had remembered what had happened to her mother. She hated it when people ignored her, and tried to be careful around her, "Mr. Walia, yes, you remember correctly. My mother did commit suicide, but that doesn't mean you have to be careful around me."

Jai didn't know how to proceed from there but he felt the safest thing for now was to change the topic, "I was just thinking that you look just like her. I remember her pictures, it's in your face too."

Bani closed her eyes, why did it hurt still, even after she had left her so many years ago, "How did you get into this business?"

"Well, it's almost like a family tradition now. My grandfather started a business in his garage and it slowly went into a small building, after my dad took it over, it became bigger, and now it is the Walia Industries."

"Was there never a time when you didn't want to follow the family tradition? I mean do something different." Jai could sense, she had felt that at times.

"Well, I like my job, if I didn't like it then I wouldn't be doing it. There was a time when I wanted to be an actor but obviously you are fulfilling that for me, with this commercial." Jai smiled making Bani once again feel weak.

"Well you are a natural at it."

"So, you were happy with the way things turned out today?"

"Yah, we have 4 different styles we can work this from. The editors are taking care of the little details as we talk, it should be ready for the first cut tomorrow, of course there will be parts of it that will need to be redone but I can only say that after I have watched it carefully." Jai saw the passion with which she talked about her work and realized it wasn't about family traditions for her.

"Awesome, does that mean this will be done soon?"

Bani looked up from the food and met his eyes, neither of them had said it before but they both knew this was a very temporary thing. He was only on the job for about a weak and a half, after that they would both be gone their different ways. "Well, it will take some time right now as we need to make different types of commercials to attract different people."

"Ah, okay." It pleased Jai to think that he still had some more time to make her realize that he wasn't an ass as she took him to be. They had both finished dinner, and Jai went up to turn the music on softly. Bani loved the song, "I will love you forever." Jai came and took her hand and raised her.

If I should stay,

I will only be in your way…

So, I will go but I know,

I love you every step of the way.

And I… will always love youuuu

Will always love youuu…

You… my darling… you.

Bittersweet memories

That is all I am taking with me…

So, goodbye. Please don't cry.

We both know, I am not what you need.

Jai looked at Bani and saw a tinge of tears in her eyes, but he just pulled her closer, almost into an embrace as they danced together. He had no idea why she was in so much pain, but he swore whoever had put her through this torture was a…

And I… I will always love you…

I… I… will always love you…

The music played as Bani tried to pull herself apart from him, he demanded too many memories from her, too many emotions. Too much.

I hope… life treats you kind.

And I hope you have all you dreamed of

And I wish you joy and happiness

But above all this, I wish you… looove

Bani broke apart from the dancing position as the music continued to play in the background. The two of them just stared at each other.

I will always love you…

I will always love you…

I will always love you…

Bani needed it to stop, now but it continued.

I will always love you…

I will always love you…

I will always love you…

Jai stood and watched the tear fall down her eyes even as the song came to a finish.

I will always love you…

Jai tried to reach for her, but Bani was out the door faster then anything. It was cold outside but she no longer cared.

She walked down the road, and saw a little lake further down the road, she went and stood there looking into the water. "This is my favorite place too." Bani was surprised to find a girl of maybe 25 standing next to her. "Don't worry, Jai knows I am here."

Bani wondered who this girl was, she was young and pretty. She came and sat right to Bani, "Hi, I am Bani."

"Bani… nice name, very unique. I am…" but she was interrupted by Jai. She got up abruptly and ran over to give Jai a quick hug.

It hurt for Bani to watch that, and she didn't even know why. Of course she ignored the pain and looked back at the lake.

Jai came hand in hand with the girl to Bani, "Bani, this is Jigyasa my younger sister. And Jigyasa, this is Bani, my date."

"Wow, Jai, you have never brought anyone here before other then family. Bani, you must be something special." Bani turned crimson but just smiled softly.

"Well, Jigyasa, why don't you go on in. We will be there in a few minutes."

"Fine, fine I get it. Don't worry I don't want to be a pain in the ass for anyone either."

Jai went and sat right next to Bani, "What's wrong darling?"

"Don't call me darling!" Bani retorted quickly.

"Allright then, what is wrong with you Ms. Dixit?" Jai wouldn't let it go at least not now.

"How many members do you have in your family?"

Jai was surprised by the change of topic but he went with it, "Well let's see. I have a sister you just saw, Jigyasa, she has a young girl, Anu. I have a brother, Saahil, who is married to Raashi and has a young son. There is Jigyasa's husband, Aditya who is also my best friend. There is Maasi and Dadi. And then there is my mother, Krishna Walia. She is my pillar of strength. She means everything to me, she has always been there for me. You know what I mean…"

Bani wished she knew what he meant. There was no one in her life that was her pillar, she had no one she could trust except her friend, Rano. She wished she knew… "Sure…"

"Do you think we should get back in? I mean it's pretty cold out here."

"I think it's time I go home." Bani got up but was stopped by Jai.

"We still have some time, come with me. I want to show you a place." Jai took her hand and even though she tried to resist it, he kept her hand in his.

They walked down the road and ended up at a tree house. It was bigger then normal ones, it was pretty. "Is this where you played when you were young?"

"Yah, when I was young, Aditya, Jigyasa, Saahil and I used to come here and play all the time. We built this and one day, Jigyasa fell off of it and ever since then this place has been prohibited from us. Let's go in, I think we can control ourselves now and not fall."

"But we are a lot bigger now, what if it breaks? I mean you guys were little kids." Even as she said it, Jai was pushing her up the ladder.

"Well compared to four, it is only the two of us going in now." Jai entered the tree house and all of a sudden it seemed so small. The two of them were too close for Bani's comfort but Jai didn't move back even a little bit. He enjoyed seeing her blush furiously.

Bani tried to do anything but look or touch Jai because she knew it was too hard to control her emotions. She found a picture of Jai as a kid with his brothers and sisters, "Oh my God, you guys were so cute!"

"Not anymore? I am hurt!" Jai smiled as he saw Bani fumble with a response. If she called him cute still, she would be in trouble but there was no way she would be mean to him.

"What did you guys used to do in here?"

"Well let's see, we used to plan tricks in here. How to get each other in trouble and basically we were up to mischief every time we were here." Jai smiled remembering the old days.

Bani tried to remember a time when she had been last happy or content as Jai seemed at this time. She remembered one time, "Next to my house there used to be this small temple, and in front of the temple was a little garden. My mother and I used to go there every day and garden there."

Jai was surprised that she had opened up, even though it was just a tiny bit. "What is with women and loving gardening? When I was younger, my mom always dragged me along into the garden and made me help her with the gardening"

"No wonder this place looks beautiful, your fountain reminded me of the temple and the flowers there." Bani bit her lips; she was surprised that she had told him something so precious to her.

"All my mom's hard work." Jai saw Bani getting closer to the ladder and this time he let her. He promised herself that no matter what she would be back here, she would go out with him again.

"All right then Mr. Walia, I should be getting, I have to get to work early tomorrow, so have to go home and sleep," Bani knew that she wasn't going to get any sleep tonight at least not after this.

"Well then I guess we should get going."

"You don't have to come and drop me, I can get a taxi home."

"No, I will drop you Bani. As it is, there is no way I can stay here tonight because I have a meeting early morning tomorrow so it will be easier if I stay in the city."

"I thought Maasi had banned you from working…" Bani found it amusing that Maasi had done that.

"Well, I got Ma to let me work at least for now since I am working on something as a memory for my father."

"Oh, okay. I have to go inside the house and grab my purse."

"Fine, I will bring the car around, wait for you outside."

Bani walked inside the house and found Jigyasa on the phone. As she saw Bani walk in, Jigyasa hung up wanting to talk with Bani for a second, "Bani, it was nice to meet you."

"Same here," Bani smiled.

"Well, I will be seeing you around here often."

"Often?" Bani was confused by what she was signaling.

"Jai never brings anyone here, and the fact that he brought you here means he is serious about you."

That scared Bani, she didn't want this to become serious for either one of them. "Oh" was all she could manage.

Bani picked up the purse and went to sit in the car, the entire ride home she looked outside, avoiding the looks he had been throwing at her. She was scared because she too wanted something for them but her past had told her not to believe in these things. When they stopped at the house, Bani quickly got out of the car and closed the door and then at second thought looked through the window and as a courtesy thing, "I enjoyed dinner today."

"Good, so did I. I will give you a call later." Jai knew that Bani didn't mean it as a invitation for another date, but in this matter she had no choice. He drove off thinking how he was going to convince her for another date… that too soon.

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