hi friends. i am back with a short ff. i actually wanted to post this on the 19th . i couldn't i thought i'll just post this one now. its a small story just jai and bani alone dedicated to jb fans. i have no idea about the title whether it was apropriate or not do tell me guys.
and please over look my mistakes.
here goes ......
Hello
Jai dropped his lap top, phone and keys on the bed. He took his dress from the almirah and marched to the bathroom. He was back after ten minutes wearing his night suit. He took the communicator in his hand and looked at the screen. 'Damn..' he muttered. It's been three days since she had called or send him a voice mail. What might have happened to her? He thought. He threw the phone back and sat on his armchair grabbing a book from his night stand.
Jai couldn't concentrate on the book. His mind wandered around the caller. She was an anonymous caller. He never tried to find her out. He wanted it to remain as mysterious as she wanted. He remembered the time he had received her first call………….....
Jai was back from his work worn and tired he had a very rough day. His sight engineer cheated on the project his secretary goofed up his files and on top of it his niece Anu declared she was in love with a boy who was the son of his greatest rival. Jai still had few important files to catch up on. He had finished his work after two past thirty in the morning. He checked his cell and saw he had received two voice mails. Jai opened the mail box and put the phone near his ear. He frowned at the sound of a female voice.
'Mr.Jai Walia ... What in God's name do you think you are? How dare you insult people in public isn't there a sensitive born in your body?' She had flared.
Jai heard muttered his displeasure receiving the mail.
Two days later again he received a mail saying… 'Mr. Walia…. I am glad u acted little thoughtful this time…. You are indeed a thorough business man…' then he heard her laugh softly.. before he could dismiss her he heard her sing in a soft voice…'Gussa tera walla walla nakre there uff uff uff…' she laughed again ending her song.
He had checked the number then decided against calling her back and firing her. He did not want to give the caller undue importance. Two days later she had called and he had picked up the call. 'Heloo Walia…'
'Who the hell are you?' he had literally grunted.
Then she had crooned in her voice.. "nafrath ki duniya ko chod ke pyar ki duniya mein kush rahna mera..dost..' she had laughed again.
She had disconnected the call. A slow smile had appeared on his lips in spite of his annoyance…
She always called him between 11pm and 12.
Few weeks later he had gone for a tour. He had three messages waiting for him. She had wished him good luck and third message she had congratulated him about the project he got. Jai was amazed. How was she getting the news about him? She had mentioned his tiniest details too.
Once she had said, 'Jai .. the tie you wore with the jacket did not match at all.. Who is your dress designer MR Walia….'
'He had screamed. 'Mind your own business lady…. If I want I can find out who the hell you are but I do not want to give you undue importance..' he had yelled….
'Calm down Jai…. You wouldn't and you can't. You are so busy Walia you wont waste your precious time for this silly things… an I know somewhere in your heart you don't want me to be found… she had laughed again. She did have a good voice and he liked the way she had laughed.
The next two days she did not call him. Nor did she send any voice messages. He thought good riddance. On the third day she called. He was very upset that day. It was his mother's death anniversary. He picked up the call in second ring….
'Heloo..'
'Yes.' He was crisp.
'Why are you feeling so low.. Jai….'
He was quiet.
'Jai…. Let go… she is gone…'
'How the hell do you know about it?' he snapped. Sitting straight in his bed.
She laughed softly. "Jai… I am your Shadow…. Haven't you realized it yet?' she laughed again..'
He was quiet….
'I did not know arrogant and ruthless Jai Walia does have a heart after all. If not for others it at least beats for his mother….'
Jai's brows have arched.
'Go to sleep my friend…' she had said finally…..
'I can't ….' He had snapped and was surprised at himself for telling her.
'Acha.. tho mein ek gana gaoon..' she had asked.
'Wo tho thum aise bhi gathe hoo..' he snapped again.
She started to croon….
(chanda re chanda re, dheere se muskahaule se haule se, palkon mein chhup ja) - 2haule se haule se, chhan chhan chhan chhan chhan chhan chhanabaadal ke jhule pe, khhan khhan khhan khhan khhan khhan khhanahaule se haule se, baadal ke jhule pe muskachanda re chanda re, dheere se muskahaule se haule se, palkon mein chhup jadheere se muskapalkon mein chhup jaJai had loved that song. Before she had ended he had shut his eyes. The communicator slipped from his hand and landed on the bed.
There were times she would flare up on him. She would give him her peace of mind if he had hurt anyone's feelings in the office. There were times she would comment on his dressings.
Jai was snapped out of his reverie as his communicator rang. He grabbed it and shouted hello…'
'Jai.. Calm down man….'
Jai shook his head exasperatedly. 'Han Adi.. Tell me what's up?'
'The deal is signed Jai.. And I am on my way …'
'That's great news man….. I'll send the car to the airport…'
'Yes Jai thank you…' Aadi had disconnected the call.
Jai looked at his phone thoughtfully. He had the urge to ring her up and find out if everything was alright. He stood staring at the phone for sometime and then dialed the number for the first time. His heart beat rose and he felt odd. That was a new feeling for him. He put the phone to his ear and looked disappointed. "This number doesn't exist. Please check the number you have dialed."
He threw the phone on the bed angrily.
Jai walked into his office next day. He had lot of things to do. His assistant Raman Chopra walked into his Office. He was a man in his fifties very able and energetic Jai loved him like his older brother. The older man placed the file in front of him and grinned. 'We have done it…..'
Jai grinned back. "Thanks.. I know I can count on you….'
'I shouldn't take the credit for myself alone Jai.. The girl who worked with me should get her due….'
'Yes.. yes. Bani Dixit Right?' he asked.
Raman nodded. 'She is bright….' He praised the girl.
Jai nodded. Studying the file..
Jai dealt with Raman Chopra and Bani reported Raman Chopra. Bani and Jai never had any chance to work face to face. Bani learned everything about her boss from Raman.
Bani sat in her office deep in thoughts. Well… she thought. She had to tell her father not to choose that good for nothing guy as her husband. She had to do something that would stop her father from talking to Raj's father about a new relation. Her father Pravin Dixit liked Raj's father. He was a good man a respected man in the society. As for Raj same thing was not said about him he was a good for nothing fellow who took life never seriously he dwelled on his fathers name and money. Raj's father often spoke about his son to Bani's father. The older men thought if he got married to a sensible girl he would change his way of life. Bani did not want to be the sensible girl. She did not like him and that's period.
'What happened?' Asked Raman Chopra, as he walked in to her cabin.
Bani shook her head and smiled.
Bani.. my dear.. the boss is happy with our work.
Bani nodded again.
Jai closed his office door and walked through the corridor briskly in his haste he collided with someone. He steadied the person and looked. The girl moved swiftly from his touch.
'Sorry, he said.
She shook her head. Bani went past him grabbed her bag from the reception and walked out of the office building.
Her mind raced about the things she was going to tell her parents. She did not want Raj and she would tell them today. She crossed the street and caught an Autorikshaw.
Jai went home had his dinner spoke to his maasi and marched upstairs to his study. He checked his mails in the computer send few replies and looked at his phone. His cell phone sat silently next to his computer. Jai's gaze fell now and then on the instrument and finally he sweared. Why the hell was he waiting for her call? What was wrong with him? Most of the time he had found her calls annoying? Why sudden change in his attitude now? The phone buzzed and he grabbed the phone.
'Roshni…' he sighed dejectedly.
'Jai… where have you been?' she complained.
'Tell me what's up?' he asked.
'Jai… let us meet somewhere out tomorrow….' She asked eagerly.
Jai did not have any inclination to spend time with her. He tried to get out of the situation and finally gave in.
Bani spend her entire evening explaining to her parents about Raj and why she did not want him as her life partner since they are her parents she should be given benefit of doubt.
Jai was dressed in his grey Jacket and white shirt for the party Roshni took him. Roshni looked dazzling in her majanta sari. She walked in with Jai her arm tucked under his. They were greeted by their mutual friends.
Bani was dragged by Raj to the same party. She felt uncomfortable walking with him. Their friends greeted them and Bani did have good time with her friends. Raj wandered around with other girls and Bani shook her head exasperatedly.
Bani laughed and chatted animatedly with her friends some of the girls were from the office. She acknowledged them in a nod and returned her attention to her group of friends.
Jai looked bored with Roshni. He looked around and saw some of his office staffs few of them acknowledged him in a nod and smile. Jai took a cold drink from one of his waiter and walked to the corner of the room and sat down few feet away from the chatting crowd. He sipped his drink and looked around the room. Jai caught the attention of the group who was talking animatedly and laughing. They were a bunch of girls sharing their days work in a humorous manner. He smiled hearing few of the comments. Finally his attention caught on the sound of a girl who laughed softly. He strained his ears. Yes it was the same sound. He wouldn't miss that one.. No… He turned his head and stared at the group. There were more than 8 girls all laughed at something and dispersed. Jai's gaze followed each and every one. His cell buzzed. Jai took the call breaking from his trance. 'Hello…' he said.
He heard a soft laugh from the other end Jai caught his breath in time.
'Hellooo' he cleared his sound.
'Bad manners Walia… this isn't gentlemanly to gape at girls openly…'
Jai's eyes snapped opened. He looked around holding the phone.
'Doondo math nahin milegi…' she laughed again.
Jai swore.
She laughed. 'Bye.. Enjoy the party…' she disconnected the call.
Jai stared at the phone. She is here? Who the hell is she? Is she following him? He wanted to find her out desperately now. He got up from his eat and dialed the number back. A man picked up the call. Jai grunted again she had duped him. She dialed from the bar. He waked out of the party hall in a hurry and bumped into someone. He steadied the person. She was the same girl he had bumped into from his office. 'Sorry..'
She nodded again.
'Bani…..'
Bani turned her attention to the caller. Raj walked up to her and asked, "are you alright?'
She nodded.
Jai noticed the girl in front of him. He had seen Bani dixit just once. He hadn't remembered her face. Raman Chopra mentioned her name then and there he remembered her name.
Bani moved away nodding at her boss. Raj followed her in suit. When they were out of her boss's earshot she snapped at him. "Raj behave yourself when you are with me..'
'I am sorry Bani….' he scratched his head.
Jai saw them leave the building arguing. He saw Bani give a hit on his head as they caught a cab and got in. A slow smile appeared on his lips.
Jai looked at his phone and went back.
'Jai.. Where are you?' Roshni came striding behind him.
Jai was home after 1am. He went and freshened up and got to bed. Jai was asleep when he received a voice mail.
Bani spoke in no non sense tone to her parents that he was not the guy for her.
They argued and finally supported her in her decision.
Jai checked his mobile and found a voice mail from her. 'Look where you are going Jai. Kitne Bar us ladki ko giradoge?' she laughed again. Kuch aur bhi kehna hein.. mein kahoon?.... she waited as if taking his permission she continued. 'Apna wazan zara kam karna.. Kuch exercise bhi karo bhai… kaam kaam aur bas kaam.. take care of your health too..'
Jai felt a bit odd. He did feel he had put on little weight it is high time he looked after himself. He decided to skip his lunch that day. Jai took special care about his diet. He was in his thirty and he was acting like an old man its high time he thought about things.
She stopped calling him again. This was the 6th day. He would wait patiently for her call. There was no way he was going to get her on the line if he tired she had taken care of it. He did try last time and the number was not in use and he did not want to try in her new number she called him.
Jai checked his mobile again and again t o see if he had received any messages. she always called him night but he was loosing patients he wanted to hear her. He wanted to hear her laugh. He was missing her terribly. Raman and Bani sat in his office for past 10minutes and they did not come up with what he wanted to talk about his gaze always fell on the mobile and most of the time he was interrupted by other things.
'Jai…' you are pre-occupied boy we will discuss the matter later..' The older man got up from the chair along with Bani.
'Al right then….' Jai said. Cursing him. The woman was driving him crazy.
Bani and Raman walked out of the room with the files.
'Bani I'll be out for some time.. thum zara wo notification dekhna…' Said Raman on the way to the door.
'Hm' Bani nodded.
Jai lifted his gaze from the file and looked at them. They opened the door and left.
'Bani?' he thought. Nah…… she is so quiet. She can't be… but she did sound.. nahin..'
He dismissed the thought.
Jai was reading the book after dinner in his room. He had placed the phone next to him. The phone buzzed and he grabbed in seconds.
'Hello….' He did sound eager.
''Kya bath hein.. Mr Walia…. Aap kya mere phone ka intezar kar rahein the?' she asked chuckling.
'Nahin…' his answer was abrupt.
'Acha!.. I thought you were waiting for my call…' she teased.
'Oh Please woman… don't you dare dream such things. He retorted.
'I wouldn't Walia I wouldn't kyon ki mein aap ka phone ka intezar nahin karthi….' She laughed again.
'I learned from my source that you were little occupied with your communicator.' She laughed again.
'You heard wrong. By the ways who is your source?' he asked.
She laughed again. 'mein kyon bathaoon aapko?'
'Don't challenge me honey if I want I can find out your full history….'
'Okay okay.. We will not challenge each other..' she said.
'Getting scared?'
'May be a little….' She said.
He liked her honesty. A smile appeared on his lips.
'Aapne mujse poocha nahin meine in dino aap ko phone kyon nahin kiya?'
He fell quiet.
'Don't you want to know?' she prompted.
'No.'
She fell quiet. He smiled.
He heard her take a deep breath and crooned. 'Gairon pe karam.. apno pe sitham yeh jane wafa yeh zulm na kar…..' she disconnected the call.
Jai felt at loss. He hadn't expected her to cut the line so soon.
Roshni walked to his office and introduced herself as his best friend. She walked into his cabin unannounced.
'Roshni….'
'Jai…. You have got a beautiful office in here. I had liked to take a look around would you mind…'
'No… Roshni please do take one of the girls with you…' he said dismissing her and turning his attention on his work.
'I thought you will take me around..' she chided.
'I am busy Roshni… I hope you understand.'
'Okay.. ' she walked out of his room and walked into Bani's cabin which was next to his.
'Hi there.. Your boss asked you to take me for a tour of this building.
Bani got up from her seat and followed her. She showed her around. Bani had to waste more than half an hour for the so called tour. She had mountain of work her senior had left on the table. Roshni chatted all the way to the building. She told her their history how she met Jai and the relations she had with his family and if he had agreed they would have been married by now. Bani heard her banter patiently.
Jai's caller did not call him that day or the next or the next. He got agitated. He was sure he had hurt her feelings. He picked up his phone and dialed the number. The mobile was switched off. Damn…. He muttered.
Jai was in his office on Saturday he had come back from London. He heard the commotion in the canteen. He stood before the flash door and heard them. They were arguing about some song. 'Hey sing people… you will be out in no time.' Said a male voice.
Jai looked at his watch. It was 1.30 pm and their lunch time. He did want to barge in and shout at his staff this was an office for god's sake not a market. He placed his hand on the door he heard a song. He stopped on track holding his breath. It's her. He knew the sound how he would forget that voice which had haunted him from London to Mumbai. He stood rooted to the spot. He did want to go in but thought against it. He did not want to frighten her. He cared for her feelings. The singing stopped and he heard them clap.
Jai strained his ears again to hear the name of the singer. No one mentioned her name. He walked in. Mere presence of him commanded attention, the room fell silent.
She caught her breath. God! Did he hear her sing? Did he? Oh please god save me please this time….' She prayed closing her eyes.
Jai screened the room. His gaze followed the direction of the females. They all stood like thieves caught red-handed.
'Who sang the song?' he asked calmly surprising himself.
There was no response.
'Tell me guys… who sang the song it was beautiful I would like to congratulate that person..' he was amazed at the way he had put the sentence.
No... Please people spare me.. Don't tell my name… she prayed desperately.
He looked at his staff. 'Who was that? That was a fine rendition…' he repeated.
'That was Bani…..' said Sheila his accounts staff.
Bani stood horrified. She tried hard to smile.
Jai's gaze fell on her. His brow arched. He stood staring at her for a while and then he nodded. "Good.'
He turned on his heels and walked out of the door.
Bani heaved a sigh. She looked white as a paper. She stared at Sheila.
Jai paced in his office up and down. It was her. Bani? The calm and quiet Bani? He couldn't believe his ears. He had to make sure it was her he had to…. he picked up his phone and dialed Raman Chopra.
'Yes Jai….'
'Chopra Connect my line to Bani.. Please.. I need to know something…'
'Sure …'
Chopra transferred the line. Bani picked up the call in the fourth ring. 'Hello….'
The other end was quiet.
'Hello..' she repeated.
'Come in to my office Bani…' said the deep male voice.
The phone trembled from her hand. Bani stared at the hand set.
'Yes sir….' She said and got up from the seat.
She took a long breath and walked in to his office head held high.
She knocked on the door and went in.
'Come in…'
She walked in. he was up from his seat. He studied her for the first time. She was cute little thing. She was tall. She had very expressive eyes and a very lovely hair too.
'So Bani….. What did you think?' he asked not taking his eyes of her.
She looked questioningly. 'Don't pretend you did not understand…' he scowled.
She nodded.
'Speak……..' he thundered.
She frowned.
'You know very well what I am talking about Bani…. don't prove that I am wrong….'
She shook her head.
'Speak…' he ordered.
She stared at him and then cleared her voice. 'I will not challenge your intelligence…' she said staring at him.
It is her he thought. How lovely she sounds. And how arrogant. There's no trace of….
He smiled. "Good at least we agree on something.'
She did not say anything.
'So … she said. 'Anything else you wanted to say?'
He couldn't believe his ears. She was actually dismissing him.
'Nope..' he nodded.
She turned her back on him and walked to the door.
'Stay..' he shouted.
She froze.
Come here and sit down.' He ordered.
Bani turned hesitantly from the door and walked to the chair.
'Why?' he asked.
'I don't know.' she answered.
'What do you mean by you don't know?' he thundered.
'You can keep your voice low.. I can hear you as it is…' she said staring at him.
Jai's hand turned into a fist.
'How dare you?'
'I dared don't you remember.' She challenged.
Jai couldn't believe his ears she was sitting there and challenging him. He hadn't expected that.
He took a long breath. She was affecting him in an odd way. 'You dared I agree but why?'
She looked hesitant.
'Why?'
'Because you were so insensitive. You always wanted things perfect. You never cared how people got it for you. Or to what extend they go to get things done. Then what do they get your displeasure. You keep insulting them…. you are….. Sorry.. Were so brutal… I did not like what I saw I thought why don't I give you piece of my mind.. or tell you that what you are doing to some of the staff is very bad.. They actually don't deserve that you know…. I ..' she stopped at the look he gave her. 'I know it was none of my business. But I couldn't stand inhumanity. I hate to see people get insulted.. I only wanted to tell you.. but then it went on and on… some where I liked talking to you because I knew you were not all that bad…'
'Thank you very much…' he was sarcastic.
She ignored his sarcasm. 'Can I go now Mr.Walia I know what I have done. I am sorry for bothering you with my calls but not sorry for blasting you that I am not..' she stood her ground.
Oh the nerve of the girl… he thought.
He nodded. Well why did you stop calling me?' he wanted that answer more than anything.
'You were bothered about my calls..' she said turning to the door.
'You know well that's not true…' he said taking a step towards her.
Bani's heart tightened she had feared this. What would she tell him..
'You were like a hawk watching me Bani? What changed your perception? Is it because I did not give my ears to the reason why you didn't call me? '
She shook her head.
'Speak..' he thundered again.
'I am sorry Mr. Walia… sorry for the trouble… let us not make this more complicated.'
'It is complicated Bani… you started this game were you not in your senses when you started it?'
'I told you….'
"Oh Yes you did tell me how brutal I was you wanted to put me in my place….' He mocked.
'Bye..' she opened the door and closed it behind her.
Jai stared at the door. He hadn't expected this. He was crazy to tell her things were getting complicated what's wrong with him? How was it getting complicated? He did not have any answer.
Jai got immersed in his work. He pushed away the thoughts of Bani. At 4pm his secretary walked into his cabin.
"Sir…. There's a meeting scheduled for you at 5 at Taj .
'Yes Sheila.. Thank you..'
He dismissed her.
Jai went to his meeting on the way his gaze fell on the cabin Bani sat. She was immersed in her work. He walked briskly past her cabin.
Bani looked up as he passed her cabin.
Three consecutive days Bani ignored Jai and Jai did the same.
On the fourth day he called her into his office.
Bani knocked on the door and came in.
He motioned her to take seat.
'Bani what do I do with you?' he asked in no nonsense voice.
Bani looked at him. 'mein samja nahin…'
'You wronged me Bani.' he said walking towards the window and looking down at the street.
Bani stared at his back. 'Tell me damn it why are you avoiding me?' he turned suddenly from the window and thundered.
'Please aap deere boliyein…' she got up from her chair.
'Beito thum….'
She took her seat obediently. He took a long breath and stared at her. 'Tell me why did you stop calling me? My life has been going very smoothly and one fine day you came and spoiled it.' He accused.
'I am sorry…. What do I do to make your life smooth again…' she was half smiling when she asked the bizarre question. Suddenly she felt the whole situation comical.
'Marry me…' he said not taking his gaze from her.
Bani caught the table in time. She couldn't believe what she heard. 'You heard me correct.. There's no other solution… no one plays with Jai Walia's emotion and get out Scot free. I do not let that happen….' He said sitting down opposite her.
Bani snapped opened her eyes.
'You are frightening me… have you proposed to me just now or is it something else…' she asked gaining control of her senses.
'Jo bhi thum samjho…..' he shouted again.
'Jai Walia I am sitting just a foot away from you. You do not need to bellow…'
'Why the hell did you stop calling me? He asked ignoring her.
'Because I … thought that was not right…' she said wetting her lips.
'Wo kyon?' his brows arched.
'Kyon ki mein aap ko……… pasand karne lagi thi…' the later part she mumbled.
'Speak loudly….I didn't get you..'
Kyon ki mein aap ko pasand karne lagi thi is liyein ….ab kush?' she shouted.
Jai's face broke into a smile. He snatched her hand across from the table.
'Sach?'
'han……. I thought if I avoid you I'll get out of that feeling and what I am doing is absolutely wrong.
'Are you out of that feeling?' he asked.
Bani smiled blushing.
Jai was up from his seat and Bani were in his arms in no time….
'Koi deklegaa..'
Nahin… he whispered hugging her tightly to him.
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------
2
Bani…. Bani…… Bani couldn't understand from where the voice came from. She was having a very romantic dream about her and Jai Walia…..
'Bani……'
She snapped opened her eyes and stared at the person….
'Sir aap….' She got up from her seat hastily and looked at Raman Chopra…
'Bani kyan htum sou gayithi kya?' he asked studying her flushed face.
'Sorry meri aankh lag gayi thi….'
He chuckled. Well thumhara lunch time bhi katham goya hein…..'
'It's okay sir.. I am actually not very hungry..'
'Acha.. jai ne kya kahan wo project ke baroen mein…' he asked taking his seat next to her..
'Sir ne? Kya kahan? Bani was confused. She had been dreaming about their romance not any project… God!
Mein sir ....nahin gayi uski kamrein mein…..'
Raman Chopra Frowned.
'MEin abhi ja kein pata lagathi hoon….' She walked hastily to the door.
'Kya hogaya hein is ladki ko?' he thought looking at her go.
Bani knocked on the door and went in. her heart beat rose at the sight of him. he looked up as she walked in.
'Yes…'
'Chopra saab ne kaha tha ki wo project ki……….' She swallowed the rest of the sentence as he stared at her.
'Meine thum hein kab bulayatha yahan Bani dixit… abhi thum hein fursath mili yahan aane keliyein……' he shut the file and stared.
Bani stood quietly.
'Tell Chopra project is on…. and next time when I call come immediately…'
She nodded. Bani left his cabin and marched towards her office.
Jai sat back in his chair thoughtfully. He couldn't get her out of his mind there was no use avoiding her. She was constantly on his mind and he missed her calls terribly.
Jai had a meeting in the evening. He finished his meeting and decided to go for a long drive
The weather got worse and it rained. Jai drove through residential area for a change. His car fell in a gutter and it stopped. He sweared and got out. He looked around and decided he needed help. He pulled his phone from his jacket and dialed Aadi.
'Man …please send someone to get this car out…' he shouted.
Aadi took the address and disconnected the call. Jai sat in his car and looked around. It was dark out side. The head light from his car adorned a beautiful villa. He saw a woman come out of the house wearing a salwar Khameez. She walked towards the porch and extended her hand out side touching the rain drops. She walked further a head. she stood there for a moment seeming to think something then walked into the open air. Her dress drenched in rain she looked up throwing her hands. A minute later a couple walked out shouting for her to get in….
Jai sat in his car and watched the small family. He saw the older man pull the young woman inside and shouting at her. The woman next to her gave her piece of her mind too. He imagined they were shouting at her for getting into the rain. The older woman throws a towel on her and rubbed her head vigorously. Jai smiled as he saw the young woman push the towel from her face she finally grabbed the towel and went inside. The couple looked at each other and threw their hands exasperatedly in the air.
Few minutes' later two mechanics came riding a bike and stopped near his car. In ten minutes Jai was out of the mess he was in. he paid the young chaps handsomely and left to his home.
Jai missed Bani's calls. He walked in to his office next day he passed her cabin and deliberately avoided looking in there.
Bani sat in her seat and sneezed for the fourth time. She shouldn't have gotten herself wet in the rain last night. She should have listened to her parents. She sneezed again.
'God bless you.' Said Raman Chopra.
'Thank you..'
'What happened?' he asked.
'Barish meine beeg gayithi kal..' she said followed by a sneeze.
"kya bachon ki tharah thum Bani… aaj ek presentation tha meine socha who thum kar lo kyon ki meri thabiyaht kuch teek nahin hein….' He said.
Bani looked at him apologetically.
'It's okay… I'll manage….'
Bani sneezed.
At 10am Raman Chopra walked to the board room with the file in his hand. Bani followed him. Some of the staffs were already present and they were waiting for Jai.
Jai strode in.
Bani sneezed. 'Excuse me…' she muttered.
'God bless you..' Said Sheila nudging her. Jai's gaze fell on her. He quickly averted his gaze and addressed his staff in a nod. He took his seat and asked Raman Chopra to begin the presentation.
Bani sneezed again. All the eyes looked at her. She mumbled sorry. They turned their attention to the presentation. Bani sneezed again.. and again and again. She pushed the chair back and got up. 'Excuse me….'
Raman Chopra cleared his throat and said, "Bani you can go back to your seat.. Thank you..'
Bani sneezed again.
Jai looked at her she looked tired and worn. He saw her leave sneezing again and again.
Bani sat in her office holding her head in her hand. She sneezed again. God if this continues I'll die here sneezing…' she muttered. After half an hour Raman Chopra walked in..
'How was it? She asked.
'Good I guess…Jai did not say anything.
She sneezed.
'God bless you..'
'God is tired of blessing me Sir….I am sure I'll die sneezing…' she said hoarsely.
The older man chuckled. 'Bani go home and rest. I'll manage..'
'But sir..'
'As it is you are not in a position to do anything other than pollute the air.. go home…' he grinned.
Bani smiled and nodded. She got up from her seat grabbing her bag she marched to the exit.
"sir if you don't see me tomorrow think I have sneezed to death..' saying that she bumped into some one. Two masculine hands steadied her and looked down up on her. Bani took a step back and looked at him. 'Look where you are going..' he muttered.
She nodded. When he stared she said, Sorry.'
Jai dismissed her and spoke to Raman. "That was a good presentation Chopra proceed with it..'
The older man grinned. Bani gave her boss a thump up sign and fled.
Bani waited for almost an hour in the sun for a rickshaw. Nothing passed her by. She was tired and sleepy. She picked up her mobile and dialed Sheila.
Jai finished his day's work and walked to the reception. He had promised maasi he will take her to one of her relative's house. He was on his way out he heard Sheila speak on the phone.
'Kya Bani? thumhein mera scooty ka key chahiyein…. Han.. nahin yaar mein nahi de sakthi.. thum sneeze kar karke accident karvadegi. Phir mein kaise jaaongi? Han .. thum tahro mein kuch karthi hoon..' Sheila disconnected the call.
Kya hua asked the receptionist.
Bani had been in the sun too long. Usko koi vahan nahin mila ghar ajene keliyein. What do I do now?'
Jai passed her to the exit. He got into his BMW and drove past the office building. He saw Bani stand on the other side of street. A rickshaw came by her. He slowed down the car as he saw her argue with the driver. Finally the driver took off with out her. Bani looked at the rickshaw with contempt. Jai drove by her side and stopped the car. He rolled the window and she looked up in surprise. 'Get in..' he said.
'No sir I'll get a cab..' she refused though she wanted was to get in and get home.
'That Ican see... get in… this offer is not valid for a long time…' he said looking straight into her eyes.
Bani sneezed.
She opened the back door. 'Not in there madam here….'
She shut the door and opened the front door and sat beside him. She sneezed again.
'God bless you..'
Bani tried to roll down the window she couldn't. She looked at him and said, Could you please open the window a little I'll be polluting the vehicle in no time…'
He did as she said. 'It's a simple cold..' he said.
'If it is a simple cold I'll be terrified to think what bad cold will be…'
He did not say anything. Bani sat back relaxing on the seat. This was a luxurious car she thought enjoying the comfort of the car seat. It felt perfect on her back. She closed her eyes. Bani sneezed again. She put her duppatta on her face. He threw her a look and said nothing. Bani told him the street she wanted to go and shut her eyes again. In no time she fell asleep. Jai looked at her. Her face still covered with the duppatta. A slow smile appeared on his lips.
Bani's cell phone rang disturbing the silence in the car. She was unaware of the sound. Jai looked at her. The bell went on ringing. He nudged her. Bani snapped opened her yes and looked at him. 'Take the phone…'
'What?' she was still craggy.
'Phone is ringing … he showed her his phone to get some sense into her.
She grabbed the phone from his hand and said, Helloooo'.
Jai couldn't hold his chuckle he pointed her bag and said, Your phone is ringing….'
She put his phone on the dashboard and opened her bag the cell kept on ringing. After searching the instrument for several seconds, she took it from her purse. Before she could say hello the ringing stopped.
'Oh… she muttered shutting her eyes again. The cell phone rang again and she picked up the call.
'Hello….'
'Bani ..' shouted the other end.
'why are you shouting Raj… speak slowly…'
'Oaky Bani… where are you?'
'I am going home..' she said.
'What happened you don't sound good…'
'I am sick.. thumne phone kyon kiya?'
'Muje ek zaror bath karni thi thumse?'
'Kya?'
'Humari shaadike barein mein…?
What?' Bani snapped sitting straight and drawing Jai's attention.
'Why are you shocked Bani?'
'Raj listen to me carefully. There's no us in future… we are not getting married….'
Jai threw her a look focusing all the attention on their conversation.
'Lekin Bani…'
'Koi lekin vekin Nahin… mein thumse shadi nahin karrongi period….' She snapped.
'Lekin thumhara papa ne….'
Kya mere papane… thum mujse shadi tho nahi karogi papa ki bath muje nahin maloom..'
Jai couldn't conceal his smile.
Taking a deep breath Bani said, "Raj please don't get offended let me tell you something you are not a husband material Raj you are still not grown up.' Bani forgot her boss was sitting with her and she was driving with him. She wanted Raj's proposal out of her way nothing else mattered. 'thum apni shaadike barein mein dus saal ke baddh sochna…' she snapped.
'lekin Bani…. hum log sub yahan thumhara intezar kar raha hein
'Kyuon?' she frowned.
'Aaj sab humari mangni ki bath karne keliyein yahan hein…'
No this can't be.. this is not happening with her.
She took a long breath and said, "Raj I need to tell you something about myself….'
Jai strained his ears. He didn't need to strain his ears both of them were shouting loudly.
'What?' Raj shouted.
'I am already married….' Bani tried her best to sound serious.
Jai's heart skipped a beat.
'Bani thum joot math bolo..'
'Mein jhoot kyon bolo mre papa ko bhi mallom hein…'
'Come off it Bani…' Raj didn't believe her.
'Aur mera do bache bhi hein..' she shouted in frustration. 'thum picture nahin dekthi kya Raj yes sab hotha rah tha hein'
Jai's foot touched the break. Both of them jerked from their seats. Bani looked up to him.
'God! What in god's name was she doing sitting here. Kya soch rahi hogi mere barein mein…..
Bani..' Shouted the other end.
'Kya hein raj…. Mein aarahi hoon bath badh mein karlenge… bye..'
'Bani suno before you cut me off tell me where are your kids?'
'Who dono boarding mein hein abh kush…..' she disconnected the call. She put her sell phone in her bag cursing Raj all along. 'Idiot ko abhi phon karna tha…'
'Sorry for that..' she said apologetically.
'Where's your house?' he asked.
She told him. 'And do me a favor if you could reach me home little faster I'll be most thankful.
His feet touched the accelerator. She sighed.
He stopped the car near her villa. And recalled the place where his car had broken down. No wonder she was sneezing to death he thought.
Bani got down and said, thank you…'
'Your sneezing had seized to a stop.'
'Yes….' She smiled.
She shut the door of the car and turned towards her house. Jai stopped the car and honked
She walked towards the car. He rolled down the window and said, 'Jab thum agli baar apni bachon se miloge tho mera pyar dena undono ko…'
'Kounsa Bacha?' she did not get him.
'Jinien thum boarding mein chod ayein ho….' He rolled back the window and left her staring after him.
Bani had a row with Raj for teasing her and making a mockery out of her. He had proven to be a good friend Bani thought when he told her that he was no more interested in marriage as her.
Jai took his maasi out as he had promised her. On the way to her destination Jai spoke about Bani to her. Maasi heard him and grinned.
Jai switched on the Ac in his room and went to sit on the armchair. His phone buzzed. Jai picked up the phone. 'Hello…'
The other end was quiet.
'Helloo.. who is this?'
She cleared her throat.
A smile formed on his lips. "Yes…'
'I wanted to tell you that I don't have any children….' She said after much of hesitation.
'So?' his smile broadened.
'So… nothing.. I just wanted to say that…' she went quiet.
'That's it?'
'Hmm… okay then….'
'Hey wait….' He could imagine her frown.
'What?'
'Why did you want to give me this piece of information..?'
She was quiet. Why did she? Why did she care what he thought of her? She cared that much she knew… her caring was stepping on a dangerous zone she had stopped calling him, then why the hell did she call him now? Bani bit her lips in frustration.
'Hello…..'
'I don't know…'
'I do know….'he said. 'Do you want me to tell you?'
'No..' she panicked. She was about to disconnect she heard him.
'Don't you dare.. Disconnect me…'
She stopped and put the phone to her ears. 'Bani… I was not certain about your feelings but with this call you have made today.. I am sure about something..'
'What?' she asked her heart in her mouth.
'That you …. Never mind…' he stopped.
she heaved a sigh.
Bani…' he called after a moment.
'Han…'
'I love you…..' Jai hadn't expected him to say such a thing or declare his love to her he was shocked as much as her.
Bani's mouth fell opened. She held her breath.
'You there?' he asked after much of deliberation. She did want to say she was there but she couldn't move her tongue….
'Bani…..'
'ji…. Mein sun rahi hoon..' she managed to say.
'Maasi kal thumhari ghar aa rahi hein use math bagana…' he said expecting an answer from her.
'Masi? Kyon?' she was loosing her sense. Mein kyon bagaoon unko?'
He chuckled. 'good… maasi ko meine bata diya hein ke ek ladki hein jo muje rath ko phon karthi hein jo dho bachon ki maa hein jine boarding school bech kar wo chain ke saans le rahi hein…. Us ladki ko aap is ghar mein bahu banakar le aana..'
Bani's mouth curved into a smile. 'Agar uski husband aagayi tho?' she asked.
'Wo ek problem hein lekin koyi bath nahin mein usko bhi dahej samaj kar le aonga..'
Bani bust into laughter.
Then the unexpected happened she heard him sing….
'Meine poocha chandd se ki dekha hein kahin
Mera yaar sa hansi
Chand ne kahan chandni ki kasam nahin nahin nahin…..'
'Arre wah gane ka bhol tho bahoth acha tha lekin Ghana aisa gaya ki kisi ko batha na padega ki yeh gana tha..' she teased.
Jai laughed along with her his heart filling with love and warmth and joy at her sound.
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this it people i think now i have ended properly 😕 do tell me how it was..... i will waiting for the comments.
Current Affairs
Bindi
