Part 2.....
Bani hurries to Rano's office.
Bani (crying): Rano, Mr Walia is going to be Ok... He just spoke to me... I have to go home and get everything prepared for him.....
Pauses and breaks down completely crying her heart out
Bani: How can I face him, Rano ... I want to look after him and make everything right and... but how Rano? How?
Rano: I am happy that Mr Walia is going to be well again.... The two of you will have to find a way to forgive each other... Both of you don't have any choice.
Next morning Jai wakes up and looks around thinking 'where is Bani?'. Memories flood back and he winces, there was no Bani for him anymore, just Durga, someone else's Durga.
Door opens and sees Rano. Smiles at her.
Rano: How are you feeling this morning Mr Walia, glad to be back with the living? You have no idea what a fright you gave us...
Jai: I am fine. How long have I been here?...(pauses)... Rano... I dreamt Bani was here...(smiles sadly)...is she ... she must be happy now?
Rano: Why don't you ask her!
Moves aside to reveal Bani. Rano leaves room. Jai and Bani stare at each other, not knowing what to say or where to start! Jai tries to lever himself up putting pressure on his injury, falls back gasping in pain...
Bani rushes to him and all the while her hands try and soothe him while babbling away hysterically
Bani: What are you doing ? .... do you want to kill yourself ......never ask for help ..... don't think.... have you any idea what I have been feeling....Oh no...
Jai (trying to interrupt): Bani....Bani...I'm fi...
Bani: ... and never tell me anything ...... you know what your problem is .... well! I'll tell you .... you never think I might want to share things with you .... but you Mr High and mighty.....
Jai: Bani....BANI....shutup!
Bani stares at him speechlessly and then burys her face in his shoulder, weeping inconsolably. Jai let's her cry and then
Jai: Bani, according to you I'm all ready to kill myself but before I can do that, you are going to drown both of us....so unless you have taken up weight training and intend to carry me out of here, please stop crying!
He heard an unladylike snort from his wife but the weeping stopped.
Bani (after a pause): I missed you so much....
Reluctantly, lifts her head to stare down at him. Together
Jai: Please forgive me...
Bani: I'm so sorry...
Jai: Bani, do you know what our problem is? ... We think we are protecting each other from hurt but we consequently inflict more hurt than would have been felt by us if the truth had been revealed in the first place.
Bani: You are right... and our own always made it worse instead of helping ... Shall we start with a clean slate now, promising we will always share with each other anything that affects us, no matter how small?
Jai: Yes, but I want to talk about our past so that we can build on our future. I want you to tell me what made you take certain actions and what I did to hurt you. In turn, I'll tell you and maybe we will not make the same mistakes again.... But first, tell me how are Atharva and Krishna?
Bani: They are fine but they miss you... always wanting to know when they will be going home to papa... it's always - papa does this and not that, he does it this way and not that way... (laughs) I wasn't able to break their 'bad' habit! ... and the secret is that their mother also suffers from the same 'bad' habit except it's much worse in her...
As they talked about the children and took the first step towards clearing their past, Bani could see Jai becoming tired.
Bani: Enough for today I think...
Jai: I don't want you to go... (with a disgusted tone)...but I can't even argue with you, Mrs Walia...
For the next few days, Bani would drop the children at school and would pop in and out of the offices, making little excuses to visit their work sites so she could be at the hospital instead, leaving only when it was time for the children to come home. Jai had insisted the children should not see him in this condition, it would be too upsetting for them.
And so they talked and grieved together when Bani told how she had lost their first baby. In turn Jai explained how hurt he had been that Bani had ever thought that money was more important to him than her and how he would never forgive himself for taking the babies away from her. Eventually, coming to the point both had been dreading ...
Jai: Bani, I want to explain about the Pia episode in Dubai... I am not trying to excuse myself but you have to believe that it was the biggest mistake of my life because I was well and truly over Pia by that point... you meant everything to me and I could not understand why you kept on pushing me away .... Anyway, early that morning your lawyer rang up and said you wanted the divorce papers signed and dispatched that same day, there was a party in the evening and I just wanted to forget everything because it felt like my life was over and I didn't even know why so I got drunk...so drunk that I still don't remember what happened. All I remember is going to my room and Pia was there, I pushed her out and then ...nothing...Next morning Pia was there and I felt so sick ... and worse when you came ... I'm sorry..so sorry...
Bani: ...but I asked Tarun to stop the divorce a few days before I came to you....
Both look at each other and the word 'Tarun' hung between them. Of course, his obsession would have made him destroy something he couldn't have and what could they say about Pia. Bani had also been putting off telling Jai about the divorce but now it was time to confess...
Bani: I need to tell you something as well... (pauses) I...I asked AD to start divorce proceedings on Durga's behalf a few weeks ago ... The papers are probably waiting for you at home ...
Hides her face in his shoulder
Jai (smiles): ....So is that the fourth time now ??? You really must stop doing this or I might start thinking you mean it ....
Bani giggles: Well, you have done it too....
Jai (laughs): How can you count my one miserly attempt and that too with papers that were not genuine!
Rano looked at the 2 of them through the door window and almost regretted having to interrupt them. Knocks on the door and enters. Bani blushed, still self conscious ...
Rano: Well Mr Walia, good news for you and di you can go home tomorrow. Shall I get someone from WM to pick you ?
Jai: That is truely great news! I can't wait to get out of this place... (looks puzzled, turns to Bani) Won't you be here to take me ?
Bani (looking miserable): ...Maybe it will be a good idea to get someone from WM to come. I don't know when I will be able to come....
Storm clouds built on Jai's face and Rano taking one look thought it would be a good time to depart so they could sort it out between them
Rano: Di, I'll just leave now and you can come and tell me what you decide.
As soon as the door closed
Jai: what do you mean by that? Aren't you coming back to WM?
Bani: I want to but I can't leave Bhoot mansion just like this. Ma helped me a lot and I can't just leave her and then there are the girls....
Jai: Oh, I see... and what about me? .. I still come way down on your list like always... definately behind your sisters and now also behind your adopted family ...
Bani (angry): NO! You think after all this time I don't want us to be together? ... It's because I am afraid AD will harm you....
Jai (anger subsides): ...I'm sorry, Bani, and I know it is also better for you to remain as Durga for now but we can't let people keep on blackmailing us always. We have to face these things together and I want my little family back now. It's been too long...
Bani: I know but I just need a bit of time... please...
Jai: Ok. you do what you think is best .... but I warn you I will also do what I can to bring us together again.
Bani felt miserable and when she got to BM
AD: So the prodigal has returned... where were you?
Bani: I went to get the kids from school...Why?
AD: I don't mean now, I was looking for you in the office and noone seemed to know where you were
Bani: I told them I was going to the new factory site...
AD: I went there and they hadn't seen you...
Bani: ... but I changed my mind and went to look at how the new hotel staff were coping... I'll let the office know all my movements next time... So why were you looking for me?
AD: Nothing, particular... just wanted to take you out to lunch so we get to know each other before our engagement next month.
Bani didn't answer to that. Luckily, the girls turned up then arguing among themselves and pleading with Durga to settle their argument.
In the morning, Bani rang Rano
Bani: Rano, today I have to be in the office. Mr Dev is becoming suspicious and was questioning me yesterday. Is Mr Walia still there? Please explain to him...
Rano: I'm sorry di but Mr Walia left for WM early in the morning. He didn't even wait for his car but took the taxi home.
Bani (annoyed and worried): How could he do that... the way those taxi's rattle his wound will open up again... Rano, please check on him for me, please...
Rano: He's Ok, di. I already rang him... annoyed with everyone but Ok...
Sitting in the office, Bani could not concentrate. She could just imagine him being in pain or needing help and not calling anyone. Typical of him! And what was he going to eat? She picked up the phone to ring him when
AD (suddenly): So no site visits today then? Good, we can go to lunch.
Bani: But I have so much work to do...
AD: I'm not taking 'no' for an answer. You look you could do with a change... treat it as our first date!
Sitting opposite him, Bani played with her food hardily eating anything. She had never given it much thought previously but thinking about it now, they really did not have much to talk about. Previously, it had all been about extracting revenge from Jai but now there was nothing.
Later she collected the kids and made her way to WM. The kids could hardily contain their excitement and rushed out of the car as soon as it came to a halt. Bani was left trying to caution them ...
Bani: ...Ssshhhhhh, don't shout..... and don't runnn...
Jai was in his bedroom and by the time Bani got there the children had climbed onto the bed and were in a tight hug with their father. Luckily, Jai had been sitting up in bed trying to read when his door was flung open and 2 missiles flung themselves on him. Jai looked at his wife over their heads and held out a hand. Bani also rushed over to join them.
Bani: Now.. Atharva..Krishna.. be careful...
And so began their new daily routine until one day
Jai: Bani, I am going to send someone to you tomorrow at BM so go back there after dropping the kids off at school ..Don't refuse what ever he asks!
Bani: Tell me some more...
Jai: No!
Next day, Jai's lawyer appeared holding a contract which he proceeded into handing over to Bani infront of Ma..
Lawyer: Madam, my client Mr Walia requests access to the children on a weekly basis over the weekend. He will pick them up on Friday's from the school and drop them there on Monday's. He has asked me to point out that you were given equal rights over the children and he is asking for access well below the level he is entitled to. Should you refuse this then he will make arrangements via the courts to gain his full rights.
Bani's mouth dropped open and she swayed with the shock. She was not expecting this!
Ma: Durga, you don't have to accept this. We will get Jeet to look into it and I'm sure we could ...
Bani: No, Ma. I cannot take a chance that the court will give him more access. (Turns to lawyer) ...And what about holidays?
Lawyer: He is willing to come to a suitable arrangement to suit you. He can either continue with the weekly arrangement except the children will be collected on Thurs night and dropped back on Tue morning or they could come to him for a continious period to be agreed between you two...
Bani: I see... He has thought of everything. Here give me the papers .... (signs them without reading them) ... and has he also thought about what I should do when I miss them ?!?
Lawyer (disapprovingly): And Madam, if you would have read the papers you would have also noticed that ... due to the children's young age and need for stability, Mr Walia has also agreed to the the children being accompanied by their mother at all times...so yes, he has thought of that as well!
Later in the day, Bani went straight to Jai and hugged him...
Bani: You devious man! No wonder you didn't tell me... Ma was there and she thought I was going to faint with shock...
On Friday Bani took Ma with her to drop the children at WM. She needed extra support she said. The car stopped at WM and Bani got out with the kids, hugging each of them in turn
Bani: I shall miss you so much... don't forget to call me if you are afraid or want anything....
Let's them go and then calls them back on the pretext of giving them something they had forgotten. Again hugs them and has tears in her eyes.
Sits in the car and watches them go, Ma looks at her and then at the kids climbing up the steps.
Ma: They will be alright Durga... you just need a bit of time...
Bani: ..I have had so little time with them...what if they don't want to come back to me... (crys)
Car drives off. Bani keeps on twisting her head to look at the house, wringing her hands in worry...
Ma: Driver, stop the car.... Go Durga, I can understand you not wanting to be away from your children after so long...
Bani doesn't need much persuasion. Saying a quick thank you she jumps out of the car and runs down the road to WM.
At BM
AD: Ma, how could you let Durga go stay there... it is time she stopped being so attached to only those children and attended to all in this house as well.
Ma: Don't be harsh on her. She is a mother and I can understand her feelings. Anyway, she stayed there before and still came back here so what harm can it do.
It was the start of a golden period at WM, the place echoed with happiness and laughter. For a few days every week they were a complete family and were finally able to do things together which they had missed out on. Atharva even got his father to cook them his favorite 'sweet' omelete! ...And the nights ...what was there to say about them except that they were there for the couple to reaffirm their love for each other.(flashbacks to 19th June and any others you would like to see!)
Bani now positively glowed looking forward to Fridays and clinging to her husband before her return to BM on Mondays. She still took the children to WM after school whenever she could and would herself pop in numerous times of the day, even bringing Jai some business work to do because she could see he was bored. Anyway, as she said to him she would much rather look after him than handle the business, he did it so much better and quicker!
She tried to take up the subject of AD with Ma, even going so far as saying that she was sure she was not right for AD but Ma just did not want to hear it. Until one Monday, Bani had just returned from WM and came across Ma viewing the hall of BM.
Ma: It is good you have come just in time to help me decide...we have to start on getting the hall prepared for your engagement soo......
She turned around to face Bani and stopped mid-way at what she say. Takes Bani by the arm and leads her to a mirror
Ma: What is this? (points to the traces of Sindoor in Bani's hair) ... and this? (pulling her mangalsutra from under her dress)
Bani looked and blushed.. she had forgotten to remove them today... having been rather occupied with other things this morning! Takes a deep breath and faces Ma...
Bani: Ma, I really want to talk to you about that... I have been trying to tell you for so long that I do not want to marry AD... I'm sorry for hurting you... but I can no longer just be part of a ritual that will make other people happy but not me... when I agreed to it, I thought I could do it but not now...
Ma (sits down): Why Durga? Why? ... what has changed now?
Bani: I have...Durga was born out of hate but even then Bani was never far away. Now Durga is no longer there, only Bani remains and she can't even think of being with anyone other than her husband...
Ma: And what happens when your husband decides he does not want you again? who is going to help pick up the pieces then?
Bani: It was a misunderstanding. But through all that my husband has remained steadyfast to me, even when I was making his life miserable and every hurt Durga gave him, Bani wept for it so you cannot say that we have not suffered for each other. As for the future... we have both learnt from the past and are trying hard to make everything right again.
Ma: You will have to give me time to come to terms with this... I have been relying on you being there for AD in the future.
Bani: I'm sorry... but I have wanted to tell you for so long but you were not well so I could not do it...Please try and forgive me...
Ma: ...Now, go and remove them ...
Back at the office
AD: Durga, how are you ? ... Nowadays we hardily get to see you at home.
Bani: I'm fine. I have been very busy with the contracts coming up.
AD: ...and the quality of your work has improved significantly... so much so that I am suprised at how good some of your strategies are...
Bani: Thank you, after all I do have a very good teacher.
AD gives a smug self-satisfied smile (dream on!)
AD: By the way, there is a party of the top business directors this Saturday and you can come with me.
Bani: But I go with the children....
AD: No, NOT this weekend! It is time you started to be seen with me as my fiancee.
Bani: I don't...
AD (dismissingly): So that is all OK then... (leaves)
This was the start of ADs campaign to cut Bani's activities unless he was part of them.
Bani was hurt when she mentioned her suspicions to Ma and Ma agreed with what AD was doing. Fri morning, Ma and the girls took Bani off shopping and did not return until late, causing Bani to ring Jai to pick up the kids.
Late at night she rang Jai to talk about what was happening with her and how hurt she was at what Ma was doing especially as Bani had told her about Jai.
Bani: At least, I put a stop to attending the party....
Jai: What did you do?
Bani: I tripped on the stair and hurt my knee...
Jai: BANI! How could you do that, how badly have you hurt yourself...
Bani: Relax... it's not as bad as you are imagining... just a tiny tiny graze but it did the job...
Jai: ....So?
Bani: So... what?
Jai: So...You don't want me to come over and kiss it better than...
Bani: MR WALIA! ...(pauses).... You can do it next weekend!
Jai: MRS WALIA! you have shocked me...when did you become so forward...
Bani: ...blame yourself!
Meanwhile Ma was observing Bani, she noticed the way Bani would start feeling awkward when AD came near her. Her response was always correct just as it had been before but now you could feel a tangible excitement radiating from her as Friday's approached.
One Saturday, passing a resturant she caught a glimpse of Bani with her family eating. She stopped to observe them. Both husband and wife were attending to the children but were also aware of each other. There was laughter when Jai tried to eat what looked like a chip from Atharva's plate and there was a brief tussle while Bani took the fork away from him just as he thought he had got away with it. He started saying something to Bani and she quickly took a forkful of vegetables from her plate and put them in his mouth to stop him speaking further! They looked a happy and contended family group, no signs of the problems they were facing.
Ma was thoughtful. She had never seen Bani so happy and it seemed almost sacrilage to break up the little family and yet she told herself she had to think of AD. 'Why?' whispered her conscious.
Suddenly, the rains came and affected the kids school so it shut early. The teacher in-charge of Atharva and Krishna hurried with them to BM and left them outside the gate. Keeping one eye on the skies, hoping it would not start raining again she hurried away not waiting for them to go in. Krishna starts to open the gate but Atharva pulls her back.
Atharva: Krishna, let's go to papa.
Krishna: Yes, let's. He will be so suprised!
Both catch hands and start walking thinking WM was just nearby. They keep walking
Krishna: Brother, I am tired...
Atharva: Look, there is a park. We can go and rest.
Go and sit on a bench, Open their lunch boxes and share what was left. After a little while they start walking again.
Bani goes to pick them. School is closed and the caretaker informs her the children were taken home by the teachers. Bani rushes home. No sign of her children. Trying to control her rising panic she rings Jai only to be told that the children were not there.
Jai: Bani what has happened?
Bani: I went to the school to collect them and the children had been taken home but Atharva and Krishna are not here and noone has seen them...I rang the teacher and she said she left them at the gate. Where could they be?
Starts crying....
Jai: Bani, I am coming over so wait for me.....
Jai makes a few phone calls to the (useless) police force and the teacher before leaving for BM.
Bani is being comforted by Ma, AD is hanging by the sofa
AD: You!
Jai: Yes, incase you have forgotten they are also my children...
Jai goes to kneel in front of Bani
Bani: ...Our children...where could they be. I should have known what would happen...
Jai: Shhhhhhh Bani, they will be Ok... we have to think were they could have gone. Where would they go from here?
Both did not want to think that they might have been abducted.
Jai: If they were dropped at the gate here then they can't be far... I have already informed the police so they should be out looking for them.
Ma was looking attentively at Jai. She had met him once but hadn't really had a chance to weight him up. Now as he talked, she appreciated his attempts to calm Durga and it appeared to be working judging by the relaxing of Durga's grip on Ma's hand.
Bani: ...but we can't sit here and not do something ... anything...
Jai: I am going out looking for them now..
AD: Yes, and I will also..
Bani: ...I am coming too...
Ma: Yes, it is best. I will come with you Jeet
AD: No Ma, you stay here just in case someone comes here with the news.
Both Jai and AD leave to for their cars, Bani comes out and automatically heads for Jai's car and as they drive off AD thinks 'So that is the way of things...but not for long...'.
The search is on, mostly on foot using the car only for short distances until Jai & Bani end up in the park. The bench is now empty with just a forlorn drink cup.
Bani: Oh my God, that is Atharva's... they must be here somewhere...
Jai calls the police and the park is searched thoroughly but to no avail. It was now dark and it had started to rain making visibility very low but still they searched.
Krishna: I am hungry, Brother. How far is it now?
Atharva (tearfully): I don't know... Look there is a mandir there, mama always says God helps good children... and we have not done anything bad so let's go there...
Both make their way there, the priest was handing out prasad and gave them some as well. Atharva had a little but gave the rest to his sister. His father had always told him to look after his sister. They made their way to a tap to have a drink of water.
Atharva: Look Krishna...
Points at AD's car parked nearby and can just make him out among the people making his way towards them.
Atharva: Shall we ask uncle to take us home?
Krishna: No! I don't like him. Let us hide....
In the morning, the young priest looked down at the 2 children fast asleep curled up together behind the pillar. Whose were they? There wasn't anyone there yet and they did not look like they had been abandoned. The boy woke up and looked at the priest
Atharva: Did God send you to take us to papa?
Priest: Who is your papa?
Atharva: Jai Walia.
The priest was new and didn't recognise the name.
Priest: Yes, we will look for him, but first come wash your hands and faces and have some breakfast...
Takes children to the small kitchen at the back of the temple. Thinks the old temple priest is coming later, maybe he will know Mr Walia.
Jai sitting in the car flexed his back, his injury was starting to throb but he ignored it. Bani had finally fallen asleep against him about an hour ago. She refused to go home until the children were found. There had been no news of them from the police or AD.
Jai (thinks): where could they have gone?
Looks in the direction of AD's house and then at the park and then turns his head to look at the mandir that was just visible to his left. WM was beyond that.
Jai: Oh my God, they had been going home! .. (excitely)..Bani, wake up. I think the children were going to WM!
Bani was instantly awake...
Bani: Hurry... please hurry... but wouldn't someone at WM have rung you if they were already there?
Jai: Yes, ... they might be somewhere on the road ...
They drive slowly, looking at the life beginning to stir in the early morning.... As they near the temple
Bani: Please stop, I want to pray to God to keep our little ones safe....
Both climb the stairs to the temple pausing now and then to show the children's picture to passersby. Children are still there but at the back. The young priest is trying hard to keep them occupied so they just don't walk away. Were was the old man today when I need him he thought! He never sees the pictures of them Jai shows to people around the temple.
They finally reach WM and bound in calling 'Krishna...Atharva....Krishna...'. Noone comes. The servants had not seen the little master and mistress.
Old priest finally arrives and spots the children
Old priest: what are these children doing here? I haven't seen their parents outside....
Young priest: I have been waiting for you... the children were here asleep this morning... and I didn't know what you do with any kids found here ....
Old priest: Oh dear, Oh dear.... how did they get separated from their parents...never mind... not the time to think about that now.....
At WM, the parents were besides themselves with worry, the turmoil since yesterday was taking it's toil and both looked ready to collapse.
Suddenly, the door was flung open
Atharva: Papa....Mama.......we are home!
Both children rush in, Jai and Bani cannot believe their eyes and are frozen for a minute.. Both rush to the children. Bani hugs them tightly, weeping and kissing them at the same time....
Bani: where were you.... do you know how worried we were....
Jai turns and sees the priest.
Jai: How can I ever thank you for this ... we will not forget what you have done for us.... Thank you
Priest: We did nothing but our duty...(leaves)
Jai kneels down and puts his arms around all three of them thanking God all was well. He had started thinking they really had been abducted..
Jai: We know you are grown up now but you must never never do this again....You must never go anywhere unless your mother or I am with you.. (sternly).. Do you understand?
Both children become tearful.
Krishna: But papa...we wanted to suprise you...
Atharva: ...and I took good care of Krishna, just like you always say....
Bani looks at Jai repoachfully. He gently cupped their faces between his hands
Jai: I knew you would, son, but your mother and I were worried about both of you... you don't want us to be upset and mama to cry, do you?
Both children shook their heads.
Jai: ...so no more of going anywhere alone, promise?
Atharva & Krishna together: Yes!
Jai: Good... (hugs them) ...Now come along...Poooh!!! let's make you smell nice again....
The kids going missing was my attempt to show AD that Bani would always turn to Jai for support in times of trouble.
I'm sure Ekta and her creatives would take this and make it the usual kidnapping/blackmailing scene. I wanted a change from that!
