Thank you guys so much for your sweet comments! Thank you for those of you who have ridden your silence and left me comments. and those of you who are new readers. 😳 And of course my regular readers. Really, all of your comments mean a lot to me! 😳 😃 Anywayz, here's the next part.
Chapter 9:
From a distance, Bani watches with a fond smile as Mausi pinches Jai's cheek. He wears a sheepish look on his face and covers his cheek with his hand. Mausi giggles at this and ruffles his hair.
Mausi: Kyon? All of a sudden you have become embarrassed?
Jai: Mausi, I am not a child anymore. I am a grown man. (patting down his hair)
Mausi: (smiling affectionately) Ah, but to me you will always be my little Munna.
She can't help but smile even more on hearing this. It was a nice seeing Jai Walia smile for a change. Not just any smile… but a true and honest smile, one that she hadn't seen on his handsome face for a long time…since…well since this whole mess happened. Bani leans against the door frame and mutely watches the mother-son scene in front of her…
Jai: How are you feeling?--- Jigyasa is taking care of you well, isn't she? (concerned)
Mausi: Hain, hain. Main teek hoon and Jigyasa is taking great care of me. Aur tumhari paatni bhi. (she ends with a pleased smile) (trans: Yes, yes. I am fine and Jigyasa is taking great care of me. And your wife also.)
Jai's smile slowly fades and his face becomes grim on the mention of Bani. He casts his gaze down.
Mausi: …… Arre, Bahu, come, we were just talking about you! (exclaims happily)
Jai immediately looks up and turns around to see Bani standing at the doorway with a tray in her hands. Bani, shaken, straightens up on being acknowledged. Jai flashes her a furious look and then turns away. Bani lowers her head, sadly.
Mausi: Yahan aao, mere paas. (fond smile) (trans: Come over here, by my side.)
Bani walks over to her, bends down by her side, and places the tray carefully onto the table across from them. Jai, who's sitting on the other side of Mausi, begins to become aggravated by her presence. He avoids looking at her.
Mausi affectionately places her hand on Bani's hair, smoothing it down. She smiles in Jai's direction.
Mausi: Your Bani has been looking after me all the time ever since I have come back from the hospital. She never leaves my side. -- All the time she checks whether I take my medicine, eat my food following my diet chart, or that I rest. She's really pushy and makes sure that I take care of myself. She's even worse than the doctors! (laughs) But nonetheless, really sweet…
On hearing this, Jai switches his gaze back over to Bani and locks his eyes with hers. Her ears turn red and she shyly lowers her eyes down to her lap.
"She's up to something, Bhaiya… why else will she act so sweet and innocent in front of Mausi?… why does she look after a woman who is nothing to her?… she's definitely planning something…these Dixit girls just don't know when to put a stop to their cunning plans…".
What Jigyasa says makes sense… why is Bani trying to get so close to Mausi? What does she have planned up her sleeve now? Jai examines Bani quietly…
Mausi: Munna, I am very happy that you have married a wonderful girl like Bani.---- I am simply blessed to have her as my Bahu…
Bani looks up at Mausi, appreciatively. Not able to tolerate anymore praises, Jai clears his throat and stands up, alerting both Bani and Mausi.
Jai: It's getting late, Mausi… I suggest you start getting ready for the party… I will make sure that Anu comes to take you downstairs….
Before Mausi can even say another word, Jai quickly walks out of the room…..
Mausi: (puzzled) Yeh Munna ko achanak kya hogya? (trans: What has happened to Munna so suddenly?)
Bani: (sensing his anger, covering up for him)…. Mausi, Mr. Walia ko shayad koi kaam hai--- isliye…. (trans: Mausi, Mr. Walia probably has some work to do....that's why.)
Mausi: (sighs) Yeh ladka bhi nah. Hamesha kaam kaam kaam. Koi waaqt nahi hai usko paas…. Tum kaise seehati ho, Bani? (trans: This boy is too much. It's always work work work. He has no time at all...How do you tolerate it, Bani?)
Bani, not able to come up with a reply to this, quickly takes the glass of water and medicine from the tray and hands it over to Mausi with a faint smile.
Bani: Mausi, aapki daawai… (trans: Mausi, your medicine.)
Mausi makes a horrid look and shakes her head in a negative.
Mausi: (pleading tone) Nahi,… I won't take it… It's so awful….
Bani: Mausi… it will help you get better and it's Doctor's orders that you take these.
Mausi: (stubborn, childish) I don't care… I am absolutely fine… I don't need these horrible medicines…
Bani places a hand on her hip and gives Mausi a disapproving look. Unwillingly Mausi gives up and takes it from her. She places the pill in her mouth and then drinks the water.
Mausi: Khush? (trans: Happy?)
Bani: (smiles widely) Baut khush. (trans: Very happy.)
Mausi also smiles. She hands over the empty glass to Bani, who places it back down onto the tray. She picks it up, ready to leave, but stops as she hears Mausi speak.
Mausi: Waise, Bani…. Kya main tumhe ek baath poocho? (trans: Anyways, Bani...Can I ask you something?)
Bani: Ji, Mausi… (encouraging smile)
Mausi: Tum…. (pauses)… Tum Munna ko Mr. Walia kyon bulaathi ho? (trans: You...Why do you call Munna Mr. Walia?)
Bani stills and stares at Mausi, wide eyed. .. Completely overthrown by this, she becomes flustered.
Mausi: (going on)--- He is your husband, beti. You should call him by his first name…
Bani: Ji--- woh--- main….
Immediately Bani feels her face and ears burn from embarrassment. She is sure that she looks red like a tomato. Her…call Mr. Walia by his first name??? That was just impossible. … it's been a long habit for her to address him as Mr. Walia ever since she had started to work for him--- besides she wouldn't even dare call him by his first name…..
Mausi: arre, why have you become embarrassed all of a sudden?--- I haven't said anything wrong…, have I? --- All I have told you to do is call Munna by his first name instead of addressing him like how his employees do. … He is your husband, Bani, not your boss.
Bani: (blushing furiously)-- Ji--- main nahi kehsakte…. (trans: I--I can't say it.)
Mausi: Kyon nahi? (trans: Why not?)
Bani: M-main baas n-nahi kehsakte, Mausi…. (trans: I-I just can't, Mausi.)
Mausi laughs at seeing Bani so shy and flustered, fumbling over her own words.
Mausi: Accha teek hai… if not his first name, you can at least address him by "suniye", "hey ji", or "oh ji", haina? (winks)
Bani flushes even more and continues to look down at her feet, not able to meet Mausi's eyes.
Bani: (hastily) M-Mausi, woh--- party---- I need to get ready for the party.
Bani flies out of the room without another word, leaving Mausi behind, laughing to herself…..
************************************************************ ************************************************************ ******
Rano's eyes widen at the sight of it and she gazes at it, mesmerized.
Rano: Di, this is so beautiful!
Bani: … (solemnly) hain… baut khabsoorat hai… (Trans: yes, it's very beautiful.)
Rano: Aph…..
She walks away from the bed and over to the closet. Rano scans through the hanged clothing and finally finding something she approves of, she pulls it out and presents it to Bani. It is an amazing pure crape saree in a rare combination of beige and orange with matching sequins, contrast embroidery, mirror work, and beads.
Rano: iske saath pehnlo…you'll look great. (pleasant smile) (trans: where it with this...you'll look great.)
Bani sits down on the edge of the bed, besides the jewelry set, with a sullen look on her face. She stares at Rano with gloomy looking eyes.
Bani: nahi pehnsakti… (trans: I can't wear it.)
Rano: (draping the saree over her arm) kyon nahi?-- it's a great saree and it'll---
Bani: Rano… I'm not talking about the saree… I'm talking about the set…
Rano: Of course you can, Mausi had---
Bani: (intervening) If Mr. Walia sees me wearing his mother's jewelry, then you can might as well think of me as dead…
Rano sighs, walks over to the bed, and sits down by Bani. She places her hand over hers, giving it a comforting squeeze.
Rano: Di… Mausi had given you this set because she wanted to… and it's tradition for every Walia bahu to be given this set, is it not?
Bani: Rano---
Rano: Di, aph Mr. Walia ke baare maat sochiyeh… sirf Mausi ke baare socho…(trans: Di, don't think about Mr. Walia...just think about Mausi.) how will she feel when she sees that you haven't worn it today for the party even after she requested that you do? She'll feel terrible…
And Mr. Walia?… won't he feel terrible seeing me wearing something so dear in his family? , Bani thinks miserably to herself.
Rano: Di… don't think about anyone else… just do it for Mausi….
"Bahu… this jewelry is very precious and valuable in the Walia family… it has been through each of the Walia bhaus… Munna's mother was the last to possess it… she would have wanted to personally give this to you… Please wear it for tonight's party… it will make me and your mother-in-law so happy….", Mausi had said with sweet smile as she placed the set in her hands. She had come into her room a little after Bani had given her the medicine and just when she was about to get ready.
Hesitantly Bani nods her head and watches Rano smile at her.
Rano: Good… now you go on and change. I'll be in Anu's room if you need me….
************************************************************ ************************************************************
As the evening neared, guests arrived in packs and flooded into the main hall in the Mansion, socializing with one another. Jigyasa of course was off with her snobbish kitty friends, squealing with laughter, and forming her mouth into a big smile, flashing away her pearl like white teeth. Aditya, still angered and purposefully ignoring Jai, busies himself with a few other of his friends and associates.
Jai Walia, dressed in his signature black suit, paired with a silver tie, and looking extremely handsome, is occasionally stopped by people and chats with them shortly, being polite as he can be, even though the last thing he wants to do is talk to such ridiculous people. In the middle of a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, Mr. Sharma points out in an enthusiastic voice, "Oh, that must be your Mausi, isn't it? It's been quite awhile since I've last seen her. She's a lovely woman." Jai turns and looks behind him towards the stairs, where Mr. Sharma indicates to, and grins on seeing his Mausi walking down the stairs, finally joining the party. He becomes eased and cheerful by her appearance.
"And that must be your wife, right Mr. Walia? My, she's a beautiful young lady. Look at that wonderful saree and jewelry. I might just have to ask her where she gets such fabulous wears from", Mrs. Sharam exclaims with a bright smile. Jai finally notices Bani walking down alongside Mausi, helping her down the stairs, looking magnificent in a flattering saree, doing justice to her feminine body, and her hair down in loose curls. On seeing her, he becomes outraged. Not by the sight of her… no it was more than that. It was by what she was wearing… it was by what was adorning her ears and neck…. It was by the fact that she was wearing his mother's jewels…. Important jewels in the Walia Family that were passed down generations…. and she was wearing them, which causes him to become furious. His hand rolls into fists and his jaw tightens.
Jai doesn't bother to smile as Mausi joins him and the Sharmas, with Bani standing by her side, obediently. Bani casts down her eyes down to the floor on seeing Jai's angered expression, but her gaze is brought back up as Mr. Sharma speaks.
Mr. Sharma: Ms. Singhania! It's great to see you again!
Mausi: (smiling politely) It's a pleasure to see you too, Rajveer, --- and your wife. How have you been?
Mr. Sharma: (coolly, relaxed) Oh we're fine. Nothing has changed. Tell me, how does it feel to be back in Mumbai?
Mausi: (smile widens) I'm extremely happy to be back with my son and now with my daughter-in-law, Bani. You have met her, haven't you?
Mrs. Sharma: No, we haven't had the opportunity to, Ms. Singhania, but now we do. It's lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Walia.
Bani smiles meekly at her. Jai continues to fume with anger and doesn't leave his eyes off of his wife.
Mrs. Sharma: Tell me, where did you get this beautiful necklace from? And your earrings!
From the corner of her eyes, Bani sees Jai furious and becomes slightly worried and scared. She knew that this would be a bad idea… why did Mausi have to give her the set and put her into this horrible predicament?
Mausi: (quickly, intervenes) These?! These are very precious jewels in the Walia Family. It has been passed down many generations and given to the Walia Bahus.
Mrs. Sharma: It's simply gorgeous, Ms. Singhania!
Mausi smiles, feeling very pleased by the comment. Bani stands mutely, not knowing what to do or say, only focused on avoiding Jai's murderous gaze.
Jai: (curt, cold) Excuse me, I will be right back.
Bani finally manages to look up at him with her frightened eyes. He stares at her hard and long, his eyes gleaming, which clearly hint to her the trouble that will soon fall upon her. She swallows hard. Mausi smiles generously in his direction and tells him to go on. Jai storms off in the other direction, far away…. Mausi continues to be engrossed with talking to Mrs. Sharma. Mr. Sharma, bored by the women, walks away and joins another group of men. Bani proceeds to be silent, unless spoken to.
** ************************************************************ ************************************************************
Managing to escape Mausi and from being introduced to various of peoples, Bani is left to herself, finally able to breathe in peace. Feeling rather thirsty, she walks towards a passing waiter, wanting water, but she is bumped into someone. She mutters a quick sorry and when she looks back at the person, her attention is averted onto him.
Bani: (confused, surprised) Ranveer?
Ranveer looks back at her and becomes pale in the face. He is dressed in one of his usual office outfits and possess a file in his hand. He stares at her, scared. As if he hadn't seen her, Ranveer hurriedly turns around, attempting to run away, but Bani pulls him back by his shoulder and turns him around.
Bani: Ranveer?-- What is wrong with you? Why are you running away from me? For the last five days you haven't said a word to me and have been avoiding me every time I come around. Why is that?
Ranveer: (shaky) N-nahi to.
Bani: Did I do something wrong? (concerned)
Ranveer: (hasty) Not at all.
Bani: Are you mad at me?
He shakes his head in a negative. Bani becomes frustrated by his lack of a proper reply to her questions.
Bani: Then what is it?! Why are you ignoring me?
Ranveer: Bani, I have to go. It's important that I get this file to Mr. Walia or Aditya sir right away. (purposefully changing the subject)
Bani: (pulls him back) Ranveer…
Ranveer: (angrily, explodes) Look, ask your husband okay?! He'll give you the answers to your questions!…. Just… please… (calming down) don't come near me… I don't to be a waiter boy.
Without another word, Ranveer stalks away, leaving Bani speechless and puzzled …Ask Mr. Walia?… Waiter boy?… what on earth is he talking about? Where has Mr. Walia come in all of this?
She becomes startled on hearing a voice from behind, "Bani… tum yahan ho? I have been looking for you all over"…..
***** ************************************************************ ************************************************************
Tarun: Jai, relax… and calm down… too much anger isn't good for you. Don't want to get that blood pressure of yours to get high, now do we?
Jai growls and brushes off Tarun's comment. He orders a whiskey from the bartender and ignores the silly smile plastered on his best friend's face, which in seconds fades away.
Tarun: (sighs) … Yaar, I don't even understand why you're so grouchy nowadays… you're no fun… can't even take a joke anymore. You're the damn Grinch itself…
Tarun brings his glass to his lips and swallows down his beverage. Jai proceeds to ignore him, not looking at him or acknowledging his presence whatsoever. His mind is occupied… my mother's jewels… my mother's, dammit… and she… how dare she touch them?…how dare she wear them? …she will definitely have to pay for putting her filthy hands on something so dear to my mother… she will…..
Jai turns back around to grab his drink from the bartender and is just about to drown the whole whiskey down, but is prevented to do so by a gentle touch on his shoulder. Looking to his side slowly, Jai is surprised to see Mausi standing behind him, staring at him with a soft smile. He immediately places his glass down onto the counter.
Jai: Mausi, what have you come here for?
Before Mausi can speak, Tarun interrupts.
Tarun: … Well I'll be damned. Mausi's become into a drinker.-- What will it be Mausi? Vodka, whiskey, wine, you name it and I'll order it.
Mausi: Oh will you ever stop it with your jokes, Tarun?
Tarun: (grins) Never Mausi. You know that. (he raises his glass up to her and winks)
Jai: The idiot will remain a joker for the rest of his life.
Tarun stares at Jai, offended and frowns. Mausi smiles and stifles in her laughter. Tarun easily brushes Jai's comment away.
Tarun: So what have you really come here for?
Mausi smiles even wider and directs over to her side where both Jai and Tarun finally notice Bani, looking uncomfortable, standing by Mausi. Jai's face bears a look of complete irritation and hatred.
Mausi: Poor Bani has been absolutely bored, she won't admit it to me, but I can clearly see it on her face. Munna, why don't you go on and take her to dance?
Jai's fierce eyes blaze with pure hate and anger as his gaze rests upon Bani. Bani falls even more behind Mausi, wishing for herself to disappear. Mausi, feeling very happy and cheerful, is oblivious to the thick strong tension between husband and wife. So is Tarun, who thumps Jai hard on his back and smiles wonderfully.
Tarun: That's a perfect idea. Even your Munna has been bored and unbelievably grouchy. I guess it's because Bani's been kept away from him the whole time during the party, since they are usually together.
Both Jai and Bani break their eye contact and look the other way from each other as Tarun says this. Jai fuming and a temper forming inside of him whereas Bani beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable, edgy, and apprehensive. Mausi giggles and pinches Jai's cheek, in a sweet manner. Jai flinches.
Mausi: How cute. --- Accha sorry baba, I kept her away from you this whole time. I was just excited to introduce her to everyone. Well here she is. (in a teasing manner) She's all yours now.
Bani's cheek flush by Mausi's teasing words. Tarun laughs at this and points this out, which causes Mausi to laugh once again. Jai sneers silently to himself and doesn't say a word.
Tarun: Well…Jai, don't let us keep you two any longer. You both are allowed to go and be together now. (winks)
Jai swears to himself. If there hadn't been too many witnesses around, he would have murdered Tarun Sablok right then and there. Mausi smiles pleasantly at him.
Mausi: Hain, hain. He's absolutely right… Go on you two.
Having no other choice but to unwillingly oblige, Jai stares back at Bani and with a lot of effort extends his hand to her. Bani stares at his hand, feeling momentarily paralyzed by this gesture. She reflects the shock in her eyes, which Jai sees and he hastily says in a hard tone, "Chale?".
Even though it was useless, she looks at Mausi, pleadingly, but all Mausi does is give her an encouraging smile and push.
Mausi: Go on, Bani….
Bani slowly places her hand in his and watches as Jai's fingers close around it, holding her hand in a firm grip. She feels her hand tingle from their contact and lets herself be led by him, Jai walking in front, her following along behind, towards the dance floor, where a beautiful song begins to play……
Tujhe dheke dheke sona….
He comes to a halt and so does she… they both stand in the middle of the floor, among the other couples dancing along to the romantic song, surrounded by elegant decorations, … a misty fog.. and a single bright light in the dim hall falling upon them… centering on them… their hands still holding onto another… his back faced to her.
Turning around, Jai stares down at her intently with his dark eyes and Bani's insides begin to go chaotic. Startling her his hand slides to her bare waist and he pulls her closer into him, breaking the huge gap in between them. He still holds onto her other hand…. Bani feels even more discomfort by their proximity, lowers her eyes to his chest, and places her hand on his shoulder, not knowing what else to do. Jai leads her into the slow dance….
Tujhe dheke dheke sona
Tujhe dhek khar hain jagna
Maine yeh zindagani
Sang tere bitaani
Tujhmein basi hain meri jaan haai
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen….
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya Dhadak dhadak jaayen…
Tujhe dekh dekh sona
Tujhe dekh dekh kar hain jagna
Maine yeh zindagani
Sang tere bitaani
Tujmein basi hain meri jaan haai
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen….
Bani's heart doesn't seem to stop with it's abnormal racing… and a feeling unknown to her begins to build in the pit of her stomach. She feels herself heat up from Jai's focused gaze on her…
Kabse hai dil mein mere armaan kai ankahe
Kabse hai dil mein mere armaan kai ankahe
Inko tu sunle aaja chaahat ke rang chadha jaa
Kehna kabhi to mera maan haai
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen….
She proceeds to stare at his chest and let him guide her through the dance, taking the lead… the feel of his hand still touching her bare waist makes her insides go chaotic.
Lagta hain yeh kyu mujhe sadiyon se chaahu tujhe
Lagta hain yeh kyu mujhe sadiyon se chaahu tujhe
Mujpe tu kar ehsaan haai
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen…
Mixed feelings and emotions run through Bani, confusing her terribly… these reactions inside of her… this different nervousness inside of her, that she's never experienced before… what is happening to her? Why does she feel so… strange?
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen….
Tujhe dekh dekh sona
Tujhe dekh kar hain jagna
Maine yeh zindagani
Sang tere hain bitani haai
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaayen
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Dhadak jaaye jiya
Dhadak jaaye jaaye
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Dhadak dhadak dhadak jaaye
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak
Jiya dhadak dhadak jaaye…..
Bani stares up at Jai once as he stops… Her heart skips a beat as suddenly Jai pulls her even closer against him and leans his head against hers, nearing close to her…. his hand still on her waist.
She holds in her breath as he dangerously says to her in a low voice, "You didn't do the right thing by touching my mother's jewels, Bani…." Without another word to her, Jai leaves her standing by herself, alone on the floor….speechless.
************************************************************ *********************************************************
The party went by swiftly and ended rather quickly. Everyone went off to their own rooms, preparing to get ready for bed. Jai had gone straight to the study after the party, wanting to deal with a few work related things before going to bed. Bani makes her way across the top floor towards her and Rano's room, but is stopped in her tracks by Mausi, who happened to be passing by at the same time, going to her own room.
Mausi: Bahu…
Bani turns around and faces Mausi. She smiles politely at her.
Bani: Ji, Mausi?
Mausi: Bani, tum wahan kyon jhare ho? (trans: Bani, why are you going over there?)
Bani:… ji, mausi, main Rano ke saath---- (trans: Mausi, I'm with Rano---)
Mausi: Arre paar Rano to aab teek hai, haina? (trans: But Rano is fine now, isn't she?) She doesn't have a fever anymore. You can sleep in your own room now.
From the day Mausi arrived at the Walia Mansion and noticed that Jai and Bani didn't sleep in the same room, she immediately questioned why. Everyone, not having an answer, didn't know what to say. Bani, speaking the first thing that came to mind, had told her the reason was because her sister was sick and she wanted to stay by her side and make sure that she gets well. That was two days ago.
Panic runs through her and her face grows pale. She knew that she couldn't keep the pretense of Rano's sickness going on for too long, but she was hoping that it would last for a couple of more days. Frightened from the thought of sharing a room with her husband, Bani hurriedly tries to come up with excuses.
Bani: M-Mausi, lekin, just in case, I think I should be with her--- if she needs me. (hastily)
Mausi: (smiling) Arre, Bani. Tum baut fikar karti ho. Tumhari Rano teek hai. Maine khud check kiya, she is sleeping peacefully. Abh tum bhi jaake sonjao…Munna ke saath… make sure he sleeps on time. I know he has that habit of his to read his files before sleeping. (trans: Bani. You worry too much. Your Rano is fine. I have checked myself, she is sleeping peacefully. Now you go on and sleep...with Munna...make sure he sleeps on time. I know he has that habit of his to read his files before sleeping.)
Bani: Lekin Mausi--- (desperate now)
Mausi: (smiles even more) Loh! Speak of the devil itself. Here comes Munna right now.
Bani's voice trails off and her body tenses. She can hear the loud footsteps approach her from behind. Slowly, Bani turns around…..
Jai, oblivious to Mausi and Bani standing in the middle of the hallway, continues to peer into his file as he walks in the direction towards his room. He is finally brought out of his deep concentration by his Mausi's voice.
Mausi: What did I tell you, Bani? Munna has an old habit of reading his office files before sleeping. A habit that I am still trying my best to change.
Jai looks up and finds both Mausi and Bani standing before him. Mausi looking directly at him with a pretense look of disapproval and Bani looking everywhere, but at him. He shuts the file closed with his hand and ignores Bani's presence.
Jai: Mausi, aph yahan kya khar rahi ho? Iteena raat hochuke hai… aph please jaake sonjao… Doctor neh kaha nah keh aapko aaram ki zaroorat hai. (trans: Mausi, what are you doing over here? It has become late....please go to sleep....the Doctor had said you need bed rest.)
Mausi: Munna, I am going to my room. -- I was just telling Bani that there is no need for her to sleep with Rano anymore since she is perfectly well now. She can sleep in her own bedroom.
The color from Jai's face drains away and he looks at Mausi, completely blown off. He flashes Bani a quick look who is no help at all because her eyes are directly glued onto the floor. Then he looks back over to Mausi, who continues to smile sweetly at him.
Jai: A-are you sure? I mean, are you sure that Rano is alright now? She did have a pretty awful fever. I'd think it's best if Bani stays with her for one more night, just in case.
Mausi: Nahi, iske liye koi zaroort nahi hai. Woh baachi sonchuki hai. She is fine. Tum dono abh apne room peh jao aur sonjao, baut late hochuka hai. (Trans: No, that is not necessary. The child has already fallen asleep. She is fine. You to go on to your own room and sleep, it has become very late.)
Both Jai and Bani don't move, which confuses Mausi for awhile as she notices their lost looks.
Mausi: Kahan kogaye ho tum dono?--- Really, Rano will be fine. Do not worry. Go on to your room.
Jai and Bani look at each other, both feeling the same thing… trapped. Unluckily Jai's room was nearby Mausi's, therefore Jai and Bani would actually have to sleep in the same room for the night…and many nights to come.
Jai: (stone like)… Chalo, Bani. Hum apne kamreh mein chale. (trans: Come on, Bani. Let's go to our room.)
Bani stares at Jai, stunned. Jai ignores it.
Jai: Goodnight, Mausi.
Mausi: (generously) Goodnight, Munna. Goodnight, Bani.
Bani: (shakily) …J-ji, goodnight.
Jai had already begun to go towards their bedroom and slowly, hesitantly Bani follows behind…feeling very terrified and helpless.
Mausi watches them walk together towards their room down the hall with an affectionate smile. Seeing them go in and close the door behind them, Mausi finally goes off to her own room….
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Bani watches him lock the door after himself and on seeing him turn around, she opens her mouth to say something, but is cut off by him by his cold voice.
Jai: The right side of the bed is mine……
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Edited by Indian_Goddess - 17 years ago
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Bindi
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