Hey guys, would like to thank all of you for your comments! Loved them all! 😳 Thank you for being so sweet and encouraging! 😃 I also would like to say that it really means a lot that you guys find that this FF has even beaten the golden days of KS! That truly makes me feel that i've accomplished something great! 😃 😆 So thank you! 😃 Anyways, here's the next part. I don't really like the outcome of it all, and it is a bit short, but I really tried on this one.
Part 14:
Squinting her eyes, Bani reaches a hand to her forehead and touches it lightly, pained by the major headache she's experiencing at the moment. Slowly opening her swollen eyes, Bani looks around in a confused daze, taking the surroundings of the hotel room in. Feeling suffocated by being tightly wrapped by the comforter, she throws it off of her, giving her space and room to breathe. Tiredly Bani sits up in bed, stretches her arms out as she lets out a soft yawn. She winces by the throbbing in her head and groans. Bani perks and curiously looks up as she hears the opening of a door.
Jai comes walking out from the bathroom with a towel in his hand, drying his wet hair from his hot shower. He throws the towel over at a chair nearby and looks ahead of him.
Despite her troubling headache and unwell state, Bani blushes by how her husband stares at her and she becomes very aware of herself. She reaches for the covers and slowly pulls it up to her chest, trying to be casual about it. This is when she realizes that she is still wearing her saree from last night's party and hasn't removed any of her jewelry.
Jai: You had fallen asleep as soon as I had brought you back here, which is why you're still in the clothes you were wearing at last night's party.
Jai informs as he sees a confused expression build on her tired face. He watches her make an attempt to fix her messy and out of place hair, to make herself a little presentable. She also drapes her dress over her shoulder which was slipping moments before. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment
Bani: (softly, puzzled) You brought…me back?
Jai sees her confusion grow and clearly knows that she doesn't remember anything from last night. Bani sees him dig a hand into his pant pocket and stare at her with the same expression he has always looked at her so far on their "honeymoon"…. which held no emotion.
Jai: (didactic tone) You had unknowingly consumed a couple of alcoholic drinks at the party, therefore, I had to bring you back to our room.
Bani's eyes widen at this and she stares at Jai with disbelief. She? And Alcohol? How could she drink alcohol unknowingly? When did she even--------- It all comes rushing back to her. The introduction of her husband's ex flame, Roshini. Roshini persuading him for a dance and taking him away from her, leaving Bani all by herself. The closeness and touching business going on between her husband and his ex. Then her drinking a drink that looked like juice with a cute small purple umbrella in it. But after that everything else is a blur.
Bani sheepishly looks over at Jai and gives him an apologetic looking expression, truly feeling sorry for what she had done and causing him to leave his good friend's party like that.
Bani: Mr. Walia….I-I am so sorry--- very sorry. I… I didn't know that the juice wasn't juice after all. Please forgive me. (sincerely)
Jai just stares at her with the same blank expression and brushes off her apology. He turns away from her and faces instead the walk in closet behind him, containing all the clothes he had brought along with him for his trip. He casually glances back at her.
Jai: Our flight is in three hours. Quickly get ready and pack your things. If we have time, we'll try and squeeze in a quick breakfast…………………
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Throughout their flight not a single word was exchanged between them. Jai preoccupied himself by the magazines that were provided to them just as he had last time and Bani just sat silently to herself, keeping alert of any upcoming turbulences. This time Bani didn't even dare to get up and go to the washroom, to afraid of repeating another lap episode. She didn't think she'd be able to bare another embarrassing incident.
Jai was exhausted from the lack of sleep he had last night. After hearing what he had discovered from Bani, which literally shook him up, Jai had taken his keys and went on a long drive, really needing one to clear his head. He arrived back at the hotel at three in the morning and didn't go to sleep until six in the morning. He had also slept on the couch which was very uncomfortable.
The flight was miserably long due to the thick silence but thankfully it has come to an end. They board off the plane and are greeted by a waving Raashi, Jai's personal assistant. She warmly welcomes them back and goes along with them to retrieve their luggage. Raashi stayed walking by Jai's side, filling him in on the happenings of the office while he was gone and telling him of his schedule for the day and the upcoming days. She would occasionally though give Bani friendly side glances, which had Bani smiling a little too.
Raashi: Oh sir, let me! (politely)
Raashi says enthusiastically as Jai makes a motion to push the trolley, which contains their now retrieved suitcases. He obliges and moves out of the way for her. Raashi pushes the trolley and stays behind with Bani this time as Jai walks on ahead in search of their ride. He pulls on his sunglasses as he comes outside of the airport and into the sunny atmosphere. Raashi and Bani come on outside a minute later than he.
Raashi: Sir, your ride is right over here.
Raashi indicates towards the left and points out the waiting black Mercedes. She leads him and Bani over towards it and motions for the driver to get out and open the trunk.
Jai: Raashi, you go on and sit in the car. I've got it.
Jai tells her as she walks over to the trolley to take the suitcases. She nods and smiles one last smile over at Bani's direction before getting herself into the car, the driver opening the door for her. Jai grabs his suitcase and places it into the trunk. He closes it and stares over at Bani's direction.
Bani looks back at him, wearing a puzzled expression. She looks down at her luggage that are still on the trolley. Jai follows her gaze.
Jai: I have some work that needs to be taken care of at the office, so I will be going straight to there. You will go on home--- in the other car.
He directs over to the other awaiting car behind the black Mercedes. Bani looks over and sees the other driver get out and wait besides the car for her. She nods her head, showing him that she understands. Just as she bends down to pick up her luggage, she feels Jai's hand also wrap around the strap. The both look up at one another at the same time. Bani feels her heart race from their hand contact.
Jai indicates to her that he's got it with a blink of his eyes and slowly Bani let's go, moving out of the way. She watches Jai haul up the suitcase and place it into the open trunk, which the driver had opened quickly. He shuts it and walks on over to the back car door and opens it. He holds it and signals for Bani to get in. Bani, slightly startled by this, walks over to him and seats herself in.
Jai: I'll see you at home.
Jai tells her before shutting the car door. Bani feels her body tingle by his words. This was the first time he was referring the Mansion as her home too. She watches with a silent daze as he walks away and gets into his own car..........
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In a haste she grips tight onto her husband's arm, stopping him in his tracks and causing him to look over at her curiously. Her husband grows worried as he sees that her face has suddenly become pale and the smile that lingered on her lips before has now vanished. He feels her grip on his arm tighten and he covers her hand with his own. "What's wrong, sweetheart?", he soothingly asks her.
"P-P-Pushkar....Mr. Walia--- and Di", she stutters with fear. Pushkar stares at his wife, shocked, and quickly follows her gaze over in front of them. His heart literally skips a beat out of fear as he sees the man who was like his mentor, his father, and brother stand before them with his shades over his eyes and thrusting a suitcase up into the trunk of a car. He reacts quickly by taking Pia's hand and dragging her behind a column nearby.
Pia's eyes already start tearing as she spots her elder sister standing by the car, looking absolutely beautiful in a stunning teal saree and her matching jewelry, looking exactly how she should be looking.... like Jai Walia's wife. She watches her sister close as she walks towards the car....and to Jai Walia, who holds the back car door for her, gesturing to her to get in. As Pia looks back over to him, fear grips tightly on her heart. His image was such... Jai Walia's appearance would intimidate anyone.
Both newly weds watch Jai Walia shut the door and walk towards the car in front. Momentarily their fear increases as he casually glances to his side, almost catching sight of them if they hadn't quickly hid behind the column again, as he walks to the back of the car. He opens the door and seats himself in. In seconds, both Walia cars zoom out of sight...... Tears flow from Pia's eyes and Pushkar lays a comforting hand on her back. Seeing her sister after so long....after a month and a half of hiding....made Pia extremely emotional. The past many weeks, Pia yearned for her sisters, especially for her Bani Di, who was more of a mother to her- and she desperately needed a mother to comfort her through her bad times.
Pushkar: Come on, Pia... Let's go.
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Jai tried to wrap himself into his work, but his focus seemed to be somewhere else. Very often he would slip into his own thoughts and not pay any attention whatsoever to the work that has to be done. He couldn't seem to forget the huge burden hanging in his chest...disturbing him terribly. A knock on his door startles him and brings him back to reality. He shortly replies to come in. Jai sees one of his employees, Ranveer Sharma, hesitantly enter his cabin. Ranveer shakes before his presence, probably remembering the talk they had over a couple of weeks ago. But right now, Jai could care less about who he was and what he had done that angered him so much. Right now... Jai didn't care about anything.
Ranveer: (quivering voice) Mr. W-Walia....
Jai: (curt) What is it?
Ranveer: Siiirr, --- it's, um, it's just that... you-you (breathes in, says all in a rush) have been ignoring the Mount Abu project for the past week and a half and it is necessary that this file gets your signatures for the construction of the casino to begin. --- S-so if you will please....
Ranveer approaches his desk and politely hands over the file. Jai stares at the file in Ranveer's outstretched hand with a daze. Old memories quickly flood his mind..... of his unexpected betrayal....and of his unwanted marriage with Bani Dixit. He had started this project to cause pain to the people who had betrayed him and caused him grief.
Ranveer: (scared, curiously) Sir?
Jai snaps out of his thinking and stares up at Ranveer's frightened face. No longer in a dilemna and knowing exactly what his decision is, Jai stares back at Ranveer's extending hand and takes the file from him........
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Bani was welcomed with open arms by everyone, except for Jigyasa who just sneered at her and walked away. Mausi immediately sat her down and everyone crowded around her, Rano, Dadi, Saahil, and Anu, wearing bright smiles on their faces. Mausi continuously questioned how their honeymoon went and what they had done. Bani quietly just answered her questions, not liking the attention she was getting. Mausi teasingly spoke to Dadi.
Mausi: Look, Beji--- look how our Bani's face is glowing!
Despite knowing that nothing at all had happened that would cause her face to glow, Bani's cheeks still turn red. She wanted to badly correct Mausi, but found herself speechless, not knowing what to say to her remark.
Dadi: Yes, you are right, Billo. Her face is glowing. (pleased)
Mausi: I knew it was the right thing to send her along with Munna. The boy has been so wrapped up with the office that he barely has time for her. ---- I am glad to know that you both have enjoyed yourself.
Mausi says back to Bani, smiling wonderfully in her direction. All Bani does is bow her head and continue to blush pink. Everyone giggles at this, and even Rano can't help but smile.
Anu: So Mami--- did you bring back any gifts?
Bani: (smiling) Yes, I did. I knew you would be expecting something for yourself.
Anu cheekily smiles at her mamiji. Saahil steps in the way and looks also eagerly at her.
Saahil: And me? --- You couldn't possibly forget about me, right?
Bani: (smiling even more) Of course not, I have even brought you something.
Bani takes her sisters hand and smiles affectionately at her.
Bani: For Rano too...(looking back over at Saahil) I have brought back something for everyone.
Anu: (excited) Oh, Mami! What is it?! Can we see our gifts now?
Mausi: Arre, Anu, be patient beta. Your mamiji has just come back and you are already hassling her for your gifts.
Anu: Oops, sorry Mami. It' s okay, I can wait.
Bani: Mausi, I will just unpack now-- (over to Saahil and Anu) You may come along if you want to see your gifts.
Rano follows after her sister to help her unpack and both twins, Saahil and Anu, race after them to see what they have gotten from Goa.....
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Aditya opens his cabin and paces down the hallway towards his destination.... He couldn't seem to believe it... It was all just so unbelievable. He refused to believe it from someone else... He had to know for sure from the man himself. Aditya arrives at the door and knocks hard onto it. He hears him tell him to come in and he doesn't hesitate for a second, walking on into Jai Walia's cabin. He closes the door behind himself.
Jai looks away from the window and over at his friend staring at him with an annoyed expression. He completely turns around and faces him. He grows puzzled as to why Aditya is here in his cabin. From what he remembered, they were not on speaking terms.
Jai: Aditya...
Aditya walks on forward and stops just before his desk. He doesn't break their eye contact and continues to look at him with piercing eyes. He finally speaks after a long moment of silence.
Aditya: What are you getting at, Jai?
Jai proceeds to stare at Aditya, not knowing what he meant by that. He stares on confused.
Jai: What do you mean?
Aditya: (his voice rising) I mean, what the hell do you think you're getting at if you just suddenly called off the Mount Abu project?
Realization dawns upon Jai and he grows quiet. He looks the other way.
Aditya: Wasn't building the casino your dream??? Wasn't it your goal to destroy Bani's home? You were looking so forward to this project, but out of the bloom you just call it off? --- What the hell are you up to now?! (accusing, questions)
Aditya watches Jai remain quiet and continue to avoid eye contact with him. He walks towards closer to him, approaching him.
Aditya: You are cooking up another plan--- I know it! Otherwise, there is no legit reason why you declined the project. .....What is it that you're doing this time, Jai Walia?
Jai is still silent for a few moments. He stares over back at Aditya with a regretful look and rests a hand on his black chair.
Jai: Do you remember Aditya....the last time you had came into this cabin....
Aditya proceeds to stare at Jai, fuming inside. He watches him closely with his eyes.
Jai: ....You had said that the truth is that I do not know anything and that I assume too much. --- You had also said that I should for once stop acting as if I knew everything that was going on around.
Aditya's anger begins to cool as he listens to his words, getting lost in them and not understanding the sudden topic.
Jai: Bani loved Pushkar..... that was what I didn't know..... wasn't it?
Jai watches as Aditya looks shocked and speechless. He softly smiles at his friend.
Jai: The look on your face clearly tells me that I am right...Bani did love Pushkar...and probably still does....
Aditya remains speechless, not knowing what to say, not able to find his voice.
Jai: You were right.... Bani had done nothing to hurt me... she took no part in Pia and Pushkar's betrayal towards me... in fact, she was equally hurt as I was. ...Still is.... She took my rude behavior towards her like a punching bag....She let me take out my anger on her....Never...Never did she defend herself from me.....(looking up) I'm not a good person, Aditya....I hurt a wonderful person like Bani who always respected me. ...What have I done, Aditya?
Aditya stares on at Jai, not able to believe or digest down the fact that Jai Walia is actually regretting something that he had done for the first time ever. He has finally realized his mistake. He looks Jai straight in the eye and sees how truly sorry he is, sees the sincerity in them. Aditya's anger completely vanishes.
Jai: I was -- I was so caught up with my hate for Pia and Pushkar that I just took out all my anger on Bani, who was innocent the whole time.
Aditya: (amazed) Jai... are you honestly regretting everything you did to Bani? Do you really realize your mistake?
Jai stares over at his friend and lays a hand on his shoulder.
Jai: I do, Aditya. ...It took me a very long time...but I finally can see my faults...and the truth. (looking away, dejected) I just can't believe that I behaved so...cruelly towards her. ... How will I ever be able to ask for forgiveness?
Aditya is so overwhelmed with happiness that he smiles warmly at Jai. He then rests a hand on his shoulder.
Aditya: The fact that you've realized what the truth is will be enough for her. --- But even then, you should apologize.
I owe more than just an apology, he softly says to himself.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Hope that all of you have a wonderful 2008!!!!🤗
Edited by Indian_Goddess - 17 years ago
