Hey guys, sorry for the delay. was planning to update on valentines, but couldn't cuz i had writer's block. anyways, hope you enjoy this part. if not, then i'm sorry. it's all i could come up with.
CHAPTER 19
Completing the day's work in a rush, Jai hastily made his way towards the Watermoon Restaurant after changing from his gray work suit into a classy designer black one, pretty much preparing himself up physically and mentally for his date with his wife. On his way there he rehearsed to himself of what he would say and do. Quickly Jai entered the Resturant and checked in with the employees to see whether they had done everything following to his precise instructions. He wanted everything to go accordingly to his plan and to the uttermost perfection, he didn't want one single thing to go wrong.....
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After literally being pushed into one of the WM cars by both her sister and Mausi, Bani sat nervously and anxiously in the back seat of the car. She glances up and catches a reflection of herself in the car rear view mirror and begins to worry whether she is a little too overdressed for the dinner... Mausi and Rano didn't let her have a say in anything as they decked her up so lavishly, ignoring every single one of her protests. Bani didn't want to be seen as a fool in front of Mr. Walia for taking their dinner so seriously. Throughout the car drive to the restaurant, Bani's stomach flutters and she twists her fingers together, causing her bangles to tinkle obnoxiously- which literally was driving her Driver insane..........
Bani stands rooted in her place before the fancy restaurant, clearly hesitating. She has the urge to run in the other direction and save her life, but knows that would be very foolish of her. If she could tolerate her husband and his acts for about two months, she can certainly handle some more- Bani persuades herself. By recognizing that and gaining some courage, Bani walks up the stone steps and towards to the front entrance. One of the restaurant workers immediately opens the door for her without a moment delay and wishes for her to have a lovely time, which she is surely predicting that she won't....
Confusedly she wanders around the front of the restaurant, having no idea as to where she should go because that was not specified in her husband's note, but is assisted momentarily by the employee at the podium who held a list of the reservations. (I have no idea what those people are called). He recognizes her without her even informing him of who she is, and without wasting any extra time he leads her to another part of the restaurant, taking her away from the main section where everyone dines. She is further puzzled by this, wondering where on earth the man is taking her.
He stops before a large white door and swings it wide open for her, directing her into it. The waiter smiles politely and says, "Here is where you and your husband will be dining, Mrs. Walia." Bani scans around the decorated isolated area with awe and bewilderment. In the center of the room is a round cheery wood table covered by an elegant white tablecloth, which have rose petals scattered all over on, laid out dining utensils, glasses, and fancy plates. She smells the scent of burning candles and sees them in couple of different parts of the room, accompanied by beautiful flowers. There is light slow music playing in the air....combined with the sound of falling water. Startled, Bani looks off to the side and her breath is literally taken away by the sight of a beautifully carved marble water fountain displayed through the open French doors, adorned by royal red curtains, giving an insight to a glamorous view of the garden and filling the room with a gentle comforting breeze. Lastly her eyes fall onto the man standing across on the other side of the room...responsible for all of this.... staring at her with amazement of his own, looking absolutely handsome like usual. Bani looks back at her husband, speechless.......
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Jai had been tracing back and forth in his steps, waiting nervously for Bani. He occasionally checked his watch to see how much time was left until her expected arrival. Clearly instructing that none of the staff interrupts him or Bani throughout the dinner and to only show themselves when serving, Jai had everything set out and ready. He's hellbent on apologizing to Bani tonight......
Hearing the sound of the doorknob moving, Jai perks up and stops in his tracks. He sees the door fly open and is greeted by the apperance of the woman he was so impatiently waiting for. One glimpse at her, and he becomes completely blown over.... absolutely baffled by her presence. Bani stands in the doorway looking phenomenally beautiful in a tempting dusty pink colored Georgette sari scattered with shimmering sequin works, outlining all of her feminine curves to him. Her writs are adorned with matching bangles. Her neck bears a gorgeous diamond necklace and long dangling earrings attached in her ears. That silky long black hair of hers falls perfectly onto her shoulders. Her light colored eyes seem to stand out more than usual, bearing an exotic look in them from the layering of khol. She glows brightly and Jai feels his heart skip a beat.
Bani's outfit: http://www.sareestore.com/Gallery/SareefullImage.aspx?ID=ERA 807
How is it that Jai never cared to recognize or see Bani's outstanding beauty? He must had been terribly blind to not have noticed it before. She was absolutely gorgeous... and he was realizing this only after his marriage to her.
Seeing her eye him with surprise and looking as if she wants an explanation, Jai speaks up after bringing himself together and clearing his throat. He smiles a rather shaky grin.
Jai: Bani... I'm glad that you came.
Bani remains quiet, still not quite able to digest her surroundings. She proceeds to gaze around the magnificently decorated room with wonder.
Jai: Come....(taking his hand out of his pocket and indicating towards the chairs at the table) Sit...
Bani glances back over to him and doesn't rush to walk over to him. The sound of her chiming anklets cuts through the awkward silence between the two. As she approaches to the closet side of the table to her, Jai appears by her side, politely pulling out her chair for her to sit down. Bani quickly casts him a look for a short second before slowly seating herself into the chair. She mumbles a soft, "Thank you." He gives her a smile.
Jai walks back over to the other side of the table and seats himself. Nervously he looks down at the menu before him and speaks....
Jai: Would you like to go straight into dinner?
Bani dumbly nods at him. She watches him pick up the menu from the side of the table and read it, his eyes scanning back and forth.
Jai: What would you like?
Startled, Bani looks over to her menu lying on the table and reaches for it. She also begins to read it, not knowing what else to do.
Bani: Aap phele order karliye ji.... (softly) (trans: You can order first.)
Jai takes his eyes off the menu and rests them on her. He nods, knowing that she wants some time to think about it. He looks over to his right and calls out for a waiter. In seconds a door off from the right side of the room opens and a waiter enters with a notepad in his hand.
Waiter: Ji, sir? Are you ready to order?
Jai goes on and tells the waiter of the meal he's chosen. The waiter scribbles his order down on the small notepad. When he's done, he glances over to Bani, who looks at the waiter awkwardly.... She tells him her choice in a quiet mum tone. After writing her meal down, the waiter tells them that he will be back in about fifteen moments the max. Both Jai and Bani watch him go and are once again engulfed in a deafening silence. They look back at one another, their eyes meeting, and switch their gazes elsewhere nervously. Jai desperately reaches for his glass and downs the water in it.
Jai: (making conversation) How was your day?
In his head, he is now convinced that taking Bani out to dinner was a horrible idea. Firstly, because of what they've gone through it is quite awkward to be talking with one another formally and secondly, just by looking at Bani he forgets everything that he's been meaning to say to her. Bani thankfully answers back nicely, probably also wishing to make some conversation.
Bani: ... It was alright... nothing new compared to other days....
Bani feels a little better knowing that Jai is behaving kindly and he hasn't planned this dinner for any motive.... but is terribly confused as to why they're even here in the first place. The silence killing her, Bani speaks up after encouraging herself....
Bani: (kindly) woh-- office kaise tha? (trans: How was the office?)
Jai: The usual... you know business....
Bani nods her head in agreement.
Jai: How is Mausi doing at home?
Bani: ... Woh-- Mausi is perfectly fine... she is enjoying herself....
Jai:... You spend a lot of time with her throughout the day?
Bani quietly nods her head again. Jai lightly smiles at this.
Jai: I never got to thank you... for taking care of her while she was ill....
Bani: ...Mr. Walia, aap please mujhe embarrass maat keejiye... Mausi meri Ma jaise hai... joh kuch maine kiya--- woh maine meri Ma kiliye kiya.... (trans: Mr. Walia, please don't embarrass me... Mausi is like my mother... whatever I did- I did for my mother...)
Jai: (sincerely) Phir bhi... Thank you, Bani.
Bani looks down at her empty plate and tucks a strand of her behind her ear, feeling a little uncomfortable. Jai smiles to himself, pleased with knowing how much Bani cares and loves his Mausi. They continue to talk for awhile, just casual talk.... trying to fill up the silence between them. Luckily their dinner finally arrives and both become occupied by eating. Bani doesn't eat much, not knowing how to with Jai's presence and when she's so lost and confused. She quietly watches him eat his own meal in a daze. In her mind she battles with ideas as to why there is such a sudden change of behavior from him.....
Jai glances up in between eating his meal and keeps his eyes fixed on Bani's troubled looking face. He puts his fork and knife down and wipes his mouth with the napkin beside him.
Jai: Bani, what's wrong? .... You've barely touched your food.
Bani: (snaps out of it, meets his eyes) Ji? .... Woh... nahi... kuch nahi.... (trans: No...nothing...)
She grips onto her utensils and begins cutting a piece of her food. Slowly she places it in her mouth and chews. Jai lifts his glass of water and drinks it, examining Bani carefully as he does this. Bani eats carelessly, still trapped into her thoughts. Jai places his glass back down.
Jai: (genuinely concern) Bani, tum teek to hai, haina? (trans: Bani, you're alright, aren't you?)
Bani: Ji?....Ji, main teek hoon.... (trans: Yes?... Yes, I'm alright...)
Jai: Are you sure? ... Bolo Bani, you can tell me. ... Kya hua? (trans: What happened?)
Bani gently lowers her utensils down onto her plate and stares back at him, looking clueless. Not able to contain it inside of her for any longer, she voices her thoughts....
Bani: (innocently) ...Mr. Walia... Hum yahan kyon aaye hai? (trans: Mr. Walia... why have we come here?)
Jai: (taken aback by her question) ... For Dinner of course....
Bani: (shaking her head)... Mr. Walia, forgive me for saying this--- paar aap saach mein mujhe yahan laakare Dinner kaarne chaate ho? (trans: --- but have you really brought me here to have Dinner?) Hum Dinner to ghar bhi kaarsakte.... (trans: We can also have Dinner at home.)
Jai, nervous with the approaching topic, tugs on his tie loosing it a bit and straightens up in his seat.
Jai: Hain... hum kaarsakte... but I need you alone... not with everyone else around. (confesses)
Bani: (surprised, nervous) J-ji?
Jai: (urging himself to continue) Hain.... Bani... I've been meaning to talk to you for a couple of days now.... but have never gotten a chance to with everyone constantly around and me being preoccupied with work. So to get you alone, I planned this Dinner.
Seeing Bani look uncomfortable by this, Jai reaches over the table and places his hand comfortingly over hers.
Jai: Let me explain.....
Bani meets his eyes as she feels the contact of his warm hand on hers. She feels something inside of her flutter and blushes a light shade of pink. She's too scared to move her hand so lets it be covered by his, awkwardly.
Jai: Bani....
He says in his deep manly voice as he brushes his thumb soothingly against her hand, building knots in Bani's stomach.
Jai: It's... it's been almost two months since we've been married.... and during that time---... I wasn't very humane towards you.... in fact I was cruel, harsh, and a very despicable person. I dropped so low to do anything just to get back at you.... to hurt you.
Jai lets his words linger for a moment and watches as Bani focuses her gaze on him, her full attention now on him and not trying to avoid his eyes like usual. He watches how she bares a blank expression on her face, probably not understanding how to react to his sudden words....
Jai: I did so much to hurt you... and yet, you never complained.... not one word came from you mouth. You just took it all quietly....tolerated it all..... (pausing for a moment) I'm ashamed of myself... for putting you through all of that trouble..... for bringing tears into your eyes numerous of times.... but most of all, for inflicting pain onto a wonderful woman as yourself. ... who was innocent from the very beginning...
Bani feels something inside of her sink and her heart begin to ache terribly from being mentioned of all of her wounds given by him. She looks down away from him, not able to stare at him any longer. Forming tears sting her eyes.... She couldn't believe that this was happening. Is it possible that she could be hallucinating? Maybe she's just hearing him wrong... Perhaps she's just dreaming this all?
Jai continues on, knowing that if he doesn't get this guilt out of him now, he may never again gain enough courage to apologize to Bani... or even look at her the same.
Jai: Bani.... when I read that letter from Pia.... I was completely shaken up... The woman who I thought I loved and the man who I had accepted as my brother both deceived me and left like a bunch of cowards.... without even explaining anything to me and on my wedding day, embarrassing me in front of the whole Mumbai society.... and then when I saw you, anger just grew inside of me.... seeing you was like a horrible reminder of what Pia and Pushkar had done to me.... their betrayal. --- You three sisters were close.... I knew of that. I also knew that you three never kept anything away from each other.... with that thought in mind, I became angry assuming that you knew of Pia and Pushkar the whole time... you, a person who I completely held trust in.... But I should had known at the time that you were sick worrying over Pia.... and that you were oblivious to everything as was I... I should had seen the hurt you were experiencing... but I was so blinded with my anger and plans of revenge that I simply looked past it.... and your innocence which everyone could see but me.
Jai: If only I had realized it all before, then you wouldn't have to go through what I put on you because of my hurt ego.... I wouldn't had behaved so inappropriately and uncivilized.... Bani, what have I not done to cause pain to you? --- Not only did I constantly put you down, but I even went as far as destroying your own home.... which I know what value it holds to you...
Jai grips tighter onto Bani's hand as she continues to keep her head bent down....
Jai: I have finally come to my senses.... I can see your innocence....your honesty...the truth.... Bani, if you can find it in your heart to forgive me..... to accept my apology for everything that I have done to you.... it will help me feel better knowing that you do not hold a grudge against me.... please lift off this burden of guilt from me... Please forgive me... I'm so sorry, Bani.... So terribly sorry....
Jai: This is the reason behind our Dinner... I just wanted to apologize to you alone.
He watches her closely with desperate eyes and becomes anxious as he sees no type of reaction from her... not even one single word... She keeps her head down, which worries him.
Jai: (nervous) Bani???
Jai is startled when he feels Bani slip her hand hastily out of his and cover her mouth with both trembling hands. He sees her shake her head, probably from disbelief, and finally glance back up at him... showing him the rapid tears falling down from her eyes. She weeps into her hands, not caring anymore that she's crying right in front of him and in a restaurant where any waiter can come and see....
Jai, acting quickly, gets out from his seat and kneels down next to Bani's chair. He looks at her with concern....
Jai: Bani?... Bani, yeh aansoon? .... Why these tears?... Did I say anything wrong?
He takes both of her hands away from her mouth, holding them both in his hands, and momentarily looks at her quivering lips as she continues to sob before him. The tears don't stop and proceed to roll down from her welling eyes. Bani closes her eyes tight and bows her head down.... she shakes her head in a negative, answering his question.
Jai: Then what is it? (calm with her) ..... Please tell me.... I can't tolerate seeing you cry anymore... especially become of me.
This only causes her to let out another sob. She struggles to let her hands out of his, but Jai holds onto them firmly. Lifting a hand up to her face, Jai cups one side of it and wipes away the tears with his thumb. He lowers it back down and then uses his other hand, wiping away the tear drops from the other side, but it's to no use because Bani will not stop crying.
Jai: Bani, please look at me....
Hesitantly Bani opens her eyes and stares into his surprisingly gentle looking ones. The icy cold look that she usually would finds in them no longer exists and instead she sees a type of warmth in them. She doesn't move her eyes away from his......
Jai: (gentle with her) Don't cry.... I didn't mean to make you.... that's the last thing I want to see now...
Bani: (quivering voice)... This isn't a joke, is it?
Jai: (startled) No... of course not. (defensive) Honest to God Bani, I have realized my crime for not believing in you...
Bani: I can't tolerate anymore of your tricks, Mr. Walia... (sounding tired)
Jai wipes another rolling tear and whispers to her in a promising tone....
Jai: There are no more tricks from here on out..... I won't even dare to think about hurting you again.
Bani watches him silently as if she were examining him. She then breaks into another fit of tears and surprises Jai by throwing her arms around him, gripping onto him tightly. Jai is thrown off by this and has to balance him self. After a couple of seconds of bewilderment he recovers and embraces her with his arms, hugging her back passionately. Bani cries into the crook of his neck and grips onto his collar. He sways her a little, trying to comfort her.....
After long moments pass by, Bani's crying begins to subside. She has relaxed completely against him and lets Jai stroke her hair as she rests her head against his chest. She feels safe and protected in his arms.... as if no harm can come upon her....
Jai: (finally speaking) Can we start from the very beginning?
Bani: .... (not understanding) What do you mean?
Jai: What I mean is... can we start all over... back to when we were friends?
Bani can't help but smile faintly.....
Bani: Mr. Walia, ...we shared more of a professional relationship rather than friendship.
Jai: (blunt) Then I'd like for us to be friends.... Would you like that?
Jai feels her nod her head in agreement. A comforting silence passes by which Jai cuts short by speaking suddenly.
Jai: .... Bani.....
Bani: Ji?
Jai: .... You have forgiven me.... haven't you?
He worries when he hears no automatic reply from her. She takes awhile in answering....
Bani: When you haven't done anything wrong.... then why should I forgive you?
Jai: But Bani... how can you say that and pretend like I didn't do anything at all?
Bani: ... Main maanti hoon... ke aapne mujhe baut dhook diye... paar main to aapko phele se maaf kiya tha... (trans: I agree that you have given me a lot of hurt... but I had forgiven you from way before.)
Jai feels his heart soar from happiness and relief.
Jai: You have a very big heart, Bani.... If it were me, I'd probably never have forgiven you....
Bani: A man who has realized his mistake... should be given a second chance....
Jai holds Bani from both of her arms and pushes her back. He stares at her puzzled face....
Jai: Thank you... thank you so much.
Bani just smiles lightly and looks down shyly. At that precise moment, the soft rhythmic music changes into a slow romantic song, the volume increased. Both Jai and Bani look behind them and see one of the employees just leaving the room. Jai looks down at his watch and sees that this was the exact time that he instructed that he wanted music that him and Bani could dance to. Jai stares back over to Bani, who also brings her eyes to him. He smiles friendly to her and stands up. Extending a hand over to her, Jai grins cutely at her as he asks, "Want to dance?"
Without even giving it a moment of thought, Bani gladly puts her hand into his and lets herself be lead by him to the small dance floor nearby the open garden doors. Her heart races as he turns around and grins handsomely at her. Placing a hand on her waist and holding onto her other hand, Jai feels Bani place her hand on his shoulder as a response. Jai gracefully leads her into the slow dance.... Together they dance to the lyrics.
Tere bin main yun kaise jiya
Kaise jiya tere bin........
Tere bin main yun kaise jiya
Kaise jiya tere bin......
Lekar yaad teri raaten meri kati
Lekar yaad teri raaten meri kati.....
They stare into each other's eyes, completely losing themselves to one another-- seeming as if they are under a binding magical spell....
Mujhse baaten teri karti hai chaandani
Tanha hai tujh bin raaten meri
Din mere din ke jaise nahi...
Jai twirls her around once and holds her back in place, leading her in beat with the song.
Tanha badan tanha hai ruh nam meri aankhen rahe
Aaja mere ab rubaru
Jeena nahi bin tere....
Jai sways her around, bringing her out of his arms and then pulling her back in, earning himself a beautiful smile from her lips.
Tere bin main yun kaise jiya
Kaise jiya tere bin....
Tere bin main yun kaise jiya
Kaise jiya tere bin.......
Kabse aankhen meri raah mein tere bichhi
Kabse aankhen meri raah mein tere bichi......
Their eyes meet once again. Bani stares at him, completely hypnotized by his charm. Her insides slowly start to melt.... Jai also doesn't take his gaze off of her, grinning cutely at her.
Bhule se hi kahi tu mil jaaye kabhi
Bhule na mujhse baaten teri
Bheegi hai har pal aankhen meri
Jai twirls her around once again and slowly stops her by bringing her back against his chest, wrapping his arms around her stomach. Bani flushes as she feels his breath on her neck.
Kyun saans loon kyun main jiyu
Jeena bura sa lage
Kyun ho gaya tu bewafaaa mujhko bata de wajah......
Jai turns her back around swiftly and protectively holds her by her waist with both hands. Bani looks at him shyly, yet can't seem to wipe off the smile from her face....
Tere bin main yun kaise jiya
Kaise jiya tere bin ...
Tere bin main yun kaise jiya
Kaise jiya tere bin ...
Tere Bin...
Tere Bin..
Tere Binnn...Kaise jiya.....
The two danced away the night, drinking one another in... Forgetting everything else and only focusing on themselves. They happily danced together, bringing in some fun into it with lots of twirling and swaying, making Bani giggle plenty of times pleasing Jai a whole lot. Just in one night they perfectly bonded well with each other.... forming a start of a deep meaningful friendship.... which may possibly even lead to the beginning of a beautiful romancing love......
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so??? kaise tha?😕
Edited by Indian_Goddess - 17 years ago
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