Posted:
Hey all, so sorry for the long wait. I was catching up with school and making up things since I had missed a week of school. But now I am finally here. I promised Guli that I would update over the weekend. Bechari has been waiting for an update for ages.š Here it is jaani. I hope you like it.š³
Bani stills and stares back at her husband with stunned eyes. Her eyes shine with glistening tears as she strains her ears to make sure she had heard him right.
Jai: The blood that you find so dirty run in my veins as wellā¦. The child living in Bani's womb, that you call a sin, is mineā¦
His thumb sinks in deeper into her throat, making Jigyasa choke further as she looks up at her brother with wide eyes, not able to believe the words that come from his mouth. Everyone else wonder how many more shocks they are in forā¦ first the accusations made on Bani and now discovering that a couple that they had thought would take a long while to actually become into husband and wife were now expecting a childā¦.
Jai: Only mineā¦ no one else'sā¦
And with that he lets her go, pushing her away from him as he does so. Jigyasa lets out a loud gasp as she protectively holds onto her neck and tries regaining her breath.
Jai: You have attempted to disgrace Bani before everyoneā¦ pointed a finger at her characterā¦ accused her of something so unspeakableā¦ You have insulted my wifeā¦. my childā¦ but more importantly, by insulting them both you have insulted meā¦.and Jai Walia will not tolerate being insultedā¦ Let me see how you stay here in MY house for a minute longerā¦
Stunned, Jigyasa glances upā¦looking terrified for her life.
Jigyasa: (stammers) B-but how did this happen? H-How can this child be yours?
Jai: (sarcastically) Would you like me to explain to you what happens between a man and a woman?
Jigyasa turns red by this as does Bani, who isn't able to believe that her husband just said that in front of everyone and so coolly.
Jai: But then again, you should know after having two kids of your own with your ex-husbandā¦
Jigyasa is dumbfounded. She isn't able to digest the fact that the distance between her brother and sister-in-law has been breechedā¦ that they have actually consummated their marriageā¦ they have become into oneā¦ and now are expecting their first child, the actual heir to the Walia name. How in the world did this happen?
Jigyasa: Jai Bhaiya----
Jai: (barks) Don't call me Bhaiya!-- You are nothing to me anymore!ā¦ Get out of my houseā¦
Fear begins to build in the pit of her stomachā¦ Her own brother is going to throw her outā¦and that to for the silly Mount Abu girl. How can he possibly do this to her? Where will she go? Where will she stay? No, she cannot leaveā¦
Jigyasa: (on the verge of crying) Bhaiya, please!
Jai tugs hard on her wrist, dragging her away from the living room from everyone else, who do nothing but watch, and down the hallway towards the front doors, however, Jigyasa struggles against him, trying to wring her wrist out from his hold.
Jigyasa: I am your sister! (breathes out)
Jai: (abruptly stops, faces her) If you were my sister you wouldn't dare to point a finger at my wifeā¦ you wouldn't feed poison to the mediaā¦.. Don't look so shocked, I know it was you.. It must have been you.. Where else would the media gather the information from? I know gossiping is one of your favorite hobbiesā¦ Well now you are free to do soā¦ but not in my houseā¦.
"Mr. Walia!", they both hear Bani's pleading voice from behind. Turning around both brother and sister watch her catching up to them with a worried expression etched on her face. She quickly approaches his side, breathless.
Bani: Yeh aap kya khar rahe hai? Yeh aapke behen hai! (trans: What are you doing? This is your sister!)
Jai: (heaves) Behen?--- Kaise behen hai yeh? If I were to know that I would be given a sister like this, I would had begged God to make me an only child---
Bani: (interrupts him) You cannot just throw her out like this! Especially when her family is hereā¦.and when she has no where else to go!
Jai looks back at Bani with disbelief.
Jai: This woman has said so much to youā¦ kya nahi kaha issne!! Tumhare saath itane gaatiya baatein kaarchuke hai, phir bhi tum usske saath daarahi ho?! (questioning her, amazed) (trans: What has she not said! She has said so many disgusting things to you, yet you still are siding with her?!)
Bani is silenced by this momentarily and she stares over at her frightened sister-in-law, staring back at her with a disbelief of her own. Soothingly she lays a hand on her husband's shoulder and looks back to him with begging eyes.
Bani: ā¦ Pleaseā¦ don't do thisā¦ Do not separate her from her children and familyā¦. You will not only be punishing her, but you will be punishing our family as wellā¦. Waise, Jigyasa Didi aapse choti haiā¦ agar unhe neh koi gaalti kiā¦ aapka faarz baanta hai ke aap usko maaf kaareā¦ phir woh aapni gaalti se seeksakteā¦ (trans: Besides, Jigyasa Didi is junior to youā¦ if she has made a mistakeā¦ it is your duty to forgive herā¦ then she can learn from it.)
Jai: (intervenes) Baniā¦.she has tried to bring you below everyone's eyesā¦.
Bani: Mr. Waliaā¦ (tears brimming in her eyes) I am certainly hurt (voice cracking) by being accused of something that I would never even think of doingā¦. I am hurt by how low Jigyasa Didi thinks of meā¦. But I will be even more hurt if because of me her family is snatched away from herā¦.
Seeing the tears in his wife's eyes washes all the current anger from him and he takes her hand from her shoulder into his, giving her a comforting squeeze. Jai has let go of his grip on his sister's wristā¦ his attention temporarily brought away from her.
Jai: ā¦ I don't ever want to see you hurt, Baniā¦. (says with genuine warmth)
Bani's eyes meet with his and she feels a warm sensation build inside of her by his words. She watches him turn and look back at a stiff standing Jigyasa, crying her eyes out hysterically. Anger flashes back into his eyesā¦
Jai: (harshly) Learn a thing or two from my wife, Jigyasa, whom you think so lowly ofā¦ Admire her mercy towards youā¦ If it were anyone else they would had watched you being kicked out of this house with satisfactionā¦ If by allowing you to stay under this roof gives her somewhat of a relief, then I will without hesitation oblige to her wishā¦ Paar ek baath mera dhyaan se sunnā¦. If you try to pull anythingā¦ and I mean anythingā¦ orā¦ if you try hurting Bani once again, ā¦ just think of yourself close to being deadā¦. (ends with a deadly tone)
Jigyasa trembles by her brother's raging eyes and dangerous low voice. She watches with blurry angry eyes how he protectively clasps his hand with his wife's, entwining their fingers together.
Jai: Aur hainā¦ keep your well wishes to yourselfā¦ we don't need them from a witchā¦. (hisses)
She flinches by the cruelty in his words and looks with stunned eyes as Jai tugs on Bani's hand, bringing her to his side, and taking her far away from herā¦.leaving her alone in the middle of the dark gloomy hallway, crying over her insult and thrashing. Bani looks behind her shoulder as she is dragged away by her husband with sad eyes at how her sister-in-law weeps miserably to herselfā¦.
They arrive back to the living room, where everyone is still standingā¦.speechless and rooted to their spots. Tears blind Bani's eyes and she can't help but not cryā¦ she was ashamed and deeply embarrassed with what allegations were put on her before everyoneā¦but more importantly, hurt beyond words.
Jai: ā¦. No one will go to herā¦ No one will help herā¦ She does not deserve anyone's pityā¦ That woman isn't worth itā¦
Aditya just grimaces at the whole situation. Disappointed in his ex-wife, furious with her, and sympathetic towards his sister. Dadi is completely appalled with what has happenedā¦ Rano, with tears in her eyes, watches her sister silently with a heavy heartā¦.
Anu stands in a flood of tearsā¦ not able to comprehend anything or react to what had just happened. All of this was happening because of herā¦ In order to protect her, Bani had to undergo so muchā¦ the horrible insults from her motherā¦. And now a rift exists between her mother and mamajiā¦ all due to herā¦. Just her. Her face palesā¦.
Aditya gently places a hand on Bani's head, feeling a hard tug on his heart and water rise to his eyes by seeing how hurt she isā¦. Bani just stands besides Jai, stiff and devastatedā¦
Jai, after meeting everyone's eyes and letting his words sink in, again pulls on Bani's hand, leading her over to the staircase to take her to their room. Aditya's hand slips off from her hair and he watches their retreating backs with a gloomy expression. Just as they approach the staircase, Jai looks over to his side where his niece stands, shaking to herselfā¦her knees wobbling. He nerves and confuses her by his disapproval and disappointed expressionā¦.the intent gazingā¦and the frown lingering on his lips. Facing away from her, quickly he proceeds on with climbing up the stairs, his wife obediently following him behind with her head bent downā¦.
************************************************************ *
After closing the door shut, he locks it in a haste and lets his hold break over Bani's small hand. Swearing under his breath, he runs his fingers through his thick hair, replaying the events through his head while Bani just mutely stands motionless, staring off in space with a blurry visionā¦her eyes blinded with rushing tears. Jigyasa's thundering voice ringing in her earsā¦
"These Dixit sisters are all the sameā¦ Cunning, filthy, and lower than dirt!"---"She went behind your back and fooled around despite being married to you and belonging into a well respected family!"---"She is carrying an illegitimate child in her womb! A sin!"----She was so desperate for male attention that she fooled around and got herself pregnant!"---"A wh*re!"
Biting down hard onto her bottom lip from keeping herself bursting, the tears spill fast from her pained looking eyes as these words continue to haunt herā¦ Everyone's horrified seemed faces flash across herā¦ Hot shame fuses into herā¦
Jai Walia had never been so furious in his whole life. He was raging with boiling anger and was ready to explode like how a kettle bursts out hot steam. He stands with his hands in tight fists as his wife's insults do not leave his thoughts. As he remembers the tears that she had shedā¦ tears that he promised would never reach her eyesā¦. That he promised himself. Over come with insane fury, Jai rams his fist into the closet door besides himā¦ causing a loud bam to occurā¦ not carrying how now his hand throbs from pain.
Now able to control herself anymore, Bani slowly moves away, creating distance between themā¦and finally explodes into another set of fresh tearsā¦.sobbing awayā¦ wanting to cry to her heart's contentā¦.till she could cry no more and her eyes would become dry.
Startled by the outburst, Jai flashes her a look and instantly is concerned. He walks towards herā¦ where she stands nearby one of the windowsā¦her shoulders quiveringā¦and occasionally softly gasping in between her tearsā¦.gathering some shaky breathes into her. Placing both of his hands on her upper arms, Jai swiftly turns her around, making her unwillingly face him. Bani keeps her eyes closed as she pours out her pain in front of her solicitous husband.
Jai feels something inside of him sink on seeing her sob before him. He had never seen her cry so much and it troubled himā¦caused him pain as well. With the thought of wanting to take away all of her distress and agony, he engulfs Bani into a tight embraceā¦ full of warmthā¦ supportā¦ and comfort. His arms hold her securely against his torsoā¦.one wrapped around her slender waistā¦.the other resting on her back as his hand finds it's way into her heavenly scented hairā¦his fingers running through the silky tressesā¦.and face buried into them.
Bani conceals her face into his chest and smothers herself comfortably into himā¦.loving the way how she fits so perfectly against himā¦feeling safe and protected in his strong armsā¦.and listens intently to his silky voiceā¦.that tries to hush her. She brings her arms around him, hugging his torsoā¦..
Bani: ā¦I-Iā¦can never show my face to any one of them againā¦.
She whispers to him in between her shaky sobsā¦. Jai gathers her closer to him and sweetly runs his hand down her smooth hairā¦.
Jai: (murmuring in her ear) You have no reason to be ashamedā¦ You did nothing wrongā¦ Absolutely nothingā¦ You are purer than anyone else in this world, Baniā¦. Completely flawlessā¦.
Bani opens her mouth to reply back, but she is too overcome with emotion that instead she continues to weepā¦.
It seemed like an eternity had passed with the both wrapped in each other's arms tightlyā¦close enough to feel the other's heart beatā¦ long enough to have their breathing in syncā¦. They provide each other warmth as the gentle breeze from the cracked window runs through themā¦. The curtains lightly bumping into them as it twirls around from the harmless force of the windā¦
After a long while, sensing that she has finally come to ease and that her tears are coming to an end, Jaiā¦ knowing very well how exhausted his wife has become after her waterworksā¦scoops her off from her feet, holding her up in his powerful built armsā¦.and stares down at her lovely face with tender eyesā¦.
Bani digs her face into the crook of his neck, smelling in the wonderful scent of his cologne, and secures her hold around his neckā¦.unaware of what she is doingā¦only acting upon the momentā¦.
Jai carries her half unconscious self to their bed, where he places her beside him and is unhesitant in pulling her petite frame back into his embrace, feeling that it is absolutely rightā¦ Tired, she snuggles closely against him, resting her hands against his chest, and soon drifts off into a peaceful sleepā¦.with him stroking her back with care and gentlenessā¦
************************************************************ ***
Bani awoke to the annoying glare from the sun coming through the half covered windows in the roomā¦ She stirs, feeling incredibly exhausted, and tries finding a more cozier position to fall back asleep, but as her drowsy eyes fall upon the large red digits of the alarm clock beside her, she quickly springs her eyes open with realization. It was time to wake up and Mausi would be expecting her in the Puja room like always. With this in mind, she slides the comforter off of her and attempts to get up, but is alarmed on being held back firmly in place. Confused, she looks down and finds a startling surpriseā¦. Her husband's arm wrapped securely over her stomachā¦keeping her besides him. She then becomes fully aware of his close presence besides herā¦ feeling his breath fanning the side of her face, flushing from this. His head is slanted slightly down nearer towards her own,ā¦close to slipping off from the edge of his pillowā¦.
Silently she gazes at him with wonder in her eyesā¦. Admiring his handsome appearance as he sleeps peacefully and contently with his arm around herā¦.She feels the rhythm of her heartbeat increase just by the sight of him and her eyes shine with secret delightā¦
This man laying beside herā¦ her husbandā¦ Jai Waliaā¦ had protected her and defended her honorā¦ made sure to keep her character stain freeā¦.diminished every accusation made against herā¦ held more trust in her than even in God himselfā¦ washed away her agony with just simply keeping her in a warm-hearted lock in his armsā¦silently letting her know that he is there for herā¦
This manā¦.this very oneā¦the one she has become crazy about and loves to no extentā¦. Yesā¦ Bani Walia is in loveā¦ that to with her very own husbandā¦ and has finally come to admitting it. Since whenā¦ she has no clueā¦ Was it when they had gone to their very first dinner date? Where he had apologized to her and promised her that he is a changed man? ā¦During their time at the farmhouse? ā¦Where they had learned to become into friends? ā¦ Was it seeing him interact with her baby sister like if she were his own? ā¦ Last night's dinner where they talked endlessly with one another?ā¦ Or perhaps she fell in love with him ages agoā¦ maybe that was why she had quietly taken all of his tormentingā¦ why she always felt something in her arise whenever she would catch him smileā¦ why she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever he touched herā¦ why she wanted to swoon whenever he came nearā¦ why she spent so many hours just staring at his sleeping face late into the nightā¦
Bani could care less right at the moment if he doesn't insanely love her back as she does himā¦ She has finally come to terms with her feelings.. .Finally understood why she always felt so apprehensive whenever he was around and always lost in his thoughtsā¦ Loveā¦ It was love all a long.
People always sayā¦ Pyaar paata nahi kaise hota, baas hojaateā¦ Well they are certainly true. Even she doesn't know when she fell head over heels for Jai Walia ā¦ but is delirious with joy for being soā¦ Loveā¦ what a wonderful thing to experienceā¦. It brings out both the good and bad out of everyoneā¦
She had thought that she was in love onceā¦ that too with her younger sister's husbandā¦ once her best friendā¦ After discovering Pushkar and Pia's elopement, and of their craziness for each otherā¦ She immediately pushed her feelings away for himā¦. Locking them awayā¦ knowing it was now inappropriate to hold feelings for her sister's husbandā¦
Silly herā¦ She had thought what she shared with Pushkar was love when indeed it was just a beautiful friendshipā¦ Bani had never been friends with one of the opposite-sex before until Pushkar came alongā¦ charming her with his cute boyish talksā¦ easily making her laughā¦ making her feel specialā¦ It was all just an infatuationā¦ she now knowsā¦ A school girl crushā¦ Pushkar could/can never arouse the strong sensational feelings inside of her that her husband always succeeds in doing.
Bringing her hand towards himā¦ she lightly strokes his hair with her fingersā¦gently brushing off the strands of hair resting against his foreheadā¦caressing his faceā¦.sliding her hand down and cupping his cheekā¦.stroking it with her thumbā¦ like how he had done to her numerous of times beforeā¦
Bani felt like pouring out her heart to him right that moment despite him being asleepā¦but knew she would have to keep this a secret to herselfā¦ Maybe one dayā¦ he will also love her backā¦. She would pray to God for that day to comeā¦
Her eyes lower to his lips and she blushes as she remembers the incident from yesterday and at the farmhouse. He had intently stared at her, making her feel as if she were nakedā¦ his gray eyes undressing her as they lowered downā¦ She burned crimson under his roaming gazeā¦ and had even silently cursed herself for wearing a see-through saree. She had no clue what he was thinking about doing when he had reached out to lay his hand on her faceā¦.if only the reporters hadn't comeā¦ she would had found out. The look in his eyes though sent chills down her spineā¦.she had never seen them so dark beforeā¦.
And at the farm houseā¦ where Bani had somehow landed on top of himā¦ the way he had looked up at her made her catch her breath in her throatā¦ and when he had drawn nearer to her, just centimeters from her faceā¦ she panicked and turned awayā¦. What if she hadn't though? What would had it felt like having his lips on her own?
Bani immediately blushes and mentally smacks herself on her forehead. Here she isā¦ unashamedly staring at her husband like a love-struck fool when she should quickly get up before he awakes, finding them in an awkward situationā¦ which didn't feel awkward to her at allā¦feeling completely rightā¦ but she knew it would be to him.
Unwillingly she brings herself out from his unintentional embrace, gently picking up his arm and placing it onto his side of the bed. She regrets it though as she feels his enjoyable warmth leaving herā¦
In a nervous wreck she gets out from bed and walks over to the bathroomā¦ her insides feeling like they are about to blow and her heart racing onā¦ thumping crazily against her chestā¦ jumpy from excitement and intoxicated with happiness on discovering her feelingsā¦
************************************************************ **
Jai mumbles and switches sides as he feels someone shaking him to get upā¦ He was tired from last night and wanted to rest some moreā¦ But the person bringing him out of his sleep is hell-bent on fully waking him. Groggily he turns back around to face who it is and glances up with slight watering eyes from his yawning. He is surprised to see Bani staring back at him, biting on her lip nervouslyā¦yet looking very cute as she does soā¦ and looking beautiful with her hair wet from a shower and dressed in a glowing yellow sareeā¦seeming like the shining sun itself. Sleep far gone nowā¦ Jai sits up and looks at her, confused.
Bani: Jiā¦aap jaage the nahiā¦ shayad aap alarm clock ko set nahi kiya kaal raat seā¦ baut late hochukaā¦naastha served honwalaā¦aap office ko bhi jhaanaā¦.aur maine aapkeliye coffee laake aaye hoon. (trans: You didn't wake upā¦ perhaps you forgot to set the alarm clock last nightā¦it's very lateā¦breakfast is about to be servedā¦and I have brought you coffee.)
Jai blinks for a couple of times and then finally registers what she has said to him. He rubs his eyes, tiredly.
Jai: (groggy voice) Arre, tum kyon laake aaye ho? Tony haiā¦ woh kaarta thaā¦(trans: Why have you brought it? Tony is thereā¦ he would had done it.)
Opening his eyes once again, he watches his wife turn slightly pink by this as she smiles shyly and looks down.
Bani: Ji wohā¦ main soochari thiā¦ke aaj main aapkeliye laaon. (trans: I was thinkingā¦ that I would bring it for you.)
Jai: (sincerely) Thank you.
Bani looks up and smiles sweetly at him, making him grin a little as well. He looks over at the clock and is shocked to see that it's 8:45.
Bani: Aap jhaake fresh hoyehā¦.main aapkeliye naashta tyaar kaarti hoonā¦aapka coffee yahan table per hai. (trans: Go on and get readyā¦. I will prepare your breakfast. Your coffee is right here on the table.)
Jai stares at her, curiously and cautiouslyā¦ He doesn't see a hint of grief in her which surprises him, but pleases him as well because he hated seeing her upsetā¦ However, she is acting as if nothing had happenedā¦ Is she really alright?
Jai: Bani, tum teek ho haina? (trans: Bani, you're alright, aren't you?)
He asks her, catching Bani off guard, who had begun taking out his suit and tie for him to wear for the office. She glances back at him over her shoulder, giving him a sunny smileā¦. Agar aap mere saath hoā¦phir main to hamesha hi teek hogiā¦ she answers silently to herself, but instead replies backā¦
Bani: Ji, bilkulā¦kyon? (trans: Yes, certainlyā¦ why?)
Jai: (shaking his head) Nahiā¦ baas poochara thaā¦ (trans: Noā¦ just asking.) I'm glad to see that you're fine now.
Bani smiles even more on this and walks back over to their bed, laying his clothes, tie, and socks at the edge of it. She moves over to his dresser, laying out his watch, pen, and handkerchief for him. She looks back, expecting him out of bed and going over to the bathroom, but finds him unmoved from the bed, still gazing at her with caution.
Bani: Mr. Waliaā¦ aap kya khar rahe hai? Abh taak aap utaae nahi? Jaaye, fresh hojaye. Aap phele se late haiā¦ aab aur waqt waste naa karo. Saab aapkeliye neeche intezaar khar rahe hogeh.(fussing over him) (trans: Mr. Walia.. What are you doing? You still haven't gotten up? Go, freshen up. You are already late as it isā¦ don't waste anymore time. Everyone will be waiting for you downstairs.)
Realizing that what she is saying is right, Jai throws the comforter off of him and begins making his way to the bathroom, but not before casting her another look. There is something definitely odd about her todayā¦ She looks more cheerful than usualā¦ But he holds no complaintsā¦ He enjoys seeing her so chirpy and behaving like a typical wife with him. Grinning on this thought, he enters the bathroom and closes the door behind him.
************************************************************ ******
Breakfast was awkward and silent, besides Mausi who animatedly chatted around, wanting to get rid of the unusual silence. The scene from last night kept on repeating through their minds and everyone couldn't help but look at Bani sympathetically. None knew what to say to her after what had occurred. Anu hid her face in shame by using her hair as a shield, not able to meet her Mamiji's eyes. After all, this all was happening due to her. Bani was aware of everyone's concerned looks, which only made her feel even more upset and out of place. She wanted to forget what happened, but these people were not helping her do so.
Bani perks up quickly and smiles on seeing Jai finally arrive at the table with haste, his tie not even properly tucked into his coat, the cuffs to his sleeves still open, and had even forgotten to wear his watch today. Everyone watches him with amusementā¦.
Mausi: Munna, yeh kya hai? Aaj subah tum kahan tha? (trans: Munna, what is this? Where were you this morning?)
Jai, already digging into the food that Bani has specially laid out for him, replies back to Mausi in an absent mannerā¦
Jai: Kahan tha? Main yahan hoonā¦ aab bhi subah hai, Mausiā¦. Aur main to baas (glances down at his wrist to note the time, but is alarmed on not seeing his watch there)ā¦ mera ghaari? Mera ghaari kahan hai? (speaking to himself) (trans: Where was I? I am hereā¦ it is still morning, Mausiā¦ and I was just ā¦.my watch? Where is my watch?)
Bani can't help but smile even more at this. He looks so cute when confused and lost. She stands up from her seat and gives him a reassuring look.
Bani: Main aabhi laate hoonā¦ shayad aap kamre mein bhoolgaeā¦ (trans: I'll just go getā¦ perhaps you left it in the room.)
Jai smiles thankfully at her while he tries to quickly chow down his breakfast in order to leave to the office on time. Bani has to use every bit of her strength to restrain herself from laughing at him. She leaves with a cheeky grin permanently etched on her face.
Mausi: Tum thirty minutes late ho, Munnaā¦ (trans: You are thirty minutes late, Munna.) Tum aaj itana late kyon ho? ā¦aur zaara tera shakal ko dekhā¦ your sleeves are not even buttoned and your tie is not even securely knotted. (trans: Why are you so late today? And just take a look at yourselfā¦.)
Jai: I forgot to set my alarm last nightā¦ I'm just running a bit late, Mausiā¦
Aditya: Jai, not that I'm trying to rush you or anything, but we do have to leave to the office in five minutes. We have that meeting with Mr. Saxeena at 10:30 in the morning.
Jai swears under his breath as he hastily just leaves his food on his plate and gets out from his seat to go fetch his things from the study. While Jai walks out of the dining room, a few moments later Bani renters it with his silver watch in her hands. She is confused on not seeing him there anymore.
Bani: Mausi, ā¦woh kahan gaaye? (trans: Mausi, where has he gone?)
Mausi: He is in a hurry so he has gone to gather his things from his Study to leave.
Bani notices that he has barely eaten half of the food she had made for him specially today. She worries of him going to work on an empty stomach.
Bani: But he has barely eaten his foodā¦.
Mausi: (sighs, defeated) Bahu, I have given up all hope on this boyā¦ Now it's your turn to put up with him.
She is silent for a moment, thinking to herself, before walking towards the table and pouring a glass of orange juice from the pitcher. Bani leaves without saying another word and wanders off in the other direction of the Mansion, towards her husband's study. She knocks on the creaked open door and hears him reply hastily, "Come in". She steps in and finds him standing right behind his desk, looking through a file in his hands, his eyes moving back and forth quickly. Bani notes that he has finally gotten to buttoning the cuffs of his sleeves, but still hasn't managed to fix his tie. She walks over to him with the orange juice in her hand and his watch in the other.
Bani: Mr. Walia, your watch.
Jai quickly glances up, acknowledging her, and takes his watch from her outstretched hand. He puts the file down onto his working desk, still reading through the open pages, while he attempts strapping the watch onto his wrist.
Jai: Thanks.
Bani: Is it necessary that you leave now? Can't you call in and say that you will be a little late? --- You haven't even finished your breakfast.
Jai: Hmmā¦ no, I have to leave now. I've got a meeting scheduled at 10:30.
He pulls his coat sleeve over his watch and then picks the file back up into his hands. Jai walks around the desk, headed towards leaving the Study, with his eyes still downcast on the file. Bani, however, stops him by standing in his way.
Bani: Mr. Walia, at least drink juice.
Jai: (absentmindedly) Bani, don't worry about me. I'll grab something to eat later. (flipping a page)
Bani frowns at this, knowing very well that his "laters" never actually happened. She is stubborn, therefore, does not move out of the way.
Bani: (upset) Main aachi taare se jhaanti hoon ke aapke "laters" kabhi nahi hote. ā¦ Aap sirf kaam kaam aur kaam ke baare mein soochte hai. (trans: I know very well that your "laters" never happen. ā¦ You only think about work work and work.) You are going to starve yourself through out the day. --- Please, at least have something.
Jai sighs, finally looks up at her frowning face, and knows that he is fighting a losing battle.
Jai: Accha baba, give me the juice.
This puts a soft smile on her lips as she raises up the glass in front of him. Jai takes it and begins drinking it. Bani's eyes land once again on his tie. She nears him and begins to work on the task.
Bani: Aap aapne ties ko aache taare se knot bhi nahi kaarsakte. (complaining) (trans: You can't even knot your ties right.)
Jai: (in between drinking) Tum ho nahā¦. Tum mere liye kaaronge. (smirking, winking) (trans: You are hereā¦ You will do it for me.)
Bani blushes a light shade of pink by this and keeps her eyes glued to his neck, where she just finishes knotting his tie perfectly. Jai chuckles at this and goes back to finishing his juice to please his wife. She tucks it into his coat, fixes a couple of his buttons on his coat that were put into the wrong hole, and smiles brightly up at him. Taking away the empty glass away from his lips, Jai hands it over to her and says with a friendly smile, "Khush?"
Bani shyly smiles back and responds, "Baut".
Jai: Good. Now can you stop blocking the way so I can get through?
Bani: (grinning slyly) Ji. Aap aapna kyaal rakhiye. (trans: Take care of yourself.)
Jai: Tum bhi. (trans: You too.)
Bani: Aur zaroor lunch ko nahi miss karna. Mujhe maloom hai ke aap aapka lunch time work time ko banatah ho. (trans: And make sure not to miss lunch. I know that you turn your lunch time into work time.)
Jai: (giving her a laughing smile, teasingly says) Ji, memsaab. Aur kuch? (trans: Yes ma'am. Anything else?)
Bani: (blushes, shakes her head)ā¦.Baas.
Jai: Good. Main chaalta hoon. (trans: I'll be leaving.) I'll see you later on in the evening.
Bani: Ji.
Jai leaves in a haste with the file in his hand and briefcase in the other. Bani stands alone in the room, smiling happily to herself. She doesn't notice Mausi, who had been silently standing outside the Study door watching the scene with a pleased grin, until she makes her presence heard.
Mausi: Haye Ram, I have been trying to get that boy to listen to me for years, but when you tell him, he listens obediently without a fuss.
Mausi had curiously followed behind Bani, wondering what she was going to say and do, and was very happy with what she had seen. Her daughter-in-law really does take great care of him. She is blessed to have her as her Bahu.
Startled, Bani's smile fades and instead she blushes beetroot. Mausi laughs and comes inside towards her. She affectionately places a hand on her head.
Mausi: ā¦ You are glowing marvelously today. I love to see you like this, Bahu. Hamesha khush raho. (trans: Always be happy.) Bhagwan kaare ke koi burri nazaar naa laage tumhe aur tumhari baacha ko. (tarns: I hope to God that no evil eye falls on you and your child.)
Bani, who a moment ago was feeling delighted, now looks at Mausi, aghast.
Mausi: Hain Bahuā¦(stroking her hair) I know you are pregnant with my Munna's childā¦.(sadness in her eyes) Beji has told me everything that had occurred last night once I questioned her why Jigyasa was not down for Breakfast.
Knowing very well that hell would arise if she made her presence at Breakfast, Jigyasa wisely stayed in her room, fearing her brother's temper, and ordered Tony to serve her meal there.
Bani, feeling slightly upset again by the reminder, lowers her eyes down.
Mausi: I never knew that Jigyasa could do something as low as she didā¦ She has insulted this house's Bahu without giving a thought of what she is doingā¦.dared to accuse of you something so unspeakable. ā¦ I don't understand, however, why she would accuse you of those thingsā¦ why she would think so lowly of you.
Mausi glances up and sees that there are tears in Bani's eyes and smiles sympathetically at her. She pulls her into a hug, placing Bani's head on her shoulder, and soothingly rubbing her back. Bani hugs Mausi back, who reminded her of her own motherā¦ Kiran Dixitā¦ who had died seven years back. She felt like she was in her mother's arm for that moment.
Mausi: I want to apologize to you on behalf of Jigyasaā¦. What she did was inappropriate and unacceptableā¦. I am so sorry, Baniā¦ that you had to go through all that she said to you.
Bani lifts her head up and smiles faintly at Mausi with the tears still lingering in her eyes.
Bani: ā¦ So am I, Mausiā¦ but I am glad that this family has given me their support and have belief in meā¦
Mausi: You are not just this family's Bahu, Bani, you are more than just thatā¦ you are a daughter and hold a cherishing place in all of our hearts.
Bani feels warm tears rebuild in her eyes by the genuine in her voice and she quickly embraces Mausi again, holding onto her dearlyā¦..
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Rano went to her university in a disturbed manner. She rarely talked to Nisha or listened to what her chirpy friend had to say. Her mind was only revolved around what happened last night and she couldn't get over her sister's insult. She was raging inside and wanted to throttle Jigyasa just as her brother-in-law had. How cheap did the woman really think her and her sisters were? They were no where near to her opinion of them being desperate, pathetic girls who would do anything for money and status.
Nisha: Ranoā¦ you know you can tell me anything. ā¦ I am ready to listen to you whenever you wantā¦
Nisha abruptly asks her as they were walking down the hallway from their last class. Startled, Rano looks at her.
Nisha: I know there is something upā¦ you are very quiet and your face looks troubledā¦ I won't pressure you into telling meā¦ Perhaps you're still upset over it and want some time to cool offā¦
Rano suddenly remembers her cold shoulder attitude towards her friend and looks at her guilty. She didn't mean to act indifferent, but her mind was just a mess at the moment.
Rano: I'm sorry, Nishaā¦
Nisha: Don't be. I understandā¦.
Rano: ā¦I'll tell you, I promiseā¦ just not right nowā¦ not when it's so fresh.
Nisha shakes her head in understanding. Rano smiles lightly at her, appreciating her giving her time. She would tell her friend everything, but once she has cooled off a bitā¦ Nisha was the only person she could talk to besides her Bani Di.
Nisha: You take care of yourself. Call me if you need me. I've got to go quickly catch one of my professor's before going home. I'll see you tomorrow.
Nisha walks off at a turn, leaving Rano by herself, mopping miserably to herself. She was so involved in her inner thoughts that she did not feel the presence of someone until he had surprised her by pulling her aside, pressing her back against a column nearby, and possessively placing two hands on her hips, keeping her in place. Looking up, Rano is stunned as her eyes look into Saahil Walia's, who grins mischievously down at her from his six foot height. It doesn't take too long for her to seethe in anger and cringe from the way he holds her like if she is only his possession. She looks down from his hands and back up at his foolishly grinning face. Oh how badly she wanted to wipe off that smile with a smack, but she didn't want to draw attention from anyone.
Saahil: (murmuring in her ear) Hey gorgeous.
Saahil had been watching her closely today, noting her behavior, wondering what had caused her to be in such a mood. She had even ignored her best friend throughout the day. He sees anger building in her eyes, but brushes it off as nothing as this was normal for him to see rage directed at him from her.
Rano: (warning tone) Saahil, let go of me. I am not in the mood for your inappropriate behavior.
He reaches out to stroke her hair, shocking Rano by this gesture. Angrily she pushes his hand back, making Saahil smile at her feisty self.
Saahil: Why the frown?
If Rano was angry before, she looks at Saahil with disbelief and grows even more serious by his nonchalant tone. Is he actually questioning her why she is upset? Why she is in the mood that is in now? The nerve of this guy! Sure he wasn't there last night to witness what happened, but of course his chatty sister must have informed him about it, she always tells him everything. If Mausi discovered what happened, he must have had also. ā¦And he has no sign of regret? Remorse? For what his mother had put her Bani Di through? No sympathy? Apology?
Rano: How dare youā¦ (shaking from anger)
Saahil: (raises a brow) Excuse me?
Rano: The nerve you have to come here and pin me up to a column, still acting inappropriately with me after with what just happened! You disgust me! You are a pig, Saahil Walia! You and your mother! (spits)
Saahil's smile vanishes and his jaw tightens. She can see the twitch in the lower part of his jaw and knows that she has struck a nerve.
Saahil knew that his mother was laconic, harsh, and intolerable sometimes, but after all she is his mother and he still loved her dearly. He will not tolerate any insult towards her for no apparent reason, which he believed Rano did not have.
Saahil: (hoarsely) Don't bring my mother into this, Rano. ā¦and what the hell are you talking about? (demanding)
Rano: So you are going to act innocent?! Act like you have no clue what I am saying?! Pretend like nothing happened last night?!
Saahil: (confused beyond words) Rano, stop it already and get to the point.
He loosens his hold on her and curiously looks at her, very puzzled and wanting to know what's going on.
Rano: The point is Saahil Walia is that you and your mother sicken me! You, a spoiled brat, believe that you can have anything or anyone! I am a human being, not a prized possession that you can flaunt off to others like you do with your BMW and CD collection! --- Your touch makes my skin crawl and the desire to puke arises in me!
Saahil looks thunder-struck at her, finding himself speechless and his ego hurt big time. Rano pushes him roughly back from him with her hands on his chest, making him stagger.
Rano: And your mother! Do I need to remind your small pea shaped brain of what she had done?!--- (whispering furiously) That vile woman dared to accuse my sister ofā¦..(painfully closes her eyes)ā¦ I can't even bring myself to say it. That is how cheap it is! ā¦Besides, my sister doesn't need any extra male attention when she has Mr. Walia by her side! He is satisfying enough for her!---But your pigheaded mother just can't seem to wrap around her also pea shaped brain around the fact that her brother and my sister can actually be happy together and share a husband-wife relationship! No, once she found out my sister is pregnant, she goes on flying daggers at her, accusing her for adultery! (finally bringing herself out to say it)
Saahi: (stunned)ā¦.When did this happen?
Rano: Last night you moron! And how dare you come after me still! I don't want you within 500 meters of the area around me! Otherwise I swear on God that I won't keep myself from killing you with my two bare hands!
Rano makes a movement to storm off from him, but once instantly Saahil pulls her back against the column as he sees her moving away.
Saahil: (breathes out in a rush) Rano, please believe me. I had no idea----
Rano: Don't give me that crap! (barks) You are honestly telling me that you didn't hear about it despite your gossiping little sister who always tells you what happens at the Mansion!
Saahil: Rano, hear me out----
Rano: (her voice raising, close to tears) I don't want to hear anything from you, Saahil! Let go of me!
Saahil: No, Rano, I won't, not before you listen to me!
Rano: Saahil, let go!!! (struggling against him)
Saahil: Rano-- (frustrated himself)
Right that moment, unexpectedly he feels someone grip onto his arm and pull it behind his back, twisting it painfully. He moans from pain and wonders who it is behind him. Rano looks on in awe as her eyes look behind Saahil in a dazeā¦
"I believe the young lady said 'Let go", a deep masculine voice says in a highly dangerous toneā¦.
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So? How was it?š Please leave comments!š³ You too silent readers.
Love,
Dil ā¤ļø
Chapter 26
Bani stills and stares back at her husband with stunned eyes. Her eyes shine with glistening tears as she strains her ears to make sure she had heard him right.
Jai: The blood that you find so dirty run in my veins as wellā¦. The child living in Bani's womb, that you call a sin, is mineā¦
His thumb sinks in deeper into her throat, making Jigyasa choke further as she looks up at her brother with wide eyes, not able to believe the words that come from his mouth. Everyone else wonder how many more shocks they are in forā¦ first the accusations made on Bani and now discovering that a couple that they had thought would take a long while to actually become into husband and wife were now expecting a childā¦.
Jai: Only mineā¦ no one else'sā¦
And with that he lets her go, pushing her away from him as he does so. Jigyasa lets out a loud gasp as she protectively holds onto her neck and tries regaining her breath.
Jai: You have attempted to disgrace Bani before everyoneā¦ pointed a finger at her characterā¦ accused her of something so unspeakableā¦ You have insulted my wifeā¦. my childā¦ but more importantly, by insulting them both you have insulted meā¦.and Jai Walia will not tolerate being insultedā¦ Let me see how you stay here in MY house for a minute longerā¦
Stunned, Jigyasa glances upā¦looking terrified for her life.
Jigyasa: (stammers) B-but how did this happen? H-How can this child be yours?
Jai: (sarcastically) Would you like me to explain to you what happens between a man and a woman?
Jigyasa turns red by this as does Bani, who isn't able to believe that her husband just said that in front of everyone and so coolly.
Jai: But then again, you should know after having two kids of your own with your ex-husbandā¦
Jigyasa is dumbfounded. She isn't able to digest the fact that the distance between her brother and sister-in-law has been breechedā¦ that they have actually consummated their marriageā¦ they have become into oneā¦ and now are expecting their first child, the actual heir to the Walia name. How in the world did this happen?
Jigyasa: Jai Bhaiya----
Jai: (barks) Don't call me Bhaiya!-- You are nothing to me anymore!ā¦ Get out of my houseā¦
Fear begins to build in the pit of her stomachā¦ Her own brother is going to throw her outā¦and that to for the silly Mount Abu girl. How can he possibly do this to her? Where will she go? Where will she stay? No, she cannot leaveā¦
Jigyasa: (on the verge of crying) Bhaiya, please!
Jai tugs hard on her wrist, dragging her away from the living room from everyone else, who do nothing but watch, and down the hallway towards the front doors, however, Jigyasa struggles against him, trying to wring her wrist out from his hold.
Jigyasa: I am your sister! (breathes out)
Jai: (abruptly stops, faces her) If you were my sister you wouldn't dare to point a finger at my wifeā¦ you wouldn't feed poison to the mediaā¦.. Don't look so shocked, I know it was you.. It must have been you.. Where else would the media gather the information from? I know gossiping is one of your favorite hobbiesā¦ Well now you are free to do soā¦ but not in my houseā¦.
"Mr. Walia!", they both hear Bani's pleading voice from behind. Turning around both brother and sister watch her catching up to them with a worried expression etched on her face. She quickly approaches his side, breathless.
Bani: Yeh aap kya khar rahe hai? Yeh aapke behen hai! (trans: What are you doing? This is your sister!)
Jai: (heaves) Behen?--- Kaise behen hai yeh? If I were to know that I would be given a sister like this, I would had begged God to make me an only child---
Bani: (interrupts him) You cannot just throw her out like this! Especially when her family is hereā¦.and when she has no where else to go!
Jai looks back at Bani with disbelief.
Jai: This woman has said so much to youā¦ kya nahi kaha issne!! Tumhare saath itane gaatiya baatein kaarchuke hai, phir bhi tum usske saath daarahi ho?! (questioning her, amazed) (trans: What has she not said! She has said so many disgusting things to you, yet you still are siding with her?!)
Bani is silenced by this momentarily and she stares over at her frightened sister-in-law, staring back at her with a disbelief of her own. Soothingly she lays a hand on her husband's shoulder and looks back to him with begging eyes.
Bani: ā¦ Pleaseā¦ don't do thisā¦ Do not separate her from her children and familyā¦. You will not only be punishing her, but you will be punishing our family as wellā¦. Waise, Jigyasa Didi aapse choti haiā¦ agar unhe neh koi gaalti kiā¦ aapka faarz baanta hai ke aap usko maaf kaareā¦ phir woh aapni gaalti se seeksakteā¦ (trans: Besides, Jigyasa Didi is junior to youā¦ if she has made a mistakeā¦ it is your duty to forgive herā¦ then she can learn from it.)
Jai: (intervenes) Baniā¦.she has tried to bring you below everyone's eyesā¦.
Bani: Mr. Waliaā¦ (tears brimming in her eyes) I am certainly hurt (voice cracking) by being accused of something that I would never even think of doingā¦. I am hurt by how low Jigyasa Didi thinks of meā¦. But I will be even more hurt if because of me her family is snatched away from herā¦.
Seeing the tears in his wife's eyes washes all the current anger from him and he takes her hand from her shoulder into his, giving her a comforting squeeze. Jai has let go of his grip on his sister's wristā¦ his attention temporarily brought away from her.
Jai: ā¦ I don't ever want to see you hurt, Baniā¦. (says with genuine warmth)
Bani's eyes meet with his and she feels a warm sensation build inside of her by his words. She watches him turn and look back at a stiff standing Jigyasa, crying her eyes out hysterically. Anger flashes back into his eyesā¦
Jai: (harshly) Learn a thing or two from my wife, Jigyasa, whom you think so lowly ofā¦ Admire her mercy towards youā¦ If it were anyone else they would had watched you being kicked out of this house with satisfactionā¦ If by allowing you to stay under this roof gives her somewhat of a relief, then I will without hesitation oblige to her wishā¦ Paar ek baath mera dhyaan se sunnā¦. If you try to pull anythingā¦ and I mean anythingā¦ orā¦ if you try hurting Bani once again, ā¦ just think of yourself close to being deadā¦. (ends with a deadly tone)
Jigyasa trembles by her brother's raging eyes and dangerous low voice. She watches with blurry angry eyes how he protectively clasps his hand with his wife's, entwining their fingers together.
Jai: Aur hainā¦ keep your well wishes to yourselfā¦ we don't need them from a witchā¦. (hisses)
She flinches by the cruelty in his words and looks with stunned eyes as Jai tugs on Bani's hand, bringing her to his side, and taking her far away from herā¦.leaving her alone in the middle of the dark gloomy hallway, crying over her insult and thrashing. Bani looks behind her shoulder as she is dragged away by her husband with sad eyes at how her sister-in-law weeps miserably to herselfā¦.
They arrive back to the living room, where everyone is still standingā¦.speechless and rooted to their spots. Tears blind Bani's eyes and she can't help but not cryā¦ she was ashamed and deeply embarrassed with what allegations were put on her before everyoneā¦but more importantly, hurt beyond words.
Jai: ā¦. No one will go to herā¦ No one will help herā¦ She does not deserve anyone's pityā¦ That woman isn't worth itā¦
Aditya just grimaces at the whole situation. Disappointed in his ex-wife, furious with her, and sympathetic towards his sister. Dadi is completely appalled with what has happenedā¦ Rano, with tears in her eyes, watches her sister silently with a heavy heartā¦.
Anu stands in a flood of tearsā¦ not able to comprehend anything or react to what had just happened. All of this was happening because of herā¦ In order to protect her, Bani had to undergo so muchā¦ the horrible insults from her motherā¦. And now a rift exists between her mother and mamajiā¦ all due to herā¦. Just her. Her face palesā¦.
Aditya gently places a hand on Bani's head, feeling a hard tug on his heart and water rise to his eyes by seeing how hurt she isā¦. Bani just stands besides Jai, stiff and devastatedā¦
Jai, after meeting everyone's eyes and letting his words sink in, again pulls on Bani's hand, leading her over to the staircase to take her to their room. Aditya's hand slips off from her hair and he watches their retreating backs with a gloomy expression. Just as they approach the staircase, Jai looks over to his side where his niece stands, shaking to herselfā¦her knees wobbling. He nerves and confuses her by his disapproval and disappointed expressionā¦.the intent gazingā¦and the frown lingering on his lips. Facing away from her, quickly he proceeds on with climbing up the stairs, his wife obediently following him behind with her head bent downā¦.
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After closing the door shut, he locks it in a haste and lets his hold break over Bani's small hand. Swearing under his breath, he runs his fingers through his thick hair, replaying the events through his head while Bani just mutely stands motionless, staring off in space with a blurry visionā¦her eyes blinded with rushing tears. Jigyasa's thundering voice ringing in her earsā¦
"These Dixit sisters are all the sameā¦ Cunning, filthy, and lower than dirt!"---"She went behind your back and fooled around despite being married to you and belonging into a well respected family!"---"She is carrying an illegitimate child in her womb! A sin!"----She was so desperate for male attention that she fooled around and got herself pregnant!"---"A wh*re!"
Biting down hard onto her bottom lip from keeping herself bursting, the tears spill fast from her pained looking eyes as these words continue to haunt herā¦ Everyone's horrified seemed faces flash across herā¦ Hot shame fuses into herā¦
Jai Walia had never been so furious in his whole life. He was raging with boiling anger and was ready to explode like how a kettle bursts out hot steam. He stands with his hands in tight fists as his wife's insults do not leave his thoughts. As he remembers the tears that she had shedā¦ tears that he promised would never reach her eyesā¦. That he promised himself. Over come with insane fury, Jai rams his fist into the closet door besides himā¦ causing a loud bam to occurā¦ not carrying how now his hand throbs from pain.
Now able to control herself anymore, Bani slowly moves away, creating distance between themā¦and finally explodes into another set of fresh tearsā¦.sobbing awayā¦ wanting to cry to her heart's contentā¦.till she could cry no more and her eyes would become dry.
Startled by the outburst, Jai flashes her a look and instantly is concerned. He walks towards herā¦ where she stands nearby one of the windowsā¦her shoulders quiveringā¦and occasionally softly gasping in between her tearsā¦.gathering some shaky breathes into her. Placing both of his hands on her upper arms, Jai swiftly turns her around, making her unwillingly face him. Bani keeps her eyes closed as she pours out her pain in front of her solicitous husband.
Jai feels something inside of him sink on seeing her sob before him. He had never seen her cry so much and it troubled himā¦caused him pain as well. With the thought of wanting to take away all of her distress and agony, he engulfs Bani into a tight embraceā¦ full of warmthā¦ supportā¦ and comfort. His arms hold her securely against his torsoā¦.one wrapped around her slender waistā¦.the other resting on her back as his hand finds it's way into her heavenly scented hairā¦his fingers running through the silky tressesā¦.and face buried into them.
Bani conceals her face into his chest and smothers herself comfortably into himā¦.loving the way how she fits so perfectly against himā¦feeling safe and protected in his strong armsā¦.and listens intently to his silky voiceā¦.that tries to hush her. She brings her arms around him, hugging his torsoā¦..
Bani: ā¦I-Iā¦can never show my face to any one of them againā¦.
She whispers to him in between her shaky sobsā¦. Jai gathers her closer to him and sweetly runs his hand down her smooth hairā¦.
Jai: (murmuring in her ear) You have no reason to be ashamedā¦ You did nothing wrongā¦ Absolutely nothingā¦ You are purer than anyone else in this world, Baniā¦. Completely flawlessā¦.
Bani opens her mouth to reply back, but she is too overcome with emotion that instead she continues to weepā¦.
It seemed like an eternity had passed with the both wrapped in each other's arms tightlyā¦close enough to feel the other's heart beatā¦ long enough to have their breathing in syncā¦. They provide each other warmth as the gentle breeze from the cracked window runs through themā¦. The curtains lightly bumping into them as it twirls around from the harmless force of the windā¦
After a long while, sensing that she has finally come to ease and that her tears are coming to an end, Jaiā¦ knowing very well how exhausted his wife has become after her waterworksā¦scoops her off from her feet, holding her up in his powerful built armsā¦.and stares down at her lovely face with tender eyesā¦.
Bani digs her face into the crook of his neck, smelling in the wonderful scent of his cologne, and secures her hold around his neckā¦.unaware of what she is doingā¦only acting upon the momentā¦.
Jai carries her half unconscious self to their bed, where he places her beside him and is unhesitant in pulling her petite frame back into his embrace, feeling that it is absolutely rightā¦ Tired, she snuggles closely against him, resting her hands against his chest, and soon drifts off into a peaceful sleepā¦.with him stroking her back with care and gentlenessā¦
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Bani awoke to the annoying glare from the sun coming through the half covered windows in the roomā¦ She stirs, feeling incredibly exhausted, and tries finding a more cozier position to fall back asleep, but as her drowsy eyes fall upon the large red digits of the alarm clock beside her, she quickly springs her eyes open with realization. It was time to wake up and Mausi would be expecting her in the Puja room like always. With this in mind, she slides the comforter off of her and attempts to get up, but is alarmed on being held back firmly in place. Confused, she looks down and finds a startling surpriseā¦. Her husband's arm wrapped securely over her stomachā¦keeping her besides him. She then becomes fully aware of his close presence besides herā¦ feeling his breath fanning the side of her face, flushing from this. His head is slanted slightly down nearer towards her own,ā¦close to slipping off from the edge of his pillowā¦.
Silently she gazes at him with wonder in her eyesā¦. Admiring his handsome appearance as he sleeps peacefully and contently with his arm around herā¦.She feels the rhythm of her heartbeat increase just by the sight of him and her eyes shine with secret delightā¦
This man laying beside herā¦ her husbandā¦ Jai Waliaā¦ had protected her and defended her honorā¦ made sure to keep her character stain freeā¦.diminished every accusation made against herā¦ held more trust in her than even in God himselfā¦ washed away her agony with just simply keeping her in a warm-hearted lock in his armsā¦silently letting her know that he is there for herā¦
This manā¦.this very oneā¦the one she has become crazy about and loves to no extentā¦. Yesā¦ Bani Walia is in loveā¦ that to with her very own husbandā¦ and has finally come to admitting it. Since whenā¦ she has no clueā¦ Was it when they had gone to their very first dinner date? Where he had apologized to her and promised her that he is a changed man? ā¦During their time at the farmhouse? ā¦Where they had learned to become into friends? ā¦ Was it seeing him interact with her baby sister like if she were his own? ā¦ Last night's dinner where they talked endlessly with one another?ā¦ Or perhaps she fell in love with him ages agoā¦ maybe that was why she had quietly taken all of his tormentingā¦ why she always felt something in her arise whenever she would catch him smileā¦ why she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever he touched herā¦ why she wanted to swoon whenever he came nearā¦ why she spent so many hours just staring at his sleeping face late into the nightā¦
Bani could care less right at the moment if he doesn't insanely love her back as she does himā¦ She has finally come to terms with her feelings.. .Finally understood why she always felt so apprehensive whenever he was around and always lost in his thoughtsā¦ Loveā¦ It was love all a long.
People always sayā¦ Pyaar paata nahi kaise hota, baas hojaateā¦ Well they are certainly true. Even she doesn't know when she fell head over heels for Jai Walia ā¦ but is delirious with joy for being soā¦ Loveā¦ what a wonderful thing to experienceā¦. It brings out both the good and bad out of everyoneā¦
She had thought that she was in love onceā¦ that too with her younger sister's husbandā¦ once her best friendā¦ After discovering Pushkar and Pia's elopement, and of their craziness for each otherā¦ She immediately pushed her feelings away for himā¦. Locking them awayā¦ knowing it was now inappropriate to hold feelings for her sister's husbandā¦
Silly herā¦ She had thought what she shared with Pushkar was love when indeed it was just a beautiful friendshipā¦ Bani had never been friends with one of the opposite-sex before until Pushkar came alongā¦ charming her with his cute boyish talksā¦ easily making her laughā¦ making her feel specialā¦ It was all just an infatuationā¦ she now knowsā¦ A school girl crushā¦ Pushkar could/can never arouse the strong sensational feelings inside of her that her husband always succeeds in doing.
Bringing her hand towards himā¦ she lightly strokes his hair with her fingersā¦gently brushing off the strands of hair resting against his foreheadā¦caressing his faceā¦.sliding her hand down and cupping his cheekā¦.stroking it with her thumbā¦ like how he had done to her numerous of times beforeā¦
Bani felt like pouring out her heart to him right that moment despite him being asleepā¦but knew she would have to keep this a secret to herselfā¦ Maybe one dayā¦ he will also love her backā¦. She would pray to God for that day to comeā¦
Her eyes lower to his lips and she blushes as she remembers the incident from yesterday and at the farmhouse. He had intently stared at her, making her feel as if she were nakedā¦ his gray eyes undressing her as they lowered downā¦ She burned crimson under his roaming gazeā¦ and had even silently cursed herself for wearing a see-through saree. She had no clue what he was thinking about doing when he had reached out to lay his hand on her faceā¦.if only the reporters hadn't comeā¦ she would had found out. The look in his eyes though sent chills down her spineā¦.she had never seen them so dark beforeā¦.
And at the farm houseā¦ where Bani had somehow landed on top of himā¦ the way he had looked up at her made her catch her breath in her throatā¦ and when he had drawn nearer to her, just centimeters from her faceā¦ she panicked and turned awayā¦. What if she hadn't though? What would had it felt like having his lips on her own?
Bani immediately blushes and mentally smacks herself on her forehead. Here she isā¦ unashamedly staring at her husband like a love-struck fool when she should quickly get up before he awakes, finding them in an awkward situationā¦ which didn't feel awkward to her at allā¦feeling completely rightā¦ but she knew it would be to him.
Unwillingly she brings herself out from his unintentional embrace, gently picking up his arm and placing it onto his side of the bed. She regrets it though as she feels his enjoyable warmth leaving herā¦
In a nervous wreck she gets out from bed and walks over to the bathroomā¦ her insides feeling like they are about to blow and her heart racing onā¦ thumping crazily against her chestā¦ jumpy from excitement and intoxicated with happiness on discovering her feelingsā¦
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Jai mumbles and switches sides as he feels someone shaking him to get upā¦ He was tired from last night and wanted to rest some moreā¦ But the person bringing him out of his sleep is hell-bent on fully waking him. Groggily he turns back around to face who it is and glances up with slight watering eyes from his yawning. He is surprised to see Bani staring back at him, biting on her lip nervouslyā¦yet looking very cute as she does soā¦ and looking beautiful with her hair wet from a shower and dressed in a glowing yellow sareeā¦seeming like the shining sun itself. Sleep far gone nowā¦ Jai sits up and looks at her, confused.
Bani: Jiā¦aap jaage the nahiā¦ shayad aap alarm clock ko set nahi kiya kaal raat seā¦ baut late hochukaā¦naastha served honwalaā¦aap office ko bhi jhaanaā¦.aur maine aapkeliye coffee laake aaye hoon. (trans: You didn't wake upā¦ perhaps you forgot to set the alarm clock last nightā¦it's very lateā¦breakfast is about to be servedā¦and I have brought you coffee.)
Jai blinks for a couple of times and then finally registers what she has said to him. He rubs his eyes, tiredly.
Jai: (groggy voice) Arre, tum kyon laake aaye ho? Tony haiā¦ woh kaarta thaā¦(trans: Why have you brought it? Tony is thereā¦ he would had done it.)
Opening his eyes once again, he watches his wife turn slightly pink by this as she smiles shyly and looks down.
Bani: Ji wohā¦ main soochari thiā¦ke aaj main aapkeliye laaon. (trans: I was thinkingā¦ that I would bring it for you.)
Jai: (sincerely) Thank you.
Bani looks up and smiles sweetly at him, making him grin a little as well. He looks over at the clock and is shocked to see that it's 8:45.
Bani: Aap jhaake fresh hoyehā¦.main aapkeliye naashta tyaar kaarti hoonā¦aapka coffee yahan table per hai. (trans: Go on and get readyā¦. I will prepare your breakfast. Your coffee is right here on the table.)
Jai stares at her, curiously and cautiouslyā¦ He doesn't see a hint of grief in her which surprises him, but pleases him as well because he hated seeing her upsetā¦ However, she is acting as if nothing had happenedā¦ Is she really alright?
Jai: Bani, tum teek ho haina? (trans: Bani, you're alright, aren't you?)
He asks her, catching Bani off guard, who had begun taking out his suit and tie for him to wear for the office. She glances back at him over her shoulder, giving him a sunny smileā¦. Agar aap mere saath hoā¦phir main to hamesha hi teek hogiā¦ she answers silently to herself, but instead replies backā¦
Bani: Ji, bilkulā¦kyon? (trans: Yes, certainlyā¦ why?)
Jai: (shaking his head) Nahiā¦ baas poochara thaā¦ (trans: Noā¦ just asking.) I'm glad to see that you're fine now.
Bani smiles even more on this and walks back over to their bed, laying his clothes, tie, and socks at the edge of it. She moves over to his dresser, laying out his watch, pen, and handkerchief for him. She looks back, expecting him out of bed and going over to the bathroom, but finds him unmoved from the bed, still gazing at her with caution.
Bani: Mr. Waliaā¦ aap kya khar rahe hai? Abh taak aap utaae nahi? Jaaye, fresh hojaye. Aap phele se late haiā¦ aab aur waqt waste naa karo. Saab aapkeliye neeche intezaar khar rahe hogeh.(fussing over him) (trans: Mr. Walia.. What are you doing? You still haven't gotten up? Go, freshen up. You are already late as it isā¦ don't waste anymore time. Everyone will be waiting for you downstairs.)
Realizing that what she is saying is right, Jai throws the comforter off of him and begins making his way to the bathroom, but not before casting her another look. There is something definitely odd about her todayā¦ She looks more cheerful than usualā¦ But he holds no complaintsā¦ He enjoys seeing her so chirpy and behaving like a typical wife with him. Grinning on this thought, he enters the bathroom and closes the door behind him.
************************************************************ ******
Breakfast was awkward and silent, besides Mausi who animatedly chatted around, wanting to get rid of the unusual silence. The scene from last night kept on repeating through their minds and everyone couldn't help but look at Bani sympathetically. None knew what to say to her after what had occurred. Anu hid her face in shame by using her hair as a shield, not able to meet her Mamiji's eyes. After all, this all was happening due to her. Bani was aware of everyone's concerned looks, which only made her feel even more upset and out of place. She wanted to forget what happened, but these people were not helping her do so.
Bani perks up quickly and smiles on seeing Jai finally arrive at the table with haste, his tie not even properly tucked into his coat, the cuffs to his sleeves still open, and had even forgotten to wear his watch today. Everyone watches him with amusementā¦.
Mausi: Munna, yeh kya hai? Aaj subah tum kahan tha? (trans: Munna, what is this? Where were you this morning?)
Jai, already digging into the food that Bani has specially laid out for him, replies back to Mausi in an absent mannerā¦
Jai: Kahan tha? Main yahan hoonā¦ aab bhi subah hai, Mausiā¦. Aur main to baas (glances down at his wrist to note the time, but is alarmed on not seeing his watch there)ā¦ mera ghaari? Mera ghaari kahan hai? (speaking to himself) (trans: Where was I? I am hereā¦ it is still morning, Mausiā¦ and I was just ā¦.my watch? Where is my watch?)
Bani can't help but smile even more at this. He looks so cute when confused and lost. She stands up from her seat and gives him a reassuring look.
Bani: Main aabhi laate hoonā¦ shayad aap kamre mein bhoolgaeā¦ (trans: I'll just go getā¦ perhaps you left it in the room.)
Jai smiles thankfully at her while he tries to quickly chow down his breakfast in order to leave to the office on time. Bani has to use every bit of her strength to restrain herself from laughing at him. She leaves with a cheeky grin permanently etched on her face.
Mausi: Tum thirty minutes late ho, Munnaā¦ (trans: You are thirty minutes late, Munna.) Tum aaj itana late kyon ho? ā¦aur zaara tera shakal ko dekhā¦ your sleeves are not even buttoned and your tie is not even securely knotted. (trans: Why are you so late today? And just take a look at yourselfā¦.)
Jai: I forgot to set my alarm last nightā¦ I'm just running a bit late, Mausiā¦
Aditya: Jai, not that I'm trying to rush you or anything, but we do have to leave to the office in five minutes. We have that meeting with Mr. Saxeena at 10:30 in the morning.
Jai swears under his breath as he hastily just leaves his food on his plate and gets out from his seat to go fetch his things from the study. While Jai walks out of the dining room, a few moments later Bani renters it with his silver watch in her hands. She is confused on not seeing him there anymore.
Bani: Mausi, ā¦woh kahan gaaye? (trans: Mausi, where has he gone?)
Mausi: He is in a hurry so he has gone to gather his things from his Study to leave.
Bani notices that he has barely eaten half of the food she had made for him specially today. She worries of him going to work on an empty stomach.
Bani: But he has barely eaten his foodā¦.
Mausi: (sighs, defeated) Bahu, I have given up all hope on this boyā¦ Now it's your turn to put up with him.
She is silent for a moment, thinking to herself, before walking towards the table and pouring a glass of orange juice from the pitcher. Bani leaves without saying another word and wanders off in the other direction of the Mansion, towards her husband's study. She knocks on the creaked open door and hears him reply hastily, "Come in". She steps in and finds him standing right behind his desk, looking through a file in his hands, his eyes moving back and forth quickly. Bani notes that he has finally gotten to buttoning the cuffs of his sleeves, but still hasn't managed to fix his tie. She walks over to him with the orange juice in her hand and his watch in the other.
Bani: Mr. Walia, your watch.
Jai quickly glances up, acknowledging her, and takes his watch from her outstretched hand. He puts the file down onto his working desk, still reading through the open pages, while he attempts strapping the watch onto his wrist.
Jai: Thanks.
Bani: Is it necessary that you leave now? Can't you call in and say that you will be a little late? --- You haven't even finished your breakfast.
Jai: Hmmā¦ no, I have to leave now. I've got a meeting scheduled at 10:30.
He pulls his coat sleeve over his watch and then picks the file back up into his hands. Jai walks around the desk, headed towards leaving the Study, with his eyes still downcast on the file. Bani, however, stops him by standing in his way.
Bani: Mr. Walia, at least drink juice.
Jai: (absentmindedly) Bani, don't worry about me. I'll grab something to eat later. (flipping a page)
Bani frowns at this, knowing very well that his "laters" never actually happened. She is stubborn, therefore, does not move out of the way.
Bani: (upset) Main aachi taare se jhaanti hoon ke aapke "laters" kabhi nahi hote. ā¦ Aap sirf kaam kaam aur kaam ke baare mein soochte hai. (trans: I know very well that your "laters" never happen. ā¦ You only think about work work and work.) You are going to starve yourself through out the day. --- Please, at least have something.
Jai sighs, finally looks up at her frowning face, and knows that he is fighting a losing battle.
Jai: Accha baba, give me the juice.
This puts a soft smile on her lips as she raises up the glass in front of him. Jai takes it and begins drinking it. Bani's eyes land once again on his tie. She nears him and begins to work on the task.
Bani: Aap aapne ties ko aache taare se knot bhi nahi kaarsakte. (complaining) (trans: You can't even knot your ties right.)
Jai: (in between drinking) Tum ho nahā¦. Tum mere liye kaaronge. (smirking, winking) (trans: You are hereā¦ You will do it for me.)
Bani blushes a light shade of pink by this and keeps her eyes glued to his neck, where she just finishes knotting his tie perfectly. Jai chuckles at this and goes back to finishing his juice to please his wife. She tucks it into his coat, fixes a couple of his buttons on his coat that were put into the wrong hole, and smiles brightly up at him. Taking away the empty glass away from his lips, Jai hands it over to her and says with a friendly smile, "Khush?"
Bani shyly smiles back and responds, "Baut".
Jai: Good. Now can you stop blocking the way so I can get through?
Bani: (grinning slyly) Ji. Aap aapna kyaal rakhiye. (trans: Take care of yourself.)
Jai: Tum bhi. (trans: You too.)
Bani: Aur zaroor lunch ko nahi miss karna. Mujhe maloom hai ke aap aapka lunch time work time ko banatah ho. (trans: And make sure not to miss lunch. I know that you turn your lunch time into work time.)
Jai: (giving her a laughing smile, teasingly says) Ji, memsaab. Aur kuch? (trans: Yes ma'am. Anything else?)
Bani: (blushes, shakes her head)ā¦.Baas.
Jai: Good. Main chaalta hoon. (trans: I'll be leaving.) I'll see you later on in the evening.
Bani: Ji.
Jai leaves in a haste with the file in his hand and briefcase in the other. Bani stands alone in the room, smiling happily to herself. She doesn't notice Mausi, who had been silently standing outside the Study door watching the scene with a pleased grin, until she makes her presence heard.
Mausi: Haye Ram, I have been trying to get that boy to listen to me for years, but when you tell him, he listens obediently without a fuss.
Mausi had curiously followed behind Bani, wondering what she was going to say and do, and was very happy with what she had seen. Her daughter-in-law really does take great care of him. She is blessed to have her as her Bahu.
Startled, Bani's smile fades and instead she blushes beetroot. Mausi laughs and comes inside towards her. She affectionately places a hand on her head.
Mausi: ā¦ You are glowing marvelously today. I love to see you like this, Bahu. Hamesha khush raho. (trans: Always be happy.) Bhagwan kaare ke koi burri nazaar naa laage tumhe aur tumhari baacha ko. (tarns: I hope to God that no evil eye falls on you and your child.)
Bani, who a moment ago was feeling delighted, now looks at Mausi, aghast.
Mausi: Hain Bahuā¦(stroking her hair) I know you are pregnant with my Munna's childā¦.(sadness in her eyes) Beji has told me everything that had occurred last night once I questioned her why Jigyasa was not down for Breakfast.
Knowing very well that hell would arise if she made her presence at Breakfast, Jigyasa wisely stayed in her room, fearing her brother's temper, and ordered Tony to serve her meal there.
Bani, feeling slightly upset again by the reminder, lowers her eyes down.
Mausi: I never knew that Jigyasa could do something as low as she didā¦ She has insulted this house's Bahu without giving a thought of what she is doingā¦.dared to accuse of you something so unspeakable. ā¦ I don't understand, however, why she would accuse you of those thingsā¦ why she would think so lowly of you.
Mausi glances up and sees that there are tears in Bani's eyes and smiles sympathetically at her. She pulls her into a hug, placing Bani's head on her shoulder, and soothingly rubbing her back. Bani hugs Mausi back, who reminded her of her own motherā¦ Kiran Dixitā¦ who had died seven years back. She felt like she was in her mother's arm for that moment.
Mausi: I want to apologize to you on behalf of Jigyasaā¦. What she did was inappropriate and unacceptableā¦. I am so sorry, Baniā¦ that you had to go through all that she said to you.
Bani lifts her head up and smiles faintly at Mausi with the tears still lingering in her eyes.
Bani: ā¦ So am I, Mausiā¦ but I am glad that this family has given me their support and have belief in meā¦
Mausi: You are not just this family's Bahu, Bani, you are more than just thatā¦ you are a daughter and hold a cherishing place in all of our hearts.
Bani feels warm tears rebuild in her eyes by the genuine in her voice and she quickly embraces Mausi again, holding onto her dearlyā¦..
************************************************************ ***
Rano went to her university in a disturbed manner. She rarely talked to Nisha or listened to what her chirpy friend had to say. Her mind was only revolved around what happened last night and she couldn't get over her sister's insult. She was raging inside and wanted to throttle Jigyasa just as her brother-in-law had. How cheap did the woman really think her and her sisters were? They were no where near to her opinion of them being desperate, pathetic girls who would do anything for money and status.
Nisha: Ranoā¦ you know you can tell me anything. ā¦ I am ready to listen to you whenever you wantā¦
Nisha abruptly asks her as they were walking down the hallway from their last class. Startled, Rano looks at her.
Nisha: I know there is something upā¦ you are very quiet and your face looks troubledā¦ I won't pressure you into telling meā¦ Perhaps you're still upset over it and want some time to cool offā¦
Rano suddenly remembers her cold shoulder attitude towards her friend and looks at her guilty. She didn't mean to act indifferent, but her mind was just a mess at the moment.
Rano: I'm sorry, Nishaā¦
Nisha: Don't be. I understandā¦.
Rano: ā¦I'll tell you, I promiseā¦ just not right nowā¦ not when it's so fresh.
Nisha shakes her head in understanding. Rano smiles lightly at her, appreciating her giving her time. She would tell her friend everything, but once she has cooled off a bitā¦ Nisha was the only person she could talk to besides her Bani Di.
Nisha: You take care of yourself. Call me if you need me. I've got to go quickly catch one of my professor's before going home. I'll see you tomorrow.
Nisha walks off at a turn, leaving Rano by herself, mopping miserably to herself. She was so involved in her inner thoughts that she did not feel the presence of someone until he had surprised her by pulling her aside, pressing her back against a column nearby, and possessively placing two hands on her hips, keeping her in place. Looking up, Rano is stunned as her eyes look into Saahil Walia's, who grins mischievously down at her from his six foot height. It doesn't take too long for her to seethe in anger and cringe from the way he holds her like if she is only his possession. She looks down from his hands and back up at his foolishly grinning face. Oh how badly she wanted to wipe off that smile with a smack, but she didn't want to draw attention from anyone.
Saahil: (murmuring in her ear) Hey gorgeous.
Saahil had been watching her closely today, noting her behavior, wondering what had caused her to be in such a mood. She had even ignored her best friend throughout the day. He sees anger building in her eyes, but brushes it off as nothing as this was normal for him to see rage directed at him from her.
Rano: (warning tone) Saahil, let go of me. I am not in the mood for your inappropriate behavior.
He reaches out to stroke her hair, shocking Rano by this gesture. Angrily she pushes his hand back, making Saahil smile at her feisty self.
Saahil: Why the frown?
If Rano was angry before, she looks at Saahil with disbelief and grows even more serious by his nonchalant tone. Is he actually questioning her why she is upset? Why she is in the mood that is in now? The nerve of this guy! Sure he wasn't there last night to witness what happened, but of course his chatty sister must have informed him about it, she always tells him everything. If Mausi discovered what happened, he must have had also. ā¦And he has no sign of regret? Remorse? For what his mother had put her Bani Di through? No sympathy? Apology?
Rano: How dare youā¦ (shaking from anger)
Saahil: (raises a brow) Excuse me?
Rano: The nerve you have to come here and pin me up to a column, still acting inappropriately with me after with what just happened! You disgust me! You are a pig, Saahil Walia! You and your mother! (spits)
Saahil's smile vanishes and his jaw tightens. She can see the twitch in the lower part of his jaw and knows that she has struck a nerve.
Saahil knew that his mother was laconic, harsh, and intolerable sometimes, but after all she is his mother and he still loved her dearly. He will not tolerate any insult towards her for no apparent reason, which he believed Rano did not have.
Saahil: (hoarsely) Don't bring my mother into this, Rano. ā¦and what the hell are you talking about? (demanding)
Rano: So you are going to act innocent?! Act like you have no clue what I am saying?! Pretend like nothing happened last night?!
Saahil: (confused beyond words) Rano, stop it already and get to the point.
He loosens his hold on her and curiously looks at her, very puzzled and wanting to know what's going on.
Rano: The point is Saahil Walia is that you and your mother sicken me! You, a spoiled brat, believe that you can have anything or anyone! I am a human being, not a prized possession that you can flaunt off to others like you do with your BMW and CD collection! --- Your touch makes my skin crawl and the desire to puke arises in me!
Saahil looks thunder-struck at her, finding himself speechless and his ego hurt big time. Rano pushes him roughly back from him with her hands on his chest, making him stagger.
Rano: And your mother! Do I need to remind your small pea shaped brain of what she had done?!--- (whispering furiously) That vile woman dared to accuse my sister ofā¦..(painfully closes her eyes)ā¦ I can't even bring myself to say it. That is how cheap it is! ā¦Besides, my sister doesn't need any extra male attention when she has Mr. Walia by her side! He is satisfying enough for her!---But your pigheaded mother just can't seem to wrap around her also pea shaped brain around the fact that her brother and my sister can actually be happy together and share a husband-wife relationship! No, once she found out my sister is pregnant, she goes on flying daggers at her, accusing her for adultery! (finally bringing herself out to say it)
Saahi: (stunned)ā¦.When did this happen?
Rano: Last night you moron! And how dare you come after me still! I don't want you within 500 meters of the area around me! Otherwise I swear on God that I won't keep myself from killing you with my two bare hands!
Rano makes a movement to storm off from him, but once instantly Saahil pulls her back against the column as he sees her moving away.
Saahil: (breathes out in a rush) Rano, please believe me. I had no idea----
Rano: Don't give me that crap! (barks) You are honestly telling me that you didn't hear about it despite your gossiping little sister who always tells you what happens at the Mansion!
Saahil: Rano, hear me out----
Rano: (her voice raising, close to tears) I don't want to hear anything from you, Saahil! Let go of me!
Saahil: No, Rano, I won't, not before you listen to me!
Rano: Saahil, let go!!! (struggling against him)
Saahil: Rano-- (frustrated himself)
Right that moment, unexpectedly he feels someone grip onto his arm and pull it behind his back, twisting it painfully. He moans from pain and wonders who it is behind him. Rano looks on in awe as her eyes look behind Saahil in a dazeā¦
"I believe the young lady said 'Let go", a deep masculine voice says in a highly dangerous toneā¦.
************************************************************ ******
So? How was it?š Please leave comments!š³ You too silent readers.
Love,
Dil ā¤ļø
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