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I wrote this story for Shoba Di as a gift, thought I'll post it for every one else as well.....Hope Shoba Di won't mind...😆😆
It was a fine morning of mid summer. The chirping of the birds was declaring the start of the day. The housewives were already out, doing the household chores. Their husbands were getting up and being lazy, chatting with the family members. Far away, the fields of corn were glistening, so was the happy faces of the village people.
In the eastern corner, there was a house, slightly bigger than the other ones. In the verandah of the house, sat an old man with spectacled in his eye, trying to read a book. His wife, almost as old as him was trying to light the fire in the coal oven. The old man was trying to tell his wife some facts about life but his wife was least bothered. It was the same every morning.
Just then, a pretty girl of barely 20 came out of the house, wearing a simple saree in a very traditional way, slightly torn and stained at several place. "Namaste Babuji, Namaste Maaji." She said in her wonderful sweet voice and sat to help her mother in cooking.
The old man smiled at his daughter, "Bani beta…seeing you each morning is a blessings to me. You're the best thing that God has ever given to me."
"May be that's why you are keeping her at home and doing such a sin by not marrying her off yet." Snorted a neighbour. "Look at her age, at this age, woman should become grandmothers!"
The old man became quiet. True, he's not able to marry his daughter off, cause he doesn't want to give a single rupee as dowry. First, he doesn't have that sort of money and second it was simply against his morals. And every proposal that came for her wanted such a huge amount, and those who wanted to accept her without any dowry was so low for her……
The girl, Bani, however replied to the woman with the same tone, "What's your age Mausiji? I don't see your grandchildren?"
The woman got irritated and muttered something like, "no sense of society, keeping such old girls at home unmarried….."
Bani's mother had tears in her eyes, she complained to her husband, "Seriously, how long should we keep her unmarried? She's not a princess that you're looking for a prince to take her. Just marry her off."
The old man argued back, "And have her back in 4 months cause we couldn't afford giving her husband a new land?"
Bani's mother scowled, "Who'll win against you in words, after all, you were a teacher.." she left with a angry face. He looked at Bani pleadingly who just shrugged and left as well.
Ajit Kumar Dixt, sat there thoughtful. All his life, he's taught people, educated the illiterate people. Everyone in the village respects him as the village school master. They call him, "Masterji." Even after so much respect, they complain bitterly about what a sin he's doing by not marrying off his daughter. He thought furiously, why would it be sin not to marry of my daughter? And why it would be better to make her life hell by sending her to some low minded people's house? He didn't understand it in his whole life. In this old age, he doesn't expect to understand this. His only discomfort is that, in those long years of teaching and spreading education, he's not been able to make people think otherwise.
...............
Jai Walia looked out of the window of his Jeep. The place hasn't changed much, he mused. There goes the river, so many memories. A smile appeared to his face remembering those wild childhood days, climbing trees, diving in the river, stealing neighbours' fruits from the garden. He closed his eyes, in this years, he's changed so much that the slight changes of his village was almost unnoticeable to him.
He dictated the driver, surprised a bit that he still remembers all the ways of this village. The car halted in front of the big house. He saw the old man sitting their reading some books, the same old scene, as he noticed the shabby house and the shabby old man, he could feel his eyes moisten. True, city can have such influence on man. How on earth he never came back here earlier?
Taking slow steps toward the old man, he stood tall in front of him and then bend down to touch his feet, "Masterji!"
Ajit Kumar looked up and adjusted his glasses. He touched Jai's head to bless him and nodded to him, still trying to figure out who he was. Jai smiled slightly. He couldn't blame Masterji as sometimes when he looks at mirror, he himself doesn't recognize him anymore.
"Masterji, I'm Jai…" he said.
Suddenly a huge smile broke into the old man's lined face, "Jai! Munna!..You've come back. Oh God, how much you've grown up in all these days. Sit down please sit down. Bani! Bani! Call your mother, let her see who's come."
Jai was touched by the enthusiasm and the excitement. As Sumita Debi came out all charged up hearing the news of guest, JW quickly bend down to touch her feet as well. She hugged him quickly, "Munna! How much you've grown. I still can't believe it's you."
Bani stood leaning with a pillar, wondering why her parents were suddenly all hyped about seeing a stranger and why on earth they were calling a full grown man of about 30 as Munna. She also felt left out. She's not used to being left out, thanks to her father.
Suddenly, Ajit called her, "Bani Beta, come here. Meet Mu..Jai. Jai, meet my daughter Bani. You remember Bani na?"
Jai looked at the girl - simple yet beautiful. She was like other five village girls, but there was something in her eyes, the way she held her that made him drawn at her. He just nodded at her; Bani was least bothered. She mumbled something like, "I'd bring tea" and left.
Jai sat there talking with his Masterji. Today, whatever he was, was because of this man. It is because of him that he is Jai Walia today.
Jai first met Ajit when he was 6 years old. He was an orphan and was left in the road by whatever relatives he had. At that time, Ajit brought Jai home from a street, gave him food, clothes, shelter and most important education.
Having a chance to prove him, Jai wasted no time to show the world his brilliance. Judging his talent, Ajit sent him to Mumbai for better education, spending whatever money he had. Jai had left with a promise that he'll show his face to them, when he'd have gained all the success one could get. Now, when he touched the old man's shaky hands, sitting in the shattered hut, his eyes got moistened remembering the palace like home he lives in.
"Masterji, I'd love it if you and Maaji come with me to my home." Jai offered carefully, not to hurt the man's ego. He added quickly, "and off course Bani."
Ajit laughed, "No son, I have no intention to leave my house in this old age. I've lived my whole life here and I want to die here itself."
"But.." Jai tried to protest but was stopped by Sumita.
"No son, don't think that you've to repay what we did for you. You're like a son to us and no child can repay their parents."
Ajit nodded, "Your Maaji is right Munna, but if you are so willing to help us, I'd ask you something….."
"Anything for you…." Jai said eagerly, "Just name it."
"Son, can you find someone suitable for my Bani? She's old enough to be married and I've failed miserably to find her a husband. I know that you won't disappoint me." He looked hopefully at Jai.
Jai thought for some moment and said slowly, "But Masterji, I don't know anyone suitable for her. The people with whom I deal everyday won't be able to keep her happy."
At once Ajit & Sumita's face fell. Jai looked at both them and then Bani who was there by now, looking curiously at the three of them, trying to guess why all were so solemn.
Jai met her eyes for once and then said, "But if you allow me, I'd love to marry her."
Bani dropped the cup she was holding. "What kind of joke is it?"
Jai stood up and went to her and stood in front of her, "It's not a joke Bani, I'm serious. Off course if Masterji & Maaji allow me to."
"Bani would be fortunate to be wife of someone like you, but you could see our condition. We are nowhere near your status today, son." Sumita spoke firmly.
Jai sat in front of her, "Maaji, this where my root is. Then from where the question of status comes? In fact, my status in the society is much below you. Masterji is a teacher whom everyone respect, and I don't know who my father was, how my mother looked like….." his voice drifted of as she touched his cheek.
"You know how your mother looks like Jai, ain't I your mother?"
"Then you won't say no to your son, Maaji." Jai said firmly.
"Don't believe anything he says Babuji." Bani shouted, "He's just playing with your emotions. He'll go back to the city and then will forget everything. Don't trust him."
"Bani!" Ajit was shocked, "Is it a way to talk in front of your superiors? Haven't I taught you anything?"
"I don't believe a word he says;" Bani said in the same tone, "later don't blame me if he just disappears in thin air."
She left the place running; Jai kept looking at the running figure as it rushed past the yard toward the fields.
"Ignore her. She's just unable to believe her luck." Sumita smiled. "She's very good at heart, she speaks a bit harshly but you will find such a lovely girl like her once in a million."
.............
Bani sat in the river bank, her head hidden in her knees. She was crying silently when someone came and sat beside her.
"Bani? What's wrong?" said a familiar voice.
"Don't talk to me Puskar. Can't you get a job? They're fixing my marriage!"
"Marriage? With whom?" Puskar asked in an alarmed tone.
"With some big businessman of Mumbai. I guess he was Babuji's old student." Bani replied.
"Then go marry him, don't waste your life on me." Puskar said sadly.
"How can you say something like this?" Bani asked shocked. "I'm not going to marry anyone else. I love you!"
"But I can't go and ask Masterji for your hand. I'm jobless and penniless." Puskar said bitterly.
"But you're a brilliant student, you certainly get a job." Bani protested.
"I'm trying Bani." puskar defended himself. "But…., you should marry him Bani. He'll keep you happy."
"He's a lot of money, nothing else. I don't want money. I don't want to loose my love." Bani sobbed. Puskar kept a hand over her head.
....................
Whatever hope Bani had that may be Jai was joking about the marriage thing left her mind as he sent a 10 lakh check in her father's name the next day, for the wedding expenses.
While her mother praised him and his generosity, she cursed him, "He want to buy your daughter and you're selling her to him." She complained at her parents.
Ajit asked her, "Exactly why you don't want to marry Jai? Will you get a proposal like this in a life time?"
Bani just couldn't tell him that she loves someone else.
.............
Jai was working in his office when his PA informed her that a village girl has come here to meet him and is obstinate to meet him. Jai asked to send her in and was surprised to see Bani.
"Bani? You here?" he asked after offering her a seat, "Is there any problem? Are your parents ok? I mean why you came here traveling so far?"
"I can't marry you, I love someone else." She blurted out.
If Jai was shocked he hid it well and asked her normally, "Then why haven't you told your family?"
"I can't. He's jobless. Babuji won't allow him to marry me. But I love him, I can't marry you. Please! Tell my father that you can't marry me."
"I can't disappoint Masterji like that Bani." Jai said firmly, "You have to tell your parents yourself that why you can't marry me."
"Please!" Bani begged. "I'll never be able to make you happy. Please!"
"What's his qualification?" he asked out of the blue. Bani was surprised, "whom?'
"The one's whom you love" Jai said casually.
"Oh, he's brilliant! But he's unable to get himself a job. He's standing outside; will you like to talk to him?"
Jai nodded in affirmative and Bani rushed out of the cabin and returned five minutes later with Puskar.
After talking to Puskar for 10 minutes Jai smiled at him, "I can hire you for my company, but remember you'll need to work here 6 months to become permanent."
Both Bani and Puskar was overwhelmed by the gesture. They thanked him to no bounds as he told Bani, "Now you can tell your father about your love."
..............
It has been six months since Jai has offered Puskar a job. When the marriage was called off Masterji was disappointed, but hearing the reason he couldn't but felt proud of his Munna. He was happy for his daughter as well. It was decided that once Puskar's job is permanent, Bani will get married with him. According to Walia Estate, any employer's job will be permanent once they've worked flawlessly for 8 months.
.........
Jai sipped his drink and watched everyone going crazy. It was the annual party of his office. All the employers were here and partying. Being always a bit reserved, he sat in one corner of the bar, sipping a drink and enjoying watching the others. Just then, he noticed something which made his heart flip. His PA, Pia had been dancing like crazy from some time. But that didn't bother him, what bothered him was that, now Pia was positively dragging Puskar to dance with her and was all over him. Puskar was trying to stay away, but Pia was determined.
Immediately, Bani's innocent face appeared in Jai's mind. The way she looked, the way she smiled, the way she loved and trusted Puskar like blind. He swore under his breath. Whatever he did, he did for her happiness. He can't deny that he was hooked by Bani from the very first time he laid his eyes on her.
Dropping the drink in the bar, he moved to the dance floor and tapped Pia, who looked bewildered but happy. As Jai took her to the dance floor, waiting impatiently for the song to end, he saw with the corner of his eyes that Puskar was leaving the party.
If his judgment was right, he saw a tint of disappointment in the corner of Puskar's eyes.
................
Jai was talking with Masterji when he felt Bani standing in the corner, playing with the end of her Saree aimlessly. The look on her face gave a piercing pain in his heart. He somehow knew what it was. From last few weeks, Puskar has gotten much to close to Pia. He has caught them several times together, every time they've used a lame excuse for their being.
When he gave tried to give Bani a hint of this, she's looked at him with so much disbelief that he couldn't bring to tell her that.
May be he was wrong, may be Puskar will stop seeing Pia once he gets married to Bani
..............
Bani sat quietly in the yard, waiting for Puskar. It was weekend and he was supposed to come. She sighed, may be he won't come like the other weekends, when he was "busy" and couldn't come. She put her head on her folded knees. Lately Puskar doesn't pay any attention to her, whenever he's with her, he complains about her look, about her words, about her lackings. He was rough with her and when she brings the marriage issue he becomes pissed off.
She thought about the other day when Mr Walia tried to tell her that Puskar was having an affair with someone else. She didn't believe him. She's known Puskar from her childhood, he can't do this to her.
...............
Puskar looked at Pia triumphantly. She grinned at him, "Now what? Call of your marriage with that village girl."
"Yes darling, I was waiting for this. Now that I'm permanent Jai Sir can't throw me out of the office. Now I'm going to tell her that I'm not marrying her. I'm going to marry the love of my life, you."
Pia laughed and slid her arms around him.
...............
Bani couldn't believe her ears, his words pierced throw her. She stood dumbfound. What was he telling? Has he any idea what he was talking. She just stared at him.
"Don't stare at me like this Bani. I can't marry you. Now I've got a status in the society. I've friends, what will they think of me if I marry you? You're of no use. You look horrible; I mean you are pretty, but just looking at the way you dress up. The way you talk, the way you walk. You've no class. My head will be bowed down in shame if I marry you. I can't take you to social gatherings or party. You are too old fashioned. And what can you do? Cooking, cleaning, washing? When my friends will ask what can your wife do what will I say? She can cook, clean and wash?"
"Puskar, what are you saying? You love me!"
"I loved you," said Puskar, "now my eyes are open. I love Pia. I mean, just look at her and look at you. She's stylish, beautiful, and attractive. And besides, she's talented, has a good job, can drive, swim, dance and what not? Where she and where you, heh!"
Bani dropped in the ground and started crying. Puskar screwed his face and turned to leave. But he stopped when he saw Jai standing at the entrance, his face red with anger.
"What the hell is this?" he roared at Puskar who replied casually, "If you've heard, then you know. I'm not marrying that woman anymore. She's no class."
"What class did you have 8 months ago?" Jai hissed. "I took you from the street and gave you a job, a home, a status; only because of her. Now you're living her because of a greedy woman?"
"Hey! Don't speak about her in this way! She's my fiancee. You might be my boss, but please don't interfere in my personal life."
Jai watched in blind anger as Pusakr left. He diverted his attention to Bani who was huddled to herself now.
"Bani, "he went to help her up but she flinched and moved away. She looked up at him with such a despise that he had to back away.
"It's all because of you!" she roared, "It's all your bloody fault. You were blind in desire, you wanted me nah? That's why you did that."
Jai was shocked, "What are you saying Bani!"
"If you'd have married me forcefully, I'd not have felt this bad." She cried. "You tricked me. You tricked Puskar."
"Bani, what are you trying to tell?" Jai asked her puzzled.
"When you saw that I love Puskar, you intentionally gave him a job under you, sent your half naked PA after him to seduce him! You have planned all this to get me. You thought once Puskar leaves me, you can have me all by yourself. You disgust me Mr Walia! You disgust me!"
"Bani, you are misunderstanding me, let me explain…"
"Don't show me your ugly face anymore! Please go away from here!" Bani ran inside and closed the door.
...............
Bani was plucking flowers for Pooja when she saw Puskar coming hand in hand with a pretty lady. She stopped. It had been almost a week since Puskar told her the truth. Puskar stopped and acknowledged her, "Hi Bani."
Pia exclaimed, "This is Bani? Were you mad Puskar that you ever thought about marrying her? She's just an ugly village girl! Just look the way she's done her hair and isn't she dirty!"
Puskar flushed a little and said, "It's not her fault Pia. All village girls are like this."
Pia laughed and gripped his hand, "Don't do this Puskar. I'm not going to leave you. After all, I had to do so many things to finally get you! Mr Walia was always between us; thank god he was abroad for some time, otherwise how could've I got you?"
"Mr Walia?" Bani looked up.
"Yes Mr Walia. He was so much trouble for me," Pia chuckled, "What he didn't do to keep me away from Puskar? He even danced with me so that I can't dance with him. But see, I got him finally."
"Let's go Pia." Puskar was a bit uneasy with the conversation.
Bani stood there speechless as she remembered how she's insulted Mr. Walia.
..............
Jai was sitting in the study; head leaned back in the arm chair. He was a bit unmindful, so he didn't notice when his butler Tony came.
"Sir?"
He looked at Tony at the 4th time. "Yes? Any problem?"
"Sir, a young girl has come to see you."
"I don't see anyone at this time of hour. Go tell her to come later." Jai said.
"Sir…she seems to be from the village itself. I guess that she's no place to go in the city." Tony said nervously.
Curious, Jai got up and went to the living room. He was shocked to see Bani sitting there, nervously.
"Bani you here?" he asked. She looked up and he felt a heartache to see tears flowing down her eyes.
"Any problem Bani? Is Masterji and Maaji alright? I mean, you at this hour?"
"Is it always Masterji and Maaji you care about?" Bani asked slowly.
"Sorry?"
"Last time I came to meet you, you were shocked and asked me the same thing, if your Masterji and Maaji was ok." She looked up, "Don't you have any tension if I'm okay or not?"
"What happened Bani?" he asked softly.
"I'm sorry Mr. Walia. I'm really sorry for what I told you. I was out of mind."
"Bani, you came to my house at this hour to tell me that you are sorry?" Jai asked seriously.
"Yes, don't you like me coming here?" she asked.
"Bani, what will people say? It's late at night."
"They will say nothing. After all, I'm an ugly village girl who knows nothing but cooking, cleaning and washing. Why would someone like you would be interested in me?" she wept slightly.
"Bani you are way better than her." Jai said soothingly.
"Don't console me Mr. Walia. I know now what I am." She said.
"Bani, give me a chance, I'll convert you to someone else, seeing whom Puskar will himself understand what gem he left."
She looked up at him. He smiled assuredly, "You still love Puskar?"
Bani nodded her head affirmatively.
Jai held her shoulders, "Then you're going to have him. That Pia can't beat you, I promise."
...............
The next two months were like a dream to Bani. Taking her parents' permission, Jai moved Bani to Walia Mansion. He arranged for a renowned beautician for Bani's make over. Bani found herself each day in a new way. While, the beautician taught her how to make her appearance fashionable, Jai himself taught her manners and various other things.
Jai arranged for a whole new wardrobe for her. Bani whined and protested but gave up to his determination later. Beautiful, though she always was, her appearance changed dramatically as she became comfortable with those western outfits and stylish sarees and salwars.
He personally taught her driving. She was a quick learner. He took her to long drives and let her drive. He couldn't help but admire her new found confidence.
One day Jai told her that he's arranged a professional trainer to teach her swimming. Hearing this Bani gave him a look. When Jai asked if anything was wrong, she smiled and nodded her head in negative.
After introducing Bani with the swimming trainer, he went inside so that she could have some privacy while learning it. Suddenly, a scream made him jump up. He rushed toward the swimming pool only to face a worried looking trainer. Bani was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is Bani?" he asked.
The trainer said, "Sorry Mr Walia, but suddenly she went out of my hand. Now there's no trace of her."
"What the hell! Find her, right now! I'll give you anything you want!" he cried out.
As the trainer swam from one side to another of the huge pool, Jai ran along the sides and called Bani's name.
As he gave up hope and was about to jump in the pool himself, Bani came out of the pool with a swift whoosh sound.
"Bani!" was all he could say, relieved.
She, however laughed loudly, "Are you a fool Mr Walia? I'm born and brought up in a village. How could you expect that a village girl don't know how to swim? Specially when our village is just by the river? I learnt swim as soon as I learnt walking. And you brought a trainer to teach me how to swim?" she laughed.
Later, Jai was standing on the terrace when Bani came there. She was wearing a long skirt with loose blouse, her hair in a turban. She giggled watching Jai, "What happened? Why are you so quiet?"
"Why did you do that Bani? My heart is still beating like a hammer!" Jai said.
"Really? Like a hammer? Let me hear too." She said and placed her ear over his heart. Having her so close, his heart started to beat even faster. Bani closed her eyes. They stayed like that for a long time. The sun slowly went down, engulfing them in the dark glow.
.........
Jai woke up with a start only to realize that there was a huge storm outside. The thunders were roaring every other minute. He went to the window and looked outside. It was dark. He thought something and grabbing his robe, he went toward Bani's room. He hesitated a moment and entered to find Bani sleeping huddled up. He crept in and covered her with a blanket. He was about to touch her forhead, then he remembered something and left. As soon as the door closed behind him, Bani sat up in her bed, looked at the blanket. She hugged herself as she remembered the way she has insulted him the other day saying that he sent Pia after Puskar because he wanted Bani. Now that she knew him much better, she knew that, that statement had shaken him from the core. Bani hid her face on the pillow; she kept thinking about him until she fell in a disturbed sleep.
..............
"Pia, when are we going to get married?" Puskar scowled.
"Honey, why are you in so much hurry to get married?" she said. "What more can we have by getting married? We are staying together na?"
"But Pia.."
"Darling, we don't even know each other than well. We've our whole life ahead, let's enjoy it for a bit before getting ourselves into responsibilities." She smiled at him. He was not satisfied by her answer at all.
.............
Pia walked in JW's office only to find a gloomy Jai sitting there, lost in thoughts. She was surprised, from last two months, his mood was too good. Now what happened? She wondered. Being unable to hold her curiosity she asked, "What's wrong with you Jai sir?"
"As if you care about me Pia." He said.
His tone stunned her, "What do you want to say?"
"If you haven't understood by now, how can I make you understand Pia?"
"I don't know what you are talking about Sir." She said confusingly.
"Right, you don't know what I'm on about. Of course you don't know, if you had known, how could you throw me like this and go to a third class person like Puskar?"
Pia almost choked, trying to understand if he meant what she thought.
"Sir you mean…"
"I mean, you were right. I tried to come between you and Puskar every time. Not because I wanted Puskar away from you, but because I wanted you away from that idiot."
"Sir! Is that what I'm thinking!" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, I mean that. I lost my heart to you from the first time I saw you." he sighed, "but I guess it's too late. Now what's the point of all these words."
"Sir! You misunderstood us! Me and Puskar are only friends. To tell you the truth, I..I fell for you straight….but couldn't bring myself to tell you that." She said quickly.
"Are you sure that there's no relation between you and Puskar?" he arched his eyebrows.
"No!" Pia almost shouted.
"Then will you tell this to everyone in the party tonight?" he asked. "Then we can announce our engagement. I don't want anyone pointing fingers at us."
"Of course! I'll tell everyone that I have no relation with Puskar. After all it's the truth. I'm not afraid of telling the truth."
"Great!" he smiled, "I'll meet you in the evening sweetheart."
..........
"What the hell are you talking about Pia?" Puskar exclaimed.
"What?" she said, "I'm telling the truth. There was no relationship between you and me. We were just friends."
"PIA! For heavens, we are engaged." Puskar said angrily.
"Engaged? You were engaged with Bani right? If you can dump Bani after having affair with her since childhood, our relation is only a child compared to that."
"What are you saying Pia? Her and you? There's not even any competition. You've seen her, don't you? Does she have the class to be my wife?"
"Huh! Speaking about class, after a few minutes, I'll reach to such a class that you'll kill yourself before coming to me with marriage proposal." She said snobbishly.
"What is going to happen?" Puskar retorted.
"I wont' tell. Let Jai Sir come. He'll tell himself. Here he is!" Pia ran to greet Jai who looked indifferent.
"Sir! Tell everyone about our relation!" she chirped excitedly.
Jai chuckled, "I don't know how to make a drama like you, but I can tell that I have no relation with you."
"What!" Pia screamed.
"What what Pia? You thought I'd love someone greedy and snooty like you? I told you that just to show everyone specially Puskar your original face. I just wanted to show him that for you only money matters. When you got someone bigger that him, you didn't think a second time to leave him."
"See Puskar?" Jai asked turning to Puskar, "After what you were running? Going after a glass leaving diamond behind?"
Puskar bowed his head finally realizing his mistake. Then after some moments said, "I'm sorry Sir."
"What's the point saying sorry to me? Can you say sorry to Bani in front of everyone?" Jai asked bitterly.
"Yes! I'll seek her forgiveness. I can even get to her feet to make herself forgive me." Puskar said.
Jai looked at the entrance and everyone's gaze followed. Pia and Puskar's jaws dropped as they saw Bani enter. But it was a completely different Bani. She was wearing a designer Saree with halter neck blouse and high heeled strap sandals. There was an air of confidence and dignity around her. He went to her and said disbelievingly, "Bani!"
"Yes Bani! Your ugly village girl." Bani said casually.
"Bani I'm sorry Bani. Please forgive me. I did a grave mistake. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness but still I'm asking for it. Bani please forgive me." he pleaded.
"You are forgiven." Bani said with the same tone. "I forgave you long back."
Puskar looked up at her hopefully. She talked again, "Want to know why? Because you don't matter to me anymore. Whether you are sorry or not, that doesn't mean a thing to me now."
Jai looked at her shocked, "Bani what are you saying?"
"I'm telling the truth Mr Walia. In past two months, I learnt what love is; from you. Now that I've experience your love, no one means anything to me anymore."
Jai was astonished. He kept looking at her for some time and said, "Bani, you don't have to pay me back. I know you love Puskar. You have to go back to him. I know that from now on he'll not make the same mistake again."
"What about you?" Bani exclaimed. "You picked up a stone two months ago and gradually made a statue of it, now you want to place that in his house?" she pointed at Puskar, "who left me without blinking his eyes?"
"Bani, I'm leaving now." Jai said nervously and stepped toward the door. Bani hold him back by his wrist.
"Don't you love me? I know you love me, you remember that day when I pretended to be drowned? The way you called me, in the voice you called me, no person can call someone in that voice unless they are in love. Can you deny that you love me?"
He pushed her away, "Bani, I don't deserve you. I'm too old and improper for you. I have to leave now."
She stopped her once again, "Just look at my eyes and tell me that you haven't loved me even for once, I'll go anywhere you want me to go. Just tell me once…."
He once again freed himself, "Bani I can't stand to hear that again that I did all these for you just because I wanted you."
Bani flinched and stood as he proceeded to leave. She closed her eyes and whispered, "Jai, don't go."
He stopped and turned to look at her. She opened her eyes and suddenly ran straight to his arms. He took her with open arms and kissed her right there. She hugged him tight, never letting go.
Everyone present there, except Pia and Puskar, clapped and cheered.
............
Let me know if you've liked the story or not...😊
