Part 1 - Page 1
Part 2 (A) - Page 5
Part 2 (B) - Page 11
A 3 Part Short-Story with Diwali as the Central Theme! The period in which the story takes place is when the three Dixit Sisters have come to Mumbai and settled down at the Walia House!
Jai Walia and his family was assembled in the Pooja Room, with all the men dressed in white and the women in hues of red and gold.
It was the first of five days of Diwali Celebration and the Idol of Ganesha and Lakshmi had been placed for worship by Jai, as the head of the Walia Family. Celebrating Diwali at Walia House was an annual ritual for the Walia's and an occasion when all of them could come together as a family.
Jai Walia was in his 39th year, an extremely wealthy and successful hotelier and a confirmed bachelor. Anything more about his business profile could be known on the Internet or any Business Magazine, but sourcing anything personal about him was a tad difficult. He was an introvert, who made no bones about his hatred for the press and stayed away from anything that attracted publicity.
His life gave him no reason for any apparent sorrows; he had a wonderful, warm and loving family with him. His younger sister Jigyasa and her husband Aditya who stayed in the same town, along with their three children, Ranveer, Saahil and Anu whom Jai adored and treated as his own. Pushkar Shukla, whom Jai had adopted after his Father's untimely death, who had been Jai's loyal employee for a long time. Besides that was Aditya's Mother, Beeji and Jai's maternal aunt, Massi who were both like Mother's to Jai and fussed over him quite a lot whenever they were around! Massi's daughter and grand-daughter; Karuna and Lakshmi had also come in this time, from their hometown of Chandigarh.
Walia House was buzzing with a festive activity for upcoming Diwali Festival, with festoons, flowers and fairy lights jutted at every corner of the house, lighting it up in a thousand hues.
The Priest was waiting for Jai's permission to begin the Pooja, but he seemed to be a bit lost, as if waiting for someone else to join. Just then, there was the sound of bangles and anklets coming from the front door and as everyone turned their heads, Pia and Rano Dixit made an entry.
Rano, being the mousy one, immediately averted her gaze from everyone and rushed towards the assembled crowd to stand in one corner. Unfortunately the corner happened to be right next to Ranveer Bali, whom Rano was extremely terrified off. As she hesitatingly lifted her eyes to look at Ranveer, he gave her a slight lop-sided smile and color rose to Rano's cheeks, she shut her eyes tightly to avoid blushing anymore. Ranveer thought to himself that it would be a bit difficult to concentrate on any religious activity today…Rano looked lovely in her simple pink salwar kameez, her spectacles off for one day, thank god!
Pia, looking sumptuous as usual in her powder blue halter top choli and fish-cut lehenga in a fushia tone, swayed her body and came dancing towards the assembled crowd and flicking her curls casually, stood near Jai, but only till he fixed her with a hard glare, which send her scuttling behind him, right next to Pushkar, who ignored her much like a grapefruit lying on the road. This was certainly not the impact Pia Dixit liked to make.
The Priest looked at Jai and coughing gently asked, "Jai Beta, Pooja shuru karein?" Jai kept his silence for some time and glancing discreetly at his watch, turned his head towards the door, as if mentally willing someone to come. Jigyasa flattened the crease of her Sari and impatiently asked her brother, "Jai Bhaiyaa, whom are you waiting for? Everyone is here, let us start the Pooja."
Jai's face creased in a frown and he nodded towards the Priest to indicate that the Pooja can begin.
"Jai Shri Ganeshaya Namah…." The Priest had just invoked God's name, when there was another clanking of bangles and anklets and yet again, all the eyes turned back again.
Bani came in, flushing with the exercise of the apparent running that had taken place between the Outhouse and the Walia Bungalow. Her cheeks were pink and some bits of her long hair sticking to the sides of her cheeks with drops of perspiration. Her hair was wet and left open, which she normally always tied up neatly and it came tumbling down to her waist, curling a bit on the ends. She had draped herself in a cherry colored sari and had worn some glass bangles to go with her, since Pia had decided on the last minute, that after all, Mummy's old fashioned gold bangles did go with her dress. Rano had scowled in anger, but Bani had drawn peace and happily given her bangles to Pia.
Jigyasa just puckered up her face and muttering something under her breath, turned towards the Idol and with a very devoted expression, closed her eyes with folded hands. Aditya could barely hide his snigger, along with Anu who simultaneously punched Pushkar to indicate that Pia was making sheep eyes at him. Pushkar just rolled his eyes dramatically in response which made Anu giggle even more.
Bani felt self-conscious under the several pair of eyes looking at her, some smiling, like Aditya and Anu's, some amused like Pushkar and Ranveer's, some curious, like Karuna and Lakshmi's, some cold and snooty, like Jigyasa and Saahil's, some very maternal, like Massi and Beeji's and some expressionless, like Jai's, which made her the most disconcerted. She knew how much Mr. Walia hated late-comers and biting her lips in anxiousness, she tried to find a suitable place to stand and hide from his gaze, which seemed to be fixed on her with the strangest of expressions. There was apparently no place to stand and she looked around in a lost manner, finally deciding to go and stand near the door of the Pooja Room.
It was Massi who interrupted and said, "Bani, beta wahaan kyon khadi ho? Idhar aao, mere paas." Bani bit her lips, feeling extremely embarrassed at the attention lavished by Massi, who had taken an extreme fancy for her in the last one week that she had arrived at Walia Mansion after getting a cover to cover resume of her family background and past life in Mount Abu. Bani who already avoided coming to Walia House for any reason other than professional, dreaded the prospect of Mr. Walia pointing out any growing fondness between his aunt and herself, knowing very well, that she was nothing more than an employee and paying guest for Mr. Jai Walia.
Bani gave a look at the Priest who looked increasingly impatient, making some sounds about the "Shubh Ghadi" of the Pooja slipping again and scuttled towards Massi and stood there, with her eyes closed, only to open it with a startle as she heard Jai's deep voice calling out, "Pooja shuru kijiye Panditji."
Bani found herself standing right next to none other than Mr. Walia flanked with Massi on the other side. As the Priest's voice droned on with the chants and hymns, Bani compelled herself to stand still and concentrate on the Pooja. But she couldn't help notice that her employer (as he kept insisting in every small chat they had) looked very different in a starched, white Kurta worn over Blue Jeans. Definitely a welcome change from the overwhelming presence that he had in his all-black ensemble and intense look which he seemed to carry all the times, even when Aditya cracked one of his many jokes, only giving half a smile, if amused.
As the Priest completed the Pooja, he looked towards Jai and asked politely, "Ab Aarthy kijiye." Jai frowned and looking at Jigyasa said, "Sing." Jigyasa gave an equally perplexed look and said, "Sing what, Bhaiyya?" Jai answered back irritated, "The Aarthy song. What else." Jigyasa just lowered her head, wondering why his brother was always so bossy and started to think real hard on which devotional song she could come up with, considering all she listened to these days was the songs on Anu's Ipod, which was anything but devotional.
There was silence in the room as everyone kept looking at each other's faces, wondering who would start the singing, so that the others could join in. Massi shrugged her head in exasperation, as usual, it was always upto her to sing the Aarthy song and her throat had been giving her some problem. As she cleared her throat, Rano quipped all of a sudden, "Bani di sings very well." Startled, everyone looked towards Rano, who went pink again and lowered her head and then towards Bani, who felt that she had lost her voice completely.
Massi, Beeji and Aditya persuaded Bani to sing the Aarthy and before Bani could let out any murmur of protests, Jai fixed his gaze on her and said evenly, "Sing." Bani looked up at his towering presence near her and gulping a bit, turned to take the Pooja Thali from the Panditji and started the note…
(jaidev jaidev jai mangal murti ho shrimangal murti
darshanmaatre mann kaamana purti jaidev jaidev)
sindur laal chadhaayo apane hi mann ka
sundar laal viraaje sut gauri-shiv ka
haath mein hai gudh laddu prabhu gajaanan ke
mahima kahu to kaise, jhukaau sir pad mein, jaidev jadev
ganesha tera roop niraala
koti suray ka hai tujhmein ujaala
lanbodar pitaanbar tera kya kehana
saral sund vakr tundatri naina, jaidev jaidev
sindur ranjit har ang sundar
motiyan ka maala chamake gale par
har gun sapann o gauri nandan
tujhko bhaaye kumkum kesar chandan, jaidev jaidev
gyaani daani tu hai sidhhidaata
sabke liye tera pyaar barsata
teri lila jag mein hai nyaari
karta hai tu muse ki sawaari, jaidev jaidev
mann ki aankhein dhunde hai tujhko
de do abb to darshan humko
apane sevak ke ghar pe tu aana
sankat mein hum sab ki raksha tu karna, jaidev jaidev
sindur laal chadhaayo apane hi mann ka
sundar laal viraaje sut gauri-shiv ka
haath mein hai gudh laddu prabhu gajaanan ke
mahima kahu to kaise, jhukaau sir pad mein, jaidev jadev
jai jai shri gajraaj vidya sukh daata, har vighn harta
dhanya darshan tumhaara mera mann ramata, jaidev jadev
jaidev jaidev jai mangal murti ho shrimangal murti
darshanmaatre mann kaamana purti jaidev jaidev
There was pin-drop silence as Bani finished the song and when she opened her eyes, she realized how deeply engrossed was she in her devotion, not even realizing where she was right now. For that few moments, when she had folded her hands and closed her eyes, Bani had been transported from the exquisite richness of Walia Mansion to the warmth and love of her home in Mount Abu. Tears threatened to blind her eyes, but forcing them back; she held the Pooja Thali in her hands and took it around for everyone to take blessings. Starting with Beeji, followed by Massi and the others, she finished with Rano, kissing her youngest sister softly on her forehead, as Pia took an extra Ladoo from the Plate and rushed downstairs after Pushkar, before Bani could admonish her.
Bani looked around for Jai, but he was no longer in the room.
"Tony, where is Mr. Walia?"
Tony, the Walia House Butler, who had dropped in to give Jigyasa her Cell-phone answered politely that Jai had gone into his study.
Bani gave a gentle knock on the door, which was answered by Jai, "Come in."
Pushing open the door, Bani walked inside Jai's study, where she had come in a couple of times earlier, but mostly to either hand over some official document or collect one from him. Not a single word passed between them, except that related to work.
Bani stood quietly with the Pooja Thali in her hand next to Jai's chair, on which he was sitting, deeply engrossed in a complicated looking graph that was lighting up his laptop. Jai looked up at Bani and for a moment, taken wordless. He was not used to seeing Bani dressed up like this, for he mostly saw her at work, where she always donned her stiff looking navy blue uniform and tied her hair in a tight knot, with not a hair out of place.
Jai kept looking at her, without a flicker of his eyelids and Bani felt herself going warm all over, her hands shook just a bit and she had to firm her grasp on the sliver Thaali so that it wouldn't fall down from her hands. Without saying anything, she stretched her hands, indicating silently for Jai to take the blessings. Jai did not take his eyes off her and getting up, silently took the three rounds of fire lit in the diya and cupped his hands, as Bani took out some Prashad and put it in them, her hands grazed his for a split second, making her shudder with a strange nervousness.
Bani turned to leave the room, her face had gone a bright shade of crimson, even without a word passing between them, but the way Jai looked at her, send shivers down Bani's spine and suddenly she realized that she felt much comforted when shouted or snapped at by him in Office. His brooding, intense silence was something that made Bani distinctly tense.
And then all of a sudden, Bani felt the corner of her Sari being held back. All the color that had filled her face seemed to drain out, as she stood in shock and immediately recovering herself, tried to pull forward, but couldn't move. Why on Earth had Mr. Walia caught hold of her dress? Turning her head backwards, she saw Jai was back in his chair, engrossed in the graph and she realized that her Sari had been entangled by the corner of his desk. Releasing the breath that she had held up, she tried to free the fabric, as Jai also turned to see her, surprised that she was still there. And then noticing her dilemma, graced her with another one of his looks and very deftly lifted the errant piece of cloth from the corner of the table, as it fell gracefully back on Bani's form.
Bani said in soft, almost inaudible tones, "Thank you."
Jai did not reply and Bani made her way out of his room, his voice came, deep and unruffled, "You sing well."
It was a plain, matter-of-fact statement, apparently without any trace of emotion, like most of his limited words were, still they made Bani glow with pleasure and then realizing that they indeed did, she fell deeply embarrassed and lowering her head, rushed out of his room, bumping straight into Pushkar.
"Hey beautiful. I had no idea, the super-talented Ms. Dixit also had singing to her list of virtues."
Pushkar left no opportunity to flirt with any girl, and Bani was no exception, besides, they shared a warm friendship, which only gave more liberty to Pushkar for teasing Bani all the time.
Bani smiled in response and they both walked downstairs together, where the rest of the Walia Clan was assembled. Beeji looked up at Bani and Pushkar coming downstairs, chatting happily and she commented in her jovial manner, "Kitni acchi jodi hain. Bilkul Salmaan Khan aur Rani Mukherjee ke jaisi." Aditya and Anu laughed at her observation, while Jigyasa arched her eyebrows and commented acerbically, "Ofcourse. That is why they have come all the way from Mount Abu till here…all the three girls have to find a suitable groom for themselves, isn't it?" Rano and Pia both overheard it and felt awful on hearing the bitter words, each for their own reason. Rano because she adored her sister to the point of worship and knew that Bani would probably be the last person on earth to ever indulge in anything remotely suggested by Jigyasa and Pia because, unknown to herself, she had been attracted madly by Pushkar and the comment by Jigyasa suddenly made her realize that indeed, Pushkar and Bani did look very close and comfortable to one another.
It was almost 3 months, that Bani along with her two younger sisters, Pia and Rano to Mumbai from Mount Abu after their Father's death. The only thing that young Bani had got for inheritance was their mortgaged family home and a letter addressed to a certain Mr. Jai Walia in Mumbai. She had never heard the name mentioned before and left with no option, but to vacate the house, Bani alongside her three sisters had moved to Mumbai, going straight to Jai Walia's house, without much hope of getting any help.
But Jai Walia or Mr. Walia as he was commonly referred to couldn't have been a bigger surprise to Bani. Though he had been cold and aloof to the point of being rude, he had nevertheless, not only given accommodation but also a job for Bani in his Office. The last three months had been very hard on Bani, yet the most fulfilling days of her life. She had never worked so hard before and everyday after coming back from work, she had to just put her head on the pillow, before sleep overtook her senses completely. Waking up early in the morning, Bani had to prepare Breakfast and Lunch for all the three of them, apart from the days, when Tony came in and asked the three sisters to join Mr. Walia at the Breakfast Table. Though the prospect of eating a gourmet meal at Walia House made Pia happy beyond measure, Bani dreaded the prospect of sitting in Jai's presence and almost, always came out hungry. But saying 'No' to Mr. Walia, did not figure in Bani's scheme of things and as and when called, she went to Walia House as part of her duty. Same was the case in Office, though thankfully, her interaction with Jai was very limited, since she was at a junior level and hardly got to see him there. Bani's reporting was to Ranveer, Jai's nephew, whom she came to respect and like for his quiet and hardworking nature.
Bani had met Pushkar on the second day of her arrival at Walia Mansion, when she had been sitting fore lone and depressed, missing her home and finding herself lost in the unfamiliar surroundings. Their chemistry and friendship had been instant, and Bani had come to know that if there was anyone in the World who could dare to joke around or play monkey with Jai, then it was only Pushkar.
Thought everyone at Walia House was cordial and warm towards Bani and her sisters, Jigysa and her younger son, Saahil made no bones about their dislike of the down-market girls. She had tried to complain to Jai about it, but after getting a firm rebuke from him to mind her own business, she had shut shop and just concentrated on throwing barbs at Bani, whenever she could, since both Pia could answer back with equal rudeness easily and Rano could be surprisingly sharp when she wanted to. It was only Bani, who seemed to take everything with a calm equanimity that Jigyasa mistook for her docility. Massi insisted on everyone having Lunch together and even though Bani tried her best to wriggle out, stating that she had to prepare for Diwali, Massi, joined by Karuna, Lakshmi and Anu wouldn't let her go.
A sumptuous treat was laid out at the Dining Table and everyone got seated. Bani seated herself at the only place remaining, next to the head of the table, but it was only after Jai joined them, that she realized, where she was sitting. Dying with hunger, Bani felt unable to help herself with any of the innumerous dishes on the table and just kept sitting there like a lump, too nervous in Jai's presence.
"Is it the Chef's cooking or is it me that fades out all your hunger?" Jai had leaned forward to take some Salad, as he spoke to Bani, making her flush. Bani picked up the Salad bowl, and helped some onto Jai's plate, without his asking for.
"Thanks. But I would feel better if you eat something, today at least."
Bani looked at him with her wide eyes and saw a glimmer of amusement in them. So he had noticed that she was uncomfortable in his presence and that she never ate well, whenever dining out at Walia House. Blushing under his fixed stare, she took some helping of rice and dal and nibbled silently. Jai couldn't hold back his smile and gave a short laugh, which only Bani noticed, because of the din that was created at the Dining Table, with everyone talking to one another and the clanking of crockery and cutlery.
"Why did you laugh?" Bani spoke without thinking, just so taken aback by Jai's laughter, which she felt she had definitely not seen before in the past three months.
Jai resumed his sober expression and kept staring at Bani, then just shrugged his head indicating nothingness and went back to eating his food.
Everyone assembled in the spacious living room of Walia House and after lot of noise, it was finally decided that Rummy was the best way to spend the evening. Bani, Pia and Rano were solicitously invited to join, while Bani firmly declined, stating that she had no idea how to play cards, Rano was compelled by Pia to stay put, since she had no wish to leave the gathering in any hurry.
Before Bani could excuse herself, Jai who had been sitting in the couch, flicking through some papers, called out in his measured tone, "What is the hurry in going? Stay for some time." Bani turned to look at Jai and finding herself voiceless, demurely sat down besides the assembled group, trying to hide behind Rano, away from Jai's eyes which seemed to find her everywhere she went.
"Mamaji, which team are you in?" Ranveer called out cheerfully and for a moment, Jai was tempted to refuse the game, as he always did, but giving a fleeting glance at Bani, his lips twitched in mischief and said evenly, "Bani and I will play as a team."
Bani felt going numb with disbelief, as a spattering of applause rang through the room and Pia made some excited comment about her Bani di being the new Rummy Champion, now that Mr. Walia was playing by her side. Not really knowing what to say or do, she quietly sat alongside Jai, as the Cards were laid out and the teams separated.
Pushkar/Pia, Ranveer/Rano, Aditya/Anu, Jigyasa/Saahil, Karuna/Lakshmi and Jai/Bani all sat in a semi-circle, as the Cards were shuffled and laid out by an enthusiastic Beeji.
Bani looked at Jai and said hurriedly, "I can't play Rummy, Mr. Walia." Jai did not reply back, which only seemed to make Bani more nervous as she repeated again, "Really Mr. Walia…I cannot play Rummy."
Jai kept a finger on his lips to indicate silence and Bani just looked on, as he put the cards in the shape of a hand-fan, leaning himself slightly towards Bani, who perked up in all seriousness, thinking that he was telling her the rules of the game. Jai spoke in a low voice, "You should wear more of Red, it suits you."
Bani was left gaping like a goldfish as Pushkar called out, "Jai Sir, your turn first." Looking at Bani, Pushkar commented cheerfully, "Pick up all the tips from Jai Sir, Bani…he is a champion at Rummy."
Jai did not say anything as the game progressed and as soon as their turn came, Jai glanced at the card lying on the floor and leaning towards a still in shock Bani, covered their faces with the cards and whispered into her ears, "You should not be so quiet in the Office…staring at the skyline outside from the window is not the best way to spend your lunch hour."
When the third round happened, Jai once again gave a serious look at the Cards lying on the floor and at the ones in his hand, whispered to a now, fully crimson colored Bani, "I heard that the young fellow in Designing…Sam Mehta, right? Tried to make a pass at you? If he attempts that next time, tell him that he won't have a limb or a job left for him."
Bani felt herself giggling just a bit when she heard that, but attempted to pull a serious face, as she felt all the eyes in the group towards Jai and her.
During the fourth round, Bani felt herself smiling, as Jai again gave a very introspective look at the Cards and leaning towards Bani said, "Don't stand on the Parapet of the Terrace again…if you have such a desire to eat Mangoes, just tell Tony, he will get you the best Alphansoes in town. I don't want you falling off my terrace for an unripe Mango."
Bani found herself unable to control the rising laughter, one because Jai was speaking in such a dead-pan voice and second because everyone was assuming that they were intently discussing the game, of which Bani had no idea which direction it was going in.
At the fifth round, Jai took a card from the floor and after some pondering, glanced at his cards and leaning towards Bani said, "Massi said that she found you crying in the lawns yesterday night…said that you were feeling homesick. Is that so?" Bani looked up at Jai and for a moment, they were so close to one another, hidden behind the curtain of cards, that they could both hear each other's heartbeats. Jai broke Bani's silence and said with feeling, "I thought this house was your home too…" Bani felt warm tears rising in her eyes as the game continued…
At the sixth round, apparently Ranveer and Rano had won already and the battle for the next place was taking. Jai took a long look at the cards on the floor and then at his own, and this time without looking at Bani, who had instinctively leaned towards Jai, said, "I brought you something…a gift for Diwali…hope you like it." Bani was completely taken aback at this and finally spoke, "You got me a gift? For me?" Jai was amused at the incredulity in her voice and arranging his cards in a neat fashion, gave her a sideways glance and said, "Why can't I get you something? Its Diwali after all…you are my employee." Bani smiled at the mischief in his voice and blushed in response.
At the sixth round, Aditya and Anu came out as winners, while the rest played on, and when their chance came, Jai said slowly, "Our new Restaurant in Andheri opens next week…will you come with me?" Bani looked at Jai bewildered and answered back, "I am coming for that…the ribbon cutting is in the morning, its scheduled in my diary…" Jai cut her off and said, "Not for the ribbon cutting nonsense…I was asking you out…for dinner. And no need to schedule that, I hope you will remember it anyway." Bani felt she had enough shocks for the evening without having one where her Boss was asking her out for a date, so blatantly, in front of his whole family. Taking in Bani's silence, Jai said coolly, "I will take that as a yes."
Suddenly, there was silence in the room and it took a while for Jai and Bani to realize that the game had been wrapped off and they were the last ones left! Pushkar gave them a strange look and said, "Er…Jai Sir, the game is finished! Can we see your Cards now?"
Jai looked so bewildered as if he had no idea what exactly was taking place till now and shaking his head, he glanced at his Cards. He had not even made one complete set, since he had been busy flirting with Bani. Shuffling his Cards uneasily, he tried to avoid the topic and said, "Actually, my head was aching, I couldn't concentrate. Next time probably! Great game guys."
As he got up to leave, Pushkar gave a wink at Ranveer, who was grinning in an amused manner and asked Jai in a mock-sincere tone, "But Sir, just show your Cards to us. Surely, you must have made atleast three sets out of four…I mean, the way you and Bani were so seriously discussing behind the Cards….that was about the game, right?"
Bani felt herself going a brilliant shade of red and getting up, made some noise about going back to the Outhouse and completing some work. Jai tried to give a stern look at Pushkar, which only evoked a monkey type grin from him and putting the cards on the floor, Jai excused himself from the gathering. As both Jai and Bani left the room, Pushkar picked up the Cards and laughed out loud when he saw that Jai's Cards were all in a jumble, with not a single set made properly! "Strange, for someone who wins Rummy in three rounds short," mused Pushkar to himself, deciding to go and tease Bani on it! Particularly, because she was so terrified of Jai.
To be continued in Part 2
Cheers,
MT
PS: Wanted to write a Short FF / Long SS with Diwali as a theme, but was short of time for the past few days...have got over with my School Open Day today and just because I am so happy and relieved, not to do anymore Art & Craft, I have penned this 3 part story!
Its dedicated to all of you, who have been so upset with what has been taking place in KS! I am writing a very 'Suraj Barajatya' type FF, with no villains or vamps and lots of Diabetes inducing characters😉, so that atleast, it makes some of you cheer up!😃
Am also going to update my other two FF very shortly and will wrap this off in the next 3-4 days (Let me just add hopefully, to be on the safe side😉)
Hoping to see a lot of responses when I login next! Till then ciao and take care!😃
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