This is third part of a series that I have written after Bani being kicked out by Jai. The frist was The wounded Sherni(Bani's pov), the second Sher ki Garjana (Jai pov). Don't have links for the first two but if anyone wants to read them they can pm me.
The third I have written as I wanted something different to KS or to use Ekta's line show a strong Indian woman. So here JB do not get back together but what I would like Bani's character to be like…a strong individual.
The Awakening Inside
The friendship between a man and a woman which does not lead to marriage or desire for marriage may be a life long experience of the greatest value to themselves and to all their circle of acquaintance and of activity; but for this type of friendship both a rare man and a rare woman are needed. Perhaps it should be added that either the man or the woman thus deeply bound in lifelong friendship who seeks marriage must find a still rarer man or woman to wed, to make such a three cornered comradeship a permanent success. (Anna Garlin Spencer)
Daksh pointed to Bani sitting under the tree, her head resting against the tree trunk her eyes closed. He looked at masi, "Subah the sham tak vahaan baith rehti hai. Nahi kuch bolti aur nahi kuch puchti. Aaj doctor ne bataya, Bani pregnant hai masi, aur soocha usse kaise baithye…issi liye meine aapko bulwaya masi. Aap kuch kijeye…aisse rahegi toh kaun jane kay haal hoga."
Masi smiled at the concern Daksh showed. She patted his arm and said, "Tu chinta maat kaar mei subh kuch sambhal lungi."
Masi walked up to the tree and sat down next to Bani. She did not say anything to her but just wrapped her in her arms. Instinctively Bani hugged masi back and the tears held back for the last few days, came tumbling out. Masi let her cry. A long time later after she had quietened down, Bani asked, "Masi aap kyun aayei? Unko apki zaroorat hai…kyun akela chodke aap chale aiye?"
Looking at her with concern, "Nahi Bani, Jai ko kisiki zaroorat nahi hai. Subh ko bol diya ke issko kissiki ki nahi zaroorat hai ya nahi parwaah."
Bani shook her head and tears peppering her lashes, "Nahi masi, jooth bola unhe. Woh theek nahi hai. Maine isska dil pe zyaada dukha diya,…meina unse jooth bola."
"Nahi beta. Haan tune jooth bola par iske ghar ki bhalaye ke liye. Uske business bachane ke liye. Maloom hai, ghar subh haath joodh ke baithe sivaye tu aur Jai. Tum dono ne sabh ke liye kya nahi kashta uthaya."
Masi caressed her cheek, "Maloom hai tujhe, tu maa banana wali hai. Subh kuch bhulja. Tu apnso bharosa karke apne pero pe chalna shikle, tere aur tere aniwale bache ke liy. Mei saath doongi, meri beti ka mei saath doongi."
They sat together talking and making plans. Bani decided she did not move away from Mumbai, she would stay and make her life here. There was no going back to Mt Abu or anywhere else…here there were people she knew she could count for help. Her education and her experience working in the event management before marriage would help her get some kind of work. She had worked hard before and made a life for her and her sisters. Then she could do it again for herself and her child.
XXXXX
Daksh was upset at Bani's decision to leave his home. He held himself responsible for her plight and her refusal to accept any kind of monetary help hurt him immensely but he it also increased respect for her. The world had not been kind to her, she who always thought of others before herself was preyed upon by the vultures out there..the leeches which attached themselves to the innocent and bled them into oblivion.
He found a small room that she could rent in a decent area and gave her small amount as a loan which she could repay back when she had money and offered to help her find a job. Bani initially declined but masi persuaded to take a little help to get started. She needed money to see a doctor and at least to eat for the health of the baby.
Trudging back from another interview Bani slowly climbed the steps that led up to her floor where she was staying. As she stopped to take a breath, a shy girl little younger than her came behind her. Stopping she looked at Bani and said, "Hi my name is Arti. You are new right? I leave on the fourth floor."
Bani smiled at the Arti, "Nice to meet you Arti. My name is Bani and yes I just moved two days ago."
Bani saw Arti's hands were full of bags and asked, "Do you want help? I can carry couple of bags for you."
Arti handed her a couple of bags, "Thanks. It's my son's birthday at weekend and I am having a small party for him. He is very excited as he is going to have some of his school friends coming over."
Bani tried hard to hold back the tears. It killed her to hear Arti so excited about her son's birthday party something she will never be able to do for Atharva or Krishna. Arti stopped and opened the door of her one room home and as Bani handed the bags, Arti asked, "Would like to come in for a little while? We could have tea."
Bani shook her head, "No I must get back home. My masi will wonder where I am."
Arti looked a little wistfully at her and said, "Please come again when you have time. It can get a little lonely sometimes when my husband and son are not home."
"Thanks I will. And you must come and see us, masi would love to meet you. I am in 304, one floor down."
Masi smiled as Bani entered the room. She asked her to sit and rest while she made her some tea. Bani told her about meeting Arti.
"You must make new friends Bani. Here it is the neighbours who help each other out. People may not have much but they will share whatever little they have. How did your interview go?"
"I think it went fine, until I told them I was Jai Walia's wife. It seems the Walia name is a curse for me. Masi I think I am going to see a lawyer and get a divorce."
Masi came hurrying back, "Bani don't do anything in a rush. Think Jai may come back…"
Bani did not let her finish, she snapped, "He can come and beg me all he wants. I will never go back to that house. No more running back to him or to anyone else."
Masi turned and went back to the kitchen. She knew may be this time it would be better to let her break free…the tie that bound them together the children were gone and the bitterness that Jai harboured against her would never let him forgive her now. Tears fell which she wiped quickly away.
Next morning Arti having done all her chores decided she was going to visit the new neighbour. She locked her door and made her way down. Masi opened the door to see Arti standing outside smiling. "Namaste masi, I am Arti. Is Bani here?"
"Come in Arti." Masi stepped aside to let her in. Bani was just finishing sweeping the floor. Arti glanced at the almost bare room. Masi took a seat on the bed the side and asked Arti to sit down. Bani came back carrying teacups for them and soon Arti was busy telling them about the neighbourhood. Arti started talking about the party for her son and soon Bani was involuntarily drawn into helping her. Masi encouraged her, saying it would be good for her to keep a little busy. Bani made some suggestions for decoration and food she could serve and promised she would help her make some snacks.
Saturday morning Bani went up to Arti's home where she met her husband Mehul and son Sohan. The five-year-old Sohan hugged Bani as she wished him happy birthday. Bani almost ran out of the room as her heart almost lurched with agony…she didn't want to be part of this happy family event. It wasn't fair…why did she have to lose everyone she loved. Mehul saw the sad look on her face and asked if everything was ok. Bani tried to compose herself, but found herself telling them about death of Atharva and Krishna. Arti felt guilty now of asking Bani to help. Mehul took Sohan out leaving the two of them alone. After few minutes of silence Bani looked at Arti and said, "Lets make this a best little party for Sohan. I want to see the smile on Sohan face the same way Atharva used to smile."
Sohan's party was a great success. The children had fun and some of the mothers made comments on the decorations and food served by Arti. Arti of course told of them about Bani and couple of the mother actually asked if she would organize small birthday parties at their homes. Arti encouraged Bani to take on the assignments saying the money would help her until she found a job.
A month later Bani was glad she had taken up those small jobs because they had led to her being booked for the next two months arranging small parties. She had also been to see the doctor that Arti recommended and was taking care of her health as per doctor and masi's order. She had also gone to see Tarun Sablok, the ex-friend of Jai Walia who was a lawyer. He had been surprised to see her, considering how the relation between him and Jai Walia had ended and reluctantly agreed to take on her divorce case.
XXXXX
A month later Jai Walia stared at the papers delivered to his office from none other than the guy who had caused him grief previously, Tarun Sablok…what was wrong with these guys who hankered after someone else's wife. Well if his wife wanted a divorce than he had no qualms signing on the dotted line. He had no plans of taking her back in his life anyway. In fact he was glad she had initiated the process, less headache for him. He quickly signed the papers and had his PA courier them to Tarun's office.
Tarun looked at the signature of Jai Walia on the divorce papers. How easily could he sign his marriage away? He didn't know what had between and had not pressed Bani for the details as he knew from previous occasion how Bani liked to protect Jai Walia. He sighed and filed the papers away for further proceedings. Like before she had told him she did not want a single rupee from him. She was young enough and educated to make a life for herself. Tarun laughed bitterly some men never appreciated what they were lucky to get in life.
The months passed quickly as Bani with help of masi and Arti developed her small event managing business, mostly small parties in the middle class neighbourhood. Now she had people coming to her from word of mouth advertising and had to sadly turn some away as there was no way for her fit them in. Her swelling of her belly was the only bitter reminder of her past but she had vowed that the bitterness she felt would never be passed on to her child. Daksh had remained friend with her and he kept quietly in the background keeping an eye on her. She had paid the loan back, even though he had tried to dissuade her from paying it back, and he gained new respect for her determination.
Towards her due date Bani cut down the number of assignments she took on keeping it to minimum Arti and masi could handle with her help. A week before her due date Bani went into labour and delivered a healthy baby girl. She named her Niyati according to the letters associated with her horoscope. Niyati became the centre of attention from masi, Daksh, Arti, Mehul and Shohan who couldn't keep away from her.
Three months later Bani had to start increasing the work she took on as her fund were depleting rapidly. Niyati, work and home seemed to fill up Bani's days and before she knew it they celebrated Niyati's first birthday. During the year her divorce had come through too and she had closed that phase of her life for good. Now with the expansion of her business, she had to think about getting a bigger place and hiring additional people to help. She asked and Arti accepted to become manager for her business. They hired couple of fresh college grads as assistants. It was for one of her first large event that Bani needed to find someone to supply music for the party. The host was very particular about what he wanted and with Mehul's help Bani found few names to approach. One of them was Girish Wagela, who owned a small electronic rental business as well as supplying djs for parties.
Bani went into the small unit tucked away in the heart of the city. The space was crammed with electronic items of all kind. The tall, skinny guy with a mop of black hair and spectacle that seemed to rest awkwardly on his face smiled as Bani approached him. Bani told him details of what she needed for the event Bani was happy to find Girish giving her a run down of what she would need to hire along with the cost. He wrote it down on the paper for her and said he would be happy to go and see the host if he had technical questions. A happy Bani left the shop with details and a quote for her client.
Girish watched Bani walk away from his shop. He came in contact with women from all walks of life and he had met some beautiful women, especially when he personally managed music at some events, but no one had yet to interest him like Bani did today. Dressed in a simple sari and with her hair tied back and no make up, she looked charming. Her confident stance and professional manner had impressed him. He wondered if she was married, didn't see any of the usual sindoor or manglasutra on her but than now days sometimes it was hard to say.
Bani's client accepted the quote and she got the contract to do the event. This was going to be their first big event and Bani was nervous about handling it. She had hired temporary extra help to manage the event. Actually it was Girish who had recommended couple of people that he hired when he needed extra help and Bani was grateful for his help. She needed people with some experience and reliability, as there was no time for training.
Despite all her apprehension the event was success. Girish had come down to make sure his people were ready to take care of music and lighting requirements. He found himself hanging around in the background just providing support to Bani and her staff. At the end of the long night he made sure Bani and Arti reached home safely. Next day Arti teased Bani about Girish, saying the guy had more than a passing interest in Bani. Bani just ignored her, she was not interested in having another relationship and saw Girish just as a business associate. It wasn't only Arti who thought that way, even masi had been curious about Girish. She liked the mild mannered guy. He seemed as if he had his priorities set right. Actually Mehul had told Arti that Girish's family was quite wealthy but Girish had decided to try be successful himself. His father ran a small finance company and mother was a principal of a private school.
Five years later Bani developed her business into a successful small company. She and Arti both moved out to bigger apartments near to the offices they rented. They had a staff of ten who handled various events and Girish had become their main contractor who handled the entertainment side of the event. Niyati had grown into a sensitive child. She had Bani's looks but her eyes and night black hair were inherited from her father. At school she proved she was a smart. She learnt things quickly and was teacher's pet as she was not rowdy as some children.
It was at the first school function Bani met Meera. Meera had come to the school with her sister whose son was also enrolled in the school. Bani cast a hesitant glance at Meera who in turn actually walked up and greeted her. Bani told her about Niyati having joined the school and Meera met Niyati after the function. She looked at the small girl and saw the Jai's eyes looking back at her. She still worked at Walia Group and knew Jai and Bani had divorced but no one had ever mentioned anything about a child.
Meera couldn't get Niyati out of her mind. At work she mentioned to Adi about seeing Bani and Niyati, hinting Niyati might be Jai's child. Adi told Meera to keep quiet about this and not say anything to anyone.
Jai had become a recluse and embittered man. He hardly interacted with anyone in the family and at work it was only business matters that kept him civil with people. Any attempts to draw him out had been futile. Adi knew that even though Jai had shown that he was glad of the divorce, inside he had been hurt even further by it. Only Veer and Varun could get close to him. Jai had never once shown any hostility towards the boys. Now teenagers, the boys looked up to Jai as father figure and mentor. He had filled in the void left in their life by Sahil and Ranveer. Rano and Rashi both had great respect for Jai and it hurt them to see him so bitter. They both missed the relationship that they had shared before, for Rano he had been a brother that she had never had and for Rashi almost father like, filling in the gap her father had never filled.
Adi knew where Bani was and about Niyati's birth. He had kept an eye on her since she had been thrown out of the house. And when masi had walked out he had just kept quiet and let Jai be. In the house he had warned the others from not aggravating Jai into taking any rash actions, eventually he his anger will subside and may be…just may be he will regret his decision. The later never happened, Jai's anger was replaced by bitterness and not once did he try to find out about Bani. The only person who was happy in the house was Jigyasa, she once again had the control of the house and the people in it. Jai was the only one on whom she could not wield her control. She had tried to get Jai and Meera together but Jai had told her bluntly he did not need any woman in his life, especially a wife. There were plenty of women still out there who were willing to warm up his bed without a marriage. Why should he trust a woman again only to get hurt by her again?
Adi sat thoughtfully in his office may be it was time to confront Jai with his past…make him face Bani again…make him realize he had a child. But how? There was no way Bani would walk into the Walia house again, her decision to divorce Jai had assured that. It was in the evening when his daughter Anu walked in with her daughter Nikki that an idea occurred to him. Nikki's third birthday was coming up and Anu always liked to throw big parties like her mother. May be just may be he could get Bani to arrange the party through Meera. With this thought in his mind, next day Adi and Meera discussed the plan to get Bani to manage Nikki surprise party.
Bani did not give much thought when Meera came to see her about arranging a surprise party for her niece. The party was to be held in one of the smaller Walia hotel. Bani slight hesitance did not go unnoticed by Meera when she mentioned the venue and breathed a sigh of relief when Bani agreed. Meera also invited Niyati and her for the party saying she would like Niyati to come.
Arti was supposed to go to the hall and make sure it readied for the party. Bani had deliberately delegated the task to Arti. Unfortunately Sohan took ill two days before and the task fell into Bani's hand. Bani went with her team in the late morning to ready the hall for the party. Girish had also come as he was doing the entertainment, no Walia party was complete without grand entertainment and so Bani had just given that contract to Girish. She and Girish had progressed into a comfortable relationship of good friends. Neither made any demands on each other and just chugged along. Girish had become a regular visitor at the house and Niyati loved visits form her Giri uncle.
On the evening of the party a tired Bani dressed in a simple salwar kameez and with Niyati left for the party. Girish had agreed to drive them down seeing he was going to be there too. Bani made sure everything was all right and then went in the back to wait for the guests to arrive. She settled her self in the sofa in the room and was soon napping. Meera who had come looking for her had quietly taken Niyati with her and left Bani asleep. When Bani woke up she realized she had slept for more than an hour. Not seeing Niyati there she panicked a little and decided to go and look for her. As she stepped into the hall she was shocked to see Adi, Rano, Rashi and two young guy who she guessed must be Veer and Varun. The boys had definitely shot up and were definitely a handsome pair. It was Rano who saw her first and just rushed up to her and hugged her.
Overcome with emotions Bani did not know how to react, after so many years of separation, she felt ill at ease. She found in a minute surrounded by Anu, Adi, Rashi, Rano and the boys. Veer and Varun shy, they had very vague memories of their masi but knew all about her from dadi and their Rano and Rashi. She felt cheated when she found out that she had actually arranged the party for Anu's daughter Nikki. She gave Meera a disappointed look and had to leave telling Meera off till later. Bani found her self dragged to join them and looked around apprehensively to see if Jai was there. For a while she forgot her apprehension as she watched kids dance and play games organized by her staff. She did not even realize Jai had arrived and had been watching her from a corner of the hall. Adi had seen Jai enter and on seeing Bani had walked away to a corner.
He was amazed she hadn't changed much. The same way of dressing…the same style of hair…in fact he thought she looked even more beautiful. The shy smile still made his heart skip a beat the way it had the first time he had seen it on her face.
It was when Niyati came and hugged Bani that Jai got a slight shock. He stared at Niyati. Must be Bani and Daksh kid…had to be. She looked like about six years old, old enough to be Daksh's kid. Instead of feeling anger he felt nothing. Why should it concern him Bani had married Daksh and made a life with him. He watched Niyati hanging around Bani. Where was Daksh? He couldn't see Daksh. When Girish walked over to see Bani and Niyati, Jai looked surprised as Niyati clinging to Girish. Even Bani gave Girish a smile, a smile he had been privileged to receive before. Girish bent and whispered something in Bani's ear and Bani responded by saying whispering back to Girish. A few minutes later the music changed to dance music for adults and Jai saw Girish walk over to Bani and take her on the floor. He felt a tug at his heart as Bani danced in Girish's arms. After couple of minutes he couldn't watch any longer and walked away.
Meera sought Jai out much later in the gardens and asked him to come in as Anu was asking for him. Jai followed her in and found Anu with Nikki handing out gifts to the children. Niyati was standing next to her holding the basket with gifts. She gave Jai a big smile as he came up and Jai responded by smiling back at her. Anu reprimanded Jai for coming to the party late and then sulking away. She handed him Nikki to hold for a while. Niyati asked Meera who he was and was told he was Anu's mama. Niyati replied excitedly, "I have a mama also, he is called Daksh." Jai's ears pricked up as he heard Daksh's name. He listened to Niyati and Meera talking away and then he turned and asked her pointing to Girish, "Is that your father?"
Niyati shook her head, "No that is Giri uncle. He is just mummy's friend. My dad's name is Jai. But he doesn't live with us. Mummy said she and daddy didn't get along they separated." Looking a little wistful Niyati carried on, "I have never met my dad. He doesn't come to see us." If Jai was shocked to hear Niyati say he was her father he hid it well. Meera couldn't figure out if Niyati's remark had made an impact on him or not.
Bani walked back into the hall after giving her staff last minute instructions. She wanted to go home as she was tired from the whole days activity. Startled by Jai's voice calling out to her, she stood stiffly as he walked over to her. Jai looked at her wooden face, "Bani, I heard you organized this party for Nikki. I must congratulate you for doing so well." His voice did not resonate with any kind of emotions. Bani just gave slight nod and went to walk away. She did not have anything to say to him. Jai stopped her by holding her arm, "Don't walk away. Can't we at least talk a little? I would like to…."
Bani turned and looked at him coldly, "There is nothing to talk about Mr Walia. I don't have anything to say to you. And what ever you had to say to me you already did all those years ago."
Jai felt as if he had been physically slapped. He dropped her hand and watched her walk over to Niyati and leave. All of a sudden he felt empty inside, the bitterness replaced by sadness…they say time is a greater healer but he felt he had let time rob of him a life he could have…he had let his anger and stubbornness let the one woman he had loved the most stay out of his life. For once when Adi came and put his hand on Jai's shoulder, Jai did not snap at him but looked at him gratefully.
Over next few days Masi noticed Bani was quiet, talking with Niyati she had found out the party had been for Anu's daughter and all the people that had been at the party. Niyati said Anu's mama was there but she didn't know his name and masi knew Bani had seen Jai.
One day a knock on the door gave masi a shock. Jai was stood outside their home. Overwhelmed masi could not say anything. She stood and stared at him. When Jai bend down to touch her feet she moved away. "Masi kaise ho? Jai asked. "Theek hoon."
"Mei andhar aa saka hoon?" Jai asked. Instead of answering him, masi stood aside to let him in.
She showed him to sitting area and asked him to sit down. The silence between two stretched into couple of minutes, Jai struggled to bring words to his lips. Masi, wondering why he had come.
Masi finally asked, "Kuch kaam hai Jai?"
Shaking his head, "Na masi. Bas Bani se baate karne hai."
"Itne saal baad kya baate baki hai Jai. Jab tujhe bolne ki zaroorat thi tab kyun nahi aya?"
"Mere paas iska jawab nahi hai masi. Aaj sochta hoon toh kaun jane mujhe yeh sawaal chubhata hai ke Jigyasa ki baato mei kaise mei phaas gaya."
"Abh bhahut dere hogayi. Bani wapas nahi ayegi. Do baar usko tera ghar chodna pada, tujhe lagta hai ke woh saab bhul ke, tere haat phir se thamanegi?"
"Nahi masi mei usko wapas nahi leine aya. Lekin kahiye Niyati meri beti hai?"
"Haan Jai Niyati teri beti hai. Lekin tere nasiib phuta ke aaj woh tere paas nahi hai."
"Masi aap Bani ko nahi samajaye, mujhe sirf Niyati se…"
Masi came and sat beside him, "Mei Bani se boloungi lekin faisla iska hoga."
"Thank you masi." Jai got up. Masi "Kuch nahi lega beta, chai, pani?"
"Nahi masi." A teary eyed Jai hugged masi. In all these years since masi left his home, Jai had always missed her, even in his anger and bitterness, and he had only himself to blame.
Masi talked with Bani at night after Niyati went to bed, telling her Jai wanted some sort of relationship with Niyati. With a pained look on her face Bani said, "Masi mere paas kuch aur nahin hai Niyati siwaye. Jai usse lijayega toh mein nahi shahe paungi."
"Lekin Jai ne aisa nahi kaha, kyun nahi tu baate kar iske saath, koi samjotha."
Tears streamed down her face as Bani shook her head, "Nahi masi…nahi mei Niyati meri hai."
After her talk masi never raised the subject again waited for Bani to make up her mind. She knew eventually Bani would change her mind. After almost seven years, Bani walked into the Walia head office. She headed straight up to where Jai's offices were. She told his PA if she could let Jai know she was here to see him. Most of the office staff looked new and so no one recognized her. It was about ten minutes before Jai came out of his. He asked Bani to come inside his office. Bani sat down and after a slight hesitation she looked at him and said, "Its about Niyati…"
Jai looked hopefully at her. Bani struggled with words, "Masi said you wanted to talk."
"Yes I want Niyati to know I am her father. I want to be able to see her may be she can come and stay with me for day or two. I know am not worthy of your forgiveness, especially when I said all those things that were not true. But for Niyati sake I hope you will consider this request."
Bani looked him directly in his eyes, "What makes you think Niyati is yours?"
Jai smiled, "Because Niyati wouldn't lie. She told Meera her dad's name was Jai. You told her the truth Bani."
"Yes I told her the truth. I never want her to hate me for keeping it a secret."
Jai watched a gamut of emotions flit across her face, "Can we sit down together and tell her. I would like us to do it together."
With slight fear in her eyes, Bani asked, "When?"
"Sooner the better. Can I come this evening?
Resignedly Bani nodded her head, "Yes. But after 7 PM. Will stay for dinner? I can ask masi to make a little extra food."
"Only if you feel I won't be intruding in your time." Jai replied.
"We will see for dinner then." Bani left the office quickly and once outside took a deep breath to calm her self down. She phoned masi to let her know Jai was coming for dinner, but not to say anything to Niyati.
Niyati was curious to know who was coming for dinner. She was hungry but masi said today she had to wait as they had a guest. Bani told her it was a surprise for her and she would just have to wait until the guest came. When the doorbell rang Niyati rushed to open it and looked a little disappointed when she saw Jai. "Hello uncle." Jai flashed a smile at her and gave her a hug. Masi excused herself and went to the kitchen. Niyati looked at Bani and said, "You said you had a surprise, but I know uncle from the party."
Bani sat down next to her and whispered, "You can't call him uncle, this is your father Niyati, Jai Walia." A look of disblief showed on Niyati's face. "Saach mom. But you didn't say nothing at the party." Shaking Bani's hand Niyati looked for further assurance, "Saach mom. He is my dad."
Bani nodded her head. "Saach Niyati." Jai waited for Niyati to approach him. He wanted to hug her and tell her he was so happy he was her father but wanted Niyati to decide whether she wanted him.
Niyati gave a Bani a hug and whispered, "I love you mom." Then she ran to Jai and wrapped her small arms around him. "I love you dad." Tears ran down Jai's face as held Niyati tight in his arms. A warm glow spread filled a void in his heart. The bitterness of losing of Krishna and Atharva melted at the joy of Niyati calling him dad. The father daughter did not see Bani walk away to her room.
Next few days anyone that Niyati met heard nothing else but her telling them about Jai. Girish felt disappointment at finding out Bani had been married to Jai and now that he was back in her life even for the sake of Niyati, any hope he had of eventually asking Bani to marry him seemed dashed. It was the change in Girish's behavior that prompted Bani to ask him one day what was wrong.
Girish decided he wanted to come clean with her and so told her about his feelings for her, about Jai Walia being back in her life and how he was trying to come to move away from her and Niyati…he was trying to deal with the possible loss of two people he loved dearly. Bani wasn't shocked by Girish's confession. Over the years she too had developed a special feeling for him She knew it wasn't love, it was a friendship that she cherished more than anything else. She had never given any thought to marriage again as she only thought of taking care of Niyati. Suddenly she realized did not want to lose Girish's friendship. Niyati and Jai spent a lot of time together and there was already a void being created there…to lose Girish would certainly have deep impact on her. Bani left him assuring him she never wanted to lose his friendship.
After a few days of turmoil in her mind Bani went to see Girish. Summoning up courage Bani asked him "Girish would you marry me?"
Girish looked at her with astonishment. He scrambled out from behind the counter and almost fell as he rushed and hugged her. Words rushed out as he glanced at her closely, "Are you sure? You are not feeling sorry for me?"
"I am sure. It's not out of pity. I don't want to lose you Girish. You have been a good friend and I am not going to lie and say I love you, but I do have a special feeling for you. If its enough for you…"
An elated Girish hugged her before she could finish, "Yes..yes...yes."
Masi was the first to be told and was not surprised. She blessed both them. Niyati just hugged Bani when Bani explained to her why she was marrying again and asking Niyati if she would be upset if Girish lived with them. Niyati in her innocent way said if it made her mother happy then she was happy too. Plus now may be she could look forward to having a brother or a sister. Bani was stunned with Niyati's words, until Niyati said that Sohan had said that his mom had said that two people had to get married first and then one special day a baby would come to their house. Bani laughed at the innocent remarks. Jai hid his sadness and wished her and Girish happiness.
He was happy with Niyati coming into his life and did not wish to lose her again for any selfish reasons. Destiny had not included Bani to be his forever and he would just have to learn to accept that.
THE END
Anupamaa
