Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Thanks for all the wonderful comments left by everyone.
This update is for Sheena, was going to do something similar in my other ff At Seventeen. I am not sure if it works as well here as it would have done in the other one. But Christmas is about candies and chocolates, so here we go………..
Red Sari Under the Mistletoe – Christmas Candies [i ] Tere Chehre Mein Vo Jaadu Hai, Bin Dor Khincha Jaata Hoon
Jaana Hota Hai Aur Kahin, Teri Oar Chala Aata Hoon
Jab Se Tujhko Dekha Hai, Dekh Ke Khuda Ko Maana Hai
Maanke Dil Ye Kehta Hai, Meri Khushiyon Ka Tu Hai Khazaana
Dede Pyar Ki Manzoori, Karde Kami Meri Poori
Tujhse Thodisi Doori, Mujhe Karti Hai Deewana
Paana Tujhko Mushkil Hi Sahi, Paane Ko Machal Jaata Hoon
Tere Chehre Mein Vo Jaadu Hai...
Teri Heere Jaisi Aankhen, Aankhon Mein Hai Laakhon Baatein
Baaton Mein Ras Ki Barsaatein, Mujhmein Pyaar Ki Pyaas Jagaayen
Tu Jo Ek Nazar Daale, Ji Uththein Marne Waale
Hoth Tere Amrit Ke Pyaale, Mujhmein Jeene Ki Aas Badhaayein
Chal Padte Hain Tere Saath Kadam, Maein Rok Nahin Paata Hoon
Tere Chehre Mein Vo Jaadu Hai...
(Dharmatma) The door bell rang buzzed impatiently and Bani throwing on her bathroom robe quickly ran to open the door. She looked at Jai and glared at him. "You are one hour early. I am not ready." Giving her a peck on the cheek he strode in and said, "I know I am early. I can wait here for you just as well as at home. Is there any coffee?"
Bani shook her head, "I just got out of the shower. You know where the kitchen is, you can go and make it yourself." She walked back to her bedroom and closed the door. She quickly dried her hair and then got ready. She double checked her bag to make sure she had what she needed for their overnight trip to Matheran. When she came out Jai was drinking his coffee and handed her a cup as well. He ran an appreciative glance at her, the white capris teamed with a fitted black and white print blouse.
Bani asked, "Remind me again why are we going to Matheran?"
"Well a friend of mine has a resort there and every year in December he hold a Christmas Chocolate and Candy competition where people create chocolates and candies and enter into competition. He asked me to be a one of the judges. Plus I thought you might enjoy a trip to the hills, away from the heat of the city."
They drove to Neral and then transferred to the train for a two hour journey to Matheran. The slow ride up the hillside offered picturesque vistas and the food vendors and monkeys created their own din along with the clanking of the train wheels. Despite the crowded cabin, Bani and Jai enjoyed the ride.
At the station the manager of the resort was waiting to take them and since no vehicles are allowed in the hill stations they walked the short distance to the heritage buiding where they were staying. Arvind, Jai's friend was waiting to welcome them at the resort. He took them to the cottage they would be staying in for the night and then told them to come back to the main lodge.
The two bedroom cottage was built in a typical English style. There were pretty flower borders outside along with trees and shrubs offering privacy to the cottage. Inside a small parlour had comfy sofas, a small kitchen and two bedrooms with furnished with canopy bed and teak furnitures. The small windows looked out over green hillside.
After quickly freshening up they went back to the lodge where Arvind took them to the dining room for some refreshments of tea and freshly baked pastries. A quick tour around the resort and then finally they went to the small conference hall which was being readied for the competition in the evening. The small hall seemed packed with people and Arvind told them the annual event was very popular and they had regular entrants coming from all over the country.
Since they still three hours before the competition started, Jai decided they would ride the horses to King George's Point and see the waterfall. The trek through the jambol forest and passing sheer cliff drops which gave panoramic view of the area. The well trained horses kept a steady pace and in short they reached the tumbling waterfall. Jai helped Bani down from the horse and they carfully climbed down to the mouth of the waterfall. The wind blew fine mist of water close to the water and the view down the gorge as the water cascading down was breathtaking. Bani holding on tightly to Jai peered gingerly over the edge.
Jai asked Bani to perch on the rock away from the edge while he took some photos. After few more minutes of just sitting and watching the fall they made their way back to the horses and back to the resort. They went back to the cottage and freshened up again for the event.
The hall was packed when Jai and Bani reached it. Arvind and his manager were busy supervising the event. The tables were set out with delectable chocolates and candies in an array of colours. The hall smelt of sweet and fragrant smell of the goodies. A table in the corner seemed to be creating a quite bit of interest. They walked around looking the sweet treats and asking questions to participants. Bani read the name on the corner table Sheena's Chocolatier and looked at the array of truffles and chocolate on the trays… Coffee-Kahla balls, Strawberry Kisses, Tia Caramel Teasers, Pecan Praline, Amarillo Creams and Mango Mango Dreams. This was the first time Sheena had entered this competition and her truffles were giving stiff competition to the other entries. She beamed a smile at Bani and Jai and asked them to sample the truffles. Bani picked up the strawberry one and put it in her mouth. As the chocolate melted and unleashed the smooth berry taste, "It tastes just like eating a fresh strawberry picked straight from the garden," Bani voiced her compliments as the unique taste of the chocolate truffle lingered on the tongue.
Jai picked up the Coffe-Kahlua truffle and took small bite, savoured the taste of dark chocolate laced with Kahlua and coffee. He reserved the compliment for later when he would do the actual judging.
After a while Jai left Bani to go in a back room where all the judges would sample each of the entries and give their marks. In the meantime, Bani took a walk outside where the streets were still packed with people enjoying the sights of Matheran in the cooler evening air. Bani had been to Matheran before as part of the school trip…a quick and hurried sightseeing day trip. Now she appreciated the slow and leisurely look around the town. An hour later she returned back to the hall where the results has been announced…Sheena's Strawberry Kisses truffles had been given the best chocolate award. She found Jai and Sheena in a serious conversation about growing her business. Jai noticing Bani standing waiting for him, excused himself telling Sheena to call him up if she ever she was in Mumbai.
They exited the hall and Jai announced he had made arrangement for dinner at the cottage. At the cottage a small table was set for candlelit dinner for the two. There was soft music playing on the music system. Bani was surprised and she gave Jai a querying look. "I thought we could have quiet dinner at cottage instead of in the restaurant, but if you prefer to go out, we can do that too."
Bani lifting the lid of the dish and smelling the spicy aroma quickly said, "No this is fine. The food smells lovely and after all the walking about, I am rather hungry."
Jai pulled out a chair for her to sit and took a seat opposite her. He lifted out the wine bottle from the cooler and and poured out a glass for himself and water for Bani. Whilst eating Jai asked, "Do you want to get up early and go to sunrise at Panorma Point. It's a bit further away then the waterfall so we would have to leave by 5AM."
"I don't mind getting up early. I was talking to the manager and he said it worth going to see the sunrise or sunset there. He said we should dress warm as it can be pretty chilly in the morning."
"Well then it's early night then, shall I wake you up in the morning?"
"I think I'll be ready for five."
Jai stood up and went to the music system and selected a different cd and put it on. As the soft tune of 'The lady in red' filled the room, Jai held his hand out to Bani, "Dance."
They slow danced in the small parlour under the dim lights of the candle and moonlight filtering in from the lace curtains. He liked how she felt in his arms…soft, the floral scent of the soap and the silk like hair that brushed across his arms as she moved. The more time he spent with her, the more he liked her…her simplicity, down to earth attitude and the stubborn streak she displayed sometime. He couldn't wait for his masi to return from her annual visit to Chandigarh. He was sure she would approve of Bani.
When the song ended, they stayed in each other's arms for a while, seeming to be content to hold each other. Finally Bani whispered, "Jai…"
"Yes!"
"The song's finished," Bani whispered. "Hmm, I know. But I like holding you like this." And he pressed a kiss on her forehead. "I guess we should go to sleep if we want to go and see the sunrise."
They were both ready by the time the resort staff came to let them know their guide had arrived. Again they made the trip to Panaroma point on horses, The mist hung around hillside and an odd chorus of the birds broke the silence. The cold air seeped through the shawl Bani had around her making her shiver. They arrived at point to find quiet a few people already waiting there. Dismounting they found a rock to sit perch on. Jai noticed Bani shivering and he pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck lightly, "Warm enough?" Bani squeezed his hand and snuggled further into his chest. It wasn't long before the light yellow glow peaked over the dark horizon and with each passing minute the sky lit up as the yellow orb rose over the far off vista. A soft murmur ran through the audience at the mesmerizing visual of the rising sun.
When they left the warm light of sun was already warming up air, the mist clouds started to disappear and birds took to the sky. On reaching the cottage, Bani soaked herself in warm scented water before getting ready to leave the resort. They went to the resort restaurant for breakfast and found Arvind joining them. He thanked Jai for coming down and handed Bani a gold covered box. After Arvind left, Bani opened the box to find it full of strawberry kisses truffles. Her face lit up with smile as she looked at the chocolates treats nesting in the box. She held the box out to Jai who shook his head, "I'll save mine for later."
Bani arched her brow and said gleefully "Are you sure? There might not be any left once I start eating these."
Taking the lid and closing the box Jai said, "In that case, I shall confiscate the box till we reach Mumbai." Bani pouted, "You can't do that, Arvind gave it to me."
"Promise you'll save one for me then…"
Bani holding her hand out, "Maybe we can do an exchange?"
Jai scrunching his brows, "Exchange what?"
Bani winked at him, "I am sure you have enough time to figure it out by the time we get home."
Soon after breakfast they left the resort. The ride down in the train again was just as enjoyable. Once they reached the station at Neral they drove straight back to Mumbai and were home by late afternoon. Jai dropped Bani off at her apartment. Before she stepped out, "Well did you figure out the exchange?"
"I think so…" and he kissed her softly on her lips. Bani opened the box of truffles and picked one up and popped it into his mouth. "Another one?" Jai asked as she put the box away. He stole another kiss from her before she got out of the car.
Here's recipe for those who love cooking, If I wanted to make this non alcoholic, then I would experiment with strawberry syrup or some other fruit syrups.
Coffee-Kahla balls
These powdery snowballs are just like a rum ball, but with a coffee kick instead.
Nutrients per ball
0.8 g protein
2.1 g fat
10.6 g carbohydrates
0.2 mg iron
8 mg calcium
22 mg sodium
64 calories
Preparation time 20 minutes
Refrigeration Time overnight
Makes 38 balls
250-g pkg vanilla wafers
1/3 cup (75 mL) Kahla or coffee liqueur
1 tsp (5 mL) instant coffee granules
2 tbsp (30 mL) corn syrup
1 cup (250 mL) sifted icing sugar
3/4 cup (175 mL) coarsely chopped whole almonds
1/2 cup (125 mL) icing sugar for rolling
1. Place wafers in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground. They should measure about 2 2/3 cups (650 mL). In a medium-size bowl, stir Kahla with coffee granules until dissolved. Stir in corn syrup, 1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar and crumbs until evenly mixed. Stir in almonds.
2.Line a tray with waxed paper. Shape mixture into 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls and place on tray. Place 1/2 cup (125 mL) icing sugar in a small bowl. Roll each ball in sugar until evenly coated. Place in an airtight container in single layers between waxed paper. Refrigerate at least overnight or up to 2 weeks. Flavour improves as they sit.
First published in Chatelaine's 11/2005 issue. Rogers Media Publishing Inc.
To be continued….what will be there next JB date…
Bigg Boss 19
