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Red Sari Under the Mistletoe – Christmas Concert abhee naa jaao chhodakar, ke dil abhee bharaa nahee
abhee abhee to aayee ho, bahaar ban ke chhaayee ho
hawaa jaraa mahak to le, najar jaraa bahak to le
ye shaam dhal to le jaraa, ye dil sanbhal to le jaraa
mai thodee der jee to loo, nashe ke ghoont pee to loo
abhee to kuchh kahaa nahee, abhee to kuchh sunaa naheen ..
sitaare zilameelaa uthhe, charaag zagamagaa uthhe
bas ab naa muz ko tokanaa, n badh ke raah rokanaa
agar main ruk gayee abhee, to jaa n paaoongee kabhee
yahee kahoge tum sadaa, ke dil abhee naheen bharaa
jo khatm ho kisee jagah, ye ayesaa silasilaa naheen ..
adhuree aans chhod ke, adhuree pyaas chhod ke
jo roj yoon hee jaaogee, to kis tarah nibhaaogee
ke jindagee kee raah me, jawaan dilon kee chaah me
kaee makaam aayenge, jo hum ko aajamaayenge
buraa naa maano baat kaa, ye pyaar hain gilaa nahee
yahee kahoge tum sadaa, ke dil abhee bharaa nahee (HUM DONO) Bani hurriedly put away the files she was working on. If she didn't leave soon she would be late for her appointment at the salon. She wanted to have her hair cut and styled for her date with Jai the following night. They were going out for dinner and Jai had reserved seats for the newest show in town. Bani was looking forward to spending the evening with him, she smiled and her heart skipped a beat as momentarily she recalled his call two days ago setting the date up.
AD entered her office just as Bani picked up her bag getting ready to leave. "Seems I have caught you just in time Bani. I need a favour," AD said.
Bani gave him a hard stare, "AD I have a date with Jai, I am not available for work or anything else at weekend."
"Just listen to me for a moment, you can do this and still have your date with Jai. It's not really work...remember the annual concert that I attend at St. Mary's orphanage every year. Well it's tomorrow and I can't go because Pia and I have to attend a family function...it's not something that I can get out of." AD gave her a beseeching look. "Could you go in my place, it's from 4PM to about 8PM. You still would have time to go out with Jai."
Trying to sway her AD added, "Everything is taken care of, the food for the party and gifts for the children. All you have to do is show up as my representative. I'll make up to you...please Bani." He watched her eyes flicker as she pondered on his suggestion. Bani gave a deep sigh and said "Let me phone Jai and find out if it's ok with him. He had reserved tickets for a show."
"I am sure he won't say no, as he probably sponsors similar events."
Bani called Jai on his cell and explained the situation and was surprised when instead of being annoyed Jai was enthusiastic and offered to accompany her if she liked. Not liking the prospect of going to the concert alone, she accepted his offer. She popped into AD's office and told him she and Jai would go and that she would hold him to his promise of making up for this favour. Grabbing a taxi she rushed off to her appointment.
Picking up the pink and white silk salwaar khameez Bani pondered if she should wear that or the sari she had bought for her date. Opting for a ease and comfort, she put on the salwaar and looked at herself in the mirror. It looked pretty good on her, she added some matching bangles and jewellery. She had bought outfit on the spur of the moment at lunchtime when she had gone for a walk. I t had looked enticing on the model and she had purchased it without trying it on. Leaving her curled hair loose she picked up the dupatta and her bag and left for the orphanage.
Jai clad in casual pants and polo was waiting for her by his car. He held out his hand to her and said, "You look beautiful. The pink suits you." He lightly kissed her cheek and they went inside holding hands. The supervisor of the orphanage, sister Mary met them and took them to the small hall crammed with children of all ages, neatly dressed in their best clothes and all grinning with eagerness and looking forward to the party that would follow the concert.
They sat on the wooden bench in the front of the stage and listened to chatter around them. Sister Mary handed them the program and a hush fell as the curtain rose revealing the beautifully decorated stage. As a group of children trooped on, the piano played soft melody. The children dressed in red and white, sang "Come all ye faithful," a Christmas carol, the sweet voice of the children filled the air as they sang the beautiful carol. Pindrop silence followed the end of the carol and then a burst of clapping.
Next the traditional Nativity play was performed by the kids. A young girl and boy, with angelic looking faces played Mary and Joseph. A shimmer of hushed voices floated around as the girl cradle the baby Jesus and then laid him on a straw to sleep. Bani had never seen a Nativity play before and it was overcome to watch the story of Jesus birth enfold in front of her. Tears welled up in her eyes as the play ended and she clapped enthusiastically with the rest of the audience. Jai whispered in her ears, "It always gets you, the play, it doesn't matter how many times you watch it."
More Christmas carols and songs followed the play. Feets tapped and hummed when the songs, "Jingle bells", "Rocking around Christmas tree" and "Santa Claus is coming to town" where sang cheerily by the children.
A party followed with the children treated to sumptuous treats of cakes, jellies, pies and other savouries. As Bani handed the gifts out to the children, she watched the looked of pleasure on each child face as they took their gifts. This was probably the one time in the year the children got a present and whatever they received was treasured. Afterwards Bani whispered to Jai, "i am so glad I came. Look at the faces of the children. I really appreciate now what AD does for these children."
Jai squeezed her hand, "You know AD lost his parents when he was very young. He was raised by his grandmother who also died when he was still a teenager. I think he understands what it is like to grow up without your parents...without someone to love and care for you." His voice resonated with emotions and Bani turned to see him eyeing the children tenderly. Her heart lurched into her throat at the look in his deep dark eyes. She said softly, 'Thanks for sharing AD's past with me. He is a kind and generous man."
Sister Mary thanked them as they left and telling them to pass the gratitude to AD. Bani sat in the car and waited for Jai to get in on the driver's side. As he settled in Jai asked, "Do you still want to go for dinner? I cancelled the show as it would be too late, but we can still go for dinner."
Bani sat back, "I think forget the dinner Jai. I don't think I can eat much now. Let's just go home."
Jai drove out of the orphanage and headed towards his home. "Why don't you come to my house, we can have a light supper and then may be watch a movie or something."
A shiver ran down Bani's body at the thought of stepping into his home. He had not talked much about his family and she felt butterflies in her stomach. She gave him a soft smile and said, "Ok. Who will I be meeting at your home?" Bani asked the question, wanting to be little prepared to meet his relative.
"There is no one at home at the moment. Masi is in Chandigarh and should be back in a week or so. Jigyasa, my older sister is abroad with her children who study overseas. They should arrive before Christmas. I am afraid there just me and the servants at the moment."
The queasy feeling in her stomach disappeared and Bani sat back and relaxed.
Jai's car pulled up in front of an impressive mansion with tall pillars flanking the entrance. The marble steps led to an ornately carved wooden doors opened by a smartly dressed butler. Jai handed him the keys to get the car parked. Stepping inside the large foyer which led to a sumptuously decorated sitting area, large comfy sofas and tables with flowers and other ornate items added to the glamour of the room. Sitting them down on the sofa, Jai asked the butler to get some coffee for them and to get the cook to prepare a light supper. He put his arm around her and told her little bit about his family. After they had drank the coffee, Jai pulled her up, "Come on I will show you around the house." All the rooms were decorated beautifully with elegant furniture. Family photos were displayed in some of the rooms and walls. Upstairs, the bedroom were large with marble bathrooms and large closets. Most of the room had balcony. Finally they stopped outside a dark mahogany door which Jai opened and stepped aside to let her go in. He followed, "This is my bedroom," he said softly. The large room had a sitting area to one side with a large ornately gilded bed in the centre. A door led into the bathroom with marble-tiled floor, bathtub and showers and large vanity. The bathroom was even bigger than her own bedroom. Another door led into a room full of wall to wall closet. There were couple of other doors which led to a study and even a home theatre. It was almost like another home inside a home. Large glass door stood open which led to a balcony overlooking the spacious gardens, with flowers beds, tress and flowering shrubs. A jasmine wounded it way up the side of the balcony filling the air with its fragrance.
Bani stood taking in the beautiful vista. The garden stretched far out to the dark horizon of the Indian ocean. Jai stepped close to her and put his arms to the side, pinning her against the rails. He leaned in and his warm breath tingled her skin as he said, "Do you like my home?" His closeness was making her feel warm and her skin tingle with sultry sensation. His eyes were locked on her and she felt as if she would drown in the pool of his eyes if she gazed into them. She shifted her gaze down slightly hushed, "It's beautiful."
"Yes it's beautiful but empty. Ever since Jigyasa left with her children, it's too quiet." He sighed and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"How come you never got married Jai? I mean there must have many beautiful women who would have wanted to marry you." Bani asked out of curiosity.
Jai lifted his face and sighed, "Yes there were plenty of women who would have loved to tie the knot with me, but no one appealed to me and masi didn't find anyone suitable to be a Walia bahu."
"But you must have liked/loved someone." Bani pushed.
"No, I never loved anyone until now...Bani I am falling in love with you." His gaze now locked in her golden brown iris and pink tinge flushed her cheeks. He saw a film of mist cover her eyes. Jai traced a finger down the side of her face, "You are beautiful, sincere, warm and caring. I think masi would approve of you." Feeling breathless from his touch and filled with trepidation by his words she just stared into his intense eyes. Bani lifted her hand to stop his fingers from playing on her collarbone. Jai clasped her hand and brought it down to her side and without letting her hands go, he leaned in brushed his lips gently, increasing the pressure as she responded to his kiss. The lingering kiss turned into a deep passionate one as Bani pulled her hands free and wrapped them around his neck. It was long time before either of them spoke a word as they stood entwined on the balcony.
To be continued.........
Indian Idol 16
