I re-watched KS while ago, and was inspired by its wonderful start and of those sparkling early days. The way Jai Walia treated Sonali ji, when he knew, bloody well, how she felt about him. JP and then JB, I couldn't help myself, and wrote this update.
It's like Rekha said once, 'It's addiction.'
Anyways, as I told you earlier on, folks, what will happen to 'TPOSE'' the coming weeks or months, will be a surprise. And I still intend to keep that way!
If you all enjoy this FF' consider it, I did it too. However, updating depends on how much you all want!
~*~
You're An Angel
You're an angel that nobody can see,
Still, an angel is what you are to me.
An angel from heaven is what you are,
In my sky you're definitely a heavenly star.
You're an angel with beauty and grace,
You're kind and sweet, you've an angel face.
You have very graceful angel wings.
Happiness, joy, and love are just some things,
That an angel can give, and to me you've given.
In my heart and on my mind, is where you're living'.
You have hair that is as soft as cotton.
A guardian angel is what I've gotten.
Your eyes are like sapphires that shine bright,
When everything is dark, you give me light.
You're an angel that gives me a reason to live,
You're the angel that teaches me to give.
You're the angel that makes me live another day,
You're the angel that teaches me the right things to say.
You're my angel and you'll always care,
You're my angel and you know I'll always be there
Symone Raven
~*~
Jai's Angle
1
He was too bored. It was like a heavy mantle around his shoulders. A black cloud that spread outwards from his very depths, pervading everything. He was oblivious to the fact that he was surrounded by opulence. The opulence that came with being one of the wealthiest men in the world, in one of the world's most exclusive hotels. His hotel. Hushed whispers encircled him. He tuned them out, the superlatives bouncing off him. They'd surrounded him for years, but he'd had never courted them, never needed any assurance.
So handsome' So young at the age of forty! The most successful industrialist' Most eligible bachelor'
Now the constant murmurs that followed him wherever he went only added to the ennui he felt. He'd achieved a pinnacle of success attained by just a very few, and only imagined by most. And it had been a hard won , which should make it all the more sweet. But was this it? How could he be feeling like this when everything he'd ever worked for lay at his fingertips, when he could snap those fingers and influence the world's economy with just a word, a command' and if this wasn't what he wanted, then what the hell was? A distant memory an old faded dream, reared its head. That had turned to dust.
A touch on his arm, not gentle. It was predatory, possessive and brought his attention back to the room. To the woman at his side. She was considered one of the most famous actress and model, a desirable woman. She was the latest a long line of similar women who had graced his arm, his bed.
'Sonali''
He felt irritation prickle across his skin. Unfortunately, for the sake of politeness, he couldn't remain oblivious to her. He turned to face her and smiled tightly, taking in the platinum brown colour of her hair that suddenly looked too appealing. Took in the heavily made-up face, not hard, avaricious glitter in her eyes. The diamonds flashing around her neck. Diamonds that he had brought with only regard of their worth. He made a second decision, suddenly aware that he didn't want her any more. Had he ever?
Sonali Singh didn't know it yet, but she was on her way out of his life for good. He felt relieved for the first time in years. The thrill of knowing he'd be free again already helped to diminish the crushing boredom. He didn't want to spend another minute with her except being, only, a good friend to her. In fact, he decided there and then that they would leave, he'd take her home, break it off now. His tie felt constrictive and he had to loose a little neutrally.
Just as he was bout to open his mouth and speak, to say some platitude, something flashed in the corner of his eye and he turned on a reflex to look. The room was packed,, and in the doorway on the other side of the room stood a woman. She'd obliviously just arrived, craning her neck looking for someone, standing on tiptoe. For a split seconds the noise in the room faded. He couldn't take his eyes of her. Goosebumps broke out on his skin. The hubbub rushed back.
She was utterly captivating. But in a way that he couldn't define, in a way that confounded him. She wasn't model gorgeous. Not preened or over dressed either. But something about her caught his attention. She was only of average height but was perfectly proportioned, his expert eye assessing in seconds the way her curves dipped in an out in all the right places. A little younger than he'd normally go for but calling to him on some deep, primitive level. The simple black sari drew his eyes to her waist and the slopes of her breasts. A pendant hung around her neck, the gem resting in her cleavage. It sparkled as the light hit it and he dimly recognised where the flash had come from.
Just as he also recognised with shock that he felt a compelling desire to walk over, take her hand and lead her back outside to see for himself if her skin was as soft and silky as it looked. The urge was so strong that he actually felt his feet shift, his whole body turn, as if to move in her direction. He wanted to touch the place where her gem rested. And he had to admit with sudden chagrin, as possessiveness was an alien emotion to him, that he wanted to lead her away from the other men who he could see already taking note of her arrival, too. She was like a breath of fresh air in musty room.
She was pale. Her face had clear, clean lines, cheekbones clearly delineated, eyes wide apart and almond-shaped, making him want to see them up close, see their colour. Long-dark hair hung in loose waves over her back and a heavy fringe, swept to one side, his and alternately revealed tantalising glimpses of her eyes.
His hooded eyes followed her as she walked with effortless feminine grace, her hips swaying, the inward curving line of the small of her back and her rounded hips making him feel a twinge of reaction in his trouser. More than a twinge, in fact.
He felt a tug on his arm and almost shock off the hand that rested there, still completely engrossed in watching this woman. And only remembered then where he was, who he was with. He felt shocked . For a moment he had become entranced. Forgotten nearly. He shook his head mentally. Definitely a sign that he needed to move on, if he was reacting to a complete stranger across a crowded room.
But there was something about her. Something he couldn't put his fingers on, some kind of familiarity, as if he knew her or had seen her somewhere before'
He tore his gaze away with more of an effort than he liked to admit and looked down at Sonali again. A smooth smile was in place as he remembered wanting to leave, her beauty jarring now after that.
He murmured. 'Forgive me' but I have an important early meeting. Would you mind if we left?'
'Not at all, Jai. Give me two minutes and I'll get my keys from the reception.' She squeezed his arm and smiled, clearly anticipating somewhat misguidedly, that he wanted them to be alone, and walked away.
As he watched her walk away, Jai felt no compunction, no guilt at what he was about to do. A woman like Sonali Singh was well versed in the way he worked, and men like him. He had no doubt she'd be upset, but no emotions were invested in their relationship, he knew it too. He also knew it'd be for the loss money, his largess and the social standing that came with being seen on his arm. It was a states of affairs he was used to. He enjoyed the thrill of the chase. But lately, if he was honest, every conquest had become stale' flat. And there was invariably very little chasing involved.
Even so, he conversely felt the relief flood him again and unconsciously sought out the other woman. But she had disappeared. He grimaced slightly. It was probably for the best. He knew all too well that seeing something like that, building up an image, no matter how beautiful the woman' and she wasn't even that beautiful, always led to disappointment. They were all the same. All the ones that hovered around him like bees around a honey pot. In the rarefied circles he moved in, he didn't encounter another type. Work, wine and sex. They were the three currencies that he understood and knew all too well. He played the game like a virtuoso.
A cloud crossed his mind. Was he ready to be free again? There was a certain amount of protection to be had in keeping a mistress. A respite from the tiresome attempts of another woman to get his attention. And then he was forced to remember something. He scowled. How could he need a woman right now? When he was getting rid of one. He actually needed a lot more than that and it irked him beyond belief. But even as he saw Sonali in the distance, collecting her keys, his stomach felt acid. He certainly wouldn't be asking her.
2
She pushed her way through the crowd. She craned her neck looking for her uncle and finally spotted him in a far corner. When she reached him she kissed him on the cheek.
'Sorry, Chachu. I got held up at work.'
'No problem, Bani. Let me get you a drink.'
He spoke quickly and seemed a little jumpy to Bani. Which was reinforced when he grabbed a glass of water from a passing tray and practically shoved it at her. He avoided her gaze, looking distractedly over her head as he did so, and Bani felt an uneasy sense of foreboding. Her uncle looked almost' nervous.
'Chachu'.'
He suddenly jostled her behind a plant and screened her from the room with his body.
'Ayush chachu'?' Bani's was indignant. She knew her uncle was given to dramatics but this was ridiculous. He was acting as if they were in a bad spy movie. 'What on earth is wrong with you?' She smiled widely and then seriously questioned him. 'Are we hiding from your mistress?'
He turned back to face her, affronted. 'Bani Dixit, you know I would never look at another woman.'
She put her hand on his arm, soothing him. 'Relax, chachu. I'm only teasing' but you're acting so strangely. Do you think I can come out from behind this plant?'
He paled for a second as he took in something across the room. Bani frowned and couldn't hide a spike of fear. 'What is it? You're scaring me now.'
He looked back at her and loosened his collar. 'Bani' it's someone' someone is here, someone you haven't seen in a long time' someone.'
'Who?' She asked, beginning to feel a little exasperated.
Her uncle avoided the question. 'I tried to call you on your mobile just now but they wouldn't let me use it' then I got waylaid by someone else and couldn't stop you coming in'before''
She tried to be reasonable, patient. 'Before what? Chachu, why wouldn't you want me to come in?'
She could see her uncle gulp visibly.
'Because' well, because'. Jai Walia is here'.'
Jai Walia'
The noise in the room became a buzzing sound in Bani's ears. She was vaguely aware of her uncle practically wringing his hands and very dimly, in a far-away place, his words slowly sank in with the same devastation as the Titanic hitting the iceberg. She felt an icy numbness take over her limbs and would have dropped her glass except that her uncle caught it in time. The water slopped onto her sari. At least it's only water, she thought with banal shock, it won't stain.
Jai Walia'.
It was a name, she rationalised somewhere within her still buzzing head. Just a name, attached to someone very famous. Well known. Very wealthy. Influential. Someone who didn't even enter her sphere or orbit. But yet' it was the name of someone infinitely memorable. Intimately tied into her past, who had once been in her orbit' had been her orbit' as big a part of her past as she'd been of his.
Someone she'd never dreamed of having to face again. And now he was here, somewhere, possibly even just mere feet away. Panic gripped her, making her skin clammy.
Her uncle had grasped her hands and was looking at her. She forced stricken eyes to his, her face leached of all colour.
'Bani, beta' I'm sorry. The thing is, you can't be here' If he sees you''
She nodded slowly, not even really sure why she was nodding, only seizing on the words 'if he sees you'. She did't even want to imagine for one second what that reaction might be like' or what he might be like now, in the flesh.
She was more than dismayed that she couldn't' be feeling just a mild curiosity, to be able to shrug it off, declare the fact that he was in the same room as a funny coincidence, uncaring whether or not they bumped into each other. She was stunned by the strength of her own reaction after all this time, the well emotion that was still so close to the surface. It shook her to the core and scared the life out of her. She'd never guessed it was still there.
It had only been a small stupid mistake, for heaven's sake, maybe a little more than a mistake. Yet it had led to so much more. She chided herself that he must moved on from what had happened' but then she had to remember with a sudden upsurge of nausea that she and her young sister's stupid actions had been instrumental in the calling of his engagement' the ruination of the so-called marriage of the decade. To the woman he loved' How would he have possibly forgotten that?
Her uncle was getting more agitated, looking slightly shifty. 'The thing is, Bani' I didn't tell you before now as I knew it might upset you, but I've started doing business with him again. Since your parents died, that is. Obliviously your father wouldn't have approved but, you see, I have to, Bani. I had no one else to turn to and when he gave me an appointment'' He laughed a sudden brief laugh, sounding like a little boy. 'Me! And appointment. It would appear he's willing to let go bygones be bygones, with me at least. Now, if it had been your father, that would have been a different story'' He seemed to catch himself, realizing he was starting to babble, and gripped Bani's hands tighter. 'But if he sees you''
The familiar clench of grief at the mention of her parents went unnoticed for once. Her uncle was referring, of course, to the scandal that had gripped the entire country for weeks. The press had devoured the story of how he messed up big time under his own roof. Just when he was about to become engaged to Roshni Chopra. And even though Bani had cried tears of frustration, trying to defend him, no one had listened, too intent to paint him the villain and her the poor innocent victim.
It had been even more futile trying to assert her own innocence with regard to the photo and story, and only recently had she confirmed for herself who the real culprit was. The story had since faded, of course, and since the death of her last parent after that, Bani had left for good and only been back to Mumbai a couple of times. She'd never been near his family or seen him again, even coincidentally.
Her uncle looked so comically terrified that it brought her back to reality. Bani's heart went out to him. No doubt he was watching his entire business float down the river if Jai Walia took one at her and decided to wreak belated revenge.
'Chachu, I don't care if you're doing business with him' really. Look, I'll go. Believe me, I have a little desire to see him as he must have to see me.'
Her heart beat a staccato just the thought. A whole Pandora's chest was being opened and Bani was helpless to stop it. This was too close a call and she had to get out, get away. She kissed her uncle on the cheek and squeezed his hand. 'I'll call you tomorrow, we can talk more then.'
He nodded with oblivious relief and Bani walked away quickly, head down, not looking left or right, just focusing on getting through the crowd in front of her. She comforted herself with the thought that even if he did see her, she'd changed a lot in the last seven years, and she would come so far below the radar of his usual thought that he'll be unlikely to recognize her straight off, thus giving her time to escape.
Almost at the door, she had to duck out of the way of a waitress carrying a loaded tray and she careened into someone's back. They twisted to look around and Bani was horribly, familiarly aware of someone tall, very broad, with black hair curling on his collar. The back of her neck prickled and afterwards she wondered at how she hadn't had a stronger sensation, a stronger warning of imminent danger. Quite the opposite, it seemed, some evil force had directed her straight into the lion's jaws. She couldn't move. She was rooted to the spot. Unable to flee the danger.
This part is to Shoba, (Sheena). Thanks you tones for the wonderful poems. I hope you enjoy reading.
Happy reading!
3
When We Two Parted
When we two parted
In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted
To sever for years,
Pale grew thy cheek and cold,
Colder thy kiss;
Truly that hour foretold
Sorrow to this.
The dew of the morning
Sunk chill on my brow--
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now.
Thy vows are all broken,
And light is thy fame;
I hear thy name spoken,
And share in its shame.
They name thee before me,
A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o'er me--
Why wert thou so dear?
They know not I knew thee,
Who knew thee too well--
Long, long shall I rue thee,
Too deeply to tell.
In secret we met--
In silence I grieve,
That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive.
If I should meet thee
After long years,
How should I greet thee?--
With silence and tears.
By George Gordon, Lord Byron
(Courtesy, Sangs)
The room was suddenly too cold; shiver run down her spine, for a moment her heart had stopped its feral hammering. She looked up slowly' and slowly up again. And her eyes met familiar deep brown, fathomless depths. In a strong' clear defined face. A face she knew too well, because it had stayed vivid in her mind. Her mouth, which had opened automatically to apologize, stayed open.
'Mr. Walia'' She wasn't even aware uttering his name. It was as if she had to say it to make it real or to pray that he was, yet, again in her daydream. But she was not dreaming. He was real, too lively' too big' too dark. Why did she have to bump into him? It was too malicious.
He stopped for a second and caught his breath, his heartbeat doing double time. It was her. The woman... But he recognized her. Jai felt all colour drain from his face. He stood motionless, staring at her.
Bani, on the other hand, while praying he wouldn't recognize her, which was foolish, stood gazing up at him. He was engaged contemplating her. She couldn't believe her terrible luck. Why hadn't she just stayed where she was? Why hadn't she taken more notice of where she was going? Why was he looking at her like that? She had to get away. She forced her wounded limbs to move, to try and get away as far as possible.
'Sorry. Please excuse me...'
She turned and just when she thought she could let her breath out, when she had taken a one' then two steps. Instantly, everything stopped, her heart even stopped beating as palpable tension carried across the eerie silence of the atmosphere. Then his deep voice rang out in stunned silence.
'Bani?'
She stopped. Shut her eyes. The worst thing had just happened. Her breath came back but it was painful. She wanted to keep going, to walk away. The painful past was still so colourful that she had to open her eyes again to stop the progress of the images hastening through her mind.
She turned round, instead, and looked up at him. She focused her eyes on his. 'Yes.'
His face was unreadable, but she saw something blaze in the depths of his brown, now darkened, eyes. Shocked and taken aback he seemed, as he moved his surprised gaze and looked her completely, meticulously. No sign of anger so far.
He spoke almost kindly, as if to himself. 'You changed so much.' He said, staring at her. Shaking his head, he continued. 'I almost didn't recognise you. I never thought I'd see you gain. Let alone in here.' He seemed to look around.
In response to what he had said, Bani forced, what she thought was a polite smile and asked him. 'How are you, Mr. Walia?'
Despite their odd situation coming face-face after seven years, it was true. Bani had changed a lot in the last seven years. She'd trained herself to be practical, to be cautious. She learned how to deal... cope with tough situations. She had too many responsibilities to deal with, two young sisters depending on her.
A waiter, trying to pass her, pushed her almost forward to well-build... hard figure.
'I'm so sorry, Mr. Walia. I'.'
She tried to pull back, but lost her balance again, throwing her arms in the air and then fell back. 'Ooh!'
Hard hands gripped her arms above the elbows before she hit the ground. Sparks flared and sizzled, struck by the collision. Sensation flashed from where his fingers grasped.
He held her steady, stopping her from falling. Also trapping her.
She turned her head around. Her lungs seized. Her eyes, widening, clashed, then locked with a hard deep-brown gaze, one surprisingly sharp. Even as she noticed, he blinked; his heavy lids descended, screening his eyes. The features of his face, softened.
His lips changed from a rigid, determined line into curving deceptive way. Then, he smiled baring sparkling white teeth.
She dragged her gaze back up to his eyes as she stood. She blushed.
Jai had to suck in a breath.
She stepped back, disengaged. His fingers eased; his hands slid from her. Her skin prickled; her nerves skittered. Oddly breathless, she hurried on courteous explanation. 'I didn't notice anyone coming behind me.'
She was glorious and how she moved him back to a time he had believed he'd forgotten for good?
He was surprised with the shock of coming face to face with the very woman who'd captivated him across the room. Mesmerized by her simple breath taking beauty. And now astounded with the awareness that it was Bani. The girl who, a long time ago, the time and situation had tied him to. He looked down at her. Except she wasn't a young girl now. She was a woman. A woman who managed to take his breath away by just one look. A woman who was making the blood stir in his veins. An instantaneous chemical reaction.
Bani had opened her mouth to speak again, but before she could do, a familiar woman's vision appeared behind Jai. Bani closed her mouth, words died unsaid. Even without studying them, she didn't have to, she knew they were together. They'd had been a good friends for long time and now a perfect couple.
Sonali approached them, and was stunned. 'What a pleasant surprise, Bani' Sonali embraced in a friendly way. 'How are you? And how are Pia and Ranu? Aur tum London se kab aaye ho?' She said, demanded.
Her delightful expression warmed Bani. 'Just a few days ago. Pia and Ranu are doing well. How are you?' She wasn't sure why she sensed, something seemed not right between Mr. Walia and Sonali.
Jai couldn't stop staring at Bani. He'd been mesmerized again. He could see Bani having difficulty. They were in a public place, surrounded by people. Nevertheless, he wanted to talk to her. But not with Sonali's presence. Bani interrupted, though, before he could speak. She looked apologetically at both of them.
'Please excuse me. I have to go; I have someone waiting for me outside. It's nice to see you, too. Again. Sonali. Mr. Walia.'
Stepping back determinedly, she clutched tightly on to the loose end of her sari, adjusting nervously, hoping that it didn't come off. Confusion find its way, curious eyes search, and found her soul. Then she was gone, had melted into the crowd. All he could see was her shining head every now and then as it bobbed and weaved away from him.
Motionless and stunned by her total change, Jai forgot to breathe. Unaware when he'd moved in her direction, to look at her through the French windows; he saw her running her hand through her hair, before she grabbed the lower portion of the pleats of her sari above the ground, assuming, not to stumble as she descended the bottom steps that led up to the entrance door.
A yellow Competizione 8C appeared right before her.
The driver, tall, dark, long-haired '
'Pushkar?'
Jai's eyes were wide-open and nothing on his face deceived that he had recognized the young man. He was his favourite employee. His blue-eyed boy. And now he was with... Bani.
Suddenly, Jai remembered his best friend and brother in-laws' words. 'You'll regret if you sign those papers and let her go that easily.'
Beads of sweat roll down her bosom. Wide eyes, still looking at her, she could just tell. Why was she afraid when she knew, very well, she wasn't responsible for what happened between them seven years ago? Bani wondered.
Jai turned to Sonali. 'You knew Bani was in London? Why didn't you tell me?' He asked, demanded.
'What did you wanted me to say, Jai. You said so yourself when you came back at that time. You didn't want anything to do with her. Even though you believed she was innocent and a victim for what happened.'
'I remember what I said in anger, Sonali. But you could have told me still. You knew, after I came back to India, I wanted to put right things with her.' Jai glared. 'You should have told me, Son. I had the right to know.'
Rage began to churn inside him but they were in a public place and he protest againt entertaining their surrounded people, discussing their personal matters out in public. So he walked away, instead, leaving taken aback, Sonali, wordless.
Bani expelled a heavy breath, the instant she saw Pushkar opening the car door for her. Her nerves had calmed and her face was no longer flushed with fear, for a moment even her heart had stopped beating. She realised, as she approached Pushkar's car. After all this time she was still aware of her body's reaction to his touch.
Inwardly shaking her head, she climbed into the car and determinedly forced her mind to the duties she'd left waiting for her.
4
Waiting
The endless days with no escape
Thoughts of you in distant place
One picture printed on my mind
Eyes closed or open I see your face.
Joy and sadness fill my days
My heart and soul are aching.
I long to see you soon again
To end the eternal waiting.
I've become a stranger to myself
A stranger I now know.
I am the one I used to be
So many years ago.
Emotions I thought I never had
Have now come shining through.
The life that glows within me now
Could be because of you.
By Eileen Ramage
Jai's car halted, one and half hour late, outside of the Walia mansion in one of Mumbai's prime locations. A guard patrolled the outside and inside of the mansion. He acknowledged his presence at the first sign of his car. Jai stepped out of the car and grabbed his jacket as he gathered his briefcase and laptop out of the back seat. Nodding once to the guard, he continued walking towards inside. The main door flung open and he walked into the mansion.
It was massive and luxurious, too, with its mixed of antique and modern furniture's inside. But there was no sign of any of the family members, no sudden movements or hurried footsteps as there were before whenever he arrived.
Where was everyone? He wondered. Probably sleeping peacefully, he thought, answering to himself. He wasn't in a mood to make conversation with anyone for the time being. So he climbed the marble staircase and retreated to his bedroom. He wished he could sleep as easily as they properly were...but at the moment sleep was furthest from his mind.
His room was massive with its sophisticating, modern matching bedroom furniture, a gigantic flat screen TV and small sitting set. Sliding the tie from his collar as he entered the room, he rolled it into an untidy ball and threw it on the bed before he took a seat and leaned down to take off his shoes followed by his, comparable in colour, black socks. A butler came into the room. He was dressed in a black suit and carrying a tray with its water jug.
'Welcome home, sir.' The butler rushed, courteously.
'Thank you, Tony.' Jai said, glancing up in acknowledgment. 'Where's everyone?' He enquired curiously, as he stood up using both hands to undo the top two buttons of his shirt.
'Sir, Jigyasa mam went to party. She said she'll be late. Adi sir is in your study room. Massi is away for three days now, to visit Karuna mam. And dadi went to sleep, just before your arrival.'
'Should I bring you dinner here, sir?'
'No, I'm not hungry. But thank you.' Jai said, reaching for his wrist watch. 'Tell Adi I'll see him in the morning. That'll be all, Tony. Good night' Jai said, dismissing the butler and shut the door.
He removed his trouser slowly and headed his way towards a beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom adjoining his bedroom. He stepped into the soothing spray of water, cracking his neck from side to side in an effort to get some type of relief. As the warm, humid steam of the showers quickly filled his nostrils, he shut his eyes. He felt tired. Not that he had done any hard corporal work...not that kind of tired. It was a weariness that comes with a long distance travelling and working constantly late hours. Jai had certainly experienced enough of both.
He let his mind drift. Thoughts and images of her appeared...old memories. There were certainly most precious memories. The pulsating water coursed over his body. He turned and shifted to expose his muscles to the massaging fingers of the shower. Yes, they were his precious memories, and he buried them somewhere in his mind.
He was still finding a hard to believe how she'd changed so completely. From the young girl he knew to this tantalizing woman he'd witnessed today.
He actually stood frozen to the spot when he saw her this evening, after seven years, staring at her as though he couldn't quite pull himself together. That was strange in itself. Jai could always handle anything that came his way. But their confrontation was too shocking, too surprising and too desirably painful.
It had been seven years since he had seen her or even heard her name. Not that he didn't wanted to. But he refused to acknowledge the reason behind the emotions she'd circled around him. A delusion, emotions, what he'd called it. Jai was not what one would consider a man with soft heart... but not heartless either. He was protective and attentive towards his dears, but at the same time tempered with determined principle and always cautious. He was perfectly content with the way he was living his life, he didn't care how he appeared to others. He was forced to choose the opposite of two living together like two little love birds, when Roshani had chosen to pursue her career than being with him. Jai could feel the bile rising in his throat. He knew that, now, she never cared about him in the first place to desert him two days before their wedding. Then faith took its turn and she came to his life.
She was young, stubborn, but innocent, caring and straightforward, too. She was, devoted to her young sisters and represented both the mother and father role, as well as being their guidance, friend and philosopher. In true words, they were her first main concern.
He admired her once he got to know her better; she turned out to be simple, sensitive and very mature for her age. Mature enough to be protective and look after her young sisters. Loving them unconditionally, taking care of them and putting them before everything.
He remembered now how he engrossed himself with his work for much of the day, leaving him no time to consider her whereabouts, her safety. But after he was done, when he was alone, thoughts of her flooded through him, but he determinedly controlled it. Then after she left, he made a strong effort not to think about her. He succeeded. He hadn't thought about her much afterwards and only, recently, had she crossed his mind when her uncle had approach him. Assenting to meet with her uncle, he'd thought he owed her that much.
He'd seen her uncle before, and had recognized him straightaway across the room. But he didn't know she'd be there too. He never thought he'll see her again, or get the chance to return her debt for sacrificing her life to help out him and his family... until her uncle had asked him for his help.
Who would have known that she'd be the very woman who captivated him? And who would know have know she'd be with someone else, and that too Pushkar, his own employee? Why the hell was he with Bani, anyway? He wondered. He didn't like being reduced to such primal emotions.
With his shower complete, Jai donned his bathrobe and retreated to his room. As the bathroom door closed behind him he walked slowly in the direction of his dressing room. The sound of his sandal on the shiny tile of the room simply added to his feeling of despair. He dropped his towel and stood in front of his cupboard. His body was hard, muscles tight and tired. What he needed was a good night sleep.
But he couldn't as much as he tried to. Her images kept flashing in his mind. Jai sat inside his room, thinking deep and hard, trying to revive her memories. He missed her laughter, her beaming smile, the way her face glowed when she was in a good mood, her voice, her jokes, but most of all her brilliant and true grey-silver eyes.
He wondered where she was, what she was doing, what words had just left her lips. He wondered if she was sleeping, if she was eating. And more than anything, he actually wanted to tell her he missed her more than anything else he'd ever felt. The way he missed her was deeply imbedded in him. He stared curiously at the phone laid on the top of the coffee table in front. Then stretched out and grabbed.
Usually, he enquired detailed business related information's. But today he wanted a woman investigated and not just her professional life, but everything about her. Where and what she had been up to all these past seven years?
He was man who always liked knowing what he was facing against beforehand. So he dialled the number of the only person he knew dearly, who provided personal matters satisfactorily.
'Siddharth, it's Jai Walia here.' He said, weighing up the Scotch he'd poured for himself.
'How can I help you, Jai?' The kind voice asked less than a minute later.
'I want some information about someone.' He paused. 'Bani Dixit is her name. I want you to find out everything about her.'
'Yes, I know her, but it's been seven years since I last saw her.'
'Yes, I can wait the detailed report. Send the file to my office tomorrow afternoon.'
'Thank you, Siddharth. I owe you one.' He tossed back the rest of his wine and set the glass on the coffee table.
He wanted to see her... to talk to her.
But, will she agree to see him after what happened between them... after what he did to her?
5
He woke up suddenly to the knock of his bedroom door, but he immediately acknowledged the person who had dared to intrude his sleep to be Tony. Jai stretched lazily, not much caring his state of sleep and lay beneath his sheet as he was.
'Good morning, sir?' Tony greeted, carrying a full tray filled with complete morning tea set along with a fresh newspaper.
The sunlight peeped through the window as Tony pushed apart the curtains. Jai turned his head to the other side, resisting the sun-reflection, and glanced at the digital clock on his bedside cabinet. It said clearly 6:00 am.
'Good morning, Tony.' Jai sat up and leaned against the bed head board. He rubbed his eyes simultaneously, trying to recollect the previous night's event. So what had happened last night?
He came out from shower, dressed in his night Pyjamas. Afterwards, he couldn't stop thinking about Bani as much as he had tried to, thinking about what had happened between seven years ago and how things begin and ended badly between them. Then he went to his study room, called one of his closest friends, Siddharth, and asked him to background check on Bani. For reasons he only knew and some he couldn't fathom.
As thinking about her caused him his good night-sleep, making him feel guilty how badly he'd handled things between them then. Jai accepted there was no sleeping for him, so he decided to catch up with some essential office work that needed his attention.
Deadly tired later on, he went back to his bed and slept like a baby, but not before he heard some familiar voices from the main hall.
'Who came last night, Tony?' Jai suddenly enquired, remembering clearly now the voices. If he was right, they were his brother and nephew's.
'Atharva and Ranveer arrived last night, sir.' Ton informed facing Jai and waiting to take his breakfast order.
'What would you prefer for breakfast this morning, sir? Your usual or something different?'
'As usual something light, Tony. But make it fast. I'll be down stairs shortly.'
Siddharth had certainly assured him last night, the information he'd requested would be delivered in his office before noon and he was looking forward to it. But till then he'd a business responsibilities to perform, he was a professional... a serious business man.
'Good morning, Jai bhahiya.'
Jai turned to his sister who came to sit on his other side. 'Morning, Jigyasa.' He said at last. He wiped his mouth on the linen napkin, he appeared ready to chair a board meeting, which, in fact, he was scheduled to do in one and half hours.
'How was your overseas, bhahiya?' She enquired, casually.
'It was fine.' He said simply, he turned to look at her.
Somehow, she seemed to appear herself in a way that seemed more regal than normal. She only bothered to pay a visit into the kitchen to instruct Tony to prepare the meals. Tony usually required her order, he'd either dropped by to ask her opinion about what to do or she'd do. Otherwise she'd nothing to do but attend a kitty parties. The only person Jai counted on for everything was his massi.
'Jai bhahiya are you going to work so early today?' Jigyasa took a sip of rich, full-flavoured coffee black coffee. Tony seemed to surpass himself this morning, she noted.
'Why?' Jai enquired. He studied her through narrowed eyes, then said. 'If you have something to say you might as well say quickly before I leave, Jigyasa. My assistant and I have some reports to go over before the board meeting.'
'No. I've got nothing to say, Jai bhahiya. I just thought you're going to stay for while before going to office.' She paused. 'You've been overseas for weeks. But I'm sure you're very much needed in office.'
Jai looked at her one final time and then said briskly. 'Very well then, I'll see you tonight.' Jai finalised, and stood up to leave.
'Adi, did you meet Pushkar's new girlfriend?' Jai asked very casually, staring out of the window later on. He couldn't concentrate during the board meeting period or the duty followed afterwards. He also didn't saw Pushkar as he normally did.
'Yes, I did.'Adi whispered, not sure why he was interested in Pushkar's whereabouts. 'I met her at a beach party last week. Why do you want to know about Pushkar's girlfriend?' Adi enquired turning to look at him curiously.
'Is it Bani?' Jai asked, dismissing his question.
The second question was simple, but very demanding, Adi noted. Jai Walia a professional... a hard core business man that he was. 'I presume you swathe together...'
'Is there something going on between them?'
'No. I don't think so. But why are you so interested?'
The intercom on Jai's desk buzzed, interrupting their conversation. Jai turned from the magnificent view outside to press the intercom. His anticipation for waiting Siddharth's call had been as amazing as it had been when he saw Bani for the first time after seven years.
'Yes?'
'Mr Seth's here to see you, Jai sir. He's saying it's urgent.' His secretary informed him, totally aware of his obvious impatience with her usual interruption.
'Take him to my private sitting area and I'll be out in a minute. Thank you, Meera.' Jai said and hung up the phone. He reached for his jacket and put it on.
'Why's Siddharth here to see you?'Adi questioned. Indeed, why was the private investigator here to see him? What exactly was his pal up to now? 'What's going on Jai? You're not after Bani are you? I thought you accepted her innocence long ago?'
'I did, and I still do.' Jai said honestly.
'Then what's going on, Jai? Why would you ask Seth here if you're not after something?'
'You should really mind your own business, Adi.' Jai replied smiling devilishly. 'But thanks for the earlier answer. I'm relieved to hear.' Then he was out of the office. He wasn't annoyed for the first by Adi's curiosity, but he had other important things to deal with tight now. Like finding out where Bani was.
Astonished Adi stared after him and couldn't help but wonder what his brother in-law was up to this time.
The doorbell the startled her later on that day. Bani set the folder down and called out to the person behind the door. 'Kaun hai?'
'I'm here with your pizza madam.' A faint smile formed on his face. It was his and pals' idea, it had been one of their code when ever the need suggest itself; and he was the pizza guy today, delivering a hot pizza. Jai smiled to himself. Gone was the boredom he felt during the past few days, replaced by its place an excitement he hadn't felt for a very long time and another strange feeling that was alien to him.
'Ek minute, I'm coming!' Bani strode to open the door and tried her best to be normal, but she couldn't. Reality was setting in; she was leaving Mumbai back to home where she was living with her sisters, leaving behind all Mrs Shukla's affectionate and care and.
Pushkar's mother reminded a lot of her mother, Bani's eyes began to moisten as she remembered her own mother. But she blinked them back before they began to drop. Now days, she was missing her mother a lot. They all did. But she did her best to be everything for her sisters.
She swung the door to the open, only to reveal him leaning casually against the doorframe. She blinked once, twice... It was not at all who she had been waiting. Seema bhabhi was expecting a pizza guy delivering a pizza, not Mr Walia himself. The mighty Walia that he was, she doubted if the ordinary housewife even came face to face with him ever.
She unknowingly looked down at his expensive, sparkling black shoes that matched his suit, then up at his face, as though she was finding it difficult just to breathe. Her grey-silver eyes met his with the force of a punch to the stomach and they stood staring each for a breathless moment. It had been years... but she could never forget those deep-brown eyes of his.
Even after accomplishing a full day and continuous hours of office work in business world that was pure devil, full of demands and pressure, he looked like he'd stepped off the cover of GQ, the upmarket men's magazine launched this year an Indian edition in India. Following the 'overwhelming success' of Vogue India.
'Aap?'
6
The urge to turn around and walk away was about as strong as his desire to sweep her into his arms and kiss away the years of sorrow her eyes were now failing miserably to hide from him. But instead, he shoved his hands deep in his pockets and steadied himself, willing his heart to slow. He was older now, much older and veteran. There was no way he was going to repeat the same mistake he'd once done all over again now. So he spoke with assurance.
'Hello, Dr BD.' He greeted, smiling lazily. 'Expecting someone else?' He enquired nonchalantly, amazed at her appearance.
Flabbergasted beyond her believe, Bani stood silent. For a moment she thought she was daydreaming. But she wasn't. He stood flesh and blood in front of her. She couldn't believe her eyes, he was actually standing before her. She immediately claimed her control back and noticed he was occupied, contemplating her thoroughly. Why was he looking at her like that? She had no idea but she didn't approve it at all either.
How did he find out where she was? What does he want? Panic edged her heart. If he could come to find her, he surely must have a mission to get back at her. She said in a low voice but his name came from her lips, in questioningly. 'Mr Walia, aap... yahaan?'
He had been somewhat nervous inside throughout the ride to where she was staying, not that he'd allow his exterior to show it. But the stability and coolness of the wood was comforting. 'Well, aren't you going to invite me in?' His words came out confident, even though he wasn't sure what to expect any second after he was through for what he came to put in the picture. What exactly did he come for?
Taking a deep breath, Bani realized she'd been terribly rude in not asking him in, which wasn't like her. But she somehow never felt herself around him after what happened between them. Perhaps that was the reason, she thought. So she took a long slow breath, trying to focus and told herself to be sensible and relax. Mr Walia wasn't here for her. He was probably here for his own personal reason, that she was sure of it. Time had always been precious to him and he never wasted. She swallowed the ache in her chest, and prayed to God that may be the case.
'I'm so sorry. Please come in.' She said politely and regretted the following second as she stepped aside to let him enter the house. It was time she went out, thought Bani. She didn't want Seema to suspect anything or notice her apprehension.
So she rushed. 'I was just my way to somewhere. The family members are all out, Mr Walia, except Seema. She's inside. Please take a seat. I'll call her for you.' She turned to call Seema, who was inside the kitchen, to attend him. More like running for her won life.
'I came here to see you, Pari.' He said smiling, hands still in their place.
Bani stood still for a moment. She didn't hear him right. A wave of emotions that had been troubling her for the past seven years came close to the surface. He didn't just call her the name he'd chosen to call her when he used to be close to her. Before time and circumstances had changed everything between them, damaging completely the true friendship they once shared despite their age difference.
She turned around her head slowly to look at him and then opened her mouth to say something, anything. Then Seema chose to come out at that moment and all her emotions restored themselves to where they were hidden from everyone, including her own sisters.
'Bani aap tum Mandir jaa sakte ho.' Seema said, handing her the pooja thali, unaware of the man standing behind her. 'Go now, otherwise the pizza is gonna get cold by the time you come back.' Silent, Bani took the pooja thali and nodded.
Seema sensed Bani's change. 'What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?' She enquired, and then followed Bani's eyes going all the way over her shoulder... to the strange form standing behind her. Accept he wasn't strange. He was Mr Walia, her husband and Pushkar's boss. 'Mm... Mr Walia. Aap, yahaan?'
Bani smiled. 'Thanks Seema, I'll be back soon. Excuse, Mr Walia.' Then she headed for direction of the main door of the house. At last, she felt so relieve now that she was out of the house and out of his side. Thank God, Seema had come out of the kitchen the right time. Otherwise, she thought, the history would have repeated itself once again. She wasn't any more that young and innocent girl she once had been; she was mature now and fully aware of how she'd been so fool and dull...
'I came here to see you and you want to leave?' He said behind her as he stepped out of the house quickly coming after her.
Bani stopped, clenching tight to the pooja thali, she sighed. Why was he doing this to her? She didn't want to see him again and again, why couldn't he understand just seeing his face reminded her of the painful past he'd abandoned her to deal with by herself as he chose Sonali over... 'Why would you want to see me?' She enquired, she whirled her head so fast she was sure she would be going through bad headache later on.
'Why shouldn't I?' He said, walking toward her. 'I met you after seven years and we didn't even say a single word to each.' He finished, surprising her as got closer beside her. 'Don't you think we should to talk about...?'
'No. I don't, Mr Walia. I don't think we should talk at all. In fact, I don't even want to remember anything to do with my past. And I'd appreciate if you don't remind me either.' She said firmly looking into his eyes, knowing where he was heading for.
So much anger, he thought.... so much pain and humiliation. He had been responsible for all of her grieves and it was time to heal all those wounds forever. But the first thing came first, he was going to play his cards right, and find out who this Daksh Randeria guy was. According to Siddharth information, she was already engaged to the man for a year. Was she in love with him? Where did she meet him? Had she gave herself to him before the marriage?
'Lets go, I'll take you to the Mandir.' He said opening the passenger seat door for her. Where the hell did that come from?
'I can go by myself, Mr Walia. You are very busy man. You really should...'
'I insist...' He said looking at her deeply. '...and besides, we'll be able to talk on the way.' He smiled. 'Perhaps you don't want to talk about the past. But I want to ask some questions, which I want you to answer them carefully.'
'I don't want to answer to any of your questions...'
He didn't let her finish what she was about to say. The first time he kissed her, the first time she kissed him. Though she realized what they were doing and tried to break his grip, but as no matter how hard she pulled he did not obliged, she gave in and he kissed her harder, sweeping his arm around her back and the tangle of her hair.
It was while after when they stopped kissing and she lifted her head up so she could see his face. He looked down at her. Their lips were only centimetres apart. The ache in her heart increased. It hurt to even say anything now. Tears began to form in her eyes. Jai wanted so bad to comfort her, but he knew he had to let her calm first. He leaned forward and kissed away a drop of tear escaped from her eye.
'We'll finish talking about this later on, but right now. Right now we'll go to the Mandir.' He said, gathering her form to himself and pressed his head against hers. 'Please don't say anything. Or I'll be left with no other choice but to do what I just did now and a lot more.' He whispered softly and kissed her forehead. She just nodded her agreement. But he knew her better, she wanted to reclaim herself control than to continue further argument.
Bani sensed something behind them and when she turned to find Seema watching them for what seemed quite long was no surprising at all. She looked back at the man was holding her firmly to keep her in place, she flushed angrily. He seem to get the message immediately and let her go and she quietly got into his car and sat. She was going to show his place but not in front of Seema. How dare he came here and kissed her and still be calm as if nothing happened.
Jai got into the driver's seat and whiled the car out of the Shukla's resident. He knew he was going to answer for a lot. But he was prepared for it.
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