Thwack!
This time the gasp came from the elevator but she was least bothered.
She raised a hand that was shaking with fury and pointed in Jai's face and said in a quiet voice, "You… and your stupid job… can go to hell."
So saying she turned and went into the waiting elevator and punched the button to go downstairs and was still glaring at Jai who was now regarding her through slit eyes until the elevator doors slid closed
MIRAGE 14
There was an eerie silence as the elevator doors slid closed, shielding Bani from his line of vision. Jai did not move a muscle and just looked at the elevator. Natchiket was standing there speechless, as everything had happened way to fast for him to do anything. One moment he was asking what the matter was and the next she was slapping him… twice!! Now what on earth could have possessed her to do a thing like that? Worse still, knowing the kind of person Jai was. Why would she throw caution to the wind like this? His mind was still reeling when he turned and noticed for the first time the woman who had stepped off the elevator.
Pia Joshi was stunned. It was not like anything she had ever witnessed. The girl actually hit him! That too in front of the whole staff who had eyes to see! She never dreamed anyone would ever have the courage to lift even a pinkie in front of Jai, yet here this girl was. She had marked him with all five fingers and walked away without a second thought. This was too much! She congratulated herself on always walking in at the right time as she always got front row seats with these two. Uhh, but judging from his expression, that girl was toast!!
Kaveri had called Ranveer the moment the ruckus had started and the both of them had witnessed the double hit. Ranveer was white as a sheet as he knew without a doubt that trouble was brewing for Bani and only God could help right now.
The hallway was still very still as no one had moved a muscle from the shock of the whole incident. Jai however began to move and almost immediately the staff there jumped to attention and began to act the busiest they could as the he walked past them, his face deadpan, but very red from the stinging slaps he had gotten a few minutes ago. Pia, ever so glad for the present situation followed behind him, a wicked smile on her face.
Ranveer hurried over to Natchiket, still visibly shaken, "I'm afraid to even ask what that was about."
Natchiket sighed heavily, "Your guess is as good as mine, but I think we both know trouble is brewing in that mind of your Uncle's."
"That is so not a good thing," Ranveer said, looking around at the people who now stood in clusters, recounting what they thought they heard or actually heard the two arguing about.
This was going to get ugly, he thought.
Bani was on her way down, cursing Jai all the way there, hating the stops the elevator made on the way down to pick more people as she couldn't vent the way she wanted lest they thing she was plum loco. Just what the hell did that man think of himself, she fumed. Didn't care where I had been, didn't care the reason for my delay. Only cared about the stupid project! What was the project to her compared to her sister's life?
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," she muttered as she walked out of the elevator on the ground floor, "Serves him right. Teach him to be selfish and not care about the people who work for him."
She got into her car and headed straight back to the hospital to be with her sister, now that she found she suddenly had time on her hands.
Jai picked up the phone and dialed a number, and said cryptically, "I'll be coming over to see you in a little while…. Expect me soon."
Pia smiled at him, "Quite a day isn't it?"
He regarded her with a blank stare, "And you are here because?"
"Jai," she said her body language going all seductive, "Isn't it funny how I always show up at the exact moment you and your little girl toy have a thing going on?"
"And your point would be?"
"My point being I know you Jai, at least that much," she indicated a little space between her thumb and forefinger, "You're like a pit bull with that one. Bani. This isn't over is it?"
He just looked at her and a dry laugh escaped her.
"I actually look forward to seeing what you do to her Jai," Pia said, running a hand across his still red cheek, "Because from where I'm standing, you have nothing she wants, so you can't twist her arm. She looks like a push over but she has a strong back," she was pacing behind him, counting slowly, "She obviously comes from a moneyed family so no using financial control, and so I wonder Jai. What are you going to do to her?"
Jai hadn't moved a muscle and he wasn't even acting as though she was in the room. His mind was occupied with more pressing matters.
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave," he said finally, without looking at her.
She stopped, surprise and a flash of anger crossing her face in quick succession, then gave him a plastic smile, "Of course. You have a lot to think about and I have a lot to anticipate. So I'll leave you alone for now. Don't miss me too much."
She dropped a peck to his cheek, leaving a faint stain from her lip gloss and proceeded to the door from where she flashed him a winning smile before exiting.
She was going to enjoy this ride, more than anyone knew. Bani whatever her name was had played right into her hands and she was just going to sit back and watch the show.
Bani was back to the hospital and her Grandparents had left, only Kiran was sitting with her daughter.
"Arre, tum vaapas aa gaye?" Kiran asked, a mildly surprised smile on her lips.
"Yes," she beamed, "I got the big guy to give me the day off, and then some."
"Uh oh," Rano said hoarsely, "What did you do now?"
"Nothing," Bani said flippantly, "What I need to know is how my favorite sister in the world is doing?"
"I'm fine," she said, "You didn't need to come back her."
"Sure I did," Bani insisted, "Or else who was going to keep that good looking doctor in line?"
"Don't start with the doctor now," Kiran warned her.
"I'm ok with him now," Bani said, "He seems to know what he's doing."
"Glad to hear it," said a voice from the door.
They all turned to see Dr. Deb standing in the doorway, a pleasant smile on his face.
Bani hid her face by turning to face Rano, an embarrassed smile on her face while Rano pinched her with her good hand.
"How are you Doctor?" Kiran asked.
"I could do with some sleep but other than that, I'm fine," he said, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"I'd ask you to get into bed but there's already someone here," Bani said with as straight a face as she could manage.
"Bani!" Kiran exclaimed, throwing the Doctor an apologetic look.
"What?" Bani said, while Rano went two shades darker in spite of her pale face.
"I knew you shouldn't have come back," she muttered.
"It's okay," Dr. Deb said with a chuckle, "But I think I'd rather get an empty bed to save your sister going any darker than she already has."
At that Rano slapped her hand over her face to hide the second wave of color that surged up her cheeks.
"Looks like no matter what we say she's only going to get darker," he said with an amused shrug, watching Rano's reaction, "Well I'm glad to see the patient is doing better now. Keep this up and you'll be out of here in no time."
"That is so good to hear," Kiran said with an obvious sigh of relief, "I'm not exactly a fan of hospitals."
Bani and Rano gave her an understanding glance which did not go unnoticed by Deb. He found himself wanting to know what could possibly have happened in a hospital to cause such a look to pass among the three women. He couldn't very well ask so he was going to have to let it go.
"I'll just make my final rounds and be on my way home before I fall asleep on my feet," he said in a bid to excuse himself, "Ladies?"
"Thank you Doctor," Bani called cheerily as he left, giving them a nod as he walked out.
When she was sure the doctor was out of earshot, Rano pinched Bani hard.
"Ouch!"
"You are a bad bad person!" she hissed, "Get into bed?"
"Come on, stop acting like you didn't enjoy it," Bani said with a mini glare, "And that hurt!"
"Good," Rano said.
Kiran watched her two girls and shook her head. One was impossible and the other was not far behind.
Later that evening, Jai stood at the window of his office, staring out at the sea of lights before him. His mind was working over time.
A soft knock on the door, "Jai?"
Without turning he answered, "Natchiket."
Natchiket entered the office. He knew Jai was expecting him as he always tried to do damage control eachtime Jai was about to go off into one of his hellish modes, even though it was to no avail but it did help to at least try. Never know when you'll hit the bull's eye.
"I know this is between you and Bani…" he begun.
"And I'd like to keep it that way," Jai cut him off.
"Leave her alone Jai," Natchiket said after a brief pause, as there was no way to build up to say exactly what he wanted to say to his brother, "She didn't mean any harm."
"Didn't she?" he said, turning to look at his brother, "In my experience, a person is deemed to have intended all the consequences of his actions once he makes the first move. She did Natchiket, twice."
"The blame is not entirely on her," Natchiket pointed out, "You never asked her why she was late."
"If I asked every Walia employee why they mess up on the job every time they do I might as well be running a charity house," he said, going to pour himself a glass of bourbon, "Why, is not a problem for me. I only ask why when I feel the need."
"You're not doing any good by wasting time thinking of how to hurt her."
"You let me worry about that Natchiket," he said, as though he was comforting a small child.
"You will crash and burn on this one Jai," Natchiket said seriously.
"Oh?" Jai lowered himself to the seat and regarded Natchiket with an amused smile, "I didn't think you were the betting kind."
"I don't gamble with people's lives Jai, that's your thing," Natchiket said, "But please, leave the girl alone."
Jai just looked at Natchiket and said nothing. Finally Natchiket turned and walked away from the office, shutting the door softly behind him. He stood up and went back to the window, swirling the drink softly in his hands.
Pia had been right. She was by all accounts untouchable. She came from a wealthy family, could get a job at the snap of her fingers, she was not tied to anyone in anyway that he could maneuover her into a tight spot, nothing. This one did pose a problem for him. She was practically out of his reach. It was sad that it had come to this, because he had liked her. She was staring to grow on him if he was honest with himself, but now the game had changed and she was in for a rude awakening. No one messed with Jai Walia and ever told a good story about it. No one.
He would think of something. He always did. She had slapped him in public, he thought, rolling a coin he had grabbed off the table in his hand. Heads, he would not do her public damage. Tails, he would rail road her. He flipped the coin and waited for it to settle. Heads. Private it was then. She would know what it was to suffer and not be able to tell anyone about it.
A slow sinister smile curved his lips.
2 WEEKS LATER……
Kiran was on the phone to Krishna Walia. It had come as a shock to both of them the way things had turned out between their children.
"I don't know what to think Kiran," Krishna complained, "Silly boy knows we know what happened but isn't saying a word about it."
"Bani is not willing to hear anyone out either," Kiran said, "I mean not that I blame her. Your son does have quite the mouth on him that one."
"Don't I know it," Krishna sighed, "What do we do now Kiran?"
"I don't know. Bani said she wants to take time off to detox from having worked with your son, but will only come to work with her Father."
"That is so not right," Krishna said, "I guess at this point there is nothing we can do save waiting to see how things pan out."
"I agree with you. This thing with my son will drive me into an early grave."
"You mustn't talk like that like that," Kiran reprimanded her, "Who's going to take care of your husband?"
Krishna smiled, "I want my sons to be happy Kiran, but that's not going to happen if they continue this way."
"Then we'll both say a prayer for our children. Cos I have a house of two girls but none of them seem to be on their way out!"
Krishna laughed, "Want to trade places?"
"No way, but an exchange might do,"Kiran joked, "One of mine for one of yours."
"From your lips to God's ears," Krishna said.
"Oh, I see I have a guest," Kiran said, seeing the gentleman being ushered into the house, "We'll speak later."
"Okay dear, take care now."
"I will," Kiran quickly finished the call and went to greet the man who had walked into the house, "Hello Doctor Deb, nice to see you again."
Aparajit Deb smiled his greeting to Kiran, "Good day Mrs.Dixit, how are you?"
"I'm fine thank you," she said, "We weren't expecting you."
"I know," he smiled sheepishly, "I'm afraid my visit has ulterior motives."
"Does it now?" Kiran looked at him expectantly.
"I'm here to check on my patient," he said, mischief in his eyes.
"Ahh, I see," Kiran nodded as if totally buying into his reason, "And the ulterior motive would be?"
He grinned at that, "That would be to see her."
"Is that so?" Kiran asked, fighting the huge smile that was working its way unto her face, "Well the thing is that I'm not entirely sure…"
"Doctor Deb!" Rano called, inching her way down the stairs, arm still in cast, a tiny wince escaping her with each step.
"… she will not ruin my fun," Kiran finished on a down note, causing Aparajit to chuckle.
He went forward to help Rano, "You should be lying down."
"I got bored," she complained, "All the fun is downstairs."
"So I gather," he led her to the nearest seat.
"Aren't you going to work today?" she asked when she was completely settled in the chair.
"I decided to stop by and check on my chatterbox patient," he said, winking at Kiran who was heading for the kitchen to make some light refreshment.
"But the house is way off your way to the office," she frowned at him.
"And still, here I am," he said, spreading his hands in a playful mood.
"You were never this smiley back at the hospital," she said in amused observance.
"Back then you were injured and a patient," he said, "We see patients and not friends at the hospital."
"Oh," she said.
He looked at her a second and said, "I'm sure you have no idea what I just said."
That sent her into peals of laughter, causing her to grab her side in the attendant pain that jabbed her side. He was laughing with her.
"I'm sorry," she said in between gasps for air, "It's just that I usually get away with stuff like that and people don't notice."
Kiran appeared with a tray of sweets and some juice, "Here you go."
"Thank you Mrs. Dixit," he said graciously and when she retreated, "So how is the rib healing?"
"It burns sometimes," she complained, wrinkling her nose, "Other than that I would say it's doing just fine."
"The cast should come off in another week and you'll be home free," he said soothingly, "But still not fit enough to go back to work."
"Darn it," she said, reaching out and plucking a sweet from the tray, much to his amusement.
"That was mine," he said with a toothy smile.
"So? Share," she said with a shrug, popping it into her mouth.
"Looks like I don't have a choice," he said, following suit.
"Smart man," she said around what she was chewing.
*************************
Bani had gone to see Rosa as she didn't want to risk going to WGI so soon after the hell she had raised there a few weeks ago. Rosa had been shell shocked when she told her all that happened and went into a torrent of Spanish.
"Are you serious my child?"
"Dead," Bani said dryly, "But he deserved it. Asking me to use what I have to get what I want. I did some good work in that office and he has no right to insult me that way."
"I agree with you child," Rosa said, "But I feel you have opened up Pandora's box."
"Everyone has a doom and gloom story to tell when they hear that," she frowned, "He may be evil but he's not the devil."
"Tell that to the people who have dined with him up close. I think they'll have a different story."
"Whatever," Bani said.
"And you my child," Rosa said, giving her s straight look, "How are you?"
Bani knew exactly what she meant, "I'm fine I guess. It's not as bad as I thought it would be once I cooled down."
"These things have a way of coming back to bite you in the butt you know," she said with a wizened look.
"I guess," she said, looking at her hands that were on the counter top, "I really hope this doesn't."
"Too late," Rosa said immediately, "Only thing to do now is weather the storm."
"Aye aye sir!" Bani threw a salute, causing Rosa to smile.
This was a wonderful girl, she thought, ugliness should not mar such perfection. But if the girl wasn't careful, she would be marred.
At that moment a nephew of Rosa walked in, "Alejandro how are you today?"
"Beautiful Miss," he smiled at Bani.
He was the one she had danced with several weeks ago when she went to the club with Ranveer. Of all the coincidences there wee in this world, imagine her showing up here to find he was Rosa's nephew.
"No work today?" he asked.
"No, no work today," she confirmed, "I'm going to relax for a few weeks then see what I can do about work."
"Good for you," he said, then turned to his Aunt, "I'm going to the beach with a few friends. I'll be back later on tonight."
"Be careful Alejandro," she said as he dropped a peck to her cheek, "I'll see you around Miss."
"Bye Alejandro!" she called,and added after he had left, "Isn't he a tall drink of water."
"Aye mami," Rosa teased, "Already over the Walia?"
Bani laughed at the way she referred to Jai. The Walia indeed. Sounded like the formidable force he was.
"For my sake, I hope," she said.
"Come, I teach you how to tend to flowers," she pulled Bani into the nursery.
Jai was just finished with a board meeting when Uday called him into his office. A bit intrigued, Jai went with his father.
"Is there a problem Dad?" Jai asked, as his father would never come to the office if there wasn't some major problem.
"I'm afraid there is son. There was an explosion at the Textiles Industries in Singapore," he said gravely, "There at least fifty feared dead and many more missing."
As he was talking Natchiket whom he had also called came in, "Dad?"
"We were just getting started," Uday said.
"I heard about the explosion ," he said, taking his seat next to his father.
Uday nodded sadly, thinking of all the people who had lost their lives for the sake of providing for their families and now would never be able to do so.
"The casualties are increasing," Natchiket continued, "They managed to put out the fires but people are still missing."
Jai quietly watched his brother. It came so easy to him, compassion. He felt it for people he didn't know and that was something he couldn't understand, or had forced himself to not understand. The concern on his face would wrench at the heart of anyone. Jai felt the familiar stirring of emotion and squelched it. They had no place in his life. Not anymore.
"Natchiket, I'm going to need you to go over there to do damage control," Uday said, "A lot of things need to be handled from finding the missing persons to burial rights, to compensation and most of all investigation as to how this could happen."
"I'll get ready to leave," Nathciket said without a moment's hesitation.
"Jai, will it be alright if Natchiket left the reigns to you for a few weeks?"
"Sure Dad, why ever not?" he said, glancing from one to the other.
"How soon can you leave?" Uday asked Natchiket.
"I could leave tonight," he answered.
"Isn't that a little too impromptu?" Jai questioned.
"The explosion was impromptu Jai," Natchiket said gravely, "I'll be on the next flight out."
"Take the jet instead," Jai said, his face betraying nothing but his eyes telling a different story.
"Not necessary," Natchiket said, a slight frown creasing his brow, "We don't want to give the wrong impression of the big wigs come to check out the plight of the little people."
"I understand that, but I think it would be better to take the jet," Jai insisted.
Natchiket looked at him fully now, "Jai, what's the matter?"
Jai shrugged, "Nothing. Just thought you would want the comfort of your own plane. Suit yourself anyways."
Nahciket was still frowning when Uday signaled him that they leave the office. He didn't understand that one at all.
Once in the hallway Uday patted his son's shoulder, "What can we do if your brother decides to show his love through his anger? Take the jet Nattu. Even I think you should."
"If that's what you want," Natchiket said, glancing back at the the door to Jai's office.
With what had happened a few weeks ago and this new card Jai was playing, Natchiket so wanted to believe this was all about him caring for his safety, but with Jai, you never really could tell until it was too late. He hoped this was not a ploy of some sort.
Bani was on the phone to Tarun and Michael, grateful that they were hanging out together when she called.
"I heard you did a number on your boss," Tarun said.
"I'm not exactly proud of it but he deserved it," Bani said.
"Oh really?" Tarun laughed.
"I for one am proud of you," Michael said, "Not everyday you get to see stuff like that. I can imagine his face when you hit. Priceless!"
"Not from where I was standing," Bani said, "If he was a tiger I would have been dead."
"Glad he's human then," Michael said, "So what are you doing now?"
"Just lazing around," she said, "I'm yet to go pick up my things from the company. Incident is still too fresh in everybody's mind."
"I'd imagine," Tarun said, "Where's Rano?"
"Ohhh, she's talking to her boyfriend," Bani said with a sheepish smile.
"Her what?" Tarun said.
"Huh?" Micheal was on alert too.
"Hey, she's old enough to have one you know," Bani laughed at their reactions.
"I know but baby girl just had an accident and now a boyfriend?" Tarun said in surprise.
"It's the Doctor that treated her Tarun, not some pervert off the street," Bani clarified, "And he appears quite taken with her."
"Love is in the air!" Michael sang and she heard a thumping sound which only meant Tarun punched him playfully.
"You take care of her now," he said to Bani, "I'll be coming home soon so I can see everything for myself."
"Good, we need Tarzan to the rescue!" Bani joked.
"You better be happy you're miles away," he said.
"Love is in the air!" Michael sang again.
"Will you stop with that," Tarun said irritably, "You cannot sing to save your life!"
"Hey, ask the ladies what they think," Michael returned, and did an Elvis Presley imitation, "They love it!"
Bani was laughing hard at what she imagined Michael looked like then he said that. These men were nut jobs.
"Speaking of ladies, what's new Michael?" Bani asked.
"Ooh, he has a new girlfriend," Tarun said quickly as Michael tried to shut him up, "Surprise surprise, she's Indian!"
"What?" Bani exclaimed.
"That is not true," Michael said, "She's just a friend and that's it."
"Does she know you're just friends?" Bani asked.
"I think so," Michael said.
"Liar!" Tarun fired at him, "They have been out on four dates. Four!"
Bani inhaled in amused surprise, "Hate to break it to you Mikey, but you're dating this girl."
"I am not," he said in exasperation.
"Are too," Tarun insisted.
"What's her name?" Bani asked.
"Tania," Tarun supplied.
"You're supposed to be my boy Tarun," Michael said in exasperation.
"I am," Tarun smiled mischievously, "But this is my sister we're talking to. She's one of us."
"Aah, so you finally admit it," Bani said, "Good. Now I want pictures, okay?"
"Pictures you will get," Tarun promised and heard the doorbell chime somewhere in the background, "Expecting someone Di?"
"No, I was just… Oh my goodness!" Bani gasped, as she saw the servant come in,
"What is it?" Tarun asked.
"Bani, you okay?" Michael asked.
"No," she said softly, still staring at the servant.
"What's wrong then?" Tarun asked again.
"He sent me flowers," Bai said quietly, "Again."
"Who?" Michael asked.
"Jai Walia."
"Woah," Michael said, "Flowers huh?"
"Yeah," she said, "Those are the third bunch since morning."
"I think he's up to something," Tarun said.
"When is he not up to something," Bani returned.
"Well then, why don't you just face him once and for all?" Michael said, "Beats the hell out of waiting it out."
"I just might do that if he keeps this up," Bani mused, "Guys I gotta go now.
"Okay my love, take care of you now," Michael said.
"Bye Missy," Tarun said.
"Bye guys," she hung up and turned to the bouquet the servant had placed on her dressing table.
It was the same signature. Huge bouquet of roses with a single white rose in the middle. Really, what was he trying to do? With all these, he already had her attention, but what did he hope to gain? She headed down stairs only to hear the doorbell chime again and when the servant opened the door, there was yet another huge bouquet of flowers just beyond with whoever was dropping them off.
"What in the world is going on?" she heard Rano ask.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Bani said going to the door and then looking out, she gasped, "Goodness gracious great Father above! What the hell is this?"
"What is it Di?" Rano got to her feet, helped by Aparajit who had been watching the whole thing in amused silence.
When they got to the door he understood Bani's shock. All the way down to the drive way was a line of men with different bouquets of roses in different colors, in different shapes and sizes, all waiting their turn to deliver their bouquets.
"Must be a pretty desperate guy," Aparajit said in amusement.
"I cannot believe this guy," Bani shook her head in surprise, "What is he playing at?"
"I think you just might have forced the Ice King to take a good look at himself," Rano said, marveling at the extent this man had gone to, "What are you going to do?"
"What I should have done two weeks ago," Bani said, her face a mask of determination as she turned on her heels and marched back into the house and up to her room.
Rano turned to the men and said, "Come in and set the flowers down by the door."
One by one they entered and dropped the flowers.
Aparajit leaned towards Rano and asked, "Mind my asking who sent these?"
She grinned, "Jai Walia."
"Oh?"
"They had a big fight, she hit him, twice," Rano said, "And still, he sends her all these roses."
"Interesting," Aparajit said, counting thirty different bouquets.
Minutes later Bani came down the stairs dressed casually and grabbed the keys to her car.
"Where are you going?" Rano asked.
"To deal with that idiot once and for all," she said, and when she noticed all the bouquets in the living room, groaned in frustration, "Why am I always the one with the weirdest people after me?"
In spite of herself Rano chuckled. She just didn't know how she affected men. Jai Walia may have been the untouchable man he was renowned for, but she knew her sister could grow on any man without his knowledge until it was too late for him to do anything about it. She was sure that was what had happened to Jai Walia… he just didn't know it yet.
Bani made her way into WGI and didn't miss the stares she got from all the people she walked past, some she greeted, others she ignored. She stepped out of the elevator and headed for Kaveri's desk.
"Bani!" Kaveri called in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"Where is he?" she asked, not wanting to stay and chat else she might not be as angry as she wanted to be when she faced him.
"In his office I guess," Kaveri said, surprised at Bani's attitude.
Bani turned on her heels and headed for his office without so much as a glance at anyone else. Without knocking she pushed open the door.
"What the hell do you think you're playing at?" she asked in a semi hiss semi shout tone.
He looked up from his laptop and on registering she was the one in his office, as he had never seen her on casuals, a slow smile curved his lips.
"I've been waiting for you," he said softly.
DONE FOR THE WEEKEND!! HOPE I DIDN'T BORE YOU GUYS TO DEATH. DO REMEMBER TO COMMENT.
MUCH LOVE,
ME.
😉 😉 😉
Cricket
Seher Hone Ko Hai
CID
Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
