ENJOY…….SOME PEOPLE MIGHT GET MAD AT ME BUT HEY, STORY MUST GO FORWARD RIGHT?
Jai was having a particularly rotten day of it today. He was actually worried about his brother. Stupid knuckle head hadn't called since he got to Thailand. He wanted to find out what was going on but the man just wouldn't call. Finally after a few moments of glaring at the screen of his laptop, he grabbed his cell phone. He speed dialed Natchiket.
He picked up on the fourth ring, "Hello?"
"What exactly is your problem?" Jai hissed at him.
Natchiket on the other end of the line frowned, "Now what did I do?"
"The whole point of having a phone is to use it Natchiket," he said, irritation rife in his voice.
Natchiket was quiet for a while, then said, "I'm alright Jai. The explosion was not as bad as they made it seem but you can imagine the devastation."
Jai sighed with relief, "Get out as soon as you can."
"That's not going to happen anytime soon brother," Natchiket said, silently thanking God for his brother showing some actual concern and his emotions finally seeing the light of day after such a long time, "There are statistics to figure out, compensations to be made, rebuilding to think about… I might be here longer than I expected."
"Well… just be careful," Jai said, then as though realizing he had shown a little too much of the worry he was feeling, "I wouldn't want another reason to be blamed for the mishaps in your life."
Natchiket smiled at the other end, "I wouldn't want that either."
Without a farewell greeting, he hung up the phone. Natchiket on the other end was still smiling, a happy smile it was.
Bani sat in the study lost in thought, wondering what it was she was going to do. She was weighing her options as she usually did when she was about to make a big decision. She had been thinking about a lot of things since Jai's visit two days ago. She couldn't imagine what had possessed him to offer her her job back. The truth was he knew very well that she had the upper hand…well sort of had the upper hand in the situation were she to take the job back, so what was his angle?
She loved jousting with him, she thought, a smile playing on her lips as she looked at the garden from the large drawing room window, admiring how the sun played on the different colours of the different flowers. She had been wrong when she thought her feelings for him would die a natural death if she wasn't around him every day. It was even worse since he came to the house, as every ring of the phone had her racing, thinking he was the one calling. Rano was having a field day teasing her every chance she got.
She decided to call her brother, hoping he wasn't busy as usual. He didn't disappoint as he picked on the third ring.
"And how is my princess doing today?" he asked, the smile on his face evident in his voice.
"Your princess could be better," she said, settling into her father's seat behind the desk.
"What's the matter?"
"You would never guess who was here two nights ago," she began.
"Jai Walia," Tarun said without hesitation.
"Who told you?" she asked, sitting up in the chair.
"Come on, he's the only one who could possibly show up at the house and have you rattled enough to call me."
"Yeah yeah," she said, settling down again, "Well he offered me my job back."
"Did he now?"
"Yeah."
"I take it you want to go back."
"I'm not sure," she said, "Once upon a time I was sure, but now…."
"You know, when a ruthless guy makes nice for no reason, there's always a hidden agenda."
"I know," she drew the words slowly, "I hate that I know but still, I'm tempted."
"I can understand that, but know that no one is forcing you. No one can take this decision for you but you, so whatever you decide, do it after a lot of consideration."
"That's not what I wanted to hear," she said grumpily.
He laughed, "You know why you called me? You called just so if I say go back and you do, and everything falls apart, you will have someone besides yourself to blame."
"She laughed this time, "True, I just hoped you wouldn't figure it out."
"Too bad I'm as smart as you are," he said, "How's Dad doing?"
"He's fine, still at the business summit thingy from last week."
"And Ma?"
"Well, she hasn't stopped hassling me since Jai was here," Bani laughed, "And Rano is just as bad as her."
"What's with this Doctor guy?"
"They are getting it on from what I gather."
"What?!"
"Not that you stupid child," Bani said irritably when she grasped his meaning, "They like each other. I wouldn't be surprised if they start dating openly soon."
"Well good for her," he said.
"What about you?" Bani asked, "Anything new?"
"With all these groupies milling around? It's hard to find anyone who you can believe actually likes you and not your fame or money."
"I can understand," she said, "You'd be surprised how many people don't know you back home."
"Okay, which one of them put you up to this?"
She laughed, "Neither one, I just want someone to be in the same dilemma I'm in. Rano has it easy and you have it easy as you aren't seeing anyone and it all sucks!"
"I'm sorry baby," he laughed, "But don't worry, it'll get easier."
"I hope, I like a monster and I'm hoping against hope that he isn't still out to get me.
"Relax Bani Di," he said, "Think with a clear head and do what you think is best."
"I miss you Tarun," she said softly.
"I miss you even more."
"Can't you come over? Even for a few days?"
"If it was in my power you know I'd be there in a heartbeat na?"
"I know," she said, a sad look settling over her face.
"Come on, smile a little," he coaxed, knowing she was frowning, "It's not like I'm never going to come home."
"That doesn't make it any easier."
"True, but chin up, or I'll set Mr. Walia on you."
"You wouldn't dare," she said, a reluctant smile curving her lips.
"That's more like it," he said with an answering smile, "Now you take good care of you ok? And tell that rat-head sister of yours her big brother needs an explanation as to whom she's dating."
"I will," she said, "Say hello to Michael for me."
"I will. Take care now."
"Bye love."
They hung up and Bani turned to look out the window again. She really needed to think about this one. There was a time to play it safe and a time to risk it. She would love to play it safe, but the 'what if' of not going back to WGI would kill her. Still, she had to think….
Rano had insisted on going to the hospital alone this time, not wanting Bani or anyone else for that matter hanging around and embarrassing the living daylights out of her. She sat patiently waiting for Aparajit to come off his rounds, noting how the nurses made side comments as they walked past. Some smiled at her, others glared and hissed loud enough for her to hear but she really couldn't be bothered. Whatever was between her and Aparajit was none of their business. She adjusted her arm which was still in the cast and glanced at her wrist watch. Half past ten. He had been on call all night if she remembered right.
It was weird to her how his family owned the hospital yet he worked as hard as any of the other doctors, not giving himself any special treatment at all. It was as though they were all equals…except of course that he signed their checks at the end of the month. He was what you would call the proverbial perfect employer. In the ten days she had spent in the hospital before he allowed her to go home, all she had heard was how wonderful Dr. Deb was and how he has the greatest catch there was out there and how they would love to have him as their 'doctor'. Of course the nurses always thought she was asleep when they came in to check on her and she inevitably heard their conversations.
It was no wonder that when he came in to see her after the first few days of her stay that she began to pay special attention to every little thing that he did. She remembered making him uncomfortable when she first mentioned it. He had been bandaging her ribs again that morning.
"You know they all think you're really cute," she said, looking him in the eye.
His hands had stilled and he regarded her a little confused, "Excuse me?"
"The nurses," she clarified, "They think you're cute. Would like you to be their 'doctor'."
He blinked at that, "What?"
She looked at the elderly female nurse behind her and asked, "Is he always like this?"
The nurse just smiled and shook her head in amusement.
"You're not dating anyone are you?" she asked.
"Wh…er, no," he said, frowning a little over the rim of his glasses.
"Oh that's why," she said, motioning for him to continue bandaging with a shake of her head, "All the single nurses would like to date you. Some married nurses too."
He stopped again and looked at her funny, "What are you on about?"
The nurse behind him tried to smother her laughter but failed miserably when Aparajit had turned to look at her over his shoulder.
She frowned at him , "Tell me you haven't noticed the way they stare at you."
He was still shaking his head with a curious look in his eyes, "I'm afraid we may have to change your pain medication."
"What?" It was her turn to be surprised. Then she peered at him closely and saw that he was pulling her legs, "Be happy you're the one treating me, or I would slap you over the side of your head."
He chuckled at that and had gently eased her back down to the bed so as to take the pressure off the ribs. He smiled down at her.
"If you're a good girl and stop listening to hospital gossip, I'll let you go home in a few days."
"Few days?!" she exclaimed, wincing a bit at the jab in her side, "I hate it here. The food is crappy, there's beeping noises everywhere, I can't stay here!"
"Be a good girl and then we'll see," he had smiled, tipped an imaginary hat and exited with the nurse.
Aparajit was coming down the hallway, trying to stifle a yawn. He was bone tired and his back ached from having to do back to back surgeries well into the morning hours and thankfully he had just finished rounds. He was approaching his office when he saw the familiar figure seated outside his office, smiling at the wall in front of her. She had a beautiful smile, he thought. He walked up to her and she still didn't seem to acknowledge the fact that he was standing there. He looked at the wall and then back at her, frowning slightly.
"Earth to Rano Dixit," he said finally and she snapped out of it.
"Oh hey," her smile blossomed into a full blown one and her eyes began to twinkle.
"Uh oh," he said, faking a serious expression, "What trouble did you bring with you this time?"
She frowned in offense, "Hey, I just came to get my cast off."
"Acha baba, andar aaye," he pushed open the door of his office and they went in, "I hope you have not been straining it?"
"Do I look like I'm making a fashion statement with this cast?" she asked, shoving the arm in his face.
He sighed, this woman just never stopped. He motioned her to the sit on the bed tucked away in the corner of the room for pre-exams. He paged a nurse and when she came he asked for the cutter to take off the cast. When the nurse left he once again tried to stifle a yawn and she watched as he rubbed tiredly at his eyes.
"When was the last time you had any sleep?" she asked.
He looked at her, wondering where that came from, "Why?'
"That's not an answer," she said irritably.
He inclined his head, still watching her, "Haven't slept in twenty four hours."
"That's it," she jumped off the bed, "Get your things, we're going home."
"Huh?" he was thoroughly confused now.
"You need some sleep and frankly I am not up to watching you look like the ghost of Christmas past in May."
"Rano…"
"Ah!" she held up a silencing finger, tugging on his arm to get him to stand up, "You are going home to get some well deserved rest."
"Your cast…" he began as she tugged off his scrub cap and began tugging at his lab coat.
"Can wait another day," she said firmly, throwing it on the nearest chair, "I really don't want you chopping off my arm thinking it was the cast because you couldn't keep your eyes open!"
"Rano, I just can't up and…"
"Yes you can," she cut him off, "You're the boss, in case you forgot."
She handed him his jacket and shooed him towards the door, but he stopped short of going out.
"Okay, can I at least walk out of here without letting everyone know my patient is bossing me around?"
She smiled mischievously, "Okay. But keep walking."
He shook his head in wonder. He was the doctor here and yet he was getting told what to do. Why was he even letting her? They stepped into the hallway and he noticed her chin had gone up defiantly, daring anyone to stop them. He smiled at that, as he realized that this woman had automatically assumed control of his day. That too without his permission…not that he was complaining, but still. He couldn't even remember the last time any woman had done this for him. Not that they hung around long enough… he was always busy and sooner or later, either they cheated or they found someone with time to spend on them and were off. Didn't matter that his family was one of the wealthiest in Mumbai, this had always been his story.
He stopped at the reception desk, "Anita, I'm going to go home now. If anyone asks for me, you know where to find me."
"Yes Doctor Deb," the woman behind the desk said.
They exited the building and even though neither one said a word at first, they felt the eyes boring into their backs.
"Wanna bet they're all looking at us?" she asked, a twinkle in her eyes.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" he watched the color in her cheeks get high with the joy she was feeling.
"Yep!" she said with a shrug, "Oh and just so you know, no one is calling you for the next two days. You will stay home and really actually rest. Doctor's orders."
"I thought I was the one with the Degree," he said with a raised brow.
"Doesn't mean you're smarter than I am," she retorted, "And I'm taking you home. Cannot afford to have you fall asleep at the wheel."
"You've got only one hand," he pointed out.
"I have two," she corrected, "Just can't use one yet. And by the way, I have a driver."
"Not your sister!" he said with a whiny face.
Rano went into peels of laughter. She laughed so hard her eyes got teary, "Lord Almighty, she has to hear that."
"No!" Aparajit exclaimed, "That'll be my funeral."
"Then quietly get in the car and not another word," she said, wiping her eyes while small bouts of laughter still plagued her.
"You are mean," he muttered as he lowered himself into the backseat.
"I heard that," she said with a smile as she got in on the other side.
He gave the house address to the chauffer and they were off.
Bani looked around her. It was all so strange to her, as she though she hadn't been here in years. The people milled around without stopping long enough to actually hear themselves think. They were all on the go, looking too busy for words.
Wow, she thought, would she ever be able to get used to this?
"Hello Miss Dixit," a young man came up to her, a pleasant smile on his face, "They're waiting for you. This way."
She gladly followed the man who hadn't offered his name but knew he had to have been informed she was coming. They got on the elevator and he punched the top floor and the elevator began its noiseless accent. The doors slid open on the tenth floor and they both stepped out. He led her to a door, knocked softly and opened it to reveal the two men seated inside.
"About time you got here."
She smiled widely, "Daddy!" she exclaimed and went to hug him.
"How are you my child?" he asked, having not seen her in almost two weeks.
"I'm fine," she smiled, "Hello Mr. Mathur."
"Hello beta, how are you?" the chubby man asked with a beaming smile.
"I am fine."
"How was your trip?" her father asked.
"It was wonderful," she said, settling herself into one of the chairs next to the round table in the Conference room, "How are things down here?"
"Oh they have gotten better, just a few things to round up," her father said, pouring her a glass of juice.
"Thank you," she accepted the glass from him and took a sip.
"I'll leave you two to talk," Mr. Mathur rose, and with a slight nod, left the room.
"So," Nishikant fixed his daughter with a shrewd gaze, "What could be so horrible in Mumbai that would drive my daughter to run out here to Bangalore?"
Bani smiled behind the glass. She had never been able to get things past her father. She knew he had paid special attention to her and Tarun when he first married their mother as he wanted to get to know them in the shortest possible time. He didn't want his wife to worry about her kids adjusting. He was however surprised to find that even they had accepted him long before the marriage and he could have been Quasimodo for all they cared, but if he made their mother happy, that was all they needed to know. In that time he had gotten to know her like the back of his hand.
"It was nothing Dad," she said with a sigh.
"I have spoken to your mother you know," he said.
Her eyes flew to his face, "And?"
"She tells me you got a visit from Jai Walia."
She sighed, "I don't know anymore Dad. He offered me my job back, but I'm not sure I should go back."
"My dear, no one can tell you what to do," her father said slowly.
She looked at him, "Funny, that's what Tarun said."
Her father smiled, "Smart boy."
"Well I'm here now," she said as if announcing to the whole office, "And what I don't need is to be thinking about the reason why I am here. Can I please just shadow you for a few days?"
"Why ever not?" he asked, "How about right now?"
She got to her feet, "Lead the way Sir."
It had been three days since she had been in Bangalore and she was loving every minute of it. Lagging behind her father as he made rounds of factories, offices, spoke to Union leaders, made sure everything was in tiptop shape and handing out promotions to deserving workers. This was all different from anything she had experienced at WGI.
Her father had an appointment for eleven that morning and she was to sit in with him in case he needed her input, though for the life of her she couldn't imagine what it was she could possibly have to contribute. She was heading to the office with a file he requested in hand and was rounding the corner to get to the Conference room when she heard the sound of that all too familiar voice and stopped in her tracks.
"Mr. Dixit will see you soon, if you will just come with me," the receptionist was saying.
She slowly turned around, silently paying that she was mistaken. Sadly though, there he stood a few feet away from her, tall and regal in his signature black suit, and for the first time ever since she had known him, he was wearing a sky blue office shirt, still without the tie. He looked up and on seeing her, s smile curved his lips as he advanced towards her.
"Imagine running into you here," he said, taking in her shocked expression.
The expression quickly went from shock to disbelief and then to what he knew was coming… anger. Contrary to what he thought she might do, she grabbed his wrist…or at least the much of it her small hands could hold on to and propelled him into the Conference room.
"I cannot believe you!" she shouted the moment the door shut behind her, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I have a meeting with your father," Jai said softly, "Didn't he tell you?"
"You have some nerve," she hissed, shaking her head at the audacity of his showing up here.
"You know contrary to what you might think, I'm not following you," he said, an amused smile on his face.
"Oh really?" she turned on him, eyes flashing, "I leave Mumbai for a few days and the next thing I know my mortal enemy shows up in the exact same place I am and I'm supposed to what, call it a coincidence?"
"Well," he said as though considering the possibility, "Yes."
"Damn you Jai!" she hissed, "You and I both know that when it comes to you there is no coincidence. Everything is planned."
"Now you're getting paranoid," he said, the smile vanishing from his face.
"Am I?" she was pacing now, "I ask you to do one thing. One thing only Jai Walia, leave me alone. But for some reason you don't get it. What's so difficult in that?"
His eyes narrowed as he watched her and when he spoke, the sound washed over her like cool rain on a hot summer day.
"I like you Bani. I don't know why or how, but I do. You have forced me to sit up and notice you from the day I bumped into your car until the day you hit me and for some reason, I just can't shake you."
To say she was stunned would be an understatement. Her eyes were wide, her face had paled and she had unconsciously stopped breathing. She took a step back but he closed the gap between them in two strides.
"Listen Bani, forget the games and tricks," he said, holding her by her shoulders, "This has nothing to do with any of those. I don't know what I feel but… whatever it is feels good. It would be presumptious of me to ask you to let us see what this turns out to be but I ask it anyway."
Her mouth opened and closed in consternation, she lowered her head as if to collect her thoughts, trying to grasp what he had just said. Finally she spoke.
"Wow, that has to be the most… daring speech I have heard in a long time," she said, giving him a look of being totally wowed by what she had heard, "It all seems so real. And you know what?" she said, s smile coming unto her lips, "For a moment there Jai… just for a moment, you almost had me."
His hands dropped as he saw her expression harden.
"Of all the things to say to me Jai, you chose that one?" she asked, her expression incredulous as she began to roll out the big guns, "How many times did that line get you laid huh? What kind of a fool do you think I am?"
He just watched her.
"I like you? I have feelings for you?" she repeated his words, "You don't even know what it's like to feel Jai, you haven't felt anything but hate in years if what I hear is anything to go by, and here you tell me you have feeling. Well what kind of feelings Jai?"
She was in his face now, mad as hell.
"Does it give you an adrenaline rush each time you bother me by showing up unannounced and uninvited wherever I am? How does that make you feel? Does it…"
The rest of her sentence was lost as he grabbed the hand she was waving in anger in his face and tugged hard. She fell against him and he secured her with his arm around her waist in an iron grip. Without a second thought his lips descended on hers, effectively cutting off her tirade.
As if realizing what was going on she began to struggle but he held her firm, deepening the kiss and holding her in place. He teased her lips until all of her resistance died off and she opened to welcome him, her body finally relaxing in his grasp. He released her a little and raised his hand to cup her chin as his tongue darted in and out of her mouth, causing her to moan, her eyes shut with the intensity of what she was feeling. He pulled on her lower lip, loving the feel of the soft flesh against his own. Her arms acted of their own volition as they slid around his neck, curling together at the nape.
After what seemed like an eternity, he ended the kiss for a brief moment, raising his head to look at her. Hey eyes were still shut and her lips slightly parted as if in a silent invitation for more. He didn't think twice and as opposed to the fire with which he had kissed her originally, he placed light, feathery kisses on her lips, tasting and teasing. She tasted wonderful.
Bani felt like all her energy had been sapped. Her brain seemed to have jammed and she was possessed by this animal instinct. She knew she should stop what was happening but the intensity of what she was feeling had all but crushed the voice of reason. Tiny sparks shot all over her body, and the body? Her body suddenly had a mind of its own and was not listening to reason. Oh, the feel of his lips against hers was heavenly, just like she had dreamed. Her hands in his hair gave her such a feeling of power when she heard the groan that rumbled from deep inside him. And she just wanted more…
He whispered against her ear, "This Bani… this is how it feels being around you."
Her eyes fluttered open and she stared at him, the passion and desire absolutely plain for her to see in his eyes. His hands let go off her, putting her down to the ground so that she looked up into his eyes.
He cupped her chin, "Please don't fight me."
She was stunned into immobility by her actions just now. She didn't know where to hide her face. She turned away from him slowly, and walked away to the window, her hand on her swollen lips. She had just acted like a hormonal teenager and worse still, with Jai Walia! What was she thinking? No, she hadn't been thinking… hadn't been thinking at all.
He came up behind her, "Bani, say something."
She was quiet.
"Bani?" he was getting agitated now.
Still no answer.
"For heavens sake Bani say something!"
Ever so slowly, she turned to look at him and he was taken aback by the pool of tears he saw swimming in her eyes.
"What do you want me to say Jai?" she asked softly, "What? You want me to tell you exactly what you want to hear? Well listen, so I can get this over and done with once and for all. Yes Jai, I am attracted to you. But then again, who isn't? I tried to walk away but no, you won't let me. I humiliated you and a crime against Jai Walia never goes unpunished right? You won't let me go cos all you think about is revenge, and hate and I even though you deserved it, it's my fault for hitting you. Don't act like you care Jai, we both know you don't. See all you care about is hurting me for embarrassing you, so here I am Jai. Take your best shot."
He stood there looking at her, not knowing where to go from here. This was not supposed to happen. She was supposed to be fighting him but this, this he didn't expect. This was a whole new side to her, a different side he didn't know how to handle, and that felt uncomfortable. He hadn't done uncomfortable in a long time and that was unsettling. Rather than say a word, he pulled out a crisp white hanky from his breast pocket and handed it to her. After a moment's hesitation, she took it and began to dab at her eyes.
There was a discreet knock on the door and seconds later, her father poked his head in around the door. Neither one of them had moved.
"All clear?" he asked.
Bani whirled around to face him, "What?"
He stepped into the room, a small smile on his face while his eyes danced with mischief, "You have quite a voice when you get mad," he said to Bani."
"Hello Mr. Dixit," Jai came forward and extended his arm, "We meet again Mr. Walia."
"Indeed we do," Jai said.
"Shall we begin then?" Nishikant asked.
"Yes please," Jai took the seat offered him.
"Bani?" her father called, giving her a curious look.
"I'll just be a minute," she said, rushing from the room as the two men watched her go, each with his own thoughts.
Nishikant turned and fixed Jai with a direct stare, "My daughter is a wonderful woman Mr. Walia, with a heart of gold."
Jai looked at the man seated across from him and knew what was coming, "I know that."
"Whatever this is between the two of you," he said, a different glow entering his eyes, "Do not hurt her."
Jai heard loud and clear the warning in the calmly spoken statement. The man was not mincing words at all, and he didn't blame him. Everyone in the business world knew of his reputation and in this case it had preceded him. For once however,strange as it was, he wasn't sure that he enjoyed his notoriety.
"Yes Sir," Jai said respectfully.
Nishikant watched him a few seconds and then satisfied as to whatever it was he was looking for, he relaxed.
"Shall we begin then?" he asked.
Jai nodded and threw open his files and the meeting began in earnest.
AYE YAYAI YAYAI!!!!!!!
DONE IT AGAIN AND HOPE YOU ENJOY!!!
Vanshaj
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
