FF: MIRAGE part 41pg53Updated 20/04 - Page 27

Great update ,, bani said what!!! ,, pia is fuming ,, and pia is talking to jai like they are in a relationship or something? I wish jai to do something with pia,, just kick it too her,, pls continue soon gluck with the move

He was here again'Bani grabbed fists full of her bedsheet in a subconscious movement, digging her feet into the bed as she lifted slightly off the bed''..

She was having the dream again.

His deep chuckle shook his large frame slightly as he raised his head to look at her. He coaxed her to open her eyes. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and then settled on his face. Recognition followed and then she gasped'

In her room, Bani jack knifed to a sitting position, her skin covered in beads of sweat. She was panting, a slight panic registering on her face as she realized that she had been dreaming. The dream had been so real'..even in wakefulness, she could still feel the imprint of hands on her skin.

She hugged herself around her midriff, looking around her room nervously, as if to make sure that no one was there who could have touched her that way. These dreams were becoming a hazard now more than ever'.they slowly taking over her consciousness and she was sure that was not a good thing!

She fell back against her pillows, relief flooding her systems as she realized it was really just a dream. And he had been the one. Today, for some reason, her brain had allowed her to see his face. It unnerved her even more to find that in the past week since they had spoken on the phone, she had been plagued with these dreams. He hadn't stopped calling her from that day. He had called her four times in the last six days, every time at night.

She knew what midnight calls did to the psyche, totally disarmed you and made you susceptible to whatever was trying to get at you. She knew it what his MO was, but she was just plain tired of fighting him. She knew from experience he wouldn't let up, and it didn't scare her any more. She just wished he was not the bad guy.

And now she was afraid to go back to sleep. He just might be there again, waiting for her to slip into dream land. She couldn't believe it! Now he had her thinking whether or not to go to sleep. This was crazy! She turned and looked at the time. It was almost five in the morning'.well, it wouldn't hurt to try to sleep again'.

Focusing on other things, she lulled herself to sleep again.

Uday Walia was going through some financial statements early Saturday morning when Jai wandered into the study.

'Good morning Papa,' he said lightly.

'Good morning son,' Uday glanced up, not missing the happy look on his son's face, 'Did you win the lottery?'

Jai glanced at his father in confusion, 'What?'

'You seem very happy this morning. And that usually means you've got one over on somebody. So?'

'Not at all Papa,' he said, a smile playing at the corner of his lips, as he picked up a file to glance through, 'I was just thinking about something.'

'Or someone,' his father corrected.

Jai's eyes shot up in surprise to where his father sat on the desk chair, 'Why would you say that?'

Uday chuckled, 'I don't know why you children of today always believe you can run faster than your elders.'

Jai was still feigning ignorance, 'I'm not sure I know what you mean.'

'Okay,' Uday shrugged and turned back to the sheets spread out before him, 'Bring her home when she says yes.'

Now Jai was truly shocked. He just looked at his father, wondering how he knew anything at all. The man was always silent and had never been much of a talker ever. He always waited for people to tell him things'well, not when it came to business.

He rose, 'I'll just go' I'll just go help out Ma,' he said, searching for the perfect way to beat a hasty retreat.

Uday chuckled in response and said nothing as Jai made his escape. Yes, he knew his son was smart enough to wonder how he had come to know about the girl he was interested in. Bani Dixit. He saw a lot of things when they happened, or was able to piece two and two together to figure things out. He had seen his son go after Bani Dixit on the night of the Gala function, seen Pia Joshi follow behind him, and even seen Jigyasa try to follow them for whatever reason. Pia had left in a huff, seconds later Bani had rushed from the balcony a little unsettled and very flustered, Jigyasa had quietly retreated after peering at her brother.

He had worried what had transpired between all parties that night, but his son's attitude afterwards had told him all he needed to know. He had not seen his son that rattled in such a long time it was almost as though he was seeing things. And add on top of that his erratic firing of staff for the silliest things' Jai had always been a runner when he didn't find a way out of a sticky situation. He would however not hesitate to crush an opponent if need be.

The change in his son was a welcome one. After years of his aloofness, coldness, unbending principles and emotional emptiness, to see him actually feel something he did not have any control over was refreshing. He leaned back in his chair, a contented smile on his face. At that precise moment, Krishna walked in and gave him a curious look.

'What are you so happy about?' she asked.

He glanced at her, 'Is it not amazing darling? Dreams still come true.'

Puzzled, 'What do you mean?'

He got up and took her by the hand, leading her to the couch Jai had just vacated and sat down with her, 'It seems to me my dear, that our son is in love.'

'Who?' Krishna was taken aback.

'Yes dear, our son,' Uday repeated.

'Natchiket has found a girl?' she asked incredulously.

He looked at her funny, 'I'm not talking about Natchiket.'

'Oh, then who'' she began to ask then stopped, 'Jai?'

'Mhmm,' Uday smiled at her.

'Jai?! Jai has found a girl?' she asked in shcok, not sure whether she should be happy or sad.

'Yes my love,' he said, 'The very same one you've been hoping for.'

She stared at him in shock, only this time it was in wonder as to how he knew that. He never really knows anything!

He laughed at her expression, 'Did you really think I didn't know about your plans with Kiran Dixit?'

Krishna blushed slightly, embarrassed at being caught out by her husband, 'Woh''

'It's okay my dear,' he shook his head at the apology he knew was coming, 'I'm just happy that her entrance in his life has brought about a positive change for the better, wouldn't you say?'

She smiled softly at him, 'Yes. After so long, I can finally see the son I lost almost ten years ago.'

'How long do you think it'll take him to figure out what he feels for her?' Uday asked.

'That buddhu son of mine, hmph!' she assumed an irritated stance, 'He will probably have to be hit on the head before it registers.'

Uday chuckled, 'I hope that is soon.'

'Me and you both!' she said emphatically, then her expression softened, 'Is this really happening?'

'Yes my dear, it's only a matter of time now.'

Outside the study, an eavesdropping frame pushed off from its position and headed back up the stairs where it had come from a few short minutes ago.

Bani had come to an outlet of her favorite store in which there were Tarun Tahilliani originals displayed. She was at every fashion show he had done in the last few years and had picked up several must haves. She had spoken to Ranveer an hour ago and he had been more than willing to help her pick a dress for the opening of Virani Plaza they all seemed to be attending tonight. He was going as a representative from Walia Group. She had just walked in when the attendant who usually aided her in her shopping came up.

'It is so nice to see you again Miss Dixit,' she said with a genuine smile.

'How are you Asha?' Bani air kissed the lovely young woman.

'I'm better now that you're here,' she said, 'I was so happy to receive your call. You do not know how many people I have had to lie to to keep several things away for you.'

'I appreciate it,' Bani said, 'I'm waiting for someone''

'He's already here,' she assured Bani, 'He's been making a mess since he got here.'

'That's Ranveer for you,' she smiled as they headed for the back room which was reserved for the VIP clients.

'So, you think this'll fit?' a girl who could not be older than nineteen was asking Ranveer.

'Honey, you would blow the socks off him,' he assured her and the girl beamed a hundred watts smile in his direction before turning to the mirror to study herself some more.

'Well I'd never,' Bani said coming into the room.

'Bhabhi!' he exclaimed, going to envelop her in a bear hug, 'Glad you finally made it. Simran here was having a crises of wardrobe and I decided to help her out. Stunning eh?'

Bani studied the girl and nodded. Ranveer had done a wonderful job, 'Very nice work. You look amazing Simran.'

'Thank you,' the girl beamed again.

'Now remember,' Ranveer warned, 'You are not to act like you are available. Let him come to you on his own.'

'What are you a counselor now?' Asha asked.

'Why yes,' he said, 'This here lady needs a morale boost, and I am just the one to give it to her. Right?'

Simran blushed at Ranveer's directness and Bani slapped Ranveer's hand for making the girl uncomfortable.

'Hey, I'm just trying to help,' he stated, 'By the way, where are you going tonight?'

'It's a business function meet,' she said in a soft voice, 'My Dad says it's a great place to network. It's the opening of Virani Plaza.'

Ranveer looked at Bani, 'Kya baad hai. Even we are going to the same place tonight.'

'Really?' Simran's eyes were huge as she looked at Bani for confirmation.

Bani smiled, not missing the look that had crept into Ranveer's eyes, 'Yes, we're all going to the same place. Say, since it looks like you have no date, why not go with Ranveer here? He doesn't have a date.'

Ranveer gave her a wry look, 'You just had to burn my cable didn't you?'

'But you don't have a date,' Bani insisted and Asha excused herslf, going to get some gowns for Bani, 'It would make perfect sense. Besides, you would be on hand to coach her through whatever scheme it is you two were cooking up.'

He then looked at Simran, 'So, how about it?'

She gave a shy smile and finally nodded.

'Praise the Lord, we have a date!' Bani clapped as Asha returned.

'Okay, now your turn,' Ranveer said, picking up the first dress with a flourish, frowning at it then tossing it aside, 'Nope!'

He picked up another and did same, prompting Asha to ask Bani, 'Is he always like this?'

She laughed, 'Worse!'

'You should see the mess he made trying to find that dress for her!' she indicated the dress Simran was wearing, causing her to blush further in embarrassment.

'I'll go change,' she excused herself and disappeared into one of the four stalls for changing.

Ranveer held up a gown and let out a whistle, 'Now this I like!'

Bani looked up at the gown and a soft 'oh' escaped her. Asha smiled, as that was the dress she had had to hide the moment Bani called her that she was coming over. It was a strapless exquisite gown in rich blood red velvet, built in layers that folded against the skin. It was simple with a matching shawl and only the straight cut gave the promise of revealing every contour of the person who wore it.

'This is the gown,' Ranveer said checking the size, 'Perfect for you.'

Bani wordlessly took the gown and went into the changing room. Asha had gone to get the matching slippers to go with the dress, and a few minutes later as if on cue, the doors to the changing rooms opened and both Bani and Simran stepped out. Ranveer once again, had that dazed look in his eye. Simran gasped as she saw Bani's outfit.

'Oh my God!' she whispered, totally awed, 'You look amazing!'

Bani smiled at her, 'Thank you Simran.'

'Just as I imagined,' Asha returned with the six inch heels, 'Here, put these on.'

Bani slipped on the heels and turned to look at the full effect in the mirror. Yes, she did look stunning if she did say so herself.

'Thanks Ranveer,' she said in the mirror.

'Nahin Bhabhi, thank you,' he winked at her and she understood perfectly.

'Okay, now that we have this settled, who wants to go to lunch?' Bani asked.

'I'm game,' Ranveer said quickly, 'I could eat a horse.'

'Asha?' Bani inquired.

'Sorry, I have a list of clients coming in,' she said apologetically, 'Raincheck?'

'Okay. Simran?' Bani asked.

'I wouldn't want to impose,' she began.

'Nonsense,' Bani dismissed it, 'I'll just get changed and we'll leave. How does Medieval sound?'

'Just great,' Ranveer called after her, and turned to Simran 'You just get comfortable while I get the bill.'

Bani and Simran emerged a few minutes later and they were off to Medieval restaurant, Ranveer having called ahead to book a place. They had a pleasurable afternoon. Turns out that Simran though shy, was quite the chatterbox once she got comfortable around the people she was with. She had just finished college and her father wanted to introduce her to the business world as soon as possible. Being an only child, her father had pinned lots of hope on her and she was not about to disappoint him as he had spared no expense in raising her. Being around loud people had caused her to be a little withdrawn which spoke of her shyness. And now her father wanted to pair her up with the son of a business associate who was basically ignoring her. That was what Ranveer was giving his oh-so-precious advice concerning.

'It was lovely to meet you Simran,' Bani said.

'The pleasure is all mine,' she smiled happily, 'Wait till I tell my friends who I had lunch with today.'

'See that? Without even trying, I get rock star status,' Bani said to Ranveer.

'But I'll be the rock star of the opening,' Ranveer said, winking at a blushing Simran, 'I will have the fairest of them all on my arm.'

'Okay, save some of that for tonight. How about we pick you up say, seven?'

Bani asked.

'Seven is fine,' she said, getting into her car, 'I'll see you then?'

'Will do,' Ranveer said.

They stood waving as she drove away. Bani was the first to speak, 'I take it you're drawing the battle line tonight?'

'Whathisname does not have a chance,' he said confidently.

'I believe you,' she laughed, 'Listen, thanks for coming out here today.'

'Hey, I should be thanking you,' he said, 'Look how great my day turned out.'

'Yeah, there is that,' she said, 'I'll be off to the salon now. See you later?'

He walked her to her car and she drove off.

Natchiket was having a hard time picking what to wear. One of his girlfriends had retorted at one point in time, 'They all look the same,why not just pick one?'

Trouble was today, he was not just going out, he was going to see someone'Purva Virani. He remembered her smile almost a week ago today. They had sent Ranveer as the representative from the Company but no way was he letting him go alone. He had called Ranveer and the limo would arrive to take them in a few hours. Okay then, he thought about going without a tie as it always made for a different look'.but then he thought that was Jai's style. Finally he decided on a simple formal black suit and a matching black tie with faint white stripes.

He went to get ready for tonight.It just might be the most important one in a long time'

At about half past eight, they alighted from the limo in front of the imposing building that shone bright against the evening sky, a sight to behold. People were already swarming the entrance of the building. They mixed with the different people they met outside as they made their way to the door, and posed for the red carpet. In a world of their own, Simran and Ranveer were having a blast!

Natchiket kept glancing round and round and Bani had to ask, 'Are you looking for someone?'

'Wha'no!' he said with an embarrassed laugh, 'I'm just admiring the place.'

'Aha,' was all she said, knowing fully well he had not once glanced at the d'cor of the large hall they now stood in.

'This way please,' a waiter said to them.

It was the stiffening of Natchiket's body that alerted her and she turned to follow his gaze. She smiled hugely when she saw what he was looking at'.or rather whom. That was their hostess right? What was her name again'.Purva, was it? So that's why he had insisted on coming with them. She didn't blame him for staring at the woman. In a classy grey silk evening gown and simple but tasteful jewelry, she was a stunning sight. Her hair was curled in a stylish ponytail that rested on her left shoulder and well, the overall effect was stunning.

'Can we go now?' she asked him.

'Hmm?' he broke his gaze away to look at her, 'Oh sure, yes. Absolutely.'

He followed her, throwing glances behind him as he went along. Bani smiled to herself. Looked like she was going to be playing cupid tonight for the second time that day. Bani walked behind Ranveer and Simran who were already far ahead and getting acquainted with the group of people their age.

'So,' Bani said when they were all together, 'Find what you were looking for?'

They all looked at her wondering what she was talking about. She however was looking pointedly at Natchiket.

'Why are you looking at me?' he asked.

'Because I'm talking to you,' she said, 'You know, the person in grey, lovely, lovely smile'' she let the sentence trail off.

Ranveer looked at his uncle's embarrassed face and grinned, 'Arre Mamaji, you could have at least told us it was a party for five.'

'I agree,' Bani said, 'Maybe I'll go invite''

'Not on your life,' he had grabbed a hold of Bani's arm, a panicky look on his face.

'Kamal hai,' Bani whispered, laughter dancing in her eyes, 'Brave business man such as yourself afraid of talking to a woman? Oh dear!'

Simran decided to stay out of this one before she became the topic of discussion again. Her parents had arrived and she waved to them.

'Bani, just drop it,' Natchiket said, 'I'll take care of my own business myself.'

'From where I'm standing, looks to me like you need help,' she said. He gave her a warning look and she held her hands up in surrender, 'Okay, do what you want.'

The evening progressed smoothly with Purva making the opening speech on behalf of the Viranis and welcoming them all. Natchiket was visibly tensed as he thought obviously that he couldn't be the only man in the room whose fancy the woman had caught. Maybe he did need Bani's help.

Bani on her part noticed the nervous look Natchiket had given her and hid a smile. Yep, she knew he was too proud to come back and ask for help, but not to worry, she would take care of it. They later moved to the the dining room which had been enlarged to fit the number of people they had been expecting. Dinner was a sumptuous affair as it as obvious they had gone all out on the menu. After dinner they stood around talking and Bani excused herself and disappeared. It seemed like forever before she finally reappeared and surprise surprise, she had Purva Virani in tow.

'They have been dying to meet and congratulate you for your success,' Bani was saying as she pulled Purva up behind her to the group, 'This here is Ranveer Bali.'

'Congratulations Miss. Virani, you have a wonderful place here.'

'Thank you,and thank you so very much for coming,' the woman said in a smoky velvety voice.

'This here is Simran Sehgal,' Bani went on with the introductions.

'Hello,' Simran said shyly.

'And this used to be my boss, Nathciket Walia,' she said with a florish, 'I had to pull him kicking and screaming to come here tonight.'

'Ah,' Purva said, turning stunning green eyes on Natchiket, 'I hope you were not disappointed Mr. Walia?'

'I'no,'Natchiket stammered, 'I' you have a wonderful place here.'

'That's what I said,' Ranveer frowned at his Uncle.

Simran shushed him.

Puva laughed,and this time, the whole group stared at her. It was a deep throaty sound that needed no seduction if that were the intention of the woman. It was a suggestive sound and even Bani was awed.

'I'm honored all the same that you deemed it necessary to grace our humble event,' she said with a pleasant smile towards Natchiket.

An awkward silence followed before Natchiket finally as if snapping out of a daze stepped forward and held out his hand, 'Can I get you a drink?'

A little surprised as if that was not what she had been expecting, Purva smiled and placed her hands in his, 'Of course.'

As soon as they were out of earshot Bani spoke, 'I almost died a thousand deaths right now.'

'Me and you both,' Ranveer wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.

'But he came through right?' Simran said, 'All's well that end well.'

'He better make the most of this,' Bani said, 'I went to a lot of trouble for him.'

Simran who had been staring past Bani suddenly gasped. A murmur had started to go round the hall and Ranveer, seeing the cause began to smile. Bani frowned at the two faces in front of her, wondering what the cause could be. Slowly she turned around at the exact same moment Jai Walia got to where she stood, a breathtaking smile on his face.

'Hello stranger,' he said, dropping a kiss on her cheek, smiling at her shocked expression.

'What are you doing here?' she asked in a breathy voice as she suddenly had trouble breathing, the dream from this morning flashing in her mind's eye.

'You didn't think I'd leave you to have all the fun did you?' he asked, then raised his eyes to the other people.

'Welcome Mamaji,' Ranveer said, 'This is a friend of mine, Simran Sehgal.'

'Simran,' the name rolled of his tongue, his gaze causing the girl to blush, 'Haven't seen you around this duffer before.'

'Mamaji,' Ranveer protested as Simran laughed, effectively being put at ease with his presence.

'Where is that brother of mine?' he asked.

'He's getting his,' Ranveer said before Bani could answer.

'What?' he looked questioningly at Bani.

'Long story,'she waved him away.

'Mhmm,' was all he said, 'Mind if I steal her away for a dance?'

'Not at all,' Ranveer said, 'We're right behind you.'

He pulled Bani away from them and headed to the open space where a few people were dancing.

'You're not supposed to be here,' she whispered as he pulled into his arms, the space between them almost nonexistent as his hand fell on the small of her back.

'I had to see you,' he said in a sincere voice.

'In public?!' she hissed, not unaware of the glances they were getting.

He paused andlooked her in the eye,a mischievous glint mirrored there, 'Would you rather we meet in private?'

She dropped her head as her skin burned at his suggestion, 'You are so bad!'

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself, 'You started it.'

'And now I'm asking you to drop it,' she said, though a small smile now tugged at her lips, 'Doesn't make sense you coming towards the end of the evening.'

'And here I was being considerate, allowing you to enjoy your night before gatecrashing and she wishes I came earlier,' he said in mock disapproval, 'Tsk tsk!'

'You know, I'm not even going to bother trying to reason with you,' she said, and gasped as he dipped her, causing quite a murmur to go through the room, 'What did you do that for?!'

'I wanted to see what you would look like,' he said, a seductive tone to his voice now, 'And I was right.'

Her throat was suddenly dry, and she croaked, 'About what?'

He flattened her palm on his chest, leaned forward and whispered in her ear, 'You look like a miniature Viking princess.'

The sound of his voice in her ear reminded her of her wild dream this morning and her eyes fluttered close as the faintest moan escaped her. It was as though they were no longer in a room full of people. They were swaying alright, but they were not moving. It was immaterial that the cameras seemed to be clicking away and the whispers had increased. They were in their own little world at this point in time, and no one else had access.

Across the floor as they watched what was going on, Simran turned to Ranveer, 'Why do I feel this is going to be front page news tomorrow?'

'Cos it is,' he said, knowing fully well that she had just predicted the future. Anything with a Walia in it was news worthy news!

Purva and Natchiket stood in the distance watching the snug couple on the floor.

'I hate to break it to you, but I think you're looking at tomorrow's headlines,' Natchiket said dryly.

Purva looked at him.He looked a little upset, 'What's eating you? The point is they're here, right? If they are the front page news,the Plaza will be right there with them because they are in the Plaza. It's publicity all around.'

He looked at her, 'I'm not sure I would be so understanding,' he muttered.

She laughed, 'Men!'

OKAY POOJA''''.I HOPE I CAN REST FOR A FEW DAYS FROM UPDATING EITHER FF. HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND DO COMMENT!!!