FF: MIRAGE part 41pg53Updated 20/04 - Page 35

It had been four weeks since their memorable first date and it was safe to say both parties were walking on air. Bani really couldn't stop smiling and well, let's just say that word had gotten around about their dating status and it was being touted all over the entertainment news pages and even on television. It was crazy to be hounded by the media but Bani took it in stride, after all she was dating Mumbai royalty...not that they were any less which was what all the fuss was about!!! Two major empires, both started from scratch and the children of both old and new money dating was worthy news!!

Rano had not stopped teasing Bani ever since it became official, but Bani always had a ready retort when she gave her any kind of grief. Needless to say, her mother was over the moon that all they wished had finally come true, reluctant as she had been in the initial stages. Krishna Walia had tactfully stayed away from their home as she knew quite well that Bani would be embarrassed to no end, and also that Jai had to officially bring her home as his girlfriend before anything further could be said or done.

In her office, Bani, having gone through the initial stages of staring into space, smiling randomly, blushing at the drop of a hat was now more or less relatively back down to earth...at least until he showed up in front of her. That was when all reason went out the window and she literally became like butter on a hot knife!! She was frowning at her laptop screen and trying to make sense of the design that they were to use to launch the Spa which Jai had literally used to get to her a while back, building which was now was well under way under the auspices of her father's maiden construction company. She had had to come down to earth as there was just no way she could daydream and work at the same time so she reserved daydreaming for non-work hours.

There was a short rap on the door and she absently called, "Come in."

The door opened but she had not bothered to look up to find out who had entered her office.

"Yes?" she asked again without looking up.

"Glad to see my Princess can indeed work, what with all the craziness of the last few weeks."

She looked up to find her father smiling in amusement at her concentrated glare at the laptop sitting on her desk. She smiled widely and leaned back.

"Well, daydreaming never got any work done before so I thought I'd come down to earth and get cracking," she said with a quirky smile.

"What are you glaring at?" he asked, coming to stand beside her and look at her laptop screen.

"It's the design for the Hyderabad Project," she said, going back into business mode, "There's something not quite right about it."

"Hmm," he said, peering at it, "Have you discussed it with the design team?"

"I would,but I can't put a finger on what is wrong," she said, biting her nail in concentration.

"The Spa isn't quite finished yet and we still have quite a ways to go so there really is no need to get all worked up about this."

"Not unless you want less work by the time the Spa is up and ready to be opened," she said with a raised brow.

"It's almost lunch time. Care to have lunch with your old man?" he said, straightening up again.

"I would love to have dinner with the young man," she said with a wink, "And what is he treating me to?"

"Why don't we find out when we get there," he said.

"I'll be out in five minutes," she said, beginning to shut down her computer and put in the lock code.

"I'll be outside," her father said, walking out.

She was about leaving when her cell rang. Frowning a little, she rummaged in her bag till she found it. Her frown however disappeared when she saw who was calling.

"Hello darling," she said, a blush already appearing on her face.

"And that alone just made my day," Jai drawled on the other end.

A bubble of laughter escaped her, " What are you up to?"

"I was thinking I would take my girlfriend out to lunch. Are you free?"

"Oh honey, I'm afraid not. Someone beat you to it," she said apologetically.

"Oh," was all he said, "Anyone I know?"

"Mhmm," she said, a wicked thought entering her mind.

When she said nothing further he prompted, "And?"

"And well, we work together on the Hyderabad Project...we are discussing the design that was just handed over to me."

He was silent for a while, "I take it this is a him."

It was more of a statement and not a question at all. She bit her lip to keep from laughing at his possessiveness which she had seen displayed on certain occasions in the short time they had been dating.

"Yes, it is a him."

"Where are you going?" he asked in a calm voice that Bani knew belied his actual feelings.

"He said it's a surprise, and well, I kind of like surprises," she said cheerily.

"Do you now?" he asked, an edge appearing in the supposed subtleness of his question.

"But of course!" she said, and when there was a knock on the door she said quickly, "I think he's here. Gotta go now. Talk to you later love. Bye!"

She knew he wanted to say something but she quickly cut the phone and ran out to her father who was waiting on the other side, a happy flush staining her face.

" I take it you have been talking to Jai," he father said, noting the high colour on her face.

She went into a fit of giggles, "Yes."

Her father stared hard at her as they entered the elevators, and said with a sigh, "What have you done?"

"Nothing too bad," she feigned innocence, "He just misses me a lot and well, I gave him something to think about."

Nishikant made a face, "I'm not even sure I want to hear this."

Bani laughed and gave her father a peck, "Come on Papa, it's not like I want to give you a heart attack."

Natchiket stood by the window of his office, overlooking the city and the nearby beach which was spotted by people who looked more like tiny ants from his height and distance from them. He had every reason to be content at this very moment. It had certainly been easy for him to get back into the flow of the things he had missed out on due to the doom and gloom of the last few years. However today, he was truly a happy man, and he felt Providence had been more than kind to him for having given at this very moment. It had certainly been easy for him to get back into the flow of the things he had missed out on due to the doom and gloom of the last few years. However today, he was truly a happy man, and he felt Providence had been more than kind to him for having given him such a wonderful chance at happiness.

He had taken Purva out, the day after their phone call which had almost given her a heart attack. They had had to go to a restaurant with private dining, briefcases and folders in hand to make it look like a business meeting to the core. He smiled at the memory.

"I hate sneaking around like this," were the first words out of her mouth.

"So do I," he said, leaning in and pecking her, "How's it been today?"

"The usual, but not as stressful as it had once been with the opening of the Plaza."

"I'm glad," he said, and drew the chair back for her to sit just as the waiter came in with a menu, "What would you like to drink?"

"Mineral water will be nice," she said.

"I'll have a glass of white wine," he directed to the waiter who nodded and disappeared noiselessly.

He looked at her, and though she was trying not to be nervous, he could see it in the tense balling of her fist. He smiled reassuringly at her.

"Purva, there's nothing to be afraid of," he said softly.

"Easy for you to say," she said, a slight edge to her voice.

"Look, Jai may have been the big bad wolf for as long as even I can remember, but he has changed," and at the raised brow from Purva he chuckled, "Yes it is true my dear, love does change people."

She shifted in her seat and said nothing, but before he could continue the waiter returned with their drinks. When asked if they would like to order now or later, Natchiket dismissed him saying they would order later.

"How does this work Natchiket? I have to tell you I'm scared out of my mind," she said, her face portraying exactly how she felt.

He took her delicate hand in his, "My dear, I have thought long and hard about this, and I really think it's better if we went public."

Her hand flinched in his but his gaze was steady and commanded hers to stay where they were.

"I know this is scary, and I know is a lot of change, as a few weeks ago neither one of us was thinking about this...but the truth is wouldn't it all be made easier if we just came out and told your in-laws?"

"It's like you haven't been listening Nattu..." she began, shaking her head in the negative.

He smiled inwardly when she called him that, as the only persons who ever did that were sometimes his big sis Jigyasa, or his parents. He however focused on the situation at hand.

"Purva, I have been listening. To everything you have ever said. And yes, I know we have to think about the honour of your in-laws and parents, we have to think of what they might say to your dating someone...I even understand the fear that one day I might realize that you are a widow and pull back..." she had tensed, and made to pull her hand away at the mention of her widowhood but he held firm, "I want you to understand this Purva. I am not a child as to take a step I haven't thought about very carefully. And this I have thought about."

She held her breath, not daring to hope to hear the words she was even then hoping he would say to her. His clasping her hands which at some point had began to tremble lent some assurance to her though.

"My dear, I'm sure of this right here...sure about you. It's crazy how these things happen but it has happened. I love you Purva," he said with the softest of smiles, "I really do."

She had gasped, her eyes literally popping out of their sockets as she stared at him. What had he said? What did he just say to her? Loved her? How ....when?

"Natchiket..." she choked on the ball that had closed up her throat, her eyes watering as she tried to digest what he had just said.

"You don't have to say anything now," he rubbed on her hands that were clutching his in a deathlike grip, "But that's how I feel, okay? And I think it's a crying shame that I have to hide the way I feel about you for society's sake.2

"But..."

"No buts Purva," he said firmly, "As much as this is what I want, we will do nothing without your say so. If it is possible and you feel it's alright, I would love to speak with your in-laws. Soon."

It was all too much to take in and she had burst into tears, unable to decide if she was crying from sadness or joy or just plain confusion! This didn't happen to people like her...it just didn't!!! What had she done to deserve all this?

"There there now," he had taken her in his arms and held her gently, "I didn't mean to make you cry my love.2

"No...it's just...it's just...2 she tried to talk around her sobs but had ended up just plain holding unto him as she tried to digest all that had happened in the last few minutes.

"Shhhhh!" he hushed her, holding her until she quieted down, and taking the hanky from his breast pocket began to wipe her cheeks clean of the tears, "No more tears my love. I only want to see you smile from here on out."

"I don't know what to say," she finally managed.

"Say nothing," he smiled at her, truly happy that he had said what he came to say, and prayed that she would give the go ahead so he could come visit her in-laws before they went to her parents, "So what do you say? Do I come to see them?"

"Are you sure?" she questioned, needing to hear it for herself one more time.

"Never been more sure of anything in the last few years," he said with a smile and absolute conviction.

Not knowing what else to do she just flung her arms around his neck and hugged him real tight. She was absolutely wowed and giddy with happiness, not that that much trepidation didn't come into it as it was a little complicated.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said, a little bubble of laughter escaping him as he hugged her back.

She pulled back and when he looked in her face it felt like the sun had risen once again from the east. She was positively glowing.

"Yes?" he asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Yes?" he repeated.

"Yes!" she said a little louder this time, laughter escaping her.

He leaned in and gave her a small kiss on the lips, still a little mindful of rushing her into anything, "I guess the business of this meeting is officially over."

She laughed at that.

"Shall we order now?"

She happily nodded.

They had been able to relax after the tension of the last few minutes and actually had quite an afternoon. He had taken an interest in all that she did at the office, mentally noting that in addition to his duties in Walia Group he would also have to help her out in the running of the company.

Two days later, he had gone to Virani Offices to meet with her father in law. It had been awkward for him to bring up the topic of Purva, and to make matters worse he had been unable to read the man's face at all. When he was done talking the man had simply gotten to his feet and gone to look out the window.

"How long have you two been seeing each other?" was the first question.

Natchiket was taken aback, but decided that honesty was the best policy in this matter as he didn't know what the man knew.

"A while," he said softly, getting to his feet.

"I see," the man turned back to face him, "And what does she have to say about it?"

He weighed his answer again, "She felt it best to leave the decision up to you."

The man let the faintest hint of a smile curve his lips, "Looks to me like you two have already decided."

Natchiket was silent and said nothing as basically, he didn't even know what to say to the man.

"Okay then, why don't we invite the other party involved?" he said, picking up his phone and dialling, "Purva beta, can you come to my office now? Thank you."

He'd asked Natchiket to take a seat again, and Purva a few seconds later had entered the room, a bunch of nerves, unable to meet her father-in-laws eyes.

"Ji Daddyji," she said, wringing her hands together, concentrating on the floor.

"Purva, do you know this young man?" he asked, gesturing to Natchiket.

She glanced nervously at him as if waiting for some hint as to how to answer her father in law, "Er..ji..Daddyji."

"He tells me you two have been seeing each other."

She gasped at the directness this was taking and prayed she wasn't walking into a burning building, "Ji."

"And this is the first I'm hearing of this?" he asked, looking at her, the same deadpan expression on his face.

"Woh...Daddyji...I didn't know...how..."

Natchiket was on his feet again, giving her a reassuring smile. She however couldn't say anything else and remained silent. Her father in law had proceeded to reprimand her about sneaking around at her age and putting not only herself but the family at risk of ridicule. However, he had commented more to himself about wanting to know how long it would take her to fess up to him about the dreamy eyes she always had while working and her disappearing acts upstairs as soon as they retired, not to mention her disappearing acts during lunch.

Needless to say they had both been dumbfounded. That was the last thing they had ever anticipated the old man would say.

"Daddyji..."

"Rehne do Purva," he said with a small but happy smile, "It's not the way I would like to have fond out but I'm glad to know that my daughter in law will get a second chance at happiness."

Purva had all but dissolved into tears as her father in law hugged and then blessed her. He had asked to be left alone with Natchiket and Purva had had to leave them alone. He had however issued a stern warning to Natchiket that this thing with Purva was more than a simple dating experience and there was no room to be unsure of himself. Natchiket had said he understood the implications of his decision to get with Purva and would not let either one of them down.

Back in the present, it did not get any less press than Jai's hook up with Bani, as the saying went, Walia news was news worthy news. They had dug up all they could find on Purva and her late husband, the occasional flack had been there with the narrow minded people in society but ultimately, the dust had kind of settled.

Aparajeet picked up the little black box with the gleaming ruby in the middle. It was a huge rock...but the woman it belonged to. She was larger than life...at least in his life! He had battled the last few weeks on how to best propose to her...Lord it filled him with trepidation and at the same time, a crazy kind of excitement. It was still hard to believe that a woman like her could think to be with a man like him! For him too! It wasn't the wealth or name or any of that as even she had all of those covered...this was all about him. She saw only him when she looked at him...smiled at him...all of it was just for him. She was selfless when she gave to him, be it her time or her ear, when he needed to talk about the things that bothered him. She still wasn't above giving him the old kiss in the butt when he refused to come out of a depression about anything, be it a failed operation or a patient who didn't quite get the needed transplant or even his fears that this was all a dream.

She was truly all the woman he needed and he felt he needed to snatch her up before she changed her mind or got cold feet, though his mind told him that would only happen hell froze over. But still, the scarred man in him sometimes fought his way to the top and grabbed a hold of his logic.

He was still musing over all this, watching the light as it caught on the ruby, causing flecks of different lights to dance off the ring itself when there was a brief knock and the door was pushed open immediately. He froze, and then when he was able to move, he was unable to move fast enough in order to hide the ring from the eyes of whoever had opened the door. He sighed in relief on seeing who had entered.

Bili, he thought as relief flooded him, and then chuckled as it occurred to him that that was Rano's name for the Nurse who always found a reason to interrupt their date if they happened to be in the hospital.

The shock on her face prompted him to say, with a wink, "Don't tell anyone okay?"

Her jaw that had dropped open snapped shut with a snap and she immediately schooled her expression into one of indifference, "I just wanted to see if there was anything you needed."

"Needed?" he asked in mild confusion, "Not at all, I don't need anything."

"Right," she said primly, and turned to leave, then turned in the doorway, "Congratulations Doctor Deb."

He smiled happily at her, "Thank you...but remember, not a word."

She gave him a tight smile before leaving, "Not a one."

Rano was finishing off work and just about to slide into her car when her phone beeped. Fishing into her bag which Aparajeet always referred to as her bin bag as there was almost nothing you couldn't find in it, she pulled out her phone. It was a text and she opened it.

MEET ME TONIGHT ON THE OLD PIER...IT'S A SURPRISE!

YOUR LOVE, ME.

She smiled happily and excitement filled her as she shoved the key in the ignition. It was from Aparajeet and they hadn't spent time together in a while...besides, he seemed a little distant and she hadn't been able to figure out why. Suddenly something occurred to her. Why send a text when he can call? She switched off the car and picked up her phone again and dialled. He didn't pick the phone the first time.

She tried again and this time he picked the phone, "Hey honey, how's your day been?"

"It's been wonderful, yours?" he sounded happy.

"I got your text," she said dreamily.

"What text?" he asked, puzzled.

"The one where you have a surprise for me," she quipped.

"You got a text from me?" he asked again.

"Yeah...okay I get it, it's a surprise," she said magnanimously, "I'll pretend I didn't call you.2

"Rano, wait! I didn't send you a text," he said with a laugh, "Or is this just a roundabout way of saying you want to see me tonight?"

"I think I wouldn't have a problem telling you that," she said abrasively, mostly because she missed him a lot since he was busy a lot in the last few weeks.

"Come on angel, I'm sure I didn't send you a text," he said, half pacifying half serious.

She paused briefly, then asked curiously, "If you didn't send it then...then who did?"

Even he was puzzled, "I have no idea...wait a minute."

"What..what is it?" she asked, a silent fear beginning to creep up her spine as this was a little strange.

The silence on the other end all but made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on ends...she knew there was something he wasn't telling her...

"Jeet, what is it?" she asked again, unable to take his silence anymore, "Please say something darling, you're scaring me!"

"Calm down Angel," he said finally, "Can I call you back in a few minutes?"

"Why? Jeet..."

"Rano, please listen to me. Just sit tight, okay?" he said, a tad authoritatively, "I'll call you back in a bit."

"But..."

He had already hung up. She stared in trepidation at the cell phone in her hand. What on earth was going on?

END!!!