Part 3
Walia Towers.
Jai contemplated the decision that he had taken to give Meera a proper place in his home and the rightful title to her name. A name? he mused. Jai Walia! How will giving Meera his name and a bunch of keys change their relationship, he thought. What is in the name of Jai Walia that would suddenly change their non-existent relationship? In fact he should not give her that status of being Mrs Jai Walia, after all did it not spell doom and destruction to Bani? Did his name save his children, did his name save his sanity? Why burden another innocent person with that cursed name he cried?
How could he live everyday knowing that the name Jai Walia could only be joined with Bani. How could he call out for Mrs Walia expecting to see Bani but instead it would be Meera. But most of all did he really want to give Meera that title. A sudden realisation struck him in the depths of his heart. By giving Meera that title and the keys to his home he had effectively replaced Bani. Sitting upright in his chair he looked as though he was a man possessed. How could he do that? For God's sake Bani was still alive, they were not even divorced in a court of law yet. God dammit he screamed "she is still my wife" . but she deserved it he heard himself say. She had left him, married another man and had a kid from him. God how low could she get he cried.
So then Jai, asked his inner conscience, why the outhouse, why the grief and tears you shed everyday, why the ache you feel in your gut when you try to relive the night of your wedding everyday as you hug her wedding sari, why then the ritual of seeing to it that her sindoor is refreshed on her maang stays there , making sure that she was still a wife, his wife. Knock it all down Jai dared his inner self. She was your past remember. You kicked her out, she betrayed you in the worst possible way . No he cried back no. I can't I won't that is my temple of love. Bani is my love, sinking down into his huge leather chair he closed his eyes.
For the first time Jai Walia was at a complete loss as to what he wanted in life anymore.
Unbeknown to him help was soon to arrive. From sources that he would have least expected.
Walia Hotel.
AD converted the huge living room into a show case of pictures, notes, tapes, and a radio. He was ready. He felt exhilarated. He was going to war.
When Jai's secretary buzzed him he wanted to take the instrument and fling it against the huge oak door. What he barked down the line. Sorry sir, she whispered I have a Mr Aprajith Deb he insists on speaking to you, he said it was a matter of life and death. To hell with him, he shot back.
Hell is where you are Walia and hell is where you are going to spat back AD. the secretary in her haste to escape her bosses fury put the call through and neglected to tell Jai, hence the conversation taking place now.
What do you want Deb? I don't have time for games not today and certainly not with you. Well well Jai what is it that I always wanted he mocked. As always he went on I want Bani it is a simple as that.
Before Jai could retort that Bani was no longer his concern AD had asked Jai to meet him urgently in his hotel suite. No not asked commanded him. This time Jai did fling that darned telephone against the heavy oak door, needless to say his secretary made a speedy exit.
Jai was surprised by Debs sudden call. Now, this call out of the blue suggesting a meeting and something about wanting Bani. It had all sounded most suspicious.
Jai felt physically sick at the thought of seeing Deb again. But he was on his way nonetheless.
The 2 men glared at each other with pure hatred. Well? Jai asked impatiently you called me. AD grinned, Welcome Walia join me for a drink. Jai was in no mood for niceties, sensing his mood AD conceded his offer and instead took Jai to his adjacent room.
Time stood still for Jai. The room was like some sort of museum that show cased his family members. Pictures of them obviously caught unawares. The were some that he did not recognise and then there were those of Bani. Her eyes seemed to be looking at him from every angle. But the pictures of her were not pleasant ones. In these she had a haunted look, and pain filled expressions. She was caught standing in the rain waiting for a bus. Ones were she tended to customers at the bars. Cooking in appalling conditions. Some playing with Ganga? And then one of massi consoling a crying Bani.
What the hell is the meaning of all this demanded Jai.
what the hell do you think it is Walia? For once just take a close look and see what these pictures on the wall are telling you dammit.
Stop this damn charade of yours Deb, Bani is no longer a part of my life he hissed turning on his heel to leave.
You b****** B****** Jai, you want to k now why I am here. Well let me tell you then. I am here Walia to try and save the life of the woman we both love.
That stopped Jai in his tracks
As AD related the sordid story of Jai's and Bani's life Jai felt his heart constrict. This was all a nightmare to him. He felt light headed with tension." I thought…….he seemed bewildered for a moment. "I had believed all these lies all along, but now it becomes all so clear to me, he murmured.
Suddenly he looked older, tired and defeated. AD was thrown back, here he was ready to destroy this man with all the power he had, but instead he found himself pitying the man before him.
What would Bani think of all this, he demanded. You haven't told her have you?
No. not yet. But she should know Walia, and that is your job.
I'm growing a little tired of appearing the bad one in this story, smiled AD.
To his intense relief, Jai understood. Sorry I was upset but it is a shock to be confronted with so much at this precise time Deb, and I see that you have not lost your dramatic ability to bring a point across, Jai said- amusement in his eyes.
The two titans stood. Each contemplating their thoughts to go ahead. While AD found accomplishment in his actions, Jai faced a more torturous time ahead of him. This man his sworn enemy had handed him a second chance, and he'd be damned if he was going to screw it up again.
So Walia are you going to handle this like a man or a maniac.
What do you think Deb, countered Jai.
Like a man Walia, a man, and for the first time Jai had felt that he had made a friend of a foe.
Anupamaa
Indian Idol 15
