Second Chance
There should be no occasion where a woman
considers herself subordinate or inferior to a
man..woman is the companion of man, gifted with
equal mental capacity. (Ghandhi)
Bani stood in the kitchen stirring the curry she was making. She could hear Dhir and Neel her two sons playing boisterously in the living room. She was trying to finish making the meal before her husband came home. She looked at the clock, he should be landing in fifteen minutes. Her thoughts were broken by the loud wailing from Neel. She dropped the spoon and rushed into the room to find the two boys grappling each other, Dhir the older of the two getting the edge almost sat on Neel if Bani had not yanked him off. Standing with her hands on her hips, she glared at both them.
"Can't you two play quietly while I get the food done. Wait till I tell your father about the fight. Who started it?"
Neel rubbing his eyes, pointed at the heap of cars, "Bhai just smashed up my cars, I was lining them up in a line pretending there was a traffic jam." Bani watched Dhir trying to keep his face straight, she knew he had probably got bored and decided to annoy Neel. "Dhir, say sorry to Neel and help him line up his cars again." She gave him a look which he understood, and roughly said, "sorry Neel." And sat down next to the cars and started to put them in line. Neel sat down and as Bani walked back to the kitchen the two had forgotten their little tussle and were talking animatedly.
Bani put the finishing touch to the dish and went and turned on the small TV in the corner of the kitchen, listening to the news while she set the table. She turned and stared at the TV as the woman's voice said, "Indus Air flight from Delhi had crashed 200 miles from Delhi. People said they heard a loud noise and saw the plane burst into flame. There are reports of no survivors." Bani turned pale as colour drained from her face, she clutched at the table and slumped on the floor. It was Raj's flight...she knew instinctively itwas his flight. She forced herself to stand up and called Rano and woodenly repeated what she had heard on the news. Then she went into the room and hugged Dhir and Neel and sat with them, numb with fear of how she was going to tell them about their daddy.
Within half an hour Rano and her friend Ranveer reached Bani's home. Rano had key and she opened the door and rushed in. Bani collapsed in her arms and let the tears falls. Rano took Bani to her bedroom while Ranveer took charge of the boys.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two years later....
Bani pushed Dhir and Neel into the bathroom and turned on shower and pushed both in. "Now common soap yourself and get clean. We have to get ready to go to Ranomasi's engagement party." She went into their bedroom and pulled out clothes for them to wear. She placed the matching kurta pyjama on the bed and smiled at reaction the two would show at having to wear them. They hated having to dress up in anything other than jeans and t-shirt and especially kurta pyjama. She braced herself for all the whining she would hear. She rushed them out of the bathroom and into the clothes and then told them to sit in the living room and wait for her to get ready.
Bani took a hurried shower and opened her wardrobe to take out a sari to wear. She reached out for the yellow sari with blue pallu and caressed it...it had been Raj's favourite sari on her. He had gifted it on her birthday the year he died. The pangs of pain filled her heart but she did not break down from it as before. Two years had gone by in a whirl as she made adjustment to her life...her life without Raj. She thanked God everyday for giving her two boys who had given her courage to go on with life. Dhir and Neel had accepted more easily their daddy had gone to heaven and would watch down on them to make sure they were alright. Financially Raj had taken care of it. She did not have to worry about money. It was the emotional burden that had been hard to overcome.
She quickly dressed rushing as she was running a little late. Putting on the bindi and grabbing her purse she walked into the living room and left for the venue with the boys. The hour and half taxi ride to the Walia mansion, Ranveer's mama's home where the engagement was held. The only people Bani had met so far were Ranveer's parent Aditya and Jigyasa Bali. She had liked Aditya instantly but was a little reserved about Jigyasa. Ranveer's mother was epitome of the upper class society woman. The designer sari, immaculate makeup and expensive jewellery all spoke about her status.
The boys got excited as they stared wide-eyed at the huge mansion in front of them, the outside had been lit with miniature lights. Telling the boys to be on their best behaviour Bani mounted the steps to the doors. Inside the place was already filled with people, people she did not know. Bani stared at the overdone dcor in the hall, there were flowers, candles, gauzy fabrics everywhere. She wonder what Rano's reaction was to this…Rano was stickler for minimalist dcor…she hated loud colours and too much decorations. Bani stood at a side clutching the boys hand, scanning the crowd for familiar faces of Rano, Ranveer or Aditya.
After few minutes Neel tugged at her hand, "mom, I can see Ranomasi. I want to go there." Bani nodded her head, "Just be careful you don't run." But the words were too late as Neel hurtled towards Rano only to fall backwards as he crashed into a pair of legs. Bani rushed over and picked Neel up, "Are you ok? She asked him.
A deep voice drawled, "I think you should be asking me? I think its my legs that are probably bruised from his battering." Bani looked up apologetically and gazed into two deepest dark eyes she had ever seen. From her crouching position he seemed to dwarf them. She stood up lifting Neel up, "I am sorry. He was just excited to see his masi."
The man arched his brows, "His masi! She must be pretty special to make him charge like that."
Before Bani could reply, Rano came up, she grabbed Neel from Bani's side and peppered his face with kisses. "yewwwwww masi, not kisses. You are making my all wet." Rano wiped his face with her hand, "there better now." Neel nodded his head and hugged Rano, "Maasi, where is Ranveer masu?"
"He is somewhere. How about we go and find him?" Rano pulled Bani and looked at Jai Walia standing there watching their interactions. "Mamaji this is my sister Bani. Di, Mr Walia, Ranveer ke mamaji."
Rano took Dhir and Neel to find Ranveer, leaving Bani alone with Mr Walia. Bani felt awkward. She shifted slightly not knowing whether to move away or stay. Trust Rano to leave her with her in-law who she had never met before.
Jai Walia studied the petite woman standing unsure of whether to walk away from him. There was no resemblance between the two sisters...Rano was tall, thin, attractive, sharp and with no nonsense attitude. The woman in front of him was beautiful, long black curls held back off her face by a clip, fair skin and a definetly had the right curves. The generous mouth parted slightly in nervousness and the golden brown eyes were glued to the floor at the moment. He felt the urge to run his fingers through the mass of curls and touch the skin left exposed by blue pallu wrapped decorously around her shoulder.
She felt his eyes boring into her and her stomach turned into a tight knot...best to move away she thought. Bani shifted her gaze to his face and gave a smile, "I am sorry if Neel hurt you Mr Walia, now if you don't mind I better find them and relieve Rano."
Not wanting to her to leave yet, Jai Walia, held her elbow, "why don't you come and meet rest of the family and I will go and find Rano and bring the boys back." Warm heat emanated from his touch, she wanted to tell him to remove his hand...she had avoided close proximity with the opposite sex, except for couple of close friends. There was no lack of males interested in dating her but Bani would be blunt and make it known, she had no interest...her boys and raising them well was her priority.
An elderly lady in cream and maroon silk sari sat surrounded by females of various ages. Rano's mother in law was there, dressed to impress, sitting beside was another lady, elegantly attired in a muted blue sari. She threw Jai a smile and stood up and hugged, "Jai Bhaiya, there you are. I have been wondering where you were." Karuna looked at Bani standing beside Jai and thought what a perfect pair they made. "And who is this lovely creature keeping you away from us?
Bani felt a blush flood her cheeks, Jai laughed, "Hello Karuna, letting you mind run wild as ever. This is Bani, Rano's older sister. I brought her to meet masi. If you will excuse me, I will go and find Rano."
Karuna came and gave a hug to Bani, "Nice to meet you Bani. Come and meet masi."
Bani folded her hand and greeted masi, Jigyasa and dadi, Ranveer's grandma who had flown from her home in Chandigarh for the occasion. Jigyasa gave a brief nod and then ignored Bani. Masi asked Bani to sit beside her and then she and dadi launched into the usual barrage of questions, showing sorrow on learning she was a widow with two young boys. Jigyasa rolled her eyes and butted in, "Masi aaj ke zamana badal gaya hai...aaj vidhawa safed sari pehen ki ghar mei nahi baithe. Aaj kaal woh apne zindagi khud banati hai. Kyun Bani meine saach bola na?"
Bani felt a little nauseaous at Jigyasa's uncalled for comments. Masi or dadi did not say anything to deserve such comments. "Ji Jigyasaji, do baache hai, uske bhavishya ke liye saab kuch karna parta hai."
Masi put a comforting arm around Bani, "Beta, issime kuch sharma ki baat nahi hai, hamare zamane ki baat kuch aur thi. Bhagvan ka sukaar hai ke aaj ladkiyaan ko maut jaisa jeevan nahi jeena parta."
Bani sat silently as the conversation carried on around her. No one had ever raised said anything to her about her working and making a life for herself. She had only Rano and no one else to fall back on. Plus since her parents death she had learned early on to take care of herself and Rano. Hard work had lack of money had never scared her. Instead it had made her more determined to succeed. When Raj had come into her life, she had already worked her way up from a clerk to being a manager in the company she worked for. Raj had joined the same company as financial analyst and the friendship and developed into love. Bani had been hesitant when Raj had proposed because Rano was still in college, but it was Rano who had talked with Raj and then both of them had persuaded her to accept. It was like everything had just happened yesterday.
Her reverie was broken by Neel and Dhir coming back with Rano and Ranveer. Neel the chatterbox launched into rapid description telling Bani everything he and his brother and seen and done so far. Once he stopped Bani introduced the boys to masi and dadi. Dadi immediately called them Ram, Lakhan ki jodi and earned another snide remark from Jigyasa. "Aap ki Ramayan yahan maat shuru kijeye."
Ranveer glared at his mother, sometimes he wanted to strangle his mother for treating his grandmother so disrespectfully. Rano squeezed his hand, noting the set jaw. Jigyasa stood up, "Are you two going to cut the cake now. It's getting late and we don't won't the dinner to spoil." She asked everyone to follow them to the centre of the hall where the cake had already been set. Jigyasa signalled Jai to join them and asked him to make a speech.
Ranveer and Rano cut the cake and fed each other. Rano asked Neel and Dhir to come and fed them cake. Of course Neel had to take a large chunk and force it into his masaji's mouth, smearing some of the icing around his mouth. Everyone laughed and Ranveer brought his mouth near Rano and whispered, "Care to taste the icing?" This earned him a dig in the side from Rano as she picked up a napkin and promptly wiped the icing off. Ranveer snuck back, "Chicken!" and planted an impromptu kiss on Rano's lips much to the boys amusement. Rano's cheeks turned pink and she immediately moved away from him and stood huddled close to Bani.
Jai announced dinner being served and Dhir groaned, "Now we are going to have to stand up in long a line just to eat." Bani gave Dhir a look to tell him he was in bad books. Neel pulled at Bani's arm, "Mom lets go. I want to eat. I am hungry now." Ranveer asked Bani, "Banidi can I take the boys with me. I will make sure they get fed. Why don't you and Rano join masi and mom for dinner."
Rano gave Ranveer a grateful look and took Bani's arm and they followed masi, dadi and Jigyasa. Karuna took Jai's arm, "Why don't you join us ladies Jai? As is we hardly get to see you even when you are around. Aaj, no business talk..."
Jai walked behind Rano and Bani admiring the closeness of the two sisters. Karuna tugged his ears, "What are you thinking?"
Giving her lazy smile, "Nothing."
Karuna pinching his arm, "Liar! She is beautiful...Rano's sister. Pity she isn't single."
Jai stopped and looked at Karuna, "Do women have to be singel to be eligible even in this day and age. I thought we were living in the new age and not back in the days of ignorance. I would hate the thought of someone like her stuck in a some obscure corner of the house, forced to wear white and may be have such beautiful hair cutoff."
Karuna arched her brows, "My...my...my dear brother seems to be smitten by the beauty."
Jai gave Karuna a smug smile, "My dear sister there is nothing wrong in appreciating beauty."
Karun hugged Jai's arm, "Now promise I will be the first one to know when you fall madly in love with your beauty."
Jai laughed rather loudly causing Rano and Bani to turn around and look at him.
"You know you guys should give up trying to get me to settle down. I like being single. Life is less complicated Karuna."
Karuna squeezed Jai's arm, "Who said life is complicated by marriage. Look at me and Jigyasa, were are happy with our marriage. You know Ranveer used to say he was going to stay single like you and look at him now. He is hopelessly in love with Rano...and she is a fire cracker for sure. I can see those two having quiet a challenging marital bliss."
"Can we change the subject now Karuna, you are not going to get me change my mind."
After dinner Bani told Rano she was leaving as it was late and boys were getting restless. Rano told her she will get one of the family drivers to drop her off but Bani refused saying she preferred to take the taxi. Bani bade masi, dadi and the rest of the family goodnight. She thanked Jigyasa for her hospitality. Neel clung to Ranveer saying he wasn't tired and he should be allowed to stay up late. His antics brought laughter all around. Bani had to pry him off Ranveer and literally carry him out. Rano and Ranveer followed them to see them off.
Jai stood outside the patio window and looked at porch. He saw Ranveer, Rano and Bani with Neel and Dhir holding her hands on either side. A taxi pulled up and Rano and Ranveer gave quick hugs to Bani and kids and watched them get into the taxi and waited as it drove away. Jai wondered why Ranveer had not asked used one of the fleet of cars sitting idly outside to drive them home.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Karuna sat with masi and dadi watching the dvd of the party. Ranveer had just brought it home from last night and gave it to dadi to see. Karuna watched the camera zoom in on Bani when she had walked into the party. Even among the well dressed guests at the party, Bani stood out in her yellow and blue sari, looking a little apprehensive and clutching the hands of her two sons. "Masi dekho Bani...kitni sundar hai yeh ladki...do baccho ki maa hai phir bhi kaafi young lagti haina."
"Karuna…haan sundar hai, achi hai lekin kismet ne…" Masi couldn't finish the sentence. "Itni chooti umar mei kitna bohja uthaya. Rano ki parvareesh aur pati ki maut ki baad, do do baccho ki jimmidari." Masi watched intently at the screen, she looked at Jai and Bani standing together and sighed. They made a perfect couple...but how could she even wish for what will never happen...Jai had never shown any interest in marriage. Masi knew he had girlfriends...he never brought any of them home but there was enough written about him and his current fling as the papers called them. Masi hated all the gossip written about Jai. She was sure half of it was just concocted to titillate the readers. She had stopped asking him about these girls or mentioning to him about tying the knot a long time ago. Here was a young woman who would make a good wife for Jai but unfortunately she could not even make a suggestion to Jai to consider not knowing how he would feel about a woman who had been married before…and was a widow now.
A few weeks later masi invited Bani over to decide the date for the wedding. She wanted Bani to be present while the pandit gave them suitable dates and also to be involved in planning the wedding. Saturday morning Bani made sure they were ready in time when the car arrived to pick them up. Masi had insisted Bani was not going to take a taxi and a car will be sent over to pick them up.
A black jeep pulled up outside her apartment on time, Jai Walia stepped out and came around and opened the door for them to get in. Bani was surprised to him standing there waiting for them to get in. The boys were excited about travelling in the jeep and rushed in fighting to sit near the window. Jai sorted it out, by telling Bani to sit in the front and making sure Dhir and Neel had their seat belts fastened before he took his seat on the driver side. Bani felt peeved at the way he took over…it was her job to make sure her kids had the seat belts on…who was he to order her about.
Jai Walia watched out of the corner of his eyes as Bani sat in silence. A faint smile formed…she looked too cute, her curly hair pulled back in a clip and wearing an embroidered kurti over jeans and her lips drawn into thin line. Masi had told him Bani was not too happy being picked up…well too bad, she had better get used to it since her sister was marrying into the Walia family. Jai ignored her but struck up a lively conversation with the boys. Like most little boys, they were fascinated by cars, motorbikes and tall buildings.
The boys jumped out of the jeep as soon as Jai opened the door. Bani got out slowly and muttered thanks before walking into the house. Jai stared at her back as she disappeared through the door. Inside masi and the rest of the family fussed over the boys. By the time the pandit arrived the Dhir and Neel grew restless of sitting around and pestered Bani to let them go and play outside. Bani refused not wanting them to wander around outside without keeping an eye on them. She knew how rough they could play and didn't want them damaging gardens.
After watching Bani give Dhir a look to behave himself, Jai said, "Why don't I take the boys outside with me while you talk with the pandit." Masi quickly agreed, "Haan, take them outside, they will noly be bored watching us talk." As the boys raced out Bani shouted to them to behave themselves.
Two hours later and agreeing on a suitable date, the pandit left. Masi announced they should eat have lunch and Bani went off looking for boys. She found them in the back garden and stared in horror. Both Dhir and Neel had muddy hands and shoes. Their clothes too had marks on them. Jai dressed in old pair of jeans was stood in a two feet ditch digging. Jai grinned at her as she stood looking at them. "We had fun didn't we boys?" Then pushing his hair back and smearing dirt on his forehead, "I am going to plant some shurbs here and had the boys help me dig. I hope you don't mind them being dirty, but they enjoyed doing a bit of work."
Bani didn't say anthing, she asked Dhir and Neel to walk towards the house and wait for her to clean them up. Casting an irate look at Jai Bani stormed off towards the house. She took Dhir and Neel towards the back of the house near the kitchen and came out with some water in a basin and a towel. She helped them wash their hands and then carefully cleaned up their faces and shoes. As she finished up Jai walked up to her and bending down whispered, "Care to help me get clean seeing you do such a good." Bani shoved the basin and towel in his hands and said firmly, "Do it yourself big boy."
His laughter rang out as she made her way into the kitchen, riling her more. The nerve of the man, first to get the kids dirty and then he has nerve to tease her.
Later Jai drove them back to home. It was a quiet ride, the boys tired out from their earlier activity. Bani was still mad at Jai Walia and kept her face averted from his. He insisted on walking them up to the apartment and Bani reluntantly walked with him to the apartment. She opened the door and allowed him to walk in. She really wanted him to leave but could not bring herself to be rude.
"Would like some coffee?" she offered. Jai nodded, "Just black please." Bani returned ten minutes later with two mugs of coffee and juice for the boys. She found them hunkered up on the sofa watching Monstor machine show on the channel. He took the coffee from her and sipped it while watching the show. Bani drank hers rather quickly and walked back in the kitchen to prepare supper. She didn't hear him walk into kitchen until he put his cup rather noisily on the counter. Bani turned her head from the vegetable she was chopping and looked at him. "Thanks for the coffee." Jai drawled and then came near her. "What are you making?" he asked her. "Just some mixed vegetable sabzi and rice." Bani carried on chopping.
Jai pushed back a strand of hair that had slipped out of her clip. Bani flinched and looked up at him. Her brown eyes took on a dark shade as she stared at him. Jai stepped closer and brushed his lips on her parted one. Bani shuddered at the touch of his lips, the knife slipping out of her hands. Her hands came up to push him but Jai pulled them back and kissed her again. He lifted his head up and rubbing his thumb at the edge of her lips, whispered "I've wanting to do this ever since this morning. Do you know you look very sexy when you are mad."
To be continued....
