Part 13
Bani went to her old apartment. Hired a woman and cleaned the house. For the first time she felt like an alien in her own flat. She put her bag in her room. Changed the bed sheets uncovered her settee helped the woman clean her kitchen. She then went to take bath. Bani deliberately put the thoughts about him behind her. She couldn't bear the humiliation. He mistrusted her. And she hated him for that sole reason. Bani met her neighbor on her way out, exchanged pleasantries, when asked told her she would be here for couple of weeks. When quizzed about Jai, with a straight face she said he was out of town. Her neighbors liked her and they did not doubt her. Bani went to the grocery shop to get things for the kitchen. On the way back she was determined to live her life happily with out him. She spend the whole day arranging things in her house cooking a meal for her reading the mails of her fans.
It was during the bed time she felt miserable. Jai's teasing rang in her ears. She shut her ears with her hands. She went and switched on the radio to get her mind off him.
Na jane kyon, hoti hein yeh zindagi ke sath
Achanak yeh mann kisi ke janneke badh
Kare phir uski yaad,
Choti choti si bath
Na jane kyon
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Rashi was surprised and happy to see Bani in the shop. Bani greeted her happily. Told her she was on to her new book and she will be in her old house when asked about Jai she told her the ready made answer. Bani remained cheerful and Rashi did not ask her further questions.
Three weeks passed and on Monday Mrs. D'mello called Bani in her shop.
Bani greeted her cheerfully.
Mrs. D'mello used to call Bani regarding some office works. She would send the peon to get signature from Bani At times she used to send her the files. Bani did her office work in the shop and at home. She would send them through the Peon to Mrs. D'mello. Bani could have fooled everyone about her and Jai. But Mrs. D'mello knew them better. The woman never asked them any question but prayed to god to keep the children together happy.
Bani asked her about the work and her health. The woman was growing old and she was getting tired at times. Bani had insisted her several times to take rest but the woman wouldn't listen.
At the end of their conversation the Mrs. D'mello told her cabin was ready and Bani can join the office from the next day onwards.
Bani remained silent for a moment; she then told her she would be in the office the next day.
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Bani had cold feet going to the office. She felt like a first time. She had knots in her stomach her chest burned and beads of perspiration formed on her forehead.
Bani walked to the 5th floor. Mrs. D'mello welcomed her with a huge smile.
she took Bani to her new cabin which was opposite of their old cabin.
Bani liked the interiors. It was done in pastel green color.
'So? How's it Bani?' Asked Mrs. D'mello.
Bani smiled. Mrs. D'mello left her to her cabin. Bani resumed her work in another few minutes. At 12pm Mrs. D'mello walked in informing her about a meeting in five minutes.
Bani took a long deep breath to compose her. She knew there was no avoiding him she would meet him any moment from now.
Bani got up from her chair straightened her dress and walked out of the room. She walked towards the elevator and waited. In another few seconds she heard foot steps behind her. With out turning she knew the person. Bani caught her breath. His cologne tinkled her nose. The elevator door opened and she got in and moved to a side. He got in with her. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment. She withdrew her gaze and fixed it on the floor. The silence between them was charged.
The elevator door opened. He moved aside to let her pass. Bani walked a head of him to the conference room.
The meeting went for more than an hour discussing about the new products in the market. Aditya had dropped in between the meeting. He wished Bani and Jai and left immediately after the meeting.
Bani walked to her cabin quickly exchanging pleasantries with the staff.
Jai watched her quick exit. He had been missing her terribly. He missed her terribly at home. Jai hated to go home; instead he would visit his factory and spend most of his time there burying his head in work.
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Bani finished her work for the day and got up. She picked up her purse and walked out of the room. She closed her door and stood hesitantly. Her way was blocked by Jai and Pia.
Bani heard Pia mutter something in his ears and giggle. Bani tried her best to look unaffected. Jai noticed her stand near the door impatiently. He moved aside drawing Pia with him.
Bani muttered her excuse and walked past them.
'Hey Bani.' she heard Pia call her. a thought crossed her mind to pretend to not have heard her then thought against it. She was not affected by them she decided. Bani stopped and turned.
'Hello.' She said.
'How are you?' Pia asked standing close to Jai.
'Fine thank you, hope you are doing well too.'
'Yes.' Pia flashed her brilliant smile.
Bani flashed her smile too.
Jai contained his smile Bani's smile was too artificial.
'I am in a hurry, Pia nice to meet you,' Bani forced a glance to his side. She saw him look at her intently.
'Same here Bani.' Pia continued her sugary smile. Bani turned towards the elevator.
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Bani tried her best to ignore Jai. She spoke to him when necessary. Mrs. D'mello watched their cold war silently. The woman prayed for them.
It was on Sunday Bani was arranging few books in her shop she heard a girl scream her name. Bani turned her attention towards the girl. Her face illuminated.
'Sanju……' Bani ran and hugged the girl.
Sanjana hugged Bani and shouted. 'I found you finally.'
'Bani pushed her away and asked in mock anger, 'when where you looking for me?'
'You don't know jaan I have been looking for you ever since I returned from London. It took me a month to locate you'. She said with a huge smile.
'First let me apologize for not keeping any contact with anyone, I was angry with my dad for sending me to London I was angry with you too to not do anything about it at that time. That's the reason I did not send any mail. I missed you Bani.'
Bani made a face. 'You have been angry with for more than two years?'
'I am sorry. You know how much I would miss you when I go to London. Dad was adamant he black mailed you to support him.. I know the story he told me.'
'I am sorry..' she caught her ears and looked apologetically at Bani. Bani went and hugged her.
The two some had so much fun in their school and college days. Till Sanjana's dad send his daughter to study business in London.
Bani had missed her terribly. In few months Sanju's dad moved else where and Bani lost touch. Bani stared at her friend. She hasn't changed much she thought. She had cut her beautiful hair. Bani touched her hair.
"Sorry I knew how much you liked my hair. But it was too difficult to manage dear so I had to chop them.'
Sanju and Bani chatted non stop. Rashi came to the shop and Bani introduced Sanjana to her. Bani took her for lunch and Sanju ate everything and anything that was ordered. She was still the same the glutton thought Bani affectionately.
Sanjana vacated the hotel and joined Bani to live in her apartment for two weeks.
During their dinner Sanjana told her meeting with the boss in Walia group of industries. Bani choked over her food. Sanju jumped and tapped on her head.
"What happened?'
'Nothing'. Bani said hoarsely
Bani did not tell her about her life so far. She would tell her eventually. She feared Sanju would go to Jai and accuse him of the situation that he had put Bani in.
'So when do you have to go to the Walia industries?' Bani asked sipping her water.
'Two day later.'
Bani nodded and continued with her food.
It was during the breakfast Sanjana complained. "Bani rani today we will go out and buy a new bed.'
Bani arched her eyebrows.
'Don't you look at me like that… you did not give me enough place to sleep last night I tried my best to wake you up, I don't know what you will do with the man you marry Bani.'
Bani turned beetroot red. She suddenly remembered Jai's teasing. Her face flushed again.
Sanjana laughed. 'Honestly Bani you are a dead woman once you go to sleep.'
"Oh Please.' Bani tried her best to hide her embarrassment.
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Sanju and Bani would leave the house in the morning and would be back by evening. Sanjana had few other appointments.
Bani would go to the office try not to meet him.
Appeared only in the conference room when needed. she tried to keep her away from him.
She would then leave to her shop spend little time there, Sanjana would join her in the shop and the two friends would go home together.
It was on Thursday Bani dreaded the meeting. Sanjana would be there and she would know everything about Bani during the meeting. The previous night Bani tried to talk to Sanjana but she did not get time to talk to her as she dragged Bani to new Movie that hit the theatre. It was late they reached home and Sanjana went to bed early saying she was tired.
Bani paced up and down in her office. God! This was it…
She heard a knock on the door. Bani turned her attention to the door. Mrs. D'mello stuck her head.
'Bani, the meeting is in about 10 minutes.'
Bani nodded.
Bani took a deep breath and she walked out of her office to the conference room.
Bani saw Sanjana seated in one of the chairs. Sanjana looked at her in surprise.
Bani smiled at her. Her smile did not reach her eyes. Jai followed after her he took his seat and Bani took her. Sanjana Arched her eyebrows and looked at Bani. Mrs. D'mello introduced the guests to Jai and Bani addressing them as Mr. and Mrs. Jai and Bani Walia.
Bani looked at Sanjana through the corner of her eyes. She saw her face grow in surprise.
Jai noticed the tension in Bani. His eyes followed her to a woman who was seated among others with an angry face.
Bani tried to look at her and convey her message Sanjana adamantly avoided her. The meeting was over. All of them were ushered to another hall for drinks and snacks. Bani followed them trying to reach Sanjana. Sanjana would conveniently avoid Bani. She saw her speaking to Jai and laughing about something. Bani boldly walked up to her and said, "hi.'
'Hello Mrs. Walia. It was a pleasure meeting you.' Bani did not miss the sarcasm. Her face turned pale for a moment. Jai looked from her to Bani.
Sanjana dismissed Bani and went to speak to the other guests.
Bani saw her leave with guilt. Jai noticed her and wondered what must be going on.
Bani waited patiently for the ordeal to get over. An hour later she saw Sanjana walk to the exit she ran after her.
'Sanju….' She called.
Sanjana ignored her and walked briskly towards the elevator.
'Sanju please, I can explain….'
Sanjana ignored her.
Jai heard his wife from the distance and his attention turned to her.
'Sanju… this isn't what you think I can explain…'
Sanjana turned to her with an angry face.
'You cheat Bani… I don't want to do anything with you..' she flared.
'Sanjana… I can explain give me a chance..'
'No. don't bother I am not interested Mrs. Walia..'
'Oh! Sanju what do I do to make you understand…'
'I said don't bother.' The elevator door opened and Sanjana turned to Bani.
'I'll be moving out.. Thank you.'
'Oh no you are not going anywhere unless I have finished saying what I want to..'
'Then try me?' she challenged.
Jai stared at them. This is ridiculous they are fighting like children and who could that be? He thought.
'Sanju…' Bani called her again in desperation and walked towards her. Sanjana tried to get into the elevator the door closed on her face. She pressed the button but the elevator left with out her to the next level.
Sanjana threw her a glance and walked to the staircase.
Bani ran behind her.
Jai shook his head and pressed for the elevator. In another moment the elevator stopped and he got in.
As he got out of the floor to his office he heard Bani's voice.
'Sanju you are making me run unnecessarily. If you walk out on me now I'll not talk to you for the rest of my life'. She warned.
Sanjana stopped on her track and looked at her.
'Okay. Tell me Mrs. Walia what is it?'
'Come on Sanju quit Mrs. Walia …' Bani panted stopping near her.
Both Bani and Sanjana was exhausted with running around.
Bani grabbed her hand and pulled her to her office and shut the door pushing her on the chair.
Bani grabbed the bottle gulped down water and looked at Sanjana.
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Jai looked at the closed door.
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Sanjana stared at Bani in disbelief. Finding her voice she said, 'I am sorry Bani I know how difficult it would be for you to explain everything to me.'
Bani looked away.
'Do you have any idea who was giving you the crank calls..'
Bani shook her head.
'I should talk to Mr. Jai Walia..' said Sanjana getting up from the chair.
Bani turned swiftly towards her. 'No. you will not do any such things.'
'But Bani he is wrong how can he mistrust you? I don't believe this.. Some one is behind all this. We will find out Bani and throw the evidence on his face'.
Bani shrugged her shoulders.
"Don't give up Bani, something is wrong somewhere. And by the way yaar, you married a handsome hunk.' Sanjana grinned.
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Few days later in the afternoon on Sunday Bani received a call. Sanjana spoke on the phone and yelled for Bani to take the call.
Bani were busy in the kitchen making a perfect lunch for Sanju. She wiped her hands and took the call. Sanjana stayed right in front of her as she spoke on the phone.
'Hello..' Bani said.
There was a moment of silence on the other side. Then he spoke. 'Bani…'
Bani's heart missed a beat. She threw a glance at Sanju.
'Bani you there?' he asked softly.
'Han.'
'Bani I have few delegates from US for dinner tonight. They are my dad's clients. The dinner is at home. They expect us to host the dinner…'
Bani knew where this was going. She did not want to go to his house but she couldn't refuse him. She couldn't let her uncle down.
Jai sensed the silence. 'I'll send the car at 5 Bani.'
'Alright.' She put the phone down. This was the first time they were speaking to each other since she left Walia mansion.
Sanjana looked at her and then frowned.
'I have to go Sanju. Some delegates are coming for dinner..'
'And he wants you there?'
Bani nodded.
'Bani you are such a fool after all what he did to you…'
Bani did not let her finish. "I am doing this for Uday uncle…'
Sanju shook her head. 'You know what Bani I have a feeling that you have fallen for the hunk…'
Bani glared at her.
'Oops you scare me…' Sanju said in mock horror.
Bani left her and went to the kitchen to finish her cooking.
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love
Kamy 😊
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
