Well friends, this is the last part. I hope you like it. It's been a beautiful journey with you all. Thanks for reading and writing comments. I have two more SS to finish and I think will be last one I write on JB. Time to move on the other section of IF. For those looking for something different to watch, try out Ek packet Umeed(my fav so far) and Radha ki Betiyaan on NDTV Imagine. They have only just started and are a weekly serial. Henna can vouch for them too.
So this part is dedicated to all the romantics nutters like me.
The Proposal Planner Part 3
Bani lazed back in her brand new office chair and surveyed her new office. The gleaming black furniture, the huge glass window overlooking the Indian Ocean, the warm honey coloured walls…it was her dream office. Outside her office, a receptionist and three other assistants were at her beck and call. A tinge of guilt hit her at abandoning Pushkar but the offer Jai Walia made her was something she couldn't pass by. Pushkar would have never give her such an opportunity. To be the manager director of his new branch of business in hosting events, specializing in proposal and wedding planning.
Her thoughts drifted to the dinner with Jai Walia more than a month back. Instead of discussing her invoice, they had ended up talking about Pushkar, his business and what Bani wanted to achieve in her life. He had been a great listener. He sat there patiently while she had mostly bitched about being the girl Friday at her job and about her dream of running her own business. Afterwards they had dined and chatted away into the early hours of the morning. The manager had to remind them twice they needed to close before they left.
Next day Pushkar had told her he was selling the business and Bani had left the office in tears. Her dream of taking over the business from Pushkar shattered. She had moped around her home for two days until Jai Walia had turned up on her doorstep with flowers and champagne. She told him to go away as she wasn't feeling well to receive visitor, but he patiently stood there knocking quietly on the door until she opened and let him in. Giving her the flowers and champagne, he had pulled out a document and asked her to look it over. Bani had flung herself at him, hugging him and asking him if what the letter said was true. He had looked at the amusedly and told her get ready as he wanted to take her over to see the new offices.
Now a month later, they had work to keep them busy for next several months. Jai Walia left the running of the business in her hands. He would meet her every Friday either at office or dinner and get a brief overview on how things were progressing. Bani looked forward to these meetings, something Pushkar had never done with her. Jai Walia looked forward to the meeting too, but for a different reason.
Slowly he had fallen for Bani, he did not know when and how, but he loved to sit and watch her happily talk away about her week's activity. The bubbly enthusiasm she displayed when she and her team had come of with a uniquea idea. Just her little nuances of pushing her glasses up when she talked, how she would twist her long hair if the strand fell across her face and her just the fact she was always underdressed for the ritzy restaurants they would dine at. He loved the fact that the women would stare at her rudely while some of the men openly gazed at her with interest, but Bani seemed oblivious to it all.
Jai sat in his office staring at his itinerary, he had to go away London on business for two weeks. He was flying out tonight and would miss his usual meeting with Bani. Ideally he wanted to go on Sunday but his client over there had planned events on the weekend and Jai could hardly refuse to attend. He picked up his cell and dialled Bani's number, only to get the voice mail. He left a brief message to say he had to cancel their meeting tonight because of his travel and would she please call him as soon as she could. He just wanted to hear her voice before leaving. Two weeks of not seeing Bani was going to be torturous.
The rest of the day flew by as Jai attended last minutes meetings with his managers and staff to make sure the two weeks he was away the business would run smoothly. It was at the airport while he was waiting to board the plane when he realized Bani had not called him back. He took his phone out and checked missed calls and saw she had called twice while he had been in meetings. He quickly dialled praying she would answer. On the third ring her heard her voice, "Mr Walia! I thought you must have left already. Are you at the airport?"
"Yes. I am sorry I didn't call earlier but had last minute meetings. I am going to miss you Bani."
There was silence. "Bani…"
"Yes Mr Walia."
"I wasn't sure if you were still on the phone."
There was an awkward silence for few moments, until Bani said softly, "I hope you a great trip Mr Walia. Don't work to hard."
"Thanks Bani. You can always call if you need help or to talk things over."
"I will remember that. See you when get back."
Jai stared at the cell phone for a moment, "Take care Bani." And clicked the phone shut.
Bani sat hugging her knees on the sofa in her apartment. It had been a busy day for her too and now she sat alone in her apartment on a Friday night instead of being out with Jai. She sat pondering why she felt depressed at not having their regular rendezvous…he had other commitment so he couldn't make the meeting. Did he really mean what he said about missing her? Why would he miss her? She was just an employee. Maybe the two of them had got so used to seeing each other on Friday that it was natural to feel as if something was missing.
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Jai stared at the familiar face in the crowded hall. Roshni…what was she doing here. Seeing her brought back the painful reminder of their last meeting. He turned away hoping to avoid any contact with her. But it was not to be, for half an hour later a finger tapped his shoulder, "Jai…" When he turned around, Roshni smiled and flicking her hair back, "It is you Jai. I wasn't sure at first but can't mistake you. How are you Jai?" she asked softly.
Jai giving her a cold stare, "I am fine. Couldn't be better." Roshni ignoring his cold vibes turned to AD, "AD this is my friend Mr Jai Walia. Jai, Aparajit Dev."
Jai grasped AD hand in the firm handshake and then turning to Roshni, "I think Roshniji means we were friends once AD. Now if you will excuse me." Jai gave a nod and walked off leaving a fuming Roshni and AD smirking, "Well looks like he still hasn't forgiven you for dumping him Roshni."
Roshni seethed and drew her eyes in a slit, "I didn't dump him AD, I just told him I wasn't ready for marriage yet. I will get him back." And then turning to AD and stroking his arm, "And you my darling AD will help make it possible."
Jai was glad Roshni did not bother him again for the rest of the evening. Unknown to him Roshni kept eye on him all evening and even followed him back to his hotel. While Jai went about his business, Roshni had a PI follow him getting reports on all of Jai's activities. Roshni was disappointed to know Jai had come alone and was seen out and about with any women friends. The day Jai left for India, Roshni too booked the next earliest flight to India. She wanted to see what Jai was up to without her…it was hard to believe a man like him would be without another woman in his life. If she wanted to make her move on Jai, than she wanted to be prepared to chase the other woman out of his life.
Jai drove straight to Bani's apartment from the airport. He did not call her as he wanted to surprise her. On the way to Bani's he already had calls from Adi, his brother-in-law and his masi wanting to know where he was. Jai told them he was going to office as he needed to some files and he would see them shortly.
The doorbell ring caught Bani by surprise. It was early Sunday morning, who would be calling at this time. Seeing Jai standing she was dumbfounded. Of all the people she knew he was the last one she expected. Jai stepped in and did the only thing he had thinking of doing throughout the whole flight, wrapping his arms around her and whispering close to her ears, "I missed you so much Bani." He buried his face in her hair. Bani her heart racing stood still in his embrace, not sure how to react.
Jai lifted his face and gazed at her noting her look of apprehension, smiled at her. He rubbed his thumb on the jaw and rested his forehead on her, "Did you miss me a little?" he asked softly. Bani just nodded her head. Pressing his lips on her forehead, "Good, because I was so scared you would…" he trailed off. Bani nervous from all his attention she blurted out, "Mr Walia you must be tired don't you think you should go home and rest?"
Jai took a step back and burst out laughing, "Bani! Yes I am tired but not tired enough to spend half an hour with you. I guess I gave you shock. Can I get a cup of coffee?"
Bani's cheeks burned red from his laughter and without looking at him she rushed off into the kitchen. Leaning against the wall she took deep breaths to calm herself down. How was she going make him go away? She needed to think and just the thought he was out there sent her mind into haywire. Bani set about making coffee trying to concentrate on task on hand. Setting two cups of coffee on the trays and some biscuits, Bani carried the tray to the room. She set the tray on the table and looked at Jai sprawled out on the sofa fast asleep. She shook him a couple of times to wake him but failed. Resigned that she was going to have to wait till he woke up, she went to her room and brought back a blanket and covered him. She left him sleeping and went about doing stuff she needed to get done. Couple of hours later, the persistent ringing on and off of his cell phone, Bani went to the sofa where Jai was dead to the world. His cell phone was on the table and she looked at it. Just then it rang again and she nervously picked it up and answered.
"Hello." There was a pause then a person asked if they could speak to Jai. Bani absently shook her head and said, "Sir, he has fallen asleep and will not wake up. I tried earlier but could not get him to wake up." There was a soft laugh at the other end, "Don't worry. When he wakes up could ask him to call Adi. And if you don't mind, can I ask you your name?"
Bani said with her breath held, "It's Bani sir."
"Well Bani, it was nice to talk to you. I am sure we will meet one day when my baiwkoof friend gets around to it." The phone went dead and Bani set it on table. She glanced at Jai to notice his eyes wide open and he was smiling at her. Sitting up and stretching, "Who was is Bani?"
"He said to call Adi."
"Oh Adi. What happened to coffee?" he suddenly asked.
Bani told him forcefully, "Coffee went cold long time ago. You wouldn't wake up. It's lunch time." Jai stood up, "So I guess no chance of getting another one?"
Bani shook her head, "Go home Jai. We can talk tomorrow after you have rested."
Jai coming closing and holding her by the shoulders, "Is that a date then? Dinner tomorrow evening?" Bani nodded and watched him leave. She slumped on the sofa and her mind tried to understand the change happening in their relationship. Yes she did miss him and couldn't dismiss the exhiliration she had felt on seeing him. Where were they heading?
XXXXX
Adi knocked on the Jai's bedroom door and entered. He found Jai lying on the bed with his laptop.
Adi smirked, "So Jai, who is Bani?"
Jai set his laptop aside and smiled, "Bani! Well she is the manager of the company we set up. Remember six months back."
Adi crossed him arms and rocked on his heels, "I want to know why my BIL runs off to see her instead of coming home?"
Jai put his hands behind his head and stared at nothing in particular. "I like her Adi, I like he a lot and I missed her like crazy while I was away."
Adi smiled, "Why don't you say you are in love Jai? I think masi will be very interested to know this. She never liked Roshni."
Jai became alert and gave Adi a hard stare, "Promise you won't say anything to masi yet. I am not sure if she feels the same way about me. She's different Adi. I don't think she has ever dated Adi."
Adi arched his brows and whistled, "Sounds like a perfect bahu for masi, innocent, unspoiled."
Jai got out of bed and advanced on Adi, looking thoroughly pissed off, "Promise you want say a thing to masi. I mean it Adi, otherwise I will…"
Adi held his hand up, "Ok! Ok, I want say a thing if you promise to bring her to see me."
"Fine. Now get out so I can some work done."
"Remember you promised." Jai picked up his pillow and threw at Adi's receding back. Outside his room he hears soft laughter and groaned.
XXXX
Roshni sat in her apartment looking at the photos of Bani that the PI she had hired dropped off. So Jai had rushed to her apartment straight from the airport and had been there for several hours. Not much to look at, wonder what attracted Jai to her? Roshni sat drumming her fingers thinking...well she should be easy to get rid off. One visit should take care of it.
It was late afternoon when Roshni walked into Bani's office. Bani greeted her, "Welcome Ms Chopra. How can I help you?"
Roshni smiled, "I am interested in hosting an event. I wonder you can tell me if you your clients have been, someone who wanted something special done."
Bani turned her laptop around and showed her some of the presentations she had. Roshni hardly paid attention to the screen, more to observing Bani. When Bani looked up, "Do you have any questions?"
"This is not to my taste. Do you have something a little more elaborate?" Roshni asked.
Bani hesitated and then opened up the presentation she had done for Jai. She did not want to replicate it, it was too special for her. "We could do something similar on this line if you like. This has already been done and we don't repeat them again."
Roshni flinched as she looked at the photos of the emerald green and blue glass suite. So that is how Jai knows her...her little mistake had...no actually she had helped in throwing Jai into this little wimps arms. Well she wasn't going to sit idly and let her take what was hers. Roshni forced herself to smile, "Thanks for showing me these. I will get in touch with you."
Jai's car pulled in as Roshni walked out the door of the building and he almost slammed the brakes...what was she doing here? Wasn't she supposed to be in London? Jai sat and watched as Roshni drove away. He got out of car and went into the building. Bani was just tidying up her desk when Jai walked in.
"Busy?" He asked as he stepped into the office.
"Not really, had a late client, a Ms Chopra...very beautiful. You just missed her."
Jai flinched, what was Roshni doing here? "What did she want?"
"Not sure. Wants to hold an event" Then looking a little wistful, "I showed her the presentation I did for you...you don't mind. I told her we could do something similar but not a repeat. It was your dream Mr Walia and should stay yours."
Jai shrugged his shoulders, "I don't care for it any more. You can make use of it for other clients if you want, but not her. I think your Ms Chopra was Roshni. I saw her just as I drove up. I don't want her in this office again."
Bani gave him a sharp look, his face had gone hard, he still had not got over Roshni's rejection. She picked up her purse and said lightly, "Shall we go?" Jai nodded and took her hand in his as they walked out. They drove to his favourite restaurant, but instead of their usual table, they were shown into a private room. Bani gave him a questioning look. Jai smiled and pulling a chair out whispered, "Remember we have to talk? I wanted privacy."
When the waiter had left after bringing their drinks, Jai pulled his chair closer to Bani, taking her hand again, he stared deep into her eyes, "Bani will you listen to what I have to say and think carefully about it. I know you might find it hard to believe but I have fallen in love with you. Don't tell me I am confused or am reacting to Roshni's rejection. I had a lot of time to think while away and you are so much more than Roshni. You are smart, beautiful, caring and are really thoughtful person. I know you might not feel the same about me but would you think about and if there is a possibility of us being more than friends, will you tell me?"
Bani's eyes shone with tears. Last night she had spent hours trying to think of what to say to him and now she had forgotten everything she had thought she could say. He sounded so sincere and she did want to be more than friends. She had never thought what kind of person she wanted in her life, but right now he seemed so right.
Jai feeling a bit nervous at her not saying anything, "Say something Bani?"
Couple of tears rolled down as Bani smiled at him. Jai quickly wiped the tears away, "Don't cry Bani. I want get upset if you say no." Bani shook her head and whispered, "I don't know what to say. I think I want...I want us to be more than friends."
Jai's eyes sparkled, "Really! You mean it." Bani nodded her head. Jai took her hand and pressed a kiss on the palm. He took a small gift box out of his pocket and gave it to her, "I got his for you from London." Bani took the box and opened it to find a white gold bracelet with pearl drops. She took it out and gave it to him to put it on her wrist, "It's beautiful. Thank you." Jai fastened the bracelet and leaned over and kissed her lightly on her cheek. Bani felt a warm glow flow over her face.
XXXXX
Roshni wrapped her negligee tight around her and cursed her breath as the doorbell rang again. Her maid had already gone and she was alone in her apartment. She opened half opened the door and looked out. Seeing Jai she opened the door wide and smiled, "Jai what a surprise!"
Jai stood took a step in and slammed the door shut. "So Roshni what are you celebrating that you need to use the services of my company?" Jai asked sarcastically.
Roshni looked surprise, "Celebrate?"
"Yes! I saw you come out of my event company offices. Assumed you must be celebrating something big to want such a special service."
"Celebrate! I plan to celebrate when you slip the engagement ring on my finger Jai." Roshni stepped close and raised her arm to find Jai knocking it away. His dark eyes glinted as he eyed her, "I actually came to warn you Roshni. Keep out of my life. I don't want you anywhere near Bani."
Hearing Bani's name made Roshni seethe with anger, "Didn't take you long to find another to warm your bed. From what I saw, she is not even in league with me or the others that you dated Jai. What is so special about her?"
Gritting his teeth, "Lets get one thing clear, Bani does not warm my bed and when she does she will my wife. And she is special but you want understand because like you said you are not in the same league. Let me ask you something? How long did it take you jump into bed with AD or were you already sc****** him while we were together. Is that why you made frequent trips to London, to keep him warm?"
Roshni winced in pain as Jai twisted her raised hand, "Don't you dare hit me. Truth hurts does it. Go back to AD Roshni. I will never accept you back in my life." Jai did let go of her hand and exited the door. Roshni nursed her sore hand as she stood looking at the closed door.
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Bani looked nervously at Jai as he held the door open for he to get out. Holding her hand he squeezed it, "Ready?" he aksed as they climbed the steps leading to the main door. Masi opened the door as they reached it and gave a beaming smile to both of them. Jai turned to Bani, "Yeh meri masi hai." Bani folded her hands in greeting giving a shy smile. Masi putting her arm around her, "Chalo Bani andhar aayee." She pulled Jai's cheek as she went inside. Bani followed masi into the room where Jai's relations waited. Jai introduce, Adi, his sister Jigyasa and her three children and Adi's mother. All at once the quiet room buzzed with everyone trying to talk with Bani. Jai sat back close to Bani and watched her slowly easing into conversation with masi, dadi and the rest of the family.
He could tell his masi approved of Bani. She had nagged him about bringing Bani over when Adi had let it slip. Jigyasa had been curious about Bani too especially when Jai told her she wasn't from their social circle, Bani was just a working girl. Jigyasa had told him as long he was happy she would be happy with his choice.
The sound of helicopter landing had the family rushing to the window to see a silver machine land on the lawns of Walia mansion. Bani looked at Jai, "Do you have visitors flying in?" Jai shook his head and pulling her close, "It's for us. We are taking a ride." Bani's eyes went wide, "Flying? But I have never flown, I am scared of flying." Jai squeezed her shoulder, "There is nothing to be scared of. You will love it."
Jai and Bani waved at the family as the helicoptor took off. Bani trying hard not to look at the diminishing ground as the bird slowly rose. Jai held her hand, "Just close your eyes until we are up and flying." Bani did just that and felt better. Half an hour later, her nerves not so jarring, she started to look at the passing landscape and found herself enjoying the flight. As the helicopter came over the range of hills, Jai pointed down to the lake Pichola and the Lake Palace Hotel, "Look down Bani, lake Pichola." Bani gasped, "We flew all the way here so quickly. Wow, its beautiful."
The helicopter landed at one end of the hotel and they got down. The pure white palace dazzled in the bright sunshine. The staff quickly bustle around them and soon they were shown into the Sandhya suite. Jai waited for the door to close before he turned and watched Bani gazing in wonder at the suite. The blue and green glass window were amazing. The whole room was filled with a mixture of blue and green light.
"Bani!" Jai called. Bani stopped looking around and stared at him, "This is so out of this world. It's beautiful. Why are we here she asked suspiciously?"
Jai walked over slowly, "Because I wanted to show the real palace...to be here in this suite with you. I know you this is suite is special to you." He pulled her in his arms, "There is no place I would rather be than here. I love you Bani..."
They watched the sun set over the hills, drowning the lake in changing colours. As the darkness settled, a shikhara pulled up, decorated with lights. It stopped just near there balcony. Jai took her hand and said, "We are going for a mini cruise around the lake in the shikara."
Settled in the luxurious seats of the shikhara, they sat in silence enjoying the ride.. The only sound was the lapping of water as the paddle hit the lake surface. Jai slowly pulled out the gold kangans, his mother's kangans which masi had given him in the morning. Holding out the kangans Jai said, "Bani these are mother 's kangans and they are to be passed down to bahu of this house." Sitting down next to her, he took her hands and put the kangans in his hands, "I haven't planned anything special Bani or brought you a ring. All I know is I love you very much and want to marry you. Will you let me put these kangans on your hands?"
Bani looked at the kangans gleaming in her hands, she lifted her right hand and held it out to him. Jai picked up one of the kangans and slipped it on and the the second. Bani wrapped her hands around his neck and whispered, "Have I told you love you too Jai?"
Jai shook his head gazing at her passionately, "Tell me Bani..."
Bani brought her lips close to his and whispered, "I love you Jai."
It was an evening of celebration as Jai popped open champagne, calling masi and telling her the news. The whole family insisted on congratulating to both them. Jai breathed a sigh when he finally clicked the phone off. He turned and watched the glowing face of Bani as she gazed at the kangans on her hands. She had been doing ever since he slipped them on, another one of her little quirk...being fascinated by things he found endearing. Holding her hands up, he kissed each of them and then pressed a soft kiss on her cheek.
THE END
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
