Hi everone
this is also a pending MOTW tassssshhhhhhhhhkkkkkkkkkk I am boring you with. Kushboo asked me to write a story with the same story as KS in the begining (you know the good times) but with Bani as the businesstycoon and Jai as the one who is asking for shelter with his family. He will marry Bani as her fiancee has left the mandap.
I really hope you will like this story Khushboo. It is more then 6 pages in word so i fulfilled most of the conditions I guess. The title I have given this story is a temporary one. It is your tassssssshhhhhhkkkkkk to give this story a suitable title.
now i can finally go back to updating 'Illicit love' 😆😆😆
love,
Ranjana
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Buznezz week (article)
Bani Dixit, daughter of the late Nishikant Dixit, yesteryears biggest businessman, will tie the knot with Pushkar Shukla. Pushkar Shukla worked as a manager for Nishikant Dixit and will now be a partner along with his 25 year old fianc. The wedding will be cermonised in the newly opened Dixit hotel in Mumbai in a week. Bani Dixit will continue to remain on the board of directors along with her sister and brother-in-law and will continue her post as the director of Dixit group of Industries.
Bani dixit came down the stairs in her Bridal finery looking like the epitome of the shy Indian Bride. Everyone who knew her knew that this was not Bani Dixit like she was every day. The shrewd businesswoman who's word was law in her house was hidden in the layers of her bridal saree and the weight of her gold jewellery. Escorted by her sister Jigyasa and her niece Anu, she sat down next to her fiance, her husband after a few minutes. The priest started chanting the wedding hymns and Bani drifted off to her word that would change again in a few moments. Her would be husband was her fathers protge. Her father always had a soft corner for this boy after Nishikant Dixit met Pushkar at the age of fifteen, looking for a job. Pushkar literally grew up in their house and was educated by her father. When Nishikant DIxit died 7 years ago he made it clear that Bani was to be married to Pushkar when Bani was ready for it. Pushkar who was 20 years old at that time promised Nishikant that his wish would be fulfilled if Bani would agree. Seven years later Bani finally thought it would be a good time to fulfil her father's wish. She had handled her father's business from the age of eighteen. Her sister and brother-in-law could not take over this responsibility due to some personal reasons. Bani matured in these seven years and has lived the live and taken the responsibility of maybe a forty year old. Next to her sister and brother-in-law Aditya she took care of their three children and Aditya's mother who all lived with her in Dixt Mansion. The Dixit group of companies has flourished under her care like it never had before. Bani was counted in the list of most successful businessmen on the planet. Before Nishikant Dixit's death Bani was a simple girl with simple dreams. The wealth surrounding her never made an impact on her unlike her sister. Bani was the light of the house, she took care of everyone personally, but somewhere this Bani got lost or hidden behind the harsh exterior of the businesswomen Bani Dixit became.
Bani returned back to the moment when she heard the priest say it was time to fill her maang. A red cloth was put over the bride and groom to shield them from the eyes of the world. Bani looked at her groom for a while when jigyasa helped them by pushing Bani's maang tika aside. Bani looked down not because she felt shy, but because she felt awkward. Pushkar's face was covered by the flower sehra and Bani was glad for that. Pushkar was still just Pushkar. They were not friends, nor ever behaved as an engaged couple. There was a good understanding between them but it was never more than that. The Bani that was there seven years ago would cry because she would not marry her prince charming, but the Bani who existed now knew this was an important and delicate matter to her family and she had to marry Pushkar. Her family wanted this to happen.
when Bani's maang got filled she felt a strange touch. The few times Pushkar touched her, it was never like this. Bani shrugged the thought off, thinking she was imagining things.
sooner than Bani had expected, the wedding ceremony was over. She was now married, to Pushkar SHukla. Mrs. Bani Pushkar Shukla.
It was decided that Pushkar and his family would live with them in DIxit Mansion. Bani was waiting for her husband in her room thinking of the rituals, like coming in and kicking the rice filled Matka and playing the game where a ring was to be retrieved from a thali filled with coloured water. she had noticed the strange touch again and again when Pushkar had touched her. Were her feelings really changing since the got married or were Pushkar's feelings chancing? She could not look at Pushkar since his face was still covered with the sehra and Bani's face was covered with the red chunari.
suddenly Bani heard the door klick. She could see a pair of feet coming up to her. Bani looked down at her own feet. She could see the flower sehra come off and fall on the bed. Bani felt someone tapping on her shoulder. Out of curiosity Bani looked up and got the shock of her life. It wasn't Pushkar who was in her room. It was her employee, Jai Walia standing in a Dulha's sherwani.
"What the h*ll are you doing here? Don't you have some manners? Mere kamre me kya kar rahe ho? Get out?" Bani yelled on the top of her lungs.
"Madam, I'm sorry, just listen to me. Please Madam."
at that time Jigyasa and Aditya walked into Bani's room. Turning to them Bani ordered "Jiju, security ko bulao. Yeh mere kamre me ghus aaya hai. Mr. Walia I thought you were a decent mna but I was wrong. You better get……"
"Bani calm down please, humari baat suno. Don't create a scene." Aditya pleaded. He knew that Bani's temper could be terrible. Keeping her cool was only something he could do. Ever since her got married to Jigyasa, Aditya and Bani were more brother and sister than Jija- saali. Breaking the news was his responsibility now.
"Bani listen to me sweety, calm down. Pushkar bhaag gaya hai. Kal woh bhaag gaaya tha. Hume kuch soojh nahin raha tha. At the last moment we decided and persuaded Jai to take his place, Bani."
Bani kept looking from Aditya to Jigyasa and back to Aditya again. she could not believe that these people would crack such a joke. But looking at their faces she knew that this was not a joke. this was real. Bani looked at Jai, got of the bed and walked to the window.
seething with rage she asked: "Pushkar kyun bhaaga?"
"Woh kisi aur se pyaar karta hai Bani." Aditya said nervously.
"Kis se?"
"Is do kauri ke insaan se poocho?!!!" JIgyasa fumed. "Isi ke behen ke saath bhaaga hai woh kameena!"
Bani turned around and looked at Jai. "Didi, Jiju. Please humdono ko akela chor dijiye." She said all the while glaring at Jai. there was not question now of defying Bani. Jigyasa and Aditya left the room. Aditya gave Jai a sympathetic glance before he left.
Bani looked at Jai with a sarcastic smile on her lips "So Mr. Walia. Ow I'm sorry. Mere pyaare patidev. Care to inform me ki humari shaadi kaise huwi? I have a feeling that you know where Pushkar is. He is your brother-in-law after all."
"Ms. Dixit mujhe pata nahin Pushkar aur Pia kahan hai. I really don't know, mai khud nahin jaanta ki woh dono kahan hai. Pia only left me a note saying that she is going with Pushkar. When I got to know I told Aditya sir as soon as possible. he asked me to do all this."
"Why do I find that hard to believe? Pushkar 'ran away' with Pia. Jab tumko pata chala you gladly took Pushkar's place right. Biwi ke saath saath achchi khaasi jaaydaad bhi mil jaayegi. For someone who came empty handed with his two sister, begging for a place to stay, this is a major improvement don't you think. Dixit hotels ke Banqueting Manager se Dixit group of Industries ke maalik. Ek hi waar me outhouse se seedhe Mansion me, haina?"
"Madam, aisi koi baat nahin hain. The circumstances were such ki kuch soodjh nahin raha tha. And….." Jai tried to explain.
"Cut the crap Mr. Walia and spare me!!!!" Bani yelled."Bani Dixit ko dhoka diya hai tum sab ne. Pushkar se milkar plan banaaya hoga. But let me tell you this. You will regret the day you came in this house. you will regret the day you stepped into this marriage and you will regret the day you were born! Raha sawaal Pushkar ka, to uski sazaa mai usko doongi. He will know who he has deceived. Now Mr. Walia. Get out of my room before I call the security to get you out of here."
Jai left the room quietly.
Jai went to the outhouse were his sister was still sitting and waiting for him.
"Bhaiyya kya huwa? Kuch pata chala Pia ka? And what did Ms. DIxit say? " Rano asked.
"She is mad Rano. Aur hona bhi chaahiye. She has been deceived. If only I could convince her that I did not deceive her. her family wanted me, forced me to do this. Pushkar aur Pia ne achcha nahin kiya. Ms. DIxit unko choreng nahi. I have to help them."
"No Bhaiyya. You don't. Pia ne ghalati ki hai to usko sazaa milni chaahiye."
Jai looked at Rano. "Nahin Rano. Madam ka gussa bahot gharaab hai. kuch bhi kar sakti hai."
Rano hugged Jai. "Bhaiyya, aap ko nahin lagta hai ki humne yahaan aakar ghalati ki hai. we should have stayed back in our house."
"No Rano we did not have any other option. Papa's business was down before he left it to me. It took me twelve years to pay of all the debts. In the meantime I had you two to take care of. In the end even our own house got sold off. Papa always told me that for some reason I could always count on this family. I could even live on the road, lekin do jawaan behno ke saath mai kahan jaata? We did not even have a roof over our heads. That is why I came here with you two. Tumhari parhai, meri naukari sab lag gayi. Ms. Dixit insisted we stayed near her family because of the friendship our fathers shared. Otherwise I would have moved out a long time ago. Tab shayed yeh naubat nahin aati." Jai said with tears in his eyes. "but you don't worry. Off to bed now, kal subah jaldi uthna hai. divorce ke papers ready kar ke we will leave from here."
Rano started crying. "Bhaiyya mujhe bahot darr lag raha hai."
"Pagli, why are you crying when I am here. Accha chal. Come and sleep in my room."
Rano slept in Jai's room while Jai patted her to sleep like he did when she was a little girl.
Bani came down in a plain long skirt and a white shirt when Dadi reprimanded her for being dressed this simple as a new bride. Bani could not defy Dadi and when Jigyasa told her about the press meeting in the morning Bani went up to change. She wore a red silk saree with simple embroidery and simple jewels. Against her own wish she had to fill her maang and wear her mangalsutra. Jigyasa was looking at her all the time so she could not skip these items. She Bani suddenly heard a knock. Jai entered the room.
"Didi aap please bahar jaayiye?!" when Jigyasa left the room she looked at Jai with a vindictive smile. "Kyun mere pyaare patidev. Kaisi rahi aap ki suhaagraat?"
Jai ignored her comments and handed her an envelope. Bani looked at him and smiled.
"Itni jaldi divorce. Abhi abhi to humari shaadi huwi hai."
Jai looked at Bani. "Dekhiye aap is shaadi ko nahin maante, mai bhi nahin maanta. It's better to end this right here, right now."
"I dont think so Mr. Walia. Abhi to khel shuru huwa hai. you have done what you had to do, I still have to do, what I want to do. Pushkar mere haathon nahin bachega. Aur iske liye mujhe tumhaari, ow sorry, aapki zaroorat paregi. I know that you love your sister a lot. Sooner or later she will contact you and at that time Pushkar will be begging me for mercy. Mujhse dhoka karne ka anjaam accha nahin hai, aur is dhokhe me aap bhi shaamil hai!"
Jai wanted to explain to her that it wasn't the way she thought it happened. But before he could open his mouth Aditya called them to go to the press meeting.
At the meeting the press fired all kinds of questions at Bani. When Jai wanted to say something she whispered him to shut his mouth. That is what he did. After the press conference there was a reception planned. Jai and Bani avoided each other. Bani was busy with he guests and Jai was around Rano constantly, trying to keep her at ease. Aditya joined Jai and tried to make him comfortable at the same time. Bani refused to have a first dance with Jai, and she got what she wanted. What she did not know was that Dadi told Jai to live in the house form today. Jai could not refuse her even if he wanted to and after Dadi prmised Jai that she will convince Bani , Jai could not back out.
After the party Bani went up to her room. She got livid when she saw Jai sitting there.
"dadi wanted me to stay in this house. " Jai answered before Bani could scream at him.
"Dadi ne ghar bola tha. Kamra nahin."
"I know, but Dadi wants us stay in this room. I could not refuse." Bani wanted to shout at him but did not get the opportunity as his mobile started ringing. She could only hear his side of the conversation. It was Rano and she was asking where Jai was. she was getting scared by herself in the outhouse, but Jai did not want her to come amidst all the tension that was going on until Bani said "She can come and stay here for the time being. Ek ko jhel rahi hoon, doosre ko bhi jhel loongi."
Jai and Bani were living in one room for the past four weeks, but were not talking to each other except when Bani was making a remark about Jai. She never tried to hurt Rano as she never thougt that Rano had anything to do with Pia and Pushkar's eloping. But that did not mean that Bani talked to Rano. Bani's snide remarks at Jai did hurt Rano a lot, they were both paying for someone elses mistake. A week had passed by when Pia called Jai for the first time after she ran away. Jai was not in the room and Bani picked up after she saw Pia's name flash on the screen.
Pia: "Bhaiyya, Bhaiyya. I'm so sorry Bhaiyya, Bhaiyya please say something."
Bani( with a sarcastic voice): "Pia. How are you? Shaadi ho gayi tumhari aur Pushkar ki?"
Pia: ….uhm……uhm……Bani Madam…….aap……."
Bani: " what is this Pia, you are calling your Bhabhi Madam. That is not nice. Ow. Maybe you don't know. Meri shaadi Puskhar ki bajaai tumhare Bhai se ho gayi"
Pia:……………..
Bani: "Ab tum dono bhi ghar aajao. I will welcome both of you personally. Especially Pushkar. After all he is the damaad of our family."
The sarcasm in Bani's voice was noticed by Pia. She wanted to disconnect the line when she heard bani say :"Here Pia, tumhare Bhaiyya bhi aa gaye. Baat karo unse"
Bani threw the phone at Jai when she saw him come into the room and Jai cached it effortlessly. Bani left for her study while Jai talked to Pia.
Jai: "Pia, kahan ho tum? I have looked for you everywhere."
Pia: "Bhaiyya I am sorry. Everything happened so fast that I could not tell. And pushkar could not tell Bani madam because of the circumstances.
Jai: "Pia how could you? If you both had told her or me we would find a way to get out of this. Bani is not that bad as you think she would never come in between of you. But she never forgives deceit and that is what Pushkar did to her. And I cant believe you want to spend your life with a man who cant take care of his life. He deceived Bani and he will see the consequences of that. I am just scared for you. Tum bolo ki tum dono kahan ho. I will take care of everything. She wont do anything."
Pia: Bhaiyya……I have to go, bye!
Jai: Pia!!! Pia!!!
Pia had disconnected. Jai did not know what to do now. He had searched for her and informed abot her wherever he could, but he could not get any information about Pia and Pushkar.
Rano was right. He had spoiled her too much and now she did not even ask about how Rano was, or how he was doing. She eloped and defamed her family. She jeopardized Rano's future. But what ever has happened and will happen, Jai had to protect her, he had to fulfil his duties as an elder brother. Jai left Bani's room to tell Rano about Pia's call when he heard Bani talk in her study. "Just tell me where the last number came from on this particular number. Urgently!"
Jai saw Bani scribble something on a notepad. After that she put the phone down when she saw Jai standing in the doorway. "Bad manners Mr. Walia. You shouldn't eavesdrop." Bani glared at him.
"You cant do this Ms. Dixit, tum Pia aur Pushkar ko nuksaan nahin pohchaa sakti ho"
"Think again Mr. Walia. think again. who is going to stop me? Aur mai Pia aur Pushkar ko nuksaan nahin pohchaana chaahti hoon, I just want to give pushkar his dues. If you can, save your sister I don't want to harm her in the process."
Jai kept looking at Bani. "Mai utni bhi buri nahin hoon jitna ki tum sab samajh rahe ho. Pushkar has deceived me and my family. Usne mere aur mere papa ke vishwaas ka mazaak uraya hai. What was he thinking, that I would force him to marry me? He knew me better than that!" Bani smashed the pen she was holding in her hand on the floor. she turned around when Jai came and stood behind her. He could hear her sob. Jai placed his hand on her shoulder when she shrugged it off. "Don't touch me! All men are the same, bas apna faiyda dekhta hai!"
"that is not true Bani, that is not true." It was the first time Jai called Bani by her name, in front of her.
Bani soon found out where Pia and Pushkar were hiding. She paid a few men to kidnap them and bring them to Mumbai. Before that could happen Jai overheard Bani's conversation and reached Pia and Pushkar's hotel and brought them back to Mumbai. He got them married and hid them in the outhouse where he used to live before. Bani would never think of looking there. Aditya helped Jai because he thought Jai was right in his actions. Bani was fuming with anger when she found that Pushkar had escaped from her. she could not care about Pia she just wanted to get her hands on Pushkar and teach him such a lesson he would remember for the rest of his life. And she wanted to do this face to face, she was not the kind of person who would fight through family members and friends. If she really wanted to, she could have destroyed Pushkar's family a long time ago, but that was not her style of fighting. Bani soon got to know that Jai had helped Pushkar escape. Jai was not in town at that moment as Bani had given him an assigntment out of Mumbai. Bani decided to ask Rano. She went to Rano's room when she heard Rano talk over the phone.
Rano: "Stop calling me!! I don't want to know you and I don't know you! Just get out of my life!!"
Bani could only hear her side of the conversation.
Rano: "No. Just stop calling me!! Otherwise I will call the police! No!!!"
Rano threw the phone in her hand on the bed and broke down crying.
Bani hurriedly entered the room and looked at the phone. She tried to retrieve the last number, but she saw it was a private number.
"Rano, kaun tha?" Bani sat across Rano. She did not answer Bani's question, but started crying more instead. Bani placed her hand on Rano's shoulder after which Rano hugged and continued crying. Bani noticed that Rano was shaking with fear.
"Rano who was that? Why are you shaking?"
Rano was still sobbing. "Rano I promise nothing will happen. You can tell me."
Rano told her about the crank calls she received. All the calls got worse day by day. This time the person threatened to kidnap her. his vulgar talks scared Rano to death.
"Did you tell you brother?" Bani asked.
Rano nodded her head in a no. "Mujhe darr lag raha hai, pata nahin Bhaiyya kya kar baithe."
Bani smiled. "You don't need to worry. I will make sure we will find out who is doing this. Trust me he wont dare to harm you. You freshen up and get some sleep. You have studied all day today. you need to rest."
Rano wiped her tears. "Thank you madam."
"Madam mat bolo." Bani looked at Rano and smiled. She took Rano's phone and left the room.
Bani tried to find out where the calls came from. She made sure Rano was safe all the time. Bani used to drop her off and pick her up from college herself protected by Bani's personal revolver. Bani had a bodyguard posted outside the college at all time. Rano felt relieved and safe by all the protection. Bani had a private investigator working for her and in four days he got the identity of the caller. It was a student who was rejected by Rano at first. He could not handle the rejection and thought that was a perfect way to take revenge. Bani has him arrested. She had forgotten about Pushkar all this while. It seemed like Rano's security was more important then her revenge.
two weeks later Jai returned home. He was worried about Pia and Pushkar. He wasn't sure if Bani found out about them, although he had heard nothing, not even from Rano. He had noticed that Rano was slightly disturbed but he could not tell why and she did not tell herself. Jai was relieved that Bani did not find out where Pushkar was. did she give up her plan of taking revenge? If Bani wanted something she got it no matter what, so how come she did not find Pushkar yet? Aditya accompanied Jai to the outhouse that night, careful enough so nobody would know. Pia and Pushkar were fine although they were scared. Nobody noticed anything in Jai's absence and Aditya had taken care of both of them. Even Rano did not know anything.
while Pia, Pushkar, Jai and Aditya were talking Pushkar also worded the thoughts Jai had a few hours ago. How come Bani did not find out about them yet? It was then that Aditya informed the three of them the calls Rano got and Bani being busy finding the culprit. Aditya mentioned how disturbed Bani was the last few days and how she had kept a track on Rano so she could easily help her if Rano was in trouble. Jai felt relieved and grateful to Bani for taking care of his little sister like this. He knew Bani was not a bad person at all. She was hurt by Pushkar's behaviour and God willing it would all be all right after a while.
when Jai returned to the house he met Rano who could not stop singing Bani's praises. Jigyasa was looking like she had eaten a lemon when she saw Jai was back. How she wished he could disappear for ever. Her stubborn sister refused to sign the divorce papers until she had Pushkar standing in front of her. Pia would return sooner or later , either married or heartbroken because she loved her brother a lot. At that time Bani would get Pushkar's whereabouts. Till that time Jai had to live in this house.
Jai went up to Bani's room to retire for the night when he saw Bani standing in front of the window dressed in a white sari. A bit hesitant he said: "Thank you. For saving and protecting Rano. I am really grateful for that."
without turning around Bani answered: " It's all right. I would have done that for anyone." For a second Bani had the feeling like she was lying. Rano wasn't just anyone. she liked Rano a lot. If the circumstances would be different then they could have been friends, but Bani Dixit was not destined to have friends.
"Still, I want to thank you. Even though you hate me and my sisters you helped Rano and…."
"I don't hate you." Bani interrupted him.
" excuse me."
Bani turned around. Here face was stained with dried tears. "I don't hate you and your sisters. I know that you had nothing to do with Pushkar running away. I knew it the second day after our marriage when you came with the annulment paper in which you made no claims to the property or anything else. I was just too hurt to let it sink in. I'm sorry my family forced you to marry me. Mai to maafi maangne ke kaabil nahin hoon so I wont ask for forgiveness for what I have done to you. I just….I don't hate you, nor Pia and defenitly not Rano. You are a wonderful person, even though we stayed in this room you have never done anything even when you had your chances. Rano Bahot acchi hai, usse nafrat karna ka sawaal paida nahin hota hai. as for Pia, saccha pyaar bahot mushkil se milta hai. I can understand why she did what she did. Agar mujhe bhi mere pyaar milta to shayed mai bhi………lekin yeh meri kismat me nahin. Kyunki mai hi buri hoon. Papa bhi isiliye mujhe chor ke……." Bani turned around again. Even though Jai could not see her face he noticed she was crying silently. THE Bani Dixit was crying in front of him. The woman who made his life miserable for the past few moths was letting her guards down for the first time in front of him. In the beginning Jai thought that he would enjoy the moment this woman would cry in front of him, but at this point there was nothing more important to him then to take over her grief. Her appearance was so innocent at that point, she did not deserve these tears. Jai walked up to her. he stood next to her. Bani was holding the sides of the opened window.
"What happened?"
Bani did not respond. "Bani"
she broke down crying. " It's Papa's death anniversary and my birthday, lekin kisi ko yaad nahin hai." she said in between sobs.
Jai watched Bani cry in amazement. How could her family members forget the death anniversary of the man who gave them everything? How could they all forget the birthday of the person who let them continue their comfortable lives while she gave up everything? Now the white saree and the smudged tika on her for head made sense. Jai put his hand on hers. " I'm sorry Bani."
He let Bani cry for a while before he continued. "Maybe they did not forget. Maybe they will wish you later."
Bani looked at Jai. Her eyes were red. She had been crying all day now.
"I'm not cryining for my birthday Jai! Aaj papa ki barsi hai. Har saal ki tarah mandir me pooja karwaai hai, but nobody came. No one. They all forgot because they were all involved in their own little lives. I used to remind them every year but this year I didn't. That is why they forgot about papa. Aisa lagta hai papa unke liye kabhi the hi nahin."
"Maybe his death did not change a lot for them?" Jai said.
Bani's tears trickeled down her cheek. "How cant it mean anything for them? Papa unke bhi kuch lagte hai! Unki zindagi se woh chale gaye the!"
"I don't think so Bani. Sab se zyaada tumhari zindagi badli hai. You took care of everything. Mr. Dixit's death affected you the most, changed you the most. Shayed isliye tum bhool nahin paati ho. Everyone else got on with their lives. I don't say that they are right, they are absolutely wrong today, but you cant expect them to mourn when they have not lost a lot." Jai said while looking out of the window.
His words made sense to Bani. Her life took a 360 degree turn when her father died. The rest of the family missed him, but their lives did not stop at that incident. Bani never got over her father's death. She missed him every day.
Bani retreated her hand and moved away. she sat down on the sofa in her room and took out the family photo album. She had started glancing through the different pictures when she noticed that Jai was still standing near the window. Bani walked up to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Thank you Jai. you are really a good person."
Jai smiled and nodded his head. "Bani I have to tell you this. Pia and Pushkar are at the outhouse at the end of the premises. They have been here all the while, ever since I took them away from the hotel."
"I know Jai, I found out three days ago."
Jai was surprised by this piece of information. "To phir tumne kuch kiya kyu nahin, you had your chances."
"It didn't seem important anymore. Jab Rano ko phone call aa rahe the, it was the only thing I could focus on. Nothing seemed important anymore. And when I was in the mandir today it felt pointless fighting against my own people. Jiju was on Pushkar's side. Pushkar was a friend whom I lost in the process. Daadi wasn't talking to me anymore. Sab be matlab lag raha tha. i only wanted to share my life with someone who understood me, like papa did. Someone who would love me without wanting anything from me. But I forgot that it is all in destiny's hands. I cant fight destiny can I?"
"No, you'll end up losing everything like me" Jai said.
"like you? Matlab?"
"Kuch nahin"
This time Bani placed her hand on Jai's hand.
" It's really nothing Bani. Just your story is somewhat like mine. Tumne doosron ke liye apni zindagi badal di, tumne doosron ke liye khud ko bhula diya. Now those people are taking you for granted. They don't even remember your birthday. Trust me I know how it feels like."
"Maybe you do jai, but you have two sisters who love you to death and I have a family who counts on me and loves me." Bani explained Jai.
"Then why are you this unhappy Bani?"
Bani could not answer this question. She was unhappy. She felt miserable for the past seven years but nobody noticed. Jai was the first one.
"I miss my old life I think.....the life were Didi fought with me, I could joke with Jiju....were Dadi would ask me to join her for a movie. Ab lagta hai like they are scared of me. There is this barrier between me and the rest of the family. And I cant break through because they are the one who put this wall up. Mujhse poocha tak nahin what I want."
"your life being led by others, by other peoples conditions. Take charge of your life Bani. Live the life you wanted to live it."
Bani laughed at Jai's suggestion. "don't be this naive Jai. Tum jaante ho yeh nahin ho sakta. I have some responsibilities for my family. If I wanted to live my life my way what would happen to them? "
"What is the worst thing that could happen. Aditya sir would have to take care of the company. Even if there would incur some losses, your family is so rich that they could readily suffer it and even pay all the employers for years. Saari dunya ka bhaar tumhare kandhon pe nahin hai Bani. Tumhare jaane se duniya ruk nahin jaayegi. Believe me!"
"You know Mr. Walia. You should practice what you preach. Kehna aasaan hai, karna utna hi mushkil. Taking charge of your life and all sounds fantastic but tell me what is stopping you from doing the same? Tumhare jaisa khuddaar aadmi yahaan kyun aaya hai, kisi aur ki madat lene?"
Jai tried to walk away when Bani gripped his wrist. "darr gaye kya? Maine bas ek simple sa sawaal poocha hai."
Jai stopped and answered. "I have some responsibilities Bani. I have my sisters to take care of. My father had left us with debt up to our necks. It took me twelve years to clear all of them. As hard as I tried, for the past twelve years I have listened to creditors threatening me and my sisters. As hard as I tried I could not save my house. Sirf meri baat hoti to mai footpath pe bhi reh leta, kuch bhi kaam karta, lekin mere upar do jawaan behno ki zimmedaari thi. We did not have a roof over our heads and I cant roam around with my sisters. This is the only place I could think of at that time. Agar mujhe karna parta to unke liye bheek bhi maangta. I would do anything to protect them."
Bani let go of his wrist. "you love them so much you have put your life on hold for the past twelve years. Have you ever since your father died lived for yourself? Like you wanted? Just once?"
Jai shook his head. "No, I haven't. but I promise, as soon as I can give Rano a financially secure and emotionally stable future I will practice what I preach. " Jai laughed and soon Bani joined him. They did not even know why they were laughing, they were. And it felt good to laugh freely again. their laughter faded away. "Happy Birthday Bani!" Jai said.
Bani look down shyly and mumbled a soft "Thank you."
"SO what do you want for a gift?" Jai asked. "nothing."
Jai walked up to the sofa and took the photo album Bani was looking at a few minutes ago.
"That is a sweet picture? Who is this?"
Soon Bani started telling jai about her childhood and guided him through the pictures. In his turn Jai was talking about his childhood, his father's death and how he too charge at the age of twenty. They laughed hearing and cried hearing each others stories. They could relate to each other, cracked jokes about each other and smiled at each other. It felt so natural and good for both of them. Jai and Bani did not know what was special, but they knew it was a special thing they shared that night. they talked until they got tired and fell asleep on the sofa.
Jai opened his eyes the next morning stiff form the uncomfortable position he was sleeping in the last few hours. He looked around and tried to find the one that he had dreamt about that night. where was she?
The room was empty, as was the bathroom. Jai was just looking around when he heard a knock on the door. Jai opened the door to find Aditya standing there. He handed Jai an envelope eith the words "She left. It was about time she started living instead of just breathing."
confused Jai stood near the door and looked at Aditya's retreating back. Jai finally opened the envelope and started reading.
Dear Jai,
I am sorry I had to leave like this. I wanted to day goodbye for the last time, but did not have the courage to do this face to face. I have left everyone a letter, but yours has something else too. I have included the annulment papers, signed and well. You are not tied down Jai, al least not by me.
jai I hope you will not get mad at me for doing this but along the annulment papers I have also included some other paper. I have bequeathed the house that belonged to my father in your name and a small amount of money. Please don't get mad but I just wanted to fulfil some duties I had towards you. You have helped me take charge of my life, I want you to do the same. You want a secure future for you sisters and finances were a hurdle in your way. This is just a small step in the direction you wanted to go. Please accept this tiny amount. It's not help or charity, it's my good wishes for you. If you don't want to accept this for me then at least think of Rano and Pia. Accept it for them.
thank you Jai, for everything you did and did not do. I hope, no I know you will have a wonderful life filled with love and happiness. Take care of yourself.
and if you ever happen to remember me by accident, think nice things about me. I am sorry for everything I did.
Farewell Jai,
your wife,
Bani (what cant I make a joke?)
p.s. you are included in the board of directors in Dixit Group of Industries. You deserved it and congrats for bagging the Pune project.
p.p.s aaj ke baad kisi ke saamne sar mat jhukaana. Kise ke liye bhi nahin. Tum jaise khuddaar insaan ko suit nahin karta.
Two years later
Jai was sitting in his office looking at the sea, lost in his thoughts. A lot has changed in the last two years. Jai moved out of Dixit Mansion. Jigyasa was convinced that Jai had Bani kidnapped or hidden Bani somewhere for the sake of money. She couldn't believe Bani could leave like that. she was supposed to take care of the company. Who would do that in her absence? Jai could not tolerate all the accusations being thrown at him and decided to leave the same day itself. He was packing when he came across Bani's diary. That diary was a witness of all Bani's thoughts, insecurities, fears and happiness. Jai read it and decided to clear Jigyasa's doubts with it. he gave the diary to Jigyasa to read. Jigyasa was shocked how unhappy her sister had been. She could not believe all the things she read. She begged Jai and Aditya to find her sister and bring her back. Jigyasa asked Jai and Rano for forgiveness for being rude and mean to them all the while. Jai forgave her. he showed her the letter Bani had written to him. Jai did not want to accept the things Bani had done for him but Jigyasa convinced Jai to take the money and the house. Jai could not say no anymore, but he did move out. He lived in the house Bani gave him with Rano, Pia and Pushkar, but Jai was a regular guest at the Dixit Mansion. He also maintained his position on the board of directors and as one of the managing directors next to Aditya, but he also started his own company which was climbing the heights of success. The small amount Bani gave him wasn't that small as people would think. It was an amount of ten crores. Jai started his dream project with that and multiplied the amount. Bani would be proud of him if she were here. He had taken charge of his life. He was living for himself, with his own dreams and aspirations. If only his final dream would come true. Finding Bani. He had tried very hard to find her, but it seemed that Bani Dixit had vanished from the face of the earth.
jai left for goa the same day. He did not know that his most precious dream would come true today. Sitting in a small caf called 'Inspiration' and sipping some piping hot coffee he heard the voice that haunted his dreams for the past two years.
"Abhay, is order ke baad tum ghar chale jaana okay."
"Ji didi!"
Jai turned around and immediately found her sweet and innocent face. She was dressed in a simple kurti with a pair of faded jeans. Her hair was tied in a ponytail. She was running around trying to get something right.
"Bani." Jai's voice made her stop in her track.
"Jai...." She whispered and Bani turned around with a smile on her lips.
jai kept looking at her. drinking her appearance. Her hair was longer than it was and it was curling at the end. She had gained some weight, but it made her curves all the more noticeable in a tempting way.
"So Mr. Hotshot. What are you doing here?" Bani asked.
"Project......for Aditya sir... Bani......." Jai's dazed state made it difficult to speak in full sentences. He was still figuring out wheter he was dreaming or seeing Bani in real life. He lifted his hand and softly touched her cheek. Once he was convinced that it was indeed Bani he pulled her in an embrace.
" Ow my God. I cant believe it's you Bani. I'm so happy I found you. Pata hai kahan kahan nahin dhoondha tumhe? Kuch bataa kar jaati."
Bani rested her head on his chest. She kept mum while he vented out his pent up frustrations.
Jai finally let Bani go and kept her at arms distance where he kept looking at Bani. Suddenly he pulled his hand back. "I'm sorry Bani. I was just so happy and i........"
Bani laughed. "It's okay Jai. I believe congratulations are in order. Bahot bare aadmi ban gaye hai aap."
" How did you know that Bani? "
"Oh come on Jai. I read the newspapers!" Bani smirked until she saw Jai's dejected face.
" Humari khabar to rakh li, apni khabar kabhi hum tak pahonchne nahin di Bani. Kyu?"
"I had to start all over Jai. Apne liye. Mai khud kuch banna chaahti thi, kuch karna chaahti thi. Apne mehnet se maine yeh sab banaaya hai, and I don't regret leaving Jai "
"But I regret for letting you leave. Tumhe pata nahin ki yeh do saal maine kaise bitaaye hai..........I mean hum sab ne kaise bitaaye hai." Jai corrected himself quickly.
pretending that bani had not heard what Jai had said she asked "Ghar par sab kaise hai. and how are Pia and Rano?"
"They are all fine................Bani...........mere baare me nahin poochogi?"
Bani smiled "Tum kaise ho Jai?"
"Tum nahin jaanti Bani? "
Bani turned around when she felt Jai's hand catch her wrist. It remembered her of the way she had caught his wrist that evening in her bedroom.
" I have missed you every day and every hour of the day Bani. I have missed you every minute and every second. Tumne kuch dino me kaisa jaadoo kar diya tha mujhe pe ki mai bas tumhaare baare me soochta tha. I know humara shaadi asal me nahin thi, it was just a compromise. But it is the best thing that happened to me. You are the best thing that happened to me. You made me who I am today. If people know me today it is all because of you. ..........bani...........I..........could you give.........give us one chance. If you don't have another person in your life that is." Jai ended in fear.
Bani looked at Jai. she cupped his face with her left hand and placed a soft and gentle kiss on the other cheek. She pointed towards a wall at the back of the caf.
'Inspiration'
I am what I am because of you
You are my 'inspiration'
Jai smiled while he read the lines on the wall. this was written there for him, just for him. By merely those lines he knew that he had a special place in Bani's heart. There was no guarantee their marriage would be perfect, or even work out looking back at the beginning of their relationship. That night was special to both of them. They learned the meaning of living again. without pursuing their dreams they would have been unhappy. They would have stayed incomplete.
Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin
