Hello all...😊 I thought of trying out on a short story so here I am...Since it's my first, don't know how it'll be...But have a read anyways...Just to let you know, I haven't been on the forum for the last 4 months so have no touch with the recent FFs...I've just started again...So if by any chance some parts of the story match up with others in the forum...Please do forgive me as I have no intentions of copying...Whatever is written is truly from my imagination...😃
And yes...A HUGE thank you to Preetu for the title...😃 Was having loads of trouble with that...😳 😆
Sickly dizzy, two words that perfectly described the feelings of Jai as soon as he came out of the doctor's cabin. 'Ganga can get cured as long as we can get hold of her sibling's bone marrow.' That's what the doctor advised Jai and Bani when they asked how they could get their only daughter cured from this deadly illness. Bani, on the other hand was in a state of real shock. The only wish she had at that moment was wishing that the cancer reports were hers afterall. She would face anything to see her 'life' living infront of her and if that meant her own death, she was ready to face it. She felt numb and lifeless walking through the corridor of the hospital. She stared blankly in front of her, walking alongside Jai. Simultaneously Jai walked at a slow pace, eyebrows creased, different emotions flickering through his eyes. Anger, of losing his two twins and the cause being Bani. Happiness somewhere in his heart, of just recently finding out that the sweet little child was his daughter and not someone else's, i.e. Daksh. Desperation, to do something to save his daughter, and frustration, to do what? What could be done to save Ganga? He despised the answer to that last question swimming in this mind.
The fresh air outside the hospital strangely suffocated him. What could he do to save the one and only heir of the Walias? In silence Jai and Bani sat in the car and Jai sped off through the Mumbai roads. The traffic light turned red all of a sudden and Jai jerked the car to a halt mentally cursing the lights. Bani, totally oblivious to the fact that the car just jerked so badly was sitting at the back with tears rapidly sliding down her cheeks. She wearily and still absentmindedly asked, "Mr. Walia, how will we save our symbol of love?"
As soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, realization hit her, her eyes grew wide, shocking her whole system. She opened her mouth for a second but was at a loss of words, so closed it again. Jai looked up as soon as she asked the question and caught her eyes through the rearview mirror. For a second she looked so lost. For a second she looked so innocent. For a second she looked so beautiful. For a second he forgot all about the accusations that he had chucked at her and imagined her to be the same sweet, loving, caring, shy Bani who he had loved once upon a time more than his own life.
For that second, Bani saw the same love in his eyes that she used to see six years ago. For that second she felt like Mrs. Bani Walia once again whom her husband used to love with all his life.
The traffic light changed to green and the car behind theirs honked three times. Jai came back to reality and once again his eyes turned cold without a hint of love or warmth in them. Having the ego he had, he wanted to give a fitting reply and so replied, "I'll know what to do with my own daughter and how to save her. I don't need to waste my time giving out any explanations to anyone, especially to mothers who think their children are just a bother and thinks of ways to get rid of them, blinded to the fact that a child is a form of an angel." If Bani was shocked at her own question, she was super hurt at his reply. She couldn't believe that the father of her child would still think of her this way even after seeing her raise his child for the last six years.
She felt like showing him the times she spent in Meerut staying up all night worried to death when his child was sick with a high fever. She felt like showing him the times when she could hardly afford money but still made sure that his child went to bed full stomached, when she herself was starving. She felt like showing him the times when Ganga used to come home from school with bruises, and instead of Ganga crying, she used to cry seeing his child hurt. She felt like showing him the nights when she used to weep so hard for her child to get her father's love or the nights when she used to cry to sleep hugging her Mangalsutra and Jai's photo tightly to her chest. But she couldn't show him any of those times. Why would she do all this for his child if she didn't care or love children… If she didn't know what a mother was or what motherly feelings were all about? She didn't have the answers to any of those questions and she didn't want to know either. That's why she didn't let out a single sound after that instead, she silently cried her heart out the rest of the way home.
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In the Walia Mansion, all were in the living room, tensed to hear the news of Ganga's treatment. Ranveer and Aditya walked to and fro waiting for any calls or for their arrival. Dadi, Maasi, Rano and Purva sat on the couch too worried to move, Natchiket and Meera, both were desperately trying to get hold of Jai's mobile, but it kept reaching his voicemail box. Even Jigyasa showed her concern for the little girl standing against a pillar. Ganga made such a huge difference in the Walia Mansion it was amazing. Everything changed as soon as she walked through those gates. Ganga was always a sweetheart, helping Purva Chachi with the house work, cooking with Rano Maasi, Running errands with Natchiket Mama and always making sure that Jigyasa Bua was fooled by her little pranks. She even learned sign language so she could communicate with Varun Bhaya. She made a place in everyone's heart in the Walia Mansion in some way or other.
Maasi, being the one that lived the most with Ganga finally broke the silence and said, "Meera, what's wrong? Why aren't they back yet? Isn't Jai answering the phone? Ganga will wake up any moment now and ask for her Mummy and Papa."
"Maasi, Jai's not answering his phone but don't worry. They should be here any mo…" Meera cut off right then as Jai and Bani walked, or rather dragged themselves in. Jai, with the same expression he had a couple of years ago when his twins died, and Bani right behind with red puffy eyes. It was obvious that she'd been crying a lot. It was also obvious that the news was 'not good'. "Jai, what happened? What did the doctors say? Will Ganga be alright? Is there any treatment for her?" Aditya ran towards Jai boomeranging him with questions. "Bani beta, tell us. Isn't there any cure for this? Can't we do anything to save our child? Aren't there any specialists overseas who can treat Ganga? Won't kemo therapy work? Bol na beta," Maasi was desperate to know. Bani was quiet with a tear slipping down her cheek, then another one and then another until she couldn't take it any longer, she couldn't bear to be silent. She couldn't bear to tolerate what was written in her fate, in her daughter's fate. She ran away towards Ganga's room, crying. Jai looked at her run but showed no change of expression. Maasi tried again, "Jai! Tell us now. Bani needs time with Ganga, you tell us. What did the doctors say?!" Jai, slowly returned back to his normal state and explained the situation the doctors mentioned, that there was no treatment other than a bone marrow transplant from her sibling. After that he also walked off to his room. He remembered all the times he spent with Ganga not knowing she was his daughter who he was so attached to. Quietly he lay in bed and a teardrop fell on the pillow.
That night, he cried. He cried just the way Bani had in the car on the way back home. He cried to sleep like never before holding a photo of his baby.
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Bani woke up the next morning by the gentle knocks coming from the door. She found her arms were tightly wrapped around Ganga. Quietly unwrapping her arms from her, she left to open the door only to meet Meera already bright and up with a light smile on her lips.
"You here so early in the morning?" asked Bani bewildered. "Yes Bani, I need to talk to you about something very important regarding Ganga. I wanted to tell you first before taking this matter to Jai. Bani started to get worried but was also very curious as to what Meera had to say. "Bani, you and Jai know exactly what to do to save your child," continued Meera. "I…I didn't understand that" Bani replied even though she had a hint of what was coming. "Bani please, you and Jai have to unite for Ganga's sake. You have to bring a sibling for Ganga. Look Bani, in the last couple of weeks I've grown a special attachment with Ganga and I want to do anything and everything I can to save her. But the problem is, I can't do anything but atleast I can advice and urge you to do something, right Bani?" Meera pleaded. Bani was utterly surprised. This lady, the wife of Jai Walia wanted her to unite with her husband for the sake of their child? "Meera, I know how you're feeling at the moment. But do you know what you're actually saying? Do you know that one day you will regret what you said? Do you realize that you are giving away your husband to another woman?" "Bani, stop it! Please! You have the full right to be with Jai. More rights than I do. You're his wife officially and legally. Yes, you two are dug into a deep misunderstanding, but for the sake of your child, won't you do this? Won't you forget about yourselves for once and think about your child? You and Jai still share a very strong connection. A connection of love and care. I know Jai still loves you from the bottom of his heart but wants to be lost in the misunderstanding he has created. He just doesn't want to come out of it. And the fact that I am giving away my husband, that's not true. Bani, Jai and I don't share any relationship at all, let alone a relationship of a husband and wife. This idea of naatak was of Jigyasa Auntie's to make the media believe that Jai Walia has forgotten about his past love life and has moved on with his life with a new wife, that's myself. I have played along as well, but to tell you the truth, we have not taken pheras, nor has he put the Mangalsutra around my neck, nor has he put sindoor on my forehead. So I'm telling you, a little cajoling and care from you will bring him back to the same Jai Walia he once was, the Jai Walia that you had made him into, Bani. And you know that more than I do." With that she left Bani staring at her, stunned.
This was new to her. She had no idea in her wildest dreams, that all this about Jai Walia's second wife being Meera was just a naatak, for the media. Jai and Meera were not married in real life. It took Bani time to let that sink in. So was it really possible to cajole him into a reunion for their daughter's life? Was it possible Jai would realize the mistake he made of accusing her? No! How could she do that? He wasn't ready to listen to her at all. Jai hated her. But did he really mean it from deep inside?
"Mama?" Ganga called out from the bed cutting Bani from her hundredth thought. "Yes beta? You feeling alright?" Bani asked getting worried again. "Of course I'm feeling alright Mama. You always get tensed for no reason. I just fainted for a little while and that's it. Maybe because I didn't have enough water. You don't worry. Guess what Mama?! I had a very nice dream last night. I dreamt that You, Papa and I went on a long drive through the forest when suddenly our car broke down. I was getting scared and so were you, but you know what Mama? You were trying to be brave and not show it. But I could tell you were very scared!" Ganga laughed lightly. She continued, "It was so dark. Then you know what happened? Papa hugged us both tightly and told us not to worry. The car would be fixed soon. Then he kissed us both! Mama, I love you and Papa, both. And you know what? After this dream I now know that Papa loves you as much as he loves me." Ganga said excitedly. Bani's eyes brimmed with tears. For some reason she felt like God had sent her an angel who had just answered all her questions. With a smile she went to her daughter and kissed the top of her head. "Mama, can we go to the beach today? Just you, Papa and me? Please?" Ganga asked all of a sudden surprising Bani. "Beta, you know that Papa is a very busy man, na? He won't be able to give us time sweety," Bani tried to make an excuse. Without another word, Ganga jumped out of bed and ran off. "Ganga! Beta! Please wait. Okay, we'll go!" But Ganga was in no mood to listen.
Five minutes later Ganga came back dragging Jai behind her. "Papa, you tell Mama," she said. Getting impatient, she said, "Mama, Papa said he'll take us to the beach. He said he won't go to work today because he will give us some time." Ganga said, full of excitement. "See Mama? I told you, you keep worrying for no reason. Papa will go with us. Oh! This is going to be the best day of my life. Right Papa? It will be the best day of my life na?" Jai was too busy listening to his daughter talking that he didn't realize that she was talking to him. Finally he broke out of his thought and answered, "Yes beta. We'll have the best day of our lives. This won't be the end though. We'll have more and more of these days, sweetheart." He flashed a handsome smile to her daughter. Bani quickly looked away. Why did she have to fall in love? Why was the man Jai Walia? Why did he always have to look so…handsome? 'Enough,' she thought to herself. 'I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm a mother whose child is sick with cancer. I've got to find a way to cure her. That's my goal. I've got to think of a way to tell Mr. Walia the truth.' Yes, she was going to tell him, tell him everything what really happened six years ago between her and Daksh and why it happened.
Before she could plan a way of telling Jai everything throughout the day, she found herself sitting in the middle, back seat of their car. Ganga sat on her left making a reluctant Jai sit next to Bani on her right. Ganga had planned that it would only be the three of them in the car but Jai insisted the driver go as well so he could sit with his daughter, but instead it turned out that he had to sit next to his wife due to Ganga's constant pressure and pleading. His wife? Bani? His wife? From when did he consider her as his wife again? Did he really think of Bani as his wife but just never realized it? But they weren't divorced so officially Bani is still his legal wife. This sudden realization struck him so hard that he didn't notice he was staring at Bani so openly and shamelessly. He finally yanked back to reality when the driver asked "Sir, should I take the Mumbai Highway which is a shortcut but is jam packed with cars at this time of hour or the South Eastern which will take longer but is pretty empty now?" Before Jai could open his mouth to answer, Ganga blurted out, "The South Eastern!" She was willing to do anything to make the ride as long as possible just like in her dream. Bani gave her a you-are-too-much look while Jai smiled cutely at his daughter's intelligence.
Minutes ticked by and for some reason the car ride made Ganga feel like dozing off. Twenty minutes later, after making many attempts of staying awake, Ganga failed and fell asleep in her mother's lap. Bani stroked her hair looking down at her adoringly when suddenly she felt a warm weight on her right shoulder. Before she could think about what had just happened, she felt Jai's arms creeping around her waist holding her firmly. Bani was shocked out of her wits. Moving her head towards the right, she realized Jai was also fast asleep. Her small movement made Jai stir a little, stiffen for a few seconds and bury his face into her shoulders, nuzzling her, trying to get comfortable until finally he settled down. Bani was shocked stunned. The only man she ever loved and still does was right next to her in such a close proximity, it made her speechless. Ever so slowly she leaned her head against his and a roll of tear dropped onto Ganga's cheek. After six whole years she felt so…secured…so…guarded. This was all she ever wanted. A small family of her own which included her, her husband and her children, or atleast her only daughter that she had now. She just wanted to lead a normal, sweet, happy life with her Jai and Ganga. Just the three of them being happy…close together. Was that asking for too much? Didn't other women want so many demands that their husbands used to go crazy fulfilling them and go penniless? Did her one demand bring her husband on the roads? No. Did her small demand hurt her husband so much that he now wanted to stay away from her for the rest of his life? Why? What was wrong in staying happy together, as a sweet loving family?
The car finally halted to a stop bringing Bani back out of her thoughts and she saw the ocean right infront of her, blue as far as the eyes could see, sparkling and shimmering under the sun, the waves as gentle as the breeze. Bani gently woke up Ganga, and as soon as she heard the words 'we're here', she ran out of the car not once looking back. "Ganga, be careful please! Beta wait!" Bani panicked a little.
"Mama, I'll be fine. You guys come!" Then all of a sudden Bani was left alone with Jai in the car since the driver went off for a stroll himself. Bani had no idea how to wake him up from his slumber. Infact, she didn't have the heart to wake him up at all. But she had to do what had to be done either she liked it or not. Bani gingerly put her palm on his cheek and whispered, "Mr. Walia, we're here." No movement. She tried a little louder, "Mr. Walia, wake up. We're here." Not a stir from him. "Mr. Walia, look at Ganga, she's playing in the sand! Wake up, let's go!" Finally Jai opened his eyes sleepily, trying to make out where he was. He slowly pulled his head up and realizing what the position he was in, jerked himself away from Bani. He felt so embarrassed and uncomfortable. Bani could sense it and tried to make the situation a little better. "Umm…We're here. Ganga already ran off. I better go see her." With that she quietly left the car going towards Ganga. Jai kept on looking and looking at Bani. Why was he 'feeling' emotions for Bani all of a sudden? What the hell was happening to him? Did he forget all of a sudden that this was the same woman that killed his beloved children? But whatever happened, he had to pretend for Ganga's sake that Bani was the best mother and person on Earth. He started getting out of the car when his pocket started vibrating. "Goddamyou mobile," he cursed. "Hello?"…
"Ganga, be careful beta! Don't get sand in your eyes!" Bani was struggling to walk through the soft sand with her sandals on. Taking it off she speed walked to her daughter. "Mama, look at this sand castle. It's turning out perfect na?" Ganga was too excited to even talk. "Yes it is beta." Bani had finally caught up to her daughter, puffing lightly; she smiled looking at her daughter's architectural ideas. She looked back to see what was taking Jai so long to come. From faraway he seemed to be on the phone, looking dead serious. The next moment he rushed towards them and said, "Beta, I just got an urgent call. I've got to go but I promise that I'll be back in an hour. Then we'll have lots of fun. God promise." He added just in case Ganga started throwing a tantrum even though she never had before. "Okay Papa, Mama will be waiting for you," with that, Ganga left to collect shells to put on her turret, leaving Mama and Papa shocked once again. Jai looked towards Bani and grimly said, "Look after Ganga especially when she goes near the water, the tides are getting higher. Make sure Ganga does not walk barefoot, there are broken shells all over the place. If anything happens to Ganga I'll…" Taking a deep breath, he turned to leave.
Bani was silent. She looked over to where Ganga was, making sure she was nearby she walked towards the water. Taking off her sandals and wetting her feet upto her ankles, she felt like crying. She wanted to cry it all out. She wanted to cry everything out that has been building inside her for the past six years, tolerating all the pain up until now. She loved to see Jai caring for his daughter so much but why couldn't he understand that no mother could kill their own children? She had brought up her two younger sisters from a very young age without much of a trouble then what problem could she have to raise her own children when she was even more matured in age? For a few minutes she just wanted to forget everything. She closed her eyes, breathed in the strong salty air and felt the coolness of the water around her feet occasionally going further up her ankles. The icy cold wind felt like it was going to pierce through her body, but under the sun it felt so soothing.
"Mama! Done! Our castle's made! Mam…!" Ganga looked up to see where her Mama really was when it mesmerized her to see her mother standing so calmly in the water with her eyes closed, yet her face tearstained. Ganga knew best to leave Bani alone for now. After a full half an hour Bani finally decided she should go back to Ganga. As she turned around with her sandals in hand, she was surprised to see Jai walking through the wiry gates, and even more surprised to see a warm smile on his face. Bani smiled inwardly. She knew him too well. He was always like that, satisfied, when an important project or a deal was completed or finalized. His attitude towards Bani might have certainly changed but this side of him hadn't changed one bit. Bani couldn't hold back and involuntarily a small smile appeared on her face. For some reason she felt very happy for him… happy to see him happy.
"Ganga, I'm back sweetheart!" He sounded very enthusiastic as well. "Papaaa! That was quick. Look what I made! This is the castle of the Walias. Inside lives King Jai, Queen Bani and Princess Ganga." Ganga exclaimed proudly. Jai looked to Bani, looking like a very proud father. He had the same warm smile on his lips and this time Bani could swear his eyes twinkled as well. She looked away quickly because all those questions regarding 'him' were ready to make a comeback in her mind again. "Hmm…very nice work! One day we'll all live together in this castle." Jai said to Ganga. Ganga brightened up with this new hope from Papa. "Wow! Really Papa? I can't wait to see that day. Umm…Papa, I'm hungry, can we go and eat something from the caf across the street?" "Of course beta. Let's go" Jai made way for Bani and Ganga to go while he followed close behind.
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For the next five hours, Ganga and Jai had fun non-stop. They did a little bit of chatting, joking, pulling pranks on a very-silent-and-almost-worried-at Jai's-reactions Bani. They ate and drank slurpies, getting wet back in the beach. Jai and Ganga laughed away like little pre-schoolers, enjoying the day to its fullest. Finally dusk came and the still silent Bani who was just too awestruck to see her daughter and her father having the time of their lives, called out from under the tree she was standing and said, "Beta! I think we should get moving now. It'll take awhile to reach home!" indirectly meaning the words to Jai. Jai getting the message and realized that Bani was right, practically had to drag Ganga out from the water. While being dragged Ganga gestured to her Papa to come down so she could whisper something in her ear. After a minute Jai got up and looked at Ganga, silent. Then suddenly a small smile spread across and his face lit up. Bani was getting curious as to what was happening between the two. They both walked towards Bani all wet and sandy and within the blink of an eye Jai bent over and carried Bani is his arms. For a moment time stood still. He looked at her and she looked at him. Bani's 'look' suddenly became a 'gape'.
"Mr. Walia, what are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Please put me down…I'm Bani! Not Meera!" She couldn't help but blurt out the last two exclamations, as she was getting too desperate to get down. Jai without a damn of what she was saying walked back to the water with Ganga right behind trying to hide her giggles. Jai walked straight into the water until it was uptil his waist and without any warning dipped under with Bani still in his arms. Bani was speechless…and wet in one go. She didn't know how to react except stay in that same position, legs dangling over his arms and her arms tightly wrapped around his neck for support. Bani hated getting wet and Jai knew this from long back. He couldn't help but smirk at her. He went back under water again totally shocking the daylights out of her at Jai's actions. And then stunned speechless when he kissed her on the cheek while still under water. Jai finally came back up. Bani gaped, stared, stilled, stunned, became a statue, anything but react. Ganga still on shore burst out laughing seeing her mum so shocked. She was obviously oblivious to the fact that her mum just got a kiss from dad but was just overjoyed to see her two favourite people so close together.
After what felt like an eternity Bani finally found a wobbly voice within her which she utilized to say, "Mr. Walia, please, you're under Ganga's oath, take me back, put me down and let's go home. Ganga will fall ill in her wet clothes; I forgot to bring spares for her. She shivered wildly in his arms as another gust of icy wind blew. Without another glance, Jai walked back to shore, put her down and headed for home expressionless just like Bani had wanted. Bani was just too dazed to even think why Jai did what he just did. All throughout the ride, Bani and Ganga slept, this time her head fell on his shoulder, and it rolled down onto his chest. Jai looked down at her and caught her arms just in time before she fell off from him. He held onto her all the way home while Ganga's head was on a sleeping Bani's lap.
The bumpy car ride stopped at last and Bani stirred and woke up looking as fresh as ever. Ganga was in a deep slumber, the whole day's energy totally worn out. Jai carried Ganga up the stairs to her room while Bani followed behind quite embarrassed at what had happened to her in the car. Bani changed Ganga and tucked her in while Jai stood at the doorway watching his daughter sleeping so peacefully. Bani turned towards the door to leave the room when Jai grabbed her hand, lead the way down the stairs, out the door and back into the car. "Mr. Walia? Where are you taking me in the middle of the night? I'm feeling cold in this wet suit. Please Mr. Walia you can stop all this drama now, Ganga's asleep. No more. Let's go back, please" said a bewildered Bani. Jai didn't make a sound and kept driving not showing any signs of expression.
Ten minutes later Jai brought Bani to a very posh hotel, which Bani realized was one of his own. She couldn't make out a thing what the heck was happening. Jai took the keys from the receptionist, grabbed Bani's hand once again and took her to the 19th floor. They passed 5 rooms and stopped at the 6th, room number 2006. Bani was finally dragged for the last time into the room and the door was shut…and locked. By now Bani was shivering again due to the AC and was getting a little nervous as well. The room, which turned out to be 'one' of Jai's private suite was huge. A king sized bed on one side with two bed side tables. Two attached lamps on both the tables, and a big flower vase with fresh flowers in them which seemed to be put in just recently. There was a huge glass window on the other side of the room overlooking the Mumbai city. From where Bani was standing next to the door, she could see the tiny dots of the city lights under the blanket of the starry night. It was beautiful.
For a moment she forgot that she wasn't the only one in the room. Jai, on the other hand was looking at Bani with such love, it was nearly scary. He had a twinkle in his eyes and a soft smile playing on his lips. Bani turned away from the window to look at The Jai Walia who was standing right next to her. Why did he bring her here? Surely not to show off his suite? What was really up? What did he want to do? In an instance the answers were found. Jai for the first time finally spoke out. "Well, you wanted to know where I was taking you out in the middle of the night. This is the place I wanted to bring you out to. Can't I do that? As a husband don't I have the right to take my wife out and into a hotel room in the middle of the night?" He came forward while Bani looked on astonished at his way of talking. Was he out of his mind? He was calling her his wife?
Jai held Bani's wrist gently and whispered, "Goddammit Bani. Why did you do this? Why did you keep me away from you for so long? What was the harm in telling me that you never did or have any relationship with Daksh instead Daksh was only Ganga's good friend? Do you know how much it hurt? Do you know how much pain I had to go through after you left me? Every morning I used to think of you, how you used to make my breakfast, how you used to put out my clothes for me, how you used to wake me up for office, help me with tying my tie, make my strong coffee, how you used to console me when I was stressed, to the smallest of things, Bani. For the last six years I've missed you like hell. I could never tell anyone or admit it, but I missed you and still loved you the way I used to." Jai's eyes welled up with tears by now while Bani stood still, stunned at what he was saying. She felt herself breaking as well.
"In anger I burnt all your belongings after I kicked you out of the house. I regretted it so badly later. I couldn't even satisfy myself by looking at your picture because I didn't have any. But you were always in my heart Bani." He continued, "Why didn't you yell at me, slap me until I realized what wrong I did by throwing the Sita out of the house? Why Bani, why why why?" Jai was breathing heavily with tears openly running down his cheeks. He lost six years of his life being away from this precious lady he still loved today with all his heart. He realized what he had missed out on for the last six years and this made him even more furious at himself.
Bani was in a total shock, crying her heart out by now. Jai gently held onto her trembling shoulders and moved her chin upwards so he could have eye contact with her, except Bani wasn't ready for that. Jai softly asked, "Bani please, don't keep quiet now, not this time. Tell me why you kept silent when I threw accusations at you of Ganga being your and Daksh' child? Why did you stay away from me like this, going away to Meerut and raise our child there? Why did you sit and cry at nights holding my photo and your Mangalsutra?" Bani finally looked into his eyes, surprised at his last question. How could've Jai known that? In fact, how did he come to know the truth afterall?
As if reading her mind, Jai spoke, "Bani, this morning at the beach I got an urgent call to go to Hillside Point as soon as possible if I wanted my daughter alive. I got so terrified I had to leave then and there. When I reached the place I met Daksh. I was furious as to why he used my daughter to bring me there, why he even wanted to meet me. He told me, 'If I don't tell you today then Ganga will never be cured. She will never have a sibling who can save her life. If I tell you the truth today, I can be sure that your Ganga will be saved from cancer. That's why I had to use her name to bring you here as fast as I could.' Bani, he told me everything, the whole truth. Daksh started right from the beginning and told me that his father had blackmailed you to cure his son otherwise he'd have put me back on the roads like before. Bani you did all that just to see ME happy? What for?" Jai got frustrated at himself for being such a hopeless person all those times when Bani needed help from him at the office and at other times.
He continued, "Daksh told me about your twin sister Anamika, how he was married to her. What a tragic ending he had to his married life before it could even start. How you had to help him out of the shock by having a fake marriage with him. Those fake photos, those photos of the wedding ruined my life Bani. Ruined six years of my life being without you. Bani looked on, tears slipping down her face continuously. She couldn't believe what she saw infront of her. He knew the truth…at last. "That's why Bani," he continued, "That's why when I got back to the beach from meeting Daksh I could enjoy my time with Ganga instead of making sure that I had the 'cold looks' for you at all times. Jai laughed softly. Wiping his own tears, he held Bani's face in his palms and gently rubbed off her tears with his thumb. Looking intently at her he said, "Please, I beg you, I want only one answer from you. Why did you keep silent for so long keeping me away from you when you loved me so much? Tell me," he pleaded.
"I…I…thought… if…if staying away from you would keep you happy, I'd…stay away." Bani choked on the words badly, not in the state to talk at all as she cried on. "Bani, you wanted to commit suicide?!" Jai asked in a hushed voice, shivering at the thought of losing her. "Mr. Walia, when you brought me out of the house…" "Kicked you out" interrupted Jai. Bani looked up and tried to smile but in vain. She continued, "Stop it Mr. Walia, please. Whatever happened has happened. It's over now. Anyways, when you brought me out of the house I felt as though my life was finished. I didn't want to live…You wanted to celebrate over my death, so I thought I'd let you. If that's what you wanted and if that's what made you happy, I'd even do that for you. I couldn't imagine a life without you Mr. Walia. That's why the only answer to that was to drown myself in water. But destiny had something else for me. I was blessed to be a mother of your child again. I had to start living again for our child Mr. Walia. I brought her up and didn't want any harm on her especially because she had no father. Ganga became my life…my heartbeat. But then again destiny played another game with me and we landed up in Mumbai. I was afraid that Ganga would bump into you one day. I was afraid if you ever found out that Ganga was my child you'd harm her. You'd think her to be Daksh' child." Jai's eyes filled up with tears again. Bani continued still crying silently, "I was accused of being a prostitute because I never told anyone anything about my daughter's father." She calmed down a little by now. Jai was heartbroken at the difficulties his wife and daughter had to face and go through. "I had to keep silent only for that reason Mr. Walia. I was always afraid that you'd never believe Ganga to be your own blood which would've broken me even more, that's why I kept myself away from you," she finished off looking at Jai to see how he would react. Jai was speechless. How could anyone sacrifice SO much for someone else, to see someone 'else' happy? How?
"Why did God sent you to me Bani? I…I…I just don't deserve you." Bani put her hand over his mouth to stop him from talking nonsense. "If you say that again Mr. Walia, I'll really commit suicide, because 'I' deserve you…Deserve to get such a loving, caring, handsome husband like you Mr. Walia. And I thank God everyday for sending someone like you for me…I've always loved you and will love you for the rest of my life including the next births." Bani blurted it all out at once. Suddenly she felt shy. She couldn't look him in the eyes any longer and looked down. She noticed her dupatta had fallen to the ground and her kameez was still clinging onto her body, as wet as before. Realizing she'd been in that state for the last few minutes, she blushed deep red. Feeling too exposed infront of her husband, she tried covering her curves with her right hand and tried bending over to pick up her dupatta with her left. Her hand got caught by Jai's and she slowly looked upwards to see him shaking his head saying not to pick it up, with a cute smile playing on his lips, his eyes never leaving hers for once, dark and full of love. He moved her arms away from her chest and rested his hands on her shoulders. "Say it again," he whispered. Bani, too embarrassed to look up, lost him. She had no clue what she had said that he wanted to hear again for the second time. "Say what?" she barely whispered. "I'm your…?" he raised his eyebrows trying not to smirk but in vain. Bani's cheeks burned hotter as she realized what he was on about. She tried to move away but obviously couldn't get out of his grip. Jai's smirk turned into an evil grin by now. He just loved this side of his Bani, looking all cute and embarrassed. "Mr. Walia, I'm feeling really cold," Bani tried. "Any more excuses?" he smirked as he raised his eyebrows again. "Come on baby, just three easy words,' he teased. Bani's eyes widened with her gaze still on the floor. Baby? Her? His? She wanted to melt away.
"My…handsome…husband," she said in a barely audible voice. "Hmm? Did you say something Bani?" Jai said as if he hadn't heard. That's it, Bani thought. Who did he think he was? How dare he tease her like? "You are my handsome husband,' she said loud and clear, looking up into his eyes. She was breathing hard which just resulted her to look even more seductive. Jai couldn't take it any longer. He closed his eyes trying not to look at her…or her body. He opened them to see that Bani had calmed down again, her eyes closed, breathing as light as the feather by now.
"Bani, do you think this is just a coincidence? 19th floor, the 6th room…Room number 2006? …19th June, 2006?" He whispered in her ear. He inched closer towards her lips and kissed her softly. Bani blushed through the kiss as she realized the date. It was the first time they became husband and wife through body and mind. Seconds ticked by and Jai deepened the kiss until it became so passionate, they needed to breathe. Bani breathed heavily and Jai thought she was looking 'too hot to handle'. Her hands were around his neck and was moving down towards his chest, her eyes never looking up, instead fixed on his heaving chest. Jai's hands were behind Bani's head, fingers tangled in her silky, black, wet hair. He looked down at Bani while his hands slowly moved down the back of her neck, feeling for the zipper. Finding it, he unzipped her wet suit and slowly let it fall to the ground. Bani felt too shy and hugged him quickly not wanting him to see her in such a state. "Someone's forgetting that I'm her handsome husband and that I have the full rights to see my wife in this way," emphasizing on the word 'handsome' and teasing Bani, Jai smiled cutely. Jai moved her hair and kissed her bare shoulders. "I love you Bani," he whispered in her ear. "I love you too," she murmured against his chest while her cheeks flushed for the billionth time. He picked her up in his arms, nuzzling his face into her neck, he proceeded towards the huge bed. He lay her down, unbuttoned his own shirt and fell onto her trying not to put all his weight on her…
That night the full moon shone very high up in the sky and the stars twinkled extra bright as the two lovebirds became one…as they prepared to bring another life into the world, as they got ready to save their daughter and give her a new life… and as they hoped their lives were finally taking a new turn.
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Jai leaned on his side as he watched his baby sleeping peacefully. He smiled looking at her as he remembered last night's events, the ride they rode together throughout the night. It was 9:30am and for the last 20 minutes he's been watching Bani, sucking in her beauty. Why couldn't he see this part of Bani before? What was he blinded with that he couldn't see how beautiful this lady was? How good hearted this lady was? Why? He didn't want to go back into those stupid questions without the answers so left it. The blanket only covered Bani's lower half of her body while the upper half was bare. Jai imagined how she'd react after she woke up and found out the state she was in even though she had her undergarments on. Jai laughed a little too loud imagining her. Bani stirred in her sleep and finally waking up she found herself staring straight up at a very high ceiling. She was trying to make out where she was when suddenly, "Good morning sleeping beauty," Jai whispered right in her ear. The sudden male voice shocked the daylights out of her. She wasn't used to hearing a male voice for the last couple of years, so early in the morning, let alone, right in bed! Bani gasped and then calmed down when she saw Jai's familiar smiling face looking down at her. Suddenly she turned bright red as she realized what they were doing here. She put her hands down to pull the blanket further up but her hands didn't find it. She looked down to see that the blanket was resting just under her navel. Jai kept on looking, his smile growing wider at how his thoughts about her reactions matched with reality. Bani reached down as fast as she could to cover herself up but was a tad bit too late. Jai had already wrapped his arms around her body hiding his face in her shoulders and kissing them. Bani held her breath as he inched his way down her neck, chest, stomach, until she couldn't take it any more. She knew where he was leading her to so grabbing him gently by his hair, she said, "Mr. Walia, we've got to go! What will the others think? What will Ganga think? She'll get worr…" She was cut off as his lips sealed hers. "Alright darling, we better leave I guess," he mumbled against her lips.
Bani, after 25 minutes of struggling to free herself from him, pushing him into the shower which he insisted in having with her, finally got dressed and left the suite. They entered the Walia Mansion, Jai looking as normal as before but Bani had the hardest time to keep herself 'normal'. As they walked through the door, Maasi and Daadi rushed towards them, colours drained from their faces. "Bani, thank god you're back! I was so worried for you. I woke up at 3 in the morning to get a drink and I saw your bed empty. I ran to Ganga's room, she was there, but you? Where were you beta? Jai! Did you take her out? What did you do to her?" Maasi blabbered away. "Jai, what happened? Did you take her away somewhere? Please, tell us. You two are worrying us to death." Bani looked down at the tiled floor as her cheeks burnt. Daadi saw her face down and got more worried. "Jai! Did you…did you force yourself on her?!" The two women looked horrified. Bani's eyes shot up, wide in shock at the thoughts they were having about Jai. No way could she say what really happened so she kept on wondering how Jai would clear the mess up.
Suddenly she felt her hands being dragged behind her back and looked up to see Jai roar, "Yes Daadi! I forced myself on Bani! I'd had enough of Daksh and her! I was sick of it. The mother of my child was…Disgusting!" Bani couldn't believe it. He was joking with Maasi and Daadi, pretending with them!? That wasn't fair. She felt him circling sensual rings on the delicate part of her wrist. Trying to stay calm and not blush all over again, nor look at him, she opened her mouth to protest but was dragged away then. "Maasi, this is the truth!" Jai roared again as he kept on walking. Maasi ran behind them while Daadi sat on the couch shocked. "I took her away for the whole night and…and… raped her!" He looked away scrunching his face at the thought of his Bani being raped. He hated to say all this but for Bani's sake…for his own sake he had to take the turn so he wouldn't start blushing like a bride. "Bani, beta! Jai stop it!" Massi ran after them but Jai had already closed the door to 'his' bedroom. "Mr. Walia! You've gone mad! You just told Ma…" her words drowned in his mouth. "Yes baby. I've gone mad, I've lost my senses, crazily in love with my beautiful wife," Jai mumbled in her mouth. "Mmm…" Bani tried pushing him away. "Bani? Are you okay?" Massi was disgusted at herself for once calling this man 'Munna.' How could he stoop so low? She hadn't the faintest idea that Jai could've been joking. "Bani?" Massi said as she was totally freaking out for Bani and furious at the same time with Jai for his dirty games. "Mr. Walia," Bani hissed as she finally pushed him away from her, "Please, open the door and let Massi in," she pleaded. "Only if you give me a kiss," he moved back smirking totally unaware of the fact that Massi was raging outside their door. "What!? We just…" Bani was just too shocked to continue. " 'I' kissed you then…Now 'you' kiss me…Otherwise we'll go back to where we were last night…Right here…Now!" Bani was amazed at what the male species were like at times…at 'wrong' times. She was desperate to let Massi in so gave a quick peck on the corner of his lips and blushed like hell. "Thankoo!" Jai said teasingly. " Now will you please open the door?" Bani pleaded again. Jai moved back, gestured to the door and smirked again, "You open it baby." Bani, still trying to get her breath back thought it was very unfair of him to put her in the same state and face Massi all over again.
"Bani?" Massi asked worried as she could only hear silence. Bani swung the door open and said, "Ma…Ma…Massi, Umm…Mr. Walia, he…he hasn't really tortured me. He wasn't saying the truth to you. Umm…He took me out last night as he came to know the truth," she stammered. "Yes Massi," Jai added standing behind her, "I came to know of the truth and so took her to my hotel and…" Bani jabbed him hard in the ribs with her elbow as he started talking a little too much adding 'extra bits' in. Massi was dumbfounded. "Beta, you know the truth?! You took her out last night to your hotel? This means…this means you two have made up for staying away from each other?!" Massi asked in joy. She couldn't believe this. "Yes Massi," Jai came out for behind finally, with a smile that reached his eyes. "We made up for all the misunderstandings I was buried in…and very soon there'll be two tiny feet running around in this house." He added, teasing Bani indirectly. 'He just HAD to add that otherwise he would've died' Bani thought, sulking mentally. Massi was overjoyed. Her children were together at last. Kissing them both on their foreheads, blessing them, she ran out to tell Biji and the others about the good news. Jai looked back at Bani and neared her again. Bani glared at him for the unnecessary details but then stepped back. "Mr. Walia, NO! Enough!" She said trying to get hold from those last kisses. "Whyyy?" Jai asked teasingly. He wasn't going to do anything, just wanted to see her frantic and test her as he knew the door was wide open. "B…because…the…the…door…" Bani stuttered.
"Mamaaaa!" Ganga burst inside. Bani never felt so relieved before and she let out a deep breath that she didn't even realize she was holding. "Ganga! Beta, how are you?" Bani feared she would ask where she and Papa were without taking her. "Mama, why did you wake up without me? I thought you slept with me last night?" Phew! So she had just woken up. "Umm…Sorry beta…woh…" Bani cut off as Jai saved her then, "Hmph…Not fair. Everyone forgets about poor Papa," Jai sulked from behind. "Oh! Papa! I didn't see you here. Morning!" Ganga said cheerfully. Bani looked at Ganga, smiled, looked at Jai and her smile turned into a blush. Jai just loved the effect he had on Bani. She couldn't even see him without blushing. Too good. He smirked, and then realized he totally forgot about Ganga's presence in the room for two seconds. "Morning" he tried sulking again. "Papaaa…What's wrong now?" Ganga whined. "I didn't get my morning hug," he sulked again but it didn't seem to look realistic at all. Ganga ran to him and hugged him tight around his neck as he bent down. "Still not happy," he said. "What now Papa?" Ganga pretended to roll her eyes. "I want my morning cuddle as well," Jai said. Bani's eyes nearly popped out of her sockets. Ganga confused at his words asked, "Cuddle? But I AM cuddling you, aren't I?"
"Nope sweetheart, you're hugging me," he looked over to Bani. This time Bani rolled her eyes and she rolled it for real. She went forward and gave him his 'cuddle' knowing too well not to argue or else god knows what he'd start doing infront of their daughter. Ganga beamed, "Oh my god! Our first family hug! Mama? Papa? You two are acting normal! Wow!" She closed her eyes and said, "Thank you god, you've finally fulfilled my wish. I don't want anything else any more." Jai's eyes went teary. Bani got a lump in her throat, which she couldn't swallow down. "You got your Mama and Papa back together again just like Luv and Kush," said Jai getting a hold of himself. "Thank you Ganga…God sent you to me as an angel bringing happiness back into my life again beta," Bani choked. Ganga wrapped each her arms around their necks, smiling at her two favourite people. None of them were aware that Massi was watching from the doorway, watching her two children happy after so many years.
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Months passed by and Bani's stomach grew into a round ball. Bani indeed conceived that night in their hotel suite. Jai was over the moon when the medical reports came out positive. Bani was now in her last stage of pregnancy. As the days passed, Jai insisted he'd stay at home most of the time, helping out with everything Bani needed and making sure she was comfortable at all times. For the first time he got to see his wife fully pregnant with a bulging tummy. The first time Bani was pregnant with Krishna and Atharv, she was in the Mental Asylum/Jail. The second time she was having Ganga, Jai had no idea where in the world Bani lived. He loved seeing his wife glowing each passing day. Bani kept saying she'd be fine and Purva, Rano, Maasi and Raashi were all there to look after her but Jai protested saying, "No way, first comes wife, then comes office. And anyways, no one can give you the special-hubby-care, can they?" He boasted and Bani used to give up, rolling her eyes at his pride. Ganga was super excited at her mum's belly growing each month, bit by bit. She couldn't wait for the day when her mum would go to the hospital and let the doctors 'pop the baby out of the belly'.
One afternoon Bani felt a little strange inside her body. After a few minutes, realization struck that her water just broke. She pressed the button of the intercom in her bedroom that connected to Jai's study, "Mr. Walia, my water just broke. Can you please come in?" Jai bolted up from his seat. He had always heard that pregnant women screamed in pain when it was their time to deliver and here his wife was as calm as the sea? This was his first time he was going to go with Bani through her delivery. He freaked out. Rushing towards his room, a nervous wreck, he opened the door to their bedroom. "Bani?" She was stuffing some spare clothes in a black bag and saying, "Oh good you're here. Mr. Walia, We better go now. My labour pains can start any moment, let's go," Bani was ready to go while Jai trembled at her words. 'Labour pains can start any moment'…So that meant, the screaming would be after that. Jai rushed towards Bani, grabbed the bag from her hand, swung it over his shoulder, picked Bani up into his arms and ran out the door to speed the process up. As he ran down the stairs he informed whoever was in sight that he was taking Bani to the hospital.
Two minutes before reaching the hospital Bani felt the first pain kicking in. Jai drove the car at full speed trying not to break the law but it seemed impossible, muttering curses under his breath they finally arrived.
After six hours of labour Bani finally managed to pull through. Jai was by her side all the time, consoling her which gave her the strength to carry on. For the first time, Jai realized what a mother had to go through to give birth to a child. His wife had double the trouble. The doctors sent Jai out while they freshened Bani up. He came out to see the family members already there looking worried. Massi came forward asking him if everything went okay. Jai, about to open his mouth looked up to see two nurses, each carrying a bundle of joy in hand. "Congratulations Mr. Walia, two healthy baby boys." Jai's heart swelled with pride. He was the father of two sons now. Getting emotional, he started to say something, choked on his words and gave up talking. Ganga ran forward. "Oh my god Papa! I have two baby brothers!" she screamed in delight. Jai all teary, held the two babies in his arms and kissed them both on the forehead. He bent down to Ganga's level to show her new brothers to her. Ganga was ecstatic. "Papa, such tiny faces and fingers," she was awestricken. Jai left to go inside to show Bani. Ganga followed. The rest stayed behind wanting them to have a family time together.
"Bani," Jai whispered, still too emotional to talk. Bani carefully sat up, her smile widening at the sight of him. "Bani, my two baby boys," he said softly, handing one to Bani. Ganga leapt on the bed being careful not to disturb Mama too much, she neared her mother. "Mama, thank you so much! They're so cute na? What will you name them?" Bani smiled at her daughter's excitement. "Big sister, you decide," Jai said, controlling his emotions. "Really? Can I?" Ganga brightened even more. "Okay, mmm…How about Krish? I love that name!" She said cheerfully. Jai and Bani looked at each other and knew what the other was thinking, 'Krishna'. "And this baby will be named…mmm…" Ganga went into deep thoughts when Jai butted in saying, "How about Atharv? Ganga looked up to Jai, "Okay Papa, that's a really nice name as well." "Ganga beta, do me a favour, go out and call the rest of the people in. And yes, be sure to tell them that they stay very quiet when they come in as the babies are sleeping, ok?" Jai said trying to keep Ganga out for a little while. Ganga ran out looking proud for the big responsibility Papa had given her. Jai put little Atharv in the cradle and sat next to Bani. "Thank you so much Bani, you've brought our Krishna and Atharv back. I…I…I'm just too happy. Oh god, Bani…Thank you so much…Love you," he whispered. Bani looked at her husband looking so delighted and whispered back, "Thank you to you too Mr. Walia, if it wasn't for you, our two angels wouldn't have existed today." Jai kissed her softly on the lips and as soon as Bani passed Krish to him, the door burst open with Ganga running back in, while the rest followed right behind. For the next couple of minutes, everyone took turn holding the babies, going gaga over them, looking for the resemblances and similarities. "You can so easily tell that these two are Jai Bhaya's babies," Natchiket commented. "No way! They look exactly like Di. See? The eyes…It's just like Di's," Rano argued and so it went on and on.
Since it was a normal delivery, the doctors discharged Bani after two days, not making her stay too long as she was getting impatient to leave the stinking place. Jai came to pick up Bani and the two little ones. As they reached the house, Bani found herself in a different world, hardly able to recognize her own home. It was fully decorated with a huge banner hanging from the ceiling that read, 'Welcome Home Mama, Krish & Atharv.' Ganga ran towards her mum beaming, she said, "Mama! I'm so happy you're back home. We're going to have so much fun with my new brothers now na?" "Hmm…since you're a big sister now, you have lots of duties. You have to make sure that you stay quiet at all times since your two little Bhayas will be sleeping most of the time. This will give Mama some time to work…" "Ahem! Work? And care to explain what work this is, Madam?" Jai cut in raising his right eyebrow up. "Err…Umm…Just…" Bani stammered. She knew Jai wouldn't let her do anything probably for the next two years telling her to 'rest'. Since it was no use arguing, she changed the topic before she was given another of the 'special-hubby-care' lectures all over again. "Mr. Walia, Ganga, Purva, Natchiket, Rano, you guys didn't have to do all this…" Ganga cut her off saying, "Yes we had to Mama! Now please let's go and cut the cake. Poor cake. It's been crying since morning to be eaten." Everyone burst out laughing at Ganga's impatience. After the small party, Jai took Ganga to school with a late slip stating 'Ganga couldn't attend the morning class as she was too excited for her little brothers.' The teacher understood and took her inside smiling.
Later Jai entered his bedroom to find Bani lying on her side, feeding Atharv. He smiled at her sweetly making Bani blush. She felt shy all of a sudden since this was the first time she was feeding him infront of 'him'. At the hospital, the times were such, when Jai came for the visit they'd be sleeping and when Jai left they'd wake up for their feed. Bani covered herself with the dupatta as Jai approached the two. He sat at the edge of the bed looking at Bani affectionately. Moving his hand forward, he gently removed the dupatta away. Bending down, he kissed the small cheek of his baby who kept suckling away. Bani kept looking at Atharv, too shy to look up. "Bani, you look beautiful in this way," Jai said quietly. You've got this glow on your face which I've never seen before. You're looking like a true mother…the mother of my children. Thank you so much." Jai bent over and kissed her lightly on her cheek which made her blush deep red. "And yes, no need to be so shy…stop acting like a bride now. I guess you've just forgotten how bold you become with me. I AM your husband afterall na?" He winked and stood up before Bani could punch him. Tough luck, he got hit by a pillow instead.
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Six years later…
"Krishu! Atharvu! Wake up my babies! Today's your first day of school na? You'll be late!" Bani was trying to wake up the twins, who just like their father, rolled over and ducked under the blanket. "Lazy bones…Up!" She pulled the blanket away. "Awww…Mama…Just five more minutes, pleeeease!" Atharv whined. "Yeah Mama…Just five more minutes…Pleeeease!" Krish echoed. Bani rolled her eyes and went to get their lunchbox ready.
It has been six years since the twins were born, and in these six years, so much has happened. Ganga was well and healthy. Her brother's bone marrow helped her get through, the operation being a successful one. Jai applied for immigration in the US and after two years they migrated to California. Everyone was surprised at the quick process of the US High Commission. Her husband, 'Mr. Walia' had finally changed into 'Jai' for Bani. She smiled when she remembered how frustrated he used to get at her for calling him 'Mr' infront of the kids.
Now for the last four years, they have been living in sunny California. Ganga, now 12 years old adjusted to her new life very swiftly. As she was a sweet chatterbox, she made friends very easily on her first day of school. Life has been a roller coaster for Bani for the last couple of years. It was absolutely crazy. But she had to thank her best friend Meera for that. If it wasn't for her, Jai wouldn't have ever known the truth years back about her and Daksh. The day Daksh had called Jai out from the beach, it was because Meera had called him. Meera told Daksh the whole story and told him to tell Jai everything now as it was getting too late, for Ganga's sake. She wanted Jai and Bani to unite again and she didn't want to be the cause of their split. The day Jai and Bani entered the Walia Mansion after the night they spent in the suite, they found a note from Meera saying, that she had left to go back to her brother, Mohan. Bani and Meera are still in contact over the phone and Meera is happily married to a businessman and they've settled in Italy. They became the closest of friends.
And as for Jai, he had opened a few branches of his hotels right in California without any trouble. Finally things seemed to be settling down. Everything was going great. Bani came back out of her daydream and finished packing her three children's lunch and went back to waking up the lazy bottoms.
After about half an hour, Bani succeeded in getting the twins in the car and called out to Ganga to come downstairs quickly as they were pretty much late already. Finally Bani kissed them all goodbye and Jai sped off with the children. Bani smiled as she shook her head at the sight standing in the driveway. At times like this, her husband drove the car like a young teenager in a sports car.
Going back inside she went in for a bath. For the first time, the house felt so empty. Usually at this time, the twins would be up and thumping down the stairs in their night wears and Bani would be telling them to go back up and change. It was a daily routine. Deciding to have a warm bath she sat inside for ten minutes when suddenly the phone rang. "Dang!" she muttered. Wearing her robe, she ran for the phone in the kitchen before it stopped ringing. "Hello? Hello? Who is this?…" Bani gasped at the familiar voice at the other end. "Maasi!" She squealed in joy. "How are you?…How are the rest at home?…Yes we're all fine here. Actually today's the first day of school for the twins. NO!" She laughed. "They weren't excited at all…Those two are just the opposite of Ganga, it's really funny. Massi…I really miss you, so does Mr. Walia. We all miss you so much. The other day Ganga was talking about the times we spent in Meerut." Bani said as she went back into a flashback of those happy times when they used to sell food in the dhaba. From the other side Massi said, "Haan beta, we all miss you too, very much. Ganga's enthusiasm is no more. The house is so dead without her. Krish and Atharv's cries. They used to keep the house alive. Why don't you all plan to come to India for awhile? I wish I could see all of yous."
"Yes Massi. Mr. Walia and I are thinking about it. Maybe in the next school holidays…" "Yes beta, think about it. Oh! I've got to go and help Biji with the laddoos!" Massi chuckled. "She's been making them since ever! Bechari, I think I should go and give her a hand." Bani laughed. "OK then Massi, give my love to all especially to Dadi." "Okay beta, take care, bye." "Bye Massi…Love you." As soon as Bani put the receiver down, she felt two warm hands snaking around her waist, along the belt of her robe.
"Who's this Mr. Walia?" Jai whispered in her ear. Bani closed her eyes. He was back from the school with a naughty mood. She wasn't sort of liking it. "That's not fair, you eavesdropped," Bani tried to lash back at him cheekily. "Don't you know how rude that is?" she continued. "Mmm…Really? Well sorry sweetheart but since I've already heard everything, answer me anyways. Who is this Mr. Walia?" He rested his chin on her shoulders softly cradling her in his arms. "Jaiiii…You know I'm still embarrassed to say 'Jai' infront of Massi. Afterall I AM her bahu na?" "Oh yeahhhh…I forgot that," Jai said teasing her. "So does that mean you're my bride?" Jai asked, cheekily. "Of course I am! But not now. At the moment I am a mum who has to go have a shower, then cook for her children so they can have something to eat for dinner." She tried moving away from him. "Not so fast baby," Jai moved her hair to one side and kissed the side of her neck, Bani coloured. "See? You ARE my bride. My NEW bride. You STILL blush at just one touch of mine even after so many years." Jai pointed out. "Jai, please…Not now," Bani tried again. "Awww…not fair. I took a day off from work to spend some quality time with my wife and here she doesn't want my company," he sulked still holding her from behind. "Don't you have any feelings for your husband?" He tried to be serious but it came out as a tease. "Quality time? Really? Then let's go out for lunch!" Bani teased back. She knew she'd be giving in at the end but tried anyways. "I want to be with my wife ALONE...you know…some private time with her. A restaurant won't be the right place for that." His hands moved upwards and Bani held her breath, closing her eyes again. "Good point," she replied, "How about the beach then? It's a weekday and there'll be hardly anyone there at this time of the day?" "How about the bedroom sweetheart?" He couldn't talk in riddles any longer. His hands slipped inside her robe while he put gentle kisses on her neck. His hands explored her upper body, roaming all over the place. Bani let him.
She needed to hold onto something badly as her legs went weak, so she turned around which resulted the belt of her robe to untie and open up exposing her. She clung onto Jai's neck for support and without any warning she kissed him on the corner of his lips. Jai was surprised at her sudden action and as usual, Jai deepened the kiss turning it into a passionate one. He picked Bani up in his arms and buried his face right into her chest, nuzzling her shamelessly. He entered their bedroom and for the first time they left the bedroom door wide open…
That morning, the birds seemed to sing melodies after melodies while the trees gave a light, cool breeze. It was as if nature was celebrating…celebrating the reunion…the reunion of two hearts…the reunion of two souls…and the reunion of two bodies.
Back in Mumbai, after talking to Bani, Massi felt her heart go to them. Without a minute to waste she told Natchiket to book a ticket for her as she wanted to see her children desperately. When the rest of the people came to know of Massi's plan, they all decided to take a leave from work and enjoy a couple of days in sunny California. They were going to give a surprise to Jai and Bani.
The two lovebirds had no idea what a huge surprise was awaiting for them in two weeks time.
A couple of days passed by when one day Massi herself received a surprise in the mail. It was a big package from the US. Opening the package she found a huge photo frame of five people. Jai, Bani, Ganga, Krish and Atharv. Jai and Bani were standing up while Ganga was sitting right in front of them and the two brothers were at either sides of their one and only sister. One thing Jai and Bani had in common were their smile, it was a one full of happiness and they had a special glow in it. The twins had childish grins on their faces while Ganga's smile was more matured that resembled her father's. They were all smiling…looking so…happy. A tear dropped from Massi's eyes. "My children," she whispered touching the glassed frame delicately. "The perfect family,' she said with a smile.
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One week later in California, the Walias were having dinner at the table when Bani said, "Jai, don't you think Massi should've received the photo by now?" " She should have…I guess so," Jai replied smiling at his daughter as she had a special attachment with her Daadi. "Then why hasn't she called us? Do you think we should?" Bani asked. "Okay sweetheart. But have your dinner first na?" Jai said teasing her. He knew Bani hated it when he called her 'sweetheart' infront of the kids but he couldn't help it. He wanted to see Bani blush and that's what exactly she did the next moment, blush to the core, while the twins grinned like idiots at their father's choice of words while Ganga beamed with happiness. She always prayed to God before going to bed to keep her parents happy and together just like they were. She loved it when Jai and Bani were so close like that…She still remembered the day they had their first family hug, the day she planned the outing to the beach. For some reason, deep inside she had a feeling it was because of her, that her parents were together today and she felt proud. When Jai mentioned that they'd ring Massi after dinner, she was over the moon. She had lots of things to say to Daadi. Since she was at school when her mum and Dadi talked, she hardly got the chance to talk to her. And today, she'd talk the whole night if she could. Bani smiled at Jai. Suddenly the doorbell rang and Bani's smile turned into a puzzled expression. Jai's facial expression reflected Bani's. "Who could that be at this hour?" Jai wondered as they both got up to see. They hadn't the faintest idea who were waiting on the other side of the door…
That's it…Hope you enjoyed it…Please leave something to say even if it's just one word… I don't want any silent readers…😉 Eagerly waiting for the comments…😊
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