Chapter 5
Rano, Bani and Ganga
Marcus Aurelius
Accept the things
To which fate binds you and
Love the people with whom fate
Brings you together
But do so with all your heart.
Rano parked her little car in the space that was hers. Today was going to be a rough day. Bani was on her way to drop Ganga off at WG. Though Rano was happy she was also a bit concerned. Her Di looked like a scared rabbit, but they both knew she had to do this. Massi had offered to make the trip but she was not feeling too well.
A hollow feeling filled Bani. even though she knew that Ganga meeting her father was inevitable, it was also for the best.
Seema looked up the moment Rano walked in. Her smile was warm and genuine. she joined Bani helping in the restaurant a year ago. She pitied Bani, life had managed to be unkind to her and she had offered generously to be by her side in the journey as well as the goal.
S- I thought that you were coming in after 10 or so.
Bani's little restaurant and take-away was situated in the heart of the budding city. For many of the office workers, Maasi's was a popular food outlet. Named by Bani and Rano in honour of the woman that stood by their side through out their most difficult times.
Maasi's and Bani's cooking brought memories to the city dwellers. Bringing memories of their upbringing back to them, of their mothers and families left behind in the farms and remote villages.
R- Had to drop off Bani at the Inter city bus terminal, and thankfully traffic was not that bad at all.
S- stopping to put a tablecloth in place. How is Bani and Ganga? did Varun call.
R- yes he called (meaning SMS) he is doing fine. As for Di, I don't know Seema, she was pensive when she left. She's seeing Jai after 2 years.
Seema shook her head and crossed the room. "I don't know how you girls do it? Single moms and full time jobs. I am worried about Bani, looks like as much as she tries, JW will always be connected to her.
R- you do what you have to, and then she smiled as she looked at the rounded bulge of Seema's stomach. "you'll know soon enough".
They were still laughing when, just like that, as if a dark cloud had passed over the sun, her smile faded. Seema paled.
R-morning sickness back?
S-it never left.
R- go she ordered, I'll man the front. And she gently pushed her towards the rest room.
AK- to do that wont you need a man?
The low voice that asked the question sent a funny ripple through out her body. She knew instantly who it was.
R- "sometimes you need to improvise", forcing a smile Rano turned to look at him. He wasn't wearing his white coat. What can I do for you, she asked rather abruptly.
AK- it's more like what I can do for you. The smile that graced his face went straight to her gut like a well aimed shot. Rano did not like the emotions that this man evoked in her. after the fiasco of Saahil and Ranveer, she didn't need another man complication in her life.
R- Oh
AK- your Massi called the clinic.
R-oh. Rano had completely forgotten. She half listened to Massi as she was rushing around this morning.
AK- she said you forgot to take her prescription and to please have someone deliver the medication to you. She read it out to me over the phone.
R- sorry about that, she muttered.
His smile only widened. He produced the bag with the medication and placed in on the table before her. "
AK- no problem. Anil asked to tell you that he will put it on Bani's bill.
She started to reach for the bag when a thought occurred to her. Um- who did my Massi speak to?
AK- Me, he tried to keep a straight face but failed. You know, your Massi has a great future in interrogation if she ever wants to start a new career.
Rano could just hear the questions Massi must have fired to him. Her mind working in a frenzy to find a suitable man for Rano. It had to be Rano, because despite everything she still believed that J and B belonged together.
R-I apologize.
He looked at her as if he wasn't sure what to make of her words "for what?"
R- my massi. Rano moved around wishing that someone would walk in so that she could serve them. Today there was no one to divert her attention, it was only him.
My Massi has a tendency to say what comes to her mind. she looked at him ruefully. "would you like a cup of coffee?
Akshay smiled, "trying to make amends?"
She flushed, but she would have to be dead not to respond to his smile. "Yes"
He laughed shaking his head. Her Massi had been friendly, but provoking. She wanted to know his marital status. How long he was here for etc. But Rano was not to blame. he could clearly gage from Maasi's conversation that she cared deeply for the sisters.
AK- coffee yes, but to go. I don't want Anil thinking that I have abandoned him again.
R- I'll bring it to you then. Handing him the steaming cup she thanked him again.
AK- I don't mind coming in here, he told her. it gives me an extra couple of minutes to talk to you.
She didn't know why he'd want to talk to her.
R-about what?
AK- you really don't remember me do you?, he asked. Seeing her confused expression he reminded her. the university dance, the numerous times I bumped into you?
R-oh my God, yes of course I remember now. You have changed so much.
AK- Rano, I had no idea about your circumstances, he said.
R-nothing more than what others go through, she replied.
She was being modest, but then , if he recalled correctly, Rano had always had a penchant for being modest.
He was smiling again, smiling right at her.
R-so how have you been Rano?
R- since I saw you at the clinic or since I last saw you at university.
AK- the latter
R-okay-like a marathon runner she rattled off the events of her life> "I got married, I became a mother, was widowed, remarried and divorced, and now I am here. Not exactly something to turn into movie of the week isn't it. You are the one with the exciting life', she said hoping to divert attention to him.
Akshay laughed softly to himself. "not if you see it from my end." He looked carefully at the woman that first stole his heart a long time ago. It occurred to him that perhaps life hadn't been quite as carefree as he had assumed.
R-and you?
He told her all about Laila.
R-I am sorry.
AK-don't be… I'm not, he assured her again looking deeply into her eyes. Do I make you nervous Rano?
R-no….yes, it's been a long time since I came across a multiple choice question, she said.
AK-I don't mean to make you nervous Rano.
R- you are not making me nervous, she lied. It hasn't been one of my better mornings. And I guess I am a little surprised that you remembered me, that's all.
He grinned and she melted a little more.
AK-not half as surprised as Anil was when I arrived.
R-he didn't know you were coming either?
Akshay liked the way her eyes widened when she looked surprised.
AK-Rano I didn't even no that I was coming back. Not until this last week.
Compassion flooded through her. "was that when she left you?'
He supposed he could lie to her to save his ego. But somehow, it didn't feel right, lying to someone who was so completely honest and sincere. So he nodded. "She left me"
R-so you came back here to pull yourself together?
AK-something like that, he admitted. Actually Laila has been gone for a year, I came back to ,make amends, and because this is my home.
R-thinking if you did that, if you made amends, maybe things would straighten out in your life, the universe would smile on you again and that Laila would come back to you?
AK- wow you read tea leaves too?
R-no she laughed. "I have been down that path. Making deals with God, thinking that everything would fall into place, would follow an order and make things the way I wanted them too.
For a second it seemed like they were sharing a single thought.
AK-I take it didn't work out for you?
R-can't complain, she said.
AK- you never do, did, he answered, remembering Anil's comment about Saahil.
R-how would you know that?
AK- it's not a big secret when it comes to the Walia's Rano.
R-well no one can really know what's in the heart and minds of people, she told him. Not if that person doesn't want you to.
AK- why Rano what kind of secrets are you hiding, he asked moving closer to her.
Rano looked around, anxious for him to leave. "I better go and check on Seema.
AK- what's wrong with Seema, he asked.
R-she's pregnant, four months and she is still getting nauseous. Anyway looks like you have a lot of catching up to do Dr, she said dismissively.
Ak- apparently I do Rano, he paused, looking at her . despite what she had gone through, the years had been kind to her, she was more beautiful than he remembered.
AK- want to help me?
Her friendly tone vanished. "excuse me"
Ak-catch up, he clarified 'tonight after the clinic closes up. He winked and walked out, not giving her a chance to decline his invitation.
Ganga and Bani.
Bani and Ganga climbed out of the taxi. She hugged her sari closer to her, in an effort to stop her trembling. Two years, two years ago was the last time, she had set eyes on Jai Walia. No matter how many times she said that it will not effect her if she ever saw him again, she was always proved wrong.
Entering the huge foyer of the Walia office block, she saw a tall man striding toward her. Ganga clutched her hand tightly, obviously seeing him too. Bani recognised the determined pace, the stubborn set of shoulders. Oh yes, this was definitely her ex-husband.
Jai continued to stalk closer and she wondered where she could hide. I hope he is friendly and civil at least, she prayed. She didn't want a scene. Not in front of Ganga, not ever actually.
The man in question appeared before them. At that second Bani's brain stopped functioning. He was still as handsome as ever. He had lost a huge amount of weight. She recognised his deep brown eyes, the firm set of his mouth, the dark hair. She shrugged. Not that his looks mattered to her now. 😳
He looked at Ganga. "hi, you are right on time. He sounded gracious and anxious too. He bent down to kiss her cheek. Ganga went easily into his arms.
Bani stepped aside, not wanting to come between father and daughter. Standing up he turned towards Bani. 'hello Bani, he said extending his hand.
She shook his hand automatically, and nearly swooned at the sparks that occurred between them. He knew that . He knew that she felt it too. God was she always so beautiful? Jai gently squeezed her hand, as though he was the least bit affected.
So typical she thought with amusement.
J-how are you Bani, he repeated.
B- fine, she replied refusing to make eye contact.
She shook her head as she pulled her hand free. Now if you will excuse me……
She bent down and hugged Ganga tightly. Tears sprang to her eyes. She was going to miss her like crazy.
She turned quickly and started walking towards the waiting taxi. If she thought she could lose Jai quickly, she was wrong. His long strides caught up with her. she turned around.
B-my taxi is here, she said blankly. Please take care of her, and be sensitive, she has been waiting a long time for this day, you know.
J-when will I see you again Bani, he asked.
Again she hugged her sari closer. "There's no need Mr Walia. You need to spend quality time with Ganga. I'll fetch her in a week's time, she said politely, wishing to give him a fierce push into his plush hotel.
J-I know that you are in a hurry to leave Bani. he held her hand again. You don't understand I need to talk to you, he said barely noticing the irritated look on the drivers face.
B-Bani glanced back at him." You don't give up do you?'
"no"
B-look Mr Walia, you have found Ganga again,. My baby, our child. be nice to her, she's been so nervous and anxious to see you……….
J- so have I, he interrupted. and he stressed I am talking about wanting to see you.
For the first time since she stepped down form the taxi he senses went on alert. Now he actually looked at her. she was stunning. Her sari hugged her impressive curves. Her high heels gave her a little height, but she still barely cleared his shoulder.
B-what questions do you still have Mr Walia?.
Questions? Jai followed her again. Yes he had dozens of questions to ask her, but he couldn't think of any one of them right now. Not when her scent was wafting to him. He drew his gaze back to her, the sway of her hips made his blood boil.
To his horror he still felt that strong physical reaction to her. woman had been easy for him. But Bani possessed him from the time they first made love all those years ago.
But she was oblivious to him. Or she was a hell of a good pretender.
She spun around and faced him. "what?", she asked her eyes wide with amusement. I know you want to know something. What do you want to know Mr Walia?
He had a thousand requests for information. How soft would her skin still feel. Would she taste just as sweet when he kissed her. how would she feel when he made love to her again. Will she be just as eager. Did she long for him. His fantasies of Bani were about making her surrender. Surrender to him.
J- why do you want to go today Bani?, he asked. Why don't you stay, it is quire late as it is. He wanted to delay her departure,
B- because I have to Mr Walia, saying that she stepped into the taxi and drove off.
She left not turning once, to look at the man that was looking at her in blind fury.
Jai turned to look at the little girl, his daughter, standing patiently looking around in wonder.
She was so alike ,his mom. His heart tore. This time his stride was less stern. When he approached her, he was nervous, ashamed of how he had treated her. for a long time he looked at her in wonder.
J-Ganga, he called out softly.
G-yes Mr Walia.
He knelt down besides her, cupping his huge hands around her oval face. Ganga, why Mr Walia , why not Papa, he asked. Tears glistening his eyes.
She looked up shyly. Her face breaking into the smile he remembered so clearly. Hello papa…..
…
to be contd…
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