I didn't think I'd be writing another story so soon. Thanks to some people out here in the forum who kept encouraging me to write more…I'm back with another! 😃 Believe it or not I wrote this small story just the day before Meera showed her true colours. I was so shocked when it showed Bani being hit by Meera the very next day. With the depression the forum is going through now, I think it's the best time to post it…Hope you'll like it as much as the other one. 😊 I may have some mistakes here and there, please overlook them...😊
OK, here goes…
This couldn't be. How could she? After all what had happened how could she do this to him 'again'? Where did the trust go in between them? He wanted to protect her. He wanted to give her all she needed. Then why, why, why did she leave him all alone once again?
Jai was standing inside his room, holding a letter written by Bani, and staring at his own reflection in the mirror, eyes wide in shock, tears swelling up quickly.
Where could she have gone? Jai had just come home from office to find a letter on his dresser in Bani's handwriting. It read;
'Mr. Walia, I have decided I want to leave this house forever. There are a few problems I was facing in the house and so I am leaving. Please don't worry about me at all. I will be fine. Don't go looking for me. You are under our kids' oath. I need some time to myself. Just promise me, you will take care of Ganga, Krishna and Atharv and won't let any harm fall upon them as well as yourself. Promise me you will treat Ganga, and give all three the love they need, and give them extra love on my behalf. I'm sorry, I can't stay at the Walia Mansion. My kids are my life, I will live my life with their memories. Lots of love, Bani.'
Problems? Problems in the house? What did Bani mean? Why did she leave the house if she loved him? What were the problems she was facing? Who were the problems? Why couldn't she tell him about it? Why the hell did Bani do what she did? Write a letter with no meanings to it and just left him? Left him with three kids, and two were so small that they needed their mother. He didn't even get the chance to spend quality time with her. But then, how could he? He made the biggest mistake of bringing another woman into his life which kept him away from being too close to Bani. Recently, he kept having this guilty feeling of marrying Meera. After knowing the whole truth of Bani and Daksh, he felt as thought the BIGGEST mistake of his life was to get married, to get married to anyone other than Bani. He had no rights, then why did he? But he couldn't blame himself. It was all in a moment of time. Jigyasa pressurized him, he agreed and the marriage was done. But who cared? He didn't care where Meera was, where she went, how she lead her life in the Walia Mansion. He only cared about Bani, his Bani. He cared about her whereabouts, about her safety, about her well-being. What did Bani think? That she'll let their children be taken care by Meera? His and her children to be brought up by another woman other than their parents? No way. He wasn't going to let that happen. Not this time. The first set of twins they had, he brought them up. When Ganga was born, Bani brought her up. Now again when they have the chance of bringing their children up 'together' he wasn't going to lose Bani all over again. He wanted Bani at any cost, back into his life. He wanted to see her happy. And by the looks of the letter, she didn't seem to be so happy leaving the house. He wasn't going to let go off this chance once again, all over again. Not after he knew that Bani was 'his' all along. His only wish at the moment was if he could come home early to catch Bani before she left. He wished he knew the answers to all the worrying questions he kept having of Bani. Where might she be? Where does he start looking for her? Bani mentioned not too look for her. Hell no! He was going to find her alright. He would be mad to leave her all alone in the big bad world. He needed the answers to the letter that made no sense. The answers were only with Bani. He needed her not for the answers only, but to ask for forgiveness from the bottom of his heart and to accept her into his life once again with his mind and soul. He even decided to take the divorce from Meera, not that they have any attachments but doing it the 'legal' way would be better. He was not going to fall again in between whom to choose. Meera could go anywhere she liked, he didn't give a damn.
Bani, he needed her more than anything now. He sat down, trying to calm his nervous mind. He was freaking out. He tried to think of all the places Bani could have gone to at this time of night. Train station. That's the first thing that came to his mind. If she was going to leave him, she would obviously go back to her Mt. Abu home. But was it too late? He didn't have the time to think now. He flew down the stairs, taking three steps at a time.
Driving to the station he found it empty. There were hardly anyone there. Just a few people scattered around and some security guards. Asking one of them, he found out that there weren't any trains that left for Mt. Abu that day. He sat back down in his car, heart beating five times faster than it already it had. He sat back into his car, dejected. If no trains left that day, then that meant Bani didn't go to Mt. Abu, that's for sure. Maybe Meerut? The place she had lived with Massi and Ganga. They have old memories there. Maybe she wanted to go and live there. But she had lived there with sad memories, why would she want to go back there to recollect them? No, that was just not possible. He drove to his twin's cemetery. Krishna and Atharv. His first two kids that were born in this world, his first two children that he brought up single handedly for the first five years without a mother. His two children that gave him the biggest happiness of becoming a father for the first time. His children that were now gone, gone to another world. His children that Bani brought into the world…For him. They were gone, leaving him shattered into pieces. But all thanks to Bani, she brought his twins back into the world once again just five days ago. Bani…Where was she? Jai was so frustrated at himself for not being able to stop her from leaving the house. What the hell was he doing in the office when Bani left?
He entered the cemetery heartbroken. Sitting down infront of it, he found two bunches of lilies over their names. He was shocked. Bani had come here. That's what it meant by the lilies. She had come here before she left to go wherever she had gone. If only there were any traces of where she had taken off from here. He sighed, a deep heartbroken sigh. He looked at the two white boxes with their names on it. 'Krishna' and 'Atharv'. How he missed them. Krishna's Bani like face, sweet, like a pure innocent angel. Atharv, resembling him in every way, chubby, reserved but quite talkative if he got to know the people well. They were his angels sent down from heaven. He wanted to murder the murderer that killed his beloved. He wanted to see that dirty face of the person with the dirty mind. He felt as though his life had ended. His twins were gone. His wife left him. But no, he had to live, he had to live for his other three children now, the two new twins and Ganga. He couldn't leave them alone in this world. He wanted to leave this world and go to his children, but he couldn't. He had to take care of the new lot now. He would give them all the love they needed just as Bani wanted. He won't let any harm fall upon them. He had had enough of losing his loved ones. Not any more. Afterall, enough was enough na?
It was well past midnight, after searching all the obvious places, he gave up for the day and went back home, really upset. Having hope that someone at home would know about Bani's whereabouts, which were pretty dull, he entered the house to see it empty with the lights turned off. He entered his bedroom to find Meera feeding Krishna a bottle. Without hesitating he asked, "Meera, did you see Bani in the morning?" "Yes, I did Jai. Why are you asking? Everything aright?" He answered, "No, she isn't home and it's way past midnight. Where could she have gone? Did she tell you anything?"
"Are you serious? Bani's not home at this time of the night? Where could she go so late at night!?" Meera asked shocked. "I talked to her last night but I didn't see her today at all," she continued recollecting a conversation they had the day before. Jai left to go to the bathroom without saying anything further. For the strangest reason, after Bani's disappearance, he didn't feel like talking to Meera at all unless it was totally necessary. He felt as though he had no rights to talk to any other woman other than 'his' Bani. He wanted her back at any cost. Where could she have gone? Why did she leave? The questions were going to kill him. It kept ringing in his head over and over again. What was she doing out on the roads so late at night without anyone to help her?
He was going to sleep and start searching in the morning, as it was useless to even think about anything now. He knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep at all, instead will be worrying to death for Bani.
_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
It was 4:45am when Jai woke up from a cry. His baby. She was crying for Bani. He jumped up from the bed in one go, sleep vanishing in an instance and went to her side. "Ssshhh, Krishna please, stop crying." Krishna was in no mood to stop. She cried even louder as the soothing voice told her to settle down. Obviously she woke up for her feed. She moved her face to the right feeling the blanket, she opened her mouth wide thinking it was milk. Jai's eyes filled with tears. If only Bani was here now. He ran down the stairs as soon as she calmed down a little, making the formula for her, he ran back up the stairs. He was an expert at this. He did this every night when his first sets of twins were born. Bani wasn't there with them either. He had to do the job of a mother and a father. Putting the bottle in her mouth, Krishna slowly started drifting off again. Jai couldn't hold it back. He began crying silently, openly, tears running down his cheeks. Where was he going to find Bani? He loved her with all his heart, but Bani didn't know it. He never got to tell her after he came to know the truth of her and Daksh. It was Meera. Meera was always 'in the way' as he put it. He just hated the fact that he got married again. How could he stoop so low, obviously it was one way of taking revenge against Bani indirectly. But what will happen now? Where was his life leading him? Another lonely life without his lady of love? How long will they keep playing this cat and mouse game? He wanted to be with her for the rest of his life, without any interruptions or disturbances coming in their way.
Before Krishna could fall asleep fully, Atharv was awake. He seemed to be brave, and not cry. His eyes were wide open, feeling for his mother. Jai again, ran back downstairs, made his formula and fed him. After an hour or so, they were both fast asleep. Jai couldn't just leave the little ones there without any supervision, so he went to Meera's room to wake her up. He didn't care he was waking her up so early in the morning. He needed to get back on his mission to find Bani. When he was sure Meera was settled in his room, keeping an eye on the kids…He left the house once again. The Mumbai roads were as quiet as could be. The first place he went to was the police station. He knew they wouldn't let him file a missing complaint before 24 hours…But he would show them who he was…Jai Walia of course!
After little talks…It was done. He had gotten a police search party ready to look for Bani. Of course he didn't bother asking his family members where Bani was, as it was obvious Bani left without anyone's knowledge. So asking the members at home would be the same as asking the twins where their mother was.
After another whole day of trying to find his beloved wife, he went home dejected once again. As soon as he entered Walia Mansion, he heard the high-pitched cries of Krishna. He wanted to cry. He understood Bani left, fine. But how could she betray her children? How could she leave them here without once thinking what the babies would be going through? They were only 6 days old goddammit! If only she took the babies with her, he wouldn't have needed to see his babies so hurt and missing their mother. No, he was thankful that she left the babies with him. Otherwise, he would've died. Losing Bani, and then the twins. He wouldn't have been able to bear it. Life was cruel to him enough.
He rushed to his daughter to find her with Ganga who was trying to console her at the same time talking to herself, 'Where is Mama gone? Now even Papa is also not here. Choti behn, please don't cry. Mama will be here any moment now.' Jai looked at Ganga. She had really grown up ever since the twins were born. She looked after them like a matured adult, just like an older sister would. Trying to keep himself composed and control his emotions, he walked towards his two daughters. 'Ganga, where's Meera Aunty? Krishna must be hungry, isn't she taking care of her?' Jai asked a little annoyed at Meera for leaving his baby unattended. 'Yes Papa, I asked Meera Aunty to make Krishna's bottle since I can't find Mama. I haven't seen her since yesterday. But now, even Meera Aunty is not coming,' Ganga said as a matter of fact. 'Beta, do me a favour, go downstairs and see what's taking so long for Meera Aunty to make Krishna's formula. I will see about Mama,' He didn't want to worry Ganga, not for now.
As Ganga ran off, he sat holding Krishna in his arms and talked to her. 'Krishna baby, where is your Mama? Why did she leave us alone like this? Doesn't she know how much I need her? Doesn't she know how much you need her, or how much I love her? Why did she do this baby?' He tried consoling himself more than trying to calm the baby down. He was too depressed to even think what to do. And over the depression, he also had this irritating annoyance of Meera. What the hell was wrong with the woman? He told her to keep an eye on the kids and here he came home to see one kid crying from starvation while the 'other' was trying to calm her down. Where the hell was she?
He stood up with Krishna still in his arms and marched towards the door when Ganga entered with the bottle in hand. 'Beta, what happened? Why are you bringing her bottle in? Where is Meera Aunty?' Jai was furious by now at Meera for making his daughter work. What on earth had gone wrong with her? Did she also plan to disappear like Bani did? 'Papa, actually when I went there, Meera Aunty had already made the formula but she was busy on the phone. I waited for some time but she didn't realize I was there. She kept on talking so I took the bottle without telling her and came up here as Krishna was hungry na? Sorry Papa.' Ganga looked a worried at her Papa's facial expression, it was like a thunderstorm. 'Nahin beta, it's ok. You did just the right thing. Thank you so much, you're such a great big sister,' He gave her a warm smile showing her that she wasn't at any fault. 'Papa, do you know where Mama has gone?' Jai putting the bottle in the baby's mouth, looked up. He didn't know what to say, how to answer his daughter. He felt so guilty. Deep down inside, he had this weird feeling that he was the reason Bani left the house and now the kids were suffering. Afterall, he didn't apologize to her at all. Of course he loved her with all his life, but he didn't get the chance to clear the misunderstandings. He felt as though he had lost so much of his life just by wasting it being a really unfair husband.
'Ganga, you are old enough now to understand everything now. To tell you the truth, Mama has left home. I…I've been searching for her since yesterday beta. I don't know where she has gone. I…I'm really sorry beta. Please forgive me. I know I've been so stupid with your mother. Beta, I love your Mama a lot. I don't want to lose her this time. That's why I'm promising you that I'll bring Mama back home at any cost. But beta, I need your support, please?' He looked hopefully down to his daughter to see if she was positive about this. Of course she was. He was getting worried for no reason. Ganga understood everything now, especially, looking at her own life and her parents, she knew too well about relationships. 'Yes Papa, I promise I'll help you in every way I can. But Papa, it's not because of you that Mama left, I'm sure. You know na? I told you so many times that Mama loves you. In Meerut she used to cry for you. I never understood then what the tears were for, but now I know why Papa. She loved you very much and used to miss you everyday, I know she hasn't left for you. There must be another reason for her to leave the house. She always wants other's happiness. God knows what she wanted to do.' Ganga looked sad but tried to be brave at the same time. Jai could read the emotions flickering through his daughter's eyes. Her eyes were just like Bani's. He could read them like an open book.
He opened his arms out and Ganga ran to him to be enveloped into a warm hug by her father. She couldn't help but cry. She loved her parents both. But why was it, that God gave her the happiness of staying with one parent all the time? Either it was her Mum or her Dad. Why not both? She couldn't find the answer to it. She cried openly into Jai's chest wetting the front of his his shirt.
Jai hugged his daughter with all his might trying to block out his own emotions for once and tried to see the situation from Ganga's point of view. It was hard. She was surely going though a rough life and he blamed it on himself, for putting his wife and daughter through so much for the past couple of years. He hated himself bad.
But, he promised he was going to bring back Bani, and he was going to do it, if that meant his death or took up his whole like, then be it. 'Ganga… look. Krishna's stopped drinking. She's looking at her big sister crying. Shame shame!' Jai tried to make the situation lighter. Ganga looked down to see her baby sister, who had stopped suckling on the bottle, eyes grew wide, it was as if she was staring straight at Ganga. 'Hey choti behn! Don't look at me like that.' Ganga giggled trying to forget about the hurt of her mother's absence. Jai smiled, tears glistening in his eyes. Ganga was like Bani in every way she could be. This little girl, barely 8 years old was trying to act brave and show the world how strong she was, but deep inside she was one weak person. He really admired his lady and girl for that. However hurt she was inside, she tried to be so happy on the outside. Bani and Ganga, two huge parts of his life, and Krishna-Atharv, was the completion of his life. These four people made his life what it was. No one else was included in it, or was allowed in it. Meera. Suddenly Meera appeared infront of his eyes. That lady. He forgot all about her for a few minutes. He was going to show her. He was already feeling bothered with her for the last couple of days, and her carelessness just made him boost up with anger.
He told Ganga to play with Krishna while he went to talk to Meera Aunty. Ganga happily agreed and Jai left to go downstairs. As he entered the kitchen was shocked to see Meera 'still' in the kitchen, even more shocked to see her 'still' on the phone! Who was she talking to for so long? What was she talking about? Standing silently near the door he tried hearing her conversation. Not that he was interested in listening to it, but something in her expression caught his attention as he was entering through the door….It was DEAD serious.
"Yes, OK, I'll be there soon. Bye," and the call ended. 'Goddammit!' Jai thought. 'What was it all about?' He was very curious to know now. Meera turned around just then to pick the bottle up from the tabletop and take it upstairs. The thought of Krishna being hungry and was crying totally slipped her mind as she got busy with the phone call. She realized the bottle was missing. Freaking out that someone had come in and taken the bottle without her realizing, she ran out the kitchen to see if she could find out who had entered the kitchen, and who 'might have' heard her on the phone. Jai moved back so Meera could exit the kitchen without noticing that he was there. He let her go up the stairs and find out for herself that everything was under control, but he wasn't finished with her. He still had to blast her off for leaving the children alone AND chatting with whoever it was on the phone for fifteen whole minutes. After counting to sixty seconds he started up the stairs again. As he entered the room he found Ganga explaining to her it was her that took the bottle as Krishna was very hungry. Meera still hadn't any idea that Jai was back home. As she looked up she saw Jai, eyebrows lowered into a furious expression. 'J…Jai, you're back. Did you find Bani? Y…You informed the police na?' She looked very concerned for Bani but looked frightened at the same time. "Meera I need to talk to you, meet me in the study," with that he left. Meera followed quietly leaving Ganga to continue playing with her sister.
"What the hell were you doing downstairs?!" Jai roared once they were in the room. "J…Jai, I…I went downstairs to make a bottle for Krishna as she was cryin, the poor baby was hungry." Meera replied scared at his sudden outburst. "Bottle? Huh! I could see that. Talking on the phone for fifteen minutes without a care that a newborn was screaming wildly for milk. THAT'S what I left you to do? To take care of the kids in THAT way!? What the hell is wrong with you Meera? Why can't you do one thing RIGHT?!" Jai was fuming in rage. He wanted to kick Meera out of the house and never see her face again for the rest of his life. She made his kids suffer, even though it was something very minor, but to him it meant the world. Without a mother, it was hard enough on the kids and the carelessness of this lady was making things worse, or atleast for him it was.
"Meera, I'm warning you, if anything happens to my kids, I'll…I swear I'll kill you!" Jai roared again his voice getting higher and higher at every each word. With that he strode off from the room back into his own, leaving Meera totally shocked stunned. Back in his room, Jai found Krishna asleep again along with Atharv who was sleeping already. Ganga was sitting next to the cot, patting the girl on her legs. She was such sweetheart. Jai couldn't get enough of looking at his children. He could stand here at the doorway seeing them for ages without getting bored. If only Bani was here to see the picture, to accompany him, to stay by his side at this wonderful sight…and forever. If only…
Suddenly he remembered Meera's words about 'being there'. Where was she going? When? Why? He needed to know what was really up. He had this weirdest feeling that something really fishy was up.
Later that evening, after everyone got to know about Bani's disappearance, Jai left for his room to stay close to his babies. Sitting on the bed he rang the police to see if any news were found. None was. He settled himself on the bed and watched his sleeping babies, their small bodies heaving up and down… up and down. They looked so content and peaceful; it made his heart swell with emotions. Bani…If only she was here. He just couldn't get rid of Bani from his mind. All throughout the day he kept thinking of her.
_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
She looked back to make sure everyone was asleep. The whole house was quiet. There was pin drop silence in the house. Creeping out the front door and catching the first taxi that came that way, she left. The drive was long. The car took twists and turns, curves, and bends. The road became narrower and narrower, until it was just a dirt path, the driver was barely able to drive along the narrow lane. After what seemed like about a good 1 and half hours, the taxi was ordered to stop infront of a broken old 6 storied building. Most of the windows were broken and the door wide open. But it didn't matter. There was no one in sight and not one single living thing was anywhere around the place. It seemed like it used to be a factory once upon a time. Paying the taxi driver, Meera went inside. Up the creaky staircase, through a very dark hallway and into a room, which was surprisingly, pretty well lit. The room must've been located somewhere at the back of the building as it was impossible to see a light inside the house from the outside. As she entered, the pale figure looked up. It was Bani. She was tied up against a pole, her hands tied around the back with tight ropes. Her feet were tied as well which made is extremely difficult for her to stand up straight, one small move and she'd topple over, not falling straight to the ground but stop halfway due to the ropes tied around her back. The she'd try to steady herself again. It was hard. Her face was pale, with dark circles under her eyes. Two whole days she'd been staying in that empty, stinking place without food, without her love, without her family. Her eyes were swollen red, mouth tied up with a white handkerchief; she didn't look like the sweet, healthy Bani any longer. She looked sick, small and fragile.
"Aaahhh, so we finally meet Mrs. Bani 'Walia'," Meera sarcastically says after she sees her state. She liked the look of her, helpless, and lost. "Guards!" Meera yelled. Soon after, a huge, disgustingly messy bearded man appeared. He had the biggest, sick-looking muscles and the dirtiest clothes. "Yes Maam," He answered. "Have you served my special guest with any food today?" She asked in her sickly sweet tone. "No Maam, just as you ordered. We didn't give her anything to eat except for water." Bani looked up with hope to see if Meera was going to offer her something. She hated the fact she was going to eat whatever that was offered from her, but she was starving. "Good! Excellent work. This woman has been eating our high-class food in Walia house for the last couple of years like a Queen. It's time she takes a rest from eating such high status food and having so much of leisures. Her babies are drinking the milk from that house, that should be enough to fill your hunger, atleast your children are happy, right Mrs. 'Walia'? Oops…I mean your 'late' children. Bechara, the first lot have already gone, up there..." She looked up at the ceiling rolling her eyes upwards. 'I' took them…" She laughed so hard, it resembled a fairy tale witch. "You should be thankful that 'I' let you bring another two sets into the world! See? I am not that bad Bani" Meera laughed again. Bani's eyes welled up with tears. "Oh yes, what other information do I have to update you with? Hmm…That's right. About Mr. Walia, well he's having the time of his life spending quality time with his children. Not once did he ask where Bani has gone. Seems like he doesn't care at all Bani," emphasizing on the word 'Bani'. Bani closed her eyes letting the tears fall freely. Her heart was already broken into a hundreds of pieces, and this news broke it into a thousand. She still didn't know though, if she should believe what Meera was saying or not. Afterall, a person who's greedily jealous can say anything about anyone right?
"Guard! Please carry on with the treatment," Meera continued her orders. The guard took a long rod and came forward. He swung it over his head to hit it right onto Bani's stomach. That was the 'treatment' she was getting for the last two days. Every four hours, the guard would come out from god knows where, and torture Bani with that steel rod. Hitting it on her stomach, her arms, her legs, everywhere. It was like a punishment a prisoner got after being accused of a murder. Expect, this was for falling in love with Jai. Bani's mouth was tied so she couldn't make a sound. Or if she tried, it came out so muffled; it was impossible to hear. Meera smiled her evil smile. It was the first time she was going to see Bani get the 'torture'. She has been ordering the men over the phone what to do, but she never got to see it with her naked eyes, as she had no excuses to come out of the house. Now was the time. When the man swung the rod over his head and was about to strike it on her stomach, his arms got twisted over his head and he fell straight on his rare. Meera was shocked at the sudden change of action of the man. As the man fell on his bottom, Meera saw another figure standing behind him. Jai Walia. By now Jai had the rod in his hands and without any warning, he hit it so hard on the man's head, he fell flat on his face, senseless. Jai was disgusted to the core. His mouth was twisted in anger and disgust and his jaws were tightly clenched. Meera was horrified. Bani seeing his appearance didn't know how to react. She wanted to run right into his arms and never get out of it. On the other hand, she felt strangely weird seeing Jai there. If Meera was right, then why would he come here and help her? Or maybe he came to see Meera? Or maybe Meera was lying afterall. She didn't know what to think. Before she could come to a conclusion, there was an echo of a SLAP! Then another… and another! She looked up to see Jai slapping Meera's right cheek, then her left, then her right again without stopping for a fraction of a second. "You bl**dy bi**h! Mr. Walia didn't ONCE ask where Bani was? Seems like he doesn't care at all? Huh??? That's what you said na? Meeraaaa!!!! Bani's been eating and enjoying in the Walia House for too long? She needs to take a rest from all this 'high status' leisure? Who the hell do you think you are you cheap woman!?" Jai growled. "I always knew you had no concern for my children. But this!? You kidnapped Bani…MY Bani and kept her away from her new borns? Kept her away from her children, her family, her husband?! You MURDERED my children?! YOU'RE the killer of my children? The person who I didn't know but hated with all my heart was living inside MY home all these years. I feel sick Meera, absolutely SICK!" You were the killer all along? Was I THAT blind that I couldn't see that disgusting heart of yours through your innocent face !? You ID*OT!? Who are YOU!? You have NO rights in interfering in MY life Goddammit!" Jai snarled at Meera and slapped her twice more. He couldn't help it. There was a time when he couldn't stand men who raised their hands over women. But this lady? She wasn't even worth being called a woman. Thins 'thing' didn't deserve to be called a lady. Meera by now was crying. "J…J…Jai please listen! I only did this for you Jai. I love you. I can't stand someone else being with you Jai. I wanted you but Bani never let me. I promised myself that if Bani wasn't there, then I would take care of you and your children like my own. I have nothing with the children Jai!" Meera screamed. Jai kicked her to the floor "You wanted to kick Bani out, or more like KILL Bani and take her place? You cheap animal! NO one can take my Bani's place. Love you my foot!" Jai roared and slapped her again. Bani was watching all this with hot tears rapidly running down her cheeks. She was so proud of Jai. She could hear the police sirens nearby. Jai grabbed Meera's hair and dragged her across to Bani. He then with one hand untied the cloth from Bani's mouth while still holding Meera with his other, just in case she ran away, he wasn't taking a chance. The police fled up the stairs and burst in through the door. "Inspector, this is the woman, the kidnapper of my children and wife as well as the murderer of my children. Inspector, I don't want to see her face on this Earth, EVER! That man there was also involved." Jai pointed to the floor. The so-called guard who had been senseless all throughout the scene had fortunately gained consciousness just then only to be taken away by the police. "Jai please, don't do this to me. I promise I'll stay away from you and never come in between you or Bani. Jai, Jai please!" Meera begged and pleaded holding Jai's legs. "Don't even dare touch me, or say my name with your dirty mouth." Jai looked towards the inspector who came forward and handcuffed her, all the while Meera screamed and pleaded like a psycho (HAD to use that word atleast once for Bafoon! ) and in seconds she was out the door.
Jai looked back and realized Bani was still tied up. Realization hitting him hard, in swift movements he untied the other ropes that held Bani back tightly. Before he could react or say anything, his phone started ringing. It flashed 'Home' and quickly he picked it up fearing it was something to do with the kids. "Papa, where are you? I had a bad dream, Dadi is with me, but I can't sleep. Papa, please come back home soon." Ganga seemed to be very nervous and half sleepy. "Beta, I'll be there soon sweety. Don't worry. Dadi is with you na? Promise I won't take too long." He disconnected the phone. Since it was on speakers, Bani heard the conversation as well. "Mr. Walia, we've got to go now!" Jai looked at Bani wanting to say a billion things in one go. But he knew this wasn't the right time. They were hurrying out the door when Bani nearly toppled over. Her legs were weak due to the tight ropes that had been tied around her legs for so many hours. She wasn't feeling at her best at all, as her stomach was empty, and with her weak legs, she felt as though she was going to pass out then and there. Jai was by her side in a second. He knew what state she had been in for the last two days. He felt sick thinking about what Bani had to go through. Picking up Bani in his arms, he proceeded towards the car. Gently placing her on the passenger's seat, he sat down in his own seat and drove off, a long journey ahead.
After about two hours, Jai finally pulled up his car infront of the house and found Bani still sleeping. She was really very tired. She had dozed off as soon as he started the car leaving no chances for him to 'talk' talk. He didn't care. She needed the rest like hell. All throughout the drive he thought of what the last two days had in store for him. He thought of the times when he searched for Bani around the city like a mad man. He thought of the situation the kids were in, without Bani around them, life was nothing really. Then suddenly, he started thinking of the times how sickly sweet Meera was with him. Now he could understand why Meera acted like that. She was a female version of Tarun, his old friend. He couldn't believe it. Why was everyone so interested in Jai and Bani? Why couldn't they just leave them both alone, to lead a happy life? It was so strange.
After he pulled the car, he obviously had no intention of waking her up. So he simply came around the other side, picked her up once again and entered the house. The house was dark just as he left it before following that creep out the door. He wondered if Ganga was still waiting for him to arrive. Entering the room he found Massi asleep with her arms around Ganga. The twins were also asleep, the cot rearranged so it was on Massi's side. He didn't know how to thank Massi enough. She was his mother, not a mother figure. Smiling at the scene infront of him, he quietly left the room, slowly shutting the door behind him.
Opening the door to the guest room, he entered inside with Bani still in his arms. He lay her down slowly onto the bed and changed her clothes that were ripped and dirt all over. He felt sick all over again. That creepy man used to come every few hours and torture Bani so much that her dress was ripped. He didn't want to think of how low this lady had stooped. Trying to get rid of her from his mind, he finished changing her into her nightie and went to get changed himself. After a few minutes, he lay down beside Bani, putting his arms around her he pulled her closer to him and stared at Bani's face. It was pale alright but it was beautiful as before. Bani still sleeping, snuggled up even closer to him putting her face right into his chest feeling the rhythmic beats of his heart. They both slept all throughout the night with a serene expression on their faces.
The next morning, Bani woke up early, with a slight headache since she was still feeling very groggy. She found herself meshed into Jai's body. No wonder she felt so warm with that familiar male scent. The episode of what happened last night replayed in her head. Meera's cruel words and her bitter laugh. Jai coming in to save her, Jai getting 'her' arrested. Then the phone call from Ganga. Ganga! Oh my God, she forgot about her little children. Ever to slowly she came out of Jai's arms, and bolted out the door and into theirs. Her stomach was rumbling really loud but she had to touch her babies, see her babies before she did any other work. Being away from them for two days felt like she hadn't seen them for eternity.
Nearing the cot, she saw her two baby angels, sleeping peacefully. Two bottles were kept at the side which were empty. Thanks to Massi, she had done the job of a mother, waking up in the middle of the night and giving them their shares of feed. Massi really was a sweetheart. She and Ganga were sleeping on the bed peacefully. Bani looked at Ganga and her tears started again. The little girl, being the big sister, probably had to go through so much in the last two days. Realizing she couldn't stand up any longer, she managed to go to the kitchen and fill her stomach with food from the fridge. After fulfilling her satisfaction, she ran up the stairs with new energy and took a hot shower.
In the meantime Jai woke up slowly to find the bed empty. The first reaction he had was to freak. He jumped out of bed in one swift move and ran out the door to find Bani. Not seeing her anywhere downstairs or in Ganga's room, his heart did a summersault. Not realizing that Bani was in the same room as his taking a shower in the bathroom, he looked all over the house; he even went out to the backyard to check if she was there. Not finding her there he slowly came inside again, feeling upset. It was still pretty early in the morning, maybe Bani went to the Mandir to pray? He walked into Ganga's room again to check on the kids.
Meanwhile Bani came out of the shower to see the bed empty. So Mr. Walia was up. Drying her hair she felt too tired to stay up. She needed to sleep to overcome the lightheaded feeling she kept having. She sat on the bed about to lie down when Jai entered then. He wasn't expecting to see Bani on the bed, so was surprisingly shocked to see her there. Bani on the other hand had no idea what to say or how to react. Thank him for last night? Apologize for putting him into so much of trouble? She did neither of them as Jai did the rest. He came striding to her and sat down infront of her. Without any further notice he buried his face into her chest hugging her tightly. Then he cried. Cried for not being able to understand the cheap woman. Cried for not being there with Bani when she most needed her. Cried for not understanding Bani all these years. Cried for missing out so much of his life without being close to Bani. Bani was obviously shocked at his actions but melted into him after a few seconds. She hugged him back tightly letting him cry. She knew what Jai was going through. She knew this was his way of apologizing to her for the last few years. Jai's shoulders shuddered hard because he was crying so much. "I'm sorry Bani," he whispered in her chest in between sobs. "I'm so sorry. I never understood you. I don't have the rights to be living with you Bani. I'm just not good enough for you," he mumbled quietly as he continued to cry. "Ssshhh…Mr. Walia, don't ever say that again, please! Agar aap phirse aise bath kiya na…toh main…" (Rings any bell? 10 oct last year…Phew!)
Bani looked up to see Ganga standing at the doorway shocked to see her mum. She didn't move, just stood there taking it all in. 'Mr. Walia, bas…Dekhiye, Ganga dekhrahi hain hume…' Bani softly said, gently holding the back of his head to pull him away from her. Jai didn't want to face anyone. The more force Bani put into making him look up, the deeper he buried his face into her body. 'Dekhne dau usse Bani. Usse maaloom hona chahiye ke uski Papa kitna stupid hain…' He mumbled back softly, he took quick sharp breaths trying to control himself from crying.
Bani ran her fingers through his hair, consoling him, and rubbed his back with her palms time to time. 'Beta, look. Just look at your Papa. He thinks he is not a good Papa to you,' Bani said to Ganga, giving her an indication to come inside. Ganga slowly moved forward and before Bani could think, she found herself lying on the bed with Ganga bursting into tears and hugging her with all her might with one hand, while the other was around Jai's neck. 'Mama! Where did you go? I missed you so much Mama. Why did you leave Papa and me alone like this? Don't you know how much we all love you? Krishna and Atharv were also missing you very much,' Ganga babbled through her sobs. 'Aur Papa, aapa aisa soch bhi kaise sakti hain ke aap ek bure Papa hain? Don't you know how much I love you? Did I ever complain about you Papa? Mama, do you know Papa took care of chote bhaya or behn like you do Mama. He took care of them so well. Please don't ever say that again Papa. Don't cry. Aur aap bhi Mama. Don't cry. Just promise me that you'll never leave us and go like that.' Ganga calmed down, taking her mature role she talked with her parents with a cool head. Bani was seriously so proud of her daughter. The way she took over and managed everything in one go. Ganga had done what she herself couldn't do, console Jai the right way. That's why she started crying herself and THAT'S why Ganga told her not to cry either.
"Ganga, you're my lifesaver beta. If it weren't for you, I would've lost hope ages ago, in finding where your Mama was, and taking care of you people. Thank you so much. I love you too baby," Jai said finally recovering from his guilt, thanks to Ganga's sweet way of consoling. They had a sweet family moment together; just the three of them until Bani realized it was time for Jai to go to office. "Mr. Walia! You've got office today na?" She asked concerned that he was already late. "Baniiii…Tum bhi na. You ask the most irrelevant question at the most irrelevant time. When you weren't here I didn't go to office, now that you are here with me, right beside me, you think I'll go now? NO WAY," Jai said. "Mr. Walia! Now that I AM here, you have to go. I'm here to look after the children, and take care of the family," Bani said exasperated. "But who will look after ME when I'm at the office? No one. If I stay, you're here to look after me na?" He replied teasingly. Bani was so embarrassed at his selection of words, that too infront of Ganga. "Yeah yeah. OK, whatever. Now go!" Bani tried pushing him off the bed but it was impossible. Instead she got crushed into another hug. Ganga looked at her parents looking so happy together. She even thought they looked 'cute' together. How a small girl could understand such big things…Only she knew.
A few minutes later Ganga ran off leaving the two on the bed. "Accha, Bani tell me. How did you manage to write that letter before you were kidnapped? I mean, why didn't you fight back and tell Meera you didn't want to write it?" Jai asked all of s sudden. He was curious to know how and exactly when all this had happened. "Mr. Walia. I never wrote that letter. Meera told me she had practiced my handwriting 50 times to get it right. Then she wrote it after I was taken away. I was feeding Atharv when she barged into the room telling me I needed to go outside to see something very urgently. I was very worried so I quickly put Atharv to sleep and left the room. She practically dragged me out of the house. When we were out of the gates, I had a feeling something was wrong but kept quiet. Later she made me stand infront of this back coloured van and before I could tell what was happening, this huge man came out and took me away. Just like that. I hadn't the faintest idea something like this would happen to me," she shivered recalling that horrid day. "I can't believe I couldn't find a difference in the handwriting. It was exactly the same Bani! I've got to praise her for that. She's a pro!" He said teasing Bani. Bani looked up sulking. Jai laughed heartily and hugged her tight. "No way Bani. I hate her, I hate her whole being from inside out, top to bottom fullstop. Aaaaaand….I love you. I love you for your face…Love you for your heart…Love you for your appearance…Love you to bits because you are Bani, MY Bani." Bani blushed. "Bas Mr. Walia. No more praises." Bani tried to stop him from making her so shy. "Theek hain theek hain. No more praises. But one more question. Bani how did you manage to go to Krishna Atharv's samadhi and put the white lilies there? I mean when did you go there? How come I didn't notice?"
"Well, when did you notice anything of mine after Meeraji came into your life?" Bai teased. Jai sulked. "Accha baba sorry. For your information, no I didn't put the lilies there. Meera knew I used to do that every morning so she probably did that. I'm not surprised. She didn't want to leave a chance of you suspecting her in any ways. She tried to make it look like it was all my plan to leave the house." Jai hugged Bani tighter. "I'm sorr…" Bani put her hand over his mouth. "Don't, don't say that word. We don't deserve to apologize to each other. We love each other na? No apologies and no thank yous from now on ok?" "Hmmm…Yes baby, alright…Bani? I need to get the divorce papers ready. I want that Meera away from my name. If there are no connections with me, she still has a link with my name 'legally' dammit!" Jai said frustrated. "It's ok Mr. Walia. You don't have to stress about it. I know who she is. Let everything happen slowly, don't stress about it." With that she kissed his forehead lightly.
Later that day, all were seated for lunch. Bani was back into the house and everyone knew it by now. She was going to serve lunch just the way a bahu of the house would. Making some delicious dishes that the family member loved, she came out of the kitchen with Tony right behind with the dishes in hand. Dadi and Massi looked up proudly at their bahu. They had all forgotten about the praises they used to shower on Meera after Jai and Bani told them all about her real side. They were disgusted at her. But they were also happy to get their Bani back, extremely happy. Lunch was served. Bani was showered with praises of how it's been ages that they hadn't eaten food like this. Bani's cooking had some magic, which no one else had. Jai enjoyed his lunch after years. He felt like his life had returned to his body and now was working properly. Unfortunately Bani just could not get him to go to office as he had swore on Bani that he wasn't going to go for the next one week. That was done. One week he would be stuck at home enjoying his life with his pretty wife and cute babies. And nothing would change that. Bani wasn't even going to try. Hello? Whatever happened, this was THE Jai Walia she was talking about. She smiled as she watched him eat with a grin plastered on his face, which didn't seem to be leaving him even for a second. Suddenly she realized the whole table was quiet. She looked around to see the whole bunch looking at her intently. She was caught red handed gaping at her husband shamelessly. She was embarrassed alright. Not knowing where to look, she looked down at her lap, looking at the patterns of her kameez, trying to put all her attention onto the design and not think of anything else. She knew how red she was, and she also knew they were still staring at her with their two eyes. "Kya baath hain? Seems like wife is falling in love with hubby all over again?" Dadi cracked a joke making Bani all the more shy than she already was. "Stop it Biji. Let my bahu eat. Why don't you all leave my bahu alone and mind your own business?" Massi said trying to make Bani feel better. She looked up to see Jai staring right at her, winking at her making her feel red all over again. This wasn't fair. Why was it that she was the centre of attention today? Wasn't she allowed to 'look' at Jai for once in public? How annoying. More than embarrassment, after Massi's words, she felt mad at Aditya, Rano, Purva and Natchiket. Massi was right. Couldn't they just leave her alone as Massi said? She wanted to glare at them but that would be rude as Dadi was also part of the teasing-group.
After another ten minutes, lunch was finally over and everyone went back to their chores and other work. Natchiket and Aditya went back to the office but not before they teased Jai enough that he had to shoo them away.
That night Bani put the twins to sleep and was getting ready for bed herself when Jai entered. She hadn't talked to Jai since the lunch incident and so was giving him the silent treatment ever since. She didn't know why she was being so strange but since it was because of Jai she was embarrassed, she was going to be mad at him for it even though he had no fault in it at all. Jai knew why Bani was being so distant from him and so let her be like that for the rest of the evening. But not now. Who did she think she was? Her side of the game was going to come to an end now. Now it was time for 'his' side of the game to begin. He smirked but tried to hide it from Bani. Not that Bani was looking, she have any idea about his intentions. Jai slowly closed the door and suddenly out of nowhere he screamed, "Ouch! What the hell? Cr*p…Owww!" Bani looked up instantly. Jai was standing next to the closed door, waving his finger around as if it had caught on fire. "Mr. Walia? What happened?!" Bani panicked and rushed to him forgetting all about her anger. "Baniiiii! Owww! I was about to close the door when I didn't realize my finger was in the way and I nearly cut it! Oww! I probably did cut it in half!" He kept on waving his hand around. "Mr. Walia. Stop it. Don't say that. Let me see," Bani freaked out. What if Jai really did cut his finger off? Bani took him by the hand gently and went down the stairs into the kitchen. She put his finger under the running tap not once looking at the sore place as she was too scared to see the consequences. Looking up to see if Jai was still sore, she found his face showing signs of pain. She felt frustrated at herself for not being able to reduce the pain in any ways. "Does it still hurt Mr. Walia?" she asked, 100% sure what the answer was. "Yes! Baniiii…It hurts like hell! Owww!" He kept on 'owing' and 'ouching' every time Bani looked up. Bani couldn't bear it any longer and so without even thinking what she was doing, she put his finger into her mouth trying to lessen down the pain if that would help. She was surprised at her own actions but if that was going to help in any way she would be more than happy. Jai smiled. Bani felt a little odd at the situation but was glad it worked. "Muuuuch better. Thank you Bani," he said. Bani moved his finger away from her mouth and gave him a light smile feeling a little awkward as she suddenly realized the silent treatment she was giving him. "That's ok. Are you feeling ok now? Next time be careful ok?" she ordered him in a wife-type manner. "Of course I will. But I don't understand it Bani. Why couldn't you get the point that I needed YOU to make me feel better rather than the cold water?" Jai asked, trying not to grin. "Kya!?" Suddenly realization hit her, and everything fell into place. She gave him the look , trying to find the right answer. "Mr. Walia?! You….You were 'pretending' all this time?!" She just couldn't believe it. "Mrs. Walia?!" He mimicked her. "Do I have to point out the obvious?" He asked grinning widely. Bani felt like an absolute fool. He fooled her big time. The whole day turned out to be a very unfair day for her. Everyone was at her from the morning uptil now. But she knew it wasn't fair from her side either. After YEARS Bani was with Jai again. After YEARS they got a night alone. Why was she trying to be so stupid? It was high time they spend some time together alone.
Jai gave her a sweet look, which melted her heart. She missed him really bad. Jai towered over, looking down at her with such an intense gaze, Bani shivered just by the looks of it. Not wasting another second he bent over and captured her lips into his. It was slow and very tender. The emotions that Jai held back for so long came gushing back in one go. Bani had locked up all her desires in her heart as well for the last few years. Through the kiss they shared each other's emotions and desires. After a full 2 and half minutes, they broke apart, trying to catch their breaths like anything. Jai moved away but still he was only inches away from Bani. Bani looked away. She tried to bring her breathing back to normal and feeling his hot breath on her neck, she shivered. "Baniii…" Jai whispered huskily trying not to eat her up right there in the kitchen. She was looking damn gorgeous in her light pink nightie, and her jet-black, silky hair, falling straight down to her waist; her bare creamy neck, her soft curves showing, her slim body, it was a delicious sight for him. With no words said, Jai picked the delicate body into his strong muscular arms and headed for the bedroom. Closing the door behind him, he set her on the ground beside the bed and just looked at her. He drew in the smell of the jasmine scented shampooed hair and kept on looking at her. Bani felt herself blush to the core. Within the next 10 minutes, they were under the blanket, meshed into each other's body, reliving the moments of their soul-to-soul reunion just a few minutes ago. Bani blushed thinking how dangerous he had become. The places he took her showed how much he really wanted her, how much he really needed her. "Beautiful," he whispered softly into the dark. "What is?" she asked softly. "You. You're looking beautiful. Blush some more Bani, for me," He whispered back. "But…but how do you know? It's so dark, how can you see me?!" She asked bewildered. "Baniiii, you still don't know who I am? I can read you inside out, without being near you, being near you, in the dark, at daytime, anytime baby," He said proudly. Bani blushed deep red again. "Yeahhh, that's the way. Awww…You look so cute Bani. Unfortunately you look cuter than my daughter when you do that!" He teased. "Not fair! Why do you do this to me? Let me live my own life, give me 'some' privacy,' She complained. "No baby. You had enough of 'privacies' during the last couple of years, I wasn't even 'with' you. No more privacies now ok?" He said teasingly. "Hmph…" Jai rolled over and crashed his lips onto hers again. And so the night passed like that. They reunited again and again until they were too exhausted to move their muscles. The night faded away and a new bright sun showed its face the next morning.
That day, Jai and Bani took the kids out for a family outing. They went to the park, leaving Ganga to play on the swings and slide. She made a few friends right there on the spot, so she enjoyed it even more. Jai and Bani sat on the bench with Krishna and Atharv in their prams, who were enjoying the outside world for the first time. The place was beautiful. The weather was just perfect for an outing, the sky clear blue without a single cloud in sight. Huge trees surrounded the park giving out cool breezes time to time. It was a real refreshment for Bani. She felt so happy all of a sudden being with her family and getting the chance to stay with them. When she was taken away by Meera she never imagined she'd see her Jai or her children ever again. Now that she was here, she couldn't have been happier. Snuggling into Jai, she put her head on her shoulder and her arms crept around him. Jai was surprised at her sudden movement. He had a feeling he knew what Bani was thinking. Without any words said, he put his arms around her and pulled her closer looking out at the kids. This was what life was meant to be, which consisted of, the love of your life being by your side and your own little production right behind. And that's exactly what Jai and Bani had… a beautiful life.
Feedbacks and comments please…😃 Will be very eagerly waiting for them...😊
If anyone's interested, my other SS - Manzil: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/900761/ss-manzil
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