Posted:
Hello to all my readers, A Bounded Relation is going to be continued here on this thread...
If any new readers are interested in catching up with reading the previous chapters, they can go to this link:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/771719/ff-a-bounded-relation-imp-note-on-149
And the story goes on.....š
Chapter 28
She had been leaning onto the window frame, wearing a lost look on her face, her eyes glued to the view of the garden, clearly seen from her room. Bani blinks as she sees a card suddenly appear before her eyes along with a heart-shaped box of chocolates. She unfolds her arms and straightens. Glancing behind her, Bani stares into her younger sister's radiantly smiling face.
Bani: (confused, surprised) Rano?---
Rano: Happy Valentines, Di!
She exclaims as she hugs her Bani Di tightly. Bani lightly smiles, feeling very surprised. Rano pulls back and continues to smile her sunny like smile.
Rano: Yeh lao, Di... a rose for a beautiful woman like you--- inside and out-- and a box of chocolates for your sweet tooth! (cheekily grins)
Bani's smile grows on hearing this. Rano always knew the perfect things to do and say to make her smile...
Gratefully, Bani takes her gift. She continues to smile delightfully.
Bani: Rano, this wasn't necessary--- a simple Happy Valentines Day would do.
Rano: Arre, that's not done. I had to get something for my Valentine. (winks)
Bani happily looks down at her card and chocolates once again. Rano stares at her, affectionately.
Rano: ....Besides, I love you a lot and always want to see that same old beautiful smile on your face which always used to linger there when we were kids...I just wanted to return it.
Bani stares back up at her sister and feels her eyes moisten by her words. She gives her baby sister a watery smile. She never knew that her little sister cared so much for her.
Rano: Di, are you crying because I only got you one box of chocolates? (faking disbelief) Arre moti--- I'm not made of money that I will buy your more! You will just have to do with one.
Bani blinks away her forming tears and makes a pretense of being mad. She rests her hands, which still held Rano's gifts, onto her hips and stares at Rano angrily.
Bani: Rano ki baachi--- kya kaha tumne? Main moti hoon?! Yahan aao baachoo-- let me tell you who is moti! (trans: What did you say? I am fat? Come here, kid--- )
And with that started a sisterly fight full of laughter, tease, anger, and love....It eventually ended with Rano being continuously tickled by Bani, and Rano asking for mercy. Both sisters rest on the bed, breathless and exhausted from their long quarrel. For a moment no one speaks, until Bani giggles uncontrollably. Rano turns in her direction and also joins in her laughter. After two minutes pass and they have fully calmed down....Bani sits up straight and reaches over into the night stand nearby the bed.
Rano follows her lead and curiously watches her sister look through the drawers.
Rano: Didi, kya dhoond rahi ho? (trans: Didi, what are you looking for?)
Bani withdraws a small wrapped package from the drawer and eagerly turns around, presenting it to Rano.
Bani: Happy Valentines Day, Ran.
Rano: Didi...apne----
Bani: I had actually bought this a week ago, knowing that I wouldn't have time to buy you your present. But with the past events and work at home--- I had completely forgotten that today was Valentines Day. ....Anyways, here is your present.
Rano, after a moment pause, takes her gift from Bani's hands and carefully opens it. She gasps as she finally unwraps it and her present is revealed. She picks up the charm bracelet from the wrapping and examines it, looking completely mesmerized by it.
Rano: Didi....
Bani: (smiling) Hain, Rano....
Rano: Didi....
Bani: Yes, Rano....
Rano:...Didi...-I-I don't know what to say---- how?---why?--
Bani: I saw you staring at it through the windows at the store when we had gone shopping over two months ago for Pia's....
Bani's voice trails off as she remembers the reason why they had gone to the mall months ago. They were shopping for Pia's wedding...getting her all her outfits and jewelry, pampering her into becoming the future Mrs. Walia. Rano and Bani's eyes meet and they both silently acknowledge this.
Bani: (going on) Anyways...well I could tell by how you looked at it so intently that you really wanted it, so I made a mental note to buy it for you.
Rano: (breathes out) But Didi--- this must have cost a fortune for you!
Bani: Tum iska bhaare mein maat soch! (trans: You don't worry about that!) Just think of the new bracelet you can show off to your friends at college. (encouraging)
Rano places the charm bracelet down in her lap dejectedly. Bani sees this and becomes worried.
Bani: Kya hua? (sadly asks) Do you not like it?
Rano: (hastily, quickly) No! I love it, Di! This is the far most best present I have ever gotten!....It's just that.....
Bani: It's just that, what Rano?
Rano looks into her sisters eyes, miserably.
Rano: I gave you a crappy card and a very small box of chocolates...and here you've given me something so beautiful and really expensive....I'm so cheap... I'm really sorry, Didi....
Bani: (soothingly) Hey....
She lifts up Rano's chin with her index finger and smiles affectionately at her.
Bani: Don't say that... I love your gift....
Rano: Lekin Di---
Bani: Rano, it's not about how good and expensive the gift is---- it's the thought that counts.... and your gift tells me how much you love me- and that is the greatest gift in the world. I would never trade your gift to me for anything else ....
Rano:......Not even for a diamond necklace?
Bani: (shakes her head) Not even for a diamond necklace....
Rano: Not even for a trip to Hawaii?
Bani: Not even for a trip to Hawaii...(repeats)
Hearing this, Rano smiles cheerily and hugs her sister. She rests her head on her shoulder and happily says, "I love you, Didi".....Bani soothes her hair and replies back, "I love you too, Rano".....
***********************************************************
Jai stops midway in his sentence, annoyed by how his co-workers are not even listening to a word that has been coming out of his mouth for the past hour and occasionally glancing over at the large round clock in the conference room. He drops his pen and rubs his chin in confusion. Even his best friend joins the others in anxiously noting the time. What in the world as gotten into these men? He rests his back against his chair and stares at all of them, eyeing them down with his piercing gray eyes.
'Is there something that I am missing?', he abruptly asks them all, only to be answered with silence. They still are lost in their own thoughts, not heeding their boss any attention. Jai thinks silently for a second on wondering what could grab their undivided attention.
Jai: (his voice booming) You are all fired.
This does it. Every single man's head spins in his direction, staring at him with horror etched on their faces. Aditya is the first to speak, seeming more confused than horrified.
Aditya: Who's fired, Jai?
Jai: Every single lot of you unless someone informs me the reason behind the constant hawk staring towards the clock. (grim)
The men cast one another nerving glances. Some tug on their ties and clear their throats, obviously stalling. Aditya surprisingly also looks nervous and slightly embarrassed like the rest.
Jai: (eyeing him) Aditya'. (sternly)
Aditya: Errr'. (rubbing the back of his neck) Woh kya nah, Jai'. Aaj woh'. aaaj'..
Jai: Aaj kya? (curious)
''.Uh, sir, woh----today is Valentine's day, sir' So we are all just''', a man finally speaks after finding his voice. Jai is awestruck by the news, but he hides it well from his employees. Today is Valentine's Day?, he questions himself. Automatically the thought of his wife creeps into his mind'. D*mn, did she know? Is she expecting something from him? Why hadn't he known before? He could had thoughtfully planned out something'..
'Sir?', another man brings him out of his daze. Jai looks at his direction, who stares back at him sheepishly'.
'Uh'sir' we were wondering'. Since it's Valentine's Day'. If we can leave early?', the same man asks hesitantly. He receives approving looks from his peers for mustering up the courage in asking. They now all anticipate Jai's answer, who actually looks thoughtful on the prospect. He curtly nods his head in agreement, shocking each and every one of them' even himself'. Jai Walia, a man who never believed in wasting a day's work on worthless made up holidays such as Valentine's Day is now unhesitatingly agreeing to let them go'. Why? Is it because even he wishes to run back home to his wife? This very thought disturbs him'.
'Thank you, Sir', they all speak in unison before rushing out of the room in bewilderment on being let free and relief from being spared belans from their awaiting wives. Aditya also tries to leave the room quickly, but is stumped on being prevented by his friend'.
Jai: Rukho, Adi'. Why are you in such a rush? From what I remember, you have no one awaiting for you at home'.
Aditya flushes at his words and the way he stares at him, as if trying to crack him open with his eyes.
Aditya: (nervous laugh) Nothing yaar' Even I know no one's waiting on me' especially your sister.
Jai's eyes darken on the mention of his sister, who has been clearly avoiding him every since the incident the day before yesterday. He, however, immediately cools himself down' not wanting him to be angry over someone as worthless as her'..
Jai: Then why the rush? (noting the startling flush on his friend's cheeks, raises a brow)
Aditya: Oh'. I'. the bathroom'. I've been meaning to use it for awhile now' Never got a chance though' have been holding it in, you see'. (exasperated) --- Can I go now?
Jai: Bathroom'.. Nice cover up, Aditya'.. Weak attempt though'.. Where are you really going?
Aditya: (groans) Jai'. I'.
Aditya curses himself for befriending Jai Walia at a party twenty years back'. It was always useless for Adi to hide secrets from him, because he somehow would find out from one way or another'. Seems like this time he's determined to find out as well'.
Jai: Alright, if you don't want to tell me, don't'. But you do know already that I will eventually (emphasizes 'eventually') figure out what's going on'..
Aditya: Nothing's going on'. I'll see you later, yaar'. (his weak try of getting his friend off his back)
Aditya storms off from the room, leaving an intrigued Jai behind'.
************************************************************ *******
Bani continues to kneed the dough in front of her as she tries her level best in ignoring her sister and Dadi's remarks regarding her husband. Ever since Rano informed Dadi and Mausi about it being Valentine's Day, all three of them haven't been leaving her alone, teasing and pulling her leg. At first Bani has flushed nonstop at their comments'.but grew fed up with them after they consistently proceeded with it'.not leaving her alone for even a second.
'Soniye dil nay lagda tere binaaa' dil nay lagda tere binaaa'.', Rano sings loudly as she nudges her sister with her elbow, annoying her.
Bani: (grouchy with all the teasing) Kya khar rahi ho, Rano? (trans: What are you doing, Rano?)
Rano: (innocently) Main kya khar rahi ho, Di? '. joh aap andaar masoos khar rahi ho--- woh baas gaarhi hoon! (smiles cheekily) (trans: What am I doing, Di?' I am just singing what you are feeling inside!)
Bani takes the belan that lays besides her and raises it in Rano's direction, threatening her. Rano ducks, whereas Mausi and Dadi giggle together at this. Bani places it back down and frowns'.
Bani: Rano, baas bhi karo' main taang hochuke ho tumhare baaton se'. (trans: Rano, stop it already' I'm fed up with your talks')
Rano: Paar mere baaton to saahi hai, haina? (sing-song voice) (trans: But my talks are right, aren't they?)
Bani: (frustrated) 'Main tumhari shaadi karwoongi'. Sirf yehi raasta baacha hai mere liye'.tumhe mujhse door kaarnliye' (trans: I will get married to you'. This is the only option left' to get you away from me.)
Rano: Kya Di' mujhe shaadi whaadi nahi kaarni'. Aur agar hogi' taab bhi main aapse choordongi nahi' aise fulti baatein hamesha kaarongi aapke saath'. (victory smile) (trans: I am not going to get married' and if I do' even then I will not leave you' I will always talk useless stuff with you'.)
Bani sighs, knowing that she has lost. Dadi and Mausi continue to laugh at the sisters. Rano sits up on the counter, watching her Di go back to work'..accompanied by the two elders.
Rano: Waise Di'.
Bani: Ab kya, Rano? (sternly)
Rano: Mr. Walia aapko Valentine's ke liye kya gift diya' ? (trans: What did Mr. Walia gift you for Valentine's? )
Bani grows shy by the attention she receives by all the three women. She lowers her head'.
Bani: (softly) Abh ke liye'. Kuch bhi nahi'. (trans: For now' nothing.)
Mausi: Kya? Munna abh taak tumhare liye kuch nahi kiya? (trans: What? Munna hasn't gotten you anything?)
Bani blushes, yet stays silent. She isn't sure if her husband even knows today is Valentine's Day or not' and even if he does, she should not get her hopes high--expecting something from him. This day is for lovers' which they clearly are not'..yet?
Dadi: Arre, paar mujhe to laaga ke humara hero to tumhe aur junior ke liye kuch to plan kaaronga'(trans: Arre, but I had thought that our hero would had planned something for you and junior.)
Bani stills at Dadi's words' that is what everyone has been calling her 'baby' recently' junior'. She stealthily places a hand on her stomach, wondering to herself how would it feel to be actually pregnant with a child' that too, Jai Walia's child'. She blushes on her thoughts, removes her hand, and pushes the silly dream out of the way'.
Rano: Dadi' Mausi' I'm sure Mr. Walia has something planned for my lovely sister and nephew'
Mausi: Arre Rano, tum hamesha yehi kyon soochti ho ke meri poti ek ladka hai? (trans: Arre Rano, why do you always think that my granddaughter is a boy?)
Rano: Because Mausi, woh poti nahi' pota hai'(stresses 'hai') (trans: Because Mausi, it's not a girl' it's a boy'.)
Mausi: Nahi, main nahi maanti'. Meri bahu mujhe ek sundaar se bholi laadki daanwali hai' (trans: No, I don't agree to this' My daughter-in-law is going to give me a beautiful innocent girl')
Dadi: Hain, main bhi yehi maanti'(trans: Yes, even I agree to this')
Rano: Arre Dadi, Mausi, main kaaehri hoon na'. laadka hai'. (trans: Arre Dadi, Mausi, I am telling you' it's a boy'.)
And with this the three get into a small argument, making Bani feel guilty and upset with the topic'.guilty for seeing how happy they are with the soon arrival of her 'baby'' and upset on having to lie to them'. They'll understand though'she knows for certain'.when they find out the truth'but also disappointed.
Dadi: Bani Puttar, tum hi baatao na' kya tumhe ek laadka chaaye yaan laadki? (trans: Bani Puttar, you tell us' do you want a boy or girl?)
Bani looks thoughtful over the question'. Deciding to actually answer something honestly to them'. What does she want? A boy or a girl? '. She doesn't have to put too much thought to the decision, already coming up with one' She wants a son' a son that will look exactly like his father' have those same dark gray eyes'.long eyelashes'.thick black hair'.chiseled like nose' and similar handsome smile appearing on his lips'
Rano: Di?
Bani snaps out of her dreaming and shakes her head at the threesome.
Rano: Ladka yaan ladki?
Bani: '.(slowly grinning) Aap saab pagal hai' (trans: You are all crazy')
Her last words to them before wiping her hands and leaving''..
************************************************************
Jai stepped inside the living room only to knock into his sister-in-law, who wears earphones in her ears, listening to her CD player. Startled, Rano looks at him'.taking the plugs out of her ears.
Rano: Arre, Mr. Walia, aap?
Jai: Err' Hain, Rano'. Kaise ho tum? (trans: How are you?)
Rano: Wow'.
She brushes off his question and stares at the beautifully wrapped bouquet of dark red roses in his hand'. And adorably cute medium sized teddy bear, wearing a red bow-tie, in the other'. Rano takes the bear from his hand, gushing over it'
Rano: This is just too cute!---- (looking at him) Saab Didi ke liye hai, kya? (trans: These are for Didi?)
Jai smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck with his now free hand. He lightly clears his throat and nods his head in affirmative.
Jai: Hain'.
Rano: You are too good, Mr. Walia' Didi is going to be happy' she loves soft toys'. And the roses are a very nice touch'. (approval in her voice)
Jai: (relieved) Good' mujhe to samajh nahi aaraya tha ke main kya kareedoon' (trans: I didn't understand what to buy her')
Jai had practically raided the whole store, trying to figure out what to get his darling wife' not wanting to buy something outrageously romantic to send a wrong message'.but nothing to plain either' he had settled with these'.
Rano: Nahi' this is fine'. Oh' what's in the package? (curious)
She finally notes the neatly blue wrapped package in the same hand that holds the flowers'.
Jai: ' Eerrr' woh baas jaab maine Bani ke liye samaan kaardeenliye gaaya'maine ek saare dheka''. aur mujhe pasand tha'socha tha ke Bani paar'(embarrassed on admitting this to her) (trans: When I had gone to buy things for Bani' I had seen a saree and liked it' I thought that on Bani it would')
Rano: Samajagi' (smiling) (trans: I understand')
Jai: Rano'. Woh'. Tumhari Didi? (trans: Rano' Your sister?)
Rano smiles brightly at him and hands over the teddy bear back to him, noting his anxious state. Poor guy' so nervous'. It is actually amusing to see the Great Jai Walia nervous' that too because of her sister'.
Rano: woh aapke kaamre mein hai'. (trans: She is in your room'.)
Jai: (confused) Wahan kyon hai? (trans: Why is she there?)
Rano shrugs and places her earphones back into their place'.playing her music once again.
Rano: Aap khud hi dheklo'. Main aabh jhaari hoon'.study kaarnliye'. (trans: Check yourself' I am going now' to study.)
Jai watches Rano begin to walk away from him and immediately stops her.
Jai: Rano'.
Rano: Ji, Mr. Walia?
He balances the bear with the other things in his hand and reaches into his coat pocket, searching for something. Rano watches him do so, curiously. Jai withdraws a golden box of chocolates and a single rose attached to it, handing it over to her' Rano is momentarily stunned. He kisses her softly on her forehead and grins at her as he backs away'.
Jai: Happy Valentine's Day'.
And with that he walks away towards the staircase' leaving a delighted, smiling Rano behind'.after the shock passes by'.
**********************************************************
Bani had been cleaning up the room when Jai had stealthily entered in' approaching her quietly from behind. He places the package and teddy bear down onto the nightstand as he stands directly behind his wife, who decides to redo the bed again, finding it in need of being done again, with the flowers still in his possession.
Bani raises the comforter up, making it extend over the bed, and eyes the glass window in front of her' showing her a shocking faint reflection of her husband loitering right behind her. Instantly she twirls around to face him, but gasps by bumping straight into his chest and feels his hand protectively holding her back. She rubs her nose that had hit his built chest and slowly stares up to meet his handsome smiling face'. Her heart races.
Jai: Watch it, Bani'.
Bani: (stammers) Aa-aap?
Jai: Koi shaq? (trans: Any doubt?)
Bani: '(regaining herself) Aap itane jhaldi wapas agaaye? (trans: You have come back early?)
Jai: Hain' woh kya hai naa'.ek meeting tha aaj'. Aur saab ka dhyaan kahin hor tha' finally jaab maine poocha' keh saab ko kya hua' ek aadmi neh kaha ke aaj Valentine's Day hai'. Aur saab aapne biwis ke paas jhaane the'. So phir maine saab ko kaetah ke jaasaakte'..bura nahi kiye maine, kya? (trans: Yes' actually the thing is' there was a meeting today' and everyone's attention was somewhere else' finally when I asked' that what was wrong with everyone' one man said that today is Valentine's Day' and everyone wants to go to their wives.. So then I said that they can all leave' I didn't do anything wrong, did I?)
Bani blushes by how intently he looks at her and lowers her eyes to his chest'..she shakes her head.
Bani: Ji' ji nahi'.
Jai: Bani' tumne kuch bolo kyon nahi? (trans: Bani' why didn't you say anything?)
Bani: Kya? (softly)
Jai: (sighs) Ke aaj Valentine's Day hai'. (trans: That today is Valentine's Day')
Bani raises her gaze, looking back at him'. Surprised that he is upset that she hadn't told him'. If she had, what difference would it make?
Jai: (understanding her look) Maanta hoon ke hum dosts hai' lekin Valentine's Day sirf pyaar ke bhaare mein nahi hota'aur sirf aashiquoon ke liye nahi hai'. dosti ka din bhi hai'. Haina? (trans: I agree that we are friends'. But Valentine's day isn't all about love'and only for lovers'. It's also a day for friendship' right?)
Bani bites her bottom lip gently, trying to prevent herself from smiling on feeling elated on him wanting to spend this day with her'. Even if it is just as friends'.even if she thinks him more than just that.
Bani:' Mujhe khud bhi nahi maloom thi' ke aaj Valentine's Day hai'. (answers in the same soft tone) (trans: Even I didn't know today is Valentine's Day')
Jai finally removes his hand from her lower back and lifts the flowers to her view'.Bani stares at it, slightly mesmerized'. Her eyes travel back over to him'.
Jai: Happy Valentine's Day, Bani'.
Bani blushes and takes it from him.
Bani: Thank you'.
Jai: ' 'maine tumhare liye aur kuch---- (trans: For you I have more---)
Bani follows his gaze towards the night stand where the cute teddy bear and blue wrapped present lay still''.She smiles beautifully at her husband, making his heart skip a beat.
Bani: Iske zaroorat kya thi, Mr. Walia? (trans: What is the need for this, Mr. Walia?)
Jai: (sincerely) I wanted to, Bani'..
Their eyes lock momentarily, neither of them speaking during the time' too immersed in one another'. Until Jai's cell buzzes, alerting them both. Frustrated by the interruption, Jai takes the call'.putting some distance between them'while Bani looks on at him, dreamily'smelling her roses also'. She goes into a daze, not hearing a single bit of his conversation with the other caller'. Till he cuts off and stares back at her.
Jai: Bani?
Bani: (snaps out of it) Ji?
Jai: Woh mera dost tha'Tarun '.Tarun Sablok' tumhe yaad hai? (trans: That was my friend' Tarun'Tarun Sablok' do you remember?)
Bani ponders over the name for a moment until finally remembering him from their wedding reception. That was the first and only time she had met her husband's best friend.
Bani: Ji'.
Jai: Ek party host khar raaha--aaj ka occasion ke liye'. (trans: He's hosting a party---for today's occasion.)
Bani notes the slight disappointment in his voice.
Jai: And he wants for me to come'.
Jai had been planning on taking Bani out somewhere nice and special for today'only them two' have dinner'. But stupid Tarun had to call and ruin everything.
Bani feels something inside of her sink on his words'and becomes disappointed herself as well' She had thought that they would'..---
Bani: (attempting a weak smile) Ji,'teek hai'aap jhaaye'.(kindly) (trans: that's fine'you can go.)
Jai: I meant to say us' he's asked for both of us to come to the party tonight. It's at eight' the dress code is black and red' Black for men'Red for women.
Bani immediately bounces back, happy with him not being away from her'. He gives her a hesitant look.
Jai: Chaalongi mera saath? (trans: Will you go with me?) You don't have to, if you don't' tum ghaar raasakte agar chaaye to' (trans: You can stay home if you want.)
Bani: (haste) Ji nahi'main--- (embarrassed at her fast reply) '(calmly) main chaalongi aapka saath'(trans: I will go with you.)
Jai: (faintly smiles) I will pick you up at 7:30.'
Bani: Ji, aap kahin jhaare hai? (trans: Are you going somewhere?)
Jai: Hain, woh--- humare ek hotels mein ek garbaar hogya'zarra dhekna poga ki kya hua' paar main jhaldi wapas aaonga' promise. (grins) (trans: A problem has come up with one of our hotels' I will have to see what happened' but I will come back early.)
Bani: (upset) Abhi jhaare ho? (trans: Are you going now?)
Jai: Hain' but like I said, I will come back on time.
Bani: (suddenly remembering) Ji, phele aap ek minute liye roksaakte? (trans: Can you wait for a minute?)
Jai: Kya hai, Bani? (trans: What is it, Bani?)
Bani turns from him and goes to her wardrobe, opening up the doors' Jai watches her carefully' Finally finding what she searches for, she goes back over to him, shyly presenting him with a black case with a red bow on it''
Bani: Maine bhi' aapkeliye kuch kareeda'. (trans: I also'. Bought you something.)
Jai, touched by this'.takes the gift from her gratefully'. He keeps her eyes on her.
Jai: Thank you. (warmly)
Bani: (blushing) '. Kya aap dekhonge nahi'kya hai? (trans: Will you not see what it is?)
Smiling a little at this, Jai begins untying the bow and opens the case'.which reveals a Burberry Sandringham multi pen with a classic yet stylish design to it, held in place with a navy ribbon. He is in awe with her selection'.
Bani: 'I heard you complain once in awhile about not having a proper pen'.. So I had thought that I would get you one' Do you like it? (hopeful)
Jai: No'. I don't. (suddenly)
Bani becomes disheartened by his response, feeling miserable for not giving him something that he will like. She sees him grin at her'..making her confused.
Jai: I'm joking, Bani' I love it. Thank you.
Relief washes over her and she smiles back at him'.
Bani: (cheerful now)' Aap jaaye' warna problem kaise solved hoga? (trans: Go' or else how will the problem be solved?)
Jai: (smiling) I'll see you at 7:30.' (tucking in his new pen into his coat pocket) I suggest you start getting ready now' aur hain' zaroor package joh maine tumhe diya'.khulke dhekna'.main chaata hoon ke tum aaj party ke liye pehno'..(trans: and yes' make sure to see what's in the package I gifted you'.I want you to wear it for the party')
Bani: (confused) Ji?
Jai: Ji. (grins)
He briskly leaves the room, leaving Bani curiously shifting her gaze over at the blue package'..
************************************************************
A Couple of Hours Later:
Jai parks hastily and doesn't bother to check how he had parked his car, instead only runs up the steps toward the grand looking house, decorated lavishly and brilliantly for the occasion. He fixes his tie after he rings the doorbell. There was no time at all for him to go home and change since he got caught up with work at the hotel, so Jai decided on wearing one of his suits laying around in the closet in his cabin, also informing Bani to go on without him and that he will see her there. He sees his best friend's face appear from behind the opened door and forces a smile, even though Jai knew that his smiles wouldn't help him this time. He isn't surprised to see the door slam shut in front of his face.
Letting out a tired sigh, Jai rings the doorbell once again. He hears footsteps approaching and can clearly hear Lakshmi's faint voice from behind the thick green door. "Tarun, kya khar rahi ho?! Are you mad?! Let him in!".
After a short quarreling, the door opens once again and this time Jai sees Lakshmi's radiant smiling face. She looks beautiful in a light red sari fitting her perfectly and her hair in curls.
Lakshmi: Jai! You're here!
"Oh how exciting...", Jai hears Tarun, who was hid behind the door, grumble. Tarun yelps in pain as Lakshmi steps on his foot.
Lakshmi: Come in, it's cold outside.
Jai: (smiles politely) Thanks, Lakshmi.
Jai enters into the warm and joyful atmosphere. Light music is heard playing from the far side of the house and the aroma of delicious food fills his nostrils. The next thing he sees is Tarun's grim looking face appearing in front of him.
Jai: Tarun- I'm sorry dost, I got caught up with some work so I ran a little late---
Tarun: A little late? (demanding)
Jai: Okay an hour late- but like I had said, there was work ---
Tarun: Work, work, work! Your d*mn work, that is all you care about!
Jai: Tarun, that's not true, I tried to make it on time! (trying to reason with him)
Tarun opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off by Lakshmi who throws him a warning glance.
Lakshmi: Now stop it, Tarun. He's here and that's all that matters. Don't ruin both of your moods by arguing. If this is going to happen every time I throw a d*mn party then I'm just going to stop holding them! (frustrated)
Tarun: ....why don't you just stop inviting him. (growls)
Lakshmi: Why don't I just make you sleep on the couch tonight! (shouts)
This shuts Tarun up and Lakshmi storms off, shaking her head and cursing both of the friends under her breath. Tarun and Jai look at each other mutely and Tarun finally says, "Have some shame, yaar. Everyone came here perfectly on time, except for you....".
Jai: You know I have no shame, Tarun. Never did....and never will.
Tarun looks at Jai for a good second before laughing at his remark. Jai follows into his laughter and both men begin to walk towards the party shoulder to shoulder....
The decorations are beautifully done and adorned around the hall--- red, white, and pink curtains, heart shaped balloons, banners, streamers, flowers, candles, and the crystal chandelier shimmering away. Really, Lakshmi had outdone herself.....
Jai: Wow...Lakshmi has done an amazing job with organizing the party.
Tarun: What makes you think that only Lakshmi has done all this?
Jai: Because you could never do something outstanding as this....
Tarun: (huffs) Yes I could....
Jai refrains from saying anything else about his laziness, not desiring to revoke Tarun's anger.
Jai: Where has Lakshmi gone off to anyways? Has she gone to gather your blanket and pillow for your night on the couch?
Tarun: No, not quite yet... she's over there chit-chatting with your wife.
Jai's head spins over to the direction where Tarun points to. His eyes lay on Bani, who stands nearby a marble statue with Lakshmi, smiling gracefully. He feels his heart skip a beat on the sight of her.
She is absolutely ravishing tonight with the dark red shimmering sari hugging her in all the right places, presenting her tempting womanly curves, perfect body, and fair complexion. Her silky straight hair rest on her shoulders neatly, her ears adorned with dazzling long elegant earrings, and her wrists covered with twinkling red bangles. The khol make her eyes exotically beautiful and the pink gloss on her lips cause them to look luscious. Bani is a divine sight tonight... completely alluring and tempting.
https://www.desidevi.co.uk/detAils.asp?ID=47
Luckily the saree that Jai had gifted her was red so Bani could wear it for the evening.....
He watches, still very bewildered, as she pushes back a strand of hair from her eye and continue to smile and laugh splendidly.
Tarun: Bani came here a little early, not that it was a problem, Lakshmi and I loved her company. She's a sweet person. She even apologized for your lateness, Jai.
Jai snaps out of his daze and forcefully takes his eyes away from his beautiful wife. He smiles a small smile in Tarun's direction.
Tarun: Anyways, let the women be....and let us men do our drinking.
He says cheerfully as he wraps his arm around Jai's shoulder, whisking him away towards the bar.....
************************************************************ ****
Bani has seen Jai arrive, looking irresistibly dashing in a classy black suit, silk black shirt underneath, stylish matching black shoes, and a silver tie to complete his outfit. She felt completely aware of herself in an instant and her cheeks had turn a rosy pink. Bani distracted herself by talking animatedly with Lakshmi, pretending not to notice her husband's troubling presence.
From the corner of her eye she watches Jai go the bar along with Tarun and she instantly becomes worried. She hates it whenever he drinks, he drowns himself with so much alcohol, knocking out his senses. Her body tenses and she makes a movement to go over there to the bar herself and prevent him from drinking, but she immediately stops herself.
Lakshmi: Bani, kya hua? Where are you going?
Bani, looks over at Lakshmi and blinks slowly at her.
Bani: No where.... absolutely no where....
Lakshmi smiles and then continues on with her story, as Bani is engulfed in her own thoughts. What was I going to do just now?... What right do I have to stop him from drinking?....I have no right... no right at all....Again she looks behind Lakshmi and sees him refuse a drink from Tarun. She watches as Jai politely smiles and pushes the glass away. Tarun shrugs and drowns the alcohol in a second. Bani smiles at this, feeling very pleased and relieved by this.....
************************************************************
Jai shakes his head at his friend, completely disappointed at him. Tarun is unbelievably...drunk. He continues to refuse to his best friend's drink offers and sighs as he sees Tarun drown another one.
Tarun: (slurs) I---loves---Valemtimes! Don't yous loves Valemtimes Days, Jaaaiiiii????
Jai:(nods to please his friend) Yes, Tarun, I love Valentine's Day too.
Feeling something under his elbow, which was resting on the counter top, Jai finds a mask which only covers half of a person's face. He grabs it and examines it. Jai looks up at all the other masked people's faces with confusion. What the hell were these masks for? Finally, he brings this topic up as he fiddles with the mask he found with his hands.
Jai: Tarun, why the bloody hell is everyone wearing masks? They look ridiculous.
Tarun: (looking up woozily) Oh...Lakshmi's comes up with a silly thinnng for making everyones wear those damned masks....."too make it more fun", shes says. I thinks its ridikulous (ridiculous) too, man. (patting Jai's shoulder)
Jai just shrugs. If that's what Lakshmi thinks is fun....Tarun wraps an arm around Jai's shoulder, startling him, and pulls Jai close to him. He murmurs in his ear, "Jai...you're my bestest friend in the worlds!....and I loves you, yaar". Jai, uncomfortable with this sudden closeness, attempts to put some space between them while saying, "I love you too, pal".
Tarun: (laughs hysterically) But I bet you luvs (loves) Bani more!
Jai is thrown off by this and stunned. He remains mum. He couldn't seem to find a proper reply to that....Jai couldn't just reassure Tarun and say that he does love Bani, when he doesn't.....In fact, he doesn't even know the meaning of love anymore' Bani is just......What is Bani to him? Even Jai has no clue.... She's a good friend, he concludes'. But if she's just a good friend, why do you think about her always?, another voice in his head questions him.
Tarun: I luvs Lakshmeeeess and you luvs Baaneeeesss, ...right?
Jai looks over at Tarun's direction, still not knowing what to say. Tarun beckons for Jai to come closer with his index finger.
Tarun: I wants to tells you a secrets....
He leans in closer towards Tarun and waits for what he says. In a whisper Tarun says, "I thinks you dids a goods job by marrying Baneee and not that gold-diggers Peeahhh (Pia)...Banee is nicer than that horrid sissss (sis) of hers...that Peeaahhh was just afters your riches, yaar, shes don't cares about nudding else... but Banee...shes a real jackpots...hang onto her TIGHT (Tarun hugs himself tightly, emphasizing the word), ...don'ts ever let her go...". Jai feels something inside of him sink on hearing his words. Tarun, smiling foolishly, pulls away and grabs another glass, gulping it down happily. Jai zones out and becomes lost in a world of his own....
"Peeahhh was just afters your riches, yaar, shes don't cares about nudding else....but Banee...shes a real jackpot...hang onto her tight....don'ts ever let her go....". Slowly his eyes look up and fall on Bani, who stands across from him, still chatting with Lakshmi.... Strangely his heart beats abnormally fast on the sight of her.... "Shes a real jackpot....hang onto her tight...don't ever let her go....".
************************************************************
you all can't complain about the length since it was 18 pages long on word.šš
Tell me how it was.š³š
ch. 29 on PG 5
ch. 30A on PG 11
ch. 30B on PG 15
ch. 30C on PG 19
ch. 31A on PG 24
ch. 31B on PG 29
ch. 32 on PG 33
ch. 35/36 on PG 56
ch. 37 on PG 60
ch. 38 on PG 67
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