Okay, once again, very sorry for the long wait. But I didn't want to update just Ch 35 cuz i felt it didn't have much in it, so i waited instead till i finished ch 36 so you all have enough to read. so there are two chapters to read---- guys, it's your lucky day.😆 [ now i'm expecting no whining till a long while as well.😆] they're pretty choppy and probably don't even make sense, but i tried. i've been crazy busy lately, still am, so excuse my errors. 😳
Chapter 35:
She paces back and forth in a frenzy, fiddling with her fingers while her heart pounds fast against her chest. How did he know she would come here? ----- Okay, dumb question-- obviously he would since she had no other place to go--- But why is he here? Did he not say that getting married to her was a mistake? That he only wanted her in the first place was for her looks? Hadn't he slap her across the face to silence her, keeping her from speaking anymore of their problems? These were the reasons why she had gotten up and left, devastated and hurt--- fleeing to her sister's aid. But why has he come now? Does he wish to tell more of the flaws in her? Tell her that he never did love her in the first place? Why is he here?
Pia's body tenses as she sits down onto her bed, placing both of her hands on either sides, as she questions herself on what to do. What if he's here to take her back? Is she willing to go back with him? She had practically convinced herself these past few days that he isn't the right guy for her and that he perhaps is after all a mistake. But her heart doesn't agree to her mind. Inside she knows that she loves Pushkar and feels right with him. At first she had just been attracted to him and held a silly school girl crush for him, but as months passed by into their marriage, she had fallen madly in love with him. He always did things to bring a smile onto her face, to make her feel special, and let her know that she is the most important thing in his life.
Their marriage was going perfectly well until they had started to face shortcomings in money. It started to put a strain in their relationship. As soon as money problems started pouring in, she began to panic but Pushkar would always reassure her that they would pull through it. He even started to work two jobs to support them. Things became a little better than before, but then his attitude towards her had began to change. He started to become easily annoyed and uninterested in things she had to share or things she would do. If she would buy a few things to fill the house, he would become furious---blaming her for being inconsiderate of their circumstances and blowing away their money. Then she apparently started to appear greedy in his eyes. He didn't need to say it, but she knew what he thought of her. One day she had enough and confronted him about their problems and how she felt, which began a fierce argument and ended with her being slapped.
But perhaps she is also to be blamed for their given state. Her Bani Di was right in scolding her. She should had been more supportive, she could have worked as well instead of allowing Pushkar to struggle alone. But is she really willing to go back to a man who cannot guarantee her any kind of future? Now with Jai Walia out of his life, Pushkar can't. He doesn't have the same accessibilities like before. --- But why doesn't this have as much impact on her that it should? Why is there still a part of her that wants to go back to him and make their marriage work? Why does she love him so much?
Hearing the twist of the doorknob, Pia looks over her shoulder and sees the door open. She watches her sister close the door behind herself and make her way towards the bed. Pia looks down at her lap as she feels the bed sink down beside her.
Bani: Pia…
Pia: (cutting her off) Di, mujhe pata ke aap yahan kyon aaye…. Aap Pushkar ke baare mein baath kaarna chaate… (trans: Di, I know why you are here… You want to talk about Pushkar.)
Bani: Hmm… (agreeing) You are right. I want to talk about your marriage with Pushkar…
Bani raises her hand towards Pia's head and strokes her hair lovingly.
Bani: Pia… He has come back to take you…. He says that he still loves you. (softly)
Pia continues to stare straight ahead of her, showing no reaction on hearing her sister's words until she begins to sob a minute later. Bani quickly engulfs her into her arms, allowing her to vent out everything that she has kept inside. In between her tears, Pia mumbles her confusion and worries to her sister. Bani calmly listens intently to what she has to say….
As she finishes, Bani wipes away her shed tears for her and soothingly places her head on her lap, knowing that Pia has become exhausted from her outburst. Pia lays down and takes a breath to calm herself.
Pia: I just don't know what to do Didi… One part of me wants to give my marriage to Pushkar another try, but the other wants me to move on cause I know there isn't a guaranteed future with him…. I just can't make a decision right now.
Bani: And that's perfectly fine… You don't need to…. This is a very important decision in your life… you can take time and think about this wisely….
Pia: (confused) You won't tell me to go back to him?
Bani: (shaking her head) No…. I don't have the right to make that decision for you…. I would though like for you to make your marriage work… Pia, marriage is never an easy thing…. It requires a lot of effort and sacrifices put into it… You have to self adjust for it to work…. And what marriage doesn't have it's downs? --All of them do Pia… Don't think that once you start having problems that it's not going to work… What you and Pushkar were going through was your share of bad times… It's your duty as his wife to be by his side not just in good, but also in bad…. And together you two will pull out of whatever troubles you have….
Pia: ….. Mujhse gaalti hua… main jaanti hoon…. But I am not sure whether I am ready to go back to him… (trans: I have made a mistake… I know this.)
Bani: Do you love him Pia?
Pia hesitates for a moment before replying….
Pia: I do…
Bani: Then take my advice… Listen to your heart…. Do what you feel is right… It is not a fact that Pushkar cannot guarantee you a promising future… He can easily change that… and with your help.
Pia remains silent, dwelling within Bani's words…. Bani kisses her softly on her head and slowly lets herself up, causing Pia to get up as well….
Bani: Think about what I have said…
With those as her last words, Bani leaves Pia alone in her room once again engulfing her into her own clashing thoughts….
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Over the next few days Jai's anger seemed to have reached it's height. He couldn't remember ever being so angry before at anything in his life, up until now. Nowadays he would get easily ticked and lose his cool at everyone. His staff at the office, who had gotten used to the slight calm Jai Walia for the past couple of months, were taken aback and frightened on seeing his lion-like rage back. They had forgotten how to handle it and with his grouchy attitude's return, life for them at the office has become miserable.
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"What the bloody hell do you mean you don't have it? Did I not give you a specific deadline for it?," Jai practically roars into his phone, immersed in a conversation with an employee. The trembling employee answers back, "Yes sir, you did, but----."
Jai: But what?! There are no acceptable excuses for this Rathore, I had given you an efficient deadline to work on and I expected it to be handed in on my desk this morning! … If you cannot handle the work that I provide you, you might as well not even come here tomorrow!
Jai slams his desk phone onto the receiver and swears under his breath. "Damn imbecile," he mutters to himself. Hearing a soft knock on his door, he agitatedly calls the person in. Raashi makes her appearance by the door and looks nervously at her boss.
Jai: To tum aab aate ho? Kahan thi tum jaab maine tumhe bhaar bhaar phone kaarta tha? Are you intent on losing your job? (he demands) (trans: Oh, so now you come? Where were you when I repeatedly called for you?)
Raashi: No sir, I'm sorry sir. Woh actually mere taaabiyat--- (trans: Actually, my health----)
Jai: Save the excuse---- Where are the shares that I asked you to bring? (growls)
Rasshi: (unsure) Sir,… shares?
This mistake of hers causes Jai to burst….
Jai: Why do I bloody pay you fools if you cannot even do the tasks I ask you to do!
Raashi: (scared) I-I'll bring them right away sir…
Raashi leaves in a rush and returns a few minutes later. In the meantime, Jai curses continuously under his breath. He focuses on his laptop as Raashi tries to make her presence known.
Raashi: Sir, the shares….
Jai: Hmmm… put them on my desk.
She obliges and lingers hesitantly by his desk. Clearing her throat, she places a tiffin onto his desk as well, right in front of him…. Jai catches this and stares up at her in a demanding manner.
Jai: What's this?
Raashi: Sir… it's your lunch… You had skipped break…. So Mausi made it for you…
Jai: And how did she know that I skipped?
Raashi: (sheepishly, embarrassed) Sir… maine mention kiya tha…. (trans: Sir…. I had mentioned it.)
Jai: (scowls) Teek hai… tum jao….
Relieved, Raashi flees from the lion's den, leaving a curious Jai behind. He closes his laptop and places it aside then takes a hold on the tiffin. He unclasps the top and stares down at the variety of food made for him. Hearing his stomach growl from the sight, Jai grabs the spoon given along with it, and tastes a little of the meal. He chews slowly and after he swallows it, he stares back down at the food and after a thought, pushes it away.
It is familiar… too familiar. He can recognize her cooking anywhere now. She can use Mausi as a cover up all she wants, but he will always know that it is her. Miserably he lowers his head into his hands and rubs his temples with his fingertips….
Ever since Pushkar's return, Bani seemed to always be preoccupied in spending time with him. Everywhere he looked, the two of them were always together, talking to each other in low voices and seeming a little too comfortable with each other for his liking. If he could, he would strangle Pushkar to death to get him out of his way and from ruining his life any further, but that would be out of line. Jigyasa had once asked him that if he could forgive Pia, why could he not forgive Pushkar as well? To this he had no answer nor could give it to her. Only he knew why he couldn't and wouldn't. Because that boy is the sore reason for his unhappiness….by stealing away his Bani from right under his nose. The nerve of him!---- To come back and try to sweep her off her feet!
And what devastates him is that Bani's old love for Pushkar seems to have awaken once again. She smiles, laughs, and remains so happy around him that it upsets Jai terribly. Not that he hates seeing her happy, he just wishes that she would be that happy with him. That she loves him instead.
"Sir, aapka one o'clock client aap keliye wait khar raha hai…," Raashi's voice announces over the intercom. Jai snaps out of his whirling thoughts and presses down on the button, replying back, "Send him in." …….
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"He seems to hate me even more nowadays Bani…. Face it, he'll never speak to me again..," she hears his gloomy voice speak over the phone. She also becomes down on hearing this, but doesn't give up in trying to boost up her friend's confidence.
Bani: He will Pushkar, don't you worry….
Pushkar: Bani, your hopes are starting to become useless for me now…
Bani: You've got to believe Pushkar. … Accha sunno, kaunsa restaurant hai?
Pushkar: Hmm, Watermoon….. Be there exactly in thirty minutes. I need you there dost.
Bani blanks out and her heart skips a beat as a reaction. Watermoon Restaurant…. Instantly a flash back of her husband standing across from her in their booked room, looking dangerously handsome in a classy designer suit with his arms folded behind his back crosses her mind--- switching into him extending his hand out towards her, grinning cutely, asking for a dance. He leads her onto the dance floor where he caresses her waist and sways her into the rhythm of the music. He twirls her around with grace and brings her back into him with a subtle placement of his hand on her midriff.
Chills run down her spine just from the memory….
Pushkar: Hello?… Hello? Bani? Bani, you there?
Startled, Bani jumps out of her lost trance and answers immediately to Pushkar.
Bani: Hain, main yahan hoon… (breathless) (trans: Yes, I'm here.)
Pushkar: Gosh, tumhe akar hogaya kya? Why were you not speaking? (trans: Gosh, what happened to you?)
Bani: (cheeks blooming) Nahi, kuch nahi…. I think I lost connection for a second…. (lying between her teeth) Kya kaehre the tum? (trans: What were you saying?)
Pushkar: (sighs) Just come here as soon as possible. I want this to go well.
Bani: (cheekily) Yes Boss.
Pushkar: (chuckles) Remember, if this plan turns out to be successful, I will treat you out to your favorite ice cream tomorrow. So you actually have to put effort into this.
Bani: Pushkar, I am appalled. You think I am only doing this for you for my own benefit? Why, I just want to see you and Pia happy.
Pushkar: (snorts) We both know that you are mostly doing this for the ice cream so quit the act.
Bani smiles as a response.
Pushkar: Accha main raakta hoon… jhaaldi aana… (trans: Alright, I'm hanging up the phone… come quick.)
Bani: I am just on my way out the door, don't worry.
Pushkar: Good.
Bani cuts off the call from her cell phone and places it on the dresser. She had just gotten out of the shower and was freshly dressed in a new simple saree. Taking her mangulsutra, she fastens it around her and then reaches for her small dabbi of vermillion. As soon as she fills her maang with sinndoor, through the mirror she sees the bedroom door open and her husband walk into view. The powder falls onto the lower bridge of her nose just as her and Jai's eyes meet. Bani doesn't notice this until she has to avert her eyes away, feeling self conscious of his gaze on her. She takes her finger and wipes it off in one swift move, Jai looks away and walks into the room in silence.
He removes his coat and throws it onto the bed and then places his briefcase off to the side. As he begins on unfastening his watch, Bani grabs her cell phone and purse and hesitantly makes her way over to Jai.
Bani: Ji, … main kuch dher ke liye bhaar jhaari hoon…. (trans: I am going to go out for sometime.)
Jai: (focused on his watch) ….. Kahan jhaare ho? (trans: Where are you going?)
Bani: … Ji, main dinner Pushkar ke saath----
Jai clenches his jaw as soon as he hears his name. So now he's taking his wife out for dinner---- damn that b*st*rd. Just wait till he gets his hands on him-----
Jai: (cutting her off) Tum dinner ghar peh kyon nahi kaarte ho? Bhaar jaane keliye kya zaroort hai? (trans: Why don't you have dinner at home? What's the point of going out?)
Bani: Ji? (startled by his attitude)
He wants to scream, tell her that she's his wife and not his. Tell her that he's the only man whose capable of making her happy and not that d*mn Pushkar. The only man for her. But he can't….
Jai: Forget it….
Bani stares at him in confusion, but doesn't have any time to dwell on his grouchy mood since her cell rings. She picks it up and automatically says, "Hain Pushkar, main aabhi jhaari hoon."
Right when she leaves, Jai slams his fist against the wall in frustration……
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Pia wipes her face with a small white towel as she comes out from the bathroom and on hearing her cell phone ring, she sets it aside and walks over to her nightstand to answer it.
Pia: Hello?
"Pia? … Sunno, mere paas koi waqt nahi hai tumhe samjanliye, tum bus yahan jhaldi se aajo…," she hears a rushed voice speak in worry. (trans: Listen, I don't have time to explain, you just come here fast.)
Pia: Didi?
Bani: Pia, tumhe ek jaaga peh jaana, mujhe tumhe ek zaroori baat kaarne hai… (trans: Pia, come quick, I need to tell you something important.)
Pia: Paar aap hai kahan? (trans: But where are you?)
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Pia shoves random bills at the rickshaw driver and quickly runs up the small steps leading to the elegant restaurant. Inside she was scared and dying to know the reason for her sister's uneasiness. What could be possibly wrong? What does she need to tell her? And why here at this restaurant?
An employee dressed in uniform politely opens the glass door for her as she steps inside. Her eyes wander around the beautiful place for a moment then she immediately makes herself snap out of it and focus on finding Bani. She goes to the man near the podium and hesitantly questions him.
Pia: Excuse me, but do you by chance have a reservation here under the name Bani Dix---- Walia?
She watches the man peer down at the reservation list before him and scan the pages. He nods his head in approval.
"Yes, we have a Walia for 8 o'clock…. You are here just on time Ma'am… Your sister is waiting for you in another room…. I will call for someone to escort you there."
The man beckons for the boy near the door and instructs him to lead Pia to the secluded room. Pia gazes around as she walks behind the employee and brings her attention back as he hears him speak. "Ma'am…," he calls out to her as he presents the open door. Pia cautiously enters and becomes stunned on what she sees. She softly gasps at the sight of a candlelight dinner outside in a gorgeous garden, blooming with flowers and a soft fragrance lingering in the air. However, what surprises her the most is seeing her husband instructing a couple of violinists in a low voice. For the first time since she has known him, he is dressed handsomely in a dress suit, unlike his regular shirts and rugged jeans.
Pushkar turns around as he sees one of the violinist look behind him instead, catching his attention. He breathes in sharply on Pia's appearance, wearing a very simple yellow salwaar kameez suit yet looking radiantly beautiful in it. He casts Bani, who stands off to the side, a sideway glance of uncertainty. She smiles him in encouragement, nodding him on.
Pia, getting over the unexpected shock, catches her sister standing idly nearby and approaches her. She clings onto her and once in awhile looks back at Pushkar nervously, who seems equally nervous as well.
Pia: Di? ….
Bani smiles sweetly at her sister and clasps her hands over Pia's, which gently hold onto her arm…
Bani: Main chaalti hoon… You and Pushkar have a lot to talk about….
Bani removes Pia's hands from her and softly pushes her ahead, directing her over towards Pushkar. Before leaving, Bani winks at Pushkar, bringing a small grin onto his lips. The violinists break the awkward silence with the melody of their violins.
Pia consciously remains standing in her spot, not knowing what to make out of all this. She is floored by the efforts Pushkar has put into this dinner. He has never done anything so exotic like this for her before. Immediately she becomes hassled and worriedly asks him, "Pushkar, how did you afford to pay for all of this?"
Pushkar's grin instantly fades and he blinks unsurely at his wife.
Pushkar: Do you not like it? (worried himself)
Pia: (chocking over her own words) No…. I… I do…. It's like a dream come true…. But how could you possibly---- where did you get the money to----
Pushkar: Pia…., I'm willing to do anything for you sweetheart….just to make you happy.
Pia's mouth dries and no words seem to come out as a response. She just mutely stares at Pushkar in disbelief and in moments begins to tear, alarming her hubby. Pushkar quickly motions to the violinists to cut off the music and leave them alone in privacy for a while.
As soon as they leave, Pushkar comes over to Pia, taking her hands into his and wiping a few of her tears.
Pushkar: Baby why are you crying?
Pia: … Why do you do so much for me Pushkar? ….
Pushkar: … Isn't it obvious Pia? ---- It's because I love you… I love you so much.
Pia: (her voice cracking) I am a terrible person…. You deserve someone so much better. I am always demanding things… whiny….and easily displeased…. How can you love a person like me?
Pushkar: Pia…. You don't see yourself in my eyes… You can only notice your flaws… But sweetheart, if you would look from where I'm standing, you would see how beautiful of a person you are, inside and out. Your flaws don't matter to me.
Pia: Oh Pushkar, I am so--- …
Pushkar: Shhh….
He presses his finger against her lips, preventing her from saying anything else…
Pushkar: You have nothing to apologize for… If anyone needs to apologize, then it's me. I shouldn't have behaved with you the way I did, it was wrong and I know I have hurt you by it. I promise you from here on out that I will never hurt you in anyway ever again. I want to keep you happy always.
Pia's eyes shine with wet tears and she gently removes his finger away from her mouth.
Pia: And I promise that I will be more supportive…. I will even apply for a job… I will be a good wife to you…. I don't want us to tear apart again over problems that we can fix…
Pushkar: (smiles) Neither do I….
Pia smiles back also and beams in delight as Pushkar pecks her softly on her lips. He takes her hand in his and directs her over to their table, pulling out her chair for her, and seats her down….
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Bani wraps her arms around herself tight as a gentle chilling breeze brushes past her. She sits aimlessly on a bench at a park nearby, where there is not a single soul in sight. She silently peers up at the full moon, shinning brightly in the dark night, while reflecting on cherishing memories of her marriage to Jai Walia. These are the memories that she keeps close to her heart---the ones she lives on. --- These are the very moments that give her strength. She prays mindfully to herself, hoping to see the day in which her husband will finally accept her as his wife in a true sense….
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Chapter 36:
"Anu!!!!," Rano exclaims in excitement as she sees her friend and her husband walk into the front hall of the Walia Mansion. Anu's face brightens and she excitedly runs over to Rano as well. Together the girls embrace and Rano spins her around ecstatically. Anu giggles by this.
"Arre arre, sambalke Rano, aab humari Anu Rani akeli nahi hai… uske pet mein aab ek chota sa munna ya munni hai," Mausi calls out to her, stopping Rano immediately in her actions.
Rano: Oops! Sorry--- I didn't hurt the baby, did I?
Anu: Of course not silly. Tu to uski mausi ho, how could you possibly hurt her?
Rano: Her? … How are you so sure that the baby is a girl?
Anu: (rubbing her stomach) A mother just knows this kind of stuff.
Rano: (laughing) Shaart lagadoon? 50 bucks if she turns out as a he.
"Don't even think about betting on my child, Rano," Rohit's warns her as he comes over to them. Rano frowns at him.
Rano: Jeej, you are only saying that cause you very well know the baby's a boy and you just don't want me to get the money.
Rohit: No… I am only saying that because I don't wanna have to tell the kid that his or her own mausi bet on his or her gender. He'd just think of himself as a lottery ticket for you.
Rano: Ah! Even you think it's a he!
Anu smacks her forehead as both Rohit and Rano get into a heated argument of what the baby's gender really will be.
"Oh ho, stop it you two, it doesn't matter whether it is a girl or a boy, what matters is that a little bundle of joy will be arriving in less than 8 months, and that we should all be making preparations for it's arrival," Jigyasa states as she walks into view. Rohit smiles and takes his blessings from his mother-in-law as Anu embraces her mother tightly. Jigyasa gushes at how her daughter looks beautiful as a newly married woman and advises her on how to take care of herself now that she is pregnant.
Rano: Oh, who is this?
Rano finally notices a small cute boy around the age of four, hiding nervously behind Anu's leg. Rohit catches this and smiles.
Rohit: This is Arun, my second cousin's son. His mother and him are staying with us recently since they are in town. Ever since he's seen Anu, he won't leave her alone for a second. He's grown very attached to her, which is why we have brought him along.
Rano bends down and places her hands on her knees, meeting the same level as Arun.
Rano: Why hello cutie.
Arun turns his face away, hiding.
Anu: (coaxing) Arun, sweetheart, say hello to Rano Mausi…
Rano: Mausi?
Anu: Hain… tum to meri behen ho… isliye, tum uske Mausi ho… (trans: Yes, you are my sister, hence, you are his Mausi.)
Rano smiles, touched by Anu's words, and brings her attention back to the scared little boy.
Rano: Come out Arun, I won't bite… I promise. … Do you want some chocolates?
She sees his head perk up on the mention of chocolates and grins in victory. Slowly he appears from behind Anu and nods his head hesitantly. Rano extends her hand over and indicates for him to come along with her. Arun nervously casts Anu a glance.
Anu: Go on kiddo.
Rano: Come on… I have lots of chocolates in my room. We will eat, play games, and have lots of fun. Doesn't that sound nice?
Again Arun nods his head and gladly comes toward her. Rano gathers him into her arms and picks him up from the floor. She disappears with him to her room, leaving Anu and Rohit behind to catch up with the family.
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Tony: Sir?
Jai: Hm, kya hai Tony?
Tony: Anu baby and Rohit baba are in the living room. Everyone is there. Mausi has sent me to request for your presence.
Jai: Teek hai. You may leave.
Tony: Yes sir.
Tony leaves the study and Jai sighs as he begins to wrap up his work. He walks briskly out of the room and down the hall to the way of the living room. He hears the chatter coming from there and feels slightly annoyed by the joy in it. Why should he have to put up with everyone else's happiness when inside he is absolutely miserable?
As he continues to walk, he notices the garden doors opened and slowly halts to a stop. Curiously he peers out from it and spots a unfamiliar boy kicking a ball around in a gloomy manner. He looks no older than five and has a clutter of dirty brown hair on his head, a pinched nose, and expressive dark muddy eyes overlapped with long curled eyelashes. Instantly he feels a strange attachment to the boy and has the great urge to smother him in his arms. It is as if he is being magnetically pulled towards him as his feet move on it's own accord.
Just when Jai approaches the frail looking thing, the boy stares up on catching his shadow with captivating eyes that causes him to lean down before him and affectionately ruffle his hair.
"What's your name son?"……
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Pushkar wanders around the Mansion in a desperate search for Bani who was no where in sight. He had been held back for a few minutes by Anu and her husband, and he warmly congratulated her on her marriage. At first Anu was unsure around his presence, but by a simple nod of approval from her mother, she started to smile and act like her old self around him.
During his investigation of her whereabouts, Pushkar bumps into Rano who grouchily informs him that Bani must be in her room if she is not anywhere else. Finding Rano's anger in him justified, he doesn't bother in feeling bad about it and goes straight to his brother's room….
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Bani leans against the opened window and stares down into the green, thriving garden in which her husband plays one on one with the most adorable boy she has ever set her eyes on. Her insides melt on the sight of Jai displaying fatherly affection towards the toddler and she can't restrain herself from smiling fondly. She would smile whenever the two of them smiled and would laugh when they did. She looks on intently as Jai chases after Arun and captures him into his arms, swinging him around in the air. She dreamily keeps her eyes on her husband, who wears an honest smile on his lips and chuckles meaningfully--- something that she hasn't witnessed for days now.
Arun explodes into a fit of giggles as Jai thrusts him up and down in the air, and finally bringing him down only to tickle him on his belly. Quickly her mind starts reeling with thoughts. How would it feel to have a child of their own?--- Her's and Jai's? Would it be somewhat similar to this? Would Jai shower endless affection on their son or daughter just as he is on Arun? Would she watch them affectionately just as she is now?
Seeing Jai tumble over and fall down onto the ground, takes Bani out of her daze and slightly scares her of whether he is hurt. She reaches out to him as a reaction, but hearing him and Arun break out into laughter over his fall, calms her down a bit. Arun crawls onto Jai's fallen form and imitates his previous tickling on him instead. A grin slowly makes it's way back onto her face.
"Nice picture, isn't it?," Pushkar's unexpected voice comes right from behind. Bani jumps out of shock and spins around to look at him. She places a hand over her racing heart.
Bani: Oh Pushkar… don't scare me like that.
Pushkar merely smiles at her and looks back over to the scene that Bani had been watching for the last five minutes. She embarrassingly remains rooted by the window, hating how she has been caught.
Pushkar: Bhaiya's really good with kids, don't you think?
Bani: (hesitantly answers)… Yes, he is… (she practically squeaks)
Pushkar: You know, that kid's no exception. Bhai loves children in general. He's got like a special soft spot for them, you know?
Bani remains silent, but is glad on hearing this bit of information. It only makes her love him even more.
Pushkar: I used to always get jealous because Bhai would get so involved with them that he'd forget about everything else--- even me, his supposed favorite. Well, his once favorite. (says lightly)
She catches his depressing last words, and pats his arm sympathetically. Pushkar looks back over at her and smiles hopefully.
Pushkar: Just you wait Bhabhi… Once you and him have a child of your own, Jai Bhaiya will go to wonders to make that kid the happiest in the world.
Bani's face immediately flushes as an aftermath of his words while Pushkar chuckles at her reaction. She tries brushing off what he has said by bringing up another point….
Bani: I thought I told you it's not necessary to call me Bhabhi?
Pushkar: (shrugs) Actually, I didn't think it was either. But I feel that it has started to become so.
Bani: Woh kyon?
Pushkar: Jaab se mujhe paata lagya ke tum mere Bhai ko besaabri se pyaar kaarte ho…. Mujhe laga ke aab main tumhe Bhabhi zaroor bholna chaaye…. (says teasingly) (trans: Since I found out how deeply you are in love with my brother… I thought that I should now start calling you Bhabhi.)
Bani is stunned to the point of becoming speechless.
Pushkar: Waise bhi… Bani Bhabhi has a nice ring to it, don't ya think? (winks)
She further blushes beetroot and looks away from him, causing Pushkar to laugh once again. He takes her arms in his hold and steers her to face him.
Pushkar: Hey Bhabhi… it's nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, I am so happy that I am unable to express my joy. Really, now that I think of it, you and Bhai are made for each other. Certainly a match made in heaven. And honestly, I don't think I've seen Bhai seem so relaxed and calm around someone other than you. ------ I hear that he never refuses to you either, that he always listens to you without any hesitation. (winks, teasing)
Bani: (stammers) … W-where did you hear that?
Pushkar: (grins mischievously) I've got my sources….
Bani: … (mutters) I wouldn't count Mausi and Dadi as reliable sources… they only see what they want to see, but in reality, nothing like that exists.
Pushkar: What do you mean by that? I have seen with my own eyes the truth to this…. How his eyes find you always and the way he looks at you is enough to explain it all.
Bani: (confused) Explain what?
Pushkar: (disbelief) You actually don't know?
Bani is silent, confirming that she really has no idea what he's trying to imply.
Pushkar: Geez Bhabhi, do you not see how much he loves you? Are you really that blind? Anyone can take one look at him and see how latoo he has become over you! He's terribly love sick. (stating the facts)
Pushkar further succeeds in shocking the wits out of Bani. She looks back at him with a disbelief of her own.
Bani: (stuttering) I… I…. (blushing hot red) Pushkar, tum nahi jaante ke tum kya kaeh reh ho… (trans: Pushkar, you don't know what you're talking about.)
Pushkar: No Bhabhi, you are the one who doesn't know…. Perhaps it is time for you to see reality…. What is the truth…
Bani looks away from Pushkar and back outside of the window, where Jai has Arun sitting on his broad shoulders, letting him touch the green leaves on a top branch of the tree. She feels Pushkar lightly place a hand on her shoulder.
Pushkar: Tell him…. Tell him how you feel… Enough of this hide and seek game you two are playing…. Otherwise you will always be left wondering about how things can be.
Giving a small squeeze, Pushkar removes his hand and leaves from the room, whereas Bani stands fixed in her spot…. Reflecting on what her friend has said…..
**************************************************
Jai grinds his teeth on seeing the sight of Pushkar with Bani through his bedroom window. He turns around and faces a silent Arun, who stares at him with curiosity, wondering what he had been looking at. He grins lightly at the boy, reassuring him that nothing is wrong, and resumes in giving his full attention to him while trying unsuccessfully push troubling thoughts to the back of his mind.
"Arre! How come with me you were so ghoom soom, but you are so chatty with Mr. Walia, huh?," Rano's questioning voice approaches from behind. Jai looks behind, finding Rano marching towards them with a clearly upset look on her face. In her hand she carries a small brown teddy bear.
Arun: Mr. Valia? Mr. Valia kaun hai maushi? (trans: Mr. Valia? Whose Mr. Valia?)
Rano: (gushes, forgetting her supposed anger) Aawwwww, you called me maushi! So sweet! Teek hai, main tujhe maaf kaarti hoon!
Arun: Paar---- Mr. Valia kaun hai?
Jai: (chuckles) Main hoon Mr. Walia beta…
Arun: Aap hai Mr. Valia? … Paar---Paar mujhe laga … ke aap Jai Uncle hai…. I am confoosed… (making a face)
Both Rano and Jai laugh together at his expression and his Jai Uncle kisses him affectionately on his head. …..
****************************************
Everyone gathers around the dining table to have lunch and Jai, Arun, Rano, Bani, and Pushkar are one of the last to join, coming from their own separate ways. Rano sits down beside Anu and saves a seat on her other side for her sister. Just as Bani sits down, she sees Arun rushing over in front of Pushkar, making his presence known. Pushkar is at first startled then smiles at the cute boy. He lowers to meet his level and extends his hand over to him.
Pushkar: Hey Kiddo, what's your name?
Arun doesn't speak a word while he just stares at him weird, and then kicks him really hard on the shin. Pushkar yelps in pain, grabbing onto his leg, and Arun rushes off to the dining table to join everyone else, sitting beside an available seat by his Jai Uncle. Bani catches the happy smirk on her husband's face and give Arun a high-five. Arun becomes smug, happy in pleasing his new favorite uncle. Jai stares up and his smile vanishes as his eyes meet with Bani's. He notices the knowing look in her eyes and averts his gaze back down. In the meantime, Pushkar arrives at the table, rubbing his leg in pain…..
*******************************************************
Anu is passed all around by her family members, each hugging her and wishing her a happy marriage. She finally reaches Bani who stands behind by the stairs, isolated, and takes her hands into hers. Her Mamiji smiles affectionately at her and cups her cheek with her hand.
Bani: Aapna kyhaal rakhna Anu. (trans: Take care of yourself Anu.)
Anu: Ji Mami….
Anu gives her a sweet, warm hug before finally joining her husband's side and preparing to leave. She turns around and notices Arun lingering behind.
Anu: Arun… come one sweetheart, we are leaving.
Arun hastily hugs his Jai Uncle's leg with his tiny arms and shakes his head in refusal.
Rohit: Arun, don't do this….
Arun: Mujhe… nahi… jhanna… (adamant) (trans: I don't wanna go.)
Rohit: Arun… (sternly)
Arun only hugs Jai's leg tighter as a response. Jai smiles lightly at this and motions to Anu and Rohit that he will handle this. He breaks the boy's hold from his leg and lowers down on one knee, meeting his gaze. Taking his arms into his grip, Jai begins in trying to make the little toddler understand.
Jai: Arun beta… You will have to go. You cannot stay here forever, right?
Arun: But… I … I wanna stay here with you….
Jai: What about your Mama? And your Mama ji and Mami ji? They will miss you…. Won't you miss them?
Arun seems to drown into deep thoughts from this, rethinking his decision.
Jai: Waise bhi…. Whenever you feel like it, you may come back here and I promise I will also come and visit…. Teek hai?
Arun: ….. Promish?
Jai: (smiling) Promise.
Arun: Pinky promish?
Jai: (chuckling a bit) Hain baba, pinky promise.
Arun smiles in relief from this and gives him a bear hug. Jai also wraps his arms around him, patting him smoothly on his back. Everyone smiles at this scene, finding it adorable how much the boy has grown attached to Jai. Arun pulls back and kisses him quickly on his cheek before fleeing out of his arms and running over back to his Mama and Mami. He takes Anu's hand and waves excitedly back at Jai as they say their farewells to the family and leave out of sight…..
The Walias watch the Chopras leave until they are officially gone and resume back to their individual schedules. Bani watches Jai linger nearby the Mansion's entrance and finally resort back to refuge in his study. She meets Pushkar's knowing glance and his prodding nod in going after him. Bani gulps nervously and rethinks about what she should do. Should she really confront him about this matter? Pushkar makes a good point, for how long will this keep going? She will no longer imagine how things can be, in order for her dreams to come true, she must speak with her husband---because from where she sees, it doesn't seem he will be the one who will make that move…..
***********************************************
Bani did not get the chance to speak to him later on in the day, nor the next or the day after that. He had been wrapped up in a business matter that kept him away from home for long hours, so she rarely saw his face for the past two days….
In the meantime, Pia began to encourage Pushkar in confronting his adopted older brother….
"Pushkar, main yahan ek bhauj bhankar nahi jeena chaati…. Hum yahan se chaaliye….I am sure ke Mr. Walia bhi tumhe maaf kardoonge…," Pia tried in persuading her husband. Pushkar looked unsure of her words. She sat down besides him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Pia: He has forgiven and forgotten what we have done to him Pushkar… we must not dwell in the past now.
Pushkar: Pia, he may have forgiven you, but I am yet to earn my forgiveness. And it will not be an easy task. I have betrayed my own brother….no one betrays family.
Pia mutely nodded her head in understanding and dropped the touchy topic…..
******************************************************
Tony leads a man in uniform with a kit of tools in through the front entrance of the Mansion and ignores his openly impressed remarks regarding the grand house. He rolls his eyes at some stuff that he says and says in a bored voice, "If you go down the hall, on your left there will be a door, that is the washroom that has the pipe problem."
As the plumber nods his head, Jai walks right in, just arriving back from the office with his coat draped over his arm and his phone held up against one ear. He stops in his tracks at the sight of the dirty dressed man and questioningly looks over to his butler for an answer.
Jai: Yeh kaun hai? (trans: Who's this?)
Tony: Sir, this is the plumber. Jigyasa Ma'am wanted the bathroom in the hall to be fixed right away.
Jai, not even knowing of this problem, shrugs it off and resumes back to his conversation over the phone, walking briskly over in the direction towards his study. The plumber begins at the task given to him by following the directions given to the washroom…..
Close to an hour later the grimy man comes back to the front area of the house and confronts Tony about his payment.
Plumber: Kaam hochuka… aab payment ke bhaari hai boss. (trans: The job's done… now it's time for payment.)
Tony: Hain, hain… tum bus yahan rukhjao… I will be back with your money… (trans: Yes, you wait right here…)
Tony wanders off in another direction to get the man's payment. Meanwhile, the plumber takes the time to marvel over the Mansion and during this, his eyes are captivated by someone who interests him. He watches Bani in fascination as she gracefully descends down the marble stairs, looking stunning in a rather simple red saree that does justice to her figure. She is, however, oblivious to his presence and proceeds in going towards her destination. She walks right by him and the plumber looks on until she disappears from sight. A few moments later he feels a tap on his shoulder and becomes startled out of his daze. He turns around and faces Tony who hands over his money to him.
Tony: Yeh lao… aab tum jaasakte ….(trans: here you go… now you can go.)
The plumber takes the money with thoughts still revolving around Bani and grins mischievously at the butler across from him, thinking he can share this bit of information with him since he is also apart of the working class like himself.
Plumber: Hey boss, who's the babe living here?
Tony: I beg your pardon?
***********************************
Jai cuts off the call after reassuring Aditya that he is on his way back over to the office and grabs his coat, pulling it around himself as he walks out of his study and towards the main area of the Walia Mansion…..
**********************************************
Plumber: Yaar, don't act dumb, you know who I am talking about. The one who's in the red saree.
Tony: Red saree?…..
Tony ponders over this and realizes that he had just bumped into his Bani Ma'am on the way over here and noticed her wearing a simple red saree. He stares at the man across him in disbelief and disgust.
Tony: Do you speak of my mistress?
Plumber: Haaiii… yahan uski raaj chaalti hai---matlaab woh tumhari maalankin hai?… yaar, kaamal ke cheez hai woh…. Waah…Kya maahl hai (trans: She rules over this house---meaning she is your mistress?…. She is an amazing piece of work. Wow….What a babe.)
Tony: (furious at how he is speaking about his Bani Ma'am) It would be better if you would not speak further on this matter. She is clearly out of your league and much higher than you in class.
Plumber: Boss, you don't have to act like that. It is only you and me here. You can also tell me, I know you think of her like that as well. Who wouldn't? She's damn hot man. If I had my chance, I'd show your mistress how I can be the boss of her in my bed---- I'd rock her world. (laughing in cockiness)
Before Tony even has a chance to blast off the foul man before him, the plumber feels someone swing him around and punch him squarely in the face. He falls straight down onto the ground and covers his eye in pain. He moans loudly as he looks through his other eye only to see Jai Walia standing above him with a clenched fist and staring down at him in fury. The man trembles to himself in fear as Jai lowers down and grabs a fistful of his shirt, pulling him up from the ground. He freezes on seeing the rage he has evoked in his stormy gray eyes.
Jai: How dare you…. How dare you speak about my wife in that manner! (his voice roaring)
Jai slams another punch into his face, but this time meets his knuckles against the bone of the plumber's jaw, causing a crushing sound to be heard. Blood spills from the man's mouth but this doesn't stop Jai, who's in a fit of a red hazed rage. Tony only watches aside, horrified, as his master proceeds in punching the filthy man over and over, picking him up every time he falls and pushing him around.
Jai: How could you even think of speaking about her from that grimy mouth of yours!
The commotion becomes so loud that it ends up drawing everyone in the Mansion to the location of the scene, including Bani who stands aghast, frighteningly watching her husband beat the man across from her.
Jai: I'll kill you---- I"ll kill you, you b*st*rd!!!!
Plumber: Saahib!!! Saahib, please---- (in between his beatings) mujhe maaf kardo! (trans: Sir, sir, please forgive me!)
Jai however doesn't heed to his pleading words. Pushkar steps in immediately and attempts in breaking off his brother's hold from the bleeding man.
Pushkar: Bhai!--- Bhai! Stop it! You are going to kill him!
Jai: Yeh to main chaata hoon! I want him to die! (trans: That is what I want!)
Pushkar: Bhaiya, please!
Pushkar is successful in pushing Jai away, releasing his grip on the almost unconscious man, and moves him aside, acting as a barrier between the lion and his prey.
Jai: Let go of me!--- Let go!
Jai removes Pushkar's hands away from him and tries to take easy breathes since he had become breathless. He points at the fallen figure of the plumber and makes his demand loud and clear.
Jai: I want this man out of here!---- Right now!
Tony does not hesitate at all in moving the man away by picking him up with the help of another servant, Peter, and escorting him outside.
Pushkar: Bhaiya, he needs medical attention! We cannot just get rid of him!
Jai: (snaps at him) It would be best if you do not speak at all if you don't wish the same for yourself!
Pushkar is silenced but his eyes still wander over to the terribly beaten Plumber, whose legs dangle behind as the butlers carry him out by pulling on his arms. Mausi, who had been quiet throughout, finally speaks, yet her voice quivers.
Mausi: Jai, kya hua? Yeh saab kya horaya? (trans: Jai, what is this? What is going on?)
Bani also stares at her husband, wanting an answer just as much as Mausi asks for one. She had never seen him so angry before, not even when they had been on bad terms. What is the reason for this anger of his?
Jai: Mausi, all you need to know is that I have dealt with a fool who needed to stay within his boundaries.
Mausi: Paar----
Jai turns around, meeting her gaze and silences her just with a single deadly look. The rest, Jigyasa, Rano, Saahil, and Pia remain away, not wishing to reawake Jai Walia's angry wrath. Bani catches the sight of his hand, oozing with trickling blood, and without another thought rushes to him in worry. Just as she approaches him, she tears on her saree, ripping off a piece of the cloth, and takes Jai's hand into hers, not meeting his eyes at all as she does this. She tenderly wraps around the red material over his wound and tries hard to conceal the tears in her eyes. Jai watches her secretly amazed by her reaction and keeps his eyes transfixed on her, just as everyone else.
As she finishes, she looks up and holds her breath just as his deep gray eyes peer into her own. Mausi breaks their silent eye lock with an instruction directed to Bani.
Mausi: Bahu… take Jai to your room and properly dress his wound with the first aid kit. His hand is covered in blood. (quietly instructs)
Bani: … Ji Mausi… (softly)
************************************************
Jai watches mutely as Bani redresses his injury after cleaning it gently with care. He hadn't realized that he practically was hurting himself with constantly punching the git up until now. Bani tucks in the end of the bandage securely so it will not fall out and smoothes it out around. As she finishes, Jai takes back his hand from her and quietly thanks her. She only nods her head in acknowledgment and begins in placing back the bandages and cleaning supplies into the first aid kit. Just as she closes it and carries it with her to the door, she stops in her tracks and looks over her shoulder at her husband who has now moved on by looking through a nearby file.
"Tell him how you feel… Otherwise you will always be left wondering about how things can be," Pushkar's words come back to haunt her. She absorbs in this advice for a moment before building up courage, taking a breath, and turning around in his direction.
Bani: Mr. Walia… main aapko kuch kaaehna chaati hoon… (trans: Mr. Walia… I wish to tell you something.)
Jai stills on hearing her voice and slowly places the file in his hands down onto the table by him. He looks back at her as well, giving her his full attention. He notices her nervous state.
Bani stares down at her hands, her fingers twiddling with one another in anxiety, and continues on in speaking….
Bani: I have been wanting to speak to you about this for a long time now…. But did not have enough courage to confront you about it…. … Mr. Walia I----
Jai raises a hand to prevent her from speaking anymore, and Bani stumbles over her own words as she sees this.
Jai: I know what you want to talk about Bani….
Bani: (staring at him with some relief and nervousness) Aap jhaante ho? (trans: You know?)
Jai: Hain… (confirming)
A silence engulfs them for a moment while Jai musters up the strength in perusing the conversation.
Jai: Bani… I… I have wished to speak to you about this as well but did not have the courage to do so …. It has been on my mind constantly for the past week….
He pauses for a long while before going on…..
Jai: I know what you want…. I know what I want….. And I want the both of us to be happy…..
Bani feels her hopes arise within her on hearing his words and she can not help but feel optimistic about where their conversation is leading…. Will he tell her that he loves her just as much as she loves him? Will he accept her as his wife now in a true sense? Can they finally have a life together full of love and happiness that she had always imagined?….
Jai: Bani… I have been a horrible man and husband to you from day one of our marriage…. And to this day I still regret it…. I have never give you any happiness… only difficulties and pain…
Jai turns around on his steps, turning his back on his wife, not wanting to let the anguish inside of him to be noticed by her…. Because the words he is about to say will be a great deal of pain for him….
Bani comes close to his retreated figure, reaching out to comfort him, wanting to reassure him that she has completely forgiven him and that he should not linger in the past. But her hand is held in place midway as she hears his next expressed thoughts…..
Jai: But I want to change that now…. I want you to be happy Bani…. I want you to get all the happiness that you deserve…. And if that happiness lies in Pushkar… then I will grant you that without hesitation….
Her whole body seems to freeze and her face becomes paralyzed in shock….
Jai: I just want to see you happy always…. I do not want to deprive you of anything more…. I will not stand in the way of the one you love…. Bani… I release you… I no longer have any right over you… You will finally be able to live for your own desires….experience your own happiness. And what more could I ask than that? …. Our marriage has only been a compromise…. I don't want you to live with a burden like that for the rest of your life… Perhaps this is the best for the both of us….
She can feel her whole world shake around her and her heart break into a thousand scattered pieces from his tormenting words. For a few moments of time, which felt like an eternity, a silence once again surrounds them. Bani can feel a tightening feeling build within her chest and she breathlessly questions him…
Bani: Woh raat…. Anu-Anu ke engagement party ….
She wanted to ask him if that night held any value or meaning to him like it does to her, but the grief stirred inside of her prevents her from finishing her sentence…. Tears immediately sting in her eyes…
Jai: Woh raat…. Woh raat ek gaalti tha…. Sir ek bhool… It should never had happened…. I had taken advantage of---….. I am sorry Bani…. I am deeply sorry…. It shouldn't had happened… (he repeats) Please forgive me. (trans: that night…. That night was a mistake… just a mistake.)
Bani trembles and almost loses her balance, but keeps herself up by using the chair nearby as support. The tears escape from her wet eyes and roll down her pale cheeks….. She feels her insides being pierced severely…. It hadn't meant anything to him…. It was all just a mistake…. Just a mistake…. He doesn't love her after all….. Everything…. Everything was a terrible mistake….
Jai: I don't want you to suffer any longer from my own doings…. I wish for you to start a new life, start a fresh… and lead a life in which you will not have to live for others, but only for yourself…. Bani, I----
Jai looks back and turns fully around only to find no one behind him….
Jai: Bani?…….
***********************************************
Pia: Jao…. (whispers)
Pushkar: Pia, please, don't make me do this. Not yet at least. He's not in a good mood. Besides, it's never good to do anything in a haste. You need to be patient…
Pia: (hotly) I have been patient long enough Pushkar Shukla… Now, will you go in there and apologize to your brother or not? (demands)
Pushkar mutters under his breath for a whole minute, cursing his wife for making him do this, as he is pushed ahead into the direction of the Study. He walks down along the hall slowly, feeling anxiety build within him by each step he takes. Just as he reaches the door, he turns back and sees his wife mouth ,"Good luck," and give him an air kiss before abandoning him there. Taking in a deep breath, Pushkar knocks on the wooden door….
"Come in," he hears Jai answer in a rather distraught tone. Pushkar hesitantly opens the door….
Jai: Aditya… I will be there in thirty minutes…. Just handle things there until I arrive… I will see you then.
Jai cuts his call and drops it into his pant pocket. He looks up and his face hardens from being faced with the image of the reason for all his current problems and he sneers, looking away from him.
Pushkar: Bhaiya…(nervously)
Jai: Don't call me Bhaiya…. It sounds filthy when you say it…. I am nothing to you… and you are absolutely nothing to me.
Pushkar: Bhaiya please… (pleading)
Jai: (growls) What do you want? Do you wish to take anything else from me? --- You've already taken away my happiness…. Would you now want me to give you my life?
Pushkar: No…. I don't want anything… I never meant to take anything from you.
Jai gives a short laugh, as if this is the most hilarious thing he has ever heard.
Jai: Of course you wouldn't…. You obviously have no idea what you are doing, do you?---You take away from others….and feign innocence in the end… How brilliant. If there were an award for the best deceiver, then it would be you Pushkar Shukla.
Pushkar becomes infuriated by his inability to give him a chance to explain since the past couple of days and being constantly accused, also he is greatly misled into believing Jai speaks of Pia, his ex-fiance.
Pushkar: I agree that I have taken something from you…. I also agree to sneaking behind your back and snatching her from right under your nose…. But what I did was out of helplessness…. I love her…. I love her so much that I am willing to do anything for her and to have her…. You never loved her…. I wasn't going to afford losing her to a man who didn't even love her to begin with….
Jai glares at him, seething with fire, and absolutely livid at his accusation towards him. He blasts at him in an enraged tone….
Jai: How could you possibly accuse me of not loving her? I have loved her more than anyone else! She is my life, she is the sole reason of my happiness, the only woman who I have ever truly loved, and you have taken that away from me!---- What have I ever done to receive such a deception?! I had brought you to my home, gave you everything that you have ever asked for, treated you as a brother and son, provided you with a luxurious life and yet you continue to deceive and take from me!
Pushkar is literally shaken into a shock on hearing his words. He is in love with Pia? When had he ever loved her? How does he still love her? --- He had been so sure, so sure that he was starting to love Bani instead. How did he miss this? How did he become so mistaken?
Pushkar: Bhai, I did not mean to take anything from you! I did not do this intentionally! I was too much of a coward to admit my love for her in front of you. The very last thing I wanted to do was take away your happiness…. You are not just my brother, you are my everything---- I could never imagine ever doing something like that to you even in my wildest dreams!
Jai: But you have---- (cutting him short) You have Pushkar.
Pushkar: Bhaiya, I do not wish to argue with you. In fact, this is the very least thing I want to do. I only seek for your forgiveness….
Jai: (scoffs) Forgiveness….
Pushkar: Yes, forgiveness….I have returned home just for that…. And to take the woman I love back with me… where she belongs.
Jai: (outraged) She belongs here! Here with me, dammit! …. But you have already succeeded in taking her away from me…. Tell me Pushkar… Was Pia not enough for you that you had to come back here to take my wife instead? To ruin my life all over again?
Pushkar, who was ready to shoot back an equal reply, loses his voice just as he hears what his brother shouts at him. He stands motionless, staring at him completely astonished.
Jai: You already damaged my life once…. By stabbing me behind the back and running off with Pia… But slowly I came to accept it as a part of my fate… and began to think of Bani as my present and future… I began falling in love with her, but before I could even make an attempt to build my life afresh with her in it, you came along only to break my dreams and hopes all over again….. Tell me…. Are you satisfied in taking away from me yet again? Or will you always be coming back for more?
Pushkar rewinds throughout their whole conversation and starts putting things together, finally realizing that he had been talking about Bani all along. But how did he get the misconception that he (Pushkar) was after his wife? Bani has and will always be his best friend and sister…. And now his sister-in-law….who he has begun to respect as equally as his brother. How could his Jai Bhaiya possibly think he was after Bani? He wouldn't…. He wouldn't steal the love of his life from him, he knows how much she means to him… He had seen it in his eyes.
Pushkar: … Bhaiya… (his voice dropping) You are terribly mistaken…. I never intended on taking anything from you…. Including your wife…. In fact, I would never even think about taking her away from you….. or intentionally hurt you in any way…..
Jai: The bloody hell you don't------
Pushkar: Jai Bhaiya, … I had been speaking about Pia the whole time, while you spoke about Bani Bhabhi….
All the anger inside of him comes to an abrupt halt as he absorbs in what Pushkar had said. Jai's face slowly relaxes and he gazes at Pushkar in a clear, surprised startle…..
Pushkar: I mistakenly assumed you were speaking of how I had taken Pia away from you…. Not realizing that you were accusing me of stealing your wife instead.
Jai: … What do you mean to say?
Pushkar: What I mean is….. All that you had said about me and Bhabhi are false… We are not involved in any sort of romance… In fact, nothing like that has ever or will ever occur….
Jai: (further stunned) Bhabhi?
Pushkar: (smirks a little) What else will I call my brother's wife if not Bhabhi?
Jai feels dazed from what he has heard and sits down onto his chair, feeling the need to, and rests his head into his hands.
Jai: Do you mean to say that you have never held feelings for Bani that were more than just friendship ever before?
Pushkar: Yes…. Bhabhi has always been my best friend and in some way a little sister to me. I would never think romantically or inappropriately about her. … The only woman who I have ever loved is Pia… and I had come back to take her with me.
Jai takes this in and shuts his eyes, feeling like a fool for accusing him unabashedly of being involved with his wife. But suddenly his eyes open on a thought…
Jai: You two had gone out a lot this past week…. I had thought….
Pushkar: You had thought wrong…. Bhabhi had been helping me throughout the week in how to win Pia back…. She was just as desperate as me to re-patch my marriage with her.
How could this make any sense? It wasn't adding up at all. Jai had thought Bani was in love with Pushkar, that is why he had made the difficult decision in letting her go. And now he finds out that she had only been with him for the past week to save his marriage with her sister?
Pushkar: … Bhaiya… I only want to say is… that I never wanted to hurt you… I love you too much to even do so… because by hurting you, I only hurt myself….and I am sorry for bringing you only pain and troubles… I am trying my best to not be a misery for you anymore… If it is possible, I hope that you forgive me…. I am willing to do anything to receive your forgiveness…. Even if it means to wait for it.
Leaving that as his conclusion, Pushkar exits from the Study abandoning Jai behind in confusing, debatable thoughts….
Rano, who had been listening closely by, moves aside as Pushkar comes walking out from the door and does not meet his eyes as she slowly makes her way into the Study….. Pushkar disappears from sight after being ignored from his sister-in-law.
Jai's whole body tenses with distress over the happenings in his life. Nothing was making sense to him. For the past week he was convinced that Bani was still in love with Pushkar and that Pushkar reciprocated her feelings back. But now he finds out that no such thing had happened and that she had only been helping in with his marriage. However, he clearly remembers his wife muttering to him in an almost unconscious state, confessing her love for her best friend. Does she or does she not still love Pushkar?
"Mr. Walia?…," he hears a distant soft, quiet voice call for his attention. Jai raises his head up and finds Rano standing across from his desk, looking politely back at him.
Jai: …(clearing his throat) Yes Rano, what is it?
Rano: May I tell you something?
You might as well…. Seems like everyone has something to say to me today, he answers mindlessly to himself but says to her instead, "Yes… you may."
Rano looks unsure of whether to sit, come near, or just stay in her place. She decides on the latter.
Rano: Mr. Walia…. During my childhood, I had always known Bani Didi as a very bubbly, witty, and fun-loving girl who tried to live her own childhood to the fullest. She always had looked down at me and Pia as her dear baby sisters and included us in on everything. … But since Mama's death… she began to hide herself in a shell…. The girl who always spoke pointless things had suddenly become serious. She no longer looked at her sisters as her friends, but as her responsibility….as her children…. It was as if she felt that she had to take over Mama's place in our lives….forcing her to change herself and mature quickly for her age. She became into such a natural mother figure in mine and Pia's lives that we never missed our real mother's absence……
She sees that she has confused Jai by not giving him any lead on where she is taking this conversation. … Rano lightly smiles on what she says next…
Rano: …. ….. Mr. Walia…. I have seen my old sister alive whenever she is around you…. She seems to come out of her shell and forget her responsibilities…. Forget that she has to think of other's happiness but her own…. I see the same old smile that she used to always wear on her face when she is with you….. Bani Didi has finally become what she really is…. Herself…. And that too, only because of you. ….. You have taught her to think of herself as well…. You have brought back the witty, fun-loving person inside of her that she had kept locked inside of her…. Only you have been capable of doing this Mr. Walia… only you…. I see that you are confused… You are unable to follow what I am saying…. So I will put it in simpler words…. My sister is hopelessly in love with you….
Jai feels his heart race fervidly and his insides turn in a somersault. Everything around him seems to whirl around, making him feel a little lightheaded. He stares, perplexed and stupefied by Rano's statement….
Jai: (stammers) Your sister…. Your sister---- she loves Pushk---
Rano: (intervening) Mr. Walia, Didi had never loved Pushkar….
Another powerful blow……
Rano: I will not lie to you and say that she had never felt any feelings for him before, because she had…. But what girl does not have her share of crushes? … and that was what Pushkar was to her. A crush. A stupid crazy infatuation. She had thought it was love… but it was only up until she began falling hard for you that she realized she never loved Pushkar to begin with…. You are the man that my Di has ever been truly in love with Mr. Walia…. And perhaps may be the only one.
Jai can feel himself literally choke from smothering emotions stirring inside of him…. Shock… Regret… Relief… Joy… all at once. He does realize though that he has screwed up big time. Ruined his own chances of being happily married with his own two hands… What is wrong with him? Why couldn't he had asked Bani this himself? Why is he always messing up whenever it deals with her? Oh God… what had he not said to her since the last ten minutes… He had told her that the most memorable night for him, and for her (he now realizes) was a huge mistake. … He has even told her that their marriage is just a compromise…. What a fool he has been….
Rano: Everyone can see the love Bani Di has for you…. Everyone, but yourself…. You were too oblivious to notice what everyone else could…. how much Bani Didi is in love with you.
Jai is quiet for a long period of time and finally speaks up in a cracked voice and eyes full of tears, "Rano… I have made a terrible mistake."
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"Woh raat ek gaalti tha"…. "I release you"….. "Our marriage has only been a compromise"…. "Sirf ek bhool"…. "I no longer have any right over you"…. "I know what I want" ….."It should never had happened"…. "Sirf ek bhool"….. "Perhaps this is the best for the both of us" …. "I release you"….
Bani walks in a deranged manner along random streets to absolutely nowhere….having no particular destination… and no home…. She had once believed her home was with her husband… but how can she possibly believe in that now when her own husband speaks of breaking their marriage?…. Who doesn't love her? Believes she is in love with another man? And is willingly giving her up without any hesitation?…. Does he hold no feelings for her at all? Had he not experienced the same passion, bliss, and magic that she had in their marriage?
"Woh raat ek gaalti tha…. Sirf ek bhool…. It should never had happened."
She had heard regret in his words when he had spoken them….a certain restrained anguish…. Does that night really torment him that much? That same night which had meant everything to her? Will he only think of her as a constant reminder of that "dreaded" night? Yes… Why else wouldn't he meet her eyes? She will always be a regret for him…. keeping the memory of that night alive for him…
Tears pool in her eyes and she unashamedly sheds them, not caring whether anyone sees, not caring if she cries in a crowd of thousands. All she knows is that her heart has been wounded… wounded so severely that she is unsure if it will ever be able to heal….
I cannot go back… I can't… There is no home for me back there… He doesn't want me there… He wants me to go… He regrets that night when we had become one…. He thinks of our marriage as a burden… He doesn't love me….
I don't wish to remain there as a bother … If he doesn't want to remember that night, I will stay out of his sight…. If he wants me to go… I will go…. I won't trouble him anymore….
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Jai drives around the city in a frenzy with Rano in the passenger seat. He curses himself continuously, calling himself bad names, and promising never to forgive himself if anything happens to his Bani.
Jai: You are sure you don't know where your sister can be?
Rano: She rarely goes out…. And she hasn't known the city well enough to know a lot of places… The only time she had ever gone out was when she had been working… and then she would only go straight to the office and back home.
Jai: Sh*t…. (slamming the wheel)
He steps on the brake, bringing the car to a slow halt before the red light. His shoulders become tense with stress and his whole body shakes slightly with nerves, worrying over where his wife can be and whether she is safe. Jai looks into his rearview mirror then over his shoulder, and decides to take the car elsewhere to continue looking, not having the patience to wait. He cuts across a couple of cars, earning himself a few angry honks, and zooms again onto other roads.
Oh Bani… where are you?….
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"Do you have any idea how cute you look when you blush?"….. "I never want to see tears in your eyes again" …. "I want to see you happy" ….."You're too good to be true"…. "You are my wife God dammit" …."You're beautiful" ……
"Hey! Watch it lady! Don't you know how to walk?!," she hears a man distantly yell at her, almost bringing her out of her deep trance… This is when Bani begins to notice the sound of the thousands of chitty voices surrounding her, cars rushing past her, and occasional honking. She doesn't bother apologizing to the angry man and follows absentmindedly where her two feet lead her to…..
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Rano: Mr. Walia!--- Mr. Walia! Wahan dekho!!!--- Bani Didi!
Jai follows the direction in which Rano excitedly points to…. About two roads over, there stood his wife, dressed in the same red saree from before, walking unconsciously in the medium of the roads, her hair blowing softly in the air, and her arms dangling to her sides. Relieved on finding her and worried of her unawareness towards her surroundings, Jai abruptly stops the car and dashes out from it, leaving Rano behind, and runs to his wife…. Rano gets out from the vehicle as well and stands nearby, watching her brother-in-law rush to her sister….
"Bani!," he calls out to her, trying to speak over the noisy environment around them. He sees her continue walking on, oblivious to his voice…. "Bani!," he tries again…. His heart stops and his feet momentarily stop as he sees her move on into the road in a daze, where an approaching car speeds ahead in her direction…. Immediately Jai breaks out into a fast, speed run as his head pounds hard with terrible thoughts and anxiety. "Bani," he screams on the top of his lungs this time and sees her stop in her tracks, turn around, and stare at him as if she has just woken up from a captivating dream….
Her face begins to brighten on his appearance… "Jai," she whispers. …. He comes closer to her in fast strides. "Jai!," she calls back earnestly and smiles in relief on seeing him coming to her…. Perhaps she had been wrong. Maybe there had been a misunderstanding…. She knew that somewhere inside of him… he had begun to love her as well…. knew that he wouldn't let her go….
"Bani, nooo!!!," Jai yells in terror as the car meets his wife into a full fledge hit, causing her to fall like a rag doll, laying on the road absolutely lifeless. Heavy sobs arise in him as he nears her, coming to a slow stop near her fragile body, and lowers down next to her. He wraps his arms around her, places her head onto his lap, and stains his hands with her dark blood in the process…. Stroking her hair as he cries helplessly, Jai gathers her close against himself, and pleads desperately to her….
Jai: Bani… Bani….
Seeing her eyelids open slightly and stare up at him wearily, Jai tries hard in reassuring her well being…
Jai: --N-nothing's going to happen to you…. You're going to be fine…. (his voice stammers with clear fear and hysteria) ----- Somebody please! Call an ambulance!!
Feeling her breathing cut short, Bani begins gasping for air, and feels her eyes water on seeing the tremor on her husband's face…. She reaches out to him, cupping the side of his face, and musters up all the strength inside of her to be able to say her last words….
"Jai……," she calls out to him breathlessly…. Jai takes her hand and kisses it sweetly.
Jai: I'm right here…. (tears falling fast) I'm right here…. (murmurs soothingly)
Bani: …. Jaaaiii…. (she whispers softly)
The final words she hears her husband say to her before slipping into a never ending darkness were, "Stay with me….. Stay with me." …….
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don't kill me.
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CID
Anupamaa
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
