Thanks everyone for giving such a great comments to the story. Those of you who have not seen the movie do make time to see it.
Dilruba - Part 2
Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko
Nazar nahin churaana sanam
Badalke meri tum zindagaani
Kahin badal na jaana sanam
Oh, le liya dil, oh haai mera dil
Haai dil lekar mujhko na behlaana
Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko
Nazar nahin churaana sanam
Badalke meri tum zindagaani
Kahin badal na jaana sanam
(Bahaar banke aaoon kabhi tumhaari duniya mein
Guzar na jaaye yeh din kahin isi tamanna mein) - 2
Tum mere ho, ho tum mere ho
Aaj tum itna vaada karte jaana
Chura liya
Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko
Nazar nahin churaana sanam
Badalke meri tum zindagaani
Kahin badal na jaana sanam (Yaaddon ki baarat
Jigyasa had a grin on her face as she took the coffee tray up to Jai's room. Bani had not made an appearance this morning and there could only be one reason for it. Jigyasa wiped the smile off her face and knocked softly on Jai's bedroom door. Jai opened the door, still trying to get into his robe. "Good morning bhai. Bhabhi is not up yet so I thought I would bring the coffee up." Jai turned and looked at Bani still sleeping on his bed. Taking the tray form Jigyasa's hands, Jai said, "Thanks di. She is still sleeping, must be tired from the party."
"Of course bhai, we were up busy all day yesterday." As the door closed, the grin on Jigyasa's face returned, this was even better than she had expected.
When Jai had showered and got ready, Bani was still sleeping. He was in two minds whether to wake her up or not and then decided against it knowing Bani would probably feel embarrassed.
It's close to noon when Bani woke. At first she stretched lazily not aware she had not slept in her bed and then as the flashes of the night came back, she pulled covers and buried her face under it, she felt flushed and embarrassed even though there was no one in the room. After a while she sat up and gasped as she looked at the time. The thought of going down and facing Jigyasa and masi made her stall getting out of bed. What was she going to tell them? Suddenly spying the coffee tray on the table, Bani groaned wondering if it was Tony who had brought the coffee up or Jigyasa.
Eventually when Bani made her way down, no one said anything to her but just made a comment about how successful the party had been. Even Uday who had skipped going to the office came and praised Bani for her singing.
During the evening, Jigyasa and Adi had sly looks at Jai and Bani as each avoided looking at the other and not even speaking to each other. It was Adi who finally asked Jai, "Did you show Bani the newspaper for this morning?"
Jai shook his head, "Why? I haven't even seen the paper." Jai asked.
Adi asked Tony to get the morning paper and Adi pointed at the front page where there was a picture of Bani and the headline, "New singing sensation…Mrs Jai Walia" Adi passed the paper to Jai. Jai quickly read the few lines and then looked at Bani. Bani felt her embarrassed at everyone looking at her and she quickly made and excuse and left the table.
She heard Adi's laughter, "Poor girl. We embarrassed her now."
Jigyasa scolded Adi, "You didn't have to bring it up now, she didn't even finish eating."
Jigyasa gave a look to Jai telling him she expected him to go up and make sure Bani was alright.
Upstairs Jai found Bani in her room, she was standing looking out the window and did not even turn to see who came in to the room. It was only when he was standing behind her she turned and stared at him.
"Why did you leave without finishing your dinner? There was nothing wrong with newspaper article."
Bani just shook her head, her voice close to crying, "I only sang because Jigyasa and masi forced me too. I didn't even notice anyone taking picture or there were people from the press at the party."
"Well there is always press people at parties held by us, one or two always get invited as they are friends. But the headline did not say anything wrong. You have a beautiful voice."
Bani did not say anything but turned and stared out the window at nothing in particular.
Jai wrapped his arms around her and said huskily, "Bani about last night…"
Bani did not let him finish as she turned and put her hand on his mouth. Her eyes sparkled with a watery mist, "Last night was something special, if you have regrets I don't want to hear. I understand if you don't want me. I am not expecting anything from this relationship if you are not ready to make it work. I admit you are special to me. But I can't expect you to feel the same. We can continue as before."
Jai pushed her hand down, "And what if I don't want to continue living that way anymore. What if I want us…if I want our relationship to work, I want you as my real wife?"
Tears fell from Bani's eyes. She couldn't control them. Jai got upset wondering if he had expected too much. He wiped her tears with his hands, "Shhh…don't cry Bani. I didn't mean to upset you. Just forget what I said."
Her voice catching in between sobs Bani stammered out, "But…I…don't…want to…forget. I am not…upset."
Jai couldn't help smiling, "You are crying because you are not upset."
Bani stopped crying and asked accusingly, "Why did you leave without waking me up this morning?"
Jai rubbed his hand on the back of his neck, "I wasn't sure…I thought you might be uncomfortable. I was scared you might have regrets."
"Do you?" She asked, her eyes piercing his, seeking to know if he was telling the truth.
There was something in her eyes, the way they were gazing at him that gave jolt to his heart. With a little jerk he pulled her close and curled his arms around her. She felt the churning in her stomach calm into a soothing glow as she felt tenderness seep into from his touch. Warm breath hit her cheek, as he said slowly, deliberately, "No I told you I want to make our relationship work." She could feel a hint of laughter in his voice, "It will only work if you are with me. No more separate rooms."
A soft moan escaped her mouth as she buried her face in his chest to hide her embarrassment and found herself lifted off her feet and carried away to his room.
.
XXXXX
"Mr Walia there is someone called Pushkar here to see you. Can I send him in?" his PA buzzed
Jai looked puzzled, Pushkar he thought for a moment, he doesn't know any one of that name. Then it hit him, wasn't Bani learning from person with same name. "Send him in." Jai replied to his PA.
A nervous Pushkar stepped into Jai's office and mumbled, "Good morning sir."
Jai eyes pierced through him making Pushkar even more nervous. "Sit down Pushkar. How can I help you?"
Gingerly taking a seat, Pushkar gulped and said, "Sir, I am doing a show in few days and I would like your permission to ask Bani to sing with me. Sir she has a fantastic voice and I would be good opportunity for her to showcase her talent." Pushkar took a deep breath and gripped his clammy hands at the edge of the seat.
Jai's eyebrows arched, "Why would you need permission from me Pushkar? If Bani wants to sing I wouldn't stop her."
"Sir, I asked her but she refused saying she did not want to upset the family sir."
"Why would she think that? Has anyone in the family said anything to her?" Jai asked.
"No sir. It's just that no girl in your family works outside." Pushkar hands hurt from gripping hard to the seat but he was so nervous. The Walia men were intimidating, even Uday sir at his age still had an austere aura around him.
"Why don't leave this with me Pushkar. I will talk with Bani and then she can let you know her decision."
Pushkar jumped up, glad he could finally escape, "Thank you sir. Thank you." He hastily pulled out a business card and put it on the desk, "Sir my phone number in case you want to ask anything sir."
At night Jai found Bani in her usual spot, sitting near an open window and looking out as she waited for him. He pulled he up and sat down before pulling her down on his lap. Making sure she looked at him, Jai asked directly, "Bani why don't you want to sing in Pushkar's show?"
"How do you know about Pushkar's show?" Bani asked a little timidly.
"Because he came to see me. He told me you refused because I might not approve." His voice held a hint of irritation, which Bani noticed immediately.
Her face coloured slightly, "Jai, I don't think masi would approve of me singing at shows."
Cupping her chin gently, Jai smiled at her, "Look Bani all you had to do was ask me. If you feel you want to sing professionally then go ahead, don't have to worry about anyone. I think you should try it. Who knows you might be able to make a career out of it."
"Thanks." Bani pressed her lips lightly to his only to find Jai tangle his hand in her hair and press her closer and deepen the kiss. When he finally released her, his eyes shimmered with blatant passion. He wondered how did he reach this point in life when all he wanted was this woman. From barely acknowledging her presence to attraction and now he realized he had fallen in love with her. When he was around her he needed to touch her to feel her silky skin, hear the sound of voice and to feel the want in his heart. He barely thought of Pia, in fact if Pia came in front of him now he would thank her for walking out on him. He thought he had loved Pia but realized how it was just attraction to Pia's outer beauty and her bubbly personality.
XXXXX
Bani stood nervously backstage scanning the crowd and looking for one face she wanted to see more than anything else. Jai had phoned her half an hour ago to say he was making his way to the theatre. She could see masi, Jigyasa, Adi and Uday Walia sitting in the crowd. An empty seat awaited Jai next to Uday Walia. Pushkar came up to her, if he was nervous he hid it well. "Ready?" he asked, gently holding her hand. Bani smiled nervously at him. "I wonder why Jai is late." She said her thought out aloud. Pushkar squeezed her hand, "I am sure he will come. I don't think he would like to miss seeing you sing."
The lights went down and the band took their place, Pushkar took the stage and set the show going. Bani still stood in the wing, watching where the family sat hoping to see Jai take his place. When Pushkar announced his name, it did not register with her until she was nudged by one of the backstage assistant. Bani walked out nervously, the spotlight following her as she took her place next to Pushkar. Under the glare of light she felt hot which did not help her. Pushkar gave her a smile and said softly, "Just don't look at anyone and you will be fine." Bani nodded and the music began. Her soft and a little shaky start soon gave way to her natural ability and by the time Bani finished her song, she had forgotten the butterflies in her stomach.
Jai sat at the back of the theatre and watched Bani on the stage. He had deliberately stayed back, did not want to distract her. He had seen her look few times to where his family sat and noticed the flicker of sadness in her smile at not seeing him. The show ended with both Pushkar and Bani getting tremendous appreciation from the audience. Once back stage, Bani quickly gathered her stuff and bid Pushkar a hurried bye and left to go and find Jigyasa and family.
She had just stepped out the door when a voice called out to her, " Di!" Bani stood still and then slowly turned to find Pia standing few feet away from her. A gasp escaped at she took in Pia's look. She looked pale, had lost a lot of weight and looked ill. Bani rushed up to her and looked at tears falling down Pia's cheeks. She hugged Pia tightly forgetting the past. "Pia where have you been and what happened, you look sick?"
All Bani heard was sobs as Pia held her tightly and cried. Jai stood and watched Bani and Pia. He did not want to come in between two sisters. Few minutes later he heard Bani say something to Pia and saw Pia nod her head and then both of them walk towards him. Jai clenched the flowers he held in his hand. His moment of having Bani alone had been spoiled. Bani looked at Jai with apprehension. She did not know how Jai would react at seeing Pia and when Jai did not say anything, Bani said, "Jai, is it ok if Pia comes home with us. She is not well and has no where to stay."
Jai told her curtly, "I can't say no can I Bani. She is your sister." He put the flowers in her hand and said, "Let's go home."
At home Bani settled Pia in one of the guestroom and then slowly made her way to her room. Jai was already in bed, his eyes closed. He had ignored her all the way home in the car and when they had reached home, he had simply told her he was going upstairs. Bani changed and slipped into bed. She stared at Jai's back wanting to touch him. Suddenly Jai turned and pulled her close and muttered thickly into her hair, "Sorry. I shouldn't have been rude. I just wanted you alone for a few minutes."
Bani curled her hand on his arm and said, reproachfully, "You missed the show. I didn't see you with papa."
He confessed. not wanting to Bani to think he did not have time for her, "I was at the back. I didn't want to make you nervous. You were great." Bani shifted her face and looked up at him. Her smile visible as she asked, "Did you really like it?"
"Yes. I think you will make headlines in the papers tomorrow Bani."
Bani groaned burying her face in his chest, "No! I forgot about the press. Hope they don't write anything bad."
She felt the rumble in Jai's chest as she laughed, "Scared of making the headlines Bani. You will become a star. Then I will have to get extra security to keep the press and fans away from the house."
Bani pushed at his chest. "It's not funny Jai. I am not going to sing in any show again."
Jai stopped laughing, he raised her face up, a smirk on his face, "You will, especially if I ask you." Bani giggled, "And what if I refuse Mr Walia." His eyes taking a shade of velvet night he leaned and whispered as he took her lips, "Then Mrs Walia be ready to take the consequences of disobeying me." The laughter that had bubbled up in her died as Bani gave in to his demand. Her fingers tangled in his hair and a shiver ran down her back as his hands brushed down her back.
XXXXX
"Papa how are you?" Bani asked her father on the phone.
"Fine beta. How are you and Jai?" Nishikant asked his daughter, his heart always filled with happiness at hearing Bani's voice. But today he detected a little uneasiness in her voice.
"Papa. Pia has come back, she is here with me." Bani said slowly.
"Bani, why is she there? Why didn't she come home?" Nishikant asked, trying not to get angry at Bani.
"Papa she is not well and she is not ready to face you. I tried talking her to go home."
"Let me talk to her."
Bani motioned to Pia to take the phone but Pia shook her head and instead started crying.
"She won't take the phone papa. I have to go papa. I will call again." Bani set the phone down and went and sat next to Pia.
"Pia why won't you talk to me. Where did you go? What happened?" Bani tried again to get Pia to tell her why she ran away and what happened to make her sick. But Pia refused to talk and resorted to tears to escape answering Bani's question.
"Papa asked why you didn't go home. Do you want to go home? I don't think papa will be mad, he will be glad to know you are safe."
Pia rubbed her hands down her cheeks trying to wipe off the tears, and cried "No Di, I can't face them...I can't."
Bani gently put her arma around her and held her, "It's ok Pia. I won't force you to go. I will leave it to you. Why don't you go and lie down, take some rest."
In her room Pia went and washed her face and then lay down. Her plan was working. There was no way she was going back home to face her father and her mother's million questions. She knew Bani would not pester her or force her to leave this house. She has learnt a hard lesson, she had thrown away a golden opportunity for a man she thought would make all her dreams come true. The man who once professed to love her was now her Di's. And her Di, she positvely glowed whenever Jai was around her.
TBC...Please leave comments good or bad.
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