ff -Justajoo updt chap 9 pg 15, 12/12 - Page 10

When Jai had got back an hour later with Rano, he met Bani at the door who smiled at him, and when he smiled back, she blushed a deep red. Rano noticed this and thanked god silently. Her sister was finally happy.

Jai watched the two sisters chatting away. He looked at the clock, it was 11:30 at night. Aman had been put to bed, and Jai felt bored. He stood up, and cleared his throat. 'good night Rano', I will see you tomorrow. Rano stood up and looked at him apologetically, Sorry jiju, I lost track of time. I won't keep Bani di up much longer. No, no Rano, I understand completely. You have a lot to talk about, lot ot catch up on can sit up as long as you want, he smiled at her. Rano nodded. He looked at Bani, who had her eyes lowered. Good night Bani. Bani mumled good night without looking up. I will leave the night light on for you Bani he said and leaned in and kissed her on her cheek. Bani's eyes shot up and a huge blush came over her face. Rano squealed, Awww, How cute, di and she began giggling.

An hour later, Bani tipped into the room. She saw Jai sleeping uncomfortably on the couch, his log legs dangling off the side, and the bedside light was turned on. She would tell him to switch wth her tomorrow, he looked very awkward sleeping on the couch.

The rays of sunshine flooded the room, and she heard the door knob turn. She knew it was Aman. She was about to go open the door when she heard Rano talking. Beta, you have to knock first, and she knocked. Jai woke up with a start and looked at Bani, who looked lost. He immediately flew out off he couch and jumped into the bed, and slid under the sheets. Bani took in a deep breath and proceeded to open the door.

Hi, Di Rano said and Aman ran in the room, and got up on he bed and jumped on Jai. Jai let out a loud groan and Aman laughed. Jai pulled off the sheets from his face, and picked up a pillow and both he and Aman got into a pillow fight. Rano and Bani started lauging seeing the sight, when Rano's eyes landed on the couch. There was a pillow by the floor and a blanket draped carelessly on the side. She frowned, and then looked back at Bani watching Jai and Aman fondly. She dismissed the feeling she got and slipped away, leaving the family to have their fun.

The next two days followed the same routine. Jai refused to take the bed and allow Bani to sleep on the couch. But half hour before Aman was to get up, Jai would slide into the bed to be prepared for his arrival.

It was Rano's last day, and Bani had taken the day off to spend with Rano. She was busy preparing kheer when Rano sat up on the table beside her. Di, she asked hesitantly, can I ask you something? Yes, Rano, of course. Di, are you happy with jiju? Bani stilled for a second, and without turning around asked Rano, Yes, I am but why do you ask Rano? Di, it's just that sometimes when I look at you , it's like you have all this love for him, but then you have this distant look about you, like you are yearning for him or something. Bani held her breath, Was she so obvious?

Rano, she said a while later. I am happy here. Mr Walia is really a wonderful man. We may not share a traditional husband wife relationship, but we are happy with the way things are. We care for each other and we care for Aman, and he simply adores Mr Walia. But, di what about love? Love , Bani signed. Love is overrated Rano. Rano looked up at her, you don't really mean that di, I have seen you look at jiju, you have never looked at anyone else that way. Don't you love him? Bani blushed inspite her self and smiled softly. I think I do, she replied softly. Rano smiled. Then, why don't you give your marriage a try di? Jiju is really a wonderful man, he is perfect for you.

Two days later, Bani and Jai were invited to the Walia's house for Diwali celebration. Here too they were forced to sleep in the same room. Unfortunately, though Krishna kept knocking at their door, ever so often, that after Jai had tripped brusing himself running from one end to another, it was decided that Jai would just sleep on the bed. It was awkward for both of them at first. But they knew they had no other choice.

The sunlight streamed into the room. Jai got a whiff of sweet scent of rose and opened his eyes. Bani was sleeping on his hand and her hair was spread across the pillow. He stared at her, her innocent face, a saw a strand of hair lay carelessly on her face. He reached over gently and tucked it behind her ear. Bani stirred. Jai immediately shut his eyes. Bani opened her eyes and saw Jai's face, she smiled, then realized where she was. She stared at him for a while drinking in his appearance. She saw his hair flopped over his forhead, and smiled at how cute he looked sleeping. She reached her hand out to set it back, but stopped midway. She then gently lifted herself to make sure she didn't wake him up. and got off the bed. She pulled the blanket and covered him with it, and left to the bathroom to get ready. Jai opened his eyes, and smiled. He liked having her close. He took in a deep breath, her sweet scent still lingered on his bed.

That night the Walia's had a party. Jai peered over his glass at Bani standing in the corner surrounded by women, she stood out in her pink sari, simple yet enchanting at the same time. He was still looking at her, when she looked in his direction and smiled. He quickly averted his eyes. He didn't know what had gotten in to him lately, he couldn't help looking at her, even when he had people talking to him, he wasn't really listening. He found himself looking in her direction, catching her twinkling laughter, her animated talking, her gentle guidance to Aman. He stared at his drink, trying to wash her image form his mind. He didn't realize when his feelings towards Bani became so intense.

Thanks forupdating.

jai & bani are both attracted towards each other but don't want to express it with fear of spoiling the friendship they have distanting the other.

Jai and Bani sat holding each other for a while, and then Jai spoke, My friend Ranveer is coming over. He's has been my best friend since college days. He is very eager to meet my wife. Bani smiled. Chale, he asked her softly. Bani nodded. They both stood up, and Jai put his hand around her shoulder. Bani blushed and leaned into him. She loved being in his arms, his strength, his protectiveness and his love radiated through. She glanced up at him, as they were walking. He looked at her at the same time and smiled at her, and gently pecked her on her cheek. It burned and Bani felt warm all over. They continued walking back to the mansion, and Jai never left her till they entered inside and Aman came bounding over to Jai and caught his leg. 'Carry me', he ordered, and Jai smiled and picked him up, but held on to Bani's hand, while Aman related his many stories to him, and Bani looked on happily.