Jai turned towards her, when he felt she had fallen asleep. He stared at her huddled position and walked over and put a blanket over her. He looked at her tear stained face for a minute and then walked back to the couch; it was a while before he finally fell asleep as well.
CHAPTER 6
The sunlight streamed through the curtains, and Bani stirred. She looked towards Aman, something she did every morning, when she got up, only to find he wasn't there. She blinked and realized where she was. She pulled herself off the bed and looked at the couch, where she saw Jai sprawled uncomfortably. He was a tall man, and she felt guilty looking at him sleeping that way. She would offer him the bed next time. Next time.....she stopped. She was married again, she had been convincing herself for months now, but after yesterday, she was back to being unsure. All her preparation seemed useless. She felt uncertain, confused, sad and guilty. Jai could have married someone he loved, she thought, someone he could start a family with, but instead he was trapped in this relationship, one with no real future, one with so much additional baggage and responsibilities. She let a lone tear drop, and walked towards him with a blanket and covered him. I am sorry, she whispered softly and walked towards the bathroom to get ready.
Jai felt something caress his face. He slowly opened his eyes, and heard water running. He looked towards the bed and saw it empty. He got up and stretched, his body had gone stiff. He walked towards the balcony, took a deep breath and stared out. He had married Bani, but now what. He had told her that they would take it one day at a time, but he himself did not know how to do that. He had never thought about marriage and settling down. He didn't even know her all that well, he had left soon after Anu's delivery, and returned only the day before Bani's wedding. Then he remembered Aman. He smiled at the thought of him. Aman always made him feel so important and loved. He would follow him everywhere whenever Jai visited. He loved him, Aman had managed to make a place for himself in Jai's heart, and he looked forward to spending more time with him. He decided he would do whatever necessary to keep him happy, keep him safe. He would be a good father to him. Father, the word seemed so alien, yet so right. He would provide security and his name to Aman, and so he would do the same for Bani. His thoughts were interrupted by the click of the bathroom door.
Bani sat still for a few minutes looking at the mirror. She then opened her sindoor box, and lifted a pinch to fill her maang, but as she raised it to her forhead, she felt her hand tremble. She bit her lip to control the varied emotions going through her, and tried to steady her hand, but couldn't. She put her hand back down and closed her eyes. She heard a soft cough next to her and her eyes flew open. She saw Jai standing behind her, and immediately stood up, turning to face him.
He stared at her, and then reached past her to the dresser. Bani stiffened at little, as his hand brushed against her. He picked up the box, and filled her maang with the sindoor. She stared at him, not knowing what to do next. He then showed her the mangalsurta and she nodded and turned towards the mirror. She lifted her hair and placed it on one side and stood perfectly still, as he grunted trying to get the clasp close. Why do they make these so difficult? he grumbled. Bani smiled. It's okay, I think I can do it, she said softly. Jai looked at her through the mirror and saw her smiling and looking down . He smiled back and replied, I think I just got it. There all done, he said. Bani looked at him through the mirror and mumbled softly, Thanks. Jai nodded and walked towards the bathroom to get ready.
Bani stared at her reflection again, the bright red sindoor on her forehead and the mangalsutra around her neck. She was married again, she knew her responsibilities, she knew her place. She would try to be a good wife to Jai, and a dutiful daughter-in-law. She would respect him and stand by his side. Aman could now have a complete family, he loved Jai, and she knew in her heart, that Jai loved Aman too, they shared a beautiful bond already. She smiled at the thought of that and then proceeded to pack her things.
A while later, Jai walked out. He gave a small smile to Bani, who was sitting on a chair reading a magazine. She looked at him and smiled back awkwardly, putting her magazine down. He sat down on the bed, waited for a few minutes, trying to collect his thoughts, and then spoke, I am going to order some breakfast he said, lifting up the phone, what would you like? Just coffee, she said. He nodded and ordered some breakfast and coffee for the two of them. They then sat opposite each other, both unable to start a conversation.
A knock at the door came as a welcome reprieve, Jai walked to the door, and opened it. The waiter walked in and left the tray on the table. Jai closed the door and turned towards Bani. I ordered some fruit for you, just incase he said. Bani smiled. Shall I make you coffee? Okay, Jai nodded and sat back on the couch. How much sugar? One teaspoon, please. He watched Bani make the coffee and walk over to him. Thank you, he said taking it. She smiled and made herself a cup. They sat for awhile quietly sipping coffee. Then Bani served him his plate and had some fruit . After they were done, they checked out and proceeded to Walia Mansion.
BD
Edited by bdev - 16 years ago
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