FF:Broken Dreams&... Note Page 104 3/9 - Page 45

take ur time n give us a looonnnggg update aftr dat😃

Hey abhs,

hey bhi

ok dear

take ur time Abhi... will wait! 😃

😃me waiting...

Hi all, i am back again... one long month... now that the new year hungama is over... get ready for some rona-dhona. 😆 dont worry, this part is not a sad one... 😉

Here is the next part:

Flashback 7

Decision time

After the discussion over the previous night, there was no proper conversation between Kiran and Bani. Nishikant tried to remain normal. Next day, she went to meet Pushkar in a restaurant. She narrated what happened the previous night.

Pushkar thought for a while and said, "Bani… yeh situation tumne paida kiya hai… toh tumhein hi koi na koi decision lena padega."

Bani stayed silent.

Pushkar asked, "Kya karnewale ho?"

"Pata hai, Pushkar. Jai ne bhi yehi sawaal poocha tha. Agar mere maa-baap nahin mane toh main kya karoongi. Maine koi jawaab nahin diya. Mujhe laga ki woh maan jaayenge. Lekin…"

"It's okay Bani…" Pushkar consoled her. "Ek baat batao. Soch samajke batao. Tumne haan kyun ki?"

Bani thought for a while. Then, she spoke, "Pushkar, woh log mujhe bahut pasand hai. Maana ki woh humare rishtedaar nahin hai. Lekin ek rishta hai. Maine jo kuch bhi seekha… usmein se bahut saare maine unke ghar mein seekha hai. Ek parivaar kaisa hota hai, maine unke ghar mein dekha hai. Kaise doosron ko izzat diya jaata hai, maine unke ghar mein seekha hai. Chai daalna aunty se seekha hai, phulka banana masi se seekha hai, kaise hasna hai dadi se seekha hai, kaise samajna hai, Aditya jiju se seekha hai…."

"Aur Jai?" Pushkar asked.

Bani smiled. She thought and said, "Kisiko kaise apne banaya jaaye usse seekha hai…"

Pushkar was curious. "Aur main?"

"Tumne toh mujhe zindagi ka raasta dikhaya hai… You are my guide, Pushkar. You cannot be compared with them."

"Thanks for the compliment." Pushkar chuckled.

"Pata hai, mera pehla drawing unhi ka hai." Bani said. "They are the best that happened in my life."

"Iska matlab yeh nahin ki shaadi karo?" Pushkar said.

"Teek kehte ho tum. Lekin maine bahut socha. Mujhe laga ki main na kar doon. Woh log bura bhi nahin maanenge. Lekin… lekin nahin keh paayi… kyunki shayad main haan kehna chahti thi…" Bani said.

Pushkar sighed, "Bani… I…" He sighed again. How to make her understand, he wondered. He said, "Bani, be sure of what you want and what you are going to do before you decide anything. Do you get me?"

Bani looked at him with admiration. "Yes…" she nodded.

***

Later in the evening, Pia called her and spoke over the phone.

***

That night, Nishikant insisted he would accompany her to the station. Kiran wanted to pack food for Bani. When Bani found out, she said she would have food from railway pantry.

Kiran said, "Mera gussa khane pe kyun nikhaal rahi ho?"

"Main gusse mein nahin hoon. Mujhe train ke khane se aadat pad chuki hai." She said.

Before leaving, Bani said a 'Bye' in a low tone.

***

There were no one in her compartment, when they entered. As Bani sat in her berth, Nishikant sat beside her. There was silence for sometime.

Then Nishikant said, "Apna khayal rakhna."

Bani said, "Ji…"

Nishikant said, "Bani, hum tumhare dushman nahin hai."

Bani did not say anything looking out of the window at the stalls in the platform.

Nishikant said, "Tumhari fikar hai humein…"

Bani frowned for a second and looked at her father.

He said, "Hum sirf yehi chahte hai ki tum khush raho…"

Bani looked outside the window. The platform was crowded. Why not? There were many trains scheduled to depart at that time. She looked back at her father, "Main khush hoon papa. Bahut khush hoon. Aapko meri fikar karne ki zaroorat nahin hai." She said.

"Fikar kyun nahin karenge? Tumhari bhalai chahte hai." Nishikant said.

Bani said, "Aapne kabhi socha ki main kya chahti hoon?"

Nishikant was stumped by her question. He managed to say, "Aaj tak humne kabhi bhi tumhare marzi ke khlaaf kuch kiya hai?"

Bani smiled, "Nahin… woh isliye ki Pushkar jiju humesha mere saath the. Aapko mere faisle se zyada unpar yakeen tha. Isliye kabhi aapne meri baat nahin mana kiya."

"Tumhein aisa kyun lag raha hai, beta?" he asked.

"Kyunki aisa hi hai…" Bani said, her eyes starting to get wet.

Nishikant looked at her for sometime and then said, "Ab batao, tum kya chahte ho?"

Bani smiled with her eyes shining with tears. "Kuch nahin… kuch bhi nahin… mere paas sab kuch hai. Bas…"

Before Nishikant could say anything in response, people started to pour in. Nishikant kept quiet and looked at the people.

One man said, "Excuse me, what is your berth number? 33 is ours."

Bani looked around when she thought someone was speaking to her. She smiled and said, "Mine is 35." Pointing to the upper berth. "I will climb up when the train starts. I hope you don't mind."

"Sure…" The man said and started arranging their luggage below the seat.

Then, Nishikant and Bani did not get any chance to speak. When the departure time approached, Nishikant got down from the compartment and stood at the window. This time, Bani kept looking down at the floor. When the train started, Nishikant said, "Apna khayal rakhna…"

Bani just nodded her head without meaning anything. As the train started to move fast, her father's face started to blur. At that time, her mind said, "Bas… yehi chahti hoon ki dubara yahaan wapas nahin aaoon…"

***

After she reached Mumbai back, she mentally kicked her brain for not knowing the phone number of Walia house. She never had the necessity to know it as she was a regular visitor to their house now and then. Now, she had to wait for one whole week to let them know what happened.

***

The beginning of the week were little leisured because of the post college day celebrations. She got a two hours off at the end of the day on Tuesday. Bani thought for a second, then picked her bag and walked out of the college gate.

***

After forty-five minutes, she was standing at the gate of Walia House. She entered the gate and walked towards the house thinking whether she did the right thing to come there at that time. She entered the house taking small steps. What was she going to tell them, she wondered. She was in deep thoughts that she did not notice a car arriving at the portico.

A few seconds later, Bani heard someone calling her from behind. "Bani didi…" Bani turned back.

Anu was calling her from behind. It seemed she had just returned from her school. She was in her school uniform carrying her school bad.

She came running to her. "Aap kab aaye?" she asked.

"Abhi aa rahi hoon." Bani said and helped her with her bag. "Tum abhi school se aa rahi ho?" she asked.

"Haan." Anu said as they both walked to the sofa in the living room. "Didi, aap baitiye, main change karke aati hoon." She said. Bani nodded. Anu walked towards her room.

Bani did not sit, but she kept standing. What was she going to say, the question was haunting her.

"Bani…" said Jigyasa. Bani turned back. "Is waqt?" Jigyasa asked as she walked into the house. "Sab teek hai na?" she asked.

Bani smiled. "Haan didi. Bas aise. Two hours off mila toh aa gayi… problem nahin hai na?" she asked the last question in spite of herself.

"Problem kyun hogi?" Jigyasa asked and then smiled. "Baito… main chai, naashta leke aati hoon… tum bhi college se aa rahi ho na? Baito…" and she walked to the kitchen.

Bani sat in the sofa lost in her thoughts.

Within few minutes, Anu came after changing to casuals. "Hi didi…" she dropped herself beside Bani.

Bani put her arms around Anu and asked, "So… aaj kaisa tha school?"

"Boring… board exams hai… iska matlab yeh toh nahin ki roz tests conduct kare…" Anu whined.

"Tests isliye dete hai taaki tum log practice mein raho aur kuch bhool mat jao…" Bani said.

"Woh toh hai… phir bhi…" Anu snuggled close to her.

Jigyasa came out with tea and snacks. "Lo… chai tayyar hai." She said. She looked around and said, "Masi aur maaji kahaan hai…" she said and walked towards their room.

Bani and Anu started having the snacks and tea.

A few minutes later, Masi and Dadi came out along with Jigyasa.

Masi said, "Bani beta… tum… is waqt…"

"Haan Masi…" Bani stood.

"Arey bait… khadi kyun ho…" Dadi said. "Yeh batao ki tum ghar se kab aayi aur safar kaisa tha?"

"Teek tha, dadi. Sunday ko wapas aayi…" Bani said.

"Toh phone kyun nahin kiya?" Jigyasa said.

Bani smiled. "Aap hi batayiye didi… main kitni idiot. Itni baar ghar aayi, ek bhi baar maine number nahin poocha…"

For a second, all the ladies were shocked for a second, then erupted into laughter.

***

When Anu had left for her room, Bani looked at Masi and Dadi.

"Masi… actually… mujhe aap logon se kuch batana tha…" Bani said.

"Haan bolo…" Masi said.

"Woh… maa, papa ne mana kar diya…" Bani said.

"Kyun?" Jigyasa asked when Masi and Dadi looked at each other.

Bani wondered what to say, but at last ended up saying, "Pata nahin…"

Jigyasa frowned. There was really some reason which Bani was not telling them. She straightened her face and said, "Ab kya karein?" she asked three other ladies.

Masi said after sometime, "Jai ko hi decide karna hai…"

Bani was dreading that. First of all, he had already asked her the question for which she had not told him the answer. Secondly, now when the same happened, he would be looking at her for an answer. What was she going to say? Thirdly, he would definitely ask her for the reason; already she found him to be a tempered man, how would he react to the reason if she told him.

"Bani…" Masi called her. Bani looked at Masi. Masi said, "Jai aur Aditya se milke jao."

"Nahin masi… mujhe der ho jaayegi. Traffic ho jaayega aur hostel waqt pe nahin pahunch paoongi…" Bani said.

"Hum chod denge…" Jigyasa said. "Tum aaye, aur Aditya aur Jai bhaiya se bina mile jaoge… nahin…" she said firmly. "Main unhein jaldi aane ke liye keh deti hoon. Teek hai…" Jigyasa said. Without waiting for Bani's reply, she dialed the number.

Beyond that, Bani knew there was no use in arguing.

***

At around six-thirty, Jai and Aditya came home. Bani was nervously waiting for them in the living room.

Looking at Jigyasa, Jai said, "Jigyasa, jaldi aane ko kyun kah---" He stopped asking when his gaze fell on Bani. "Tum yahaan kya kar rahi ho? Aur, is waqt?"

This time, Bani's temper rose. She frowned. "Kyun? Nahin aa sakti? Aur har koi yeh sawaal kyun kar rahe hai?"

Masi and Dadi was stunned. Jigyasa looked at Bani her jaws dropped. Aditya stifled his giggle and swallowed it. Jai was obviously not pleased.

"Bani…" Aditya called her. "Ghar se wapas kab aayi?"

"Sunday raat ko…" Bani said, still frowning at Jai.

"C'mon Bani… gussa chodo…" Aditya came and put his arms around her. "Yeh batao… ghar mein sab kaise hai?" he asked as he made her sit on the couch and took a place beside her.

"Sab teek hai…" Bani said.

"Achcha laga hoga na, ghar wapas jaake?" Aditya asked smilingly.

Bani looked at him with a face dipped in mixed emotions.

"Kya hua, Bani? Sab teek hai na? Hmm?" He asked.

The tone brought tears in her eyes. "Unhone mana kar diya…" Bani said and stifled a sob.

Jai stood there like a statue. He was expecting that answer, but he did not expect Bani crying for that. He remained unmoved. Even, no one were expecting Bani's outburst.

Aditya, who was speechless for a second, then smiled and said, "Koi baat nahin… iske liye ro kyun rahi ho…" he wiped her tears.

"Nahin jiju…" This time Bani sobbed. "Main koshish ki… lekin…"

"Humne aisa toh nahin kaha na…" Aditya said. "Dekho Bani… agar aise keh rahe hai toh koi wajah hoga… right?"

Bani said, "Pata nahin…"

"Teek hai, hum baat karte hai. Shayad humein dekhkar maan jaaye… Hmmm?" Aditya said. "Now smile. Itni choti baat ke liye ro kyun rahi ho…"

Bani smiled and wiped her tears. After her sobs died a little, she said, "Main nikhalti hoon… warna der ho jaayegi…" She collected her bag and stood.

Before Aditya's voice came out, Jai spoke, "Kaise jaaoge?"

Bani looked at him. "Bus se…"

"Yahaan?" Jai asked.

"Yahaan nahin… is road ke end mein…" Bani said.

"Aur wahaan tak?"

"Paidal. Waise aap itne sawaal kyun kar rahe hai?" Bani asked.

"Main tumhein chod deta hoon. Ek minute ruko…" Jai said.

"Main khud chali jaaongi…" Bani said.

Everyone were looking from Bani to Jai, Jai to Bani.

"Tony, mere liye ek cup chai lao." He said and turned to Bani. "Maine kaha ki main tumhein drop karoonga."

"Raasta mujhe kha nahin jaayegi agar main akeli jaaoongi toh…" Bani said.

Jai looked at her for a second. "Main bhi tumhein nahin khaoonga…" He said slowly.

Aditya said, "Jai… I think I will drop her."

"Nahin Aditya. Tum baito. Main chaloonga…" Jai said.

Bani cursed something under her breath and sat back on the couch.

When Tony brought tea, Jai coolly sat on the couch and sipped it. After finishing, he said, "Chalein?"

Bani looked at him, then stood up. She went and hugged Masi, Dadi and Jigyasa. Then, she went to Anu's room and said 'bye' to her. She smiled at Aditya and stood before Jai as if saying she was ready.

Jai walked to the door. Bani followed him behind. He opened the back door for her. She sat inside and waved at the family members. Jai went to the other side and got into the car. The driver started the car.

After the car drove out of the gates, Masi said, "Ab tak toh mujhe thoda shak tha… lekin aaj ehsaas ho raha hai ki didi aur jijaji ne teek ladki chuni hain humare Jai ke liye…"

The other three looked at her. Dadi spoke. "Teek kehte ho tum…" and she walked into the house. Masi followed her. Jigyasa and Aditya looked at each other doubtfully. Aditya smiled and nodded his head. He then took her into the house.

***

The drive went in silence for some time. Jai could not help think those days when he used to drop Bani at her house. Those were the days of foundation of their relationship. Then, one day, everything changed. Like his mother said, he was not able to forget everything. The scar was still there in his mind, constantly reminding him of the insult he and his mother bore.

Bani did not turn her head away from the window. She did not want to face his questions. She was already irritated. She wanted to be alone for sometime. She thought, by going alone, she could clear her mind. Now, with his company, she was not able to clear her mind. Her mind was now filled with past memories.

"Yaad hai Bani… ek waqt tha, jab main tumhein ghar choda karta tha…" she heard Jai saying.

"Yeh bhi yaad hai… ek din main din intezaar karti rahi… aur…" she sighed. "Aur us din se main hamesha ghar akele hi chalne lagi…" Bani said without looking at him.

Jai's hand stiffened at once. After few minutes, he asked, "kyun mana kiya?"

Bani did not reply anything.

"Bani… kuch pooch raha hoon…" Jai said.

Bani still did not say anything.

At one point, Jai asked to stop the car. When the car stopped, he asked, "Mujhe jawaab chahiye…"

"Mujhe nahin pata…" she said immediately.

Jai nodded his head. "Jawaab asal mein pata nahin ya kehna nahin chahti…" he said.

"Jaisa aap lena chahte hai…" Bani said.

"Mujhe dekhkar baat karo…" Jai said.

"Kya fark padta…" Bani said.

"Shayad tumhein koi fark nahin padega, lekin mujhe padta hai…" he said.

Bani looked at him.

"Ab batao…" Jai said.

"Maine kaha na mujhe pata nahin…" Bani said.

"Zaroor poochi hogi…" Jai said.

Bani did not say anything.

"Dekho Bani… khot zaroor mujh mein hi nikhala hoga, isliye main sunna chahta hoon…" Jai said.

Bani lowered her head.

"Bani… jab tak tum mujhe nahin bataogi, tab tak hum yahin rahenge." Jai warned her.

"Isliye maine kaha ki main khud chali jaaongi…" Bani said with little irritation.

"Koi din toh tumhein jawaab dena padega… Why not today?" Jai said.

"Kya jawaab doon?" Bani said with her voice raised. "Ah? Jawaab chahiye aapko? Batati hoon. Woh soch rahe hai ki aap mujhe fasana chahte hai. Maine samjhane ki bahut koshish ki, lekin nahin maane. Yeh bhi soch rahe hai koi na koi wajah hogi jiski wajah se aaj tak aapne shaadi nahin ki… iska kya jawaab doon main? Jab ki main aapke baare mein kuch nahin jaanti…"

Jai laughed at the reasons in his mind. Then he frowned, "Kya nahin jaanti mere baare mein?" he asked.

"Kya jaanti hoon aapke baare mein?" Bani asked. "Kuch bhi toh nahin…" Bani let out a sad laugh.

Jai, for a second wanted to console her saying, 'No, Bani… I am your old Jai lost somewhere…' In stead, he stiffened and said, "Jitna jaanti ho, utna kaafi hai…"

Bani frowned at her. "Zindagi bitana ke liye kaafi nahin hai…" She took a deep breath. "Chalein?" she said.

Jai nodded after a second and ask to start the car.

***

After half an hour, the car stopped at the gates of her hostel.

"Tumhara hostel aa gaya…" Jai said.

Bani took a deep breath. She opened the door and said, "Thank you."

Jai said, "It's okay."

When Bani collected her bag and get down, Jai called her, "Bani…" Bani turned to look at him. He got down from the car and asked, "Ab batao, tum kya karnewali ho?"

"Matlab?" Bani was confused.

"Dekho Bani, us din maine yehi sawaal poocha tha ki agar tumhare maa, baap shaadi ke liye inkaar kar dete hai toh tum kya karogi. Ab kya karnewali ho?" He asked.

"Aap itne sawaal ka jawaab kyun maang rahe hai… jab ki aap mere koi bhi sawaal ka jawaab nahin de rahe hai…" Bani asked back.

Jai kept silent for a minute, then said, "Kya jawaab chahiye…"

Bani fumbled for a second, then asked, "Aap mujhe shaadi kyun karna chahte hai?"

Jai studied her for a minute, then said, "Shayad isliye itne saal tumhari raah dekh raha tha…"

Bani was completely taken aback by his answer. She stared at him for sometime. He was not giving out any expression. Then, she lowered her head and said, "Mujhe thoda waqt chahiye…"

Jai sighed. "Zyada waqt mat lena…"

Bani nodded.

"Tum chalo… main bhi nikhalta hoon…" Jai said.

Bani nodded and looked at him. "Bye…"

Jai smiled a little. Bani's eyes widened.

***

During dinner, everyone's attention was on Jai. After avoiding their gaze for a long time, he looked at them. "Kya hua?" he said.

Everyone cleared their throats and looked at their plates.

"Toh koi baat nahin hai…?" Jai said.

"Bani se baat huyi beta?" Masi asked.

"Haan Masi. Maine faisla uspar chod diya…" Jai said. He ended the topic without leaving it for further discussion.

After sometime, "Ek baat batao Jai." Aditya said. "Tum Bani se ladte kyun ho?"

Jai frowned. "Main kahaan lad raha tha?"

"Achcha?" Aditya said.

Jai sighed. "Woh kahaan meri baat sunti hai…" he said.

Aditya smiled. "Woh toh hamesha tumhari baat sunti hai…"

Jai lowered his gaze.

"Ek baat kehna chahoonga. Tumhein achcha lage ya na lage…" Aditya said. Jai looked at him. He got everyone's attention. He continued, "Agar tum Bani se shaadi kar rahe ho, toh apne liye karo, apni khushi ke liye, apni zindagi ke liye… na ki tumhare maa aur papa ke khwahish ke liye… Achchi ladki hai. Humein bahut pasand karti hai. Humein pasand hai. Agar main sahi hoon toh tumhein thoda zyada hi pasand karti hai. Agar shaadi kar rahe ho, toh khush rakho…"

Jai heard what he said. After nodding his head, he said, "Kya tumhein mujhpar yakeen nahin hai?"

"Yakeen ki baat nahin hai, Jai." Aditya said. "Bas… thoda darr lag raha hai…"

Jai lowered his head and went back to eating.

***

As he lied down on the bed, his thoughts went back to Bani. That evening, he saw glimpses of that Bani, whom he could not discard from his memories – the same anger, the same irritation, the same frown, the same questioning. He smiled in spite of himself. He remembered what Aditya told him during dinner. At the same time, he remembered what he told Bani that evening.

He sighed and broke his thoughts. He closed his eyes.

***

Days went by normally.

After three weeks, Pushkar came to Mumbai to meet his vendor. He came to meet Bani at her hostel after his meeting. Bani was happy.

"Hey… what a surprise!" she exclaimed. "Pehle hi bata dete…"

"Batata toh kya karti?" Pushkar said.

"Kuch nahin… Bas… tumhare liye gate pe intezaar karti…" Bani said.

Pushkar raised his brows in surprise. "Achcha?! Kya baat hai? Kuch badlaav nazar aa raha hai…"

"Badlav? Kaisa badlaav?" Bani asked.

Pushkar smiled. He could see her bubbliness in her mannerism. "Kuch nahin… Haan… actually mujhe bhook lag rahi hai. Pehle kahin khaana khaate hai."

Bani put special permission and they went to a restaurant nearby.

After ordering food, Pushkar placed his elbows on the table. "So… kya chal raha hai?"

"Bas… chal raha hai…" Bani replied.

"Tumhein dekhkar toh aisa lag raha hai ki bahut achcha chal raha hai…" Pushkar teased her.

Bani glared at him for a second, then said, "Tum batao… Mumbai kaise aana pada?"

"Ek vendor se milna tha, isliye…" Pushkar said.

"Teek chala meeting?" Bani asked.

"Haan…"

The food arrived. They both had food speaking about different things. After finishing dinner, Pushkar took out some papers from his bag and said, "Bani… in papers mein zara sign kar do…"

"Kya hai yeh?" she asked as she got them.

"Income tax ke papers hai…" he said.

"Oh…" she said and signed at the specified places. "Ho gaya…"she said and gave them back to him.

"Thank you." Pushkar said and kept them back in his bag. "Chalein?"

"Haan." Bani said and stood.

As they walked to her hostel, she asked, "Kab hai wapasi?"

"Kal raat ko." Pushkar said.

"Mmm…" Bani said. After walking a few steps, she asked suddenly, "Agar tum free ho toh, hum Walia house chalein?"

"Walia house?" Pushkar asked.

"Haan… waise tum Aditya jiju se mil hi chuke ho. Baaki logon se bhi mil lena…" Bani said normally.

Pushkar kept quiet for a second, then asked, "Bani… tum ab tak us shaadi ke baare soch toh nahin rahi ho?"

Bani stopped walking and looked at Pushkar. "Main unhein bata diya, Pushkar. Maan bhi gaye. Jai ne faisla mere haaton mein choda hai."

"Ab bhi soch rahi ho?" Pushkar asked.

Bani nodded her head.

After a thought, Pushkar asked, "Tumhein classes nahin hai?"

"Nahin, kal Saturday hai. Waise bhi mujhe classes nahin hai. Bas library mein kuch kaam hai." She said.

"Kal shaam ko char baje, main tumhein yahaan milta hoon. Saath chalte hai. Teek hai." Pushkar said.

Bani looked at him and smiled. She nodded her head happily.

***

That night, when she went to bed, she missed Rano. She had recently shifted to her friend's home a month back. How nice it would be, if she was here; Bani would be able to share her thoughts with her. She got up and searched her shelf. At last, she took out her diary and collected a pen. She sat on the bed with the diary in front of her. At last, she wrote what she wanted to share with Rano.

Pushkar is right. There is definitely a change in me. I am happier than before. I think that is because I have nothing to stress upon. I am living my life. A life, which I want to live. After a long time, I feel light-hearted. I have people around me, whom I can turn upon when needed. In fact, I felt very bad when my parents rejected the proposal. But, that was till I spoke with Jai. That night, when he smiled, I felt I saw my old Jai, whom I missed a lot. Though he had changed a lot, I am sure he is the same somewhere. I wish I could change him back to his own self. He was happier then than now. I can see that. What is the need of such a big company with lots of money, but no smiles and enjoyment; not that, I was enjoying my life earlier. Now, I do, which means a lot. I don't know what made me say 'yes' to his proposal, but I don't feel bad for that. I wanted to stay with them all my life. But, Aditya jiju said that was not a valid reason. But still, I said 'yes'… Yes, I said 'yes'. Now that the 'yes' doesn't matter anymore, what am I going to say now?

Speaking about Jai, though he had proposed, he did not give any reason behind the proposal. But what he said that night, I was… it was unbelievable… Can a person wait for another for so many years? That too, for me…

Bani was frowning in her thoughts. She was not able to write anymore. She sat like that for sometime, then closed the diary. She placed it back on the shelf and lied down on the bed. But the question remained in her mind – Why would Jai wait for her?

***

Next morning, Bani called Walia house. Aditya attended the call.

"Jiju, main Bani…" Bani said.

Aditya was surprised. Bani never called over phone. "Haan Bani… kaisi ho?"

"Ji, main teek hoon. Jiju, aapse ek baat kehni thi." Bani said.

"Haan, bolo…" Aditya said.

"Woh Pushkar aaya hai… I mean, Pushkar jiju aaye hai… Aapko yaad hai na, us din hotel mein mile the…" Bani said.

Aditya thought for a second. He remembered a person accompanied her that day. "Haan yaad aaya…" he said.

"Main ghar leke aaoon?" she asked.

Aditya smiled. "Ismein poochnewali baat kya hai? Zaroor le aao." He said. "Kab aa rahe ho?"

"Pushkar ne kaha ki woh mujhe char baje pick up karega." Bani said.

"Teek hai. Main sabko bata deta hoon. Aa jaana. Okay…" Aditya said.

"Ji… Shaam ko milte hai…" she said.

"Haan…" Aditya said and ended the call.

***

Pushkar and Bani arrived at Walia house at five. Earlier, Pushkar had vacated his hotel room and collected his only luggage.

"Itna bada ghar?" Pushkar exclaimed a little.

"Haan… pehli baar mujhe bhi aisa hi laga tha." Bani chuckled. "Lekin mujhe unks Aligarh wala ghar zyada pasand hai."

"Iska comment nahin kar sakta main…" Pushkar said, which made Bani smile.

They both entered the house. They found Masi sitting in the living room and chanting. Masi looked at them and signaled them to sit. Bani and Pushkar sat on the couch. Bani whispered 'Masi' into Pushkar's ears. Masi finished her chanting in few minutes and smiled at them.

"Toh yeh hai Pushkar?" Masi asked.

Bani nodded. Pushkar smiled and stood up. He touched Masi's feet to seek blessing. Masi smiled and blessed him.

"Achcha laga tumse milke." Masi said.

Pushkar said, "Mujhe bhi. Bani itna kehti hai aap logon ke baare mein, aaj aap sabse milne ka mauka mila."

"Kya loge, beta?" she asked.

"Masi, aap kuch denge. Waise mujhe bhook lag rahi hai." Pushkar said.

Masi smiled. "Abhi kuch lane ko kehti hoon."

"Masi, baaki log kahaan hai?" Bani asked.

"Aa jaayenge. Biji garden pe baiti hai. Aur Anu toh tuition gayi hai. Jai, Aditya aur Jigyasa aate honge…" she said and walked to the kitchen.

Pushkar looked around him. The house was well renovated. "Achcha ghar hai." He said.

"Haan, mujhe bhi laga." Bani said.

"Lekin thoda saamaan shift kar sakte hai. Aur decorate bhi kar sakte hai…" he said.

"Achcha?" Bani asked. "Aisa kyun?"

"Dekho… yeh living room hai. Yahaan pe green plants toh hai, lekin this is not visible to any guests who comes. Deewar aur flooring toh match karti hai. Lekin, it would be enhanced if you hang some pictures or painting. Aur, I guess lighting bhi teek hai. Achcha plan kiya hai…" Pushkar said.

"Mmm…" Bani said and looked around. She stood and looked around. "You are right, Pushkar… Achcha ghar hai…"

"Abhi lag raha hai tumhein?" Jai's voice came from behind.

Bani was little startled by the sudden voice and of course the question too. She blinked and looked at Pushkar. Before, she could react, Masi came from the kitchen.

"Yeh lo beta, chai. Naashta bas aa raha hai." Masi said and placed the tray containing tea on the table.

"Masi, aapko laane ki kya zaroorat thi. Mujhe bulate…" Bani said and sat beside Pushkar ignoring Jai's question.

"Koi baat nahin, Bani." Masi said and looked forward. She saw Jai standing. "Jai… tum kab aaye?"

"Abhi aa raha hoon." Jai said as he walked towards them, his eyes not leaving Bani and Pushkar.

Pushkar, who had just fetched his cup of tea looked at Jai when he heard Masi saying 'Jai' and looked at Bani. But, Bani was already looking at Jai. He wondered why Jai asked such a question.

Jai sat beside Masi.

Masi said, "Pushkar se milo."

Jai offered his hand. "Hello, Pushkar."

Pushkar hesitated for a second, then gave his hand. "It's nice meeting you, Sir."

Jai frowned for a fraction of second, hearing the word 'Sir'. Whereas, Bani said it aloud. "Sir?!"

Pushkar looked at her. "Haan. Kyun?" he asked.

"Sir kyun keh rahe ho?" Bani asked.

"Bani… in logon ko tum jaante ho. Jahaan tak meri baat, I am related to them through you. So, I am not you. Do you get it? Waise bhi personal aur professional front mein mujhse bade hai, uska izzat toh dena hi padega…" Pushkar said and left the remaining unspoken.

Bani just smiled.

Meanwhile, Tony brought 'poha' for both of them. Jai said, "Mere liye ek cup chai."

"Yes, Sir." Tony said and went inside.

"Le lo, beta." Masi said.

"Ji, Masi. Thank you, so much." Pushkar said and took a plate. Pushkar signaled Bani to take the other plate. Bani shook her head slightly, Pushkar frowned, then Bani took the plate.

After having two spoonfuls, Pushkar said, "Masi, bahut tasty hai. Bahut achcha cook paaya hai, aap logon ne…"

Masi smiled.

Bani said, "Tumhein masi ke haath ka khana khana chahiye. Bahut tasty banati hai."

Masi smiled again.

"Tumne kab khaya?" Jai asked.

Bani frowned, "Matlab?"

"Maine toh pehle tumhein humare ghar khate hua nahin dekha…" Jai said.

"Khana tasty hai ki nahin, yeh batane ke liye khane ki zaroorat nahin hai. Khana banana ki dang aur uski khushboo se pata chal jaati hai." Bani spoke back.

Jai and Bani glared at each other.

"Yeh tum donon ko kya ho jaata hai? Choti-si baat ke liye, ladne ki kya zaroorat hai?" Masi said.

Bani dipped her head into her 'poha'. Thank Lord, Tony arrived with Jai's tea.

"Arey, Bani beta…" Dadi called her as she entered the house.

Bani kept her plate down and went and hugged dadi.

"Mujhe bula lete garden se…" Dadi said.

"Dadi… hum toh kha rahe hai. Socha ki khan eke baad aapko bula loon." Bani said as she took Dadi along with her to where they were sitting. "Dadi, yeh hai Pushkar. Pia didi ke pati."

"Achcha, achcha…" Dadi said as she sat beside Masi. "Kaise ho beta…"

"Ji teek hoon, dadi." Pushkar said politely.

***

As they were finishing the tiffin, Jigyasa and Aditya arrived.

"Lo, yeh bhi aa gaye…" Dadi said looking at them.

Bani smiled.

Jigyasa was curious of the new person. Aditya just stressed his brain and remembered Pushkar. "Hello Pushkar…" he said as he entered the house. "Hum phir mile…"

"Yes, Sir." Pushkar said.

"She is my wife, Jigyasa." Aditya introduced Jigyasa. "Jigyasa, Bani ke jijaji."

"Oh." Jigyasa said. "Kaise ho?" she said.

"Ji, teek hoon. Aap sab se milkar bahut khushi huyi." Pushkar said. "Ab pata chal raha hai ki Bani aap logon ko itna pasand kyun karti hai."

Jai threw a curious glance at Bani, whereas Dadi said, "Yeh Bani toh humari laadli hai… khaaskar Krishna ki…"

Bani smiled sweetly remembering Krishna. Then her eyes widened, "Pushkar, tumne aunty aur uncle ko nahin dekha naa… Chalo, dikhati hoon." She got up.

Pushkar was surprised. Everyone were smiling. Bani walked towards one corner of the room. Pushkar followed her. In the corner, there were two garlanded pictures.

"Yeh hai uncle aur aunty." Bani introduced.

Pushkar looked at the picture. "Nice couple." He said.

"Hmmm… bahut achche hai." Bani said stressing the word 'bahut'.

Pushkar put his arms around her. "Tumhein bahut pasand hai na?"

"Behad…" Bani said looking at Krishna's picture. "Kaash ek baar dekh paati…"

"C'mon Bani. Jo hota hai, achche ke liye hota hai." Pushkar said.

"Pata nahin…" Bani sighed.

They stood looking at the picture for few seconds, then Pushkar said, "Chalo Bani. Mujhe check-in karna hai."

"Haan…" Bani said.

They returned back to the gathering.

Pushkar said, "Ab mujhe nikhalna hai. Flight pakadni hai."

Aditya said, "Agli baar jab aaoge, fursat mein aana, taaki der saare baatein karenge."

"I will try, Sir." Pushkar said.

"Kaise jaa rahe ho?" Jai asked.

"Taxi pakad lenge…" Pushkar said.

Before anyone could say anything, Bani said, "Chalo Pushkar. Mujhe tumse kuch baat bhi karni hai."

Jai looked at Bani.

Dadi said, "Bani beta, kal aa rahe ho na?"

"Haan dadi, kal aaongi. Agle hafte ka pata nahin. Lekin kal aaongi." Bani said.

"Agle hafte kya hai?" Masi asked.

"Woh seminar ka schedule hai Monday ko, toh Sunday thoda kaam hoga." Bani said.

"Achcha." Masi said.

"Chalein, Pushkar." Bani said.

"Haan. Tum bas aage chalo, main aaya." Pushkar said. Bani nodded and walked towards the door. Pushkar smiled at everyone. He went and touched dadi's feet. Dadi blessed him. Pushkar went to Jai and said, "Sir… Aapko zyada nahin jaanta. Phir bhi, itna kehna chahoonga ki aise hi khayal rakhiye Bani ka. Use khush dekhkar mujhe bahut achcha lag raha hai."

Jai was taken aback, so were the others. He just smiled.

Pushkar said, "Chalta hoon." He gave a final look at everyone and walked to the door.

***

On the way to the airport, Pushkar got a new mobile for her with connection. He said he would prefer to call her over a private connection than a common telephone in the hostel. He dropped her in her hostel on his way.

Before leaving, he said, "Mujhe woh log bahut achche lage. Lekin Jai Sir thoda khadoos lag rahe hai."

Bani giggled. "Bahut badal gaye hai. Jo apnapan mujhe unhein dekhkar milta tha, woh ab dikh nahin raha hai. Bas, kabhi kabhi uski jhalak mil jaati hai." She said.

"Dekho Bani, jo bhi faisla loge, soch samajkar lena. Teek hai." Pushkar said.

Bani nodded.

"Kal activate ho jaayega tumhara number. Kal shaam ko call karta hoon." He said.

Bani smiled.

"Bye…" Pushkar said.

"Bye…" Bani said.

Pushkar left in the same taxi.

***

Two weeks later, Aparajit surprised Jai by his unexpected, uninformed visit. He had come to Mumbai regarding a land deal for his new project. He was accompanied by Roshini, who would be taking care of the project once the construction started. His work got delayed. So he needed to wait till Monday to get the registration done. Jai had invited them for lunch at his home the next day.

***

Bani got ready as usual to go to Walia house on Sunday. She had decided that she would marry Jai. She had given it a lot of thoughts. Once she became sure of herself and that she was not marrying as a part of compromise and that she would be marrying him to spend life with him, she arrived on this decision. May be love was not there, but affection and attachment was definitely there, at least from her side. And, she could never be unhappy with him. She smiled as she thought it.

She immediately called Pushkar and informed him about her decision.

Pushkar asked her, "Kyun?"

"Mujhe uske saath rehna hai. Aur waise bhi, pyar toh ho jayega…"

"Tumhare maa-papa se baath huyi?"

"Nahin, mujhe lagta hai nahin maanenge."

"Kyun?"

"Pata nahin."

After sometime, Pushkar asked, "Tumne achchi tarah soch li na, Bani?"

"Mujhe sochne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Jai mera khayal rakhenge."

"Bani, tumhein apna khayal rakhna hai. Na ki kisi aur ko."

"Kya fark padta hai. Main wahaan pe khush rahoongi." She said happily and confidently.

"Jaise tumhari marzi. Agar tumhein kabhi bhi meri zaroorat padi toh, mujhe zaroor batana. Don't hesitate. Okay?"

"Haan…" Bani said.

Today, she would inform him her decision. She would try to speak to her Jai, whom she knew.

***

Bani arrived at Walia house as usual. She met everyone and she kept her bag in Anu's room. She came out of the room and looked at the first floor. She saw Jai coming walking along the floor attending a call towards his study. She smiled and climbed the stairs two at a time. She opened the door without knocking.

Jai was still on a call. He looked at the person who opened the door and continued speaking. Bani waited for him to finish the call. He went and sat behind the table as he spoke over the phone. Bani looked around to pass time.

When Jai finished his call, he said, "Bolo Bani…"

"Mujhe tumse ek baat kehni hai." Bani said.

Jai looked at her hearing the way she addressed him. "Sun raha hoon." He said.

"Main tumse shaadi karne ke liye tayyar hoon." She said. Jai raised his brows. "Sorry…" Bani smiled. "I mean, main tumse shaadi karna chahti hoon."

Jai raised his brows again with a smile. "Kyun?"

Bani frowned for second, then realized he was repeating her question. "Kyunki main tumse shaadi karna chahti hoon." She said.

Jai's lips curled wider this time. He nodded.

Thanks for reading 😳

me

wow!