Short Story - Call and I will Come!
Title courtesy of Sheena_Row. Excuse grammar, spelling and Hindi mistakes.
"You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back."
-Barbara DeAngelis
As jeep crawled along the winding road, Doctor Dixit peered out of window trying to see through the torrential downpour they caught up in and it had was dark outside, the only light was from the headlights of the jeep.
"Aur kitne dere lagi chacha?" she asked the driver.
"Zyaada door nahi, hum paunch gaye hote, lekin yeh baarish…" he replied.
They had left Ambedabad several hours ago for Mr. Abu put halfway the rains had started and traffic had slowed to crawl. It had been tiring week at the medical conference she had attended in Delhi and was looking forward to going back home.
She sat back in her seat than all of a sudden she heard a loud roar…next thing the jeep was sliding out of control.
Pushkar looked at the clock on the wall as he paced up and down in his office at Mt. Abu hospital. Bani should have been back five hours ago, it was midnight where was she. Her cell phone was turned off. He would have gone out looking if only the rain would stop. He'd even called Rano up several times to find out if Bani had called her.
At around 1 in the morning that the rain finally stopped, Pushkar got into his car and drove out of Mt. Abu. An hour's drive his car slowed down as he noticed several cars parked on the road. Getting out he noticed the road blocked by mudslide…That explains why Bani didn't make it to the hospital.
He managed to turn his car around and went home. He called Rano up and told her about the landslide and not to worry, Bani was probably stranded on the other side.
Around mid afternoon next day, an ambulance rushed upto the hospital. The staff wheeled a patient in to emergency room. The doctor working the emergency recognized Dr Bani Dixit and immediately called Pushkar. He checked her vital signs, they were slow but probably due to pain. He got the nurse organized on getting her cleaned up from the mud caking her body and than down to be taken down for scan and x-rays.
Pushkar couldn't leave his office because of his appointments but he phoned Rano and told her to get down to emergency as Bani had brought in.
Rano got her self excused from the class citing medical emergency and took a cab to the hospital. She found the room where Bani was but waited for the doctor to come out. No one had been able to tell her what had happened to her Di, except that she had been pulled out from the jeep that had been caught up in the landslide.
Half an hour later, Dr Shroff came out of the room, seeing Rano he went up to her and told her Bani was stable for the moment. He explained that she was sedated at the moment and explained that her legs had been crushed but they will mend, the only thing was that her lower spine had been damaged and that he feared she may be paralysed from waist down…but had to wait until she woke up and they could do some more tests.
Rano asked him if he could go and see her and he said yes and that he would be in his office if she needed him. There were steady stream of visitors, mostly hospital staff… Dr Bani was one of the popular doctors at the hospital with staff and patients. Her good nature and dedication to her job had earned her many admirers.
As she came near the bed she saw Bani hooked up to various machines, her face looked pale. Rano sat down and broke down crying. Nurse Simran on duty comforted Rano as she knew how close the two sisters were. Couple of hours later Pushkar finally managed to come down and see Bani. He walked up to Rano and put his arms around her telling her that Bani is going to alright.
He took her to cafeteria to have something to eat and also they could talk.
"Pushkar, Doctor Shroff said Bani is not going to be able to walk again." Rano spoke with tears in her eyes.
Pushkar spoke gently, "Rano wait till we can do more tests. It's hard to tell from the scan and x-rays. Only when she wakes up and depending on how she responds to tests can we make correct diagnosis."
"I don't what if she'll do when she finds out…you know she loves her job…what will she do."
"Look Rano you have to be positive for her sake, she is going to need all the love and care to make it through. You forget Bani is strong, I have confidence that she will come through this fighting," Pushkar assured her.
Late in the evening Bani stirred, she felt stiff and as she opened her eyes she took in the unfamiliar room and machines and realized she was in hospital…but how? She tried recalling what happened but everything seemed hazy. She turned her head and saw Rano sleeping with her head resting on her bed.
"Rano…" as she gently shook her sister.
Rano looking up, "Di you are awake. How do you feel?"
"Can you help me sit up? My back really hurts." Bani told her.
"I go and get Doctor Shroff. He told me to get him as soon as you woke up," saying Rano left the room.
Soon Doctor Shroff and Pushkar arrived to see Bani smiling weakly at them.
"I see my patient has finally decided to wake up," Doctor Shroff joked. He knew it wasn't going to be an easy task telling her the extent of her injuries and was glad Pushkar was here with him.
He took a seat beside her and showed her the results of the scan and what her injuries were. Surprised that she didn't break down on learning the possibility that she might not be able to walk, he told her to rest and that tomorrow they would do further tests. Dr Shroff left leaving Pushkar and Rano with her.
As soon as the doctor left, Bani's eyes filled up with tears, she turned her face away from them. Pushkar gently took her hands, "Bani I know it must be painful to learn about your injuries but I don't want to give up hope. We are all praying that you will get better soon."
"I not going to walk again Pushkar…I am useless…Rano has to finish school. How am I gone to look after her?" she covered her face with her hands and sobbed uncontrollably.
Rano rushed up and hugged her trying to calm her down. After few minutes Rano realized that Bani had stopped crying. She looked at her and smiled, "Di don't worry about me. We will get through this. Di I love you and I am going make sure you get the best treatments to help you get better."
Eventually Bani calmed down and fell asleep. Pushkar took Rano home, promising he would bring her back early next day.
Next few days Bani underwent tests and was seen by specialist. The result wasn't good, she was paralysed from waist down and had to come term with spending the rest of her life in wheelchair. Rano and Pushkar had been supportive throughout and she was also grateful to all the staff at the hospital that came to see her.
Bani got discharged after two weeks. Her legs were still in cast and would be for the next four weeks. Rano had stopped her schooling to help take care of her. Bani protested that she would manage but Rano would not listen. Pushkar too would stop by whenever his shift at the hospital finished.
Finally when the cast was taken off her legs Bani felt relieved and she could finally get in and out of the wheelchair easily. To celebrate Rano and Pushkar took her out for dinner. It took Bani sometimes to adjust to working around the house in her wheelchair, Sometimes she would get frustrated at being confined in the wheelchair…the loss of being able to move around freely was hard to accept. Rano arranged to have the kitchen renovated so that Bani could easily work in the kitchen and have things handy.
Dr Shroff approached Bani one day and told her about a research post at a hospital in Mumbai where his friend worked. He hated to see one of his brilliant staff having to give up her career in neurological surgery and felt that she would still apply her brilliant mind to research. Bani told him she would think it over and let him know. Pushkar and Rano where both excited when Bani asked them what they thought about it, especially as Rano had also applied to a college Mumbai. If she could work in Mumbai then she and Rano could be together.
Pushkar took her down for her interview and Bani was exhausted by the time it was over. The panel was tough and she became increasingly nervous, she had to steel herself to remain coherent in order to answer their question. Pushkar tried to cheer her as she looked dejected, saying he had every confidence that she would get the job.
Month later Bani received letter from the hospital that she had got the research position. Rano and Pushkar were thrilled. She would have to start the job in two weeks time. She didn't have to worry about renting a place to stay as she would be provided with accommodation for two weeks and than she would have to find her own place.
When Rano joined Bani two months later she had found a small apartment for them to rent and it was convenient for both them, as they would have easy access to buses and trains for travel. Both of them settled down, Rano liked her new college and had made new friend and was doing very well in her classes. Whenever Pushkar came down they made a point of exploring Mumbai with him and soon they were familiar with all parts of Mumbai.
Bani's work also kept her busy; she loved the challenge of her new job. Her superior was impressed with her skills and soon had given her own projects to work on. She had some of her work published in the medical journal and was on couple of occasion asked to speak at medical conferences. After two years Bani was conferred an award for her research on spinal cord injuries. She would be given her award at the annual function in two weeks time. Bani called up Pushkar about her award and invited him to the function with her and Rano.
Rano took Bani out shopping for a new outfit for the function. After much protesting she finally bought sari that Rano had liked. Bani hadn't worn sari since her accident as it was easier for to dress her self in salwar kameez or skirts and tops.
On the evening of the function, Rano helped Bani wear the deep red and black sari that she had bought. She out her hair up in a bun and also did light makeup on her. Pushkar whistled when he saw Bani and told her she looked beautiful. He gave her a large bouquet of flowers that he had brought.
At the hall Bani got few admiring glances from men even though she was in the wheelchair. Jai Walia the patron of the hospital was the chief guest of the evening and he was giving out the awards. Pushkar wheeled Bani on to the stage to receive her award. Bani nervously shook hands with Jai Walia as she accepted the awards and got tremendous applause from the guests. Afterwards the press asked Bani and Jai Walia to pose for photos.
There was a party after the awards. After dinner, Rano and Pushkar went off to dance and Bani wheeled herself out of the hall through door and onto the patio. She sat there glad to get away from the noise and the stuffy air of the hall. She was lost in thoughts that she did not register the light footsteps until a voice said, "I hope I am not disturbing you."
Turning around she looked at Jai Walia looking at her intently. Blushing lightly, "No it's ok, I just came out to get some fresh air."
He wondered why she had captured his mind so much…he had felt sorry when she came in a wheelchair to accept her award, but when he noticed that her dark brown eyes were serene and a strong depth…even though she looked nervous, internally she was very calm. She was beautiful and the sari that she wore enhanced her elegance.
Taking a seat on bench nearby, he asked, "If you don't mind, the reason you are in a wheelchair, was it an accident or some other reason?"
Surprised by his question, not many people dared ask her about her accident, she looked at his face for few moments and than she told him about her accident.
When she had finished, he commented, "I must say you are very strong person to take charge of your life after such an accident."
"I guess I had no choice, beside my young sister I have no other family."
They sat in silence for few minutes until Rano came rushing out. "Di here you are, I was looking all over for you."
"I am sorry, I should have told you I was coming out here," Bani told her.
"I see you have company…well I'll see later." And she went back in.
Bani turned back and smiled at him, "Well I guess you are going to have to entertain me Mr. Walia."
Her infectious laugh made him smile and Bani noticed how different he looked when he smiled. They stayed outside talking with ease and didn't realize the time until Rano and Pushkar came out to ask if she was ready to go home.
Thanking him for keeping her company, Bani bade him goodnight and left.
Couple of days later, there was a knock on the door and her assistant walked in announcing she had visitor. She looked up, surprised to see Jai Walia.
Coming around her desk and extended her hand in greeting, "What brings you to our hospital Mr. Walia?"
Jai stood over her and said, "I would prefer you called me Jai. And I came to ask you out for dinner tonight."
"I am sorry but I have to say no…" he cut her off, "Bani I am not going to take no for an answer. I am not going to listen to any silly excuses why you can't have dinner with me. I'll pick you up from your place at 7."
"But you don't know where I live," she countered.
"The answer is still, No!" she shouted at the close door.
As promised Jai Walia rang the doorbell on dot at 7PM. Rano opened the door and was surprised to see Jai Walia.
"Hello Mr Walia. Come in please." Rano stepped aside to let him in.
"Is Bani ready?" he asked as they walked towards the living room.
"Ready? She is cooking dinner in the kitchen."
Jai laughing, he told Rano, "Is she always this stubborn? We had a dinner date."
Realizing that he had come to pick her Di up, she gave an exasperated sigh and walked towards the kitchen.
"Di Mr Walia is here."
"What does he want now? I told him no to going out for dinner," Bani said, washing her hands. She wheeled her self into the room to see Jai looking at photos on the shelf.
Bani trying to think of way to get rid of him, "Mr Walia, I said no to dinner…I don't want to go out to dinner."
"I don't take no for an answer Ms. Dixit." He countered back.
"Well I am sorry you wasted your time coming here, but I am not going out with you." Bani retorted.
"In that case than I am inviting myself to dinner at your home…I'll eat whatever you cooked." And he made himself comfortable on the sofa.
Rano in the meanwhile watching all this, giggled, "Di looks like I'll have to set an extra plate on the table," and walked off.
When the table was set, Rano asked Jai to join them. Throughout the meal Bani remained stony silent and Jai ignored her and carried on conversation with Rano.
After she and Rano had cleared up, Bani went off to her bedroom, leaving Rano to deal with Jai.
Apalled at her Di's behaviour she apologized to Jai and he told her not to worry about it.
Knocking on Bani's bedroom door, Rano entered to find her near the window looking out.
"Di I can't believe how rude you were to Mr. Walis," said as she stood in front on Bani with her arms folded.
"Rano, he had no right to come and invade my privacy. I had refused his dinner invitation and I don't think he has any right to force his company on me." Bani replied with anger in her eyes.
"Di, what are you afraid of? Why can't you go out with him? I like him and I don't think he's kind of person who would hurt anyone." Bani continued to stare angrily at her and Rano just stomped out thinking, if she wants to be pigheaded about it than she's welcome to it.
A week later doorbell rang and Rano went to open the door and found Jai Walia standing there. Similing she asked him to come inside and seeing a bouquet of flowers "Are those for me?" she asked.
"No, for you Di, where is she? I thought I would apologize to her." Jai said looking around.
"She's not home yet. Called to say she was working late."
"Well you can put these in vase for her and tell her I am sorry." Jai handed the flowers to her and started towards the door.
"Mr. Walia, I don't think my Di deserves an apology…she was the one who was rude to you," Rano told him.
"You are wrong Rano, it was me who came here even though she told me no," he spoke resignedly.
"You know what your problem is? You are too nice." Rano looked at him sheepishly, "Pity you aren't chasing after me, because I wouldn't let you go."
Jai grinned at her, "How about it, I'll wait for you to grow up?"
Bani returned home late. She noticed flowers on the table and asked, "Did you buy flowers Rano? They are beautiful."
Rano gave her smile, "No Di, I didn't buy the flowers. Jai Walia brought them for you…he came earlier and told me to tell you that he is sorry for upsetting you last week." She watched her sister's face carefully noticing look of guilt on her face.
Trying to change the subject she asked if Bani had eaten yet, if not she would make her something. Bani said she'd already had something to eat and was going to sleep, as she was tired.
Two days later Bani called up Jai Walia's office and left a message to thank him for the flowers. Next day while Bani was busy with her work, her phone rang. She picked up the phone, "Hello.."
"Hello Bani, I was just returning your call. Sorry I missed you as I was in a meeting."
Recognizing his voice, Bani was silent for few moments, "Mr Walia you didn't have to call back." She was still feeling guilty about her behaviour and she found herself asking, "Would like to come over for dinner tonight?"
Surprised at this unexpected invitation, he responded, "What would happen if I say no?"
"Nothing, it's your choice, but I would like to make up for last week," Bani says quietly.
"Ok I will come to dinner, but not tonight as I have already have an engagement. What about tomorrow?" he asks.
"Tomorrow at 7." And she puts the phone down.
Bani found that she enjoyed Jai's company at dinner. He could talk easily on any subject and she liked his witty comments. He never made her feel uneasy about her disability. After dinner he suggested going to the beach and Bani agreed. It was difficult to push her wheelchair on the sand and so he carried her and they sat near some rocks quietly watching waves. Bani suddenly became aware of Jai's eyes were on her. She turns and looks at him questioningly. "Why are you staring at me Jai?"
Jai comes close to her and doesn't say anything, but holds her face in his hands and kisses her gently. Bani felt embarrassed and dropped her gaze down. She wouldn't look up until he forced her to look at him. She flinched at the look of tenderness in his eyes…she didn't want complication in her life… she had never been serious about any man before and in her present condition did not want a relationship that would lead to heartbreak.
"I think it's time I took you home." He took her back to the car and dropped her back to her apartment. Bani lay in her bed restless; she tried to analyze the feelings invoked when Jai kissed her. She had always been busy with her school and work that she had never showed much interest in guys before. There was Pushkar, but she never had any romantic feelings for him, he was more like brother that she and Rano never had. Still she couldn't fathom out why Jai Walia was interested in her. He was high profile businessman and he could date any women that were in his societal status.
Jai Walia was into one of the richest family in Mumbai. His father was a self-made business man who had built an empire from scratch. Jai came late in his parent's life, his sister Jigyasa being older by ten years and so was spoilt by both his parents. When his parents died in an accident when he was ten, he was devastated and the one person that became his lifeline was his maasi. When he finished his schooling and took over the business which had been suffering from neglect, he drove himself to work hard and turn it around. Maasi used to tell him off for working so hard, had tried to get him married but Jai refused saying he wasn't ready to settle down. He dated very few women as he found he seemed to have nothing in common with them…most of them were just interested in getting themselves a rich husband who could maintain their lifestyle.
He admired Bani's dedication to her work and how caring she was for her sister Rano… the fact she loved her independence, no relying on a helping hand. Bani Dixit, now she was different. No one had been able to touch him like her; she somehow had managed to invade his mind and his heart.
Jai made up his mind to woo her and so he would call up and take her out to dinner or long drives to secluded beaches. He was always careful with her, afraid of scaring her off if he rushed things. Often in the privacy of his car or her apartment, he would just sit holding her. Bani tried hard to deny his attraction and began to develop feelings for him…feelings she felt was going to lead to heartbreak eventually when he tired of her.
Rano and Jai got along great…he liked her sharp mind and no nonsense attitude. Sometimes she would find both of them in the kitchen making dinner and was jealous how easily Rano got along with him.
One day he called her up at work and told her he was going to take her to his home to meet his family. He picked her up and drove to his house. He sensed her uneasiness and holding her hand, he told her not to be nervous, the family will like her.
As he wheeled her into house, Anu his niece was the first one to come up her and hug her, "Hello Bani, I am so happy to meet you." Anu knew about Bani as she and Jai had a great relationship. They both confided in each other when they felt the need to talk things over. She whispered in Bani's ear, "You're the first girl my mamaji has brought home."
Taking over from Jai she took her to the large room where rest of the family were. Bani tried to bend down to touch Jai's maasi's feet but she stopped her and instead kissed her on the forehead and blessed her. Beside maasi she met Anu's dadi, Adi and Jigyasa her parents and her brothers Saahil and Ranveer. They all made her feel welcome except Jigyasa, who was shocked that her brother was interested in a disabled girl. Maasi and dadi talked with her about her parents and where she grew up and her work as doctor.
Maasi liked Bani very much; she saw how simple she was and how warm she was with young and old. Fact that she was able to take care of herself and her young sister, she knew that she wasn't interested in Jai because of his wealth…infact she felt that probably she was uncomfortable with his status.
Jai and Anu showed her the house and gardens. At dinner as Jai helped Bani to sit at the table, Jigyasa couldn't help but make a comment about how Jai had become a nurse now. Maasi shot her a warning glance and dadi made some joke to lighten the mood. Maasi was vegetarian so she and Bani shared the vegetarian dishes.
After dinner Anu and Saahil decided they were going to pool and took Bani with them. Saahil showed her how to play pool and Bani had fun trying to make the ball go into the pockets. Most of the time she missed but still she enjoyed it. Later Jai came to take her to maasi as maasi wanted to see her before she retired for bed.
Jai wanted some time alone with her so took her in his study. Lifting her up and sitting her down on the sofa, he asked if she wanted to watch dvd and showed her the collection, most of them bought by dadi. She asked him to pick one as she hardly ever went to movies and did not know what would be good. He chose Salaam-E-Ishq that dadi had added recently and put on for her. He asked if she wanted something to drink but she told him she was fine and asked him to sit down. He sat down next to her and put his arm around her. Half way through the movie Bani couldn't help but yawn, it wasn't that she didn't like the movie but she gets up early in the morning and was tired.
She asked him to drop her home, as it was late. Jai turned off the dvd and picked up and put her in the wheelchair. In the car, he asked, "What do you think of my family Bani?"
Smiling she said, "Jai you have a very loving family and I like maasi and dadi very much."
Then wistfully, "You are very lucky…I wish I had a big family like yours."
He wanted to tell her that my family is yours, but kept his thoughts to himself.
In the days that followed, Jai took Bani and Rano often to his house. Sometimes on weekend Bani and maasi would prepare special dishes for lunch or dinner. Jigyasa never failed to make some hurtful comments on seeing maasi and Bani together. Rano also become friends with Anu and Saahil as they were close to her age.
Today it's Bani's birthday and Jai wanted to surprise Bani. He got Rano to help him as he planned on having special candlelight dinner with her at her apartment. They decorated the room with flowers and balloons, ordered her favourite food, as Rano and Jai couldn't cook. Rano left to go to her friends house before Bani was due to come.
When Bani opened the front door she was surprised to see candle lit around the room. She was about to turn on the lights when a hand stopped her. Jai wished her happy birthday and kissed her hard on her lips. Bani looked up at him emotionally; he lifted her up and took her into the living room. He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his and looking at her passionately, "Bani, will you…" He never got to finish as Bani cut him off.
"Jai, stop right there…I know what you are going to say and the answer is No1"
"Why?" Jai asked even thought he knew what the answer is going to be.
"Can't you see…my legs are useless? I know what people will say…they'll pity you," she said bitterly.
"Stop!" he shouted angrily. "Bani I don't need protecting. I can decide for myself what I want…and I want you." He pushed his hands through his hair and taking deep breath he sat down beside her. "Bani I don't care what people think, all I know is that I love and I want to spend rest of my life with you."
Bani couldn't look into his pain filled eyes and sat there silently for few moments. She moved her hand towards his face and spoke in soft whisper, "Jai I …" but before she could say anything more he kissed her.
Jai took out a small gift wrapped box and asked her to open it. She tore the paper carefully and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful antique gold ring set with rubies. He lifted the ring and slid it onto her finger and kissing her palm, "This is my mother's ring and I would like to wear it. Do you like it?"
Gazing at the ring on her finger, "It's beautiful Jai."
"Are you hungry? The food's all ready." He stated as he pointed to the table laid out for two.
Nodding her head, she pointed to her wheelchair, but Jai just lifted her up and sat her at the table. After dinner, Jai called maasi and gave the good news, she demanded to speak to Bani and Jai handed the phone to her. Maasi told Bani how happy she was and asked her to come down to the house tomorrow and she would call the pandit over to fix marriage date as soon as possible. She gave the phone to Jai talked a little more with maasi and than disconnected.
They waited for Rano to come back as Bani wanted him to be here when she told her she was going to marry Jai. Around midnight Rano came home and was surprised Jai was still here. She looked as Bani's flushed face and then at Jai, "How come you are still here Jai?"
Bani coming near her, "Rano, Jai asked me to marry him and I said yes."
Rano screamed in excitement and hugged her and Jai. Pulling Jai's arm, "I can call you jiju now right. I am so happy for you Di." Suddenly she looked sternly at Jai and said, "Mr Walia we don't have any elder relative so I am going to have to warn you that if you hurt my Di, you are going to have to answer to me."
Bani embarrassed, "Rano please…how can you say that to Jai?"
"Di, if dad was still alive I am sure he would have said the same thing. I am sure Jai doesn't mind…do you Jai?" she looked at him and winked.
"Bani don't fret, I am not afraid of my saaliji and yes saaliji, I intend to take good care of your Di."
The only person who was not happy was Jigyasa. As soon as Jai came home she vented her anger out, "Jai bhayia, what the matter with you? How can think of marry her, she's disabled? Do you know people are going to talk and fun of this rishta? You can have any girl and you got yourself involved with her…what did she do to you?"
Jai knew Jigyasa didn't like Bani, but was unprepared for this outburst. Looking furiously at her, trying to contain his anger…he steeled his voice, "Jigyasa, it is my decision who I like and not like. I don't want one your society friends daughter as my wife…I want someone who is going to take care of me and everyone that lives in this house. I want someone who respects maasi, dadi and you. Yeh, ghar hai koi hotel nahin…jahan log aate jaate rehte aur kissiko koi parvah nahi."
"Maasi ne yeh faile apna liya hai aur mujhe kissi aur ke permission nahi chahiye. Aur ek baat sunlo tujhe yahaan rehne hai toh Bani ko apana padega nehi toh darwaje khule hai, samji?" He stormed off leaving stunned Jigyasa.
Next day the pandit arrived at Walia house and maasi told him to give the earliest date the wedding could take place. The pandit told her the first available date is in two weeks. Maasi looking at Jai, "Theek hai, wedding in two weeks?"
Jai looked at Bani, she nodded her head and Jai turned to maasi, "It's fine with us."
Bani didn't want a small wedding and Jai went along wishes and they decided to have a small wedding here in the Walia house, followed by a large reception two weeks later where Jai could invite his business friends and associates. Maasi took Bani shopping the following week to buy her wedding outfits and jewellery. Bani protested at the number of saris and outfit that maasi bought for her buy including matching jewellery.
Bani had called up Pushkar and told him about her marriage and she asked him to give her away. Pushkar was emotional and was really happy for her and told her that's best news she could give her.
As the wedding day drew nearer, Bani got more and more nervous. Rano would find her sometimes looking lost. She assured her saying things will work out fine and she was lucky to have Jai and his family who adored her.
Two days before the wedding maasi made Bani and Rano move into Walia house saying it would be easier to do all the rituals if they were there. On the day of the wedding, Anu and Rano helped Bani get dressed in a traditional red silk lehenga choli with zardosi work. When she is brought down to mandap she couldn't see Jai as her face was covered with dupatta. Jai was looking handsome in a cream sherwani with gold embroidery.
The wedding was held in evening, followed by dinner. The few guests invited seemed reluctant to leave. Bani was tired, it's been a long day and she hardly slept the night before. Eventually the guests left and the family could all sit together. After a while maasi told Jai to take Bani up to their room. Jai lifted her up in his arms and carried her upstairs. Bani blushed as she felt all the family watching them and dropped her head down.
Opening the door of his room he carried her to the bed and put her down gently. Anu and Rano had decorated room with flowers and candles and had left soft music playing. He sits down next to her and takes her hand in his, "Bani…" She did not look up at him but could feel the intensity in his eyes burning through her. He brought his face near her and whispered, "Bani…" as he tilted her chin up, locking his gaze in her eyes. She lowered her eyelids and he spoke close softly, "Bani…trust me.' She opened her eyes and nodded her head and he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him.
The End
Health and Fitness
Naagin 7
