Hello guys...thanks for the comments. We have another one and it's by Kamy, so please leave your comments about the story for her.
Wrong Connection
It rained cats and dogs out side. Neither the rain nor the outside world mattered to him. He was busy with his work as usual
He sat in his office immersed in the file. At times he lifted his head up to take sip from his coffee placed next to the file. He put the cup away as the liquid had gone cold it felt tasteless in his mouth. The day was hectic and it was 3:30pm. The stomach was growling due to hunger and he couldn't leave his work to have a quick bite from the canteen. He has to work on the quotation and this project would be a feather in his cap if he got it.
His partner and Brother-in- law walked in to his cabin. He lifted his head up and acknowledged him.
'Had lunch or still with the work?' the older man asked him tapping on the table.
'I'll ... in few minutes…' he said returning to his file.
'It's tea time brother.. No wonder Jigs keep asking mere bhai ka khayal rakate hai ki nahin..' he said sitting down pulling a chair.
Jai Walia lifted his head and grinned at the mention of his sister.
Aditya Bali returned his smile. 'Well, what is the price u have quoted?'
'I am working on it..' he said.
Aditya looked at him exasperated. 'Tomorrow morning 9 am you have to submit it..'
'Hm.. I know jeej I am thinking of two figures.. 3 and 2.5…' he said looking expectantly at his brother-in-law.
'Don't look at me.. You are the best judge…' said Aditya.
Jai was about to argue his cell buzzed.
He pushed the speaker on button.
A girl's voice shrieked.
'Listen, I have quoted the price…2.5 what say? And Pushkar this time the old man will not reject our offer… okay bye.. I'll call later I have to give this at 9 am…' she disconnected the call before the men could say something.
Jai and Aditya stared at each other.
'What was that Jai?' asked Aditya.
Jai shrugged his shoulders.
'Is she talking about the old man Lakhani ?
'I have no clue Jeej… it could be a wrong number..'
'That I know of course but 9 am and old man? What's your quote?'
It would be beneficial for us if we quoted 3 jeej… but 2.5..' he scratched his forehead.
'You wanted to win right Jai? This could be a feather in your cap. quote 2.5. let's see what happens? The hotel project is …..'
Jai did not let him finish he agreed.
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She put the cell in her bag and got up from her seat. She was excited to finally come up with the price. Her father would help her he had promised, the old man Mirchandani will not say no this time.. She will have the shop to her self. Bani smiled broadly at the thought.
Her cell rang and she picked up the call. It was Pushkar.
'So Bani what have you decided?' asked the other end.
'What? A frown formed on her forehead. 'Did I not tell a minute ago that I have decided to pay the man 2.5..'
'No.. When did you call me?'
Come on Pushkar I just dialed your number and told you about it.'
'You did not…' he stressed.
'I did..'
'Bani quit fighting you did not.. you might have told someone else….' He said rising his voice.
'Okay don't yell… now you know.. I just wasted my credit dialing a wrong number..' she grumbled.
Pushkar laughed throatily from the other side. 'Kanjoos..'
Bani made a face. She was kanjoos but she knew how to spend her money.
'What do you want me to do now Bani? Do you want me to accompany to the old man?'
'Yes Pushkar papa will be there since its big money but you come along..'
Pushkar laughed again.
'Don't you laugh at me Pushky.. 25 lacks is big money… '
'Okay okay.. I am sorry…. '
Bani disconnected the call.
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A week later
Aditya strode into Jai's office..
'Congrats my boy… the deal is finalized and you know what? our quote was almost same as the Nethra's its an inside information.. If you have quoted 3 that would have gone to them… you should thank the girl…..' Aditya laughed.
Jai smiled agreeing with him.
Jai's cell rang interrupting them and he picked it…
'Listen, I am sorry ... please help me yaar.. Please..' said the female voice from the other end.
'Who is that?' Asked Jai surprised to hear the same voice.
'What has happened to your voice Pushkar?' asked from the other end.
'This isn't pushkar's number madam… the number is wrong…' he said.
'achha ? to itane der bate karne ki kya zarroorat thi?' you should have put the phone down. My credit..' she complained. Disconnecting the line
Jai frowned.
'What happened?' asked Aditya.
Jai shrugged his shoulders.
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Bani punched the number again.
Pushkar picked up the call.
'What is this pushky.. why is it that when ever I dial you number it goes somewhere else.?
''Bani are you talking to me?' he feigned surprise. 'You swore in the afternoon you will not talk to me again in this birth? Kyon tumhara punarjanam hogaya kya?'
Bani chuckled.' I am sorry Pushkar. You are the only dear friend and brother I have… whom will I fight if not with you?'
'Okay ... Okay don't be senti kisliyein phone kiya?
'tum zara us budhe se bath karo na ki muje hi de woh shop tumhein pata haina mein ek boutique kholna chahthi hoon.. please budhe se bath karona…'
'Nahin Bani.. You never appreciate the things I do for you.. You keep finding faults.. Me and uncle has decided not to interfere in your matters..'
'What? Her eyes popped out.' Papa ne tumse yeh kahan..' she asked not believing her ears.
'Han tumhare papa ne kaha… us budhe se bath jo ban ne wali thi.. akhir mein tum ne kya kiya.. 25 lacks kam kiya aur 20 kardiya… tum kahan ki rahne wali ho Bani.. itna bhi tumhein nahin patha ki woh budha ka price ithna zyada nahin tha…'
'Sorry pushky.. please help this time I'll not trouble you any more, I promise…'
'No Bani..' he disconnected the call.
'This is not fair'. She grumbled. She had made a mess. She jumped her gun. Is it so sinful to save 5 lacks? She thought. She tried her luck but it backfired Mirchandani got up and left with out hearing them. He did not want to do anything with Bani Dixit. Even if he reduces the key money to 20 he will not give to Bani. She was too much. He had told her father and Pushkar.
Jai threw his phone on the bed and groaned. This new number will take getting used to he thought. He keep getting wrong numbers. He cursed his forgetfulness. He had lost his phone at the airport. And his number with it. Though he had registered to get back his number, he hadn't got till date. He had to spend half an hour of his time sms- ing his new number to the delegates he had business with.
He had changed into his night suit and got ready for bed the phone buzzed. He picked up the call.
'Maaf kardona… please mein aainda apni mooh nahi kholoongi.. please Pushkar mere pyare bhai.. please…'
Jai heaved a sigh. 'Listen lady I am not your Pushkar..' he snapped this was the third time the woman was talking to him with out hello or checking her damn number.
Bani stared at her phone. Who is this man coming between her and Pushkar? She needs to find this out. She had dialed the stored number then how come someone else picks her calls?
'Who are you?' she snapped back.
'I am not your Pushkar…' he said in his deep voice.
'Okay if you are not Pushkar why are you talking to me? Put the phone down..' she snapped.
Jai's blood boiled how dares her? How dare?
'Have you any idea who you are talking to? He shouted.
Bani was taken back. But she was not going to get scared of some stranger who holds Pushkar's number.
'Who are you? Police? CID? President? Prime minister?' she began her rambling
'I am Jai Walia…' he snapped again.
'Am I supposed to know him?' She asked her self and then to him.
Jai looked heavenwards. 'Check your number before you dials, next time I receive your call you want know what had hit you? He disconnected the line.
What does he mean? She couldn't understand why he was threatening her? What has she done? She should put him straight if he is Jai Walia then she is Bani Dixit.
She dialed the number again in fit of anger not bothering with the credit she was going to loose she should speak to him in his own tone. Other wise she will not be able to sleep.
Pusher spoke to her in his sleepy voice.
'Pushkar tum?'
'Bani put the phone down and go to sleep..' he disconnected her line.
Bani dialed again and Pushkar picked up the call. The 4th time he had switched it off. She threw her cell phone on the table and fell on the bed.
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Bani had a meeting in the town's city centre. It took her an hour to finish with the woman. She need to get her shop and get the stuff needed for the Boutique.
She had decided to convince the old man some how if she had to fall on her dad's and Pushkar's feet she would.
Bani took the elevator to get to the down floor. The elevator was usually crowded there was no reason to complain she thought people are so caught up with their own things they never left a chance to give way to others. At the 2nd floor the elevator stopped. Bani groaned she was stuck with people there was no place to breath . She felt suffocated. What was going to happen and how long would they be stuck she had no idea. She had promised her friend to watch a movie with her and there was only half an hour to get there.
She heard groans among the people. Some of them kept pushing the button and cursing the elevator. A child who was along with them started crying. Bani looked heavenwards. God ! she groaned.
The child's waling stopped to a sob. She heard the hiccups of the child and felt terribly bad, People complained and finally after 1o minutes the lift was operative. It stopped at the ground level and everyone heaved a sigh of relief. The crowd rushed out side dragging Bani out. Bani took a long breath once out side the centre she dug her hand in her purse to get her cell. The phone was missing. She looked again and again in the bag the phone was not there. She ran back to the centre looked around pressed the lift and then decided to walk to the office she had left few minutes ago.
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Jai Walia looked at the cell phone in his hand sitting in the coffee shop. He was exhausted by the incident in the lift. He thought he would faint if the lift did not work in another few minutes he felt claustrophobic. He had waited patiently for the crowd to get out he found the cell lying on the floor. He hesitated for a moment and then picked it up. He walked with it out side looking for the owner. Nobody spoke about a missing phone. He walked to reception and the reception was empty he decided to have coffee and then would look for the concerned person at the reception.
His thoughts were broken by the ring of the phone. He picked it up looking at the name that flashed on the screen "Pushky.." suddenly he felt some kind of familiarity. He picked up the call.
'Bani…' he heard a male voice from the other end.
'I am sorry to disappoint you mister the cell phone is with me now I would like to leave the cell at the reception she could…..
Before he could finish the line got disconnected. He waited for a moment. When there was no response he looked at the received calls list and dialed the number.
His cell phone buzzed. He disconnected the line and received his phone but the line was dead.
Jai checked the number. An unknown number flashed before his eyes. Wondering who that could be he dialed Pushkar's number from the phone he found.
After ringing for few seconds the line got disconnected.
'Damn.' he muttered.
He finished his coffee took the phone once more in his hand checked Pushkar's number. He felt some familiarity at the number. He had seen the number somewhere he thought. That was his new number. He looked at it surprised. He looked at the number once more. Hm.. he thought..one number difference.
He stored the number in his cell and dialed Pushkar's once more from the cell he found. His cell buzzed. He looked at the number that flashed on the screen it was the same number he got missed call from. Jai was surprised. The cell phone belonged to her. Jai was suddenly curious to meet the woman. The wrong connection he murmured.
He walked towards the reception and found the receptionist there he gave him the phone and asked him to give it to the person that belonged and informed him on his way out he would ask the concerned party to get it from the reception.
Before stepping out Jai tried Pushkar's number, the line was switched off. Hard luck he thought. He moved from the reception and walked towards his car. He did want to know the owner but he did not have any time. He needed to reach the office he had lots to do.
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Bani walked to the reception dejectedly and enquired about the missing phone. The receptionist showed her the cell and she looked at him surprised.
'How did you find it?' she asked excitedly.
'I did not find it a man found it. He asked to give to the lady who would come for it…you are too soon I might add…' he said with a flirtiest smile
Bani looked at him confusedly.
'A man? What's his name..'
The receptionist shrugged his shoulders. 'He said he would inform you about the phone…'
Bani nodded. She did not want to waste her time. If she got his name and number she would wish to thank him for this deed. She picked up her phone filled a form the receptionist had produced and left the premises.
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Few days later
Bani walked out of the old man's office bearing a huge grin. Finally the shop is her's. She wanted to hug her father and yell on top of her voice. She gave him a huge smile. Mr. Dixit smiled back at her. Pushkar gave her a pat on her shoulder.
'Come on guys let me give you guys a treat.. What do you want?' She asked looking at them.
Pushkar's eyes widened. "Am I hearing right uncle? Did Bani offer a treat?'
Mr. Dixit looked at him with a grin.
'I think I too heard her .. did we both hear right?' he asked with a smile.
Bani made a face… ' guys today Bani Dixit will prove she is not a kanjoos lady she is very generous.. Come on…'
'Achha to hum five star chalte hein..' Said Pushkar..
'Brother. Don't push your luck okay… agar treat kisi chote mote restaurant mein chahiye to ana mere sath…' she said grinning.
'Cheee… tum jake khao.. my status doesn't allow me in those kind of places..' boasted Pushkar..
'Puskar don't you make me open my mouth tum to dhabe mein khane keh liye hi layak ho….'
'Bas.. Bas… chup..' shouted Nishikanth Dixit.
'Kya kya sunana padta hein inke sath ek cup chai peene ke liye… groaned Pushkar.
Bani gave a chortle.
'Pushky.. come on.. you choose the restaurant.. Chinese ya koi.. Treat is on me and if the bill exceed my limit Papa will pay..' she winked at her father.
Mr. Dixit rolled his eyes.
We will take Parcel for ma and those two..' she added before getting into the car.
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Jai was in the conference room waiting for an important call from his colleague.
Few of the staff was seated with him. They discussed about the latest issue they were facing and waiting for their boss to let them off the conference.
Jai's cell rang precisely…. with out much of a thought he pushed the speaker on button.
'I love you…' screamed a female voice from the other end.
Jai's staff looked from one to the other. There was pin drop silence in the room.
Jai hurriedly picked up the cell and pushed the speaker button.
'Lady you have got the wrong number…' he muttered.
Before the other end could say something he disconnected the call.
He knew there was no point in arguing with her. What an embarrassing situation thought Jai that too in front of his staffs. He should not have returned the cell to her he thought.
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Bani stared at the phone. 'What the hell she thought? Why is this man always picking up her call? When she dials Pushkar? A kind of irritation formed in her mind. I love you? Bani thought. She said I love you to the arrogant wrong connection? What was his name he said? she tried to remember and then failed in doing so.
Bani did not ponder on the subject for too long. She had so much work. She had to look into her collection first. Her cloths.. her babies.
She put the phone in her bag ran out of the house informing her mother.
Kiran looked at the departing figure.
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Bani walked to the supermarket taking cautious steps not to ruin her salwar and not to step into the puddles formed during last nights heavy rain she almost collided with the beggar woman with a child who stood before her extending her hand..
Jai was caught in the traffic. There was no point in honking he thought. He needed helicopter to get out of the jam. He looked out side the window and his attention was caught by a beggar woman and a child and a young lady who was arguing before the supermarket. He watched them with interest. The lady was not going to give her any money thought Jai sitting in his luxurious car. The beggar kept talking to her and the lady kept shaking her head.
He saw her get into the shop and the beggar lady looking lost. The beggar woman moved to another man who was getting out of the shop.
Jai felt like opening his door and giving few notes to the woman who was standing in the rain with a torn umbrella with a child. This was not a new vision for the people living in Mumbai he knew but he suddenly felt for the woman.
He saw the lady who had gone into the supermarket walk out of it and screen her head. She saw the woman walked towards her and handed her a packet. Which the beggar refused to take. The lady argued and threatened and finally the woman took the packet from her hand and walked down the street. Jai looked at the woman open the bag and take out milk packet she turned the packet from one side to the other and walked towards a cold store across the road.
A smile instantly formed on his lips he knew the beggar was in the process of selling the milk packet. He looked at the lady who had given her the packet. She stared at the woman sending daggers at her. The traffic moved and Jai had to move his car he very much wanted to stay there and see what was going to happen. He had seen the lady cross the road towards the woman.
Bani shouted at the woman. 'Tum ne kaha tha ki tumhara bacha bhookha hein?
The woman looked at her shocked. She took the milk packet from the counter and walked hurriedly down the lane. Bani returned to her car with frustration.
Kuch bhala nahi ho saktha in logon ke sath..' she muttered.
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Couple of days later
Bani looked at the woman with anxiety. The woman' face looked white as a paper. She held her hand in her's and looked at the nurse that came to attend her. The woman was in her late fifties thought Bani. She looked from a respectable family. The dress she wore spoke volumes. Though it was simple sari Bani knew the price. She knew about materials. That was her job. She looked at her face. Her eyes were closed and suddenly she felt a kind of closeness towards the woman. Bani slowly got up and left her side. The nurse followed her out.
'How is she doing?'
'Don't worry.. She is fine it's just the heat. She will recover soon you can discharge her.'
Bani looked at her purse after the woman left. There were few notes but would she be able to pay her bill. She punched Pushkar's number.
'Hello Pushky.. I need help…'
'What help Bani'? Asked Pushkar?'
'Pushky it's a long story… I need some money and please…' before she could finish the line got cut.
'Damn..'she muttered.
She tired again… it took ages to pick up the call.
'Pushkar what's wrong with your phone yaar. Please charge your cell properly… yes.. what was I saying, I need help come to city hospital and please carry money I don't think I have enough… Pushky.. why are you quiet?' she asked when there was no response.
On the other side Jai heaved a sigh. 'Lady…. This is not your Pushky and please check the number before you dial…'
'Not again Bani muttered.
'Don't tell me I have to check the number you do one thing complain about your number mister.. I have dialed the correct number.
Jai more or less knew she was right but this woman was dictating. 'You are bothering me lady with your foolish banters ...'
"Oh really mister? Then why are you listening to it? Put the phone down…' she disconnected the line angrily.
Jai looked at his cell. The woman and her Pushky he muttered.
Bani received a call from Pushkar from the land line.
'You know my charge is low what's it?
'I need help I had to bring a woman to hospital who fainted on the street have no idea who she is ..'
'Okay… I'll be there..'
After taking the address Pushkar disconnected the line..
Bani returned to the ward.
The woman was sitting on the bed a nurse at her side.
She smiled at Bani. 'Come here.. she extended her hand for Bani. Bani took her hand and sat beside her.
'The nurse tells me that you brought me here.. thank you dear..'
Bani smiled.
Can you do me a favor dear?'
'Han, tell me ..'
'can I have your phone I need to call my nephew and the driver will be worried about me and I am sure he would by this time would have called Jai and informed him that I was missing…'
Bani nodded taking her cell from the bag and handing it to her.
'You know dear I just stepped out of the car to get into the shop and the driver told me he will park the car and I have no idea what had happened I am lying here..'
'You fainted Before the shop.. I looked for someone but did not see anyone come further… I took you here..'
The lady smiled. "Thanks.. And what's your name?'
'Bani…/'
'Nice name…' she punched the number of her nephew.
The bell kept ringing and she tried again… and the line was picked up.
'Stop bothering me lady.. ask your Push….'
'Jai… what has happened its me Masi…' said the woman surprised.
"Masi.. Aap is number mein…"
'Han kyon? Tumhe yeh number mallom hein?'
'"Masi where are you calling from? And where did you disappear?
Masi smiled affectionately Bani noticed the woman's smile.
'Beta muze thoda chakkar agaya tha.. and Bani took me to the hospital… Bahadoor went to park the car and he missed me.. I am fine and the rest of the story I'll tell you when we meet…'
'Where are you?' came the reply.
'Which hospital is this asked Masi…
'City hospital…' said the nurse.
'City hospital beta..'
'Okay you be there I am on my way. He disconnected the call.
Masi handed the phone to her. Bani took the phone from her hand.
"Aunty Do you want me to drop you or your nephew will come to get you?'
'He is on his way dear.. tum ruko usse milke jana…'
Nahin aunty… I am little busy.. '
Masi looked at the young woman in front of her she instantly fell in love with her.
'When will we meet again?' asked Masi..
Bani smiled. 'aap muze phone kijiye hum mil lenge'
'Achi bath hein.. lekin phone number?'
'Aap ke bhanje ke phone mein hoga na…'
'Masi nodded.
Bani took her leave. She would call Pushkar and tell him he need not have to come…
She dialed Pushkar.
'Masi…' said the other end.
'Masi koun?' Bani frowned. 'Mein hoon Pushky.. you need not have to come here, her nephew is on his way…. Bye..'
Before Jai could say anything the phone went dead.
He wanted to dial her back and ask her to stay. He wanted to thank her in person and more over he wanted see the annoying caller. The world was after all too small. He thought.
By the time Jai reached Hospital Bani was gone. Masi had so much to say about the girl. And he heard her say that she liked the girl immensely. 'Muze tumhare liye aisi hi ek ladki chahiye…'
Jai couldn't conceal his laughter hearing about it.
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Two weeks later
Bani had a visitor in her shop. The woman she had taken to hospital.
'Aunty ... What a surprise?' Bani said opening the door for her of her new shop. The carpenter work was going on and the shop was totally dusty..
Masi came and hugged her. 'I have bee asking my nephew to give me the number of your and finally I got it yesterday maine isiliye tum se kal address pooncha tha.. I just wanted to come and have a look at the shop and you..'
Bani was surprised. She had met the woman just once and helped her she did not think about it later. Yesterday she was surprised to receive a call from her.
'Where are you lost? Asked masi.
Bani shrugged with a smile.
'Mein tumhare ma aour papa ko milna chahti hoon.. muje unhe thanks kehna hein..'
Bani did not take that in face value something was going on in her mind Bani was sure… it's been two weeks and now she wanted to thank her parents? She did not say anything gave her mother's number. Masi looked around her shop and left after few minutes.
In the evening when Bani returned home she felt strange looks from her parents. She immediately ran to her room and Punched Pushkar's number. She had been cautious in ringing Pushkar on his cell thinking it would be picked up by that high and mighty man. She might be lucky this time and Pushkar would pick up…
The bell rang and it was picked up.
'Pushkar?' Bani cautiously asked.
'mm..' said the other end.
'Suno Pushkar today that lady came to the boutique.. the lady whom I took to city hospital… she was giving me some odd looks and asked for my ma's address she said she wanted to thank them.. I feel something is fishy.. after two weeks koi bhala thanks kahta hein…. maine de diya number.. woh aunty to acchi hein lekin jab mein ghar aayi tho papa aur ma muje kuch ajeeb tarike se dekh rahe the…' Bani stopped to take a break.
'tum chup kyon ho?'
'mm..'
'theek hein tum baat hi math karna.. I am sorry maine tumhara advice nahi liya.. lekin tumhe fashion ke bare me kuch nahi pata brother.. sorry to say that.. and listen… I have a feeling that aunty has come with the proposal… main hoon hi itani acchi ..' Bani chuckled. "lekin abhi muje shadi nahi karni hein… I have so much to do… wo boutique mera sapna hein . listen you just ask papa why she was here okay? Bye and good night.. and please don't make faces when I see you tomorrow…'
She disconnected the call and went to freshen up.
Jai put the phone down on the desk and smiled.
"masi to shuru ho gayi….'
On his way down stairs to Masi's room Jai thought loudly 'who is this girl?'
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Bani did not pay much attention to the talks going on between her mom and father and her sisters. She was busy with her boutique. Bani couldn't get Pushkar's help for he had joined in an office and started his new job. She was left alone to do the work. She would return tired in the evening have early dinner and fall on her bed and get up in the morning and run to her shop.
Bani as usual were having her quick breakfast her father sat beside her.
'Beta, he said.
'Han papa…' she said munching the paratha.
'beta er..' he cleared his throat. A rishta had come for you beta aur who log aaj tumhe dekhne aa rahe hein…'
Bani stared at his father her mouth full with aloo paratha ..
'Tum khao… mein bad me bat karoonga..' he said patting her head.
She shook her head in denial, choking over her food.
'Kiran jaldi pani lao…' shouted her dad.
Bani somehow swallowed her paratha and looked at her mother and father wide eyed taking the glass of water from her mom.
She drank the water and stared at them. 'How could you do this to me? How could you? You do know what my ambition is.. I am in the process of fulfilling it and you want me to…'
'Bani… think calmly… this is the right age to settle down and who told you, you can't achieve anything after marriage? two are different things…' Said Kiran sitting beside her husband
Bani shook her head not accepting the fact.
'Nahi papa yeh nahi ho sakta….' She said finally.
'tum chup chap suno Bani.. aaj tumhe dekhne ke liye kuch log aa rahe hein and be here at 3pm… no more arguments..' Kiran gave her ultimatum.
'How could my family turn against my dreams how could you guys…' she asked exasperated. She knew there was no fighting her mother if she decided something then it is decided.. it would be foolish to fight her…
Bani angrily left the table gulping down water and sending dagger looks at her sisters who giggled from far.
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Masi put the photograph on Jai's desk and cleared her throat. Jai was immersed in his work.
He looked up.
'Take a look at the photo munna we are going there at 5pm…'
Jai's eyes fell on the picture on the table he took it in his hand and looked at the girl.
'Who is this? And where are we going?'
'I told you Jai.. we are going to see the girl.. no more arguments get ready at 4:30 pm .. I'll not hear no from you…' she turned on her heels and left.
Jai stared at the picture. He suddenly felt a familiarity. "Where have I seen this girl?' he thought loudly.
She looks fine thought Jai. But marriage? Not now.. there was so much to achieve and marriage can wait.
His cell buzzed and he picked up the call..
'Pushky.. can you believe it some people are coming home to see me.. what do I do yaar.. er pushk I'll give you a call back that carpenter has ruined my shelf completely…' she screamed at the carpenter before disconnecting the call.
Jai looked at the picture and the phone and decided to go with masi.. Let the destiny play the rest of the game he thought finally.
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Kiran and Nishikanth beamed at the guests. Masi introduced Jigyasa , Aditya and Jai as her munna…Kiran liked the boy immensely. She sincerely hoped this proposal to work. Bani's sisters looked at Jai and exchanged glances.
Kiran served them tea and excused to get Bani.
Bani sat near the mirror wearing a beautiful chiffon salwar khamees encrusted with stones. She looked her in the mirror. There was no spark in her eyes. She somehow felt in her heart of heart this was it….
'Bani… come down they are waiting…' said Kiran hurriedly. She was impressed with her daughter's choice of dress.
'Keep your face pleasant Bani.. please.. you don't know a mother's anxiety when it comes to their daughters future.'
'Why you have to be so anxious ma.. shouldn't you have waited for few more months at least..' Bani chided.
'Shut up Bani and come with me.. keep a smile on your face..'
'Nahin..'
Kiran looked at her daughter exasperated.
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Jai and his family looked at the mother and daughter who walked towards them.
Masi got up from her seat and walked towards Bani. She gave her a huge smile.
Bani did try to return her smile but it froze on her lips.
Masi took her and introduced to her family.
'Bani this is Jai.. my son… and Jai this is Bani who took me to the hospital…'
Bani saw a spark lighten in his eyes. She looked at him. 'Not bad.' She thought.
Masi seated Bani next to her and Jai and drew everyone in conversation. Bani did like the family. His sister was sweet. She spoke to Bani about fashion and cloths Aditya Bali teased his wife and Kiran heaved a sigh of relief.
Masi took initiative to ask Bani to show Jai around her house.
Jai got up from his seat throwing a look at his masi.
Bani took him around he house not able to ask him anything she was in awe of him.
Jai broke the silence finally.
'What do you do Bani?'
'I am in the process of opening a boutique…' she said.
'What do you do?' she asked finally.
'I er run a business..'
'oh..'
They did not have anything else to say.
Is this the same girl who spoke hurriedly to her pushky all the time? He wondered.
Bani looked at his thoughtful face. She stopped on her track and said, 'I think the tour is ended..'
'Excuse me?'
'The tour of the house..'
Jai gave her a brilliant smile.
Bani fell flat at the smile. 'What was wrong with her? She thought. Is she so shallow? Is she falling for this man's charm.. God! What about her dream? She thought frantically. Would she forget her dream and follow him as his ever obeying puppy? '
No… she said loudly.
'You said something?' he asked.
'No.. nothing… shall we go?'
'Yes…' he followed her to the living room.
Masi looked at him expectantly. Jai avoided her gaze.
He did like the girl. There was something about her. Yes he definitely would give a thought to this one.. but he needed to know what she thought of him.
He sat down and looked at her. She had disappeared.
-----------------------------------------------------
Bani punched Pushkar's number..
Jai's cell buzzed he looked at the number with a frown he excused him from the group.
'Pushky… where the hell are you? ' Bani almost shouted.
Jai held his breath.
'Why are you quiet duffer? This is my biggest day and my friend did not turn up.. How could you do this to me? Well I have no time to fight now Pushky.. I am in a dilemma …
Jai's eyes brows rose..
'You know what Pushky… I actually thought to say no.. but.. I think I already like him… he is very handsome yaar Pushky.. ' Bani laughed softly. 'Okay jokes apart… you know I would like to concentrate on my shop and stuff… but I like this guy he is very cool I think…well I have no idea what he think of me…' she stopped to take a break.
'I think he also likes you..' said a deep male voice from the other end.
Bani stared at the phone.
'Who is this?'
'It's him… the wrong connection…' said the deep voice.
'Who are you?'
'If you want to know who he is come down to your living room you will find him there…'
Bani got up from the bed and ran to the stairs. She stopped on her track at the sight of the guests. She screened the room. Her eyes fixed on the man who looked back at her with same intensity. She stared at him.
He took the cell from the table and waved at her.
"No….' she whispered. Shaking her head.
'Yes..' he whispered.
It took her a few seconds to register.
She saw him getting up from the sette. Her heart pounded.
He stood near Kiran and said.. I haven't seen your terrace may I take your daughter..'
Before he could finish. Kiran agreed looking at Bani to take him to the terrace.
Masi smiled broadly. Jigyasa and Aditya exchanged looks.
Jai climbed the stairs and stood before her.
Bani moved aside and gave him way to the terrace. She followed him to the terrace recalling her thoughts. 'God she is following him like a puppy….'
Jai stood gazing at the view. He loved her home. The view was beautiful. He looked at the sky. He expected rain any moment. A cool breeze swept him.
He turned to her hearing her foot steps.
'What have you decided Bani?' he asked looking at her red face.
'What?'
'Aren't you going to change your phone?' he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Bani smiled.
Jai liked the girl before him. 'I would prefer you change your phone and store my number or else before you speak to Pushkar ask him if it's him?'
Bani's cheeks reddened.
'I did not meet Pushkar.. Where's he?'
'He is on his way.. he is my cousin, ma's sister's son and my good friend..' she added. She did not want him to misunderstand her.
Jai nodded with a smile.
'I am glad he is your friend, at times I really get little jealous of the guy when I receive your call. I do miss a good friend…' he was surprised with the admission.
Bani's heart fluttered.
'Bani, I would like to say something before I leave….'
She looked at him.
'I'll not stand against your dreams.. I would like to have you as my friend and ask your hand in marriage. If it is yes tell me it is.. if not do tell me.. We will remain as friends.'
This was all sudden. Bani did not know what to tell him. She did like him. And she did not want to say NO. Her head was screaming to tell him yes.
Jai's gaze never left her face. Before she could tell him he knew the answer.
He took her hand in his and said, "thank you..'
Before leaving her confused and stunned he said, 'I don't want my calls to go to Pushkar Bani. Your calls to me should belong only to me…'
Bani looked at him. Jai winked at her walking towards the stairs to join his family, leaving a smile on her lips...
The clouds clashed Bani looked at the sky. She felt huge drops fall on her head. Rano and Pia who was hiding behind the terrace door joined her with laughter. Bani looked at them blushing. Pia and Rano threw themselves at her with giggles and whispered to her. "we like him di….'
(a big thank u Nema and u know why?Big%20smile)
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