SS KS - Replay

I just rewrote some scenes to pass time...hope you like revisiting them.

Roshni

Roshni stood in front of the mirror, running her hand down the light blue sari she was wearing. A smile formed on her mouth. The sari was beautiful and the matching kundan set even more beautiful. She was wearing the sari and jewellery that was meant for Bani'but then he did not gift it his wife. Instead he had gifted it to her'Roshni'his only love. She couldn't wait to see the look on masi's face when she went down'especially when she had seen masi give Jai the sari and the set and telling him to give it to Bani. The old bag'thinks she can still run Jai's life'well Roshni was here and here to stay and she will teach her a lesson.

Jai came out of the bathroom and looked at Bani sitting at the dresser, putting some jewellery on. His eyes remained fixed on her reflection in the mirror'God she looked lovely in the pink sari she was wearing'she looked like how she was innocent and beautiful'but why didn't she love him'had he misunderstood her eyes'had he read too much into them. With jerking movements he looked away, all he could remember was her saying something about the marriage being a compromise. He admitted, he had been cad to her. He had been ugly beast'uncontrollable by anyone'yet it was her who had slowly but surely controlled him'wiping away the hatred and filling it with love.

A sharp pain went through his heart. He did love her'but why couldn't he say it to her. Let's face it Jai'you are scared'you are scared of being rejected. She has no reason to love you'not after you have split the sisters apart.

Jai quickly dressed and left the room.

Bani sat and watched Jai leave the room. Something was wrong. He wasn't speaking to her. Did she upset him? She racked her brain but nothing sprang forward. Sighing she filled sindoor in her parting and left the room.

Masi looked upset. Why was Roshni wearing Bani's sari? Did Jai give to her or did Bani? Masi couldn't miss the smirk on Roshni's face'surely Jai did not gift the sari to Roshni. Bani came down the stairs smiling at Jai. Jai averted his face. Masi smiled at Bani, "Aree beta, you look so pretty in the sari. You should wear this colour more often."

Jai winched at masi's words'he had wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked in pink.

They sat in the car, Bani sitting with masi at the back and Roshni in front. No one said anything much, except Roshni gushed about Anu and Rohit's engagement. Through the car mirror, Jai looked at the face of his wife, leaning against the window, looking out.

Ranjit Chopra stood welcoming guests to the party. He had huge smile on his face and why not'his one and only son was getting engaged to the nephew of one of the richest man in India. Ranjit enveloped Jai in a bear hug and smiled warmly at Bani. Even though he knew Roshni still hankered after Jai, Ranjit still felt admiration for Bani'it was because of this soft spoken, sincere woman that his son was getting engaged to Anu and also soon his daughter too, to the nephew of Jai Walia. Ranjit had a lot to be happy about.

Roshni dragged Jai off, leaving Bani and masi staring at Jai's back. Masi smiled at Bani, "Come beta, lets go and meet some of the guests." Bani tried to smile but failed miserably. It hurt to see her husband walk off with another woman'his ex-girlfriend.

Bani felt miserable as she stood alone in the corner watching her husband dance with Roshni. Roshni had not left his side and he had not made an effort to leave Roshni and come looking for her. Bani wished she could just disappear into the earth'it would be easier than to suffer the heart wrenching pain she was feeling now.

Ranveer came and stood before Bani, smirking. "Hello mami. All by yourself? Where is mamaji?' he asked cruelly.

Bani controlled her self and looked straight into his eyes. "Your mamaji is busy entertaining your sister's in-laws." Ranveer flinched. He had not expected her to react like this. He had wanted to see her look hurt. Without another word he walked off.

Masi came to find Bani, "Beta'kuch piya?" she asked.

Bani shook her head. "Come then." Masi walked with Bani towards the bar and stood before Jai. "Jai, get Bani a drink." Masi ordered in a no nonsense voice. Jai looked blankly at Bani, "What would you like?"

"Orange." Bani replied in a quiet voice. Masi chirped up, "Make it two."

Roshni rolled her eyes, "Excuse me." Masi and Bani stood silently, until Roshni came back with two glasses of orange juice. "Here you go." She handed one to Bani and one to Jai.

"Jai chal tere hath say bahu ko juice pilade." Jai could do nothing but oblige masi. Roshni's face turned livid. Her fists clenched as she watched Jai hold his glass to Bani's lip.

Once Bani had drunk half the juice. "Bani abhi tu Jai ko." Bani's cheek burned. What was masi trying to do? As it was Jai was already looking upset and now this. Jai drank the juice from the glass held by without looking at her.

Roshni pulled Jai by his arm. "Come Jai lets dance. This used to be our song'remember."

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan

Bani couldn't take it any more, "masi mei bathroom mei jaake abhi aye." Bani made excuse and walked away before she made a fool of herself by crying. Masi sighed as she looked at Jai drinking champagne and dancing with Roshni. If she could, masi would have wrangled Roshni's neck.

Bani took deep breaths of air and calmed herself. When the fear of tears falling had subsided she came back in. The noise and the warm air in the room seemed to close in on her and she put a hand to her head as she felt as if she would faint. The feeling did not go away and her head throbbed and she felt nauseous. She looked around but could not see Jai.

Ranveer saw Bani looking confused and searching for Jai. He felt the need to humiliate her rise and he walked over. "Mami are you ok?" he asked. Bani looked at Ranveer's hazy face. "No Ranveer. Where is your Jai.?"

Bani did not notice the sly smile on Ranveer's face as he said. "I saw him go upstairs mami."

"Thanks Ranveer." On stumbling footsteps Bani made her way up the stairs. She peekd into rooms with open doors, until she came to a room and heard quiet voices coming from inside. Bani recognized Jai's voice and with a cry, she fled from there.

XXXXX

Roshni had seen Bani walk out of the hall. By now Jai had several glasses of champagne and was not himself as he stepped on her feet couple of times. Roshni linked her arm through Jai, "Why don't we go upstairs Jai and you can lie down." Jai let Roshni lead him upstairs to a room. His mind was foggy now, the champagne had really got to his head.

Jai lay down on the bed. Roshni sat next to him and caressed his hair. The soothing movement lulled him for a few minutes, until he felt Roshni's breath on his face. His eyes flew open and pushed himself up. "What is wrong with you Roshni?" He asked angrily.

Roshni smiled, "Nothing Jai. I was just trying to ease your headache." Jai sat rubbing his head. Suddenly he felt as if something was wrong'the way Roshni was behaving did not feel right and he'what was wrong with him? For God sake you are a married man Jai Walia, he said to himself. Bani's hurt face floated before him'Bani where was she?

Jai stood up and he looked coldly at Roshni. "I hate you Roshni'how could you stoop so low?"

Roshni's eyes hardened, her voice sharp, "What did I do wrong Jai? I was just trying to comfort you."

Jai curled his hands into fists, "Stop it Roshni'you were trying to seduce me'I didn't think you would try to sleep with me knowing I was married."

Now Roshni's anger flared up. Her eyes blazed. "Married'considering your wife is still a virgin and you don't have the guts to consummate your marriage. How can sleeping with you be wrong? It's plain to see that you don't love your wife Jai. You still love me Jai Walia."

Loud laughter filled the room, Jai gazed at Roshni with eyes slit into thin line. "Love you'I stopped loving you when you left me years back to go and have your fun'remember'you wanted to see the world and enjoy yourself. I love my wife Roshni. So what if we haven't consummated our marriage'at least I am glad to know she is not like you'ready to jump any guy she fancies."

Roshni's hand flew up, but before it could touch Jai's face, he gripped it and twisted her arm and hissed in her ears. "Just remember this Ms Roshni Chopra'no one makes a fool of Jai Walia." Jai let go of her arm and stormed out of the door.

Taking deep breaths, Jai glanced in the hall filled with people'but he could not glimpse Bani. Panic took hold of him. He had to find her and tell her'he had to tell her he loved her and that no one else mattered to him, except her.

Jai ran out of the hall and into his car and sped off recklessly. In less than half an hour, he screeched his car to a halt and jumped out. The house was dark. He could hear his rapid breathing and feel his heart beat violently. Almost running up the stairs, he stood before their bedroom door. Praying, he opened the door and then breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her by the window, holding her head, her body shaking.

With long strides he crossed the room and stood near her. He watched her, but she did not look him. "Bani." He said softly.

She looked at him through tears. "Why are you here?" she asked between sobs.

Jai felt as if she had stabbed him, hearing the pain in her voice. "Bani I was worried about you." He said quietly.

Bani turned away from him. Her shoulders shaking, "You'you should go back'it's your niece's engagement."

Jai reached out to touch her, but Bani stepped away. "Bani I left the party for you'I was worried about you."

Suddenly she turned around, her face angry, even though tears still fell. "Go back to her'I don't care'go back to your mistress. I don't care about you. You don't care about me'so why should I care about you."

Her word stumped him. He looked at her. Did she think he slept with Roshni?

"Bani!"

Bani stepped away, "Go away'no'I am going away. I won't stay here where I am not wanted. I will leave so you can be free to stay with Roshni."

The pain he had been feeling, exploded into anger at her accusation. He gripped her hand and pulled her flush to him. His teeth gritted. "What the hell are you saying Bani? Do you have any idea what you are saying?"

The pain of his grip and the anger in his eyes, scared Bani. She licked her lips and said bitterly, "I saw you and Roshni in a room."

Jai's grip loosened, "And you assumed that we were sex?" he asked with force. Bani could only nod her head.

Suddenly her naivety made him smile, she really was such an innocent. Desire to comfort her, to show her what she meant to him overwhelmed him. He lifted his hand and gently wiped her tears with his hand. "You are not going anywhere Bani." He whispered. He brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead, "I won't let you go."

Bani felt a thrill run through her. Did she hear him right? She looked into his dark eyes, her soft hazel gaze searching the dark pools. His breath felt warm as he proceeded to pepper her face with light kisses. Her heart danced at the feel of his rough lips on her silky skin.

A low moan escaped her when his lips touched hers lightly at first and then little harder. Her hands reached around his neck and then her fingers curled into his hair. She felt herself floating in air, the throbbing in her head seemed to abate and instead fill with swirls of unknown emotions.

When she felt his hands and lips on her back, the dori of her blouse loosening, Bani arched her back and gave a pleasurable moan. She felt Jai's arms turn her around. His eyes looked deeply in hers, his smile reaching her, his voice hoarse, Jai locked his eyes with hers. "I came to find you'to tell'you'I'love you." He felt tears roll down from her bright shiny eyes. Her lips parted put no words came out. She just stared at him. Her hand reached up and touched his lips and then he heard her sweet voice. "Say it again'I want to hear it again."

He pressed his lips against her finger, "I love you Bani."

With a small cry, she wrapped her arms around him and her voice smothered by her face burying into his chest. "I love you to Mr Walia."

Nothing else existed for him anymore. He lifted her up swiftly and walked with her towards their bed. Tonight'he would make her his wife in true sense'he would show her how much he loved her and no one existed in his world accept hers.

XXXXX

Next morning Roshni sat at the table with the family. There were two empty seats at the table. She heard Anu whisper to Rano, "I guess mama and mami must have had a busy night." Roshni smirked, what did they know'she looked at the faces of the family. None of them knew the truth of Jai and Ban's marriage.

Half way through breakfast, Jai and Bani walked down, holding hands. Roshni looked at the glow on Bani's face. Suddenly the taste of food in her mouth tasted like chalk. She clattered her fork down, gave one look at the hard glittering eyes of Jai and stood up, said, "Excuse me." And walked off upstairs to pack her bag. There was no point of staying in this house any more. Her ego battered, the job she thought would be easy had just failed'she had failed to win back Jai Walia.

XXXXX

He had been pacing the floor outside the hospital room now for half an hour. His heart felt as if was caught in a snare, the pain unbearable. He closed his eyes and for one moment racked his brain for a prayer'but not a line of the formed on his lips. Leaning his head against a wall he let the tears fall, he just wanted her to be alright..he would go away from her and never let his hateful face come in front of her again'he would leave her in the care of his masi, to heal the deep wound he had inflicted on her.

The door opened and he rushed forward, "Doctor'" His eyes hopeful, his hands clasped. The doctor smiled. "Relax Mr Walia. Congratulations! Your wife is pregnant. You are going to be a father." The doctor shook Jai's hand and smiled at the shock and happiness registered on Jai's face. He was used to seeing this look on first time fathers-to-be. The corridor was dead quiet, this being the private wing of the hospital, there was not the usual traffic here.

Jai stood in the same position for a few moments, the pain in his heart was now filled to the brim with elation'the happiness of a child to come'his and Bani's child. His eyelids drooped'and her rapturous face flashed before him'pure joy that had flowed in her eyes after they had first made love.

The happiness was short lived as her words rang in his ears. "I hate you Jai Walia. I hate you for killing my mother, for driving my father to his early death and then for playing with the lives of my sisters. I hate you." Those were the words she had hurled him, those were the words her dark eyes had accused him of. Once again he felt the trap close on his aching heart.

His fingers clasped tightly on the handle of the door. The metal seemed to burn his hand as he snatched his hand back quickly. He stared at the white door, his mind telling him to run away'run away, she doesn't want you'need you'she hates you. But his heart battered him, go in'see her at least once'tell her you are sorry to have hurt her so much'tell her you hid the truth because you were afraid of losing her'you were afraid of your heart being shattered to pieces.

With tears rolling down his face, he opened the door and stepped into the dim room. She lay with her eyes closed on the bed. He took a tentative step towards her'but the next one froze and he collapsed there on the floor and started to sob. He didn't want to face her'he didn't want to see those eyes filled with hatred. No'he couldn't bear to see her once love filled eyes now spewing burning lava at him.

She stirred in her bed. Her ears strained, she could hear someone crying. Slowly she opened her eyes and stared into the strange room. This wasn't there bedroom. Why was she in this room? How did she get here? Then flashes of what had happened in the night, in that abandoned building bombarded her mind. She closed her eyes as hot tears rolled down. No! She screamed silently. Why did this happen to shatter her newfound happiness so quickly? He had told her he loved her dearly and she too had shyly told him the same'and now'now he had shattered her heart'filled it with hatred. She could not love him anymore'she hated him for destroying her family'yes he had destroyed not one person, but her whole family. The sobbing probed through her crying and she raised herself slightly and looked. She saw him, kneeling on the floor, his hands covering his face, his huge frame rocking with crying.

Her legs moved to run to him, but then stilled as she fought the urge to gather him to her bosom and comfort him. She can't forgive him so easily for what he had done. No'she will never forgive him. She watched him for few more seconds and then turned her face and closed her eyes and let the tears flow silently. Tonight should have been their happiest night. Her hand eased down to her stomach. There was a new life beginning in her womb'their child'a love child'born out his love. Now their child would never see his face'he too would grow up without the love on parent like she had.

Bani drifted off to sleep while embroiled in her tortuous thoughts. She never saw her husband walk up to her and press his lips on her forehead or rest his hand on her stomach. She never heard his feet drag him out the door.

XXXXX

In the bright morning light she stirred. Bani opened her eyes and her they rested on the white lilies in the glass vase. Her lips started to form a smile and then froze. He sent them'it has to be him, but she can't accept them'she won't accept them. She turned her face and saw masi smiling at her. Masi opened her arms and wrapped them around Bani. She didn't say anything but held Bani as she cried. There was nothing to say, she had an immense task ahead of her'to heal the wounds of her two children who loved each other immensely but had ended up being hurt because of an innocent past'a past that took the life of a mother'that child needed to heal'to look past the hurt to understand what happened that fateful night was an accident.

XXXXXX

The Separation

She stepped into the house, clutching large bouquet of lilies. Tony smiled at her. It was good to see her go out of the house. Bani smiled at Tony and gave him a bouquet. "Could you put these in vase for me and take it up to bedroom?" she requested softly.

"Yes mam. Anything else?" Tony asked taking the flowers from her.

"There are couple shopping bags in the car. If you can also bring them in for me." Bani walked towards masi's room. The door was open and masi and dadi were sitting cross-legged on the floor. Masi looked up from the book she from which she was reciting the shlokas loudly. She smiled at Bani. "You are back from shopping. Are you tired? Come lie down on the bed for a while and listen to the Gita."

Bani just smiled at both masi and dadi and lay down on masi's bed. The soft lilting voice of masi soon made her fall asleep. After a while masi looked up and seeing Bani sleeping, closed the book and whispered to dadi. "I think we will let Bani sleep. Come let's go out into the garden."

Dadi nimbly got up from the floor and helped masi up. She walked towards Bani and pressed a light kiss on her forehead. Her eyes travelled down to the lump that was now visible and said softly, "Bhagwan tum dono ke biche sab kuch theek karde. Yeh bache ke liye, tum dono ki duriyaan mit jaye..yeh bus chahiye."

Masi too caressed Bani's hair. "Haan'mere baache ki khushi bas chahiye."

XXXXX

Bani stirred on the bed. She sat up and looked confused. Why was she sleeping on masi's bed? Then she remembered. She got down slowly and made her way to the guest room, which she now used. Taking out a change of clothes, she went into the bathroom to freshen up.

Her face glowed when she came out of the bathroom. She felt much better now. The trip to the mall had tired her out. The bags sitting neatly on the dresser caught her attention and she went towards it and pulled the packages out. She opened the brightly coloured box and pulled out a snowy white blanket and caressed the embroidered little characters in the corner. A smile curved on her lips. She loved the blanket when she saw it in the shop window displaying clothing and accessories for babies. Inside the shop she had ended up buying the blanket, couple of soft teddies and a book for new mothers-to-be.

Picking up the book, Bani flipped the pages, looking at pictures. Her eyes arrested on the page where a couple shown, the man gazing lovingly at the woman and his hand resting on the swollen belly. Her hand slammed the book close as a tear escaped and bitterness rose up. How could her life go so wrong? Why did God make her fall in love with one man'man who had been responsible for her mother's death.

It was over three months now since that fateful night. Jai had left by the time masi brought her home. Masi had quietly told her, he had left to go abroad for three months for business, but they both knew the real reason why. Neither had made an effort to talk to each other or try to reconcile. Bani knew he called everyday and talked to masi, asked how she was and if she was taking care of herself and the baby. Even her gynaecologist had mentioned that she was lucky to have such a caring man, saying Mr Walia had called couple of times to find out how her progress was.

Tears rolled down and she quickly wiped them. She put the shopping away in the wardrobe and the book near her bed. She picked up a bag, which contained white scented candles she had brought along with the flowers. With soft steps she made her way into his bedroom his bedroom'it was his bedroom now. Tony had already put he lilies on the night table near the bed. She fingered the soft petals and inhaled the gentle smell given off by the flowers. The petals had a slight tinge of pink around the edge and she was reminded of the pink and white sari she had worn on the night of Anu's engagement party'the night when he first kissed her.

Her hand moved to the slight bulge of her stomach. She caressed her stomach. It still overwhelmed her that she was going to become a mother'she had never even thought about having her own children because she had been so engrossed in the welfare of Pia and Rano. Marriage, husband and babies were the last thing on her mind. But now her she was, married yet separated, and a carrying a child.

Today he was coming home. No one had told her but she had heard masi giving Tony instructions to make sure Jai's room was cleaned up. Bani had felt elated, her heart had beat wildly, she had felt colour flow in her cheek and for few minutes she had drifted into a different world'a world where there was only Jai and her. And then the joy had crashed around her. How can she feel happy? He had abandoned her. She knew it was because of all those hateful things she had said to him. As the weeks had gone by and the truth had finally sunk in, she had realized that he was not at fault. It could have been anybody driving the car that dark and rainy night. More than anything else, she now wanted to tell him she was sorry'sorry for accusing him to be the murderer of her parents.

Bani walked up to other side of the bed and removed the half burnt candles and placed the new candles in their place. She opened the window slightly to let in fresh air, it was dusk now and the heat of day was bating. Walking around, she rearranged some of the things that the maid had put back haphazardly. She stopped in front of the large teak doors of the wardrobe and opened it and stared at the shirts, suits and other clothes hanging. She brought out a white shirt and looked at it for a while before bringing it close to her cheek. The fine cotton felt silky and the faint smell of his cologne was mixed in with his distinct smell.

Masi stopped and watched Bani from the open doorway. She had come upstairs to call Bani down to eat something. Her eyes teared. Bani had never once spoken about Jai in these three months and she had never even seen her in their room. Hope fluttered in masi's heart. May be this separation has been good'may be the distance had made them realize how much they love each other and may be learn to forgive and overlook each other's faults. Masi quietly slipped away. She didn't want to take Bani away from their room.

Bani hung the shirt back and pulled out his nightclothes and laid them on the bed. With a sigh and a last look around, she walked out of the room.

XXXXX

Coming Home

He pressed the throbbing nerve at the side of his head. The crackle of the sound system and the voice of announcer did nothing to ease the tension he felt. The strangers sitting around him did not interest him today. Usually he would strike up a conversation with his neighbour, but tonight he just ignored them.

After three months of being away from home'in reality from her'the woman he loved, he was returning home. The distance did nothing to ease the pain he felt when he left. It did not diminish the love he felt for her'contrary it consumed his whole being now. He saw her face everywhere'he saw before he fell asleep'he saw her when his eyes opened in the morning. Life had become a black hole'a bottomless hole from which he was trying to find his way out.

A toddler ran down, chased by it's mother and his thoughts drifted to his child. A child yet to come into this world'yet it was a living being in the womb of his mother. This unborn child somehow was pulling him home'in his dark world a beacon now seem to shine'calling him towards it.

Yesterday when he had spoken to masi, she had pleaded once again to come home'come home son and face her'it is the only answer to your separation. Talk to her, ask for forgiveness, tell her you love her and you will always love her, even if she chose to live without you.

He boarded the flight and took his seat. The air hostess smiled at him as she offered him refreshments, but he did not notice her smile or her admiring glance as he declined the drinks. Instead he closed his eyes and drifted into his world'the world where he found some comfort from the dark thoughts that hounded him.

XXXXX

Adi craned his neck as he waited in the arrival lounge of the airport. He had missed Jai. Talking to him on the phone or through email was not the same'he had missed their nightcaps in the evening when they would sit and discuss everything else except business.

And then it had been sad to watch Bani, alone and quiet, not communicating much with anyone, not even with her young sister Rano. He had never asked Jai what happened, why did he run away? But he had hope now that may be Jai will try and reconcile with Bani'for the sake of his child, he will sort out the differences between him and Bani.

Jai saw Adi over the heads of people in front of him. He smiled as Adi saw him. Pushing through the rush of people, Adi enveloped Jai into a bear hug and said little emotionally, "Welcome home Jai."

"Hi Adi. You can let go of me, I am not going to run away." Jai said trying to keep hold of his bags, as well keep his balance.

Adi let go of him and then wagged his finger. "You haven't been taking care of yourself. Look at you. You look like an old man." Adi teased lightly, trying to hide his concern at amount of weight Jai had lost and the tired lines around his eyes. The sparse flicker of greys could be seen in his hair.

"Unlike you, I missed home cooking. It's not great eating takeaway food everyday you know."

"Well just be ready'masi and maa will definitely make up for it. I think I heard them planning the day's menu before I left." Adi told him.

Jai stopped Adi and asked tentatively, "How is Bani Adi?"

Adi smiled and put his arm around him, "She is fine. Bit quiet'but is taking care of herself."

Jai did not move and then clutching Adi's arm he mumbled, "I don't think I can face her Adi'I don't think I could bear to see hatred in her eyes Adi." Adi glanced at Jai's tearful face. "Come lets go home first. We can talk at home."

"No'not home. I can't talk about it at home." Jai cried out.

"Fine'we will go to the office. I will phone masi and tell her we are just going to pay a visit to the office first before coming home."

The waiting car sped off towards Walia offices in the heart of the business district. Adi made a quick call and informed masi they were going office first before coming home.

In the privacy of his office, Jai poured his heart out to Adi, telling him everything of that fateful night when his car had hit Kiran Dixit as she tried to cross the road in the rain. How he had tried to keep the truth away from Bani, not wanting to further hurt her. And how Roshni in her spiteful way had forced him to confront Bani with the truth. With tears falling steadily down his cheeks, Jai stared at Adi, "She hates me Adi'she told me she never wants to see my face again."

Adi could do nothing but try and reassure him, "Bani doesn't hate you Jai. When she said that, she said it in anger. Being faced with the truth, people sometimes say things without thinking it through. Bani is sensible person, Jai. I am sure now she has come to term with the truth and realized you were not to blame. Let's go home. Face her and just tell her how you feel'open your heart to her Jai. She will forgive you."

XXXXX

Bani stood behind a column and watched him.

Jai dropped his bag on the floor and bent down and touched masi and dadi's feet. Masi hugged him tight and shed tears, "Look at you. What have you done to yourself?" she cried softly.

Dadi too had tears flooding her eyes. "Kyun chala gaya tha'sab ko chor kar. Peetungi tujhe phir aisa kiya toh." Dadi lightly slapped Jai's arm.

"Come sit down." Masi guided him towards the sofa. Jai looked up towards the stairs. He felt as if she was their, her eyes looking at him, but there was no one there.

Bani had slipped back into her room. She had drunk in his vision and now she sat on the bed with her thoughts. He looked thinner, his suit did not fit properly. His face looked gaunt and sadness etched around his eyes. Her heart drummed erratically, her nerves jittery at the fear of facing him. She sat on the bed, she did not want to go down and meet his eyes.

Masi caught Jai looking upstairs couple of times. He wasn't really listening to her. "Why don't you go upstairs and rest Jai?" Jai nodded absently and walked towards the stairs.

Dadi prodded masi, "Kyun nahi bataya'Bani doosre kamre mei hai?"

Masi shook her head. "Nahin. Abhi ghar aya hai, kyun uska gahoun pe namak dale."

Jai walked towards their bedroom, his heart skipping beats. He stood outside the door and then gingerly opened the door. His step rooted him on the spot. The room was empty. Fear gripped him'did she leave'did she find out he was coming and decided to leave. Closing the door, he leaned against it and closed his eyes. After few moments he opened them and walked towards the bed. It was then that he noticed the lilies.

His heart swelled, hope filled his battered heart. She was home'only she could have put lilies in their room. Almost running, he stopped before the lilies and bent his head and inhaled the gentle fragrance. He had always loved lilies, especially white ones with a tinge of pink, but after Bani entered his heart, the flowers reminded him of her'soft and delicate, strong yet fragile.

Where could she be? He thought. The balcony door was closed and the bathroom door was open.

Tony knocked on the door and stepped in, "Coffee sir." He announced and placed the tray on a table.

"Where is Bani?" Jai asked him.

"Bani mam is using one of the guestroom sir." Tony answered, colouring a little at having to tell his master where to find his wife.

"Thanks Tony." Jai walked out after Tony and went towards the guestrooms. Most of them were open. He stood before closed door and opened it. He slowly opened it and then taking a deep breath stepped in.

Bani jerked her head up and stared at him. She stepped off the bed but did not say anything. Jai takes slow steps towards her, his eyes not moving from her face. Bani feels blood rush to her head, she steps back, fear lines her eyes as she watches his eyes, dark and glinting focused on her.

He stops just in front of her, etching every single atom of her face into his memory. She looked different. A little pale, yet there was sheen to her skin. Her eyes, the ones he could talk to, showed glimmer of fear. With a sigh, he lifted his hand and rested it on her cheek. Bringing his head forward he rested it on her forehead. "Bani." His voice sounded strange to his ears.

A tear rolled down her cheek and she closed her eyes. She could feel his warm breath fan her cheek. She inhaled and breathed in his smell.

Jai eyes travelled down her face to rest on the slight bulge of her stomach. His hand moved slowly and he placed it on her stomach. He felt her shudder under his palm. The heat from her skin drenched his hand.

(ok I don't remember the dialogues'but I loved the scene and I looked for a vid in archives couldn't find, so just imagine him mouthing those dialogues)

He spoke in the softest of tone. He spoke to her'about their love'about the life growing in her as a result of her love and how he wanted their child to be surrounded with love'love of his mother as well the father.

Bani opened her eyes as he spoke. There were tears rolling down his cheek from his closed eyes. She raised her hand and with a finger traced the tear. He opened his eyes and instantly drowned in the love pouring from her eyes.

XXXXXX

Tonight

He waited underneath pergola in his garden. The trumpet flower vines climbing around frame lent its fragrance in the air. The white pillars of jasmine scented candles glowed bright in the dark of the night, casting a soft glow inside the pergola. The table in the centre was covered in white silk with a vase of red roses in the middle. He fidgeted with his bow tie'not his favourite part of attire, but tonight he wanted it to be special'he wanted to make their fifth wedding anniversary special for her.

The music stopped and he walked over to discreetly covered system and popped another cd in and pressed play. In few seconds Kishor's voice filled the air.

dil kyaa kare jab kisee se, kisee ko pyaar ho jaaye

jaane kahaa kab kisee ko, kisee se pyaar ho jaaye

unchee unchee diwaaron see, is duniyaan kee rasme

naa kuchh tere bas mein jyoolee, naa kuchh mere bas me(Julie)

His surroundings seem to blur as he got lost in his thoughts'thoughts about her. The first time he had looked at her without hatred'the first time he had really noticed her smile'the first time he had gazed into soft brown eyes and felt himself being pulled in'the first time he had touched her skin as he tied the doris of her blouse'the first time he had kissed her.

"Jai'" He shook his head as he turned to look in the direction where he heard her soft voice come from. She stood on the steps leading inside the pergola. He closed his eyes and opened them again, taking in the vision she made in the black silk chiffon sari she was wearing. The swarovski crystals embroidered in the sari, sparkled in the candlelight. Her black hair moved in the slight breeze around her.

Bani waited, her breath shallow, gazing at Jai. With a few stride he reached her and held his hand out to her. Grasping his hand, she stepped up to him and smiled shyly, his closeness, the spicy cologne mixed with his body odour filled her senses. Standing on her tiptoe she reached up and kissed his cheek, whispering "Hi!"

His heart skipped a beat to feel her warm breath on his cheek. The brush of her lips set chaotic rush through his veins. His arms wrapped around her waist and he hugged her, "Happy anniversary darling!" Her face lifted and her eyes sparkled, "You remembered'happy anniversary Mr Walia." With a soft chuckle, he whispered in his ears, "It's Jai!"

Her hair brushed across his face as she shook her head and laughed softly. Jai extricated his arm from around her and reached into the pocket of his dinner jacket. Pulling out velvet box, he held it out to her. Bani took the box and opened it. A pearl and diamond choker lay on the silk cloth with matching jewellery. She touched the smooth pearls, relishing its feel. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

Jai picked it up and placed it around her neck, "Wear it. I want to see how it look." Bani took off the earrings she was wearing put on the matching earrings and looked at him. "How does it look?" she asked in child-like voice.

"Stunning. It's perfect against your skin." He pulled her close to him again and covered her lips with his in a kiss. When he finally released her, she breathed in deeply, trying to calm her pulsating heartbeats.

"Are you hungry?" he asked as he led her to the table. Bani nodded. Jai pulled out his cell phone and gave instructions. In a few minutes a trolley laden with food arrived, pushed by smartly dressed waiter. Jai sat down and let the waiter serve them food, before dismissing him.

They fed each other spoons of food from their plate, savouring each bite as if it was special. The soft music mingled with their soft voices and the nightlife in the garden added to the serenade. Jai placed a small heart shaped chocolate cake on the table and lit a candle. He stood her up and holding her from behind whispered, "Make a wish."

Bani closed her eyes and made a wish. Then together they blew the candle out and cut the cake. Picking up a piece Bani held it to his mouth. Jai took a small bite and then guided her hand to her mouth. Parting her lips, she took a bite.

"What did you wish for?" he asked her teasingly. Bani shook her head, "Can't tell you. I will let you know when it comes true."

Jai traced her lips with his finger, his dark eyes resting on them, "Promise?" he asked.

Her lips parted as she said, "Promise."

He led her away in the open space, "Dance?" Bani nodded.

Hawa Sun Hawa, Use Chu Ke Aa, Use Chu Ke Aaja Zara

Hawa Sun Hawa.., Use Chu Ke Aa, Use Chu Ke Aaja Zara.. Ho

Kahan Hai Woh Ithna Batha..

Hawa Sun Hawa, Use Chu Ke Aa.., Use Chu Ke Aaja Zara.. aaa

Kahan Hai Woh Ithna Batha (Ads)

Jai wrapped his hand around her waist as he pulled her close. Her head rested on his chest and she could hear his heartbeats. With perfect ease, they moved in smooth, easy movements to the beat of the song'their eyes locking, his lips brushing hers. Bani's hands crept to wrap around his neck and before the song they ended up kissing each passionately.

He swept her off her feet and holding her flush to him, whispered, "I can't wait any more." Lifting her up in his arms, he strode towards the house, up the stairs and into their bedroom. It was dark in their room, the only moonlight filtering in from the sheers covering the window. He laid her down on the bed and ripping his bow tie off and dropping his dinner jacket on the floor, he laid down next to her and pulled her in his arms. His lips trailed light kisses along the neckline of her blouse as his fingers played to unhook the flimsy garment.

XXXXX

A long time later, they lay entwined on the bed. His fingers lazily grazed her spine. Her warm breath fanned his chest as she rested her head on it. "Bani'"

"Hmmm'" Jai whispered in her ears, "what are you thinking?"

"Everything feels just right. Tonight, it's just perfect." She whispered in the dark.

"Do you think it will always stay like this'perfect?" he asked in hushed voice.

Bani propped herself up on her elbow. Her eyes gazed into his dark glittering ones. She smiled, "I love you. As long as we love each other, than it will always be perfect."

Jai pulled her up on his chest by her waist and whispered into her ears, "Hey'I love you too'I always want you to be around me forever."

With a deep sigh, Bani lowered head and pressed a kiss in agreement.