Thank you Heartbreak, jeenal20, kuttu, lizzy_de, koolgal for reading and commenting.
Jay is 36 and Bani is 18 years old.
Chapter 2
Only a handful of students turned up for the extra lesson, so the students joined tables and sat close together. Much to Bani's delight Jay was sitting directly opposite her. Whenever he would explain the equations, she would stare at him without even blinking. When he would look in her direction she would just give him a nod indicating that she understood but in reality nothing was going into her mind at all.
After school, Bani and Diya were walking back to the car when Bani said,
"Diya I think I have fallen in love with Mr. Walia. I just thought it was a crush but whenever I see him all I do is stare, when he smiles I forget to breathe. He's like a perfect gentleman and a real sweetheart. He never gets angry. Even if we do something wrong, he explains to us so lovingly instead of scolding or punishing us. I think I'm going pagal."
"Bani that's nothing new, you were in love with him the first time you saw him, you just realized it now. Aur rahi pagal ki baath, to tu pehle se hi pagal thi,"
"I don't know what to do and instead of helping me out, you are making fun of me, great just great, just what I need."
"Bani look, in a month's time we are going to do our final year examinations. After that you can decide if you want to tell him how you feel or just forget it and continue your studies or whatever you decide to do after college."
"I think you're right. I shall concentrate on my studies first then decide what to do next. Thanks Diya."
"Anytime dost, now lets go and eat I'm very hungry."
*****
Bani did her best to stop thinking about Jay and studied very hard for the final year exams. After the exams were over, she decided to visit Jay in his house.
*****
The house or rather the mansion was huge. There was a waterfall in the middle and a few cars parked at the side. The butler opened the door and she asked for Mr.Walia. He ushered her in to the hall and told her to wait there. Bani was getting goosebumps all over. She can't believe that she is actually standing in Mr. Walia's house waiting for him to come so that she can tell him her feelings. To a married man who is her teacher and not to mention very much older then her. She decided that it wasn't a good idea. She got up, turned around and was about to make it to the door when she heard,
"Bani! What a surprise and coincidence, I was actually thinking about you just now," Mr.Walia said walking down the grand staircase.
He was dressed so casually in a pair of faded jeans and a polo t-shirt. Bani has always seen him in shirts and suits but never this. She suddenly couldn't breathe.
"Please come, have a seat. What would like to have? A soft drink or tea or coffee? Would you like to eat anything?"
Bani walked back to the sofa and sat down looking like she might pass out any moment.
"Umm, just water would do thanks."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Mr.Walia thank you."
Jay turned and told his butler something then turned back to Bani giving her his dashing smile.
"So Bani, how was the exams? I think I've asked everyone except you? How do you think you'll do?"
"Umm…I… I think I'll do quite well. Whatever I studied, came out."
"That's good. So you wanted to ask me anything?"
"I… I actually wanted tell you something," Bani replied while looking down.
"Oh ok go ahead."
"Well I-
Just then the butler came holding a tray with a glass of water and a few tidbits.
"Thank you." Bani said and she took a sip of water and looking Jay who was literally staring at her. How ironic she thought.
"You were saying.."
"Main…Main…Main," Bnai knew she was totally nervous because that's when she starts talking hindi.
"I've got it so far," Jay said leaning forward prompting her to go on.
"Main," Bani just couldn't get out of her mouth.
"Tum bakhri ki tarah main main kya keh rahe ho, age bolo na," Jay said jokingly.
Bani closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she exhaled and opened her eyes. Okay I can do this, I can do this. She told herself.
"Okay. Main aap se yeh kehna chahti hoon ki, main aap se py-
Just then Bani heard someone say, "Jay darling, I'm going. I'll be back late. Don't wait for me."
Bani looked uo to see a beautiful lady wearing a grand designer sari with matching diamond jewelry holding a matching clutch bag in her hand walking towards them. Jay and Bani stood up. She approached Jay and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, turned to look and Bani, and gave her a small smile and then she left.
Bani heard Jay say, " Enjoy your kitty party and think of me if possible."
Then he turned to her and said, "My wife Meera, she just loves attending dinners and parties."
Reality struck Bani like lighting. She looked at her own dressing, jeans and a crumpled old t-shirt. Hair so short and untidy that she could be easily mistaken for a boy. Face full of pimples. Arms full of pen marks by her friends. Where was Mrs Jay Walia and where was she?
"Bani, are you okay? I've been saying your name three times now" Jay asked her.
He was standing right next to her. Bani knew that she had to get out as she can feel her tears building up. The last thing she needs is to break down in front of Jay Walia in his house. So quickly she made up something in her head.
"I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me and my class. You are one of the best teachers because you are always there when we need a helping hand. You never fail to encourage us when we feel down. So thank you, thanks for everything," Bani said and she turned and ran out of the house.
But that didn't stop Jay from seeing the tears that fell from her eyes. Somehow Jay knew that that was not what she came here to say to him, it was something else, but what could it be?
Thanks for reading.
Nadia
