SS - Marriage added on page 2, March 25

One Year

He sat in his room, in the dim light looking out of the window at the fairy lights twinkling around the marquee erected on the lawn. He could see people walking in and out and faint music being played by the sound system. Jai tugged at the sleeves of his heavily embroidered sherwani, brand new, chosen by his masi for tonight'the night a year later when he would once again walk around the yagna kund, in which the fire would be lit. This time around he would know who he was taking the phera with'who he was making vows to.

A year ago he had done the same thing, only that time the women whose was covered by the heavy chunri was not Pia'the girl who he had proposed, who he had thought he was getting married to. Pia had run away and Bani'his wife had been forced to step into Pia's shoes. Those eyes that had been crying when he lifted up the gunghat, he could still recall them clearly, but he had been too angry to see the helpless in them. He had been too angry to acknowledge the frightened girl who had been forced to get married to him. He was ashamed of his behavior with her now. The man who ran his business ruthlessly'had invariably been ruthless to his wife'taking out his anger and hatred for Pia on her. Yet she had not once raised her voice or said anything to him. She had quietly put up with his atrocious behavior, his shouting and humiliations he had meted out to her.

Six month later things had began to change'change he had not been able to see coming. He was changing'she was changing him, her uncomplaining ways, her dedication to his family, who loved her dearly had been changing him. Jai had begun to notice small things about her, her shy smiles, her quick glances at him, her simple way of dressing, the way she cared for Anu and Sahil and most of all the love and attention she gave to his masi and dadi. His masi had simply adored Bani, the moment she saw her. He had been jealous when all of a sudden, instead of masi doting on him had started to dote on her bahu. Masi had instead of disappearing after three months had instead stayed put with them.

Jai was glad masi had stayed as masi had become instrumental in bringing them closer with the little things she had made both him and Bani do for each other. He smiled when he remembered masi giving him his mother's gold kangans. He had asked her what he was going to do with them, masi had laughed and told him, "Silly munna'give them to your wife of course." Jai had slipped th kangans in his pocket, carried them around for a week, before finally mustering up enough courage to go up to her and give them to her. She had been surprised because she had smiled at him with genuine pleasure and asked, "For me?" and he had jokingly told her no, he was going to wear them.

He had asked her to wear those kangans today, along with some of his mother's favourite jewellery. Today he wanted to make a fresh start again with her. He no longer wanted uncertainty, mistrust and accusations left hanging around between them. They had promised each other that they would forget the past year and start new'yet how could he forget June 19^th, the day when he had finally realized what she meant to him'the day when he had stopped Bani from leaving him'the day he had first made love to her. No, June 19^th would forever be preserved in a special place in his heart.

A knock on the door sounded and Jai called out to enter. Nachiket entered the room, "Ready bhaiya'they want you downstairs." Jai nodded, "Yes'let's go." Nachiket smiled with pride, "you look great bhaiya'bhabhi is going to be bowled over." Jai became too emotional and just hugged his half-brother, who was with him, only because she had taught to forgive an accept him.

Jai sat in the mandap, waiting, his eyes fixed on the entranceway'waiting for Bani to walk in. She came few minutes later, walking with his masi and her sister Rano. A perfect picture, in a bright red lengha, with a short choli which showed off her bare midriff. A gold chunri hung over her head, framing her beautiful face. Bani too was staring at him, her shy smile lighting up her face. She made his heart thump violently against his chest. His hands gripped tightly the side of the chair he was sitting on. The pandit asked him to stand up and handed him the fresh flower garland, a combination of roses and jasmine. The exotic scent filled his lungs as he stepped towards Bani and put the garland over her head. Bani did the same with the one she was given and they both sat down to complete the rituals.

Bani's hand trembled in his as held it to do the pheras, Jai smiled at her, his eyes giving her an adoring look. Finally the pandit asked him to put a mangalsutra around her neck. Jai took out the black beads strung in gold with a diamond pendant and put it around her neck. He took a pinch of bright red sindoor and filled her parting slowly, his eyes conveying his inner most emotions to hers, they were not filled with tears today but were shining with love for him.

When they stood up finally, everyone showered them with flower petals. Jai and Bani took ashirvaad from the elders and hugged all the family members. And then the party began. Bani was whisked away from him to change into something more comfortable. Jai was dragged into the another marquee set up with tables for guests to sit and enjoy the food and dancing.

Half an hour later Bani returned, dressed in the same pink sari she wore on June 19^th. Jai looked stupefied'he had not expected this. Bani walked up and slipped her hand into his, "I hope you approve." Jai just nodded his head dumbly. They cut the large tiered cake, drank champagne and danced the night away. Tonight they stuck to each other's side like a glue. After midnight, Nachiket shooed them away, telling them they were spoiling the party by sticking around. If they went away then some of them could really let their hair down. Jai glowered at Nachiket, while Bani kissed Nachiket on the cheek and told him to enjoy himself.

Once they were inside the house, Jai scooped Bani up in his arms, stifling her giggles by pressing her face close to him, "Shhhh'do you want to wake up masi and dadi?"

Bani shook her head. "You can put me down, I can walk." Jai shook his head, "Noo'I want to carry you up." Jai started up the stairs and then towards their bedroom. He used his feet to nudge the door open and stood for a moment, glancing at their room decorated with flowers and candles. Sheer silk tulle floated at the corners of the four poster bed. Jai walked towards the bed and then gently deposited Bani on the bed. He bend down and kissed her hard on her lips, "I will be back quick, " saying he disappeared into the bathroom, only to emerge two minutes later, out of his heavy sherwani and into black silk pyjama'just the bottoms. Bani stared at him as if she was looking at his bare chest for the first time, she blushed profusely, her cheeks turning bright red.

Jai sat down on the bed next to her, both of them sat quiet for a while until he took her hands in his and fingered the kangans on her wrist, "Remember the day when I gave you these?" Bani nodded and said in a whisper, "How could I forget?" He lifted her hand and kissed her palms, the brush of his warm lips making her shiver. "Happy anniversary Bani." Jai whispered in her palms. Bani pulled her hands away slowly and wrapped her arms around his neck and reached up to kiss him on the lips, "Happy anniversary Mr Walia."

THE END

XXXXXXX

Will you marry me?

He walked up the narrow path in the dark. There was no outside light burning to welcome him. He set his bag down and twisted the door and sighed with relief when it opened. It was almost close to midnight'she did say the door would be open until midnight and he had just made it. Picking up his bag again he stepped inside the dimly lit house, which had been home to his wife for the last few months.

Jai Walia set the bag down and then slipped out of his shoes. He locked the door now that he was inside. He glanced around at the dim shadows and silhouette in the room. Even in the dark it felt and looked the same as a few months ago when he had seen it. Loosening his tie, he took it off and stuffed it into the pocket of his jacket. He had left straight from work and so was still wearing the same attire he had put on at seven in that morning. Leaving his bag sitting on the floor he made his way down the narrow hallway and to the room where she would be waiting for him. His heart started drumming a little faster now. Did he make the right choice by coming tonight his wandering mind asked him?

His feet stopped by the open door of the bedroom and he stared inside. He saw her, there stood looking out of the window. It reminded him of that night when he had seen her like this, standing against the window, looking all alone, the moonlight filtering in through the curtain had made her look even more alluring as it was doing it now. Sensing him, she turned, her lit up and she smiled at him. Her soft, "You came'" floated over like a silky feather towards him.

She took a step towards him and stopped. Jai gave a deep sigh and walked slowly towards her. "I promised I would come. How could I keep away from you when you asked me to come?" His voice became hoarse as bottled up emotions burst forth. Reaching out, his hands touched her arms and then he pulled her towards him. He felt a jolt travel through him as her familiar body touched his. He breathed in the same scent of her and he could smell the familiar smell of jasmine coming from her silky strands. But something had changed about her as his hand felt the caressed her back, she seemed to have lost some weight as he could feel her rib bones.

"Bani'" he murmured against her hair, "I missed you so much. I can't stop loving you'it doesn't matter how far you go'I can't stop loving you." Jai dropped his mouth on the bare skin of her shoulder and his lips brushed it back and forth. "Tell me you love me darling." A gasp came out of her mouth and he stopped and lifted his lips of her and waited with his breath sucked in. Bani slowly raised her face to meet his deep volcanic eyes. "Do you still need to hear me say that Jai'I have never stopped loving you'just like you'I can't stop loving you."

He did not need to hear any more. With a erratic swoop he gathered up into his arms, his lips crashing hard on hers. He kissed with fervor, demanding and taking to fill his need. Somewhere in the haze of her mind Bani heard the chime of the clock, it must be midnight. With difficulty she pushed against Jai's chest, until he finally relented and let her go. Bani gazed up at him, her eyes bright and shiny. He gave her a questioning look.

"Will you marry me?" Bani asked in a hushed voice. He looked surprised and then confused, "But we are still married'I never filed for divorce. I couldn't."

Bani struggled out of his arm and sat down stiffly beside him. "You never asked me if I wanted to marry you Jai'and I never asked you the first time. We were both put into a forced situation. But I want to do this right'that is why I am asking you. Will you marry me?"

Jai looked at the stubborn jutting of her chin, he realized this was important to her. He smiled and took her hand and kissed it, "Yes'one'twice and thousands times over."

Bani's lips twitched and she opened the drawer on the night table and clasped her mangalsutra in her hand and held it out to him. Jai looked at it and then at her. He picked it up and put it around her neck. Bani then picked up the small silver box. Jai recognized it'how could he forget'it used to rest on her dressing table on their room at Walia house. He opened it and took a pinch of the red powder and trailed in on her parting. A satisfied sigh escaped from Bani's throat, Bani set the box down.

Bani leaned over and put her arms around his neck and murmured close to his ears, "Happy Anniversary Jai."

"Anniversary?"

"Do you know what date it is today?" Bani asked teasingly.

"No'" she felt the shake of his head.

"March 22^nd'a year ago'you put the mangalsutra around me'you were shocked to see me under the ghunghat'I can still see you're the look on your face."

Jai tilted her chin up and gazed in her bright and shiny eyes. "And today?" he asked softly, his warm breath fanning her cheeks. Bani traced her finger across his lips, "Hmm'today'it's just perfect. Today'I want to drown in the pool of desires that is reflected in your eyes'I want to bathe in the glow of your love. I want this moment to last forever." She laid her cheek across his chest and heard the beats of his heart, she liked how they sounded.

"Can I ask something stupid?" she heard him mumble.

"Yes." She waited for him to ask.

"Is it our official suhaag raat now then?" She heard his question and then his raucous laughter broke out of him. Bani too started laughing. When they finally both stopped, they stared at each other awkwardly. Jai moved first, he pulled her into his arms again, "I forgot what I was doing before you asked me to marry you'I think I have to start again from the beginning." With that he fused his lips on her and proceeded to kiss her until he invoked the response he wanted from her.

THE END

The Anniversary

"Bani!" he called out a loudly. Bani popped her head out of the closet where she was taking out some of her clothes.

"Yes Mr Walia." She said in a subdued voice.

"Do you have to go? Is it necessary for you to go?" he asked again. Bani sighed and walked up to her open suitcase on the bed and dumped the armful of clothes she was holding. She looked at his rather grumpy face and smiled. Walking up to him, she took hold of his hand. "Mr Walia…I told you before I need to go. Pia is not well and needs someone to take care of her. I can't say no to Pushkar now can I. After all Rano and I are the only family members for them."

Jai shook his hand and snatched his hand out of hers. "NO! That is not true. What about Pushkar's family…why can't Sarlaben go?"

Bani grimaced, getting a bit irritated at having to give explanation again. "Mr Walia, Sarlaben and Pia do not get along. Pia needs to kept stress free, otherwise she may end up losing the baby. Now you don't want her to blame us for if that happened do you?" Bani hoped silently the guilt-trip would work.

Jai scowled at her, realizing what she had just done. "Fine…go. But not for too long. I promise if you are not back after a week, I will come down and drag you home." Bani flashed him a smile, her eyes shone at her little victory. She reached up and kissed him hard on his mouth. "I do love Mr Walia. You are the best." Her voice sounded honey sweet to his ears and he grabbed her around her waist and kissed her back more ardently. When he finally let go of her, he said throatily, "I will exact payment for every night that you spend away from me, when you get back."

Bani smirked and said coyly, "I shall look forward to such a treat then."

Both of them burst out laughing.

XXXXXX

Adi opened the door of Jai's office and entered. He sat down on the leather couch across from Jai's desk. "Well have you planned anything for your anniversary?" Adi asked.

Jai looked up from the document he was looking over, "What plans…what anniversary?" he asked looking baffled.

Adi rolled his eyes and made a rude noise, "Honestly, whose anniversary? Yours stupid…your and Bani's first wedding anniversary…remember a year ago March 22^nd? You walked around the fire seven times around with Bani."

Jai ran his hand through his hair and looked embarrassed. "Is it already a year? I never even thought about it…and Bani never said anything."

"You two…god help you. And why should Bani remind you…poor thing is kept running off her feet all the time. By you…by the family…yours and hers. Look at her…she had to go running off to help Pia out."

Jai pulled a face, "That is her problem…I asked her not to go."

Adi shook his head, "I bet you did…you are selfish…you can't do anything without screaming for her."

Jai glared at Adi, "How do you think I survived two days without her…if I can't do anything for myself?"

"Tony…if Bani is not there, then it's Tony you scream for." Adi said smugly.

"Why don't you get lost, if you can't be nice to me?" Jai snapped at Adi.

"No…not until you tell me what special plans you have made for Bani. If you can't do it, then let me throw a party for you two." Adi said tenaciously.

"I haven't made any plans and since she will not be here…I am not making any. Satisfied?" Jai said rudely.

Adi stood up, "Ok…then I will do something special for my favourite bahu." Without giving Jai a chance to retort back, Adi strode out of the office.

XXXXXX

"Pushkar…do you know what day it is on Saturday?" Pia asked as Pushkar was getting ready for work.

"March22nd…why do you ask? You are haven't planned anything special have you?" Pushkar asked, gelling his hair into shape.

Pia shook her head, "NO…but it's di's anniversary. I mean Mr Walia and di's first wedding anniversary."

Pushkar turned around and his face full of surprise. "Oh…I forgot. Wow…how quick the time goes."

"Yes it does…it will be our's too next month…don't forget that one." Pia said with emphasis on the last few words. "Anyway…I don't want di to be here, away from jiju…I mean they should be together celebrating it."

"Yes…but how do we get her to leave? You know she will not leave." Pushkar said, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"Well we just have to think of something to make her go back. I will talk with Adi uncle and find out if jiju is planning anything."

Pushkar nodded. "Yes…if he is then we can somehow make something up to make her go back."

Pia suddenly looked excited. "This is going to be fun. Pulling a trick on di and may be even on jiju." Pia picked up her cell phone and called Adi. Pushkar picked up his laptop and kissed Pia on her head. "You discuss it with Adi and let me know tonight."

XXXXXX

Adi barged into Jai's study in the evening. "Jai you have to go to Dubai, I had a call from Faizal Constructions, they want to discuss the building of a resort complex on the island. I can't go as I will be going to Pune. "

Jai leaned back in his chair, "Send Ranveer…it will be good experience for him."

Adi shook his head, "Ranveer is not ready for some like Faizal…you know what Faizal is like."

Jai felt upset, he didn't want to go away to Dubai…he had been thinking of going down to Pushkar's and surprising Bani. He hated Adi, for springing this on him now. "Can't you call him back and reschedule."

"No…Faizal said he is going to US next week and he wanted to talk to us first…before he saw couple of other contenders on his travel."

"Oh…fine I will go…but I will just go, see Faizal and come back."

"That is fine by me…I wasn't asking you to go away for a week." Adi said cheekily. "I will book flight for Friday afternoon…you can see Faizal on Saturday morning and be back on Sunday."

"Fine…" Jai said in a dismissive tone. Adi left the study look mighty pleased with himself.

In his bedroom, Adi called up Pia and told her it was all set at his end, now Pia had to sort out things at her end.

Pushkar waited till Pia set the phone down, "Well…what happened?" he asked impatiently.

"Jiju is all set to go to Dubai…now we just have to make sure di gets there too. Tomorrow you book a flight for her and I will think of an excuse to make her go."

"Ok Pia." Pushkar turned off the light and settled down beside Pia on the bed.

XXXXX

Friday morning March 21^st…

Pushkar called out to Bani, "Banidi…phone for you…it's Adi uncle."

Bani came out of the kitchen, cleaning her hands on a towel. She took phone from Adi, "Namaste Adi uncle."

"Namaste Bani." Adi paused and then in a grave voice he said, "Now Bani…I don't want you to panic. I had a call from Dubai…Jai is taken ill and they had to take him to hospital. I don't have much detail, but I think you should go. I am also going to fly over as soon as I can make arrangements here."

Bani felt her throat go dry and a chill seep into her skin, "But Adi uncle what was Jai doing in Dubai…he never told me was going. And what happened? Couldn't they tell you anything?" Bani asked with panic now filling her mind.

"I tried Bani. Get Pushkar to book a flight for you please Bani…I will try and get the earliest flight from her too. Don't worry about the hotel. I will take care of it for you." Adi pleaded with her and hope it worked.

"Ok Adi uncle," Bani said tearily, "Here talk to Pushkar." With tears streaming down her cheek now, Bani handed the phone to Pushkar. Pushkar felt guilty looking at Bani crying, he listened to what Adi said and then put the phone down.

He hugged Bani gently, "Don't worry di…I will get a flight for you. I would come with you…if it was not for Pia." Bani looked at him gratefully through her watery eyes. "Thanks Pushkar…let me go and pack my bag. Will you tell Pia…tell her I am sorry."

Pushkar shook his head, "You don't have to be sorry. I just hope Mr Walia is ok. I will go and tell Pia and then book your flight." Pushkar left Bani to go into his bedroom. He closed his bedroom door and grinned at Pia. "It worked…now just have to wait a few minutes before giving her the flight details." Pia blew him a kiss across the room.

XXXXX

Dubai Friday evening March 21^st…

Bani got out from the limousine that drove her from the airport to the hotel. She looked tired and close to crying again. The porter opened the door for her and she went up to reception and tried to smile. "Is there a reservation in the name of Jai Walia?" The receptionist smiled and looked at the pc screen. She took a key and handed it to her, "Yes…Mrs Walia. It's suite 101 on the tenth floor. Please go ahead and I will get the bellboy to bring your luggage up."

Bani stepped into the elevator and pressed for number 10. Her hand shook as she clutched the steel bar running along the wall of the elevator. Her mind was in a mess, Adi had said he would meet her in the hotel room as soon as he got to Dubai too. The door opened and Bani stepped out. The spacious hallway was bright with many pot lights in the ceiling. Bani walked down and stopped at the door of room 101. She passed the electronic key into the slot and opened the door and stepped in.

The door closed behind her with a thud and Bani felt her eyes close and falling on to the floor.

She felt a familiar voice calling out somewhere in darkness of her mind. "Bani…open your eyes. Bani…" Something cold hit the skin of her face and Bani shivered. Her eyes opened and then closed again. When she heard Jai's voice calling her again, "Bani..open your eyes." Bani opened them slowly and then stared as if she was seeing a ghost. 'Jai…" she managed to whisper out.

"Yes…it's me. What are you doing here?" he asked sofly.

Bani opened her eyes and struggled to sit up. "You are sick…they said you were in hospital."

Jai helped her sit up, "Who said I was in hospital?"

Bani shook her head as if cleaning out the cobwebs shrouding her mind. "Adi uncle… he said that they took you to hospital…didn't know what was wrong with you. He is also coming here he said."

Jai stared at her in disbelief, "Why would Adi say such a thing? I just talked to him an hour ago at home."

"At home?" Bani said looking puzzled, "He said he was taking a four pm flight… would be here an two hours after my flight."

Jai scratched his head, he pulled his cell phone out and called Adi, but he did not answer, instead Jai left a message for him to call back. "He is not answering." Jai looked at Bani, looking tired. "Have you eaten anything? You can use the bathroom to freshen up and I can call up room service in the meantime."

Bani stood up feeling relieved that at least Jai was alright, but confused as to why Adi uncle had told her Jai was ill. Bani hugged Jai impetuously, her voice a little fervent, "I am glad you are not sick…you don't know how horrible I have been feeling since Adi uncle told me you were in hospital. I was so scared."

Jai wrapped his arms around her, feeling the familiar comfort of holding her…the comfort he had been missing for almost a week. He kissed her forehead. "I am sorry Adi scared you like this. I don't know why?"

Bani pulled out of his arms, "I want to take a shower. Can I just have something light to eat? I don't think I can eat a big meal." Jai nodded, "I will order some soup and sandwiches."

Jai's cell phone rang, it was Adi. "Hello Adi." Jai said

"Did you like my surprise?" he heard Adi asking.

"Yes…and no. What the hell is wrong with you…telling her I am in hospital." Jai snapped angrily.

"I had to somehow get her to come to Dubai. I told you I would do something for your anniversary." Jai heard Adi laugh.

Jai couldn't help laughing back, "You are impossible Adi…I don't know how Bani will feel when I tell her what you have done."

He heard Adi say back pompously, "She will love me more than you."

Jai retorted, "Good thing she sees you as a father figure, otherwise I would beat you up black and blue."

"tut…tut…jealous are you? Well I am glad I am not your rival. Now can you please make sure you don't rush back home…spend some time together, after all it is first wedding anniversary. Considering you did not even take her for a honeymoon…you can make up for it. Oh and by the way…there is no meeting with Faizal tomorrow…it's been put off. He said he hoped you would stay back and enjoy your honeymoon."

"Thanks Adi…I will get you for this. I will call you tomorrow." Jai set the phone down and waited for Bani to come out of the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, Bani came out of the bathroom, wearing her bathrobe. Her hair wet from the shower, falling in wet curls around her shoulders. She looked much better.

Jai waited until she walked up to where he was sitting, he reached up with one hand and gently cupped Bani's face. Resisting the temptation to release a sigh and nestle her cheek into his large palm, Bani asked, "I heard you talking, did Adi uncle call back?"

"Yes…" and then he laughed softly and pulled her down on his lap, "Promise you won't get mad at Adi."

"Why? Why would I get mad at him?" Bani asked, wondering what was amusing him.

"Your Adi uncle decided you deserved a honeymoon. He told me off for not taking you earlier…so he became devious and tricked you and me into coming here. Do you know what day is tomorrow?" He asked her, masking his face seriously.

Bani thought for a moment. Couldn't think of anything and shook her head. "I don't think it's anyone's birthday."

Jai pretended to be surprised, "I can't believe you forgot what is so special about tomorrow. My wife who remembers everyone else's birthday, anniversary and other special dates…forgets about our special day."

Bani still looked at him with a blank face, "Our…" Jai couldn't resist kissing her puckering lips, he pulled back and whispered, "Our anniversary…"

Bani's face lit up like a light bulb… her head spinning at a furious speed. "One…year already!" Jai nodded his head. "Jai…" Bani began, but didn't finish as her lips were covered by his in a kiss that was gentle and teasing, and then masterfully demanding. Bani ran her hands up his shoulders and into his thick hair, pressing herself closer to him. When he finally pulled away, she sighed and then looked at him longingly, "I can't believe it's been one year. So much has happened…" Bani raised her face up to his and brushed his lips, "I love you Mr Walia…I am sorry I forgot." Her warm breath floated on his skin as she rested her cheek on his. "Can we go back tomorrow and celebrate our anniversary with the family?"

She got her answer as Jai turned her to face him, his arms a little tighter around her. She felt the beats of his heart against her chest. "NO…I will never get to see my wife then. They will never you leave you alone and I won't get to spend any time with you. We are not leaving this room until I am satisfied…I not letting you go." Bani's eyes moistened as deep emotions vibrated in his voice. No words came out, instead she found herself being picked up in his arms and carried towards the bed.

THE END

Black Beads

Masi sat in the middle of the sofa, looking from Jai to Bani. Both Jai and Bani were sitting at either end of the sofa, facing away from each other, their body stiff and a mutinous look on their faces. "What is wrong with you two? Can't you settle the matter peacefully? Now say sorry and make up'no need to take this route."

Bani looked at masi, her eyes angry, "Why should I say sorry to that pig-headed, thick-skinned and uncaring man you call your son?"

Jai turned and breathed fire through his eyes at her, "What do you mean pig-headed? Uncaring? If I was uncaring'I would never have allowed to step into my house."

Bani fuming, snapped back, "You did it because of guilt. You did it because of your pride'what would people think when they find out you threw three orphaned girls out."

Jai's hand curled into tight fists'the dull edge of the nails digging into his palms. "Stop manipulating the truth. I let you stay because I felt sorry for you and wanted to help you. And now look at you? You are scheming, untrustworthy and don't have an ounce of love in you."

Bani seethed with the fury'her body trembled. She looked at masi, a flash of helplessness flashed through her eyes. "Masi'see what he thinks of me. What else is there for us to do but divorce? I filed for divorce because I can't stay with him in the same house'in the same room."

Masi shook her head in disbelief, "It's not true'you don't mean that Bani," she said in low voice.

"I do mean it masi." Bani said through her pursed lips.

Jai stood up and looked coldly at her, "You want divorce'fine you get a divorce'I too don't want to see your face any more. Understand'you pack your bags and get out right now."

Without uttering another word, Bani walked off. Masi let out a wail, "No'don't do this'please'" Masi clutched at her chest, gasping with pain, her face contorting as she struggled to breathe.

"Tony! Call the doctor!" Jai screamed as he dropped on his knees in front of masi. Anger left his face as panic set in, "Masi'masi'what's wrong?"

Bani who had heard Jai holler at Tony, came out of the room and looked at masi collapsed on the sofa. She ran off down the stairs, almost slipping on the step. Bani sat down and took masi's head in her lap and caressed her head on her forehead, "Masi'" Masi opened her eyes, but her eyes were clouded. "Bani'nahi'Jai'" that was all masi said before her eyes closed.

Bani's heart squeezed, guilt taking hold that may be she was responsible for making masi sick. Tears welled up in her eyes and she started mumbling, "I am sorry masi'I am sorry masi'I did not mean to hurt you."

Tony led the doctor in who took one look at masi and turned to Jai, "You have to take her to hospital, she's had a heart attack." Jai lifted masi up and hurried to the door, Bani ran after him. Tony opened the car door and Jai put masi on the back seat. Bani sat down on the passenger side front seat. Jai started the car and screeched out of the driveway.

XXXXX

Bani sat in crying outside the emergency room. Masi had been rushed in and no one had yet come out. Jai stood by the door, leaning his head agaist the wall. Neither had spoken a word to each other, both were embroiled in their own guilt over masi. Their name calling, fighting, seemed trivial now'childish'how could both of them have dropped to such low level, that too in front of their beloved mother.

When the doctor came out of the room, Jai got alert and asked the doctor, his voice shook as he spoke, "How is my massi doctor? Is she going to be ok?"

The doctor gave a relieved sigh, "Yes Mr Walia'the patient had a heart attack and I had to an emergency by-pass surgery. She will recover but will need lot rest and care for a while. You can see her when she is taken to her room."

Bani heard everything the doctor said. She closed her eyes and folded her hands and said a prayer. Her tears stopped and she made a silent promise not to do anything to hurt masi. Jai looked at Bani when the doctor left. He felt the urge to say something but no words formed on his lips, instead his gaze rested on her bent head.

A few minutes later, a nurse came up and told him masi had been shifted into the room and he could go and have quick look at her. Jai looked at Bani, "Bani'" he called out. "We can go and see masi." Bani nodded and stood up and followed him into the room.

Masi lay on the bed, wired up to beeping machines and with drip attached to her hand. Her eyes were closed and she looked in deep sleep. Jai sat down beside the bed and held masi's hand gently in his hand. Bani stood at the foot of the bed.

After few minutes Jai indicated to Bani they should go out. Bani followed Jai out. "I think you should go home Bani. I will stay here with masi. I will call up Tony to come and pick you up." Bani looked up at him, "Mr Walia'let me stay with her. You go home and take rest. Masi'after all masi'I am responsible for masi being sick." Bani started crying again. Jai sighed, he did not really want to remember their stupid fight. "Look Bani'I don't want to discuss what happened earlier'we are both equally responsible. Now you go home. Come back in the morning with things that masi might need. I want to be here with her."

XXXXXX

Bani settled masi in her bed. It is a two weeks since masi suffered heart attack and emergency surgery. Today she had finally been given permission to go home with strict warning of taking things easy. Masi smiled as Bani smoothed the bed covers. Bani smiled at masi. "Masi do you need anything for now?" Masi shook her head, "No'just come and sit with me for a while. You don't know how good it feels to get back home'to be near my son and daughter."

Bani sat nervously down. She felt horrible for making masi think she and Jai were together when they were not. They hardly talked when they were away from masi. Bani slept in the guest room. For how long they can keep this up, she was not sure. Bani stayed and talked to masi, until masi fell asleep and then she tiptoed out of the room. She stood wondering what she should do now. Jai had gone to the office and it was too early to prepare any food for masi. Bani went to her room and tidied it up a little bit and then she walked out. She stopped at the open door of the room she had shared with Jai. It looked as if no one had bothered to clean it up for a while. She went to walk away and then changed her mind and stepped in.

Picking up clothes thrown in a pile on the floor, Bani dumped it in the laundry basket in the bathroom. She changed towel, put Jai's shaving things neatly on the shelves, cleaned up the counter of the clutter. In the room she tied up the side table, removing stale jug of water and glasses. On the dresser she put Jai's brush and his various aftershave bottles and gels neatly. Bani opened the wardrobe and neatly sorted out the shirts and pants, jackets all mixed up. Her eyes fell on her dresser, it was exactly as she had left, except now there were few photo frames lined up. All of the frames held her photos. Bani picked up one'she looked and remembered when it was taken, for Anu's sangeet, when she had been forced to dance by the ladies. Whoever had taken the photo had snapped when she holding up a dupatta out at the side and she was laughing.

Bani picked up each of the photo and reminisced over each of the event that had taken place in this house. Finally she picked up the photo, the one taken on the night of Anu's engagement party. She was wearing the soft pink sari with her left open. It had been taken downstairs in Walia mansion. Bani put the frame down and sat down on the chair. She opened the drawer and took out the box and lifted the lid. Inside lay her mangalsutra and kangans.

XXXXX

She picked up the black beads and fingered them and her mind went back to the night they had their first fight. She remembered it vividly, Jai had just walked in from the office and she had pounced on him. Bani had thrown the photos of Jai and Pia in Dubai that someone had sent her through mail. "How could you?" she had accused him. Jai had bent down and picked one up. He had stared at the photo of him sleeping next to Pia. "You don't believe I would do this do you Bani? I would never do anything like this," he had said quietly, in disbelief.

"Are you telling me that is not you next to Pia? Why would anyone take these pictures if they were not true? You and Pia did go to Dubai together. I don't know what you two got up to." Bani had screamed.

Jai had then lost it. "Stop it Bani!" he had shouted back. "I did not sleep with your sister. Why don't you ask your sister about this? May be she is the one behind this'may be she is trying to create problem between us."

"What do you mean? Why would Pia do such thing? I know she and Pushkar are having problems, but she would go running to you." Bani had screamed, shaking her head in anger.

Jai had grabbed Bani by her shoulders, "Stop thinking protecting Pia. Your sister is conniving little b****. She would go to any length to get things that she wants. Bani I did not want Pia to come to Dubai with me, but had no choice to take her as she was the only one who had been handling the project." His fingers had dug into her skin. Bani had tore herself away from him and started sobbing. "I don't believe you. You wanted to marry her. You still love her'I know you do." Then Bani had taken off the mangal sutra and thrown it at him. "Here take it'give it to her'you bought it for anyway."

Bani had run out of the room leaving Jai staring at the mangalsutra on the floor with the other photos. He had picked it up and put it in his pocket. Slowly he had picked up each of the photo and put them back in the envelope. Jai had looked at the envelope to see where they had been sent from'but there was no address of the sender. He had raked his fingers through his hair and sat on the bed, trying to recollect the night he had got drunk and then woken up in the middle of night, fully clothed lying next to Pia. He had immediately rolled out of bed and left the room. As far he knew'nothing had happened, but how was he going to convince Bani.

But Jai had not been able to convince Bani nothing happened between him and Pia. Pia had not helped matter by remaining quiet. Eventually had had irked by Bani's stubbornness and he had blown up, telling her the only option left was for them to separate and Bani had retaliated by saying she would file for divorce on grounds of infidelity.

XXXXX

Jai stopped at the door, he was surprised to see Bani in their room. She did not turn her head or look at him, seemed she was lost in her thoughts. He walked up to her and looked at the mangalsutra in her hand. He reached over and took it from her. Bani looked up at him. Both of them stared silently at each other. Jai held the mangalsutra in his palm and said quietly, "It is still yours Bani'it will always remain yours. I put it around your neck and I promise you it will never go around anyone else's neck."

Bani stood up and lifted her hand and reached for the mangalsutra. Her fingers touched the skin of his palm. The heat from it sent little tremors of shock down her arm. She closed her fingers around the mangalsutra, his hand closed around her fist. After almost three months they stood facing each other, touching and not hurling vicious words at each other.

XXXXX

Three months later'March 22nd

Masi sat on a chair as her family stood around her watching the pandit chant his mantras and directing Bani and Jai to perform the marriage rituals. Jai and Bani both sat, with their faces not covered with a sehra or chunni. Dressed in simple clothes they sat and looked serious as they performed the same rituals they had a year ago, only this time there was hidden surprises for either of them. Masi had insisted on making them go through the ceremony again as she wanted them to have a fresh start without any issues standing between them.

Masi still did not know the real reason for their separation, but both Jai and Bani had convinced masi they had sorted their problem out. Bani had taken it upon herself to confront Pia by herself and forced Pia to tell Bani what really had happened in Dubai. Bani learnt Pia had used drug to lace Jai's drink and then taken him to her room where he had passed out. Pia could not wake Jai up and in her desperation had taken those photos to use as blackmail. Bani had been disgusted and had slapped Pia hard on the face and told her she was not her sister anymore and that she was severing all ties with her. Pia had cried and begged Bani to forgive her, but Bani had just walked out.

The pandit asked Jai to put mangalsutra around Bani's neck. Jai took out her mangalsutra from his pocket and put it around her neck. Today, there were tears in her eyes, but they were not tears of frighten girl, today the tears shone with happiness. A pinch of sindoor in her parting completed the ceremony. Jai and Bani stood up and touched masi's feet. Masi blessed both of them and then with tears rolling down her cheek, she hugged them.

After having lunch with the family, Jai and Bani were shooed out of the house by masi, making Jai promise that he would not return back until after two weeks. Masi stood and waved until Jai's car disappeared out of the gates of Walia mansion.

Jai watched as Bani slept in the seat. They were driving down to the farmhouse, Bani did not want to go away very far, just somewhere quiet and peaceful. The sun was setting over the horizon when the car pulled into driveway. The caretaker was sitting outside waiting for them. He came running as Jai stepped out of the car and folded his hand in greeting. "Namaste saab."

Jai smiled, "Namaste Mahesh. Take the bags out of the back please." Jai walked around to the other side and opened the car door and tapped Bani on her shoulder, "Bani'wake up'we are at the farmhouse."

Bani stirred and opened her eyes. She stepped out holding on to Jai's arm. "Sorry'I slept all the way." Jai shrugged his shoulders, "It's ok'I enjoyed ogling at you without you making faces at me." Bani blushed in the fading light of the day. Inside the house Mahesh waited for them after depositing the bags in the room upstairs. "Everything is readies saab. The fridge is stocked up and my wife came and cooked a meal already for you. I will take my leave now."

"Thank you Mahesh. I will call you if I need help." Jai told Mahesh as he left. Jai locked the door and came back to where Bani was still standing and looking around. "Are you hungry Bani?" Jai asked. Bani shook her head. "Not really. But I can make tea for us. I would like a hot cup of tea." Bani walked towards the kitchen and started opening the cupboards looking for tea, sugar, cups and a pot to boil the tea. Jai took out milk from the fridge and gave it to her and helped himself to a bottle of water. He sat down and drank water as Bani set about making tea.

Jai mused back home he had never stepped into the kitchen. Bani had cooked meals even though he had a cook and a maid to do it. The days when Bani had stopped cooking, he had really missed her food, the cook could never recreate the taste of food made by Bani. Even masi had grumbled quietly to him about not getting food made by Bani because of him.

Bani set two cups of steaming tea on the table and looked at him with enquiry, "Would like something to eat with the tea Mr Walia?"

"No'come and sit down Bani and have your tea." They sat drinking tea and making small talk. Outside now it was pitch dark. Mahesh had turned on the lights inside the house. Bani picked up the empty tea cups and put them in the sink and washed them up. Jai waited for her to finish.

Bani looked at him sitting and smiled, "You don't have to hang around in the kitchen Mr Walia." Jai rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit lost. "Err'what else do I do? I was barred from bringing my laptop or office work. I am not a TV watcher and its dark outside, so I am stuck with you."

Bani made a sorry face, "I am sorry'I should have told masi, we would go away another time."

Jai felt guilty now. He didn't mean to sound bored or that he had didn't want to come to the farmhouse with her. He stood up and held his hand out to her, "Come here'I am just being a selfish and thinking of myself. I should be doing things for you. Tell me what you want to do Bani?"

Bani looked out of the window. "I know it's dark, but maybe we can go for a walk. We could take a torch."

"Ok'why don't you change out of the sari, put on something comfortable for walking, the tracks can be rough."

Bani nodded and walked up. She found the room where Mahesh had put their bags. Bani opened hers and took out jeans and tshirt and put them on. She took out a pair of flat sandals to wear. Jai was waiting for outside. He had lit a lantern and placed it on a hook in the wooden pole, it cast a yellow glow around the garden. The air was warm and smelled of warm earth. Jai took hold of her arm and led her down the rocky track that led around the garden. Bani could make out the dark shape of the trees and bushes around the garden. It was too dark to tell what they are. The night insects were busy calling out to each other in the dark. Bani could hear the sea, she asked softly, "How far is the beach from the here?"

Jai stopped, "You would have to drive there. It's too far too walk." Bani gazed up at him, the pupil of his eyes gleaming like tiny lights in the dark. "May be we can go there tomorrow."

Soft laughter rumbled out from Jai, "Bani'I had other plans." The lights in Bani's eyes dimmed in disappointment. "Oh'" She did not know what else to say. Jai sensed her disappointment. He stepped close to her and titled her chin up and looked into her eyes, "Do you really want to go?"

Bani stayed quiet, now unsure if she should say yes. Jai sighed, "You know Bani, say you want to go. Don't be afraid to speak up." Bani twisted slightly, "But you said you had plans'and well'" Jai shut her up by laying his palm on her mouth. "Shh'let's go back, have something to eat and then go to bed. We will see tomorrow." Jai put his arms around her waist and walked back to the farmhouse.

They had dinner sitting at the kitchen table. Jai then left Bani to clear up.

Bani walked up the stairs to the bedroom. Jai had not bothered coming downstairs after leaving her. She entered the room and stopped. Jai had lit candles in the room and he sat changed in pjs on the bed. He stood up and walked up to her and scooped her up in his arms and nuzzling her neck, murmured, "I thought you were avoiding me. I wish we were somewhere more romantic and exotic."

Bani wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, "I can't think of anything more romantic then being here with you." She tugged at his hair a little so she could look at his face and then smirked, "You know tomorrow you can wash dishes so you know I wasn't avoiding you."

Jai gave a disdainful look and said pompously, "I have Mahesh and his wife to do those things. You don't have to do that. We are supposed to be on a honeymoon." He set her down on bed. Jai slid his hands under t-shirt and pushed her down on the bed. Leaning over her, his eyes raking down her face to where his hands were now busy on her bare skin, he said in low guttural sound, "Now Mrs Walia'let me tell and you show what my plans are'while we are here."

The End

I love all these strories. You're a great writer.

Hey kanta,

All the stories were mind-blowing!! Superb!! You are the Queen of Mush dear!!! It would take me eons to think something so romantic.

KUDDOS!!!!

God bless
dhani