FF- Huma's KS Pt Pt 32/33 pg 20 Oct29

Before you guys start reading this...let me tell you when i started reading this I was trying to follow KS but a lot of people didn't like Pia and JW romance so I had to kind of make some changes so some where along in the update you might find it confusing...romance shifting from JW/Pia to JW/Bani...

Part 2 Page 2, Part 3 page 3,part 5, page 4, part 6 page 6, part 7/8 page 7, Part 9/10/11/12/13/14 pages8/9, part 15/16 page 10, Part 17-20 pg 11, part 21-27 page 13, part 28 page 15, part 29 page 16, part 30 page 30

Huma's KS

Part 1

She stood dripping wet, clutching the hands of her sisters tightly. The richness and the vastness of the room dwarfed her, she felt like a pauper standing in a royal palace, begging with her palms outstretched. Her thoughts were interrupted by the clicks of the steps on the marble staircase that curved elegantly upwards.

The man made an arresting figure, tall and dark, dressed all in designer blacks. His chiselled face looked arrogant and his eyes dark and devoid of any feelings. His gaze was focused on her for some reason. Bani met his gaze unflinchingly as he moved forwards'she wasn't scared by him. She had no choice, she had only come to his door to keep a promise she had made to her father.

He stopped before her. So this is Jai Walia'her father's friend she thought.

When he spoke, his voice reverberated in the large hall, the coldness cutting through the air. "How may I help you young lady?"

Bani fished out the soaked envelope and held it towards him, "My father asked me to give this to you."

Hi brow arched, "Your father?"

"Nishikant Dixit! He said you are his friend."

A flicker of something flashed in his eyes which Bani failed to understand.

Jai Walia ripped open the envelope and took out the letter. He scanned it quickly and then turned and looked at his butler, standing quietly in the corner. "Tony, please show these ladies to the guestroom and look after their needs." He turned to Bani, his eyes hooded by droppy eyelids. "I have guests to attend to right now. We will talk in the morning."

Bani nodded and watched him stride away from them.

Tony came forward and smiled at them. "This way ladies please. May I know your names?" he asked warmly.

Bani picked up the small suitcase and dazzled a smile at Tony, thinking at least there was one likeable person in this huge house. "I am Bani and these are my sisters, Pia and Rano."

Tony bowed slightly, "Nice to meet you all, please follow me." He took the suitcase from Bani and started up the stairs. Tony showed them into a large, luxurious room. "Make yourself comfortable. There are bath towels in the bathroom. I shall bring up a tray of hot food shortly."

Pia ran around the room excitedly, "Gosh Di'I can't believe this. We are actually staying in such beautiful room. It's bigger than anything I have ever seen. And look at the furniture'" Pia opened the large, carved wooden dorrs of the wardrobe. She walked up to the door and flung it open and gasped at the marble bathroom with gold fixtures. "Wow'the bathroom is bigger than any of our room back home'"

Rano stepped behind her and peeked over, not impressed by the luxury, she turned and gave Bani a sad look, 'I want to go back home di'I want my old room back."

Bani hugged her, "one day we will go back Rano'I promise I shall find money somehow to get our house back." Bani opened the suitcase and took out a fresh set of clothes and gave them to Rano, "Go change before you catch cold."

Bani pulled Pia into the room and glared at her, "Pia, please behave yourself. This is a temporary solution. We don't even know if Jai Walia is willing to help us out."

Pia hugged Bani, "sure he will'isn't he the most sexy man you have ever seen. Wish he was young. I wouldn't mind marrying someone rich like him. I think under all that hard face'he is soft'he has the most beautiful dark brown eyes." Pia sighed and flopped down on the bed.

"stop it Pia." Bani said sharply. "First you have to study and get a job. You have to learn to take care of yourself. We promised papa, we would take care of each other."

Pia rolled over and propped herself on elbow. She scowled at Bani. "I know all that Di. But why can't I marry someone rich and have him take care of me. What is wrong in that?"

Bani did not answer. Pia had expensive taste. She loved designer clothes and accessories and parties. Bani picked up her clothes and entered the bathroom to change.

XXXXX

Next morning, Bani, Pia and Rano got ready and came downstairs. Tony wished them good morning and showed them into the dining room.

A middle aged man got up and smiled at them. He came forward, "Good morning girls. Come and sit down. By the way I am Adi."

An elegantly dressed woman scowled at them and muttered loudly, "I don't understand bhaiya. Why does he have to help every beggar that comes knocking on his door." She gave a disdain look at three of them.

Adi turned and shouted loudly, "Shut up Jigyasa. That's enough. Jai is doing the right thing. How would you like if Anu, Sahil and ranveer were left orphaned with no one to help."

Adi pulled a chair out. "Come sit down for breakfast girls. Jai will join us shortly." Bani smiled gratefully at Adi and sat down. "Thankyou Adi uncle. My name is Bani and my sisters are Pia and Rano."

"You are welcome beta. Help yourself to whatever you like. If there is something else you would like'Tony will get it for you."

Pia piled her plate high with helping of everything on the table. Rano looked at Bani, who gave an understanding smile and put a piece of toast in her plate and filled her glass with orange juice.

Jai Walia joined them. After a curt good morning, he sat down and opened newspaper.

"How rude?" Pia hissed at Bani, who looked embarrassed. Her cheeks burnt red. Jai Walia peered over the newspaper at Pia, who smiled at him, while Bani tucked her head under and gazed at the teacup.

After he had finished his breakfast, Jai Walia stood up and looked at Bani, "I will talk with you in my study now." Bani followed him meekly into the study, her heart hammering in her chest with apprehension.

Jai Walia sat behind the large mahagony desk, littered with files. He pointed at an empty chair, "Sit!" he commanded.

Bani perched herself on the edge of the chair and looked down at her palms, resting in her lap.

"How old are you?" he asked.

Bani's head shot up, surprised by the question, "Twenty-one." She answered.

"What about your sisters?"

"Pia is nineteen and Rano seventeen."

Jai tapped at desk, his eyes piecing her gaze, "Adi will help you pick out college for your sisters. You are free to do what you like. You may go to college too, if you wish."

"I have already graduated from college. I was working as trainee manager at a hotel in Mt Abu. I wish to work so that I can rent a place to stay for us and help my sisters with school." Bani spoke firmly, "I only wish to stay here long enough to secure a job."

Jai glared at her, "You will not be going anywhere young lady. You will stay under my care as per your father's wishes. Is that understood?"

Bani's eyes flashed angrily, her voice shook, "Mr Walia, I know what my father wrote in the letter. But I am quite capable of looking after my sisters. I only need help until I can start working. I do not want to be indebted to you."

Jai slammed his fist down. He stood up and leaned over. "If you want to work fine. Give Adi your CV, he can find you a place in one of our hotels. If you don't want to stay in my house'fine'there is a guest bungalow you can shift to. I don't care how capable you are of taking care of yourself, Pia and Rano are my responsibility and I will make sure they get education and help to become independent. Now if you will excuse me'I have a meeting to attend to at the office." His gaze burnt her eyes and Bani felt as if he had crushed her mercilessly without raising his foot.

She sat crying on the chair when Adi came in. Adi put a comforting arm around her. "Now dear, don't cry. Jai's bark is worse than his bite. He really is wonderful caring man. Just a little inexperienced, when it comes to dealing with young ladies. Now dry your eyes and tell me about your education and the kind of work you would like to do."

TBC'

Huma's KS

Part 2

Bani settled themselves in the bungalow. It had two bedrooms, kitchen/dining and a large sitting room with large windows overlooking the gardens. With little bit of money from her savings, she purchased some necessary items for their home. She let Pia and Rano share the large bedroom, while she took the smaller one. In her room she hung up little photos of her parents and some family pictures which she had removed from her home in Mt Abu.

Adi insisted on Bani travelling with him to work. On Monday Bani found herself seated in Adi's silver Honda, on her way to the Walia offices where Adi had given her a job of trainee events manager.

Dressed in a black pant suit and a crisp white cotton shirt, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, Bani looked efficient. Adi gave her an approving glance, "Very smart Bani. I hope you like working with Raj Kohli, he has been with us for few years now."

As they drove along, Adi glanced sideways at Bani staring out at the traffic on the road. For some unknown reason he felt protective towards the girls...may be because he had never been fully allowed to care for his children by his wife Jigyasa, who always dismissed his views and suggestion as being too old fashioned. His oldest son Ranveer was now director of operation for the Walia Group...Jai had been very generous when it came to him and Jigyasa. It wasn't as if Ranveer was not capable of holding the position...what miffed Adi was Ranveer's attitude towards people who worked under him...especially women. A self-proclaimed celibate and devotee of Lord Hanuman...Ranveer detested being in the company of women and was known to reduce even the most professional female employees to tears with his razor sharp tongue. He hoped Bani would be spared such humiliation.

"Nervous?" Adi asked with a smile.

"Just a little uncle...you know...new place...new people." Bani replied.

Adi patted her hand, "You will be fine. We strive to make it an enjoyable place for our employees."

The reserved parking spot was marked with Adi's name and he parked his car in front of the tall glass and steel building which housed Walia offices. The doorman opened the door and greeted Adi. He glanced curiously at Bani as she walked in behind Adi. Inside the spacious reception area, Adi introduced Bani to the receptionist and then led way to Raj's office.

Raj stood up as Adi entered. "Good morning sir."

"Good morning Raj. This is Bani Dixit, who will be working under your guidance. I shall leave you to show her around and introduce her to various managers and take her to HR so she can complete the necessary paperwork. And make sure you introduce her to Ranveer too." Adi gave a suggestive look to Raj, hinting what would happen if Ranveer was not kept in loop of new hires.

Bani glanced at Raj...a tall lanky man, with a serious face. She guessed he was older than he looked. Raj smiled at Bani and extended his hand, "please to meet you Bani. I hope you like working with Walia Group."

Bani shook his hand and her cheeks dimpled as she smiled. "Thanks Mr Kohli."

"It's Raj Bani...take a seat and we can get started." Raj took his seat behind his desk and waited for Bani to sit down. The day seemed to have ended before it even started. Bani couldn't remember many names of people she had met, except Ranveer Bani...Adi's son. Tall, fair and extremely good looking man, who sported a large red tilak on his forehead and rudraksh mala around his wrist. His icy stare had given Bani goosebumps and he had ignored her greetings with curt remark to Raj, saying he was running late for a meeting.

Bani wondered why such a young, handsome man appeared so cold and ruthless. Raj grimaced at Bani and said quietly, "You will get used to it. Just avoid having to deal with him if you can. He is not particularly fond of girls."

The week flew by even faster as Bani got immersed in her new job.

XXXXX

It was Sunday morning. The sun was already high up in the bright blue sky. Jai Walia sat in his balcony, his black silk robe wrapped loosely around him. He sat sipping his morning coffee as he browsed through the news paper. Jai squinted his eyes as he looked at the figure coming out from the bungalow. As it came nearer, he recognized Bani, wearing a simple white churidaar with bright a multicoloured dupatta thrown around her shoulders. Her hair normally held in a tight ponytail was cascading down her shoulders in black silky waves. She had anklets on, because they made soft tinkling sound as she walked towards the house, holding a thali in her hand.

He heard dadi's voice, who had arrived back from her visit to see her relatives up north, "Bani, why don't you pick some flowers from the garden and make a mala for the puja. Such beautiful flowers in our garden...we should offer some to mataji."

Jai heard Bani's soft, "Jee dadi. Abhi banadoo." (yes dadi, I will quickly make it.) He thought what a contrast between two sisters, Bani attractive, yet responsible and mature and Pia...bold, beautiful and full of life. While Bani avoided his house like a plague, Pia was always in and out of his home. Pia and Anu had struck up a bond and both girls were invariably seen together all the time.

Pia took liberties which no one had dared with him. She would barge into his study and perch herself on the edge of his desk and talk randomly about things. Instead of getting mad, he found himself listening to her voice and gazing at her gorgeous face. Beautiful women had been in and out of his life all the time, he never cared much for them, very rarely he would involve himself in a brief affair with one of them and up to now had never made it to the point of losing his bachelorhood. But Pia was different he thought, she had a nerve to go shopping and gift him some polo shirts in bright yellow, green and blue, saying cheekily she was sick of seeing him in his black mourning suit.

One day he had walked into the office, dressed in khakis and yellow polo shirt and caused quite a stir, which had led to him going to his favourite shop and buy several shirts in different shades with matching ties. She had definitely brought a change in him...change he liked.

The sound of Bani's voice broke his thought, "Dadi hogaya...chaliye nahi toh pheed hogi mandir pe." (Dadi it's done. Lets go before the mandir get busy.)

"Haan beta chal. Adi ki gari me chalinge." (Yes daughter, lets go. We will take adi's car.) Jai watched Adi's silver Honda drive off. It pleased him to think of Bani accompanying dadi...something which his sister did not have time for her mother-in-law or masi...small things that would please the elders of the house was not something Jigyasa liked to do.

Jai stood up and stretched himself and saw Pia run out of the bunglow. She waved at him and then standing below the balcony, dazzled him with a smile. "Hi Jai...care to come for a jog." She said, flaunting herself a little. She was wearing blue figure hugging track pants and a short top which bared her waist and her arms.

"Yes...wait for me...I will be down in five." Jai told her as he disappeared into his bed room. Less than two minutes later he joined Pia, dressed in a track pant and a white loose t-shirt. They set off down the track in the garden.

Adi shook his head as Jai and Pia went past. He mumbled, "I don't know what he sees in her. Why can't he make an effort to get to know Bani instead. It's true what maa says, some people fail to see the deal diamond in front of them and chase after the false one."

"Adi...close the damn door will you? I don't like the hot air coming into the room." Jigyasa grumbled at him. Adi sighed and closed the door to his bedroom and sat down to drink his coffee and pass his time by reading paper, until the rest of the family decided to get up and have breakfast. May be today, he will go down to the bungalow and have breakfast with the girls...it would be change to eat something nice made at home by Bani, instead of the usual toast, eggs etc...that Jigyasa ordered Tony to make for him.

TBC...