Dear Friends,
Thank you for appreciating my Cinderella story, Storms Never Last, https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1189585, It was fun writing it, though I never had intended it to turn the way it turned into eventually but then I went on and on, just could not stop myself till I thought now enough is enough'. Long back I read a book called 'Shei Shomoy' (Those days) by Sunil Gangopadhyay in Bengali'the book is considered to be a masterpiece written on the settings of Bengal Renaissance, my story is of course not even one hundredth to the level of the book but for those who are interested try and read the book (translations available), the society was so much complicated and within those complication, some reformists were fighting for changes, the society we have now, specially we the women should be thankful to many of them.
Coming back to this story, my friend Cherry wanted to have a sound of music kind of story and my other friend Harveen aka Harvs a modern love story, she is fedup with old settings, I think'the problem is Indian government now does not take it too kindly if you have more than two children and for sound of music you need atleast six, one or two plus minus, so I what do I do''lets see'.dekhte hai keya hota hai ageh ageh''
My Previous FFs:
A Touch of Remembrance: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1172085
'The Uncut Diamond' https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1152499 'Dance with me tonight' https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1149016.
The Emperor & the girl : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1122861
A Little Space : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1103113
A New Beginning: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1083796
The Christmas Cake : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1082945
A Tear in the Wind: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1069888
SS : The Everlasting Love : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1065677
Kasamh Se https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/929115/ff-kasamh-se-ch-51-end-pg-116-updtd-on-25-9
The Captured Heart: /forum/kasamh-se/1026470/ff-the-captured-heart-ch-18-pg-45-last-chapter
Chhoti si mulakat : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=999441
A New Dawn : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=974981
The Phone Call : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/910155/ff-the-phone-call-epilogue-pg-52 Dil Ki Suno : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/874713/ff-dil-ki-suno-epilogue-pg-53 Eternal Soulmates: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/869198/ff-eternal-soulmates-ch-5-pg-7-end The Flowers of Spring, https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=853938&T PN=1
Ek Kashish: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/830952/ff-ek-kashish-ch-20-and-epilogue-pg-58 The Crushed Innocence :https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=800150& TPN=1#13464286
The Destiny: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=779329&T P
Ankho hi Ankho me: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=738121&T PN
Woh Raat : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/731347/ff-woh-raat-chapter-6-pg-10-last-ch
Anokha Rista (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/712391/anokha-rishta-chapter-18-and-epilog-pg42).
Chhoti si aasha https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/672677/ff-chhoti-si-aasha-ch29-and-epi-pg-76:
Kuch Achhe Kuch Bure (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/641995/kuch-achhe-kuch-bure-ch-24-and-epilog-pg71); Thori si bewafai (https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=615869) Kuch Rahen Anjaani Si (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/573991/ff-kuch-rahein-anjaani-si-ch-36-pg111): Contract Heir: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=536274&T PN. Return of Bani Walia, https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/515481/return-of-bani-walia-note-on-pg-31: :Business Tycoon Jai Walia marries a Mt Abu Girl(https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/486636/business-tycoonjw-marriesfinal-prt-pg64). Mai Apke bina nehi reh sakti hu (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/457994/mai-apke-bina-nehi-reh-updt-pg-11-pt-ix)& Finding Bani (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/469208/finding-bani-ff-part-viii-page-8).
A Shining Star
Chapter 1, Weekend Spl
Lyrics
Dekho Inhein Yeh Hain Aas Ki Boondein
Patton Ki God Mein Aasmaan Se Koodein
Aandayee Lein Phir Karwat Badal Kar
Nazuk Se Moti Hans De Phisal Kar
Kho Na Jaaye Ye Taare Zameen Par
Yeh To Hain Sardi Mein Dhoop Ki Kirane
Utarein Jo Aangan Ko Sunhera Sa Karne
Mann Ke Aandheron Ko Roshan Sa Kar Dein
Thithurti Hatheli Ki Rangat Badal Dein
Kho Na Jaaye Ye Taare Zameen Par
Bani received the envelopes shyly, she thanked each one of them, even shook hands with some, did Namaste with others, few of them loitered to say a few words to her....she was in a hurry but then she obliged, knowing these old people most of them were leading a lonely life after retirement looked forward to their mornings with her, she knew some words exchanged with them made their day...finally Bani had to take leave...
She ran up to their flat quickly, Kajol was up, reading papers and speaking on the phone simultaneously....
Kajol, Bani made a face, while opening the fridge to take out the milk and cereals for Breakfast, how many times she has told Kajol to spare the phone, give sometime for herself, lekin nehi sirf office office, target target, run run.....
Bani quickly scrambled eggs, put the bread in the toaster, poured the milk in the bowl and laid the table...breakfast ready she shouted....
Ohh Bani, what am I supposed to do without you, Kajol disconnected her line and came to the table, mai kar leti, tune phir aaj mujhe beat kar diya....
Now Kajol stop saying those words, I don't like to hear them and since you will not change your morning routine why at all bother saying the same dialogue every morning...Bani peeled the banana to go with her cereals and started eating her breakfast...Kajol smiled, taking the first bite, life has changed since Bani stepped into her house three months ago....her younger sister's classmate from Mt Abu...life has changed for good Kajol thought, getting readymade meals, no doing housework and not even keeping the track whether the maid came or not....she was having the best time since she came to Mumbai some years ago.
++++
Kajol worked as a Sr Manager in a big multinational company which sold top brand cosmetics, competition was very stiff and Kajol was a career woman, hard working and very very committed. Now she was an example given by the teachers back in Mt Abu because being in marketing division at times her interviews came out in the papers, how they are coping with recession, ways in which they were trying to reach out to the women in small towns and villages.......Life is strange, few years earlier when this Kajol came to study in Mumbai, many back in Mt Abu sneered, kya baap hai, beti ki kamai se khayenge kya sending the daughter to Mumbai that too in a hostel, and Mumbai why people go, to become film artist....doctor, engineer banana chahate phir bhi smaj ata but Business Management....kya Singhji ladki ko kaunsa company ka chairman banana hai....
Her father had smiled, chairman toh nehi bana payunga, lekin chairperson ke liye jaroor parthana karta hu.....
She is not yet chairperson but Kajol is quite successful enough to be placed as an example in schools in which Bani studied later, so when Bani wanted to come to Mumbai to do something for her future, her parents were not agreeing but with Kajol's assurance, her father relented somehow....Bani looked up from the newspaper, to see Kajol getting ready, once again speaking on the phone, taking report of sales from various corner of the country, trying to match her clothes she will wear for office, lighting a cigarette she was frowning for not getting the match....
Bani got up, pulling the cigarette out of her mouth, she whispered no smoking in the morning, and then picked took out two choices which would go with the brown slacks ...Bani showed it to her, Kajol smiled, gave her a flying kiss and went to the bathroom picking one...Bani again sat down on the sofa....like everyday she felt wee bit of jealousy, when will her turn come she thought.....
+++
Bani had a very protected childhood, a single child and a girl child, when she wanted to come to Mumbai, her parents threw a fit, why Mumbai, why not Jaipur ghar ki pass hoti etc etc., thank god Kajol was visiting home, had come on a business tour and was staying over, she agreed to take her along, she can stay with me, though my flat is small, it is in a good housing complex, two girls what more we need....Bani waved Kajol as she left for office, she looked down from the small balcony as Kajol went towards the car pack to unlock the car, Bani looked at the watch, she will have another cup of tea and wait for the Bai to come, if she doesn't then get working herself.....
Bani sat down with the newspaper, scanning the job page, while she has registered herself with many of the online agency with recession set in, she is not getting the job she is specialised in, in the meantime, she was doing all odd jobs, leave vacancies or sales promotions, not that Kajol wanted her upkeep but she felt guilty, with her father having forced to take VRS , without pension to look forward too, Bani needed a job badly, Kajol says patience but Bani was getting impatient...it was Kajol's idea to start yoga classes, Bani practiced yoga every morning, Kajol said practice it in the lawns of the complex and get a few students for yourself, she even put up a notice, for one week, Bani was doing her yoga all by herself, the morning walkers watched her and after a week she started getting her students....Bani felt happy to accept the money end of each week, no much just Rs.50/- per person per week , though Kajol was coaxing her to increase.....this is Mumbai and people have money, Bani was too shy to ask for more and secondly she knew she was not an expert
Kajol I am not that expert, I just know the basics to remain fit but what I am getting it is fine with me, I only wish you did something to keep fit, the erratic routine you have, you should do something....
Kajol had lit a cigarette and smiled, I am fine Bani, my work keeps in on toes and I am not looking for a husband yet, rang rup kisko dikhayungi,...
Kyu aapne aap ko, you are not bad looking and you should be the one who should advertise the products you are marketing, seeing you the products sale will increase....
If I had your looks Bani, I would have done it....Kajol had stated....
Bani scanned the page minutely when she came across the advertisement....
++++
Bani stood in front of the gate, her heart was beating fast, maybe she should not come here without asking Kajol first, it was a big house, with high gates, when she had seen the advertisement she had called up the no. given, the mobile no., the person had sounded very professional, yes Ma'am please come over, we would like to conduct the meeting in person....
I am not qualified but I can
Yes yes I heard you and I would like to see you, qualification is not only the criteria we are looking for, he sounded quite firm....
It gave immense relief to Bani, she felt quite good, not that she should be ashamed of it but then she did not have anything like Kajol to flaunt about....the gates looked imposing, Bani hesitated, should she call up Kajol but then she had a long meeting today, she was preparing for it last night, should she sms her whereabouts to Kajol instead, such a big house and who knows what is inside, her heart started beating fast, this is Mumbai and not Mt Abu, if something happens to her, her parents will not be able to trace her body, she shook herself, what rubbish I am thinking, why would they want to trap me, mai kaunsa millionaire ki daughter hu, Bani tried to shake the feeling as she approached the security, her mother had told her repeatedly not to venture into unknown houses or flats...beta these places, you never know with what intention people are sitting inside....Bani gave her name, security checked the list opened the gate, Bani stepped in, one of the guards accompanied her till the reception area of the house'.a uniformed lady was sitting there, talking on the phone, filing her nails, the security signaled something, the lady nodded her head as much as she could, indicating her to take a seat in the meantime.
Bani looked around, the door behind the lady must be the actual entrance leading to the house, that is if this is a house at all, Bani never has been into a house of the rich before, so her knowledge is very limited, she was already feeling claustrophobic , the high walls surrounding the house, the pristine lawns looked nobody steps into them ever, but then she the reason she has been called'.
The bell shrieked startling Bani, the receptionist banged down her phone, picked up the intercom and pressed a button, yes sir, right away Sir''madam please go in'.take the right door, the first one''
Bani swallowed and pushed the door into a big hall, decorated in the manner which only you see in expensive magazines, in white, with various crystal figurines and other valuable articles, Bani took a deep breath, what is in store for me god knows, she knocked on the designated door softly,
come in boomed a voice'..
+++++
The man who was sitting behind the desk looked stern and no nonsense sort, short and bald he gave an assessing glance from head to toe, taking a note of everything and missing nothing'once satisfied he asked her to have a seat'.extended his hand, Bani looked at him blankly, paper please he said'.Bani handed them over'.
Hmmmmm'he muttered as he looked through them, hummmmm, well I have seen better results, he said well madam what are you doing now'
I am a freelancer, Bani replied using the term taught by Kajol
Yeah a freelancer and consultant are two words which are making rounds in the market nowadays but what kind of freelancer are you madam'..he asked a bit sarcastically'
I teach yoga'.
Yoga? He looked through the papers once again'.
I don't see any yoga qualification here''
You see I have moved recently and while I am looking for a job I thought of doing something so'
And how recently is recently?....
Bani felt like slapping him, his tone and his attitude was making her blood boil, of course he has enough money to act like a snob, kisi ne sach hi kaha hai, bare logo ka makaan hi bare hote hai, dil nehi'
About three months'..
He raised his eyebrow'.about three months, what does it mean, more than three months or less than three months'
A little over three months or you can say three months and 3 days to be precise'
This is better'.and during the last three months what have you been doing'
Well mainly teaching yoga and looking for a job'.
This is Mumbai madam, within 3 months you could not get a job?
Bani bit her lips, yes that means something is wrong with her, her lack of experience and her lack of big degrees'.her fault is that she is looking for a decent job inspite of not having the requisite education and experience, while she knew she could get to study further but at the moment she had to get a job to fund her education, it would be mean to pressurize her father, who has been forced to take VRS and gets no pension from the company he worked with'
I know what you mean but Sir, if I do not get work how will I get experience'.
The man got up, muttered something under his breath agar awaaj sunkar naukri mil jata, AB would not have been AB'catching Bani's attention, he asked her to follow him'.
Bani though momentarily confused recovered herself somewhat and followed him, was surprised that he was taking her across the hall upstairs at the end of a long passage, he opened the door'.Bani stood behind him, as he called out Nurse Nurse where are you?
In here, cried out a woman'he turned and indicated Bani to go in, as Bani stepped in, he pulled the door shut and left the room'.
Bani felt like a fool, she could not see anyone but the water was running the bathroom, so the child was having a bath most likely'why a nurse, is he or she not well, what kind of child is it'Bani looked around the room was big, decorated as per latest fashion with children colours and paintaings on the wall, there were several posters on the wall but no there were no photos of it or its parents, variety of toys, Bani tried to recollect the wordings in the advertisement , 'an energetic young person (woman preferably) is required to give company to a young child, please contact at the given no. in the morning between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. strictly''.Bani went around the room, what kind of father is the man, did not wait to introduce his child to her'.a child, it said, male, female not given and a young child'.how small is young Bani wondered when she heard a click of the door'..
A child jumped out of the bathroom naked'.about 4, he ran past her like a sputnik and jumped on his cot, climbed down to the other side, when his nurse came out holding a towel'..now Nishant, don't you run without your pants, come come boy let me wipe you dry'.
Nishant was not ready to listen to the old woman, he was running around a bit aimless in various direction, till Bani caught him, the lady gave her a grateful glance, so you are the new girl they have appointed'..
Ji, I am not too sure'..
Not sure? Matlab? the lady stopped rubbing Nishant'.
I mean to say he has not spoken to me about my job or my salary'.
The advertisement said giving company to a small child, see I am old woman, was his father's nurse, now whole day I cannot run after a small child'.The lady snapped at her'
Bani was observing the boy, he simply could not stand still, now was twisting the a toy car trying to understand it mechanism but within seconds he lost his concentration and tried to pick up something else but the nurse was putting the T shirt over his head, which he was obviously not liking, trying to break himself free'
I mean to say, Ma'am the boy's father did not inform me the working hours nor my salary'
Oh don't worry you will be well paid, but then he does have this queer way of hiring people, you see we did have no. of trials but nothing is working you see, Nishant as you can see is a bit hyper, difficult to manage'.
Bani was observing him, yes she smiled looking up, that I can see'.
See nowadays the young people want easy money, no hard work but children do not understand such things, they are still children and want to play, now you cannot expect them to behave like you'.here my child we are done'.as soon as she released the boy, he immediately sat down picking up toys in random order'..nothing seems to hold his attention for long..come my dear lets go for lunch'..as the lady dragged him out, he made some protesting noises, Bani followed them out '.
You know discipline must be instilled from a young age, there are too many servants in this house, who can bring up his food but then he should learn some table manners as well, so I insist on that'.
You are right, Bani replied, as the climbed down the stairs, when the child suddenly released himself and ran towards the other side'
Oh he must be hungry, the nurse cried going after him as fast as she could'
Bani stood not knowing what to do, it was lunch time, people will have their lunch, she could not simple barge in'.Bani looked around, a beautiful house, a hyper child but the house was like a museum, everything in place and shining, she was having an uneasy feeling, the house was too perfect with a hyper child around, infact the advertisement, though came out in a leading paper it did not match with mansion in front after she arrived for the interview'.atleast she was not expecting such a huge mansion'.and the child'he is hyper no doubt, seems to believe more in action than words, but something is not right with him, Bani tiptoed towards the way he had gone, could hear his voice too'.standing at the door she saw, he was playing with his fork and spoons and his nurse was trying her best to feed him'circling around him, from one side to another, Bani wanted to go and hold him still, the lady was having a tough time, poor woman, with her bulky physique she was indeed having a tough time'
Aap idhar khari khari kya dikh rahi hai, where is your ward'..shouldn't you be taking care of him instead peeping around the house barked the voice behind her, startling her out of her skin'.she turned to see him standing like a bulldog glaring at her'.
Ji ji I mean I was observing him'.she stammered'
Just then Nishant chose to run out past them'as his nurse cried out for him, the man shouted, Nurse ! Nurse! How can you be so careless, kuch tut jayega '.priceless articles all around'..as Bani ran after Nishant, she gritted her teeth, kaisa bap hai yeh, concerned more about his curios'..and no manners too, wasn't she his nurse before and look at the manner in which he is speaking to his old nurse'.
Pulling the boy, Bani came and stood glaring in front of him'..I think that is enough Sir, the nurse is doing what she can but you must realize she is an old lady and your child is a bit hyper and nothing should be more greater than safety of your child, if you are so concerned about the curios, put them away for some years till the child grows up'.
Momentarily there was pin drop silence when the boy broke into laughter'the man turned red, Bani looked uneasy & confused ' so Nishant understood her?...Then baldie raised his finger to say something but then put his hand down immediately staring behind her'..sensing presence of another person Bani turned''he was standing there with his hands in the pockets of the dark suit which he was wearing, tall, dark with sharp features he stood with an authority without any doubt who was the boss here'
Sir yeh ladki'..the man spoke out'.
He raised his hand to stop him'.You are right madam, the curios shall be removed, report for duty at sharp 8 a.m. tomorrow, you will be under observation for atleast 10 days before I sit with you to finalise your salary and other perks'.
And you are Sir? Bani asked'.
Come on madam, you have walked into the house and you do not know to whom the house belongs to? Baldie recovered himself fast'.
Bani smiled at him, as I had informed you Sir, I have come to Mumbai just over 3 months and you will agree it is too short a time to know all the tycoons staying in India's richest Metro, specially when I am also looking for a living, which is my primary motive of coming to Mumbai'
Walia, Jai Walia is my name'.I am the father of Nishant and now Patil come lets go to office, he patted Nishant on his head fleetingly, before going towards the exit, Patil scurried to follow him out'.
OK Bani, see you tomorrow, I am Mary, Mrs D'Silva, be here at 8, by that time he should be up'come boy, you will have a new lady tomorrow at your service, come lets finish our lunch'..
++++
Anupamaa
