FF MIRAGE New Thread Updated pg5 01/08

It was one of those days to relax and have fun. The Walias, the Dixits and the Debs all went to a holiday resort for a weekend. It was killing two birds with one stone, for they were now introducing Rano back into the normal flow of life and having a family get-together for all soon to be in-laws as they now fondly called themselves.

He watched a carefree Rano and Bani batting a volleyball over the net in competition. Jai and Natchiket were their second players. It was now three months since their last scare with Rano and all were taking it extra easy. Yes, now she and Aparajeet had proper made and up and he accompanied her to therapy twice a week. It had been frustrating at first for Rano had been more bottled up than ever after the nurse scare. Aparajeet couldn't shake the reason she called Jai instead of him and her insistence at keeping things bottled up finally caused him to explode at her during one of their sessions. As Aparajeet had suspected, Rano blamed him for Meera cutting up her face, and though there were no scars now due to the miracle of plastic surgery, she couldn't get the image of her face Meera had showed her in a mirror...the smell of her own blood...the pain as the ten-blade sliced easily into her skin.

It had been hard to hear but he had sat there and taken her railing, knowing this was the only way to help her through her pain. That had been the breakthrough they were looking for. She needed to identify her feelings and work through them. Anger, hate, resentment, pain...all of it. It had been gruelling, especially as she stayed with Aparajeet. He had thought to walk away but his mother had reprimanded him.

"If you cannot work through the bad times with her you do not deserve the good times with her," she was hopping mad when he suggested he walk away so she could heal, "You aren't responsible for what happened but in her head you are. And if you leave her like this, you would have effectively destroyed her for the next man that comes along, especially if he deserves her."

He sighed, "I just want her to be happy Ma."

"She will be. With you. You just have to hang in there," she soothed, patting his hand, "Lots of people experience this in marriage alone. Good you're getting it now so you will know better how to handle it when something this grievous happens again."

He watched his mother thoughtfully, "I pray it never happens to anyone again. This is too much."

"It'll pass beta. It'll pass," she said softly.

Now watching the game as the referee, he couldn't help seeing how far they had come after the incident. It only seemed like yesterday, but it was almost seven months since he had found her all cut up and bleeding. She looked almost like he remembered her previously. But an incident like this changed a person permanently. Maybe not for the worse, but something always remained broken inside. He hoped Rano had now fully gotten to a stage where she could start putting her life back together. Lord knows he was ready to. He could...

"Oye hero!" Jai called, "Jeet!"

He heard his name from afar off but it didn't register yet. He was still lost in thought and staring in Rano's general direction. It was when he noticed her blush, a giggling Bani and a sniggering Jai that he snapped out of it.

"Oye yaar, this is a game we're playing here!" Natchiket called, "You can stare at your honewali patni later. Now we have a game to finish."

Aparajeet had the good grace to blush and smile sheepishly, "I'll get you for that," he muttered under his breath.

"What did I do? You're the one Rano-gazing," Natchiket said goodnaturedly.

"Okay you too," Jai said, "Play ball!"

2I wonder what would happen were we not all here," Bani whispered to Jai loud enough for Rano to hear and while a furious blush coloured her skin, Bani spiked the ball hard, catching Rano off guard.

"Hey that's cheating!" Rano said indignantly, "You did that on purpose."

"What to do my darling?" Bani said sweetly with a dreamy smile on her face, "All's fair in love and war."

"Just remember you started it," Natchiket said to a rather amused Jai.

"What did I do?" Jai asked innocently as they resumed the game.

It had been a wonderful weekend with the family. Both brothers had had to fly out to Chennai as soon as they returned from the resort in Goa. Something about the plants being shutdown due to the Union giving problems. Natchiket had offered to go with Jai as he knew Jai had no patience for unnecessary lobbying and could very well manage to sack ever protester rather than be dictated to. He was right to go along. On the flight back after three days of wrangling and negotiating, the crisis was over.

"You know Ma wants you to come back home, Jai, who was fiddling with his blackberry said without looking up.

"Hmm," Natchiket grunted and shifted in his seat.

Jai glanced at him, "Will you?"

"Not now Jai," he said, meaning he didn't want to discuss it.

"What are you going to do when Purva is finally in the picture?"

"That's between the both of us and no one else," he said, his voice taking on an edge.

Jai sat in his office working away, forgetting the time as usual until his phone rang. Without taking his eyes off the laptop, he touched the Bluetooth earpiece, "Hello."

"Wow, grumpy are we?" Bani said.

He relaxed on hearing her voice, "My darling."

"Love it when you call me that," she cooed.

"How was your day?"

"Over, thank goodness," she sighed, "You?"

"Still working at it," he said, "Restructuring a few things on a project in Dubai."

"I knew you'd say that, that's why I brought dinner!"

"What?" he frowned in confusion.

"Tadaa!!!"

His door swung open and Bani strolled in with a young man, probably one of the last peons around, carrying two baskets behind her. Jai's face broke into a full blown smile. Yes, his Bani had been pulling these stunts for a while now and though he hated surprises, she was one surprise he never got tired of.

He stood up, going to envelop her in a warm hug, "I should've known you'd pull something like this."

"Well at least I can still surprise you," she pressed her lips to his cheek in greeting, "Besides, I have my spies."

"We're not even married and already the spying has began!" he exclaimed with an amused laugh.

"Well I have to protect my territory don't you think?" she sassed back.

"You will never cease to amaze me," he shook his head, taking out a wad of money from his wallet and tipping the guy, "Keep the change."

"Thank you Sir," the man said profusely and Jai immediately knew that money was a God-send.

Well, right place right time, he thought to himself, then turned to Bani, "So what's for dinner?"

"Take a look," she beamed.

The aroma of food filled his office and Jai's tummy immediately grumbled in recognition of the smell. He rubbed his tummy, "I guess I was hungrier than I thought."

"Like I don't know that," she said, taking out an assortment of dishes from the food warmers.

An hour later, they were chatting over tiramisu when Jai's phone rang. She jumped up lithely, "I'll get it!" She picked it up and frowned at the screen and said "It's an Amaan."

As she looked up at Jai, the smile faded from his face and was replaced by a serious expression. Pushing himself off the sofa couch he came and took the phone from her, backing her as he answered.

"Hello?...Yes Amaan I am still at the office...You're downstairs?...Yes you can come up. I'll take it myself." He disconnected and turned back to her to see the pensive expression on her face, "Is something wrong?"

She paused a moment, studying his face as if to assees whether it was safe to ask. Finally she sighed, "Jai, who was that?"

His frown deepened, "Why do you ask?"

"Really Jai? Answering a question with a question?" she said, folding her hands and watching him, "You're tense Jai. And don't try to smile it away, I can see it in that tick in your jaw."

Dammit, Jai thought, why did she have to such a woman and notice everything? "Look Bani, it's just a package from a friend..."

What's in it?" she asked point blank.

He smiled fully now, but she could see it didn't reach his eyes, "I'd tell you honey, but then I'd have to kill you. What would become of me then?"

"Jai, I'm being serious," she backed away as he advanced on her, a mischievous glint she knew he wasn't faking having crept into his eyes, "You will not change the subject."

"No intention of doing that," he said, as his arm snaked around her and pulled her to him, "But first, I have to do whatI have wanted to all evening."

"Jai, I..."

The rest of her sentence was lost as she found her lips clasped by Jai's, drowning out and putting an end to all coherent speech. She protested deep in her throat but he wasn't letting go. The kiss was slow, unhurried, like he knew exactly what he was doing to her and was not about to rush it. The kiss deepened and she totally forgot all about her line of questioning as their tongues met and played with eachother, loving the feel of his much rougher tongue against her smoother one. Her hands crept into his hair she kissed him back with the same gusto. A guttural growl escaped him, sending a wining thrill down her spine as she moulded her body to his, now truly enjoying herself.

Annoyingly, there was a knock on the door. Bani for once didn't care, but Jai slowly pulled away from her, bringing the kiss to an end. A small protesting sound escaped Bani as their lips parted.

"Shhh," Jai smiled down at her, kissing her nose tip and admiring her darkened gaze, "I'm not going anywhere."

She watched as he walked to the door, all graceful and carrying his build well, "Damn he knew how to distract her, she thought.

"Is this all of it?...Good. Send me the bill...and do nothing till I say so."

So saying he turned the pack over in his hands, looking at it curiously, then walking over to the table, tossed it on the papers that were strewn all over his desk with utter disinterest.

"Now," he pulled her into his arms again, "Where were we?"

He was about to kiss her but she pulled back and stepped out of his embrace, "I've...got to get going."

"Oh come on!" he said with a little whine, "You're leaving now?"

"It is almost half nine Jai, I need to go home."

"It's not like your Father will give you a talking to," he said, coming to hug her again, "This is about the package right?"

She laughed, "A little, but I really have to go..."

"Okay, I'll tell you what's in it..."

"Jai, please," she said, glad that he at least wanted to tell her, "I'll rain check it now. But someday I will ask you."

He just stared at her and said nothing.

"Oh don't be a spoil sport. Now walk me to the car," she said, turning to go pick her jacket, "On second thought, it's late and you should go home too. Come on, shut down the desktop and let's go."

"I just need to finish up..."

"Jai, there are never enough hours in the day. You need to go home and be with your family. I'm sure Nattu isn't here."

Jai grumbled something but didn't move. Seeing as he wasn't going to do it alone, she went and hit the off button for the monitor and he jumped up.

"Hey! I put a lot of work into that!" he pulled her away from the desktop, holding her securely.

"Then let's go home Jai," she said, and realized the double entendre too late when a wolfish smile curved his lips.

"Offering to take me home Bani?" he teased, "Who would've thought?"

"Oh get your mind out the gutter," she hissed, wriggling out of his arms, "Now let's go."

"Bossy aren't you?" he said in amusement.

A few minutes later they both walked out of his office, but Bani didn't miss the fact that he stuffed the 'package' into his office briefcase, along with the other stuff he was shoving in.

"So...what's in the package?" she asked as they got into the elevator.

He chuckled, "I wondered how long it would take you to get to it again. But you snoozed honey, so you lose."

"That's cheating!" she said indignantly.

"All's fair in love and war right?" he winked at her as the doors slid close.

Okay people, I figured I finally had to write something. Turns out that even I had forgotten my own storyline and had to take time to read up on it again!!!Go figure!!!!But we'll here's the firt part in a long time so I hope to ease everyone back into the story. Hope you enjoy it!!!

Here's the next part as promised. Hope you enjoy!!

Jai sat down to catch up on the last bit of work Bani had refused him doing after their office dinner date. His eyes were red from having stared at the laptop for hours on end. He looked at the time. It was almost two in the morning and he had all this work still left to do. One thing was sure and Bani was right, there were never enough hours in the day to finish up work. He really had to think more seriously about delegating some of the responsibilities on him. He stretched his long frame more like a wild cat and in the process his long legs collided with his half open brief case which tipped over and spilled its contents. Cursing lightly, he leaned over to pick up the same.

He picked up the brown envelope from earlier this evening. He weighed the options of whether he wanted to see the contents or not. This envelope could take him back years and he wasn't sure whether or not with the happiness he had now found with Bani, he wanted to toy with any of it. He tossed the envelope on the table and sat back, still weighing the pros and cons of opening it up. It held the reasons for the rifts in the family. Rifts that he now regretted having acted in haste and having not cared about how the situation would affect everyone else involved. But how was he to know that the explosion would reveal an even bigger secret? A slow anger began to build on his insides. It was always the resultant reaction.

Deciding, he picked up the envelope and ripped it open, pouring the contents out into his hands. First he picked up the pictures they were always the ones that told the entire story. There they were. They had tried to disappear once again but he had found them. Yes he had sworn that they would rue the day they entered his life and he was nothing if not a man of his word. He saw them...both of them. The house they now lived in was only two steps above what a chawl looked like. They were somewhere in Chandigar. It was a middle-class neighbourhood and they lived with another couple. There was a small shop in the pictures. Apparently they owned it. They couldn't make much from it anyway. He had made sure they were bankrupted and unsuccessful in all they ever chose to put their hands to. Yes, initially each victory had meant something. Now it was just.....he didn't feel the initial joy of reducing his enemies to the streets. There was just no joy anymore.

He sat back and rubbed his eyes. He didn't even feel like going through the rest of the information that had been gathered. Their bank statements, who they had been calling in the last few months, who had lent them any kind of assistance, he just didn't wanna know. He put everything back in the envelope and shut down his laptop. He took the envelop and put it in his safe along with all the other envelops that contain various bits of the same information he had received in the last few years. Perhaps it was time he left them alone. He's done enough. And they had suffered enough. Or maybe it was because after a long time he was happy again. He had found everything he thought he had been cheated out of in the most unlikely woman. American-born Bani Dixit with her different and complicated bloodlines and family stories. It had taken him quite a while to understand the whole story but that didn't change the fact that he did not like her friend or brother as she called him...what was his name...Michael. They seemed a little too close for comfort. She had laughed but what was he to do? He protected his own and as far as he was concerned, she was his and no one else's.

He made his way up to his room. He walked past the room that used to belong to Natchiket. On a whim he pushed open the door and stared at the room covered in white. His mother had kept it the very same way it was when Natchiket had left. Not a thing out of place.

"Jai?"

He turned to see his mother standing in the doorway, "You should be asleep Ma."

"So should you. I'm not the one who has to go to work tomorrow," she said, coming to stand beside him.

"You think he'll come home?"

She sighed tiredly, "I didn't think he had it in him to stay away from us for so long but...." she sighed again, "I pray he does."

After a brief pause, "Should I speak with..."

"No," Kirshna cut him off, "Neither one of you knows how to control his temper, and the last time was a disaster."

Jai grunted in acknowledgment. It had turned into a brawl right there in the house with both men sporting black eyes and busted lips to work the following day. No one dared ask any questions but there were interested glances nonetheless. But he had to try again. In part he blamed himself for the incident but now the way forward was what they were looking for. Damn it why did he have to have the Walia stubborn streak? But then he had it too........he smiled.

"Let's go to bed Ma. Tomorrow will take care of itself."

He saw her off other room before going into his. He changed into his PJ bottoms which was all he usually slept in and slipped between the cool sheets. His train of thoughts made him a little uneasy and he picked up his mobile. He pressed the speed dial button. The phone was picked up on the sixth ring.

"What?" came the sleepy growl from the other end.

He smiled, "How's my darling doing?"

"Are you serious?" disbelief coloured her voice, "You called me at two in the morning to ask how I am?"

"I needed to hear your voice," he said sheepishly.

"And you couldn't wait till morning? Jai I have work tomorrow," she groaned.

"So have I," he said with a little indignation, "But that didn't stop me from calling..."

"Disturbing," she cut in.

"...my darling girlfriend in the middle of the night. Some would call that romantic."

"Jai," she said firmly, "Goodnight."

He smiled at his mobile as she disconnected the line. Always the feisty one. However for some reason he just had to make sure that he was as much on his mind as she was on his. Needed to know he would never have to worry about her leaving....the thought caused a deep fear to grip him, causing his heart rate to pick up significantly. He couldn't lose her. She had brought more than a breath of fresh air. More like a tornado of it and he really hadn't realized how far away from life he had gotten. Well then no time for regrets. How would she react if he asked his mother to speak to Kiran on his behalf?

A slow smile curved his lips. At least that would ensure her place in his life...for somewhere he knew she would always have his heart. With thoughts of Bani becoming his wife floating around in his head, he finally drifted up to sleep.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Natchiket had taken Purva to a stage performance of some sort. In the last few months she had been working nonstop since the opening of their new venture. Her In-laws couldn't be more proud of all she had accomplished though she was always quick to deny her genius. He put his arm around her as they exited the large hall through the VIP exit. She smiled up at him as he ushered her into the hallway. She always made his heart melt and then beat a little faster. When they fought, which was not very often, it didn't matter who was right. He just wanted her to not be so upset. It was funny cos at times they were like two high school kids in love for the first time. He'd chase her and apologize, then she would apologize and then it would be rounds and rounds of trying to outdo each other in the apology department. It had already been decided that they would wed in a few months. Truth be told he couldn't wait.

They was on his way out of the when he stopped cold in his tracks. Purva sensing his tension turned to look at him, concerned.

"Nattu, kya hua?" she asked, and then noticing the direction of his eyes to see what he was looking at.

She wouldn't have spotted who he was looking at save for the fearful expression on a petit woman standing a few feet away from them, wringing the fabric of her pallu in consternation. She sent a confused look at Natchiket whom she sensed had gone from shocked to angry, and then back to a hesitant weariness.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

Purva heard a tightness in his voice that for a split second scared her. She turned to the woman looked just about ready to bolt from the hallway where she stood.

"Answer me," he said, his voice deceptively soft but ice cold.

Purva looked absolutely confused and not a little scared at the chill he sent down her spine. She turned to the woman who looked ready to cry. What surprised her a little was the fact that the woman was pregnant. Heavily so. So what was the deal here? Why was he so mad?

Deciding whatever this was could not be made public gossip, she took his hand, "Nattu, not here. Come, we'll go in and talk."

"I have nothing to say to her," he said, making to go away but the woman's frightened whimper stopped them both.

Purva looked at the woman, unsure what to do. She didn't know the story behind all this, but of one thing she was sure. This woman whatever the case will not be here unless she was positively desperate.

"Nathciket," she said softly, "People are beginning to stare. Let's go back into the private booth."

She walked over to the woman who looked at her gratefully, and gripped her hand in gratitude as she shepherded her away from prying eyes. It didn't help that she could feel Natchiket's tension and disapproval of her action. However the woman looked very afraid and like she needed someone in her corner so the best she could do was offer her help. She guided the woman into the booth they had just exited, indicating a still and very tense Natchiket to follow them.

After a few seconds he followed her in, a certain dread gripping him. This could not be good. This could not be good at all.............For the second time in the last few years, Natchiket was sweating rivers at this deja vu moment.

Okay I gotta stop here. This is for you Janam. Hope you enjoy.

Next up, our very own SICILIAN!!!!Yay!!!

You updated!!!!! Can't wait for the secrets to come out...all very mysterious. Jai and his photos, Nattu and his temper and now a pregnant woman???