Navs - court me me tumhe dekhloongi, for now... enjoy! 😉
PART 5
Jai: I don't want any excuses Bani, I should have gone with my first decision and not given you this job at all! Mujhe pata hona chaahiya tha ke tumhaare qualifications ka ghamand tumhaari so-called work-ethic se zyaada hoga! IT WAS A MISTAKE TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!
He cuts her off before she can give him any more excuses and makes his way to the hotel ballroom. He is even more angry because for some reason, even though he barely knew her, he felt he could rely on her. But no, he was wrong, again.
He thunders through wide mahogany doors and is astounded by what he sees! He stops abruptly and one of his assistants carrying a box full of pictures of the NY hotels runs straight into him and bounces backwards onto the floor.
Jai doesn't notice a thing. He is too busy looking around at the hall to notice the diminutive little assistant straightening his glasses and trying to pick himself up gracefully.
The lighting is soft and low, the theme red and gold, rich-looking but not overpowering. Simple table decorations of gold floating candles in translucent bowls sprinkled with deep red rose petals. Contrasting cream tablecloths and deep red velvet chairs. The steps leading down to the floor bordered with softly glowing fairy lights. The band has already set itself up and is playing some Frank Sinatra, perfectly in line with the event itself! The dancefloor is bordered by 4 beautiful standing candle-holders and a soft glowing light pervades from the back of the hall giving the whole ballroom an ethereal quality.
Kesar was standing in a corner talking to the staff. Noticing him she hurries over.
Jai, looking impressed: Good job Kesar! Quite different from the original plans but definitely changes for the better! Particularly the table decorations…
Kesar smiles: Kaash yeh mera idea hota sir! Actually, aap ki PA yaha lunchtime ke baad hi aagayi thi! Usne hi sab plans ko check karke yeh thode se changes introduce kiye. If you have a look at the seating plans sir (handing him a list) she has also made a few changes here too. You see, according to the guest profiles she thought Khanna Business House and Smithson Incorporated should be sitting together, considering the recent merger…. And here, Shah Industries ko inho ne Rucha Industries ke table se shift karke Ambre Fashions waalo ke saath bitha diya hai…
Jai, looking over the plans: Of course… your biggest competition would not be the best choice for a dinner companion…
Kesar: Exactly sir… aapki PA ne yeh sab pehle khatam kiya aur phir ghar chali gayi to get ready.
Jai remembered how he had spoken to her on the phone and felt a strange gnawing inside… discomfort… regret… even guilt…?
Kesar: Sir the first of your guests are arriving.
Jai snaps out of his thoughts and turns towards the stairs plastering a welcoming grin onto his face.
"Hello Mr Robertson! Welcome, welcome to India… Nice to see you again Mr Richards, how was your flight? I hope your accommodation is to your taste!"
One by one he greeted them all, but he couldn't help being a little disappointed each time he looked towards the door. Each time he asked himself who he was waiting for and each time the image of a pretty little 24 year old came uninvited into his head. Where was she?!!
He turns to watch the band play. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves! The music was good, the food was better, the wine was the best! In a little while it would be time for his speech…
"OH SH*T" he thought, "speech toh Bani ke paas hai, maine usse proof-reading ke liye di thi!!!"
He dials her number from his phone and hears it ring once… twice…
"Mr Walia…"
He turns and his breath catches in his throat. There she was… it was her wasn't it?!!
When he thought of his new PA he saw a simple girl in a simple salwar kameez, with her hair tied in a simple plait, wearing a simple bindi….
The woman in front of him looked anything but simple!!! She was dressed in a thin turquoise and pink sari with faint silver embroidery, her hair held up high by a diamante clip, showing off milky skin and a dainty neck. The backless, strapless blouse showed not too much, but just enough. Small diamonds sat on her neck, twinkling just like her eyes. The eyes framed in kaajal, wide and innocent, the lips pale pink, trmbling slightly…
Jai couldn't tear his eyes away from the vision of angelic beauty in front of him. One look into those eyes and he forgot that he was standing in the middle of a crowded ballroom.
"Mr Walia…?" she said.
He swallowed thickly, his throat dry.
Jai: B…Bani…? You look… I mean… you look…
He catches himself, clearing his throat and looking away.
Jai, looking away: You're late.
Bani, coldly: Main yahan aapki speech aapko dene aayi thi. Aur iske saath mera resignation bhi.
He stares in shock as she hands him both and turns away.
Jai, quietly but firmly: Bani…
She stops. Again, she doesn't turn.
Jai: Mujhe lagta hai… I think… I was a little harsh on you before…
She slowly turns to look at him, suspiciously, trying to gauge his sincerity.
Jai: Tum jaisi creative, smart aur hard-working ladki ki mujhe zaroorat hai. It's just… this party is important… a lot of important people are here. I placed some faith in you aur mujhe laga ke auro ki tarha-
"Mr Walia!!" interrupts a guest, "bhai maangaye aapko, the party is wonderful, and what an atmosphere!! Excellent!"
Jai, flustered: Er… thank you Mr Sinha!
Mr Sinha, nodding at Bani: And who is this beautiful young lady??
Jai, looking at her questioningly: This is Bani Dixit, my new… PA… aaj ki party ke kaafi arrangements me inka hi capable haath hai.
Mr Sinha: Miss Dixit well done I must say!! Agar kabhi Mr Walia se tang hojao toh humse aake mil lena, we could do with your talents at my company!!
Jai, laughing, a mischievious glint in his eye: Nahi nahi Mr Sinha! I won't let her go so easily!
Mr Sinha laughs and leaves to meet with other guests.
Jai looks straight at Bani, waiting for her to refute his words…
Bani, daringly: Is that supposed to be an apology Mr Walia?
He can't help but smirk a little at her boldness, and notices the same mischievous glint in her eyes too.
Jai, raising an eyebrow: …You've obviously memorised the profiles, I suggest you make sure our guests are comfortable while I meet and greet the rest.
They hold each other's gaze for a while, each daring the other to look away first. Jai soon gives up!
Bani smiles, shaking her head she begins to walk away.
Jai: Oh, and Bani…?
Bani: Ji sir?
Jai, looking her up and down brazenly: Achchi lagti ho…
Bani blushes and looks at the floor.
Jai: …when you make a bit of an effort…!
Now that was the longest it's ever been ok!! 😛
Hope you enjoy this part, and thanks for all your sweet comments guys!! 🤗
Cricket
CID
