PART 1- 53

PART 1-45 (including flashbacks 1-20)

http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=415856&T P

**********************************

PART 46

FLASHBACK PART 21

The car winded its way thru the busy roads of Mumbai, JW turned around to B "Tumne mujhe apne naye job ke baare mein kuch kaha nahi?"
B: Ummmm Aap uske baare mein jaankar kya karenge?
JW: Well for the simple reason I need to know what my wife works on
(God! That word, from his lips........ she thinks)
B (embarrassed) I love it! Umm its all about boring compliance stuff, aapko...........
JW: Banee I own a dozen hotels across the country, is that proof of my intellect for you? (amused)
B: (smiles at him sheepishly) Ya I am.... s (stops)I work for the Corp governance Services focussed on regulatory compliance
JW: sounds like what u did before with AA
B: Ya, it is (smiles) its all about internal controls, assessments, monitor compliance of SEBI guidelines, risk management etc.
JW is looking at his Treo....
B: Aap sun nahi rahe hain I am not saying anymore!! (hot)
JW: Sorry! Fine yeh lo, (opens her purse and tucks his Treo in it, notices a post-it with "Unforgettable" on it)
JW: yeh kya hai?
B: U need to mind ur own biz
JW: But mere cologne ka naam?
B: I bought a pen, I was testing how it writes (evasive)
JW: Oh! OK (disbelief)
B: I wrote this before I visited your house! (idiot)
He just smiles, a slow lazy one.."mission accomplished" (from the unique color of ink, greenish he knows its his pen, leftover freebies from last yr's Christmas order)
Silence!

B: But u were not listening
JW: Baneee I am, do u want me to narrate to you what u just said? (challenge)
B: No! but look at me! Jab main aapse baat karoon (order)
JW: My pleasure! (winks)
B:Plzzzzzzz
JW: Go on.............(raises his hand conciliatorily)
She continues animatedly about the differences in the work culture, processes, systems, and about commonalities between the two, he pays full attention....... when she is

done she doesnt know how to end the convo
B: I LOVE my job! (tucks a lock of hair behind her ear)
JW pulls it out and lets it hang by the side of her face)
JW: Dont!
B: I dont like it on my face
JW: I do!
B: I love my job, matlab, job, Pia , Rano aur Papa (counts on her fingers)
JW: What about this one? (grabs her thumb, leaning back on his seat, eyes almost closed, relaxed, amused.......)
B realizes where he is headed........
B: No!
JW looks at her like "weve kissed so many times, so do I have a chance?"
Her eyes tell him "Tough luck! No"
B: You annoy me the most! (title)
JW: Fine! its me then (happy as a child who just won his first board game by cheating)

D crawls to a stop in the busy BBDesai marg area, cars bikes honking, screeching, tires skidding..... JW urges her to get off B" Yahan?"
B" Yahan kyon"
JW" Utro to, baad mein baat karenge"
B: I am going to be really late
JW: Ya I know ("like I care" tone)
She steps out reluctantly
He follows close by, she stops turns around, "mera purse"
JW: Baneeeeeeee (frsutrated)
B: I need my purse.
JW waves D down again, and he stops by the kerb once again (he was not going much anywhere thanks to the evening rush hour pre-Diwali traffic
She runs to the car, and gets it, turns around cant see him on the sidewalk, worries, he appears from nowhere
JW: Ab chalen
B's heart thumps and thanks the voice (smiles) Hmm
JW: Cant u live without ur purse?
B: No! Waise aapka bhi phone hai isme (pulls it out annoyed and shoves it in his hand)
He is really irritated at the crowds, holds her by her waist, not letting her separate from him............ walk in to a grand boutqiue of sorts it says "Ritu's"
B: Yahan kya kaam hai AAPKO?
JW: Uve been here before?
B: Kyon? why not? (I am not from Jhumri talaiyya u know" tone insulted)
JW: Baneee I meant this boutique! She has many across town (more annoyed that she stopped mid-way to FIGHT ;-)
Pushing her, urging her........ they enter the doorman nods and smiles at JW, he returns it, lets her enter first
JW: Hi! Chetna (to the lady that greets them)
C: Hi1Mr Walia
B: Why are we here?
JW: Hotel arcade mein we want to have a boutique so franchsie ke baare mein.......... (nonchalant)
B: Oh! (too excited by the clothes on display to pay him more attention than that, leaves him to chat with C and starts brwosing)
C finds her "May I help you Maam, I am Chetna!"
B: I am Bani! (Shake hands smile)
B: I am just browsing, aap plz kisi aur ko attend keejiye
She leaves
B pauses touches feels, admires, everything a kid in a candy shop wud do..............
Turns around and walks back to where he is leaning against a pillar, one foor up, one hand tucked in pocket, checking e-mail AGAIN!
B: chalen (before she cud finish, Chetna is by her holding 8 hangers of the suits she just saw)
B: I was just admiring (she thinks at the price tag of Rs. 3500 a piece thats all I can do!)
JW bulldozes her into trying it out, she does, doesnt step out of the trial room, loves two in particular, mustard and henna green and a almost white with pink, with gauze

like exquisite embroidery all over the front............ changes back into her own capris and blouse, steps out holding the ones she likes
Walks over to him, not before hanging them on the side out side the room,
JW: So?
B: Chalen?
JW: U didnt model for me? (Amused)
B has a what are you? "Manish Malhotra" look
JW:For you I am!
B: Funny! (she smiles)
JW: Those two? (C has already picked thosea nd is walking over to where they are now)
B: I dont want any
C: U loved these. I knew it!
b: oH NO! i am fine yes, they are beautiful (gives him a nasty look wants him to cooperate in sending C off, he wont)
JW: excuse us Chetna, hame yeh sochna hai ki kaun sa sabse achha laga.
B Almost yells "NO! he is lying (holds herself, the ":private battle rule")
JW pulls her to the side.
JW:Banee le lo!
B: i dont wnat it
JW: I want you to...........
B: When I want charity Mr Walia I will ask for it! I can pay for my own clothes.!
JW's face looks like the end of the fuse has just been reached his eyes on fire "Ms Dixit, I do realize you dont WANT charity, but when we marry in a few weeks, and u

become Mrs WALIA I dont want ur PAPA or you paying for your clothes (almost singing her ear with the heat of his breath and his words)
B: U dont have to be nasty!
JW: U just dont GET IT!
B: I HATE YOU!
JW: Uve said that one too many times and I am NOT hearing impaired (warningly)
B: I dont need ur money! I dont need anything from YOU!
JW: U seem to have ALL the shame and self-respect ur dear Papa lacks! If he had any, we wont be here today! ( She is STUNNED!, never expected him to be quite so horrible)
He runs his fingers thru his hair, regrets what he has just said.................
She has turned stone cold..................
JW: I already gave her my credit card, tum bahar wait kar lo (too much ego in him too, so wont apologize)
B walks like a zombie (her entire body feels like its been dead for hours, her heart, has foot prints all over)
He is done walks back with three bags (he bought one extra to punish her)
They head out, he extends his hand to help her cross the road, she just looks away
He crosses, calls D, dumps the bags in the trunk
Sees her still standing alone staring at nowhere, her eyes BIG and moist.........
He sprints back across, she sees that, he almost gets run over by a Toyota SUV, she shuts her mouth with her hand in horror, he sees that, manages to reach her side again........ extends his hand......... she wont give it to him, he grabs it, pulls her with a jerk, she lands on his chest
whispers in her ear " For every tantrum that u pitch during the day I ought to pay u back at nite, when we are married"
************************
The car stops outside the Cross roads Mall near Haji Ali, both havent said a word all thru the drive, the camaraderie that was achieved so spontaneously between the two all lost.......... she gets off, he walks by her, they enter the Mall, he walks to Danabhai Jewelers.
They enter the HUGE store, greeted and seated, he says he wanst to look at enegagement rings!
B blushed big time, but doesnt say a WORD
B: When is the engagement? (softly) I am assuming its..........yo, I mean ou...rs?
He gives her an intense look
JW: (softly)Its on Diwali! Evening,.... bus ghar ke log, YES BANI IT WILL BE YOURS and mine (firmly)
B looks away
B: Oh!
She looks at hundreds of rings, is too annoyed to select, too bitter, finds one that is a solitaire an evil thot crosses her mind, she looks at the tiny white tag hanging from the ring it has a series of numbers, like "1643" "1774" "215" "1386" etc, she ASSUMES its in thousands of rupees, picks an incredibly beautiful, rock flashy and abs brilliant, looks at the number it says "1771" she thinks its for Rs.17k
She hands it to him he picks one and hands to her it has "216" on it she thinks its lower priced
B: Mujhe yeh pasand hai! (points to hers, smugly)
He is stunned at hearing that line for the first time that nite
JW: Sure! (expressionless)
They send it for sizing and packing and he pays with his Amex Black.........
The bill comes back with the Gemological Instt Certif, her eyes fall on it it says "Rs.1,77, 480.
She is speechless
JW: (in her ear) I wanted u to go for a more exp one!

Battle lost! (the one he looked at was over Rs. 2 lakhs)
B: What abt you? (sweetly taunting)
JW: I dont care to wear an enggment ring Baneee, I will wear a wedding ring........
B: Then I dont care to wear one either.(thinks he wants to seem like he is "available and eligible")
JW: Nice try! Baneee, But no! I want it on your finger ASAP (husky and decisive, possessive)
She looks away...................
***********************************************
Reach home, she finds a note on the door from Rano saying her and Pia are taking a walk around the Society, JW and B havent spoken in the ride back home.......
She unlocks, he doesnt ask for permission, just steps in, places her bags by the side
Pushes her against the door,
JW: Payback time!
B: What?
JW: Youve attended one too many self respect classes (taps her temple)
B: U havent attended enough road safety ones! (blurts, bites her lower lip, shuts her eyes)
JW: i thot u hated me?
B: I do.......... wholeheartedly! (passionately)
Pulls the ring box out of the gift bag and opens it takes the ring out, she watches him mesmerized, mouth dry, gasping for air......
Leans his forehead on hers, talks into her eyes, places the ring on his index finger of his left hand, taps the door behind her....... rythmically
JW: Great choice Baneeeee, spits fire just like you do,
Nuzzles
JW: Exquisitely beautiful....................
nuzzles
JW: totally brilliant!
She squirms and tries to escape, holds her against the door..........nuzzles
JW: Could kill a man
(mouths clash!)

***********************************

PART 47 A
FB 22

B's phone was ringing non-stop, first it was Papa, wanting to talk abt his train reservation to Mumbai, then her friends from work, who were calling wanting to know if the

"news" was for real. She said it was............
Rano seemed really happy and excited, wanted to know what she would be wearing for her engagement. B hadnt decided on anything, "If ur Papa had any shame we wudnt

be here" That line was ringing in her ears, even when she went to bed that nite. It was three days from Diwali. Two months ago little had she imagined her life would turn

upside down like this............. she regretted taking that elevator that morning..........................Papa........... kyon kiya aisa......... Wish he had stood up and refused the

financial assistance, wish he had placed SOME faith in his daughter's abilities. He had caved in!
Her life had fallen apart the moment Papa had called her about the irregularities. Shah................ why did he have to cross her Papa's path?
Wedding is supposed to be romantic, exciting, beautiful, magical and poignant........... hers was, bereft of any happy emotions. She had been bought and sold......... by

someone she loved dearly. She lay there in bed, head resting on the headboard.......... eyes closed, hot tears flowing down her cheeks, for the first time since meeting the

man she was feeling sorry for herself. She did not like to cry, she considered herself to be emotionally strong. She had to be............. she was responsible for her two

sisters....
She missed her Mummy, "beti ki sagai hai do din mein, no signs of relatives, no laughter, no banter no teasing"
Pia and Rano were sleeping on the living room rug, with the AC turned on. Rano loved the AC, they had none in Mt Abu despite the desert heat. B was planning to buy one

before next summer for Papa and her.
She was tired ............. as if she had run a marathon........"I havent fulfilled any of my duties, Pia is not married, Rano's education is still incomplete and Iam already battle

weary?"
I am marrying a man who would not marry me given a choice! It brings new rivulets of tears, soaking her offwhite chikan kurta, the fan above creaks.......... she can hear

Chhaya Geet playing in some house down below........ she hugs a pillow............. suddenly very lonely.
Pia and rano are too young........... Papa? Lekin Papa se kahoon to kya kahoon? Woh pehle hi itne sharminda hain............... unse kaise kahoon ki jis insaan ne aapki

madad ki use mujhse shaadi karne ka koi shauk nahi hai? Main uski majoboori hoon?
her eyes are swollen, her nose feels like she has a cold......... all puffy and red............... she closes her eyes, inorder to get some sleep, Maasi had called wanting to know

if she can go out with her tomorrow. B didnt know why, but she readily agreed. Rano's tkts had to be cancelled, for B's enggment. Papa was arriving Friday nite.
"naya kaam shuru kiya hai to fursat kam hai" he had said...........B understood, this wedding did not require more attention anyway. She was going to be back in this apptt

in a year or two or even less................ , "there was NOT going to be any babies......... The marriage will have to be annulled"......... her tear ducts get the cue and pour their

insides out .............
She cleared her throat in order to stop the tears, placed her palm on her eyes to stop the flow...... her palms felt hot....... on her already hot eyes.......
Maybe I shud go take a shower? But no! What if Pia and rano wake up?
"We wont be here if ur Papa had any self-respect" God!!!! Turns over face down on the pillow......................................

Her phone rings the pillow is muffling the noise, she grabs it and presses the green key without seeing who it is...........
B: Hello (clearing her throat, blowing her nose)
JW: Tum ro kyon rahi ho? (gruff)
B's heart creaks to a stop like a freight train...........
B: Iam tired Mr Walia, aapko kya kehna tha? (abrupt, biz like)
JW: Why were you crying?
B: Main pyaaz kaat rahi thi
JW: Raat ko 10.45 baje?
B: Haan, main khaana bana rahi hoon
JW: achha Rano ko phone do
B: Woh yahan nahi hai.
JW: Kahan gayi?
B: Bahar
JW: Baneee
Thats it, it brings back the flood............
B: Why did u call (angry, crying, impatient)
JW: Baneeee, sweetheart..........
B: stop it! main phone rakh rahi hoon (she doesnt hang up just places it on the bed and shuts her eyes)
JW: baneeee,? plz talk to me, baneee? hello?
B: I dont want to talk to you!!!!!!!!!! (picks it up again and almost yells into it)
JW: Maasi ne phone kiya?
B: Haan, main unke saath chali jaaoongi, main Sat ko time se enggment ke liye aa jaaoongi, Papa aap ke standard ke liye to kuch kar nahi paayenge, jo denge aap use

phenk deejiye.........
JW: Shut up will you? (angry, exploding)
B: Iam tired, I dont feel good. I will do my job and do it well, u dont have to worry. Just let me know kis din shaadi hai i will be there
JW: Kya ho gaya hai tumhe? (he wud have strangled her had she been in the same room)
B: NOTHING, I am abs fine! (her tears dry up when she thinks "he really doesnt care, he just wants everything to go well, he wants no one to know why he is marrying me")
JW: What the bloody hell happened?
B: Dont swear!
JW: Iam SORRY (curses under his breath)
B: Iam fine I told you I will meet Maasi tomorrow now I have to go
JW: U hang up that phone Banee I will see you at ur house before the end of the hour (warning)
B: I was just missing Mummy, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU
JW: I am sorry Baneeeeeeeeeeee (softly)
B: its OK, unko guzre ab kayi saal ho gaye hain, bus mujhe pata nahikyon achanak aaj yaad aa gayi
JW: Will u stop taunting?
B: Iam not! (voice husky and deep becoz of all the crying)
JW: U ARE. U are missing her becoz U ARE GOING TO GET MARRIED
B(thinks"ya if u want to call it a marriage") Maine khud agree kiya hai, woh hoti to kya badal jaata?
JW:What??
B: Mummy hoti to, haan shaayad Papa aisa kaam nahi karte? Par hum phir bhi middle class hi hotey......... haan par shaadi main baad mein karti, apne pasand se...........

(trails off)
JW: To Tum mujhe pasand nahi karti ? (cold, bitter) THAT is what is bothering you then? (angry)
B: AAP Mujhe pasand nahi karte (lump in her throat, almost shrieks) Aapne aaj kaha tha, ki hum "yahan is liye khade hain kyon ki tumhaare Papa ne" (the tears come

back to say hi!) I KNEW I was not your type. I know I can never match ur wealth or status...................... aapne aaj keh diya, aapne mujhse................. I knew all of it

already so i shudnt be feeling this upset........ (sarcastic..........20/20 hindsight;-)
JW: U didnt do anything at the store to provoke me? U keep pushing me, u like to live on the edge, u LOVE to test my non-existent patience, u love to play with fire (spits)
Silence!!!

She wont hang up, both listen to the other breathe, B feels his audible breathing is like a balm, she feels it touch her ear.........
JW: Will you have married me if Papa hadnt done this?
Silence!

JW: So we know now! (bitter)
Silence!!

not verbalizing apologies......... unresolved issues..............

B: Kitne baje hai engagement?
JW: Kya? (confused by the change in topic)
B: When is it?
JW: Shaam ko 7 baje.........
B: OK, Papa Fri ko shaam ko aayenge, aur bus ek chacha ki family hogi (expressionless, bland, flat)
JW: Great, do u want to invite ur friends?
B: I dont have any........ matlab a few at work Ive asked they may attend............
JW: How abt ur sisters' friends (avoids saying Pia's name)
B: Maloom nahi..... usne Pushkar ko bataya hai ya nahi
Silence!!

B: Sh.... shaaadi kab.......... mera matlab.......... I mean............ its OK............. I ...........
JW: The wedding will be in November Baneeee (ending her predicament)
B: Oh! (blushes for the first time that nite)
JW: Bus Oh!?
B: Ummm........ OK, sorry........ I mean thanks!
JW: then we dont have to talk on the phone like this.............
B: Kyon? (confused)
JW: Coz u will be right beside me in bed! (husky)
Silence!!

B: U will sleep on the couch! I dont want to have ur baby! He or she will probably be like YOU. Arrogant, pig-headed and nasty! (got to give it to him)
JW: Lets bet on it! Baneeee(husky!) If the first one is like me, then there is always the second or third... (can't conceal his laughter) Goodnite......... sleep well....
Click!

******************************

PART 47 B
FLASHBACK 23

She wanted it all to be low key, but that word got swept under the carpet as soon as she heard Maasi's update. M wudnt listen to anything, she insisted that it was going to

be a grand wedding, and to start with a grand enggment as well. B tried to argue and talk her out of it, but she wudnt hear anything about it. She wa sextremely pleased that

her son had finally decided to tie the knot. The girl was PERFECT according to Maasi maing B blush, "sundar, susheel, shaant, padhi likhi aur ek dam Jai ke layak". She

was sure the Mumbai's Page 3 community did not have any match for B. B was itching to share the dark secret behind this holy matrimony but checked herself. "It would

make her the saddest person instead of me" she decided against it. "Its not MY job to tell her how her son manipulates people, into getting his way all the time".

She wore sea green plain kurta with a lemon yellow and green checked salwar............................ Maasi picks her up after Noon, she had called her office in the morning

and had taken the days off until Monday. She loved her new job but hadnt in her wildest dreams ever imagined she wud be married half way thru her training. Maasi insisted

they eat lunch and so they headed to the Taj Mahal, overlooking the Gateway of India. B was surprised as to why M chose this hotel instead of her "munna's" on Nariman

Point but didnt ask. Maasi asked her if she preferred Masala Craft over Shamiana. She had eaten at Golden Dragon with Atulya a month ago, she had met JW there as well,

that evening. It was one of those heady days....... he wooed her, pursued her, pampered her and lo......... No may be not that word............
M: Beta kahan kho gayi?
B: Jee sorry, main kahin par bhi kha loongi maasi, waise mujhe bhok to hai nahi, maine aaj poha banaya, to ;-)
M: Poha? Munna ko bahut pasand hain par usme use dher saare kaju chahiye
B (Blushing guiltily) Oh achha?
M: Abhi to sab dheere dheere jaan jaaogi, phir baad mein tum mujhe bataogi (winks, like Mom like son)
B thinks "HOPE NOT!" I dont want to know abt him any more than what I already do. What I know shud last me the two years of "contract""

B Looks away.

They finally pick Masala Craft and order B orders a sandwich and a chai Maasi just has some orange juice

M: Phone aaya Munna ka
B (almost spits her chai) Mmmmmm Jee nahi (blushes)
M: main milaoon?
B: NAHI! (vehemently, placing her hand on Maasi's)

M: Kyon? (curious surprised)
B: Woh....... Umm........ woh,........... busy honge........
M: Arrey beta parson sagai hai, aisa kya busy
B: Maasi plz... abhi nahi..... Maasi main............. main zaroor.......... baad mein
Sees the girl ready to shoot up in flames in front of her very own eyes and acquiesces ;-)
They are done, head out the rest and then the lounge, Maasi stops midway a couple of times to meet and greet some high sciety types, introduces B warmly, wriings a

promise out of them to show up on Sat evening. "The more the merrier?" B wonders
Its past 3 PM Maasi takes her to Benzer! She insists they go back to Ritu's again or tap one of the other famous big name designers in town. But B refuses.The car drives

up the store strategically located on Mumbai's very own "golden mile", in the heart of the glittering, up market district of Breach Candy again.
They get off and enter and B is stunned by the choices they have for bridal wear, starting prices range from a "Low" Rs.60 thousands a "moderate" lakh or TWO!
B is sure her Papa would not spend more than the upper limit on her entire wedding.
Maasi wants her to try on EVERYTHING that wud fit B, she does, smilingly, M is excited and chirping like a teenager, the entire staff at the bridal section is already aware

of the hotelier planning to tie the knot, but are thrilled to learn that they wud be providing the bride-to-be's enggment outfit.

B finally picks...... what else? a pink and mauve ghagra choli and dupatta in silk tissue, all embellished with heavy antique silver zardozi and diamante embroidery, costing a

whopping Rs.78,000! B is hugely embarressed her choice turning out to be so incredibly expensive. Maasi doesnt bat an eyelid, just hands in her card and they are done in

a few minutes

They head out and Maasi wants her to go drop her lehanga off at her appt and meet her at Munna's hotel lobby at 6, B's face pales
B: maasi mujhe ghar jaana hoga, main aapke saath subah se.............
M: Beta, main tumhe kisi rishtedaar se milwaana chahi thi, woh hotel mein honge shaam ko, sagai mein to aa nahi paayenge, woh New Zealand ja rahe hain aaj raat

ko........
B is annoyed wants to know who it is " Maasi kaun log hain?"
M: Woh beta Munna ke chachaji, unki family, chachaji to aaye nahi, bus chachi aur do bete aur unki ek beti hai. Woh aaj hotel mein kisi se milkar wahin se airport ja rahe

hain
B: Oh........ par main......... unse shaadi mein......... hum kahin........... kabhi aur mera.......
M: Beta I am sorry bus ek ghanta lagega.
B Jeee (agrees reluctantly), par aap bhi aayiye na?
M: Bete main tumhe chhodkar Ahujas ke yaha jaoongi
B: Kaun?
M:Beta wohi jinke bete ki shaadi hui pichle mahine
B: Oh! (shyly)
M: Aage se tum dono jaana, main ghar rahoongi (smug)
B thinks "Ya right! That wud be the last place I go with ur Munna. Living with him in the same house wyd be torture enuf"
Maasi drops her home, promising to send a car within minutes for B's visit
She reaches home, no sign of Rano, may be Pia and her have gone shopping for the enggment. B is actually a lil nervous and very excited about what she bought and wants

to share with her sisters, a warm glow covers her cheeks at thought of actually wearing it for him on Sat......... she goes to her bathroom pulls it out of the bag, opens the box, unwraps the gauze like tissue wrapped around it and sets it out, brings it to the mirror and holds it, her face suddenly acquires a deeper shade of the lehanga's color...😳😳😳
She shuts here eyes and opens after a while,....................... B is still there in the reflection.............clutching the pink creation............ hands trembling.....................takes it back to the bed, looks in her sparsely populated jwe;ry box, NOT athing to wear with her outfit that wud actually match it.......... she has loads of pink bangles tho, she smiles and

wears them all in both hands............ they tinkle................. 😳😳she hides her face in her palms, her cold hands borrow some heat from her flaming cheeks.......... her heart does another one of its Olympic sprints, vying for her attention............... she gives it
Her phone rings......... its Maasi
M: Beta tum hotel pahunch gayi
B guiltily "Jee abhi nikal rahi hoon........ woh main woh main............ koi aa gaya tha
Her bangles shout "she is a liar"!😉
M: Achha bete, call karna mujhe
B: Jee Maasi, bye
Hangs up scrambles to get ready, showers wears a pale pink chiffon suit with tiny white pearl like beads sewn on it on the edges and trim, unfortunately it was sleeveless and she felt a lil akward wearing it to meet his family. Pink was her fave color and she had lost count of the number of dresses and tees she had in that color. Now her enggment outfit was pink too........................ some pink she was never going to get rid of...... but she would "discard her ennggment outfit ASAP" I wudnt want to keep anything that reminds me of him.............

She reaches the lobby, she is greeted by the lobby Mgr who happens to be there, wants to know why she is there. She insists the ppl she is meeting are at their hotel. He asks for their names she says "Walia" he checks........... NONE checked in!! He is happy to escort her to the excecutive offices. B doesnt like how it is all turning out, she

pales when they board the elevator............. hopes JW is gone...........
They get off, Mrs Singh greets her
MsS: Just in time!!! Jai just got done!
B: Woh main......... I am here to meet
Lobby Mgr: Sir ke relatives yahan aaye kya?
Ms Singh: Nahi to?
B: New Zealand se? Do bete ek beti hai unki? Woh ghar par the aaj subah tak? (hoping praying supplying info generously)
Ms Singh: Oh Mr Trilok Waalia? Woh to kal raat ki flight se Spore se aa tahe hain, aaj raat ko to woh Auckland😉- Spore lenge. (confident)
B is shocked, she is sure now that Maasi pulled a fast one.......
Lobby Mgr leaves Ms Singh escorts her to JW's room, almost like pushing a 10 tonne lead object
She taps on the door opens it "she is here", winks in general and leaves politely
B thinks "What is their problem. they think this MUST be cute and funny! Pehle maasi ab yeh (she fumes as she opens the door, turning back a lil to shoot a fire dart
JW:I agree.......... Banee It may not be funny (looks at her face blazing in anger) but its definitely cute! (surveying her from head to toe, getting out of his chair to walk up to where she has recently frozen, wearing grey trousers with black pin stripes on them and a whitest white shirt "mustve used the entire Hindustan Lever detergent prodn for October on that one" B fumes.
Its not opaque enough to hide the vest and the stuff the vest cannot possibly hide, that chest!!"God! He ought to wear ONLY space suits!"

JW: it wont work in Mumbai weather
B: Get lost! Maasi se mujhe yeh ummeed nahi thi (she turns around wrestling with the brass door knob)
His hand closes on hers shutting it back again
JW: Hi! Baneee (taunting) So good to see you......
B: It is NOT to see YOU.
JW: I can tell (smiles)
JW: Andar to aao
B: Rano Pia ghar mein akele hain
JW: Dont start again Baneee
B:Umm............ Just for a few minutes (softly)
JW: good! Agar Maasi tumhe batati to tum aati?
B: Mmmm................ nahi
JW: So!!
Silence

She is seated on the plush leather couch, he is sitting by her,.............
JW: Kya peeyogi? Chai?
B: Nahi, garmi hai I want lemonade with LOTS of ice!
JW: OK?!.............. What do u want to eat?
B: Nothing
JW: I wnat to............
B:To aap khayiye
JW: How abt a sandwich?
B: Naheeee! Main woh......... woh main............. matlab maasi aur main, aaj engagement ke liye..............
JW: Hmmm(sees her face become florid, quickly punches the number and orders the stuff)
B: Maasi aur main......... matlab
JW: That part I understood (amused, riling)
B:Maine kaha unko, but woh sun ne ko tayyar nahi thi she insisted I buy so........... maine apna dress...................
JW: what did u buy (husky)
B: Pink! (blushes) matlab, ghaghra............. (looks at his face to see he if he understood) U know its like a skirt and it has a blouse (shows him with her nervous sweaty

hands)
JW: Hmmm? (not at all revealing he knows) phir?
B: And it has it BEAUTIFUL dupatta......... its beautiful........... I LOVE IT...........(proud) it has mauve too
JW:And thats beautiful too? (eyes fixated on her face, hands rolled into fists, resisting the urge to ravish her on the couch)
B:Kya?
JW:Mauve.......... (lost)
B: What?
She realizes why he asked the ridiculous question............ looks away
The food arrives, enough to feed an army, there is enough ice to melt volcanoes. She drinks her lemondae in one go he pours more from the pitcher in between eating his

snack of sandwiches snd samosas...........
The samosas look yummy, she wants to taste............
JW: Here (tears off a chunk with his fork)
B: Ummm.......... just a bite........... OK? zyaada nahi (firmly)
JW: Ofcourse (chuckling under his breath)
B ends up eating teh whole thing ...........
JW: When do u want us to get married?
OUT OF THE BLUE, DIRECT, UPFRONT.......... just like him
B: Kya?
JW: Shaadi kis din karen?
B: Hamari?
JW: Ofcourse hamari....... (return to earth" kinda look)
B: Next year?
JW: Nice try! How about this one?................in NOVEMBER...
B: Ummm Nov 31st? (playing hard to get)
JW laughs................
B: November is too early (softly, terrified of what its going to bring)
JW: Its too late (husky) lets get married on Diwali
B: U are crazy!.......mujhe thoda waqt chahiye.......
JW: maasi ne chaar dates noley hain I will e-mail them to you, u pick one.........
B:I have to go!
JW: is that like "I am begiining to have a good time, so I better run before it shows" in some language?
B: NO!!
Eyes lock!

B: Maasi lied (changing topic)
JW: Yes she did.........(smug)
B:Ummmmm.... aap kya pehan rahe hain engg ment mein?
JW: havent thot abt it......... blue jeans?
B: No!! Not BLUE JEANS! (horrified)
JW: To? ( softly............baiting her again, slowly winding the reel)
B: Umm......... sherwani........... or a tux................... (excited and visulaizing, eyes sparkling)
JW: I was thinking......... more casual (inching twrds her)
B: Benzer mein hai, formals............. we could .............. I mean you could................ main gayi nahi but I want to. I want you to................
He watches her mesmerized, she flits back and forth between one minute where she is "not wnating to see me ever again" to picking out his enggment clothes the next!!!
JW:Its a simple family thing Baneee (arm snaking back behind her on the couch, her silky black hair all over his white sleeve)
B: To kya hua I am going to be dressed grandly....... (smug, childlike)
JW smiles indulgently..............
JW: Pata nahi........ I dont know what to buy............ummm....... (mimics her)
B: Main chal sakti hoon (like an authority)
JW: I cant take u with me.... (trying to smell her hair)
B: Kyon? (disappointed warding him off)
JW:Unless...........
B: You have a dirty mind....... mujhe ghar jaana hai
He reaches for a marroon case on the table by the couch and hands it to her........
JW:For someone who thinks has me all figured out.... u seem to know squat.. (eyes glint in amusement)
B: yeh kya hai
JW: A red box
B: Marroon.........
JW: Ya what ever
B: What si it? I dont want it (sure!😉)
JW: Open it!
B: No! u do...........
He does, it has the most beautifully handcrafted gold jewlry in it with matching earrings and bangles
B: I cant.............
JW: Its yours..............
B: No, I know whats mine.......... (looking deeply at his eyes😳😳) this is not
JWThis is yours TOO.........(meaningful😳)
Eyes continue to share files............

He approaches........
B: U were nasty kal Ritu's mein........ I dont want ur gift
JW: U were too with ur references to "charity"
B: (avoiding his face) this is all such a sham....... (groaning referring to the whole wedding thing)
JW: I agree.......! (obviously not referring to the wedding 😉 but to their cat and mouse game 😳, proceeds to seal her lips with his)

*******************************

PART 48
FLASHBACK 25!!
Engagement preview

B's Papa had arrived in August Kranti last nite, he was exceptionally pleased for some reason. B marked it down to "oldest daughter's wedding" Rano and Pia were flitting in

and out of her room, the neighbor aunty's sister who owns a parlor in the adjacent society had "appointed" herself as B's "beautician" for the event. Anu had wanted B to

accompany her to JW's hotel beauty shop to get a full makeover. B had declined.
She wasnt very hungry today she had barely eaten one roti for lunch, the butterflies in her stomach just wouldnt settle down,her finger tips were cold, her face alternating

between crimson and ashen.......... the lady from the beauty parlor Mrs Mukta Sawant, came by exactly at 6, B was hoping her delaying would delay the inevitable but she

was here..........

Pia and Rano liked her ghagra, tho may be not as much as she did, esp Pia, Pia felt it was a lil too pale for Dee's complexion, she was not her usual self, something was

bothering her. B and her hadnt talked about the NGO and the progress for days now. She was sure Pia was upset about it. But she reassured herself thinking "Pia doesnt

not know the real reason behind my marrying JW, when she will she wont be so upset with me, I am doing all this for Papa, her and Rano" Anjali was THRILLED. she

couldnt stop chattering, she was getting B's clothes, sandals and make up all ready before Mrs Sawwant could arrive. She was making B drink something every few hours,

not forgetting to tease and torment her about JW when ever she got a chance, when B went to get a shower, stepped out, was brushing her hair, drinking her chai, trying to

take a nap................ Anjali had a teaser for every moment.
Towards the afternoon B was not sure if she feared Anju's company more or the evening. Her hands had mehandi almost until her elbows, none on her feet she didnt want

any.......... she made many trips down memory lane that day, Diwali at home in Mt Abu was the best. Mummy, Papa and Pia and Rano............ those mithais, those

firecrackers, the do jodas that papa bought...............

It was close to 8 PM...... time to start

Firecrackers lighting up the Mumbai night sky, laughing chattering people, singing, dancing, music, revelery, toothy smiles.........toothless grins...................... dressed up

chawls, decked up mansions..........................................earthen lamps to Swarovski crystal chandeliers......... from the nariyal paani waala at Nariman to the VP of

Verizon all wanting to head home to their families, Hands folded,............... heads bowed, in prayer.....Happy to be alive, happy to have survived the blasts, crave to see the

child grow up, want to buy that cell phone for Aai, borrowed to pay for the color TV for chhoti..................the entire year's toil all worth it, just for today.....................
paying obeisance to the Goddess of Wealth "Hope the next year is even better than this one" many men.........one prayer, .................smell of incense, color of marigold,

taste of mithai.................temple bells, arti from loudspeakers, chanting of hymns .............

Busy roads, honking cars, the street people hoping for a big nite and in most cases getting it too, painted finger nails and manicured hands actually dipping into their

purses/wallets to "give" paper money...............the stained smudged coins lying in their coffee mug holder homes for now......... .....
Tomorrow............ tomorrow will be an ordinary day.

Her phone rings
B: Hello (excuses herself , Mrs Sawant obliges...... she walks into the bathroom, her bedroom is filled with clothes, make up, stuff.......... friends and family everyhwere.....

radio playing the FM
JW: Happy Diwali Baneee!

****************************

PART 49
FLASHBACK 26

THE ENGAGEMENT

It all started one day in an elevator.................................

The rented car pulled up to the Walia Mansion, there was no room to park or get off, too many gawkers, some media folks trying to catch a glimpse of the bride-to-be,

flowers and lights strung intertwined all across the house and its periphery, extra security at the gate, Mumbai police pitching in with a few.
B fumes "THIS is a quiet "family affair ?"
Her Dad trying to convince the guard that he is the "bride's father", Pia and Rano in the back seat with her. B's blood pressure breaking every known record in medical

history, feeling faint and terrified all at the same time. Opens the bottle of Bisleri and drinks uptill the half way mark, some of it dripping down her chin to her neck and

onwards........ Rano quickly smudging it off with a kleenex, B's upper lip is moist too.........

The driver convinces the guy at the gate and they are allowed in........... Maasi and Jigs and another lady at teh entrance, worried becoz B had arrived late, just like any bride

;-) this being Diwali nite didnt help either. It was almost 9 now............

Jigs does the arti and gives her a fake smile, and a fake hug, B's ears hear a barely audible "welcome". Shehnai is playing in one corner of the gigantic living room, people

everyhwere, Mumbai's who's who list in full attendance. The value of diamonds in this house that evening prolly exceeds the GNP of Maharashtra, B mused.....
Expensive chiffons, rustled with silks and crepes. All the red roses grown in Himachal that week was adorning the walls and the staircase banisters.......... B had in her life

not seen a grander, more opulent setting for any event leave alone a wedding engagement...........

Pia and rano were whispering and giggling away among themselves, her papa was busy impressing Maasi, B and Anjali walked side by side...
B felt like the entire room was staring at her, everyone in rapt attention, until the object of her thots walked down the stairs with a couple of men by his side, wearing a black

sherwani, cleanshaven, hair neatly combed back, freshly showered, looking dapper and incredibly more handosme than B had ever known him to be............ it was HER first

time, seeing him in traditional clothes......... "He listened to me!" her heart thumps in agreement before it bids goodbye as her body senses his approach!

Some clapped, guffawed, teased, Maasi turned her attention from B's Papa and beamed........admired her son walk down................... and HIM?

He just looked straight at Bani. "She is HERE! In my house!, BANI is HERE!" sang his heart, "I have not seen a more beautiful woman in my life and she picked ME to

share her life with...................." his heart does a somersault at that thought.............."But she looks afraid, that nervous dabbing of her finger on her upper lip" "What could

be bothering her?" ;-) Not ME! Surely?
Oh well! maybe its me.......... For what she has put me thru the past couple of months, its ABOUT TIME! Pink was made for her! Oh so thats the mauve she talked about?!"

eyes roving over the color on her dupatta. "I am going to hold her eyes all nite long, for now............. it will just be........... her eyes" walks up to her............... What wa

sthat song? "Once you have found her never let her go!"..........................

Bends down and whispers/greets her with a polite hug drinking in her scent ........ in her ears "Congratulations!!! and welcome.......... I told you we shud get married today! I wont be responsible for my actions tonite "
B: Hi! (nervous, barely audible, her face totally crimson)
JW: How about u wish me back? (still spkng into her ear standing close, in the center of the huge ballroom like living room, guests curious, teasing laughing)
B: Plz sab dekh rahe hain...........
JW: Its official Baneee...........
That name........ the way HE says it................ her heart just not cooperating, her body limp and lifeless, his cologne mixing with his scent, sending warning signals to her

brain "This is going to be SO hard" she shuts her eyes, almost leaning on his chest for support................
Suddenly steps back worrying abt her teeka, realizes for once her forehead wont stain his clothes
JW: Aaj gayi nahi Mahalakshmi?
B:Subah gayi thi (blushing even more)
JW: Baneee....
B: Congratulations to you too (dry, raspy throat, gasping for breath)
JW: For what?😉
Maasi interrupts..................
M: Munna muhurat ka time nikla ja raha hai, chalo beta, pooja kar lete hai aur sagai ki rasam poori kar lete hain
(JW reluctantly steps away from her, tho not too far, only to her side, shoulder rubbing, arms touching, fingers almost rustling, his......... almost snaking out to hold hers,

she balls hers into a fist, he notices that, smiles in amusement, just between the two the first private flirting, in public......... officially begins)
B's Papa greets him, Pia and Rano walk by as well, he greets Rano warmly, she senses his body stiffen at when Pia smiles for fake............ no love lost there!
He is extremely pleased to meet Anjali, they chat hurriedly for a few minutes........ the family introductions will come soon promises Maasi
Anu rushes fwd to give her a tight hug "I am so happy Bani Oops I am sorry main aapko Mami kahoon na?'
B: Abhi nahi, abhi shaadi nahi hui (smiling fondly)
JW: Mami shud be fine Anu! (deeply)
B looks at his eyes, something very intense and sensuous lurks in it, she wudnt have the courage to hold those eyes on a normal day......... impossible today...........
B: You can call me Bani.............
A: I love Mami too (smiling at her Mamaji)

The puja room is a few steps down............ she bends, to pick up her ghaagra folds and hold on to her dupatta and tackle the steps............... wtaches her predicament........ offers her his hand😳
"Pakad lo bani, pakad lo" shouts Aditya from the back laughingly....... she refuses.............. she can see Jigs not being amused at all from the corner of her eyes, Anu is

laughing and Sahil (must be the son) laughing too
First step is OK, the second step is not, she almost trips, and reaches out to hold his arm, he in the meanwhile has swiftly held on to her.............."I shud just carry you" he whispers again in her ear"😉
B: Stop it!😳
Anjali: I heard that how romantic Baneeee! Mr Walia, u are so romantic (giggles)
JW: Arent I? (winks)
They reach the pooja area, the pandit starts the rituals, some Diwali pooja and sagai thing.........
Time for ring ceremony..........

M: Panditji yeh rahi angoothi, hands a huge silver tray with rose petals on it and the box in the center. Panditji requests both to stand up, they do, hands JW the ring,
P: Aap inhe pehna deejiye
JW Hmm (muffled, trying to get the words to come out of his mouth, his heart thudding like a sledgehammer, his ears ringing from that additional bloodflow, face flushed)😳

JW: Baneee? (gently, softly, pleading, praying, begging looking directly at her bent head) Baneeeee?
Lifting her hand being the most hardest physical activity till date.................😳 her mind and body just NOT in sync tonite, she feels hot and sweaty, feels like she is swathed in a tarp, the room suddenly quiet, people everyhwere, peeking, trying to catch a glimpse, chuckling...... murmuring......
Rano gently nudges B's elbow "Dee?"
B: Hmm..........(slowly raising her head while offering her hand)
He holds it with his right, mesmerized almost as if trying to memorize the vine like mehandi design on the back of it............ the grip is firm yet caressing, gentle yet

strong.... she is still not meeting his eyes, she is staring at the third sherwani button wonders why it has a slight tilt, compared to the first and second "poor sewing" 😕she concludes........ she realizes he is waiting................. eventually grants his wish............... leads her eyes to their destination and sets her heart free.............. it soars..........😳😳

He slides the two carat rock, gently, skilfully.......... slowly................... when its done there is clapping, shouting dancing, shehnai, music, laughter all around......... people turn around, start leaving, form small groups, plan to drink, eat make merry..........start talking.
Maasi is in tears, her papa is hugging her shoulders and his tears flow freely..................
JW lifts her hand takes it to his lips and pecks gently and lets it down, doesnt let go........... leans fwd....... bends down near her ear

JW: Baneee, Thank you for agreening to be my wife! (husky, possessive, caring, passionate) I am yours................ for LIFE!!!
*****************************

PART 50
FLASHBACK 27

ENGAGEMENT II

Introductions made, greetings exchanged, guests start having a good time, drinking, eating, plethora of finger foods ranging from cheese on a toothpick to caviar. JW and B take Maasi's ashirwad first, followed by her Papa and then his chachaji, the two men who had stepped dowqn from the first floor were none other than the Khandelwal

brothers, Rajiv and Mohan. Rajiv greeted B warmly, happy to see, her but not quite so with her Papa, her Papa not very eager to associate with him either. She sensed, JW note those dynamics but not comment on it. He painstakingly introduces her to each one of his guests, repeating the names, explianing to her what they do etc. She cant even complain, he is being such a gracious host tonite, totally paying attention to her needs and at the same time entertaining her.

Aditya was a charming host, entertaining, kind and caring, none of which applied to his wife. B ignored every opprtunity to interact with her.

JW and buddies walk over to the bar, his buddies order scotch, JW goes for something non-alchoholic........ he wanted to wait for the champagne......... he wanted to sip from the flute AFTER she does........ Rajiv and Mohan start discussing about work, JW's eyes drift across the room, surveying, watching the revelery........ his eyes fall on Pia........ she was avoiding being anywhere nearer than five feet from JW. He was happy about that. "I dont care! I cant believe she is B's sister, must have taken after their "Papa"😡.That man seemed to be having a good time, really trying hard to resist the alchoholic drinks, which made JW wonder if he drank regularly back home........"Bani prolly doesnt know that either about this guy. Gotta ask Rajiv as to what happened to that misappropriation case, shud do it when B is not around" reminds himself "For all her self-professed smartness , she is incredibly innocent................... and thats what makes her so goddamn enticing........."😳😳
*********************

B's left hand constantly reminds her of the object on the 4th finger. She tries to ignore it, but cant, each time, she lifts it to push her hair back (she asked Mrs Sawant to leave it down, just style it a little 😉) she feels it and sees it. He is standing close to her, almost letting her lean on his chest, his arm around her waist, but not actually touching or holding it.
People actually form a line, waiting to congratulate them. Anjali and Amit, and a couple of friends from AA and a few from KPMG are present. The AA ones are in total shock about the whole thing. They want to take her separately and ask her how the h--- she "pulled it off". Wish she cud tell!
JW: Bani this is Manish Shinde, we both went to college together, many years ago.
Manish: Looks like your finacee went to college not too long ago man! (laughs) she seems awfully young.
B: No I am not very young (smiles shyly)
JW: The trick here Manish........ is to catch em young, marry em before they are old enough to realize they are too smart for you. When they eventually do, theyve been married to you for too long there is no point in leaving (laughs hysterically), they end up living with you
B blushes, at the implication
B: Stop it! Man... Manish kaha na aapne?
M: Haan? (smiles, eagerly, flirtatiously) bhabhi kahoon aapko? Isko to main Jai hi kahoonga
JW: Manish, tu isko bhabhi bolega. (winks, mock-warningly)
B:Thanks for the compliment Manish but I am over 20! (amused by the whole "guy talk") so dont worry its all legal ( "a little too legal" she thinks bitterly in her mind, he smile disapperaing for a second)
M: I cant believe you picked THIS guy! (incredulously pointing a finger at JW, and smirking)
B: Why? Do you know something I dont? he made me believe he is a good guy! (smiles indulgently)
JW: Well.... the jury is still out on that one, Baneee (trying to get her to look at him)
B: Well, then I will have to rethink about this whole thing (softly, looking straight ino his eyes)
JW: Too late..... too damn late..... I cant even say better luck next time......... coz there want be any (softly, his eyes sensuously roving over her face)
Manish is distracted by another guest so JW and B can carry on this veiled flirting match for a few more seconds
B: I can go home and still change my mind (goading him)
JW: Provided I let you.......... (dont push it tone) do either
B: My thots are my own, just like............(stops and looks away just when she is about to say " just like I dont belong to anybody")
Silence!!

JW: Good! Looks like somethings are much clearer now. (oblique reference)
The help/server/waiter guy brings a tray with champagne a dark green bottle of Bollinger Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Francaises 1997, hands it to him...... his friends

cheer and clap noisily, JW pops it open, the liquid gushes out bubbling like laughter, B watches it mesmerized as it forms a golden bubble trail on his hand, he pours it into

a flute. He slowly turns around.......
JW: Baneee! Congratulations again(warm, smiling offers her the flute, near her lips, the heady scent of him now mixes with the champagne and her already empty stomach

coupled with the nervousness, makes her feel faint.
B: No! I dont drink, thanks, wish u the same (polite, prim)
JW: Banee its grape juice. I swear it wont hurt you.
Aditya: Banee take a sip, main keh raha hoon na? (reassuringly)
B:No! (responds to JW's eyes)
JW: Banee sweethrt............. (Anu whistles on hearing that, joined by Sahil egging B on)
B is stubborn

Pvt flirting #3
JW: I promise I will be your designated driver tonite (husky)
B: I cant.. and Oh! that wud be more dangerous (oops!) then I cant have any for sure
JW: When the driver makes you more fearful than the drink, then the drink can be deemed harmless (husky again)
B: This is hard...... (pleading)
JW: Its as soft and smooth as you are, trust me....(just wont let go)
she shuts her eyes bends lower towards the flute..........and sips some and then some..............
JW: Not so fast (in her ear), "unless u want us to call it a nite and go up to our room"
B nervously lets go of the flute, people move on and start chatting again...........
B nervously mops off the remnants of the pricey nectar from her upper lip, wih a sweep of her tongue.
JW" Do that one more time Banee in a room full of people................... (his eyes on her lips) and............ (gulps down the remainder of the drink from the flute his eyes not leaving hers)

*****************

There is Mrs Dabade, Mrs Sawant's sister and a couple of others from her appt floor from Bandra. Despite the society being in Bandra it was in no way upper class, it was one of those really old , buildings that was in desperate need of maintenance. For those folks entering JW's house was treat enough, not to mention being part of a neighbor's engagement there. A couple were exchanging stories about how they convinced the security at the gate in order for him to let them in. It all seemed like a dream to Bani. Here she was standing close to a man, she didnt know existed two months ago. She was going to be married to him soon, Nov 26th actually!

Rajiv and Mohan walk by and tease her about wanting to take him away for a few seconds, JW apologizes sincerely, leans forward and whispers in her ear yet again "I promise I will make it up to u tonite. We have to talk and then........."

********************************
JW sips his drink , his eyes search....... for her..... cant see her...... where did she go? Not gone? No! She's prolly with Maasi.. somewhere............" his eyes continue

searching and find her on his right chatting with Anu and Anjali....... as if on cue, she lifts her head turning a little..............across the noisy room........... time stands

still...................... "I wish we could have married today. I would take the next couple of weeks off and we could have been gone tomm morning to Morocco or the Cayman Islands.............. speaking of honeymoon, I still have a lot of work to do.........no not logistics....... Mrs Singh cud pull it all off in two hours, thats easy for her......... Good God! convincing his wife!!!................. "WIFE!!!", he actually says that aloud, smiles, surreptiously............. hurriedly bends down and sips his soda..........

She is now talking with Anjali her back turned to him "She knows I am looking at her!" grins "She looks good to ME! in fact good enough to....................... (runs his fingers

thru his hair, messing up the neatly combed style)Why does she need to shop? I could buy her all she wants AFTER the wedding. Maybe I didnt do a good enough job of

convincing her. Is she still doubtful? She cant refuse NOW! We are engaged, if she does....... I am going to bloody elope.................... Damn!! thats what I shud have

done.......With her, I havent scored very good in any deptt actually. She still does not trust me. I can see it in her eyes, though I sense that she is hugely attracted to me,

the sensual abandon with which she kisses me back is anything to go by " he thinks wryly

"She wont accept it if I were to point it out to her, Ofcourse not! She wud deny it until her last breath............... I ve got to be the world's luckiest guy! I am going to marry the woman I desire, and she desires me! She is usually so very cloistered about her feelings. the response I elicit thrills me. ......... I am going to make sure she is the happiest woman on earth, If onli I can control my temper, I could achieve that with a snap of my fingers. She doesnt make it easy either.......... being married to her is going to be anything but dull and boring. She can definitely be a tough adversary. She is intelligent, well read and wants a career. I can not impress her with my wealth or pizzazz............. she either likes a person or does not.......... money does not play any role.

The kids are going to be just like her!" spontaneously his eyes close for a minute, visualizing her being pregnant throwing one of her tantrums due to sickness and tiredness................, she is going to be a fabulous parent"."She wud be a no-nonsense kinda Mom, they would still end up adoring HER........... so I better watch out...................... I dont stand a chance with those tykes. Those eyes......... flashing fire, terrified, nervous, aroused but trying to fight it, I know it all.............. those eyes talk..............it tell me every thing.......... a window into her heart" " seeing her first thing every morning............. seeing her by me in bed each nite........ what more can a guy ask for?"
******************************
A huge semi-circle of a patio/balcony opening out of the living room, Anjali has gone to get her something to drink, B is very thirsty, she is leaning over the edge, trying to count the trees below, the house is on an elevation, so it seems like they are on the first floor.

JW: There are 7 on this side and 8 on the other
Startled she turns around.................looks at a spot behind him, inside....... focussing on someone's back.
B: Aap yahan?
JW: It is my....... sorry it was my house until an hour ago! (smiles)
B: Mmmm Sorry aap hi ka ghar hai, maine socha aap busy hongey.
JW: Did u miss me?
B: Waise main Anjali aur Anu, bahut baaten kar rahe thi
JW: Do I take that as a yes?
B:Aapko andar sab log miss kar rahe honge
JW: I am more interested in the one OUTSIDE that is missing me (winks)
Goes over and leans on the railing just like she is, except, in a very masculine fashion, puts one foot up and anchors his forearm on the rail, linking his fingers..........
looks at her hands clutching the rail, brings his left index finger out and traces her diamond, she goes to detach her hand, he wont let her starts tracing her henna, loses it under her bangles, she sucks her breath in audibly.........
JW: "Wonder how far back this goes"
B: Sorry to disappoint you lekin sirf mere elbow tak hi jaata hai (shows him)
JW: How long does this thing take?
B: Two hours (casual)
JW: WHATTT!? Itna time? U were just sitting there? (are u crazy? kinda tone)
B: I LOVE it, u dont have to worry, (snatches her hand back, sad that he thinks she is crazy) maine aap......... maine apne liye lagaya
JW goes after her left hand and brings it back to the rail, turning over to her palm............." You did it for ME! (finality) It looks pretty and feminine and beautiful, just like you are................. U dont care about getting married to me but u sat thru this thing for so many hours?" (surprised, thinking aloud)
B: U obviously dont care about the mehandi(twisting her hand in his grip, safe to be evasive)
JW: I was just teasing you Banee, I am not taking my eyes off you tonite, cant you tell? (serious)
B: You are a liar, aap apne friends ke saath has rahe the, unke saath baaten kar rahe the,I was like I was this obligation u were fulfilling......... (bereft?)
JW: I really DONT care for the people U know that Baneee, plz aaj ke din to atleast, we shudnt be fighting, I promise we can start tomorrow.(cajoling)
Silence!
B: I will take a week off.........
JW: Kal se? Kyon (confused)
B: KAL se nahi, I mean before the we.......... mera matlab............... I meant from 24th...........
JW: Its just so hard for you to think u are getting married to me isn't it? (deep serious)
B: I am............ mujhe.............. I am scared......... (softly)
JW: WHY? (MEN!!!)
B: Coz yeh meri PEHLI SHAADI HAI (annoyed, irritated by his dumbness)
JW: Baneee? Meri bhi............. What do u mean pehli shaadi hai (dull flicker in the tubelight) IT WILL BE YOUR ONLY ONE.
B: Its not the wedding.......... its its............... its............. YOU!
JW: Main? Kyon?
Silence!
He understands what she means.............
A dull flush creeps across his skin, his breathing becomes heavy and raspy, her hand still in his............... her heart pounding like wind against a storm door.......
B: Why cant it be......... why.....................its just for two.............I dont...........

JW: Its less about the contract and more about YOU.

B: U are lying! U bailed Papa out and u want your..............(she doesnt say "payment in kind" good for her! it wud indeed be sad if she died a few hrs after her enggment😉)

JW:You wud shut up right there Bani if u are really as smart as the world knows you to be (succint)

B: I refuse to sleep with you!

JW: I am willing to wait Baneee but I will not encourage the Victorian fantasies you harbor in ur mind............(turns her around using just one of her hand, looks at her eyes with a possessiveness and conviction, a hungry, needy look) I want you. I did from the moment I saw you in the elevator. I ve waited so long........Its a bloody ache now.......... in fact YOU do too. Jitni jaldi tum apne aap se jhoot bolna band karogi it will end both our misery! (trails an index finger from her forehead to her collar bone and just stops there!)

******************

PART 51
FLASHBACK 28

The bus sped across the Mumbai Pune highway at breakneck speed, B leaned back on her seat, looked at her hands, the mehandi had almost all faded from her hands, entirely, the ring sparkled in the early morning sun, she covered it with her other hand, shutting her eyes. The bus entered one of the five tunnels en route, darkening her already dark world. Her stomach rumbled, she was hungry, the bus had stopped in one of the many restaurants between Panvel and Khopoli. She had taken the 5 AM

private operator bus at the Asiad Bus Service. She had left home around 4 after having her morning cup of chai, Anjali rode with her as promised, still trying to talk her out of it all along the way, hoping her friend would change her mind. But not Bani! She did what her heart and mind agreed on. And with this decision they they had chorussed in unison!

Her chachaji lived in Kothrud, she was hoping to get there by 11 AM, explaining to him was going to take a great deal of time, she had hurriedly made plans last nite after midnite. Her chachiji was not particularly close to the three sisters, its the chachaji she loved, a very warm and affectionate man. A principal at a school in Mayur Colony.

He was a simple man, unpretentious, just like Bani in many ways, very well educated, with two daughters and a son. After Bani and her sisters lost their Mom he had made atleast one trip every two months to Mt Abu, the past two years at his school principal pay. She was hoping to cry her heart out on his shoulder. She couldnt decide who had disappointed her more, her Papa, or the man she was unwittingly being attracted to. It cant be him, she knew why she was marrying him, she knew she was not supposed to have any expectations of him, but she was shattered alright...........................

Her Papa, "was" a man of principles, as far as she knew of him, the misappropriation case at Mishra Uncle's company was the only smudge in his spotless character

.......... or so she thought.......... until last nite, her tears flowed, she was by the window, no one occupying the seat next to her, her orange cotton dupatta doubling up as

her kleenex, she shivered........... the airconditioning in the bus was set a little too high,..............

The man had sent her a "pallette" of Lindt Truffles the day after the engagement, making her go crimson right in front of the courier guy while signing off on her parcel, 😳 😳 😳

JW had kissed her under the star spangled sky, bending her over the flower and lights draped patio rail, joking "afterwards" as to what could she possibly love more than kissing him, pat came her reply "Lindt truffles!!" he had laughed huskily on her lips................ and proceeded to show her how wrong she was. The brief note with chocolates had said "Until...... next time..... JW"

She wasnt speaking with him for over a week now, she had wnated to marry in Mt Abu, at the temple grounds where her Mummy had many years ago. She had argued with JW over it and he was of the opinion that Mumbai would be perfect for all his biz associates and family. He wanted to fly Rano and ND down for it. They had argued for

almost an hour, he was very adamant and relentless, she had just hung up on him. He hadnt bothered calling her back "Lets have a small reception in Mt Abu if you LIKE"

that was his counter offer. He had let her pick the date, thats about it, everything else wrt her wedding was his machination. Maasi was calling her sometimes twice or even

thrice in a day, asking her about what and where she was shopping. B wasnt, all the shopping she was doing was at Westside and shopper's stop, the Punjabi tradition of a bride taking with her, 11, 21 or 31 sets of clothes seemed a lil too much for her, she picked the smallest number, almost died of shock when Maasi "informed" her that they would be gifting her "101"!!! She tried talking Maasi out of it, she had plenty of work clothes, she wore sarees to work many times and she had bought quite a few when she started her new job. Maasi was a tough one to dissuade, B decided to give some of hers to Pia and Rano.......... after her wedding...............
She wont say anything now..............................

But, it didnt matter anymore............ she wouldnt have to worry about giving away those clothes............ one less decision to make, "I am going to take this ring off when I reach Chachaji's" attempts to remove it....... stops, tries again......... starts reading the latest edition of Forbes.................. trying not to look at her finger when she flipped the pages............

An article on Udaipur..................... pictures, words.............. The phone call with her Papa last nite flashed across her mind,

B: Papa?
ND: kaisi ho beta?
B: Jee theek hoon
ND: Saari shopping ho rahi hai na?
B(blushing) hmmm, mere paas time zyaada nahi hai, is liye main sirf.....
ND: Arrey beta khareed lo jo tumhara mann karey, paise ki chinta mat karo
B: PAPA!(are u serious? kinda tone)
ND: Haan bete, paise ki koi baat nahi hai, main keh raha hoon na
B: Lekin Papa shaadi ka bhi kharacha itna hai.
ND: Woh sab main dekh loonga
B: Papa aapko maloom hai Mr Walia Mumbai mein shaadi karna chahte hain?
ND: Koi baat nahi beta, haan mujhe bola Jai bete ne, maine kaha, theek hai, hamare logon ko bhi pata lage, kaise ghar mein rishta juda hain, maine haan kar diya"
B: Papa, aap? Papa aap to jaante the na ki main........ main, main usi Mandir mein karna chahti thi (blushes faintly)
ND: Koi baat nahi, ab Jai bete ko naraaz to nahi kar sakte na?
B: Kyon? (angry, vexed)
ND: Beta usne hamari itni madad ki........ mera naya kaam (Stops)
B: kya? kaam?
ND: Kuch nahi beta, bahut raat ho gayi tum so jao
B: Lekin Papa aapne kya kaha abhi? (determined, half crying)
ND: Beta usne meri bahut madad ki hai, bus wohi kaha

B: Papa nahi aap kuch aur keh rahe the
ND: Beta abhi tum koi archan mat daalo beta, shaadi ho jaane do, abhi yeh shaadi bahut zaroori hai (eager, impatient, greedy?" she wonders for s econd, stunned........)
B: Papa uski wajah se mujeh shaadi karni pad rahi hai.............. warna main padhna chahti thi....................Unhone aapki kaisi madad ki main jaan na chahti hoon abhi

(almost shouting)
ND: Bete tum usko naraaz mat karna, uski har baat maan lo beta, shaadi ka kya hai, jahan hui wahin theek hai

B: Papa lekin meri bhi to kuch ichha hai (Sobbing)
ND: Beta, tum samjha karo.......... itne bade log, itna karobar hai unka, abhi tumne shaadi bhi nahi ki aur usne.............itna saara paisa diya mujhe
B: KYA?
ND Beta maine........... Beta Jai ne,,,,,,,,, mere naye kaam ke liye mujhe Rs.25 lakh rupaye diye hain.................. Uska dost rajiv Khandelwal itna achha hoga mujhe to

maloom bhi nahi

She DID NOT HEAR THE REST of the convo....... the phone had slipped form her hand..................... her papa had sold his soul yet again.......... He had sold her to the

man yet again..................
****************************
Being a private operator's bus it went beyond, Pune Railway station, to Swargate and Shivaji Ngr and to Kothrud. B got off at Kothrud, took a rickshaw to her Chachaji's
Chachi was not even shocked, had just let her in and went off to do laundry, her youngest daughter was sick so she had taken the day off from school, she was very happy

to see Bani Dee, she showered, helped as much as she could fixing lunch, doing the chores, until Chachaji returned, she spent over two hours, locked up in the small study

like room under the staircase, explaining her whole predicament. He didnt accuse her, question her, or chide her.................... evening flew by in talking with her cousins,

Pia had called she did not reveal where she was, Pia had told her Anjali had asked her to call.

The next morning, two days before the wedding, her Papa had called she didnt pick up the phone. She didnt want to know!!
Chachi went off to pay the house tax and phone bill........ B all alone it was around 2 in the afternoon.......... reading the Pune edition of TOI. the ring smiling at her each time

she did something with her left hand................. dressed in a purple salwar kameez, hair BRAIDED..........thanks to all the day time power cuts......... the fan old creaky,

yellow and shaped like a petal.......... audibly reminded that it was spinning......... no sign of any air tho................
The bell rings Must be Bhargavi the oldest cousin who was in 12th.........
Opens............... its HIM!!!
Dressed in navy blue jeans and sky blue Polo tee, sunglasses on his head, sweaty, Rolex, reflecting rays on the door...........

JW:Hello! Runaway bride!! (softly, NO smile in his eyes)
***************************************

Dont kill me girls, this one is AGAIN, with little or NO JW in it, I promise the next one will have ONLY HIM...................... and ofcourse lots of HER😳 😳

😳

PART 51
FLASHBACK 29

The mehandi on her feet had dried, her hands hadnt. She was wearing an old peach colored chikan kurta and salwar sleeves and salwar rolled up to prevent any stains, her

hair was tied up in a knot at the top of her head face glowing after the haldi ceremony. Chachi being the lady of the house had performed it with minimum interest. Papa and

Chachaji were gone to look at the wedding venue. Her cousins were getting mehandi applied on their hands along with Anjali and a couple of other friends from AA and her

current office, they were all in anjali's room....................

Papa and Chachiji had come up with the menu and had wanted to bring cooks from Mt Abu who would cook traditional Rajasthani cuisine, but Jigs had shot the proposal

down without even hearing it fully, she had said "Aap ko agar beti ki shaadi ke kharche ka zimma uthaana hai to aap paise de deejiye main arrange kar doongi". Her Papa

had yet again........ given in

"Thank God! The wedding's going to be a VERY private family affair, otherwise the media would have been all over us, with the stunt you've pulled today" JW had said on the

way back from Pune in the car. She knew it was going to be conducted at JW's "second home" in town, his Dad's first Mumbai home........... a rather "small" house in Worli

seaface. He had spoken barely five sentences to her during the entire trip, this was one of them. The man hadnt said a WORD about the whole financing deal the past

month. every time B thought about it, it incensed her exponentially................. "with him I will never know whats coming"

Pia had asked her last nite if she had felt more bad about the fact that Mr Walia had offered financial assistance to Papa rather than the fact thatJW misbehaved with at the

club that nite" Is it all about her? B wondered for the first time in life, "She is not worried or disappointed that her Dee has to marry a man who was being such a formidable

foe, a man who bought and sold people like cattle,.................. Pia was not grieving that her Papa had "sold" her Dee like this........................... she was disappointed that

her Dee's escape plan was "deliberately flawed". "Aap Mt Abu chali jaati aur Papa se mana karti saaf saaf to shaadi ruk sakti thi" she said
How could she think about me like this? "She thinks I am marrying this man VOLUNTARILY?

Papa hadnt been angry at all at B's actions further reinforcing her disillusionment towards the man, he acted as if nothing happened and as long as "Jai beta had turned up

to rescue her" it meant he was still interested in "marrying" her and tahts all mattered. Rano was shocked, she had sobbed her heart out, the evening B reached home. But

they could talk for long, as Chachaji's family had decided to arrive early for the wedding. The house lacked the fervor and enthusiasm a wedding venue had, "may be its just

my imagination, oz thats how I FEEL?"

As long as it was not in Mt Abu, as long as the wedding hadnt been called off, as long as her papa did what he did ................ it did NOT matter.......... she had concluded

bitterly...................
she leans on the open balcony door staring oustide, storm clouds gathering in the sky, the air smells moist and muddy, her stomach rumbles, she hadnt eaten a bite since

the poha breakfast that morning. Papa had appointed a cook who was taking care of everything today and will be here tomm as well, B was not hungry. There is thunder first

followed by a bright ray of lightning, accentuating the dark designs of mehandi on her palm, twilight was nearing, no sign of Pia.....................Hit the radio power

switch................... the FM was playing..................

Ab jo kiye ho daata, aisa na keejo
Ab jo kiye ho daata, aisa na keejo
Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo
Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo

Jo ab kiye ho daata, aisa na keejo
Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo

Jo ab kiye ho daata, aisa na keejo
Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo

Hamare sajanwa hamra, dil aisa todin
Oo ghar basayin hamka rasta ma chhodin
Jaise ki lalla koi, khilona jo paave
Doi chaar din to khele Phir bhool jaave
Ro bhi na paave, aisi gudiya na keejo

Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo
Jo ab kiye ho daata, aisa na keejo
Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo

Aisi bidaai bolo, dekhi kahin hai
Maiyya na babul bhayya kauno nahi hai
Aansoon ke gehne hai aur dukh hi hai doli
Band kiwariya mori ghar ki yeh boli

Is or sapno mein bhi aaya na keejo
Is or sapno mein bhi aaya na keejo

Agle janam mohey, bitiya na keejo
Jo ab kiye ho daata, aisa na keejo
Agle janam mohey, bitya na keejo

B wished her mehandi would dry soon, she wanted to take a nap........ but was afraid she was going to smudge it........ Outside she could hear her chachiji, blame Mumbai

weather and complain about the size of the apptt, the hush hush wedding, everything........... B's neighbor across from her was barely tolerating her chachiji, she could tell

from the hum and haws.................

Pia did not want to take the day off from college and so she was gone, after the haldi, she didnt like "the smell of mehandi" she had said, Rano was doubling up as a friend

as a sister, mother and caretaker for her..........
Rano had for some reason not packed the chunni from the engagement ceremony and it was lying on her bed....... On the engagement day B's Papa and sisters had

arranged for all the wrapped gifts painstakingly, B had bought a formal suit material for JW in navy, she was sure, he was never going to wear it, but still had invested over

Rs.20,000 buying it Rano and Pia had arranged the tikka material: a silver tray with a few grains of rice and saffron in a tiny silver bowl, 14 chuharey (dried dates) covered

with silver foil and a coconut wrapped in a gold leaf. Papa had applied 'tikka' on his son-in-law's forehead and had given JW Rs. 50,000 much to Jigs's amusement. In return,

the Walias had gifted B's family almost a truckload of seven dried fruits: almonds, cashewnuts, chuahara, coconut pieces, raisins, khurman (dried apricots) and

phoolmakhana,

Jai's paternal grandma's chunni was draped on her head by Jigs, it was a heavily sequinned dupatta in reddish marroon with gold threadwork al over it. Having it drape on her

shoulder like that had made B feel like she was married to the man already, a look of something very deep and intense had crossed his eyes when she had lifted her head

and looked up after Jigs had draped it. Maasi had presented her with a diamond necklace set in platinum and a trendy pair of bangles and earrings she had urged "Tum to

isko kaam par bhi pehankar ja sakti ho, Anu ne pasand kiya tha tumhaare liye, main to aaj kal ke fashions jaanti nahi beta", she had helped her take off the set she was

wearing (the gift from wud-be hubby) and had worn the one gifted by Mom in Law. JW looked on at the pampering shewas receving with a very satisfied look of

possessiveness, smiling at her devilishly when she had sent out a plea for rescue thru her eyes............ ignored her plea and had been content to just lean on one of the

many marble pillars....

Pia had asked her last nite if she had felt more bad about the fact that Mr Walia had offered financial assistance to Papa more than over what he did to her at the club that

nite" Is it all about her? B wondered for the first time in life, "She is not worried or disappointed that her Dee has to marry a man who was being such a formidable foe, a man

who bought and sold people, Pia was not grieving that her Papa had "sold" her Dee like this........................... she was disappointed that her Dee's escape plan was

"deliberately flawed". How could she think about me like this?
Maasi had called her papa last nite to share the most important rituals of a Punjabi wedding that the bride was expected to follow, her Papa had animatedly shared thosew

ith her chachiji but hr facial expressions indicated thats he cudnt care less for where B married and how it happened. She was here with her kids just to have a good time,

she reminded them of that one too many times.
Neverending ads followed the song on the radio...........

Tears glistened in her eyes when she looked at her reflection in the mirror, outwardly she looked every bit the glowing, blushing bride to be, inside, she was a mess. Her

eyes widened when thots drifted to JW............. She despised herself for being attracted to a man who could wreak so much havoc to her emotions. she wanted to be cold

in his arms, but every time she was stunned by the unleashing of the physical response in the pit of her stomach, like a moth battering itself against the window, incapable

of defending itself.......... drawn....... pulled..... fire surging thru her each time, the same weakness, the giddiness..................."Oh How I loathe him..... he is just using me

to get a pice of land cant I realize that?...............

A sudden whiff of wind brought her chills, her chikan kurta was old and worn, the silver string of buttons, somewhere, she didnt know now......... in the pile of unpacked,

almost packed and fully packed things, the walls in the room bare, clothes all over the bed, some for donation, others to be packed, some Rano was taking.......... Pia didnt

want any............ B wore "too many sarees and suits" acc to her..............

, the living room was quiet now, chachiji must be busy getting mehandi? the neighbor cudnt take it anymore and so she left?
Mrs Sawant had left for the evening, she had promised to come by early morning next day..................... The D day!!!

She heard the sound of footsteps, approaching the room where she stood................... leaning sideways now,
B: Rano mere liye chai bana dogi? (quickly shutting her eyes to squeeze the last drop of tear from it, it flows down, mixing with the muddy dust on her cheek...........
J: Aur kuch?

Turns around, startled..................
B: Aap? Aap yahan kya kar rahe hain.. (Shrieks!) plz go......
Scrambles to go find her dupatta on the bed, with damp hands and feet covered by mehandi...... there is only so much productivity that can be expected of her..........

B: Go away!!
JW approaches her as she steps back against the door, lights are not turned on yet, there is an orange glow in the sky............... he stands in front of her, dressed in khakhis and a yellow Polo Tee....... her heart compliments his looks....... sending a flush to her face..............
He slowly drags the errant corner of her kurta back to its V spot in the front....
B: Did u come to check on me? Dont worry........ Iam here.......... prettying myself......... (Waves her palms in front of him animatedly, nastily)

JW: Tum kabhi hello nahi karogi mujhe? (challenge)
B: Nahi.........(firm)
He turns around, looks in her bed, finds a pink dupatta in one of the neatly folded piles and unfolds it in a soft, breezy pink cloud and drapes it on her

JW: I wanted to see my girlfriend one last time..............from tomorrow my wife is surely not going to allow it, (warm, lazy, smiling)

She looks away................. oustide at the rain falling in quiet waves, dancing to the tune of the breeze, being swayed but not too far............ they have to fall soon............ not so lucky as the breeze.........."thankfully" according to the parched earth below......... it has waited weeks........ no months for this shower................... it wanted to get

soaked........... and get soaked it did.................
The radio starts playing after the commercials again.

Kismat se tum humko mile ho kaise chhodenge yeh haath, ab na chhodenge
Phir se banti taqdeeron ko, armaanon ki zanzeeron ko, jaanam ab na todenge.....................

*************************************

PART 53

B turns away and walks towards the balcony, he follows her.The song plays fully, the commercials being too loud annoys him he turns it OFF!
B: I am NOT your girlfriend and I am,...........
JW: Aage?
B: I dont know why you are here, but I dont have abything to say to you........
Silence!
B: U need to go!
JW: Banee we have to talk
B:Nahi. Mujhe aapse kuch kehna nahi hai. Abhi Chachiji aati hongi aap jaaiye, waise bhi........woh, mujhe
His face tightens, he senses she is about to disclose some very private thots
JW: Kya? Kya kaha unhone (clipped) Unko kya problem hai?
B: Plz, stop it woh meri.......(stops when she realizes how many will she defend)
JW: Baneee, there are....... chhodo (frustrated)
B: Aap plz jaaiye yahan se, papa aa gaye to, aap kya kahenge
JW: Kahoonga ki apni honey waali wife se milne aaya hoon.
B: Its not cute or romantic
JW: Wont you show me your henna? (caring)
B: Nahi, aapko lagega I wasted my time. Maybe I did......... (morose)
JW: Are you all packed?
B: Mmmmm
JW: Bani, meri tumse baat nahi ho paayi, we have to change the decor in our room
B: It doesnt matter to me
He notices that he is not making much progress....... she is sad and sullen
JW: (pissed) You are here now and we are getting married
B: I know THAT!
JW: Stop being childish and learn to accept life (orders)
B: Dont worry Mr Walia! I was never a child, never will be
JW: Banee, I am trying to make amends here, you are being so bloody difficult.... (snaps)

Silence!!

Her cell phone rings, she doesnt plan to atke it coz of her henna, he walks inside and picks it up from under her pillow, it flashes a number
and no name

JW: Hello!
Atulya: Can I speak with Banee?
JW: Who is this?
A: This is Atulya Mishra
JW 's face darkens in anger...... "Hi! ATULYA thsi is Jai Walia, Bani's fiance!" (pointedly looking at Bani who tries to grab
the phone in horror)
A: Oh Hi! I heard, so its true huh? (disappointed?)
JW: You bet it is!The wedding's tomorrow (smug?) How are you?
A I am doing great,aaj kal I am here, for a the next 3 weeks
JW: You shud come to our wedding
B tries to get the phone, agitated and helpless
JW continues talking unperturbed
JW: Its been so good to talk with you, did u want to leave a message for Banee?
A: Hmm no hmmm ummm Can I talk to her?
JW: Sure
Places the phone on her ear, looking at her with piercing eyes
B: Hello Atulya... umm.... thanks (blsuhes)
B: Can u come?
A: I am sorry Bani nahi ho paayega
B: Kitna achha hota agar tum aate..... (sweet)
JW ready to strangulate her, hisses on her face
B: Aur kya chal raha hai (boondoggle)
A says something
JW: (Placing the phone back on his ear) Atulya there is some one at the door, B cant hold the phone so how abt I hang up now?(curt
but polite)
A: Sure Thanks, and Congrats again,
JW: You must try to attend (not bothering to give him the location)
Hangs up!
B has walked back to the balcony ina huff
JW walks up to her, behind her "Rule #1 It will ALWAYS be between you and me, so dont you dare bring anyone else into it!" (ominous)

They just stare at each other endlessly

B: You are delusional if u think I was trying to make u jealous"
JWShut up Banee, its over, you cant marry Atulya now!
B: I dont want to marry you either
Silence!!

B: Aap ghar jaayiye I may be forced to marry you but, but plz do not expect me to grace your parties socilaize with your friends
or WARM your bed, That is not happening (angry and voice trembling)
JW: We will see about that....... especially the last one, Bani (clipped)
Her dupatta flies off from one end, he gently drapes it back, she tries to not let him do that, in the process, smudging a speck on his tee, on his ribs
She goes to wipe it off spontaneously forgetting that her hand caused it in the first place.
He stops her gently holding her elbow and pointing to her hands with his eyes
She ack the message with hers
B: Sorry
JW: Dont worry! You just have to brand me, every time.... its either your teeka or ur henna, as long as its not your words (deep and meaningfu;)
She feels terrible, but cant help herself, she knows he is trying to send her a message, she also knows that he could be manipulating her
B:Aapko koi hurt nahi kar sakta, you are invincible (casual)
JW deliberately ignores that remark "I personally prefer your lipstick stains!........... on my skin"
She steps back almost as iff he kissed her, hears footsteps
B: Plz go.... (whispers)
JW: No!
She looks up at him startled
JW: You dont "own" that word...... u know (meangingful)
Rano appears....... hair is all wet, she is surprised and shocked to see Jeeju there
B tries to distract her, but JW wont disappear into the thin air
JW: Hi! Rano, kaisi ho?
B: I am fine, what a surprise? (smiles)
JW: Hmm....... Bani mujhse milna chahti thi........ (does not give B even a sideways look)
B: Maine. maine nahi.........
R:Dee aapne bulaya? (how romantic! look)
B: Mr Walia abhi ja rahe the Rano
JW: Rano chai bana dogi kya? Apni Dee ke liye ek achhi si coffee (still not looking at her)
R: Haan woh cook bhi aa gayi hai, abhi banati hoon (smiles)
R: Lekin dee aap to coffee nahi peeti?
JW: Aaj baarish ho rahi hai na, she wants coffee (winks) But I;ll take tea, pehle you must change, u will catch a cold (caring)
R: Dee aap andar aayiye, aapke haath mein to mehandi hai thand lag jaayegi aapko (worried)
JW: Rano go change (caring)

She walks away, closing teh door behind her with a soft click
B turns around to fight AGAIN!
B: Aur YEH kya tha abhi? (voice trembling)
JW: What? (confused)
B: Aap Rano ke saath kya kar rahe the?
JW: What? Main kya kar raha tha? (suddenly it hits him)

JW: Are you out of your mind........Baneee? You are not..........
B is ashamed and jealous now...........
B: Main itni der se bahar khadi hoon........ (and almost soaking" she thinks)
JW: You just forget urself when we start fighting....... (accuses her back)
B: Go!
JW: Hope u realize how it feels NOW?
B: I dont......... Rano is my sister...... and
JW: Iam going to be ur husband (husky)
B shuts her eyes, feels like the words touched her

JW: Make up ur mind Banee, do u actually hate me or is it something else? You get just as jealous as I do, you are more possessive
than I AM, you are so caught up thinking up newer ways to hate me....... (she walks back into her room, her safe territory)

He follows her, hands tucked in his pocket, closely behind her, she cant even act busy or do stuff coz her hands are out of commission

Her dupatta, starts slipping....... he drapes it back yet again

She leans on the wall
B: What youve done to me........ main kabhi aapko maaf nahi karoongi
JW: I havent done a thing............. yet (purposeful, meaningfuL)
B: THAT will never happen! (warningly)
JW framing his hands by her face on the wall
JW: Banee this is going to be a marriage in every sense of the word (upfront) you know it too...... (looks at her eyes, her lashes and eyelids
stash away the culprit eyes.....
He runs the back of his fingers on her flaming cheeks...... "how come your body agrees with me?" (soft;y)
B: I am just hot! (lying)
JW:Mmmm mmm
B:I cannot sleep with a man, who uses me as a pawn
JW: You are the game! (husky) you cant be the pawn
B: Take ur analogies elsewhere!
JW: U are right....... u smell so good (leans fwd)
B: Its called haldi ceremony, if u werent so busy, keeping tabs on ur.............. aap bhi
JW: Keeping tabs on MY........?
JW: They did mine this morning....... (FYI)
B: You dont smell good
JW: I know....... I smell great....(laughs on her)
BEnds down on her face...... tries to capture her lips, she evades it...... breathing harshly..........., his lips trail on her cheek and stop on her chin

JW: Give us a chance Baneee, lets just enjoy each other!!

AWESOME!!!!
SIMPLY AWESOME!!!!
Was Waiting for your next update...ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR JW and BANI!!!!

Can't wait for the engagement party and wedding.....

Hey I am an accountant, how come I can't write like you!!!! I think the crativeness in my writing only lies in audit reports!!!!

Thanks so much for giving us this JW....HE ROCKS!!!

very nice part aditee.
Aditee it was ur fanfic which made me addicted to IF. earlier i used to come to IF to read only ur fanfic. ur fanfic is g8.

I was just going to switch off the computer but decided to just give a check

And look I hit the jack pot YOUR UPDATE

its lovely adu

Its a miracle that my heart is still beating 😳

Awesome as usual! 👏 👏 👏
Thanks a lot for quick update.

This is too good.....I just logged in to check PM's and I see Fan-Fic Part 46 posted 😃 Will read it right away, can't wait! All I have been doing since Saturday is read your Fan-Fic (Some 245 pages till now on Word Doc 😃 )and trust me, it is the most addictive thing ever!

Loved Part 45...JW always has the last word, isnt' it! Lolz...I was grinning away when he served that Ace in the end, poor Bani! 😆 Their repartree is excellent as always, its almost impossible to decide who is more witty, even though JW wins in the final round😉!

Btw, on another note, I was simply bowled over by Jai's monolouge in the Flashback Scene where he thinks about why is he attracted to Bani...That, Aditee, is a Masterpiece 👏 The way, he weighs his Heart against his Mind was so good!😳 And also, Bani sleeping with hers arms encircling JW's arms is like 😳 😳 😳

Am gonna read the latest part and will post later! Thanks and eagerly awaiting for the next one (This won't stop now Aditee, you will have to keep writing forever 😉 for us!)

Cheers,

MT

PS: Aditee, please take them to Delhi.....They can stay in Asiad Village (Lovely place and very uppity too) Dine at House of Mings (JW likes Chinese, right?), go to Appu Ghar (Bani's inner-child thingy), Shop at Cottage Emporium (JW can buy something ethnic for Bani), romance at Lodhi Gardens.....😳

please continue soon this is like a addiction..
can't stop reading

cool...can't w8 4 da nxt part 👏 👏 👏

Oh God, how i waited for you to continue soon aditee...........totally fabulous and brilliantly written...........i was particularly LOL at the mention of JHUMRI TALAYYA....heard it after a long time....reminded me of the college friends who had made that phrase famous in our group 😆 😆 😆 .........once again thanks for the beautiful part..........like it when you keep it long.......restless for the next one 😉

Aditee its magnificent. 😛

I am at loss of words of how to describe what I am feelign right now, but IT'S SOOOOOO GOOD. 😛

I guess I have only you to thank for.

And I love this JW who is the Perfect gentleman, he has flaws but he udnerstand them so neatly and effectively. And I love the MISSION in his life - To go after Bani and love her and be loved in return. 😳

Simply awesome.

👏