Forever Yours
DISCLAIMER: Jai Walia, Bani Dixit and a few others belong to Balaji Telefilms and Zee TV Broadcasting and I am only borrowing them for a moment and will return them. No infringement is intended.
All other characters are copyrighted to me and may not be used without my express permission.
FEEDBACK: Always welcome, even if its to say Hi.
Well guys here we go once again. Get ready to get shaken and stirred, truly Bond style. Just joking dears. Maybe another Sadfic, you know me friends. Don't you? 😉
Part I : Page 1, Part II : Page 7, Part III : Page 11, Part IV : Page 17, Part V : Page 20, Part VI : Page 27, Past VII : Page 34, Part VIII : page 38, Part IX : Page 43, Part X : Page 46, Part XI : Page 51, Part XII : Page 58, Part XIII : Page 61, Part XIV : Page 67, Part XV : Page 70, Part XVI : Page 76, Part XVII : Page 81, Part XVIII : Page 85, Part XIX : Page 89, Part XX : Page 98, Part XXI : Page 101.
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Part I
Mumbai
The Dixit House was dressed like a bride today, Jai Walia noticed, as he got down from his car. And why not? He mused, with a slight smile playing on his lips. After all, it was a big occasion for the Dixits today, after such a long time. He stood by his car, as his maternal Aunt alighted from the back seat. Jai loved his Masi a lot, she was a spinster in fact and had been staying with him since his parents death. His parents had left behind a great Walia legacy, fame, name and business which Jai was working hard to sustain and he loved every bit of it. Masi was his life and took good care of him, in fact they shared an extremely friendly relation. Jai smiled fondly at her as she made her way to Jai, muttering under her breath in a hushed tone about Jai's present and future. Shaking his head, he led her to the main entrance of the Dixit residence.
Mrs. and Mr. Rakesh Dixit were at the gate to welcome the guests.
Arundhati Dixit was very happy to see Jai and she embraced him lovingly 'Why Jai, why are you so late? You? Of all people in the world?'
Jai looked down foolishly and said 'Actually Aunty, I was busy at work …'
'God, you two are the same. Crazy about work', Arundhati Dixit said 'Its good but Son, some days are meant to be exceptions. Now go inside quickly, the ceremony will start any time soon'.
Masi hugged Mrs. Dixit and after exchanging pleasantries with her and Mr. Dixit, went swiftly inside. She loved attending functions and didn't want to miss any part of the evening's party and the auspicious ceremony. By then Jai had already entered and had somehow managed to vanish in the crowd. Boys will always be boys, she sighed.
The Dixit house was nicely decorated with flowers, flowing curtains, assorted paraphernalia and danglers. Guests were swarming all around. Masi loved the arrangement. The Dixit residence was no match for the majestic grandeur of the Walia House but it was homely, cosy and warm. Mrs. Dixit led Masi to the centre of the hall which was adorned with bright flowers of every conceivable shape, size, colour and smell. Masi was very impressed.
She spied her nephew, Jai, looking extremely handsome in a simple black sherwani, speaking animatedly to a host of men at the farthest corner of the hall. He was very happy about something. Of course, he had to be happy, Masi thought, after all it was such a great day for him. Yet, something was amiss, and Masi couldn't put her finger on it.
She again turned to look at Jai who was now shaking hands with another handsome young man, of nearly the same age as him, and patting him affectionately in the back in a friendly fashion. This guy was wearing a cream coloured sherwani, sophistically embroidered at the neck and sleeve ends, which fitted his tall frame to a T, a deep rust coloured dupatta wrapped casually around his neck. He was a man of pleasant disposition, twinkling eyes and cheerful countenance and he seemed to know Jai pretty well. Masi did not know the guy and wondered who he was.
'Attention Ladies and Gentleman', Mr. Dixit took the centre-stage 'I welcome you all to the grand and joyous occasion of the engagement of my elder daughter, Bani today with the son of a very old friend of mine.' His speech was met with a thunderous applause. He continued 'We are indeed fortunate to have formed an alliance with such a wonderful family. Also …'
He was cut off mid-speech by the Panditji who was smiling now 'Mr. Dixit, we have the entire night for this. Please let us start the enagagement ceremony now, the countdown has already begun'.
Mr. Dixit replied 'Ok ok, I beg your forgiveness Panditji. Rano beta, go and escort your sister downstairs'.
Rano who was wearing an extremely intricate designed orange colored lehnga choli made her way up the stairs, before throwing a happy, smiling glance towards Jai. Jai smiled back at her and the two of them winked at each other.
The guests and family members waited in bated breath and great anticipation in the hall.
A few minutes later a sea wave of appreciative murmurs filled the ceremony hall as Rano slowly guided Bani down the stairs. Bani was wearing a wine-coloured lehnga-choli with a matching chunri, the entire dress heavily adorned with antique finish embroidery, gota and zardosi work in golden. Everyone looked at the would-be bride appreciatively. Jai found his eyes completely besotted by Bani, she was coming down the stairs, no no floating down the stairs like a dream. She wore matching jewellery but had kept the makeup to minimum. Jai thought she did not need any makeup, she's just too beautiful for any external embellishments. But yes, she did look good, no no scratch that, she looked exquisite when she dressed up, like this, like today.
Bani's eyes met his across the hall and held onto his for a few seconds. Then her lips curled into a demure smile and the two of them shared a private moment.
Everybody made way for the to-be bride and she sat down on a sofa. The Panditji had started his Puja and after a few moments asked for the would-be groom.
Mrs. Dixit scanned the room and then called out 'Mayank, please come over here for the ceremony, Son'.
Masi noticed that Mayank was the same handsome guy to whom Jai was speaking and congratulating not so long ago. Good choice, she thought. She immediately turned her eyes towards Jai, who was standing very near the now-seated cuple with a benign smile on his face. He seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly. Only problem, masi noticed, his smile was not reaching his eyes. It was deluding him from time to time. But why? She thought.
Every body tried to gather around the couple who was now exchanging rings. Bani looked up shyly and caught Mayank's glance on her, who now was glinting mischievously at her. Rings having been exchanged, everybody started clapping and Jai too joined in the fray.
A short while later, the guests more or less dispersed. Jai went over to Bani and hugged her affectionately.
'Wow, you are looking so beautiful tonight. Never knew you had it in you, my pigeon', he said.
She smiled back at him. Jai took out a small package from his kurta pocket and gifted it to Bani, who was very surprised.
'Oh my God, Jai. Is this for me?' Bani squealed in delight, 'Thanks a lot'.
Feeling inquisitive, Mayank went over to the two friends who were now admiring the gift. Nestled in the balck velvet of the box was a platinum diamond-studded pendant, dangling innocently on a simple chain, sophisticated and elegant, juts like Bani, Jai thought. He was so happy that Bani liked his gift. Mayank also stared appreciatively towards the gift and uttered 'Beautiful. Jai, its simply exquisite'.
Jai grinned 'Thanks guys, you both liked it. Only the best for my silly friend. Congrats to both of you once again. Mayank dear, your gift will have to wait for time being, till the marriage ceremony I guess. In fact, I am still deciding whether you are perfect for my dear friend or not' continued Jai with a serious expression, trying hard to control his laughter.
Mayank burst out laughing and punched Jai playfully in his shoulder. Bani and Jai joined him. The sound of their infectious laughter filled every crook and cranny of the room.
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Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
