*~*KS Valentine's Day FF Contest*~*

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Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Dear Friends,

Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL!!!

The D-Day has finaly come.

Some of our Friends have come up with excellent siggies and fanfics.

We are sure that all of us are looking forward to this Event.

So without any Preamble we start presenting below the masterpieces
created by our Dear KS-iians

Rules for Voting:

1. You have to Vote for 3 top Fanfics and 3 Siggies

2. The Siggies and Fanfics can be of your choice totally and there is no necessity for them to correspond. That is, you may vote for FF No. 1, 3 and 6 while you may vote for Siggies 5,7 and 2 😊

3. Each FF and each Siggy has been designated with a particular number, so please be careful while voting.

4. Participants are requested not to vote for their own creations. This is imperative for the Spirit of Competition and any participant found to do so will have his/ her votes automatically cancelled.

5. You will post your Votes in this thread only after all FFs and Siggies have been posted. No PM Voting allowed.

6. Please dont create multiple ID's for voting

7. Fanfic Writers please do not vote for your Siggy Creators and vice-versa😉

Period of Voting applies from
16 February 2007 till 03 March 2007

If any of the participants have any problem regarding their Fanfics or Siggies, please contact ASAP wither *Reemz* or sangitadas

Also do contact the Dev Team if you face any problem whatsoever.

PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT until and unless all entries have been posted.

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

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Frequent Posters

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 1:

Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Ho

Siggy A :

The weather was perfect, maybe too perfect. Something had to go wrong. Every time Bani's day would be going perfectly, something or the other happened that ruined everything. This time around she hoped that she would be able to go through an entire day without any nonsense or trouble. She glanced down at the papers in her hands and tried to calm herself down. She was going into her interview with the biggest businessman in India who had come to New York to find someone smart enough to manage his New York office. Bani's father had told her to go and get work there. Of course Bani wanted to get the job but it was not her priority. She rarely cared for such things as she felt it was still her age too live life and travel around the world. When people looked at her they would think she is a spoiled daughter of a rich man but she was hardworking smart girl who had majored in Business. She was capable of anything she wanted and she aimed high every time she created a goal for herself.

She went inside the elevator and thought about how she was going to handle this interview with calmness and not loose her nerve at any point. She gathered her papers and looked over them once again but she was losing her focus. She looked up above the elevator door and saw that they were still on the 14th floor and she had to go to 32. She picked up her cell phone and rang her best friend's phone number but as always it came busy. Ever since Raashi had met Ranveer, she was rarely off the phone. It annoyed Bani at times like this when she really wanted to talk to her friend but she was really happy for Raashi and Ranveer. The elevator opened on the 32nd floor and Bani stepped outside, feeling nervous for the first time in her life. As she walked towards the door, her heart beat increased. The receptionist told her to sit down and wait for her name to be called. After waiting there for 20 minutes, Bani's name was called and Bani got up with butterflies in her stomach. She knocked on the door and heard a distinct male voice say "Enter!" As soon as Bani opened the door and stepped into the room, she had composed herself so she looked as confident as ever.

The man was turned around and Bani could only see the back of his head. He seemed like a big man. Bani slowly walks towards her chair and sits down.

Bani: Hi. My name is Bani Dixit and here are my degrees.

Jai: I know all that already, if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't even have called you into this room for an interview.

Jai turned around in a quick swift and Bani's heart went up to her throat for a second. He looked… perfect? Another thing to add to the list of how this day was turning out so perfectly. He looked familiar to Bani it was as if she had seen him before, he felt… familiar…

Jai: Hello?

Bani: I am sorry. What did you ask me?

Jai: Okay, this is an interview; you are supposed to be "perfect" or as close to perfect for me to give you this job and you are already spacing out.

Bani: I won't be any longer.

Jai: Okay, after having looked at your application everything seems perfect except for the part where it says you have no experience.

Bani: I know but how am I supposed to get experience if everywhere I go, they say that.

Jai: If you don't have any experience how do I know you are capable of applying what you know?

Bani: Well, I have graduated from a really high, prestigious college and I have attained innumerable experiences that show I am capable of handling this job.

Jai: Is your father, Mr. Nishikant Dixit?

Bani: Yes, why?

Jai: That explains it all.

Bani: Explains what?

Jai: Well, you are the daughter of one of the richest man in this world. Of course you got into a really big college as now all they often need is money.

Bani: I DID NOT PAY MY WAY INTO COLLEGE!

Jai: There you go, I found another problem with you… you are very short-tempered. At a job like the one you are applying too, you will need a lot of patience that obviously you don't have much of.

Bani: I have patience, if I didn't, I wouldn't be listening to you insult me and my father.

Jai: See you are rather weak as well. Instead of fighting back you are sitting there calmly.

Bani: Okay, so in the last minute that I have known you… you have basically called be a liar, a cheater, an impatience woman, AND weak. Is there anything more you would like to add as you have 10 more seconds before your minute is over?

Jai: And you are annoying.

Bani: That's it. You can have your sweet little job and shove it! I don't care what you do with your sweet little self and your company. But before I go, I would like to clear out all the things I have been blamed of doing. I am not a liar or a cheat because I went to college fair and square. I asked my father to not aid me any way, financially speaking. I had some money saved up as inheritance and the rest I paid off because I worked while going to college. I am not impatient because if I were I wouldn't have even bothered to give you your minute of talking time. And lastly, you called me annoying… Well, that doesn't bother me often as at this moment I want to be a pain to you! You don't deserve me working in your company. But trust me; had I worked here, you would have been satisfied.

Bani turned around to walk out but abruptly stopped and turned to look at the man she had found handsome a minute and half ago.

Bani: I did learn one thing about me… I can change my view on a person in less than a minute. When I entered… well let's not go there. I have manners, so thank you for this opportunity and I am glad you did not pick me for this job. Oh, and wait for that day when I will be your competitor.

Jai: Don't you think that's too big of a dream to have?

Bani: Wait and watch. And one last question, are you Jai Walia?

Jai: Yes I am.

Bani walked out of the room and felt as if she had left something behind… maybe her soul. It hurt to think how this guy, who meant nothing to her two minutes ago, changed her so much. She was no longer the nave young girl who had gone inside that room. As people say it only takes one small incidence to change a person, well this was hers. Bani walked towards the elevator and finally allowed the smallest tear to drop but she controlled herself strongly. She grabbed a few tissues on the table and walked into the elevator to go as far as possible from Mr. Jai Walia. The Jai Walia she had loved once 5 years ago. Maybe he didn't remember her but she certainly remembered her best friend in the world…

It hurt to think of him as having done such a thing to her. Her mind thought back to their old memories but she stopped herself. This couldn't be the same man she loved… that man was nice, and perfect… but this Jai Walia didn't even remember her. She tried to forget his face but…

His image floated in her mind everywhere she went…

Jai Walia kept staring at the door and then finally after two minutes of silence picked up the phone and said "Your work is done. She is gone." When he had heard Mr. Dixit's (Bani's dad) plan it had seemed perfect, he wanted Bani to find her goal in life but now he felt as if he had made a big mistake… pushed something out of his life.

-----5 years later----

The press was filled with anticipation, there was going to be a big conference with a big tender and everyone wondered who would get it. Till now it was always known that in the end the Walia Industries would get the tender but this year a new company had joined the run. Jai Walia entered the room as he usually did, proud and confident but today it seemed as if his eyes were searching for someone. He walked in and gazed around and found those familiar eyes he was looking for. Across the room stood the woman whose heart he had broken five years ago what she didn't know was that it had hurt him to say those things to her. He remembered the day when he had first seen her when she was 5. They had played with each other for hours that day and the days that followed. They were best friends until he was 20 and she was 18. That was the time when he realized that he had fallen for her but his father had warned him not to fall for her. That was when Jai had moved to go to college far from her. He did not call or let her know that he was leaving but he knew she was young enough to learn to move on without him. He remembered that day in his office when she had asked him if he was Jai Walia… and the look she had on her face when he said yes. It was a look of pure hurt and disgust.

Bani looked at the man across from her in the room and composed herself. She was not going to let him prove that she was weak. She had come here to beat him at this tender. She remembered 10 years ago when she was 18 and head over heals in love with Jai, her best friend. And then that one night when he disappeared leaving her with so many questions. She still had two questions in her mind to ask him… one was why did he leave? And the second what had she done wrong to deserve him as a friend? Weren't friends support to support each other during everything then why did he leave? And then after 5 years when she saw him again, she was happy at the beginning until she realized that he didn't even remember her. It hurt her to think back to that day when he had kicked her out of his office. Bani walked towards Jai Walia to thank him.

Bani: Hello, Mr. Walia. Nice to see you after all these years.

Jai: I see you have done well for yourself Ms. Dixit.

Bani: Yes and I have you to thank for that.

Jai: Me?

Bani: You are the one who threatened my pride and that is what has driven me to success in the past 5 years.

Jai: I am glad I have come to some use to you Ms. Dixit.

Bani: Oh and one more thing, good luck on this tender. I intend to win it.

Jai: I hope you do too.

Bani: What?

Jai (recovering himself and becoming strict again): Well in your win is my win too because it was I who made you the way you are… so it is a win-win situation for me.

Bani: Don't flatter yourself. You are invited to my party tomorrow if I win this tender.

Jai: If you win, I will surely attend.

Bani turned around and went and sat at her table while Jai went and sat with his company members. The director went up to the stage.

Director: For the past few years I have always given my tender to the Walia Industries. This year another company has joined in and they are very qualified for this job as well. The Dixit Industries seems to be blooming and doing really well. However, as I can't take any risks on this specific project, I am going to make this a dual project partnership and I would like to have the Walia and Dixit Industries working together.

Bani was shocked. She got up in hastily to say that she was pulling out of the race but she turned to look at Jai. His eyes were like a challenge forcing her to accept it, telling her to suck it up. He knew the perfect buttons to push as Bani was still the same Bani as she was 10 years ago, just a little bit more closed and private. After a few minutes, the announcement was over and the two teams started to talk to each other already planning. Jai and Bani stood there staring at each other, both remembering their memories when they were younger. Jai walked towards Bani and spoke in a calm voice.

Jai: Ms. Dixit, it looks like we have to throw that party together…

Bani: I guess we do.

Jai: I look forward to working with you.

Bani: I am a truthful person, so I will tell you the truth. I am not too sure I look forward to this party.

Jai: It's okay, I make up for both of us.

Bani Dixit picked up her purse from the table and walked out of the party leaving the press in confusion. Bani couldn't stand standing there looking at him anymore. She had the sudden urge to cry, to punch something. How could her best friend in this entire world, her first love just forget her? Maybe it was all based on destiny. Her driver came with the car but she told him to leave and instead she decided to take a walk in a park she knew nearby. It was nighttime but the park was nicely lighted and she knew it would be safe. She remembered the first time she had met Jai and how she hated him but then he asked for forgiveness and all was forgotten. She remembered how they would play all day until their parents had to forcibly take them home and then still they would come to their windows and talk. They lived right next to each other.

It hurt to think of all those memories especially when they were too no use.

Jai sat through the interviews giving his best replies but that entire time his mind was on Bani. He remembers that one night someone had mixed something in her drink and he had found her before anyone else played their dirty jokes on her. She had just turned 18 that day. She was not in her senses and when she saw Jai, she said three words before she fainted. Those three words still haunted Jai each and every day. He hadn't known what to do that time with her "I love you" and he still didn't know especially when she probably didn't feel that way anymore. I mean it had been 10 years and she had grown older. She had probably spent the last 5 years, hating him. Tomorrow was Valentines Day, also her birthday.

Bani went home and curled into her bed and cried herself to sleep.

Jai went to his room and drained his sorrows in his drink. He had kept the secret for 5 years; it was time to let it come out now. She had to know that he remembered who she was the first time he saw her file… he only did what he did because her father had asked him to. Tomorrow was Valentine's Day; there was no better time to let her know of the truth.

-The Next Day-

Bani walked around the house making sure everything was perfect for the party. The entire room was filled lots and lots of pink balloons. She had gotten up that morning and found text messages from her friends, Tarun and Raashi saying happy birthday. But other people in her life had forgotten, for example her father. It didn't bother her anymore though. For him, his work was always first and Bani had grown to accept it and in some ways had become like him. Having her birthday on Valentine's Day used to excite Bani earlier but now it didn't matter anymore.

Jai looked at the present he had brought for Bani and was nervous about telling her that he knew who she was. It had been so long since the two of them had a chance to just talk to each other and after all this, today they would get that chance.

It was finally 7 and the guests were starting to pour in one by one. The room was being filled by strangers and friends all congratulating Bani on her new contract but no one cared enough for her birthday. It was not until Raashi and Ranveer came in with a huge hug and a nice cute cake that Bani felt as if she belonged. Behind Raashi entered Jai Walia and he had hidden the gift securely in his coat.

Bani looked at him walk towards her but she continued to talk to Raashi. Mr. Dixit spots Jai Walia and goes on the stage to make an announcement.

Mr. Dixit: Ladies and Gentleman, today is a great day for my daughter and I.

Bani smiled, so he did remember her birthday after all.

Mr. Dixit: Not only is it Valentine's Day, this is also the day to celebrate my daughter's first and biggest business proposal.

Bani lowered her eyes to keep the tears from falling. Jai saw her face struggle and felt like slapping Mr. Dixit.

Mr. Dixit: To make this day memorable, I have a present for my daughter.

Bani looked up in puzzlement. Her dad never told her about a present…

Mr. Dixit: On this lovely and romantic occasion of Valentine's Day, I would like to offer my daughter's hand to Mr. Sablok's son Tarun.

Bani and Jai were both shocked out of their minds, neither of them had expected this. Bani eyes went wide as the media started jotting down notes and taking pictures.

Mr. Dixit: I would like to call on stage, Tarun and Bani. They have been friends for the past 5 years and he has helped my daughter out in all her struggles and shared her sadness and happiness. I don't think I can find a better son-in-law.

Bani was rooted to her spot. Raashi looked at Bani and clearly understood that she was surprised and not too pleased with this proposal. Tarun was a nice guy but Raashi knew who Bani liked… and has loved for the past ten years.

Bani walked up to the stage and went right next to her dad and whispered in his years.

Bani: You should have told me about this.

Mr. Dixit: Why? I am doing this for your own good.

Bani: But… but I don't love Tarun.

Mr. Dixit: You know him. He is a nice guy. And he is rich and his family is well off.

Bani: That is all this comes down to in the end.

Mr. Dixit kept smiling at everyone even while his daughter kept whispering in his year. He excused himself and Bani for a second and they went inside.

Bani: I am not going to get married to Tarun.

Mr. Dixit: And why not?

Bani: Because it's my life and I don't want to.

Mr. Dixit: I am your father. I have the right.

Bani: My father? Yes, by word you are. But emotionally? What is today dad? What day is it? Feb 14th… Valentine's Day. Do you remember anything specific about this day?

Tarun entered the room.

Tarun: Bani, Uncle… what is going on here?

Bani: Tarun… I love you as a friend but…

Tarun: He never asked you before this did he?

Bani: No, I had no idea about this. I… I can't marry you…

Mr. Dixit: Why not?

Tarun: Uncle, with all due respect, if Bani doesn't love me, I would rather not ruin both our lives by you forcing her to marry me. I am her friend and I want to remain at least that all our lives.

Bani: Oh Tarun… I knew you would understand.

Tarun: Happy Birthday Bani.

Bani: Thank you. I thought you forgot.

Tarun: Well I figured this would be a present… but I will just have to find another one.

Bani went ahead and hugged Tarun.

Bani: I am lucky to have you as a friend.

Tarun: As much as I understand you… we have to go out there looking happy and get engaged and then in two days we will announce that we have broken off. For now, the media must still think we are getting married.

Bani: Okay. (She turned to her father.) I am sorry Dad. I have done everything you have wanted me to do for the last 28 years of my life but not this time. I just can't.

With that Bani turned around and faced Tarun and they went out of the room hand in hand.

Jai was anxious to know what was taking place in that room but his face dulled when he saw Tarun and Bani coming out of the room smiling. Tarun went up to the stage and announced that they were getting married and their engagement would be today. Tarun took out the ring and kneeled down.

Tarun: Will you do me the honor of marrying me?

Bani's eyes filled with tears. Ever since she had known was love was, she had only imagined one person saying that to her. She looked up and found Jai standing there staring at her intently. She closed her eyes to prevent the tears from falling. The entire public thought they were tears of happiness but Jai knew something was wrong. Bani slowly forced a smile on her face and hesitantly extended her hand and the crowd erupted in applause. Jai closed his eyes, and turned around as Tarun slid the ring on Bani's finger.

After a few pictures, Bani couldn't stand it anymore. She walked out of the hall and climbed up the stairs to head for her room. When she entered it she was surprised to see Jai standing there.

Bani: Mr. Walia, what are you doing here?

Jai: Bani, why do you call me "Mr. Walia" instead of Jai?

Bani: I knew a Jai a long time back and well his image is different from yours and I want to keep that old image.

Jai: I see. Well, I had something to give you and something to tell you but I guess you surprised me with your engagement.

Bani: I don't see how that would affect you.

Jai: You have no idea.

Bani: Okay, Mr. Walia, what is it that you wanted to give me, I do have to get back downstairs.

Jai: It's in your first drawer.

Bani: You went into my drawers?

Jai: No, just the one I know you keep all your precious things in.

Bani: And you would know that how?

Jai: Did you really think I forgot you, Pagali?

Bani: But...

Jai: does it matter anymore?

Bani: What do you mean, does it matter?

Jai: Nothing. So, tell me what's been up with you?

Bani: How can you just ask me that? After all these years…After all that has happened!

Jai: I know what has happened and maybe if you looked you will find an answer behind it all.

Bani: An answer behind you breaking our friendship?

Jai: Go ask your father. He knows the truth.

Bani: Why can't you tell me?

Jai: Bani, do you remember the last thing you said to be 10 years ago.

Bani: Last thing?

Jai: Well, try and remember because I do too.

Bani: What?

Jai: Oh, and don't forget to open your gift.

With that Jai walked out of the room. Bani knew exactly what he was talking about, she had said "I love you" to him before she had passed out… but if he loved her too… then what was the reason behind doing all this. Bani went towards her drawer and opened it up to see a small box with a little note.

Bani,

I was going to ask you to marry me. But I guess someone beat me to it. But you deserve to know the truth about these past few years and why I pretended to not know you. I am not too sure where to start but the best place would be 10 years back.

You came to me on that Valentine's Day, on your birthday and told me that you loved me. Before I replied with "I love you", you had already passed out. I brought you in that condition to your house. Your father thought of it as a totally different situation. He accused me of trying to… well you can infer it…

He forced me to leave or else he would get your married off to someone else right away. It was hard but I knew we were too young and you had a life ahead of you. At that time, I was just a troublemaker so of course no dad would like me with their daughter.

That day I went far from that place and basically did small jobs while getting education and slowly but surely making my place in society. Then after 5 years, your dad called me. He apologized for what he had done and said that just like I found my "lakshya" he wanted you to find yours. He couldn't think of a better way then hurting your self pride as we both knew you cherished yourself.

When you came into my office, I pressed the right buttons to make you pissed. It was all part of a plan and even though it sounds mean and horrible it wasn't. We did this to make you realize a goal, to make you do something with your life. When I heard of the plan I agreed because it seemed sensible but then the day you left, I realized I had broken our friendship in the process too. I am sorry about that and everything after that.

Throughout the past five years, I wanted to help you out and get you to the top 2 with me. But then I know you and you would get mad if I helped, so I was a bystander. You did a good job. You worked hard and now you are here where you wanted to be. I congratulate you.

This letter may not have sounded too personal but the next few lines are as personal as I can get.

Bani, I fell in love with you somewhere between the first time we met till now. I don't know exactly where, or maybe I have just loved you all my life without knowing it. I am sorry about all that I have done but I can't take it back but I can give us a future. Bani Dixit, will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Bani Walia? Will you marry me? I want to share my days and nights with you. I want to take you to candle light dinners and I want to make you happy. I want to be the father of your child, how do you like the name Krishna Walia? My mother always wanted that to be the name of my child.

Jai Walia.

Bani sat down on the bed and broke down crying. Why did her father have to interfere? Maybe if he hadn't then Bani and Jai would have been together for the past 10 years. However, the past was the past and Bani needed to think of the present. Bani got up as she was restless but felt dizziness. She went and put the letter in the cupboard and walked out of the room. While going down the stairs, she felt dizzy again and before she could control herself, she was rolling down the stairs.

Jai ran as soon as he saw that. He caught her halfway down the stairs but she was still bleeding a lot. He rushed her to the hospital and endured the waiting for the next 3 hours. The doctor finally came out.

Jai: Doctor, how is Bani? How is she?

Doctor: Mr. Walia, first of all I would like to tell you as of now she is out of danger.

Everyone sighed except for Jai.

Jai: As of now?

Doctor: Well, from what I see, Bani has been taking a lot of stress onto her body and it has caused her to form an ulcer. She is in a lot of pain and she needs to relax. She probably felt dizzy on the stairs causing her to fall. Luckily the fall wasn't that extreme and there were only a few cuts here and there.

Jai: An ulcer? But how?

Doctor: Well I don't know what she has been doing in her life. But she has put a lot of tension on herself and her mind. She probably has been working hard for something a little too much.

Jai: Can I go see her?

Doctor: Yah, she should be waking up soon.

Jai walked inside the room and it hurt him to look at her in that condition. He sat down right next to her and put his hands on her face. Bani slowly opened up her eyes and smiled slightly at the sight of Jai.

Jai: Bani… Bani I…

Bani: Jai, I know you well enough to know you are going to blame yourself. It's not your fault. It's no one's fault.

Jai: But it is. We were the ones that made you…

Bani: Work hard? Well it wasn't your fault at all if anyone; it was my father's fault. But it doesn't matter anymore. I read your letter. And the only thing that matters is that you say those three words and repeat the last paragraph out loud.

Jai smiled slightly: I don't remember what you mean.

Bani punched him slightly in the arms and then winced with pain. Jai couldn't stand her wincing.

Jai: Okay, Bani I love you. Will you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming my love on this Valentine's Day?

Bani: This the greatest birthday present of all. I would love to marry you and be your wife. I would love to share my life with you too. And the name Krishna Walia is just perfect. I love you.

The smiled at each other and then Jai quietly went and slept right next to her. Slowly, they both drifted off to sleep dreaming of their future life together.

----------------------The End--------------------------

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

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Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 2 :

Salaam-e-ishq

"…. to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection for ever." J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the philosopher's stone.

As she read those lines Dumbledore was saying to Harry she felt her heart twinge a bit as a tear escaped her eyes. Even though it had been many years she still couldn't forget the very first time she had laid her eyes on him. How her love grows with every moment, even though they are not together anymore. All she ever wanted was for him to be happy, but she didn't know that would bring loneliness in her life. She sat there reminiscing all the moments they had spent together, and all those wonderful times in their lives. Tears started flowing down her cheeks, as she lay in her bed gazing at the outstretched sky through her window. While gazing through the sky and remembering all the wonderful moments, she didn't realize when sleep overcame her. This had become the usual routine for her, crying herself to sleep every night, was the only way she could sleep.

The next morning she woke up at 8 as the annoying sound of the alarm resonated in the room. She started getting herself ready for another boring day of work and pointless conversations with her friends.

As she reached work at 10, she was amazed with the decorations in the office, what was the usual dull office turned into pink. Every where she turned she saw pink decorations, it seemed like she had entered her dream world. Lots of Pink Balloons were put at the corners in the office, while every desk had pink roses and pink heart stationery. She couldn't believe it all, so she had pinched herself, when someone called out her name from the behind.

Sonali: Bani, no need to pinch yourself, it is our office turned into your pink bubble.

Bani: But sonali, why the sudden change in the decorum.

Sonali: Duffer, it's February 1st today, so we are just getting into the valentine spirit, and plus the boss is in an exceptional mood today.

Bani: Are you sure you are talking about our tyrant boss?

Sonali: Yep, seems like Miss Pia is going to be celebrating valentines like normal people this year instead of working and making us work. It's the best time, go ask for a day off on the 14th so you can spend time with your valentine. Winks at her and walks away attending to some work.

Hearing that Bani felt miserable, thinking that she had to spend another valentine alone in her apartment. Just thinking of that made her depressed and she began her day with a foul mood, knowing that all her friends had dates and already made plans and she was left alone like always. She had avoided Pia all day knowing very well that if they meet, Pia won't leave a chance to taunt her for being alone again on valentines, while she had some rich business man with her. The only thing that made her happy that day was the pink around her, the color pink always cheered her up for some reason, and this was the only thing about valentines she loved. It was a quarter past 4, she was busy finishing up her work so that she could beat the rush hour traffic, when she heard a lot of commotion in the office. She tried ignoring it, but curiosity got the better of her, and she went to see what all the fuss was about.

What she saw in front of her eyes, just made her gasp. There he was, dressed in all black, looking even better than the last time she saw him, she couldn't believe it after so many years, he was right there in front of her eyes. Her thoughts drifted to how nice it would be to spend valentines with him and just having fun, but her thoughts were broken with the sudden interruption. He was hugging Pia, and from where she was standing it seemed like he was HER valentine. Her heart shattered to pieces, out of all the people in the world how could he chose the one person she despised the most. Without looking back, she grabbed her belongings and ran away from the office with tears threatening to spill.

Pia's happiness could not be contained, she knew that he was going to ask her out, but coming to her office asking in front of every one made her feel on top of the world. Jai Walia, the most successful businessman in Mumbai, he was every woman's dream, but right now Pia had him. She felt ecstatic, and to top all of that they were going away for valentines, as Jai didn't want to spend time here in Mumbai where media wouldn't let them rest.

Jai Walia, a man in the mid-30s couldn't believe that he was doing all this like a high school boy. But for some reason Valentines day always had a special place in his heart, he didn't know why but just the thought of spending the whole day with the person he liked made him happy. It was also a way to get away from his hectic work schedule, this was the only time in the year where he would go away from the city not on business but just to relax and enjoy his time.

Life for Jai and Pia was going perfect these days, and for the first time all their employees were happy with the change because that meant they don't have to work like slave dogs. Bani did her best to avoid running into jai, be causing running into him would mean reopening the old wounds. She knew she had to get out of there before anything untoward happened with her and since Pia always seemed to be in a good mood granted her the leave.

Bani had no family in Mumbai, or for that matter in India. She had left her parent's house to be independent and experience the world on her own, she didn't want to live off of her parents. As it had been 5 years since she visited her parents, she decided this was the perfect way to use her vacation and get away from all the valentines excitement.

A week later somewhere in the outskirts of Nainital

Bani was enjoying her life with her parents away from the hustle bustle of Mumbai. Her week away from all the work was relaxing and made her realize how much she had missed her hometown. Living an hour away from nainital meant she got to enjoy the cool breezes and the romantic weather without having to watch all the couples in cozy moments, she can just enjoy the delights without feeling bad about not having a partner to share it with.

It felt so good to be back in the old neighborhood looking around, everything was the same just the people have changed. The old memories flooded back, the good times she had spent in this place, the happiness she found here couldn't be found anywhere else. No matter what she did, the memories have always either made her extremely happy or just too depressed thinking that she didn't have all that anymore. She just walked around without visiting anyone reminiscing the times spent in the coffee shop, just talking, laughing, having a good time. The entire day bani spent living in old memories, imagining him everywhere, her entire being was just aching to go to him, and be with him without any qualms.

She didn't know when she had approached the beach and was just walking gazing at the deep blue sea and how her life is just like the sea. When looked from outside it is calm and sensual but inside it's filled with a lot of disturbance which only some can see and feel. Even though she had everything in life, she felt empty inside, the one person she had always wanted was not hers, and she couldn't even get him. Whenever she had tried, she had to back away seeing with someone else, and one smile of his just made her forget her misery and let him just be happy even though it was with someone else. She knew that his happiness was only momentary with other girls but all logic would disappear with just the hint of happiness in his life, and come what may she didn't want to destroy it. She was lucky to get all the materialistic things in life, and even the love from family and friends, but the one thing she wanted bad was his love and she was always unlucky when it came to her love life.

Time had fled by so fast that now red hues were forming in the sky with the sun setting making the place look even more divine. Bani has always admired sunsets it always brought peace in her life. Sunsets usually remind people of darkness that is to follow, but for Bani it meant a new chance to start out life. She had always been an optimist about everything but Jai.

Her parents had gone out of town for a couple of days to attend a family friends wedding, even though they had wanted bani to go along with them, she chose to stay back and just enjoy life as it used to be.

Getting back home, she had turned the radio on before going into the kitchen to prepare herself a nice cup of coffee. To her dismay today's theme was "Valentines day" since it was only a few days away, instead of turning it off she had decided to just enjoy the music. After the coffee she had busied herself in cleaning the kitchen, every time she stepped in there, she couldn't resist but clean up everything. The RJ kept playing the song requested by the callers, mostly were dedicated to their valentines, one caller even asked out someone through the song. The call that had gotten her full attention was a very agonizing call, the love of her life was lost in an accident and now she was all alone. Even though bani hadn't been through it she could feel the pain of separation from a loved one. The caller had requested the song "What hurts the most" by Rascal flatts, which made bani's heart ache with the beautiful lyrics used.

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I'm ok
But that's not what gets me

Memories of her painful past flooded through her, the time she had spent in her room crying and trying to deal with everything.

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin' to do

Times when they had teased each other, those long walks along the beach, pointless conversations, her getting angry, him pacifying her.

It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I'm doin' It
It's hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I'm alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin' with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

By this time she was crying like no other, thinking about the pain of the terrible breakup.

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

(Not seeing that loving you)
That's what I was trying to do

The rest of the song was spent in the good and the bad memories, and what she would give to get it all back. Once again she had cried herself to sleep that night.

Somewhere in Mumbai

Jai decided to spend the rest of his life with Pia, he was now sure that she was the one for him. Not only was she stylish and sophisticated but her attitude was something that had attracted Jai the most. Life had completely changed for him after meeting pia, she brought fun back in his life. Even though she was always in a jovial and playful mood but was also a very good listener when he just needed to talk or vent out his frustration of work. Pia was the person Jai was looking for all this while and now didn't want to leave her come what may.

As he was thinking about pia and his feelings towards the song from bas itna sa khwab hai played on the radio which at that moment seemed to convey jai's thoughts impeccably.

--FEMALE--

Chhota sa mann hai, mann mein sanam hai - 2

Sanam ek khwaab hai - 2

Khwaab hai bas khwaab hai, khwaab hai

Khwaab hai

--MALE--

Kya yahi ishq hai, kya yahi ishq hai

Ishq ek behta dariyaa jo kabhi na thama

Ishq ek aisa sapna jo na haasil hua

(Gar ishq hai Khuda to Khuda

Dard deta hai kyoon) - 2

--CHORUS--

Ishq ishq yeh ishq ishq hai, kya yahi hai ishq ishq - 2

--FEMALE--

(Aaa, aaa, aaa aaa aaa, aah)

Chhota sa mann hai, mann mein sanam hai

Chhota sa mann hai

Hmm hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm hmm

Hmm hmm hmm hmm, mmm

(Aankhon mein jo sapna tha

Lagta kitna apna tha) - 2

Dil ki nagri mein rehta tha

Saanson mein phoolon sa khilta tha

Chhota sa mann hai, aa, mann mein sanam hai

Chhota sa mann hai

--MALE--

Ishq patta patjhad ka jo kahin na tika

Ishq aansu aankhon ka jo rukaaye na ruka

(Gar ishq hai Khuda to Khuda

Dard deta hai kyoon) - 2

--CHORUS--

Ishq ishq yeh ishq ishq hai, kya yahi hai ishq ishq - 2

--FEMALE--

(Aaa, aaa, aaa, aah aaa aah)

Chhota sa mann hai, mann mein sanam hai

Chhota sa mann hai

--MALE--

Aaa, aaa, aaa

Re pa pa, re pa pa pa pa re pa re pa

Yeh zindagi kal tere naam thi

Khushi ka paigaam thi

Aaj na tu hai na tera saath hai

Tera chhoda hua har lamha paas hai

Chhota sa mann hai, mann mein sanam hai - 2

Sanam ek khwaab hai - 2

Khwaab hai bas

Originally he wanted to spend valentines in some romantic place out of country like Paris but he decided to take Pia to the place where he found inner peace, the place where his dreams were born. Nainital was the place where he had started his life, where he took the first step towards becoming the big businessman he is today. He also wanted to start his life with Pia there hoping that like his professional life his personal life would blossom too.

Somewhere In Nainital

Pia was ecstatic that Jai brought her to Nainital to share his memories and make new ones with her. Even though she had expected to go to Paris or Rome with him, but the way Jai seemed excited about this place brought a smile on her face. She was just happy being with him and after all place doesn't hold any importance as long as you have good company. She didn't want anything to ruin her valentines this year and wanted to make the best out of it be it Nainital or Paris didn't matter.

Nainital was a dreamy place, especially at this time of the year, the weather turned more romantic. Valentines spirit could be seen everywhere, and mostly couples were there for vacation giving it the added touch of romance. Ever since they had arrived Jai and Pia haven't left each other's side, they were making the most of it knowing very well that the moment they return to Mumbai all of this would end and work will take the first priority.

Pia: Thanks for bringing me here, this place is so wonderful.

Jai: I know I have spent most of my time in this city but what I wanted to share with you, is in the outskirts of Nainital. This is just the glimpse of what my small town holds. Everything there is just a pure bliss and people are so wonderful, I have spent most of my life wanting to bring someone with me to share this with.

Pia: Then why don't we go there? We can spend some time in your town too.

Jai: I already have that covered but for that I have go to early tomorrow and you can join me later in that day and we can spend the rest of Valentines day with each other.

Pia: But Jai, I don't know this place, and why can't we go together?

Jai: Because I have a surprise planned for you and for that we have to have this momentary separation.

Pia: Just the thought of it seems so horrible, how am I going to spend the time without you?

Jai: I know it's going to be hard trust me even I won't be able to handle this but I just want to give you the best valentines ever.

Pia hugs jai, and in the most loving manner thanks him for making her a part of his life. They spend the rest of the day touring the city and just having fun with each other.

The next day Jai wakes up early in the morning and leaves without waking up Pia because he knew that if she is up it will be harder to leave.

Somewhere in the outskirts of Nainital

It was a wonderful day and bani was in a very cheerful mood. Valentines day even without being with the person she loves, it still made her happy just to dream and not let the painful feelings take over on this romantic day. Every year she used to spend imagining a perfect date with her perfect valentine and this year she had a feeling that her dream might just come true.

Even though she was all alone in the house, she hoped that Jai shows up and she could spend her valentines with him. Like every year Bani had decorated her house and just got along with the valentine spirit, if not the real thing she can at least try to enjoy her life instead of mourning for something she doesn't have. All day she had spent in decorations, making dinner, getting things ready and finally she had gotten herself dolled up hoping this year her valentine dream would come true. She knew Jai must've taken Pia to some lavish place and would be spending his Vday in the most romantic manner possible but dreams had never left her.

Jai had spent most of the day planning his perfect surprise for Pia. Being back in this place brought back many wonderful and some painful memories. He never understood what happened between him and bani, he had always wished the best for her. This place always reminded him of her, her memories, times he had spent enjoying with her, just being there for each other. It was never clear why they had broken up but moving on from her memories was the hardest thing he ever had to do. It was a good thing that he had found Pia otherwise living with bani's memories would've killed him one day. But today leaving all that behind he was going to start fresh with Pia, he was going to propose to her in this very city. Taking care of the last minute changes he had decide to meet a few people.

The weather had started to act a little crazy people were advised not to travel in this weather as a landslide was projected. Not only was Jai stuck here but Pia couldn't come either. When he had given the news to Pia she was heartbroken that she couldn't spend time with him but nevertheless she wanted to make it before the clock struck 12 tonight. Even if it killed her, even if it was just for a minute she would spend valentines day with him and with a determined look she had left the comfort of her hotel suite. Jai didn't know where to go as his house there was sold to some strangers the only people he knew and was close to were the dixits and he had no idea were Bani was and if it would be wise to go to the dixit resident. Since he didn't have any other choice he decided to pay the dixit's a visit and hoping against hopes that he didn't have to face bani.

Bani was curled up on the couch with a tub of ice cream her favorite pink blanket watching her favorite movie Maine pyar kiya because Salman was the only person in this world who could take her mind off of Jai. Just as Prem was leaving his house her doorbell rang bringing her back to the world, with tears in her eyes she went to open the door. She was shocked to see Jai standing there dressed in his trademark black looking as handsome as ever, she couldn't believe that it was him, all she could do was stare at him wanting this to be the reality. Jai was stunned to see bani, she was wearing a pink dress making her look gorgeous, but what caught his attention was the tears in her eyes.

Jai: Bani why are you crying?

Bani not believing all this first pinched herself and when jai was still there to make sure she brought her hands to his cheeks to know that not only was all of it real but she had just embarrassed herself.

Bani: J…Jaiiii What are you doing here?

Jai: Forget all that, tell me why you were crying?

Bani wiping her tears: Oh nothing was just watching Maine Pyar kiya.

Jai: Don't tell me you still cry after watching that movie. Even after watching it so many times why do you still cry knowing very well that in the end everything will okay?

Bani: Oh shut up Jai, you will never understand, just one look at salman's sad face and everything around me seems so depressing.

Jai: God, you will never change. Can I come in, it's a little bit chilly out here (rubbing his shoulders).

Bani: Oh, sure (moving aside letting him in).

Jai was just spell bounded looking at the place, there must have been at least 1000 pink roses and not to mention the 1000 pink candles everywhere giving the room a heavenly glow. Everything around was all pink, the curtains, the decorations everything, he looked around and then looked at bani suspiciously.

Jai: Are you expecting someone? Am I intruding?

Bani: No, why are you asking?

Jai pointing around the house: Well all these decorations on valentines day, you must be expecting someone.

Bani: Nope, just got into the valentine spirit. How come you are here? Don't you have someone to spend valentines day with?

Jai: Actually that's why I was here, I was going to propose to Pia tonight but with the landslide we got stuck, she is back in Nainital, while I am stuck here spending Valentines day without her. He has a very sad expression on his face.

Hearing those words Bani's world came crashing down, not only was he dating her but was planning on marrying that Bimbo. How could he do this? How can he marry someone else? Why couldn't it be her? All these thoughts flooded her mind, while tears were threatening to spill but she had to keep herself strong she couldn't break down in front of him.

Jai: and since I didn't know anyone here, I thought I could come by and ask your parents if I could stay here till the weather calms down, but sorry to intrude.

Bani: No, it's okay. Actually mom and dad are out of town they are due back tomorrow.

Jai: How come you are here all alone? The last I heard you had moved out.

Bani: Oh actually I came here for a few days, I live in Mumbai now, mom and dad had a family friend's wedding to go too, they wanted me to go along but I just wanted to visit the old joints.

Jai: Oh, are you planning on finishing the movie? Because I know until you see salman's happy face again you won't be at peace. Gives her a amused look

Bani: Jai, you won't understand. Anyways you want to watch the movie with me? The first half is already done, so you won't be bored that long, and you can actually learn some things from Salman. Winks at him and goes back to her spot on the couch with jai sitting on another couch. Throughout the movie bani hadn't let Jai say single word because she didn't want to miss any of salman's expressions much to Jai's chagrin. Finally after what seemed like eternity to Jai, the movie had ended with bani half crying and half smiling.

Jai: Bani, now that this is done, can we eat? I am starving and I don't know when the landslide's going to end.

Bani: Sure, but you have to have a candle light dinner, I don't want any lights on today.

She hoped that he would say yes, because this might be her last chance of spending time with him, and since most of her valentines dream was coming true, she had hoped a candle light dinner won't hurt.

Jai: Fine by me as long as I get to have something to eat, I don't want to die hungry.

Since bani had everything prepared she only had to warm up the food. Her happiness couldn't be contained, her dream of spending valentines with Jai was actually coming true, but she knew this was not going to last as he was going to commit himself to Pia but for tonight she didn't let her pessimistic thoughts come in her way. Pia was having a hard time getting to the town, what normally took an hour was taking forever. To get to the town she had to go through a very hilly road and now it seemed like her car was going to give up on her soon, but she had hoped before that she would reach the town after all it was only 20 minutes away and only in a matter of minutes she would find Jai.

Jai and Bani shared a nice candle light dinner, where bani was just too busy admiring him, taking in every memory so that it would last her forever. She had wanted to tell Jai how she felt about him, and may be just may be there could be a chance of them being together again. But what if this affected whatever they had left in their relationship, even after the break up which neither of them had a clue on why it happened, they still had a friendly relation. She didn't want to jeopardize that.

Pia's car had given up on her as soon as she reached the town, so now she was just walking looking frantically for Jai. She was asking anyone and everyone around for jai, and people kept on pointing her one way or the other, it being a small town it was easier to look for him.

Bani finally decided that she had to speak to him and get everything out in the open, may be this will help her move on. May be this is what she needed, if she can't have him, at least by letting her feelings out she can hope to move on from this dream.

Just as Bani was going to say something, the front door burst open and Pia was standing there looking all tired but with a content smile. Jai couldn't believe his luck, the woman he wanted to spend Valentines with was there. At this point it didn't matter where he was what he was doing, all he knew was he had to make her his soon. Seeing her like this, looking at him lovingly made his determination stronger, and he decided to go for it.

The moon light shone in the living room giving it an ethereal feeling and before anyone could say anything Jai and pia started walking towards each other oblivious to the surroundings, all that mattered was each other. Hugging each other both muttered at the same time HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!

Siggy B

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 3 :

Chandani Ratein

Raat hogi to chand bhi duhai dega

Khwabon me tumhe wo chehra dikhayi dega

Mohobbat hamesha soch kar karna

Ek aansu bhi gira to sunai dega…..

Aur isi khayal ke sath….aaj ka hamara sath yahi pe khatam hota hai…….

Doston, pyar jarur karna…..kehte hai na……you haven't lived until you have found someone worth living for……

Aur aisa insaan har kisiki jindagi me hota hai……agar aapke jindagi me wo ab tak nahi aaya…..to dariyega mat…uske kadmoki aahat muze sunai de rahi hai…….aap bas apne dil ke darwaje khule rakhiyega……

To aaj raat ke liye 'Lamhe' me bas itna hi……..mai aapki chaheti RJ Bani aapse wida leti hun……bas kuch palo ke liye……kal subah fir aapse mulakat hogi……so tune in to my morning show Morning Raga at 8am, only on Mumbai's no 1 radio station Radio City……. jaate jaate ye gana mere sare listeners ke liye…….shubh ratri, shabba khair…..

Melodious tune of Chandani Raante filled the room…..clock on the opposite wall said 12.05 am…..

Jai slowly raised from his armchair wrapping his hands tightly together…. though he loved the song….he was no more interested in listening to it…he switched off the FM and returned to the balcony……..soft winter breeze made him shiver slightly.

Bani's voice still chimed in his ears….her words rippled through his mind….it was now a routine for him to tune in to her show….every night he would listen to her,solving other's love queries…..answering their doubts about love thoughtfully…..her voice was honey dipped…..enchanting.

He remembered the night when he heard her for the first time. While driving back to Mumbai from Lonavala….he thought he might lose control over the steering wheel with sleep beckoning his eyes…..he switched on the FM. with her voice RJ Bani seduced Jai into her world like a hypnotist from where there was no escape….there was a mesmerizing effect on him who was left spell bounded….and then he couldn't help but listen to her every night like a drug addict….someone who cant live without a daily dose…….

heaving a sigh, Jai looked up…..shining moon was glowering down on his face…..for a moment he tried imagining Bani's face in the silver orb above but it was difficult……

he indeed felt connected to her with a heartbeat but on her part, it was just the magical voice…he hadn't seen her……she was based in his imagination after all….he wondered if she was as beautiful as her voice……if her eyes would be as sorcerous as her tinkling laughter… if she would be as a good lover herself as the LoveGuru she was acting every night…..

A smile ignited on his lips from nowhere….Jai Walia…The only heir of Walia Industries dreaming about a distant girl whom he hadn't encountered for once…..where every eligible girl in town daydreamed about him, it indeed sound weird……..but he was helpless…..Bani..RJ Bani was his object of desire…..he wanted to meet her….see her…hold her close to his heart…..every night he would come to a new life with beginning of her show…and that life would ebb away when it ended…….

What was in her that glued the most impatient man to his chair for hours, listening to her interaction with other people, hopelessly in love……

I will meet her one day……she is my fortune…..she will have to meet me…….his stubborn mind enounced….

Tare aasma no me chamkate hai

Badal itni dur hai par barsate hai

Hum bhi kitne nadan hai
Aap hamare dil me rehte hai

Aur hum aapse milne ko taraste hai……

As he finished writing his thoughts in the diary..he startled…..After what seemed like years, he had retreated back to his college days…..his mind again boarded onto the same territory of love and passion which he left behind for his parent's wish….he had curbed the poet Jai Walia in deep dark confines of his heart…….what people thought jai walia is today…..is just a superficial existence of his former self to please his parents…… but with thoughts of missing Love-Bani in his life…….once again the old soft hearted poet jai walia was born……

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

Jai's car was running slowly through the wide traffic jam… checking his watch after every two minutes would hardly help, he knew…but habits die hard. He was the man of discipline.

Bani's voice was booming out of his car FM….how different she seemed in morning show…so lively, animated…something that can fill a carcass with life and energy….Jai thought. so very opposite to her soporific tone in night that would linger on his mind till he slipped deep in slumber every night thinking about her…..

Finally when he reached Phoenix Mills Lower Parel….he was still on time much to his relief……he was to meet some business associates there.. parking his car in an underground parking area, he came out only to be greeted by the manager enthusiastically… they were just busy talking…….when a loud screech of tires made both of them jump…..they turned around to witness a scared boy not more than 7 years old weeping loudly as the car hit his leg before coming to halt ..…blood started dripping from the wound as unremittingly as his tears……

hurrying out of the car, its owner started shouting on the boy who looked as if he would faint any moment……his mum dressed in typical yellow cleaning suit came running, pushing people aside….with crying eyes, she blamed the shouting man for the accident….meanwhile hugging her pale son and making a check if he was hurt anywhere else……

The man was bellowing at top of his voice about how poor people make their children jump in front of swish cars to earn money….Jai was highly disgusted….though he had not seen what actually happened, the pleading and caring look on the mother's face was evident enough to prove that the man was talking utter rubbish…..

As he bent down and shook the boy violently…jai moved forward to get hold of the stupid man…….before he could get there, A girl not more than 25 years came forward through the crowd.

she lifted that man's hand off the boy's shoulder with as much force as she could muster….he staggered on his feet for a second before regaining his balance……

"what the hell you think of yourself??????? Just because you are wealthy, you can hurt a boy with your smutty new Merc…….??? Instead of apologizing and taking him to the hospital you are blaming HIM for planning to trap a richie rich like you……???????"

Pathetic!!! Mr. Whoever you are…..just look at him….he needs medical help and all you are babbling about is how your car need a wash now…"

Jai jumped as her voice seemed uncannily familiar……his gaze turned to her simple yet beautiful face…

She was wearing a pink tee shirt with high collar….white denim jeans suited her hourglass figure though all this was subtle and no specific efforts were seem to be taken by her to flaunt it…..

sunny glow on her skin was now overpowered by the bright shade of red as she was giving the car owner a piece of her mind…….what caught Jai's attention the most were her eyes lined with kohl…. They were shining like cut and polished diamonds…..

Jai nodded appreciatively as she turned her back to lift the boy on his feet, her silky smooth tresses shined as if it were lavished with diamond dust….

Sarcasm suited her just too well…….he found the man shut up totally with this unexpected fierce attack……taking out his loaded wallet he tried to offer some money to the crying son and mother duo…….which irked the lady to no end……

She grabbed the bills and threw them on his face……..

"ek to manmani karo…..aur phir paise ka ghamand dikhao????? Bhagwan ne paise to bahot diye aapko lekin shayad dil aur sharam dena bhul gaye…..ye paise kise dikha rahe ho aap…inhe apne pass rakhiye……

Aapko inse mafi mangni hogi……kyonki galti aapki hai……aapka paisa aapko kisi se chota ya bada nahi banata Mister….. ye log garib jarur hai lekin lalachi nahi hai…..you are taking this boy to KEM right NOW……..or I might just call the police………"

Jai was mesmerized. His eyes refused to listen to his brain's commands to look away anywhere than her.……she stood there, her one hand resting on her hip and with other she flipped open her cell and started dialing number…….

Expressions on her face were grave…..her eyebrow arched like a bow…..she looked no lesser than a war goddess to him…..

Jai smiled as the man made a pleading gesture and readied to take the boy to nearby hospital.

Another girl came rushing and patted her on back…….

"oye meri Zaansi Ki Rani….tu mahan hai……but its time for your show darling…you need to go on Air now in 7 minutes….."

But that girl was busy consoling the crying mother…..she did not pay any attention to her friend's words……

At last her friend screamed "BANIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII"

Jai's heart skipped a beat……Bani????? Is she RJ Bani???? Is she his Bani???? Now he realized the reason why she sounded so familiar to him…..

He moved forward……his mind could hardly content the happiness within…he thought it overflowed and spread over his entire being……..he finally saw the girl who dominated all his waking and sleeping hours………though looks never mattered to him, she was more beautiful than he had ever imagined her… he was about to approach bani when he saw her friend dragging her in his direction…..

Jai rehearsed how he would introduce himself but all his words rang in his mind only. as they neared, his pleasantries denied materializing on his lips as he stood there like a monument watching Bani leaving with her friend…….

Apne pyar ko chupa na sake,
Deewane dil pe kaboo pa na sake,
Aaj itne karib se guzar gaye wo
phir bhi unke hath hum tham na sake!!

Jai cursed himself……..

As she passed by him…he heard her saying………. "see this is the reason I hate these grubby rich people…….thoda paisa kya aa gaya insaniyat bhul jate hai……..filthy richie richs…."

Disgust could be seen on her face clearly……. so she despised rich…….all her outburst was not for that man alone jai thought…..she hated rich people…..she categorized them generally as one heartless money minded cruel creature's lot………

what kind of game life was playing with him???????

Though he never appreciated it, his wealth and affluent status was an added attraction to his persona…..girls go ga ga over him not only because he was handsome hunk but also because he belonged to one of the wealthiest families in India. And now the same wealth was proving a hinderance in what he wanted to achieve the most…..Bani…..

Through out the meeting ahead, he was upset….he spied his assistant Pushkar with narrow eyes….a middle class boy who wanted to make it big in business world…with a very sharp mind he also was very ambitious in nature…..

For a moment Jai thought bani would readily agree to marry a guy like pushkar…cause he wasn't rich which was synonymic to being heartless to her.

frowning unknowingly….he tried a lot to push Bani's thoughts out of his mind but no avail…she kept on glowering at him through all the files and laptop screen……calling him filthy rich and burning his heart alive.

How would he show her the real Jai walia…..Jai with a romantic heart….with a poetic mind…..how would he convey to her all those lines in which he garlanded his thoughts for her…….

How would he convince her that not all rich people are heartless proudy morons….at least he wasn't.

he was very humble about the fact that it was his father's hard work and sweat that he was running Walia Industries today…..he was merely a manager……….OH YES!!!!!!!! This is it….

I am just an ordinary manager…..earning 20000 bucks every month after working for 9 to 5 every day……a plan hatched in his superlative brains with as much precision and accuracy as he brought in his business plans.

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

"Chaliye jaldi se muze propose ki jiye…….you have only 5 minutes to do that…….ab tak mere pass pure 45 proposals aa chuke hai…ab sirf ek aur

Phir mai announce karungi us lucky winner ka naam jisne aajka… "propose karo, date jito" contest jita hai…….

Mai aapki RJ Bani aapse milungi is short break ke baad yahi pe Morning Raga me…….jin listeners ne abhi join kiya hai unhe batadu…..aaj aapko muze aapke anokhe andaz me propose karna hai……jo proposal muze sab se jyada pasand aayega use milega mauka, muzse milneka hamare Radio City ke office me……..Contest ke kuch aakhari minutes bache hai…….to try kijiye aapka luck…….dial 24969191 ya phir type kijiye BANI, aapka proposal and send it to 7878……Jaldi Jaldi I am waiting for my date….."

Bani slowly pushed the Adver Tab down….an irritating jingle boomed in her ears……contorting her face she removed her headphones and kept them aside……..Coifing her loose hair, she leaned back on the chair, she thought about all those pseudo proposals she received on air…

Some tried to lure her by promising lavish dates….a boy actually sang Bheege Hont Tere on air……..bani had rolled her eyes......guy must be inspired by 'indecent proposal' she thought.

Her friend Rashi was rolling on floor when she heard the boy crooning in his not so worth listening to voice, pleading bani for date. Some said they would directly take her to meet their mums as they were sure she was a good wife material…….

Keeping smile intact in her voice, she had laughed it off……..only if they knew her past and they would know how wild their imagination was running…..bani cerebrated.

She went through all SMSs she received and found not even a single one of them worth noticing but she had to choose one of them as winner……..

Sighing she saw Ajay beckoning her from outside her glass cabin…..last jingle was being played…..it was time to go back on air.

But she hadn't decided the winner yet……wearing her headphones again…as Radio City 91.1 FM song ended, she typed Ajanabi on her media center and clicked enter.Title track of Ajanabi started playing……

Mere jindagi me ajanabi ka intazar hai…

Mai kya karu ajnabi se muze pyar hai…

Wo ajnabi jana pehechana, sapno me uska hai aana jaana,

Aa ajnabi tere liye dil ye mera bekarar hai……

How apt…. Wasn't she waiting for someone special to come her way…...

Get back to work bani…enough of daydreaming….she reprimanded herself. She needed some time to decide the winner….she was ready to perform her customary ainy miny mo……..but

Rashi came in giggling….distracting her.

"So bani who is the winner??????? Bheege honth wala?????" rashi asked…..her eyebrows dancing in most mischievous way. Bani waited till rashi's laughing fit was over.

"No yaar….not single one of them sounds good…..ye bhi koi proposals hai??? Proposal aisa hona chahiye that can touch your soul……but chodo……. muze kahan inse shadi karni hai……bulalenge kisi bakre ko..chai shai de ke bhej denge ghar…….ho gayi date khatam…"

Both of them giggled like teenagers….but Rashi with very thoughtful face started……

"you never know bani….kahi isi contest me teri usse mulakat ho jaye jo tera jivanbhar ka date ho"

Bani smiled…she wished there was such possibility…..her fate was not so good. Hadn't she refused someone in past who could have been her soul mate…without even seeing him…without even knowing him……..

kuch tabiyat hi mili thi aisi

chain se jine ki surat na hui.......

jise chaha usse apna na sake

jo mila uss se mohabbat na hui……….

tears started accumulating and before Rashi could see them….Bani laughed out…

"rashiiiii…go and get the script ready for Traffic News or Avi might kill you"

As rashi blew a kiss and left, bani smiled…..a red LED started glowing on 'callpanel' line number 12…so she had some hope…….her last proposal of the afternoon……

As the song ended……she put on her headphones again…..pulling the mike towards her, she kept her fingers crossed that this listener would have a nice proposal for her……

She punched a button near her elbow and 'ON AIR' glowed outside her cabin………

"To kaun hai hamare sath..hamare aaj ke last listener????? Aapka naam?????" Bani asked in her enthusiastic voice…….

"Jai"…..

A husky tone tickled her ears…..a warm sensation ran through her entire being as if she was in close embrace of the man she loved.

All her irritation and disappointment swept away in a moment…..

gathering back her composure, she brought as much genuineness and pleasance in her voice as her job needed.

"Haan to boliye Jai…….aap kaise propose karenge muze????"

She felt her heart beating with abnormal pace…….imploring her voice to remain steady, all her life equaled in her ears to hear him.

"Bani…..i am a very simple middle class working man. Mere pass tumhe dene ke liye jyada kuch nahi hai."

He paused for a while……as if deciding whether to speak further or not.

"Hai to sirf mera waqt aur dil. Ek aisa dil jise ek sathi ke alawa is duniya me koi tamanna nahi hai.

I wont shower you with expensive gifts but my eyes are only to see you smiling…my ears are only to hear you crooning…… I wont take you to a five star hotel for tea or coffee but I can take you to my house where you can brew a pot of coffee for us…sorry I don't know how to make it."

A smile lit up Bani's face…….he was well above his time limit….a Green LED glowed indicating she should take him off air now….but she didn't. she felt so light inside, like a feather whirling in wind…..every word he spoke, she knew it wasn't rehearsed….it was as genuine as her own wish to declare him winner on the spot…..

"I wont take you for ride in Limousine…..but I have a Pulsar…I can take you to marine drive….where I will race with wind. With your hands on my shoulder, I would be the happiest man on earth"

His voice grew even more husky and bani felt as if she would faint any time soon…..

She wanted to laugh…..just to show that she was indeed impressed but not swayed by what he had said. But it was a lie…..

"and finally…….Bani……

meri band aankhon ka saccha khwaab ho tum,
meri tanhaio ke sawalon ka javab ho tum,
ab to khudai bhi ruth jaye to gum na hoga
meri duniya, kaynaat, mera chaand ho tum……

so bani????? Will it be my pleasure to take you out for a date???????"

Silence filled the studio. Rashi and online editor Anshu glued their faces to glass in front of bani……nodding their heads feverishly to say yes……

Their studio manager Ravi was beating his chest as bani had utilized much more air time than what she was allowed to.

Bani touched her dry lips with her tongue….trying to sound natural….she spoke

"jai..it was really nice. I am floored……you will get to know the result sooooooon"

She punched the 12th button on the row ahead…….taking jai off air…..

Gathering her normalcy back she went on air and declared jai's name as winner……..she prayed listeners wouldn't notice her happiness laden voice…

Rashi, anshu clapped hard outside……bani gave them a reproachful look..

Jotting down jai's cell number in her diary, she logged out of her session from media center…….

RJ Tarana stormed in congratulating her………logging in she wished all listeners a hurried good afternoon…and played "koi mil gaya" and dedicated it to bani who playfully hit her on her head with a file……..

Bani couldn't hide her glee as she came out…..almost everyone had noted the serious and genuine tone of jai and if dealt properly this could mean a good chance for their lonely bani to find man of her dreams……

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

Jai was pacing up and down in his office cabin……when he heard about the contest in morning, he knew, it was a platinum opportunity to work out his well thought plan….

He had almost given up when his incessant calling turned futile…..but may be god was on his side, finally he got to talk to her……to convince her of his love.

She sounded no different when she spoke but the silence in-between verbalized another story…he could imagine an awed and shied look on her ivory face even when he couldn't see her……his first task was accomplished. He had touched her soul and heart……exactly the way he wanted to…..he almost jumped in air when he was declared winner not that it was unexpected but it somehow nursed a deep wound in his heart…….he remembered the way his marriage proposal was refused by that girl……..girl, he had never seen or talked to ….his ego was hurt beyond repair……feelings of defeat had not dampened over the years as everyone expected…his wound remained as freshly bleeding as it was 7 years ago when it happened…since then he never took idea of marriage seriously.

Today when he felt Bani touched by those words..it was a soft blow of air on his burning bruise.

Tanha hai is kadar ke tanhai bhi sisak uthi

Sukhe hue phoolon se yaadon ki mehek uthi

Ulzi si jindagi hai ulzan na sulaz saki

Jab bhi ki ye koshish wo aur ulaz uthi

Dil me daba ke rakhi thi ek chingari
Teri ek aahat se shola ban sulag uthi

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

Bani felt tension radiating across her shoulders and all the way up the back of her neck, as she glanced towards the clock….only five minutes remaining……..

Nibbling over her lower lip, which was now pinker than the top one, even though it still sported some lipstick, she kept her fingers crossed for something worthwhile to happen on her date…for example, her date..Jai turning out a fine normal man with whom she could spend some time relaxing….and not some creepo singing Bheege Honth tere.

Frowning with her thoughts, she wondered why she was suddenly acting like a despo…..she has been alone all her life…wasn't she the one to choose it intently that way….then why this sudden urge of finding a man who could love her with no barriers and boundaries……and why for heaven's sake she wanted this particular man to be the one…..

Thoughts after thoughts kept splashing on her mind like sea waves….. retreating for a while and then coming back with equal force.

Sweaty palms and fluttery hearts are for teenagers and not for a mature man like you Jai…he kept lecturing himself on his way to Radio City's office in Phoenix Mills….he had cancelled some of his not so important meetings and others were rescheduled.

Not being used to wander around on the city roads in fire spitting sun, he was exhausted like never before in just an hour. With Pushkar in tow, jai for the first time went shopping on roads… precisely on Fashion Street near Churchgate…..a very well known shopping street in Mumbai for duplicate Labels and Brands.

He was surprised when all his shopping cost him much lesser than a single Giorgio Armani suit….thanks to Pushkar's bargaining skills. Poor guy was still perplexed to know Jai sir's intentions…but he knew what Love can make of a man, so he decided to help him in every possible way, this shopping being a part of it.

He drew a list of all famous middle class joints around the city….. including places Jai obviously hadn't heard before……convincing Jai of their hygiene was one grueling task…

"Sir, if you take her to Taj or Oberoi for a tea, she would hardly believe you are a middle class guy…."jai recalled Pushkar's words.

He had taken as many tips as he can about leading a middle class life and when he took glimpses of it around him, may be for the first time in his life….he wondered how difficult it is to lead life that way…Offering him some change and 50 rupees notes, Pushkar had warned Jai not to carry any big bucks and international Credit Cards in his wallet….

Jai thought a middle class life was truly challenging …..his brand new Blackberry was replaced by a MotoSliver much to his annoyance……but he wanted to be with Bani and he would pay any price for that….even if it meant giving up his luxurious so called happy life…..

Suddenly bani could hardly breathe. as she saw Jai entering the studio she felt as if something was swelling in the pit of her stomach, leaving no room for her lungs to expand…….. even without knowing him, she somehow recognized him as Jai……the same man whom she virtually dedicated every song she played over the week……every romantic lyrics meant for both of them….now this man would yield a face to her mere imagination…. completing it….and what a face he has!!… bani thought…..throwing all mannerisms to wind, she stared him with wide eyes as he asked for the directions for her cabin….

A greek god embodied was her first reaction….. Tall and Dark, with smooth waves of his hair minus any styling gel, his handsome and finely carved features were not intimidating…..there was enticing warmth on his face.

Slowly her gaze traveled down…..a black color plain shirt did nothing but delineate his broad shoulders…..with top two buttons undone she noticed strong column of his neck and crisp dark curls lurking below it…her eyes lingered for a moment on flab less abdomen, then on his strong masculine hands with sleeves rolled back a little and finally a pair of lean legs, but what compelled her attention was the air of confidence that surrounded him…..

It was impossible for her to realize him as a mere manager. He looked like a man born to rule.

to her relief she wasn't the only person to think so. she saw Rashi and Anshu unable to take their eyes off him and thus resulting into much needed collision to bring them back to reality.

As he came closer, she drank in his appearance with odd intensity. Perhaps her thoughts were zooming across the room because he turned his head directly to her, avoiding all appreciative glances on his way as if he was very well accustomed to them…..

It was then that recognition hit her with utmost impact…she was potently attracted to this man….without even talking to him…terms like 'wavelength matching'…. 'intellectual attraction' sounded nonsense…..his evident male charm was towering over her mind to think about anything else sanely…..for the first time she repented for zero in on him as the winner,on her self destructive impulse….as her father very rightly said about her…she would dive off the high board first, then check the pool for water on her way down…..he was oh so dangerous!!

A deep red color flushed her cheeks as she didn't even realize when the face she was observing for past few minutes was now standing just few footsteps away…..

Intoxicating Wine color of his eyes deepened in dark black as he gazed her face……verifying each and every detail of her face with what he must have imagined.

Firm jaw and Sensual line of his lips she found totally irresistible…. and with this thought she found her cheeks emitting heat waves……

Although the ritual of greeting was over, a trace of his smile still dawdled on his well cut mouth……

It was him to start the conversation……praising her for her voice and style of presentation…..though only Jai knew, he was rambling on to keep himself sane enough not to pull her in close embrace… watching her so closely was creating havoc with his nerves.

Initiator……just the way a Man is suppose to be Bani thought again… though his eyes seemed to be reading every thought in her mind as and when it popped, she was thankful that nothing called mind reading existed in real world otherwise she would have scared the man off with her wild thoughts….

She could see his lips moving….lips, full but hard edged as if they had been laser cut into the perfect shape……..his voice which enchanted her a week back bounced on her eardrums…

But her brains had stopped functioning properly….she could not decipher a single word of what he was saying…..she was weltering deeper and deeper into the depths of his eyes….wishing she hadn't don the same lost look on her face as small children have when they see their favorite lollypop safe inside a glass jar.

Finally she had to take part in the conversation, accepting his praise which flood her face with fugitive color….not that she was hearing it for the first time to blush profusely like that, but it was his effect on her……those simple words sounded like the most beautiful poem in the whole world….every time he looked deeply in her eyes…it sent a tingle down her spinal cord.

"I think I have either bored you to death or I am a bigger chatterbox to put an RJ silent" jai said sipping his cold drink slowly.

She saw his mouth twitching in smile over the rim of the glass……bani didn't realize what to say…..almost in a fit she blurted out,

"Oh no…not like that…in fact this is really nice…I have really enjoyed talking to you"

"you mean, me talking and you blushing" Jai's wine-y eyes were flecked with gold….but its irises deepened to dark chocolate, as she blushed even harder listening to his comment.

"So when are we meeting next?" Jai asked, keeping his fingers crossed below the table….

"next???" Bani stuttered. Only her mind knew she was happy like never before…she would go out with him on one leg as he seemed genuine, reliable and middle class hardworking guy….with no arrogance that comes with easy money…..

When he saw her hesitating, his heart missed a beat…..he prayed to as many gods as he could recall at that time……

He was in dilemma, whether this would make a good move or not…if he was rushing into it….but he decided to go with his guts……rising slowly from his chair, he held bani's hand softly but firmly. She was startled but made no attempt to release it from his clutches……as his thumb massaged her pale knuckles, electricity flared up inside Bani's stomach and traveled along all the nerve ends.

As if watching his reflection floating in her shining eyes….he closed the distance between them…..his thumb still working its magic, he said in the same husky tone…..

Aapke saath yeh mausam Suhaana lage
Aapki ik shaam chura loon agar bura na lage

Aap chahein to bhula dein hume

par aapko bhulane mein shayad ye Zindagi bhi kaam lage

bani was speechless.

She merely nodded her head…..her cheeks were hot and damp, a thick strand of hair clinging to her forehead. Jai slowly dragged it clear with his forefinger leaving a trail of fire behind where he touched her skin.

"See you then…..you have my number right????" bani again nodded……. capturing his smile in her eyes for times when he wouldn't be as close to her as now.

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

It were almost three months now, Jai and Bani's mutual attraction turned into a bond of friendship. Though Jai never hid his real feelings for her, Bani was thankful for the patience he exercised in expressing them…He maintained his limits, every time they met and it was fairly regular.

They went out to beaches, relished on chat, built castles. They went for movies, art exhibitions. Jai used to rush back to his office after meeting Bani and work till wee hours…..it was taking toll on his health but with Bani beside him, he couldn't care less.They went out shopping but bani lever let him buy anything for her….there were times when Jai had to refrain himself from buying the entire shop then and there when her eyebrows disappeared in exclaim after watching the price tag, but he was helpless……though it was difficult, he quickly learnt to raise his eyebrows in similar fashion, everytime they encountered something off budget.

But for the first time, Jai felt he was living life. Managing his work in 9to5 frame was difficult for a businessman like him. There were times when he was almost caught but his struggle to manage both his faces was still on with success….

He was over the moon when he received letter from Indian Chamber of Commerce ……awarding him Businessman of The Year title….his hardwork was finally paying off….but his happiness was short lived. If he accepted the award, his photos will be all over the media and then his middle class stunt would die its death…which also meant losing bani…..and with this thought he conveyed his inability to accept the award……he prefer to lose the prestigious title than Bani… & amp; amp; nbsp;

All these compromises should have put him off but only he knew how much he was longing for bani's love and he would jump off empire estate if it meant achieving her.

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

Jai hurried out of his office, instructing his secretary about tomorrow's meetings….he was suppose to meet bani at 6 o clock near worli sea face….as his driver drove his Chevrolet Optra, jai removed his coat and tie and stuffed it in his bag, ruffling his hair slightly, he rolled his sleeves up and undone top two buttons…donning his regular middle class avatar His car dropped him near the single…watching carefully around he got down and walked upto their meeting point…….

After an hour or so they were sitting on a bench near Worli Sea Face…watching sun drowning in splashing sea…Jai had seen many beautiful sun sets before but this one was way too special…..bani was with him this time, which made it extra ordinary….he stole glances of her watching pink hue of the sky that reflected on her unblemished skin as well…….bewitching he thought. If there was one thing he had craved for in his life…….it was bani's presence. His conscious hit him hard sometimes for lying to her but he knew the real Jai walia would win her one day and then his wealth and rich status will not pose any problem….

That's when someone called him from behind…..as both of them turned around. To his horror Jai saw Mr.Singhania getting down from his car…..with a muffled curse jai faced him…..

"MrJai Walia??" color drained off Jai's face quickly as Bani looked surprised…

"ohhh Jai sir..wo aapko office me milenge" Jai said swallowing hard.

Mr.Sanghania spied him as if jai was a white ghost…..afterall witnessing Jai walia in a plain middleclass attire…sitting on a bench with equally simple looking girl and then pretending that he was no Walia was no frequent sight.

"Jai?????" he asked once again to make sure if he indeed talking to Jai Walia…..

"dekhiye Mr.Singhania, I know I am Jai sir's personal manager but my duty ends at 5 o clock….if you have anything to say or ask…please meet him in the office"

Jai said hoping against hope that Mr.Singhania could get the point and disappear before Bani's confusion turned into doubt….

Murmuring something under his breath, Mr.Singhania went back to his car….Jai heaved a deep sigh and managed to put smile on his face.

"so you work for that guy????" bani asked him in most forbidding manner…

"that guy???

"Jai Walia…..that millionaire walia heir " her expression stung his heart…she uttered his name as if it had contaminated her mouth.

"yes why???" Bani spoke nothing…..a pulse throbbed near her temple…..

"of common bani…why do you hate all rich and wealthy people??? Not all are same……….." before he could finish his sentence……bani stood up…her Turquoise dupatta swaying with wind…..

She said…… "they are…they all are same…..they need money to survive, money and power that it brings along…..power to affect other's lives….power to kill them off as if poor and needy have no right to live in this world…..power that blinds them……power for which they could overlook their own loved ones….."

Tears started flowing….and her voice mixed with sobs ruptured jai's heart….

"you know Jai….i myself belong to a very rich and affluent family….i hail from Rajasthan…my parents had love marriage. My father was an orphan, a poor man but with heart of gold…..my nana nani got them married on one condition that he would live with them…..i was born….and from the time I can recall, I had seen him humiliated…maltreated cause he was poor. Cause he didn't have money to build his own house for his wife and daughter….and when I was 14, he committed suicide…..my mother couldn't bare it and she passed away soon after that.

I had all the money in the world but still I was an orphan. You can buy luxuries but not happiness....but my nana nani never understood it……they killed my parents for their fake self pride of affluence. they altered their lives in painful death…..all my life I had to search for security….money could hardly help it.

Wiping her tears away…..she smiled hesitantly….

"when they decided to take charge of my life…….i thought it was enough. I wouldn't let them sell me away in a bargain called marriage…..they had fixed my marriage with some richie rich guy much to my distaste…..my marriage was again not my union with my soulmate……it was a merging of two booming businesses.

That's when I decided and eloped from my house……..now you know why I hate them"

Jai's eyes were moist…..her story was heart wrenching….almost in a sudden fit he asked her….

"do you belong to Dixits????"

Bani whirled around…..appalled.

"how do you know????"

"they are walia industry's clients…..a very powerful business network in Rajasthan"

He couldn't meet his eyes with bani…..

Bani was touched beyond words when she saw his moist eyes….he looked hurt as if it was him who had to go through this……day by day he was closing in the distance between their minds with his unconditional support and love…..step by step he was shattering walls around her heart with his affection and care…..she knew he was the one for her. May be three months are not enough to know someone…….but her instincts had told her so right from the moment she saw him for the first time in her office…..

For the first time, she took his hand firmly in her trembling hand and looked in his eyes……

"that's the reason why I like you Jai. You are a self made man…life didn't offer you things on golden platter…..you had to struggle to survive….you know what relationship means and you will never chose money over your loved one…."

With a sense of deep relief she buried her face in his chest….circling his body with her shivering hands…without caring for all those eyes which stared them in amusement….only if she could see jai's guilty expressions….his fingers curling into fist with a tension that flowed through him……

"jai…take me to your house…..please" bani said in hushed tone as she got aware of where they were standing.

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

"my house????" Jai thought he was surely caught this time…..

Where on earth can he find a middle class house ready for him???? His mind started racing in sync with his pulsating heartbeat.

He tried convincing bani that it was late…and he would take her his home some other time…..but Bani was adamant.

ordering two soft drinks, he excused himself on the pretext of making a call….

He had Pushkar's house keys but he needed to call him before he could take bani there….while it was still ringing on the other side….Jai looked at happy looking Bani….her elbows perched on the table in front, she was busy day dreaming….a sheepish smile adorn her beautiful face…..

What would she think of you Jai…..she hates Jai Walia…is Jai alone strong enough to overpower jai Walia…..she trusts you blindly…her faith would turn into another disappointment soon…..she may not believe anyone after this….forget about achieving her love, your actions could kill her alive…..

Jai was so engrossed in his thoughts, that it took him some moments to register Pushkar's voice.

Bani's heart was thumping against her ribcage when she stepped inside Jai's house…she believed him whole heartedly and his bachelor status did not deter her from coming alone with him to his house.

A smile appeared on her face as Jai put on the lights……a typical bachelor pad.

A complete mess……

It could be her future home….a crimson shade enveloped her face and neck…

Jai seemed confused with the things and their locations but she laughed it off as his anticipation of having her around.

Gathering things here and there, she looked around…..as she moved in the bedroom….her wall size portrait stared her back.

"Jai??? What is all this????" did she actually need any answer……..

Aapke bina ab is dil ko chain nahi aata,

Aap na ho to koi nazara in aankhonko nahi bhata….

Aankh khule aur aapka deedar na ho,

To hamara din shuru nahi hota…….

again words failed her….but when did they needed them. Their silence shared their feelings better than words……

that night Bani stayed there…..it didn't take much for Jai to convince Pushkar to stay somewhere else for the night.It rained heavily…..while the raindrops pitter pattered on the roof above, they sat in balcony with steaming mugs of coffee, pondering over their lives……

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

Bani's eyes squinted against the sun light…rain had stopped, rendering them earthy smell …. .she opened her eyes to find herself resting in Jai's cozy arms….they hadn't realized when sleep engulfed them last night.

He looked like an overgrown baby to her…..she ran her fingers through his hair…stirring, he pulled her back in his embrace……she wasn't complaining.

She ignored the world around her, listening instead to the heat of his body, the hum of desire that matched her own. Though his lids very heavy with sleep, he forced his eyes open….she was watching him….her eyes beaming…he touched her lips with his fingertip with careful absorption, as if he would startle her into vanishing. His head bent, his lips were just millimeters away from hers when she pushed him back playfully. Sticking out her tongue she laughed and ran in.

While toweling his wet hair, Jai heard Bani humming slightly as she lightened the gas burner……Jai wished her good morning, still pondering over what her laughter meant. Did he rushed into it yet again??? May be he shouldn't have…..

But her wet hair, glowing skin, smile on her face told him another story….even when nothing happened last night, it was the most peaceful sleep he ever had in his life as far as he remembered.

"what are you doing bani???" Jai asked.

"oh some breakfast……I have afternoon show today…and I am really hungry..hope you don't mind"

Moving forward, jai touched her hair, fingering it away from her neck, easing it over her shoulder, then releasing it to cascade down her back…it was tormentingly sensual.

" happy valentines day bani" jai whispered in her ear….his breath warming up her cheeks.

Ouch……bani gasped with pain…..a dark red blood drop appeared on her fingertip where her knife worked a second ago….Jai held her hand and watched the drop dripping slowly along the line of her long finger….he brought it to his mouth.

With a strange mixture of tension and huskiness he asked Bani…..

"should I kiss it better???" bani gaped….she had never wanted anything more.

"Yes" she said. Anticipation thrusted her beyond the reach of common sense.

"please Jai kiss me"

For a moment Bani glimpsed the same gleaming of need in his eyes. Then he bent his head and took her finger in his mouth…..she was sinking deeper, drowning in the deep liquid sensations of him and he knew it.

He then buried his lips in palm of her hand. He stayed there for a long moment letting her fingers cup and explore angularity of his face. His lips moving on mapped her arm. Discovering the pulse at her wrist, he claimed it. Slowly he ascended towards her shoulders.

He chased a flashing light through her veins, by the time he had traveled her neck, throat, her chin….she was sparkling with need.Finally he found her mouth. With a mute cry of relief she rocked forward, wrapping her hands around his shoulders. He parted her lips with a deft urgency, entering unknown depths of her mouth as if he owned them…..her knees trembled but he gathered her melting body quickly in his arms.

Her eyes shut, she thought she was gazing at a kaleidoscope….his every move bringing onto a new pattern of rainbow colors. She shivered, surged, burnt until she wanted to whimper against his lips.

She is kissing jai…and not jai walia…she would rather kill herself than kissing him…..this thought hammered Jai's insides…..

Engulfing himself in the velvet of her skin, he didn't want to think about it. But his conscience couldn't be shut down.

All too soon, before she was ready, Jai began to lower the pace. his hands stilled, reducing the pressure. She murmured her disappointment….like a child who has just discovered something too thrilling to relinquish, she wanted another ride.

He smiled down on her….whispering once again……

"I want to be a prince today….a prince who wants to woo his princess……for a day Bani, forget all your hatred and give me a chance to pamper you like never before……please"

She didn't know what to say…for a moment she thought to tell him how much pampered she felt with he touched her and for something that can happen so easily there was no need to go out of the way to please her……she was his princess…..come what may.

But she nodded. If it can make him happy…..she would forget whole world.

"so no show today….you will do what your valentine wants you to do" Bani heard him saying in mischievous tone.

She shied.

"I will meet you at 6pm today….where, how you will come to know shortly….now let me leave"

Hugging her once more jai left her alone wondering what is going to follow….

It was nearly 3 pm when doorbell broke Bani's sleep…..when she opened the door, there was no one but a corsage of red roses and a pink envelop….

She opened it with quivering hands……there was a card in it. She read it eagerly

nazrose nazar mili to dil machal gaya,
apke dil ki shama me dil jalke pighal gaya,
kya kare kasoor hamara nahi nadaan dil ka hai,
jo aapko dekha or dhadkana bhool gaya.

4 pm… Franck Provost Day Spa…………Jai.

Spa??? And that too Franck Provost??? Bani thought but she had promised him in the morning that she would do what he wanted her to do.

To her surprise, when she descended staircase, a black Merc was waiting for her to take her to the spa.

As she got into it, she tried calling Jai but his cell was switched off.

She did not know such cosseting before…….a strawberry body scrub and pampering massage performed in perfect rhythm to instrumental love music made her lose all tension and worries in her mind…..she thought she had rejuvenated to a new life……

She was just watching herself in full wall mirror ahead her, when another bouquet and envelop followed.

This time it read…..

Pyaaar ke shama jalakar to dekho,

zara dilka aashiyaan sajakar to dekho,

tumhe ho na jaye ishq to kehna,

zara hamse nazre milakar to dekho....

6 pm….Grand Hyat…………..Jai.

But there was something else too this time……she opened the bag and found a cherry red sari and some exquisite pieces of diamond jewelry inside. At last when she looked herself in mirror….she was no lesser than a real princess……red color suited her honey toned body….heart shaped pendent and ear rings looked stunning……their shine reflected on her soul. Though she never liked richness and show off…….it was something she knew had come directly from Jai's heart…….

This time when she stepped outside the salon, a black Limousine was waiting for her….

Wondering how many month's salary jai has washed down……she reached Grand Hyat…..

As manager there beckoned her to a party hall….her eyes made a quick search for Jai…but he wasn't there.

As she entered the hall……her breath caught in her throat. It was beautifully decorated with Red and Golden ribbons….there were hundreds of her photos on wall in which every mood of her was captured. Perfumed candles were burning, emitting a seductive fragrance…

Entire floor was filled with heart shaped red balloons again carrying her name except for a middle path that lead to a round table in the middle of room. As she moved forward, she saw kiss shaped dark chocolates lying on the way…….as she reached the Table, there was another envelop waiting for her.

As she opened it with tear filled eyes……it read

I kiss the ground you walk……..Jai

She whirled around to see him standing in one corner……..her eyes forgot to blink with surprise.

Was he the same Jai??? He looked so devastatingly handsome in black tuxedo he wore….his hair gelled…..he looked like some bigwig businessman…..

She ran to him…with watery eyes she said…

"Jai…..itna sab karne ki kya jarurat thi……tum mere ho yahi mere liye sab kuch hai"

Keeping his finger on her lips, he quieted her. Taking her hands in his, he spoke.

"Bani…….i love you. I love you more than anything in this world……I cant live without you…..you are my life instead.

Pausing he saw a thick tear descending on Bani's cheek…kissing her lips.

"jaindagi ye mauka baar baar kisiko nahi deti……lekin ek aur mauka diya hai jindagi ne hame ek honeka"

"ek aur mauka???????" Bani asked watching expressions changing fast on his face.

"I am the same man whom you refused 7 years back…….Jai….Jai Walia"

Bani looked at him with her eyes wide open…..the candles gilded one side of his face, accentuating the high cheekbone and strong, beautiful bow of his lips. It was all too easy to remember why she wanted him to kiss her…..he was the most intriguing blend of knock-you-over virility……and cheating.

Her mouth went dry…..the man she kept her faith in turned out the one she hated the most in past. He was deceiving her day in day out….posing as a middle class man cause he knew she hated rich…….so all this was planned. May be that kiss too…..that night too.

She wheeled around, ignoring the stinging behind her eyes, she calculated distance to the door.

Praying the tears wouldn't fall until she could make her escape from the most disappointed moment of her life…….she loved him….and will always do but forgiving him was out of question…..she wished she could travel back in time and erase all those moments when they were close……

In desperation, Jai reached out roughly, his hand encountered cool liquid fabric of her sari and then warmth beneath.

"let me go Jai" Bani's voice a low monotone that reflected emptiness behind her eyes…..

"listen to me Bani" his gaze searched her face as if he was looking for a sign, a glimmer of hope that she could be persuaded…

"I am sorry for all those lies I spoke to you….but my heartbeats were not fake. My care my support and affection for you weren't fake….fervor with which I kissed you wasn't fake…..i wanted to show you that Jai walia is not a ruthless man….he posses heart that beats only for you…..i was equally shocked when I realized you are the same girl who refused me and hurt me……but then I thought it was one more chance that life was offering me to woo you back……everything is fair in love and in war…..it was my love for you and a war with my own self…I have died every minute when you held me close thinking me as Jai and not Jai walia……but I know I would win you one day…….."

Tears at last crossed their boundaries and spilled on her face…….

"I cant say I will leave whole world for you…cause I am not only responsible for my self but also for all those people who work for me….i cant leave them…..but I assure you that you will be always the one for me……no one and I mean no one can take your place in my life…decision is now yours……."

Bani's throat ached.

Interpreting her silence, his shoulders drooped and he let go of her hands…and collapsed in chair behind him….

"Main deewaani hun aapke nam ki

is baat se inkar nahi,

kaise kahe ki hame aapse pyar nahi,

kuch to kasoor hai aapki nazro ka,

hum akele to gunhegar nahi....."

Jai's head shot upward in fraction of second…..his ears couldn't believe his luck.

"Bani" he said in shaken voice and then she was caught and held in an embrace that was wonderfully warm and possessive. Clutching the hard arms that encircled her, she wept into his chest, quite unable to content her happiness within.

After what seemed like an eternity they broke apart……

Going on his knees, Jai held Bani's hand and opened a red velvet box ahead of her…..a blood red ruby ring…

"diamonds are too pale for you my princess……Bani…will you marry me???"

Again words failed her…..she nodded yes and to her surprise, jai's and her family followed into the hall….clapping hard.

she looked at jai surprised……

with a heart warming smile jai said….

"we are getting married tonight……I cant bear this separation any more. 7years is a longgggg time"

Siggy C

Very much later that night when Jai and Bani waited till their breath came back to normalcy…moon showered them with its uniform light.

Chandani raaten was playing somewhere…….its tune made their first night even more special……

rolling them both onto their sides, jai kissed her deeply. He ran his hands over her warm and damp skin until, gradually Bani relaxed against him.

She pressed her cheek to his chest and sighed, a weary vagabond for 7 years had finally found a home. Physically he had introduced her to sensations she never knew existed before… and emotionally she felt secure and fulfilled for the first time in her life….

Secure in the circle of Jai's arms…Bani drifted into sweetest sleep that she had ever known…..

A Valentine day had finally filled her life with love passion and fulfillment, just the way it promises……..

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 4:

A Valentine Dream

Author's note: Dates, times and location has been used in this FF to keep better track of time.

February 14th 2002

5 p.m. Dixit residence, Mt. Abu

"So Bani, tell me you will do it? Please. You know you should do it." Rano bent in, pleading Bani to agree.

"Rano, you know I would do it for your sake. But again, you know I do not believe in these things." Bani said, biting her lip, trying her best not to disappoint her best friend of the past 16 years. The truth, however, was that she loved her food way too much.

Rano's face fell. She was sure that Bani would not agree but she was still going to try.

"Please Bani, just to give me some company. And even Lolita was telling that this thing is true."

"Oh you mean your maid? The one who, at one moment, is sure that she is in love with Somu and then the very next changes her mind that only Raju is the man for her. How can you be so gullible Rano?" Bani said, almost imploring her friend for believing in her silly maid.

But Rano did not give up yet. She pleaded one last time as she passed the diary that had the details about the legend.

"Bani, look at it, it is so simple anyways. All you have to do is go to bed hungry after you have seen the rising moon and then dream. I am sure you will see your future husband in your dreams. Plus, I am confident that this Valentine Day legend is not a fiction. And even if it, there is not much to lose is there?"

"Besides my lovely dinner" Bani mumbled under her breath, thinking of the wonderful carrot halwa Sheila (their cook) was working on right now.

"And plus we are 16 this year, what better year to start doing this besides sweet 16? Aren't you excited? I just cannot wait for tonight and then dream about my prince. Do it only as an adventure if you must." Rano's dreamy look was back.

Bani could not understand her friend's new found obsession with boys, but still loved her despite it. She wearily looked around her room and saw the pink and white balloons that Rano had brought with her in order to celebrate Valentine's Day.

"So what if we are not allowed to go out for a celebration, I am sure we can celebrate in our own rooms, right?" Rano had answered when Bani questioned her about them. It was Rano's idea that they would spend the evening together.

Giggles And Tears,
Smiles And Laughs,
Late Night Call And Cute Photographs,
I'll Be There For You Till The Day Of My Death,
Best Friends Forever Till My Very Last Breath. :-)

Bani, not wanting to be the reason for dampening Rano's spirits, agreed reluctantly.

8:30 PM – Dinning room

"Ma, where is Bani? Is she not going to eat?" Ranveer enquired after his little sister. He knew that she would never skip a meal and was surprised to see her missing at the table.

"She said she was not hungry. She will eat later if she wants to." Kiran replied, not even slightly perturbed with her daughter's odd behavior.

"I'll go and check." Ranveer left, climbing two steps at a time.

Knocking on her door, and then peeking in, he noticed that Bani was standing by the window in her room, looking outside, as if she was impatiently waiting for someone.

"Aahh, I see what is going on. My baby sister is going to fast today so she can see her future husband in her dreams tonight. How cute is that?" Ranveer spoke as he walked in, his voice mocking Bani.

"Bhaiya. You know me, I don't do these things, but Rano made me. You should have seen how hard she tried to convince me. And anyways, what are you doing here? Don't you have a date tonight?"

"I was planning on leaving after seeing you guys, but since you were missing at the dining table, I came to see what was going on." The grin on his face still refused to leave. It was amusing to see his little sister behaving like a lovelorn school girl.

"Waise bhaiya, how come you know so much of this Valentine day fable? Did you also starve yourself when you were younger in order to get a glimpse of your future wife? Oh now I know how it is Bhaiya. So tell me, did you see Seema in your dreams?" Bani had suddenly turned the tables on Ranveer. He was surprised at how easily she could hoodwink him, even though he was her senior by six years.

He was not sure how to react. Seema was the girl he was taking to today's Valentine Day bash at one of their clubs but she definitely did not mean anything more to him.

"No, are you kidding me? I and marry her, never. She is just my date. And I know only because all my silly friends do this even today, and by friends I mean the girls. Why would a guy care?" Ranveer bragged as he left Bani alone.

Bani was soon in bed after she saw the rising moon.

I wish I may,
I wish I might,
On the first star I see tonight,
To be in love and know how it feels,
To have someone that's not a big deal,
Looking into those eyes,
You feel like you could die,
Regret no more,
Now that your found,
Searching for that special someone,
A red string that you bound,
I wish to be in love with someone who will treat me right,
Someone that I can agree with,
Someone who wont make me feel bad,
Everlasting love that's my dream tonight,
So I wish I may, I wish I might.

1:30 AM - Dixit Residence

Bani was suddenly awakened by the loud grumbling noises made by her tummy. She knew she would never be able to pull this off and yet she had agreed.

As she sat in her bed, she thought of her previous conversation with Rano. I am sure she never mentioned anything about not eating past midnight. Technically, it is a new day. And I am sure I will dream better on a full stomach she convinced herself. Her night so far, had been dreamless she sighed.

She slowly got off her bed, immediately regretting her decision. Her room was chilly due to the winter and she almost wanted to run back to the warmth of her bed. But again the growling in her stomach made her want to head to the kitchen to get something to eat.

As she opened the door, she was shocked to see a man coming out from the room opposite hers. She quickly hid behind her door and rubbed her eyes to make sure she was not seeing things or in this case a full grown man, who seemed to be almost the same age as Ranveer bhaiya, maybe a little older. As she peaked again from behind the now ajar door, she noticed the state of undress that this stranger was in.

Her first impression was that he was some kind of a Greek God. She wondered what he was doing in her house, at this hour and that too walking around half naked. His jet black, silky hair were tousled, seemed like he had been running his hands through them all night, just as he did now. His black night shirt was not buttoned, revealing lean brown neck, broad chest interspersed with jet black hair, and his taut stomach muscles. His black shorts clung to his muscular thighs. His black eye brows were drawn together as if he was frowning about something. His eyes were hazel brown, a few shades darker than hers, the ones you would want to drown yourself into. And his lips…she caught herself as to stop her mind from completing that thought. Was it her imagination, or was he actually looking back at her?

He walked in the door.
And walked on the floor.
I had never ever felt.
This way before.

I felt butterflies.
When I looked in his eyes.
He was a disguise.
My dream guy.

At one point, she was certain; he almost walked towards her door, but then changing his mind, headed towards the library. It took Bani at least ten minutes to regain her composure. She was finally able to move, and this time she made her way towards her bed. All thoughts of food had now evaded her mind as intrigue took its place. She soon found herself fast asleep and surprisingly dreaming about the same stranger she had just witness.

February 15th, 2002

7:00 AM Breakfast Table – Dixit Residence

"Ma, papa, you guys did not tell me we have a guest. I saw him yesterday night, walking around the house inappropriately dressed just like Salman Khan, but with a lot more hair." She giggled as she thought of Salman Khan dressed like the stranger from last night. Wonder who would win if they were to compete for their good looks?

"I don't know what you are talking about beta. You may have been dreaming." Her mom responded. She immediately continued so as to avoid any more questions from her daughter.

"Bani, I need you to run an errand for me. Can you stop by the Sabloks? Mrs. Sablok wants to try one of Sheila's recipes this morning."

Bani frowned, it was too early in the day to go house calling. But she knew she could not refuse her parents.

"Bhaiya?" She asked.

"He is already gone to the hotel. Dad needed him to check on something."

"Oh" was all Bani said as she prepared herself to go see Rano. She already knew what Rano's first question was going to be and she also knew her answer.

Thus it was neither Bani, nor Ranveer who saw the stranger leave Dixit Residence a couple hours later. The servants were warned, that to mention the stranger in front of the kids would mean immediate dismissal.

7:30 AM Rano's Bedroom – Sablok Residence.

"Sooooooo, who did you dream about?" Rano dreamily asked as soon as Bani entered her room.

"I dreamt of this really cute, blue eyed, dashing young man, with an amazing smile. Oh Bani, I declare he was the most handsome man I have ever seen and I would do anything to marry him" Rano continued, without pausing for Bani to respond.

"So? You did not tell me who you dreamt about?" Rano asked Bani impatiently..

"I had no dreams." She lied in a very firm voice. She did not wish to disclose to Rano about the stranger she had seen and the dreams that followed. Knowing Rano, it would be known to the world in less than half an hour. Plus, she had convinced herself that she dreamt of him only because she had seen him first, so it did not count anyways.

"Oh Bani, what will you do then? What if you don't find someone? Well, you know what, there is always a next time. I am sure you will dream next year." Rano said reassuringly.

December 25th, 2006

9:00 PM – Dixit Residence

"I wonder what is taking him so long. He called not too long ago saying he should be here in 15 minutes." Kiran commented as she went by the bay window for the 10th time this evening.

"Ma, I think we should eat now. Its way past our dinner time and Sheila needs to go" Bani reminded her mom about the time.

"But what if he arrives while we are eating? Now we don't want to be insulting your future husband." Kiran emphasized on the word husband.

Bani was not looking forward to this meeting with Nachiket Walia, the supposed heir to Walia Group of Industries, since his older brother refused to remarry. She had never met him before or seen him. She was just informed a couple months ago, that her marriage had been fixed with Nachiket. And in not so many words, it was expressed that this was her dad's dying wish and hence she could not refuse.

How she wished Ranveer Bhaiya was here, he would have definitely stopped this mockery in the name of relationships. In the past two months, Nachiket had twice cancelled his arrival at the last minute and she was sure this time would not be any different. But she dare not put her feelings in words, not in front of her mom. Oh Bhaiya, why did you have to go to the US for your MBA, she sighed.

They finally sat down to dinner when she could not wait any more. Her mom then insisted that she retire to her room as it was getting late.

"I would have been at the party with Rano if not for this high and mighty Walia arriving today. And mom, all she seems to care about is him. I wish I could stand up to her and let her know I had no wish to marry him." Bani started to talk to her self, a habit she developed since bhaiya had been gone.

It was not that she did not wish to marry; she knew she would do someday, but she wished to study further. And definitely marry for love and not as part of a business arrangement. Unlike Rano, who was still looking for her prince charming that she had dreamt of all those years ago. Bani wanted to be independent and see the world before she took the plunge, and of course experience love.

She turned on the music, turned off the lights, and lit some scented candles in her room, as she busied herself with changing into her night clothes. In another 30 or so minutes she was fast asleep and enjoying her dreams.

12:30 AM

Bani suddenly jerked herself out of her sleep. The shrill sound of the door bell ran through the house. She quickly ran out of her room to open the door, only to find her mom opening the door.

It was Nachiket who had finally decided to show up, albeit completely intoxicated.

"Hello aunty, I met one of my friends on my way here and he insisted I join them for a party", he shrugged his shoulders as he made his excuse. No sorry, no regret was voice; just distaste of the current situation was evident in his tone. The haughtiness in his voice annoyed Bani to no end.

"No problem beta. Would you like to eat something?" Kiran asked, completely ignoring his tone or his high and mighty mannerism.

"No I am full. I would just like to go to bed, and then meet Bani first thing in the morning. I would ideally like to be out of here by lunch time." He completed his sentence.

Bani could not tolerate this guy anymore and was even more certain that she did not want to marry this spoilt rich brat. She made a quick plan and knew it would work.

February 14th, 2006

Dixit residence, Mumbai

It had just been 10 days since Bani had moved to Mumbai with her family. Ranveer Bhaiya had still managed to save the merger with the Walias, even though they had not had any response from Nachiket about the impending engagement. Knowing that Bani would not like to come to Mumbai alone, Rano was invited to join them too. The two of them were going to finish their studies in Mumbai.

Ever since Nachiket had left Mt. Abu a couple of months ago, her mother had been frantic since she did not yet know why he had suddenly disappeared. Bani on the other hand dreaded to meet him again and get caught. She was wishing against hope that she does not have to go to the merger party at the end of the week.

Rano and Kiran had decided that the girls needed to go shopping since they did not have anything appropriate to wear for the upcoming party.

6:00 PM

Bani heaved a sigh of relief as she entered the caf. She was tired and just needed to get away from all the shopping that they had indulged in today. In less than five minutes, she found herself sitting in a corner with mocha in one hand and flipping through the book she had smuggled in her purse. This is what I call life, she whispered.

What she had failed to notice, was the gentleman, sitting in the chair opposite from her and watching her intently. He had been intently observing her, ever since she left the dress shop from across the street.

After flipping through a few pages, Bani could not concentrate anymore. She felt like she was being observed and that made her nervous. As soon as she looked up, she noticed this particular person, who now pretended to be busy typing something on his laptop. She was sure he was still watching her, and it was oddly disconcerting, not least because she felt that she had seen him before. She just could not place him right now.

The next thing she knew was that both of them were intently staring at each other. She was trying to figure out where she had seen him, those penetrating deep brown eyes and he was trying to judge this girl who had definitely made a fool out of his younger brother.

Dekhke tumko hosh mein aana bhool gaye

Yaad rahe tum aur zamaana bhool gaye

The ringing of her phone finally brought her back. She noticed it was her mom and hence made her way out from the caf, still thinking of the gentleman she was so unabashedly staring at. This thought caused her to slightly blush, her face now matching the color of her pink top.

As she was catching up with her mom and best friend, she remembered. It was him, the man she had seen in her house four years ago, this very same day. Jai caught the change in her expression; he knew she had recognized him.

jab saamne tum

Jab saamne tum, aa jaate ho

Kya jaaniye kya ho jaata hai

Kuchh mil jaata hai, kuchh kho jaata hai

Kya jaaniye kya ho jaata hai

(Jagjit / Asha)

Jai slowly, made his way towards where they were standing.

"Hello Mrs. Dixit. I hope you remember me." Jai smiled, and reacquainted him self with Kiran Dixit. He then stretched his hand forward to Bani.

"Bani Dixit I presume. I am Jai Walia, Nachiket's older brother." His gaze was still on her, watching her every expression. He did not fail to notice the slight blush that crept up her face at the mention of Nach's name. This was the very same reaction he was hoping to see. This settled all his doubts.

February 14th 2007

10:00 AM – Dixit Residence, Mt. Abu

The wedding was only three days away, Bani sighed as she sat on her favorite swing in the garden. On February 17th she will be Mrs. Walia, not a Dixit anymore, and she could not believe it. So much had happened since that night five years ago and that one legend changed her life for ever.

Since their engagement was announced a month ago, life had changed for her. She barely had time for herself, all her spare time was spent either in shopping or attending social events organized in the honor of the engaged couples.

All of them, Rano, Rashi, Ranveer Bhaiya, Tarun Bhai, Nachiket, Ma, Masi, Mrs. Chopra, and her had come to Mt. Abu a couple days ago. Since there were going to be three wedding, Ma had insisted that the wedding happen in Mt. Abu since it would be a lot easier on her and the Sabloks.

She thought of the times she had spent with him, her fianc, when she was in Mumbai. Since their engagement, he had been the perfect suitor to her, when in public. He attended to her every need, made sure she was comfortable, introduced her to his many contacts, and also complimented her on every occasion. But in private – there was no "private" for them. He had not visited her at her residence since their engagement, never took her out alone, not even a quiet dinner. He had once again become the enigmatic stranger of their first meeting, she felt that she had barely started to know the real him when he had suddenly withdrawn into his cocoon.

The worst for her was to be in constant company of the other two lovebirds. Nach had changed since he had met Rano, he was a reformed man. He was still as charming and he never missed an opportunity to make Rano blush. Ranveer Bhaiya and Rashi, though had just met, theirs was what one called the forever love. They did not need to speak, their actions did the talking. And her, she was here alone; to watch them in despair, yet smile. And Jai, he did not have time to spend this week before their wedding here, with them. He had instead chosen to stay back and take care of his business.

I feel like you are so far away,
and you will never come back and stay.
Without you I am nothing
I need you,
I want you!
Why can't you want me too?
These feelings I have inside are ready to burst!
And when they do burst you may pull away,
Or maybe you will stay.

On Sunday last, the 11th, they had all dined together. Rano in her excitement had started to discuss the Valentine Legend that they had followed to the T five years ago.

"So Bani and I had agreed that we would put the legend to test, we went to bed without supper, after seeing the rising moon, just as the legend demanded. And guess who I dreamt of", she paused as she turned to see Nach, "a very charming and handsome, blue eyed young man very much like Nachiket." She blushed.

Everyone had laughed at the story. Jai, with an intent look in his dark eyes had looked at Bani and asked,

"And what did you dream of Bani?"

"Nothing really." She replied and tried to look away so as to avoid Jai's gaze.

Everyone sitting there noticed the constraint between the two, but no one could figure out what was wrong. Rano in her usual excited voice joined in,

"Oh Bani! How can you just lie like that? You know you dreamt of Jai bhaiya and now you are to marry him. Remember, I had told you that the legend was true."

Hearing Rano say that, Bani wanted to slide off the chair and hide under the table. A slight blush crept up her face, as she tried hard to not react to Rano's statement.

"Well, the truth is that the Jai Walia I had seen was the real deal, and not a dream. He was in Mt. Abu that night, staying with us and when I had seen him in the dark corridor I was scared. I was very young and he looked quite stern and frightening, and yet quite compelling to me. I thought he was handsome and hence he stalked my dreams that night." Bani added, feeling the need to clear things up.

Everyone just smiled as she completed, and she was sure that they all misunderstood her explanation to be a proof of her love for Jai Walia.

Tarun Bhai had in fact even congratulated Jai for finding such a beautiful and loving fianc.

The next day they had left for Mt. Abu. Jai had not even bothered to call her since then.

A part of you has grown in me,

And so you see, it's you and me
Together forever and never apart,

Maybe in distance, but never in heart.

Accept the things

To which fate binds you and I
Love the people with whom fate

Brings you together
But do so with all your heart.

Bani, feeling very depressed, headed straight to her room and decided to skip both lunch and dinner. Her mom had come by later to ask her if she was fine, and had left grinning. She wondered for a while what it was about.

11:30 PM

Everyone in the house had retired for the night, but Bani could not sleep. It was again Valentines Day, she had seen the moon tonight too, and she was hungry. But this time, she decided to give up on the legend and headed downstairs to the kitchen to grab a bite.

As she entered the kitchen she noticed the fridge door to be open and the light flooding the room. Her heart skipped a beat, but she could not see who it was. She slowly moved forward for a better view. Suddenly the person turned around, and her heart decided to stop beating this time.

"Bani?" she heard Jai's deep husky voice.

Hearing him say her name caused her to blush. She loved how he said her name. His deep, sensuous voice caused her insides to tingle. She kept looking at him, making sure he was not a figment of her imagination.

"I could not sleep. I was hungry." She mumbled.

"Well that makes the two of us." He smiled. "Were you again trying to test the legend, to see who you see tonight? Or is it just a habit for you to garb a midnight snack?" He joked.

"Masi and Mrs. Chopra are in the next room. You might want to talk softly." Bani pointed out trying to avoid his questions.

Jai immediately closed the kitchen door so that no one could hear them. This is when she noticed the breakfast nook by the French windows for the first time. It has a table set for two, complete with roses and lilies and candles. She did not know what to think of it. Bani, who was standing like a statue all this while, suddenly spoke.

"I did not even know you were going to be here today. No one told me about it. Did you just arrive?" She tried hard to mask her anxiety but in vain.

Jai quickly hushed her with a light peck on her lips. He slowly led her to the tables and then taking both her hands in his and kissing them, whispered, "Happy Valentine's Day, Baaniiii."

He again had the same effect on her. She was thankful for the kitchen island on which she was leaning, otherwise she was sure her knees would have buckled. Her cheeks burned as they slowly turned crimson to match the roses on the table.

And then all of a sudden, he was back to being his quiet and reserved self. He, in a very unaffected way, informed her of his arrival earlier in the evening. The passion in his voice when he had wished her was gone; instead he had now assumed his usual matter-of-fact personality. He continued that noting her absence at the dinner table, he had enquired after her. He had decided to wait for her to come down to dinner and was certain that she would given their past experiences, he said with a twinkle in his eyes. He had been waiting for her this past half hour and on hearing the descending footsteps had assumed it was her.

My love for you is everlasting
Every now and then I keep on dreaming
That someday you will love me too
As much as I love you

I may not be at the right age
But I hope that you are willing to wait
Ever since I met you
Now I can't wait to say "I do"

When would you open your door
So that I could come in and love you more
I keep on throwing stones against your wall
But it seems you cannot hear anything at all

You think I am too young for all of this
So I'm trying to mature if that's what you wish
Please love me even just a bit
Cos I don't wanna cry for love if I will lose it.

She was happy to hear that he cared enough for her and waited. She was also surprised that he has done this for her, just to satisfy her romantic notions. But that lingering doubt still stayed in her mind. She was glad that there were no lights in the room right now; otherwise, Jai would know exactly what she was thinking.

"You mean to say….that…you did ….all this for me. But why? What if I had not come down at all? Would you have just sat here…waiting for me?" She asked, ever so shyly.

"In that case, I would have barged into your room and fed you. You don't expect me to stay hungry for your sake do you?" Jai laughed.

All of a sudden he held her hands, lifted her chin so as to make her face him.

"Bani, I want to ask you something." Since she did not look away, he took this as a sign to continue.

"I know something is bothering you. Will you please tell me? Your mom told me earlier that you have not been eating well since you came here. And you have been staying aloof the whole time. Please tell me what is bothering you. Does it have something to do with the marriage? Are you not happy with this wedding? I need to know what it is before it is too late for both of us." It took Jai a lot of effort to word his fears in a not too revealing manner. He was scared of what he would hear, but he had to know, what she felt, whether she cared for him.

This question caused her to look away and he knew he had his answer. He saw tears forming in her eyes and it pained him to see that. He did not want to marry her against her wish.

"I can't…" was all she could say before voice was muffled by her sobs. Her words caused his heart to break. He felt like someone just ripped his heart out of his chest. With a quick motion he moved away from there and stood by the French windows, gazing out into the darkness.

Bani could not understand his reaction. Was he annoyed that this time his plan will not work? Or did he too feel something for her and that is why he was sad? She knew that she had to risk it, let him know her feelings. Only then she would know what he wants, what he feels.

"Jai, I can't marry you at least not like this. Not when you are still pining for Roshni. I love you Jai and I cannot marry you as you do not feel the same for me. I do not want to be a business deal, or a promise made between two people who are not even around to see it fulfilled. I do not wish to be the other woman, trespassing into your world. I cannot marry you if you cannot reciprocate what I feel, not when you look at me like I am a small child you can indulge. The truth is that there is no other for me, and I want the same in return." There she had said it. Plain and simple and now she waited with baited breath for his response. She knew she had just bared her soul to him for him to either accept or reject, but she had to do it, for both of them.

Jai wondered if he heard her right. What she said relieved him. He slowly turned towards her and knelt down in front of her so that he could look into her eyes. He slowly lifted her chin and wiped her freely flowing tears.

"Bani look at me. Do you really think I still love Roshni? Despite what I had told you at the farm house? If so then let me clear myself again, no complicated words this time, I promise. I do not love her, what I had felt for her at that time was merely an infatuation and you are the one who made me realize that. I was hurt by her betrayal, she had hurt my ego. And I had told you everything then, because I knew you would understand. There is no one I love more than you Bani. You are the only one for me."

Siggy D

My love for you is a journey;
Starting at forever,
And ending at never

.

"Oh!" was all Bani could manage.

"Is that all you can say, after I just told you my feelings? I am used to much more repartee from you Bani?" he smiled as he pulled her in his arms.

"Oh Jai, I love you so much. Thank you, you have no idea how happy I am today." Bani smiled, as she snuggled into his strong chest.

I always dreamed of a man
thinking he was a fantasy
not knowing one day
this fantasy would come true

as each day passes bye
my love for you is more alive
I'm yours to keep and hold tight
as we cuddle through the night

you're a dream come true
and a blessing to have
god has given me the best thing
and that is the love I have with you

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 5:

Fast Forward

Siggy E

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to this year's Valentine's party at the Walia mansion! Aur is party ka special attraction hai VALENTINE MISTLETOE"!

"Valentine Mistletoe?"

Aditya silenced the murmurs with his hand and said beaming at their curious faces "Ji haan Valentine Mistletoe! Jaise ki aap dekh rahe hain ceiling par balloon ke saath mistletoe bhi lagaya gaya hai. Rule ye hai ki ek ek karke sabko is ke neeche se guzarna hoga aur agar uska pyar sacha hai tho uske saath chamatkar hoga!

Aur is ceremony ko inaugurate karegi the ONLY love of my life meri parampyari patni JIGYASA!"

Jai Walia raised his eyebrows to which Aditya replied with a wink.

"O O" thought Jai. That wink and those overtly sparkling eyes of his dear prankster friend didn't brood well for Jigyasa but maybe it was just a friendly wink and it didn't mean anything.

Whatever. Damn where the hell was Bani?

"Aao na Jigyasa sharmaao mat!"

Shocked incensed flattered at the attention blushing a little just a little and glowering at Aditya, Jigyasa Bali dressed as if to compete with a well lit Diwali street walked haughtily towards the centre of the hall amidst a thunder of claps.

With a proud shrug of the shoulders she passed the Valentine Mistletoe when a huge deafening sound boomed across the hall and the next second Jigyasa found an immense light weight yellow plastic bucket launching at her from nowhere and blessing her with ice cold dark purple coloured water!

The whole hall filled with a stunned silence as purple coloured Jigyasa stood with her mouth gaping wide open eyes popping out of her sockets and her hands in mid air bearing an uncanny resemblance to a ''just electrocuted'' she ghost!

Slowly recovering from the shock people looked at each other uneasily wondering how to react. Jai looked around hoping to get Massi's or somebody's attention so they could fix this up but found the entire female Walia clan exchanging silent conspiratorial grins with each other and also with Aditya and Ranvir who were trying furiously to look sympathetic!

"I see!" thought Jai "So everyone except him and Jigyasa were in this, perhaps even Bani?"

That was not fair!

Pandemonium broke loose as Aditya clutched his sides with uncontrollable laughter and everyone followed his example infuriating Jigyasa. Screaming like the wild cat that she was she tried to rub the purple off herself and tried to beat Aditya to a pulp but quick thinkers like Nachiket and Pushkar intervened at the right time and in the process incurred her fury. Unable to even touch Aditya she beat his supporters instead to whose support came do gooders and other supporters! What ensued was a medley of slaps and shrieks and a string of invectives and general violence where everyone got at least one dose of a combination of smacks and claws!

Jai would have enjoyed all this immensely had he not been so worried.

Aakhir ye Bani kahaan hai? Bohot pehle hi taiyyar ho gayi thi. Where are you Bani?

These days little things were enough to disturb him and send him in to a nervous fit.

Age you see!

After all he was not young any more.

Where are you Bani?

He parted the crowds and scanned the hall anxiously but it was impossible to find her amidst this hell.

"Goddammit…"

He never got to swear completely. A pair of agile hands caught his and dragged him out in to the warm night air.

"Tum ? Lekin ye..."

The only replies he got were a quick kiss on the mouth a beary hug and a command to drive them to wherever she fancied without asking any questions.

"Lekin Bani..."

"Hussssh Mr.Walia aaj sawal poochna mana hai!" declared Bani Walia and pushed her elderly husband behind the wheel.

They were now on the road speeding away to a destination Jai Walia had no clue about. Bani sprawled on the front seat smiled to herself while staring unabashedly at her husband whose handsome features were further enhanced by the stray rays of moonlight that fell on his face. Fighting the urge to run her hands through his gray hairs peel off his damned specs that always slipped to the tip of his nose and take him right there she tried to distract herself by looking out of the window.

She turned again towards him and watched his dear face grim with concentration. The thought about her arrangements for tonight and her lips curled in to a wicked smile.

Aaj raat jo honewala hai Mr.Walia uske bare main aapne kabhi socha bhi nahin hoga!

Aloud she said crisply"Jaldi drive kijiye Mr.Walia."

By the time Bani bade her husband to stop in front of what looked like a haunted mansion the moon was high in the heavens and a sweet smelling breeze blew along to whose tunes danced the tree leaves and the flowers.

"Bani ye tum kahaan le aayi mujhe? Bhoot bunglow lagtha hai jaisi ki yahaan koi na ho."

Linking her arm through his she pushed open the creaking gate and whispered"Sahi kaha Mr.Walia yahaan aur koi nahin hamaare sevaai! Bas kuch aur mat poochiye maine kaha tha na aaj sawaal karna mana hai!"

Jai Walia glanced around him nervously. It looked like a breeding ground for ghosts and spirits. Not that he was scared and yet…

His wife seemed to suffer from no such qualms. Humming a merry tune she led him in to the haunted mansion.

DARKNESS and only Darkness!

Jai held Bani's fingers tightly "What the hell is this Bani? Ye tum kahaan…"

"Mr.Walia" said she cajolingly"Sabar kijiye aankhein andhere se waakif ho jaane ke liye zara intezaar tho kijiye! Main aapke saath hoon na aap bas mere saath chaliye." He acquiesced reluctantly.

As if he had a choice!

It seemed to Jai that nothing would end. Neither the long corridor they were walking across nor the eerie darkness and definitely not his uneasiness. And suddenly Bani disappeared. The window panes chattered against one another violent rain spattered against them a low howl filled the place and suddenly a glowed hand wound itself around his neck.

Jai's heart was in his mouth and he hollered "Aaaaaaaa Owww BANI BANI KAHAAN CHALI GAYI MUJHE AKELA CHODKE? BANI! BANI..."

A low murmur a menacing laugh…. ….the howling reaching a piercing crescendo….

That was it!

Panic-stricken Jai did an about turn and ran but his feet caught something and he tripped down and fell. The howling increased sending shudders down his spine. Eyes tightly shut his heart pounding madly Jai Walia picked up his bulk and ran helter skelter for dear life, screaming hysterically!

"Mr Walia!"

Jai stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly. Tiny colored bulbs hidden in the corridor sprang to life one by one revealing to him a room in the corner. Gingerly he surveyed his surroundings. Excepting the corridor that held him and that room everything else was hidden by the darkness.

Huffing and puffing scandalized that at this age and with his weight he had actually been made to run a marathon, he looked around trying to make sense of it all. A sudden thought crossed him and he stiffened with fury.

Could this be Bani's mischief? Then she had it from him!

"Mr Walia!" The voice seemed to come from that room.

Hmmmm he would find out.

Squinting with disorientation he adjusted his specs and walked towards the only room that seemed to boast of some signs of life in it. Apprehensively he entered it and…

Jai Walia's eyes went agog with surprise.

The room was a huge one dimly lit the only light coming from tall slim red candles which let out a faint soothing scent wicker baskets of fresh Chrysanthemums graced the corners while mammoth heart shaped Pink balloons seemed to be a ubiquitous affair; they dangled from the ceiling floated on the floor were entwined around the legs of the low couch that had the feel of an oriental charm about it and smaller versions surrounded the dishes that were laid out on the ornate rosewood table.

And in the centre stood a figure clothed in white from top to bottom. Only the eyes were visible and after thirty years of marriage if he didn't recognize them to be his wife's damn him!

"Bani ye sab.."

A bright arc light lit up and cast deep shadows of blue on her white being while white clouds of fragrant smoke enveloped her and as her eyes characterized by concupiscence slowly opened and fixed him he felt his knees buckle. Agape Jai Walia stared at his wife and tardily she advanced towards him, her smoldering eyes holding him teasing him testing him challenging him causing a tongue of sensual heat thrust into him.

She neared him sending all his nerves in to disarray. His heart beat too loudly his knees shook too much his nerves quivered too much…

Goddammit you are seventy years for pity's sake! You have a daughter of marriageable age get a hold on yourself Jai Walia!

The eyes held him mercilessly drawing him in to their flame…

" "B.B.Ba..Bani…" he stammered.

In the distance the skies thundered and

Silence!

His lady now stood just a few inches away from him. Those intense eyes bore straight in to him willing him to shed all his defenses. Willing him to go back to the day that had witnessed their very first union willing him to become Bani Walia's husband….once more!

Ignoring the stimulating pins and needles sensation in his legs he looked away.

Tense silence!

In the distance the skies thundered and again

Silence!

My god! What is this woman up to? And the silence is killing me.

"Misteeeer Waaliaa….Happy Velentine's day….." Mrs Walia said huskily slowly circling him.

She now stood behind him.

Silence!

"Really Bani ye sab…"

Without warning the room suddenly plunged in to darkness and an erotic number sounded from nowhere startling Jai Walia.

I'm in the mood to love so warm and tender
You want me, I'll make sure heart surrender
Killing you gently, kiss with such a thrill deep inside
Stay here tonight .. ..

A broad beam of bluish light spilled across the floor several light bulbs twinkled on and off and abruptly the white garment slipped to the floor.

Knocked off his socks Jai turned back and saw her standing with her back to him. "Ba..bani.."

No answer!

The suspense killing him he strained his neck to catch a glimpse of her. Entirely in darkness only silver gray wisps of her hair shone in the night light. And the erotic music...

She's into new sensations new kicks in the candle light

She's got a new addiction for every day and night
She'll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain.
She'll make you live her crazy life but she'll take away your pain
like a bullet to your brain. Come On!

Unceremoniously she appeared right under the blue arc light revealing herself to be wearing a gold shimmery robe and a thin black veil across her mouth.

Jai's jaw violently fell open as she bent forward provocatively without taking her eyes off him and unhurriedly slipped the robe above her head and tossed it on the floor so it would join the white garment, revealing beneath it a carmine colored low cut lace blouse figure hugging black tights and a sequined stole around her neck and of course the veil.

You make my heart a temple of desire
I want your love, so, lover, light my fire
Just feel my body, and you know I need you right now
I need you now…..

She bent further to pick up one of the pink balloons, the low neckline creating havoc with his aged nerves and before he could blink his eye the stole was on the floor.

Oh my god! Oh my god!

She moved towards him smiling salaciously hips swaying gracefully to the beat of the number that was adding to the electrical energy that the air was thick with and intensifying the rosy blush that was spreading across Mr Walia's cheek at an alarming rate. The high heels clicked on the floor every click increasing his heart beat.

She was now close to him very close! He could see her eyes dark with desire he could read the wordless message the cerise lips scarcely hidden by the veil sent him he could smell her perfume a cocktail of unusual spices and exotic flowers sucking him in to the web of passion and sensuality that she had so painstakingly weaved.

The message is loud and clear Thank you very much!

She rubbed the balloon against his heated cheek and then threw it in the air where it exploded and showered the two of them with red rose petals. Without preliminaries Bani's fingers slid underneath his coat. His breath stuck in his throat. She winked and panic struck" B.B.Ban.Bani w…w.wh..WHAT ARE YOU DOING BANI?"

Looking straight in to his eyes she said in a matter of fact voice "I am seducing you Mr Walia!"

Jai swallowed several times and darted nervous glances around him like a deer caught in the glare of the headlights of a car and she threw back her head and laughed. Jai staggered backwards sweat pouring down his face B.B…Bani…" Her bewitching teasing eyes held his relentlessly he felt a great flame inside him ignite and progress in to a magnificent blaze the flames caressed his face warmed the nape of his neck spread through his whole body…..

Uncomfortable this…very….

Suddenly she turned and lifted her skirt a tiny wee bit and bent forward.

An audible gasp escaped Jai and he shouted desperately "Bani Bani tum pagal ho gayi ho! For godssake hamari umar kya hai? Krishna shaadi ki layak ho gayi hai aur tum…really Bani ye umar thodi na hai….."

She turned back and he cowered at the expression in her eyes as she, almost with a maniacal intensity tore the veil off her mouth plucked the specs off his nose threw her arms around his neck tightly and rubbishing his protests slanted her warm mouth over his.

I'm looking for a wild love, streams of fire
Running through my veins
Drive me mad and joy my fantasy
I'm looking for a wild love, waves of passion
Driving me insane
Please try, please try to set me free…..

Slowly she pulled away and stared in to his eyes, ran a gloved finger across his cheek and whispered in a passion drenched voice "Mr Waaaalia!"

Jai Walia was now a pitcher filled to the brim with trembling waters!

Damn this woman! Was she a witch? Jai Walia it's unbelievable but I think she's actually sending you in to a swoon! Heaven help me!

Shrugging at his nervousness she said with a sneer "Well shayad aap teekh kehthe hain Mr Walia. Aap budhe ho gaye hain. Maybe I should have married somebody with a better constitution!"

And with that she turned to go.

"Like hell!"

With a guttural groan, he caught her and pressed her against his hardness "Try me" he said hoarsely.

I give her all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love
You'd love her too
I love her!

He held her so tight she panted those sinfully sexy eyes mesmerized her so much she gaped staring at him stupidly the heat from his body permeated through her tights and the flimsy blouse setting her on fire. She trembled slightly as he captured her face in his hands and placed a wet sloppy kiss on her forehead.

Wonder what I feed him! How this silly old man with his double chins and paunch can still manage to bewitch me and hold me captive by his potent gazes will remain a mystery! Get a hold Bani Walia. You are supposed to seduce the old dear not vice versa!

With such a smile on his face that never failed to scatter her wits he smiled at her. She closed her eyes. He dropped soft gentle kisses all over her face "You are so beautiful…my love…."

Her eyelids fluttered open "LIAR!" said she loosening his tie "I am not beautiful any more only old! My face is filled with wrinkles and lines my voice squeaks my hair is no longer silk but coarse and gray…I am not what I used to be…can you still love me?"

"My love look at you today "he moaned stroking her "and you say you are not beautiful enough?"

Gently he lifted her chin to face him "Look in to my eyes Bani. Do you really need an answer?"

She stared in to their depths where she found all her questions answered more than adequately.

O my god those eyes…..!

"But I guess I better say something after all. Bani I have always felt that I don't deserve you. You are too good for me. In these thirty years I have hurt you destroyed you many times knowingly unknowingly. But honestly Bani ye sab jaanbuj ke nahin kiya tha. Maine hamesha tumhare kadmon par jannat bichana chahi hai. Every time we went apart every time I hurt you I died myself. But your love never let me waver for too long. Your love is my strength my anchor my religion my hope my saviour...My…EVERYTHING! Tumhara pyar hi tho tha jisne hamesha mujhe bure waqt main saahas dilaya aur umeed karne ki prerna di. Mujhe aaj bhi yakeen nahin atha ki humne saari mushkilen paar ki hai har kasauti par ham khara uthre hai…ki aaj hum ek hain…Tum mere saath ho..hamesha hamesha ke liye…lekin ye tho hona hi that um jo mere saath thi…..it may sound cliched but honestly my love is not influenced by the number of wrinkles on your face or your gray hairs or your stoop. Because sweetheart the Bani I love is the one inside you, whose beauty is timeless! You complete me Bani and my Valentine gift to you will be my promise that you will always be the only special woman in my life and Krishna is the testimony of this fact of our love…Do you need any other affirmation of my unconditional love for you?"

Bani said nothing. She let her moist eyes speak for her self. She simply clasped his hand and held it to her cheek allowing her tears to wash over them.

When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me,
I felt love.
And after all this time, you're still the one I love.

They stood that way looking at each other for a long time their damp eyes talking the smile on their creased faces erasing any need for the use of their tongues.

Without haste his fingers caressed her lined face smoothed out the frown on her forehead freed her hair from the constricting barrette fondled the curtain of black glory peppered with gray… and kissed every part of her, slowly leisurely gently reverentially like she was a precious glass figurine that would break at his very touch…"I love you Bani….you are the only love of my life… my sweet you are precious….I am nothing without you…"

The wrinkles disappeared the lines vanished the gray hairs became invisible the arthritis got forgotten the yester years waltzed back…time stood still….

In the distance the skies thundered.

And…Mrs Bani Walia rested her head against her husband's strapping chest and sighed contentedly.....

On the floor above them Tony butler looked at his watch and a quick smile lit up his attractive face. This would be the last song he would have to play this evening. His master and mistress would no longer require any special effects! Rubbing his white whiskers he changed the track. Soft strains of a romantic number drifted downstairs. Satisfied he extracted his walking stick from a corner and noiselessly let himself out of the 'love' haunted mansion!

Now he would go home and rest his rheumatic back.

They say in this world, nothing lasts forever
But I don't believe that's true
Because the way that I feel
When we are together
I know that's the way, I always feel for you

From now until forever that's how long I'll be true
I will make you this vow and promise you now until forever
I'll never stop loving you

Then will come a day when the world stops turning
And stars will fall from the sky
But this feeling will last
When the suns start burning
But all I want to do is love you
Until the end of time

It's going to take more than a lifetime
To give you all the love all the love
Feels for you tonight

Until forever
I'll never stop loving you….

Siggy F

The Beginning….

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 6 :

Accidental Valentine

"Attention please! Love 'n' Stuff will be closing in 10 minutes, please make your way to the checkout counter as soon as possible... I repeat..."

"Damn!" thought Jai as he stepped into the elevator, hammering the button for the 2nd floorof the expansive department store, hoping to find at least one stand that wasn't solely dedicated to the curse that was Valentine's Day!

The minute he had walked into the store he had regretted it! As it was, he was running late for his best friend Ranveer's birthday bash, and his mood was made worse when he realised he had forgotten to buy a birthday card!

Until he had walked into the cheesily-named store he hadn't remembered that today was also Valentine's Day! As he rushed around the bottom floor of the store all he could see were Valentine cards, gifts, mementos, over-stuffed toys, over-priced chocolates, bottles of wine, candles, flowers etc etc... everywhere he looked was a flood of red, pink and cream - enough to make him want to hurl and then run out of the store screaming!!

On top of that, the sickly love songs playing at top volume were driving him up the wall!

"Some day… when I'm awfully low… when the world is cold…

I will feel a glow just thinking of you…and the way you look tonight.

Yes you're lovely… with your smile so warm… and your cheeks so soft…

There is nothing for me but to love you… and the way you look tonight."

Jai, groaning inwardly: Just kill me now!!

Thankfully there was barely anyone left in the store apart from a store clerk who had obviously overdosed on happy pills, a couple of tired-looking businessman doing some last minute shopping, and a pretty girl leisurely strolling around the shop, her basket filled with gifts.

"Another love-sick college student!" he thought as she exited the elevator in front of him.

Jai's rapidly increasing frustration finally reached its limit as he was confronted with even more Valentine's cards on this floor too.

Jai, exasperated: Oh for God's sake, all I want is a birthday card!! Does this shop sell nothing but bloody Valentine's crap?!!!

He jumped as he heard a quiet voice behind him...

"Towards the back... on your left..."

Turning towards the soft voice, his eyes came to rest on the "love-sick college student".

Unconsciously his eyes roved the full-length of her figure and back up to her face again. Long black hair, set in soft waves, wide brown eyes framed by long dark lashes, giving her a dreamy quality, she was short but not too short, thin but not too thin, fair but not too fair... beautiful... too beautiful...

Jai mumbled: Tha... thanks. Sorry, I didn't think there was anyone up here...

She smiled softly and went back to her shopping as Jai made his way to where she had indicated.

As he gave the rows of birthday cards a cursory once-over, he couldn't help look back at her. She was humming along with Frank Sinatra, looking through shelves of scented candles, picking each one up to smell them as she made her way down the aisle. Dressed in a long denim skirt, thin pink kurta and cream coloured sandles she looked like a personification of Spring... light and breezy, soft and flowery... her cream and pink earrings shimmered in the soft light, kissing her skin with each turn of her head.

"Oh get a grip Jai!" he mentally chided himself, "she's about 10 years younger than you and obviously attached!"

"Attention please, Love'n'Stuff will now be closing, please make your way to the front of the store..."

Cursing, he quickly picked a small blue card with a short message in it and hurried towards the front of the top level.

The vast department store seemed eerily quiet as he pushed the elevator button impatiently, brushing a hand through his hair.

He turned back to see the young girl who had helped him come rushing from the back of the store, carrying her over-filled basket, pulling the headphones of an Ipod out of her ears. She obviously hadn't heard the announcement earlier.

Finally the elevator arrived and he stepped in, holding his hand against the doors so they wouldn't close on her. In her hurry he saw her collide with a tall, badly-placed table display of heart-shaped chocolate boxes, grasping her elbow in pain as her basket crashed to the floor.

Jai looked at his watch, rolled his eyes, and against his better judgement stepped out of the elevator and went forward to help her.

As they both bent down to gather her shopping he noticed her eyes filling up.

Jai: Are you ok Miss...?

"Bani..." she said softly, "Bani Dixit..."

Jai: Er... so are you ok then Miss Bani Bani Dixit? I'm Mr Jai Jai Walia by the way…

Bani smiled at his mimicry and nodded, lifting her arm up to get a better look. An angry red welt had appeared across her creamy skin and was threatening to bleed.

Jai grimaced in sympathy: Does it hurt...?

"Well done Jai," he thought, "you win the Stupid Question Contest!!"

Bani gingerly rubbed it: It's nothing really, abhi theek hojayega...

Jai proceeded to place all her shopping back in the basket. Cards, candles, a teddy bear or two, chocolate, photo frames, single roses wrapped in gold casings... it seemed money was no object when it came to her Valentine!

"Lucky guy!" he thought, glancing at her again.

Standing straight, he offered her his hand. She looked at it almost suspiciously before taking it. After helping her to her feet Jai suddenly remembered why he had been rushing into the elevator…

Jai: We'd better make a move, the store is supposed to have closed by now!

The elevator began its slow descent, giving Bani her first opportunity to really look at her handsome elevator companion! Since he was busy playing with his mobile phone she studied him undisturbed.

Mocha skin and dark brown eyes… he had blinked his long lashes at her and she had felt her heart jump into her rapidly drying throat. He looked older than her, dressed in a black suit and an open shirt, early thirties maybe…? Stubble dusted his firm jaw-line, the straight, slightly pointed nose denoted a reticence, bordering on arrogance… which suited him very, very well!

Without warning he glanced up at her. Cursing herself for getting caught she blushed pink and quickly exited through the elevator doors which had opened right on cue!

Walking towards the front of the vast store Jai began to wonder why the place seemed so dark. He picked his pace up, noticing shutters on the front door.

"No… no they wouldn't have shut and left so quickly… no no no no no no…" he thought desperately.

Reaching the glass double doors he pulled, expecting them to open. But they wouldn't budge. He tried again, shaking them almost violently, but they didn't magically slide apart as he had expected!

Jai, furiously knocking on the glass: Oh come on!! What the hell is going on?!! SOMEONE OPEN THE DOOR!!!! HEEEEEELP!!! WE'RE STILL IN HERE, SOMEONE OPEN THE DOOR!!!

Bani, disbelieving: No no it will open!! Push it, look…

She tried herself, positive that the doors would open… she couldn't be locked in a department store with a stranger… the doors were going to open any minute now!!

Pulling at the door one last time Jai growled in frustration raking a hand angrily through his thick hair. Incensed, he turned on Bani, the reason he hadn't made it downstairs in time.

Jai angrily: You stupid woman!! Look at what the hell you've done!! Ab hum yaha se niklenge kaise?! STOP banging the doors, no-one's coming!! My entire evening is ruined because you ran into a table-

Mid-rant he stopped, catching sight of the tears falling down her pretty face, her lower lip trembling – she looked terrified of him.

Jai, softening: Damn it! Look… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you-

Bani whimpered: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Isme meri kya ghalati hai…? I didn't know they would lock us in-

Jai, regretting his shouting: I know, I shouldn't have taken my anger-

Bani's whimper graduating into full-blown sobbing: & ; ;nbs p; & ; ;nbs p; Ab… ab me kya karoongi… (sniffling loudly) mere saare dost apne boyfriends ke saath Valentine's Day ke liye bahar honge… and I… and I don't even have my phone with me!!

Crying women made Jai feel horribly uncomfortable, and this one was making him feel horribly guilty on top! He really had no right to shout at her that way. And now she wouldn't stop crying, with the tears magnifying the innocence in her entrancing eyes...

Jai, snapping out of that trance: PHONE!! Of course!!

Digging his mobile out of his pocket he switched it on, but his heart sank to see the "Low Battery" sign flash and phone switch off!!

"Give me a break would you, please?!!" he thought, trying again, only to obtain the same result.

Bani, crying even more: Oh my God, we're going to be trapped here!! No-one knows where we are, we have no phones, no food or drink and what if the shop doesn't open tomorrow, no-one's coming for us, we're trapped in here, oh my god oh my god, oh my go-

Jai, shouted again: For God's sake Bani, CALM DOWN!!

His loud remonstration stopped her hysterics and the silence echoed around them. Realising how worried she must be, especially since she was trapped in here with a strange man she didn't even know, Jai softened a little. He calmly led her over to the arrangement of heart-shaped cushions by the entrance, hoping she might have stopped crying by the time they got there!

Her sobs had diminished to sniffles as she sat down, pulling her legs up in front of her.

Jai, kneeling beside her: Look, are you sure there is no-one who would know you were here…? Friends, siblings, your boyfriend?

Bani looked affronted: I don't have a boyfriend!!

For some reason, this revelation made Jai feel a little better about their situation… and more than a little confused!

Jai: Toh phir… yeh sab… why all the Valentine's shopping…?

Bani: These are just small gifts… for my friends and family… I love them too and that's what Valentine's Day is all about… it's an opportunity to show all the people around us how much we love them… and there are so many different kinds of love that we can celebrate on this day…

She trailed off seeing the look on his face. Jai was staring at her incredulously. He had always heard of people who lived in the clouds, so nave and innocent, but he had never met someone like that, someone so love-struck… especially since the object of her infatuation seemed to be the idea of love itself.

His astonishment came forth as mirth; he dissolved into hysterics while Bani just stared at him, wondering what on earth was so funny!!

Jai, laughing loudly: Oh my God!!! You've got to be kidding right?! I have never heard such rubbish in my life!!!

Bani, standing up, extremely irate: Excuse me!! What the hell is so funny?!

Jai, still in hysterics: You cannot seriously believe in that crap, can you?!! Valentine's Day gifts for family and friends?!! Different kinds of love which we should celebrate?!

Bani: So?!! I don't get what's funny?! Will you please stop laughing?!!!

Despite her petite frame she had backed Jai up against a shelf of stuffed toys. His laugh faded as he recognised the flash of anger in her eyes… they were just so expressive…

Bani had her hands on her hip, indignant that someone who barely knew her had decided to judge and ridicule one of her favourite days of the year.

"Who the hell does he think he is?!" she thought angrily.

Jai, holding his hands up for a truce: Ok ok I'm sorry ok?! I just… I've never met someone who appears to be intelligent, but yet is so deluded when it comes to this kind of thing!!

His attempt at peacemaking only served to incense Bani further.

Bani: DELUDED?!! How dare-

She stopped mid-sentence as the lights across the shop-floor suddenly disappeared and the entire store plunged into darkness. Bani screamed in surprise and grabbed onto the nearest thing she could – Jai.

Holding on to him tightly she closed her eyes.

Jai, who only a minute ago had been laughing condescendingly at her, instinctively placed his arms around his shoulders. About to speak, he breathed in and stopped still, mesmerised by the scent of her hair… appleblossom…

Bani, petrified: Wh… what happened…?

Jai: I… I think it must be a power cut… I should go check the phone on the counter…

Bani: WE should go check the phone on the counter!!

Jai: Ok… but can I have arm back please…? You're cutting off my circulation…

He immediately felt the pressure release. Bani jumped away, embarrassed, glad for the darkness so he couldn't see her face!! However, her embarrassment didn't take precedence over her fear of the dark – her hand slipped down to clutch his as they started to slowly walk towards where the counter had been.

Feeling across the checkout counter, Jai's hand encountered the telephone – he picked it up, already knowing it would be dead.

Jai: Just as I thought… total power cut…

The pressure on his hand increased again…

Bani, panicking: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Oh my God… ab kya hoga… there's no light, no heat and we're going to be stuck here and no-one's coming and what's going to happen to us, oh my God we're going to die in here, oh my God oh my God oh my God-

Jai, surprisingly patiently, placing a hand over her hers: Bani!! Please will you stay calm??!! Zyaada se zyaada kya hoga? We'll be here til morning right?? We have cushions, chocolates, drinks, candles-

Bani, misinterpreting him: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; What the hell do you mean?!!!

Jai: Oh get a grip!! I meant we are not going to starve to death, or die in here! Stop over-reacting!

He heard her squeak in indignation – ignoring it he moved around the counter to check the cupboards behind it.

Bani: Kya dhoondh rahe ho…?

Jai, rummaging around: Just… AHA! Milgaya!!

Bani shielded her eyes as a large torch came on, pointing straight into her eyes!

Waving it around the room, Jai took in the surroundings.

Jai firmly: ; ; ; Ok. Now we need to do some shopping. Er… Bani… now that we can see do you mind if I take my hand back from you…?

This time he was able to see the blush in her cheeks as she stepped away from him.

Using the torch they shuffled around the aisles picking up lots of candles, matches, some champagne, chocolate…

Bani, her eyes falling on a large Tweety Bird: Oh I want him!! I need him! He'll keep me warm!!

Jai rolled his eyes as she excitedly took hold of the overstuffed toy, hugging it happily. Despite his cynicism however, he couldn't help smile at her childish excitement, unable to ignore the twinkle in her eye that caused his heartbeat to speed up a little.

After gathering all that they needed they moved towards the back of the store, which was considerably warmer than the front!!

An area had been set aside at the back of the store, trying to advertise the work of a company called Cuddly Creations, who would come to your home, decorate it for the perfect evening, and charge only a "small fee" for doing so! Jai snorted derisively as he took in the deep red suede sofa, with a mahogany table covered in red and pink bouquets of roses, ornate candle sticks at each end, and the entire area surrounded by lots and lots of pink balloons.

Dropping everything onto the table Bani placed her hand on her hip again, giving him a sidelong glance.

Bani: You're not really the romantic type are you...?

Jai laughed, starting to unwrap the candles and push the flowers to one side: That would be a NO!! Especially when the idea of romance is being unrelentlessly forced down your throat!

Bani opened her mouth to respond, but decided against it.

Both kneeled down placing candles over the tabletop, and along the floor, a box of matches in each hand.

As Jai struck a match he caught sight of her kneeling before him, her face illuminated by the warm glow of the amber candle she had just lit. It's reflection glimmered in her eyes and a small smile played across her lips as she pushed her thick black tresses behind her ear.

Jai's breath caught in his throat... she looked like an angel.

"Damn!" he shouted, shaking his hand as the match burnt out, singing his fingers.

Bani startled: Kya hua Jai...? Be careful!

Jai mumbled a half-hearted response, mentally smacked his forehead, and got back to lighting the candles.

By the time they had finished, their little makeshift home for the night had taken on an ethereal glow... the candlelight creating dim shadows on the wall behind them. Bani unwrapped a box of chocolates while Jai opened up a bottle of champagne each for them.

Jai: So what were you supposed to be doing tonight?

Bani giggled: I really didn't expect to spend the night in a department store that's for sure!

Jai: No I didn't think so – me neither. It's my best friend's 30th birthday party and I'm stuck here!

Bani dryly: Thanks! You're charming company too!!

Jai laughed: No that's not what I meant! It's just… he's like a brother to me, I really didn't want to disappoint him! Although I'm pretty sure his wife will be happy I didn't make it!

Bani smiled: Not really the "model bhabhi – slash – friend" type…?

Jai raised his eyebrows: Who Pia…?! More like the model – slash – gold-digger – slash – arrogant bitch type!

Bani choked on her champagne: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Wow! You don't hold back do you?!!

Jai: Sorry… I just feel like I can tell you my true opinion of her because you don't know her and it's not going to get back to Ranveer! Anyway… change the subject! So… you didn't answer my question… what were you supposed to be doing?

Bani blushed: Er… you really don't want to know!

Jai: Try me!

Bani sighed: My friends had set me up with my loser of a dentist!

Jai cringed: A match-make on Valentine's Day?! How sad!

Bani, indignantly: Hey!! I got the impression that you hated this "Valentine's Day crap" anyway! So why point that out and make me feel even sillier than I already did?!! Not everyone's a cynic like you, you know!

Jai snickered: I'd rather be a cynic than a love-struck fool!

Bani opened her mouth to retort but a flash of pain in Jai's eyes stopped her short.

Jai: What...? Why are you looking at me like that...?

Bani chose her words carefully: Well... it's just that people who are usually so cynical have either never fallen in love or...

Jai: Or...

Bani: ...or they've had their heart broken...

Straightaway Bani knew she had hit the nail on the head... his jaw hardened and he looked away to rifle through the box of chocolates.

Bani: Sorry... it's none of my business...

An uncomfortable silence fell between the two of them, during which Bani busied herself with her champagne bottle... she had finished over half of it before she spoke again...

Bani: But talking is therapeutic you know… especially to someone who doesn't know you, because they can't judge you! And even if they do, why would it matter to you?!

Jai turned sideways to look at her. She smiled, a smile that told him she'd be a good listener.

"Oh what the hell!" he thought.

Jai sighed: Well if we're going to be here all night…

Taking off his jacket, kicking off his shoes and taking a long draught of the sweet champagne, he settled back into the couch. Bani slipped her sandals off, crossing her legs beneath her, her bottle sitting in her lap.

"Might as well get comfortable!" she thought.

Jai: My mother... really believed in the idea of love... of sharing your life with someone made just for you. Mere Dad se bahut pyar karti thi. She came from a very rich family and when she married my father he had nothing. She stuck by him when times were rough, often working through the night with him while he set his business up, as well as raising me...

Bani felt a stirring in her stomach... his eyes, his deep, dark, intense eyes... the pain in them affected her strangely. He took a long swig of champagne... as he replaced the bottle she felt a sudden urge to claim the droplets of liquid that remained on his lips...

"Focus Bani," she reproached herself, "I don't think he'd be too impressed by that!!"

Jai continued: He worked hard… he was very smart. Kismat unpe meherbaan hui and eventually he became very successful... Walia Group of Industries was one of the biggest business concerns in India before he died... still is...

Bani: Oh! They must be because even I've heard of them... and trust me, I don't know a lot about business!!

Jai smiled: I must be doing something right then!! Anyway... when I was about fifteen I noticed a change in my mother. She wasn't the same smiling, elegant lady I had always looked up to. I often saw her sitting in a dark room alone, crying uncontrollably. Whenever I asked her what was wrong she avoided the question and locked her pain away, hiding it from me. Not much later she took ill, and she didn't really recover before she passed away.

Bani, quietly: That must have been heard for you... I understand... believe me, I know... to lose your mother… it feels like someone has ripped a piece of your heart out of your chest.

Jai looked at her shining eyes, suddenly downcast, and understood how she too must have lost her mother when she was young - only someone who had felt what he had could really understand his pain.

On some strange impulse he placed his hand on hers, showing her that he understood. At first she looked surprise, then shyly smiled at him.

Bani: So... did you not get on with your father then...?

Jai: He had always been strict with me... we didn't really share any close bond. He didn't really seem too bothered that my mother was ill. I mean, for me, life stopped when my mother died. For him, it didn't really change much. It wasn't until I was much older that I found out the reason for her depression, her illness... my father's mistress.

Bani didn't know what to say to him... that part of his life she couldn't really relate with! Her father and mother had been the ideal couple in her eyes. When her mother had died her father had taken it very hard, but he had found it in him to be both a father and mother to his only daughter.

Bani knew she was a hopeless romantic, and maybe even somewhat naive, but that didn't stop her from being in love with the idea of love, dreaming that someday she too would meet someone who would love her like her father had loved her mother.

Jai sighed: I never really forgave him for that, I still haven't.

Bani: She must really have loved him to have stayed by him after everything they went through. That's what love is all about! My father once told me that he and Mom saw very hard times too when they were younger, but they laughed and cried together, through the good and the bad, and so no challenge seemed too great for them. It's love that gives you that strength… how can you be so skeptical about that…?

Jai: My mother worshipped the ground Dad walked on. She left her family and friends, everything she knew – to be with him. In return Dad cheated on her. Unke sabhi haq kissi aur ko dediya, he broke her heart. How can you expect me to believe then, that true love really exists! This idea of loving someone more than your life… it's bullsh*t! It's inherent in human nature to be selfish! And as for Valentine's Day… nothing more than a massive con manufactured for the stupid customer by the greedy owners of stores like this one!

Bani, patiently: I can understand why you might think that. But enjoying Valentine's

Day doesn't make someone stupid!

And so began an argument between the romantic and the misanthropist. The champagne flowed, as did the semi-serious banter…

Jai: …you're just as bad though!! Aaj tumne kitne paise kharch kiye honge… and for what?!!

Bani: I told you! The gifts were all for my loved ones! There are different kinds of love you know! And I wanted to show my love to them all in this small way!

Jai: So basically, to show your love you need Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Friendship Day, on top of all the other festivals where you give and receive gifts to show how much you love someone. Does that mean that on every other day your love disappears??

Bani: Of course not! But if you get the chance to show it like this, once in a while… agar mere tohfe se mere doston ke chehre pe muskuraahat aajati hai, mere Papa ko khushi hoti hai… then what's so wrong in that?!

Jai laughed: Nothing, ok nothing!! Wow, if you do so much just for friends, then apne boyfriend ya pati ke liye pura dukaan khareedlogi tum!!

Bani gaped at his cheekiness and instead of serching for suitable words, decided her best response would be to throw chocolate at him.

Jai, ducking as the chocolate flew over his left shoulder: Ouch! Not a bad arm! Terrible aim though!

That earned him a volley of chocolate, most of them hitting their mark this time!! In an effort to stop her, Jai grabbed her wrist and she struggled as he dragged her close, slipping an arm around her waist.

Jai seductively: That's such a waste of perfectly good chocolate you know!

Bani blushed beetroot red. He had pulled her so close that as he spoke she felt his breath on her cheek. Already feeling a little giddy from the alcohol, she could only giggle like a schoolgirl in response. She could quite easily have shrugged him off… she just didn't want to…

Disarmed by her shy laugh and her endearing smile, Jai found himself spellbound by this lovely woman… regardless of the fact that he had only known her for a few hours. Some magnetic force pulled him towards her... straight towards her pale pink lips… the swan-like curve of her neck… longing to run his fingers through the black waves of her hair…

"BLEEEEEEP BLEEEEEEP"

Both of them jumped apart as Jai's watch beeped, signalling midnight.

"No more champagne for me!" thought Jai.

Bani on the other hand was happy drinking up, perhaps trying to settle her nerves, and it wasn't long before the effect of the champagne began to show…

Bani, kneeling on the sofa: You know… I bet I could get you to change your mind about Valentine's Day!

Jai: For someone who's single you seem to know a lot about that!

She jumped of the couch, stepped onto the table to climb over to the the other side and skipped towards a shelf full of sparkling diamante keepsake ornaments.

Jai stood to follow her: Bani! Bani kya kar rahi ho?! It's dark, you'll trip over something!!

Bani threw him a diamante heart: Catch Jai!

Caught by surprise, in semi-darkness he missed by a mile and the diamante heart broke into two as it hit the floor, the pieces skittering underneath the table.

Bani cried out: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Jaiiiii!!! Dekho na, tumhaare vajah se dil tootgaya!! No wonder you're single!

Lying flat on the floor she started feeling underneath the table for the broken pieces.

Jai, admiring the view: And what about you?! Haven't you ever been in love?!

Bani turned back to stare innocently at him: You can't ask a girl that you know!

Jai: Why not?! You asked me!

Bani, turning back to the table: Hmmm… does Salman Khan count…? Yesss!! Milgaya!

Jai laughed at her answer as she triumphantly collected both pieces from the floor. As she stood up she banged her head on the edge of the table, cry out loudly in pain.

Jai immediately knelt down beside her, rubbing her head and trying not to grin as she pouted at him.

Bani sulked: Haso mat! You're mean!

Jai blowing on her head, rubbing the rapidly-forming bump: And you, Bani darling, are drunk!!

Bani, conspiratorially motioning for him to come closer: You know what… you miiiiiiight just be right!!

With that she pushed him backwards, laughing as he fell heavily onto his backside. Sweeping some of the burnt out candles onto the floor, she stepped onto the table.

Bani: Jaiiii!! Play some music, I want to dance!

Jai stood up, rubbing his a*s: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Bani ab me music kaha se laoonga?!! There is no power! We're surviving on candlelight and a torch beam remember!!

Bani stuck her tongue out at him: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Fine!! I'll provide the music instead!

Kicking another candle off the table she crossed her hands on top of her head and began singing…

"Chori chori kiya re… dil ye dil liya re…

Jaadu se jaadu kiya… kiya re…"

Despite quite obviously being very merry, Bani had a lovely voice! As she danced on the table, instead of making her come down to the safety of ground-level, Jai crossed his arms and watched her, a small smile playing on his lips…

"Jaagi soyi rahu… khoyi khoyi rahu…

Uski khwabon me uski yaadon me… jhoome jiya re…

Crazy kiya re la la la la la la crazy kiya re la la la-"

Her singing turned into shriek as her foot slipped off the edge of the table and she lost her balance. Jai's amusement turned to alarm as he rushed forward to catch her in his arms.

She fell into his strong embrace, her eyes clenched shut, expecting to hit the hard wooden floor. Her arms clasped around his neck, she refused to open her eyes, and Jai took the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of holding her so close, the feeling of dread subsiding…

Gingerly, she opened her eyes one by one…

Bani, whispering: & amp; amp; nbsp; You caught me… right?

Jai smiled, his gaze sweeping over her wide brown eyes, soft glowing skin, tremulous lips: & amp; amp; nbsp;Yeah… I've got you…

He gently placed her on the floor, but she still didn't move her arms from around his neck. She was caught by his eyes, drowning in those pools of dark chocolate.

Bani: So… you experienced the fallout of one bad relationship… and you gave up on love altogether…?

Jai, close enough to feel the warmth of her breath as she leaned towards him: No-one came along to make me change my mind… yet…

Bani raised a cold finger, tracing it down his stubbled cheeks, running it over his lips. Her heavy-lidded eyes fluttered intoxicatingly as she stood on tiptoe and gently tilted her head placing a hesitant kiss on his lips. As she felt his hand move from her shoulder to her waist she kissed him harder, entwining her lips with his, her arms slipping around his broad shoulders. Adrenaline shot through her veins as she felt him kiss her back, his lips parting expectantly, his fingers weaving sensuously though her hair.

Alarm bells rang faintly in Jai's head, but louder still was the thumping of his heart as he held this beautiful, sensual, innocently attractive girl in his arms.

So innocent…

The faint chimes turned into deafening clangs. Abruptly, he moved away from her. She blinked up at him and softly bit her lower lip, looking a little confused. His lips still throbbing from the touch of hers, he fought hard to see straight. Controlling the urge to kiss her again was the hardest thing that Jai had ever had to do. But he wasn't the type to take advantage of a girl who was obviously not wholly in her senses.

Smiling softly at her, he pushed flyaway strands of her silky hair behind her ears. He tenderly kissed her forehead, his lips resting against her skin for longer than he should have let them.

Jai, his hoarse voice belying his apparent self-control: It's late, and it's getting cold. Tum yahi ruko, I'll go get some more candles.

He led her over to the sofa, pushing the burnt out candles to one side of the floor area. Bani tucked her legs underneath her and hugged Tweety close, watching as he picked the torch up and walked towards the front of the store.

When Jai reached the candles section, the first thing he did was take a deep breath and rest his head against the cool metal of the shelves. His heart was still racing at breakneck speed… he needed a few moments to calm down.

Jai Walia had dated many girls in his 33 years – most had had no trouble throwing themselves at him the minute they met him, more attracted to his sizeable fortune than anything else. He could never have imagined falling in love with… or even being temporarily attached to any of them.

But Bani was different. She was a sweet girl, with a loving heart. She knew who he was but was completely unfazed by his status. When she was arguing with him, she didn't seem to care whether or not he approved of her opinion. Instead of fawning all over him, begging for his attention, she had unknowingly captured it the minute she spoke in her soft, melodic voice.

Eventually he collected what he had come for and made his way back to where he had left Bani.

Jai: This should keep us going until the power comes back on! Or until we fall asleep – whichever comes-

He stopped in his tracks to see Bani fast asleep on the sofa, her arms wrapped tightly around Tweety, one leg on the seat, the other hanging off in mid-air.

Jai smiled to himself, placing the candles onto the table. He unwrapped a large pillar candle, lighting it to provide enough candlelight for him to move around without hitting something, but dim enough to allow Bani to sleep undisturbed.

The wavering shadow of the small flame danced across her beautiful face as Jai gently lifted her leg back onto the sofa. The hand that was trapped awkwardly underneath her body, he softly straightened, positioning it comfortably around Tweety's neck. Retrieving his jacket from the back of the sofa he tenderly covered her with it, making sure it was tucked in behind her so it wouldn't fall off.

Finishing the last of his champagne, he finally settled onto the floor, his back against the table, seated facing her he rested his head on the small patch of suede unoccupied by Bani's sleeping frame.

He dozed off staring at the vision of her angelic face, made all the more exquisite by the expression of a peaceful half-smile as she slept.

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

The following morning it was Bani who awoke first.

Her head felt heavy as lead as she placed a hand across her forehead before even opening her eyes. Slowly she blinked them open, flinching at the bright light that shone from the uncovered shop windows.

As she focussed in front of her, Jai's peacefully sleeping viasge swam into view. Those stunning lashes, almost too feminine for a guy of his rugged masculinity, fluttered with each breath he took.

Bani slowly sat up, trying not to wake him. She smiled as she noticed his jacket covering her. The smell of his aftershave brought back flashes of the night before… that kiss.

Immediately her cheeks suffused with warm colour as she remembered how she had traced a finger over his lips before reaching up to kiss him… he had kissed her back… how he firmly pushed her away before kissing her head and wandering off, apparently to get more candles.

The entire episode had left her highly confused. Yes she had been drinking, but she wasn't so drunk as to misread the way he had laced his arms around her waist, softly but powerfully kissing her back.

But then he had pulled away.

She couldn't decide what that meant! Had he regretted the kiss? Or had he just been afraid that things might get out of hand? Or… what?!

Before she could formulate an answer in her mind, Jai's eyelashes fluttered rapidly again, and he slowly opened his eyes. Sitting up, he massaged his neck and painfully tried to stretch his sore back, yawning widely before noticing that Bani was wide awake and staring straight at him!

She blinked and looked away as his eyes met hers.

"Those peepers should come with a health warning!!" she moaned inwardly.

Jai, hesitantly: & amp; amp; nbsp; M orning Bani… sleep ok…?

Bani blushed: Er yeah… fine thanks… thanks for the jacket…

Jai: No problem.

He sensed her discomfort and knew what she must have been thinking.

Bani , hurriedly: &a mp;a mp;n bsp; Listen, about last night-

Before she could finish, a loud rattling startled them both.

The shop shutters were coming up.

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

An hour later, both Jai and Bani stepped out of the store into the bright morning sun.

The happy-pill popping store clerk had been shocked out of her wits to see the two of them emerge from the back of the store. After she had stopped hyper-ventilating, Jai and Bani explained about being locked in overnight, the power cut, using the candles and chocolates etc to keep them going.Just repeating it to her, the story sounded ridiculous!

The store clerk remembered them from the day before, and felt horribly guilty that she had not done her usual final check over the store to ensure no-one was left behind. She herself had been in a rush to meet her Valentine!!

The Manager of the store instantly recognised Business Tycoon Jai Walia of Walia Group of Industries, and began apologising profusely for the inconvenience he had had to suffer. Despite repeated attempts by Jai and Bani he refused to take a single paisa towards the cost of the items they had used and consumed, even insisting that Bani take Tweety Bird with her as a gift from Love 'n' Stuff.

Jai began walking towards his Merc, parked just a little way in front of Bani's Santro.

Jai, disappointed that their time together was coming to an end: So…. I guess this is goodbye then…?

Bani, equally saddened: Er… yeah… I guess so…

Jai: Thanks… for being such great company last night… varna pata nahin me andar vaha kaise puri raat guzaarta!

Bani: You too… I had fun… thanks!

They bid each other goodbye and began to walk away from each other.

Bani, looking for her car keys, came upon one of the single red roses she had brought the day before. On impulse she turned back, calling for Jai to stop.

Bani, handing him the rose: This… this is for you…

Jai, confused but pleased: & ; ;nbs p; What's this for… iski kya zaroora thi…?

Bani smiled bashfully: Thanks… for being my accidental valentine, even though I am quite sure you will hate the idea of that, Mr Cynical!

Jai laughed and shook his head. Delving into his pocket he pulled out a pen. Reaching down he tugged her hand out flat in front of her. Placing his hand beneath hers, he began writing, each touch felt like a sensual kiss on her skin.

As Bani watched questioningly, Jai wrote his name and a telephone number on the palm of her hand.

Jai: I feel honoured to have received the pleasure of being your "accidental valentine", as you put it! Keep in touch Bani… I think Mr Cynical finally found a girl worth changing his outlook for…

As he drove away waving goodbye, Bani could do nothing more than stare at her hand, still able to feel the warmth of his skin on hers…

Without a doubt, this was the best Valentine's Day she had ever had!

THE END

Siggy G

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

***Viewbie's Note : This Entry has been cancelled from this Competition.

Please do not Vote for it.

KS Dev Team***

Entry No. 7 :

Fix You, A quest for acceptance

Siggy H

Chapter 1

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

The simple lyrics swept through banis mind like a wave of sorrow, and memories of defeat clouded her conscience. She had failed. All those years ago, when she had tried her very best to beat life at its most difficult juncture, she had failed horribly. And someone had failed her in an even more painful way. That pain made its way down her cheek as a droplet of sorrow, straying from the pool of despair that she had been keeping bottled up I her heart for so long. But it was time to forget, if not forgive. After all, she had to live for someone else now. She had someone that depended on her, day and night. Someone to whom she was as priceless as that person was to her. Just that feeling was enough and more to sustain her, and she knew deep within, that she could never have this feeling with someone else. She wiped her face clean and started once more to jog towards the building only a mile away.

As she jogged she saw the familiar sights of delhi that had now become her home. Ever since she had left behind all she ever knew. Well, she had done it once, when her parents were no more. And so she knew, when she embarked upon this new journey, that this challenge was one she could face, and one she must face. Only now she had no one. Not even her sisters. Yes, for a while she was, as the song said, stuck in reverse. She got a job that she loved and eventually an apartment that she herself chose. But yet, there was a gaping hole in her life. One that needed, desperately, to be filled. And then she found what she had been looking for. She found her.

high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Truly, she had reminded bani how to live again, and how to love again. How to let go of the past and love the present for all the promise it offered. She was the best thing that bani ever had. And she showed bani, everyday, just how much she was worth. And she had, somewhat, fixed her.

She still remembered the day that her saviour came into her life. It was bani's birthday when she decided that yes, I want this beautiful gift for myself today.and she brought her light home. When she signed the papers, and the warden at the orphanage handed her that one-year-old beauty , she knew, at once, that her life would never be the same. She would never ever feel alone again. Because , for once, there was someone who needed her enough to sustain the both of them. And that was all that mattered.

Bani turned off her MP3 player just as the school gates opened and her beautiful daughter came running out. "rhea!!?she said in voice filled with sheer joy. Joy that only her daughter could bring her. Rhea, now all of 6 years old, came running into her mom's arms. "mommy, look what I made today!?she said, showing her mother a rather misshapen piece of clay that looked somehow trodden upon. ?I made it for you! It's a pen holder!?

"thank you, my love. Its beautiful!?said bani, seeing the beauty that only she could.?My baby is so grown up now!?/FONT>

"mommy, im not a baby! Im a big girl!?said rhea, as she did every day. ?so mommy, what are we going to do today??/

It was a Wednesday, and since school finished early bani always left work early so she could excersize and spend time with her baby,

?well darling I was thinking of going to the beach to build sandcastles.?Said bani, holding rhea's hand and walking towards the nearest taxi stand.

"no fair mommy! You promised! You said that we would go to the ice skating rink!!all my friends have been there and they keep teasing me about it! UNFAIR!!?said rhea, pouting ,with tears welling up in her eyes.

"darling i……?bani did not know what to say to the little girl, knowing that the very place where her whole life was turned upside down was not a place she wanted to visit anytime soon. ?I don't know…….?/

"Mommy! I wanna go there!!!?cried rhea, tears streaming down her face now. Bani truly loved her to bits, and had given her absolutely anything she wanted up to the point that she couldn't even hear a "no?to her requests.

"well??Its time to bury the past anyway, bani said to herself as she looked upon the scrunched up face of her beloved little girl. "alright, lets go.?/

Chapter 2

It was chilly in the rink. She knew that it would be cold, since it was, after all, an ice skating rink. Yet the sudden change in atmosphere shocked her somehow. She hadn't been to a place this cold since that night….. the night when the cold had penetrated her heart and soul, when the one she loved was seen to be more cold then ice itself. She felt lost once again. She stood motionless, as though in a trance, reliving that night, the night she found that she had been betrayed by the one person she sought to save….

"Pia….." he said, with the most affectionate and passionate voice. The voice he once used with her. "what happened last night….."

"Mr Walia…..Jai…… what happened last night was what we both wanted. Don't try to deny it. We both know how much we love one another. Now it is time we figure out where we are going to go from this point. You are a married man, face it, it is time we did something to change that." Said Pia, her eyes wide with desperation, the desperation that came only with love. Pia loved Mr Walia.

Bani was incredably shocked to hear that. And what did they mean, last night? She couldn't believe her ears, after her repentant cycles of pain and sacrifice for her husband and sisters, they turned out to be the very people to harm her. That too, intentionally. What had she left undone for them? She had gone way beyond the call of duty to save them both. And yet, now that she had given her all to both of them, they betrayed her. They cast her aside like a used puppet. The irony was fantastic, and still haunted her today. Her life had become a big joke. That was all that was left. They had used her. She ran, from that rink in Dubai. She ran and she didn't stop until she reached a secluded park, where she began to cry. And then, after a few hours, she suddenly stopped.

She realised, that people of this sort were not worth crying over. She gathered herself up and went back to the hotel, telling the receptionist on her way to her room that she wanted a ticket to India booked as soon as possible. She packed her bags and took only as much money she would need for her ticket and expenses for a few weeks from Mr Walia's safe. She left for the airport immediately, and before her departure she ensured that the receptionist would keep mum about her booking on the flight. At the airport she collected her ticket to Delhi under the name of bani dixit, and after reaching India she was no longer lost. Well at least not physically. She had spent a year of college in Delhi as part of an exchange programme, and she knew the state pretty well.

And she had never looked back since. She had begun her life anew, and now she depended on no one. She didn't need anyone but her daughter, and that was the way she preferred it. Even so, she found herself more lost then ever now. Her daughter was growing up. A few days ago her little girl had asked her about her papa. What was bani to tell her? Once more, she found herself lost. She told her little rhea that her papa was far, far away. And rhea seemed satisfied, if only for the moment. But the truth was that Mr Walia was as close to her heart as rhea ever was. She still loved him, despite all the deceit. But she couldn't admit it now, it was too late. And what he did was unforgivelable. She had to satiate herself with that much. She was right to leave him….yes, she was right, she was better off.

Rhea's tugging broke bani's trance and she was involuntarily pulled onto the ice by her daughter. Rhea did not know how to ice skate, and so, bani had to teach her. Surprisingly enough, despite all her memories of this place, she found herself completely immersed in teaching rhea. She felt such a triumph when her daughter finally could skate beside her that she all but forgot about the misery that had surrounded her only a few hours ago. When it was finally time to go home, she actually felt disappointed! She didn't want to go home, she was having so much fun with rhea. And so she promised her daughter that they would visit the rink at least once a month and have such fun more often.

When they got home, rhea was asleep in bani's arms. She had fallen asleep during the ride home. As bani looked upon the innocent face of her daughter while walking up to her apartment, she realised how much difference rhea had made in her life. This little girl had made her forget all about the worst day of her life. She had made her forget, completely, what he did to her. That was it. She wasn't afraid anymore. She had nothing to hide from herself. She actually had come to love the place where her misery began. All thanks to her little girl. As she set rhea upon her bed and tucked her in, she thanked her stars that after whatever misery life had brought her, she still had enough luck to find her true love. Her little rhea.

Chapter 3

A few days after going to the ice skating rink, Bani came home just a few minutes before her daughter arrived in her school bus. She was in charge of a rather important project in her company, and this was causing her to become preoccupied with work. She rarely saw rhea anymore, and whenever she did, she didn't have time enough to pay attention to her baby and play with her. Rhea, being the understanding child that she was, didn't disturb her mom while she was working. Yet bani felt that she was neglecting her child, and was disturbed and dissatisfied with herself. How could she not spend time with rhea? After all, rhea was the one who supported her everyday, and she was the reason that bani was working so hard. So bani decided to take the rest of the day off, and came home just in time to meet her baby girl for an evening of mother-daughter time. She wanted to catch up on how rhea had been in the past few days.

"Rhea!" she said as her daughter ran right into her open arms.

"Mommy! Your home?! I didn't know you'd be here!" said rhea, surprised.

"Of course im home darling, isn't it high time I spent some quality time with my love?" said bani, caressing rhea's hair. "So, what did mommy's angel do in school today?"

"oh mommy I made a new friend! During recess, when my friends and i go out for ice cream, I met him there. He's very nice, you know. He bought me two ice creams today!" said rhea animatedly.

"what, my darling? What does your friend look like?"asked bani worriedly.

"oh mommy hes as big as a mountain and he can lift me high up into the air. He's as strong as a gorilla and as gentle as an angel! Hes very nice! You should meet him sometime." Said rhea, unaware of her mother's worry.

"really, rhea? Why don't you bring him home?" asked bani, beginning to suspect that rhea's friend was imaginary.

"he says that he cant come home, he didn't say why. When I asked for his name, he didn't answer either. Maybe I shall ask again tomorrow. He says he can only meet me in school." Said rhea.

Her suspicions confirmed, bani hugged her daughter and began to discuss other things. The two of them went out for dinner and to the beach for a night time walk after that. When they were on their way back home, bani began to wonder why her daughter had begun to aquire an imaginary friend. She concluded that it must be because she didn't pay enough attention to her anymore, and so she promised herself to spend time with rhea everyday.

Chapter 4

The next day, again rhea came home and told bani all about the time she spent with her imaginary friend. This repeated over several days, until one day rhea came home with an expensive Barbie doll in her bag. Her mother asked her where she got it from and she said, my friend gave it to me. Bani had specifically refused to get rhea that Barbie doll, as it was incredibly expensive. Who was this imaginary friend who managed to get her daughter real and expensive gifts? What was the catch here?
Bani then began to suspect the most horrible thing…. Was her daughter turning into a shoplifter? Had her insecurities due to the lack of motherly love grown to such a point where she would actually need to shoplift? Bani got very worried about rhea, and scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist t the very next day.

At the doctor's office, bani explained to rhea that she should tell the doctor everything about her imaginary friend. The doctor was friendly, she said, and he's a very nice person. If you tell him all about your friend, I will give you a chocolate when you get back.

Rhea went into the office alone, and was shocked to find that the place was so pretty and nice. There were cartoons all over the walls and there was a cute kid-sized couch where she could sit down.

"hello rhea!" said the doctor. "my name is Dr Shetty, but you can call me meera aunty. Im here to get to know more about you!"

Rhea found the doctor very friendly, and went, as usual, into her chatterbox mode. She told her all about her friend, and how he gave her gifts and ice creams.

"but rhea, what is your friend called?" asked Dr Shetty

"well…… I asked him about his name but he wouldn't tell me!" said rhea.

"what do you call him then?" asked the doctor.

"I used to call him uncle. But a few days ago……….i don't know if I should tell you, he said that it was a secret." Said rhea, hesitantly.

"you can tell me anything you like rhea! You know im your friend. See, I even have chocolates for you!" said the doctor.

Well, chocolates were rhea's greatest weakness and while munching on one she blurted out "he told me that I shouldn't call him uncle but I should call him papa!"

The session ended there and Dr Shetty met with bani about rhea.

"well, ms bani, to tell you the truth, rhea seems to be a perfectly happy child. I honestly don't see any effects of loneliness or depression in her at all. In fact, I think she's actually telling the truth about her friend." The doctor said. " in fact, she says that her friend wants her to call him papa!"

Bani was reeling in shock. Who was this unknown person asking her daughter to call him papa? What was this possible psychopath planning?She decided to take the next day off from work and stalk her daughter to see who this mystery friend was. She had to do something before her daughter was harmed!

Chapter 5

That evening, rhea went to sleep rather earlier then usual, being tired from the visit to the doctors and dinner outside at her favourite Chinese restaurant.

Bani, however, was not nearly as lucky; as soon as she got home, her co- worker ,Avi, had called her and told her that the dry run they were running on their latest systems administration program had failed horribly. There was some catch with the administration of the service sector in the hotel group that they were designing the programme for. The programme basically tied loose ends and ensured that every aspect of a business can run smoothly and in tandem with every other aspect. Therefore, it was of utmost importance that the dry run, that is, the trial , of their programme, proceed without any hindrance because before they administered the programme to the company itself, they had to ensure that the whole show didn't come collapsing around their ears.

She spent all night rectifying the programming and trying to find the glitch in the system that everyone else was unable to catch. The project was for Chopra group of Industries, which specialized mainly in hotel chains, and therefore it was of utmost importance that the service sector runs smoothly.

After many trials and tribulations, at 4am in the morning, bani finally managed to fix the problem, which turned out to be the lack of a tiny code at the end of a major sequence for a particular feature of the programme. Frustrated with the oversight by her subordinates, she summed up the report on the delay faced in the dry run and submitted it to Mr Vijay Chopra, who was the head of the company itself, along with a request for an extension for the dry run to the next day. Upon the reception of a prompt reply (as Mr Chopra was currently in London for another project, and there it was an adequate time for replying emails), bani printed out all the amendments she had made to her programming, prepared her daughter's school bag and lunch for the next day and fell asleep upon the couch, ensuring that an alarm was set for 7am so she could get to work on time to initiate the dry run.

At seven o'clock, she awoke from a deep sleep thanks to the irritating buzzing of her alarm clock. She got ready for work and also ensured that rhea was also ready for school before setting rhea off on her school bus and driving herself to her office.

"Avi! " she said shrilly, as she stormed into her office. " HOW could you make such a mistake? I thought you were above such mishaps, but I guess I was wrong wasn't i?! what type of sick joke is this, how could you miss this sort of BASIC code?! I was up all night thanks to those THREE keys you did not press while summing the programming up!"

"Bani, calm down!" said Avi, who was shocked to see his best friend in such a state. " I know it was a mistake but the program went through the whole team for analysis before the dry run, it cannot be blamed upon one person! Besides, you were the only one who did not check it because you took a holiday yesterday!"

Bani realised how wrong she had been about avi. Still she knew that he wouldn't mind, he knew her too well to think that she had any ill intentions about screaming that way. He probably already knew how stressed she must be. " im sorry, Avi, I overreacted. I agree, it wasent all your fault alone. But still, im really upset today, I had exactly 1h of sleep last night!" said bani, distraught.

"its ok, bani, calm down! You need sleep. Go, shoo shoo. Into your cabin! Sleep until we need you. The glitch is fixed now, I will take care of the dry run, I know where to find you if anything goes wrong." Said Avi, grabbing bani by her shoulders and steering her into her cabin.

Bani was too tired to even attempt to refuse, and went without another word into her cabin. She flashed Avi a thankful smile before she shut the glass double doors to her cabin, and was met with a cheeky grin and a wink.

She went straight to her desk and lay her head upon her table, with her eyes still open. They fell on her very own nameplate, that said "Bani Dixit, President, Rhea Programming Consultancy"

How long she had strived to bring her company to this point of success…..thinking about the past 5 years of her struggle, she fell asleep without her own realisation.

An hour later, bani awoke with a start. She had dreamt that someone was trying to harm her rhea, that someone clad in black was lifting her child high up into the air and dispite her protests was taking her child far far away. She couldn't see his face but there was something about him……she couldn't place it. She awoke, and memories about her child's friend came flooding back. " Oh NO!" she thought, as she looked at the time. Rhea's recess is going to end soon! How will I see him now?!"

She ran straight out of her office, ignoring the curious looks of her collegues and drove straight to her daughter's school.

When she got there, there was a traffic jam in front of the gate of the school, causing her to be trapped abot 50m from the ice cream vendor outside the gate. She could see her daughter from her car, she could recognise her orange jacket. She squinted her eyes further to try to see who was next to her, and lo and behold, she saw a black clad tall man offering her daughter ice cream! "So her friend was a real person after all!" thought bani. "Oh rhea, im so sorry!"

There was something odd about this man however. He did not seem threatening, in fact he seemed oh so familiar. She could not place it at all but somehow she knew she had known him, as though in a past life.

The traffic jam continued for another 15min and by that time the recess bell had rung and rhea was long gone, as was the mystery man in black. Bani promised herself that she would look for this person the next day, and drove back to her office to ensure that her dry run went well.

Chapter 6

The next day, all her problems at work sorted out, bani went to drop her daughter at school and found a secluded spot where she could observe the gate of the school and the ice cream vendor as well. She had her laptop with her, and she continued to finish a powerpoint presentation for Mr Chopra while she awaited recess. Avi had told her to take the entire day off, but her conscience would not let her rest unless she personally finished this presentation for their biggest client. The problem with the dry run yesterday had really put a wrench in the whole proceedings and she desperately needed to salvage their professional image with Vijay Chopra.

As she typed in the financial statement into the powerpoint presentation, she heard the roar of a rather strong engine. She looked up to see a jet black jaguar stop in front of the school gate. The tinted windows did not reveal who was within, but the sports luxury model of this particular car said a lot about that person's status. However, bani thought nothing of it as she sent rhea to one of the best schools in the country, and many such rich people preferred their children to go to this school.

The recess bell sounded and children came rushing out to buy ice cream. One little girl, in an orange jacket, however, ran straight to the black jag and opened the driver's door. A tall man stepped out, clad in an Armani business suit and he lifted the little girl high up into the air. as he spun the child, bani caught a glimpse of his face, and it left her dumbfounded.

Rhea giggled as her new found friend spun her high in the air. She really enjoyed his company and whenever she went home she looked forward to the next day when she would meet him again. She wished that he was really her papa. If only…….

Bani watched her daughter being spun by the last person she had expected. She hadn't seen him in seven years, and he hadn't changed one little bit. She watched him look lovingly at her daughter as he carried her to the ice cream stall and bought two ice creams. He sat her down atop the roof of his jag and they both enjoyed the ice cream together. Soon recess was over and he dropped her reluctant daughter off at the school gate, watched her go into school while waving and after a short pause, zoomed off in his car.

"He cannot do this!" bani thought, aggressively. "He fooled me because of my innocence , now he cannot fool rhea into being his pawn. She's just a child! How low can he go?! How dare he? She's so innocent, how could he manipulate her! He's using her to get back at me……" She spent the rest of the day at the same spot thinking of a plan and when school was over, she drove rhea home in silence.

After they got home, she told rhea that they were moving far, far away. She told her that the next day was her last day at school and that she should start packing right away. Bani consoled her daughter by telling her how wonderful it would be travlling together, and eventually rhea fell asleep. She dreamt about her new friend and how she would miss him ever so sorely when they went away.

Bani sat with her sleeping child in her arms, thinking, about how he had once again turned her life upside down. But this time, she knew. She was no longer innocent. Because he knew how to take advantage of her,when she was innocent. But that wasn't going to happen again.

Chapter 7

The next day, bani dropped her daughter off at school for what she hoped would be the last time. She had alredy told Avi to inform the principal of her decision and all the formalities had been taken care of. Bani would be moving temporarily to hydrabad and then she would be travelling overseas to London in conjunction with the Chopra project. She had a meeting with Mr Chopra anyways and she planned to use this meeting to throw her husband off her track.

"darling, please don't talk to your friend today." Bani told her daughter again.

"Yes mommy. Is that the reason why we are leaving?" She asked, her eyes large and brimming with tears.

"yes my love, it is. It will be ok. We will come back some day. Now hurry up and go to school, its your last day here, you don't want to be late!" Bani said.

As soon as rhea had left, bani sped to her office to meet Avi and make all the arrangements for leaving soon. In so doing, more then half the day went past and Bani got home just in time for her daughter's arrival.

The weather was horrible, and it seemed to reflect Bani's emotions. The rain fell from the skys as though it represented bani's unshed sorrows. She packed the last of her necessities and made all the arrangements so that her house could be locked up for a long period of time. Avi would check in often but she still felt safer if her house was packed the way she liked it.

Bani finished clearing out the fridge and sat upon the couch , thinking about the time she had spent 7 years ago with Jai Walia. He would have made a great father, she thought.

She drowned herself, for what she was sure was the very last time, to try her best and get him out of her system. Once and for all. She felt herself remembering his face, that face that she had loved from the first moment she lay eyes on him. The object of many a woman's affection, that face was, his handsome features etched in a perpetually determined expression. That was before she came into his life and brought a smile to his face. But now it was time to forget that smile, and that face. It was time she never thought about him ever again. She concentrated on his face one last time and tried to wipe it from her memory. But somehow she felt herself fading as she tried to forget her first and only love.

im fading
i can feel it
somehow
i seem less present

His penetrating glare she still remembered, having been the object of it many a time. How he would look at her, and sum up all her emotions with just that one look. How well he understood her. And yet, now it was time to forget it all. It was time to forget her other half, and it was time that she herself became whole so that she no longer needed his memory to survive.

i feel thiner,
like im suddenly
made of rice paper
and all that it takes
to rip me apart
is a single blow

She somehow felt weak as she stuggled to forgethis loving touch, his caring voice. He was the one she truly understood, and he understood her better then she did. She was his, and he was hers. But it was time she claimed her life back from the one she had entrusted it to. Seven years later, for her daughter, and for herself too, it was time that she stopped relying on his support which was present even in his physical absence. It was time she let go.

my very existance
my personality
my self
seems to be fading

He was a part of her. How could she not love her hand, or her heart? He was one with her. Hating him was like hating herself. She could not do it, she loved him. She couldn't help it, seeing him had confirmed it. She still felt something for him, and as he played with rhea, she felt a sense of peace.

the same way
colour fades from a tree
during autmn
the same way
a stain is washed off
a ruined dress

But rhea isn't his daughter. She thought carefully about what his reaction would be, if he found out. But what did it matter? What did it matter? What he did to her was incomparable. She had not cheated him. What she had found out seven years ago in dubai came flooding back into her mind and she was disgusted at what he had done, how he and pia had used her. It was a memory she struggled to forget but never could, she had been wronged. Her love was stained with deceit. And this deceit was what made her come this far, knowing that she had been wronged and it is her right to triumph over this adversity. She was driven by his deceit, and had come to be defined by it too.

i am stained
by my past
and yet it is
these very stains
that define me

But she was surprised to find, when she delved deep into her soul, that dispite what he did she still loved him, somehow. She couldn't believe what he had done. Something was amiss.
Had she not trusted him completely? Then why did she doubt him at all? There was something wrong……. But it was too late to find out. She had rhea now. Rhea was only hers, not his. Only hers. She carried neither of their blood but she carried with her bani's love. And that was all that mattered. And so it was time that she washed jai's memory from her past. Forever. So she could turn over a new leaf and leave him…. Forever, behind her as,not even a part of her past. He would no longer even merit a place in her memory. She had to do it. She had to.

and now that the time has come
to wash these stains off
and start anew
i find
that the fabric of my life
is fading

But she was loosing herself in the process, loosing her definition of life. She was loosing all that she had thought was hers but was truly linked with him. How could she let go? How could she?

as part of me
is being washed off
with my past

Tears had streamed down bani's eyes as she realised that this was one of the most difficult things she would ever have to face.

The doorbell rang all of a sudden and shook bani from her reverie. She wiped her tears away and plastered a smile upon her face to go and greet her daughter.

Bani wiped the tears from her eyes an plastered a smile upon her face as she opened the door to welcome her daughter in. She knew rhea would not exactly be happy since they were moving and so she promised herself that she would pasify her somehow.

"hi my darling!" she said as she saw her daughter in her doorway.

Rhea had an odd look on her face. She looked guilty somehow , as though she was hiding something.

"hi mommy…." She said, hugging bani tightly right there in the doorway. "mommy, will you be angry with me if I do something you don't like but I think is necessary?" she asked, her voice quvering with fear.

"darling what is it?" bani asked, kneeling in front of her daughter. "what are you hiding, janu?"

"well mommy….."said rhea, biting her lip. " I decided that I didn't want to move at all. And so I brought someone home so that you see that theres no reason to move anyway because hes so nice. I brought papa home. I hope your not angry."

And exactly at that moment, the tall, looming figure of Jai Walia came within bani's view from within her house, stepping in front of the doorstep.And his handsome face was not smiling.

"What?????" said bani softly, unable to believe what she saw.

"yes mommy, I brought papa home so that he can make you happy and we don't have to move. See, hes real, hes not made up. And hes very nice!" said rhea, pulling out of bani's hug.

"rhea darling, I think you had better go to bed. I need to speak with your friend for awhile." Said bani, noting the expression of anger on Jai's face.

"ok mommy!" said rhea, and she skipped off to bathe and eat her dinner before bed, satisfied that her plan had worked.

"Mr walia…."said bani after a few minutes, realising that she needed to say something.

"NO bani. You have nothing to say that I am willing to hear. Excuses, for leaving me and running away? For hiding my child from me all these years? Why bani, why? How could you hide rhea from me?! She has been deprived of her daddy for all her life, and I have missed the most important moments of her life too. How dare you?!" Mr Walia thundered. His face was a pure expression of fury as he looked upon her stunned visage and glared at her angrily.

"WHAT?" bani asked, stunned.

"BANI. You have no right to talk right now, let me set some ground rules over here. You will NOT run away again. How dare you keep my own daughter, my own flesh and blood, away from ME? If you do, so god help me, I will hunt you down and take rhea away from you forever. You will stay here until I think of a plan. And you will NOT poison rhea's mind against me. I will meet you tomorrow at 1pm to discuss this situation at caf coffee day. Be there." He walked away, leaving bani stunned right there at the doorway.

Bani stood fuming and slammed the door with a bang. How dare he accuse her, she thought. He was the one who betrayed HER. How dare he!

And what was this about rhea being his daughter?! She was confused about his reference to rhea as his own blood…….and then comprehension dawned upon her. She had adopted rhea about a year and a half since she had left Mr walia, and rhea was almost one then. That would mean that she was just the right age to be Mr walia's daughter! She finally understood his fury, but in no way found his accusations justified after what he had done to her. What a hypocrite!

But she knew how much he had always wanted his own child, and how happy he had been when she was pregnant. How sweet he looked when he played with rhea. How was she going to tell him about the truth? HOW? It would break him.

Chapter 10

O no, I see,

I spun a web, it's tangled up with me,

And I lost my head,

The thought of all the stupid things I said,

Bani woke up with a start. It was not the first time she had woken up that night, every few minutes she would find herself awake in a cold sweat at the thought of jai taking rhea away, and she had had nightmares about rhea being dragged away by jai's armed bodyguards. She could not possibly sleep after these dreams, and continued to lay on her bed, looking at the calm and peaceful face of her daughter. Her little girl, the only constant in her life. And now he wanted to take that away too.

O no what's this?

A spider web, and I'm caught in the middle,

I turned to run,

The thought of all the stupid things I've done,

She thought about how he could have found out where she was. She had changed her name and had moved so far away….yet after seven years how did he find her?! She must have done something dumb along the way, such that she left a trail of breadcrumbs for him to follow.

I never meant to cause you trouble,

And I never meant to do you wrong,

And I, well if I ever caused you trouble,

O no, I never meant to do you harm.

But what did he follow the trail to? Hurt and deceit once more? He would be heartbroken if he found out rhea was not his. How would she tell him? She could not bear to break his heart, and she would be lying if she didn't. Dispite his prior deceit, she couldn't bear to cause him any harm. She couldn't break him. She was stuck. She could do nothing to help herself now……

O no I see,

A spider web and it's me in the middle,

So I twist and turn,

Here I am in love in a bubble,

She couldn't help it now. She had to do or die, she had to lie to him, if only for awhile. At least until she found some way to break the truth to him. She had to.

Singing, I never meant to cause you trouble,

I never meant to do you wrong,

And I, well if I ever caused you trouble,

Although I never meant to do you harm.

They spun a web for me,

Bani awoke and got ready to go to work. She woke rhea and dressed her in a pretty pink dress that matched her baby pink top and blue jeans. She then took rhea with her to her office since she had alredy cancelled her admission in her school, and it would take a while for the administrative matters to be sorted out.

"So mommy, we aren't leaving after all?" Rhea asked jovially while in the car.

"I don't know my love……" Said bani, lost in her own thoughts.

"so my plan worked after all…..papa is so convincing!" thought rhea to herself.

As they reached the offices, avi was surprised to see them.

"hi jaan!" he said, giving rhea a big bear hug and looking past the little girl to give bani a curious look.

" we aren't going after all." Said bani. " I shall tell you everything this evening, just let rhea stay with you during lunch ok?"

"ok bani…….i hope you're ok….." said avi.

Chapter 11

Lunch time rolled around in absolutely no time at all. It seemed to bani as though she had just entered her office and now she was leaving, with her tummy laden with butterflies, to see the one man who had wronged her and gotten past her protective cocoon to truly hurt her. But she had to go, didn't she? He would do something drastic if she didn't go. She knew he would.

She lead Rhea to Avi's cabin and settled her down before walking to the parking lot and backing out her baby pink volkswagon beetle. It was an incredibly adorable car, and she had bought it dispite the heavy petrol consumption because the mere sight of it usually brought a smile to her face. However today that failed to brighten the situation as well.

She had worn a sari today, and she just noticed as she got into her car that it was baby pink as well. Jai's favourite colour……. She thought, maybe he will think im trying to gain his favour?! No, I cant let that happen!!! She wore a black blazer over the sari, hoping to cover up the blooper she had unknowingly made. She drove to Caf Coffee Day slowly and in a pensive mood. She thought about what she would tell him, what she could tell him. She had to tell him the truth, but how was she going to break it to him?!

She finally reached the caf and while she was parking noticed a black jag parked nearby as well. So he was here, in wait. She was about to get out of her car when she noticed a paint stain on her blazer. Damn…… she thought. She would have to wear the pink sari in full view after all. She left the parking lot to enter the caf.

She scanned the resteraunt for the black clad man she knew and once (and perhaps still) loved, but she was unable to find him. She was about to leave when she felt a presence behind her. "So you came………." He whispered above her left ear. "Lets take a seat." Bani's heart skipped a beat. He had shocked the wits out of her, and had sent the butterflies in her tummy into hyperdrive.

They took a seat at a corner of the resteraunt and awaited the waiter.

"one irish coffee and one Ice Blended Mocha Latte with chocolate expresso beans." He said, ordering for her as well. He still remembers……She thought as she heard him repeat the exact order that was on the tip of her tongue.

"so bani, I came here to make an attempt." Said Jai, with sincerity in his eyes. Bani looked into his eyes and found herself lost in the pools of sadness and sorrow within them.

"I want to attempt to clear my name, to clear all the misunderstandings between us, and to perhaps bring about a future that will not only benefit us but will be the best for our little girl." He said, looking back at her gaze.

"Mr walia…….." Bani said, upon hearing "our little girl", wanting to correct him.

"No bani. Ive been looking for you for seven years to try to clear this up, you aren't going to be able to brush off what I want to say that easily. No interruptions. At all." He held her hand as he said this, making her loose herself in the familiarity of his touch." Seven years ago, what you saw was a lie. Nothing happened between me and Pia, at all. It was all a misconception that you had. Pia was drunk when she was talking to me, she thought that I was pushkar and she was not making sense. I had no idea what she was saying, but when I got home and pieced it together, I realised that what you heard made things sound incredibly distorted. A misunderstanding has kept us apart, bani, nothing more.Come back to me…….i need you, I need rhea………"

Bani was stunned as she heard all of this. It seemed too good to be true, her dreams were becoming realised, jai was hers again…… how she had wished for this day!

"when your company took up Vijay Chopra's project he recommended you to me to programme my company's administrative programmes, and he mentioned how the CEO of the company was incredibly efficient. When I heard your name I came searching for you and I was shocked to see rhea in your life. When I saw her I knew, her age and her mannerisms show that she is our child. I was so hurt at first but I started to see my daughter for just an hour a day during her recess and honestly, these past few days have been the best of my life…….i love rhea, bani. Please don't take her away from me. Please come back………"

Bani did not know what to do. What could she say now? What escuse did she have to shatter his heart and break him? What would she do to salvage the situation?!

chapter 12

Bani was sitting stunned as ever as she watched jai look at her with pleading eyes.

"bani, my love, I know that when we were married I never got the chance to ask you, so today I want to make up for that." He got down on one knee and took out something small from his coat pocket. He held the object between his forefinger and thumb, and bani was mesmerised as she watched it glisten. "Bani, the light of my life, will you marry me and bring me out of the darkness I have been in for seven years?"

Bani was shell-shocked as jai looked at her with expectant eyes. The entire restaurant had stopped their work to look at them, watching their every move. They started clapping and urging bani to say yes and were commenting on how nice a couple the two of them would make. She looked once more into his love filled eyes, and found herself unable to resist them any longer.

"YES, I will!" She said, willingly falling into his warm embrace after seven long years. He slid the diamond encrusted light coloured ruby ring onto her index finger. Coincidentally it perfectly matched her baby pink sari. Together they left the resteraunt after footing the bill for the drinks and they walked over to the parking lot, where jai told his driver to drive bani's car to her house and himself sat in the drivers seat of his jag. Bani took the seat next to him and asked him where they were going, to which he replied, "Where ive been planning for the past month, darling!"

"But rhea…….." bani said, suddenly remembering the reason for her guilt and trying to muster up her courage to tell him the truth.

"oh yes, our little princess. Where is she? Where did you leave her before you came, love?" he asked, looking over at her as he backed the car out of the parking lot.

"she's with Avi, at the office, but…….." Bani said, still trying to convince herself to tell the truth.

"alright then, its over to your office and then off to my secret location!" said jai, all happy and excited.

He zoomed away to bani's nearby office and asked bani to go up to get his little angel. As though in a trance, caught in a cobweb of guilt, bani went up to Avi's cabin and took rhea. She told Avi that she wouldn't be coming in for the rest of the day, and that she would explain it all tomorrow, before going back downstairs and getting into the jag with rhea seated on her lap.

"PAPA!" rhea screamed as she saw her dear papa next to her driving the car.

"Yes my dear, its really me!" said jai, all smiles, hugging her. "look my dear, I have something for you! A little doll for my little doll." He handed her an adorable doll that looked incredibly like rhea herself. "I had it coustom made for you, my darling. I hope you like it!"
Of course, rhea loved it and was absolutely thrilled. However, bani was still consumed by her guilt. She shouldn't be letting all of this happen. But she couldn't tell him in front of rhea, she didn't know that she was adopted. She decided to think about this later, and plastered a smile upon her face as she watched jai drive them somewhere quite a distance away. She wondered where they were going.

Chapter 13

Bani was amazed as she saw the scenery from the window as jai drove the jag at 80kmph.
"are we there yet?" asked rhea for the millionth time.

"no my darling, not yet." Said jai with insurmountable patience, in a loving and doting voice. "tell me, what have you named your doll?"

As she heard their conversation, bani felt all the more guilty for deceiving jai. How could she tell him that all this love he felt for rhea was baseless?

"yes, my dear, we're there! " said jai triumphantly as he brought the car to a stop and opened the automated doors of the two door jag.

Bani gasped in wonderment as she saw a beautiful beach ahead of her, with virgin white sand stretching out for miles. Silluetted against the setting sun was an elaborate set up that she knew at once was arranged by jai just for her.

There was a huge tent-like structure with balloons everywhere. There were flower arrangements everywhere, constituting of her favorite white lilies. She could smell them from a mile away… The tent was a mere backdrop for a beautiful ornate table set up for three.

The table was simply lit with a single thick stemmed candle and beautiful hand-pained porcelain plates and silverware were arranged in front of each chair. The middle chair was built especially for a child, so that rhea could reach her food. Soft music filled the air as a violinist played at a corner of the tent. A waiter and a chef stood at attention, awaiting their arrival. The whole set up was colour coordinated so that it was a combination of light pink and white, and even the staff was dressed to match this theme.

Bani was touched by jai's gestures. She was stunned by the extent he had gone to impress her. Tears began to flow down her cheek as she was reminded how much he loved her, and as she thought of how much hatred she had harbored for him only a few hours before. She thought about what she was still hiding from him and she felt even more depressed, seeing the special arrangements he had made for rhea. What was she to do?!

Rhea slipped off bani's lap and ran towards the tent in glee, and jai gallantly got out of the car and offered bani his hand to help her out of the car. When she stepped out he noticed her tear-stained face and was alarmed. He began to ask her what was wrong, and why she was crying. She replied that she was so happy to see him again that she couldn't help it. Hearing this, jai's face broke into a dashing smile and his worry-creased brow eased up as he lifted bani right off the ground and twirled her around a few times until she was laughing with glee.

He then carried her over to the tent and set her down upon her chair, helping her push it in after she was settled. He himself sat down opposite her, and turned his attention to rhea, who was by now starting to get a little hungry. Meanwhile, bani noticed a beautifully decorated ornate envelope atop her pink bordered plate. She saw the word "Bani" scrawled upon it in the handwriting she knew so well. She took the envelope in her hands and opened it to find a note from jai.

Dear Bani,
If you are indeed reading this note, then you have accepted my proposal and have agreed to be my wife once more. My darling bani, now that our misunderstandings have become a thing of the past, let us start our life anew, not as we began the last time, with neither of us consenting to our union. Whatever happened, happened with a purpose. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, I know now that this is more then true because not only is my heart fonder of you, it has never forgotten you for a mere moment after you left. Loosing you was like loosing a part of me. I never want that to happen again. Let us start afresh with a new outlook on our life together. After all, we have rhea with us now. I'm sure that she will never let us drift apart again. Thank you bani, for changing my life completely. You have made me a new man, and today, you have restored me to the whole person I was when I was with you. Thank you bani, for completing me
I love you more then you will ever know
Yours always
Jai

She looked up at him with tears clouding her vision once more. He was playing a game with rhea, unaware of her gaze. She looked at the happiness etched upon his face, at seeing who he thought was his daughter smile at him. How could she have the heart to break this faade that was giving him such happiness? How could she?

At that point jai looked up and she quickly wiped her tears, not wanting to shock him again. "Shall we start dinner, dear? Its seven thirty, and rhea is getting rather hungry." He said in a soothing voice, with a cheeky grin at rhea.

"Sure, im hungry too…" Said bani, not really listening to what he was saying as she gazed into the depth of his eyes.
Jai called the waiter over and asked him to bring out the drinks and the first course of the dinner, which the waiter did in record time. He brought out a beautifully presented course of spring rolls and mushroom and French onion soup, which were bani's favorites. With this, he brought a tall glass of Fruti for Rhea, which she was thrilled to drink. He brought also a pair of wine glasses and a bottle of French wine.

As bani sipped the wine she realized it was the same wine that jai had served at her birthday party seven years ago. As she read the label her suspicion was confirmed. She looked up at jai while savoring the fruity and subtle taste that the wine left in her mouth, and caught him gazing at her with a dreamy look in his eyes. She blushed as she started on the first course of the dinner.

chapter 14

The dinner was lovely, and as the sun was almost fully consumed by the sea under it, jai asked bani to dance. Rhea was a little sleepy and contented herself by playing with her new doll while bani and jai took to the middle of the tent and began dancing to the moonlight sonata which was being played by the violinist that jai had hired. It was wonderful to be in jai's arms again, bani thought, as she swayed to the rhythm by following jai's lead.

She remembered when she had first married him, how he had taught her to dance so patiently and had practiced with her until 2am in the morning until she had got it just right. She had simply fallen asleep in his arms after that. She had rested her head on his shoulder and she had lost all knowledge of where she was before she fell limp in his arms. He had carried her over to her bed and even tucked her in. The next morning he didn't even wake her up and she awoke at noon! She smiled as she recalled that sweet memory, and rested her head against his chest once more. He held her closer too, and they swayed as one for awhile.

Suddenly, jai pulled out of their silent embrace and bani looked up to see him gazing up at the moon. "Its so pretty…." He said as he gazed at it in awe. "just like my wife….." he looked down at her with adoring eyes and locked her in his gaze. Bani couldn't help but get lost in those eyes, but she was still troubled within thanks to the secret she had hidden.

"whats wrong, bani?" jai asked, propping her chin up with his soft fingers. "why do you look so troubled?"

"its nothing," bani said, looking away quickly. "why don't we go for a walk?"

"yes, that's a wonderful idea……." Said jai, with a tiny hint of suspicion in his voice. He knew something was wrong….. What would she do now?

They walked down the beach barefoot, with rhea slung over jai's shoulders. They watched the stars as they walked, and jai looked down upon bani as they felt the waves loosen their footing upon the sand.

"bani, you don't know how long ive yearned for a day like this one."

Bani looked up at him in surprise, not knowing what he meant.

"I have my own family. My daughter and my wife. Both of you are mine, and mine alone….im so happy today…."

Bani went straight from surprise to guilt. That isn't exactly true…. She thought. How was she going to tell him? Not now, with rhea here. Rhea must never know. There were so many consequences to that, like psychological problems. She would need to tell him alone.

Soon night had completely fallen, and it was more then midnight. They walked back to the jag and drove back to bani's house. Jai parked the car and carried rhea into the apartment and tucked her into bed. He tenderly kissed her forehead and just sat there, on the edge of her bed, looking at her for the longest time. Tears seemed to well up in his eyes as he gazed upon what he thought was his only child. She was drooling slightly, she was in such a deep sleep, and he just looked at her like she was the most miraculous thing to ever grace the earth. It broke bani's heart.

Finally, after what seemed like eternity, jai walked out of the bedroom and shut the door with utmost care, to ensure his little angel was not disturbed. He turned to face bani with a hint of moisture in his eyes, and he grinned at her as he said, "thank you". She knew what he meant. He was thanking her for rhea. But rhea wasn't hers for her to give. She had to tell him now.

"jai……." She began, unsure of what to tell him. "I need to tell you something."

"what is it, my darling?" said jai, looking down at his wife with utmost affection

"jai, theres no easy way to say this." Bani took a deep breath. "rhea isn't your daughter."

She felt jai's grip on her shoulders go limp. His eyes seemed to have glassed over as his mouth hung open in shock.

"no, its not what you think." Bani said quickly. "jai, shes adopted. After I left, I was so lost I needed someone to love……" bani explained the whole situation she had been in and why she had adopted rhea.

Throughout her explanation, jai did not move an inch. His eyes held the same expression and his mouth still hung open. With every passing second, bani feared his wrath more and more. He was not taking this well at all.

After she was done, when he still did not move, she started to call his name. "jai? Jai?" she called repeatedly, shaking his shoulders.

Suddenly he came to, as though he was awakened from being turned to stone. He gave her one horrified look that said it all, and he looked at her for what seemed like years but was in reality a few seconds. Then he abruptly walked out of the apartment.

"jai! Jai…..jaiiiii…….." bani said soflty as she sank to the floor in dismay. She had lost him again. In the distance she heard his jaguar's powerful engine starting. He was gone. Forever.

chapter15

The sun rose and the rays of sunlight were scattered across the living room like long fingers reaching for bani, trying to snatch something away. Bani awoke with a start as rhea shifted her position on her lap. As she gazed forelornly at the sunlight that fell on the family picture she still clutched in her hands, a tear began to slowly decend down her cheek. Before she could stop its decent, it fell upon her daughters sleeping face, jerking her awake.

"mmmmmm….."

Realising that she had awoken her daughter, bani quickly got up and carried rhea to the couch, trying to make it seem as though everything was normal.

"good morning mommy!" said rhea chirpily, now fully awake.

Bani gulped down her sorrow and wiped her face clean before turning around with a fake smile plastered on her face, and she hugged her little girl.

"where's papa?" asked rhea, her eyes searching the house for the familiar hulking body that was her papas.

Bani's false smile faltered slightly as she tried her best to come up with an answer.

"darling hes……hes gone away for awhile. I don't know when he'll be back…"

"oh no…….who will buy me ice cream now?!" cried rhea, sadness apparent on her face.

"I will, my dear!" said bani, hugging her daughter, letting tears flow freely now that rhea was hidden in her sari's many folds.

It was a Sunday, and so bani decided that it would be good for the both of them to go out somewhere so that their minds were diverted from the gaping hole in their hearts. She decided to go shopping with rhea for a party dress that the little girl could wear to an upcoming birthday bash.

They went to the city area that was populated with hotels and they began shopping for a pretty dress. Just as they were descending the steps outside a shop, bani's eyes caught a fleeting glance of a black clad man getting into a jaguar, before he zoomed off. It was indeed jai, although he hadn't noticed bani. He looked rather haggard and unshaven, as though he had drunk more than his fill the night before. He looked ………broken.

Bani felt herself break at the sight of him, and only awoke from her trance when rhea tugged at her hand and pulled her into the next shop.

But bani's heart was not in shopping anymore. She bought rhea a pretty pink dress in the next shop they entered. She bought matching accessories such as shoes and hair bands at a nearby shop and she dragged rhea back to the parking lot and bribed her into getting into the pink beetle by offering her a mars bar.

She drove straight home and got rhea dressed for the party before dropping her off. Rhea looked incredibly cute, but bani was in no mood to appreciate her cuteness as she hurried to her office even though it was Sunday, and collected all the papers relevant to the ongoing cases so that she could keep herself occupied with work.

She got home and immersed herself in the cases she had to solve and began her programming for the projects that were due months from now. She was still working when rhea was dropped back by her friends mom and she went straight back to work as soon as she had tucked rhea into bed. She could not bring herself to sleep until she had accomplished something, and when she was done with a project she simply fell asleep on her Sony vaio laptop out of pure exhaustion. She cried in her sleep, thinking of jai, and when she woke up, she realised that her tears had caused her laptop to hang up! The keyboard was waterlogged, and she would have to rush to the computer shop to retrieve the data!

She got rhea dressed as soon as she could and rushed to drop her off at school and went into the nearby computer hardware store. The technician, raj, was a friend of hers and when bani came rushing in looking as though she had been awake for ages, he rushed towards her too and grabbed the laptop she clutched in her flailing hands.

"Its waterlogged!" was his diagnosis a few minutes later, after he had taken the computer apart. "Most of your work has been retrieved, but the files under the folder called chopra have all been lost."

"oh NOOOOOO" thought bani. That was the ONLY project due in a week and she had completed it a while ago. she decided that she would finish the project herself and left the shop with her fixed laptop and a determined expression on her face. She would forget him again. She would. Somehow.

chapter 16

It had been a week since jai had left so unwittingly and bani had become numb to the rest of the world.

Rhea was bearing the brunt of bani's sudden disappearance into a world of her own, and was becoming increasingly self dependant, being the understanding child she was.

Bani would leave rhea at her school and go to work everyday, but she would hardly respond to anyone. She would answer people only when absolutely necessary, but that too in monosyllables.

She would hug rhea every night before she slept, and every morning before she went to school, but there was no longer warmth in her hugs.

She would wear the first thing she grabbed in the mornings, and she looked a complete mess as compared to the pulled-together person she used to be. She just didn't want to do those things anymore.

She felt no need for such extra efforts to look pleasant or to make others happy. After all, she had forgotten how it felt to be happy herself. She would do what was necessary, but nothing more.

At work she immersed herself into her laptop and hardly ever surfaced to the real world to chat with her employees or to speak with Avi.

She just didn't want to. All her communication with her staff was whittled down to one-line emails explaining curtly and explicitly what she wanted them to do.

She was depressed, and she knew it, but she didn't want to do anything about it, cause it was just too much effort. She didn't see the point anyway, since she was heartbroken to the point of no repair.

It had taken much counselling and rehabilitation and , mainly, rhea to get her out of this mode the last time jai had left from her life. She didn't want to go through that again.

She went to pick rhea up in the evening from school, as she always did. She looked at her baby pink beetle and thought; it was time to repaint the car. It just didn't reflect her mood anymore. Maybe a black hue would suit more.

But then she remembered, it wasn't worth the effort. What did it matter if the car was pink? She knew that she was only black within, and that was all that mattered.

She drove to the school and parked outside the gate, when a black jaguar zoomed past her. She was reminded of him, but then she suppressed the torrent of rising emotions under a single lone one. Hatred.

She was already late, which was very much uncharacteristic of her. When she didn't see rhea running out of the gate, she became worried. After all, her car was pretty much one of a kind, so rhea would recognise it immediately.

She went over to the security guard and asked where her daughter was, since she knew him personally.

"bani, my dear, she left with her papa!" he said, surprised to see her in the dark about the matter.

"Thank you kaka" bani said, as she left , reeling with the information she just received. Her papa? What did kaka mean by that?

She drove home, reasoning that that would be the best possible place to get her bearings and begin to look for rhea. She could call Avi there too, and they could begin to look for rhea together.

When she got home, however, she found a gold embossed envelope stuck to her door. "To: Bani" it said, simply. She grabbed it, and in her hurry, slapstickly opened it to find a beautiful card inside.

Dear Bani
Meet me at the Rendezvous hotel's presidential suit at 7pm. We'll be waiting.
Love

The letter was left unsigned, and yet it brought a sprig of hope within her. Perhaps it was him.

But she chided herself as she opened the door into her house, and put down her bags in preparation to begin her search for her daughter. Panic still clawed at her within her mind, and fear filled her through and through. Where could her daughter be?!

And yet, her mind somehow was filled with the picture of the letter. Who could have written it? Could it be him? And what did it mean, WE'LL be waiting?

As she went to wash her face and gather her thoughts together, her eyes fell upon a gift-wrapped package lying on her bed. It was a beautifully wrapped present, with golden ribbon tying it together.

She pulled it open gingerly, and was shocked to see a beautiful dress inside. The dress was pink silk, and it was astonishingly simple and yet stunning in its simplicity.

Atop the dress was a small box that was also beautifully wrapped and bani slowly opened it to find a stunning diamond necklace blinking at her, along with matching earrings. Under the box was a note that simply said, "yes, rhea is with me too."

Those few words put her mind at ease as she realised who it was who sent these presents to her. She showered and quickly dressed, trying as hard as possible not to be hopeful.

She dressed in the dress that was gifted to her, and for the first time that week, took a moment to look at herself in the mirror.

She looked horrible, with dark lines encircling her downward cast eyes. Her eyes looked like wells of sorrow, and her pupils were contracted, showing how much she disliked herself.

She was appalled at the site of herself, and she tried her best to make herself look a little better by putting on a little lip gloss, which was the only make up she had in her closet, as she never wore make up anyway. She put on the necklace and earrings, and carried her usual pink purse before she made her way to the hotel.

As she parked her car and turned her engine off, she sat in the dark silence for a moment, unsure of what she felt anymore. She didn't know what she wanted any longer. She didn't know if she trusted him.

He left her again. She had deceived him, it was true, but when he was gone she had realised how much he meant to her and how much she needed him. But was it good to need someone so much? Was it wise to be so dependant?

Sighing she got out of her car and was walking out of the parking lot when she was handed a pink rose by the parking attendant with the letter S on it. She tried to stop him and question him but he disappeared so fast that she couldn't manage to.

She made her way towards the reception where she wanted to ask about the whereabouts of the presidential suit. As she went there, however, a little boy ran up to her and handed her a rose with the letter O on it. She was surprised, and before she could say anything the boy was gone.

When she went to the reception, she got the directions she needed and as she left, she was handed another rose with the letter R pinned to it. She was amazed again and before she could ask, the receptionist disappeared as well!

As she went to the lift and told the bellhop where she wanted to go, she was still amazed and confused. As she got off at the top floor, it happened again! The bellhop handed her another rose with the letter R on it and before she could question him, he had closed the lift doors and was on his way down.

Bani was perplexed, and she went on to find the door to the suit, with the four roses clutched in one of her hands. She found the door, and saw that a fifth rose was attached to it! This one had the letter Y on it and as she pulled the rose out, she saw finally the message attached to the roses.

Her eyes filled with tears as she saw "sorry" spelled out by the roses, and as she realised that she could never live without him in her life.

Suddenly, as she was composing herself before knocking on the door, it opened by itself and she saw a path of rose petals leading to another part of the suite.

She walked carefully upon the path, taking care to squish as few petals as she could, and when she entered the next room she saw ………

Chapter 17

The room was lit only with scores of candles that burned with a romantic glow. She was blinded by them for a second before she saw the sight that she had been yearning to see. Jai stood in the middle of the room with a smiling rhea in his arms! Pink balloons surrounded them. He was clad in a simple pair of jeans and a half-buttoned dark blue Armani shirt. Rhea was also matching her papa and her mama as she was wearing a dark blue and baby pink flowing dress and was beaming at her mom from her perch on her dad's arms.

As bani stood mesmerised, trying to convince herself that it was not a dream, rhea slid off her papa's arms and came running towards her.

"HAPPY VALENTINES DAY MOMMY!" she cried as she ran up to her mother. Bani was pleasantly surprised, she had lost track of what date it was and wasn't even aware that it was valentines day.

She gave her mom a big hug and then ran off as her dad told her that he had ice cream for her in the next room with massi.

Alone in the room at last, jai advanced upon bani and held her dainty hands in his as he whispered, "im so sorry…."

Tears streamed down bani's face as she looked into his large love filled eyes and saw how truthful they were.

"I love rhea too much ……the past week ive been a wreck after leaving you and rhea. And today, when I heard rhea's voice on the phone asking me where I was, I was dumbstruck. She used your phone and called me, so I guess she redialled the number. She was so sad without me…and I was sad without her and you too. Im so sorry bani. Will you forgive me?"

Bani hugged him in response, mumbling that she couldn't live without him. Jai pulled apart from their hug and told bani to hold on for a second. Then he brandished some papers and his Mont Blanc pen, and asked her if she would please sign them.

Flashes of signing divorce papers went through bani's mind as she took the pen and the papers, but her eyes brimmed with tears once more as she saw the heading.

They were adoption papers! "I want rhea to be my daughter……..our daughter." He said, as he looked at her reaction. "let no one know she's adopted, so that there's no chance of anyone finding out, especially rhea herself. Ive told massi that shes our daughter, and I hope that your ok with this……"

In response, bani hugged jai once more, and said, "how could I ever have doubted you?I love you Mr Walia"

"Bani, please call me jai, we are married, isn't it about time?" jai asked teasingly. "please sign the papers so I can get it sent to tarun and finalize the process."

Bani signed the papers and after asking the hotel to send the papers to Mumbai they both went to massi's room to meet her and introduce rhea to her as their daughter.

----------

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

Entry No. 8 :

"When you are with your beloved no matter what day, time, or place you with them every day should be a Valentine's Day to tell your sweet heart how much you love them, sometimes it good for the silence to speak for what you have." This ff is dedicated to all the crazy fans of Jai and Bani

Kuch Na Kaho

Part 1

Bani boarded the plane and reached Goa, and there was already a car waiting for her and she gets in. "Driver please hurry up, and take me to the hospital." She is panicking, please hurry up. After couples of minutes car comes to a stop, Bani looks at the surrounding, "driver this is not the direction of the hospital where are you taking me. Madam to your destination as I was told." Driver: Madam please get off, sir is waiting for you. Bani is worried, and she gets of the car and she sees that she is at the Mandhir. After she leaves the driver calls someone. She carefully climbs the steps, and sees the Mandhir people are praying, and she also prays for the welling being of her family, her Krishna and asks for Ma to reunite with her husband, and prays that he is safe and nothing happens to him. She closes her eyes and then she feels someone pulling her duppta and she turns around and sees a small kid around the age of 7. Ji Beta, Aunty someone gave a letter for you, he says, and he hands the letter to her before she can say anything he runs away. She opens the letter it reads; meet me in front of Mandhir near the scared tree.
She goes there and sees the sacred tree, and remembers when she and Mr. Walia tied the thread around the tree. She closes her eyes and prays, and takes the thread and goes around the tree and is about to tie the knot when two hands come from the side helps her tie the knot. She turns her face around and sees that her Mr. Walia is standing next to her. Jai is just smiling at her, she touches his face, Jai puts his hands on hers and retreats its back and gives him and angry look.

Bani: "Mr. Walia I thought you had an accident, where were you for the past two days? I thought you had an accident, aren't you supposed to be in the hospital.

Jai remains quiet just keeps looking at her. Someone called saying that you had an accident, and I rushed here lucky Raashi and Ranveer had a spare ticket that they gave it to me. I was really scared. "

Jai: "really Bani why were you scared, scared of loosing me why? She looks away; "answer me Bani? Holding her by the shoulders which make her look into his eyes. Tell me Bani why did you rush here? When I mean nothing to you when you have broken the relationship with me, and you longer wear my mangalsuit in your neck or no longer have the sinndoor of my name in your maang. You equal to a vidwa!!! (Bani eyes are shocked, and she closes it quickly) the only difference between you and vidwa is that I am alive and living in front with you. Shaking her, answer me Bani why did you come here, for you and Massi I am dead. He has tears in his eyes. Why are you after a dead person? Who has no shadow, no soul, and has no reasons to live! He grabs her by the waist and bringing her close to him. Why are you here? Or did you come to see that I was dead? So you can have a party over my dead" bo...dy before he can say body there was a thud sound, and he places his left hand on his cheek and looks at her.

Bani has tears rolling down her cheeks, and she is angry. "How dare you say that I will be enjoying and throwing a party when you die? When I found out that you betrayed me with Pia I was shocked, divested, I had lost faith. The true people I trusted betrayed me. I was ripped from inside and out, it was more shocking then when I lost our first child. I was just torn up, and then when I found out two days ago that Pia played a dirty game with us, I was asking myself that was there something wrong with my bringing up. That she played this game with us, she stoop this law to ruin her own sisters life just for some money that is on a paper. I was waiting for you for the past two days, so I can fold my hands (she does that) and ask sorry from you. I was harsh on you, and didn't give you a chance to explain yourself. After two days, someone called saying that you got into and accident, I panicked, I had a fear of loosing, the person I love the most in the world more then any one, even though we are separate I live with your memories. Each heart beat and each breath I take is for you. Even though we are far away, it's the memory that we shared for the past year, gives me a hope to live, and also our coming child (she places the hand on her stomach) will be the proof of the sweet, and sour moments that we had. First when I found out I was pregnant I wanted to kill my child but then I realize that I was killing my own blood my other self. She looks at him and says when I married you I married you for my sisters mistake, but I didn't know when slowly, slowly I started to follow in love with you and you became a part of my life, that when I closed my eyes and prayed, I prayed for you also because I realized I couldn't live a second without you. When I heard that you had and accident I felt like dieing into thousand pieces, I almost died, if something happened to you what would have happened to me and our baby. What would you I tell our Krishna when she or he is born. Mr. Walia I pray to God that before you I die before she is able to say that Jai places his hand over her mouth.

"Bani Kuch Na Kaho, don't say anything, Bani I always wish where ever you are that you are always happy and away from all the pain. Before the death comes to you it will have to pass me."
Bani covers his mouth with her hand, "Mr. Walia just now you said Kuch Na Kahoo, so why are you talking about death" They are looking at one another while Bani's hand is covering is mouth and sad version of the Kuch Na Kaho from 1942 Love Story is played. Their foreheads are touching each other, both of their eyes are filled with tears. Bani: "Mr. Walia I am sorry on for causing you pain and saying that harsh words."

Jai: "No Bani I am the one to ask you forgiveness, I am sorry for saying that harsh words, humiliating you in front of everyone and making you cry. Every drop of your tears that rolls down your cheeks (he wipes her ties and holds her face) they pierce my heart in thousand pieces." He gets down on his knees, and in front of her and takes her left hand and from his right hand he takes out a pear shaped diamond ring, and holds it up to her, and she just stares. "Miss. Bani Dixit will you do me the honor of marrying me here today in the Maha Laxami temple, for better or worse till death do us apart. I hope with this marriage our love and respect for one another grow. I also hope we are able to share our sorrows, and happiness with each other, so there won't be room for a third person to interfere to create misunderstanding. So Ms Bani Dixit the mother of my coming Krishna will you do the honor of marrying me again for the third time, as they say third time is a charm." His last line makes her smile, and so does he smile. The Mandhir bell rings and they both look at it. "Even the gods approve of our reuniting. So Ms. Dixit will you marry me, ok I will ask our child," he places his head near Bani's tummy "hello, hello is anyone home, hey princess ask your mom to marry me, I will be promise to be their for both of the precious little angels of my heart, soul and life, he makes a cute baby noise and says Mamma please say yes" Bani puts her hand on his head, where he looks at him, and she nods and says yes, and he gently put the ring on her finger. "I will marry you Mr. Walia, and I will promise to love, cherish, respect you for the rest of our life's, and I will also talk to you when I suspect that there is something wrong and won't start my spying because it gets us in trouble." Jai: Let's go into the Mandhir and get married? She is shocked and surprised "married, right now, right here in this Mandhir, but I don't have good clothes, and nothing is ready and it looks like the Mandhir is going to close."

Jai: No matter what you wear it looks good, because they represent the person you are from both inside and outside. Relax about the rest, just come with me.

They hold hands and enter the Mandhir hand in hand, and when they enter they touch the floor together. Bani is surprise to see that the Mandhir is decorated like someone's wedding is happing.

She looks at Mr. Walia, "what's going on? Why is the Mandhir decorated like there is a festival? Whose wedding is this?" He smiles at her "Bani this is for our wedding, the Mandhir closes at 8pm today so I asked the Priest to have our wedding here." She gives him a look. He continues, "its better to take chances then to be sorry." She smiles, "well its looks like you have planned everything for us, but I am happy, does your future bride have new wedding outfit." "Of course", some ladies come and right on cue takes Bani to get her ready. After 30mintues Bani comes out looking beautiful in Red color lehenga choli heavily embroidered in stone, bead and sequins work and she is wearing red white khundan set which is similar to her anniversary one but little different, and her hands are filled with red bangles, and she has tattoo mehendi because of the shorts of the time limit. Jai is already at the mandap, and this song plays in the background:

Aye ho meri zindagi me tum bahar banke
Mere dil me yuhi rahena tum pyar pyar banke
Ankho me tum base ho sapne hazar banke
Mere dil me yuhi rahena tum pyar pyar banke
Then get up and do the pheras but this time they hold hands and do the pheras, Mere sathi mere sajaan mere saath yuhi chalna
Badle ga raang zamana par tum nahi badalna
Then he fills the maang with sinndoor and ties the mangalsuit around her neck.
Meri maang yuhi bharna taare hazar ban ke
Aye ho meri zindagi me tum bahar banke
Mere dil me yuhi rahena tum pyar pyar banke

from Raja Hindustani

And they are finally married again with new promises for a new future with new vows to be fulfilled. They take the blessing from the priest and then from take Maha Laxami blessing for their happy wedding life, so both can fulfill there vows made to each other. After the wedding the photograph leaves taking some picture of the newly weds.

Part 2

Jai and Bani get into his car and he drives to their destination to start their new journey together. Bani fall asleep, and while driving he keeps stealing glances at her. After forty minutes or so the car comes to a complete stop, and he looks at his sleeping wife, and moves closer and takes a minute or two to just stare at her angelic face, and then he softly whispers into her ears "Bani we are here". She slowly opens her eyes and sees his two black eyes staring at her Bani we are here, and both of them get out. Its dark Bani only can notice the waterfall fountain in the front yard.

"Mr. Walia where are we? Whose house is this?" "Shhhhhhhh don't say anything, just relax I will tell you everything tomorrow" they walk to the front door. The door opens, and old lay around Massi age opens the door with a Pooja ki thali in her hands and she does the aarti of Jai and Bani, and she does her Ghar Parvesh this time with Jai by her side. "Bani this is Kanta Chachi she takes care of this house, and this is Bablu" her grandson who is around the age of 14. He took pictures of them while they were doing the ceremony. Kanta Chachi "Beta you both look tired, why you go upstairs and rest, I had Maharaj put your dinner up" and she leaves and Bani looks at Jai and her eyes says you had this plan. His eyes reply of course I wanted everything to be perfect. When Bani is about to take the first step on the stairs Jai scoops her up in his arms, and she puts her arm around his neck.

"Mr. Walia what are you doing?" "I am carrying you up to our room" "but", she protest. He silence by looking with her "But what for every step I will charge you a fee." She looks at her husband confusedly "what kind of fee?" He smiles, "for every step you will have to kiss me on the cheeks."

Bani: Hmmmmmm, she lowers her gaze.

Jai: Oh come on Bani I did this much for you can't give me small kiss on the cheeks. Bani: Like this, she places the kiss on his cheeks.

Jai: That's much better.

Every step Jai took he got his award from Bani all the way to his bedroom. Their bedroom was double the size of their Walia bedroom. It was lilted with floating candles, and the fireplace was already set, giving a low glow to the place. It had slanted roof, glass windows on both the sides, a king size oak bed. The bed was set of a Suhaag Raat night, with rose petals and everything. Instead of taking Bani to the bed he takes her to the balcony where it is lilted with red, white, pink candles, and in the middle there is table set for two.

He slowly puts her down, and pulls out a chair for her, and a soft piano music plays in the background. He picks up the bottle and shakes it up and its sprays a little, and then picks up one of the glasses and Bani looks at it and slowly comes kneels down besides Bani and puts it in front of her. She looks at him.

Jai huskily says, "Bani in soft seductive voice I think our child is a reason to celebrate and our marriage and a little sip or two won't harm." He slowly puts the glass near her lips and she takes a sip and he drinks the rest. A soft piano music play in the background as he goes to his seats down feeds Bani the first bite from his plate and she does the same they end up feeding each other, while they stare at each other and their eyes do all the talking. The stars where bright even they were enjoying the company of two people who were meant to be together.

After dinner, Jai gets up from his seat and says "May I ask the beautifully lady for a dance" and she gives her hand to him and they go inside the room where the CD player switches to Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain and Jai and Bani dance to this song has they stare into each others eyes, the roaring fire resembling the passion that Jai has in his eyes for his wife. He holds her closely by the waist and she places her hand around his neck and they have their staring session.

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan

Then slowly one of his hands starts playing across her bare waist, which sends shivers down her spine. Then his hands starts' comes forward with the approval of her eyes, he takes the duppta off, and kisses her forehead. Then her eyelids firs the right, kisses both side of her cheeks.

Khulte badn hote labhon ki ye ankahi
Khulte badn hote labhon ki ye ankahi
Mujhse keh rahi hai ki badhne de bekhudi
Mil yoon ki daud jaayein nas nas mein bijliyaan

His hand starts traveling into her hair taking the pins out, her hair falls on his face, his fingers entwine with her hair makes them loose, inhaling the smell of her jasmine. And then he starts tormenting her by nibbling the sensitive part of her ears. He gently turns around so she is facing him and he kisses her forehead, both of her eyes, and then he travels to her eyes, then kisses both side of her cheeks, then he goes and kisses her neck nibbling them while his hand is playing on her bare waist, making her body on fire. He kisses his way up to where her parting lips waits him, and he slowly captures her mouth with his, enjoying every minute of it, teasing her with his tongue, biting little bit and when he hears her moan.

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan
Baahon ke darmiyaan

He picks her up, and carries her to bed, where he slowly puts her down, and he caress her cheeks stroking them lightly. He starts kissing her, and removing her jewelry first her maang tika, then her ear rings from left then the right, he then takes her bangles out with each one he takes out its replace with a kiss, and finally he puts her down her back and un ties her dori and replaces with a kiss and then he turns around her around kiss her from top to bottom not leaving any spot on her body without a kiss and she pulls him closer to her.

Aasmaan ko bhi ye haseen raaz hai pasand
Aasmaan ko bhi ye haseen raaz hai pasand
Uljhi uljhi saanson ki aawaaz hai pasand
Moti luta rahi hai saawan ki badliyaan

With each kiss they drown into each others love and for their two bodies to become one soul once again and the scene fades away with the moonlights reflecting inside where two lovers and soul mates are reunited after ages of misery.

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan
Baahon ke darmiyaan ……….

The scene slowly fades away as the music fades away where two lovers are reunited into each others arm.

Part 3

It's a beautiful Saturday morning the sun penetrates through the windows, our two love birds sleeping cuddled up into each others arm. The room is scattered with their clothes, and some of the rose petals felled from the bed.

Bani comes out of the bathroom wearing an ivory silk robe that is up to her knees. She looks at her husband smiles; she has tears of happiness from the events of yesterday. When she thinks about what happened after dinner her cheeks turn red. She snaps out of it, and things of a idea to wake him. She goes by the French doors of the balcony and draws back the curtains, and opens the door, sending the morning breeze of air inside.

With his eyes closed, "Bani close the door its clod, and after that come and join me in bed." She nods her, with flirty voice "for that you will have to get me, but since you are in bed that can't happen" She winks at him, and runs to the balcony and sees the scene. The backyard is a beautiful garden that has different varieties of flowers from all shape and sizes. She has one seen them in Indian Movies but never imagined them. She is lost looking at the flowers on the ground below. She doesn't even notice when her husband comes slowly from behind her and wraps his arms around her waist.

Bani: It's so beautiful.

Jai: Not as beautiful as you, he kisses her cheeks.

Bani: Good Morning Mr. Walia.

Jai: Good Morning beautiful, he says huskily into her ears. Still looking at the scene blew, "can we go and explore the garden after we eat breakfast. It looks so beautiful, mesmerizing, I feel like exploring it." Nuzzling her neck, no my dear wife nothing is more beautiful, mesmerizing than you. "I feel like exploring every inch of your body." She lowers her gaze and looks at the garden.

Bani: Mr. Walia, she smacks his hands which makes him let go of her and she turns around and looks at him his hair is ruffled up and he is wearing his black robe. Mr. Walia go and get ready, and after that you can go into the car and get my suitcase so I can change. With a glint in his eyes, "Bani it's just the two of us, and I don't need to see you in more clothes." His fingers trailing on the neckline of her robe, making her entire body tingle. He looks at her closed eyes, and then whispers, Bani why didn't you check the closet; your clothes are in the closet.

Bani: why are you telling me now, when did it come? I could have gotten ready.

She is about to pass, him when he grabs her hand. She turns around and is angry with him, let me go, go take a shower.

Jai: Do you know that you look more beautiful when you are angry. Even though she wants to be mad at him she can't. He comes forward closing the distance between them, and seals her lips with his and he scoops her up and carries her two the direction of the bathroom.

Bani: I have already taken a shower.

Jai: It will be more when we take it together and he whispers something sweet in her ears, which make her blush. The bathroom door is closed with his feet.

After two hours, finally they are ready to have a late breakfast and an early lunch. Bani wears a yellow saree with magenta border and Jai is wearing black jeans with a polo shirt.

Bani: Mr. Walia whose house is this?

Jai: Bani this is our house.

Bani: How come Massi or any of the family members didn't mention about this? When we came last time to Goa, how come we stayed in the hotel not in here?"

Jai: Bani then this house wasn't constructed, I saw the land and fell in love with. When you were first pregnant I thought of giving this house to you when our child was born but that didn't happen. Both of them have tears in their eyes. After our anniversary I wanted to take you here so we can spend some quiet times here with each other. He sighs but that also didn't happen. Looks at her, maybe we were destined to start our new life together in this house.

Bani: Maybe, how long are we going to be here?

Jai: Bani we are going to be here till Thursday, our flight to Mumbai is on Thursday night, before she can ask any other question, don't worry Ranveer and Raashi know about this and they are going to tell the family that you went to Puna because your friend's dad is sick, and I went to Delhi for a meeting.
Bani: That's a lie.

Jai: It's a lie I know it you know it, Ranveer and Raashi know it but they don't. They finish eating their late breakfast/early lunch.

Jai helps Bani clear the table. Jai takes Bani in his hand for her tour of the down part of the house. They go to see that the front yard is half an acre which is also done in flowers, it has camellias, dahlias, hibiscus, in the middle there is a tulsi plant inside a box and in the middle there is a fountain and in a corner of the house as you enter the driver you can see a wall mount garden water fountain that has different shades of water lilies in it. They go seat under the shade of the tree that is facing the house, where they can see the front view. Jai back is against the tree, and her back is against his and he has his arms wrapped around her.

Bani: Mr. Walia the house is beautiful, its like the place you see in Indian movies, where did you get the idea from?

Jai: guess?

Bani: This house reminds me of a song.

Jai raises his eyebrows, which song?

Bani: The song from love story she sings first two lines Dekho Maine Dekha Hai Yeh Ek Sapna, Phoolon Ke Shehar Mein Hai Ghar Apna.

Jai: I remember that movie; I watched it in the 80s when I saw that I wanted a house surrounded by flowers, where I can live with my Dream Girl, putting his chin on her shoulder, since I have found my dream girl I have bought her here with me, so we can have some quiet time together.

Both of them started to talk to each other talk about some of their hobbies, some of their dislikes, and they talked about their future.

Bani had explained to Jai that she is switching lawyers for personal and Walia Group of Hotels because she wants to keep friendship and business associates away. He also agrees with her, and promises her when they reach Mumbai he will contact Shiv Kapoor is a very famous lawyer that takes his business serious. After two hours of chatting they decide go back into the house. Bani couldn't walk so Jai carried her to the house. When they got inside he noticed that she had fell asleep, so he gently puts her on the sofa, and from the spare room brings her blankets.

Part 4

After 45mins Bani wakes up to the smell of Chinese food and finds that the room is dimmed, the fire place is lightened, and the coffee table is put on the side, side table is placed on both sides and in middle Chinese food containers are place with plates. Jai comes out of the kitchen carrying drinks, hey sleepy head you are awake, go and freshen up, I will take out the food for us. I ordered Chinese, food. She gets up from the couch, that's so sweet and she goes to the bathroom and comes out and finds the room lights are off. The candles are lit on the side tables, and the dinner table. Both of them sit down on the opposite direction and they stare at each other they start feeding food to one another.

The song of Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho,Jeevan Meethi Pyaas Yeh Kehti Ho, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho form Blackmail is played while they feed each other.

After they are finished with the dinner, they clear the floor and Jai puts the coffee table back. Bani want's to watch Mohabbetien so she goes and makes some popcorn while Jai puts the dvd on. They both cuddle up in the sofa, where the blanket is placed over them and they watch it. Bani was too lost in watching the movie that she didn't feel Jai fallen asleep. Then when the song Pairon Mein Bandhan she puts the volume up because its her favorite song, and it startles Jai and he wakes up. He is like what, is the movie over and then Bani gives him the look shhhhhhh, pay attention.

Jai: Finally the movie is over what boring three hours, what a waste, I don't know what you find watching this emotional movies.

Bani: That was a good movie I didn't watch it for almost two years.

Jai: Next time when we watch movie I will pick.

Bani: No way, you will pick some action, thriller or suspense. He nods his head in agreement. Either way you will be out numbered Mr. Walia."

Jai: How there is only the two of us.

Bani: No it's the three of us. Krishna and I will out number you.

Jai: You can't do that.

Bani: actually I can because I am eating for two, and I can also vote for two. She raises her eyebrows; the father of my child has to keep the mom and the child both happy to have a happy healthy baby. Ok you win, and they go upstairs and change Bani is wearing pink crisp, cotton classic, a sleek silhouette that's soft to the touch with a Cami top that has adjustable straps. They are cuddled up in the bed.

Bani: Mr. Walia I can't sleep, I want to play a game.

Jai: Bani it's almost midnight and you want to play a game.

Bani: Yes our child is not sleepy and I want to play a game", she sits up and folds her arm.

Jai: What kind of game?

Bani: I want to play tic tac toe three in a row.

Jai: Bani I haven't played that game in the ages.

Bani: I also haven't also played that game, please makes a puppy face, please play with me it will be fun. He looks at her laughs, "ok I will only promise to play just one game." She says this with a little mischief in her eyes, "ok, but it will be with a twist." He sits up, "what twist?" She gets out of the bed and says "I will be back and then I will explain to you".

After five minutes she comes with two writing pad, two pens, and two small plastic cups one is labeled X and the other one is labeled O. She places the pad in between them and she lays on her side facing him. "X or O" she asked. Hmmmmmmmmm X, she frowns darn. Instead of playing Tic Tac Toe 3 in a Row we will play, Jai just looks at her, "hugs and kisses three in the row"

He raises his eyebrows. She looks at him with a mischief in her eyes, "well I thought it's just the two of us why don't we make the game interesting, he indicates to go on with his hand, X means kisses and O means hugs. So I thought why we don't play Hugs and Kisses three in the row."

Jai: What's the rule?, he asked her curiously.

Bani: Lets say for example its your turn, then I will pick a paper from the X cup, which will have a question or anything related to Kisses. If you get the answer right you will place the X on the chart, if not you will just wait for your turn.

Jai: I only get to put X not fair, he crosses his arms across his chest and acts like a kid. She looks at him, "stop acting like a child, ok I will change the rule."

Jai: Lets say its my turn and instead of just answering the questions how about I show you what that kiss is like, and if I win you will have to give me a kiss he has glint in his eyes. If I get a wrong answer you will have to show me what that kiss is or anything related to it and vice versa. Deal he takes his hands out, deal she puts her hands in his and they shake on it. For the next five minutes both Jai and Bani write questions for what they will ask one another. After they are done they put the small pieces of paper in the cups and place one pad in the middle, with the t-chart draw like in the regular Tic Tac Toe game.

Jai: Name a song that we danced through when we married, and I asked you to wear the magenta saree.

Bani: How can I forget its Baahon ke darmiyaan and she places O and he hugs her nibbles her earlobe.

Bani: What' finger hand kiss?

Jai: Its where you take the hand, he takes her hand in his, looking at her in the eyes, while doing this he says, "you gently raise the hand, and lightly brush your lips across your beloved hands.

While he was kissing her fingers, it was making her body tingle. That's correct, he places x on the chart, and he points for her to kiss his cheek and she gets up and places a small peck on his cheek.

Jai: Sing a song that you can call your beloved into your arms. You don't have to sing entire song just the first stanza.

Bani: hmmmmmmmm, she thinks

Jai: You have 30 seconds

Bani: hmmmmmm found it and she leans closing to his ears and sings

Baahon mein chale aao and looks at him has her hand on his shoulder then goes back to her side.
Ho, humse sanam kya parda
Oh humse sanam kya parda
Yeh aaj ka nahin milan
Yeh sang hai umar bhar ka
Baahon mein chale aao
Ho, humse sanam kya parda
Oh humse sanam kya parda
Mm, oh, chale hi jaana hai
Nazar churaake yun
Phir thaami thi saajan tumne
Meri kalaayi kyoon, hm
Chale hi jaana hai
Nazar churaake yun
Phir thaami thi saajan tumne
Meri kalaayi kyoon
Kisi ko apna banaake chhod de
Aisa koi nahin karta
Baahon mein chale aao

"Correct", so he hugs her, and she places an O on the chart.

Bani: What holidays you can kiss your beloved or anyone if you are found under the mistletoe. Name two

Jai: Its Christmas, and Valentines Day

Bani: That's correct she places a kiss on his left, and he places the x on the chart.

Jai: Name the movie that has gale, the movie has a younger brother of legend who is one of tridevs of the Bollywood cinema?

Bani: Hmmmmmmm, I don't remember, one of the legends… it has to be Sashi Kapoor movie since he is the younger brother of Raj Kapoor.

Jai: it's Aa Gale Lag Jaa

Bani: what's a palm kiss?

Jai: It's where you kiss the palm of your beloved. He takes her hand and kisses her palms.

Bani: No she smacks his hand.

Jai: then what, matter fact show me.

She gets up on her knees and moves closer, while he moves the pad to the side, and sits up.

Bani: A palm kiss is where you hold the chin of your beloved with your palm and kiss the lip of that beloved like this, she demonstrates this by kissing him.

Jai: that was mind blowing, which makes her blush.

Bani: let's go back to the game, if I answer this question I win.

Jai: Darling, if you answer it correctly. Let see, name 5 songs beside Baahon Mein Chale Aao and Baahon ke darmiyaan. You can have the Baahon in anywhere in the song.

Bani: hmmmmmm there is baahon mein teri masti ke ghere
saanson mein teri khushbu ke dere from Kaala Pathar,
Tujhe Dheka To Yeh Jaana Sanam from DDLJ
And Aye sanam meri baahon mein aa, Dilse kyon rahe dhadkan juda, Jeena bhi kya tere bina from Kya Kehna "That's all I know, and I give up."

Jai: there's one from Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaata which I heard on Radio Mirchi the other day.

Aaja meri baahon mein banke sanam mera pyaar
Aa, aaja meri baahon mein banke sanam mera pyaar
Dil se mila hai dil us pe mausam bhi hai yaar
Tu hai, main hoon, do badan milne ko beqaraar

And there this another song I heard on the radio last week Kuch Bhi Nahin Kuch Nahin Hai Bin Tere Kuch Nahin Hai, Baahon Ka Sahara De De Jeene Ka Bahana De De from Main Dil Tujhko Diya.

Now its my turn if I win, I will get a back massage from you, gives her a victory devilish smile.

Bani: fine if you win, what's a French kiss?

Jai: Are you sure about the question?

Bani: looks at the paper and reads her question, it's the correct question that its written on the paper.

Jai: hmmmm ok, don't blame me if one thing leads to the other, she just shrugs her shoulder not caring, and he removes the paper, everything from the bed puts it beside the side table. He sits up and pulls her close to him, and wraps his arm around her neck and starts giving her a French kiss, and one thing leads to the others and slowly the scene fades away.

Part 5

It's a cloudy Sunday Morning, Jai feels the spot next to him, and its empty. He opens his eyes and sees besides the bed clock its fifteen minutes past ten. He gets up and goes takes out a shower, comes out and sees that Bani has already put his clothes out. He changes, and goes downstairs "Something smell goods" and he make his way to the kitchen and he the back side of Bani who has her hair in a bun, her saree pallu is tuck in her waist, showing her bare waist, and she is also wearing the waist chain. When he sees her blouse which is of a Criss-Cross dori pattern, his fingers want to go and untie them and place kisses on her bare back. She is wearing shaded magic in six yard grey and burgundy merged georgette saree with classic nine yard border in ring pattern worked with antique petta tiki colored stone embroidery worn with solid magenta choli with bordered sleeves. He slowly tip toes, and goes behind her and hugs her from the back.

Jai: Good Morning darling you look so beautiful today, kissing her cheeks and she also replies good morning. He starts nibble the sensitive part of her ear, making her tickle and his finger running around her waist.

Bani: Mr. Walia live me, I am trying to make prathas, how will I concentrate? She tries to sound mean but fails just my looking at him.

Jai: Bani lets multitask, you make your prathas and I will do my job which is to hug you and kiss you.

Bani: No multitasking I want to do my independent job, turning around and facing him, or you can make prathas while I do something else. Here is the bhelan handing it to him, and he is shocked.

Jai: Bani I think I should leave you alone, so you can finish making the prathas and I will go and set the dinning table for breakfast. So sweet of you and places a kiss on his cheek and pushes him out of the kitchen. She finishes making breakfast. She comes out with the food on the cart, and places it on table. It has pancakes, scrambled eyes, toast, and hash browns.

Jai: Bani where are my prathas.

Bani: Mr. Walia prathas is for the picnic for lunch.

He raises his eyebrows, picnic?

Bani: I decided we can have a picnic in our back yard after breakfast.

Jai: that's a great idea, but after I go to town and pick something and I will back less then a hour. Do you want to go come to the town with me?

Bani: No its ok, I have to do something. They eat breakfast; he helps her clear the table, and kisses her before going to the table. She packs everything for the picnic and gets it ready. After two hours, he arrives from town carrying a parcel which he tells the servants to carry inside the house, and he sees that Bani sitting on her knees which is on a mat, and she is digging dirt out next to the Tulsi box is. He walks up to her, he kneels down, Jai: Bani what are you doing? She snaps at him "can't you see I am trying to plant a rose tree." He looks confused, Bani our garden already has lots of different kinds of roses."

Bani: I know that but I want to plant this rose, because its special and I will tell you after I am done planting" She places the rose tree in the dirt, covers it and waters the plant.. He helps her get up in the process end up getting his hands dirty, and they walk inside the house, and they go and wash their hands. He looks at Bani, and puts his hands around her neck and she does the same.
Jai: So Bani tell me why did you plant that rose, despite us having lots of rose plants in the garden.

Bani: Well I planted that rose, because it's a single red rose plant, it will grow and bloom like our child grows inside me, she places his hand on her tummy. He is touched by her words and he places a small peck on her forehead.

Jai: But where did you get that plant from?

Bani: I asked Bablu to go to the town, when you were sleeping and buy me that plant. They eat small lunch.

She goes and changes wearing a pink and back saree that has an strapless tube top blouse and she also has a shawl in her hand just for emergency. Jai is knocked out by how beautiful and mesmerizing she looks. They decided to cancel their picnic and have it inside. After they are finished eating, Jai takes her to explore their backyard garden that is one acre which has different kinds of fruits trees, when you walk 15 minutes into the backyard you will enter a maze that is shape of a flower and in the middle of the maze there is a water fountain. On one side of the yard there is tennis court and small golf course and also 30 minutes away from the house there is an outhouse.

Jai and Bani are holding hands, and she is leaning her head against his shoulder. And they walk in the garden. From his pocket he takes out his digital camera and takes picture of Bani, by different flowers in different position, and also she did the same for him. They took several close up pictures. He also picks some flowers for.

This song plays in the background while the above scene was happening.

Dekha Ek Khwaab To Yeh Silsile Hue
Door Tak Nigahon Mein Hain Gul Khile Hue
Yeh Gila Hai Aapki Nigahon Se
Phool Bhi Ho Darmiyaan To Faasle Hue
Dekha Ek Khwaab...from Silisla

Part6

They decided to go near the stream, and watch the sunset, after the sunset they decided to head back. They hear a thunder sound, and the wind starts to blow, making her shiver and goes even though she wraps her arm around herself, and he sees this and pulls her closer puts his arm around her, and rain starts sprinkles on them. When they are walking back they hear loud thunder noise again, which make Bani hug him tightly dropping the flower he had gathered for her and then the rain pours on them and they are both soaking went. Bani looks up and sees that Jai is staring at her, then her gaze travel to his wet face his wet hair dripping to his face, his white silk shirt sticking to his body like bee sticking to a honey. She breaks their eye contact and is about to walk away but she feels him holding her saree back and he slowly pulls her back by holding the saree pallu. He pulls her back to him so her back its his chest and he kisses her neck, and his other hand starts traveling on her hair and pulls the bun out, and makes her hair it his face, and he closes his eyes. He moves her hair to the side and kisses her left side of the neck and he travels his lips to her bare back, his lips makes her feel that her entire body is on fire, and she closes her eyes, eyes breathing becomes fast. His travel down to her bare back and rakes his fingers across her back torturing her while enjoying the moment. He turns her around, but she is too has her eyes closed to scared to look into the eyes of her tormentor and drown into them.

Bheegey hont tere, pyaasa dil mera
Lage abra sa, mujhe tan tera

Jam ke barsa de, muhj par ghatayen
Too hi meri pyaas, too hi mera jaam
Kabhi mere saath, koi raat guzaar
Tujhe subah tak main karoon pyaar
vo oh oh...

This song can be heard in the back ground while the scene from below happens.

He lifts her chin up with his palm and makes her look at him, he stares at the water dripping from the from her head to her eyes, then covering her delicious pink lips. His eyes travel down to her collar bone, then to her blouse which has become transparent, and then down to her waist where her wet saree is clinging around her waist sticking it and the waist chain hanging close to her body. With his finger he plays with the small bells, making them feel cold against her wet saree. She can feel the heat be created just by his gaze, he doesn't need to touch her, the way his eyes are traveling from head to toe make her feel that she is undressed. Then his eyes travel back to her lips, and he bends his head down capturing it, while holding her by her waist.

Sansen aach teri, tan aag tera
Chhenain neend meri, loote chain mera
Kala jadoo kare lambe baal tere
Aakhen jheel teri, dore laal tere

He turns her around so she has her back against his wet body, and he puts both of hands on her waist, while he puts his chin on her shoulders, and he is slowly rocking her gently side to side with the rhythm of rain. Then he starts nuzzling her neck and whispers seductively, "dance with me". He lets go of her, and comes in front of her with intense eyes looks at her. She looks at him, "Mr. Walia, there is no music"

Jai: shhhhhhh (places his fingers on her mouth) Kuch Na Kaho, coming close so their only an inch way, whispers hoarsely "listen to the rhythm of the rain, it will match the rhythm of my heartbeats mixed with the rhythm of your heartbeat, they will combine and create music that only our hearts can hear."

He twirls around and goes down on his knee and holds his hand up to her and she accepts his dance proposal. They dance a slow dance in the rain making their heart beats the music to their ears, just staring into each others eyes, having nothing said but whole lot being said. He picks her up, and carries her to the nearest shelter which is the outhouse. The out house only has two bedrooms one is master, and a big living room, with dinning, and kitchen. He takes her inside the master bedroom and puts her down on the bed. Puts the logs that where already there and makes fire.

From the corner of his eyes he watches her gather her wet hair and squeeze the water out. The strong wind coming from the open windows of the room blows her saree pallu off her shoulders, exposing her cleavage. Even though she is not looking at him she can still feel his hot gaze on her body. She gathers her pallu, and goes to close the windows, of the room. She closed the second one but on the last window, it got stuck and two stronger hands come from behind her and help her close the windows. She turns around, and their lips gently, brush one another, and their eyes locks. She breaks their eye contact, and is about to walk past him, when she feels the tug on her pallu and making her pallu fall from her shoulder. Then slowly turns around, and sees that her pallu is stuck in the window seal. He opens the window to free her pallu. With a dangerous look in his eyes, he picks the saree pallu, walks toward her, with each step he takes it makes her heart ponder, thump, thump, and she takes a step back before she falls on the bed, he comes there in a flash, and grabs her by the waist, and slowly both of them land on the bed. His hands tracing her fingers, kiss from her head to her cleavage the going back, and kissing the spots once again. He softly whispers into her ears, go and change, I will bring for us something to eat.

After couple minutes he comes into the bedroom with a tray in his hands, and sees her petite body wrapped around the spare black sheets , showing every curves of the body, looking outside the rain. Then she slowly turns around, and he places the tray on the floor by the fireplace, and leaves to change. Few minutes later he come out bare chest wearing only his box, has he joins her on the floor where she has placed comforter and some blankets and cushions. He sits on the opposite direction looking at her face, and sipping his hot chocolate and she does the same. While the fire reflects over both of their faces, and they eat some noodles soup and crackers. After that he places the tray on the side. And they keep on staring, at one other daring the other to break the eye contact. Then slowly he comes closer to her, and removes her hair and kisses her bare shoulder. Then he captures his lips on to her, teasing her then capturing it enjoying every minute of it. Her hands travel into his thick hair, while placing the other one on his bare shoulder. Slowly and quietly brings her closer in his arms, and then slowly go down on to the soft comforter, wrapped into each others arms. The scene fades away has the fire in the fireplace dies out.

Part 7

When you are with your beloved days will seem short, you will just want to spend some quality time with whether is eating dinners, walking in the garden, dancing in the rain, or just cuddling in the sofa and watching a movie. No matter what Jai and Bani, they were really happy that after a long time, they came together, for the better, and this time they got to know a lot about one another.

On Monday, Jai and Bani went to the Mandhir, after that he took and hotel for breakfast, after that they went to the clinic, and they both got shots for dancing in the rain. Jai held Bani's hand when she got the shot in her harm. Then he took her shopping at the mall where they brought lots of stuff. Bani and Jai decided to split up for one hour and do a shopping separately, where Bani bought 8bags of chocolates, a teddy bear which she asked to be delivered on Wednesday. After one hour they meant at the food court, and they ate lunch together. Shopped for another hour and they went back to their car and put the shopping stuff in the trunk. After that Jai took Bani to watch old classical Kabhi Kabhi, which they were playing as special for the month of February. After the movie was finished, Jai bought Bani a cotton candy, and they shared the candy. He took her too one of the finest restaurant for dinner. Then they drove back home taking a long way back. After coming home they just retired to their room cuddling in their bed with one another.

Tuesday they went for a one day cruise around Goa, where Bani worn a pink tank top with white Capri, and white jacket on Jai's request. Its one of the outfits he bought for her. She only worn that, with a condition that if he let her dye is white streaks black, and then he gave up to her request because of her pleading puppy dog eyes combined with how a 5years old kid acts. After the cruise they went, and walked on the beach, hands in hands watching the Sunset into the deep blue ocean waters. He takes her to restaurant that is near the beach, they have a romantic candle light dinner, under the full open stars twinkling above their heads. When they get home, Bani gives her husband a back massage for winning the XOXO game.

Part 8

February 14th, 2007

It's a beautiful Wednesday morning for a perfect day to start your romance with your beloved. The sun penetrates into the room; she stirs in her sleep, and she wakes up to the aroma of oil scent mixed with strawberry coming from the balcony. She sits up on the bed, and sees a card left on his pillow with a single red rose attach. She picks up the roses, and opens the card. As soon as she opens the card, roses and violets petals fall out of the envelope on her lap. The cover has red heart shape that says My Heart Beats for you and you are someone special in my life. Then she opens the card, and sees that it is written in his handwriting with red pen saying:

"Good Morning My Darling Sleeping Beauty Wife, which makes her smile

When you walked into my life, I didn't realize that you were an angel that came into my life. Showed me the way to love, and live my life again. The small things, and small stuff you care about for everyone, is just amazing. You heart is filled with gold that has big room for everyone. Your eye is full of concern and love, for your dear ones. You appearance in my life has changed everything and it made me realize what love really meant. I wish there was place that I could take, protect and hide you from the world. Where its only you, and me and our cricket team meaning how kids, the symbol of our love. She laughs No matter what, I buy or give there is no way to say thank you for all the things you have done for me and my family. There is no money in the entire universe and no words in the dictionary to describe the person you are and how much you truly means. There is one request that I have from the bottom of my heart, and my hears are ringing to hear is when you will call me Jai, only Jai, because I am only your Jai, and I am made just for you. When you call me Jai, I will be the happiest person in the world. My ears are waiting for you to call me that instead of Mr. Walia, it sounds like that I am your boss." At the bottom she reads, yours truly Jai.

After reading this letter she had mixture of feelings, from happiness to tears of the joy. She grabs her robe that he had put for her. When she steps on the carpet instead of her feet sinking into the rug, her feet lands on something soft, and when she looks at it there is narrow rose petals of pink, yellow, white, peach, orange and red leading out to the balcony. Before following the path she picks up the note that says, "let your feet touch the ground, or the petals will complain that you tender feet didn't give the honor to crush them" She follows the path of the petals, comes to the balcony and it leads to the far ahead of the balcony where the scent is becoming closer and stronger. Then her eyes see that on the far left side of the private balcony which no one can see, it's lilted with candles, all around and in the middle there is Jacuzzi that is being it up. Then out of the corner Jai, comes out in his black robe he looks cute and young since his hair has been dyed. He comes forward with a pink rose, and hands it to her, saying "a beautiful rose for a beautiful lady" thanks her hand and kiss her finger to his lips while staring at him. Will the pretty lady do the honor of joining my company me in the hot Jacuzzi where it waits for your appearance?" Waving his hand in the direction of the Jacuzzi, and she is just to speechless to speak, with a pleasant surprise from her husband in the early morning, so she just nods her head in an agreement and lets him lead the away.

Two hours later they are in their bedroom getting dressed, both Jai and Bani are by the dresser, and they keep staring at one another from the mirror while Kuch Na Kaho plays in the background. He takes her to the bed, and hands her present, she questions him with her eyes, and he indicates with his eyes to open them. When she opens it, she sees a beautiful picture of Jai and Bani, from the Mukesh Mill accident, right after where he saved her, pink hearts in white background is all had their pictures, and on the right side it has the Kuch Na Kaho song lyrics from 1942 Love Story.

Siggy I

From the frame she looks at him with an Awwwwwwww expression, where did you get this picture from? She looks at him, with an expression that is priceless for a girl in love that has found treasured jewel. Holding the picture frame with her, I got this picture from the cameras that was installed in the Mukesh Mill, and I thought this will be our song because firstly I sang this to you in front of everyone, and this the first dance after our wedding where you both looked like couple in love. She nods her head in an agreement, and he helps her put the picture right on top of their fireplace. "Thank you for a wonderful, gift that is priceless, she says with a tear in her eyes. He wipes her tears with his fingers, replaces it by soft kiss on her eyes, "There is no need to say thanks, it's for both of us, it will be one of the memories I will cherish" and then he kisses her forehead tenderly. Then for the first since they have been married, she takes the first move, and tip toes on her toes, and kisses him on the lips by capturing her lips with his and then the both break apart. "I think you deserve a treat for everything you did." Hmmmmmmmmm sounds good, if I get awards like this I will do treats, every second that I get an chance. With lovely look in eyes, do you know what day it is today? He is looking at her with lovely, lovely in romantic mood, of course I do she says it excitedly, indicating him to bring his face closer to her and he does that, slowly and seductively she whispers into his ears "its, Rose Day" Jai pulls his face back, and looks at her, with a expression, like someone has puncture his heart. He is shocked to react, "What?"

Bani: "Of course how can I forget today, is rose day, that's why you left me rose, first thing in the morning, and then inside the card, had a beautiful path of rose petals", she said that with an innocent look. He smacks his head, and shakes it. Are you ok Mr. Walia?

Jai: No Bani I think I have an headache. (holding his forehead)

Bani: Awwwwwwww poor Bani, she kisses his forehead, just wait one minute, goes into the bathroom, and comes out with glass of water and aspirin. Jai is sitting on the sofa, here you go, handing him the water and the aspirin, he is just looking at her dumb founded. He takes the glass of water, and gulps it down, and hands the empty glass, in angry but cute voice "keep your aspirin with your self" handing the aspirin bottle to her and stomps out of the room.

Bani: is wow, talk about mood swings, she ignores it.

Both of them eat breakfast quietly, he barely its his food, and plays around with it. For the first time see he came to Goa with Bani, he actually reads the business paper. Bani is trying her very best not to laugh. When she is clearing the table, his cell rings, and he is angry after that call.

Jai: Hmmmmmmmmm Bani

Bani: Ji

Jai: I have to go to an meeting, I won't be back until the evening.

Bani: ok, its cool

Jai: Cool? He is annoyed by Bani's care free behavior

Bani: yes it's cool before I will also go out, with some of my Mt. Abu friends that came to Goa. Is it ok with you?

Jai disappointed, I guess so, have fun, here is my credit card, (handing is his credit card to her)

Bani: thanks, good luck in your meeting, he rolls his eyes, yea, yea whatever. He kisses her on her forehead, and leaves without saying good bye.

Around 8 in the evening Jai returns home with shopping bags in his hand. When he opens the door he that there is trail of Hershey kisses, that leads from the entrance to the dim stairways, where on both sides touch up lamps are on. The trail of Hershey Kisses leads into his bedroom and on to his bed. (hen Jai was walking and following the Hershey Kisses trail he picked up the Hershey Kisses and put in his shopping bag.) He walks up to his bed, and picks up the last trail of Hershey Kisses, and he reads the note which is written in her hand writing saying "I wish instead of the kisses it was me to kiss you from head to toe"

Take Care Bani He smiles, and then he picks up and red box that has roses cross on it. "For an precious rose in my life that I can't live a day without." He sits down on the bed, and wraps the gift to find a note saying, "Out of the million frogs, that I meant and seen, you are the true Prince of my heart forever and for always, that I have found who is just perfect for me in every way" He takes out the not and the cover, he laughs at what he sees that inside the red box there is chocolates shaped frogs in different shapes and sizes but there is only one perfect frog that is the Prince who is wearing the crown. He nods his head, and then he looks at Bani's side and there is a cute medium size white teddy bear, that is facing his side, saying Be Mine, and there is message attach, "You are my cute cuddly wuddly teddy bear that I like to snuggle with no matter where I am. I just only need you to be by my side, and I will feel the luckiest women on earth because my beloved you are most precious jewel that I have in my life forever and for always till death do us apart." He has tears of his happiness, and then he goes inside the bathroom to fresh up, which is also lit with candles, and there is a bucket of wine ready for him in the spa which is filled with rose petals. There is kiss shaped chocolate with another note saying, Sorry I wish it was me instead of the rose petals sticking to your body, but can't be here, enjoy your wine, and don't dream about me."

After one hour he comes wearing is bath robe, and drying his wet hair, and he sees that his clothes are taken out on the bed for him, which is of black Armani suit. This also has note attach saying, for every Prince Charming, there is Princess waiting for them, so my darling handsome Prince, your Princess is waiting for you outside our balcony.

He reads the note and smiles, and goes to their balcony, and he sees that the balcony is surround with lots of pink balloons, arranging from different shades of pink. The balcony railing have lots of pink balloons that are hanging on the railings, swishing in and out as the wind blows the blows, its goes back and forth creating a rhythm with the wind. In the center the surrounded with lots of candles and roses petals that range from red, pink, and yellow making an heart shape around an round table set for two with candle light, with pink balloons hanging on each of the chairs. He feels, soft hands covering his hands and he turns around to see his precious angel dressed in his favorite color, looking beautiful with her hair down, with light curls. She is wearing an traditional saree drape combined with modern style fuchsia pink georgette saree embellished in border buti embroidery with spanking swarovski crystals work with highly modern high neck halter choli with tapered wais. The pink saree clinging to her body and showing the perfect curves making her look hot and sexy. One look at her in this saree, made his eyes sparkle making him forget the reason why he was angry with her. Taking her in his arms he gently kisses her forehead, saying, "thanks for the cute little notes, it made my day."

Bani: shhhhhhhhh, he is silenced by her fingers on his lips, and she says softly, shhhhhhhhh Jai, Kuch Na Kaho, just listen to your heart. He takes her hands in his and holds it up, what did you say?"

Bani: Just listen to your heart

Jai: No before that

Bani: Kuch Na Kaho

Jai: No before that

Bani: Jai

Jai: Ohhhhh Bani, he hugs her like he has found lot treasure. You don't know how my ears were aching to hear the word Jai from your mouth. Wrapping his arms around her shoulder he leads into their bedroom, wear he makes her sit down on the sofa. He puts a diamond necklace around her neck, and then he puts a earring on each of her ears. Before and after he places the kiss around her neck and her both of the ears, making her cheeks match the color of her saree. Then he hands her an rectangular box, and she opens it, and she finds a crystal glass picture frame:

Siggy J

with their wedding anniversary picture in the background where they are hugging each other, and she is leaning her head on his chest and the picture from the Mukesh Mill. There is picture from their C-Night, where he first kissed her forehead, and a picture from there dance of Anus Sangeet, and their recent picture where they were hiding in the telephone booth. He takes his palm makes her face him, staring into her eyes and he says, "these are some of the memorable moments that I shared with you, and I will have an story to tell to our future generations (he takes the frame and places it on the coffee table, holding her hands in his) and Mrs. Bani Jai Walia we will have more memorable memories to had with more stories with each pictures like each of these pictures tells a story about an event that occurred that day. As minute, hour, day, weeks, months, years passes, my hearts what stop loving you and each of the passing day will tell "I love You Very Much." Bani has tears of joy in her eyes, she can't help it but to roll down her cheeks. He wipes it gently, with an concern in his voice he says, "Bani why are you crying?"

Bani: Jai repeat it again.

Jai: Repeat what?

Bani: that you love me

Jai: I will say it million times, Bani I love you so much. She hugs him back. After 5 minutes they go back outside in their balcony and enjoy their dinner. They feed each other. After they are done with the dinner, Bani takes out an heart shape chocolate cake that says Happy 1st Valentine Day, and they both blew out the single candle together, and they cut the cake and feed it to each other. After the dessert Jai asks Bani to dance outside in the balcony and she agrees by nodding her head. (There was already an portable cd player there) Jai places his hand on her waist and she has her arms around his neck, staring into each others eyes like love birds.

The song that plays while they are dancing lost into each other eyes is:

Kuchh na kaho kuchh bhi na kaho
Kuchh na kaho kuchh bhi na kaho
Kya kehna hai kya sunna hai
Mujhko pata hai tumko pata hai
Samay ka ye pal thamsa gaya hai
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon
Bas ek tum ho
Kuchh na kaho kuchh bhi na kaho

Kitne gehre halke shaam ke rang hai chhalke
Parvat se yoon utre baadal jaise aanchal dhalke
Kitne gehre halke shaam ke rang hai chhalke
Parvat se yoon utre baadal jaise aanchal dhalke
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon
Bas ek tum ho
Kuchh na kaho kuchh bhi na kaho
Sulgi sulgi saansein behki behki dhadkan
Mehke mehke shaam ke saaye pighle pighle tanman
Sulgi sulgi saansein behki behki dhadkan
Mehke mehke shaam ke saaye pighle pighle tanman
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon
Bas ek tum ho
Kuchh na kaho kuchh bhi na kaho

When they hear the sounds of the fire crackers bursting in the skies, they both touch their foreheads together, and they wish each other "Happy Valentine's Day", before their lips is sealed in a passionate kiss.

Kya kehna hai kya sunna hai
Mujhko pata hai tumko pata hai
Samay ka ye pal thamsa gaya hai
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon
Bas ek tum ho

She leans her head against his shoulder and they slowly dance into the night.

The End

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

Quote

Sangita

@sangitadas

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#10

Entry No. 9:

Naya Pyaar

OMG!! I told we should have gone to that party now were late for class, man this is your entire fault.

Naina, would you just shut up, I don't know if you have noticed but you are like totally ruining my sleep right now!

Naina- Is that the only thing you can think about, get up you spoilt brat!

Tina-arrrrghh...I am up, happy? And look, here Miss Maharani is still sleeping; Tina lifts the blanket and sees the girl's feet on the pillow.

Naina- Bani, yaar please get up, unless you want to be lectured for the rest of our lifetime!

Bani- Arghhh...fine, (Silently: You guys are really the limit) Okay, okay I'm awake," she said groggily, sitting up. Bani rubbed her eyes. Though she wanted to move the mirror, the glare served useful at wakeup time. Sitting up in bed, she began shaking her black hair, talking to the reflection as to a familiar friend.

Bani- How is it in the morning; I can still look as dashing as ever?
Naina: Finished, now get up…NOW!

Bani: Hellooo, you are not my mother, anyway, you go to class I will join you later.

Off the girls went to class, leaving Bani behind to join them later.
In another bedroom...a cell phone starts to ring....

Karan- hello?

Raahil -Karan you idiot, duffer, stupid u know what time it is, where the hell are you guys???

Karan- Man I totally forgot! Thanks Raahil, let me go wake the other 2 idiots; GUYS get up..JAI…ARJUN….NOWWW!

Arjun-Huh, Oh lord Oh man OH SHIT. HURRRRY! ; Arjun runs around and gets ready for class, last time he was late, he didn't seem to see daylight for two whole days.

As Arjun and Karan get they quickly head out to class completely forgetting about Jai.

The Alarm suddenly goes off to appalling rock music, instead of waking you up, it would give you nightmares! Just as Jai presses the snooze button of his Alarm clock, fortunately his phone rings!
Jai: Ufff, Hello..In a rather groggy voice!

Raahil- Hey have you guys left yet?

Jai: left?

As Jai gets up he notices that Arjun has left without him..Argh that duffer! As he is getting up he looks in the mirror, and thinks to himself, wah wah, how can a girl ever resist! And he goes to get ready, with a smirk on his face!

* * * * * * * * * *
Bani comes out of her room wearing a pink skirt down to the knees with a white tank top and pretty silver stilletoes, dressed to kill! At the same time, Jai comes out in jeans, and a black designer shirt, also dressed to kill. Just as they are walking out of their dorms, which by the way are next to each other, they end up spotting one another! And suddenly both start running!
Bani thinks Oh God, this idiot is here! He better not reach class before me...At the same time Jai is thinking the sameJ.You must be wondering, Jai and Bani, whats wrong with these two? Jai and Bani have known each other for the longest time, now anyone would think that this makes them the best of friends, but instead its more like they're the best of enemies. Both families have been friends since childhood, but Jai and Bani seemed to always have something against one another! Jai's dream is to be a docter as Bani's is to be a lawyer, every year there is HUGE competition on the highest marks, best percentage, and the list could go on! In short both always thought of each other and competition.Everyone at St.Marine's school knew that maybe just maybe one day the earth and sky would meet, but NEVER would Jai and Bani. Fortunately or unfortunately(it could be anyway) faith had something else in store for them!

Anyways back to the present day with Jai and Bani, both see eachother and straight way start racing! Both Jai and Bani were star soccer player, so both could run very well. Both were running from different directions and both sort of met each other in the garden in front of the College. Bani just looked at Jai and gave him a cheeky smirk, suddenly she pushed a confused Jai into the dirty mud, and ran of to class, but not before once turning around, and sticking her tongue out at Jai!

As Bani sits in her desk, just getting there in time, she sees Jai walking in with mud all over him, just after the bell!

Bani: Oh oh oh oh, Ms Bhagmattichandrakin, looks like Mr. Jai. Walia, is very late, and as well as late look, how dirty he is looking, Ms Bhagmattichandrakin this is not right.

Jai: Ms.B – I got here just in time though!

Ms B: First of all Jai it is not Ms B, it is Ms Bhagmattichandrakin, and second of all we had decided last week, that you wouldn't be late. I'm sorry Mr.Walia but your in for detention today, I'm afraid you'll have to miss your soccer practice for today!

Jai: Yes Ms. B-B-B-B

Bani: Bhagmattichandrakin

Jai just gives a glare at Bani and watches her go off to sit with her two friend Naina and Tina, while he went to meet his buddies, but not before whispering something like " I will get you" when he walked past Bani!

Tina- Wow Bani, that was awesome, you really showed him!

Bani- Damn right I shower him, he won't forget this for a while!
At the same time Jai Karan and Arjun were chatting on the other side of the classroom

Karan: Dyyaam Jai, how did you let this happen Jai?

Arjun- Don't worry yaar there is always tomorrow.

Back to the girls

Naina- Oh Oh Oh, I am so excited for the Valentine's day dance, now tell me guys, I need a way to get Jai to ask me out!

Bani: Heyy, what are you my friend, or his?

Tina- Its not her fault his looks can kill, out of all guys Bani, why do you have to friends with the hottest one.

Meanwhile at the boys side

Arjun: It's not Karan's fault Bani is one of the best lookin woman in the school, out of all girls, you have to be enemies with her!

Jai and Bani at the same time -PLZ...ewww...forget it…Never!
The end of day bell rings and everyone disperses of to their dorms, Bani Naina and Tina, had a perfect spa planned out, relaxation, nailpolish, massages, and the works. They thought it would be perfect…..Just perfect!

Bani: Ohh man, this feels so good, what a perfect day!

Naina- Im surprised Jai hasn't done anything yet!

Bani: What can he do, girls were just to damn good!

Tina: Phir Bi, we still need to stay somewhat alert.

Just outside the girls' room!

Jai- shhh lets see how smarty Miss Bani Dixit reacts to this, shut off the power

Karan: I'm on it.

Inside the room

Bani: Ahh, Ahhh Booooothhhh

Naina: Shut up Bani, it's just the power

Tina: Let's go and check outside!

They walked into the hall, but were surprised when they found the hall lights on, they were walking to the elevator to go downstairs, and at the same time...Arjun and Karan are right behind them wearing masks, they tap the girls on their shoulders which of course scares the hell out of them, Just then Jai brings out a BIG bucket of water, and pours it on Bani, making her look like a ghost. Jai then does the worst thing ever; he snaps pictures of Bani in that state. Boy was she was a sight, and boy were these pictures going to be a HIT!

Jai- Kya hua...daar gi and smiles, just then the elevator opens and the boys step in, and as they are out of sight

Bani screams-JAI WALIA!!!! I'll get you, YE WAADA HAI! Now you will see the real Bani Dixit!

Its morning time, Bani, Naina, and Tina walk into the school to see everyone pointing and laughing at them.

The girls realize that the boys have posted all last nights pictures around the school! Bani is ready to murder Jai but is held back by her two friends!

Bani thinks: Jai Walia I will NEVER leave you!

Jai and Bani head to their class, while Bani seems to have en evil smirk on her face, Jai sits in his chair and falls down to realize he has broken the chair, everyone bursts out laughing, and Jai straight away knows who has done this!

Well this is Jai and Bani, both trying to get back at each other in one way or another, BUT they only person who can ever tame them is Raahil, Bani has had a bit of a crush on him, as well Raahil has a soft spot of Bani, he is both Jai and Bani's close friends. He is always the one breaking up their fights. Secretly he had a bit of a crush on Bani also!

Jai- Eww, c'mon Bani Dixit??? How can you go for her?
Puhleese there is no way I am helping you with this!

Raahil: C'mon Jai, you guys are family friends. If you tell her family you want to go out with her for dinner or something, then they will agree. Its not like you actually have to go out with her, after that I will surprise her.

Jai: C'mon ask her friends to help you with that! And why would you want to go out with her?

Raahil: Pls yaar, for me???

Jai: Fine, but if she does anything smart I will leave her in the middle of Timbuktu

Raahil: Where?

Jai: Eggjactly!!!

As Bani is talking on the phone, and Jai appears out of nowhere, Bani looks around to see if any of her family members are around thinking Jai wants to meet one of them.

Bani: with a sarcastic smile…what do you want no one is home!
Jai: Stop with the fake smile, I can see how happy you are to see me, I don't want to talk to any of your family members, and I want to talk to you. Will you go out with me? Tonight?

Bani: Huhhh?

Jai: Okay, well you think I would actually ask you, here is the real story, Raahil is in love with you, and he wants to surprise you so he wanted to me to bring you to the restaurant he was going to surprise you at! So he can… (breathes) Well c'mon you can thank me now?

Bani- thank u for what?

Jai: Jai breath Jai breath, I will pick you up at 7 do NOT be late!
Bani: Okay whatever, I got it. She kicks Jai out, and ponders on what to wear for her date with Raahil tonight!

It's evening time Bani is dressed in a beautiful purple dress with simple diamond jewellery, and her hair curled like a princess!

Bani: If that idiot Jai doesn't show up in a minute……

Just then a black Mercedes shows up...

In her excitement Bani runs towards the car just wanting to get to Raahil, but she doesn't realize when she misses a step and falls thump onto the ground, as she tries to get up she cries in pain and her ankle is twisted!

Jai gets out of the car but sees Bani on the floor.

Jai: Bani, what are you doing on the floor, chalo get up, your dress will get dirty!

Bani looks up in anger: You IDIOT, can you not see I am hurt.

Jai: Oh god, who told you to run, can't you watch where your going, this time Jai had a hint if concern in his voice!

As he helps her stand up he is stunned by her beauty!

Both arrive at the restaurant, Jai gets out of the car and starts walking, completely forgetting Bani can't walk, he stops and runs back just to see Bani's face as purple as her dress, without saying anything he picks her up thinking to himself. Man oh man she is so heavy; he puts her down at the table for two with Raahil and leaves them to enjoy their date!

Few hours later while Jai is dancing away at a nightclub he gets a call, and is shocked, Jai is running in the middle of the road and sees a fire in a small little house and runs towards it and sees Bani, with her hair everywhere and her once purple dress covered in blood, with a tear strained face holding Raahil, Jai immediately calls the police!

Jai: Bani yeh saab, kya hua?

Bani: Woh woh, Jai Raahil had rented this cottage for us, then these goons came along, they started harassing me, Raahil came to save me and,

By now Bani is choking on her tears

Bani: JAI THEY SHOT HIM!! Jai all because of ME!

Jai sits down shocked with tears in his eyes to see his friend drowned in blood, Bani suddenly runs towards Jai and hugs him with all her strength, Jai wanted nothing more, than to hug the girl he had known all his life as tight as he could!

Jai: He strokes Bani's hair, Bani its okay nothing will happen, Life has to happen Bani Raahil will be okay, the police are on there way!

The cops had come and had taken Raahil immediately into the intensive care unit at the hospital, Raahil who had a very big bullet in him was critical, In the mean time Bani was going out of control, she was so out of control tha the nurse had to ask Jai to calm her down.

Jai goes and Bani runs n asks him about Raahil...Jai was shocked as he had never seen Bani like this...a girl once who never cried, was never scared, seemed like she had gone mad

Suddenly a nurse runs in, and without even looking who is around yell to Jai "Sir Raahil Khanna is DEAD" Jai is shocked to his witts, Bani just leaves the room like a complete zombie! At the hospital Jai is sitting in a corner silently crying, his friend, who was all smiles just this morning was suddenly no more, how is that?

Few Weeks Later

Nothing was ever the same, Bani had changed she no longer fought with Jai, she was never late anymore, she didn't attend any social events and the once bright eyes were now dull and sad, everyone noticed this, and they were getting extremely worried!
Jai on the other hand had got it into his head that Raahil was no more and had somehow convinced himself that this was faith, and it had to happen some day.

One day while Bani's friends and the boys were talking!

Karan- hey Jai I think you should help Bani, she is looking so dull lately!

Jai- Yeah, but what can I do?

Tina- something anything, just bring back her glowing eyes!

Arjun-Hey why don't you ask her to the Valentine's ball

Jai- kya no way she'll refuse me, why me out of all the guys out there.

Naina-because you can understand her pain the most Jai, Raahil was very close to you also!

Okay I'm willing to try, but I doubt she will agree!

Tina: You leave that to us, you just be ready!

In the girls' room!

Tina: Get ready Bani, were going to the Valentine's Day ball!

Bani: No, I'm not coming

Naina: Bani get over it Raahil is GONE!

Bani: I can't

Tina: Bani enough, enough of all this. You don't have a say in this anymore your coming!

She grabs Bani and somehow forces her to get ready, after about one hour of whining and complaining, Bani finally comes out wearing a red sleeveless dress, and with her hair all curled looking beautiful as ever.

Naina: Bani wah wah, you are looking so stunning, your date will be shocked.

Bani: My date?

The girls take Bani downstairs to see someone waiting, and of course it is none other than Bani's favorite Jai Walia. Bani is just shocked but gets pushed towards him by her friends! Both girls leave Bani and Jai to chat!

Jai: Hi Bani, how are you…with a smiling face!

Bani in her old self- Drop the Mr. Nice Guy act, and she just starts walking in front of Jai!

Jai- Okay bye… (He has just realized what he said)

Jai: Oh shit, Bani no and starts walking behind her, Bani I'm sorry cant we just get along, I will be really nice, please just get in the car, but Bani refuses and keeps walking suddenly the clouds roar, both look up and Jai turns his back and smiles to himself and counts in his head 5...4...3..because he knows Bani is scared of thunder n wont walk even if her life depended on it.

And...2...1

Bani: err, okay fine Jai I will come in the car

Both are driving and it starts to drizzle, suddenly the car comes to a halt!

Jai: Err, wonder what happened?

Bani- u idiot at least get out and check once...

Knowing Jai he doesn't know a thing about cars....Bani gets out in a huff...and opens the front boot...and looks at the engine, and starts to fix it, because of the pouring rain Bani gets Jai to hold an umbrella over her and starts fixing the car and soon the tar is on her face and nose, makeup ke toh baat maat karo.

Jai just looks at her and bursts out laughing...Bani gets mad, but suddenly she just starts laughing with him. After so many days she had laughed, And Jai had a melting feeling inside of him seeing Bani's normal self again smiles.

As it starts to rain even harder, both start laughing even harder. Both suddenly hear loud music and look ahead and see that they are not far from there venue, with pink balloons flying everywhere

Right now getting there was the last thing they were thinking of. Jai just puts his hand out for Bani to dance and the both dance in the rain, Just as Bani was about to slip Jai caught her, took a minute to hold her in his arms, and stare at the beautiful woman in front of him

The two people, whom everyone thought would never meet, had suddenly met! Like we said before faith has many different things planned.

Jai comes close and looks at Bani

Jai: Bani you look gorgeous, not with the makeup, not with the dress, but smiling.

And sweetly kisses her on the lips.

Siggy K

3 Years Later

Bani: Jai please, get me some ice-cream, your Krishna inside here is feeling hungry

Jai: Bani sweetie, baby, honey, I will get it for you in the morning Jaan.

And Jai goes back to sleep cozily.

Bani just goes and snuggles up to Jai and whispers to herself "Jai Walia, I will get you for this"

Little did she know Jai had heard her…..

Jai: Not before I get you Mrs. Walia….and captures her lips with his own!

Der Se Hua Par Pyaar To Hua Re
Oh Dil Ruba Tune Dil Le Liya Re Oh

What happens after that, you can guess but in short they all lived happily ever after!

...........

Edited by sangitadas - 18 years ago

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