FF :Tears of Pearl, Epi&Pt25- Pg 120 updt - Page 86

Hey Sangs,

Just read update, beautifully penned, loved the way you describled their feelings and longing for each other, their union was perfect, each word beautifully written, awaiting next part.

Thank you for a truly brilliant piece of work

Lotsa luv

J

I begin with a sweet sorry
For being late once more
Accept my apologies
Although if it's total bore!

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


In part22...I liked the beginning where the joy of waiting was described. It's so true and so appropriate for the situation! Liked how you put the morning incidents with Jay and Bani. How they blushed at Manju Aunty's teasings and then realising that every word was true and feeling happy about it...that was lovely...in addition to Manju Aunty and Parul's entertainment for the moment! When Manju Aunty revealed the fact that she didn't sympathise with Bani indeed it was Bani herself that made her lovable that part was great. I could feel the motherly affection rather than the wordly feelings. That she didn't have another son to get married to Bani, that was humorous as well as so indicative of the fact that how much she liked Bani. The advice she gave to Jay was a good learning..we all must remember..not to belittle our loved ones always! The pain within Bani for not having a mother was very well portrayed where she admitted that she was not used to the word 'Mom' and Manju Aunty's reply to that was wonderful! Bani's state of confusion and apprehension regarding being a part of the Walia family was perfectly described. With known and loved ones you are at comfort but beyond them there are various relations too that are to be handled with care...for any bride this situation is very worrying! It was quite natural to think of talking to Jay at that moment to ease out and then the anger that followed..sweet and natural! Karuna's behaviour was aptly described there...one of relief that the family included her in the occasion and the other of happiness and the last one of shock. That the groomwas disappointed when for the first time the bride didn't arrive and then the small U and Me moment amidst people around them, then the li'l sweet teasing between the two....so sweet they were. That Manju Aunty was protecting Bani like a lioness shows how much she cared for her once again. The strangling joke was wonderful! Bani's feeling of not having her own family in the occasion was quite justified...everybody wants to share their good moments with dear ones and what else than family and friends can be perfect for the occasion? Everybody wants to celebrate these moments like others do...Liked where Bani thought that loving someone and spending the life with the same person were different things..Indeed they are different...although men go through same apprehensions yet for girls it's a matter of more concern...but then you have to just trust because until and unless you have an expereince of your own..you can't do the correct judgement...that's the greatest risk and that is what life is all about - risks in different forms. Now the last scene where Jay didn't care about the world and Bani cared about what people might think...both of them being missing from the party...hhmmm...happens...men don't see reason and women have all the worries in these situations despite similar needs of both of them!


In part23...again the comparison between life and death was amazing! I like Parul's character...her sisterly affection for both Jay and Bani and at the same time being naughty just delights me. Ah! the teasing still continues..everyone finds a chance to pull the bride's or groom's legs! The marriage environment was perfectly and beautifully described with everyone being busy, people coming, work not ending...all that! I wonder marriage day brings so many surprises just like Jay's father surprised Jay by revealing a part of his emotions and feelings. Again Jay's impatient wait to see Bani was cute. It was good to see that finally the the type of relationship Karuna and Bani shared changed on the auspicious occasion. Hmm...so the rituals have their own significance! Just thinking in general how these promises are made and one or many are so many times broken!! Anyway liked the whole ceremony and I think if it would have been a Bengali Wedding then "Shubho Drishti" would have drawn so much of laughter!

For rest...I am an innocent kid!


P.S. You reminded me of my sister's wedding! 😳

Ree - Innocent kid? I don't think I am buying that. 😳

Niruba - I will let you know the other names too.

Dear Friends

It's a pleasure reading your comments and I hope you all will like this part too.

Thanks a lot to you all for finding time to read this FF and for commenting.

Love

Part XXIV

A thousand desires
Each one worth dying for
And many such desires
Are indeed fulfilled.
And yet
The sum of them all
Remains the same.
For no matter how many are fulfilled.
The myriad desires still remain.


(Hazaaron khwaishein aisi
Ki har khwaish pe dum nikle
Bahut nikle mere arman
Lekin phir bhi kam nikle
-Mirza Ghalib)



The soft luminous pinkish rays of the dawn floated into the room as Bani's eyes opened and she covered her mouth to stifle a groan. She stretched languorously only to be restricted in her movement by a strong, heavy arm pining her down to the bed. She turned her head to stare at her husbands face. Husband! The reality of the situation and the significance of the word and relationship struck her full force and she kept on staring at Jai, open-mouthed. He was sleeping comfortably, one arm tucked under his head, and the other wrapped protectively around Bani, holding her against him. Yesterday seemed like a dream to Bani while today was the reality, as Bani lovingly traced Jai's face with her fingers, reveling in his chiseled features, his eyelashes, his aquiline nose, the 5 o'clock stubble and finally his lips.


Reflections of last night drifted into her mind and she felt warm blood course through her body as she remembered how it felt to be loved by and to love your beloved in return. She was in a trance yesterday and last night Jai brought her out of the trance by showing her what bliss was all about; Bani felt blessed to be his wife an promised to herself that she would do everything possible to bring joy, happiness and love in Jai's life and of course his parents, who played a great role in bringing the two estranged souls together.


Being an early riser, Bani wanted to get up and go downstairs, but she did not want to disturb Jai's sleep; after all, he really kept both of them awake and occupied for the entire night and better part of the morning with his ardor and enthusiasm. Bani blushed profusely and hid her face in the comforter though she felt like bursting with happiness; finally she had a family to call her own.

Her bangles made a rhythmic sound as she tried to pull the comforter around her securely and she closed her eyes and snuggled into Jai's arms further. A few more minutes wouldn't hurt, Bani thought, after all, this moment will be frozen in time for ever, vowing not to come back again.

…

Jai's eyes opened as he felt his nose being tickled; it was Bani's hair tickling his nose and he stifled a laugh, not wanting to wake her up. She was sleeping contentedly in his arms, her back towards her. Jai slowly turned her and his heart stopped when he saw her face, the vermilion in her parting, her lips swollen and full, testimony to his onslaught last night. She shivered a little and Jai looked up to see the balcony door open, the early morning draught flowing inside the room. He pulled her closer to him so that she was almost breathing against his chest hair, which again tickled Jai. But being this intimate to Bani was almost like a out-of-the-world experience for Jai; he remembered the love and trust with which his wife had surrendered to him last night; her passion for him often surprising him and fuelling him to reach out to a different level altogether.

Wife! The word sounded so strange and so loving to him. He could only thank his parents and God for the love and happiness that he had in his arms today and he promised to himself that he would not have it any other way. He moved Bani a little and bent down slightly to kiss her forehead, proceeding to place light kisses all over all face. He could suddenly feel the Bani's breathe drop for a while and he looked up to see Bani's eyes open, looking at him sleepily. 'Oh my God' Jai thought but all he could manage to say was 'Good Morning, Mrs. Walia'.

Before he could think anything more, Bani laced her fingers through his hair and pulled him towards her, and said 'Good Morning Mr. Walia'; Jai crushed her lips with his. He pulled her abruptly, so that she was half-lying on his chest and he groaned as her hands started their exploration. He turned and twisted her around deliberately so that after a minute she lay trapped beneath him, her body held captive by his powerful frame. Jai gazed into his wife's eyes and muttered huskily 'Payback time dear'; Bani's eyes widened in surprise and a moment later, she started screaming and wriggling as Jai begun tickling her full force. After a minute of merciless tickling, she fought Jai valiantly and pushed him off the bed, darting to the other end of the bed to escape his roving hands, as Jai climbed back to his bed in a fleeting second, enjoying the banter. He realized all of a sudden that he loved seeing Bani smile and swore that he would make her smile forever.

Bani's attempt to leave the bed was foiled by the comforter wrapped haphazardly around her left foot and before she could free it, Jai had pounced on her, holding her close to him with a hand, while he set her other foot free. He then cradled Bani to himself and started pecking her neck and face. As light kisses rained on her, Bani's treacherous heart lost itself in the senses of passion of belonging while her mind raced back to the clock.

'Jai, please let me go downstairs. What will others think?' she whined helplessly, as Jai lowered her down slowly and proceeded kissing her further. Lifting his head from the hollow of her throat, Jai looked at the alarm clock impatiently and said 'It's only 5.30 a.m. Bani. Breakfast is at 8.30 a.m. I am sure that you will not have anything to do downstairs now. And no one will disturb us.' With a pronounced smirk in his face, he added 'And anybody who expects us to leave our room so early must be out of their mind. Everyone knows we will be busy.'

Bani's response withered away under Jai's onslaught as she succumbed to the feeling of being loved almost to the level of worship was the biggest gift she could have received in her lifetime, and she felt that there was no other gift that she could bestow to her beloved but love, in its purest form.

…….

Bani stood in front of the mirror arranging the pleats of her saree. She was wearing a deep rose coloured chiffon saree, a gift from Jai and she wore her mangalsutra. It seemed so strange to her to see the mangalsutra round her neck, as she touched the beads reverentially, almost afraid that the dream would end suddenly and she would find herself alone somewhere. When the dream did not fade, she turned around and walked towards the balcony, amazed by the feeling that today she had everything she could call her own. And for that, she couldn't thank God enough.

As she inhaled deeply the smell of the sea and took in the view of the waves lolling about peacefully, her mind raced back to her past and she gripped onto the railing. She was sure that her parents were happy now and she was glad that Karuna Aunty had come forward to give her away yesterday. Her mind was jolted back to the present as a pair of arms trapped her from both sides and started nuzzling her neck.

With great difficulty, Bani turned around only to find herself in Jai's arms, who had just come out of the bathroom, still clad in a towel, his hair all wet. As Jai tried pulling her into an embrace, Bani's hands landed on his chest and she pushed him off

'No Jai, you are wet. My saree will get wet too.'

Jai made a puppy-face expression and argued like a kid 'But then you could always change again Bani? Please don't be a spoilsport'. Abruptly, he pulled Bani to himself and claimed her lips hungrily. Pulling back from him for a fraction of a minute, Bani commented 'Jai, you are insatiable.'

Jai smirked and replied against her lips 'Well darling, we have just begun.'

He started laughing heartily as Bani gave him an exasperated look and he let Bani go, but not before tucking her hair in behind her ear. 'You are so beautiful Bani' he said 'You take my breath away every time I see you.'

Bani smiled at him and moved back into his arms and laid her head on his chest. She whispered 'Jai, you are my angel'.

Jai patted her back affectionately, saying 'You go and join Mom downstairs. I will be down within 5 minutes'

As Bani exited the room, Jai dressed quickly in an off-white kurta-pajama, that Bani had laid out for him on the bed. He looked around the room; his room which represented a bachelor's pad a day ago, now looked like a couple's room alright. Bani's bangles and jewelleries lay on the dresser, some of her belongings kept on the settee; the entire room smelled differently, a sweet, feminine smell floated all round, as Jai closed the door behind him and walked downstairs.

………..

Bani was serving breakfast along with her Mother-in-law and Parul to the guests and relatives who were still there. Jai's grandmother from Nainital was still there and she was regaling everyone with anecdotes of her marriage and comparing it with present-day marriages. Bani was also laughing along with others and her eyes met Jai's as he came down and sat beside his Father, pulling the newspaper towards him. He suddenly sensed all eyes on him and he said 'What?'

Everyone started laughing and Jai looked up at Bani, who was now looking mortified and seemed to be blushing.

His grandmom asked 'Nothing dear. Can't we just look at you? Though we know that the prerogative now lies with Bani only'

'Of course' Jai said, Bani had already escaped into the kitchen by then 'But it doesn't feel nice when every pair of eyes are fixed on you.'

Everyone started laughing again. Jai looked at his father who was trying desperately to hide his smile behind the morning edition of Economic Times. Grumpily, he looked at his Mom who had a smile on her face too. She shook her head at him and indicated the others, implying that the others were just having some fun. Jai decided to go along with the flow.

A little later, Bani entered the hall again with a plate of sandwiches and kept it in the centre of the table. Jai's grandmom piped in 'Bahu, give some breakfast to Jai. See he is sitting there grumpily, didn't you say Good Morning to him nicely?'

A roll of laughter rang across the table. Bani flushed a little bit more, but piled a plate with sandwiches resolutely, without meeting anyone's eyes and walked towards the other end of the table where Jai was sitting, his eyes dancing in merriment. Once Bani placed the plate in front of him and started walking away, Jai held her hand and said 'Don't worry Naani. Bani has wished me Good Morning in the best possible way.'

Everybody smiled affectionately at the pair in front of them. Naani looking defeated said 'Bahu, then Jai must be very hungry. Give him some more sandwiches.'

Bani freed her hand from Jai's grasp and rushed inside, followed by Manju Walia. Jai shrugged casually and continued eating.

…………….

In a luxurious penthouse apartment in New York, a beautiful woman sat in front of her laptop, looking at the pictures of a newly-married couple, which her cousin had sent from India, after scanning the local newspaper. Jealousy filled her soul and she flung away an exquisite crystal pen-stand, which was kept on the table next to he laptop.

………….

Bani walked up the stairs to the attic to collect some of her stuff that were still there. Jai was downstairs with his cousins watching an action movie, and Bani decided to make herself useful during this time. She walked over to the window and sat down on the sill, looking down at the garden. She remembered all the happy and sad days she had spent in the attic, and looked around her. She couldn't believe the change that her life has witnessed. She was happy. And the Walias ensured that she stayed that way. She couldn't thank God enough for making her a part of such a loving family; money was not an issue with her at all.

As she sat gazing out towards the sea, the door opened and Karuna walked in, a wooden casket in her hand. Bani got down from the sill; Karuna walked up to her and thrust the casket in her hand.

'What's inside Aunt?' Bani asked

A weary Karuna replied 'Your Mother's jewellery, which she gave me for safe keeping. I am happy that today I could pass them over to you.'

'But there's no need …' Bani started

'There is' Karuna answered back resolutely 'it's a Mother's blessing for her child and I couldn't keep those blessings away from you. Anyway, thanks for allowing me to do the kanyadaan yesterday. Whatever I have done over the years is unpardonable and I don't seek any reprieve either Bani. But believe me for once today, I am happy to see you happy and I pray to God that he always keeps you in this way forever. Jai is a god person and I am sure you two will keep each other happy.'

Without waiting for any reply, Karuna walked out of the room, trying to hide her tears. Bani stood there in a daze for a few minutes, after which she decided to go downstairs and speak to Jai.

Jai was back in their room, busy arranging the wardrobes it seemed.

'What are you doing Jai?' Bani asked as she kept the casket on the dresser table.

Jai turned back and looked at his wife 'Arranging my dresses so that you can also keep your dresses and other belongings inside the wardrobe.'

Bani went and hugged him from behind 'Thank you Jai for being so caring and loving. I will arrange the dresses later.'

Jai turned around and said 'Then what will I do now? I get bored doing nothing, I have taken leave from work for some days'

He held Bani's shoulder and walked her away from the wardrobe, they sat down on the bed face to face.

'Ok then let's think of something that you can do to keep yourself busy during your off times' Bani said in a serious tone.

Jai inched closer to her and said 'How about some extra-curricular activities? I have always been good in them'. His hands inched towards her waist as Bani slapped them away.

'Jai Walia you have a one-track mind' Bani shrieked as she tried to move away, but she wasn't that quick enough.

Jai muttered against her neck 'Well I can't help it; especially given the fact that my wife is completely delectable.'

Bani gave in to his demands, finding it useless to find against him as well as her treacherous heart.

………..

A loud knock on their door woke Bani from her slumber. Pushing Jai away from her and arranging her saree and hair, Bani covered Jai with the comforter and went to open the door. It was Grandmom, and she stood with twinkle in her eyes. Bani held her hand and ushered her inside the room. She took in Jai's prone form and asked

'Bahu, why is Jai sleeping now?'

She then walked towards jai and went and sat down beside him and started shaking him awake.

Jai mumbled in his sleep 'Bani, let me sleep for some time, I am tired after all the repeat performances.'

Bani wished the earth to open up and engulf her and hoped that Jai would not say anything else.

Naani pushed Jai and said 'Oye, I am not you wife, you better wake up. I got soemthign for you.' Naani's words somehow reached Jai and he jumped up, pulling the comforter around him. Bani felt like laughing seeing his panic-stricken face, but bit her lips to hide her laughter.

'Repeat performances?' Naani's eyes twinkled as she questioned Jai, who was now blushing hard and trying to cover up.

'I was just asking Bani not to disturb me …' Jai started explaining

Naani pulled his ears and said 'You don't have to lie to me. We have all crossed this stage to reach this age. I am happy for you both.' Beckoning Bani towards them, Naani gave them the envelope she was carrying. She said smilingly 'This is my secret and special gift to you both and I hope both of you will like it.'

Jai gave the envelope to Bani and she opened it. Both of them stared at the contents of the envelope and back at Naani. Finally Jai said 'Naani have you lost it? We cannot accept this. Why have you spent so much money on this?'

Naani held heir hands and said 'because that place is very dear to me and that is where your Naana-ji took me for our honeymoon, so many years back, though the place was very different then. I will be very happy if you two accept this gift'.

Hugging both of them, she made her way out of the room and while on her way out, she added 'No more repeat performances now. Your flight is in a few hours time.'

………..

Jai shook Bani slightly as she slept on his shoulder, clutching on to his arm. The airplane was taxiing into the Marco Polo Airport. Bani opened her eyes and asked 'have we already reached Venice?'

'Another few hours' Jai answered 'and we will be in our hotel. Now don't go back to sleep again, we have to alight any time now.'

The Marco Polo Airport, situated on the edge of the Venetian lagoon, was indeed beautiful and Jai and Bani found themselves captivated by the sight.

As they made their way out of the Airport, they were met by a local boy, Piedro who escorted them to their hotel, San Clemente Palace, their hotel room and rides already booked earlier by Naani.

The San Clemente Palace was situated on the private island of San Clemente and dated back to 1131, that is the year in which the church was built. Furthermore, the Hotel was surrounded by the Piazza San Marco, La Giudecca and the Lido, all hot spots in Venice.

Jai and Bani were ushered into their suite overlooking the Venice lagoon, after suitable verification, and they fell in love with the place. Bani was super-excited and she moved from one room to another to admire the elegance and refinement with which the fabrics, accessories and furnishings had been selected. Jai looked at her with an amused expression, she was looking so different, cute and adorable in her jeans Capri and white Tee and sneakers that he felt the urge to kiss her. And that's what he did. Only to be disturbed by the bell-boy knocking, announcing their lunch.

Freshening up quickly, Bani and Jai sat down to eat side by side, often feeding one another and sharing their experiences. They were really excited about their honeymoon and started making plans for the same, looked forward to spending every moment fruitfully.

In the evening, they went for a gondola ride, snuggling against each other and taking in their surroundings. Venice was truly a tourist destination as they saw people all around them, milling on the canals and boats.

Once it was fully dark, Jai and Bani hurried to the local railway station to catch the vaporetto and huddled together near the bow, staring in amazement at the various grand and beautiful palazzis on their way to St. Mark's Square. St. Mark's Square is the principal square of Venice and is dominated by the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Basilica's campanile, which stands apart from it. The guide explained to them the histrical references of the buildings in and around the Piazza and also mentioned that the Piazza San Marco was the lowest point in Venice, and as a result during the Acqua Alta or the "high water" from storm surges from the Adriatic, or even heavy rain, it was the first area to get flooded.

The couple returned back to their hotel tired and planned to visit the outlying islands - Torcello, Burano, or the smaller garden islands of San Francesco del Deserto and San Lazzaro degli Armeni which offered a refreshing change from the urban glories of Venice.

They huddled closer to each other as the night came by, reveling in heir lovemaking.

The next few days passed off in a haze as they visited the islands and also went barging on La Dolce Vita to the Brenta Canal.

Their days in Venice flew off and Jai decided that before returning home they would also visit Rome and the Vatican City. However, Bani disagreed saying that their parents would be missing them, now that all their relatives have left WM and that they should again come back later, with their parents.

Bani's gentleness and thoughtfulness impressed Jai and he engulfed her in a bear hug. Life definitely couldn't get better than this.

😊

…………….

amazing part
hmm very romantic 😳
jai is such a badmash
cont soon

hey.......................

awesome part..................

naani is so chalu................

enjoyed it ...very much

update soon

gr888 part
plz cont soon
loved it

jai is so naughty... this is the first time i guess we are seeing his naughtiness in a full-fledged way in this ff... but its so cute... i guess the other woman was Manya... or is it someone else? are you planning to bring a villain into the story..?

nani is so cute... 😆

great parts sangs, so they got married and r enjoying marital bliss.

but yaar i read in part which bani felt cheated and left and i think JW shld not have done that type of act too (kissing someone else) but chalo now when they r together i can always forget the rest na 😉

please continue soon

swati