Very Important Note---Should Read

To my readers, 

Perhaps you have forgotten all about my stories at this point, but to those who haven't, I know that I have kept you all waiting for so long and I am extremely apologetic. My health hasn't been the best for the past two months. I have a condition called costochondritis which means inflammation of the ribs and trauma to your chest walls. It mimics symptoms of cardiac arrest which is why I am at most times in pain. It isn't fatal, but terrible to have to go through. I also have building anxiety problems because of the condition as well. 

I wanted to apologize for delaying my stories for so long, but as of right now, there is not much I can do till I begin to feel better. I understand if you give up/have given up on my stories. But I hope that you don't and still bear with me because as soon as I can, I will get back right to writing. And the days that I do feel better and in a good mood, I perhaps will write an update in the near future. Again, I am sorry. Hope some of you are still enjoying my blog. 

Take care!

Dil 

p.s. I had posted two new stories onto the blog, one a Christmas Story and the other a small Short Story. Please do read those if you have not already. Enjoy. 

FF: Chupke Se... Chapter 5-9

Chapter 5:

Jai drove up onto his friend's driveway and parked his car before removing his key and placing it safely into his jean pocket. He slammed the car door shut and made his way over to the front porch. Just some time ago he had received an anxious call from Daksh who urged him to come by. He wouldn't give Jai a definite answer or any explanation as to why the hurry---but Jai agreed either way. It had been three months since Jai had been home and already he felt completely settled and as if he hadn't been out of the country for five years. He spent the first week of his return with family and friends until he joined the office and worked alongside his father to run the company. Occasionally during his free hours he would pay a visit to his favorite group of people--- the Dixits. He felt at ease around them, as well as belonged....

He approached their front door and abruptly knocked on it in the same manner he always used to--- short and haste. A few seconds later he stepped back on seeing the heavy door open and threw his friend a confused look who stared back at him with a masked expression.

Daksh: Hey yaar, thanks for coming on such short notice.
Jai: Daksh, what's going on? --- Why did you want me to come so quickly?
Daksh: (calmly) Come inside and I will tell you.

Intrigued by Daksh's strange behavior, Jai followed him inside after closing the door behind him shut. He allowed Daksh to lead him further into the house and joined him at the couch in the living room. There he noticed Annie, seated in the single chair seat across him--- also containing a masked, poker look on her face. This only raised his query.

Jai: (Impatiently) Come on, what's going on? I can see the two of you are trying to hide something....

He watched both husband and wife exchange a glance and understanding one another without any use of words. His friend nodded his head at his wife and turned to look back at him.

Jai: .... What is it? ..... Something wrong?
Daksh: Jai, we don't know how to tell you this....
Jai: What do you mean?--- Daksh, you can tell me anything dost. I am your best friend.

Again Daksh nodded his head, agreeing with him on this. However, Jai looked on how his friend occasionally would throw looks over to his wife--- as if seeking reassurance.

Daksh: Okay.... Here it is... Jai... The thing is.... (stalling)
Jai: (encouragingly) Yeah?

Jai met Daksh's silent gaze and moments later saw him sigh and shake his head.

Daksh: You know what... I can't do this....
Annie: (intervening) Perhaps.... We should bring Bani and let her? (asking with uncertainty)

His friend rubbed the bottom of his chin with his fingers and took this to consideration. A moment later he nodded his head and looked over to Annie.

Daksh: Yes, call for her. She will tell him.

Jai watched Annie's retreating form walk out from the room and felt apprehension and fear swarm inside of him. What could possibly be wrong? Immediately bad things began to cluster into his mind and only increased his worry.

Jai: Tell me what? ..... Daksh, what's happening here? Why can't you just tell me?

But his friend refused to answer him. A minute later into his painstakingly wait, he saw Bani emerge with her Bhabhi by her side and into the room, meeting his eyes. To his dismay, she too seemed to contain the same facial expressions as her brother and sister-in-law. Frusturated with the suspense, Jai stood up from his seat and glowered in all of their directions.

Jai: Okay, enough with these games... It isn't funny. Tell me--- tell me right now, what's going on? ..... Bani?

With expectation, Jai looked on as Bani cast a look in her older brother's direction before switching her gaze back onto him. She took a few steps forward until she was right before him. She had grown over the years--- now a 5'7" compared to her 5'5" height from before, but still he was able to stare down at her from his tall form. Much to his surprise, moments later he saw the corners of her mouth twitch and build into a beautiful, shy smile. From behind her, she withdrew a red card and shyly revealed it into his face for his viewing. Startled, he took a few seconds to take in this change of behavior and slowly took the card from her small hands while raising his brows at her.

Jai: (demanding) What is this?

She urged him to open it with a wave of her hands and continued to smile brightly as well as his other two friends were. Jai threw them all a curious look before doing so. He opened the red card with golden bordering and saw the words inside leap out at him in their bold, golden letters....

                                                         Mr. Nishikant Anand Dixit
                                                                            And
                                                        Mr. and Mrs. Vikrant Sablok
                                                        Invite you to share in the joy
                                                 Of the engagement of their children
                                                                         Bani Dixit
                                                                      Tarun Sablok
                                              On Saturday, the fourteenth of November
                                               In the Bombay Star Hotel at eight o'clock
                                      We wish to see you present at the ceremony of the
                    Binding of this couple leading them into the beginning of holy matrimony
            * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As soon as he took a step inside, he was greeted with the sight of cluttered girls, swarming around the house, and his poor friend caught amongst them---looking uncomfortable and lost. He smiled and proceeded towards him, ignoring the attention he drew from the young girls who noticed him.

Daksh: Yaar, thank god you are here. I thought I was going to go crazy if I didn't see a male around in the next minute.

Daksh said to him in relief as Jai approached him by the staircase. Jai grinned at his old friend and followed his gaze toward the festivity around them.

Jai: How come there are so many girls here?
Daksh: (glum) It is all Rano's doing....

Jai's face darkened on hearing this and he looked bitterly around with a scowl on his face.

Jai: That little devil is prancing around here? How could you let her in the house? (demands gruffly)
Daksh: (poker faced) I didn't actually. I found out that she came in through Bani's bedroom window. Odd thing that girl is.... She dropped by early in the morning and called all these girls for the evening.

Jai scanned the front hall of the house with slight awe. He had never seen anyone of these girls around before. Has Bani really befriended all these people?

Jai: (disbelief) These are all Bani's friends?
Daksh: I'm not sure. I've never seen anyone of these girls before in my life.
Jai: (grim) I told you this Rano girl is no good. I don't know why Bani is friends with her in the first place.....
Daksh: (grinning) Jai, you are always after that poor girl. I agree she is unusual, but she really is a nice girl.
Jai: She is a monster, that's what she is. (grumbles)
Daksh: (chuckling) You are just jealous of her.
Jai: (incrudelous) Jealous? Why does everyone keep saying that? I am not jealous of that little chit of a girl.... (grumbles)
Daksh: Uh-huh. Ever since she has come into Bani's life you have only been disapproval abou tit. Scared that she is threatening your place? (asks slyly)

Jai had been confused by what his best friend meant at that point of time, failing to understand what he truly was implying. He remained puzzled by his words and unable to follow the knowing tone in his voice.

Jai: Place? What place? --- What are you talking about Daksh?

However, Daksh simply waved his hand, brushing the approaching topic away.

Daksh: Forget it. Now that you are here, we can go off somewhere and let these ladies be.
Jai: I don't understand why we have to leave. We are more apart of this event than any one of these girls are.
Daksh: Touche. But how about you try and explain that to my wife? She is already on a whirlwind of adopting all these girls. She simply loves them and refuses to hear a single word against one of them.
Jai: (laughs) Alright, let's get your boy and get outta here. Where is Rahul by the way?
Daksh: Should probably be with his mausi.... I'll go check.

Daksh responded and made a movement to run up the stairs and catch his son, but on seeing the swarm of girls around he rethought the idea and threw a pained look to his friend. Jai smiled widely, understanding his predicament. He placed an assuring hand on his shoulder.

Jai: I'll go and get him and meet Bani in the meanwhile.

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

After knocking abruptly on the bedroom door, Jai stood impatiently outside the room for it to be opened. He saw the door open and immediately stepped forward to come in.

Jai: Bani, your friends are mad. They held me up at the stairs for nearly an hou---Tum? What are you doing in here?!

He questioned in a demanding manner on seeing Rano's irking presence before him, also the one to have opened the door for him. He glared hard in her direction while in return she gave him a devilish grin.

Rano: Kyon? Were you expecting your darling Bani to be alone?
Jai: (growls) Shut up. You annoying pest. Don't you have anywhere else to be?
Rano: Excuse me, Mister, but I believe it is my best friend's engagement. Obviously I will be here of all places. You're the one who shouldn't be here.
Jai: Correction, I am Bani's best friend. You were only a temporary replacement while I was gone. Get your glasses's prescription right, fore-eyes.

Hearing the sound of a familiar tinkling of bangles, Jai looked up to meet Bani's eyes across the room, where she stood in the middle of her bedroom and gave both him and Rano a disapproving look. He watched her make a few gestures out of frustration.

Jai: The day we stop fighting is when she goes away.

He said as an answer to her question. Bani rolled her eyes and gave an indefinite shrug as a response. She turned and picked up Rahul, her brother and sister-in-law's toddler, into her arms and carried him with her to her dresser.

Jai: Move, you Satan worshiping witch.
Rano: And why should I, you overbearing gorilla? I'm here to help out Bani. You are a man, you should not be involved in all this stuff.
Jai: This is ridiculous. It is not like this is a ladies' sangeet. It's her god damn engagement which isn't until a few hours. And I can be here without any reason. You, on the other hand, have no valid reason to be here. Nor do your friends. Someone who has to come through a bedroom window obviously isn't welcomed here. Now get out of my way.

He demanded further and brushed her aside swiftly, earning himself a glowering look from her. Jai approached Bani at her dresser, where she began to brush her silky hair with Rahul sitting on the dresser top beside her, playing with the bangles on her wrists. He watched as Bani gave him a suppressed smile through the mirror, mostly amused by his and Rano's antics.

Jai: Tell her to leave. I can't stand having this nausea around.

Her smile grew and she giggled silently while turning around and pinching his cheeks. He brushed her hand aside and gave a stern look. She signed as a response and looked over to Rano with an apologetic look while indicating something to her.

Rano: (shocked) Bani, you have got to be kidding me?! You are choosing that gorilla over me?!
Jai: Obviously she doesn't want a witch around. (spits)

Jai saw Bani throw him an admonishing look, settling him down, but he remained grouchy the presence of her other friend. Bani turned back to Rano and gestured a couple of other things to her as well.

Rano: I am not being dramatic, Bani. I am your best friend, not him! (stubbornly) But find, since you want me gone, I will go. Obviously you don't care for me. (ending snappily)
Jai: It's good that you've learned that now.

Bani gives him an exasperated look while Rano glares at him evilly before stalking off the bedroom in a huff, leaving troubled lines to appear on Bani's worried face.

Jai: Forget about her. She's a drama queen. Besides, that girl can't even keep her mouth shut for a minute so you don't have to worry about her not speaking to you again.

Bani threw him another look and sighed, perhaps hating how Jai and Rano could never get along--- he mused. But he watched as she recollected herself and grabbed a hold onto his hand, gesturing for him to follow. Jai gathered Rahul in his arms and followed after her to one of her night stands near her bed. He looked on silently as she opened her drawer and searched through her things. Finally she withdrew something and turned to look at him with a soft smile. She extended the item to him.

Jai: What is it?

He curiously asked while taking it from her and flipping it around only to find himself looking at a picture of a young man in his mid-twenties smiling up at him. Looking up, Jai waited patiently as Bani explained to him.

Jai: This is him? Tarun, you mean?

Bani nodded her head in agreement. Again Jai examined the picture quietly and after a long moment, looked up to notice worry lines beginning to form on her forehead as she watched him with careful eyes.

Jai: What?

Again she explained herself to him. A smile crept onto his lips and he gave her a teasing look.

Jai: My opinion really matters to you that much?

Bani hit him lightly for his teasing but nodded her head as an afterthought. Jai chuckled and then began showing the picture to Rahul to see to.

Jai: I don't know Rahul.... What do you think? Is he good enough for your Bani Bua?
Rahul: Jai Chachu.... who is he?
Jai: He is going to be your Phupha. Do you want him as your Phupha?

Rahul made a disdainful look and shook his head quickly as an answer. Jai laughed hard while Bani became disheartened by her nephew's reply.

Jai: I can see why, beta. He is a little cross-eyed, don't you think? And yellow teeth.... big ears.... He looks like a donkey, doesn't he?

Immediately Rahul nodded his head, causing Jai to laugh even further and anger Bani, who snatched the photo from his hands and turned her back on him while sitting down on her bed. Jai gave a low whistle on seeing this.

Jai: Uh ho... Looks like we made Bua mad, Rahul....
Rahul: Bua mad?
Jai: Yup, Bua very mad. What do we do?
Rahul: Shorry to Bua.
Jai: Okay, let's say shorry.

Jai joined Bani on the bed while placing Rahul beside him. He was faced with Bani's back and placed a hand on her shoulder only to have it shrugged off hastily from her.

Jai: Come on Bani, look at me. Don't act childish.

He said to her while again attempting to make her turn around, only to receive the same result of her shrugging him away.

Jai: Hey Bani, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that... Mazak tha, yaar. Why do you take it seriously?

Hearing no response from her, Jai placed both of his arms around her and ignored her protests.

Jai: Okay baba, he isn't a donkey. He's a good looking guy. He looks smart and I'm sure he is just right for you. He will make you very happy. Khush?

He felt Bani's protests die down and finally she turned around to face him with a dejected look on her face. She began in expressing herself to him. On seeing her worry, Jai's mood to tease her went away and he decided he needed to assure her on seeing how much she valued his opinion. He took her hands into his and said truthfully....

Jai: Of course I'm not lying to you... I was just teasing you before, Bani. He's a good looking guy and I'm glad you've gotten such a good rishta. Now if he is good or not, I will only find out after meeting him tonight. But I am sure he will be just great.

He watched with relief as a small smile adorned her lips and she hugged him tightly. He returned the embrace and kissed her sweetly on her head.

Jai: Now cheer up. It's your engagement day. If you brother catches you in a sulking mood, he will tear me to limbs.

Bani giggled soundlessly and nodded her head.

Rahul: Me want huggy too!

Rahul complained with whine and Jai and Bani broke apart only to chuckle at the boy's demand to be included. Laughing, Jai pulled him in and gathered both Rahul and Bani into a bear hug, squeezing them till they both began to gasp for air and showered him with punches to release them from his smothering arms....

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

The guests began to swarm in crowds, occupying the grand hall booked for the evening. After many protests, Jai triumphed over Dakh and Annie's disapproval of reserving the hall for the engagement party. He insisted in paying for the expenses, stating that one of his best friends was getting married and he wanted everything to go perfectly for her special night. Jai had arrived some thirty minutes afterward, having been stuck in traffic, only to be admonished greatly by Nishikant, Daksh, Annie, and even little Rahul.

Daksh: Kya yaar, how can you be late out of all people?
Jai: Sorry man, there was traffic. You know I wouldn't intentionally come late, not tonight.
Annie: You are lucky that Bani is being distracted by Rano, otherwise you would sure have gotten into trouble--- Namaste Mausi, Namaste Uday uncle....

Annie adds whilst folding her hands to greet Jai's family, who stand behind him with warm smiles. Daksh and Annie pay their respects while Jai contains a frown on his face.

Jai: What is that witch doing with Bani? I thought I specifically told the guards not to let her in. I even made sure to have the windows locked.
Jigyasa: Bhai, you are so mean! Rano is such a sweet girl. What has she done to you?
Daksh: (chuckles) Apparently she has done a lot.... Please come inside. Have something to eat....

As they immersed themselves into the event of the night, mingling with other known guests, Jai grew bored and decided that he'd see Bani before the ceremony began. Just as he was about to enter the room she was occupied in, he found himself stopped from going in by Annie.

Annie: Jai, what are you doing here?
Jai: What kind of question is that? I'm going to meet Bani.
Annie: You will have to wait till the ceremony begins.
Jai: Oh god, Annie you too?
Annie: Yes, me too. Now go back and have your male talk. The ceremony will start shortly.
Jai: (mumbles) Fine...

Jai returned back to his group of friends, being drawn into talks that eventually took his mind off seeing Bani. After awhile he finally had the chance to meet his best friend's groom, Tarun Sablok-- the handsome and successful lawyer from Delhi. Daksh introduced him to Tarun, who was cordial and polite. However, in his talks with him, Jai found him rather dull and a bore--- too much of a serious person with a limited sense of humor. He began to wonder how Bani could possibly spend the rest of her life with a man who was quite opposite from herself. Bani can be quite mischievous and always in the mood for fun. She has a great sense of humor and takes life day by day, relaxed and going with the flow. Tarun is a determined and ambitious man, having a plan after another, whereas Bani is content with her life and the littlest of things that are apart of it.

On the other hand, people do say that opposites attract, don't they? Perhaps the same would happen in Tarun and Bani's case. There was a chance that they both could learn from one another and settle together with who they are. With this thought in mind, Jai eased his worried apprehensions. The thumping of the microphone drew everyone's attention, including Jai's, to the stage where Nishikant Dixit stood with a reserved smile.

Nishikant: Welcome everyone, I hope you all are enjoying yourselves this evening.... I want to thank you all for coming on this special night... Enough with waiting now, we would like to announce the beginning of the ring ceremony... Tarun beta, would you please come up on stage? And someone please bring Bani as well?

Jai watched Tarun wear a wide grin on his face and promptly arrive on stage, standing next to his parents and soon-to-be father-in-law. He smiled on the sight and thanked God for bringing a man like Tarun into Bani's life, a man who wanted to marry her despite her disability. The room's attention then turned to across the room, where the glowing bride-to-be made her entrance with her friend and sister-in-law on each side. Jai followed the ooing of the guests and laid his eyes on his best friend, looking breathtakingly beautiful in a pink saree with silver works that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was let out in gorgeous curls and her eyes shone with an excitement Jai had never seen before. He felt a rather odd feeling occur inside of him at the sight of her. She looked so different. Her face was radiant with clear happiness, her smile enchanting, her honey eyes sparkling , her slim body revealed from the flattering saree--- she seemed to be someone else. Not his Bani--- the sixteen year old girl who he began to adore as a little sister. No, today she had transformed into a young woman--- completely foreign to his eyes. His gaze followed after her figure walking to the stage and taking the small steps leading her there.

The ceremony progressed and ended with Tarun slipping the diamond ring onto Bani's finger and kissing her sweetly on the cheek, causing a blush to form. Everyone cheered in applause and Jai whistled, drawing his best friend's attention onto him and causing her smile to widen and eyes to twinkle. He gave a knowing wink and she responded by blowing a kiss....

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

Three Weeks Later

Jai leaned against the side of the wall and released a bored sigh as his friend continued to gaze at the mirror before her in deep wonder. She held the baby blue silk material of the shimmering saree against her body, draping it over her shoulder, and looked at it with judgment. He checked his watch the nth time since they entered the store. Bani had SMSed him last minute asking for him to join her for some shopping since Rano was out of the city visiting family and Rahul was sick at home, hence, Bhabhi was looking after him. Jai had whined, complaining that the very last thing he wanted to do was go shopping with her, but she was adamant--- demanding that he come with her or else she will never speak to him again. Jai had no choice but to cancel the rest of his meetings and meet her at the store where she gave him a innocent, sunny smile.

And now they had been there for more than an hour, looking for sarees that she would wear for the upcoming occasions of her wedding and after. She turned and looked to him for his opinion.

Jai: Yes, yes, you look magnificent--gorgeous-mind blowing-exotic---you are miss universe herself. Now get it packed with the others and lets go, please. (pleads)

She frowned at him but nonetheless listened to his pleas. The next five minutes, after getting the clothes packed neatly and paying for each one, both Jai and Bani left the store finally. Jai gave a sigh of relief.

Jai: Thank god, I thought I would go mental if I didn't get out of there soon.

She continued to frown at him hard, hitting him repeatedly on his arm, complaining that he had no patience. Jai merely grinned at her antics and took a hold of her hand tight in his as they walked down the sidewalk under the clear sky and shining sun.

Jai: Alright my little wrestler, now calm down. I am sure you have enough sarees and salwaar kameezs to last you ten years into your marriage. Now let's go get something to eat, I'm starving.

Bani simmered down with her punches, mainly because he had a tight hold over her hand, and leaned into his side whilst giving him a small thankful smile.

Jai: You better be thankful for wasting two hours of my life. I could be doing something productive right now.

He received a punch from her other hand and chuckled at her loudly while pulling her close.

Jai: Accha sunn.... You think you have a day to spare from all this wedding madness?

Bani raised a brow at him, wondering what his intentions were. Jai gave her a broad grin.

Jai: You remember Sonali, don't you?

She gave him a look as if saying "how-could-you-expect-me-to-forget?" Jai carried on.

Jai: Well she's in India visiting for some time. And.... well... she really wants to meet you. (he adds hesitantly)

Sonali Sharma, Jai's girlfriend of one year. He had met her in London at a party of a fellow associate's. They hit if off instantly, went out on outings, met for dinners, and formed a steady relationship. Once Jai informed her that he'd be leaving back to India permanently, she had been gravely upset, but stated that she'd come and visit after some time and together they would work something out.

Just the other day they had went out for coffee after Jai had received her from the airport. He had been immensely happy to see her. She was not just his girlfriend, but a very dear friend of his. It was into the middle of their small outing that she voiced her wish to meet Bani, the girl she had been constantly been hearing about from Jai. Jai had been taken aback and cautious. He wasn't too sure of the idea. But Sonali had reassured him, stating that she was no Roshini. She genuinely wanted to meet Bani since she is a special person in his life as well. Jai agreed half-heartily awhile later.

He felt her squeeze his hand while giving him a ginger smile. She slowly nodded her head in agreement. Jai looked at her with disbelief.

Jai: You will?

Again she nodded and expressed that she wanted to meet the special woman in her best friend's life. Jai smiled happily at her and informed her to keep the next day opened for him. They continued walking along the sidewalk, looking for a place to eat, and had just been about to enter into a nearby cafe when they bumped into someone at the door. Both Jai and Bani looked to the person with surprise and seconds later a blush appeared onto her cheeks.

Tarun: Jai? Bani?
Jai: Tarun, what are you doing here?
Tarun: I came here for some lunch before going back to work. What are you two up to?

Jai gave him a wide smile after giving a side glance at a blushing Bani, who was avoiding Tarun's eyes as much as possible whereas Tarun could keep his eyes off of her.

Jai: Well we actually just finished shopping for Bani. She wanted to get herself some sarees for after the wedding.
Tarun: (earnestly) I can't wait to see them....

A silence surrounded them and Jai found himself in an uncomfortable situation between two lovebirds who stole glances at one another. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously....

Jai: Er.... Well it's funny how we are all meeting here...
Tarun: Hm, yeah it is. But now that we are all here.... why don't we do lunch together? (politely)

Jai smiled, about to agree to the idea on seeing the eagerness on Bani's face, but then noticed how Tarun's eyes landed on their joined hands and a look crossed his face. Sheepishly he released Bani's hand after realizing that he was still holding onto it. He and Bani were perfectly fine with it as they have been friends for so long, but he didn't know how Tarun would take the closeness in their relationship. He could also clearly see that Tarun wished to spend time with Bani alone and was asking him along out of politeness. He decided that he didn't want to interrupt on the soon-to-be newly weds.

Jai: No, you two go ahead. I've got some work to do anyways. Besides, this is a good excuse for you two to get to know one another much better.

As an alarmed expression came across Bani's face, a look of delight appeared on Tarun's as he stepped forward and took a grip onto Bani's now free hand--- holding it possessively.

Tarun: That's a shame. Well I guess I'll see you around some other time.... at the wedding I presume?
Jai: Yeah, I'll see you then. You two have fun. Bye Bani....

Bani gave him a feeble smile, but clearly seemed disappointed on hearing his plan to leave. Jai simply gave her a wink, which successfully made her smile grow.

Tarun: Bye Jai.... Come on Bani.

He beckoned for her while tugging on her hand, leading her into the cafe. While walking through the door, Bani looked over her shoulder and cast a last smile in Jai's direction before disappearing behind it....

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

Part 6A:

He stared at her disheveled state with a shiver running down his back; her long shimmering veil entangled in curls of luxuriant black hair, misplaced red bindis that line across her now tensed forehead, golden maang tika slid out of place showing the bold smudge of vermillion on her parting, her golden necklace hung loosely around her neck accompanied by the thread of black beads resting against her shaking bosom, her trembling lips that were smeared with red lipstick, and her haunting brown eyes that remained red and moist with building tears that refused to cease……

He watched as her small hands gathered the white sheets beneath her into clenched fists as her body raked with uncontrollable sobs. Occasional breaths released from her parted lips as she tried to voice the overwhelming anguish that presided in her. Frustrated with her incapability of expressing her heartache, she succumbed into further tears----seeming absolutely defeated from the hands of fate. He didn't know how to react from the sight and remained still within his place, frozen to the very ground, as he became a silent spectator of his wife's sorrow.  His thoughts were too muddled at the moment, his mind tried to comprehend what had occurred within the past one hour….an hour that managed to change his whole life around…. He could still hear the distant sound of the chanting mantras…. see flashes of the sacred fire….the showering of rose petals….her sobbing form as she buried her face into her henna decorated hands….and the letter that was clenched between her tight fingers….

It all had happened so fast that he hadn't had time to think properly. It was now all a blur within his blank mind…. He had slipped into a state of shock after realizing the events that had occurred moments after they had happened….and grew aware of what exactly he had done.

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

He made his way past through the throngs of people, who were in excited chatter amongst themselves, gathered around the small house. Looking smart and dashing in his Armani black suit for the special occasion, he pocketed his keys as he strode up the fleet of stairs, moving past a line of dolled up girls, giggling coyly at the handsome sight of him. On reaching the top of the stairs, he became distracted by the shouts and commands coming from the man of the household, appearing flushed from the festivity of the event that had been keeping him on his toes since morning. He throws a smile at the bride's father who cheerfully greets him at the sight of him right before directing him toward the room down the hall…..

He approached the half-opened door in slow steps whilst listening onto the buzzing of feminine voices coming from inside. Placing his hand against the wooden door, he pushed it forward allowing him passageway to come in. Immediately his gaze fell onto the lovely picture of the bride-to-be, seated down on the single stool before the dresser, her bewitching image reflected through the mirror… where their eyes met seconds later. He felt his insides come to a slow from the view of her, seeming more beautiful and radiant than ever before. She looked like a woman rather than the sixteen year old girl he had always thought of her to be. Dressed up in a shimmering red saree complemented with flattering golden jewelry, she appeared to complete the image of a traditional Indian bride perfectly. Her silky long hair was wrapped elegantly into a bun that was in the process of being decorated with flowers. Her wide eyes lined with kohl, adding a magical effect to her already captivating orbs of honey brown. A golden maang tika was placed against her forehead while her tiny ears became adorned with golden jhumkes only to complete the look with a nose ring resting against her left cheek. Her neck ornamented a traditionally appearing heavy necklace and her small wrists decked with dark red bangles. He was blown away with the pure beauty radiating from her, a beauty he was coming to appreciate right at the very moment.

A delightful smile reached her red curvy lips right before she turned around, facing him. The sparkle in her eyes dazzled him for a mere moment before his attention was roughly broken away from the shrieking of a voice beside him.

"Eeeeekkk, you big gorilla man! Who let you inside of here?! Can't you see, there are only women folk in here! Unless there is something you are trying to tell us…. " her mocking tone brought immense annoyance to him, putting him instantly out of his previous good mood. He looked toward his most despised nemesis and glared hard at her while a scowl emerged onto his handsome face. The rest of the women in the room, including Annie, Jigyasa, and Sonali (carefully decorating Bani's hair), giggled from Rano's outspoken words. Rano, who was dressed beautifully in a flattering blue lehenga choli, stuck her tongue out to him.

"Bani, how could you let this pest come after I specifically told you not to?" he growled demandingly at his best friend, earning himself more laughter from the womenfolk present. Bani donned a frown, smearing her gorgeous face in the process, and scrunched up her nose at him stubbornly as a response.

"Well like a good best friend, I came here promptly in the morning. Unlike you, who has chosen to come ten minutes before the bharat plans to arrive!" Rano smartly remarked infuriating him further. On hearing her words, it seemed that Bani remembered that she was previously angry with Jai's lateness and promptly turned back around to face the mirror as Sonali continued to work on her hair. Realizing Bani's sudden spout of anger, Jai glared hard at a delightful Rano for putting him into his best friend's wrath. He vowed that he'd get her back if it was the last thing he did.

Walking over to Bani, Jai passed by Annie and muttered, "You and your husband really need to stop letting every Tom, Dick and Harry to come into your home," referring to Rano who darted daggers in his way. Annie laughed splendidly, as she always did when witnessing Jai and Rano's aggressive arguments and signaled to the rest of the girls that there was much work to do before the bharat arrived, giving some privacy to the bride in the meanwhile. As Annie and Jigyasa urged the girls to leave, Rano, even, was pushed along into work and in a clutter the girls left.

Bani shifted her gaze onto her bangles as she fiddled with them, ignoring Jai's drawing presence as he seated himself down onto the edge of the dresser next to her. He quietly glanced up at an amused Sonali, who was attempting to restrain a smile but failed miserably. He signaled to her of how mad Bani was and his girlfriend answered with wide spread arms. He released a sigh, knowing that it would be a difficult task in bringing Bani around.

"You are quite late Jai. She tried your number before many times but you didn't answer. What else do you expect her to be? It's her wedding and despite being her best friend you are late…" Sonali whispered over Bani's head to her boyfriend who rubbed the back of his head, wondering how he should explain himself. "What should I do?" he whispered back desperately. "You are her best friend! Why are you asking me?" she replied. Suddenly the massive tinkling of Bani's bangles drew both Sonali and Jai's attention onto her, as she motioned to them angrily how she wasn't deaf and could hear them perfectly.

Jai: Come on yaar. I know I am late. But you know I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world…. I was just wrapped up in last minute work at the office. You know how busy it gets…. Now don't spoil your mood and forgive me already. What answer would I give Tarun as to why his once shy and coy bride is suddenly so angry and vicious?

Bani glared hard at his attempt to make light of the situation and once again turned her face in the other direction. Jai threw another look at Sonali, who only prodded him on. He lowered himself down to her level, bent on one knee beside the stool and steered her face toward him by taking a hold of her chin.

Jai: Hey Bani meri rani, now stop it with the nakhde…. I'm here now… That's all that should matter, right? Come on now… give me a smile…. I won't leave from here until you do….

Bani stubbornly remained frowning at him hard and stared at him for a long moment with her expressive eyes before pounding her fist against his chest repeatedly from frustration. Jai chuckled loudly at this, having become used to this action of hers and knew it was a sign of her thawing. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest, and ignored the remaining of her last punches until she settled down as well.

Sonali gazed on fondly at the pair of friends, marveling as she had been for the past month at the closeness of their relationship. It had brought some jealousy to her initially, their friendship, as she found the idea of Jai being closer with another woman uncomfortable. It gave her a bout of insecurities until she grew to know Bani well, finding her immensely endearing when she first met her a month ago. The more she got to know Bani, the more she understood why she was so greatly cherished by Jai. She was a true gem of a person.

Jai: Alright my little sumo wrestler…. I am sure you have left plenty of bruises by now…. In fact, I am used to finding bruises on my body ever since I met you…. You appear to be so fragile of a person, but your punches tell me otherwise…. I should give Tarun some last minute advice before you two leave for Delhi and you make his life hell from there on out….

Sonali laughed as Bani aimed another punch at her friend until she too giggled silently against his chest, officially caving into his attempts of coaxing her. Jai bore a look of triumph at this and kissed her sweetly onto her head.

Jai: But I don't think I will tell him how it is to settle you down…. That he will have to figure out completely on his own…. Now it is his turn to bear the brunt from a firecracker like you….

He joked while pulling on her small, buttoned nose, bringing a soft smile onto his friend's lips. Not wishing to infringe on the last moments of time together between two friends, as their lives would change from there on out, Sonali decided to leave them in privacy. It may be the last quality of time they would spend together even after Bani's marriage. She would be moving to Delhi with her husband and Jai would remain here in Mumbai working beside his father in the family business.

Sonali: I'll leave you two friends, alone…. I will just go and see if there is any work to do…. Bani, you call me if this animal does anything else to upset you…. I will deal with him then for upsetting my new best friend…

Jai: (raises a brow) Your best friend? If Rano wasn't enough, now I have to deal with my own girlfriend…

Sonali: (giggling) That's right… You have lots of competition, Jai…. You're not the only one who loves and adores Bani….

Wearing a delightful smile onto her face, Bani removed herself away from Jai's arms and stood onto her feet. She approached Sonali and kissed her sweetly on the cheek, conveying every bit of gratitude she held for her friend's girlfriend….for keeping him happy and for being a great friend to her. Sonali smiled and hugged Bani briefly before wishing her all the happiness in the world and a successful marriage. She then, too, left the room. Jai grinned lightly at the sight, pleased in seeing the two's interaction. He had his doubts in the beginning and felt anxious of Sonali and Bani's first meeting, but was proven wrong by Sonali's good and caring nature. Any further uncertainties he held that were influenced by Roshini were diminished in an instant.

 Sitting back onto the edge of the dresser, Jai gazed at Bani who now seemed to have slipped into a daze after Sonali's retreat. He rattled her out of it by shaking her arm, returning her lost attention onto him.

Jai: What happened? What are you thinking?

He watched her remain silent patiently until she finally motioned to him what it was she was thinking. She felt happy with all the love and concern that surrounded her and would miss her loved ones terribly when she moved to Delhi. It was when she began to cry that really alarmed Jai, though. He instantly took her back into his arms as she expressed her fears of moving away from everyone.

Jai: Come on Bani…. This isn't a death sentence… Marriage is a joyous occasion…. You should be happy that you're marrying a guy like Tarun, who loves you and will keep you happy…. As for the rest of us, we're not going anywhere. We're always going to be here. Whenever you want, you can come and visit us. Do not think of this as a drastic change, but think of it as a new life that you're embarking…. and just look forward to your future with Tarun. You're going to be happy, I know it. And eventually you'll forget all of us and will start to miss us all less.

Bani stared up at him with her glistening eyes as she childishly demanded that he promise her that he will come and visit her and that nothing would change between them. Jai laughed a little at her naivety but nonetheless promised.

Jai: Nothing will change, I promise you Bani. I know that I joke around when I tell you that I made the world's biggest mistake of befriending you, but in reality it was you who made the mistake because you now have a friend who will never leave you alone…. no matter what…. even if you'll be miles and miles away. I'll find away to still irritate the hell out of you…. (chuckles)

Bani shared his light laughter while brushing away her tears, dabbing at her eyes, and basking in the warmth of his embrace. Again she made him promise that he'll irritate her throughout her life, which he happily agreed to.

Jai: I love you Bani…. You're my best friend…. nothing in the world will change that….. And I'll hope and pray that you will get every bit of happiness that you deserve….

These were the very last words he spoke to her right before fate's sudden change of plans…..

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

After leaving Bani's room once Annie rejoined them, Jai mingled downstairs among his friends, Daksh and Aditya in a dispirited mood. His best friend's wedding was proving to be a bitter-sweet occasion for him. Sweet because she would embark on a new life with a man who loves her, but bitter because she will no longer remain here by his side. He had promised her that he'd visit her occasionally, but he knew that the chances were slim. He was constantly kept busy with the business and he knew Tarun was not rather approving of his friendship with his bride-to-be. He could see the insecurity in him and the jealousy in his eyes whenever Jai happened to be near Bani. It would only grow worse after their marriage…. And Jai wouldn't want to do anything to put Bani's marital life at stake, even if it meant to stay away. He'd have to accept the fact that she would be going far away but remain hopeful that their friendship would remain intact throughout the years to come.

Time flew by and soon the arrival of the bharat was anticipated to be coming any minute now. The wedding was decided to be taken at the bride's house in the backyard. Although their house was a typical middle-class home, the Dixits held property of a rather spacious back yard in which the mandap had been constructed. The wedding was set to be taken place; all that was left to remain was the presence of the groom…..

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

Bani stood blushing alongside Annie, Rano, and her other friends at the balcony connected from her room as they teased her mercilessly about the arrival of her groom who was expected to appear any second. She strained her ears to listen in on the approaching band's arrival, but as minutes went by she remained standing perplexed by the delay of the bharat….

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

"It has been past twenty minutes now…. Where are they?" Daksh questioned pensively more to himself rather than his friends as the delay of the bharat was stretching. The rest of the guests, too, were getting slightly restless and wondered when the groom and his family would appear. They whispered among themselves, throwing occasional stares at the entrance way. Jai placed a hand onto his friend's shoulder and reassured him that they must be on their way and something probably had delayed them. Aditya too proposed the same idea. Yet the two friends were unable to remove the uneasiness from the bride's brother.

"I will just go and check with Papa to see if everything is alright…. They shouldn't be taking this long… The auspicious time will run out…Pandit ji has already reminded me…," Daksh muttered worriedly before trailing off in the other direction to locate his father. Aditya turned to look at Jai, who was beginning to grow a grim look on his face.

Aditya: What do you think Jai? Something's happened?

Jai: …. No, at least I hope that nothing has. I'm sure that they are on their way. They had called right before leaving, hadn't they? …. They must be on the way….

Aditya seemed to be growing doubtful regarding the bharat's whereabouts yet chose not to say no more, not wishing to become a part of the speculating guests. He simply nodded his head, hoping that his friend's words were true.

Jai assured himself to remain calm and not to think of anything drastic. He contemplated about the whereabouts of the groom's side. They had phoned over forty minutes ago that they were to leave to be heading to the Dixit's residence. They wanted this wedding to happen just as much as the bride's side did. Nothing should be out of place then. Tarun loved Bani from what he interpreted from his smitten looks toward his best friend. He wanted to marry her and he would come to do just that.

Yet his anxiety began to increase as time continued to fly by quickly. The groom's absence was stretching to be more than thirty minutes. The auspicious time was ticking….

Aditya: Hey Jai, look…. Daksh and Nishikant Uncle….

Jai followed Aditya's gaze toward the upper floor of the house, where he spotted both father and son crossing down the hall toward a particular room…. Bani's room. Feeling his query grow, Jai debated whether he should go see if everything was alright. He was just about to drop the idea until his family approached him with worries of their own.

Uday: Jai, I am starting to grow worried about the bharat… And from what I see, Nishikant seems distressed, son…. I'm sure that something is wrong….

Mausi: Munna, why don't you go and see if everything is alright?…. I am also starting to worry….

Jai stared at his father and aunt while pondering over the idea. He too wanted to know what was going on but did not wish to intrude. Though, his family's concern prodded him to take the step. They were deeply concerned about the delay and hoped that nothing drastic had occurred. Over the years since Jai's departure, the Dixits and Walias had grown immensely close. It was only right for his family members to be equally concerned. Glancing over at his equally perturbed sister, Jai nodded his head and took long strides toward the stairs…..

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

Part 6B:

With his eyes fixed onto her trembling form, he took slow steps across the master bedroom…headed toward the king-sized bed in which his bride remained frozen in her place on the mattress---absolutely shattered to pieces…. Her tight grips around the sheets gradually loosened as her shoulders slumped from its previous tensed form, showing her defeat in the situation….her surrender to the way things had become. She then grew dangerously quiet as she began to sense his lingering presence….and finally took notice to her surroundings that she had blocked out from her mind before. All he could hear was her sharp intake of breath as he approached her silently at the bed and was unperturbed when she abruptly looked towards him with red, piercing eyes. At that moment he felt nothing…. He didn't know how to feel….or how to handle the situation in which he put himself in…. He didn't know anything…. But what he did know was that he had to comfort her… in any way he could…. let her know that they were in this together…. that she wasn't alone….that he was here for her….now and forever.

He watched as she looked at him attentively and became completely still in her actions. She didn't bat an eye once he hesitantly sat beside her on the mattress, his weight sinking in it and causing to draw her in slightly closer. He met with her beady eyes, holding them in a fixed gaze, before slowly placing his palm against her cold cheek. From the touch his warm hand, she closed her eyes and covered his own hand with hers, pressing them against her pale face as tears continued to leak from her lashes. His other hand traveled to her other cheek, cupping both sides of her face, and used his thumbs to wipe away her new tears. She opened her eyes from this action of his and stared into his strangely mysterious gray eyes. He shook his head at her, silently indicating her to shed no more tears. She bit down on her trembling lip before she burst into a sob that was suppressed unsuccessfully.

He engulfed her into his arms where she eventually cried herself to sleep. In the early hours of the morning, he remain slumped against the headboard of the bed as his fingers slowly ran through her silky tresses, her face resting against his lap, and her breathing reaching regularity. He leaned his head back as his mind drifted back to what occurred hours before….

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

He walked down the hall cautiously, peering at the slightly ajar bedroom in which rapid voices were heard from, only increasing his previous query. He halted by the door and pushed it softly aside to reveal an alarming sight. Nishikant Dixit stood from afar with a tensed look adorned on his face, lines forming on his forehead, whereas his son kept rooted to his place with a furious expression and hands rolled into fists. Annie stood behind him, tears lining her eyes, as she placed her hands onto her husband's arms, trying to keep him back as Daksh looked ready to pounce. He followed the direction of his friend's gaze and saw that he glared bitterly at a young girl standing before him. It took him good moment to realize that the girl was Meera, Tarun Sablok's little sister.

Before he could open his mouth and question what was going on, he was silenced by listening to his friend's menacing words.

"How dare he do this?!!! How dare he do this to us?! I will kill him! Do you hear me?! I will kill him when I get my hands on him!" Daksh roared, seeming close to breathing fire. Meera cowered back in fright of his wrath, one that she unfortunately had invoked.

He continued to look on as Tarun's sister lifted up her hands in plea, her own eyes moist and shining with fear.

"Please,…. Aap…. Aap unko maaf kijye…. Jaanti hoon ki usne baut bhari paap karchuke hai…. paar phir bhi main maangari hoon ke aap saab unko maaf karnliye….," she stammered, not meeting anyone in the eye as her own gaze was lowered to the ground. He clutched onto the doorknob with all his might as his mind raced with terrible thoughts of what could possibly be going on.

"Maafi?! You are asking forgiveness for him?! You expect me to forget what he has done to us! What he has done to my sister?!" Daksh shook with building fury as he pointed out toward the bed. Jai's eyes followed toward the direction and his shock grew on seeing his best friend crying into the arms of an equally troubled Rano, who pathetically patted the bride's back in an attempt to comfort her.

"Daksh, stop it already. Why are you yelling at the poor girl? She did not do anything," Annie finally spoke, trying to wipe away her streaming tears.

"Did not do anything?! Her whole family has betrayed us Annie, especially that brother of hers! And he has the audacity to send his sister to do the evil bidding for himself! That b*st*rd!"

He remained standing as a silent spectator, too speechless to speak, his mind whirling nonstop, trying to put two and two together. What was going on? What did Daksh do? Why was Bani crying? But more importantly, what had Meera come here for on her brother's behalf? A shiver ran down his spine as a terrible thought came to mind. But he refused to believe it. This couldn't happen. This couldn't happen to his Bani.

"Jai…." Startled, Jai nearly jumped in his place on being acknowledged. Following the faint voice, Jai peered over at the bride's father, who only looked back at him in sorrow. One by one everyone's attention drew onto him; he could feel all of their eyes prickling on him, everyone except one who continued to cry silent tears in her friend's arms. Taking a step forward, Jai shut the door behind him to give them privacy.

"Uncle, what is going on? ----Why is Bani crying?" he managed to ask once finding his voice.

On seeing Jai, Annie broke out into a sob and came to him, wrapping her arms around him and weeping on his chest. Worried by this action of hers, Jai brought his own arms around her in order to comfort his friend's wife, who had become into a sister to him these past years.

"Annie, what's going on? Please tell me. ….. Daksh?" Jai called out to his friend, desperately wanting to know what the problem was, even though he had an inkling of what had happened. He, however, hoped that he would be proved wrong. Meeting his friend's gaze, Jai watched as Daksh's own face crumbled within moments and tears sprung up in his eyes. He moved his head stubbornly in the other way, not heeding to his question.

Sensing that no one would speak, he finally looked over to bride, who had her head laid onto Rano's shoulder, crying miserable sobs. His heart churned on the sight and after releasing Annie, he briskly walked further, approaching the bed. He ignored Rano's intent gaze, watching him carefully as if wondering what he were about to do.

"Bani….." he spoke softly in order to gather her attention, but to not avail as she remained unmoved, the back of her head faced toward him. Slowly he tenderly placed a hand onto her shaking head and called for her again. "Bani, look at me…. Tell me what is wrong."

Bani did not heed to his request, however, her sobs grew harder on hearing his voice. Looking momentarily away from her trembling form, Jai looked beseechingly at everyone else to inform him what was going on. Yet they all avoided his gaze, their own eyes full with tears. Returning his eyes back onto her, he took notice to the tight fist of her hand resting on the mattress and a crumbled paper held beneath her fingers.

Silently he took a hold of her hand and pried open her fingers without much struggle as Bani did not put up a fight. Taking the ball of paper into his hand, he smoothed it out in order to read it. His gray eyes scanned across the words written on the piece of paper and immediately his head began to pound.

Dear Bani,

If this note reaches to you, then it means that I am no longer here. I have left the city and may never return. I am sorry that I have to resort to this manner, but I had no other choice. It became too late when I finally realized that none of this was what I wanted…. at least not anymore. You are a beautiful girl, Bani, and I became instantly attracted to you the first time we met. And by your manners and polite personality, I was sure that you'd make a good wife. But I need more than that now. And what I am looking for in my companion, I cannot find in you. I can't marry you, Bani. This is what I realized. Hence, I am going away and leave all my well wishes with you. I hope that you find a companion for yourself and lead a happy life. God Bless.

Tarun

"…. He left?" Jai whispered as a wave of shock paralyzed him instantly. Daksh finally looked at him on hearing him speak.

"Yes, he left---the coward that he is! He has left my sister here all alone on her wedding day in humiliation! He promised to marry her and left at the last second! Fled just like that! My Pari has been ruined! He has ruined her! He did the deed and my sister is suffering for it!" Daksh screamed in rage.

Annie buried her face into her hands, her sadness apparent through her continued sobs. A silence so strong soon prevailed around them in which Jai became lost into his own self-absorbing thoughts---- even the grief of the scorned bride became into a distant echo to Jai's ears.

 "…. What are we going to do? How will we tell everyone? How will we face them?" Nishikant whispered weakly, his face dejected with defeat. He too succumbed in tears, his anguish matching with his daughter's.

"Khush ho tum? Tumhara bhai neh hume barbaad karchuka! Aab hum kissi ki nazaar bhi nahi milsaakte! Meri Pari--- meri behen aab tootchuki hai… sirf tumhara bhai ki wajah se!" Daksh fiercely yelled at his nemesis's sister, who bowed down her head in shame.

"Hume maaf kijiye. Hum baaut sharmindaar hai. Humne jhaanbujkar nahi kiya…. Please, hume maaf kijiye…."

Once again she raised her hands in a sign of forgiveness and muttered to allow her to leave as she had only came to deliver the letter. No one stopped her from leaving as she ran out from the room.

Nishikant collapsed onto the chair beside the dresser. Immediately Annie came to his side, placing a hand onto his shoulder and attempting to console him.

"Jai, we're finished…. He's ruined everything…. He broke my sister's heart…. He broke our trust…. Papa is right---- how will we face everyone now? We will become humiliated. All because of him," Daksh said wearisomely, his face pale as a sheet of paper.

Daksh, too, fell down onto the edge of the bed, placing his head in between his hands and his body raking with sobs. Jai's eyes once again lingered onto his best friend, whose back of her head still was faced toward him, her shoulders trembling and only the occasional sniffles heard from her now.

Once again he placed his hand onto her head and whispered softly, "Bani…." Her shoulders became tensed and she held in a breath from his comforting touch. Slowly she lifted her head away from Rano's shoulder and turned around, meeting his eyes. Jai's inside sunk on seeing her red eyes and face streaked with flowing tears. The clear agony in her brown eyes shook him to the core.

In a futile attempt of brushing away her tears, Jai watched as she gathered courage to meet him directly in his eyes and raised her hands toward him. She began motioning rapidly to him that no one would marry her because of her inability to speak and that is what had driven Tarun away in the end. Stunned beyond words, Jai tried to deny this.

"Bani, how can you even think like this? That is not true---" 

She pushed away his hands that came forward to cup her face and again repeated herself, firmly believing that that was the very reason Tarun did not wish to marry her and that she would now never get married because no one would want to marry a mute. Jai remained stumped while Bani broke into another quiet sob and fell onto his chest, clinging onto the lapels of his coat for dear life. She began to shake him by his coat, as if to question him why this had happened to her and what had she done to deserve this injustice.

Having no answer, Jai kept quiet but slipped into his own turmoil of thoughts. His greatest fear had been proven true. Tarun ditched Bani on their wedding day.

"My Pari has been ruined! He has ruined her!" ---- "What are we going to do?" ----- "Hum kissi ki nazaar bhi nahi milsaakte!" ---- "How will we tell everyone?" ----- "He has left her all alone on her wedding day" ---- "We're finished" ---- "He promised to marry her and left at the last second!" ---- "We will become humiliated!" ----- "Fled just like that!" ---- "How will we face them?" ---- "He did the deed and my sister is suffering for it!"

His head spun endlessly with these words. He too felt defeat in the situation. Why did life do this to her? What had Bani done to have such injustice committed towards her?

The wretched cries of his best friend rung throughout his ears and tormented him inside.

"My poor daughter…. She did not deserve any of this….," Nishikant expressed in woe. Annie took a hold of her pallu and dabbed at her watering eyes. Jai gazed all around at everyone, noting their troubled faces and the sorrow in their eyes. These were good people. Tarun had done them wrong by betraying them all, especially Bani. Jai's eyes blazed on the thought of him, anger searing through his blood. He was responsible for all of this----responsible for giving all this pain to this family while he ran off free like a coward. They didn't deserve it. They didn't.

"Papa, we will have to tell them soon. People are wondering----we cannot hide this truth any longer. Tarun is not coming. There isn't going to be a wedding," Annie sadly spoke. Daksh raised his head to look at his wife, his face overshadowed with distress.

"How can we, Annie? How can we tell them that Tarun has ditched our Bani? He gets away free while we bear the brunt of his actions, especially my sister."

"There is nothing we can do now, Daksh. What happened has happened. We have no control over the situation. We cannot delay the truth any longer. There is no way we can. We must face what has happened to us. Even if it will bring us humiliation."

"No… No, I can't. I can't do it, Annie. I just can't."

"Daksh, aab hum kya kaarsakte hai? We cannot go after Tarun and drag him to marry Bani. It is far too late and we do not even know where it is that he has gone."

"I cannot face those people and tell them what has happened to my daughter. I do not have the courage," Nishikant spoke wearily.

As Annie opened her mouth once again to try and make her father-in-law see sense that at this point they are helpless, she is interrupted by Jai's rumbling voice.

"And you will not have to Uncle…."

Surprised, Nishikant lifted his head and directed his gaze onto him, staring at him with question. Jai once again felt everyone's eyes placed onto him again, but this time Bani also stared up at him, her silent eyes glistening.

"What do you mean, Jai?" Daksh asked, puzzled himself and wondering what it is that his friend meant.

"What I mean to say is that you will not have to be disgraced in front of everyone. There is something that can be done," Jai found himself say, not knowing why he was speaking the words he was saying, but at this point he knew that he could no longer see Bani cry. It pained him too much.

Instantly hope registered onto all of their faces, especially Nishikant's.

"Jai, speak clearly. What do you propose that we do?" Daksh once again asked, prodding Jai for answers and desperate to hear them. Meeting Bani's gaze directly, Jai lost himself into the deep pools of sorrow reflected clearly in those honey brown orbs.

"Bani…." Bani continued to stare desperately at him, wondering what words he was going to speak… what solution he had for all of this. Her grip on him tightened. His hands took a hold of her arms as he looked directly into her eyes.

"….Will you marry me?"

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

Part 7:

Bani continued to stare desperately at him, wondering what words he was going to speak… what solution he had for all of this. Her grip on him tightened. His hands took a hold of her arms as he looked directly into her eyes.

"….Will you marry me?"

Her tight clutches gradually became loose and soon her hands fell from the tight grasp on his jacket as astonishment registered onto her struck face. Quickly disbelief swarmed into her eyes as she stared at him as if seeing him for the very first time.

A pin drop silence engulfed the room and the people within it as they all stared baffled at what was occurring before them.

"Jai…. Jai, what are you saying?" Daksh breathed out in sheer surprise.

As if snapped out of a trance, Bani roughly pushed against Jai's chest, causing him to tumble back and shook her head vigorously at him. The tears flowed rapidly than before as if a dam had burst right then and there. Jai hastily caught onto her flying hands that signed to him that she would not take his pity and to just let her be in her state.

"Bani---Bani---Bani, look at me!" Jai nearly screamed while taking a hold of her chin into his fingers and steering her head to face him.

"Bani…. I want to marry you because I love you…. And don't you dare to think it is for any other reason. I want you to take me as your life companion….. Will you do that?" he asked swiftly, boring into her wide eyes. She again shook her weary face and tried to weakly push him off but his hold on her was far stronger. His large hands cupped her face and brought her close to his, leaving little room for breath.

"Bani, marry me and I promise that I will always take care of you and make sure to keep you happy throughout the rest of your life…. I will never leave your side," he murmured for only her to hear.  

He watched as a sudden softness grew into the pools of her brown eyes as she gazed back at him silently, locked with his. Without her having to sign anything, he could read the question lingering in them still.

Pointing at himself, he slowly took possession of her nose, giving it a soft squeeze, before directing his forefinger at her. The tears continued to spill from her red, puffy eyes on seeing the gesture of his. Cupping her face once more, his thumbs wiped away the streaks of tears on her cheeks.

"Jai beta…. Are you sure of what you are doing? ---- You are willing to take my daughter as your wife?" Nishikant finally gathered his voice on witnessing the scene in front of him, his eyes switching back and forth to his daughter and her friend.

"Yes sir, I am," Jai replied promptly without any hesitance. Nishikant proceeded to look at him in wonder, seeming to not believe his ears. He glanced over to his son, who bore the same expression as himself.

"Jai…yaar. …. You don't have to do this. Please. We do not need your sympathy. ----We will manage," Daksh spoke in a strangled tone--- attempting to rid his friend's willing sacrifice.

"Daksh, I want to do this. And I do not care if anyone objects. I will marry Bani," Jai said with such force that it surprised himself even.

"….. You are sure you want to do this?" Daksh spoke cautiously, eyeing his friend intently and noting the fierce determination set on his face.

"I've made my mind," he answered coolly. Jai sensed Daksh's unwavering eyes as he looked to him with absolute disbelief. He also knew Daksh realized that he would not be going against his word---he had decided. He didn't expect, though, his friend's next reaction.

Daksh approached him in small steps, staring at him wide-eyed, before throwing his arms around him and breaking into tears. Jai stood awkwardly in his friend's embrace, not ever having seen Daksh in this manner before.

"Thank you Jai…. Thank you so much," Daksh stammered while gripping onto him hard. Nishikant was no less than his son----he had fallen before Jai's feet, alarming him in the process. Jai hastily moved Daksh aside so he could lift Nishikant off the ground. He was further taken aback by seeing Daksh's father folding his hands to him with tears brimming down his cheeks.

"How can I ever thank you for what you are doing for us, Jai Beta?..... How will I ever be able to?.... I cannot even express how grateful I am right now."

"No Uncle, I am doing no favors….. I am marrying Bani because I want to…. Do not feel that you have to be grateful to me, please. Do not embarrass me in this way. All I need are your blessings so Bani and I can start our new lives together with a good start…"

"Of course… you both will always have my blessings….always," Nishikant answered promptly while gulping down his tears. He too took Jai into a powerful embrace, showing his overwhelming gratitude. Jai met Annie's eyes across the room over Nishikant's head and saw that she too smiled back at him with appreciation as she dabbed at her own tears.

"May you two always be happy with one another," Nishikant continued before finally releasing Jai. Jai stumbled back and turned to look at Bani, who was rooted in her spot with a quickly paling face. He was unsurprised when he was confronted by further refusal from her. This time, she hastily brought up Sonali, questioning why he was forgetting about her as she would be heartbroken by this decision.

Jai took Bani's chin into his hold, directing her face to him, and held her gaze with his own stormy eyes that captured her rapt attention from the intensity in them.

"Bani, I don't give a damn if I have to drag you to the mandap, but I will marry you and only you…."

She had become silenced by these very words……

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

They carried through the wedding ceremony in complete silence----Jai with a grave look settled on his handsome face whereas Bani was covered with her gunghat crying quiet tears. Together they rose and took the seven rounds around the blazing ceremonial fire as the priest chanted swiftly. Jai walked with stiff shoulders whereas Bani's throat clogged with suppressed sobs as they were showered by red rose petals. When Bani felt the weight of the golden mangulsutra strapped around her neck and the smudge of dark vermillion fill her parting, she became aware of the powerful bond binding her to her husband down to her very core.

Husband and wife carried their unbreakable silence as they took their elder's blessings. As Nishikant warmly gave his well wishes for the newlywed couple, Bani stood nervously before her in-laws not knowing how they would react to this sudden change of plans. Her fears were put to ease, though, when Uday and Mausi both embraced her with acceptance bringing further tears to her already watering eyes.

"Do not judge me for saying this beta, but I am glad with the way things have turned around…. My son has married a lovely woman and I have my bahu finally…. Jeete raho," Mausi whispers to her before planting a tender kiss onto Bani's forehead. Jai stood stiffly as his father placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke to him in hushed words, telling him that what he had done was an honorable act and he was proud of his son.

Jigyasa beamed at her brother and new sister-in-law and took Bani into her warm embrace while dabbing at her moist eyes. "Welcome to the family, Bhabhi," she whispered. Bani stiffened in her sister-in-law's hold and pulled back, wearing a blank look on her expressionless face.

When the newlyweds were approached by Sonali, her black eyes glistening with tears, Jai found that he could not look her in the eye, too consumed with guilt to do so. What he had done to her was unjust, unfair, and cruel, but he wouldn't back out of his decision even for her.

Bani burst into silent tears and pleaded her hands before Sonali, who was taken aback by this gesture of hers and immediately took a grip of Bani's joined hands while shaking her head at her.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Bani… You did nothing wrong," she told her gently. Sonali put on a ginger smile while wiping at her eyes and cupped Bani's face affectionately.

"I hope you have a wonderful marital life and that you receive all the happiness of the world…"

Streams of tears continued to flow down Bani's pale cheeks as she sniffled and looked to Sonali with so much regret---regret for what had occurred and what it has done to all of them.

Sonali's gaze switched to Jai, whose head remained lowered, seeking his eyes.

"Jai…."

Unwillingly Jai looked up and met her coal like eyes with his dark, stormy ones that bore an overwhelming sense of sorrow for his betrayal. Sonali gulped down her tears and gave a watery smile in an effort to ease the tensed situation.

"I always knew you loved Bani…. far more than you let on…. She's very special too you… but I looked past it all, hoping that I wasn't reading too much into it….," she said in a strangled voice, trying to speak through her uprising sobs.

"… Jai…. I know you would never intentionally mean to hurt me… And I don't want either you or Bani to feel guilty for what has happened… None of it was in our hands… I'd like to say honestly that I'm very glad that you've married Bani…. She is a lucky girl to have you as her husband… You will keep each other happy…. And I will pray to God that you are always happy together…"

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

These words rang in his head throughout most of the night. What did Sonali mean by that she knew he loved Bani far more than he let on? He had made it perfectly clear that Bani meant a lot to him. She was his best friend and he loved her. She had a special place in his life. But did Sonali see something more in all that? Did she believe that he was genuinely in love with Bani?

Jai's hand stilled in Bani's silky tresses and his eyes fell down onto her serene looking face as she rested peacefully on his lap. After all, why did he marry Bani? He wanted to say to save her from the humiliation of being ditched on her wedding day, but deep down inside he knew that was not the answer. There was something more behind his decision of marrying her. But what was it?

He leaned his head back and heaved a defeated sigh. His eyes burned and body ached for being in the same stiff position all throughout the night. He stared out of his bedroom windows and watched the beginning of the sunrise. Feeling his eyes begin to droop, Jai's exhaustion was catching up to him. He gingerly lifted his wife's head from his lap and placed it gently onto one of the pillows. Covering her with the quilt, he lied down on the couch across the room and gazed at her sleeping form till sleep overcame him…..

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

Jai woke up past his regular time and realized that he had missed breakfast. As he groggily sat up on the couch, he suddenly felt the warmth of a blanket covering him. He looked down at it quizzically, wondering where it had come from since he didn't remember sleeping with one. His attention was diverted, however, by the sound of his bedroom door opening. He looked over and found his wife standing at the doorway, hesitantly, draped in a dark blue saree with a cup of coffee in her hands. His eyes took in her appearance, noting how her parting is filled perfectly with vermillion, her golden mangulsutra resting on her neck, and her dark red wedding bangles still adorning her tiny wrists. She stood unsurely in her place, seeming sheepish and terribly awkward. She approached him in slow steps and extended the cup over to him while keeping her eyes lowered. He took it from her and mumbled, "Thanks."

 She nodded her head, accepting his gratitude and stood idly before him. Jai, looking at the discomfort she was experiencing, placed his cup aside onto the table nearby and patted down on the seat next to him. She cautiously looked towards him before obediently sitting beside them, keeping a secured distance between them. Jai frowned on seeing this distant behavior of hers and reached out for her hand, taking it in between his. His eyes searched for hers and held them in his hold.

"Bani…. I know that with whatever happened yesterday…. You're in shock and are deeply hurt…. You didn't expect any of this to happen…. Hell, I didn't expect it…. But whatever happened, happened… Our wedding----," his words lingered in the air as he felt her hand fidget in his at that precise moment. He carried on steadily, his hold on her hands staying firm.

"Our wedding hadn't been planned…. And we never imagined it to ever happen…. But I want both of us to accept it and make this marriage work…. That is----if you want to make it work…," he finished as a question, his eyes probing hers. She stared down at his hold over her hand and looked back at him before placing her other hand over his and gently nodding her head in agreement---giving her consent.

"I love you Bani… and I do want to see you happy…. I'm going to try my best…," he told her with a determination that put a small smile onto her lips….

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

Chapter 8 A:

"Bani, where is my black shirt?" Jai questioned one morning when preparing to head off to work. He had overslept by mistake and was now competing with the ticking clock. If he wasn't out of the house in the next ten minutes, he would arrive late for the board meeting scheduled early that morning. And if he expected to become the CEO of his father's company within these next couple of years, he had to set himself across as a complete professional.

Bani looked away from the dresser mirror and briefly stopped in vigorously drying her wet hair with a towel. Setting the cloth aside, she approached him at his wardrobe doors where he stood, perplexed. She searched through his hung clothing for a moment before withdrawing a black linen shirt for him. She presented it to him with a cross look, silently admonishing him for not being capable of taking care of his own things and having to depend on her all the time. Jai instead shook his head at her.

"No, not this one. The other one…. You know, my favorite one….," he explained, taking the shirt from her and hanging it back in place. Bani returned her gaze to his wardrobe, scrutinizing it severely in hunt of the particular shirt her husband was intent on wearing. She reached out and withdrew another, showing it to him in question. Again her husband shook his head in refusal.

"No, it's my Hugo Boss black shirt….," he nearly whined out of frustration for not locating it. Bani threw him an exasperated look while shoving the shirt in her hand at him. She jabbed her forefinger against his chest, making him stumble back with each poke. Jai pushed away her hand and rubbed on the tender spot in which she jabbed her finger on.

"Ouch… Alright, I'll wear this one then. But then you'll find my shirt, won't you?"

She rolled her eyes at him before pushing him toward the bathroom, ordering for him to get ready and to forget about his precious shirt or else he will surely be late. When he disappeared behind the bathroom door, Bani could not contain the smile on her face any longer that emerged to its fullest form. She had learned since her marriage to Jai these past three months that he could be absolutely childish at times, but very endearing at the same time.

Jai walked out of the bathroom some minutes later dressed freshly in a new set of clothes, looking handsome in his black shirt contrasting with his pure white dress pants. As usual routine, Bani waited for him with his coat in hand and slipped it on him as he brought his arms up from his sides. Jai fixed it against him and set to combing his hair in a hurry.

"Accha sunn… I'll leave the office as early as I can and come to the university with Dad and Mausi. Jigyasa and Adi will be meeting us straight there. And after your graduation, we'll all go out to a celebratory lunch. How's that sound?" he asked from the dresser, which Bani had occupied minutes before. She flashed him a smile which he saw reflected in the dresser mirror. She immediately began to sign to him through the mirror.

"Hain hain, how can I forget your precious Daksh Bhaiya and Annie Bhabhi… Don't worry, they have given me guarantee that they will be there as well. And if I may quote your brother, he said he 'wouldn't miss his Pari's graduation for the world'… And before you go on asking me about your father, he said he'd try and make it… But you know with Papa's two jobs it will be hard for him to steal away time…"

Bani shook her head with understanding, knowing this about her father for a long time. Despite Daksh working a qualified job that gave a generous amount of salary to support the family, Nishikant continued to work both jobs claiming that it gave him something to do in his old age rather than sit around the house all day. He also defended his actions by stating that by working he could save up money to ensure the best education possible for his grandson and any future grandchildren, something he was not able to afford easily for both of his own children. She still couldn't help but feel upset over the fact that her father would not be present.

Seeing his wife's face fall, Jai placed the brush down and turned around to look at her. He aimed an impish grin at her while playfully giving a punch to her jaw, snapping her out of a daze.

"Cheer up, Champ… The rest of the family will be there. You don't worry about a thing. You know no matter what Papa's blessings are always with you…," he said in effort to uplift her sudden dampened mood. Bani gingerly smiled on hearing his words.

"Now my dear wife… you mind telling me where my socks have suddenly vanished to?"

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

After the boring and unnecessarily long meeting that carried on further than he had hoped for, Jai found himself in a race against time once again that same day in order to make it to his wife's graduation punctually. Daksh had already left him three missed calls and a voicemail saying that the ceremony had begun. Jai thanked his lucky stars for the change in Bani's last name from Dixit to Walia, buying him more time. He rushed home to pick up Mausi alongside with his father and drove to Bani's university as fast as he possibly could. He breathed a sigh of relief as they arrived and charged both his father and Mausi inside immediately.

"Yaar, you would have been a dead man, I swear. You're one lucky bas***d that your wife hasn't caught on that you are not here," his friend informed him as he took the available seat next to him.

"I couldn't help it. The damn meeting went over its planned time. What letter are they on?" he urged for an answer, wanting the satisfaction that he hadn't missed much.

"They just started with L …. You better make yourself in plain sight for her… She's been looking out in the crowd for you since the ceremony started….," Daksh informed him with an amused smile of the entire situation.

"Bhai, where have you been? Bani Bhabhi has been asking about you for so long… I had to make up so many excuses on your behalf as to why you weren't here…," Jigyasa leaned over whispering to her brother. Jai threw Daksh a grave look at this.

"You said she didn't notice I wasn't here…"

"Daksh Bhaiya was not the one receiving endless texts from her, I was… Please go sit up ahead so she can see you that way she can stop fussing over why you are not here as of yet…."

"Thanks to your sister's doing here, your wife believes you have been in the bathroom all this while…," Aditya pitched in with a good laugh.

"Oh god," Jai groaned before rising from his seat and searching for an available one near the front rows. Locating one, he centered in on it and sat down between an overly obese man and a plum looking woman. He sat in a stiff manner, trying to avoid bodily contact with either of the two people who were encroaching in on his space. He waited impatiently for Bani to be called up….

"Archana Wadhivkar……. Sunil Wadhwa…….. Bani Walia…..," the university's dean announced clearly over the microphone, calling each student one by one. On hearing his wife's name, Jai sat promptly up in his seat and looked up at the stage where the graduates walked across. It didn't take him long to find his wife, who walked gracefully up the stage steps in a fitting black dress worn beneath her blue graduation gown. He could not help but smile on the vision she made. She seemed to be engulfed by the large gown that reached her very toes and the engorging cap with its tassel flailing into her face. But she made a cute sight nonetheless.

His smile spread as she glanced around whilst walking tentatively toward the podium where the dean stood holding her diploma in hand. He knew immediately she was looking for him and waved his hand to capture her attention. On making him presentable to her, she beamed with delight and gave a gleeful smile. She proceeded on forward accepting her diploma graciously and shaking the dean's hand with a bright smile etched on her face. Switching the tassel's position from one side to the other, Bani returned to her seat in a pleased mood as together her whole family cheered for her.

After the ceremony was over, Jai looked all over in the midst of the partying graduates for a sign of Bani. Within moments he saw her stepping out of the hyped up crowd and meet his eyes. Her face radiated as she rushed to him in hurried steps. She approached him breathlessly, her eyes twinkling, and threw her arms around him. Jai placed a hand to her waist in order to balance her.

"Whoa… Well hello to you too, Gorgeous… Congratulations… You're officially done… for now at least," he ended with a cheeky smile. He presented her the bouquet of fresh flowers in his other hand which she accepted with an enlarged smile. She then gently hit him on his shoulder with the expensive bouquet before signing to him quickly.

"Are you insane? I wouldn't miss out on my best friend's important day……. Bani, don't look at me like that. I really was here….. Why, what has everyone told you? …… No, I was not in the restroom for all this time…. No, nothing's wrong with me…… Bani, gross, I do not have diarrhea, okay?! Don't believe anything that Jigyasa told you ……. I was sitting in the back….. the way back….. the very, very back…….. well of course you wouldn't be able to see me with the thousands of people who were sitting in front of me…… No I'm not lying to you…….. How the hell do you know my lying face? I don't have a lying face…… No, I don't….. Bani, I don't…….. I was here the whole time. Now you want to go meet our family who is waiting in the back or continue to interrogate me?"

Bani gave him a grim look before conceding defeat to the lie she knew he purposely was feeding her. Knowing him, he probably was running late from work and got here minutes before. She simply shrugged and let it be and allowed him to lead her to their family, his hand resting on the small of her back. They all greeted her with warm embraces and kisses, congratulating her on her completion of four years of university. All throughout their family's banter, a smile was plastered on Bani's cheery face.

"Shall we all go off to celebrate with lunch? Or continue attacking the poor girl for another hour?" Aditya remarked with a lopsided grin as the congratulatory wishes, hugs, and smooches showed no sign of ceasing. They laughed on this and agreed that they should head off to the restaurant where they would be eating for the afternoon. As they headed off to the parking lot, each splitting up in groups and going into their individual cars, Daksh and Annie approached Bani at Jai's car with apologetic looks.

"Pari, your Bhabhi and I have some place else we have to be right now. Annie's sister just had her baby this morning so we are going to go see the little guy."  

Bani's face fell for a brief moment before she quickly composed herself and gave a small smile, showing that she understood. Daksh fondly placed his hand onto her head.

"But don't you worry, we've made plans to go out for dinner tonight… You, Jai, your Bhabhi, and I to celebrate…. That sound good?" he questioned with affection. Bani's smile grew as she nodded her head in agreement. She hugged her brother farewell and gave a quick peck on Annie's cheek before seating herself into Jai's car, Jai already waiting in the driver seat. Mausi and Uday tagged along with Jigyasa and Aditya leaving the married couple to themselves.

Bani raised up the bouquet against her nose and breathed in the scent of the fresh flowers. She aimed a pleased look in Jai's direction and smiled shyly as he met her gaze.

"What are you smiling for, hm? Just realized that your mornings will no longer be filled with Dr. Rathore crying into his cup of coffee while moaning on and on about how he is a woman trapped inside of a man's body?" She bit down on her lip, holding in her giggle, and simply shook her head. He raised a brow as he took a turn, swiveling the car to the left.

"Then?"

He asked while stepping on the brake pedal, stopping before a traffic light. He turned to look at his wife, who gazed at him so intently that it slightly nerved him. He was taken by surprise when suddenly she reached forward and planted a tender kiss onto his cheek. Both of his eyebrows rose. She moved back into her seat, blushing slightly underneath his direct gaze.

"What was that for?"

She simply shrugged.

"Well I had to have done something…."

She looked at him for a good moment before closing in on their distance, pointing to herself, and then gently taking a grip onto the tip of his nose, shaking it fondly, and poking him on the chest with her index finger. This caused Jai to aim a grin in her way, his eyes looking on at her affectionately.

"Right back atcha, wifey," he answered cheekily, evoking a wide smile on his wife's glowing face.

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

Chapter 8 B:

One day, he left the office early for a change since it was a rather slow, nonproductive day at work and estimated that he'd arrive home around 5 o'clock. He decided that he'll take Bani out tonight perhaps for a movie and later they can do dinner. She had been complaining about wanting to spend more time with him ever since the Dubai project that kept him busy for the past two months.

Unconsciously, on the thought of his wife, he smiled to himself whilst on the drive home. The past seven months of their marriage have been very well. The marriage that neither of them expected was now something they both have whole-heartedly accepted and adjusted to. Bani made a lovely life companion, he had noted. She's smart, funny, caring, kind, compassionate, understanding, and encouraging yet also kept him in line when needed. She had the qualities he'd want his wife to have. So far things between them were far better than he'd imagined when first marrying her. Together they established a warm and comfortable environment for themselves. And as the days progressed, he felt more and more like a married man, gradually forgetting his days of bachelorhood, that too, without any regrets.

Once arriving at the front doors of their home, Jai expected to see his wife's face beam in delight on his upcoming proposition. She had been dying to get some time with him, often compromising with his busy schedule.

"Bani!..." he shouted out for her almost immediately, wanting her to come out and greet him as she usually did with her cheery smiles.

"Arre Munna, you have come home early today?" his Mausi observed in surprise, widening Jai's already formed grin on reaching home. He joined her in the living room, where she sat accompanied with his sister, who was found regularly at home despite being married for the past six years. He slumped onto the couch, laying his head onto his aunt's lap, allowing himself to cave into the brief exhaustion that had slowly been catching up to him since the past many weeks. His aunt fondly ran her fingers through his hair and Jigyasa giggled at her brother's state.

"Bhai, not even a second on coming home and already you are calling out for Bhabhi…."

"Kyon? Biwi hai meri….," Jai quipped back defensively earning a look of endearment from his aunt who chuckled at his comment along with his sister.

"Hain, hain, hum yeh saab jaante hai…. You love to make this clear to us at any given chance… Meri biwi yeh, meri biwi woh," his Mausi stated as matter-of-fact taking Jai by surprise this time. He was about to refute, not believing that he does this, but was cut off as a sudden strange feeling settled inside of him on hearing a distant sound from far away. He instantly sprung up from his aunt's lap and looked around in question.

"Kya Bhai, are you looking for Bhabhi?" Jigyasa continueed, loving to pull her brother's leg whenever she can, especially after his marriage with Bani.

"You all have allowed that witch to enter our home once again, isn't it?" he instantly fired at them, jolting both aunt and sister by his now grave demeanor. Mausi and Jigyasa shared a glance and erupted into laughter simultaneously.

"Jai Bhaiya, how could you possibly have known?" Jigyasa asked, amazed that her brother could tell on his own. Jai narrowed his gaze.

"I can sense that Satan-worshipper's presence a hundred miles away…," he grumbled.

"Munna, enough with the name-calling already… She is such a sweet young girl. Kya bigara hai tumhara?" Mausi attempted to admonish him but to no success as Jai rose from the couch and stalked off, most presumably in order to locate the presence of his most despised nemesis.

"Loh… phir thamasha shuru honewala….," Mausi observed with a shake of her head.

"Arre Mausi, yeh to daily occurrence peh hota hai…. We should not be surprised anymore," Jigyasa stated in laughter, always highly amused when this scene took place….

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

He followed the sound of her tittering coming from inside of the kitchen and he pushed through the door, allowing himself entrance. He barged in on the two young women, standing near the stove, gossiping and giggling with one another. He glared hard at one of the women in particular.

"How the hell is it that you get to pass through my guards despite my numerous instructions to not have you trespassing on our property?" he shot right away, not wasting a second in attacking her.

Both turned around on hearing his abrupt, unpleasant voice. Rano Sharma wore a look of annoyance, rolling her eyes, whereas Bani Walia looked simply exasperated as usual. Before she could step in and act as the peacemaker as usual between her husband and best friend, Rano stepped forward in order to defend herself.

"Hello King Kong, I happen to be best friends with the mistress of this house---I can come in and out as I please," she gloated snappily. Jai glowered at her further.

"Wrong, you are not welcomed here, not now, not ever…," Jai retorted steely. It was now Bani to roll her eyes at her husband's unnecessary rude behavior toward her friend. She approacheed him, placing her hands against his chest in an effort to put distance between the forever rivals. She began in pacifying him, signing to him with care.

"Why do you always invite her over here, Bani… I don't like it," he huffed like a little child, ignoring her attempts of soothing him, making Bani smile a little.

"Um, hello, I'm standing right here! At least have some manners to talk about me behind my back while I'm gone!" Rano flared. Jai threw her a nasty look.

"Besides, Bani, why are you always comforting that big Gorilla over me?! I am your best friend!" she declared.

"No, you were a temporary replacement…one that has lasted for too long," Jai said bitingly.

"Bani, did you hear what he said to me?!" Rano wailed loudly.

Mausi and Jigyasa, on hearing the commotion from inside the kitchen, arrived at the scene only to witness a very entertaining sight.

"She is mine!" Rano announced aggressively while taking a hold of Bani's arm and pulling her to her side. "No, she is mine!" Jai thundered back, taking his own grip onto his wife's other arm, pulling her back onto his side. And thus, began a fight of tug-of-war between both husband and best friend, who drag Bani back and forth in between them amongst their arguing with each other. Bani followed each and every one of their grabs with a confused and utterly helpless expression etched onto her troubled face.

"She was mine before you came along!" Jai argueed with finality as he took both his arms and wrapped them possessively around his wife's slim waist, nearly scooping her up from the ground. Bani released a silent yelp by her husband's sudden tight hold on her. Rano's hold on Bani broke as he did this and she stomped her feet in frustration.

"Well, I make her happier!"

"That is so not true!"

"It so is!"

"Ha, you wish!"

"She loves me!"

"She's my wife, so she has to love me more!"

Bani sighed drearily while sulking in her husband's arm, not bothering to put up a fight on having him release her. She simply kept her back pressed against the back of his chest, not breaking their embrace.

"Aaahh, you stupid, big, GORILLA!"

"Arre, what is all this shouting? You both are behaving like children," Mausi's stern voice broke into their brawl, silencing both Jai and Rano immediately whereas Bani seemed sheepish on being caught like this.

"She started it, Mausi," Jai muttered grudgingly, earning a loathing look from Rano.

"No, he started it, Mausi!" Rano persisted while pointing an accusing finger in his direction.

"I don't care who did, but I am ending it…. Munna, let go of Bahu… poor girl looks like she can barely breathe by how tightly you are holding onto her," Mausi chided, realizing how possessively he held her to himself. On this observation, Jai peered down at his wife, who looked back to him meekly. He loosened his hold, holding her more gently, but did not remove his arms.

"I will only let her go once that witch is gone," he put forth, earning an exasperated look all around from the women. "Better yet, I'm taking her with me," he continued. He stunned everyone in the kitchen, especially Bani, as he swung his wife over his shoulders and briskly walked out of the kitchen, carrying her with cool and ease. Bani blushed crimson from everyone's sharp raised eyebrows later accompanied with giggling, even from Rano.

"That King Kong is simply impossible….he was already possessive about Bani to begin with, now he has gotten positively worse after marrying her!" Rano remarked to Mausi and Jigyasa, who smiled ear to ear on hearing this.

Just as Jai dumped his wife onto their bed when reaching their bedroom, Bani slammed her fists against his chest in her normal fits of anger against him, highly embarrassed at the scene he had created and by how he always rudely treated Rano when she was at no fault.

"Now don't you get into a fight about this with me too, Bani, you're my wife, you should be siding with me," he admonished, causing Bani to release a bout of air and cross her arms stubbornly. He tried to resist the urge to smile at the cute sight she made, but failed miserably. He pinched her cheeks affectionately.

"You are so cute when you get mad, wifey," he flirted, making Bani blush despite how angry she was with him at the moment.

"Now be a good girl and get ready. I'm taking you out. Just me and you, and I swear, if you make Rano accompany us like last time, I will have another fit right here," he warned. Bani rolled her eyes yet could not stifle her rising soundless laughter. She gave him a last slap on the arm before walking to her wardrobe and signing to him.

"You are always after that poor girl… She never does anything," she motioned with the movements of her hands.

"Are you kidding me? She is such a nuisance!" he scoffed. "Always butting in our lives..."

"She is my friend…"

"I'm your husband."

"Yes, a very controlling and demanding one," she jibed in good humor.

"Aahh, poor you… married such a devil of a man. But what to do? What's done is done. Now abuse your controlling and demanding husband later, if we want to have enough time to have dinner and catch a movie, we need to get ready fast," he rambled, not noticing the wide, bright smile that instantly light up his wife's face. She moved away from her wardrobe and nearly hopped onto her husband in glee, clinging onto his chest.  

"You're taking me to a movie?"

"Not if you don't get ready on time," he replied to her excited signing. Her smile widened and she threw her arms around his neck just before planting a sweet kiss onto his cheek. She hurriedly ran back to her wardrobe, grabbing any saree, and rushed to the bathroom to get changed. She told her husband to give her fifteen minutes and that she would be ready. Jai laughed at her enthusiasm, grinning ear to ear, receiving the reaction he was expecting.

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

They held hands after walking out from the cinema, discussing about the movie that they had just watched, and Jai pulling Bani's leg over how much she had cried over it. He took her to a nice restaurant downtown where they shared a lovely meal, a perfect ending to a wonderful night out. As they fought greedily over the one dessert they ordered, their spoons clinking against each other, Bani questioned why he had decided in taking her out since there was no special occasion in doing so.

"Are you questioning your husband's intentions? How dare you… You are getting more and more outspoken by the day, young lady. I need to teach you a lesson," he joked in an authoritative tone, making Bani tackle his spoon while she giggled by his display of being a high and mighty husband, which he was not in any means. In fact, he was compassionate, caring, tender, and sweet. She often joked to him saying he was a huge, soft teddy bear much to his embarrassment.

"Kya Bani, I have a reputation to maintain… I cannot have my wife saying that I am a teddy bear, it does things to a man's ego, you know," he had said defensively to her.

 She prodded for an actual answer. He tackled her spoon back whilst giving her the answer.

"What? Can't a man just take his woman out for a nice time?" he questioned when licking the chocolate sauce off his spoon. Bani threw him a look.

"Always my woman, my wife, I feel as if I don't have a name anymore," she puffd despite the fact that her cheeks flushed by his comment. He gave her a cheeky smile.

"So? You have every right to do the same to me as well… I will not complain," he said with a wink, furthering the rosy color spreading on her face.

"Besides, I'm just staking my claim on you, that's all…,"

"I'm not some object for you to stake your claim on!"

"You said it, not me!" he chirpped, laughing. Bani had every mind to throw her spoon at her always joking husband. However, she dissolved into laughter as well, not helping it. She could never be mad at Jai, finding herself caving in the end, which was something Jai knew very well and took advantage of.

Jai paid for the bill before leading Bani to the car. Just as Bani seated herself into the passenger seat, which Jai opened for her, she realized that she had left her purse at the table. She casted a worried look in his direction and signed to him. He told her that he would go back and retrieve it for her and for her to wait inside the car till he got back. Shutting the door after her, he rushed back into the restaurant. After consulting with their waiter, he attained her purse and headed back over to the car, leaving the restaurant doors. Just as he was about to walk on over to the parking lot, not wanting Bani to wait alone for too long, he halted in his steps on hearing a distinctly familiar voice nearby.

 "Yes, I have only arrived in Mumbai yesterday evening and will be returning to Delhi tomorrow—I came for business reasons. I originally did not want to come, but what can I do? It was required. But I am glad to leave soon. …. …. Ha ha, of course. Yeah, sure. … … That's no problem at all. … I will have time before my flight, we can meet then….. … Yes, it's fine….. Alright, I will see you then. ….. You too….. Bye."

Jai searched around, trying to match a face with that voice, wondering why it seemed so familiar. His gaze fell onto the outline of a stranger standing remotely to himself by the corner of the restaurant's doors, just having placed his cellphone into his coat pocket. He stared closely, willing for the man in the suit to turn around so he could get a look of him. As an answer to his silent wish, the figure turned and the light from the lamppost beside him flashing onto his face, revealing the identity of the man.

Jai was stumped by what his eyes witnessed…. Tarun Sablok, standing idly in front of him, after seven long months. He almost refused to believe it. What was he doing back in Mumbai? He questioned himself while quietly observing Tarun pull out a cigarette for a smoke. And how dare he return after what he pulled? Suddenly a wave of over raging anger overtook him, the events of the past flooded his mind, reminding him of the despair and humiliation his wife and her family had suffered by his hands.

Tarun Sablok took a long drag of his cigarette and watched the busy streets in front with disinterest until his attention averted to the chilling voice calling out to him from behind.

"What a surprise it is to see you back here, that too, so soon…," he said to him in a low, gruff tone.

Turning on his heels, Tarun met his icy gaze and Jai watched him freeze in his place after acknowledging who he was.

"Jai….," Tarun spoke after the initial shock left him.

"Tarun," Jai greeted back tersely. The "deer-caught-in-headlights" look did not leave Taruns' face as he guiltily looked here and there, not able to look directly back into his questioning eyes.

"Look… I can explain…," he heard him say slowly after a long moment passed between them. Jai raised his eyebrows while urging him to carry on.

"Oh, I would very much love to hear it…. I would love to know the explanation for why you abandoned your fiance on her wedding day, leaving her and her family helpless, having to face shame and humiliation in front of their entire guests….leaving her entirely heartbroken that she had been deserted… not having an explanation as to what she had done in order to deserve it….," Jai spoke back callously with clear bitter laced in his words.  

"I'm not proud of what I did, Jai… I hate myself for what I did to Bani and her family… To this day I carry around guilt inside of me…. But I would have hated myself more if I let myself get married to her, putting her into an unfilled and disappointing marriage…."

"I thought you loved her!" Jai found himself yelling at him, not satisfied with his vague justification. Tarun appeared to be briefly dumbstruck by his screamed question before answering sullenly.

"… I was smitten by her beautiful looks, that's all… so smitten that I looked past the reality of the situation, and that was, that I couldn't live the rest of my life with her even if I wanted to…," Tarun proceeded in clarifying. However, the more he tried in clarifying, the more Jai became confused as none of this was adding up to him.

"And why is that? What did Bani lack that you didn't deem her fit to be your wife?" Jai barked at him, not bothering to keep his cool anymore…not after what this man had done.

He watched as discomfort crossed onto Tarun's face and he stalled purposely in giving a reply, till Jai rattled it out of him through his demands.

"She's a nice girl…. But I just wouldn't have been able to deal with the disability… It was too much to put up with…. There wasn't ever any conversation… I could never understand her… Whenever we were together, there was always this silence that I could never breech… There wasn't any communication… How could I marry a girl that I couldn't even communicate with?" Tarun demanded from him, instead.

"You broke off the wedding just because she can't speak? … Then why the hell did you agree to get yourself engaged to her in the first place?! Why did you wait so bloody long!" he roared, infuriated beyond words. His hands clamped into iron-fists.

"I was a coward, okay? But whatever happened, it was eventually for the good. She wouldn't have been happy with me as much as I wouldn't have been happy being married to a mute."

The next thing Jai remembered was slamming his fist into the contours of Tarun's face and knocking him down to the ground from his solid punch. He stood above his laying figure that groaned loudly, and stared at him furiously.  

"Don't you ever…ever call her that again. She may not be able to speak, but she is the best person I know, and above all, she is too good for you. … You were right… It was eventually for the good that she didn't marry a jack*** like you… You don't deserve her… She is far too special… You missed out on one hell of a woman and a lifetime of happiness….you remember that," he minced his words, allowing them to hang in the air, before walking away, eventually the sounds of Tarun's moaning fading the farther away he got.

He allowed himself to cool on the way to the car, not wanting to approach Bani in his foul mood nor wanting her to ever know of the occurrence between him and her ex-fiance. It would only bring back old, bitter memories and they had moved on from that. However, their confrontation reeled in his head even as he opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat.

Bani smiled at him with her usual warm smiles that touched the depths of his heart. He stared at her unabashedly as she joked about the sight of him, such a virile man, carrying a bright pink purse around. She had meant to pull him into one of his teasing moods but on seeing that he was not following, she gazed back at him with naivety of the entire situation. She waved her hand across his eyes to recollect him from the daze that had captured him. On breaking his lost concentration, she lifted her hand at him while innocently asking, "Kya hua?"

Resuming in gazing at her with abandonment, he answered in a way she did not expect nor imagined. He leaned forward and kissed her…. 

Chapter 9:

Early morning, Jai stirred and turned on the mattress, his one arm reaching out and landing on the empty space beside him. Startled by this, he awoke, having expected the presence of his companion next to him. He rubbed at his eyes drowsily, trying to straighten out of his disoriented state. Looking around, he did not find her presence anywhere, the bedroom barren. He supposed that she was preparing Breakfast after finishing morning prayers with Mausi, a regular routine she had picked up since marrying him. He did not think she would this morning, though.

Whilst shaving that morning, his mind continued to dwell toward thoughts of last night… a night that officially changed everything for him.  

The confrontation with Tarun Sablok affected him in more ways than it should have. It awakened him to his earlier bitterness and grudge against the man who deserted his best friend like a true coward. It also opened him up to feelings he did not realize that he possessed… and that was to what extent Bani really meant to him. ….

Her honey doe-like eyes gazed at him so intently and he felt a sudden emotion siege him right then and there… All he could think at that moment was how any man could desert a woman so great like Bani… so genuine…so pure….so beautiful….inside and out. Next thing he knew, he leaned forward and kissed her, taking both her and him by surprise.

He had kissed those plum, soft petal-like lips of hers leisurely…getting a good feel of them… enjoying the way in which they brushed with his. When he withdrew at last, he stared into her wide eyes that blinked dumbly at him and gradually her cheeks darkened once it registered visibly on her face what had just occurred.

His thumb lightly traced the edges of her lips as his gaze drank in her flushed state.

"… You're amazing, … you know that?" he asked in a husky whisper.

She simply bit down on her lower lip, unsure of what to make out of everything that just happened. The action drew his attention back and he released a low groan before kissing her once more, prying her bottom lip from her teeth. Soon enough his hands made their way around her slim waist and he pulled her into his arms, sprawling her across his lap.

He was prompted in continuing as her small hand hesitantly reached to cup his face and she kissing him back. His insides had scorched with burning heat… he felt as if he was being set on flames. His impatient hands trailed up further, resting against her ribcage, slipping into her saree. She softly gasped from the touch of his cold hand on her skin and he took this to his advantage by slipping his tongue with ease into her mouth, engaging her into a far more intimate act.

Her own hands found their way into his hair, running her fingers through and ruffling it fully. She closed in on the remaining distance between them by pressing her torso against his, silently encouraging him further. He placed a couple of last pecks onto her slightly swollen lips and nuzzled her neck whilst murmuring into her tresses, "Let's go home…"

As he drove, his gaze swept over to her, silently watching as she tried to catch her breath… her chest rising with each breath she took in… He noted her flaming red cheeks and the brightness in her eyes. His lust grew. He didn't know from where these sudden emotions came from, but at that moment, all his brain could make sense of was the startling fact that he wanted her… that too, bad.

He opened her car door and took an instant hold onto her hand, entwining their fingers, and urged her toward the house. He could not keep his hands off of her and it seemed that she couldn't either. Once inside the dark house, he did not delay in taking her back into his arms and claiming her lips. She released a very faint mewl as they fell onto their mattress, having ended up in their bedroom somehow. Her roaming hands removed his shirt with his willing help, shrugging them off his broad shoulders. He planted searing kisses beneath the expanse of her ear while undraping her saree and crushing her body against his bare torso.

He had no clue what overcame him. His mind warned him against what he was doing, but his heart hummed how right it all was.

His fingers set to untying her doris, loosening the hold of the blouse around her upper body, his hands smoothing over her creamy back. He rolled over, placing her beneath him, caged in his strong arms. Her blouse had become free, the sleeves slipping from her shoulders. She presented a tempting sight; her black tresses sprawled around her, her eyes darkened with desire, her chest heaving, and her lips slightly parted. How did he never notice how truly and ethereally beautiful she is? She was absolutely sensational… and he was finally realizing it then.

"Banee…," he spoke hoarsely… the name put across with a silent question attached to it. He looked for the answer in the depths of her dazzling eyes.

He got it when she reached forward and pressed her mouth onto his… her blouse completely discarded… He lowered down onto her….

He cursed loudly when cutting himself beneath his chin. He washed off the remaining shaving cream from his face and neck and set to pressing a wet cloth onto the inflicted wound from his razor. Last night had officially changed his relationship with Bani forever. He had taken their simple friendship to a whole different level.

He wondered how Bani felt about it… Did he come on too strong? Should he have been more careful in the transitioning of their relationship? It had all happened so fast and suddenly that he still felt it hard to believe that it even had occurred. Last night was a blur of passionate lovemaking… Could he call it lovemaking? He did not feel comfortable about thinking of it as just sex. It was more than just sex. There were high emotions involved, both from him and her… emotions he thought would not happen between them as they were best friends all these years and nothing more.

So what were the strange, funny feelings that were swirling in his insides? He had never felt this way before… not about any woman. In fact, these feelings had been unwarily creeping on him since the past few months….hidden under the surface…coming at him when he least expected it.

He knew he did nothing wrong as they are husband and wife and it was a natural progression, but considering their circumstances, it was out of place and unexpected. But to be true to himself, he knew deep down inside he did not regret the intimacy shared with her. In fact, he found himself wanting more out of their new-changed relationship. Was it possible that he had fallen in love with Bani overnight? Was it possible that he had been in love with her all these years without him even known it?

After getting dressed, he went downstairs to receive Breakfast and head on over to the office. His father was already present, seated at the head of the table, reading a newspaper with deep interest. His maternal aunt was lovingly feeding his younger sister, who was three months into her pregnancy. On Mausi's request, Jigyasa and Aditya shifted into their home so Jigyasa's pregnancy could be handled with utmost care as the married couple lived on their own with no one else.

Just as Jai took his place, he saw her emerging out of the kitchen with a dish in hand. His heart skipped on the sight of her, his eyes gazing at her unabashedly, drinking her all in. He bit back a creeping grin on seeing how her face was full of radiance and color… looking every bit like a woman who had been made love to. He attempted to simmer down his suddenly racing heart and jumpy nerves and appear cool and collected instead… not like a crushing teenage boy.

He tried to catch her eye, but she shied away from him, her cheeks having flushed greatly when seeing that he was there. He could not help and smile then. He saw her retreat back to the kitchen and made the mind of going after her once Breakfast was done.

After affirming the fact that he would soon follow after his father to the office, Jai lingered and made sure to catch his wife alone. When the rest of his family members were a good distance away, he entered the kitchen, spotting her in there. His heart bustled at the vision she made. She appeared exceedingly lovely in a pale yellow saree highlighting the fairness of her skin and attractive features.

"… I missed you this morning," he spoke gently in her ear, standing right behind her, towering over her frame. She jumped on hearing his voice and whirled around to face him. Her wide eyes gazed up at him and a sudden trigger hit home when staring into them.

"You should have slept in…. you look tired," he murmured whilst observing her appearance. She became sheepish before him, not looking directly at him, her gaze lowered to his broad chest. She played with the pallu of her saree, nervously.

Seeing a loose strand of hair fall into her face, he did not hesitate to remove it, taking his fingers and tucking it gingerly behind her ear. Her gaze lifted when hearing his concerned tone following afterwards.

"… You alright?" he asked, peering straight into her eyes. His hand reached out to cup her face, his thumb drawing slow lazy circles on her cheek. She blushed underneath his intent gaze and from his touch. She gave a nod of her head as an answer to his question.

"Look, about last night—.."

Just as he spoke these words, her hazel eyes returned back into a lock with his and from behind the both heard an intruding voice.

"Bani beta, you wouldn't mind if---arre, Munna, ….what are you doing in here?" Mausi questioned in confusion, spotting her nephew in the kitchen along with his wife. Jai observed as Bani jumped in her place and quickly sprung apart from him, fidgeting awkwardly and sheepishly.

"Errr… I was asking Bani to pack me lunch before I left…," he replied, thinking hurriedly on the top of his head. His aunt smiled affectionately him, not taking notice to what she had walked in on.

"Aacha?… But I have already packed it for you and given the tiffin to Tony. He has probably already placed it in the car by now… Munna, you should go now, do not waste time… Your father was complaining how busy it is going to be today."

"But—.."

"Go, go now… Ramu is waiting in the car," Mausi urged. Jai refrained the urge to sigh from exasperation. He simply nodded his head, reassuring her that he would leave on time.

"Bani, I am leaving to go to the Mandir… Please make sure that Jigyasa has her vitamins and drinks her milk while I am gone… I know the girl forgets each time unless I remind her," Mausi spoke to Bani, who continued to remain sheepish and docilely nodded her head. Satisfied, their aunt left from the kitchen, allowing them to have the privacy they had earlier.

As soon as Mausi's departing figure vanished from sight, Jai got straight to the point and did what he had wanted to do since he woke early that morning. He took a grip onto his wife's arm, pulled her near, and crushed his lips onto hers, holding her close by the torso.

He did not know for how long he kissed her, but smiled boyishly when staring into her wide eyes that blinked dazedly at him afterwards.

"Next time… do not rush off so quickly," he whispered to her, shooting her a knowing look that caused her whole face to turn beetroot. He shot her one last glance over his shoulder when leaving and chuckled throatily to himself when seeing how she continued to blush with her face hiding behind her hands….