SS: Mere Ajnabee [Christmas Contest Story]

This is an old story that I wrote a few years back for a contest. Thought of sharing it as a makeup for my long absences. Please enjoy. 

Mere Ajnabee

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air…..

She watches in disbelief as her father finally arrives, lugging with him a grand pine tree, its pines already falling out of place. His cheeks are a notable color of pink and she can tell he has been outside in the chilly weather for some time. Her father’s panting is what causes her to rush down the fleet of stairs and come to his aid. Just as she grips onto the other side of the tree’s trunk, her father looks around it and gives her a wide thankful smile.

What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh…..

“Ma, what is the meaning of all this? Why do you have that radio blaring so loud,” she asks her mother, not bothering to hide the growing annoyance building inside of her. Her mother, who dusts frantically everywhere and hums cheerily along with the lyrics of the uplifting song (even though not knowing a single lyric), turns to look at her moody daughter. Kiran Dixit lowers the volume so she does not have to shout over the music.

“I’m just setting the mood, Bani. After all, Christmas is a month away,” her mother uses as a justification for her high spirits. Bani rolls her eyes at her mother’s cheer. For the past several weeks her mother has been giddy in waiting for the arrival of her best friend’s son. It was all she ever discussed about at dinner and pointed out every single day. Krishna Walia, her mother’s childhood friend, moved to America after marrying her husband, Uday Walia where two years later she gave birth to her only child, Jai Walia. Despite being in different continents, Kiran and Krishna never failed to stay in touch with one another, whether it be simply sending holiday cards or phoning each another once in a while. Their last phone call, Krishna Walia announced that she was sending her son to India and requested that he stay with her so he can have a warming experience in a country he has never been to. Kiran, of course, obliged right away.

However, there is a secret motive behind Krishna Walia’s American son’s visit. A motive that Bani’s mother has kept hidden from her family, one that Bani happened to learn by chance on eavesdropping in one of her mother’s phone calls. Just this past Diwali Kiran sent her best friend a well-wishing card for the holiday, which was anything but out of the ordinary. This time, though, she sent something else as well…. She sent a picture of her eldest daughter, Pia.

Pia, Bani’s older sister by two years and whom she loves to death, is very well known for her looks. In fact, she is constantly pointed out as the beautiful one out of the Dixit sisters. Not that Bani or Rano, her sister junior to her by three years, are any less--- Pia was simply just blessed with a more exotic appeal. A girl’s beauty usually goes straight to her head, making her egotistical and arrogant toward others, but Pia is an exception. She is the complete opposite of just that, something that Bani has always appreciated. So of course she genuinely felt happy at first knowing that a rishta was coming to her gorgeous sister’s way, but was displeased by this fact being hid from Pia and of a proposal coming from a complete set of strangers who Bani’s family, except her mother, have no knowledge about. They only have Kiran’s word, but that still doesn’t seem enough.

Once Bani informed her sister, who scoffed at the whole idea, Pia immediately finalized her pending plan for a trip to Dubai with a few close friends. When asked of her reaction by Bani, Pia simply said, “I’m only twenty-three. I’ve still got a long life ahead of me. I won’t let myself be tied down already. Mama can bring all the men she wants, but I’m just not ready yet.” Two days later her sister left on her vacation after a heated argument with their mother. It was only after Nishikant set his foot down to silence his hyper wife that Pia was allowed to go without any restraints.

Nishikant: She is only going for a while and will be safe, she’s old enough to take care of herself. What is so wrong with her going out now when you have never had an objection before?
Kiran: (aghast) But our guest----
Nishikant: (cutting her off) Will it be such a loss if Pia won’t be around to welcome to our guest?

Kiran instantly became silenced. She did not wish to answer. It was hard enough to convince her husband into letting Krishna’s son stay with them during his visit in the first place. How will she tell him that the whole point was for Jai to come and see their daughter? If her husband knew, he’d fly through the roof and refuse entry to the poor boy. No, she would only disclose this matter with him after Jai safely arrives and settles in with them. Reluctantly Kiran let her daughter go, only after seeking a promise that she would return back in time for Jai’s last week in India. Pia hastily agreed and left.

But the whole point really is that now her mother is hell-bent in impressing her hopefully soon, future “son-in-law”. Jai Walia, age twenty-seven, was born and raised in America, where he has lived his whole life. He has never once been to India before despite both of his parents emigrating from there. He is a Christian, told in the letter Krishna Aunty had sent them all just weeks ago, and completely American civilized. Unlike her mother, Krishna sent no picture of her son. “To keep you anticipating” is what she had said to explain her reasoning.

Now Jai will be arriving in less than three hours and her mother has everyone in the household in a frenzy to welcome him and make him feel just at home. And since her lovely “son-in-law” is a Christian, they will be celebrating Christmas this year---her mother had firmly declared

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock……

Her mother turns the dial back up, increasing the radio’s volume after Bani resumes in helping her father place the tree into their family room. She clenches her teeth together. Oh how she was going to despise this stranger. He hasn’t even arrived yet, but is already turning their house upside down---making them all go out of their way in order to please him. These next six weeks are going to be hell, she knows it.

Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock…….
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Jai Walia was never one to follow the traditional values his parents, especially his mother, held close dearly and tried endlessly to instill in him. Instead he grew a more modern outlook and appeal, neglecting old traditions that he felt held no more value in a fast rapidly changing world. His parents were still stuck in their homeland, India, he knew this. And no matter what he could do, he will never be able to get India out of them. Being the rebellion that he is, Jai resisted at a very early age against his immigrant parent’s attempt in infusing principles taught to themselves when they were younger and carried with them across the seven seas.

He became more and more immersed in the American culture, where gradually his pride grew so strong that his parents lost all hope in trying to teach their son old treasured morals they were raised with back in India. At eighteen he converted into Christianity, which his parents respectfully allowed the practice of the faith. Despite being a complete American-washed citizen and disappointing his parents in his lack of interest in their family history and background, Jai never proved to be a failure. He is an intelligent, respectful, and polite young man that everyone takes a fancy to. And Kirshna and Uday found that this was satisfying enough. So what if their son has moved away from their native culture? At least he has grown into a fine young man whom they can proudly call their son.

When a month ago his mother confronted him about wishing to send him to India, Jai had flatly refused. What was the need, he thought. He had further inquired about why the sudden wish of sending him to a country he has never been to before in his life and was stunned by his mother’s confession.

“Her name is Pia… She is a lovely girl, absolutely beautiful. I hear great things from her mother. I have such a strong feeling about her, Jai. …. Beta, I have never asked you anything before in your life. I have let you run your life the way you have wanted to. But this one time, I am asking you one thing, just one. And that is to give me the right of choosing your wife for you….. This is the one favor I ask of you. As your mother, I ask for only this one thing.”
But he didn’t believe in arranged marriages. How could his mother possibly suggest such an idea?

“Give it a chance… It will not hurt if you give it a try…. But if you are still against it after meeting her, then I will not hassle you about the topic again,” she quietly pleaded to him. Not having the heart to hurt his mother by defying her right away, Jai told her that he would give it some thought and inform her when he comes to a decision. Her words, “I ask for only this one thing,” continued to haunt him during the next few days.

Before Jai knew it, he was booking tickets to India and making plans for a four week stay at his mother’s friend’s house to see the much talked of Pia Dixit, whom both his parents praised highly of. After personally telling his mother that he has agreed to go, she had handed him her picture.

“This is her…. I am sure you will like her,” she had said with a twinkle in her eyes. Jai took the photo from her and after giving it a scrutinizing glance, he tucked it far someplace else where he would not find it again. He had no keen interest in the girl…. She was, still after all, only a girl. Sure she is beautiful, but he could not see what was so extraordinary in her that his parents did. Perhaps he would have to see that for himself once he gets there….

“Please buckle up your seatbelts as we will be arriving shortly at the airport in a couple of minutes,” the flight attendant announces through the speakers that jolts him out of his lost trance. Jai locates his seatbelt that he had neglected throughout the most of his long journey and clasps it around him just as the plane begins to descend down to ground level…..
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“Rano, where did you get that silly hat,” Bani questions her jolly sister, who comes gliding down the stairs with a bright red Christmas hat adoring her head. To her grave displeasure, even her sister has taken a liking to the Christian holiday. But then again, Rano needs any excuse she can get to just have a good time. And at the present, Christmas is proving to be one of her greatest holidays.

Rano: Why Di? You don’t like it? I love it! I think it’s so cute!
Bani: I think you look ridiculous.
Rano: Don’t be jealous Di. You are only upset that you don’t have one yourself.
Bani: Yes, because I want to parade around with a goofy hat on my head all day.
Rano: Well aren’t you just the Grinch itself!

Her younger sister comments while playfully taking her nose into her fingers’ grip and wriggling it. Bani pushes her hand aside and glares at her.

Bani: I’m not the Grinch…. Whatever that is.

Rano giggles at her sister’s ignorance and scurries off to see if their mother needs anymore help. Bani gloomily walks over to the family room where she dumps herself onto the couch and watches her father fuss over the entangled lights.

Nishikant: (grits) These damn lights!

Unwillingly a smile appears on her lips at the sight her father makes. Her father, she believed, was the most adorable man a person could know. He gives her a sheepish, begging look.

Nishikant: Willing to help me out Princess?

Bani stands onto her feet and approaches her father slyly.

Bani: I don’t know Papa…. What will I get out of it?
Nishikant: I promise you that I won’t have your mother brainwashing me into lending our home to another foreign stranger ever again.

Like Bani, her father too wasn’t much “excited” in turning their whole household about in order to welcome a complete stranger. She smiles at her father, showing him that he has bought her right then and there.

Bani: I’m holding you to your word Daddy.

In the middle of untangling the Christmas lights that Kiran had instructed them to hang around the house, the house doorbell rings and within seconds Bani hears her mother’s hurried feet racing to the front door. A moment later both father daughter hear a shrilling scream of delight. They look at one another….

Nishikant & Bani: (in unison) He’s here…..
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Jai awkwardly lets his mother’s friend, who is nearly half his height, embrace him into a warm affectionate hug. As he nervously lets out a chuckle and murmur to her that he is just as pleased to meet her, he looks behind Kiran’s shoulder and spots two figures lurking behind…a man and a girl. Before he has time to even take their appearances in, his Kiran Aunty takes his face into her hands, drawing his attention back onto her, and pinches his cheeks.

Kiran: You are much cutter than I had imagined! Oh your mother is such a tease in not sending me a picture of you beforehand! But I must say, it was fun thinking of how you would look like! (cheekily confesses)

Jai manages to smile politely back at her. His taxi driver is kind enough to drop off his luggage at the front door, intruding in on Kiran’s welcoming way of introducing herself. Kiran takes notice to the driver then to his suitcase, her hospitality finally kicks in.

Kiran: Oh, how rude of me! Please, come in. It’s cold outside!
Jai: Thank you… (relieved)

Without warning Kiran strips him from his jacket and hangs it onto the coat rack nearby. Regaining himself from the unexpected action, he takes the time to let his eyes wander around the small lovely home. He contains a laughing grin as he sees everything decked in the festivity for Christmas which is more than three weeks away. His mother, he is sure, must have told them about his conversion to Christianity.

Kiran: I hope you don’t find the house too small… I know that it’s not what you’re used to back in your home in America.

Startled out of his thoughts, Jai looks over to Kiran, who seems a little apprehensive about his views on their house. Honestly, he hadn’t been degrading their home or comparing it to his in any way. In fact, he finds the Dixit residence quite homey-looking and nice.

Jai: Not at all Aunty… It’s just great.

Kiran flashes him a pleased smile. She takes his arm into her hands, steering him into the depths of her home. Again Jai’s eyes focus back over to where he had taken notice to the two figures from before, but now sees only the man who looks at him grimly with his arms folded across his chest.

Kiran: Nishi… Darling, don’t just stand there. Get our guest’s luggage and put them into his room.

Disgruntled by this, Nishikant straightens from his posture and grumpily comes forth to set to the task. That is until Jai stops him from lowering and picking his suitcase into his hands.

Jai: I’ve got it Uncle… you don’t have to worry.

Without a word Nishikant merely gives him a look before treading off into the safety of the family room across the hall. Jai gives Kiran a curious look from this.

Kiran: (nervously) Don’t mind him beta… He is just a little upset. We do have three daughters as you know.

Actually he didn’t have a clue. He hadn’t heard that Pia had any siblings. But how delightful…. The father already thinks of him as a pervert. His four weeks living in this house will just be dandy.

The shuffling of feet storming down the stairs right by diverts Jai’s attention onto a bright looking young girl, adorably cute in a Santa hat and candy canes strapped firmly in her fingers. She approaches him and dots at him with her wide eyes through her thin rimmed glasses.

Rano: Hi Jai! I’ve been looking very forward in meeting you!
Kiran: Rano, do not address him by his name. He is much older than you. Be respectful. Call him bhaiya.
Rano: Mom, I would do that if he wasn’t so handsome, but he is and I am not favorable to the idea of making him related to me.

Rano Dixit, by the way, is the most outspoken out of the Dixit girls and one Nishikant and Kiran try their best to tame but to no success.

Kiran seems like she will die from embarrassment whereas Jai just wants to burst out laughing, not knowing whether he should feel flattered from her blunt comment or amused. He may just even like this chit of a girl, he muses to himself. He can tell right away that she is the little party animal out of Kiran’s daughters. He returns Rano’s sly smile after she winks at him.

Kiran: I’m sorry Jai beta… please excuse my daughter. This is Rano by the way. My youngest.
Jai: It’s nice to meet you Rano… (courteously)
Rano: (chirpily) Likewise…. Candy cane?

She offers willingly, startling Jai for a second as she shoves it into his view. He politely smiles it off. 

Jai: No thank you…
Rano: But I thought you Americans were crazy about your candy canes? (honestly looking confused)
Jai: (grinning a little) I guess I’m the odd ball then….
Rano: Suit yourself. More for me then. (shrugging)
Kiran: (curiously) Rano, where is your sister? She hasn’t come yet to see Jai…

Jai listens intently, wondering whether she is speaking about Pia or not. Rano cheekily gives her mother an answer along with a reply, spoken in a hinting tone.

Rano: Bani Di has a headache so she’s sleeping it off.

Kiran looks clearly displeased by this, along with seeming a little infuriated. Jai is unable to understand what is going on and feels like there is something amiss. He watches as Kiran composes herself together and smiles in his direction.

Kiran: Bani… my second oldest…. (informative)

Jai nods his head, taking this information in. Pia, Bani, and Rano…. The Dixits’ three daughters. One down…. Two more to go.

Kiran: (adding on apologetically) Pia, my oldest, isn’t here at present. She has gone on a small vacation with her friends in Dubai. She will be back just a week before you return to America.

Okay, scratch that. Hold off on one of the sisters for a little awhile. Just one more to go.

Jai: She’s not here?
Kiran: Yes. You will meet her later on. (saying even more regretfully than before) I’m sorry for not informing you about that before. It was sudden.
Jai: (politely) No… That’s fine. I’ll see her when I can.

She’ll be back a week before he leaves. He felt like laughing at the stupidity of this whole trip. Why had he come if he was only going to get to know her for only a week and then come to a decision based on that if she is the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with? Oh well, at least he doesn’t have to go into a full fledge confrontation with her right now, something he had been dreading the moment he had agreed to his mother.

Kiran seems a little relaxed as well, glad to know he is “understanding” of the situation. She leads him on in where she tries her best in settling him into their home. For the rest of the day he received Kiran’s, Rano’s, and somewhat of Nishikant’s company. Especially Rano who made him feel at ease knowing that he has someone that he can get along with during his stay. It was the absence of the other sister that secretly irked him though. For how long does a person need to sleep off a headache?............
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Bani stubbornly remained in her room despite her mother’s angry demands that she immediately introduce herself to their guest. Her mother was “gracious” enough to come drop by her door in between devoting her time to Jai. It was after her father warned Kiran off that her mother stopped harassing her.

She lies on her stomach in bed while ducking her head into her folded arms and letting her mind wander into her own inner thoughts. She had been genuinely surprised on seeing Krishna Aunty’s son. He didn’t match up to anything she had imagined him to be. In fact, he was far better looking than the horrid prejudice depictions she had made of him. Far better.

He fits the description of tall, dark, and handsome to the tee. A gallant height of 6’3”….with a head full of thick jet black hair, nicely cut for his face structure… dark steel gray eyes…overlapped with long eyelashes and finely shaped dark eyebrows… a chiseled like nose….strong jaw line….rugged features…enticing bronze skin….and a well fit physique of a body which defines masculinity. Hot warmth gushed into her instantly by his sight and she felt her former pride and confidence being stripped from her in a flash. Surprisingly intimidated by his presence, she had stealthily slipped away to the refuge of her room. She didn’t want to do anything with the spoilt American brat, she reminded herself.

Bani springs up from her mattress as her cell rings and she sees her sister’s name flash across the screen. She hurriedly picks it up to answer.

Bani: Hi Di, how’s Dubai?!

Her sister involves her into a very lengthy conversation about all the wonderful things of the city and wishing that she could stay forever.

Bani: Well it’s nice to know that someone is having fun…
Pia: Oh hain, I forgot… How’s things back at home? My husband-to-be is coming today isn’t he? (giggling at her own joke)
Bani: Di, don’t even joke about that. At this rate, he may even live with us and become a ghar jaamaye.
Pia: What do you mean by that?
Bani: He came this morning. And all I have ever heard since then is Mama and Rano laughing their little behinds off and gushing over him. I think they’re really liking him, especially Mama.
Pia: You don’t?
Bani: Well I…. (hesitant)…
Pia: Come on yaar, tell your sis the details. What is he like? How does he look?
Bani: (sheepishly admitting) Well… I don’t really know anything about him considering that I haven’t even personally introduced myself yet to him.
Pia: (slightly gasps) Bani, you haven’t even met him yet? Then what have you been doing since he’s been here?
Bani: Hiding in my room… (meekly)
Pia: Is he that bad that you are letting a stranger make you hide in your own house?
Bani: Di… I don’t know… I just don’t feel like meeting him yet. I’m still heated up right now that we had to go out of our way to make him feel welcomed and meet up to his American standards.
Pia: I don’t know Bani… if Rano seems to like him then he can’t be as bad as you make him sound.
Bani: You know perfectly as well as I do that Rano loves everyone.
Pia: (agreeing) That’s true…. So you don’t even know how he looks like at all?
Bani: (growing slightly shy) Well…. no…. I do. I caught a glimpse of him before.
Pia: So, how does he look? (casually)
Bani: He’s… decent…. He’s not as bad looking as I thought him to be. (admitting, embarrassed)
Pia: Haila… Bani Dixit… are you getting shy on me? That too because of a stranger?
Bani: No, I’m not…. (defensive)
Pia: Yes you are… Oh, now you really have to tell me all about how he looks like. I mean, if he’s making you all shy, he’s got to be damn good looking, no?
Bani: (silent) ……
Pia: (giggling) Accha Bani, how about we do this. How about you marry him instead and we’ll all be happy. You, me, Rano, Papa, and especially Mama. (pulling her leg)
Bani: (blushing) Dddddiiiii!
Pia: Think about it! It makes sense you know. (continuing to mock her)
Bani: No it doesn’t… because I’m not going to marry some ajnabee. Besides, he’s here for you, not me. Remember?
Pia: Arre, nothing’s been finalized. And nothing’s going to be, remember? (imitating her) Because I won’t let it be. I’m not going to be married off to some American stranger either.
Bani: Some sister you are in trying to throw me under the bus to save yourself.
Pia: Oh pish posh… I know you like him. Don’t deny it. Marrying him won’t seem so bad after a while to you. By the way, you’ll make me your maid of honor, won’t you? I’m assuming you will have a Christian wedding considering that he is Christian?

Bani cuts off in the middle of her sister’s laughter, not able to stand her teasing anymore….
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Chapter 2:

It was at one in the morning when Bani finally gave into her stomach’s grumbling. She purposely avoided dinner. She knew the reason why, she just didn’t know why she was choosing to do so. What was it that made her distance herself away? She has no clue.

Creeping out of her room and tiptoeing downstairs, behaving as quiet as a mouse, Bani makes her way over to the kitchen to satisfy her paining hunger. She opens the fridge to check the leftovers from dinner and makes a face at the meal her mother had chosen to make. She scratches the leftover idea out and instead decides to settle on some ice cream. You can never go wrong in that. She stands on her toes as she opens the cupboards and reaches for a bowl. After withdrawing a spoon from one of the drawers, she turns to walk over to the fridge, but stills in her spot on seeing someone standing before her in the dim darkness and screams as she drops her spoon, that makes a clatter sound against the kitchen floor. Her screaming becomes muffled as the person’s hand clasps her mouth to silence her….
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Jai had woken up with a desire to quench his growing thirst. Since he is alienated in the guest room which is on the ground floor, whereas everyone else sleeps on the top, he didn’t resist in walking over to the kitchen which is nearby. As he approached the entryway, he lingers by it as he sees someone presiding in the area, their back faced toward him. He can tell it is a girl with the little use of light he has as he clearly sees the mid-length layered hair let out, resting against the person’s back, and the lacy tang top paired with pajama pants the girl wears. Thinking that it is Rano, he goes near to see what she is doing so late at night, but before he can even take another act of action, the girl turns around---meeting him eye to eye. His breath is caught in his throat after the realization that the girl is nowhere close to being Rano passes by…..

He hears her let out a startled gasp before screaming. Instantly his hand flies to her mouth, worried that she will wake everyone. Her eyes widen as a reaction to what he does and she stares at him with momentary disbelief. They silently keep their eyes locked with one another until Jai allows his to lower and take her appearance all in. From what he can make out, she is about 5’4” or 5’5” with full, silky long hair…. a slender body…. Smooth, baby soft seeming skin from what he can see of the exposed skin made noticeable from her tang top. Before he can give her a thorough look through, both Jai and the stranger unknown to him hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Seconds later they hear Nishikant speaking in furious whispers to someone. Jai looks back to the girl, who stares curiously back at him. Without removing his hand from her mouth, he startles her as he wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him, and then whisks her off to the side, hiding behind the refrigerator.  He presses her against the machine, standing in front of her with his hand securely kept over her mouth. A moment later the kitchen lights come on, lighting up the whole room.

Jai’s insides rise as he can clearly see her features now. Olive smooth skin…. Silky black hair… big, expressive hazel warm eyes… a small cute nose… full, pink soft petal like lips (which he sees after slowly lifting his hand apart from her mouth)….and a very curvy feminine body…

“See Nishi, no one is here. You are hearing things,” Kiran says tiredly to her husband. “Kiran, I am telling you. I heard something,” Nishikant replies, holding high confidence in what he says. “It was probably the neighbors… Come on, let’s get back to bed. You have work in the morning anyways…,” Kiran attempts in pushing the topic aside. “But,” Nishikant protests. “Just forget it Nishi… it was nothing. Now go back to sleep, please,” Kiran’s last words to her husband as they close the kitchen lights and leave….

They drown in the darkness once again, but remain eye to eye with one another….. It feels like a century goes by with them remaining silent…except for their clashing eyes. It is Jai himself who breaks the powerful spell…

Jai: (softly) I’m sorry that I frightened you…

Bani proceeds in staring at him, wide-eyed….not muttering a single sound. Judging by her silence, Jai takes it that she isn’t as friendly with strangers as her younger sister, Rano. He will have to be patient with her….

Jai: (slowly) Are you Bani?

He sees shock register in her eyes and smiles lightly on her response. So this is the girl who has been avoiding him all day, claiming to have a headache. He knows this as he incidentally listened into one of Rano’s and Kiran’s hushed conversations.

Jai: ….That was some headache you had there, Bani. You have been resting all day. (subtly mocking her)

He watches her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink as she lowers her gaze from him, looking away sheepishly. He has caught onto her white lie.

“Nishi…will you stop it already? I’m telling you, na, no one is in the kitchen,” they hear Kiran’s voice whisper angrily from a distance. Bani becomes stiff as she hears her father more clearer voice say, “I just want to double check… I thought I saw something from before.” She looks back over to Jai, who seems equally stuck in the predicament as hers, and expresses her panic to him. He only places his finger against his mouth, signaling for her to remain quiet. Mutely he takes a hold of her arm and leads her farther back and out of the kitchen through the other way, leading them into dining area. Together they see the kitchen lights spring back on….

“….What is this spoon doing on the ground?” Nishikant muses loudly to himself. Bani mentally curses herself for dropping the utensil in the first place. If her father catches her like this, that too, with an older boy late at night, he would burst and tear Jai into limbs. After a couple of moments of hearing her father pace around the kitchen a little bit, she heaves a sigh of relief once the lights switch back off and her father’s footsteps slowly fade away. Thinking that she has had enough fright for one night, she hastily decides to return back to bed without any food and starve herself rather than having to risk being caught in an awkward situation once more. She doesn’t waste time in moving out from their hiding place, taking her chance to flee quickly and go back to avoiding her family’s guest, but her hopes are dashed once she feels his grip grow firm around her lower arm, keeping her in place.

Jai: Wait… at least let me properly introduce myself to you.

Not willing to give him this opportunity, she pushes off his hand from her, releasing herself, and runs for her room as fast and quietly as she can……..
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Chapter 3:

The first thing Jai thought of right when Kiran came to wake him was of his bizarre meeting with her second oldest daughter, Bani, from last night. Yet he was left intrigued by the strange girl.

Before freshening himself up for a new day, he was given promise from his Kiran Aunty that she would have pancakes made at Breakfast for him especially. He didn’t know what else to do but smile. He was appreciating the woman’s efforts in making him feel welcomed, but perhaps she is going to a little extreme here. The Christmas tree in the living room was enough to prove that point of his. After dressing in a casual shirt and comfortable pair of jeans, Jai joins his host family at the table to be served Breakfast. He gives his pleasantries to Kiran, who scurries around setting the table, Rano, who smiles brightly at him, and Nishikant, who grumbles his good morning. Jai sits down beside Rano after she enthusiastically pats down at the chair next to her. They had really hit it well yesterday and Jai already felt a close bond with the girl.

As he does this, he doesn’t fail to notice the empty seat across from him. Is Bani choosing to avoid him once again? What will it be today, stomach pain? His conclusion is cut short once he sees the very girl he thinks of emerge from the kitchen doorway…..
**************************************************************************

Bani was furious. Her mother woke her at six AM, instructing her to get ready and then come downstairs to prepare pancakes for her favorite person in the world at the present----her best friend’s only son. She grumpily set to the task, burning about five pancakes, openly expressing her detest to the whole idea of making breakfast to the rich American stranger, until her mother angrily scolded her and she properly cooked them just to put an end to the shrilling. She had to closely follow the instructions on the box as she had never made pancakes before in her life.

She stacks all of the “perfectly” fluffy golden brown pancakes onto a serving plate and walks out of the kitchen to the table after she hears her mother call out to her for the umpteenth time. Bani scowls under her breath as she makes her presence known in the dining room, holding the plate securely in her hands.

“Thank God Di that you are finally here with breakfast. I am starving,” Rano comments loudly as she spots her sister finally joining them. Bani purposely ignores Jai, who has set his attention on her, causing her to be very well aware of herself. She can literally feel his eyes following her every move. She consciously places the plate onto the table and obediently sits down into her chair once her mother asks her to do. She stubbornly keeps her eyes on her plate, refusing to let them wander up and look at the person across from her. However, she is forced to as her mother doesn’t hesitate in introducing them immediately.

Kiran: Jai Beta…this is my daughter, Bani. She is two years younger to Pia. There is not much of an age gap between them which is why they behave more as friends than sisters. And Bani, this is Jai. Your Krishna Aunty’s son and our guest for the next few weeks…. Say hello.
Bani: (barely audible) Hello…

She switches her focus down onto her plate again. Jai holds back a forming smile. Her behavior towards him is quite cute really…. He has never seen a girl so quiet and distant around him before. He’s never met one of those kinds from where he comes from, where girls usually throw themselves on him.

Kiran: She was feeling quite sick the other day, which is why you weren’t able to see her since she was resting…. (nervously reminding him)
Jai: It’s nice to finally meet you… How are you feeling now? (making light, polite conversation with her)
Bani: (softly) Fine, thank you.
Kiran: (adding enthusiastically) It is Bani who has made you pancakes this morning, Jai. She was very sweet enough to offer to do so.

Bani’s eyes widen with shock as she hears her mother’s words. Lies! I did no such thing…. You had practically shoved me out of bed and dragged me down to the kitchen to get cooking!… she fumes to herself. Somehow Jai does not believe Kiran as he sees Bani angrily shoot daggers at her mother. However, he chooses to go along with it…

Jai: Thank you… That was kind.

Bani’s cheeks bloom red by the sincere look he directs in her way and she tears her gaze quickly off from him.

Rano: Awww, look Jai, you made Deeds blush! Isn’t that so cuuut-----Ooooowwwww!
Nishikant: What happened Rano?

He speaks for the first time since morning. Rano’s eyes water as she bites down on her lip, preventing her from voicing her pain anymore. She shakes her head at her father and at her curious looking mother. Even Jai gives her a wondering look.

Rano: No… it’s nothing. I just… jabbed my own finger is all.

Bani bites down a smirk as she brings her foot back to her side. She was glad to think that she could have possibly left a bruise on her sister’s leg from her kick.

Kiran: You should be careful Rano…

She comments while affectionately running her hand down her daughter’s hair, which in the meanwhile, Rano pouts at her older sister. Kiran turns to look at Bani, who instantly stops shooting dirty looks in Rano’s way.

Kiran: Arre Jai beta… what are you waiting for? Dig in. Have your breakfast.

She tells him as she notices him not touching his pancakes which she had placed in his plate.

Jai: … actually Aunty, I was wondering where the syrup is….
Kiran; (confused) Syrup?
Rano: Yeah Ma. Syrup. You’re supposed to have them with pancakes.

Rano clearly had been doing a lot of research about the American life, along with other things she enjoys researching. Bani often scolds her that if she loves the American culture so much that she might as well go live in America to spare everyone the lectures she always has ready to share at Dinner.

Kiran: (embarrassed) Why…. I didn’t know that---- You can’t eat pancakes without syrup?
Jai: Well you can----
Rano: (cutting in) Mom, you always have to have syrup with pancakes.
Kiran: (brought down by this) I’m sorry beta. We don’t have any syrup. Your whole breakfast is probably ruined now.

Jai feels like an a** for putting Kiran down. He wouldn’t have asked for the syrup in the first place if he knew they didn’t have any. He catches Bani looking a little miffed with him.

Spoilt brat… she growls to herself. He just needs everything, doesn’t he?

Nishikant: (his voice rough) Don’t worry Kiran. I’m sure it’s just fine without the syrup.
Rano: But Pa---
Jai: Uncle’s right, Aunty. It’s just the same. I was just wondering if you had it in the first place. You don’t need it with pancakes, really. Don’t worry about it. (politely)

Kiran smiles feebly at his attempt of making her feel better. To prove his point, he takes his first bite of the plain hotcakes and smiles brightly at her, further reassuring her that it’s completely fine. He comments earnestly on how well they have been made. Kiran blushes, glad that she managed to please him. From the corner of his eye, he sees Bani turn a little pink herself.

Kiran: (suddenly back to her cheery self) Bani, I was thinking that you and Rano should take Jai around the city today. Your father has work and I’ve been invited to a friend’s house this afternoon, so neither of us will have time. Besides, he will have more fun with you girls rather than the company of two older people.
Rano: (excited) Oh, Deeds, that’d be so much fun! Wouldn’t you like that Jai?
Jai: I would very much like that….

He replies while looking in Bani’s direction. Again her cheeks become flushed.

Bani: (obviously reluctant) I don’t know Mom. I have a study session with Priya later on.
Rano: Study session? Deeds, but I thought you were on break and didn’t have exams unt-------Ooowwwww!!!!
Jai: (amused) Jab your finger again?...

He asks her to which Rano replies with a pained nod….
****************************************************************************

Despite her futile attempts in excluding herself out of the tour around the city, in the end, it was her mother who had won the argument, even against her father.

Kiran: You two are being ridiculous! What do you expect the poor boy to do at home while we are all out?! ----And Bani, didn’t you care to think that it should be you who takes Jai around rather than Rano? You know the city far better than your sister and you know this!

She would have to give it to her mother, she really nailed her right then and there. Which is why she is at the moment acting like a tour guide for her foreign guest, who lingers behind with her sister fooling around. His laughter was really irking her. Here she is, dedicating her full time for him, setting aside her own plans (well, not really since she didn’t have any plans rather than to relax at home) to entertain him, and he is not paying the least bit of attention. She angrily moves on….
****************************************************************************

Jai was finding himself strangely more and more attracted towards Bani every time she distanced herself farther away from him. It’s like some kind of magnet was drawing him to her. Her arrogance and stubborn attitude only seemed to intrigue him rather than keep him away, making him want to know Bani even more than before. What is the reason behind her prejudice against him? Is it simply because he is American? He was getting a hunch that it was entirely because of just that.
****************************************************************************

Rano: Hey, brilliant idea! Why don’t we catch a movie?

Rano suggests as she finds herself become extremely bored by every passing second with her sister taking them to museums and parks around.

Jai: You guys have theaters around here?
Rano: Duh… India may not be comparable to America, Jai, but we’re not that far bad.
Jai: (sheepishly)… Your sister would be up to it?
Rano: Of course. She loves watching movies. That’s what we do all the time during our free time. But…..at the moment, I’m not so sure if she’ll listen to me. Why don’t you give it a try and ask her instead?
Jai: (lets out a chuckle at the idea) You’re asking the wrong person, Rano.
Rano: Why do you say that?
Jai: Your sister completely detests me.
Rano: (giving him an incredulous look) No she doesn’t.
Jai: Yes she does Rano… tell me, have I done something to her unknowingly? ---To make her so upset with me?
Rano: Well I can honestly tell you that you haven’t done anything wrong….but to her, you may never know.

Jai momentarily goes into a deep trance of thinking until he is alerted out of it by the sight of a flower cart. A grin makes its way onto his lips.

Jai: You don’t suppose flowers would cheer her up, do you?
Rano: As a matter of fact, Di loves flowers. You should give it a try.
****************************************************************************

Bani casually glances up from the map sprawled out in her hands and is given a pleasant surprise in seeing Jai standing before her with a small bouquet of beautiful bright flowers in his hand.

Bani: (startled) Jai?....

She watches as he wears a handsome smile on his face on hearing his name slip from her lips.

Jai: So the girl speaks….
Bani: (blushing) Of course I do….
Jai: (grinning) To everyone but myself….
Bani: (pushing away the much pended topic) What are these flowers for?
Jai: (comments casually) I got them for you….

The blush in Bani’s cheeks deepens. Bani looks behind Jai’s shoulder and sees her younger sister holding in her oncoming giggles. Of course this must be an idea of Rano’s of wanting some fun and where would she find a better bait than herself? She gives Jai a dissatisfying look.

Bani: (snaps) I’m not amused….
Jai: I’m not trying to amuse you…. I just want to say that… Main tumse pyaar kaarta hoon.

After her shock passes by, Bani feels heat surfaces quickly to her face as she looks away shyly and nervously from Jai’s intense stare. Hearing Rano explode into a fit of laughter, Bani angrily stalks off after remembering that it is all a sick joke, not heeding any attention to Jai who stares curiously on after her…

Jai looks back over to Rano, seeming highly confused. He approaches her.

Jai: You did tell me to say the right thing, didn’t you? (giving her a questioning look)

He had asked her earlier on of how to apologize in Hindi since he knew nothing of the language, except for a few words here and there. He thought he would impress Bani in that way and break down the American image she has stubbornly created about him. But now he is doubtful about what he has said regarding Bani’s reaction….

Rano: Of course! Would I ever lie to you?
****************************************************************************

For the next few days Bani mostly tended to ignore Jai who tried his very best to be friendly, but she was hard as a rock. It would take a miracle for her to even speak with him, he concluded. But he was determined as well…. He was going to make sure that this Bani would speak to him.

On the other hand, Bani was growing more and more frustrated by the stranger who she had to go out of her way all of the time to make comfortable. If this continued, she might just explode….
*****************************************************************************

After long protests from her baby sister, Bani finally caved into the idea of going to the Cinema rather than taking them around the city again. Besides, she wasn’t very keen in sharing any type of communication with Jai after his “joke”. The three make their way to the theater where they look up which films are in and playing. Jai, however, can’t really put any input since he has no idea about the foreign films to him.

Jai: Rano, are these all Hindi films?
Rano: Oh hain, I forgot. You don’t know Hindi. It’s okay Jai, they have English subtitles. You can read that. Just pick which movie you think looks interesting.

Jai shrugs and looks on at the movie posters, debating between confused thoughts of which film would be worth paying money for.

Jai: What’s this say? ….Ziinndagee Naah Milaaghee Dah--….

He asks while trying to pronounce the title of the movie, but to no success as Rano bursts into a fit of giggles. Giving a backwards glance at her, he notes that even Bani wears a small laughing smile on her lips.

Jai: What? (innocent)
Rano: It’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Jai…. (politely correcting him)
Jai: Well thanks for rubbing in my lacking skills in the Hindi language, Rano.
Rano: (grinning) Always a pleasure…. You wanna see it?
Jai: (shrugs) Sure, I guess. I don’t really know what other movie to decide on anyways.
Rano: (smiling) Good, because this is one movie me and Di have been dying to see.

Jai looks over to Bani and gives her a sly grin while answering Rano…

Jai: Well then, what are we waiting for?
****************************************************************************

Much to Bani’s dismay, Jai sat himself in the seat between her and Rano. She looks around him and at her sister, who merely winks at her. Fuming, Bani crosses her arms against her chest and glues her eyes onto the wide screen, making sure to ignore Jai’s presence as much as possible. Jai on the other hand was enjoying Bani’s plight to the fullest. He shares a smile with Rano. As the movie began, Bani found that she was able to forget Jai and focus her full attention on her all-time favorite actor, Hrithik Roshan, and soon become fully immersed into the movie.

Jai sighs in boredom in the middle of the movie. He was truly giving the foreign movie a fair shot, but he didn’t have much interest in keeping up with the subtitles. His attention span was failing him at the moment. He however noticed that Bani’s full attention is captured on the screen. He stealthily catches her bright eyes shining and her face so relaxed and serene-like that he finds himself momentarily smitten by the picture she makes him. What could have he possibly done to make such a beautiful girl angry with him?... He pondered to himself.
****************************************************************************

Rano: The movie was great, wasn’t it Di?!

Bani smiles while agreeing with her. She was glad that they ended up going to the theaters after all.

Rano: What’d you think Jai?
Jai: (smiling as well) It was nice.

He didn’t, though, pay much attention at all. Thanks to the person right next to him who continues to act as if he doesn’t exist.

Rano: What do you want to do next?
Bani: (intervening) Nahi Rano… bus hogaya… Aab hum ghar chalna chaaye… Mummy Papa intezaar khar rahe hoge… (trans: No Rano…. We’ve done enough… We should go home now… Mummy and Papa must be waiting for us.)

Jai looks over to Rano for a translation who gives him one along with a defeated look.

Rano: She says that we should go home.
Jai: (nodding) She’s right… It’s getting pretty late. I had fun though Rano… thanks.

Rano smiles brightly at him, clearly pleased in giving him a good time, whereas Bani tries to conceal her anger. She isn’t very successful though as Jai can see she has become peeved. He hides a grin. He had purposely left out thanking her. He’s secretly enjoying seeing her get angry, she looks very cute whenever she is. As they walk out from the theater, they note that it is raining cats and dogs outside. Before any one of the girls say a word, Jai clearly sees their hesitance in stepping out in the rain and willingly offers to bring the car to the front for them. They had borrowed the car for their outing due to Kiran’s persistence.

Bani and Rano watch Jai make his way over to the parking lot, slowly disappearing from view. They linger by the entrance behind the small shelter that keeps them dry. A few moments go by in which the sisters continue to discuss about the movie, neglecting the fact that it is just the two of them out in the open late at night, when they hear approaching footsteps. Turning to their side, they see two figures making their way over to them. Thinking that they will pass, Bani steps back, her sister following suit and resume back to their flowing conversation. However, when Bani sees from the corner of her eye that they approach directly next to them, she halts in her words.

It takes Bani a good second to realize that they are two men, who seem drunk by the way they are swaggering over to them. As the men come closer, Bani protectively holds onto her sister’s hand and looks around to see if anyone else is around. Not one person is in sight. It’s dark and they are alone. Frightened for the safety of her and her sister, Bani desperately searches to see if Jai is coming anytime soon.

“Chalo Rano,” Bani murmurs to her, indicating that they go wait back inside.

The whistling from one of the men, though, draws her attention back to them. Rano creeps behind her sister’s back, afraid of the men who they have become bait to. They smile sleazily at the sisters.

“Hey laadki… tum daarti ho kyun? We mean no harm…,” one of the men comments. His friend, who stands beside him, smiles even wider than before which penetrates fear into the pit of Bani’s stomach.

“Excuse us,” Bani says coldly to them, making a movement to leave with Rano by her side, but the sudden touch on her arm prevents her from doing so. Her skin crawls when she sees it belongs to one of the men.

“Arre, kahan jhare ho? We just want some fun…,” he continues, defensively. The same man comes even closer; crossing all limits, and touches Rano’s cheek. Bani, who was still and stiff before, is enraged by the man’s audacity in touching her sister. She surprises him by smacking his hand away and glaring hard at him.

Bani: (hisses) Don’t touch her.

“Waah…. Did you see that Sunil? This one’s got an attitude… Hmmm, I like it,” he says with approval in his voice. Sunil, his friend, gives a throaty laugh.

Sunil: Of course you would Rakesh… You are always into the hot tempered ones… How about you take her while I’ll deal with the other one?
Rakesh: (grinning) It’s like you read my mind….

Rano, who is close to tears, flies into the safety of her sister’s arms.

Rano: (squeaks in fear) Dddii----
Rakesh: (raising a brow) Sisters? … Even more interesting… Sunil, this is our lucky night yaar.
Sunil: What are you waiting for then? Let’s enjoy our night to the fullest….

All of Bani’s senses become alert as she sees Sunil come forth, his eyes set onto her younger sister. Acting as a guard, she stands in his way and pushes him aside. The men laugh at her weak attempt as she barely manages to move Sunil away, who is much stronger compared to her.

Rakesh surprises her in taking a grip of her wrist and pulling her towards him, tearing her away from Rano. He wraps his arm around her waist, keeping her firmly in his possession, and chuckles as Bani pounds hard on his chest in an attempt to get him away from her.

“Get off of me!” she cries angrily.

He takes her chin into his fingers and makes her eyes meet his. From behind her, Bani can hear Rano whimpering and Sunil taunting her in between making lewd comments. Tears spring up in her eyes as she feels helpless in being unable to protect her sister.

Rakesh: You have quite a fight in you, gorgeous… Why don’t you come and use the effort in something else instead…

Before she can even properly react from his words, out of nowhere, she sees a fist slam hard into Rakesh’s jaw. In an instant she feels the gritty man’s hands release her. Sunil’s attention is diverted as he hears his friend’s moaning pain. Bani and Rano look on with shock as Jai stands over Rakesh’s body, his hand rolled into a fist.

Sunil: Hey, who the h*ll do you think you are, man?!

Sunil aggressively pushes Jai, getting ready to start a full fledge fight. Jai aims a punch into his stomach and throws him onto the ground as well by twisting his arm and shoving him forward.

Bani: (gasps) Jai, look out!

Following Bani’s eyes behind him, he turns and instantly faces a blow at his eye. Rakesh heaves in anger and proceeds into a fist fight with Jai, who is boiling in rage himself as the vision of the man holding Bani so close to him and touching her is permanently burned in his mind. With wide eyes, Bani watches Jai being entangled into a fight with both men. Rano goes back to her sister’s side and joins in helplessly watching Jai being hit roughly, yet bringing a well comeback in beating the life out of the p*rv*rts. Seeing how seriously he is injuring the men, Bani steps in to stop him.

Bani: (choking on her forming tears) Jai, please, stop! You’ll kill them!

He ignores her begging cries and resumes in beating the men till he is content with the damage he makes. It isn’t until Bani holds him back by grabbing onto his arm that he listens. He stares into her glistening hazel eyes as she whispers pleadingly….

Bani: Please….

He somehow calms down a little at the sight of her and from her frightened voice. He aims a look over at Rano, who is equally terrified with enlarged round eyes. He glances back over to the men who lay on the ground, groaning, and aims one last kick in Rakesh’s ribs before turning his full attention back over to Rano and Bani.

He gathers Rano close into a comforting hug, as she is in a pool of tears, and places a subtle touch on Bani’s shoulder while looking at her with full concern.

Jai: You’re alright, aren’t you? Did they harm you two in any way?

With tears blurring her vision, Bani shakes her head as a response. Jai seems clearly relieved from hearing this, but not completely satisfied. He places them both into the car and taking charge of the wheel, drives them safely home….
****************************************************************************

Kiran: Jai beta, what has happened to you?!

Kiran exclaims in worry as she opens the door only to see her friend’s son with a swollen eye and a trickle of blood running down his jaw and the knuckles of his hands. She also takes in her daughters’ appearances, who are drenched from head to toe. Nishikant, worried in seeing Rano trembling so much, quickly engulfs her into his fatherly hug and soothingly asks her what had happened. It is Bani though who narrates everything to them in between tears. Kiran gasps while Nishikant looks outraged; sharing the same look of anger that Jai wears on his face. If it hadn’t been for Bani, he may have actually ended up killing those men. The audacity they had in trying to lure themselves girls for some pastime fun disgusted him to no ends.

Nishikant: Rano, Bani, aapne kaamrein mein jaao… (trans: Rano, Bani, go to your rooms.)
Bani: Paar Papa----
Nishikant: (his voice booming) Now.

Casting a fleeting look at Jai, who meets her eyes, Bani listens obediently and walks over to the stairs with her sister in tow. Jai glances up at Nishikant, who directs his focus over to him instead. He watches with anticipation as he comes forward to him. What he does though slightly surprises Jai. He places a hand onto his shoulder and looks at him with genuine gratitude. The man, who had only looked at him with indifference since he had come here, now was replaced with someone else…

Nishikant: Beta, I don’t even know where to begin…. If it hadn’t been for you….

Jai places his own hand over Nishikant’s, stopping him as he sees a father’s pained expression grow in him. He is obviously upset about what his daughters had to face.

Jai: I only did what anyone else would have done, Uncle.
Nishikant: Still, I don’t even know how to thank you---
Jai: You don’t need to because it was the right thing to do.
Nishikant: ….. Beta, forgive me. I have behaved very rudely since you have come.

Jai gives him a weak smile in an attempt to brush off the matter.

Jai: You are elder than me, you shouldn’t have to ask for forgiveness from someone who is younger.

Nishikant gives him a small smile in return. Kiran affectionately runs her hand on his hair and kisses him on his forehead.

Kiran: Go to your room, son. I will come in some time to check your injuries. In the meantime, you need to lie down and get some rest. ….
****************************************************************************

After Bani successfully put Rano to sleep in her room, she drifts into the depths of her own overwhelming thoughts. The flashes from the incident continue to preoccupy her mind. The way Jai had stepped in and handled the situation taunted her. She had been so wrong about Jai Walia. She felt ashamed for behaving the way she did with him. She had judged him beforehand without bothering to get to know him first to see what person he really is. She assumed him of being an American brat she has been accustomed in hearing about. Tears begin to rebuild in her eyes as she dwells on the fact that Jai is the one who had saved her and her sister from meeting a terrible fate, a fate that would have tormented her for the rest of her life.

Bani quickly brushes away her tears as she hears her bedroom door open and her mother appear from behind it. Kiran joins her daughter on her bed and worriedly tends to Rano, soothingly running her hand down her hair and securely placing the blankets over her.

Kiran: How frightened was she? (her voice shaky)
Bani: ….. I’ve never seen Rano so afraid before in her life…

Bani watches as tears build in her mother’s eyes. She, however, quickly blinks them away.

Kiran: You two are safe now… That is all that matters.

She says, but Bani knows her mother is comforting her own self more than her.

Bani: (quietly stating) Jai saved us Mama…
Kiran: I know … Me and your father are so lucky that he was there with you two. (her voice trembling) … He is in a pretty bad shape though.

A moment later she hears her mother let out a watery chuckle and speak in a tired tone.

Kiran: How will I explain to his mother that it hasn’t even been a full week since he has been here with us and already he is hurt?

Bani finally notes a bottle in her mother’s hands along with a small packet of cotton balls.

Bani: (ignoring her question) Mama, what are those for?

Kiran follows her gaze toward her hands.

Kiran: I wanted to check up on Rano quickly before going to Jai. He has wounds that need to be taken care of.

Bani didn’t know what made her say it, but she did so anyway….

Bani: I’ll go…. I’ll check up on him instead. You can stay here with Rano, I know that’s what you really want to do at the moment.
Kiran: (reluctant on the idea) Paar---

Bani, though, already has risen from the bed and takes the materials from Kiran’s hands.

Bani: Mama…. I need to thank him anyways. I’ll take care of it… Aap bus Rano ke saath raahiye…  (trans: You just stay with Rano.)

Kiran looks at Bani for a second before nodding her head and smiling faintly at her…..
***************************************************************************

Just as Jai sits down on his bed, he hears his cell ring. He grabs it from the dresser and checks the screen to see who it is. His mother….. He debates whether he should answer it or not. But decides to in the end as he had failed to call her lately to tell her he had safely arrived. Before she can even ask him anything, he goes ahead and answers her worried questions…

Jai: Yes Ma… I got to Kiran Aunty’s house perfectly safe, I had no troubles in getting here, she is very nice just like you said, and she and her family are treating me nicely. Are you satisfied now?
Krishna: But what took you so long to call me? I have been ringing your cell phone for the past five days.
Jai: I got a little distracted. But I’m telling you, I’m perfectly fine.
Krishna: Accha… so how is India so far?
Jai: It’s great… (sounding a little miffed)
Krishna: How is Kiran and everyone?
Jai: They’re fine too…
Krishna: (catching on to his tone) Jai beta, why do you sound upset?

If only you knew…. he bitterly thinks.

Jai: Nothing Mom, I’m just probably still tired from jetlag.
Krishna: Are you sure?
Jai: (sighs) Hain, Ma.
Krishna: Teek hai… toh…. What do you think of Pia’s family?
Jai: (annoyed) Ma, first of all, the girl you are trying to set me up with is not even here. What is the whole point of this trip then?
Krishna: Jai, no need to be angry beta. I know that Pia is not here. Her mother had told me she had gone to a small vacation.
Jai: Yeah, coincidentally around the same time I was going to drop by to see her.
Krishna: Jai, there is more to your trip than just Pia. You are also there to connect with your native culture. I want you to learn about the culture you are traditionally a part of, where your true roots really lie.You may have been born in America, but your roots are in India, son. ….
Jai: Still I----

Jai stops midway in his sentence as he hears his bedroom doorknob turn and slowly his door open. On seeing Bani standing hesitantly in his doorway, he keeps his eyes on her while he ends his conversation with his mother….

Jai: Uh, actually Mom, I’ll call you back in sometime. We’ll talk then.
Krishna: (protesting) But Jai----

Jai cuts the call and places his cell back onto his dresser after putting it on silent, knowing very well that he’s going to be receiving some calls back from his mother.

Bani: (softly) Can I come in?
Jai: (indifferently) It’s your house… You can go wherever you feel like, you don’t need permission from me.

She interprets this as a yes and allows herself to come into his room. She quietly closes the door behind her and approaches him slowly at his bed. He looks up at her with an expressionless face which nerves her. He sees from behind her back that her hands fiddle with something. Bani catches where he looks at and slowly brings it into view. She presents him with a Poinsettia flower held firmly in her hands that he recognizes as there are quite a few around the house as a part of the Christmas decorations.

Jai: What is this flower for?
Bani: (shyly admitting) It’s for you….

Bani watches as he gives her a long, hard look before saying….

Jai: ….. I’m not amused.

She feels her boost being deflated from his words and wears a look of defeat on her face. She knows that she deserves his attitude though. She hasn’t been a very nice person to him so far. Bani hesitantly sits down beside him on his bed and looks at him with miserable eyes that it makes Jai feel terrible and regret his action in trying to give her a taste of her own medicine.

Bani: (barely audible) I don’t blame you for behaving like this with me. I would do the same if I were you. I have behaved rudely towards you since you have arrived here and not very welcoming.

Like father, like daughter, he muses.

Bani: (close to tears) And I’m very ashamed about my behavior. I’m sorry …. I really am.
Jai: Tell me … Have I done anything to make you angry with me in the first place?

He asks her subtly as he doesn’t want to make her feel worse than how she already does. He just wants an honest answer. Jai watches as she lowers her eyes and shakes her head….

Bani: No… you didn’t directly.(she adds hesitantly)
Jai: (curious) But I did indirectly?
Bani: (continuing on after a pause)….  I was angry of all the attention you were given this past month. My mother has been driving us all up the wall about making your stay here comfortable… She had even decided that we’d celebrate Christmas for you. Rano did a lot of research on it and Mama made us do a lot for its preparations. …. I---I wasn’t used to the whole change and I held you responsible for it. I felt that you were making us all go out of our way to please you …. (quietly)
Jai: That’s understandable…

He defends her reasoning as he finds a little truth in her words. He has noticed how far Kiran has gone to make him comfortable and impress him.

Bani: (going on, feeling better in bearing the weight off of her chest) I thought you were a spoiled brat.

Jai raises a brow at this while Bani flushes from embarrassment by his reaction.

Jai: So that’s where all the prejudice came from….
Bani: (meekly) Jai, if you can, please forgive me…. I have judged you wrongly. You are a far better person than what I had thought of you to be. Especially after what you did tonight for me and Rano….
Jai: You mean after tonight…. as I haven’t done anything else to appease you.
Bani: (red, nodding her head) After tonight….

A silence begins to build in them and together they dwell on the incident.

Jai: (suddenly) How is Rano doing?
Bani: She’s sleeping… she was very frightened.
Jai: I know….
Bani: I---I want to thank you as well… for what you did.
Jai: I would have done the same even if it were anyone else, Bani…
Bani: (nodding her head again in agreement) Which is why you are such a good person.

Again there is silence. Jai nervously looks down from Bani’s captivating eyes. The depths of her warm, honey hazel eyes unnerved him and made him feel out of place. He directs his gaze back over to the flower that still is held firmly in her hand and slightly alerts her as he gently takes it from her, their fingers brushing….

Jai: It’s amazing that I had to beat up two perverts just to get you to talk to me… (softly grinning at her)

Bani, lightly smiling back at him, looks at him with new hope.

Bani: Does this mean that you forgive me?
Jai: (his grin growing wider at her hopeful expression) Let’s just put this behind us and start afresh…

Bani watches Jai extend his hand forward and she stares at it for a moment before glancing back at him as he says….

Jai: Hi, I’m Jai…

Without any effort, Bani breaks out into a dazzling smile that makes Jai’s heart skip a beat. She eagerly takes his hand into hers and cutely replies…

Bani: Bani….

Bani’s cheeks turn crimson and her insides become warm as he takes her hand and kisses it sweetly….

Jai: It’s nice to meet you, Bani….
Bani: (stammers shyly) N-now what?
Jai: (grinning handsomely) Now that we are friends Bani, would you mind helping a friend out and tend to his wounds?

Bani mentally slaps herself for forgetting the whole purpose in coming to his room in the first place and politely obliges. She begins at the task by dipping the cotton balls into the rubbing alcohol and dabbing them gently on his injuries. He would briefly flinch from the stinging. While at task, she can’t help but blush as his eyes constantly meet hers….. Soon enough they slip into a slow, but comfortable easy-going conversation in which they learn a little about one another… Awhile later, he suddenly asks out of the bloom….

Jai: So tell me… what was it that made you so mad with me that one day… I think four days ago?
Bani: (confused) About?
Jai: At the museum… when I tried to apologize to you…
Bani: You were trying to apologize? (further puzzled)
Jai: (nodding his head) I said it in Hindi though… Rano taught me. … Main tumse pyaar kaarta hoon… That means I’m sorry, doesn’t it?

He sees how her whole face turns bright red and how she avoids looking into his eyes. He grows a bit confused himself….

Bani: (shyly advises) You shouldn’t try learning any Hindi from Rano…. She will get you into trouble one day with the stuff she is teaching you.
Jai: Why? What does it mean?
Bani: (continuing to blush) That is besides the point… Just please, don’t learn anything from that girl. She loves making a fool out of everyone. And you are no exception.
Jai: I thought she likes me though….
Bani: She does… which is why she will harass you even more.

As Bani places the last bandage onto his lower jaw, she closes the bottle of rubbing alcohol and gathers the used cotton balls.

Bani: You’re all done… Keep on icing down your eye. Hopefully it’ll help somewhat.
Jai: You’re going?
Bani: (smiling lightly) Yes… It’s pretty late. Close to midnight to be exact.

Jai glances over at the clock and sees that she’s right. It is close to twelve. He looks back to her, disappointment lingering inside of him.

Jai: Thanks…

She smiles sweetly at him as a response. He watches her rise from his bed and stand idly before him.

Bani: I… I should go now. … Um, let me or anyone else know if you need anything.
Jai: That won’t be necessary, but thank you anyways.

Bani nods her head and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, nervously.

Bani: Um… Goodnight then. I-I’ll see you in the morning.
Jai: (smiling) Goodnight, Bani.

Bani gives him one last look before turning and walking to the door. She is just about to leave until she stops in a heartbeat once she hears Jai call out to her…

Jai: Bani…

She looks back at him with her heart beating strangely fast.

Bani: Yes?

A friendly smile appears on his lips as he says meaningfully, “Sweet dreams.” To which Bani replies with a small blush looming in her cheeks, “Sweet dreams to you too.” Jai watches her disappear from his door and looks on for a moment before turning his attention over to his cell phone that flashes brightly, indicating that he has a call. He takes it, knowing who it is.

Jai: Hey Ma, can you answer a question?
Krishna: (startled by his quick reply) Sure… what is it?
Jai: What does…. Main tumse pyaar kaarta hoon, mean?

He hears her mother’s tinkling laughter on the other side of the line which puzzles him to no ends.

Krishna: Kyon? Has someone said this to you?
Jai: No… Can you please just answer the question, Mom?
Krishna: (still giggling) Jai beta… It means I love you….

At first Jai is shocked but slowly a smile makes its way back onto his lips. So this is the reason behind her blush…. He chuckles softly to himself.
****************************************************************************

Bani lays beside her sister and rests her head onto her folded hands. She stares out from her bedroom window and softly smiles with the thoughts of Jai in mind. Maybe having him marry her sister won’t be such a bad idea after all. She has no doubts about him anymore…..



Chapter 4:


Unlike last time, Bani happily obliged to make Breakfast when asked by her mother. Kiran, who suggested they make pancakes again, enthusiastically pointed out that she got syrup this time. Bani, however, declined the idea, saying it would be better if they gave Jai a variety. She settled on making toast and eggs instead….
****************************************************************************

Jai: Breakfast was great, Bani. Thanks.

Bani, happy in being able to please him, blushes while shyly smiling at him.

Bani: You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Jai smiles at her, pleased with the 360 degree turn she has made in her personality toward him, going from cold to hot in a short time span. He is glad to have gotten past her reserved walls. Nishikant, after sharing a lengthy conversation with Jai at Breakfast, making up for his lack of hospitality before, left to work while Kiran set to some housework. They walk together to the family room where Rano suggested they go after eating their meals.

Jai: What do you suppose Rano wants to do?
Bani: I’m not sure. That girl is always up to something.

As they enter the room, they spot opened boxes of ornaments and Christmas decorations scattered around. Rano, who stands flat in the middle of the room, gives them a wide smile. The way she looked so cheery and carefree at that moment, one wouldn’t think she went through a traumatic experience just the night before.

Bani: Rano, what is this mess?
Rano: Deeds, I thought that instead of going out today, we could stay home. And what better way of making use of our time by decorating the tree?

Jai and Bani share a look at this, both understanding the reason behind Rano’s insistence to stay home for the day.

Bani: You don’t mind do you?
Jai: Absolutely not. I think it’d be best if we just stayed here as well. Besides, it’d be nice to decorate the tree, don’t you think?

Before Bani can even answer him, Rano exclaims in joy.

Rano: Oooh, great Jai Bhaiya! That’s the spirit! Now let’s decorate a much pended tree!

Jai looks on at Rano as does Bani in surprise. Rano stares back at both of them, puzzled by why they are just staring at her.

Rano: (innocently) What?
Jai: (breaking out into a smile) I thought you said you didn’t want to call me Bhaiya.
Rano: (slightly blushing) Well… I want to now. You’re like the brother I never had. And I feel that I should especially for what you did for me and Di last night. You don’t mind do you?

Jai ruffles her hair while trying to conceal how touched he felt at the moment.

Jai: Of course not. In fact, I’m happy that you called me Bhaiya. I don’t have a sister, but I’m glad that I do now….

Rano smiles delightfully up at him. She takes her hand into his and drags him over to tree.

Rano: Then come on Bhaiya, let’s get started!

Jai gives Bani a backward glance at this, who smiles in his direction. She had warned him before that whenever Rano gets excited about something, she gets really excited. As she watches Jai join Rano in examining the tree and planning on what to put on it first, her smile suddenly fades as she realizes something. Would Jai start thinking of her as a sister as well now that Rano has started to address him as Bhaiya? For some reason, this thought troubled her more than she would like for it to….
****************************************************************************

Bani gasps as Jai hangs one of the last remaining ornaments onto the tree before standing back and joining the two sisters in admiring the grand tree which is fully decorated around.

Bani: (breathes) It’s beautiful….
Rano: I never knew a tree could look so great.
Jai: It’s not done, though.
Bani: (stunned on hearing this) But what more could you possibly put on it?
Jai: We’re forgetting the most important piece….
Rano: What’s that Bhaiya?

Jai pulls out one final ornament safely from a small white box and the sisters watch with anticipation as he places it high onto the very tip of the tree. As he backs away, Bani finds herself staring at a beautiful angel in a shimmering white gown and her wings to her sides as she folds her hand in prayer.

Rano: Of course, the angel… I can’t believe I forgot.
Jai: (smiling) Now it’s complete….
Bani: She’s gorgeous… (praises) and the tree is great….
Rano: You still think that Christmas is a pointless holiday, Di?

Bani blushes as she feels Jai’s eyes switch to her at that precise moment. She hurriedly shakes her head to deny her, not wishing to offend or displease Jai in any way, not anymore.

Bani: (murmuring) I never said it was pointless Rano….
Rano: (looking surprised) Really? But how about all those times when you would list so many things ridiculous about Chri-----Oooooooooowwwwww!!!!

Bani moves her foot back after using it to stamp hard onto her sister’s. She watches with satisfaction as Rano’s eyes begin to tear from pain. Before Jai can register this action of hers, Bani hastily speaks to divert his attention elsewhere….

Bani: (breathlessly) Would you like something to drink?

Jai, startled by her sudden hospitality kicking in, he dumbly nods at her after curiously eyeing a pained Rano.

Jai: Uhhh… er, water would be great, thank you.

Before wandering over to the kitchen, Bani gives Rano a warning glare to not speak a word. Just as she leaves the room, she hears Jai amusedly ask….

Jai: Do you tend to hurt yourself a lot, Rano? ……….
****************************************************************************

Once she came back with a fresh glass of water to give Jai, she was informed by a sudden idea formulated within the short time she spent to go to the kitchen.

Rano: Deeds, me and Bhaiya have decided to play a game to pass some time! (back to her old cheery self)
Bani: A game? (curiously)

What are they, seven? She looks over to Jai for confirmation who only shrugs as an answer. She can tell he was only going along with whatever Rano was saying.

Rano: Yup! A card game!
Bani: (uneasily) But I don’t know any card games….

She says as she sees Jai shuffling the deck of cards in his hands. He looks up, switching his attention over to her, and smiles gently…

Jai: It’s alright… We’ll teach you. You’ll get the hang of it after a while.

And so they started a game of Egyptian Ratscrew. Since Rano already knew the game rules and claimed to be a pro, she volunteered to help her sister out at first. Bani, though, was finding it difficult to keep up with her sister’s fast rambling and was grateful once Jai stepped in after noticing the lost look on her face. Her cheeks color as he sits close beside her and patiently teaches the rules of the game with his soft, silky voice. Often her heart would race whenever he would place his hand over hers, guiding her into playing the game correctly.

Jai: See, you’re getting good at this. You only needed a little practice.

Bani blushes with glee as he praises her ability to learn the game fairly quickly. She was finding lately that she liked to please him in just about anything….
****************************************************************************

Both adults made promises to attend going out evening with the youngsters, take Jai out to additional parts of the city he has not ventured out to as of yet. After touring around the major attractions and taking plenty of pictures on his camera, they all returned back home to eat dinner Kiran painstakingly cooked especially for Jai. So far, to his genuine surprise, he wasn’t finding his trip to India worthless anymore as he previously thought. In fact, he was enjoying the thriving city and his warm companions, well, after two of them thawed from their earlier iciness….

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

A couple of days after the trio went out for lunch with great prompting from Kiran, who encouraged that the three should spend their time together to the fullest. She was enjoying seeing her daughters grow close to Jai, raising her hopes in having him as her son-in-law. Rano chose a small, cozy café to lunch in where they all slipped into a decent flowing conversation. Jai was learning more and more about Bani and was inwardly happy to know that she was starting to open up to him. He learned from Rano that her sister is often very reserved at first, but once she chooses to let you in, she is very open and incredibly friendly—something that he was slowly learning.

He knows that she will be graduating next year hopefully with a business degree. She loves music, books, dancing, soft toys, the color yellow, the rain, sunsets, the city life, her university, spending time with friends, oriental foods, and her homeland India. He could tell she held high pride in her culture with the way her eyes lit up as she talked fondly about it. He was also learning that he loved the way she talked…. so enthusiastically yet with innocence. He could listen to her voice all day….

Rano: It’s kind of sad that you won’t get to know Pia Di as well as me and Bani Di.

Jai wasn’t liking the way this conversation was going…. He sits up in his seat and clears his throat.

Jai: Yeah, it’s a shame. (dully)
Bani: (beaming at him) I’m sure you will like her just as much. It is hard not to like Pia Di. She’s a very friendly person and gets along with people well.

Jai returns her radiant smile as his insides flip with the way she glows at him….

Bani: She graduated over a year ago in fashion design. She’s always had a love for designing clothing. You should see her sketches, they’re amazing…. She wants to open up a small business of her own.
Rano: (adding on) She’s a really hard worker. And when she is determined about something, she really sets her mind to it.
Bani: (nodding, adding slyly after a moment) She’s really beautiful too, Jai….
Rano: Hmm. She’s often pointed out as the beautiful one out of us three sisters.

If Jai could, he would have scoffed at the statement. But he didn’t to remain polite. He felt the statement was over exaggerated. Sure Pia’s a pretty girl, but in no way is she comparable to Rano and Bani. They are both beautiful respectfully in their own individual ways…. especially Bani who he has noticed has a noticeable natural glow in her. For some odd reason, Jai for a moment finds himself wishing that Bani had ended up being Pia instead….that she had been the girl he came to see. He is jolted out of this thinking as he hears the very image of his thoughts speak to him….

Bani: She’s a really fascinating person to know…. She is interested in so many things and has so many hobbies that it is sometimes hard to keep up with her. She is a very active person and so she hates lazing around.
Rano: (agreeing) She’s really energetic….
Bani: (continuing on) And she….

Jai couldn’t stand listening to Bani praise her elder sister for a minute longer. He was getting fed up with the thought of Pia and how she constantly made her way in between conversations since he has gotten here, despite her not being around. And he wasn’t going to tolerate having her get in his way of getting to know Bani as much as he can.

Jai: (cutting in) I’d actually like to know more about you than Pia at the moment. When Pia comes, then I will take the time to get to know her as well….

He watches as Bani look startled momentarily before blushing by his blunt words. She didn’t realize she was getting so hyped up in telling Jai about her sister. It is just that she really wants Jai Walia to like her. She wants this rishta to work. He is a good person and she is afraid another proposal as good as this one will not come knocking on their door again. At least, this is what she keeps telling herself.

Bani: (softly) What else do you want to know?

She sees him grin lazily at her while leaning back against his seat and looking at her with a gleam in his eyes.

Jai: Well for starters… Do you have any boyfriend?

Bani turns a dark shade of red as she shakes her head hastily at him. Rano sniggers at her sister’s reaction.

Bani: (shyly) No….
Jai: (his grin widening) Well how many have you had?….

Rano starts to giggle, finding the situation amusing. Bani, on the other hand, feels like she will die from embarrassment.

Bani: …..Why do you want to know?
Jai: Well Bani, you’re a beautiful girl and I’m assuming you’ve had many boyfriends… I just want to know how many.  (he says frankly)

After the shock passes by, Ban’s heart thuds hard and she is sure she looks as red as a tomato just about now. Before she can even say anything, her sister beats her to it.

Rano: (giggling) Bhaiya, Bani Di hasn’t had any boyfriends…. In fact, I often wonder if she has sworn of men or something….

Bani glares hard in Rano’s direction whereas Jai feels some sort of relief sweep into him, satisfied by the answer he has gotten. He turns to Rano, knowing that he should ask her the same to avoid any future remarks from her in his keen “interest” in her Bani Di….

Jai: (smirking) … So how many boyfriends do you have, four-eyes?

Bani blocks out Jai and Rano’s banter as she relishes in the fact that Jai finds her beautiful…..
****************************************************************************

Chapter 5:

Bani: Hain Di… things here are going just great.

Bani answers her sister whom she speaks to over the phone.

Pia: Accha? Woh kaise? (intrigued)
Bani: (startled, confused) What do you mean? Things are just fine… what else do I need to say to explain that?
Pia: Bani Rani, for the past three weeks I’ve been noticing that things have just been going “great” for you all the time. Usually whenever I go somewhere, you mope around and complain about how boring it is at home. Aab tujhe kya hua?

Bani flushes bright red as she has no reply to this. How could she even begin to explain the last three weeks to her sister? Honestly, Bani couldn’t remember having so much fun before. But Jai has made that possible with his arrival…. By each passing day, Bani learned that he and she were quite similar, both in interest-wise and personality. Which is why she found herself instantly clicking and forming a good friendship with her much before detested foreign guest. There wasn’t much effort put into it…. it just happened. But she couldn’t say all this to Pia, whom she knew would only misinterpret everything that she will say. She can already imagine her squeal tauntingly, “So have you picked your wedding dress yet?” No, she was going to avoid that conversation as much as possible….

Bani: Nothing, Di. I’m just doing well. That’s all.

Bani is thankful once she hears her bedroom door open and sees Jai standing in her doorway, allowing her to end her phone call with her sister before she teases her silly.

Jai: (slightly agitated) Come on, Bani. Let’s go.
Bani: I’m coming, hang on.
Pia: (feigning a gasp) Is that lover boy now? … Arre, but what is he doing here in your room?.... Naughty naughty, Bani. Here you are telling me that there is nothing going on between you and Jai Walia, yet here you are unashamedly with him in your room.

Despite herself, Bani blushes. Jai looks on curiously at this.

Bani: Shut up Di. Aisa kuch nahi hai… (mumbles) (trans: It is nothing like that.)
Pia: Hain, hain. Mujhe saab pata hai… Aacha, tu jah. Tumhara honewala Paati tumhare liye intezaar khar raha (giggling) (trans: Yeah, yeah, I know everything. Okay, go. Your husband-to-be is waiting for you.) He seems to be in a big hurry. (adds on slyly)
Bani: (blushing) Ddddii…..

Jai rolls his eyes as he sees no end to this conversation.

Jai: Bani, today would be nice you know.
Pia: Wah… Tumhara hubby itana impatient hai… (trans: Your hubby is so impatient…)
Bani: Shut up Di. I’m going. I’ll talk to you later.


Bani cuts the call and grabs her sweater quickly before joining an annoyed Jai at the door. She smiles feebly at him in a small attempt to apologize for keeping him waiting. Jai, however, silently gestures her to move on downstairs and closes her bedroom door behind them….
****************************************************************************

Bani: What do you mean you’re not going?

Bani demands as Rano finishes telling her and Jai that she has other plans for the day. Jai, on the other hand, looks the least bit affected.

Rano: Sorry Di. But I promised Anju that I’d come over. She’s been begging me to come for so long now, and you know she’s here for only another week.
Bani: Kya Rano… aab mera saath shopping kaun jaaonga? (trans: Who will go shopping with me now?)
Rano: Deeds, Jai Bhaiya hai naa… Aap to aise bolareh hai jaise aap akele jhaare….. (trans: Deeds, there is still Jai Bhaiya… You are acting as if you are going alone.)
Bani: (growing embarrassed) Main uske saath kaise shopping kaarsakti? (trans: How can I go shopping with him?)
Rano: Kyon nahi? Mujhe to lagaa ke aap dono itane kareeb dost banchuke hai… problem kya hai? (tauntingly) (trans:Why not? I thought you two were already such close friends… What’s the problem?)
Bani: (grits) Rano ki baachi…..

Jai watches the two sisters arguing in Hindi until he has enough of it and splits them apart. He wasn’t liking the fact that they were speaking right in front of him, yet he couldn’t understand a word.

Jai: Enough of this Hindi madness… spare me the headache, would you two? I don’t see what’s the problem…. Rano, just go ahead to your friend’s house. Bani and I will go on ahead. It’ll be fine. Right, Bani?

With flushed cheeks, Bani reluctantly agrees and before leaving with Jai, she glares hard at her sister who gives her a thumbs up and a chuckle in return.
****************************************************************************

It’s not that she felt uncomfortable with his presence. Nor was it that she did not wish to go anywhere alone with him. It was simply the fact that she felt awkward about doing some of her own shopping with Jai around. She was used to taking Rano along and seeking her opinion before she bought anything. But now she wasn’t here with them….

Jai: So, where to first?

Jai asks her as they walk along the sidewalk, passing by each store. Bani muses about this, deciding that she will push off her own shopping till later, and thinks about where she should take Jai too.

Bani: (smiling) I think I have a store for you. It’s across the street and right around the corner.
Jai: Sure. Let’s go take a look.

They round the edge of the sidewalk and look at the speeding cars passing by. Together they watch for any clearing so they can cross through.

Bani: It’s so busy….
Jai: Here, give me your hand.

After a hesitant moment, Bani places her hand into his outstretched hand and watches as it clasps around hers. She can feel the butterflies begin to roam around in the pit of her stomach. Jai holds onto her hand tight and leads her into crossing the road. She catches up to his fast pace and stays to him close. As they arrive on the other side, she is surprised to see his grip on her hand still intact…yet soften a little. He continues to stroll down the sidewalk with Bani by his side, leading to the corner, oblivious to his companion’s emotions. It isn’t until a few moments later that Bani brings this up to him…

Bani: (shyly) Jai… you can let go of my hand now.

Jai looks over to Bani, whose cheeks are satisfyingly pink, and grins handsomely at her.

Jai: Now why would I want to do something like that?
Bani: (blushing) Jai… people will start assuming things.
Jai: So? Let them assume. As far as I know, I’m out spending time with my friend.

He entwines their fingers, enclosing their joined hands together, silently closing any further discussion of the subject. Bani knows that this may be a friendly gesture in America, but in India, people will conclude to just about anything. It is different here… However, she remains mum and allows him to hold her hand, knowing that no matter the amount of protests she makes, he will not listen to her. As they make their way around the corner and walk straight, headed towards the store at end of the sidewalk, Bani begins to slow down a little which draws Jai’s attention back onto her. He watches her looking into the glass display of a store with obvious fascination. He tugs on her hand to bring her focus onto him.

Jai: Come on. Let’s go in and see…..(with a soft smile)
****************************************************************************

Bani gazes around the jewelry store with wonder, taking in the collections of bangles, anklets, rings, watches, necklaces, and earrings. As she glances down at the open displays, she feels the presence of someone come near. Looking up, she finds the owner of the store smiling politely at her.

“Namaste Ma’am… Namaste Sir… Kaise hai aap? Kya main aap dono ko kuch madaat daoon?” he asks kindly. Jai, who stands beside Bani, looks over to her for a translation. He watches her smile back at the owner and reply back in Hindi.

Bani: Ji, hum teek hai. Hum bus yuhi dekharah hai… (trans: We are fine. We are just looking.)

“Accha, to phir kyon na hum aapko humare collection ko dekhadoon?” he says with an even wider, welcoming smile. Bani nods her head and watches the man excitedly draw out the necklace sets and place them on top of the glass counter for view. A minute into her observing, she hears the man ask….

“Kya aapka paati kuch dekhna chaate hai?” (trans: Does your husband wish to see anything?) Bani’s cheeks burn with embarrassment and she finds herself tongue-tied. Jai, who was disinterestedly looking at the displays, sees this and wonders what the man had said that could possibly have embarrassed Bani.

Jai: (prodding her) What’d he say?

The man looks over to Jai and realizes he doesn’t know any Hindi. He cuts in, saving Bani from giving him any explanation. “I say her, you see anything? For you, no?”  Jai, able to understand him, answers with a shake of his head.

Jai: Uh, no. Nothing for me. We are here just for her.

Strangely the man smiles at him which confuses Jai to no ends. He looks on with a puzzled expression as he says something to Bani once again in Hindi.

“Ma’am, aapka paati baut acche hai… aaj kaal aise paati kahan milte hai joh uski paatni ke liye heer wala dukhaan thak jaasakatha…” he comments with a laughing chuckle. Bani can’t help but smile in return, yet still looking painfully embarrassed at the same time. (trans: Ma’am, your husband is really great… now a days where can you a find a husband that is willing to go to a jewelry store for his wife?)

Bani: (meekly) Ji… main zarra wahan dekhna chaati hoon… (trans: I wish to go look over there.)

“Ji, ji. Zaroor.” Without another moment of hesitance, Bani wanders off to another side of the store, leaving Jai stuck with the jeweler who simply smirks at him.

“You good….very good,” he remarks while nodding his head. Jai gives him half of a smile before joining Bani, finding the man highly strange.

Jai: You found anything you like?
Bani: (shaking her head) No…. I’m done here. Let’s go on over to the store I was talking about.
Jai: Wait, hang on. What was it that you were just looking at?

Jai picks up the silver payals that Bani had just placed down and that he noticed she was looking rather intently at.

Jai: You want these?
Bani: No, I was just looking at them. Besides, I don’t even have the money for it. (her attempt of lying failing her)
Jai: Well, that’s fine. I can just get them for you then. (reading through her lie, knowing very well she wants them)
Bani: (looking very against the idea) No, Jai. It’s alright. Please, don’t waste your money. I don’t even want it to begin with. I was just looking. Honestly. Come on, let’s leave.

She says to him pleadingly as she tugs on his arm. Jai looks over to her after he runs his fingers along the anklets. Before he can even say anything more, Bani takes the anklets from him, puts them back down, and leads him on outside of the stores. He chuckles at her hurry to leave. He knew it had something to do with the jeweler who was just starting to make his way over to them.

Jai: Slow on down, Flash…. What’s the big hurry?
Bani: (sheepishly) Nothing… I just really want to take you to the store.
Jai: We have all day to shop Bani, we can take our time….. Now….

Taking her hand back into his, he grins at her.

Jai: Tell me what the man said….

Bani, knowing it’ll be useless to keep this away from Jai since he will just pester it out of her, answers him shyly with her cheeks turning red all over again….

Bani: (softly) He thought you were my husband….

Jai simply chuckles out of amusement while Bani grows even more embarrassed by the second. He, however, was feeling pretty good about himself at the moment. Husband, huh? Very interesting thought….  His grip on Bani’s hand becomes firmer.

Jai: What else did he say?
Bani: (reluctantly telling him) He said that you are a good husband for coming to a jewelry store for your wife since most men avoid doing just that….

Jai continues to laugh, irking Bani a little. She pushes him aside, but their hands remain intact.

Bani: (mutters) This is all your fault you know… I told you people assume here…..
****************************************************************************

Bani showed Jai around a few stores where he did little shopping, mostly for his parents, until he suggested that they go somewhere for a quick bite. They stop by an ice cream parlor where Bani gets herself a chocolate ice cream cone and Jai vanilla in a cup for himself. In the middle of Bani’s chatter, Jai fiddles with his phone and after giving Bani a glance, showing her that he’s listening, gets a sudden idea. He scrolls down to his camera phone and raises his cell to take a picture of a very oblivious Bani who indulges herself in the deliciousness of her treat.

Bani: ---places like Scotland, Italy, Paris, Singapore, Hawaii…. You know, major attractions…. (looking up) Jai, are you even listening to me?
Jai: (startled) Huh? --- Oh yeah, of course.
Bani: What are you doing?(suspiciously)
Jai: Nothing… just seeing if I have any signal in here…. I’m thinking of giving Ma a call… You know her, she’s been pestering me to call her more often…. But go on, ….you were talking about what places you wanted to see….
Bani: Yes… The farthest I’ve ever been is to Goa… (pouting) and that too on a university trip.

With a growing smile, Jai discreetly clicks a picture of her and gazes at it for a moment before saving it into his phone. He tucks his cell pack into his pockets and turns his full attention back over to Bani, who notices him put his phone away.

Bani: No signal?
Jai: Yeah….

He watches as an earnest smile appears on her lips while she asks….

Bani: Tell me more about Krishna aunty and Uday uncle…about your life back in America.
Jai: (grinning) What more do you want me to say?
Bani: I don’t know…. Anything. I feel like you know so much about me and my life here and I’d like to get a feel of what your life over in America is like….
Jai: (sincerely, looking at her intently) You will Bani…. One day….
Bani: (confused) What do you mean?

However, instead of answering her question, he simply smiles and rises from his chair. With a single nod of his head, he signals her to follow…

Jai: Come on… we’ve been here long enough.
****************************************************************************

Ending their day’s outing, Bani mentioned she had some pending shopping to do and Jai obliged willingly. She embarrassedly tells him that she needs to find a dress for her friend’s coming party, who insists on it being formal. Jai smiled at her slight discomfort. He knew she was wishing Rano were here just about now. After one dress after another, Bani finally finds her winning choice with Jai’s approval….

Jai: Come on …. What’s taking so long?

He questions her from the other side of the changing room’s door. Bani’s muffled voice speaks back to him….

Bani: Hang on…. I’m trying to close the zipper to this thing….

After hearing exasperated sighs and futile attempts from her side, Jai offers his aid….

Jai: You need help with that?
Bani: (caving in) ……. Yes, please.

Jai grins at the desperate helplessness in her tone and watches as she opens her changing room’s door, revealing to him her creamy bare exposed back with the zipper stuck midway…. With his breath caught in his throat, he hesitantly nears her and takes the zipper into his fingers.

Bani: It’s hard to reach….. my arms hurt from just trying to get a hold of it…

Jai slowly zips her dress from the back after his fingers gently brush across her baby smooth skin….. Bani turns and faces him with a small, curious smile….

Bani: (shyly) So?.... What do you think?

Jai’s breath is blown away by the sight she makes. She wears a flattering sleeveless white flowing dress that ends just below her knees, outlining her slender figure and exposing her creamy legs, complemented with a black sash around the middle. She looks heavenly….

Jai: (earnestly) ….. You look beautiful, Bani… absolutely beautiful.

He watches again with satisfaction as her cheeks become a lovely shade of pink…..
****************************************************************************

As Jai and Bani arrived back to the Dixit’s residence, they were just in time for dinner. Dinner was a joyful affair with everyone involved in excited chatter. Jai, for a brief moment, felt like he was sitting with his own dear ones and not a group of strangers that he viewed them as before…. Slowly he was realizing that he was getting attached to this family more than he would like for himself to be….
****************************************************************************

Rano: I feel bad that I ditched out on you guys at last minute… I want to make it up…. Why don’t we watch a movie?
Bani: Rano, a movie at this hour?
Rano: Yes, why not? What do you think Jai Bhaiya?
Jai: I think it’s a great idea…. I’m not tired yet anyways….

Rano smiles at his response and encouragingly leads him to the living room where Bani follows them after caving in.

Jai: What movie are you putting in Rano?
Rano: Scrooge….

Scrooge, an old Christmas classic, was about a coldhearted, selfish man who didn’t believe in Christmas. Jai grins at her selection. Count on Rano to be in the Christmas mood. Bani, on the other hand, is terribly confused. Within thirty minutes into the movie, however, the very person who suggested the whole idea falls asleep. Jai and Bani, though, don’t notice this until afterwards as they are absorbed in a conversation of their own….

Bani: Jai?
Jai: Hmmm?

He replies while keeping his gaze on the movie.

Bani: Why do Christians celebrate Christmas?

Jai tears his eyes off of the screen on hearing this and looks over to Bani’s innocent, curious expression. He smiles lightly at her in a fond manner.

Jai: Well, …. Christmas is supposed to be in honor of Jesus’ birth, so it’s an important holiday….  His birth is said to have fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament that predicted the coming of a messiah… at least that’s what many Christians believe….
Bani: Do you believe in that?

Jai places his arm onto the edge of the couch behind Bani and turns his body to face her completely….

Jai: I do…. Jesus was a savior and believed as a prophet…. also to be the son of God by his virgin birth… he was a healer and teacher… he preached compassion and forgiveness, did many remarkable works and performed miracles… and by this he brought hope to the people, who at the time were being forced to believe in damnation….His death brought salvation and reconciliation with God for our sins… He is an honorable and holy man to commemorate Bani….
Bani: You make him sound very wonderful…. (smiling softly)
Jai: He is…
Bani: Would you tell me more about him?

With a grin forming at the corners of his mouth, Jai starts off with the accounts of Jesus’ birth leading to his magnificent legacy…. Bani listened intently to his velvety voice as he spoke excitedly. His excitement brought a faint smile to her lips…. It didn’t matter if they both believed in different religions… all that did was that they had faith. …
****************************************************************************

Jai affectionately runs his fingers through her hair and gazes at her with adornment … He had noticed her eyes begin to droop before and when he had advised that she go on to sleep, she flatly refused to him and insisted that she wanted to listen to him some more…. Sleep, however, overcame her in the end.

He wished he could freeze this moment forever….here with Bani so close and resting peacefully against his shoulder. She seems so frail and delicate in her sleep that he felt the need to hold and protect her…

He knew, however, that he needed to get her to bed. He wakes Rano first, who is rattled out of her sleep and drowsily wishes him goodnight before retreating to her room. Turning to Bani, Jai softly prods her awake as well….

Jai: Bani….. Bani…. Wake up…. It’s late… You should go to bed. ……Bani?

He sees her stir a little but fall back into the abyss of her sleep. Sighing, he gathers her into his arms and lifts her up from the couch as he has no other choice. He takes her to her room where he gingerly lays her onto her bed before tucking her in under the duvet. After a second thought, he tenderly kisses her on her forehead and grins as he sees a content smile grow on her lips….Silently he makes his way out ….
****************************************************************************


Chapter 6:

Bani rushes herself in getting ready as she is already late for her close friend’s 21st birthday party, the baby of her small clique of friends as everyone else had turned the legal age quite some time ago. She had been originally planning to go alone but some sudden changes occurred at the end…. Her parents had randomly made plans with a group of their friends and Rano claimed she had an engagement of her own to attend to as well. The problem was, who was going to attend to Jai? Neither of them knew they had separate plans so never really gave this a thought before….

However, her mother readily solved the problem by suggesting Bani in taking Jai along with her. Bani intervened, saying that she didn’t want him to become bored as he wouldn’t know anyone there. Her mother protested saying that she can introduce him. Bani after some time caved in, knowing that it would only be reasonable for her to take Jai along as Rano has exams to study for and her parents would be socializing with people around their age group. She went ahead and told Jai about the change of plans and blushed by the way he smirked at her with a certain twinkle in his eyes…

Jai: Is this your informal way of asking me out on a date?
Bani: (blushing red, shaking her head) Noo…. I just---I---you----I don’t want you to stay home yourself---So I---(stammering)

He chuckles his normal throaty laugh that makes Bani grow even more embarrassed than before, yet her heart races fast.

Jai: Don’t worry… I was just teasing …. Give me twenty minutes and I’ll be ready.

Bani softly gasps as she is startled by feeling a pair of hands cover her own. She glances back up at the mirror and watches Jai standing behind her, looking gallantly handsome in a black suit. This is her first time seeing him in one and she was finding that she is unable to take her eyes off of him. She slowly removes her hands away from the necklace she was attempting to clasp moments before and allows Jai to take up the task instead. She silently watches through the mirror as his hands take a hold of both sides and begin to attach the ends together. His eyes meet hers and she shyly lowers her gaze…

Jai: I see you handled the situation with your zipper….
Bani: (softly) I got Rano to zip it for me quickly before she left…

He successfully ties her necklace and pushes her hair back into place. Bani feels chills run down her spine by the way he looks at her intently… as if taking her appearance in…. After a silent moment, he speaks again…

Jai: We should get going unless you want to miss your friend’s party…..
****************************************************************************

Jai felt uncomfortable with being among a crowd of strangers but was grateful that Bani was trying her best to settle him in with her friends. He caught up with a few of them, Raashi (the birthday girl), Sonali, Lakshmi, and Saahil. He was a little wary with Saahil at first, finding that his closeness with Bani was rather irritating to him, but was put to ease after Bani introduced him as Raashi’s boyfriend.

Bani: Jai, I hope you’re enjoying yourself?

She asks him hopefully as she turns to him, catching his silent demeanor some time into the party. Her worries are put to a rest as he smiles and reassuringly takes her hand into his.

Jai: Don’t you worry about me… I’m fine. Your friends are very nice people.

She beams at what he says, glad by his approval.

Jai: But I’d have an even better time if you were to share a dance with me…

With flushed cheeks, Bani shyly nods her head and allows him to lead her to the dance floor. Jai gathers her close in his arms and continues to smile down at her.

Jai: I see your friend Raashi staring us down like a hawk….
Bani: (pink in the face) Just ignore her, she’s just silly…
Jai: Why’s that?
Bani: (shyly) She’s convinced that you’re my boyfriend despite how many times I tell her that you are a guest.
Jai: (chuckling) We must make a good couple then if everyone wants to believe that we are one, don’t you think?
Bani: (smiling politely herself) I guess…

Bani continues to sway in Jai’s arms with her arms wrapped around his neck and loses herself into the warmth of his embrace and the lyrics of the romantic song…

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara
Dheemi Si Dhadkan Ko Badne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum… Hum Tum… 
Tum… Hum Tum…

Aankhon Mein Humko Utharne Do Zara
Baahon Mein Humko Pighalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum… Hum Tum… 
Tum… Hum Tum…

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara

Salvatein Kahin Karwatein Kahin
Phel Jaaye Kajal Bhi Tera 
Nazron Mein Ho Guzar Tha Hua
Khwabon Ka Koi Khafila
Jismo Ko Ruho Ko Jale Do Zara
Sharmo Khaya Ko Machalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum… Hum Tum… 
Tum… Hum Tum…

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara

Choolon Badan Magar Iss Tarah 
Jaisa Surila Saaz Ho
Hum Hai Re Chupe Tere Zulf Mein 
Kholo Ke Raat Azaad Ho
Aanchal Ko Seene Se Dhalne Do Zara
Shabnam Ki Boondein Phisalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum… Hum Tum… 
Tum… Hum Tum…
Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara
Bahon Mein Humko Pighalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum… Hum Tum… 
Tum… Hum Tum…
Hum… Hum Tum… 
Tum… Hum Tum…
Hum… Hum Tum…

“What do you say that we blow this party and go on back home…. I’ll cook us some dinner,” Jai whispers lightly into her ear. Bani opens her eyes and glances up at him with a growing smile of her own….

Bani: That’d be perfect……

Together they blow the party and discreetly leave. Bani didn’t bother seeing Raashi before leaving nor felt guilty about doing so either… all she knew was that she wanted to be with Jai…..
****************************************************************************

“Where did you learn to cook all this,” Bani questions him while sitting on the kitchen counter and tasting the sauce that Jai offers her on the wooden spoon. She watches him go back to stirring the delicious sauce and answer her….

Jai: Ma… she was insistent that I learn before going off to school… And thankfully I did, otherwise I would have starved to death.
Jai finishes up with dinner and Bani helps by setting the dishes on the table out on their house’s deck, where Bani suggested they eat. As Jai comes out with the last dish in hand, he hears Bani let out a soft, “Ouch” and curiously nears her after placing the meal in his hands down.

Jai: Bani, what happened? (concerned)
Bani: Oh, Jai… It’s nothing serious, just a splinter…
Jai: Here, let me see.
Bani: Jai, I’m fine… Please don’t worry.

Jai doesn’t heed to anything that she says and only takes her hand into his, examining the wooden splinter in her finger.

Jai: Sit right here…

Bani let’s Jai seat her down onto one of the chairs nearby and he asks her where he can find a pair of tweezers. Without any questions, she directs him there and watches him disappear behind the sliding door…..

Moments later, he reappears with tweezers in his hand and crouches down beside her at her chair. Bani begins to panic on him taking her hand into his and bringing the tweezers close to her finger.

Bani: Jai, what are you doing?

She demands as she struggles to pull her hand away from his firm hold.

Jai: I’m going to take the splinter out… You aren’t thinking of leaving it in there, are you?
Bani: Why not? It’ll be less painful that way… (crying out)

Jai has to restrain himself from laughing at her state. Here she is, scared by a small splinter…

Jai: Come on Bani, don’t act like a baby. I’ve gone through worse pain than this and didn’t react the way you are right now. (tauntingly)
Bani: Like what?

Jai looks at her for a good second before looking down and starting to unbutton the top buttons of his black silk shirt. Bani’s eyes widen at this and she feels like she will die from a heart attack right then and there.

Bani: Jai, what are you----

She stops midway in her sentence as she sees Jai reveal his right shoulder to her where he has a nasty scar. Curiously she touches it lightly, tracing the outline of it and stares back up at him.

Bani: How’d this happen? (softly)

A smirk comes across his lips as he looks back at her. He discreetly takes her hand back into his and begins at his pending task...

Jai: You wouldn’t believe me if I told you….
Bani: (stubbornly Yes I would….
Jai: Really?
Bani: If you’d give me the chance, I would…
Jai: (grinning) Alright ….. A couple of weeks ago I was walking out of Dad’s office building when all of a sudden this man roughly pushes me aside and I hear this elderly woman screaming. I looked to her and she was pointing at the man and saying how he had stolen her purse away from her. And me being the only person around and in close proximity to the thief, I darted after him. So I’m chasing after him, right on his tail, when he goes into these buildings nearby to lose me.
Bani: Uh-huh….(prodding)
Jai: I follow after him into an apartment building… he’s running up a fleet of stairs and I’m right behind him… Once I get up to the roof, he has a crowbar in his hand and starts flinging it at me, I miss it a couple of times, until he gets me right on my shoulder….
Bani: Ouch…. (wincing at the thought) That’s where you got the scar?
Jai: (nodding) Right….
Bani: Then what happened?
Jai: Well, he thinks that he’s gotten me and starts to run off again but I see what he’s doing and go after him again…
Bani: You’re doing all this for a woman’s purse?
Jai: (convincingly) Come on Bani, the poor woman’s money was in that purse and who knows what else.

Bani nods her head in agreement and urges him to continue with his story…

Jai: So seeing that there is no place for him to go, he’s so desperate to get away that he jumps over the building and to the next apartment building, landing on someone’s balcony…
Bani: (interest sucked in) What’d you do?
Jai: (shrugs) What else would I do…. I did the same. I ran off the building, literally flying midair, and almost miss the balcony completely if I luckily hadn’t caught a hold of the railing…. I struggle for a moment, but hoist myself over onto the balcony and track him--
Bani: Wait, you’re telling me that you jumped off an apartment building to another building? (disbelief)
Jai: Yes… I think that is what I said….
Bani: (finally catching on to his fabrications) Jai, you’re full of lies… You know that? 

She watches him grin impishly at her, not feeling the least bit of shame for lying…

Jai: Well I managed to get the splinter out without you knowing, didn’t I?

Shocked, Bani stares at the tweezers in his hand that holds the splinter into view. Her eyes switch back over to Jai who continues to grin at her. She drowns into the depths of his stormy gray eyes and her heart soars high with her mind reeling fast…  It had been that very moment when Bani had her greatest epiphany….  that she is in love with Jai Walia….
****************************************************************************

Bani could not go to sleep with what she had just learned. She felt excitement building inside the pit of her stomach and a new wave of emotions that she never experienced before in her life. It is strange what being in love can do to a person. She lay restlessly on her bed and only came out of it on hearing the front door open. It was her parents who briefly asked her how her evening was and went off to their room, only after having her assurance that she would wait up for Rano. It was ten minutes later that her sister came home as well. Together they walk on over to their rooms as it is quite late. On their way there, they pass by Nishikant and Kiran’s bedroom where they hear their muffled voices… It was when they mentioned Jai’s names that Bani stopped in her tracks…

Rano: Di, what’s wrong? What are you doing?
Bani: Ssshhh… Rano, be quiet for a moment…

Bani places her ear up against her parent’s door and listens into their conversation….

Kiran: Oh Nishikant, you are always after the poor boy….
Nishikant: Kiran, it’s not that. I am rather fond of Jai. He is a very polite and fine young man… I just feel a little apprehensive about how close he is getting to Bani in particular… and you are only encouraging this.
Kiran: Nishi, please… there is nothing of that sort going on. Besides, it is great if they do get close. It will be good for later on when Jai becomes her and Rano’s Jiju….
Nishikant: (grumbling) I guess….

Bani’s face pales on hearing this as well as her heart drops… She moves away from the door and tries her best to hide away her forming tears from her ecstatic looking sister.

Rano: (whispers excitedly) Oh Deeds! Did they just say Jiju? Are Mummy and Papa planning to get Jai Bhaiya married to Pia Di?!

Despite her heart breaking into pieces, Bani replies with a cracking voice, “Y-yes Ran…” She watches from the corner of her eye as Rano claps her hands in glee and begins jumping up and down.

Rano: Oh Di, this is wonderful! (still whispering) Jai Bhaiya will become into our Jiju! He will become family! Aren’t you so excited?!

Bani does not answer to her as she only goes to her room and buries her face deep into her pillows, burdening them with her tears and sorrows….
****************************************************************************

She did not know why she let this all happen. She knew from the beginning. She knew that Jai could never be hers. He came all the way to India specifically to meet her sister for marriage. At one point even she was going along with the idea, having her sister marry the man she was growing to like. It was falling in love with him that came unexpected. Now the very idea of having Jai marry her sister or anyone else for the matter pierces her heart severely.

Bani hesitantly makes her way to the kitchen where she knows she can find her mother and talk to her alone. She arrives into the area and sees her mother busy in making breakfast. She slowly seats herself down onto one of the stools and softly calls for Kiran’s attention.

Bani: Mama….

Kiran turns on around on being called.

Kiran: Oh Bani beta, Good morning. What are you doing in here so early? I purposely didn’t wake you this morning because I thought I’d let you rest for a little longer.
Bani: I… I couldn’t sleep. So I thought of just waking up.

She watches her mother nod and turn back to the sizzling pans. After another hesitant moment, she draws her attention back…

Bani: Mama… are you really planning on having Pia Di marry Jai?

Kiran stops stirring and looks at her daughter with a slight startled expression.

Kiran: Bani… tumhe kaise pata? (trans: How do you know?)
Bani: (sheepishly) I overheard one of your conversations with Krishna Aunty…

Kiran gives her an admonishing look but Bani ignores it.

Bani: Tell me mama… are you?
Kiran: Yes… I very much approve of Jai… his mother wants to get him married and now Pia has reached an appropriate age to get married as well… They both will suit each other perfectly… Don’t you think so?

Her mother turns her attention back to her cooking and Bani’s face falls… She gathers up her courage once more as she asks…

Bani: Does it have to be Pia Di? …. (softly)

Kiran stills in her actions and again looks back to her solemn daughter.

Kiran: What did you say?
Bani: …. I said, does it have to be Didi?... What if there is someone else for Jai? (slowly)
Kiran: (puzzled) Bani beta, I am not following with what you are saying… Do you know not wish for Jai to marry your sister?

Bani opens her mouth to reply but is intervened as she hears the very person on her mind speak from behind…

“Good morning Aunty… Good morning Bani..,” Jai wishes them happily as he nears Kiran and kisses her affectionately on her cheek. Her mother blushes in a pleased manner…

Kiran: Oh… why, Good morning to you too beta… Did you sleep well last night?
Jai: (grins) The best sleep I ever had Aunty…

He seats himself onto the other stool near Bani, who seems quite uncomfortable and nervous by his presence. She avoids looking at him.

Jai: So, how are the two of my favorite women doing this morning?

He asks, the question going for both of them, but his eyes lingering on Bani…

Kiran: Arre, nothing is new with us… We are just fine. I am making one of your favorites this morning… French Toast… Your mother told me how much you enjoy eating them.
Jai: (smiling) Thanks Aunty, you’re an angel….

Kiran beams radiantly at him. Jai switches his gaze to Bani who mumbles something about being somewhere and leaves. He looks on after her curiously…. He excuses himself and leaves as well….

Bani makes her way over to the stairs, wanting to be alone for awhile, but is held back by a firm grip on her wrist… She looks behind her and sees Jai staring at her with question.

Jai: Bani, are you alright? You seem a little…. off this morning.

Concealing her forming tears with her level best, Bani attempts to smile off his worries.

Bani: (sweetly) I’m fine Jai… I-I just have a small little headache. I haven’t been feeling so well since I woke up…
Jai: (concerned) Did you take anything?
Bani: Yes… and… I want to sleep for a little bit… usually that puts off a headache…

Jai on the other hand is not convinced by her futile try of lying to him. He can clearly see behind her mask that something is troubling her. However, he doesn’t press on it…. He obliges to her wish of being alone by releasing her hand…

Jai: Sure… I hope you feel better.

Bani hastily nods and runs off to the sanction of her room where she chokes into tears all over again….

“What was I just about to do?... Getting Mama to change her mind like that…. She obviously believes that Jai will be great for Pia Di… and she really wants the proposal to work out…. I can’t get in the way of that happening…,” she scolds herself….. “Pia Didi deserves happiness and perhaps she will never get another proposal as good as this one…. Jai will keep her happy, I know he will…” She snuggles close against her blankets as she tries to her best of capabilities to soothe her troubled mind….
****************************************************************************

Jai noticed for the next couple of days that Bani seemed a little down and quite distant from everyone, even from him. He tried to get down to the matter, but she only covered it up by saying she was feeling a little sick. He glared at her, letting her know that he wasn’t believing a single word that was coming from her mouth….
****************************************************************************

It wasn’t until the arrival of Pia that Bani went back to her old cheery self. In fact, she was evening pushing her sister onto Jai, causing him to be suspicious of her actions. What is it that she is trying to pull? Just a few days ago she was so gloomy and would barely carry a single conversation with him. And now suddenly she is Mary Poppins and trying to play matchmaker? He was getting annoyed with what she was doing as well as upset. He was missing his Bani that would talk nonstop with him, blush at the littlest of his teasings, and even fight with him….
****************************************************************************

Jai fiddles with his mug that contains his untouched black coffee and tries his best not to become so worked up on getting his payback from Bani and Rano afterwards. It had been their “fantastic” idea to take him and Pia out to lunch. And it had also been their idea to insist on separate tables so they would not act as a “third wheel”. He grinds his teeth together in frustration.

Damn her… Sitting over there and giggling, acting completely innocent and unaware of what she is putting me through…. Jai angrily bickers to himself. He glances up and catches the sight of both sisters talking in hushed voices and throwing him sly looks now and then. He growls after Bani and Rano wink at him in a knowing manner. He looks across from him at Pia, who isn’t enjoying their awkward silence as much as him. 

Pia: … So you’re planning for us to just sit here for the rest of lunch, are you? (coolly asks)
Jai: (clearing his throat) … Sorry Pia… I’m behaving rather rudely to you…. Instead of striking a conversation with you, I am just making this even more awkward than it already is….
Pia: It doesn’t have to be awkward if we don’t make it… Tell me about yourself Jai… I feel like a stranger with how my whole family completely adores you and know everything about you when I know absolutely nothing….
Jai: (politely) What would you like to know?
Pia: ….. Are you enjoying your stay here with us?
Jai: (nodding) Your family has been very kind to me ever since I have arrived. They have made my whole experience in India very warming.
Pia: So I’m taking that you like my family just as much?
Jai: Yes… You can say that I have even gotten quite attached to them.

Pia smiles a little at this….

Pia: And my sister, Bani? What do you think of her?

Jai is thrown off by this sudden question of hers. He looks at her closely as if trying to scrutinize her.

Jai: What about her?
Pia: (calmly) Well, do you like her? …. Do you find her pretty?
Jai: (eyeing her) What are you trying to get at Pia?
Pia: Nothing… I just wish to know…. Do you like my sister or not? It’s a rather simple question Jai… (tauntingly)

Jai, instead of taking offence of her taunting, merely smiles in an amused manner…

Jai: And if I say that I do? If I say that I feel much more for Bani than just as friends, then?
Pia: (smiling herself) Then I would say you two have my blessings…
Jai: Blessings or no blessings, I would take her away from here either way…  I am not afraid of anything or anyone… It is your sister who is afraid.
Pia: (her smile growing wider) I see that we are finally sharing a decent conversation… (wanting to point this out)
Jai: So we are….

There is a brief silence in which Pia settles back against her chair and keeps her eyes set on Jai.

Pia: The poor girl is hung up on the fact that you came to India to see me….not her. It will take her a little while to understand that nothing has been finalized and it is not as if we are engaged.

Jai broods in their building silence and looks up with a soft smile.

Jai: Our meeting is quite different from what I had imagined it…. I didn’t think we would be speaking so bluntly about how I like your sister instead.
Pia: (shrugs) I am a surprising person…. You on the other hand are exactly how I imagined you…
Jai: And that is?
Pia: Straight to the point and very impatient … (giving him a knowing look)

Jai chuckles at her reply…..So she had noticed him eyeing her sister throughout lunch….
****************************************************************************

A couple of days later Christmas Eve evening finally arrived with the promise of wonders for tomorrow. Kiran had planned on spending the evening with her friend’s son but was preoccupied with the sudden news of her and her husband’s close friend’s accident. They rushed immediately to the hospital after receiving the reassurance from Pia, Jai, Bani, and Rano that they will be fine on their own. They opted on the idea of just staying put at home and relaxing. Jai gets the fireplace running from the insistence of Pia that it was getting rather chilly and soon enough the warmth of the fire begins to sweep throughout the room. The shrilling of the telephone from the kitchen causes Pia to stand up, tearing her gaze off of the television, and excuse herself to attend the call. Jai watches as she stealthily slips her cell phone into her pocket after closing it. She winks at him before leaving and he hides his growing smile….  A few seconds later she beckons for Rano to join her, claiming that she needs her for something. Bani watches Rano leave her alone with Jai in apprehension.

Bani: (nervously) Um… I think I will go and check on what Didi needs… I’ll be right back…
Jai: Bani, wait…

He requests as he takes a hold of her lower arm into his hand. Jai stands up beside her and looks slightly nervous himself. Bani looks on at him curiously.

Bani: Yes?
Jai: …. I… I actually wanted to give you your Christmas present personally… I don’t think I can wait till tomorrow… (giving her a small smile)
Bani: You got me a present? (softly)

Jai nods his head. His heart skips a beat as she sits herself back down in her place near the fireplace and smiles the same old sweet smile that had first made him smitten by her.

Bani: Alright… I’ll wait…

Jai lowers down beside her and reaches into his pocket, withdrawing out a small red velvet pouch. He takes her hand and gingerly places the pouch into her palm.

Jai: Open it… (encouragingly)

Bani does so by tugging on the strings and turning the pouch over which seconds later she gasps at the sight of her present sliding out onto her hand. She gazes at it for quite some time until she looks back up at a smiling Jai…

Bani: Jai… how….why….
Jai: I knew you really liked them despite how many times you tried telling me you didn’t… I went back to the store and got them for you…
Bani: But Jai… you didn’t have to….
Jai: (earnestly) I wanted to….

Bani stares into his eyes for a moment before switching them down onto her silver payals that she took a great interest to at the jewelry store two weeks back and feels a surface of emotions arise in her by this gesture of his.

Jai: (watching her curiously) You like them… don’t you?
Bani: (breathes, smiles) I love them…. Thank you… (sincerely)

Jai looks relieved as well as happy by the way he beams at her. He startles her as he reaches out and cups her cheek with his hand…staring at her intently with his piercing eyes.

Jai: … I wanted to give you something special for your first Christmas… something that you would always remember me by….

Her hands slightly trembling from their close proximity, Bani drops one of the payals from her hand which makes a cluttering noise as it hits the floor…. It draws Jai’s attention to it who looks down and picks it back up.

Jai: May I?

Tongue-tied and not knowing what else to do, Bani dumbly nods and silently watches as Jai begins to tie the anklet around her extended ankle… he ties the other one as well and admires the view of the payals he bought for her on her tiny feet…

Jai: They look great on you…
Bani: (softly murmurs) Thank you….

Jai’s lips crack into a wide smile and his eyes meet hers once more. For a long minute neither of them speak as they are caught in the spellbinding moment until Jai smiles even further at her…

Jai: Bani… do you realize that right at this precise moment we are sitting under a mistletoe?
Bani: (innocently) What’s a mistletoe?
Jai: (grinning) It’s a certain plant that people hang around during Christmas… the history behind it is that if a couple are under a mistletoe, they have to share a kiss…

Jai watches in amusement as Bani quickly looks up to the ceiling and spots the plant high up above their heads. She looks back at him and blushes hot red.

Bani: Who would hang that up there?
Jai: …. Rano would….
Bani: Why would she do something like that?
Jai: (smiling) Because I asked her to….
Bani: (honestly confused) Why would you do that?
Jai: …. So I can do this….

He lightly begins in tracing the features of her face with his fingers as his eyes soften and stay fixed on her… Bani’s pulse races fast and she feels her breathing shake as nerves tighten in her chest… Her heart thumps hard just when Jai’s face inches closer to hers, their noses brushing, and tilting his head slightly to the side… It is when she can feel his own breath fan her face that she snaps out of it and turns her face the other way, making Jai miss her lips by a second…

Bani: Jai… this is wrong…
Jai: (exasperated) How is this wrong, Bani?
Bani: (close to tears) You are here for Pia Didi… your wedding will be fixed with her… Both Mama and Krishna Aunty approve of your match with Di… Please---don’t do this to me… I can’t do what you want me to do… I can’t cheat everyone like this…
Jai: Bani… Look at me…

He takes her face into his hands, steering her over to meet his gaze. His insides sink on seeing tears brimming in her warm honey eyes. He tenderly wipes one away that manages to escape…

Jai: I get to decide who I belong to or not… I don’t want anything to do with your sister when… (trailing off)
Bani: ….(whispers) When?

Jai gazes deeply into her eyes as he confesses, “Main tumse pyaar kartha hoon.” Bani’s heart skips a beat and her whole insides tingle from his words… She looks at him with transfixed awe… He gathers her close and stares down at her…

Jai: Bani…. I love you…. and that is the truth…. (emotion deep in his voice)

Overwhelmed with surfacing emotions, Bani feels like she might just choke right then and there. Glistening water spills from Bani’s eyes as she succumbs into her tears and professes her own truth to him as well…

Bani: Oh Jai… I-I …. I love you too…

Jai breaks out into a satisfied smile as he has longed to hear those three words from her mouth the moment he laid his eyes on her and takes her lips in his into a gentle, yet passionate kiss. His fingers make their way into her silky hair and he sighs in content as he holds her close against him…..

After what seems like a century to them, Jai slowly caresses her bottom lip before drawing back and resting his forehead against hers, nuzzling their noses together….

Bani: (shyly) …. So what happens now?
Jai: (grinning) Now, my love, no one can keep me from you…. You are mine and only mine…

Bani turns pink and bites softly on her lower lip. Jai sees this and inwardly groans before removing her lip from her teeth’s captive and kissing her some more….

It isn’t until they hear Pia’s intruding cough some minutes later that they break apart.

Pia: Excuse me for interrupting in your lip-locking… But I’m kind of getting tired of standing around in the kitchen… Do you mind if I can come back now, Jai?

Bani blushes from embarrassment on being caught by both of her sisters who stand in the living room doorway and hides her face in Jai’s chest as he pulls her into his arms.

Jai: (sighs) You couldn’t let me enjoy for some more time, could you Pia?
Pia: Of course not… Now seeing that soon I will become your sister-in-law, it has become my permanent duty to become an annoying pest in your life. (throwing him a smile)

Jai growls at her. Pia, turns her attention over to her younger sister and winks at her.

Pia: Looks like your American ajnabee managed to steal your heart after all, Bani….  I guess I have to start looking for my maid of honor’s dress now, huh?…  (teasingly)
Rano: Aww Di, how come you get to be maid of honor?
Pia: Because I’m oldest Rano…
Rano: That’s still not fair though Di… I’m just as much as close as you are to Deeds…

Jai and Bani both share a look at this and grin… the thought of marriage exciting them both and sending their insides in frenzy….

Jai: (whispers only for her to hear) Mrs. Bani Jai Walia… it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Bani merely flushes red as an answer….
****************************************************************************

The next week flew by so fast that Jai and Bani could hardly digest the fact that it was now Jai’s last day in India…. The very thought devastated Bani who couldn’t stand to bear being away from him for the next three months.

Bani: Do you have to go?

She asked him once during the middle of his packing. He smiled lightly at her and ran his fingers through her long black tresses….

Jai: You know I do…. I’ve got to go to London for some time to set up our hotel chains over there… Dad’s been counting on me for this project for a long time.
Bani: But three months? (her face falling)
Jai: I’ll call you every single day… We’ll pull through this Bani… and in no time, I’ll be back to take you with me…. Promise.

He sealed it with a loving kiss on her forehead. And now here they are driving to the airport to get Jai checked in before his flight’s time. Bani sighs as she stares gloomily out of the car window, ignoring the excited chatter coming from her family. She is well aware of Jai glancing back to her time to time but was in no mood to speak or let alone look at him at the moment. She would only give into her tears that were threatening to fall any second….

They file into the airport and within some time arrive and loiter around Jai’s gateway, treasuring their last moments with him to the fullest. Jai badly wanted to be by Bani’s side and soothe her but with the family constantly around him, it was proving to be impossible. Bani stays behind and only watches Jai with silent eyes who replies politely to everyone’s chatters. It isn’t until the announcement of Jai’s flight over the intercom that breaks into the middle of their frenzy talks…

“Business class of Flight 180 US Airlines to New York City please begin to board the plane… I repeat, business class of flight 180 US Airlines, please board the plane.”

Bani’s heart sinks as she sees Jai being engulfed in everyone’s arms and wishes them warmly with a promise of returning soon. Her face becomes downcast as he finally approaches her and stares down at her from his gallant height. She is forced to look up as his fingers take a hold of her chin and lift it upwards… causing her eyes to meet directly with his own.

Jai: Bani….

Hearing her name coming so sensually and passionately from his lips is enough to make her break her steel exterior and give into her emotions…. Hot tears suddenly make their way down her flushed cheeks… Before Jai can even make a gesture to wipe them away, Kiran interrupts…

Kiran: Oh Bani darling, calm down now. Jai will be back soon before you know it. It is only a matter of a couple of months… (soothingly)

Kiran tears her gaze away from her daughter and instead settles it onto Jai who is troubled by seeing tears in Bani’s eyes…

Kiran: Jai beta… (adding on shyly) You haven’t told us your answer yet…. to the proposal I mean…. I know we haven’t directly spoken about it…. but even still I am asking…. You do approve of my daughter, don’t you? (hopefully)

Jai turns to look at Kiran and smiles lightly at her…

Jai: Kiran Aunty…. The proposal still stands from my side… not for Pia though….

Taking Bani’s hands into his own, Jai keeps his eyes intact with Kiran’s whose wide eyes stare at the scene in front of her with disbelief….

Jai: (finishing off) But for Bani instead… I want to marry Bani and only her. …

Bani’s face turns a dark shade of pink as she avoids looking at her mother’s bewildered expression. Kiran begins to stammer…

Kiran: B-b-but… How can this… your mother and I specifically wanted you and Pi----

She is cut short however as her husband lays a hand on her shoulder, telling her to say no more without using any words. He gives her a quick, silencing look before turning his attention over to Jai who stares back at him with anticipation. Nishikant grins fondly at the young man standing across from him…

Nishikant: What could make us anymore happier than having our Bani marrying a nice man like yourself?…. We accept your proposal, beta…

Jai grins himself from relief and turns to meet Bani’s eyes who shines radiantly back at him, bearing the same look as his. He surprises everyone as he takes Bani into his arms and lifts her off from her feet, twirling her around in excitement. Nonetheless they stare at them with approval, even Kiran, who can’t help but smile a little at the sight of her daughter glowing brightly in Jai’s arms. She now understood the reason behind Bani’s reluctance in the idea of Jai’s marriage to her elder sister…. The mad girl was in love with him herself…. The very girl who resented the American stranger from the beginning had unknowingly managed to give her heart away to her Ajnabee….