FF: A Bounded Relation [Ch. 21-30]

Chapter 21

Anu: Sunno sunno sunno! Meri baut ko sunno! (trans: Listen listen listen! Listen to what I have to say!) 

Everyone stops chatting with one another and instead look up at a standing Anu and Rano, who looks slightly annoyed. 

Anu: Me and Rano are really bored with this grown up talk so we've decided that we all should play a game! 

Rano mutters to herself, "It wasn't my decision to play your stupid little game." She knew very well why Anu wanted to play a game, because she purposely wanted Rano to sit next to Saahil throughout it. Rano tried countless of times to make Anu stop pairing her with her brother, but Anu is convinced in making Rano her bhabhi. 

Aditya and Jai inwardly groan at this. Just what they need… to play childish games when they could be at the office finishing up pending work to do. Bani nudges her brother, telling him to stop and be kind. She holds in her giggles on seeing Jai's expression. Mausi and Dadi, however, are very excited by the idea and immediately join in. Jigyasa narrows her eyes at Anu, showing her that she clearly doesn't approve how she is associating with a low-classed girl. Anu ignores this though purposely. 

Mausi: That sounds like a lovely idea Anu. 
Anu: So you will play? (excited) 
Mausi: Of course. Me and Beji will. 
Anu: Saahil, you will play nah? (winking) 
Saahil: (smiling back) Of course, count this brother of yours in. 

Saahil shoots a sideway glance at Rano in his laid down position. He smirks at her while she just rolls her eyes. 

Anu: Papa? Mama? 
Bani: (answering for Adi, knowing that he is about to refuse) Anu, your Papa will happily play. 

Aditya glares at Bani, hating her at the moment. Bani just grins back at him, mighty pleased with herself. Jai watches this interaction between the two with amusement. He wonders when Bani will ever be loose and comfortable around him… 

Anu: Mami, aap bhi khaalongi haina? (trans: You will also play, won't you?) 
Bani: (never having the heart to say no to Anu) Yes, I will certainly play. 
Anu: (looking at Jai) Mamaji, you too please? 

Jai immediately shakes his head in a negative. He never plays games. This puts a frown on Anu's face. 

Jai: No, I'm sorry Anu. I will watch though. 
Anu: Mamaji, that's not fair!---- Mami-- aap unko kediye na! (trans: You make him understand.) Please!!! Please Mami! Mamaji never plays. (complaining) 

Bani turns a little pink by this and stares over at Jai, who looks back at her with a soft grin playing on his lips. 

Bani: (sweetly) Please play the game. Anu wants us all to play, which includes you. 

Jai looks over to a pleading Anu and an encouraging Rano, then stares back at Bani. He finds that he simply can't say "No" to her. 

Jai: Alright, I'm in. 

He becomes glad as he sees he has brought a light smile onto Bani's face. Anu smiles widely at this and hugs her Mamaji after pecking him on the cheek. 

Anu: Thank you so much! 

Jigyasa watches this with horror. Her brother didn't even hesitate in agreeing to Bani. Immediately she speaks up. 

Jigyasa: I guess I will play too if everyone else is. (trying to play it off slickly) 
Aditya: (sarcastically) The more the merrier. 

Jigyasa glares in Aditya's direction. Everyone holds in their laughter at this. So by Anu's annoying excitement, everyone went towards another section of the lawn and sat down in a circle, upon Anu's instructions. Rano tried with all her best to avoid sitting next to Saahil, which she sadly didn't succeed in. Jigyasa attempted to sit in between her brother and Bani, but to absolute failure. She ended up sitting between her two most hated people in the world… her ex-husband and ex-mother-in-law. Bani shyly sat by Jai by Mausi's order. 

(Here is the order: Dadi, Jigyasa, Aditya, Mausi, Jai, Bani, Anu, Saahil, and lastly Rano.) 

Anu: We'll first play Chinese whispers. 
Aditya: (catching the word "first", shocked) First?! We're playing more games?! 
Anu: Why of course papa! The best game is right after this one! (smiling, cheerful)--- Okay, let's start. Who wants to go first? 

Of course Dadi is the one who raises her hand up in the air, excitedly. Anu giggles at this. 

Anu: Okay my lovely Dadi, you can go. 

Dadi quickly thinks of something up and whispers it into a grouchy Jigyasa's ear. After hearing what her ex-Mom says, Jigyasa makes a face. How typical of her ex-Saas to say something among those lines. She was probably watching K3G again. Grumpily she turns to Aditya and whispers in his ear, "…You are my Soniya". Aditya, clearly surprised by this, raises an eyebrow at Jigyasa. Despite herself, Jigyasa turns a little pink and tells him to shut up and go on. Aditya turns to Mausi and says the same thing. Mausi, about to whispers the exact same into her Munna's ear, stops herself and sneakily comes up with another. "I love you", she whispers into Jai's ear. 

Jai looks back at his Mausi, stunned. His mausi giggles and urges him to go on and tell Bani, who was waiting to see what was so funny. Nervously Jai looks over to his wife, who stares back at him-- waiting for him to tell her. He swallows hard and feels his insides turn inside out. Jai couldn't say "I love you" to Bani now. Not when they had just gotten onto a good track…. He didn't want to say anything that would make her uncomfortable and send her the wrong idea. He scrambles through his mind for something and says the first thing that comes to him. 

"I love… I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches", he says with a serious expression. Bani gawks at him and momentarily her lips form a laughing smile. She tries stifling her giggles, but it doesn't work. Jai now realizes how ridiculous that sounded. He becomes embarrassed. Bani didn't mean to laugh, but hearing those words and especially coming from that mouth--- it was hilarious. Quickly she passes it on into Anu's ear who makes a face saying "What the hell?", but she proceeds on and tells her brother. Finally it reaches to Rano who looks at everyone's awaiting faces. 

Bani continues to smile as Jai runs his hand through his hair, feeling rather foolish and childish. Rano says with a puzzled face, "I love a baloney and pickled sandhich? ". Dadi frowns at this. 

Dadi: That isn't what I said. 
Anu: What did you all hear? 
Aditya: I heard my ex-wife here saying so shamelessly to me, "You are my Soniya". 
Jigyasa: Aditya, shut up. 
Anu: Bani Mami, you said "I love baloney sandwiches". That's what I heard. 
Bani: Nahi to… I just repeated what your Mamaji said. (holding in her growing smile) 
Mausi: (not understanding why Bani is finding it amusing) Bahu, what did Munna say? -- Munna, what did you say? 
Jai: …(mumbles) I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 

Everyone laughs at this, finding it highly hilarious hearing those words coming from The Jai Walia. Jai watches Bani giggling freely with everyone else… not minding anymore that he had embarrassed himself into making her laugh. He would do it again just to hear it once more. Mausi doesn't laugh with everyone else and opens her mouth to say, "Arre, but that's not what I said. I said 'I love ---'" 

Jai becomes worried as Mausi is about to reveal what she had actually said and then everyone would realize why he said what he said. But is grateful to see Aditya hurriedly rush in and speak.

Aditya: Arre Mausi. It doesn't matter anymore. The game is over. Anu, beti, let's get through your other game now. 
Anu: Ooh, for that you will all have to wait for a minute. 

Anu trails off, leaving everyone behind confused. She comes back quickly though with an empty water bottle and a hat full of chits. She places them in the middle of the circle. 

Anu: Okay, so this is how the game goes. A player will first start off by spinning the bottle and whoever the bottle lands on, has to take a chit from the hat and do what it says on it. Then after doing that, the person has to spin the bottle-- and it goes on and on after that. Understand? 

Everyone nods. 

Anu: Good. So I will start the game off this time. 

Anu sits down and takes the bottle in her hand. She twirls it and the bottle slowly lands on Jigyasa, who looks at it without a care. She reaches for a chit and opens it… but just as she finishes reading it she immediately regrets for even participating in the game. 

Anu: Mama, what does it say? 

Dadi eagerly reads off of Jigyasa's shoulder. She whistles. 

Dadi: Arre, Jigyasa has to kiss her lover! 

Aditya chokes while everyone else looks at this, equally stunned. Then they all start smiling, but are careful not to laugh to upset both Aditya and Jigyasa. 

Jigyasa: This is rubbish. I don't have a lover. 
Dadi: Oh so my son has all of a sudden died? 
Jigyasa: Mrs. Bali, your son isn't my lover. (fuming) 
Anu: But he once was Mama! (teasingly) 
Jigaysa: Be quiet Anu. (warningly) 
Saahil: (tired voice) come on Mom and just kiss Dad already. Let's get this game going. 

Saahil was in a hurry for his turn to come. He was hoping that he'd get something exactly like his mother. Jigyasa unwillingly pecks Aditya on the cheek, and surprisingly blushes as Aditya eyes her and grins. Jigyasa in a rush spins the bottle….and it lands on Saahil. He perks up instantly and grabs a chit, expecting it to be something good, but immediately becomes nervous and upset with what it says. 

Rano: Tell your most embarrassing incident. (she reads off of his shoulder, then giggles) 
Saahil: (hastily) I don't have one. 
Aditya: Saahil, beta, didn't your mother and I teach you to never lie? 
Saahil: Papa, but I'm not lying. 
Aditya: Accha, I will just go on and tell everyone one. When Saahil was three, Jigyasa had just given him a bath and was about to dress him, but he ran off and even went outside running down the sidewalk-- completely naked. I , of course, ran after him to stop him. Our poor neighbors were scarred for life. 

Everyone laughs at this, finding it extremely funny, while Saahil drops his head down into his hands, turning red from embarrassment. Rano laughs the most. Dejectedly, Saahil spins the bottle and it lands on Rano, who instantly fears with what she will get. She reads the chit to herself and blushes. Quickly she closes it and faces everyone's curious eyes. 

Mausi: Arre Rano, what does it say? 

Rano shakes her head shyly and lowers her head down. Bani stares at her sister with puzzlement. Why is she so shy all of a sudden? Anu sneakily grabs the chit from Rano and reads it out loud, shocking Rano a whole lot and further shaming her. 

Anu: Tell us your sweetheart/crush's name. 

Mausi, Dadi, Aditya, and Anu "oooooo" at this, making Rano turn pink. Saahil watches this interestedly. Bani doesn't understand why Rano has any reason to be shy by this…. From what she knows, Rano isn't involved with anyone….. Or is she? 

Anu: You know Rano, I have been noticing lately that you barely pay attention nowadays…. You even daydream while doing your homework, which you never do. Bolo nah Rano ji, akaar chakaar kya hai! (nudging her) 

Jai watches this scene with great interest. He joins in with teasing his Saali. 

Jai: Hm, Anu is right. Even I have been noticing something lately strange in Rano's behavior. 

Jai winks at Rano, who had looked at his with pure shock. She knows that he is referring to how he had caught her this morning wearing a silly grin and in a lost daze at the Breakfast table. She further blushes. Bani looks back from Rano to Jai and then again at Rano. She was definitely going to have to find out the reason behind this blushing…. 

Rano: There is nothing like that. 
Anu: Oh I bet there is! (teasingly) 

Anu winks at Saahil, who smiles broadly. 

Mausi: Arre, I bet there is no one and you all are just harassing Rano for no reason. The girl is just shy… it is common for every girl to become shy on the mention of a sweetheart or crush, especially in front of family. 
Anu: Chalo… you got saved this time Rano by Mausi…. Now spin the bottle. 

Rano does so and the bottle lands on Bani…who looks at the bottle with full dread. Jai smiles at this, now very engrossed with seeing what Bani has to do. Slowly she opens the small piece of paper and reads what it says…. She looks at Anu with shock and shakes her head in a negative, closing the paper as she does this. 

Bani: No, Anu--- I- I can't do this. 
Anu: (can tell by her face with which one she got) Oh come on Bani Mami! Don't be a spoiled sport! 
Bani: Nahi I--- 
Mausi: Arre Bahu, karo nah…. Everyone has done their part, you must do yours also. 

Bani looks at Mausi desperately. Jai watches her worry to herself and becomes puzzled by this. 

Aditya: Come on Bani, how bad can it be? 
Anu: Mami, I'm not taking "no" for an answer! 

Bani: Paar--- 
Mausi: (sternly) Bahu. 

Anu takes Bani's wrist in a grip and pulls her up to her feet. 

Anu: You all have to close your eyes because it has something to do with Mami's chit. … Come on, close your eyes! 

Everyone unwillingly listens obediently. Anu drags Bani far off to the other side of the farmhouse and hands her nervous Mami the long green hose. 

Bani: No Anu, I can't do this! Your Mamaji will--- 
Anu: Mamaji won't be mad. Don't worry! Besides Mami, I wouldn't make you do this if things between you and Mamaji are rocky…. But everyone has been noticing that you two seem fine with one another now. So what's the harm?! 
Bani: Anu---- 

Anu thrusts the hose into Bani's hand without listening to any of her protests and gives her a lot of pushes back over to their circle on the lawn, where everyone has their eyes closed. 

Anu: Okay, everyone, BUT Mamaji can open their eyes! 
Jai: (puzzled) And why can't I open mine? 
Anu: Because I said so….. No peeping Mamaji! Keep them closed. 

Jai impatiently keeps his eyes closed, wanting to know eagerly about what the hell is going on. He hears everyone whisper around him and giggles, making him even more impatient. After a few seconds Anu gives him the signal to open his eyes. 

Anu: You can open them now Mamaji. 

Jai opens his eyes and is about to ask for the reason behind this, but finds his voice trailing off by the sight in front of him…. Bani with a hose aimed right at him. Alarmed, he looks away from the hose and at Bani's apologetic looking face. Quickly he stands up from the ground and tries walking towards Bani, to make her stop from something she will later on regret. 

Jai: Listen to me Bani, put the hose down and I won---- 

Bani doesn't even let him finish his sentence and shocks him by spraying him with cold water, wetting the whole front of his body. Jai uses his arms to avoid the water from getting into his eyes. "Bani! Bani--stop!", he manages to say while being splashed. Instantly on his word she stops and she drops the hose onto the ground in fright. Everyone at first gasps, but then quickly begin to giggle at the sight of a dripping wet Jai, who stares at his wife with pure astonishment. Bani looks like she is about to cry. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, I'm so sorry!--- But that's what it said on the chit-- and Anu kept on persuading me--- 

Jai stares at her for a good long moment with his stormy eyes, which makes Bani freeze in her spot and stop trying to explain herself to him. He takes slow predator like steps to her, making Bani feel small as a mouse. Everyone else watches this scene quietly, feeling equally scared about how Jai is going to react. 

As Jai finally approaches Bani, he stares down at her and says, "I don't want an apology Bani… I want revenge". Bani's eyes open with fright as she sees him take a hold of the hose from the ground and point it at her, he grins mischievously at her. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, please no---- 

Jai unwinds the hose's knob, letting the water rapidly flow out and all over Bani. Bani let's out a shriek from the cold contact with the water and attempts to move out of the way, but Jai just splashes her everywhere she goes. 

At the same time Saahil and Anu come out with two other hoses in their hands and start splashing water on all of their other family members, laughing as they do this. Everyone becomes alarmed by being splashed and try running away from the crazy, lunatic twins. 

Bani tries grabbing the hose away from Jai, while in the process of being splashed, but fails. Jai laughs at this as Bani pleads. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, please! Stop! I'm getting wet! 

She attempts one more time with taking the hose away. Bani stands on her tip toes and tries to take the hose away as Jai lifts it up in the air, out of her reach, the water splashing them both now. She jumps and successfully takes the possession of the hose. It is now her turn to laugh and him to run…. Jai swears under his breath and tries to stop Bani, but she is hell-bent on getting him back. He tries moving out of the way and losing her, but she follows him quickly around, determined to get him soaking wet. 

Jai approaches her from behind and wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her tight against him, and tries reaching for the hose with his available hand because his other is tightly around her. Bani puts the hose out of his reach and keeps dashing his outstretched hand. They struggle with one another, fighting over the hose, and laugh together. Somehow they trip and fall onto the ground with Bani on top and Jai on the bottom. The hose is released from Bani's hand and rolls right next to them, the water flowing into the green grass….. 

Their laughter long gone, Jai and Bani stare at one another as if they are seeing each other for the very first time. … Everything seems to still around them as they focus on each other. Jai feels breathless as he gazes up at his wife, whose wet hair is pushed to one side…curly wet eyelashes blinking at him…and hazel eyes boring into his own. Right at that moment, he knew that he was looking at the most beautiful woman in the world…who was in his arms and his…. 

Bani stares down at him with a hypnotized look…..She drinks in his appearance greedily…. His thick black hair now slightly curly from being wet…. Dark electrifying eyes piercing right through her…. making her feel as if he can see right into her soul. … Her heart races and breathing becomes rapid… 

Jai, only focused at the moment right now, travels his hand up her back and the wet thin material of her saree, loving the feel of the outline of her body. He feels a shiver run down her back as he does this…. Jai holds his other hand tighter against her waist and takes his other to gently cup the side of her face. He strokes her cheek with his thumb and sees Bani close her eyes by the contact….Slowly they open once again, looking back at him. 

Jai lowers his eyes down to her rosy lips, which slightly quiver…. Bani watches him do this and a blush creeps into her cheeks. For the second time since his marriage, he wonders how it would feel to have those soft looking lips on his…. Just as he is about to figure out, by leaning up to kiss her lips which are only a few centimeters away, Bani shyly turns her head to the other side and ducks her face into the crook of his neck. ….A smile forms on his lips because of her shyness…. 

"Jai! Bani!", they hear someone shout. Jai and Bani look over to the left and see Aditya standing from a distance, looking at them awkwardly from intruding in on them. 

Aditya: Ah,…errr… everyone's going inside to change and have lunch. 

They then notice everyone's retreating backs going into the farmhouse, all of of them wet from head to toe. Jai and Bani look back at one another and blush. Bani hurriedly leaves his arms and runs off in the direction of the farmhouse, completely embarrassed by what happened and Aditya for noticing. Jai gets up himself and tries to act as if nothing had happened between him and Bani, when really inside he was burning. He joins Aditya, who stares at him suspiciously. 

Aditya: (extremely awkward and embarrassed) I didn't intrude in on anything, did I? 
Jai: (hastily) No, you didn't. We just fell…. That's all. 

Relieved Aditya lets out a sigh and follows after a rushing Jai…….. 
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Chapter 22 A

Everyone went off to different rooms to shower and get dressed. Bani used one of the guest rooms, leaving the room her and Jai were sharing to himself, mostly due to the fact that she was too embarrassed to face him. Jai was actually pretty thankful that she used the other room, even he couldn't seem to face her…. His mind is full of questions regarding his surprising behavior. What if Aditya hadn't come and interrupted them?….What would had occurred between him and Bani? This haunted him and made him nervous. 

Mostly everyone sat at the dining table, after refreshing themselves, ready to be served lunch by their Mausi's hands. Anu and Bani came a couple of a minutes later after everyone else settled themselves into their seats. Jai averts his gaze down onto his plate as Bani makes her way around the table to sit next to him, the only available chair left. Both clearly avoid one another's eyes and sit uncomfortably in their chairs, feeling very aware of each other and what transpired between them before. 

Mausi: Arre Tony, go on and get Anu and Bani their plates. 
Tony: Ji Mausi. 

Tony leaves to the kitchen and then comes back with two plates in his hands. Just as he approaches the room, he happens to trip and lose a grip on one of the plates. It falls down onto the floor and shatters. He wears a guilty look on his face. 

Mausi: It's alright Tony, it's just a plate. Just go get another one. 
Tony: Mausi, I'm afraid there are no more plates. 
Mausi: Are you sure? (puzzled by this) 
Tony: Yes Mausi. 

Mausi looks at both Bani and Anu, seeming as if she's deciding on something. 

:Mausi: Teek hai. Tum Anu ko uss plate dao….Bahu. (trans: That's alright. Give Anu that plate…Bahu.) 

Bani looks over in Mausi's direction. 

Bani: Ji? 
Mausi: You can eat from Munna's plate… waise, they say that if a couple eats from one plate-- their love grows. (smiles) 

Jai and Bani look at one another at this and quickly switch their eyes away at the same time. 

Mausi: Munna, that's alright with you, isn't it? 
Jai: …Yes Mausi, it's fine. 

Jai slides over his plate to the center, giving Bani access to his food. She gives him a quick look before hesitantly reaching out for the food. Nervously she nibbles on it…. Everyone admires seeing them together, eating out of the same plate, looking too cute with each other. Whereas Jigyasa feels as if she wants to break something over frustration on seeing her brother and bhabhi getting closer. 

Later into their meal, Jai and Bani unknowingly reach out for the last piece of roti left on the plate. As their fingers brush against one another, they immediately become alert and meet each other's eye. Together they move their hands away quickly…keeping their eye-lock in tact though. Both have suddenly lost their appetite…. 

Rano, who was involved in a conversation with Anu, happens to notice this scene between her jiju and didi. She smiles happily and nudges Aditya, who sits besides her. Aditya, startled, looks over to Rano who quietly indicates towards Jai and Bani. Rano watches as a pleased smile forms on his lips and tease form in his eyes. He gives Rano a sly smile before bringing his hand to his mouth and coughing loudly… Seeing that this has no effect on either one of them, he continues to cough obnoxiously. Rano tries her best to hold in her giggles. 

Startled, Jai and Bani stare at Aditya who unsuccessfully holds in a grin and look down at his plate. They look back at each other and embarrassedly turn the other way, avoiding the other once again…. 

Jigyasa: God Aditya, at least cover your mouth. (purely disgusted) 

Aditya, focusing his attention now onto his ex-wife, purposely coughs again but this time in her direction and without using his hand. He coughs all over her food, earning himself a furious look on her face and her pushing the plate away in horror. 

Jigyasa: You are disgusting Aditya. -- you purposely did that. 
Aditya: Arre, what did I do? It's not my fault if I am sick. I can't possibly help it, can I? 
Mausi: If you two are done with your banter and are done eating, come outside… we will all sit out, it's very nice weather today. 
Saahil: And do what Mausi? 
Anu: (hastily) Kaalonge, aur kya? (trans: Play, what else?) 

Everyone but Mausi and Dadi groans, making Anu frown at this. Jai and Bani just become nervous all over again on the mention of games… remembering what the last game had done to them. 

Anu: You all are so mean… besides, I wasn't even going to suggest anymore of my "dumb" games. 

She shoots a glare in her father's direction as she says this. Aditya obviously avoids looking back at her. Anu happened to overhear her father complaining to the others of how ridiculous the previous games were. 

Anu: We can always play cards or a sport… oooh--Volleyball! It's been awhile since we've played that together. Why don't we play girls vs. boys? 
Aditya: (frowning) That's not fair… us men are outnumbered. 
Dadi: Arre, we will figure something out… Anu, you have said a good thing. We should all go outside and play. Besides, it's been awhile since we've all had some exercise in us. 

Everyone agrees with this, knowing that's its very true. Soon they all get up from their seats, leaving their empty plates laying on the table. Mausi is just about to follow everyone else outside until she spots Bani lingering around by the table. 

Mausi: Bahu, are you not coming outside? 
Bani: Ji nahi Mausi… main baas aatee hoon (trans: No Mausi, I will come)…I was thinking that I'd help Tony with the dishes. 
Mausi: (smiling) Teek hai. Don't take too long though. 
Bani: Ji. 

Bani gathers all of the empty plates along with Tony and takes them to the kitchen to wash. She kindly tells Tony that he can proceed on with any other work he has to do while she will clean the dishes. Tony thankfully leaves her alone in the kitchen. Bani starts with rinsing the dishes and then applying soap. 

A few minutes into her washing, she notices something moving around from the corner of her eye. Confused, she looks off in it's direction and her face pales as she sees a hideous thing next to her on the counter…… 
************************************************************ ***************************************************** 

Since Dadi and Mausi were convinced that they were too old to play volleyball, they stayed out, sitting on their chairs and sipping on their lemonade that Tony had brought out for them. Anu's idea of boys vs. girls was taken into consideration and they broke off into teams… Jai, Aditya, and Saahil on one side….Rano, Anu, and a bitter Jigyasa on the other. They hadn't even really gotten into the game when Jai began to feel thirsty. It was incredibly hot outside and he didn't really have water after eating his food…. He temporarily leaves the game, telling his teammates that he will be right back. Jai heads off towards the kitchen…. 

Just as he approaches the entry way, he hears the clattering of dishes and a scream of fright. Puzzled, Jai hastily walks into the kitchen to see what is wrong and watches as Bani screams and brushes her hands against her body, seeming as if she's trying to wipe something off of her. 

Bani: Ew! Ew! Ew! 
Jai: Bani??? 

Jai hurriedly comes to her side, looking at her with concern. He takes a grip on her arm and shakes her, trying to get her attention. 

Jai: Bani-Bani, what's wrong? Why are you screaming? 

Bani, startled, finally realizes Jai's presence and a wash of relief overcomes her. Quickly, without thinking, she hugs him tightly and hides her face in his chest. Jai is momentarily stunned by this action of hers. 

Bani: Mr. Walia! --- There are two of them now! 

She trembles in his arms and Jai finally brings his arms around her, completing their embrace. He is worried on seeing her so scared. 

Jai: Two of what Bani? --Come on, tell me. 
Bani: (rambling on) I was just washing the dishes and they just popped out of no where! They were on the counter before and jumped, so I got scared, and now I don't know where they are--but I know they're still in here somewhere! 

Jai grabs a hold of both of her arms and brings Bani's attention back to him. Bani looks into his stormy eyes with a child-like expression, seeming scared as if there is a monster in her closet. He talks to her in a serious tone… 

Jai: What are you talking about Bani? 
Bani: (tone full of innocent fright) Crickets Mr. Walia! There are crickets in this kitchen! Two of them! Big crickets!-- and now I don't know where they are! 

Paranoid, she hastily looks around in search of the ugly creatures. Jai just stares at his wife with disbelief… Was she serious? She is honestly scared of…crickets? This puts a slow grin on his face, which grows quickly and then he suddenly bursts out laughing at the whole thing, bringing Bani's attention onto him once again. 

Bani: (innocently, still scared) Aap-aap haasreh kyon? Yeh haasnewale baath nahi hai…mujhe daar hai Mr. Walia! (trans: Why are you laughing? This isn't something to laugh at…. I am scared Mr. Walia!) 
Jai: (still laughing) Yes it is. -- Yeh haasnewale baath hai! (trans: This is something to laugh at.) Bani tum bhi nah. Chote crickets se daardti ho? (trans: Bani you are too much. You are scared of small crickets?) 
Bani: (eyes widening) Chote?! Mr. Walia, didn't I just say that they were big?! 
Jai: (controlling himself) Okay, main maanta hoon ke baare hai… paar kuch to kaarte bhi nahi. (trans: Okay, I agree that they are big…but they don't even do anything.) Waise, compared to you they are really small. You are much bigger than them Bani, you shouldn't be afraid. They should be afraid of you. 
Bani: Kaise nahi kuch kaarte! Mujhe daarate hai! (trans: How do they not do anything! They scare me!) The way they stare at me with those beady little eyes and those disgusting antennas moving around! (disgusted, shivers) 

This has Jai laughing again at her innocent child-like behavior. Bani frowns at this. 

Jai: Tum to ek kaamal ke cheeze ho Bani. (trans: You are a great piece of work Bani.) I would have never guessed that you would be the kind of girl who is afraid of crickets. 
Bani: (defending herself, questioning him) Aapko kaise nahi daar lagata? (trans: How are you not afraid?) 
Jai: Main ek maard hoon Bani… (trans: I am a man Bani.) 
Bani: (hotly) So phir aapka matlaab hai ke kyonki main ek aurat hoon-- natural hai ke main ek cricket se daardte hoon! --- Aaurte itane bhi kamzoor nahi hai jaise aap samajte! (trans: So you mean that just because I am a women-- it's natural for me to be scared of a cricket? --- All women aren't even that weak like how you think!) 

Jai is surprised by how suddenly she has become angry and has made the topic serious. 

Jai: No, that's not what I meant. I am a full grown man, in my mid thirties,….my days of being scared of crickets are long gone. 
Bani: So you were scared of them before? 
Jai: Bani, they are small little things. They don't harm you in any way. There's no reason to be scared. 

Bani just pouts to herself, finding his attempt of soothing her not really working. Crickets are disgusting and they definitely are harmful…. She watches as he narrows his eyebrows a little down and peer at something behind her. He speaks in a deadly tone…. 

Jai: Bani…. 
Bani: Ji? (curiously looks at him) 
Jai: Don't look now, but one of the crickets is by your feet and the other is on the microwave beside you. 

Bani jumps and then screams for her life as she hugs him once again tightly, wrapping her arms around his neck and smothering her face into the crook of his neck. She practically cries, "Mr. Walia, please get rid of them!!!" Jai just stands there, with Bani hanging onto him for dear life, laughing his head off-- enjoying seeing Bani like this a whole lot. 

Jai: Bani, I am just kidding! There are no crickets around, so relax. 

Surprised Bani looks up and meets his smirking face. He feels pretty pleased with himself in successfully fooling her. Her whole face turns red from embarrassment and she angrily hits him hard repeatedly on his chest, making Jai laugh once again yet let out sounds of pain at the same time. 

Jai: (in between laughing) Ow!- Kya khar rahi ho tum?! (trans: What are you doing?) 
Bani: You are so mean Mr. Walia!-- You are taking an advantage of my fear! 

Jai gives her a cheeky smile. 

Jai: I couldn't resist. 

Bani breaks out into a small smile on seeing how cute he looks, smiling boyishly at her. Soon together they laugh at the whole situation, completely forgetting about their differences between each other from before. After their laughter subsides, Jai grins at her. 

Jai: Come on, let the dishes be… We still don't know where those crickets are…they can be wandering around here anywhere. 

Bani spins her head in various directions on hearing his words, searching around quickly for any sign of them. Jai prevents himself from chuckling at this. 

Jai: Let's go outside… We're playing volleyball. And with you finally joining us, you can replace Jigyasa because she is absolutely horrible at volleyball… in fact, she is horrible in pretty much everything except when it comes to pampering herself. 

Bani smiles at this, knowing that what he is saying is true. She awkwardly moves away from him and twists her fingers with one another, looking down shyly. 

Bani: Ji Mr. Walia, main nahi khelsaakte… (trans: Mr. Walia, I can't play…) 
Jai: Why not? 
Bani: I've never played volleyball and I just am not in the mood---(says quietly, not looking at him)
Jai: Bani, I swear-- It's like as if you have split-personality. Just a couple of moments ago you were yelling at me for supposedly being sexist and now you are acting unbelievably shy and quiet. 

Bani, despite herself, smiles at this and stares up at him. 

Bani: You just caught me on a wrong time. 
Jai: No, I am convinced that you suffer from split-personality. When you are yelling at me and are comfortable around me, you are Bani, but when you're not and are acting distant you are…. 
Bani: (curious) I am??? 
Jai: ….Chup chap. (says after a short thinking) 
Bani: Chup chap? 
Jai: Hain, Bani aur Chup-Chap. …So can Chup-Chap go away for a bit and allow Bani to come out and play? 

Bani looks at Jai for a dazed second before giggling at his words, not able to help herself. Jai smiles at this. 

Jai: I'm assuming that it's you Bani? 
Bani: (still laughing) Yes it is Bani. 
Jai: Will Bani come and replace my horrible sister? 
Bani: (laughing again) …Yes she will. 
Jai: I will forever be in debt towards Chup-Chap for this favor. 

Bani continues to giggle as she follows Jai out of the kitchen and outside, joining the rest of the family who are gathered out on the front lawn. 
********************************************************

Chapter 22B 

Mausi smiles happily on seeing her two favorite children come out from the farmhouse with grins on their radiant faces and giving one another sly glances. It is a pleasant sight for her to see them interact with one another and sharing a personal conversation, laughing with one another and enjoying-- compared to how she usually sees them at home, when they are distant and strange. Perhaps it is the change in the environment. Being away from house chores and the office has given them quality time to be with each other, she concludes. 

Mausi: Aao Bahu, humare saath baato. (trans: Come Bahu, sit with us) 

She indicates to Bani, showing her the available chair next to Dadi, who looks adorably cute wearing a sunhat and dark round glasses over her eyes, sipping on her glass of lemonade. Giggling silently at this sight, Bani moves to join Mausi and Dadi to watch the game, but is instead surprised to feel a haste possessive hold on her wrist, keeping her back. She turns and looks over at Jai to her side, who shakes his head in a negative to Mausi. 

Jai: Bani's going to play volleyball, Mausi, not sit and watch. --Come on Bani. 

Jai says to her with a light tug on her wrist, telling her to follow him. 

Mausi: Arre, but then that would make the game unfair. There would be more girls than boys. 
Dadi: Oh don't you worry Billo, even if the girls had a thousand members on their team, they'd be no match against Jai. He's a champion when it comes to volleyball. 

Jai smiles, pleased, at Dadi's comment. 

Jai: Actually Bani's going to play in Jigyasa's place. I can tell that the girl's want to get rid of her because she is keeping them from winning, and with Bani playing-- the game will probably finally start getting interesting. 
Bani: (intervening) But Mr. Walia--- I don't even know how to play volleyball, how will I--- 
Dadi: Arre nonsense Bani puttar, everyone can play volleyball. It's not a difficult game. Well- with the exception of Jigyasa of course. 
Jai: Right… so let's go. 

Again he tugs on her wrist, impatiently this time. 

Bani: Paar---(still hesitant) 
Mausi: Arre jao nah Bahu. Rano and Anu will finally start having fun and you will too enjoy yourself. 

With Mausi also insisting her, Bani absolutely cannot refuse. She looks at Jai solemnly. 

Bani: Teek hai. (finally agreeing) 

Grinning at this, Jai leads her over to the game, where Adi and Saahil are having fun crushing the girl's side. 

Anu: Mama! Ap bhi nah! Aaahhh! Ek simple sa ball ko hit bhi nahin kaarsakte! (trans: Mama! You are too much! You can't even hit a simple ball!) 
Jigyasa: (furiously) To phir tumne mujhe yahan kyon laakiye aayi?! Main to baatna chaate thi! (trans: Then why did you bring me over here? I wanted to sit!) 

Aditya and Saahil laugh at this scene while Rano seems like she wants to disappear, not liking being isolated in the mother-daughter's wrath by the long net. 

Jai: Then go on and sit down Jigyasa-- Bani will take your place. 

Jai says as he and Bani approaches them all at the net. Everyone turns in their direction. Rano smiles in relief on hearing that her sister will be joining, taking over the lunatic woman's spot and saving them all from a headache. Jigyasa, even more angered, glares at her brother and bhabhi, especially her bhabhi. No way was Jigyasa going to let the two get even closer. She needs to keep them distant from each other. 

Jigyasa: No thanks bhaiya, I'm finally getting the hang of the game. I want to play if you don't mind. 

Anu growls and angrily takes the volleyball out of her mother's hands. 

Anu: Mom, please! Just go and sit! Our team is losing because of you! With Mami we may just have a shot at winning! 
Jigyasa: Anu--- 
Saahil: (shouts over the net) Mom, you suck! Go and sit down! 
Aditya: Save yourself from being embarrassed any longer! 

Both father and son give each other a high-five and laugh at successfully ticking Jigyasa off and making her red out of rage. Seething with anger, she storms off from the game and sits down in the empty seat besides Dadi, too blinded by anger to notice who she has sat next to. Dadi, finding the whole scene absolutely hilarious, laughs loudly in Jigyasa's face. 

Jai shakes his head, but can't help but grin himself. 

Jai: You two are too much. 
Aditya: Arre forget it yaar, she'll get over it. Chalo, come on and let's finally start playing volleyball. Bani-- tum jao aur tumhare teammates ko join karo. (trans: Bani-- you go and join your teammates.) 

Bani listens obediently and is greeted with open arms by both Rano and Anu, who smother her with thankful hugs. The guys laugh at this sight, finding Rano and Anu's desperation highly amusing. 

Bani: (guiltily) I am no God sent angel, I don't even know how to play volleyball. 
Anu: No worries Mami, you're better than Ma--- that's all I need! 
Rano: Di, just hit the ball over the net, that's all you have to do…. Like this. 

Rano shows her how to hit the ball with joined hands. Bani mimics her actions. 

Rano: Yeah, just like that. 
Aditya: You girls ready?! 

Aditya calls over the net. The girls all look over and nod their heads in affirmative. 

Aditya: Then come on and pass over the ball. It's our serve. 

Rano hits the ball over and Aditya hands it over to Jai, who is their team's current server. Position the ball in his hand and bringing his wrist up, Jai looks through the criss-crossed net and at Bani, who stands awkwardly in her place, looking lost and being very quiet. This brings a laughing smile on to his lips as he says to himself softly, "Chup-Chap….". Ironically Bani glances up as the name leaves his mouth and stares right at him, meeting his eyes, seeming as if she had heard him…… 

Jai hits the ball with his wrist and watches it successfully fly over the net over to the girl's side. He watches carefully to see Bani's reaction, but Anu instead comes in the way and bumps the ball back over the net, not giving Bani a chance. On instinct Saahil runs in position to hit the ball back over, and so an actual game begins with the ball flying back and forth instead of being spiked repeatedly as how Jigyasa had done. Bani, however, rarely played and instead Anu and Rano covered for her. And when the ball did happen to come to her, she made weak attempts to hit it. She didn't seem to mind that her teammates were hogging the ball, but instead was grateful so then she wouldn't have to embarrass herself at playing a game she hadn't played before in her life. She did watch though how everyone played the game and was picking up a few things. 

Fifteen minutes into the game they call a break to get some water to drink due to the hot weather. Seeing Bani on the farther end of the table, from everyone else, where all the water is, he slyly joins her, pretending to go for a water bottle. 

"What are you doing Chup-Chap?", he says for only her to hear. Startled, Bani looks to her side and finally notices Jai there, who grabs a water bottle from the table. She looks at him puzzled, yet curious. He sees this and proceeds on…. 

"I asked for a simple request… to let poor Bani play, yet you still didn't oblige….", he speaks, this time making eye contact. Bani stares back at him with a sort of dazed out look. He smiles gently at her and then walks away as Aditya and Saahil call out for him to come back. He goes away drinking his water bottle. 

"Chup-Chap….", she says with in a low whisper. Slowly a smile emerges on her face as her eyes follow back onto his retreating form. She appreciates what he's doing….trying to be friendly and get her comfortable around him. He had said that he wanted them to be friends….. Just like him she wants a friendship between them, but she was having a difficulty with getting rid of her shyness and quiet-like behavior because she is always so aware of herself around him. She should also reciprocate the effort from her end…. try to put aside the awkwardness and nervousness in her to make their friendship possible. 

"Bani Di!", she hears Rano's voice call out for her. Bani looks over in her direction and sees her waving at her, beckoning her to come back to join the game. Her eyes linger back over to Jai, who has approached Saahil and Aditya, and she continues to lightly smile to herself. "Chup-Chap nahi Mr. Walia… sirf Bani", Bani tells herself, building sudden encouragement and energy inside of her. She walks over to her team's side of the net, taking her bottle of water with her. She sets it off to the side on the ground and sweetly asks Anu if she can serve the ball, since it is their turn to start it off. The guys, hearing this, watch Bani take the ball from an enthusiastic Anu, intrigued--especially Jai who raises a brow at this. 

Bani fiddles with positioning the ball properly and meets her husband's eyes as she looks up. Smirking cutely at him, she wriggles her nose at him in tease and serves the ball, which glides smoothly over the net. Jai is in too much of a surprise by the sudden change of mood in his wife that he lets the ball just pass by him, which causes Aditya to hurriedly go after it but miserably fails. The girls let out an exclaim from excitement and quickly tackle Bani with hugs. Bani giggles along with them, feeling mighty pleased with what she had done. 

Jai realizes what had just happened and stares over to his teammates angry looking expressions, staring right back at him. He looks back to Bani, who catches his eye as she is engulfed in Anu and Rano's arms. A slow smile creeps onto his lips out of amusement on seeing what she had succeeded in doing. 

Saahil: Mamaji, what is wrong with you?!--- You just let the ball pass you! 

Jai ignores his nephew's words. Aditya grumpily passes the ball back over to the girls' side because it was now their serve. Anu excitedly gives it back to Bani, telling her to serve once more. Bani does and as the ball flies swiftly in the air and over the net, Jai this time is ready and goes forward to hit it. The ball goes back over the net. The girls scream excitedly to Bani, telling her to quickly go for the ball. Reacting quickly Bani bumps it over to the guy's side and smiles widely as this time Jai misses it by a few centimeters. Rano and Anu squeal with delight on seeing Jai, the supposed champion at volleyball, losing to his own wife. Eventually the girls cream the guys with Bani now joining them with a great deal of effort, determined to win. 

"You are a bloody liar Bani…", Jai says to her in a sulking mood as they walk together back over to the lawn chairs, where Mausi, Dadi, Jigyasa sat, and where everyone else was now going to. 

Bani: Woh kaise Mr. Walia? (trans: How is that Mr. Walia?)

She says, trying hard to contain her smile and laughter. Jai softly grins, clearly hearing the tease in her voice. 

Jai: You had told me that you don't know how to play volleyball. 

Of course Bani didn't, but by quietly observing them play she picked up on a few things and later figured that it was actually quite easy. Bani was just about to explain this to him, but instead she smiles goofily at him and says, "Bani knows how to play volleyball… Chup-Chap is the one who doesn't." She leaves him behind, rooted to the spot, giggling away. 

Jai smiles delightfully as his shock passes by. Who knew that his wife could be such a tease? 
************************************************************ 

Chapter 23

Aditya: Abh hum kya kaare? (trans: What do we do now?) 

Aditya says as he sits down besides his mother, who affectionately ruffles his hair. Anu opens her mouth to speak, but Rano quickly cuts her off. 

Rano: No more games, please, Anu. … I'm exhausted. 

Anu closes her mouth, seeming dejected. Saahil, who was approaching, overhears the conversation and suggests an idea. Bani and Jai follow closely behind, the lasts ones who had left the net. Bani smiles to herself and blushes from the way Jai closely watches her with a grin of his own. He shakes his head, chuckling at what she had said before. 

Saahil: We could watch a movie…. 
Dadi: Haan, hum movie deksaakte! Kya kamal ka idea tumne socha, Saahil! (trans: Yes, we can watch a movie! What a wonderful idea you've come up with, Saahil!) 

Dadi squeals with excitement. Saahil immediately regrets how he had worded his suggestion. 

Saahil: No, Dadi, I meant we could watch an English--- 
Dadi: I'm sure we're all yet to see Om Shaanti Om??? 
Anu: (groaning) Dadi, you made me watch that six times with you last week. 
Dadi: Arre you be quiet, I am talking to everyone else. 
Rano: Dadi, you made me watch it six times also with Anu. 
Saahil: I watched it with you twice on Monday. 
Aditya: Three for me. 
Jigyasa: Aap hume maaroonge yeh hindi movies ke saath! -- Even I have seen it twice. (trans: You are going to kill us with these hindi movies!) 
Dadi: …Jai puttar? Bani? You two haven't seen it, right? 

Jai and Bani cast one another a quick glance before looking at Dadi, guiltily. 

Bani: Dadi, I have seen it with you in a total of 7 times. 
Jai: … I've already seen it once with you just two days ago. 
Dadi: (looks hopefully at Mausi) Billo? 
Mausi: (suppressing her giggles) Beji, leave it. We have all seen it too many times. Why not watch another movie? 
Saahil: Why don't we just go through our movie collection and decide on one? 

Everyone agrees on this and begin walking towards the farmhouse. Bani happens to catch a glance at Anu, who seems a little dazed out all of a sudden. She rests a comforting hand on her shoulder, startling her. 

Bani: Anu, are you alright? 
Anu: (quickly) Ji, Mami ji. I'm-I'm perfectly fine. Just feel a little tired from the game, that's all. 
Bani: (smiles) Alright. 

Bani walks on besides Anu, who after a few seconds stops and rests a hand against a nearby tree for support. Alarmed by this, Bani joins her side and examines Anu's pale face. 

Bani: Anu, what's wrong? (concerned) 
Anu: It-it's nothing Mami… I'm fine. .. 
Bani: (hastily) Anu, you do not look fine. Your face is pale and you seem weak. 

"Bani, what's wrong?," Jai's voice comes from behind. He had been witnessing this quietly from a distance. Bani turns around and looks at him with worry. 

Bani: Dekhiye, Mr. Walia, Anu ke halat kuch teek nahi hai. (trans: Look, Mr. Walia, Anu's health isn't too good.) Something is wrong with her. She is weak and her face is pale. 

Jai steps in and examines Anu's paling face and drowsy eyes. 

Jai: Anu, kya baath hai? (trans: Anu, what is it?) What's going on? 
Anu: Mama ji….Mama--- 

Anu's head spins and her vision becomes a blur. Before she knows it, she loses balance and falls unconscious. Quickly Jai catches her in his arms while Bani gasps at this. Hurriedly without wasting another second, Bani calls for Aditya. 

Bani: Bhaiya! Adi Bhaiya! 

Everyone, confused with Bani's shouting, turn around and catch the sight of Anu passed out in Jai's arms….. 
********************************************************** 
They all stand crowded around Anu's bedroom door, waiting impatiently for what the Doctor has to say. After Anu had fainted and Jai took her to one of the guest rooms, Jigyasa quickly gave a Doctor who lives nearby a ring, and informed her about Anu's condition. Currently she is checking up on Anu. Jigyasa cries over worry for her daughter, while Aditya mutely comforts her. 

Mausi: Mujhe kuch samaj nahi aaraye… achank se yeh Anu ke saath kaise---??? (trans: I don't understand anything… how did this happen to Anu all of a sudden?) 
Jai: Mausi, we will find out in no time. (assuring her) 

Bani stands next to Jai, with her arms crossed against her chest, seemed lost in her own thoughts regarding about Anu. Everyone continues to be silent and wait for any news. Minutes later the door opens and the Doctor appears with a nice smile on her face. 

Doctor: It's nothing too serious… Anu was just feeling weak due to not eating properly… It's important that she eats three meals a day and doesn't skip any. 
Jigyasa: (shocked) Anu hasn't been eating?--- But that can't be. My Anu wouldn't do something silly like that. 

The Doctor just shrugs at this. 

Doctor: That is something you need to discuss with your daughter, not me. 
Aditya: (assisting her out) Thank you, Doctor. Come, I will show you the way out. 

Jigyasa and everyone else enter the room, where they find Anu sitting up on the bed, with the covers over her, looking still a little weak. Her mother sits besides her on the bed. 

Jigyasa: Anu, beti, what is this that I'm hearing? -- You haven't been eating properly?: 
Mausi: Anu, this isn't right. You have to eat, beta. 
Dadi: Arre, first of all, tell us all why you have been skipping your meals? 
Rano: How can you do something so foolish, Anu? 
Bani: Please, everyone, be quiet. Give Anu some room to breathe. You all are attacking the poor girl with questions. 
Jai: Hm, Bani's right. The last thing that Anu wants is to be interrogated. 

Anu smiles softly at this. 

Anu: Thank you… at least some people are willing not to jump down my throat. 
Jigyasa: Why, Anu? At least tell us that much. 

Anu looks sheepishly at her mother. 

Anu: I thought that I'd lose a little weight… so I've been dieting for awhile. 
Mausi: And skipping out on meals is dieting for you? 
Anu: I'm sorry, Mausi…. I didn't think it'd be that bad for me. 
Jigyasa: (angry) Who told you that you need to lose weight?!--- You are absolutely beautiful the way you are! 
Anu: (tired) Maaa…. 
Jai: Jigyasa, let it go. I think Anu's learned her lesson. We should all leave and let her rest a bit. We'll wake her up when it's time for Dinner. 
Jigyasa: But--- 
Mausi: Hain, Munna is right. We should all go. Chalo. Everyone out. --- Anu, beti, take some rest. 
Anu: Ji, Mausi. 

After leaving Anu's room, everyone goes down to the living room where they sit down, not knowing what else to do. Aditya joins them, where Jigyasa informs him of their daughter. 

Saahil: So, should I go and find a movie for us to watch? 
Jigyasa: Saahil. (disbelief) You are going to watch a movie after what just happened? 
Saahil: Ma, you are worrying to much. Anu isn't on her deathbed. She just hasn't been eating properly. She'll get better now with everyone on her case. …. So what will it be--- horror, comedy, action? 

Jigyasa shakes her head at her son. 

Aditya: Jigyasa, Saahil is right. It's nothing to be worried about. Your Anu is fine. She just needs to eat and get some rest, that's all. … I'm in for horror. 
Dadi: I'm not sure if we have any Hindi horror films here. 

Everyone laughs at Dadi. 

Rano: Dadi, I think Saahil's talking about English movies… not Hindi. 
Dadi: Paar--- 
Saahil: Come on Dadi, try something new… take a break from Bollywood and give Hollywood a chance. 
Saahil: Ma? 
Jigyasa: Saahil, I don't want to watch a movie. 
Saahil: Suit yourself… but I'd suggest you watch one with us, because there's nothing else to do and you'll die from boredom. 

Thinking about this for a minute, Jigyasa reluctantly agrees. 

Jigyasa: (shrugs) chick-flick.. 
Aditya: There is no way that us men are going to watch a chick-flick, kyon Jai? 

Jai makes a face at the idea. Chick-flicks were cheesy and corny. He prefers horror, comedy, or action. Anything really, but a chick-flick. 

Mausi: Chick-flicks are good, Aditya. If only you men would give it a chance, then you'd agree also. 
Saahil: Rano (giving her a sleezy smile) what are you in for? 
Rano: (disgusted) … Horror. 
Aditya: Jai, what are you in for? 
Jai: Anything yaar, but a chick-flick. 
Aditya: Bani? 
Bani: (uncertain) Comedy? 

Jai smiles approvingly at her choice, pleased with how she didn't pick chick-flick. 

Saahil: Dadi? 
Dadi: (upset, stubborn) I'm still for Bollywood. 
Saahil: Okay, well I'm for Horror. So let's count, shall we? … Two chick-flicks. 1 comedy. 1 whatever, but chick-flick. And three horror. So horror wins. 

Mausi, Jigyasa, Dadi, and even Bani groan. 

Mausi: Arre, I'm going to get nightmares at night. 

After a couple minutes of searching, Saahil finds the perfect movie and pops it into the DVD player. He goes back to where he was sitting, which was on the floor with Rano, who sneers at him and looks away. Mausi and Dadi are seated in a love chair. While the rest-- Jigyasa, Adi, Jai, and Bani sit on the long couch together. 

As the dvd starts playing, Saahil wraps an arm around Rano, excitedly. He was looking forward to the movie, girls usually get scared from horror movies and he was sure that Rano would cling to his side throughout it. Angrily Rano pushes him aside. 

Rano: You duffer, the movie hasn't even started yet and you are already acting all protective. Hmph. Stay away from me. 

Saahil just smiles to himself, ignoring her words. 

An hour passes by into the movie and everyone is equally absorbed into it and some are even frightened. Mausi and Dadi hold onto one another and question themselves as to why they even agreed to watch the movie in the first place. Aditya has fun teasing his ex-wife as she continues to scream every five seconds. Rano tries her best not to laugh as Saahil clings on to her for dear life, frightened for his life. "And the idiot wanted to protect me," she thinks to herself while chuckling. 

Jai finds it hard to concentrate on the movie with Bani holding onto his hand occasionally, scared with what's happening in the movie. He watches her close as her eyes are glued onto the TV's screen, open wide with terror. He has to fight with himself with not laughing at how adorably cute she looks at the moment. Again she squeezes his hand tight as she closes her eyes from the bloody scene. The women in the room gasp, minus Rano, and including Saahil. 

Jai rests his head against his hand, his elbow on the edge of the couch, as he stares at his wife with a laughing smile. He squeezes her hand back, comforting her. 

Jai: It's only a movie…. 

Bani continues to keep her eyes shut and whispers back to him…. 

Bani: Which is based on a true story…. 
Jai: Hmm… true. … But it happened years ago. 
Bani: To?… It can happen again… (shaking to herself) 
Jai: I doubt it… 

Hearing loud screeching coming from the movie, Bani instantly hides her face into Jai's chest out of fright, whereas everyone else screams. Jai, shocked by this gesture at first, takes a few seconds to recover and brings a hand to her back, protectively. 

Jai: (grinning, whispering) You didn't even have your eyes open… how did you get scared? 

Bani's voice comes out in muffles, due to her face being buried into his chest. 

Bani: …(childishly) the noise… it scared me. 

Jai chuckles silently. 

Jai: You can open your eyes now, Bani… It's gone. 

Bani shakes her head in a negative, and continues to grip onto him. 

Bani: Mujhe nahi dekhna… (trans: I don't want to see it.) 

Hearing everyone else scream further scares Bani and she continues to nestle into her husband for comfort. 

Bani: (quietly) Tell me when it's over… 
Jai: It's been over… 
Bani: I mean the movie… 
Jai: (laughing) So you aren't going to watch the rest? 

Bani shakes her head. 

Bani: I'd rather die than watch anymore. 

This has Jai laughing even more at her childish talks. No one seems to pay them any attention since they are too absorbed with the movie and fearing for their lives. Jai let Bani hug the life out of him throughout the next hour…. 

Jai: Bani? 
Bani: …Ji? 
Jai: You might want to let go of me otherwise everyone will be thinking that husband and wife chose the opportunity to romance throughout the film. 

Confused, Bani looks up at him and finally realizes what she had been doing. Blushing bright as a tomato, she quickly pulls herself away while Jai just chuckles at her. She watches as the lights turn on and everyone moves out of their spots to stretch from being in the same position for two hours. 

Dadi: I have been scarred for life. 
Saahil: Come on, Dadi, it-it wasn't that bad. 
Rano: Yes, Dadi, listen to the boy who screamed every second and has made me deaf in my left ear. 
Mausi: I think I had experienced six heart attacks in total from watching it. 
Aditya: (laughing) Mausi, don't worry. It's not real. 
Jigyasa: Adi, it says on the front cover that it's based on a true story! 
Rano: (turning to look at Bani, who just got up from the couch) Di, you weren't scared, were you?

Before Bani can even reply, Jai cuts in. 

Jai: Of course not, Rano. Your Bani Di's a brave woman. She wouldn't get scared of a fake story that is played by horrible actors, right Bani? 

Bani just blushes in response and brushes off his teasing wink. 

Aditya: Alright, it's pretty late and we should all go eat dinner before it gets cold. 

(Tony was cooking dinner while they were all watching the movie.) 

Mausi: Hain, chalo. 

Everyone made their way towards the dining table to eat. Anu joined them after being awoken by her mother. She was fussed over by everyone, who piled her plate with piles and piles of food. 
************************************************************ 
 "So what now?" 

Saahil asks as they all sit outside in the back yard with chairs and benches, bored. 

Aditya: Sleep. Put an end to this day. 
Anu: Papa, you can't go to sleep right after eating dinner. You have to wait at least two-three hours before doing that. Your food has to be digested properly. 
Mausi: Then what do we do during that time? 
Anu: Kyon na hum ek game---- (trans: What about a game---) 

Everyone groans on hearing this. 

Aditya: Please, Anu, not another game. 
Anu: Arre, it's a very simple game and we don't even have to get up and get around. Promise! 
Dadi: We might as well play since there isn't anything else to do. Accha, Anu, bolo. Kaise game hai? (trans: Alright, Anu, tell us. What kind of game is it?) 
Anu: (simply) Antakshari. 
Saahil: Antakshari? 
Anu: Hain, kyon nahi? (trans: Yes, why not?) 
Dadi: Arre, I like the idea. Kyon, Billo? 
Mausi: Hain hain, even I am willing to play. 
Anu: So is everyone in? 

Everyone else hesitantly agree after a lot of persuasion from Anu, who doesn't buy any of their excuses of not being able to sing well or having no knowledge of songs. 

Anu: Okay, so I will be team captain. Who else wants to be captain? 
Saahil: I guess I will be. 
Anu: Okay, so I get to go first in picking…. Uh, I want Mami in my team. 

Bani, startled, looks over to a smiling Anu, who gestures her to come and sit besides her. 

Saahil: Uh…I want… 

Saahil looks over to Rano, who glares at him, warning him that if he picks her-- she will kill him. He purposely skips her, not wanting to make it obvious to everyone about how he likes her. 

Saahil: Mamaji. 
Anu: …Papa. 
Saahil: …Rano. 

Rano, angered, gets up from her spot and joins Saahil's side, but then instantly smiles as she sees that her brother-in-law is on her team. Jai and Rano share a smile and she sits next down to him. 

Aditya joins his daughter's team and sits besides Bani, who smiles pleasantly at him and he wraps an arm around her affectionately. 

Anu: Dadi! 
Saahil: Hey! Not fair! -- You've got the filmy. 
Anu: You snooze, you lose. (sticks out her tongue at him) ' 
Saahil: (grumpily) Fine… Mausi. 

Jigyasa becomes slightly angry at being the last one left. 

Anu: Errr… Mama, I would pick you… but then it'd become unfair. 5 versus 4. 
Mausi: Why don't we do this? -- Jigyasa comes over to our side. Anu, your team has Beji so that's a strong advantage over our team. 
Anu: Teek hai.. That sounds fair. Besides I don't want there to be a smack down over on my side with both divorcees together. 

Everyone laughs and agrees on this. Jigyasa grumpily joins her son's team. 

Anu: Okay, so shall we start? 
Dadi: Anu, our team starts because we have four people. 
Mausi: That sounds fair. Go ahead, Beji. 
Anu: Alright. Everyone has to sing one song, got it?! You can't have one person singing the whole time! There's no fun in that. 

[Authors Note: A friend of mine was kind enough to choose the songs for the game--it was a great deal of help! So all the credit goes to her.] 

Dadi: 
husn layaway hoon shabab hi shabab hoon 
Mohabbaton ki shaan hoon aashiqon ki jaan hoon 
Abhi to main jawaan hoon 
Abhi to main jawaan hoon 
Abhi to main jawaan hoon 

Everyone silently laughs at Dadi's song and the way she sings it so cheerfully. 

Dadi: N…. 

Saahil's team members look at each other, trying to figure out what song to sing. 

Anu: Remember, you only have 5 seconds! 

Quickly Saahil sings… 

Saahil: 
Nasha ye pyaar ka nasha hai 
Ye meri baat yarrow maano 
Nashe mein yaar doob jaao 
Raho na hosh mein deewa… 

As Saahil sings, he directs eye messages to Rano, who suddenly seems to be drifted off in a world of her own… 

Saahil: A! There was nothing in the rules saying to finish the song. So …A!! 

Adi: 
Aankhon ne tumhari meethi baton ne 
Aankhon ne tumhari meethi baton ne 
Meri need udayi mera chain churaya 
Sapna sajaya apna banaya 
Apna banake sapna sajake 
Chupke se sikhaya pyaar 
Dheere dheere is dil ka cheena hai karaar 
Dheere dheere is dil ka cheena hai karaar 

As Adi sang for his team, Jai quietly stole looks over at Chup-chap, who remained mutely sitting besides Adi, looking down. He felt a little agitated at her for keeping her eyes down. He badly wanted her to look up at him… 

Adi: R!!! 

Saahil's team once again wonder about what to sing…and they only had five seconds. Rano, who was reminded of Ranveer by the romantic hindi songs, sang dazedly… 

Rano: 
Raah mein un se mulaakaat ho gayee 
Jis se darate the wahee baat ho gayee… 

Saahil smiles on hearing her lovely voice singing. Jai smirks to himself as he catches the lost dazed look on his Sali's face as she sang meaningfully. 

Rano: …E… 

Anu: 
Ek do teen, char paanch che saath aath nau, dus gyarah, barah tera Tera karoon, tera karoon din gin gin ke intezaar, 
Aaja piya aaye bah… 

Anu: H!!! 
Aditya: (teasingly) Hmm… and who are you talking about? 
Anu: (hastily) No one. 
Jai: (joining in on the teasing, eyeing his niece) Are you sure? You have anyone in mind? 
Anu: Arre no! 
Aditya: It certainly doesn't seem like that… with the way you were singing.. 
Mausi: Arre tum dono baas bhi karo. Maat sharo bechari ko. (trans: Arre stop it already you two. Don't mess with the poor girl.) 

Jai and Aditya laugh at this and so does everyone else, while Anu's cheeks flush. 

Anu: Anyways… H… Go Ma… 
Jigyasa: Me? 
Anu: Yes, you! 
Jigaysa: But I don't know any songs… 
Anu: There are millions of songs out there.. .the letter's H! … Come on! Okay fine, ten seconds for you since you are slow…. 

Jigyasa struggles with coming up with a song, but then seems to find one instantly as her eyes land on Bani, who sits opposite from her. 

Jigyasa: 
Hai agar dushman 
Hai agar dushman (dushman) 
Zamana gum nahin, gum nahin 

Everyone looks over at Jigyasa, knowing very well who she is singing the song for. Bani remains quiet, not saying anything and choosing to ignore her sister-in-law. Dadi looks from Bani to Jai and sings a song for them, happily… she had been noticing the nice change in them.. Everyone had. 

Dadi: 
Na shahar mein huaa na hi ghar mein huaa 
Pyaar to bas hua ik nazar mein hua 
Ye to aaye nazar dil ke paar 
Pyaar to hota hai pyaar pyaar to hota hai pyaar 
Pyaar to hota hai pyaar pyaar to hota hai pyaar 

Dadi: R! 

Mausi: 
Rooth na jaana tumse kahoon to 
Main in aankhon mein jo rahoon to 
Rooth na jaana tumse kahoon to 
Main in aankhon mein jo rahoon to 
Tum yeh jaano ya na jaano 
Tum yeh maano ya na maano 
Mere jaisa deewana tum paaoge nahin 
Yaad karoge main jo na hoon to 

Adi: 
O laal dupaatte wali tera naam to bata 
O kale kurte wali tera naam to bata 
Naam to bata tera naam to bata 
Tera naam to bata 
Oye hoy hoy hoy oye hoy haay haay 

Rano: 
Ya ali reham ali 
Ya ali yaar pe quarbaan hai sabhi 
Ya ali madad ali 
Ya ali yeh meri jaan yeh meri zindagi 
Ishq pe mita doon luta doon 
Main apani khudi 
Yaar pe haan luta doon mita doon 
Main yeh hasti 
Ya ali reham ali 
Ya ali yaar pe qurbaan hai sabhi 
Ya ali madad ali 
Ya ali yeh meri jaan yeh meri zindagi 

Dadi: 
Ilu 
Ilu ilu 
Yeh ilu ilu kya hai yeh ilu ilu 
Jab baag mein koi phool khila to bhanvre na kaha 
Ilu ilu 
Parvat pe chhayi kaali ghata to boli hawaa 
Ilu ilu 
Jab koi accha lagtahai bada pyaara pyaara lagta hai 
To dil karta hai 
Ilu ilu 
Yeh ilu ilu kya hai yeh ilu ilu 
Ilu ka matlab I l you I l you 
Ilu ka matlab I love you I love you 
Hey I love….. 

The teams went back and forth, but not once did either Jai or Bani sing. Realizing this after awhile, Anu spoke… 

Anu: Mamaji! Mami! I had told everyone before, nah? That EVERYONE has to sing! So that means, EVERYONE! 
Mausi: Hain, this isn't fair that we all have to sing and you to easily get to sit back and relax. 
Anu: Mami, it's our team's turn so you have to sing for us, okay? 
Bani: Lekin Anu-- 
Anu: No "buts"! … The letter is K… 

Bani frowns, whereas Jai smiles on seeing his wife being put on the spot. He wonders about what she is going to sing. 

Anu: Mamaji, be ready because it's your turn after Mami's. And remember, you only have five seconds. 
Jai: You don't worry about me, Anu. Let your Mami sing first… 

Bani looks over at Jai and tries her best with controlling her oncoming blush. 

Bani: 
Kasam ki kasam
Hai kasam se...
Humko pyaar hai sirf tumse
Aab yeh pyaar na hoga phir humse
Kasam ki kasam
Hai kasam se
Humko pyaar hai sirf tumse..... 

It was now Jai's turn, but he seems to be dumbstruck and freezes. He's too overwhelmed by her beautiful voice singing those lyrics and the way her hazel eyes never left his. Their eyes continue to lock while everyone counts down with enthusiasm, "Five….four…three…two…one!" 

Jai continued not to say anything, finding himself speechless and absolutely blank. He sees how her eyes light up with joy on winning and curses himself for once again losing to her. 
************************************************************

Chapter 24

Jai smiles at his wife as she comes walking out of the bathroom, dressed in her nightwear, and approaches him at their bed. Bani shyly smiles back and joins him. 

Bani: Goodnight, Mr. Walia… 
Jai: Goodnight, Bani… 

Bani lays down on her respected side and turns off her lamp. Seconds later she hears Jai's lamp also turn off and feels him shift, trying to find a comfortable position for himself. She switches her back towards him and pulls the covers around her tightly. A few moments go by and Bani feels her husband move once more and the area behind her sink down. Curiously she looks over her shoulder and finds him staring at her, curious himself. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, kya hua? 

A slow grin forms on his lips as he continues to nerve her by staring at her with a fixed gaze. 

Jai: Nothing… I was just wondering… first drinking… then dancing… then crickets…volleyball…and your beautiful voice… what else do you have saved to further surprise me, Bani? 

Smiling shyly at this, Bani fully turns around, looking up at him since he has his elbow propped up on his pillow and his chin resting on his hand. 

Bani: (giggling) The alcohol was by accident… I'm not a drinker. 
Jai: But you are everything else… you continue to amaze me, Bani. 

Bani blushes at this and is thankful for the darkness in the room, otherwise her husband would clearly see the red in her cheeks. 

Jai: Can I ask you something? (blunt, all of a sudden serious) 
Bani: Ji? (looking back up at him) 
Jai: When's Chup-Chap coming back? 
Bani: (startled, confused) Jii?? 
Jai: I'm starting to miss her… Bani's too much of a show off. 

Bani sits up and now stares down at her grinning husband, who looks back up at her, not breaking their eye contact. 

Bani: You think Bani's too much of a show off? (faking shock) 
Jai: Hmm… and she talks to much… and gave me bruises throughout the movie… and scratches on my arms… Chup-Chap was so quiet and rarely troubled me. 
Bani: So Bani's a handful for you? 

She moves her hand behind her and grabs a hold of her pillow, tightening her grip on it. 

Jai: Hmm, I think that's what I've been trying to say. 
Bani: (encouraging him on) What else is Bani? 

Jai smiles at this and tries really hard not to laugh at Bani's expression. He was having a lot of fun with pulling her leg. 

Jai: She's a ball hog… 

Remembering how Anu and Rano kept on insisting that she serve and hit the ball throughout the match. 

Bani: Hmmm… so Bani talks to much… she harasses you through movies… hurts you physically… and is a ball hog? 
Jai: Yes, that's exactly what Bani is---- 

She hits Jai hard with her pillow, taking him by complete surprise. 

Bani: You only think that because I kept on beating you in every game today! 

Again she hits him, bringing Jai out of his temporary shocked daze. 

Jai: (out of disbelief) Bani, yeh tum kya--- 
Bani: And when I was Chup-Chap, you kept on prodding me to talk and be myself… So when I'm finally Bani, you tell me that I talk too much and need to go back to being Chup-Chap??? (demanding) Bolo--- 

She continuously hits him with her pillow, causing Jai to laugh at her childish act. 

Jai: Ow! Banee--- 
Bani: And I didn't harass you throughout the movie-- and even if I did, I didn't see you trying to stop me! (growls) Oooooh, Mr. Walia--- you make me sooooo --- 

Bani's silenced by another pillow smacking her in the face. Shocked, she looks down at Jai who grins boyishly at her and shrugging his shoulders innocently. She sees his own pillow held firmly in his hands…. 

Jai: You started it first…. 

Bani stares back up at him and slowly breaks out into a smile. She then giggles and goes back to hitting him with her pillow. Jai fights equally back with her. They laugh together at their foolishness, shushing each other in between (afraid to wake up anyone else in the house), but don't stop with their childish banter until they soon get tired and the feathers from their pillows are scattered all over the bed and floor of their room. Jai and Bani lay back down, side by side, panting for air as if they had just ran in a marathon…. 

Jai looks over to his wife in the darkness and grins… 

Jai: Look at the mess you've made. 

Bani looks back at him with disbelief. 

Bani: The mess I made? … Mr. Walia, I clearly remember telling you to put an end to it. 
Jai: (chuckling) I wasn't the one who started it. 

She smiles at this and silently agrees. 

Jai: …. We acted like six year olds instead of adults. 
Bani: (giggling) Everyone has a child in them, Mr. Walia. 
Jai: But you are the most childish of them all. 

Bani's eyes meet his and she frowns purposely at him. Jai watches her shift sides, turning her back on him. This causes Jai to laugh. 

Jai: (amused) Bani is also very stubborn… what else is Bani? 
Bani: … (gently says) Bani is exhausted, Mr. Walia… and suggests that you also go to sleep. 
Jai: Hmm… Goodnight. (tired himself) 
Bani: Goodnight. 

Bani snuggles closer to her deflated pillow and smiles to herself quietly, feeling truly happy for once in her life after her mother's death. She was always occupied with trouble and stress with trying to support her small family and attempting to give her sisters' a better life. But now… she felt peaceful for a change, actually satisfied with the current events in her life. A couple of moments go by in silence until Jai suddenly says… 

Jai: But let me tell you something… I'm not giving an explanation as to why there are goose feathers all over the room when the servants come in here to clean up… that responsibility falls entirely on you alone. 

Bani bursts out giggling, bringing a smile onto Jai's face….. 
************************************************************ * 

The Walias had left the farmhouse the next day after having Breakfast. The servants mused over what possibly could have happened in their Master's bedroom that there are goose feathers all around. Bani stammered and flushed when innocently asked by one of them. Jai, who was getting dressed during the time, couldn't stop chuckling. Neither of them gave a reason, leaving the matter a mystery…. 

A week flew by fast with everyone resuming back to their old lives. Jai and Bani were growing more and more comfortable around each other, the silence between them also wasn't as awkward as before, but they rarely had time alone together since Jai was wrapped up with the office work. The distance that existed between them before was now permanently gone…. No longer were they strangers… 
************************************************************ 

Jigyasa chats noisily with her kitty friend over the house phone, situated in the living room by herself. No one else seemed to be at home… Bani and Mausi had gone to the Mandir, the kids (including Rano) were at the university, the men at work, and Dadi was locked up in her room as usual-- watching any one of her favorite movies for the hundredth time. 

Jigyasa: Of course it's real, Tanya! Would Jigyasa Walia ever wear something that's not? --- Paris, Darling…. Why yes, I am truly blessed to have such a successful brother…. 

Hearing the Mansion's doorbell ring momentarily interrupts Jigyasa. She, however, ignores it, thinking that Tony will attend to whoever it is at the door. Moments go by and the doorbell continues to ring obnoxiously. 

Jigyasa: Excuse me, Tanya, for just one moment…. (covering the mouth piece) Tony!!!!! ----Tony!!! Arre kahan margya tum?! (trans: Arre, where have you died?!) 

After no sort of reply coming from her butler, Jigyasa angrily gets up from her seat and in a bad mood walks over to the front doors while ending her conversation with her kitty friend. She opens the doors and snarls at the man before her. 

Jigyasa: What is it? (demanding) 
Delivery man: Ma'am, I have a parcel…if you could please sign on this sheet. 
Jigyasa: Give it to me. (snaps) 

She snatches the clipboard out of the man's hand and hurriedly scribbles her signature on the paper. The man hands over the parcel to her and eyes Jigyasa weirdly as she again rudely takes it away from him. He takes the clipboard out of her outstretched hand and quickly bids her a farewell. 

Jigyasa: I was having a good day up until you came along…(mumbling to herself, replying to his farewell) 

She closes the doors and wanders back over to the living room with the phone in one hand and the parcel in the other. Curiosity taking the better of her, Jigyasa eyes the parcel suspiciously and tears it neatly open after seeing that it's addressed to " Mrs. Walia," her sweet Bhabhi. The papers come sliding out and she greedily reads what it says… After a couple of minutes she gasps softly out of shock and then moments later she smiles wickedly to herself. Her grip on the papers tightens as her evil mind begins working… 

Jigyasa: Maybe I'm having a good day after all….. 
*********************************************************** 

Jai sits seated in his revolving chair, twirling around in it, feeling bored and exhausted from being at the office. Suddenly thoughts of Bani creep into his mind and a happy grin forms on his lips. He is glad that the distance between him and his wife has been breeched and that they are sharing a comfortable friendship with one another… 

Realizing that it's been awhile since they've shared a proper conversation with each other due to his busy schedule, the idea of taking her out to dinner crosses his mind. "Yes… I'll take her out to dinner…tonight." Jai pulls out his cell phone from his coat pocket and dials Bani's cell phone number. After a couple of rings, he gives up after having no response from her, and instead calls the Mansion…. 
************************************************************ 

Mausi: Accha… by 7:30 PM? … Nahi nahi, she won't be busy, you don't worry, Munna… Yes yes, I will just tell her now. ..Accha teek hai beta, bye. 

Smiling, Mausi places the phone down on the kitchen counter and looks over at a curious Bani, who has started preparing to cook for dinner. 

Bani: Kya hua, Mausi? Mr. Walia neh kya kaha? (trans: What happened, Mausi? What did Mr. Walia say?) 

She immediately bites down on her tongue as she sees her Mausi glare disapprovingly at her. 

Bani: Mere matlaab… (giggling) Meri Pati Dev neh kya kaha, Mausi ji? (trans: I mean… what did my Pati Dev say, Mausi ji?) 

This also causes Mausi to giggle and lightly hit Bani on her head. 

Mausi: You are making fun of what I had told you… I am serious, Bahu, Munna is your husband…not your boss. 
Bani: (smiling sweetly) Mujhe maloom hai, Mausi… accha baatye, kya kaha usneh? (trans: I know, Mausi… Alright, tell me, what did he say?) 

Mausi smiles wonderfully at her while stroking her hair. 

Mausi: Munna wants to take you out to dinner tonight. He says for you to get ready by 7:30 and he'll come home to pick you up. 

Unknowingly Bani smiles brightly on hearing this and beams at Mausi. 

Bani: Saach, Mausi? (blurts) 
Mausi: (chuckling) Hain, Baba, saach. --- Seems you are also restless to be with your husband. 

Bani realizes how she is behaving and blushes, despite feeling slightly confused with herself as to why she is feeling suddenly cheerful on the news. She muses over this for a moment, but is interrupted by Mausi, who nudges her. 

Mausi: Kya hua? Where are you lost? --- Go on and get ready. … It's close to six now. 

Bani opens her mouth to intervene but is quickly cut off by Mausi. 

Mausi: Dinner ke baare mein chinta maat kar… (trans: Don't worry about Dinner.) Tum jao aur fresh hojao. (trans: You go and get fresh…) 

Smiling sweetly, Bani nods her head and leaves the kitchen, fiddling with the pallu of her saree nervously. Knots were forming in her stomach with just thinking about being with Mr. Walia at dinner, alone. She is terribly nervous, but anxious to go at the same time. Nowadays her husband's company brought her secret happiness…. He was courteous, caring, friendly, and very amusing. She enjoyed seeing this whole complete different side of Jai Walia that she never knew existed or could exist. Mausi had of course endlessly ramble on about what a wonderful man her Munna was, but Bani never quiet believed her. … she was starting too, though. 

However, she would always feel so aware of herself when with him…. Strange feelings that she is not familiar with sweep within her and make her nervous and shy…. 
*** ************************************************************
Looking dashingly handsome in a classy all black suit with a black dress shirt underneath, Jai waits impatiently with his Mausi for his wife to come down. He glances down at his watch and sees that it's 7:35 PM. She is five minutes late… He sighs. 

Mausi: Don't worry, Munna, Bahu will come down any minute… She usually doesn't take too long to get ready. 

"Of course no woman ever takes too long in getting ready," Jai mutters to himself, but luckily Mausi doesn't overhear. 

Mausi: Loh… aagaye Bahu… (trans: Look… here is Bahu.) 

Immediately Jai looks up and his eyes fall on his wife, who glides down the staircase with grace. He is baffled by her appearance and his eyes roam all over her….drinking her all in. Bani is absolutely gorgeous in a beautiful laser pink colored georgette saree., with sequins scattered all over and bead works decorated as the border design, long gold dangling earrings adoring her ears, neck left bare except for her mangalsutra clasped around it, and finally her silky black hair shifted to one side of her shoulder. She's a true beauty tonight…. 

Rano, who walks beside her sister, winks at Jai, who just smirks back at her and then gazes back over to his beautiful young wife. Bani smiles apologetically at him as she approaches him at the last step. 

Bani: I'm sorry that I took so long, Mr. Walia. 

His earlier frustration long gone, Jai grins back at her with a twinkle in his eyes. 

Jai: … It was worth the wait. 

Bani flushes at this while Rano and Mausi smile and giggle silently together. 

Jai: Chale? (politely) 

Jai extends his arm out to her and Bani slowly slides her hand around it, shyly returning his smile and looking everywhere else but back at him. 

Munna: (clears her throat, trying to act serious) Jai Walia, I want my daughter back by 11 o'clock… no later than that, do you understand? 

Bani continues to blush, feeling like a teenager girl going off to Prom with her date and her mother making it clear about when her curfew is. Jai grins even more at this and winks at his Mausi. 

Jai: No worries, Mrs. Singhania, I'll have your daughter perfectly back on time. 

Mausi and Rano laugh at this. 

Rano: Mr. Walia, you two better get going… you don't want to be late for your dinner reservations. 
Jai: You're right Rano… Come on, Bani… We'll see you two later. 

Both women wish the couple a great evening and smilingly return back to their own individual things. Like a gentleman, Jai led his wife to his car and seated her in. 

Bani: (secretly excited) Hum kahan jhare, Mr. Walia? (trans: Where are we going, Mr. Walia?) 

She asks him sweetly as he seats himself into the driver seat and turns the car engine on. 

Jai: Dinner of course. 
Bani: Woh to mujhe maloom hai… mere matlaab hai… hum kahan Dinner kaar rah hai aur koi kaas wajah hai, ke achank se aap mujhe dinner ke liye laake jhare hai? (trans: I know that…. I mean… Where are we going to dinner and is there a special reason why you are suddenly taking me out to dinner?) 
Jai: Kya main mere biwi ko dinner peh nahi laake jhaasakta? Aur who bhi bhina wajah se….?(trans: Can I not take my own wife out to dinner? And that too without any reason?) 

Bani sinks down in her seat, feeling embarrassed by the way he is intently gazing at her with those stormy eyes. 

Bani: … Ji nahi… aap zaroor laake jhaasakte … paar achank se--- (trans: No… of course you may… but so out of the blue---) 
Jai: Saach kaho to Bani… main baas yuhi Dinner kaarne chaate tha… lekin agar meri paatni ko koi problem hai… to phir main dinner plans ko cancel bhi kaarsakt---(trans: To be honest, Bani… I just wanted to do Dinner… but if my wife has any problem… then I can still cancel the plans---) 
Bani: (hastily, feeling bad) Nahi, Mr. Walia…. I'm sorry… Please aise maat kijiye … (trans: Please don't that…) I didn't mean to upset you… I am just surprised, that's all. (looking down) 

Jai slowly grins at her, finding her adorably cute at the moment. 

Jai: You're not the only one who's full of surprises, Bani… (tease in his voice) 

Bani lifts her gaze up and sees his playful smile. She remembers their conversation from a week ago at the farmhouse and can't help but break out into a beautiful smile. Both hands on the wheel, Jai turns and stares over at Bani's direction with a gleam in his eyes. 

Jai: So… would you like to accompany me to Dinner and make me a happy man, or follow to Mausi's orders on how to cook tonight's meal… 
Bani:…. (hesitant)…. Well… considering that I'm already dressed and sitting in the car…. I guess I have no choice but to join you for dinner. 

Jai raises a brow at this, clearly amused by the way she has suddenly being such a tease. She smiles shyly, yet cheerfully at him. He smiles lazily and chuckles to himself, shaking his head at her. 

Jai: I'm glad you took your time to think, Bani, … I know that my dinner invitation was so tempting. 

Bani giggles at this and Jai finally begins to pull out of the driveway…. 
*********************************************************** 
Dinner went by smoothly and Jai and Bani spent the time talking freely and consistently with each other, getting to know their partner better and from a different perspective. The food was delicious and they ended their meal with a sweet desert, which Bani begged him to share with her since it was too big for her to eat alone. Jai didn't order himself any dessert, but happily obliged with helping Bani complete hers. As she takes another bite from the chocolate syrup covered fudge brownie ice cream, Bani glances over at her husband and immediately giggles. Jai, who was licking off his spoon, becomes confused by this and stares quizzically at her. 

Jai: What? (innocently) 

Bani tries to stop laughing, but fails miserably. She points to the lower part of his face. 

Bani: You have chocolate syrup on your chin, Mr. Walia… 

Jai attempts with wiping it off with his thumb, but doesn't manage in completely wiping it all off. Bani giggles even more on seeing his futile tries. Jai finally gives up and laughs a little himself… 

Jai: Come on, Bani, help me out… 
Bani: (in between her giggles) Alright… 

She takes her napkin and begins smudging it against his chin, clearing the syrup off. Since they were sharing a dessert, they moved their chairs in more closer, so they were practically sitting by each other. 

Jai: Is it off? 
Bani: One more second… Now it is… Mr. Walia, you are like a child…. You can't properly eat a simple dessert and manage to get it on yourself… 
Jai: I have you, don't I? You can clean me up afterwards… (winks) 

Bani blushes at this and mumbles after setting her napkin back down, "Can we leave?" Jai smiles at the effect he has had on her and nods his head. He asks for the bill from the waiter and quickly pays it. Bani stands up with him and walks besides him towards the exit… He opens the door for her and assists her outside… and they both are startled to see that it's pouring cats and dogs and is terribly windy. Shivering, Bani rubs her hands against her arms to give her some warmth. Seeing this, Jai slips his coat off and drapes it over his wife's shoulders, who looks at him with gratitude. Together they run in the direction of their car, which was parked from quite a distance, causing them to be wet from the falling rain. Quickly he opens the car doors and they both slide into their seats and hurriedly shut the doors, feeling relieved in being under shelter. 

They both shake to themselves from the cold weather…. Jai, who had been looking out of his window since the time he had entered the car, absentmindedly asks…. 

Jai: Did you know it was going to rain? 
Bani: …(softly) No, I had no idea… 
Jai: I swear, the bloody weatherman needs to start doing his job… 

Bani smiles at his slight agitation for being wet and cold. She clears her throat right after she remembers that she hadn't thanked him for the wonderful evening. 

Bani: Mr. Walia… Thank you for Dinner… I truly enjoyed myself… 
Jai: Any time… I'm just glad that you came alo---- 

He switches his focus off from the window and instead turns back to look at Bani, but his sentence dies down as he's tongue-tied on the sight of Bani staring at him with her exotic hazel eyes…her pink transparent saree clinging onto her wet body like a second layer of skin, outlining all and every single feature of her feminine body…the exposure of her creamy fair stomach and midriff… and her black hair now wet in loose curls. She's a tempting sight and Jai can feel his heart soar and every ounce of self control he has, leaving him…. 

Bani: …(gently) Kya hua, Mr. Walia? 

Bani questions him innocently, feeling very uncomfortable under his focused gaze and burning up from inside. 

She asks him as if she doesn't know what she's doing to him….not knowing what kind of strong passion she is currently arousing in him… what kind of lust she has created in him…. He continues gazing at her, a dark obsession building in his eyes… As if his hand had a mind of it's own, it reaches to Bani's face and cups her rosy cheek tenderly…. Stroking it gently with his thumb…. 

Paralyzed, Bani's eyes stare back at her husband with a hypnotized sort of look in them….she feels her heart failing her and her breathing becoming slightly heavy…. Her cheek burns from the contact of his hand….she keeps her eyes fixed on him though, afraid of breaking their eye-lock. 

Not aware of what he's doing or why he's doing it, Jai slowly nears her and brings his face closer to hers….just as he tilts his head a little to the left, his eyes now lowered to her pink lips… a loud tapping from behind, brings him and Bani both out of their lost daze and back into reality. Alarmed they both jump out of it and stare out from Jai's car window…. Jai pulls away from Bani and curiously rolls down his window a tad, revealing several reporters crowded around his car, anxiously holding microphones in their hands and some wearing rain coats while the others have umbrellas hovering over their heads. 

Bani: (confused) Mr. Walia… yeh… 

Jai squeezes her hand, telling her that he's got it under control and focuses his attention onto the media, completely outraged…. 

Jai: What is the meaning of this? Why are you all standing around my car? (practically barking at them) Move out of the way. 

"Mr. Walia!-- Mr. Walia!--Mr. Walia!", they all scream at separate times, thrusting microphones in his face. Jai narrows his eyebrows at them. 

"Is it true, Mr. Walia!" ---- "How are you feeling, Mr. Walia?"--- "Are you excited?"---"When were you given the news?"---"Have you taken Mrs. Walia out to celebrate?"---"How did Mrs. Walia tell you?"--- the reporters shouted questions at him all at one time, further angering Jai. 

Jai: I have no idea at all about what you lunatics are talking about, nor am I interested!--- Now move out of my way. 

"Come on, Mr. Walia, please give us something!… or perhaps Mrs. Walia can give us the answers?", one woman questions. 

Jai: (furious) And what the bloody hell would my wife tell you? 

"About Walia junior, of course!", another man answers for him. Jai, startled, looks over at the man with pure confusion. Bani, who was quiet throughout this whole time, quietly sinks down in her seat as the color from her face drains….. 

Jai: What? (demanding) 

"The baby, sir!… We received a tip that Mrs. Walia is pregnant and we just want to know how the both of you are feeling and what plans you have for your first child." 

Feeling as if someone had given him a stinging slap, Jai stares at the same man with shock registered on his face… His face whitens… 

Jai: (disbelief) Child??? Walia junior?…. (slowly becoming angry once again) What rubbish do you all keep spreading?!-- My wife isn't pregnant, and if she were, I would be the first one to know, not you lot. You media folk are only good for spinning false tales. …Now I'm telling you for the last time, move it, or I will make sure that each and everyone of you will struggle to find another stable job after losing this one! 

He quickly rolls his window back up, not wanting to hear what more the media had to say and furiously starts the engine to his car. Stepping on the accelerator, he glides through the reporters swiftly, leaving them behind in the mud. 

"Walia junior… what rubbish do people make nowadays….they have no lives so have to interfere in ours…," he mutters bitterly to himself. Casually Jai looks over to Bani and his anger calms down….as he becomes curious as to why she is quiet and panic-stricken. 

Jai: Bani, what's wrong? --Why are you quiet? ….Are you upset? ….Don't be, ignore those stupid people… instead just laugh at how pathetic enough they are to interfere in other's lives and build lies…..(talking more to himself) A baby… (chuckling a little, trying to build some humor into it) They thought you were pregnant….I mean really, how low can they g---- 

Again he looks over to Bani and sees that her face is completely pale and that she isn't moving. .. She's still as a stone. He worries by her strange behavior and immediately doubts swarm him…. 

Jai: (serious, hopeful) You aren't pregnant…..aren't you? 

Slowly Bani finally faces him with tears dwelling in her eyes and her face shockingly white. Jai feels his heart sink and knows that something isn't right. 

Bani: (stuttering, guiltily) Mr. Walia….I-I've been meaning to tell you….. 

Stunned beyond words, Jai hastily steps hard onto the brake pedal and stops the car……. 
********************************************************* 

CHAPTER 25

Stunned beyond words, Jai hastily steps hard onto the brake pedal and turns the wheel, causing the vehicle to swivel and come to an abrupt rough halt. Bani jerks forward by the force and quickly slams back against her seat, startled by Jai's action. She looks back at him with her tearing face and scared eyes. Jai seems to be in a lost daze with his eyes fixed on the steering wheel and not blinking even once…. She can see his jaw tightening. 

Jai: What do you mean by--- you've been meaning to tell me? (demanding, yet trying to be patient) 

Jai finally turns and stares over at her with all the hope that he has left in him. Bani silently brushes away a rolling tear with the back of her hand, looking down guiltily at her lap. 

Jai: … Tell me that you aren't pregnant… tell me that the media is lying… (his voice full with plea) 

Seeing her remain silent and crying to herself, Jai's blood boils and he clenches his hand into a fist. Just thinking that Bani could be pregnant… and that to with another man's child fills him with burning jealousy and fury. Some other man had dared to touch his wife…. He would kill the b*stard after tracing him down. But he can't conclude to assumptions already… he has to hear it from Bani herself… Again his eyes fall back on her, completely dark with anger. 

Jai: Dammit, Bani, tell me whether you are pregnant or not! (erupts) 

Bani shakes from his outbursts and slowly meets his furious eyes. Another tear falls from her eye and rolls down her cheek… Seeing her husband so angry with her scares the life out of Bani and she can't help but cry from fright. 

Bani: … I-I tried numerous of times to tell you all week…. But you were too busy and were rarely at home… I-I didn't want to disturb you with the news when you were so stressed with work… and Anu had even put me under an oath to not to tell anyone---

Quickly alarmed by hearing the last bit of information, Jai narrows his eyebrows down and pierces his eyes with hers. 

Jai: (echoing her) Anu? ---- How does Anu fall under any of this? (trying his level best with keeping his tone calm, but failing miserably) 

Bani bites her lower lip and looks at him, hesitantly… Jai, not having the patience anymore, he snaps at her.  

Jai: Why would Anu want you to keep this away from me? 

Nervously Bani pushes away a strand of her hair and tucks it behind her ear as she shifts her gaze down back at her lap…. A couple of moments of silence goes by until Bani breaks it by speaking in a soft voice… 
************************************************************ ******************************** 
Looking for her missing sister, Bani searches around the huge Mansion, hoping to find Rano so they could go the mall and have lunch together like they had planned for a couple of days now . As she passes the bedrooms on the top floor swiftly, checking in through the rooms for her, she hears a strange noise coming from a particular room and halts in her steps…. Staring at the glass painted door before her, recognizing it as Anu's bedroom door, Bani nears it and curiously puts her ear against it, wanting to know what's going on in there… 

Concerned and full of worry, Bani hastily opens the door and finds Anu not around. She scans the room and finds that the bathroom door is slightly ajar and the horrifying noises were coming in from there. Quickly Bani shuts the door closed and rushes to the bathroom to see what the matter is. 

Bani: (sweetly) Anu, sweetie? 

She slowly pushes the door wide open and her eyes widen at the sight in front of her…. 

Anu, pale in the face, weakly raises her head up from the bowl of the toilet and stares at her Mamiji with welling eyes. Again she lowers down and pukes out her guts into the toilet, gripping tight around the edges of the seat to support her. Bani, fully concerned, pats Anu's back comfortingly and waits for her to finish, looking terrified as well. 

Anu takes the towel from Bani's outstretched hand and silently thanks her as she wipes her mouth and begins to openly cry in front of her aunt. 

Bani: (shocked, blurts out in a rush) … Anu---Anu, yeh tumhe kya hua? Tumhe ultiye kyon aareh? ---Kya main tumhe doctor ko laake jaaon? (trans: Anu---Anu, what has happened to you? Why are you throwing up? --Should I take you to the doctor?)
Anu: (in between her tears) Bani Mami…. 
Bani: Sweetie, come with me… I'll take you right now… Did it just start now or has it been happening for a while? 

Anu shakes her head, sobbing as she does so. 

Bani: Anu???--- Accha, do you want your mother? Should I go call her? Do you want me to do that instead? --(muses to herself out loud) Perhaps you want your mother more at this moment… I'll go get her, you stay right here. 

Just as she turns to leave, she feels a haste grip on her arm, preventing her from moving any further. Looking back around, Bani stares questioningly at her panicking niece. 

Anu: (begging) Nahi, Mami, please… Mama ko maat… I-I… She's the last person I want right now… 
Bani: Anu, you are not well… I should tell your mother…. And then we can take you to the doctor…and see what's wrong with you---
Anu: Please! No Mama… No doctor, mami! (crying even more now) I already know what's wrong with me. 
Bani: Anu---

Bani curiously follows after Anu, who rushes out of the bathroom and mutters under her breath, her tears still flowing rapidly. She sits down on the bed and buries her face into her hands. Bani hesitantly joins her, feeling very confused at the moment and not understanding what Anu's deal is. 

Bani: What is it, Anu… What's wrong with you? … Anu (sensing her hesitation) you know  you can tell me anything…. Despite being your Mami, I treat you the same as Rano…. You are just like my little sister… Please tell me… What's going on? Why are you puking? 
Anu: (trembling to herself, stammering) Mami---Mami….I-I'm…. (breaking out into a new set of fresh tears) I'm two months pregnant… 

She shakes her head out of hot guilt and shame, weeping into her shaking hands, while Bani is completely stunned with what she has just heard. 

Bani: (hastily) Nahi! --- Ye-yeh kaise hosaktha!  Anu--- tum to ek choti baachi ho! Tum kaise---tum kaise ma baansakti? 
Anu: Mami... it was---it was at the farmhouse... when the doctor came for the check up... it was there that he confirmed it... I am pregnant... but I begged him not to tell and create a lie instead... 
Bani: Nahi….(out of disbelief) m-main nahi maanti…. Yeh nahi hosakta…. Tum to baut samjadar ho… tum kabhi aise kuch nahi kaaroge….jo tumhari parivaar ke izaat barbaad kaarsakta…  (trans: No--- Th-This can't happen! Anu--- you are a child! How can you---How can you be a mother? No… I don't believe this… This can't happen… You are smart… you will never do anything that will ruin your family's reputation…) 

Bani's words only further adds to Anu's guilt, making her crying grow even louder, which causes Bani to hush her….fearing that someone will hear her cries. 

Anu: Oh Mami!… Aapko galat faami hai…. Main ek number ki befkoof hoon…. Aur maine aise gaanda guna kiye ke abh mera parivaar ka izaat qaatra mein hai… (trans: You have a misunderstanding… I am a number one idiot… and I have committed such a disgusting crime that has put my family's reputation on stake.) --- (sobbing) Maine Rohit ke saath….hotel room… mummy papa soche the ke main Anjali ke ghar mein thi… lekin main to… Rohit … aur hum dono baut naashe mein the… pata nahi kaise… paar akir hoya tha…. Abh main pregnant hoon aur mera zindagi katam hochuka hai… (trans: I.... with Rohit… hotel room… mummy and papa thought I was at Anjali's house… but I was… Rohit…and we were both drunk… I don't know how… but it happened… now I'm pregnant and my life is over.) 
Bani: (shocked even more) Tum---Tum aise kaise kaarsakte Anu? ---Tumne aise kyon kiya?! Kya tumne tumhari parivaar ke bhaare mein nahi socha?! Socha nahi tha ke kya hoga Adi Bhaiya aur Jigyasa Didi ke saath? (trans: How-how can you do this, Anu? -- Why did you do this?! Did you not even think about your family once? Did you not think about what would happen to Adi Bhaiya and Jigyasa Didi?)  Now think how they will be able to face society after what you did to them! How will they be able to lift up their heads high when their daughter has disgraced them?! --- I-I never expected this out of you, Anu… Never… 
Anu: (crying) Bani Mami!… Please!… I won't be able to tolerate it if you are angry with me… I realize my mistake and am suffering for it now… I am stupid, childish, and completely foolish… I didn't think about my family at all… I will now be the reason for their shame… 

Anu lays her head down into Bani's lap, her eyes bright red now from her non-stop crying and her face still pale. 

Anu: Tell me what I have to do, Mami… Please help me… I am desperate and have no one… you are the only one who I can trust… I know you are disappointed at me… even I can't look at myself without being disgusted…. But please, I need help… (begging, pleading) 

Bani, forgetting her frustration with her, immediately embraces Anu into a warm hug, and successfully calms her down within five minutes-- promising her that she will do everything capable to help her. 

Anu: (panicking) Mami--- please don't tell anyone… Meri Kasam… not even Rano. I don't want my parents finding out…. At least not yet… I'm not ready. 
Bani: Tum chinta maat karo, Anu… I won't tell anyone… I promise…. 
***********************************************************
There is a silence in the car as slowly the information hits Jai and he begins to calm down, feeling overwhelmingly relieved and thankful that his wife did not betray him. 

Bani: … I took her to the Doctor for a check up, making up an excuse of taking her out to the mall… We were lucky that neither Rano or Jigyasa Didi was around… Otherwise it would have been impossible for me to take her…

Jai sighs softly and rests his head against the headrest of his chair. He runs his fingers through his hair. 

Bani: Even though I promised Anu, I just could not keep this from you... There is such little I could do for her situation …And I- I didn't want to tell you like this… I wanted to explain it to you more privately and when you were relaxed…but since those reporters… (wondering to herself out loud) I-I don't understand how they came to know… and so quickly. 
Jai: (suddenly) They think you are pregnant….why is that?….  
Bani: Ji woh …. That is because I had told the Doctor that Anu is Mrs. Walia… I didn't want to draw attention to her and was afraid of the news leaking out anyhow… so I thought it would be best if I gave her my name for a cover up….  

Bani wipes away her remaining tears and watches Jai closely, who has calmed down a little bit, but still looking a little distressed. He turns and looks at her, the anger from his eyes reduced….

Jai: You had me terrified, Bani….with all the suspense… You should had just told me straight away instead of stalling… it was killing me… just thinking… thinking that you could be pregnant with another man's child… 

He looks away from her and instead out in the windshield in front of him, where rain drops splatter all over it.

Jai: I mean….You're my wife, God dammit… (tightening his grip on the steering wheel, possessiveness in his voice) Jai Walia's wife….I would have killed the b*stard who touched you…

Bani flushes bright red from embarrassment by this and hesitantly speaks to divert his anger and bring him back on the main topic. 

Bani: … Mr. Walia… w-what do we do with Anu? She is already two months pregnant… Sooner or later her stomach will reveal everything to everyone… and by then it'll be too late and the whole society will come to know no matter how hard we try to hide it. 
Jai: (frustrated sigh) Mujhe to vishwaas nahi ho raha ke humari Anu neh…humari Anu neh aisa kuch kiya… Jee karta ke main usse mardoon… Itna baara paap kiye usne… (trans: I can't believe that our Anu…our Anu would do something like that…I feel like killing her… she has committed such a big sin.) 
Bani: (hastily) Nahi, Mr. Walia… the last thing Anu needs is our anger to distress her even more… Bechari is scared and needs guidance… she doesn't know what to do.. And we must not forget that she is now a mother, carrying a child in her womb… the baby can be affected by Anu's depression… 

Jai is silenced by this and realizes that Bani is right. He nods his head, showing her that he understands. 

Jai: … What do we tell Jigyasa and Aditya? 

Bani begins to feel guilty on hearing both of their names. She didn't feel right keeping anything away from her Bhaiya, especially when it regarded something to do with his child. 

Bani: For now… we will not say anything…. Anu isn't ready… She's terrified, Mr. Walia… we should give her a little time to let it sink in that she is a mother and then she will tell her parents herself… 
Jai: Bani, she doesn't have time ….what if she takes too long in telling them? We can't afford that…. By then everyone will probably be suspicious about her health… 
Bani: We should give her a little time… it will take at least a month or so more for her stomach to show… Anu knows that she can't take too long in confessing… otherwise that would just make matters worse…. 
Jai: (sighs)… I don't feel right with keeping this away from Aditya and Jigyasa… they will be left in the dark about what's happened to their own daughter….and what trouble they are going to have to face.  
Bani: Neither am I, Mr. Walia… but Anu is not ready… 

After a moment of tension filled silence…Jai once again looks back at Bani, this time with an expression of gratitude. 

Jai: … I-I don't know what to say Bani… Thank you for covering up for my niece and trying to save my family's honor… If it weren't for you… there would have been a catastrophe… 
Bani: Please don't thank me and embarrass me… I just did what I could for Anu… she is just like Rano to me. (being modest) 

Jai for once throughout this whole situation, smiles at her…pleased with how much she cares for his family. He silently begins to become proud of her… and realizes how lucky he is to have someone like Bani has his wife. Taking his wife's hand in his, Jai lifts it near his lips and kisses the back of her hand sweetly. Bani is momentarily stunned by this action of his. She watches as his eyes clash back with hers. 

Jai: You are an amazing woman, Bani… Sometimes it's hard to even believe that you're real…. You're too good to be true… 

Bani blushes beetroot and lowers her eyes shyly. He slowly releases her hand, leaving it tingling from his warm touch. 

Jai: Thank you...for telling me... We'll take care of this together, alright? We'll find a way to help Anu in the meantime.. 

Looking back up, she smiles in relief. 

Jai:…It's getting late….Shall we go home? 

Bani nods her head in agreement and Jai brings the car out of park, driving back onto the single roadway…. 
***********************************************************
"Bhaiya…Bhabhi… how was Dinner?", they hear Jigyasa slyly ask from a distance. Startled, Jai and Bani turn to where the voice is coming from in the darkness. Suddenly the lights turn on and they see her standing nearby the living room, still dressed in her red saree that she wore since this morning, smiling widely at them. Jai throws her a confused look and scans the empty looking Mansion. 

Jai: Where's Mausi?… Is everyone asleep? 

Jai and Bani were expecting to see Mausi waiting for them, but were puzzled by all the lights turned off in the Mansion. Bani had held onto his arm because she could not see where she was going. Slowly her grip on Jai loosens and her hand drops to her side. 

Jigyasa approaches them patiently, yet there's something dangerous about her walk and the gleam in her dark eyes. 

Jigyasa: Mausi's friend suddenly fell ill so she's at the hospital with her… she called and said she'll make it home in an hour… Aditya sent Saahil with her so she isn't alone. … Everyone else is sound asleep… 
Jai: Then what are you doing up? Shouldn't you be asleep also? 
Jigyasa: Oh bhaiya… I just wanted to see if you and Bhabhi came home safely… How was Dinner, hmm?

Jai eyes his little sister weirdly, not understanding where all of this concern is coming from. She usually was off in her own little world, distracting herself with her kitty friends and pampering herself. 

Jai: It was fine… it's late. We should all go on and sleep. . Come on, Bani… 

Jai begins walking off with Bani following behind, who casts her sister-in-law a quick strange glance, until they both are stopped by Jigyasa's booming voice. 

Jigyasa: You must be so ecstatic, Bhaiya… and I want you to know that I am also happy for the both of you and hope to God that he blesses the three of you. 

Beyond confused now, Jai turns around swiftly and stares questioningly at Jigyasa, who smirks at the both of them. Bani also looks equally puzzled as Jai. They both cast one another a quick glimpse before looking back at Jigyasa. 

Jai: The three of us? 
Jigyasa: (sugary) Why of course… you, Bhabhi,…and the oncoming child. --- 

Shock registers on both of Jai and Bani's faces. Bani feels her heart skip a few beats. Jai eyes his wicked sister with caution. He walks back over to her, his attention fully captured now. Did Jigyasa also come to know of the pregnancy? But how did she…. He will have to make sure for certain. 

Jai: What child do you speak of, Jigyasa? 
Jigyasa: (defying shock) Bhaiya, you do not know? 

Jai sees anger form in his baby sister's eyes and the smile on her lips tighten into a harsh one. She throws a nasty glare over at his wife, who stands rooted to her spot behind him…speechless. 

Jigyasa: The b*stard that your wife is carrying in her womb, Jai Bhaiya… 
Jai: Jigyasa!

He roars at her with warning as a fierce wrath of rage burns quickly inside of him. Bani flinches as does Jigyasa by her brother's unexpected and surprising anger, but she immediately recovers.

Jai: You watch your tongue… (he mutters through clenched teeth) 
Jigyasa: You will have to hear me out today, Bhaiya…. You will have to listen about what your darling wife is doing behind your back… behind all of our backs!

Jai's jaw tightens as he stares furiously at his sister, stepping nearer to her, intimidating her with his huge built form. 

Jai: Speak… (daring her) …tell me what my wife does….Since you obviously know her better than I… please, enlighten me with information…. 

Jigyasa stares back at her brother, not tearing her eyes away from him, feeling terribly confused by her brother's behavior, but manages to hide it. 

Jigyasa: Bhaiya… (her voice calming down) You are my elder brother… you are my mother and father… you are my everything and I love you too much to just silently see you get hurt… I will not tolerate anyone making a fool out of you…. 

Jai just heaves in anger, silently listening to his sister's words, wondering where she is getting at…. 

Jigyasa: Bhaiya, you are a successful man… intelligent… clever….a honest worker… you possess integrity… in every aspect you are perfect… but you have one flaw in yourself… and that is that you have poor judgment when it comes to trusting people… 
Jai: (cutting her off) Don't speak in riddles, Jigyasa… Tell me clearly what it is that you wish to tell me…. 

Jigyasa's eyes leave her brothers and travel over to Bani, who mutely stands stiffly to herself…. She points accusingly at her sister-in-law and speaks in a raised voice…

Jigyasa: This woman is no different from her sisters! … These Dixit sisters are all the same… Cunning, filthy, and lower than dirt! 
Jai: Jigy---
Jigyasa: (yelling over her brother) She has betrayed you just the same as your darling ex-fiance had!… She went behind your back and fooled around despite being married to you and belonging into a well respected family! … Your wife is two months pregnant with another man's child, Jai Bhaiya! She is carrying an illegitimate child in her womb! A sin! 

Tears fill in Bani's eyes as Jigyasa's dirty accusations ring throughout her ears. Jai looks at his sister with a mixture of disbelief and loathing. It now occurs to him that the anonymous tip given to the media must have come from Jigyasa. He does not doubt it--it is something his sister would do; she would do anything to humiliate Bani. Out of blind anger, he takes her wrist in a solid iron grip and opens his mouth to unleash his fury at her for accusing his wife of something so low and despicable, but is drained out by the sounds of opening doors and questioning voices. One by one the members of the house comes down to the living room in their sleep wear, eyeing the three of them with curiosity. 

Aditya: (sensing the tension) What is going on? Why are you all yelling? --- What has happened? 

Rano, the last one to come down the stairs, immediately searches for her sister and sees her standing a few feet away from her brother-in-law in a flood of tears. Worried, she rushes to her sister's side… 

Aditya stares back from his best friend and then to his ex-wife, who both glare at one another…. 

Aditya: …Jai? 
Jigyasa: (unexpectedly speaks) I will tell you, Aditya, what is going on here… The more people that learn about the exciting news, the better, right? 
Aditya: What are you talking about, Jigyasa? 
Dadi: Tum saaf saaf kyon nahi bholti ho, Jigyasa? (trans: Why don't you just tell us clearly, Jigyasa?)
Jigyasa: I will tell everyone… I will tell you all clearly about what the Bahu of this house has been doing stealthily… 

Bani's eyes widen at this and she begins to tremble. She feels everyone's gaze on her, which nerves her. She closes her eyes in defeat and feels her sister's grip on her arm tighten. Jai just stands rooted to his spot with his hands rolled into fists and his teeth clenched tightly together. 

Jigyasa: Yeh!--- Yeh Bani… joh aap saab samajhte ki baut bholi hai…uske andaar aache saanskar hai….kabhi kuch galat nahi kaarsakti….humare ghar ka izaat kyaal raakongi… aise kuch nahi kaarongi joh hume dukh paachonge…  woh Bani aaj saabat kiya hai ke who yeh saabh kaarsakti aur kaarchuki hai! (trans: This--This Bani… that you all think is so innocent… that has good values inside of her… that can never do anything wrong… that will take care of our reputation…that will never do anything that will hurt us… that Bani has proven today that she can do all of these things and has done all of them!)

Jigyasa glares nastily at Bani, who silently weeps to herself… afraid of her speaking any further. Rano looks quizzically from Jigyasa to her elder sister….feeling desperately confused and terrified herself. The rest watch Jigyasa with disbelief and puzzlement. 

Dadi: (demanding) Jigyasa, Bani neh aise kya kiya ke tum aise baatein khar rahi ho?! (trans: Jigyasa, what has Bani done that is making you say all of this?!)… Jai puttar? 

Jai takes his eyes off from his sister and switches it over to Dadi, who stares at him with hope. He opens his mouth to calm her, tell her to not to listen to anything that his mad sister has to say… Bani hasn't done anything wrong and never will. But he is cut off by a hyper Jigyasa. 

Jigyasa: Arre Jai Bhaiya aapko kya baatonge?! Usko bhi nahi maloom ke uske pyaari paatni neh kya kiya! (trans: Arre what will Jai Bhaiya tell you?! Even he doesn't know what his lovely wife has done!)
Aditya: (annoyed) Why don't you come out with it already? What do you wish to accuse Bani of this time?! 

Jigyasa reflects shock by this and eyes her ex-husband with hate. She storms over to her Bhabhi and grips hard onto her wrist. Pain flashes into Bani's tearing eyes as she stares at Jigyasa with fright. 

Jigyasa: Let me tell you what your innocent little sister has done, Aditya! --- She was so desperate for male attention that she fooled around and got herself pregnant!

She roughly pushes Bani aside, who is balanced by her sister immediately. Everyone gasps at this piece of news and their eyes widen from shock. 

Jai: JIGYASA!

Jai explodes like a volcano that has just erupted and turns around facing his sister. He takes a hold on her arm, pulls her towards him, and then slaps her hard with the back of his hand…Everyone hears the echo of the slap and are further shocked by Jai's reaction as is Jigyasa, who lifts a hand to her stinging cheek and looks up at her elder brother with tears brimming in her eyes. He then takes a grasp of her tiny wrist in his strong hand, squeezing it tightly, making Jigyasa squint in pain. He lowers his face near to her, giving her an even closer view of his outraged appearance. She feels her heart race….

Jai: How dare you…. How dare you accuse my wife of something so despicable… 
Jigyasa:…(in disbelief) You have slapped me…. You have never raised your hand on me once…and the day you do, that is to defend a wh*re?! (her voice raising) 

Another powerful smack silences Jigyasa momentarily. She again looks up at Jai's furious face with tears freely streaming from her eyes. 

Jai: (dangerously) I told you to watch your tongue!… Do you ever think before you speak, Jigyasa?! Did you ever stop to realize what you are accusing Bani of?! 
Jigyasa: (furious herself for being slapped twice yet crying) …I have proof, if you'd like to see it Bhaiya…. Proof of how promiscuous your wife has been …  

Angrily she snatches her wrist away from his hold and leaves the room….building a thick silence between everyone… There is no sound except for the soft crying heard from Bani, who is deeply hurt and embarrassed by the dirty accusations put on her. Rano soothingly rubs her back, giving her comfort, but doesn't know what to think or do…. She knew her Bani Di would never stoop so low… but what is this evidence that Jigyasa auntie speaks of? 

No later than a minute, Jigyasa returns with papers in her hands. She thrusts them into Jai's face with determination and confidence. Jai just lets his eyes rest on his sister, staring at her with shame…not for himself, but for her. He was ashamed for her. 

Jigyasa: Yeh dekhiye… Aapka paatni ke pregnancy reports… aaj aaye the… ek parcel mein… saaf saaf kaeteh hai ke Mrs. Bani Walia do month pregnant hai… dekho Bhaiya… phir decide karo … kaun saach hai aur kaun jhoota… (trans: Look at this… Your wife's pregnancy reports.. They came today… in a parcel.. It says clearly that Mrs. Bani Walia is two months pregnant… Look Bhaiya…then decide… who is right and who is wrong…)

Jai's eyes burn into Jigyasa's dark ones… he snarls at her with a confidence of his own. 

Jai: No paper is going to make me believe this rubbish… Even if God were to come down to this Earth and personally tell me that this is true, I would still deny it… Because I believe in Bani… and know that she will never betray me… she is my wife… and I trust her completely… 

Bani looks up on hearing this and her eyes well up once again as she stares in awe at her husband, who is defending her honor… her character….herself. Her heart begins to swell with happiness…. 

Jigyasa: You are being fooled, Bhaiya! (exasperated) This woman has you brainwashed! … She will bring you to your downfall!… Why do you not understand!
Aditya: (stepping in) You have crossed the line, Jigyasa! There is a limit to everything!… I knew that you were vile but never knew you were capable of stooping so low!… How could you even think of accusing Bani of a crime like this?! --- And these reports can easily be fake!

Jigyasa, who is becoming insane by frustration and everyone's support for her nemesis, out of anger walks back over to Bani, taking her by surprise, and shakes her roughly by her arm. 

Jigyasa: (demanding) Who was it, Bani? Who was it that you unashamedly messed around with?! Who is this dirty filth's father?!  Who does this disgusting blood belong to?!--Was it the driver?!--One of the butlers?!---Any one of the servants--- Or was it the postman---- Bolo, Bani, bolo!

Bani bursts into a fit of tears, not able to believe her sister-in-law. How could she even accuse of her something like this? Why would she put a daag on her character? Her attention is caught quickly by her husband's figure approaching them and pulling Jigyasa away from her. Bani's eyes widen as she sees his hand wrap firmly around her Jigyasa's thin neck, pressing his thumb hard into her throat. He looks at her with murderous eyes. 

Jai: I swear to God I will kill you if you speak any more filth from your mouth, Jigyasa! (his voice booming) 

Jigyasa looks back at him, gasping for air, with a petrified expression. Everyone else stills in the room, drinking in the scene before them…wanting to interfere and stop Jai before he does end up killing his sister, but too scared to undergo his wrath their self. Bani, acting instantly, tries breaking her husband's hold off from her sister-in-law's neck. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, you are choking her! She cannot breathe! (in between tears)
Jai: (ignoring Bani, staring deep into Jigyasa's scared eyes) … That dirty blood does not belong to the driver…to a butler….to a servant…nor to the postman…. Would you like to know who that dirty filth's father is, my darling sister? 

He speaks to her harshly, keeping his strong hold around her neck. Bani continues to plead to him to let go, but he's too blinded with anger to heed her any attention. 

Jai: (spits with anger) ….You have insulted Jai Walia's child…. My child… I will not spare you…. 
****************************************************

Chapter 26

Bani stills and stares back at her husband with stunned eyes. Her eyes shine with glistening tears as she strains her ears to make sure she had heard him right. 

Jai: The blood that you find so dirty run in my veins as well…. The child living in Bani's womb, that you call a sin, is mine… 

His thumb sinks in deeper into her throat, making Jigyasa choke further as she looks up at her brother with wide eyes, not able to believe the words that come from his mouth. Everyone else wonder how many more shocks they are in for… first the accusations made on Bani and now discovering that a couple that they had thought would take a long while to actually become into husband and wife were now expecting a child…. 

Jai: Only mine… no one else's… 

And with that he lets her go, pushing her away from him as he does so. Jigyasa lets out a loud gasp as she protectively holds onto her neck and tries regaining her breath. 

Jai: You have attempted to disgrace Bani before everyone… pointed a finger at her character…  accused her of something so unspeakable… You have insulted my wife…. my child… but more importantly, by insulting them both you have insulted me….and Jai Walia will not tolerate being insulted… Let me see how you stay here in MY house for a minute longer… 

Stunned, Jigyasa glances up…looking terrified for her life. 

Jigyasa: (stammers) B-but how did this happen? H-How can this child be yours?
Jai: (sarcastically) Would you like me to explain to you what happens between a man and a woman? 

Jigyasa turns red by this as does Bani, who isn't able to believe that her husband just said that in front of everyone and so coolly. 

Jai: But then again, you should know after having two kids of your own with your ex-husband…

Jigyasa is dumbfounded. She isn't able to digest the fact that the distance between her brother and sister-in-law has been breeched… that they have actually consummated their marriage… they have become into one… and now are expecting their first child, the actual heir to the Walia name. How in the world did this happen? 

Jigyasa: Jai Bhaiya----
Jai: (barks) Don't call me Bhaiya!-- I have never been so ashamed of you Jigyasa till now! You mean nothing to me… Get out of my house… 

Fear begins to build in the pit of her stomach… Her own brother is going to throw her out…and that to for the silly Mount Abu girl. How can he possibly do this to her? Where will she go? Where will she stay? No, she cannot leave…

Jigyasa: (on the verge of crying) Bhaiya, please!

Jai tugs hard on her wrist, dragging her away from the living room from everyone else, who do nothing but watch, and down the hallway towards the front doors, however, Jigyasa struggles against him, trying to wring her wrist out from his hold. 

Jigyasa: I am your sister! (breathes out) 
Jai: (abruptly stops, faces her) If you were my sister you wouldn't dare to point a finger at my wife… you wouldn't feed poison to the media….. Don't look so shocked, I know it was you.. It must have been you.. Where else would the media gather the information from? I know gossiping is one of your favorite hobbies…  Well now you are free to do so… but not in my house…. 

"Mr. Walia!", they both hear Bani's pleading voice from behind. Turning around both brother and sister watch her catching up to them with a worried expression etched on her face. She quickly approaches his side, breathless. 

Bani: Yeh aap kya khar rahe hai? Yeh aapke behen hai! (trans: What are you doing? This is your sister!)
Jai: (heaves) Behen?--- Kaise behen hai yeh? If I were to know that I would be given a sister like this, I would had begged God to make me an only child---
Bani: (interrupts him) You cannot just throw her out like this! Especially when her family is here….and when she has no where else to go!

Jai looks back at Bani with disbelief. 

Jai: This woman has said so much to you… kya nahi kaha issne!! Tumhare saath itane gaatiya baatein kaarchuke hai, phir bhi tum usske saath daarahi ho?! (questioning her, amazed) (trans: What has she not said! She has said so many disgusting things to you, yet you still are siding with her?!)

Bani is silenced by this momentarily and she stares over at her frightened sister-in-law, staring back at her with a disbelief of her own. Soothingly she lays a hand on her husband's shoulder and looks back to him with begging eyes. 

Bani: … Please… don't do this… Do not separate her from her children and family…. You will not only be punishing her, but you will be punishing our family as well…. Waise, Jigyasa Didi aapse choti hai… agar unhe neh koi gaalti ki… aapka faarz baanta hai ke aap usko maaf kaare… phir woh aapni gaalti se seeksakte… (trans: Besides, Jigyasa Didi is junior to you… if she has made a mistake… it is your duty to forgive her… then she can learn from it.)
Jai: (intervenes) Bani….she has tried to bring you below everyone's eyes…. 
Bani: Mr. Walia… (tears brimming in her eyes) I am certainly hurt (voice cracking) by being accused of something that I would never even think of doing…. I am hurt by how low Jigyasa Didi thinks of me…. But I will be even more hurt if because of me her family is snatched away from her…. 

Seeing the tears in his wife's eyes washes all the current anger from him and he takes her hand from her shoulder into his, giving her a comforting squeeze. Jai has let go of his grip on his sister's wrist… his attention temporarily brought away from her. 

Jai: … I don't ever want to see you hurt, Bani…. (says with genuine warmth) 

Bani's eyes meet with his and she feels a warm sensation build inside of her by his words. She watches him turn and look back at a stiff standing Jigyasa, crying her eyes out hysterically. Anger flashes back into his eyes… 

Jai: (harshly) Learn a thing or two from Bani, Jigyasa, whom you think so lowly of… Admire her mercy towards you… If it were anyone else they would had watched you being kicked out of this house with satisfaction… If by allowing you to stay under this roof gives her somewhat of a relief, then I will without hesitation oblige to her wish… Paar ek baath mera dhyaan se sunn…. If you try to pull anything… and I mean anything… or… if you try hurting Bani once again, … just think of yourself close to being dead….  (ends with a deadly tone) 

Jigyasa trembles by her brother's raging eyes and dangerous low voice. She watches with blurry angry eyes how he protectively clasps his hand with his wife's, entwining their fingers together. 

Jai: Aur hain… keep your well wishes to yourself… we don't need them from a witch…. (hisses) 

She flinches by the cruelty in his words and looks with stunned eyes as Jai tugs on Bani's hand, bringing her to his side, and taking her far away from her….leaving her alone in the middle of the dark gloomy hallway, crying over her insult and thrashing. Bani looks behind her shoulder as she is dragged away by her husband with sad eyes at how her sister-in-law weeps miserably to herself….

They arrive back to the living room, where everyone is still standing….speechless and rooted to their spots. Tears blind Bani's eyes and she can't help but to cry… she was ashamed and deeply embarrassed with what allegations were put on her before everyone…but more importantly, hurt beyond words. 

Jai: …. No one will go to her… No one will help her… She does not deserve anyone's pity… That woman isn't worth it… 

Aditya just grimaces at the whole situation. Disappointed in his ex-wife, furious with her, and sympathetic towards his sister. Dadi is completely appalled with what has happened… Rano, with tears in her eyes, watches her sister silently with a heavy heart…. 

Anu stands in a flood of tears… not able to comprehend anything or react to what had just happened. All of this was happening because of her… In order to protect her, Bani had to undergo so much… the horrible insults from her mother…. And now a rift exists between her mother and mamaji… all due to her…. Just her. Her face pales…. 

Aditya gently places a hand on Bani's head, feeling a hard tug on his heart and water rise to his eyes by seeing how hurt she is…. Bani just stands besides Jai, stiff and devastated… 

Jai, after meeting everyone's eyes and letting his words sink in, again pulls on Bani's hand, leading her over to the staircase to take her to their room. Aditya's hand slips off from her hair and he watches their retreating backs with a gloomy expression. Just as they approach the staircase, Jai looks over to his side where his niece stands, shaking to herself…her knees wobbling. He nerves and confuses her by his disapproval and disappointed expression….the intent gazing…and the frown lingering on his lips. Facing away from her, quickly he proceeds on with climbing up the stairs, his wife obediently following him behind with her head bent down….
************************************************************ *

After closing the door shut, he locks it in a haste and lets his hold break over Bani's small hand. Swearing under his breath, he runs his fingers through his thick hair, replaying the events through his head while Bani just mutely stands motionless, staring off in space with a blurry vision…her eyes blinded with rushing tears. Jigyasa's thundering voice ringing in her ears…

"These Dixit sisters are all the same… Cunning, filthy, and lower than dirt!"---"She went behind your back and fooled around despite being married to you and belonging into a well respected family!"---"She is carrying an illegitimate child in her womb! A sin!"----She was so desperate for male attention that she fooled around and got herself pregnant!"---"A wh*re!"

Biting down hard onto her bottom lip from keeping herself bursting, the tears spill fast from her pained looking eyes as these words continue to haunt her… Everyone's horrified seemed faces flash across her… Hot shame fuses into her… 

Jai Walia had never been so furious in his whole life. He was raging with boiling anger and was ready to explode like how a kettle bursts out hot steam. He stands with his hands in tight fists as his wife's insults do not leave his thoughts. As he remembers the tears that she had shed… tears that he promised would never reach her eyes…. That he promised himself. Over come with insane fury, Jai rams his fist into the closet door besides him… causing a loud bam to occur… not caring how now his hand throbs from pain. 

Now able to control herself anymore, Bani slowly moves away, creating distance between them…and finally explodes into another set of fresh tears….sobbing away… wanting to cry to her heart's content….till she could cry no more and her eyes would become dry. 

Startled by the outburst, Jai flashes her a look and instantly is concerned. He walks towards her… where she stands nearby one of the windows…her shoulders quivering…and occasionally softly gasping in between her tears….gathering some shaky breathes into her. Placing both of his hands on her upper arms, Jai swiftly turns her around, making her unwillingly face him. Bani keeps her eyes closed as she pours out her pain in front of her husband. 

Jai feels something inside of him sink on seeing her sob before him. He had never seen her cry so much and it troubled him…caused him pain as well. With the thought of wanting to take away all of her distress and agony, he engulfs Bani into a tight embrace… full of warmth… support… and comfort. His arms hold her securely against his torso….one wrapped around her slender waist….the other resting on her back as his hand finds it's way into her heavenly scented hair…his fingers running through the silky tresses….and face buried into them. 

Bani conceals her face into his chest and smothers herself comfortably into him….loving the way how she fits so perfectly against him…feeling safe and protected in his strong arms….and listens intently to his silky voice….that tries to hush her. She brings her arms around him, hugging his torso…..

Bani: …I-I…can never show my face to any one of them again…. 

She whispers to him in between her shaky sobs…. Jai gathers her closer to him and sweetly runs his hand down her smooth hair….

Jai: (murmuring in her ear) You have no reason to be ashamed… You did nothing wrong… Absolutely nothing… You are purer than anyone else in this world, Bani…. Completely flawless…. 

Bani opens her mouth to reply back, but she is too overcome with emotion that instead she continues to weep….

It seemed like an eternity had passed with the both wrapped in each other's arms tightly…close enough to feel the other's heart beat… long enough to have their breathing in sync…. They provide each other warmth as the gentle breeze from the cracked window runs through them…. The curtains lightly bumping into them as it twirls around from the harmless force of the wind… 

After a long while, sensing that she has finally come to ease and that her tears are coming to an end, Jai… knowing very well how exhausted his wife has become after her waterworks…scoops her off from her feet, holding her up in his powerful built arms….and stares down at her lovely face with tender eyes…. 

Bani digs her face into the crook of his neck, smelling in the wonderful scent of his cologne, and secures her hold around his neck….unaware of what she is doing…only acting upon the moment…. 

Jai carries her half unconscious self to their bed, where he places her beside him and is unhesitant in pulling her petite frame back into his embrace, feeling that it is absolutely right… Tired, she snuggles closely against him, resting her hands against his chest, and soon drifts off into a peaceful sleep….with him stroking her back with care and gentleness… 
************************************************************ ***

Bani awoke to the annoying glare from the sun coming through the half covered windows in the room… She stirs, feeling incredibly exhausted, and tries finding a more cozier position to fall back asleep, but as her drowsy eyes fall upon the large red digits of the alarm clock beside her, she quickly springs her eyes open with realization. It was time to wake up and Mausi would be expecting her in the Puja room like always. With this in mind, she slides the comforter off of her and attempts to get up, but is alarmed on being held back firmly in place. Confused, she looks down and finds a startling surprise…. Her husband's arm wrapped securely over her stomach…keeping her besides him. She then becomes fully aware of his close presence besides her… feeling his breath fanning the side of her face, flushing from this. His head is slanted slightly down nearer towards her own,…close to slipping off from the edge of his pillow….

Silently she gazes at him with wonder in her eyes…. Admiring his handsome appearance as he sleeps peacefully and contently with his arm around her….She feels the rhythm of her heartbeat increase just by the sight of him and her eyes shine with secret delight…

This man laying beside her… her husband… Jai Walia… had protected her and defended her honor… made sure to keep her character stain free….diminished every accusation made against her… held such trust in her… washed away her agony with just simply keeping her in a warm-hearted lock in his arms…silently letting her know that he is there for her… 

This man….this very one…the one she has become crazy about and loves to no extent…. Yes… Bani Walia is in love… that to with her very own husband… and has finally come to admitting it. Since when… she has no clue… Was it when they had gone to their very first dinner date? Where he had apologized to her and promised her that he is a changed man? …During their time at the farmhouse? …Where they had learned to become into friends? … Was it seeing him interact with her baby sister like if she were his own? … Last night's dinner where they talked endlessly with one another?… Or perhaps she fell in love with him ages ago… maybe that was why she had quietly taken all of his tormenting… why she always felt something in her arise whenever she would catch him smile… why she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever he touched her… why she wanted to swoon whenever he came near… why she spent so many hours just staring at his sleeping face late into the night… 

Bani could care less right at the moment if he doesn't insanely love her back as she does him…  She has finally come to terms with her feelings.. .Finally understood why she always felt so apprehensive whenever he was around and always lost in his thoughts… Love… It was love all a long. 

People always say… Pyaar paata nahi kaise hota, baas hojaate… Well they are certainly true. Even she doesn't know when she fell head over heels for Jai Walia … but is delirious with joy for being so… Love… what a wonderful thing to experience…. It brings out both the good and bad out of everyone…

She had thought that she was in love once… that too with her younger sister's husband… once her best friend… After discovering Pushkar and Pia's elopement, and of their craziness for each other… She immediately pushed her feelings away for him…. Locking them away… knowing it was now inappropriate to hold feelings for her sister's husband… 

Silly her… She had thought what she shared with Pushkar was love when indeed it was just a beautiful friendship… Bani had never been friends with one of the opposite-sex before until Pushkar came along… charming her with his cute boyish talks… easily making her laugh… making her feel special… It was all just an infatuation… she now knows… A school girl crush… Pushkar could/can never arouse the strong sensational feelings inside of her that her husband always succeeds in doing. 

Bringing her hand towards him… she lightly strokes his hair with her fingers…gently brushing off the strands of hair resting against his forehead…caressing his face….sliding her hand down and cupping his cheek….stroking it with her thumb… like how he had done to her numerous of times before… 

Bani felt like pouring out her heart to him right that moment despite him being asleep…but knew she would have to keep this a secret to herself… Maybe one day… he will also love her back…. She would pray to God for that day to come… 

Her eyes lower to his lips and she blushes as she remembers the incident from yesterday and at the farmhouse. He had intently stared at her, making her feel as if she were naked… his gray eyes undressing her as they lowered down… She burned crimson under his roaming gaze… and had even silently cursed herself for wearing a see-through saree. She had no clue what he was thinking about doing when he had reached out to lay his hand on her face….if only the reporters hadn't come… she would had found out. The look in his eyes though sent chills down her spine….she had never seen them so dark before…. 

And at the farm house… where Bani had somehow landed on top of him… the way he had looked up at her made her catch her breath in her throat… and when he had drawn nearer to her, just centimeters from her face… she panicked and turned away…. What if she hadn't though? What would had it felt like having his lips on her own? 

Bani immediately blushes and mentally smacks herself on her forehead. Here she is… unashamedly staring at her husband like a love-struck fool when she should quickly get up before he awakes, finding them in an awkward situation… which didn't feel awkward to her at all…feeling completely right… but she knew it would be to him. 

Unwillingly she brings herself out from his unintentional embrace, gently picking up his arm and placing it onto his side of the bed. She regrets it though as she feels his enjoyable warmth leaving her… 

In a nervous wreck she gets out from bed and walks over to the bathroom… her insides feeling like they are about to blow and her heart racing on… thumping crazily against her chest… jumpy from excitement and intoxicated with happiness on discovering her feelings…
************************************************************ **

Jai mumbles and switches sides as he feels someone shaking him to get up… He was tired from last night and wanted to rest some more… But the person bringing him out of his sleep is hell-bent on fully waking him. Groggily he turns back around to face who it is and glances up with slight watering eyes from his yawning. He is surprised to see Bani staring back at him, biting on her lip nervously…yet looking very cute as she does so… and looking beautiful with her hair wet from a shower and dressed in a glowing yellow saree…seeming like the shining sun itself. Sleep far gone now… Jai sits up and looks at her, confused. 

Bani: Ji…aap jaage nahi… shayad aap alarm clock ko set nahi kiya kaal raat… baut late hochuka…naastha served honwala…aap office ko bhi jhaana….aur maine aapkeliye coffee laake aaye hoon. (trans: You didn't wake up… perhaps you forgot to set the alarm clock last night…it's very late…breakfast is about to be served…and I have brought you coffee.)

Jai blinks for a couple of times and then finally registers what she has said to him. He rubs his eyes, tiredly. 

Jai: (groggy voice) Arre, tum kyon laake aaye ho? Tony hai… woh kaarta tha…(trans: Why have you brought it? Tony is there… he would had done it.)

Opening his eyes once again, he watches his wife turn slightly pink by this as she smiles shyly and looks down. 

Bani: Ji woh… main soochari thi…ke aaj main aapkeliye laaon. (trans: I was thinking… that I would bring it for you.)
Jai: (sincerely) Thank you.

Bani looks up and smiles sweetly at him, making him grin a little as well. He looks over at the clock and is shocked to see that it's 8:45. 

Bani: Aap jhaake fresh hoyeh….main aapkeliye naashta tyaar kaarti hoon…aapka coffee yahan table per hai. (trans: Go on and get ready…. I will prepare your breakfast. Your coffee is right here on the table.) 

Jai stares at her, curiously and cautiously… He doesn't see a hint of grief in her which surprises him, but pleases him as well because he hated seeing her upset… However, she is acting as if nothing had happened… Is she really alright? 

Jai: Bani, tum teek ho haina? (trans: Bani, you're alright, aren't you?)

He asks her, catching Bani off guard, who had begun taking out his suit and tie for him to wear for the office. She glances back at him over her shoulder, giving him a sunny smile…. Agar aap mere saath ho…phir main to hamesha hi teek hogi… she answers silently to herself, but instead replies back…

Bani: Ji, bilkul…kyon? (trans: Yes, certainly… why?)
Jai: (shaking his head) Nahi… baas poochara tha… (trans: No… just asking.) I'm glad to see that you're fine now. 

Bani smiles even more on this and walks back over to their bed, laying his clothes, tie, and socks at the edge of it. She moves over to his dresser, laying out his watch, pen, and handkerchief for him. She looks back, expecting him out of bed and going over to the bathroom, but finds him unmoved from the bed, still gazing at her with caution. 

Bani: Mr. Walia… aap kya khar rahe hai? Abh taak aap utaae nahi? Jaaye, fresh hojaye. Aap phele se late hai… aab aur waqt waste naa karo. Saab aapkeliye neeche intezaar khar rahe hogeh.(fussing over him) (trans: Mr. Walia.. What are you doing? You still haven't gotten up? Go, freshen up. You are already late as it is… don't waste anymore time. Everyone will be waiting for you downstairs.)

Realizing that what she is saying is right, Jai throws the comforter off of him and begins making his way to the bathroom, but not before casting her another look. There is something definitely odd about her today… She looks more cheerful than usual… But he holds no complaints… He enjoys seeing her so chirpy and behaving like a typical wife with him. Grinning on this thought, he enters the bathroom and closes the door behind him.
************************************************************ ******

Breakfast was awkward and silent, besides Mausi who animatedly chatted around, wanting to get rid of the unusual silence. The scene from last night kept on repeating through their minds and everyone couldn't help but look at Bani sympathetically. None knew what to say to her after what had occurred. Anu hid her face in shame by using her hair as a shield, not able to meet her Mamiji's eyes. After all, this all was happening due to her. Bani was aware of everyone's concerned looks, which only made her feel even more upset and out of place. She wanted to forget what happened, but these people were not helping her do so. 

Bani perks up quickly and smiles on seeing Jai finally arrive at the table with haste, his tie not even properly tucked into his coat, the cuffs to his sleeves still open, and had even forgotten to wear his watch today. Everyone watches him with amusement…. 

Mausi: Munna, yeh kya hai? Aaj subah tum kahan tha? (trans: Munna, what is this? Where were you this morning?)

Jai, already digging into the food that Bani has specially laid out for him, replies back to Mausi in an absent manner…

Jai: Kahan tha? Main yahan hoon… aab bhi subah hai, Mausi…. Aur main to baas (glances down at his wrist to note the time, but is alarmed on not seeing his watch there)… mera ghaari? Mera ghaari kahan hai? (speaking to himself)  (trans: Where was I? I am here… it is still morning, Mausi… and I was just ….my watch? Where is my watch?)

Bani can't help but smile even more at this. He looks so cute when confused and lost. She stands up from her seat and gives him a reassuring look. 

Bani: Main aabhi laate hoon… shayad aap kamre mein bhoolgae… (trans: I'll just go get… perhaps you left it in the room.)

Jai smiles thankfully at her while he tries to quickly chow down his breakfast in order to leave to the office on time. Bani has to use every bit of her strength to restrain herself from laughing at him. She leaves with a cheeky grin permanently etched on her face. 

Mausi: Tum thirty minutes late ho, Munna… (trans: You are thirty minutes late, Munna.) Tum aaj itana late kyon ho? …aur zaara tera shakal ko dekh… your sleeves are not even buttoned and your tie is not even securely knotted. (trans: Why are you so late today? And just take a look at yourself….)
Jai: I forgot to set my alarm last night… I'm just running a bit late, Mausi… 
Aditya: Jai, not that I'm trying to rush you or anything, but we do have to leave to the office in five minutes. We have that meeting with Mr. Saxeena at 10:00 in the morning. 

Jai swears under his breath as he hastily just leaves his food on his plate and gets out from his seat to go fetch his things from the study. While Jai walks out of the dining room, a few moments later Bani renters it with his silver watch in her hands. She is confused on not seeing him there anymore. 

Bani: Mausi, …woh kahan gaaye? (trans: Mausi, where has he gone?)
Mausi: He is in a hurry so he has gone to gather his things from his Study to leave. 

Bani notices that he has barely eaten half of the food she had made for him specially today. She worries of him going to work on an empty stomach. 

Bani: But he has barely eaten his food…. 
Mausi: (sighs, defeated) Bahu, I have given up all hope on this boy… Now it's your turn to put up with him. 

She is silent for a moment, thinking to herself, before walking towards the table and pouring a glass of orange juice from the pitcher. Bani leaves without saying another word and wanders off in the other direction of the Mansion, towards her husband's study. She knocks on the creaked open door and hears him reply hastily, "Come in". She steps in and finds him standing right behind his desk, looking through a file in his hands, his eyes moving back and forth quickly. Bani notes that he has finally gotten to buttoning the cuffs of his sleeves, but still hasn't managed to fix his tie. She walks over to him with the orange juice in her hand and his watch in the other. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, your watch. 

Jai quickly glances up, acknowledging her, and takes his watch from her outstretched hand. He puts the file down onto his working desk, still reading through the open pages, while he attempts strapping the watch onto his wrist. 

Jai: Thanks. 
Bani: Is it necessary that you leave now? Can't you call in and say that you will be a little late? --- You haven't even finished your breakfast. 
Jai: Hmm… no, I have to leave now. I've got a meeting scheduled at 10:00. 

He pulls his coat sleeve over his watch and then picks the file back up into his hands. Jai walks around the desk, headed towards leaving the Study, with his eyes still downcast on the file. Bani, however, stops him by standing in his way. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, at least drink juice. 
Jai: (absentmindedly) Bani, don't worry about me. I'll grab something to eat later. (flipping a page)

Bani frowns at this, knowing very well that his "laters" never actually happened. She is stubborn, therefore, does not move out of the way. 

Bani: (upset) Main aachi taare se jhaanti hoon ke aapke "laters" kabhi nahi hote. … Aap sirf kaam kaam aur kaam ke baare mein soochte hai. (trans: I know very well that your "laters" never happen. … You only think about work work and work.) You are going to starve yourself through out the day. --- Please, at least have something. 

Jai sighs, finally looks up at her frowning face, and knows that he is fighting a losing battle. 

Jai: Accha baba, give me the juice. 

This puts a soft smile on her lips as she raises up the glass in front of him. Jai takes it and begins drinking it. Bani's eyes land once again on his tie. She nears him and begins to work on the task. 

Bani: Aap aapne ties ko aache taare se knot bhi nahi kaarsakte.  (complaining) (trans: You can't even knot your ties right.) 
Jai: (in between drinking) Tum ho nah…. Tum mere liye kaarongi. (smirking, winking) (trans: You are here… You will do it for me.) 

Bani blushes a light shade of pink by this and keeps her eyes glued to his neck, where she just finishes knotting his tie perfectly. Jai chuckles at this and goes back to finishing his juice to please his wife. She tucks it into his coat, fixes a couple of his buttons on his coat that were put into the wrong hole, and smiles brightly up at him. Taking away the empty glass away from his lips, Jai hands it over to her and says with a friendly smile, "Khush?" 

Bani shyly smiles back and responds, "Baut". 

Jai: Good. Now can you stop blocking the way so I can get through? 
Bani: (grinning slyly) Ji. Aap aapna kyaal rakhiye. (trans: Take care of yourself.) 
Jai: Tum bhi. (trans: You too.) 
Bani: Aur zaroor lunch ko nahi miss karna. Mujhe maloom hai ke aap aapka lunch time work time ko banatah ho. (trans: And make sure not to miss lunch. I know that you turn your lunch time into work time.)
Jai: (giving her a laughing smile, teasingly says) Ji, memsaab. Aur kuch? (trans: Yes ma'am. Anything else?)
Bani: (blushes, shakes her head)….Baas. 
Jai: Good. Main chaalta hoon. (trans: I'll be leaving.) I'll see you later on in the evening. 
Bani: Ji. 

Jai leaves in a haste with the file in his hand and briefcase in the other. Bani stands alone in the room, smiling happily to herself. She doesn't notice Mausi, who had been silently standing outside the Study door watching the scene with a pleased grin, until she makes her presence heard. 

Mausi: Haye Ram, I have been trying to get that boy to listen to me for years, but when you tell him, he listens obediently without a fuss. 

Mausi had curiously followed behind Bani, wondering what she was going to say and do, and was very happy with what she had seen. Her daughter-in-law really does take great care of him. She is blessed to have her as her Bahu. 

Startled, Bani's smile fades and instead she blushes beetroot. Mausi laughs and comes inside towards her. She affectionately places a hand on her head. 

Mausi: … You are glowing marvelously today. I love to see you like this, Bahu. Hamesha khush raho. (trans: Always be happy.) Bhagwan kaare ke koi burri nazaar naa laage tumhe aur tumhari baacha ko. (tarns: I hope to God that no evil eye falls on you and your child.) 

Bani, who a moment ago was feeling delighted, now looks at Mausi, aghast.

Mausi: Hain Bahu…(stroking her hair) I know you are pregnant with my Munna's child….(sadness in her eyes) Beji has told me everything that had occurred last night once I questioned her why Jigyasa was not down for Breakfast. 

Knowing very well that hell would arise if she made her presence at Breakfast, Jigyasa wisely stayed in her room, fearing her brother's temper, and ordered Tony to serve her meal there. 

Bani, feeling slightly upset again by the reminder, lowers her eyes down. 

Mausi: I never knew that Jigyasa could do something as low as she did… She has insulted this house's Bahu without giving a thought of what she is doing….dared to accuse of you something so unspeakable. … I don't understand, however, why she would accuse you of those things… why she would think so lowly of you. 

Mausi glances up and sees that there are tears in Bani's eyes and smiles sympathetically at her. She pulls her into a hug, placing Bani's head on her shoulder, and soothingly rubbing her back. Bani hugs Mausi back, who reminded her of her own mother… Kiran Dixit… who had died seven years back. She felt like she was in her mother's arm for that moment. 

Mausi: I want to apologize to you on behalf of Jigyasa…. What she did was inappropriate and unacceptable…. I am so sorry, Bani… that you had to go through all that she said to you. 

Bani lifts her head up and smiles faintly at Mausi with the tears still lingering in her eyes. 

Bani: … So am I, Mausi… but I am glad that this family has given me their support and have faith in me… 
Mausi: You are not just this family's Bahu, Bani, you are more than just that… you are a daughter and hold a cherishing place in all of our hearts. 

Bani feels warm tears rebuild in her eyes by the genuine in her voice and she quickly embraces Mausi again, holding onto her dearly…..
************************************************************ ***

Rano went to her university in a disturbed manner. She rarely talked to Nisha or listened to what her chirpy friend had to say. Her mind was only revolved around what happened last night and she couldn't get over her sister's insult. She was raging inside and wanted to throttle Jigyasa just as her brother-in-law had. How cheap did the woman really think her and her sisters were? They were no where near to her opinion of them being desperate, pathetic girls who would do anything for money and status. 

Nisha: Rano… you know you can tell me anything. … I am ready to listen to you whenever you want… 

Nisha abruptly asks her as they were walking down the hallway from their last class. Startled, Rano looks at her. 

Nisha: I know there is something up… you are very quiet and your face looks troubled… I won't pressure you into telling me… Perhaps you're still upset over it and want some time to cool off…

Rano suddenly remembers her cold shoulder attitude towards her friend and looks at her guilty. She didn't mean to act indifferent, but her mind was just a mess at the moment. 

Rano: I'm sorry, Nisha…
Nisha: Don't be. I understand….
Rano: …I'll tell you, I promise… just not right now… not when it's so fresh. 

Nisha shakes her head in understanding. Rano smiles lightly at her, appreciating her giving her time. She would tell her friend everything, but once she has cooled off a bit… Nisha was the only person she could talk to besides her Bani Di. 

Nisha: You take care of yourself. Call me if you need me. I've got to go quickly catch one of my professor's before going home. I'll see you tomorrow. 

Nisha walks off at a turn, leaving Rano by herself, mopping miserably to herself. She was so involved in her inner thoughts that she did not feel the presence of someone until he had surprised her by pulling her aside, pressing her back against a column nearby, and possessively placing two hands on her hips, keeping her in place. Looking up, Rano is stunned as her eyes look into Saahil Walia's, who grins mischievously down at her from his six foot height. It doesn't take too long for her to seethe in anger and cringe from the way he holds her like if she is only his possession. She looks down from his hands and back up at his foolishly grinning face. Oh how badly she wanted to wipe off that smile with a smack, but she didn't want to draw attention from anyone. 

Saahil: (murmuring in her ear) Hey gorgeous. 

Saahil had been watching her closely today, noting her behavior, wondering what had caused her to be in such a mood. She had even ignored her best friend throughout the day. He sees anger building in her eyes, but brushes it off as nothing as this was normal for him to see rage directed at him from her. 

Rano: (warning tone) Saahil, let go of me. I am not in the mood for your inappropriate behavior. 

He reaches out to stroke her hair, shocking Rano by this gesture. Angrily she pushes his hand back, making Saahil smile at her feisty self. 

Saahil: Why the frown? 

If Rano was angry before, she looks at Saahil with disbelief and grows even more serious by his nonchalant tone. Is he actually questioning her why she is upset? Why she is in the mood that is in now? The nerve of this guy! Sure he wasn't there last night to witness what happened, but of course his chatty sister must have informed him about it, she always tells him everything. If Mausi discovered what happened, he must have had also. …And he has no sign of regret? Remorse? For what his mother had put her Bani Di through? No sympathy? Apology? 

Rano: How dare you… (shaking from anger)
Saahil: (raises a brow) Excuse me? 
Rano: The nerve you have to come here and pin me up to a column, still acting inappropriately with me after with what just happened! You disgust me! You are a pig, Saahil Walia! You and your mother! (spits)

Saahil's smile vanishes and his jaw tightens. She can see the twitch in the lower part of his jaw and knows that she has struck a nerve. 

Saahil knew that his mother was laconic, harsh, and intolerable sometimes, but after all she is his mother and he still loved her dearly. He will not tolerate any insult towards her for no apparent reason, which he believed Rano did not have. 

Saahil: (hoarsely) Don't bring my mother into this, Rano. …and what the hell are you talking about? (demanding)
Rano: So you are going to act innocent?! Act like you have no clue what I am saying?! Pretend like nothing happened last night?!
Saahil: (confused beyond words) Rano, stop it already and get to the point. 

He loosens his hold on her and curiously looks at her, very puzzled and wanting to know what's going on. 

Rano: The point is Saahil Walia is that you and your mother sicken me! You, a spoiled brat, believe that you can have anything or anyone! I am a human being, not a prized possession that you can flaunt off to others like you do with your BMW and CD collection! --- Your touch makes my skin crawl and makes me want to puke!

Saahil looks thunder-struck at her, finding himself speechless and his ego hurt big time. Rano pushes him roughly back from him with her hands on his chest, making him stagger. 

Rano: And your mother! Do I need to remind your small pea shaped brain of what she had done?!--- (whispering furiously) That vile woman dared to accuse my sister of…..(painfully closes her eyes)… I can't even bring myself to say it. That is how cheap it is! …Besides, my sister doesn't need any extra male attention when she has Mr. Walia by her side! He is enough for her!---But your pigheaded mother just can't seem to wrap around her also pea shaped brain around the fact that her brother and my sister can actually be happy together and share a husband-wife relationship! No, once she found out my sister is pregnant, she goes on flying daggers at her, accusing her for adultery! (finally bringing herself out to say it) 
Saahi: (stunned)….When did this happen? 
Rano: Last night you moron! And how dare you come after me still! I don't want you within 500 meters of the area around me! Otherwise I swear on God that I won't keep myself from killing you with my two bare hands!

Rano makes a movement to storm off from him, but once instantly Saahil pulls her back against the column as he sees her moving away. 

Saahil: (breathes out in a rush) Rano, please believe me. I had no idea----
Rano: Don't give me that crap! (barks) You are honestly telling me that you didn't hear about it despite your gossiping little sister who always tells you what happens at the Mansion! 
Saahil: Rano, hear me out----
Rano: (her voice raising, close to tears) I don't want to hear anything from you, Saahil! Let go of me!
Saahil: No, Rano, I won't, not before you listen to me!
Rano: Saahil, let go!!! (struggling against him)
Saahil: Rano-- (frustrated himself)

Right that moment, unexpectedly he feels someone grip onto his arm and pull it behind his back, twisting it painfully. He moans from pain and wonders who it is behind him. Rano looks on in awe as her eyes look behind Saahil in a daze…

"I believe the young lady said 'Let go", a deep masculine voice says in a highly dangerous tone….
************************************************************ ******

Chapter 27 A

Rano stares at the scene in front of her with awe….actually staring at a particular person who she had thought about constantly ever since her last occurrence with him…never letting him leave her mind…doing something as foolish as even daydreaming about him… that very person who is now gripping Saahil's arm tightly against his back, causing him to squint in pain. 

Ranveer seems even more handsome than she had last remembered him or perhaps it is just from the sun shining down on him which makes him stand out exceptionally today. Her heart races….

Saahil: Oww!!! What the hell?! (angry)--- Hey, stay out of this man! This is between me and her!

Saahil just recieves another painful twist of his arm in return for his rude words. 

Ranveer: I'm sorry…but I'm not the kind of person to just walk away from a scene where a guy is harassing an innocent girl… and has her pinned against her will. 
Saahil: (defensive) I wasn't harassing her! I'm her boyfriend, dammit! 

Rano gapes at this, astounded by the nerve of Saahil to go on and say a lie like that. She sees Ranveer turn and look at her, seeking confirmation. She feels as if she has died and gone straight to heaven as his warm chocolate brown eyes bore into her light ones. A blush creeps into her cheeks and she shakes her head quickly. 

Ranveer feels a sweep of relief on seeing her reply as a negative for reasons unknown. An idea comes to his mind and decides to have a little fun with the foolish boy before him. He tugs even harder on Saahil's arm, making him groan and leap up in pain. 

Ranveer: Is that so? (amusement in his voice)

Angrily Saahil breaks his arm away successfully and spins around to get a view of the b*stard who dared to touch him in this manner. He is slightly intimidated by his tall built frame hovering over him. For once in his life, Saahil actually felt weak and small. But his pride and ego refuse to let him concede to defeat. 

Saahil: Damn right it is!
Ranveer: Now how can that be possible….when I am dating her? …I don't find Rano as the cheating type. 

Ranveer didn't know which one of the two looked more baffled by what he had said… Saahil or Rano. He refuses to look at Rano at that moment, not able to look at her watching him the way she is now…  He keeps his eyes on the pale, shocked boy and uses every power in him to keep him from laughing at the ridicule on his face. 

Saahil: You're lying!… Rano doesn't know you! 
Ranveer: Really? … Then I guess I must have been going out with Rano's twin or look-alike for the past months… (teasingly making a thoughtful look)

Saahil is further stupefied by this. Rano has a boyfriend? That too an older guy? He looks at Rano, wanting her to refuse to this, but sees her in a daze, looking at Ranveer with batting eyelashes. Her cheeks burning red. 

Saahil: Rano, why aren't you saying anything?! --- Tell him that you don't know him!
Ranveer: …. Sweetheart, tell this insufferable boy that we are together. (nonchalant tone)

Boy? He called him a boy? Saahil wasn't going to spare him. He is eighteen years old. So what if he is a little older than him. That doesn't give him any right to call him a boy. He is a young man.

Rano keeps her gaze transfixed on Ranveer, mesmerized by his appearance and having a dreamy look on her face by the words that had come from his mouth. Them together…. She could already envision it. Oh how she wanted it to be true…. She blushes even more by her thoughts. 

Saahil: Rano? 

Slightly startled, Rano turns her head in his direction in confusion. What did he want? 

Saahil: Why aren't you speaking? Tell him that you don't know him. (demanding)

She is brought back to reality and realizes the current situation. Rano flashes Saahil a hateful look and nears by Ranveer's side. 

Rano: No, I will not…because I do know him… very well… I have been with Ranveer for a while now. (playing along with Ranveer)

Saahil looks from Rano to Ranveer and back to Rano in disbelief. He feels a sinking feeling in him and a mix feeling of anger in him. 

Saahil: (accusing tone)…. He is too old for you. 
Ranveer: (replying back coolly) And you… too immature. 

Saahil glares at Ranveer with strong loathing. His hand rolls into a fist as he sees Ranveer place an arm around Rano, drawing her to his side. Rano looks perplexed by this and stares up at Ranveer with quiet eyes. 

Ranveer: I strongly advise that you leave now before I make a harassment suit against you. 

Furious, offended, and his ego hurt, Saahil storms off in a fit…leaving the supposed dating couple to themselves. Ranveer watches Saahil leave with satisfaction and turns to look down at Rano, who hadn't removed her eyes away from him, blinking silently at him. Quickly he releases her and makes some distance between them. He looks a bit sheepish with what had happened and runs his fingers through his hair. 

Ranveer: I'm sorry… but I thought that would be the only way he'd leave you alone. (wanting to defend himself)

Ranveer wasn't too sure on how she would react. He is surprised though but also relieved to see her smile cutely. 

Rano: You don't have to be sorry… and you're right… that is the only way he'll leave me alone. …(shyly) Thank you for helping me. 
Ranveer: (smiling back) No problem at all… 

There is an awkward moment of silence between them.

Rano: (clearing her throat)… Um… I don't mean to sound rude, but what are you even doing here? 
Ranveer: … I have been waiting ten minutes for my crazy sister… I came in here looking for her… Do you by any chance know where she is? 
Rano: She went to quickly meet up with one of her professors. 
Ranveer: Do you know in which direction she went?-- I'm running a bit late and it's necessary that I leave on time. 
Rano … Of course… she went down the corridor over there to the left….

Rano points out the corridor to him. Ranveer follows and he sighs with relief on seeing his sister appearing in view, just walking up the corridor towards them. He is not a very patient person….the last ten minutes had felt like eons to him. 

Ranveer: Here comes the Jansi ki Rani… taking her time. 

Rano can't help but giggle at his comment. He looks back at her and smiles back. 

Ranveer: I guess I will see you around some other time, Rano. 
Rano: I guess so… and thank you once again. If you weren't here then who knows what woul--
Ranveer: Hey….don't mention it… 

Rano looks straight into his warming eyes as he places a gentle hand on her arm. He gives her a swooning smile. 

Ranveer: …. I should leave…. Take care of yourself… and if that kid tries to pull anything else on you… just let me know. (winks)

Blushing, Rano nods her head. 

Ranveer: Bye, Rano. 

Rano quietly watches him make his way over to his sister, who finally recognizes his presence and goes running over to him. Together they go walking towards the exit arm in arm. She smiles shyly, happily to herself and proceeds in going towards her on way…..lost in Ranveer's thoughts at the moment.
************************************************************ *

Jai swivels around in his chair, neglecting the pending work to do in front of him and only focusing his attention on his wife's thoughts… He didn't know why…but he felt apprehensive inside and restless…her tear stained face from last night was not leaving his mind… she was obviously very pained from what had happened… otherwise she wouldn't had cried in front of him the way she had done…. Yet when she had awoken this morning… it was like nothing even occurred… she shined radiantly with happiness… happiness which he knew not the reason of. Could this be some facade she is deliberately putting on? That she isn't hurt by any means… Is she truly okay? He knows very well that Bani is a master in hiding her true feelings… she had done it numerous of times with him before….hiding her sorrow away from him during the countless of times he had verbally abused her and behaved like a monster. Or is she truly happy? And if she is….what is the reason behind that smile of hers? 

Despite all of this… Jai secretly yearns to hear her melodious voice….have her beautiful face in his sight…bring her by his side…even in his arms, in which her slender body had slept so serenely in last night. He snaps out of his thoughts roughly as he realizes what he is thinking of….why is he experiencing this sense of unease? This impatience? More importantly why does he wish for Bani's presence so strongly? He had just seen her hours ago… yet it feels like a century has passed by. 

He half unconsciously searches his pockets for his cell phone… If he were in his normal state, he would never had called home like he was doing right now. Anxiously he awaits for her to pick up the other line as the phone rings… 

"Hello?", he hears his Mausi's voice speak. Jai is immediately disappointed with Bani not picking up the phone, but Mausi doing so instead. He wants to listen to her voice so bad….wants to know if she's alright… know her plans for the day…what's she's doing right now… oh hell, he just wants to hear her talk about anything… so he can lose himself in the melody of her tone… and put ease to his bustling heart. 

Jai licks his dry lips and replies back hoarsely, "Mausi?". 

Mausi: (cheery) Munna? Arre, Munna… hum abhi tumhare bhaare mein baatein khar rahe the…(trans: Arre Munna, … we were just talking about you.)
Jai: Hum?….
Mausi: Hain… tumhari Dadi, Rano, aur Bahu…. 

He feels his heart skip a beat…. So Bani is around? Is she besides Mausi? Damn… why couldn't she pick up the phone? 

Jai: … I am hoping you all are only speaking good things about me?… 
Mausi: (laughing) Hain hain, of course… Would a mother ever speak bad about her own son? 
Jai: Of course not… but she surely can complain, can't she? 
Mausi: (laughing once again) No, not this time… We are just reassuring your wife here that you will take good care of her health in her condition…. After all you were there to help Jigyasa out with her pregnancy…you will know what you are doing. 
Jai: (stunned) …..Mausi?
Mausi: Lao Munna… yeh tumhari Paatni gur gur phone ko dhek raahi hai… shayad woh tumse baat khaarne chaati hai… (trans: Here, Munna… your wife is staring intently at the phone… perhaps she wishes to talk to you.)

In a matter of seconds he hears his wife's breathless voice on the phone, "….Hello?" Jai rests his back against his chair and takes in the shy voice…now feeling at peace on finally hearing her. He however suddenly remembers what Mausi had said. 

Jai: Bani… Mausi ko kaise pata chala? I was hoping in telling her ourselves…but now even she thinks you are pregnant like everyone else…. 
Bani: (hesitant)… Ji… woh…..main….woh….

"Arre Bani puttar, tum bholti kyon nahi? Hum koi ajnabee hai, kya?…Ke tum humare saamne tumhara paati ke saath nahi bolsaakte?….", Jai hears Dadi say teasingly in the background. He also listens to Mausi and Rano's giggles. (trans: Arre Bani puttar, why aren't you speaking? Are we strangers?---That you can not even speak to your husband in front of us?)

"Accha baba, hum samajde ke tum tumhari privacy ko chaaye… Chalo…hum saab chaalte kitchen mein…", Mausi now speaks…. (trans: Accha baba, we understand you want your privacy… Come… Let's go to the kitchen.) 

Bani: (low voice)….Ji….woh….Dadi had told Mausi everything…about last night. (she says after they leave out of earshot)
Jai: Hmmm… (disapproval in his tone)

Jai was hoping to keep this away from Mausi. He didn't want her to learn about what had happened with Jigyasa. As for the pregnancy… he wanted to explain everything clearly to her… not having the heart to lie about him and Bani having a child… and then having her heart broken on learning that there is no child…. 

Bani: (lightly sighs) Abh woh mere peeche nahi chorde… kahin bhaari badaam ke dhud laake aate hai… baacha ka faaida ke liye… yaan fruits khaalaate hai… aapko pata ke maine paanch kehle kaachuke hai?… abh Dadi dusra shelareh hai… (trans: Now she does not get off from my back…. Sometimes she brings almond milk… for the child's benefit… or fruits to eat… do you know that I have eaten five bananas?….now Dadi is peeling the other one.)

Jai laughs a throaty laugh on hearing this, putting a smile on Bani's lips. 

Jai: Sounds to me that they are more like slowly killing you rather than taking care of you. 
Bani: (giggling) … Mausi baut dhyaan raakte hai… … mujhe baas dhaar laagate hai ke unko kaise masoos hoga jaab pata chaalte ke hum saach mein---…. (getting upset) (trans: Mausi takes very good care…. I am just afraid of how she will feel when she learns that we aren't---)
Jai: Bani… uske baare mein maat soch…. We will deal with it when the time comes…. We are doing this for Anu… Even you had said so…. 
Bani: Ji…..

A short moment of silence engulfs them which Bani breaks by asking him in a shy manner…

Bani: Ji… aapko kuch chaaye tha? Kya main Mausi ko phone dhaaon? (trans: Did you need anything? …Should I give Mausi the phone?)

Jai is stumped with this question and struggles for an answer. Damn… he should had planned out his reason before calling… Him and his impatience… 

Jai: Uh… Nahi…. Actually… Hain… woh… (swallowing, thinking) … main sochara tha ke ….agar koi mujhe khana baajsakta…???(trans: I was thinking that…if anyone could send me food?)
Bani: Ji, khana? … Paar mujhe to laaga ke aap baar se khaate ho? (softly asks him) (trans: Food?…But I had thought you eat from outside?)
Jai: Hain… kaarta hoon… lekin aaj mera maan karta ke main ghar ka khaana khaoon…(trans: Yes… I do…but today I feel like eating home made food…) 
Bani: (smiling) Ji, main abhi baanati hoon…. Aur aapka koi driver ko daawongi….(trans: I will make it right now… and give it to one of your drivers…)
Jai: Thank you. (relieved with finding an excuse)
Bani: (sweetly)… Ji… aur kuch? 
Jai: (grins) No… that's all. I will see you in the evening, Bani. ….Aur hain, zaroor Mausi aur Dadi se baachke rehna… bhagwaan kaare ke unh dono tumhe sau kehle kaahlaanliye ke koshish nahi kaaronge….. (trans: And yes, make sure to stay away from Mausi and Dadi… Hope to God that those two do not try to feed you a hundred bananas.… )
Bani: (laughing cutely) Bye, Mr. Walia…. 

Smiling to himself, Jai disconnects the call and runs his fingers through his hair…..
**********************************************************

Rano: Arre, Di, yeh aap kya khar rahe hai? (trans: Arre, Di, what are you doing?)
Bani: Kya khar rahe hi hoon main, Rano? (trans: What am I doing, Rano?)
Rano: Please… aap baatjaaye…aaram kaariye… (trans: Sit down… Take rest…) Leave work for everyone else… I don't want you stressing yourself…. 
Bani: (throwing her a confused look) Rano? Main baas khaana baanaari ho…issme stress wale baath kahan hai? (trans: Rano? … I am just cooking food… where is the stress in that?)
Dadi: Arre Bani puttar… samja karo… tumhari behen tumhare bhaare mein fikar kaarte hai…. Abh tum maa baanwale ho… woh to baas tumhare dhek paal dhyaan kaarne chaate hai….(trans: Arre Bani puttar… try to understand… your sister is worried for you…. Now you are becoming into a mother… she just wants to take care of you.) Aur yeh to tumhari phela baacha bhi hai… so naturally she will be concerned. 
Rano: Ji…. I want my little niece/nephew to be a strong fit baby… and for that to happen, you, my dearest sister cannot undergo any stress… so I will not let you do any work. 

Bani looks away guiltily from her sister. She had wanted to tell Rano about everything… tell her that she isn't pregnant with Jai Walia's child and in fact it is Anu who is pregnant… she knows that she can trust her sister with anything but she also is aware that on discovering the truth, Rano's attitude towards Anu will change… which is something she doesn't wish for. 

Bani: (helpless) Mausi? … Aap samaajaaye nah isse…. (trans: You make her understand.) 
Mausi: (giggling) Arre Rano beti… your sister is just pregnant… not physically incapable of doing anything. It is just simple cooking… aur mujhe pata hai ke meri Bahu mera Munna ke liye kaas khaana bahna na chaati hai…. Kyon, Bahu? (trans: And I know that my Bahu wants to make a special meal for my Munna…. Right, Bahu?)

Bani flushes a dark shade of red as the women and Rano laugh at her for doing so……
************************************************************ *

Bani paces back and forth in the bedroom, fiddling with her pallu, and muttering under her breath… silently cursing her husband. It is now close to 11 o'clock and his presence is still missing… he did not even show for Dinner. She had repeatedly bothered Mausi with inquires about him and even had made her call him a couple of times. 

Mausi: Arre, agar tumhe itana paareshaani hai phir tum kyon nahi call kaarte?…..Mujhe bhaar bhaar kyon saataate ho?  (trans: Arre, if you are so worried then why do you not call? … Why do you keep bugging me?)
Bani: (pleading) Please, Mausi…. Woh aapke baatein maante hai… please… you call….(trans: He listens to you….)

Mausi had grimaced and shook her head at her, yet still called. After a few minutes Mausi came back and informed her that he would take awhile since there is still a lot of work left to do at the office. Bani frowned and left to go to her room…..

Bani: Main Mr. Walia ko nahi choordongi…. Kya office ke kaam family se zyaada important hai? … Budu… Duffer… mujhe ek bhaar bhi nahi call kiya… (frustrated) (trans: I will not spare Mr. Walia… Is the office work more important than family? …Idiot… he did not even call me once.) 

Bani stops in the middle of her banter and stills as she hears the bedroom door slowly creak open. Relieved, she turns to look at her husband… happy with him finally being here… but she is immediately disappointed and confused on seeing Anu instead… staring at her with small beady little eyes… 

Bani: (surprised)… Anu???
************************************************************

Jai sighs tiredly as he takes his key out from the ignition, turning his car off. He gets out from the vehicle and shuts the door from behind him. Putting his keys into his pant pocket, he walks on over to the Mansion's steps, where he is welcomed by his butler, who takes his briefcase and coat from him. 

He notes that it is 11:23 PM and is sure that Bani must be sleeping. Quietly he makes it to his room and softly turns the doorknob, not wishing to make any noise to disturb her. However, once he opens the door… he is startled to see that the lights are on…and to see Anu crying in his wife's lap as she strokes her hair to soothe her…. 

Anu: (in between her soft sobs) I'm…I'm so sorry, Bani Mami…. Yeh…yeh saab meri wajah se hua….(trans: This is all happening because of me…)
Bani: Shhh….Anu…, aise maat socho… saach mein… main tumhare saath gussa nahi hoon… (trans: Don't think like this… really… I am not mad at you.)
Anu: Kaise nahi, Mami? … I have made you go through so much…. Mama insulted you in front of everyone… you wouldn't had go to through all that if it wasn't for me…. 
Bani: Anu, tum---

"I am glad you have finally realized that much….," they both hear a familiar deep voice. Alarmed, both Anu and Bani look up and find Jai at the doorway, staring back at them….. Scared, Anu flies up from Bani's lap and wipes away her tears. She grips tight onto Bani's hand….wanting some support. 

Anu: (whispers) Mamaji? 

Jai closes the door behind him shut and steps forwards into the room…approaching them at the bed. He stares down at Anu from his tall height…. 

Jai: Tell me, Anu… why didn't you realize this last night? … When your mother was in the middle of disgracing Bani in front of everyone? (demanding) 

Guiltily Anu shifts her gaze down to the floor. 

Jai: Neeche kyon dhek khar rahi ho? (trans: Why are you looking down?) You look at me when I am speaking to you, Anu. 

Anu swallows hard and gives Bani a quick terrified glance before meeting her Mamaji's angry eyes. Bani tightens her hold on Anu's hand and soothingly places a hand on her hair. She also looks back at Jai. 

Bani: Mr. Walia… (pleadingly) 
Jai: Nahi Bani… tum beech mein nahi bhoolongi.. Main mera bhaanji ke saath bholna chaata hoon. (trans: No, Bani… you will not speak in between… I want to speak to my niece.) 

Bani is silenced by this. She grows concerned, thinking of what he is about to say to Anu, who is already an emotional mess as it is. 

Jai: Tell me… why didn't you do anything? Why did you quietly watch the thamasha that was happening because of you? 

Anu bursts into a fit of tears by his stern voice. She raises her joined hands together and begs before him. 

Anu: Mujhe maaf kardo, Mamaji…. Please mujhe maaf kardo…. Main baut bura insaan hoon… I am a coward… I couldn't speak nor do anything to stop what had happened… I was scared--scared to see myself fall in everyone's eyes…
Jai: So you chose to let Bani take the fall instead? 

Shocked by his accusing tone, Anu hurriedly shakes her head in a negative. 

Anu: (hastily) I didn't…I didn't want to put her through that… I would never wish to make Bani mami look bad. ---- Bani Mami, (looking desperately in Bani's direction) I would never… I love you too much to do that! 
Bani: I know, Anu. (comforting her, laying a hand on her shoulder) 
Jai: Perhaps you didn't wish for it, but it had almost happened, didn't it, Anu? … What were you thinking? ---Letting Bani carry your burden on her shoulders? Letting her fall because of you? 
Anu: (defending herself) Mamaji, I didn't know Mama would do what she did…. I had just thought that everyone would accept the news…. Just for a little bit until I gained courage for myself to break the truth…. If I knew that Mama would---- I would had never----
Jai: And how long will it take for you to gain that courage? …. When do you suppose you will finally be able to tell your parents?…. What's stopping you from telling them, Anu? (demanding) 

Bani's heart goes out to Anu, who is dumbfounded and speechless.. Not having any replies to her Mamaji's questions. 

Jai: (bitterly) Is it the guilt inside of you that prevents you? … The fact that you are afraid to see the disappointment in your parent's eyes? … If you were going to be this scared of everyone's reaction on discovering that you are pregnant, Anu…. Then why did you do it? Why have you gone and done something that will bring our family shame? Anu, you have ruined your life with your own hands … You had so many opportunities ahead of you…. To have a good life… but now you got yourself pregnant…. You barely can take care of yourself half of the time… how can you take care of another being's life? 

There is a long period of silence that passes through them… with Anu lowering her head down in shame… Jai standing with his one hand rolled into a fist… and Bani staring at him with a knowing look. His eyes meets hers and he then realizes that he has gone too far… her words come back to him… The last thing Anu needs is more stress from him… stress that can affect the unborn child. He couldn't help himself though from feeling furious at her… angry from what she had done and for allowing Bani to suffer instead. Jai lets out a sigh and runs his fingers through his hair, frustrated… 

Anu: (through her tears) I did not think with a clear mind… I did not think of the consequences… I admit this…. But now I am ready to face the consequences…. I am responsible for my own actions… no one else…. As for my child… I will give my child every amount of love possible… I have now realized that I am a mother… a young woman… I am no longer a child, Mamaji… I am… I am sorry for acting like a coward… for not standing up to my own mistake… for letting Bani Mami fall for me…. I am just so sorry for everything. 

Slowly his anger and disapproval towards his niece fades and he instead becomes sympathetic. The poor girl did indeed look sorry and regretful for what she had done….and so lost. What she needs is support… support to help her get through this… not hatred. She seems so helpless and confused with what she is going to do… Jai takes slow steps towards her. Frightened, Anu raises her head as her eyes see a pair of black shoes approach her. She is startled to see his hand take hers and pull her up from her position on the bed…. 

Jai: Come here… 

He indicates to her with outstretched arms… Relieved Anu goes into them and lets herself be wrapped into a warm comforting embrace. She hugs him tight, thankfully….Jai strokes her hair…and kisses the top of her head. Bani stands from the bed and smiles thankfully on seeing this sight… She places a caressing hand on Anu's back… Her eyes meet with her husbands and they shine brightly at him…. 

For a moment she had been worried on seeing him angry….fearing for Anu's well-being… she does not want any trouble to fall on her that will affect the child….she is glad that he has kept this in mind. 

Jai: … You will tell them the truth… your parents deserve to know what is going on in their daughter's life… you may take a few days though, if you would like… I will not rush you… but I will also not let you take too much time in doing so… the sooner you tell your parents, the sooner we can consider your marriage to that boyfriend of yours before your stomach reveals everything… 

Anu nods her head hastily in agreement, showing him that she understands. 

Anu: (her voice cracking) Thank you so much, Mamaji… thank you….
***********************************************************

Part 27 B 

Jai awoke around his usual waking hour and found a pleasant surprise….his wife still snoozing peacefully besides him in bed….his arm placed under her head as a pillow….her fingers lightly griping onto the sleeve of his shirt….and snuggled closely on it…. Confused and slightly taken aback by this, he looks off to the side and notes the time. It's eight… Bani is usually awake before then. If he remembers correctly, she is always up before seven…. 

Jai stares back over to her and watches her quietly, not moving at all so he does not wake her. She seems tired… perhaps he should let her sleep for some more…besides he doesn't have the heart to wake her up when she's sleeping so serenely…. 

Knowing that he is fully awake and cannot fall back asleep, Jai decides to get freshen up for the office instead of stalling like he always does. Carefully he slides his arm from under his wife and gingerly places her head back onto her pillow. Smiling lightly at her, Jai looks at her sleeping form for a few seconds before getting out of their bed…..
************************************************************ ***

Bani mentally smacks herself as she finally arises from her slumber and reads the time. 8:45.…how could she sleep till so late??? She should had been up and about from bed around 6:30 in the morning. But she was feeling slightly exhausted… from all the fussing and advising she had received from her sister and elders regarding her "pregnancy". 

Scrambling out of bed, Bani rushes herself to the bathroom to quickly get dressed and ask for forgiveness from Mausi, who must had been missing her absence since she always accompanies her in the mornings. After brushing and scrubbing her face clean, she strips her clothes away from her body and showers herself in hot soothing water.  She also washes her hair in the process….lathering nicely scented shampoo into it. Just as she slides the glass door open and steps out from the shower, Bani realizes that she hadn't brought her new set of clothes in with her since she was worrying about how late she is. Wrapping her towel securely around her, she walks out from the steamy bathroom and over to her wardrobe, opens it's doors, and searches for a saree for the day…..
************************************************************ *
Just as Jai rises from his seat and digs his hand into his pocket for his car keys, he realizes that he has left his wallet upstairs in his room. Aditya eyes him as he sees Jai slightly hassled. 

Aditya: What's wrong, Jai? 
Jai: … I left my wallet in my room… you carry on… I'll meet you in the car. 
Aditya: Hurry, Jai, you know we have that meeting and if we waste any more time we will for sure be late for it. 
Jai: I won't take that long… 

Aditya sighs and proceeds on with walking to the front doors with his briefcase whereas Jai runs up the stairs to go to his room. In a haste he quickly opens the door and lets himself in, but is halted in his steps abruptly by a stunning sight before him…. 

Jai watches in silent awe as his wife turns around and a few of her wet strands fall against her radiant face….wearing only a white soft towel to cover her body, exposing her creamy fair skin to his view….ending right above her knees…. A burn of desire stirs inside of him. 

On hearing the door fly open, Bani looks behind her shoulder and clutches her hold on her towel tight, frightened by who has come into the room unexpectedly. Her eyes nearly fly out of it's sockets by seeing her husband rooted to his spot, staring at her with great interest. Instantly her cheeks burn with color and she finds herself absolutely flustered from embarrassment…. 

Bani: (breathes out) Mr. Walia?…. (blushing bright red) 

Jai prevents his eyes from roaming her slender figure shamelessly anymore and literally forces himself to look at her face…nothing below that….Their eyes lock….They don't speak for what seems like eons….transfixed on each other….

He lazily smirks in an amused manner…finding her unbelievably cute at the moment… staring at him as if he is some kind of monster who is about to eat her… or perhaps he is?…. 

Bani's heart pounds loudly against her chest as she sees him walk near in panther like steps…advancing towards her… drawn by her tempting sight…. She sucks in her breath and stares up at his tall form, mesmerized, as he approaches right in front of her…hovering over her 5'5'' height….Her back hits the back of the wardrobe's door…. She fastens her grip protectively around her towel…feeling n*ked in front of his presence…. Her skin burns red from heat by the twinkle in his gleaming eyes….and their close proximity… 

Jai: (husky) It seems that we are even now…. 

Butterflies swarm around in the pit of her stomach…. with courage she squeaks….

Bani: Ji? ….M-main…main kuch samjhi nahi….(trans: Yes?… I-I…. I do not understand….)

He flashes her a dangerous handsome smile, making her and any other woman want to swoon…. 

Jai: I have also caught you in a towel, Mrs. Walia…. (flirtatious tone) 

Bani burns crimson as she realizes what he is implying…. She had seen him in nothing but a towel wrapped carelessly around his waist long ago…. his torso glistening from water….droplets rolling down his well built six-pack abs….. She had practically died and went straight to heaven that day…. Bani blushes even more from her thoughts….and the memory of catching her husband right after a shower…. Her heart skips a beat on the way he addresses her in that deep tone of his… The last he had called her by that name was with bitterness… but this time it is full of tease….and intentional flirting.  

Jai laughs throatily in his sexy low voice by seeing realization drawn upon her face and a furious blush arise in her cheeks….. 

Jai: Bani, do you have any idea how cute you look when you blush? (blurts out by mistake) 

Bani is surprised by this and becomes further embarrassed. She lowers her eyes down shyly. 

Bani: (mumbles) Woh…..main-main….
Jai: Relax, Bani… main tori tumhe kanwala hoon… (teasingly) (trans: It's not like I'm about to eat you…)
Bani: (stammers) Woh--- mujhe---mujhe bathroom mein---(blushes) (trans: I-I want to go to bathroom.)
Jai: (noting her nervous state, not wanting to further cause her discomfort)… bathroom mein jaanliye zaroort nahi hai… yahan kamre mein change karlina…Main to ab jaanwala hoon…  baas mera wallet liye yahan aaya tha…. Tum araam se tyaar hojao… I am sorry that I disturbed you… (trans: There is no reason to go to the bathroom… change out here in the room… I am just leaving… just came for my wallet…get ready with ease…) 

Jai reaches for his wallet that lays on the dresser right besides her, not taking his eyes off of her as he does this. He puts it in his pant pocket…. 

Jai: Aur hain… zaroor daarwaza ko lock kaardina jaab bhi tum yahan bhaar change kaarnliye faisaala kiye to… (giving her a hot look) (trans: And yes… make sure to lock the door whenever you decided to change out here….) 

Bani stays mum, still flushing red from this whole incident…. She just nods her head slowly, acknowledging his words. She breathes out a sigh of relief as he removes himself away from her and leaves her with a grin, disappearing from behind the door…. However, she proceeds in burning beetroot…..
************************************************************ **

Jai runs his fingers through his hair as he closes his eyes, bringing the image of his wife in only a white towel into his mind…. feeling his heart pacing abnormally… Seeing her there and in that state, all Jai wanted to do was take her into his arms, take that bloody clothing off of her, and just ravish her then and there…. 

He is startled by his thoughts….and attempts with calming his mind and body, which had gone chaotic with desire on seeing that delicious sight… He had to fight with every power within him to keep his hands to himself…. Jai groans loudly from frustration… "I am going mad", he mutters under his breath….. and briskly walks far away from the bedroom door….
************************************************************ **

Rano curiously steps into the small coffee house and scrutinizes the place…. Hesitantly she walks in and gazes around for any sign of Anu…. Right after her last class Rano had received a call from her, who had told her to meet her (Anu) directly at the coffee shop nearby the University… apparently she has some news to tell her. 

Not seeing her anywhere, Rano drops down into a seat in front of a small round table near the large window in the shop, thinking that she is probably early…. Five minutes go by….Ten minutes….fifteen.…..and finally thirty minutes pass with Rano waiting on Anu's arrival. Angrily she had tried her cell but it was turned off. Giving up hope, Rano stands up and moves to leave the shop, but is careless in where she goes by knocking into someone else roughly and causing that someone's latte to fall on the floor and spill all over his shoes and the floor…. She gasps on seeing this…. 

Rano: (hastily) I am so sorry!

Her eyes travel up and meet warm chocolate brown eyes gazing back at her. She gasps once again on seeing who it is…. 

Rano: (shocked) Ranveer, tum?!
Ranveer: (grim) Nahi, main Rohan Sharma hoon… Ranveer Sharma ka judwaa bhai….  (sarcasm in his voice, holding her eyes in a lock) (trans: No, I am Rohan Sharma… Ranveer Sharma's twin brother..)

Rano flushes a shade of pink and casts her eyes down. 

Ranveer:  Of course main Ranveer hoon…. (sighs) aur tumne iss Ranveer ke jhoote aur pant ko kaarab kaardiye…. (trans: Of course I am Ranveer… and you have ruined this Ranveer's shoes and pants….)
Rano: (looking up, seeming regretful) I am really sorry, Ranveer. I didn't see you---- I-I will just go and get you some napkins----
Ranveer: That's not necessary, I have some…..

He shows her the couple of napkins in his hands. Ranveer takes one and begins drying off his pants…. Rano watches him do so guiltily… she would help and wanted to… but it'd be a bit odd for her to be wiping off his shoes and pants….especially since they barely know one another…. 

Rano: (on the verge of tears) I really am sorry, Ranveer….

She watches him glance up and grin lightly at her, looking amused on seeing her so upset over something like this… seeming as if she had committed the world's worst crime… well maybe she had…. these shoes were a bit pricy…. and they are his favorite pair. 

Ranveer: Don't worry… it was an honest mistake… I wont bite your head off…. 
Rano: … You probably still have to get back to work and because of me I have ruined your attire….(still clearly upset) 
Ranveer: Hmmm…. So you want me to bite your head off? (watching her closely) 
Rano: (blushing, shaking her head) No…. I just….sorry…..for being a total klutz. 
Ranveer: You and your klutzy self are forgiven…. So you can stop with the repetitive sorrys.  (grins) 
Rano: (bright red, lowers her head) …sorry. (whispers) 

Ranveer can't help but chuckle at this, making Rano feel like an idiot before him. Here she is, acting completely foolish in front of a handsome guy like him. Why oh why does she have to be such a klutz? Forgetting about his shoes and pants which he hadn't successfully wiped all the coffee off of, he stands up tall before her. 

Ranveer: I like this thing we have going on, Rano…. 
Rano: (alarmed, looks up) What thing? (hastily) 
Ranveer: Running into one another…. (slyly says) 

Rano proceeds in turning red as a tomato….

Ranveer: Waise---- tum yahan akele mein kya khar rahi ho?  Don't you university kids always travel around in packs? (Trans: Anyways--- what are you doing here alone?)

Immediately he puts a stop to her blushing and makes her face momentarily pale by his comment. Kid? He thinks of her as a kid? She is eighteen years old! Clearly a young woman!

Rano: This University student wanted some coffee….I am an independent woman…. I don't need someone tagging along by my side….  

Ranveer raises a brow at this, further intrigued. He catches her emphasis on "student" and "woman". He assumes that he has struck a nerve in her by calling her a child. 

Ranveer: Well … that's nice to know… 

Rano, who was about to tell him about Anu, decided against it….wanting to prove him wrong about university kids sticking together.  

Rano: And what are you doing here? --- I thought you would had picked up Nisha and had gone back to work. 
Ranveer: Well obviously… if I have come to a coffee shop…. I wanted some coffee. (tauntingly) 

This has Rano back to blushing and feeling incredibly stupid. Only this guy can make her feel so…..

Ranveer: I have the rest of the day off…. And Nisha took a ride with one of her friends…. But I would had thought you already knew that… considering the fact that you are her best friend. 
Rano: ….Oh…. I-I forgot… 
Ranveer: So you did…. 

Both notice that they are out of things to say and know their conversation has come to an end….

Ranveer: Well after getting my shoes and pants drenched from coffee, I think I will leave…. It was nice bumping into you again, Rano. 
Rano: (suddenly) Oh, not before I buy you another latte. I feel so bad that you did not even get to drink the one you bought because of me. 
Ranveer: Uh, thanks, but it's alright, you don't have to---
Rano: Please…it'll make me feel better. (giving him a pleading look) 
Ranveer: (caving in) ….I guess it's the least you can do after spilling hot latte all over my favorite pair of shoes…. (smirking a little) 
************************************************************ **** 

Mausi: Oh ho…. Munna… tum bhi nah…. Bolo, kya maine tumhe nahi kaha tha ke aise kaam kaam kaarke tum bamaar hojaaonga? (trans: You are too much… Tell me, did I not tell you that by working like this you will fall ill?)

Mausi complains to her nephew has she rubs the temples on the sides of his throbbing head. Jai sighs with closed eyes and feels a little relief from the pressure of Mausi's fingers on his temples.

Jai: Hmm… It's just a headache, Mausi… nothing too serious. (mumbles in a tired voice) 
Mausi: Headaches are symptoms of illness, Munna. And right now you would not be having a headache if you hadn't worked yourself so hard this past week. (scolding tone) 
Jai: Rehna do, Mausi, please… aap mujhe baadmeh lecture kaarsakte… aab ke liye mera sirh ko malaash kaariye na…. (trans: Leave it, Mausi, please…. You can lecture me later… for now just message my head….)
Mausi: Hain hain, khar rahi hoon main baba…. (trans: Yes yes, I am doing it, baba.)

Mausi gushes over him some more as she tries putting ease to his troubled mind. The headache is driving him insane…. Halfway through both aunt and nephew hear the bedroom door squeak open and slightly look to their left….finding Bani standing by the door… looking a little startled on seeing them there in the room. 

Mausi: Arre, bhagwaan ka shukar ki tum aagaye Bahu…. Aao na…. (trans: Thanks to god that you have come Bahu…. Come in.)

Bani walks in breezily and stands nearby Mausi….her hands messing with the pallu of her saree and her eyes land on her husband, whose head rests in his aunt's lap. He stares back at her, locking his eyes with hers. She quickly switches her gaze away…. 

Bani: Ji, Mausi? Aapko kuch chaaye? (trans: Yes, Mausi? Do you need anything?)
Mausi: Yeh dekho Bahu, yeh tumhari paati ka halat…. Baachara ka sirh dukarah… aur main to taakchuke malaash kaarke…. Tum karo nah…. Waise, aab to khaana ka inteezam bhi kaarna… to phir main jhaari hoon… (trans: Look at this Bahu, look at your husband's condition… The poor thing's head hurts… and I am tired from messaging it… You do it… Besides, the preparations for the food needs to be done…. So then I am leaving.)
Bani: Ji, Mausi, main? (trans: Me?)
Mausi: Arre hain tum aur kaun?…. Unless Munna ka ek aur biwi hai jiske bhaare mein mujhe koi maloom nahi…. Kyon, Munna? Kya tumhare paas ek aur biwi hai? (trans: Arre yes you, who else? … Unless Munna has another wife I don't know about… Do you have another wife?)

A grin forms on Jai's lips and he meets his Mausi's eyes. 

Jai: Unfortunately no, Mausi, I'm just stuck with this one here…. 
Mausi: Chup badmaash! (trans: Be quiet, naughty!)

Mausi lightly hits Jai whereas he chuckles at his reply. Bani lowers her eyes down and bites on her bottom lip, trying to prevent herself from smiling. She tucks a strand of her hair that had fallen into her face behind her ear and glances back up on being acknowledged. 

Mausi: Tum meri baath ko dhyaan se sunn, yeh tumhari paatni hai, haina? Heera hai, heera! (trans: You listen to me, this wife of yours… She is a diamond, a diamond!)

Bani blushes. Jai gives Mausi a loop-sided grin and comments back smartly….

Jai: Accha Mausi? Do you know this for a fact? Have you scratched her against a window? 
Mausi: Munna!!! (sternly) 

Jai laughs and moves away from her raised hand. 

Mausi: Now you stop it with your joking around, warna pata nahi teri paatni gusse mein tumhare saath kya kya kaarongi… (giggling herself) (trans: or else who knows what your wife will do with you in anger…)

Both Mausi and Jai cast Bani a look, who grumpily frowns purposely in her husband's direction. Together they laugh at this. 

Jai: Paata lagaaon, Mausi? (trans: Should I find out, Mausi?)
Mausi: (chuckling) Arre nahi Munna, main tumhe zinda dhekna chaathi hoon… (trans: Arre no Munna, I want to see you alive…)

This has Bani smiling a little. She watches as Mausi rises from the bed and turns to look back at her. 

Mausi: Aab tum iskeliye sava khar, main jhaake khanna ka intezaam kaarongi…. Teek hai? (trans: Now you serve him, I will go and prepare for the food…. Alright?)
Bani: ….Ji teek hai. (slowly speaks) 

Mausi smiles brightly at her and makes her exit from the room, leaving the couple behind by themselves… Both stare at one another…. 

Bani: (concerned) … Ji, aapko kya hua? Sirh main daard hai? (trans: What is wrong with you? Does your head hurt?) 
Jai: (sheepishly) Hain… tora sa… paar waqt ke saath teek hojaaonga… tum fikaar maat karo… I'll be fine. (trans: Yes… a little… but with time it will be fine…. You don't worry…) (kind smile) 

Jai gets up from the bed as he speaks his lasts words and makes a movement to leave, but is surprised to feel a gentle hand hold him by the wrist, stopping him…. He looks over his shoulder… 

Bani: (sweetly, shyly)  Ji baatiye na…. main aapka sirh malaash kaarongi…. (trans: Sit down… I will message your head…)

Jai eyes her for a moment, considering her offer….. He, however, doesn't have to say anything since Bani sits down on the bed and softly tugs on his hand, indicating for him to follow…. 

He joins her by laying down on the bed and placing his head onto her lap…..his gray eyes look up at her closely…. Bani tries to control the blush that is arising in her cheeks by the way he stares at her…. As she begins to rub his temples, his eyes close from the touch of her fingers…. After a long moment of silence, Bani speaks….  

Bani: (gently) Aap aapke saaiyat tora se kyaal raakaye ji… aise kaam kaarke aap bemaar hojongeh…. (trans: Look after your health….by working like this you will fall ill.)
Jai: …. Tum aur Mausi… ek jaise hai…. Saari umar main tum dono ke lectures suna pooga…. (trans: You and Mausi… are exactly alike….For the rest of my life I will have to listen to both of your lectures.) 

Just as the words leave his mouth, Jai realizes what he had said unawarely…. His eyelids fly open and he meets his wife's stunned eyes…. she blushes furiously from his reply…. For the rest of his life…. Does he still see her by his side in the future? 

Bani: Ji…. Lekin hum to saahi hai, haina? (trans: … But we are right, right?)
Jai: Hmm… shayad. (closes his eyes once again) 

They don't speak against after that…. Bani silently continues making circle motions with her fingers on his temples while Jai enjoys the feel of her soft fingers at work…. 

After some time she believes that he has fallen asleep and temporarily starts stroking his hair….admiring the way he sleeps…. Glancing over at a clock nearby, she decides that she should go down and help Mausi with Dinner…. She stops running her fingers through his hair and makes a movement to get up, but feels a haste grip on her hand… Startled Bani looks down at her husband, who still has his eyes shut…. She watches as he takes her hand and places it back near his hair….indicating without any words to continue stroking his hair as she had done before…. She blushes on being caught… she had thought he was asleep the whole time…. But he was awake throughout it all… He slowly lets go of her hand….Bani hesitantly resumes back to running her fingers smoothly through his jet black hair….. 

Many minutes later Bani  is absolutely sure he's sleeping… by the way he breathes rhythmically… Gently she lifts his head up from her lap and rests it onto the mattress…. She gets up from her position and locates a blanket for him…. Taking the blanket, she covers him with it, not wanting him to be cold as he sleeps….. Bani takes one last good look at him before softly smiling to herself and leaving the room, closing the door quietly after herself…… 
***********************************************************
**

Chapter 28

She had been leaning onto the window frame, wearing a lost look on her face, her eyes glued to the view of the garden, clearly seen from her room. Bani blinks as she sees a card suddenly appear before her eyes along with a heart-shaped box of chocolates. She unfolds her arms and straightens. Glancing behind her, Bani stares into her younger sister's radiantly smiling face.

Bani: (confused, surprised) Rano?---
Rano: Happy Valentines, Di!

She exclaims as she hugs her Bani Di tightly. Bani lightly smiles, feeling very surprised. Rano pulls back and continues to smile her sunny like smile.

Rano: Yeh lao, Di... a rose for a beautiful woman like you--- inside and out-- and a box of chocolates for your sweet tooth! (cheekily grins)

Bani's smile grows on hearing this. Rano always knew the perfect things to do and say to make her smile...

Gratefully, Bani takes her gift. She continues to smile delightfully.

Bani: Rano, this wasn't necessary--- a simple Happy Valentines Day would do.
Rano: Arre, that's not done. I had to get something for my Valentine. (winks)

Bani happily looks down at her card and chocolates once again. Rano stares at her, affectionately.

Rano: ....Besides, I love you a lot and always want to see that same old beautiful smile on your face which always used to linger there when we were kids...I just wanted to return it.

Bani stares back up at her sister and feels her eyes moisten by her words. She gives her baby sister a watery smile. She never knew that her little sister cared so much for her.

Rano: Di, are you crying because I only got you one box of chocolates? (faking disbelief) Arre moti--- I'm not made of money that I will buy your more! You will just have to do with one.

Bani blinks away her forming tears and makes a pretense of being mad. She rests her hands, which still held Rano's gifts, onto her hips and stares at Rano angrily.

Bani: Rano ki baachi--- kya kaha tumne? Main moti hoon?! Yahan aao baachoo-- let me tell you who is moti! (trans: What did you say? I am fat? Come here, kid--- )

And with that started a sisterly fight full of laughter, tease, anger, and love....It eventually ended with Rano being continuously tickled by Bani, and Rano asking for mercy. Both sisters rest on the bed, breathless and exhausted from their long quarrel. For a moment no one speaks, until Bani giggles uncontrollably. Rano turns in her direction and also joins in her laughter. After two minutes pass and they have fully calmed down....Bani sits up straight and reaches over into the night stand nearby the bed.

Rano follows her lead and curiously watches her sister look through the drawers.

Rano: Didi, kya dhoond rahi ho? (trans: Didi, what are you looking for?)

Bani withdraws a small wrapped package from the drawer and eagerly turns around, presenting it to Rano.

Bani: Happy Valentines Day, Ran.
Rano: Didi...apne----
Bani: I had actually bought this a week ago, knowing that I wouldn't have time to buy you your present. But with the past events and work at home--- I had completely forgotten that today was Valentines Day. ....Anyways, here is your present.

Rano, after a moment pause, takes her gift from Bani's hands and carefully opens it. She gasps as she finally unwraps it and her present is revealed. She picks up the charm bracelet from the wrapping and examines it, looking completely mesmerized by it.

Rano: Didi....
Bani: (smiling) Hain, Rano....
Rano: Didi....
Bani: Yes, Rano....
Rano:...Didi...-I-I don't know what to say---- how?---why?--
Bani: I saw you staring at it through the windows at the store when we had gone shopping over two months ago for Pia's....

Bani's voice trails off as she remembers the reason why they had gone to the mall months ago. They were shopping for Pia's wedding...getting her all her outfits and jewelry, pampering her into becoming the future Mrs. Walia. Rano and Bani's eyes meet and they both silently acknowledge this.

Bani: (going on) Anyways...well I could tell by how you looked at it so intently that you really wanted it, so I made a mental note to buy it for you.
Rano: (breathes out) But Didi--- this must have cost a fortune for you!
Bani: Tum iska bhaare mein maat soch! (trans: You don't worry about that!) Just think of the new bracelet you can show off to your friends at college. (encouraging)

Rano places the charm bracelet down in her lap dejectedly. Bani sees this and becomes worried.

Bani: Kya hua? (sadly asks) Do you not like it?
Rano: (hastily, quickly) No! I love it, Di! This is the far most best present I have ever gotten!....It's just that.....
Bani: It's just that, what Rano?

Rano looks into her sisters eyes, miserably.

Rano: I gave you a crappy card and a very small box of chocolates...and here you've given me something so beautiful and really expensive....I'm so cheap... I'm really sorry, Didi....
Bani: (soothingly) Hey....

She lifts up Rano's chin with her index finger and smiles affectionately at her.

Bani: Don't say that... I love your gift....
Rano: Lekin Di---
Bani: Rano, it's not about how good and expensive the gift is---- it's the thought that counts.... and your gift tells me how much you love me- and that is the greatest gift in the world. I would never trade your gift to me for anything else ....
Rano:......Not even for a diamond necklace?
Bani: (shakes her head) Not even for a diamond necklace....
Rano: Not even for a trip to Hawaii?
Bani: Not even for a trip to Hawaii...(repeats)

Hearing this, Rano smiles cheerily and hugs her sister. She rests her head on her shoulder and happily says, "I love you, Didi".....Bani soothes her hair and replies back, "I love you too, Rano".....
***********************************************************

Jai stops midway in his sentence, annoyed by how his co-workers are not even listening to a word that has been coming out of his mouth for the past hour and occasionally glancing over at the large round clock in the conference room. He drops his pen and rubs his chin in confusion. Even his best friend joins the others in anxiously noting the time. What in the world as gotten into these men? He rests his back against his chair and stares at all of them, eyeing them down with his piercing gray eyes.

'Is there something that I am missing?" he abruptly asks them all, only to be answered with silence. They still are lost in their own thoughts, not heeding their boss any attention. Jai thinks silently for a second on wondering what could grab their undivided attention.

Jai: (his voice booming) You are all fired.

This does it. Every single man's head spins in his direction, staring at him with horror etched on their faces. Aditya is the first to speak, seeming more confused than horrified.

Aditya: Who's fired, Jai?
Jai: Every single lot of you unless someone informs me the reason behind the constant hawk staring towards the clock. (grim)

The men cast one another nerving glances. Some tug on their ties and clear their throats, obviously stalling. Aditya surprisingly also looks nervous and slightly embarrassed like the rest.

Jai: (eyeing him) Aditya'. (sternly)
Aditya: Errr'. (rubbing the back of his neck) Woh kya nah, Jai'. Aaj woh'. aaaj'..
Jai: Aaj kya? (curious)

''.Uh, sir, woh----today is Valentine's day, sir' So we are all just...," a man finally speaks after finding his voice. Jai is awestruck by the news, but he hides it well from his employees. Today is Valentine's Day?, he questions himself. Automatically the thought of his wife creeps into his mind'. D*mn, did she know? Is she expecting something from him? Why hadn't he known before? He could had thoughtfully planned out something'..

"Sir?" another man brings him out of his daze. Jai looks at his direction, who stares back at him sheepishly'.

'Uh...sir... we were wondering'. Since it's Valentine's Day'... If we can leave early?" the same man asks hesitantly. He receives approving looks from his peers for mustering up the courage in asking. They now all anticipate Jai's answer, who actually looks thoughtful on the prospect. He curtly nods his head in agreement, shocking each and every one of them' even himself'. Jai Walia, a man who never believed in wasting a day's work on worthless made up holidays such as Valentine's Day is now unhesitatingly agreeing to let them go'. Why? Is it because even he wishes to run back home to his wife? This very thought disturbs him'.

'Thank you, Sir', they all speak in unison before rushing out of the room in bewilderment on being let free and relief from being spared belans from their awaiting wives. Aditya also tries to leave the room quickly, but is stumped on being prevented by his friend'.

Jai: Rukho, Adi'. Why are you in such a rush? From what I remember, you have no one awaiting for you at home'.

Aditya flushes at his words and the way he stares at him, as if trying to crack him open with his eyes.

Aditya: (nervous laugh) Nothing yaar' Even I know no one's waiting on me' especially your sister.

Jai's eyes darken on the mention of his sister, who has been clearly avoiding him every since the incident the day before yesterday. He, however, immediately cools himself down' not wanting him to be angry over someone as worthless as her'..

Jai: Then why the rush? (noting the startling flush on his friend's cheeks, raises a brow)
Aditya: Oh'. I'. the bathroom'. I've been meaning to use it for awhile now' Never got a chance though' have been holding it in, you see'. (exasperated) --- Can I go now?
Jai: Bathroom'.. Nice cover up, Aditya'.. Weak attempt though'.. Where are you really going?
Aditya: (groans) Jai'. I'.

Aditya curses himself for befriending Jai Walia at a party twenty years back'. It was always useless for Adi to hide secrets from him, because he somehow would find out from one way or another'. Seems like this time he's determined to find out as well'.

Jai: Alright, if you don't want to tell me,  don't'.... But you do know already that I will eventually (emphasizes 'eventually') figure out what's going on'..
Aditya: Nothing's going on'... I'll see you later, yaar'. (his weak try of getting his friend off his back)

Aditya storms off from the room, leaving an intrigued Jai behind'.
************************************************************ *******

Bani continues to kneed the dough in front of her as she tries her level best in ignoring her sister and Dadi's remarks regarding her husband. Ever since Rano informed Dadi and Mausi about it being Valentine's Day, all three of them haven't been leaving her alone, teasing and pulling her leg. At first Bani has flushed nonstop at their comments'.but grew fed up with them after they consistently proceeded with it'.not leaving her alone for even a second.

'Soniye dil nay lagda tere binaaa..... dil nay lagda tere binaaa...," Rano sings loudly as she nudges her sister with her elbow, annoying her.

Bani: (grouchy with all the teasing) Kya khar rahi ho, Rano? (trans: What are you doing, Rano?)
Rano: (innocently) Main kya khar rahi ho, Di? '.... joh aap andaar masoos khar rahi ho--- woh baas gaarhi hoon! (smiles cheekily) (trans: What am I doing, Di?' I am just singing what you are feeling inside!)

Bani takes the belan that lays besides her and raises it in Rano's direction, threatening her. Rano ducks, whereas Mausi and Dadi giggle together at this. Bani places it back down and frowns'.

Bani: Rano, baas bhi karo'... main taang hochuke ho tumhare baaton se'. (trans: Rano, stop it already' I'm fed up with your talks')
Rano: Paar mere baaton to saahi hai, haina? (sing-song voice) (trans: But my talks are right, aren't they?)
Bani: (frustrated) 'Main tumhari shaadi karwoongi'.Sirf yehi raasta baacha hai mere liye'...tumhe mujhse door kaarnliye' (trans: I will get married to you'. This is the only option left' to get you away from me.)
Rano: Kya Di' mujhe shaadi whaadi nahi kaarni'.... Aur agar hogi' taab bhi main aapse choordongi nahi'... aise fulti baatein hamesha kaarongi aapke saath'. (victory smile) (trans: I am not going to get married' and if I do' even then I will not leave you' I will always talk useless stuff with you'.)

Bani sighs, knowing that she has lost. Dadi and Mausi continue to laugh at the sisters. Rano sits up on the counter, watching her Di go back to work'..accompanied by the two elders.

Rano: Waise Di'.
Bani: Ab kya, Rano? (sternly)
Rano: Mr. Walia aapko Valentine's ke liye kya gift diya' ? (trans: What did Mr. Walia gift you for Valentine's? )

Bani grows shy by the attention she receives by all the three women. She lowers her head'.

Bani: (softly) Abh ke liye'. Kuch bhi nahi'. (trans: For now' nothing.)
Mausi: Kya? Munna abh taak tumhare liye kuch nahi kiya? (trans: What? Munna hasn't gotten you anything?)

Bani blushes, yet stays silent. She isn't sure if her husband even knows today is Valentine's Day or not' and even if he does, she should not get her hopes high--expecting something from him. This day is for lovers' which they clearly are not'..yet?

Dadi: Arre, paar mujhe to laaga ke humara hero to tumhe aur junior ke liye kuch to plan kaaronga'(trans: Arre, but I had thought that our hero would had planned something for you and junior.)

Bani stills at Dadi's words' that is what everyone has been calling her 'baby' recently' junior'. She stealthily places a hand on her stomach, wondering to herself how would it feel to be actually pregnant with a child' that too, Jai Walia's child'. She blushes on her thoughts, removes her hand, and pushes the silly dream out of the way'.

Rano: Dadi' Mausi' I'm sure Mr. Walia has something planned for my lovely sister and nephew'
Mausi: Arre Rano, tum hamesha yehi kyon soochti ho ke meri poti ek ladka hai? (trans: Arre Rano, why do you always think that my granddaughter is a boy?)
Rano: Because Mausi, woh poti nahi'... pota hai'(stresses 'hai') (trans: Because Mausi, it's not a girl' it's a boy'.)
Mausi: Nahi, main nahi maanti'. Meri bahu mujhe ek sundaar se bholi laadki daanwali hai' (trans: No, I don't agree to this' My daughter-in-law is going to give me a beautiful innocent girl')
Dadi: Hain, main bhi yehi maanti'(trans: Yes, even I agree to this')
Rano: Arre Dadi, Mausi, main kaaehri hoon na'... laadka hai'. (trans: Arre Dadi, Mausi, I am telling you' it's a boy'.)

And with this the three get into a small argument, making Bani feel guilty and upset with the topic'.guilty for seeing how happy they are with the soon arrival of her 'baby'' and upset on having to lie to them'. They'll understand though...'she knows for certain'....when they find out the truth...'but also disappointed.

Dadi: Bani Puttar, tum hi baatao na'... kya tumhe ek laadka chaaye yaan laadki? (trans: Bani Puttar, you tell us' do you want a boy or girl?)

Bani looks thoughtful over the question'. Deciding to actually answer something honestly to them'. What does she want? A boy or a girl? '. She doesn't have to put too much thought to the decision, already coming up with one' She wants a son...a son that will look exactly like his father'... have those same dark gray eyes'...long eyelashes'...thick black hair'...chiseled like nose'... and similar handsome smile appearing on his lips'

Rano: Di?

Bani snaps out of her dreaming and shakes her head at the threesome.

Rano: Ladka yaan ladki?
Bani: '.(slowly grinning) Aap saab pagal hai' (trans: You are all crazy')

Her last words to them before wiping her hands and leaving''..
************************************************************

Jai stepped inside the living room only to knock into his sister-in-law, who wears earphones in her ears, listening to her CD player. Startled, Rano looks at him'.taking the plugs out of her ears.

Rano: Arre, Mr. Walia, aap?
Jai: Err' Hain, Rano'. Kaise ho tum? (trans: How are you?)
Rano: Wow'.

She brushes off his question and stares at the beautifully wrapped bouquet of red roses in his hand'. And adorably cute medium sized teddy bear, wearing a red bow-tie, in the other'. Rano takes the bear from his hand, gushing over it'

Rano: This is just too cute!---- (looking at him) Saab Didi ke liye hai, kya? (trans: These are for Didi?)

Jai smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck with his now free hand. He lightly clears his throat and nods his head in affirmative.

Jai: Hain'.
Rano: You are too good, Mr. Walia' Didi is going to be happy' she loves soft toys'. And the roses are a very nice touch'. (approval in her voice)
Jai: (relieved) Good...' mujhe to samajh nahi aaraya tha ke main kya kareedoon' (trans: I didn't understand what to buy her')

Jai had practically raided the whole store, trying to figure out what to get his darling wife...' not wanting to buy something outrageously romantic to send a wrong message'..but nothing too plain either' he had settled with these'.

Rano: Nahi' this is fine'. Oh' what's in the package? (curious)

She finally notes the neatly blue wrapped package in the same hand that holds the flowers'.

Jai: ' Eerrr' woh baas jaab maine Bani ke liye samaan kaardeenliye gaaya'maine ek saare dheka''. aur mujhe pasand tha'...socha ke Bani paar'(embarrassed on admitting this to her)  (trans: When I had gone to buy things for Bani' I had seen a saree and liked it' I thought that on Bani it would')
Rano: Samajgi' (smiling) (trans: I understand')
Jai: Rano'. Woh'. Tumhari Didi? (trans: Rano' Your sister?)

Rano smiles brightly at him and hands over the teddy bear back to him, noting his anxious state. Poor guy' so nervous'. It is actually amusing to see the Great Jai Walia nervous' that too because of her sister'.

Rano: woh aapke kaamre mein hai'. (trans: She is in your room'.)
Jai: (confused) Wahan kyon hai? (trans: Why is she there?)

Rano shrugs and places her earphones back into their place'.playing her music once again.

Rano: Aap khud hi dheklo'. Main aabh jhaari hoon'.study kaarnliye'. (trans: Check yourself' I am going now' to study.)

Jai watches Rano begin to walk away from him and immediately stops her.

Jai: Rano'.
Rano: Ji, Mr. Walia?

He balances the bear with the other things in his hand and reaches into his coat pocket, searching for something. Rano watches him do so, curiously. Jai withdraws a golden box of chocolates and a single rose attached to it, handing it over to her' Rano is momentarily stunned. He kisses her softly on her forehead and grins at her as he backs away'.

Jai: Happy Valentine's Day'.

And with that he walks away towards the staircase' leaving a delighted, smiling Rano behind'.after the shock passes by'.
**********************************************************
Bani had been cleaning up the room when Jai had stealthily entered in' approaching her quietly from behind. He places the package and teddy bear down onto the nightstand as he stands directly behind his wife, who decides to redo the bed again, finding it in need of being done again, with the flowers still in his possession.

Bani raises the comforter up, making it extend over the bed, and eyes the glass window in front of her' showing her a shocking faint reflection of her husband loitering right behind her. Instantly she twirls around to face him, but gasps by bumping straight into his chest and feels his hand protectively holding her back. She rubs her nose that had hit his built chest and slowly stares up to meet his handsome smiling face'. Her heart races.

Jai: Watch it, Bani'.
Bani: (stammers) Aa-aap?
Jai: Koi shaq? (trans: Any doubt?)
Bani: '(regaining herself) Aap itane jhaldi wapas agaaye? (trans: You have come back early?)
Jai: Hain' woh kya hai naa'.ek meeting tha aaj'. Aur saab ka dhyaan kahin hor tha...' finally jaab maine poocha' keh saab ko kya hua' ek aadmi neh kaha ke aaj Valentine's Day hai'. Aur saab aapne biwiyaan ke paas jhaana chaate the'. So phir maine saab ko kaetah ke jaasaakte'..bura nahi kiye maine, kya? (trans: Yes' actually the thing is' there was a meeting today' and everyone's attention was somewhere else' finally when I asked' that what was wrong with everyone' one man said that today is Valentine's Day' and everyone wants to go to their wives.. So then I said that they can all leave' I didn't do anything wrong, did I?)

Bani blushes by how intently he looks at her and lowers her eyes to his chest'..she shakes her head.

Bani: Ji'.. ji nahi'.
Jai: Bani' ...tumne kuch bolo kyon nahi? (trans: Bani' why didn't you say anything?)
Bani: Kya? (softly)
Jai: (sighs) Ke aaj Valentine's Day hai'. (trans: That today is Valentine's Day')

Bani raises her gaze, looking back at him'. Surprised that he is upset that she hadn't told him'. If she had, what difference would it make?

Jai: (understanding her look) Maanta hoon ke hum dosts hai' lekin Valentine's Day sirf pyaar ke bhaare mein nahi hota'aur sirf aashiquoon ke liye nahi hai'. dosti ka din bhi hai'. Haina? (trans: I agree that we are friends'. But Valentine's day isn't all about love'and only for lovers'. It's also a day for friendship' right?)

Bani bites her bottom lip gently, trying to prevent herself from smiling on feeling elated on him wanting to spend this day with her'. Even if it is just as friends'.even if she thinks him more than just that.

Bani:' Mujhe khud bhi nahi maloom thi' ke aaj Valentine's Day hai'. (answers in the same soft tone)  (trans: Even I didn't know today is Valentine's Day')

Jai finally removes his hand from her lower back and lifts the flowers to her view'.Bani stares at it, slightly mesmerized'. Her eyes travel back over to him'.

Jai: Happy Valentine's Day, Bani'.

Bani blushes and takes it from him.

Bani: Thank you'.
Jai: ' 'maine tumhare liye aur kuch---- (trans: For you I have more---)

Bani follows his gaze towards the night stand where the cute teddy bear and blue wrapped present lay still''.She smiles beautifully at her husband, making his heart skip a beat.

Bani: Iske zaroorat kya thi, Mr. Walia? (trans: What is the need for this, Mr. Walia?)
Jai: (sincerely) I wanted to, Bani'..

Their eyes lock momentarily, neither of them speaking during the time' too immersed in one another'. Until Jai's cell buzzes, alerting them both. Frustrated by the interruption, Jai takes the call'.putting some distance between them'while Bani looks on at him, dreamily...'smelling her roses also'. She goes into a daze, not hearing a single bit of his conversation with the other caller'. Till he cuts off and stares back at her.

Jai: Bani?
Bani: (snaps out of it) Ji?
Jai: Woh mera dost tha'...Tarun '.Tarun Sablok'.... tumhe yaad hai? (trans: That was my friend' Tarun'Tarun Sablok' do you remember?)

Bani ponders over the name for a moment until finally remembering him from their wedding reception. That was the first and only time she had met her husband's best friend.

Bani: Ji'.
Jai: Ek party host khar raaha--aaj ka occasion ke liye'. (trans: He's hosting a party---for today's occasion.)

Bani notes the slight disappointment in his voice.

Jai: And he wants for me to come'.

Jai had been planning on taking Bani out somewhere nice and special for today...'only them two'... have dinner'. But stupid Tarun had to call and ruin everything.

Bani feels something inside of her sink on his words'and becomes disappointed herself as well' She had thought that they would'..---

Bani: (attempting a weak smile) Ji,'teek hai'...aap jhaaye'.(kindly) (trans: that's fine'you can go.)
Jai: I meant to say us'... he's asked for both of us to come to the party tonight. It's at eight...' the dress code is black and red..' Black for men..'Red for women.

Bani immediately bounces back, happy with him not being away from her'. He gives her a hesitant look.

Jai: Chaalongi mera saath? (trans: Will you go with me?) You don't have to, if you don't'.. tum ghaar raasakte agar chaaye to' (trans: You can stay home if you want.)
Bani: (haste) Ji nahi'..main--- (embarrassed at her fast reply) '(calmly) main chaalongi aapke saath'(trans: I will go with you.)
Jai: (faintly smiles) I will pick you up at 7:30.'
Bani: Ji, aap kahin jhaare hai? (trans: Are you going somewhere?)
Jai: Hain, woh--- humare ek hotels mein ek garbaar hogya'zarra dhekna poga ki kya hua' paar main jhaldi wapas aaonga' promise. (grins) (trans: A problem has come up with one of our hotels' I will have to see what happened' but I will come back early.)
Bani: (upset) Abhi jhaare ho? (trans: Are you going now?)
Jai: Hain' but like I said, I will come back on time.
Bani: (suddenly remembering) Ji, phele aap ek minute liye ruksaakte? (trans: Can you wait for a minute?)
Jai: Kya hai, Bani? (trans: What is it, Bani?)

Bani turns from him and goes to her wardrobe, opening up the doors' Jai watches her carefully' Finally finding what she searches for, she goes back over to him, shyly presenting him with a black case with a red bow on it''

Bani: Maine bhi' aapkeliye kuch kareedi'.   (trans: I also'. Bought you something.)

Jai, touched by this'.takes the gift from her gratefully'. He keeps her eyes on her.

Jai: Thank you. (warmly)
Bani: (blushing) '. Kya aap dekhonge nahi'kya hai? (trans: Will you not see what it is?)

Smiling a little at this, Jai begins untying the bow and opens the case'.which reveals a Burberry Sandringham multi pen with a classic yet stylish design to it, held in place with a navy ribbon. He is in awe with her selection'.

Bani: 'I heard you complain once in awhile about not having a proper pen'.. So I had thought that I would get you one' Do you like it? (hopeful)
Jai: No'. I don't. (suddenly)

Bani becomes disheartened by his response, feeling miserable for not giving him something that he will like. She sees him grin at her'..making her confused.

Jai: I'm joking, Bani' I love it. Thank you.

Relief washes over her and she smiles back at him'.

Bani: (cheerful now)' Aap jaaye' warna problem kaise solved hoga? (trans: Go' or else how will the problem be solved?)
Jai: (smiling) I'll see you at 7:30.' (tucking in his new pen into his coat pocket) I suggest you start getting ready now' aur hain' zaroor package joh maine tumhe diya'.khulke dhekna'.main chaata hoon ke tum aaj party ke liye pehno'..(trans: and yes' make sure to see what's in the package I gifted you'.I want you to wear it for the party')
Bani: (confused) Ji?
Jai: Ji. (grins)

He briskly leaves the room, leaving Bani curiously shifting her gaze over at the blue package'..
************************************************************

A Couple of Hours Later:

Jai parks hastily and doesn't bother to check how he had parked his car, instead only runs up the steps toward the grand looking house, decorated lavishly and brilliantly for the occasion. He fixes his tie after he rings the doorbell. There was no time at all for him to go home and change since he got caught up with work at the hotel, so Jai decided on wearing one of his suits laying around in the closet in his cabin, also informing Bani to go on without him and that he will see her there. He sees his best friend's face appear from behind the opened door and forces a smile, even though Jai knew that his smiles wouldn't help him this time. He isn't surprised to see the door slam shut in front of his face.

Letting out a tired sigh, Jai rings the doorbell once again. He hears footsteps approaching and can clearly hear Lakshmi's faint voice from behind the thick green door. "Tarun, kya khar rahe ho?! Are you mad?! Let him in!".

After a short quarreling, the door opens once again and this time Jai sees Lakshmi's radiant smiling face. She looks beautiful in a light red sari fitting her perfectly and her hair in curls.

Lakshmi: Jai! You're here!

"Oh how exciting...", Jai hears Tarun, who was hidden behind the door, grumble. Tarun yelps in pain as Lakshmi steps on his foot.

Lakshmi: Come in, it's cold outside.
Jai: (smiles politely) Thanks, Lakshmi.

Jai enters into the warm and joyful atmosphere. Light music is heard playing from the far side of the house and the aroma of delicious food fills his nostrils. The next thing he sees is Tarun's grim looking face appearing in front of him.

Jai: Tarun- I'm sorry dost, I got caught up with some work so I ran a little late---
Tarun: A little late? (demanding)
Jai: Okay an hour late- but like I had said, there was work ---
Tarun: Work, work, work! Your d*mn work, that is all you care about!
Jai: Tarun, that's not true, I tried to make it on time! (trying to reason with him)

Tarun opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off by Lakshmi who throws him a warning glance.

Lakshmi: Now stop it, Tarun. He's here and that's all that matters. Don't ruin both of your moods by arguing. If this is going to happen every time I throw a d*mn party then I'm just going to stop holding them! (frustrated)
Tarun: ....why don't you just stop inviting him. (growls)
Lakshmi: Why don't I just make you sleep on the couch tonight! (shouts)

This shuts Tarun up and Lakshmi storms off, shaking her head and cursing both of the friends under her breath. Tarun and Jai look at each other mutely and Tarun finally says, "Have some shame, yaar. Everyone came here perfectly on time, except for you....".

Jai: You know I have no shame, Tarun. Never did....and never will.

Tarun looks at Jai for a good second before laughing at his remark. Jai follows into his laughter and both men begin to walk towards the party shoulder to shoulder....

The decorations are beautifully done and adorned around the hall--- red, white, and pink curtains, heart shaped balloons, banners, streamers, flowers, candles, and the crystal chandelier shimmering away. Really, Lakshmi had outdone herself.....

Jai: Wow...Lakshmi has done an amazing job with organizing the party.
Tarun: What makes you think that only Lakshmi has done all this?
Jai: Because you could never do something outstanding as this....
Tarun: (huffs) Yes I could....

Jai refrains from saying anything else about his laziness, not desiring to revoke Tarun's anger.

Jai: Where has Lakshmi gone off to anyways? Has she gone to gather your blanket and pillow for your night on the couch?
Tarun: No, not quite yet... she's over there chit-chatting with your wife.

Jai's head spins over to the direction where Tarun points to. His eyes lay on Bani, who stands nearby a marble statue with Lakshmi, smiling gracefully. He feels his heart skip a beat on the sight of her.

She is absolutely ravishing tonight with the dark red shimmering sari hugging her in all the right places, presenting her tempting womanly curves, perfect body, and fair complexion. Her silky straight hair rest on her shoulders neatly, her ears adorned with dazzling long elegant earrings, and her wrists covered with twinkling red bangles. The khol make her eyes exotically beautiful and the pink gloss on her lips cause them to look luscious. Bani is a divine sight tonight... completely alluring and tempting.

Luckily the saree that Jai had gifted her was red so Bani could wear it for the evening.....

He watches, still very bewildered, as she pushes back a strand of hair from her eye and continue to smile and laugh splendidly.

Tarun: Bani came here a little early, not that it was a problem, Lakshmi and I loved her company. She's a sweet person. She even apologized for your lateness, Jai.

Jai snaps out of his daze and forcefully takes his eyes away from his beautiful wife. He smiles a small smile in Tarun's direction.

Tarun: Anyways, let the women be....and let us men do our drinking.

He says cheerfully as he wraps his arm around Jai's shoulder, whisking him away towards the bar.....
************************************************************ ****

Bani has seen Jai arrive, looking irresistibly dashing in a classy black suit, silk black shirt underneath, stylish matching black shoes, and a silver tie to complete his outfit. She felt completely aware of herself in an instant and her cheeks had turn a rosy pink. Bani distracted herself by talking animatedly with Lakshmi, pretending not to notice her husband's troubling presence.

From the corner of her eye she watches Jai go the bar along with Tarun and she instantly becomes worried. She hates it whenever he drinks, he drowns himself with so much alcohol, knocking out his senses. Her body tenses and she makes a movement to go over there to the bar herself and prevent him from drinking, but she immediately stops herself.

Lakshmi: Bani, kya hua? Where are you going?

Bani, looks over at Lakshmi and blinks slowly at her.

Bani: No where.... absolutely no where....

Lakshmi smiles and then continues on with her story, as Bani is engulfed in her own thoughts. What was I going to do just now?... What right do I have to stop him from drinking?....I have no right... no right at all....Again she looks behind Lakshmi and sees him refuse a drink from Tarun. She watches as Jai politely smiles and pushes the glass away. Tarun shrugs and drowns the alcohol in a second. Bani smiles at this, feeling very pleased and relieved by this.....
************************************************************

Jai shakes his head at his friend, completely disappointed oin him. Tarun is unbelievably...drunk. He continues to refuse to his best friend's drink offers and sighs as he sees Tarun drown another one.

Tarun: (slurs) I---loves---Valemtimes! Don't yous loves Valemtimes Days, Jaaaiiiii????
Jai:(nods to please his friend) Yes, Tarun, I love Valentine's Day too.

Feeling something under his elbow, which was resting on the counter top, Jai finds a mask which only covers half of a person's face. He grabs it and examines it. Jai looks up at all the other masked people's faces with confusion. What the hell were these masks for? Finally, he brings this topic up as he fiddles with the mask he found with his hands.

Jai: Tarun, why the bloody hell is everyone wearing masks? They look ridiculous.
Tarun: (looking up woozily) Oh...Lakshmi's comes up with a silly thinnng for making everyones wear those damned masks....."too make it more fun", shes says. I thinks its ridikulous (ridiculous) too, man. (patting Jai's shoulder)

Jai just shrugs. If that's what Lakshmi thinks is fun....Tarun wraps an arm around Jai's shoulder, startling him, and pulls Jai close to him. He murmurs in his ear, "Jai...you're my bestest friend in the worlds!....and I loves you, yaar". Jai, uncomfortable with this sudden closeness, attempts to put some space between them while saying, "I love you too, pal".

Tarun: (laughs hysterically) But I bet you luvs (loves) Bani more!

Jai is thrown off by this and stunned. He remains mum. He couldn't seem to find a proper reply to that....Jai couldn't just reassure Tarun and say that he does love Bani, when he doesn't.....In fact, he doesn't even know the meaning of love anymore' Bani is just......What is Bani to him? Even Jai has no clue.... She's a good friend, he concludes'. But if she's just a good friend, why do you think about her always?, another voice in his head questions him.

Tarun: I luvs Lakshmeeeess and you luvs Baaneeeesss, ...right?

Jai looks over at Tarun's direction, still not knowing what to say. Tarun beckons for Jai to come closer with his index finger.

Tarun: I wants to tells you a secrets....

He leans in closer towards Tarun and waits for what he says. In a whisper Tarun says, "I thinks you dids a goods job by marrying Baneee and not that gold-diggers Peeahhh (Pia)...Banee is nicer than that horrid sissss (sis) of hers...that Peeaahhh was just afters your riches, yaar, shes don't cares about nudding else... but Banee...shes a real jackpots...hang onto her TIGHT (Tarun hugs himself tightly, emphasizing the word), ...don'ts ever let her go...". Jai feels something inside of him rise on hearing his words. Tarun, smiling foolishly, pulls away and grabs another glass, gulping it down happily. Jai zones out and becomes lost in a world of his own....

"Peeahhh was just afters your riches, yaar, shes don't cares about nudding else....but Banee...shes a real jackpot...hang onto her tight....don'ts ever let her go....". Slowly his eyes look up and fall on Bani, who stands across from him, still chatting with Lakshmi.... Strangely his heart beats abnormally fast on the sight of her.... "Shes a real jackpot....hang onto her tight...don't ever let her go....".
************************************************************ 

Chapter 29

Suddenly the lights become dim and all the guests look around, startled with the change in lights. Only a spotlight is shown in the center of the dance floor. Lakshmi appears on the stage and announces with a delightful smile on her lips to take off their masks and check inside of it for a number. "You will each find a number on your masks.... only one other person shares this number of yours...I will reveal the winning number and then it will be up to you to find your partner.... The couple will then share a dance together--- and even if you don't want to dance, I swear I will make you", she says with a forced controlling tone, which earns her plenty of light laughter from her guests. She smiles radiantly and then reaches into a small bowl containing folded pieces of paper. She withdraws a small paper and says into the microphone, "Okay...here it goes.....the number is", she says with suspense as she slowly opens up the folded paper. "The number is.....36!". Everyone removes their masks to check their numbers excitedly. 

Bani watches, alone, at the scene. She smiles approvingly. What a lovely little game Lakshmi has come up with.....she thinks to herself absently. She wraps her arms together against her chest and continues to look at the game unfold in front of her eyes. 

A couple of minutes go by with Lakshmi waiting at the stage eagerly for the winning couple, but then becomes slightly worried. "Doesn't anybody have number 36?", she asks. She watches as some of the guests shake their heads in a negative.....
*********************************

Tarun laughs at all of this. "What a stuuuupid little game...", he says. Jai nods his head in agreement. "For the first time in my life I actually agree with you, my friend", Jai says in a nonchalant tone. Tarun turns to look at Jai and smile, but his attention is caught in what is in Jai's hands. 

Tarun: Hey, Jai....you gots one of those damned masks....

Jai also looks down in his hands, slightly taken aback. He had forgotten about it and wasn't aware that he was still holding onto it...

Jai: Oh.... I do, don't I? ....Well it's not even mine, I just picked it up from----

Tarun takes it from out of Jai's hands and peers down at the number written inside. "Wells what do you know! You've gots the winning number, yaar!", Tarun says in an amused voice. 

Jai: (stunned) What? No-no I don't....
Tarun: Yessss you do! Looks wright(right) here....thirtyyyyy----siiixxx....(he points to the number in the mask)
Jai: Okay then....
Tarun: Whats you mean okays then? Aren't you goings to tell that you haves it?
Jai: No. (shortly)
Tarun: Oh yes you ares. You're nots goings to make my Luckys looks like a fools on stage in front of everyones. 
Jai: (raises an eyebrow, clearly amused) Lucky?

Tarun raises Jai's mask high up in the air and shouts in a booming voice, "Jai's gots it! Jai's gots it!". 

Everyone turns to look back at Tarun and Jai at the bar. Jai throws Tarun a murderous look. "I'm going to kill you with my two bare hands, Sablok!", he mutters between his gritted teeth. But Tarun continues to wave the mask in the air in a clearly excited mood. 

"Oh Jai! That's wonderful!....anyone else have the number thirty-six?!", Lakshmi questions. 
***********************************************************
Bani feels a tap on her shoulder and turns to her side to see a friendly woman standing beside her. She asks kindly, "What's your number?". Bani, shocked, looks down in her hands and realizes that she's been holding a mask all this time. It is a nicely decorated with red roses drawn on it and glitter. She remembers Lakshmi giving it to at the beginning of the party. Bani had only worn it for a little time to satisfy Lakshmi, but immediately took it off after a few minutes, making an excuse of it being too tight.  

Bani looks up and stammers, "I-I don't know...I haven't checked...". The woman smiles, "Arre, phir dheklo...shayad tum ho woh winner...". (trans: Arre then look, perhaps you are the winner.)

Bani: Nahi....main nahi kilne…(trans: No… I don't want to play.) 

The woman surprises Bani by taking the mask out of her hands and peering in it's inside. 

"Jai's gots it! Jai's gots it!", someone's voice booms. Bani looks up and sees Tarun waving a mask proudly in the air and her husband looking aggravated. Before Bani has any time to react to this, she hears the woman shout on top of her lungs, "She has it too!". The woman raises Bani's hand along with the mask. Bani's heart stops beating in a second and she feels heat surface in her body immediately. She pulls her hand out of the woman's grasp and shakes her head, pleadingly. 

Bani: Nahi...please....main-main nahi…(trans: No… please.. Not me….)

"Arre, jao nah, yaar. You must be insane to want to lose such a lovely opportunity to dance with that good-looking hunk", the woman says. Bani looks over once again in Jai's direction and finds him equally surprised as herself, yet strangely satisfied. Her eyes lock with his, which causes her cheek to flush and look away quickly. 

"Bani! Oh how great! Jai and Bani are our winning couple for the night!", Lakshmi exclaims with delight into the microphone. "Everyone please give them an around of applause and welcome them onto the dance floor". Bani, completely horrified, tries backing away, but is stopped by the woman who urges her to go on to the dance floor along with the others who clap her on. 
************************************************************ ****

Jai instantly cheers up on seeing Bani's mask being held in the air and the woman next to her announce loudly that Bani also shares his number. His earlier frustration towards Tarun disappears and instead he is filled with strange delight. He makes his way across the crowd of people smoothly and walks towards his panic-stricken wife. Bani's face flushes as he smiles broadly when he comes before her and gently takes her hand in his. Jai leans in closer to her ear and murmurs in a husky deep voice, "May I have this dance?", which tingles her ear and forms goose bumps on her skin. The smell of his cologne intoxicates her and almost causes her to faint. Unknowingly she nods her head shortly and she feels herself being led by him towards the dance floor, where the spotlight shines in the center. Everyone in the hall clap loudly and cheer them on. Lakshmi, excited, rushes to find an appropriate song for them.....

She inhales and holds her breath as they step into the bright light and attention of the party and as her husband turns around facing her, their eyes meet. His gray stormy eyes penetrate into her own and she feels her knees becoming weak. She watches as his eyes lower, taking her all in, and then smile approvingly at her. Her heart flutters as his hand wraps around her waist, pulling her close into him, his other hand taking hers, and then leading her into a slow rhythmic dance.

-FEMALE-
Hey yea hey, haan aa

-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara

-FEMALE-
Hm hm, mm hm hm, la la la la la la 

Not able to take her husband's gazing, she shyly lowers her eyes down to his chest….

-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
Dheemi si dhadkan ko badhne do zara
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum hum tum, tum hum tum

-FEMALE-
Aankhon mein humko utarne do zara
Baahon mein humko pighalne do zara
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas jaaye
Hum hum tum, tum hum tum

Taking her by complete surprise, Jai twirls her and pulls her smoothly back into his arms…..

-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
Salvatein kahin, karvatein kahin
Phael jaaye kaajal bhi tera

-FEMALE-
Nazron mein ho guzarta hua
Khwaabon ko koi qaafila

-MALE-
Jimson ko roohon ko jalne do zara
Sharm-o-haya ko machalne do zara

-FEMALE-
Haan lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum

-MALE-
Hum tum, tum

-FEMALE-
Hum tum

She continues to follow his lead, and slowly her discomfort, that they are the center of attention, fades away…. By now other couples join them on the dance floor and sway along with the romantic song….

-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara

-FEMALE-
Chhoo lo badan magar is tarah
Jaise sureela saaz ho

-MALE-
Andhere chhupe teri zulf mein
Kholo ke raat aazaad ho

Bani shivers and closes her eyes as Jai's fingers make contact with her cheek, gently pushing aside a piece of her hair that had fallen loose and tucking it behind her ear…..

-FEMALE-

Aanchal ko seene se dhalne do zara
Shabnam ki boondein phisalne do zara

As she opens her eyes she finds Jai's own boring into hers……

-MALE-
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum

-FEMALE-
Hum tum, tum

-MALE-
Hum tum
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara

-FEMALE-
Baahon mein humko pighalne do zara

-MALE-
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum

-FEMALE-
Hum tum, tum

-MALE-
Hum tum

As they keep their eyes on one another, Bani silently wishes that time could just stay still and that she can stay in his arms like this forever…… 

-FEMALE-
Hum hum tum, tum

-BOTH-
Hum tum

-FEMALE-
Hum hum
Tum ……………
**********************************************************
Jai: Thank you for inviting us, Lakshmi… It was a really great party… and you've organized everything very well… 

Jai comments Lakshmi sincerely as he stands before the front door, getting ready to leave, Bani standing obediently by his side…. 

Lakshmi: (being modest) Oh, it was nothing extraordinary like how you're making it seem….(pleased with his comment)… I'm so glad that you two came though. I enjoyed Bani's company a lot….Really Jai, you have a charming wife…. 

Bani smiles shyly as she sees Jai casting her a look and a small smile through the corner of her eye. 

Bani: Lakshmi Didi, I enjoyed my time with you as well…. (sweetly) 

Lakshmi takes Bani's hand and gives it a friendly squeeze. 

Lakshmi: Keep in touch, will you?
Bani: Of course. 
Jai: Lakshmi, where is Tarun? I don't see him anywhere… (puzzled, wanting to see him off before he leaves) 
Lakshmi: Aur kahan hoga woh? Duffer kahin kamre mein sochuka hoga….hamesha yahin kaarta hai, jaab bhi zyaada peeteh hai….(disappointed and angry) (trans: Where else would he be? The idiot has probably fallen asleep in one of the rooms… he always does this when he drinks too much…) 
Jai: Which is always…..(chuckling) 

Lakshmi smiles a little too, confirming this fact. They hear the wind gusting and the rate of falling rain grow, alerting them. 

Jai: Accha, toh phir hum chaalte Lakshmi… raat baut hochuka….Phir kabhie milenge….(trans: Alright, we shall be going Lakshmi…. It's has become late… We will meet some other time…) 
Lakshmi: Hain, zaroor….Drive safely…. 

Lakshmi opens the door and assists them both while bidding them farewells…. Jai and Bani quickly go to their parked car, wanting to get in to protect themselves from getting wet any further…. 

Immediately Jai starts the car and pulls out of their parked position, then drives to their destination…home. Bani smiles cutely in his direction and speaks softly….grabbing his attention. 

Bani: Ji…woh… thank you for bringing me… I had a lot of fun…. 
Jai: (grinning) I could see that by how much you and Lakshmi were talking… you two barely took breaths between your sentences…(chuckling a little) … Besides, tum bhulrahe ho ke Tarun tumhe bhi invite kiya tha…. (trans: Besides, you are forgetting that Tarun invited you also…) 

Bani flushes on this, embarrassed that he had been watching her at the party. She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear and silently sits back in her seat…. They sit in a comfortable silence with light music playing in the car….. Fifteen minutes into the drive, however, a problem arises….

Jai: Sh*t… yeh aab hona tha…(trans: This had to happen now…) 
Bani: (confused) Mr. Walia, ghaadi ko kya hua? (trans: Mr. Walia, what has happened to the car?) 
Jai: Pata nahi, Bani… pata lagaana…main abhi engine ko check karonga… (trans: I don't know, Bani… I will have to find out… I will check out the engine right now…) 
Bani: Paar Mr. Walia, bhaar baut baarish horaya…. (trans: But Mr. Walia, it's raining a lot outside…) 
Jai: Maloom hai, Bani… but right now it's important to see what's wrong…. 

He pushes his door open and gets out from the car, abandoning his coat behind… his black dress shirt and trousers getting wet quickly…Jai rolls his sleeves halfway up his arms after raising the hood of the engine up….. 

Bani silently waits for him, patiently….but a few minutes go by and she gets restless by being left alone in the car….she also comes out to see what the problem is…. She sees Jai's back turned towards her and his cell phone pressed against his ear…. Bored, Bani turns her attention else where and hugs herself….she focuses on the rain drops falling down from the dark sky and loses herself in them…. Willingly allowing herself to get wet…. Bani has always had a habit ever since childhood… and that is to play around in the rain… Flashes of her and her sisters dancing in the rain sweep through her mind, bringing a fond smile to her lips… 
************************************************************

Jai swears under his breath as he sees that he has no signal… How in the world is he supposed to call for another driver now? He tries moving in various different places, hoping that would help….but to his frustration, his cell's batteries die out….He curses himself for not charging his phone….. Turning around he drops his phone back into his pocket and closes the car's hood…. He walks back over to his side of the car, but as he looks into it through the glass window, he sees his wife gone…. Startled he glances up over the roof, searching around, then locates her not so far away… slowly twirling around in the rain, wearing a beautiful smile on her face…. He is mesmerized by her soaked saree clinging around her like another layer of skin….presenting her curvy body to his eyes….Jai unashamedly watches her silently….he slowly walks toward her, drawn by her innocent beauty…. 

Bani unknowingly slightly trips over a root on the ground, causing her to lose her balance,  however, Jai is fast in gathering her into his arms….wrapping one around her waist…holding her safely against his torso…..Bani slowly opens her eyes and they wander up to meet his own….Her heart races on the sight of him…. How incredibly handsome he looks with his damp hair…raindrops falling from the tips of his hair…and his dress shirt stuck against his torso, outlining his well built body and muscular arms….. He amusingly lightly smiles at her….

Jai: Yeh tum kya khar rahi ho, Bani? Tum ghaadi mein kyon nahi ho? (trans: What is this that you are doing, Bani? Why are you not in the car?) 

Heat fuses into her by their close proximity and his killer smile…..she blushes and looks down….

Bani: (cheekily) woh….actually….(glancing back up at him) mujhe baarish baut pasand hai…..(shyly) (trans: I like the rain a lot.)
Jai: Hmm…woh to main dhekchuka hoon….(trans: Hmm… that I have already seen.) 

Bani blushes more and lowers her gaze once again. Suddenly she feels his hands caress her arms….moving them in an up and down motion….wanting to give her some warmth….

Jai: You are shivering….(seeing her slight chattering teeth and goose bumps on her arms, concern in his voice…) 

She realizes that he is right and she enjoys the affection he showers on her….They see a crackle in the sky followed by a loud boom of thunder, which frightens Bani, causing her to press herself against Jai and hug him tightly……Jai, who was a little shaken from the unexpected thunder himself, is further surprised by his wife clinging close to him….It takes him a good few seconds to react by pulling his arms around her….protecting her…keeping her in the embrace…..his hands roam around her back as he secretly enjoys the feel of her against him…. satisfied with her being in his arms….he buries his face into her wet hair….

As moments pass by and Jai realizes that Bani is still shivering, he gently pulls her away from his chest and stares lovingly at her…. He takes her cold hands into his own….rubbing them together a little and holding securely…..Bani looks at him, breathless….

Jai: (talking over the crackling) There's a house nearby… we'll go there for some help… come…. 

Jai clasps his hand with hers and leads her quickly over in the direction of the house, with it's dim lights still on….wanting to save them from hypothermia…. As they reach the porch of the small, shady looking house, they waste a few moments on regaining their breath and stare hesitantly at the wooden front door before them…. Bani, feeling out of place and a little fearful, nears close to Jai, who knocks hard on the door…..then waits for a reply. He casts Bani a sideway look and gives her a reassuring smile…still keeping her hand in his…. 

They hear approaching footsteps and then slowly the creaking of the opening door….a sketchy looking man with sharp eyes and a stubble appears before them…wearing a blue shirt and saggy trousers which are loose on his thin body….

"Yes?" he questions them, clearly looking intrigued on seeing them. Jai is the one who speaks…..

Jai: I am sorry to disturb you so late at night, sir, but we are in need of some help… The thing is that our car has broken down…and my cell phone's battery has died out…. If it is alright with you, would you mind letting us borrow your phone? 

The man's eyes shift from Jai and over to Bani, who is nerved by his lingering gaze on her, then looks back over to Jai…..

"No, I do not mind at all…. Come in…." the man moves himself off to the side, opening the door further open, giving them a passage way of entering in…. Jai thanks him and glances back over at Bani who had slid behind Jai, hiding herself from the man's view…. He catches her discomfort and leads her inside with him…. Bani feels her heart sink on hearing the front door close behind her…she stays close by her husband's side, amusing him a lot… 

"The kitchen is down the hall and to your right…" the stranger's raspy voice booms in the empty house…..Jai nods his head and walks on over there, taking Bani with him, who gladly accompanies him….after noticing the continuous stares she would receive by the owner of the house, who was sneaky in only checking her out whenever Jai's back was turned….She shudders to herself…. and feels his focused gaze following her…..

Jai locates the telephone and immediately calls his driver, telling him where they are, and to pick them up…. And also informs him that his car needs to be taken to a mechanic….Setting the phone back down Jai turns around and sees Bani suddenly looking relieved…

Bani: (hastily, hopeful) Ab hum chale? (trans: Can we go now?)
Jai: Hain chalo…paar phele hum uss aadmi ko thank karliye….Kahan gaya? (trans: Yes, let's go… but let's first thank that man…Where did he go?)
Bani: (upset) Kahin yahan wahan hoga …hume kya? Chaliye na, Mr. Walia….(trans: He is somewhere around here….but what does it matter to us? Come on, Mr. Walia…) 
Jai: (puzzled by her attitude) Paar Bani-- we should at least thank him----
Bani: (frightened) Mr. Walia, please, aap saamajade kyon nahi… woh aadmi----(trans: Mr. Walia, please, why don't you understand….that man----)

"Have you called anyone, yet?" they hear his unexpected voice speak right behind them. Both Jai and Bani turn around and stare at him standing in the doorway of the kitchen….once again Bani clings to Jai's side….frightened for her safety…. 

Jai: Yes, we have… my driver will be here soon to get us…. Thank you for your help…. 

"No problem at all…. I am glad that I could help out…" he replies. Bani shuffles her feet while looking down as she can sense him staring at her…."If you would like, you two may remain here and wait for your driver…. It's raining a lot outside and I presume it must be cold in your car….". Absolutely terrified, Bani hastily grips onto Jai's arm….. Realization strikes Jai as he sees the man's eyes occasionally wandering over to his wife….he now understands Bani's want to immediately leave…. 

Jai attempts to politely smile even though inside he is seething and about to tear this guy to limbs…. He possessively takes a hold around Bani's waist and pulls her to his side….

Jai: Thank you for the offer, but we don't mind waiting in our car….besides, it will be easier to see when the driver arrives….. We will be leaving now… Thank you once again…. 

"I will walk you to the door…", the man speaks, trying to be courteous, but Jai brushes him aside. 

Jai: It's alright…. We know our way… Come on, Bani….

Jai quickly led Bani out of the kitchen and out of the house, wanting that man a thousand miles away from his wife….boiling inside with anger on how he had looked at her…like she were a piece of meat…. If they hadn't happened in the circumstance that they were, he wouldn't had hesitated at all in beating the man till he cried for mercy…. Bani sensed Jai's anger and silently walked besides him, well actually power walking, since her husband was so anxious in getting her away from the man….. 
************************************************************ **

Jai covers a snoozing Bani affectionately with his dry coat…wanting to keep her warm….as she sleeps peacefully on his chest…. The driver had arrived in twenty minutes as they waited in Jai's broken vehicle….shifting them into the new car while another driver stayed behind with the one in need of repair…ordering for a mechanic… Bani was so tired and could no longer keep her eyes open….Jai allowed her to get comfortable against him…..

He runs his fingers through her hair….as he loses himself in his own thoughts…. Replaying the past events of the evening in his head…. And questioning himself regarding what he feels for Bani….Jai Walia was not going to deny it anymore…. No longer will he lie to himself about her beauty not having any affect on him… He's obviously attracted to Bani….a lot…. But what are these other emotions that he experiences when with her? Why is there a twinge of nervousness in him whenever he sees her? Why does he find himself smiling when she smiles? Why does he feel like his heart has been ripped out of his chest and been kicked when he sees tears in her eyes? And most of all, where does this jealousy come from when another man eyes his wife? The possessiveness? ….

Jai's eyes fall down on Bani's angelic face….her cheeks slightly rosy…..seeming lovelier than usual….A disturbing thought crosses his mind…..

Could it be that I possibly have fallen in-----

Lightening crashes in the sky, followed by the booming sound of it's aftermath….as Jai remains stunned on his own train of thought…. 
********************************************************

Part 30 A 

As Bani finishes off the morning prayers, she lifts up her head and opens her eyes, only to find a startling surprise…. Anu sitting right besides her, praying along with her as well… Smiling at this sight, she affectionately runs a hand down her hair, causing Anu to open her eyes as well… She smiles back sweetly… 

Bani: Hm… mujhe to laga ke tumhe puja room ke bhaare mein kuch paata bhi nahi tha….(teasingly) (trans: Hm… I thought you didn't even know about the puja room.) 
Anu: (embarrassed) Mami…. 
Bani: (giggling) Kya baat hai? (trans: What's the matter?) What brings you here? 
Anu: (softly) Kuch nahi…baas aaj puja karnliye maan kiya… (trans: Nothing… Just felt like doing prayers today…) 
Bani: Good… It's always good to start off a day by remembering God…. 

Anu smiles as a reply. Together they stand and Anu follows her mamiji around like a small child following her mother as Bani holds a thali in her hand, using her hand in gently pushing the fumes from the burning diya…making sure it fills mostly everywhere on the bottom floor of the Mansion…. 

Bani: Anu, kya tum tyaar nahi hona? University per jhaana nahi, kya? (asking her by looking over her shoulder) (trans: Anu, don't you have to get ready? Aren't you going to the University?) 
Anu: Nahi… aaj koi lecture nahi hai.. Isliye… (trans: No… there are no lectures today… that's why.) 
Bani: Oh, then you must have plans with spending time with your friends, haina? 
Anu:… Err… No plans… 
Bani: Then why don't you make plans? You will be bored staying at home… 

Anu just remains silent, not answering Bani's question. Mausi and Dadi come down the stairs together and watch with a fond smile as their Bahu comes to greet them. Bani first takes their blessings and then places praasad into their cupped hands. 

Dadi: Arre wah Anu… tum subah yahan tumhari Mami ke paas kya khar rahi ho? (trans: What are you doing here in the morning with your Mami?) You are usually still sleeping at this time… 
Bani: (smiling teasingly) Kaehri thi ke aaj uski maan kiye puja karnliye… (trans: She said she felt like doing prayers today…) 

Both Mausi and Dadi gasp at this piece of news and fake disbelief. Anu looks down, embarrassed as the three women giggle together. Right at the same time, Aditya comes running down the stairs, only to be stopped by Bani, who approaches him at the last step. 

Bani: Bhaiya, aaj aap zaroor praasad laaonge… I don't want to hear any excuses… (trans: Today you are certainly getting the offerings.) 
Aditya: Bani--- 
Bani: Bhaiya, praasad maana nahi kaarte…. (stern) (trans: You don't refuse offerings.) 
Aditya: (sighs) Accha mere ma, lao… dedo…. (trans: Alright my mother…give it.) 

Bani smiles a victory smile as she places the praasad into his hand. Aditya gives Bani a peck on the cheek before popping it into his mouth. 

Aditya: And good morning to you too…. (noticing Anu standing right behind Bani) Arre Anu, what are you doing awake? 

Mausi, Dadi, and Bani burst out laughing at Adi's confusion as Anu begins to sulk at everyone's teasing. 

Mausi: She felt like doing puja today with her Mami…. (announces) 

Aditya walks over to his daughter and places a hand on her forehead…. 

Aditya: Anu, tum teek to ho, haina? (trans: Anu, you are alright, right?) 
Anu: (pushing his hand away as the women laugh again) I'm fine, Papa. 
Aditya: Seriously, puja? 

Bani smiles brightly as her eyes land on her husband, handsomely dressed in a black suit with a dark blue dress shirt underneath, walking down the stairs with her sister by his side. The two discuss something and casually laugh over it. She makes her presence known by standing right before them, startling both for a moment, who did not notice her. 

Rano: Hi, Di! 

Rano engulfs her sister into a warm hug and willingly takes praasad from her. 

Bani: Hi….(looks over at Jai) Good morning, Mr. Walia… praasad? (sweetly) 

Jai smiles in response and extends his hand. Bani places it on there…. 

Jai: Good morning…. 
Rano: (eyes wide open) Anu, tum! Tum kya khar rahi ho yahan?! I thought you were asleep! 

Again everyone laughs, with the exception of Jai and Rano, not understanding the reason for the laughter. Anu becomes slightly angry. 

Anu: Hain hain, aap saab haso! Main hoon itana funny! (trans: Yes yes, you all laugh! I am that funny!) 
Dadi: Arre Anu, hum to baas tumhe sherahi teh… accha…aab muskaroon….please…. (trans: arre Anu, we are just teasing you… alright…now smile…please..) 

Anu manages a small smile, pleasing her Dadi. 

Mausi: Aab hum saab breakfast kaare? (trans: Shall we all have Breakfast?) 

Everyone nods and make their way over to the dining table to be served. Bani quickly tells Mausi that she will be right back, wanting to put the tali back into the puja room. Just as she moves to leave, she bumps straight into Jigyasa, who had gotten off the last step of the stairs, wearing one of her usual designer sarees. Bani tightens her grip on the tali, which was about to fall, and re-balances herself… she looks apologetically over at her sister-in-law. 

Bani: I'm sorry Jigyasa Didi, I wasn't loo--- 
Jigyasa: (fuming) You better be Bani Dixit…. (coldly) 
Bani: ….Ji? (taken aback) 
Jigyasa: Don't you dare act innocent with me…. You know very well what I am talking about… 
Bani: Didi--- 
Jigyasa: Maat bahlao mujhe Didi… main tumhari Didi nahi hoon… kitni bhaar maine yeh tumhe batachuke ho… (trans: Don't' call me sister… I am not your sister… how many times have I told you this…) 

Bani is silenced by this. She doesn't know how to react with Jigyasa's cold attitude and dislikes the way she stares at her as if she is filth. 

Bani: I'm sorry….(softly) 

She makes an movement to leave, but is prevented by Jigyasa who hastily grips onto her arm, turning her back to face her… 

Jigyasa: Kya tumhe laagta ke sirf ek sorry meri baazaati ko mitaaonga? Ke joh kuch tumne mere saath kiya, main bhuljoongi? (trans: Do you think one sorry will be enough to rid away my humiliation? That whatever you have done to me, I will forget?) 
Bani: (wriggling her arm free) Main samjhi nahi… ap kya kaeh rahe hai? Maine aapke saath kya kiya? (trans: I don't' understand what you are saying… What are you saying? What have I done to you?) 
Jigyasa: (spits) Because of you my own brother won't talk to me! He doesn't even look at my face! And for what reason--- you?! Ek ghaatiya low-class simple se ladki?! … Mujhe batao Bani… kya jaado kiya tumne mera bhai paar? Ke woh bina socha, tum paar vishwaas kiya? Ke unhone tumhari paap ko aapnaya?! Huh?! (trans: A disgusting, low-class simple girl?!… Tell me, Bani… What magic have you done on my brother?-- That without thinking, he trusts you? That he accepted your sin?!) 

Tears fill in Bani's eyes as she stares at Jigyasa in disbelief. She hadn't learned her lesson… She still believes that she is wrong and betraying everyone… What does Bani have to do to make Jigyasa believe in her? 

Jigyasa: (seeing her tears) Save the act, Bani… At least don't act so bholi with me… I know what you are capable of… and I know what your real intentions are… Why don't you just leave and take your filth of a child and sister with you? You aren't going to succeed in your motives when I'm here….I won't let you rule over my Bhaiya… 

Despite the tears stinging in her eyes, Bani fumes by Jigyasa's words… she raises her chin up and directly meets her eyes… 

Bani: Mera baacha…meri behen…aur main kahin nahi jhaaongee… laagta ke aap bhulrah hai….ke main aapka bhai ki paatni hoon… Jai Walia ki paatni… woh aadmi joh isse ghar ka malaak hai… main aapke baatein ko kyon sunno? Aapke koi hukaam nahi chaalte yahan… sirf mere paati ka… aur main sirf mere paati ko sunti hoon… (trans: My child…my sister…and I will not go anywhere… I think you are forgetting that I am your brother's wife… .Jai Walia's wife… the man who is the owner of this house… why should I listen to you? Your commands aren't followed here…only my husband's…and I only listen to my husband…) 
Jigyasa: Besharam laadki--- (trans: You shameless girl---) 

Jigyasa raises her hand to smack Bani, who instantly shuts her eyes, but is surprised after a few seconds on not feeling any sort of contact of her hand with her cheek… She opens them back up and is startled to see her husband holding onto his sister's wrist, preventing her from slapping Bani at the right time… 

Jai stares furiously at his sister, angered by the courage she has to raise her hand on his wife… It was sheer coincidence that he left his cell phone upstairs and was going to retrieve it… witnessing this scene on his way over to the stairs… 

Jai: Kya galat kaha Bani neh, Jigyasa? ---Kuch nahi… saach to kaerhi thi….main malaak hoon iss ghaar ka… mere hukaam chaalte hai yahan… tmaine tumhe sirf yahan ek jaaga diya tha… rehenliye… yeh tumhara sirh mein kaisa galat faami aaya ke tumhare koi haaq hai isse ghaar paar… tumse zyaada Bani ko haaq hai yahan… akaar meri paatni joh hai… (trans: What wrong did Bani say, Jigyasa?--- Nothing.. She was speaking the truth… I am the owner of this house… my commands are followed here… you are just my sister… I have just given you place to stay…. How did this misunderstanding that you have rights over this house get into your head? … Bani has more rights than you… she is after all my wife…) 

Jigyasa reflects the shock in her eyes…pained by her brother's words and support for her nemesis… 

Jai: Aur agar tumhe koi problem hai… phir tum chalejaasakte…(trans: And if you have any problem… you may leave…) 
Jigyasa: Bhaiya… kya aap aapne hosh mein hai? Zarra dheko ke aapko kya hua… Aap isse ladki keh saath daerah hai ? Joh aapko dhoka diya? Jisne uski behen ko madaat diye bhaag neh liye? ---Aapko dhukh poochanliye? Aur aab jaab usne iteeni ghaandi paap karchuke hai… aap mujhse naaraz hai saach bholenliye? ---- …. Maanah paarega… kya jaado kiye issne… she has gotten herself pregnant and managed to get you to accept the sin… (trans: Are you in your senses? Take a look at what has happened to you….You are siding with this girl? Who betrayed you? Who helped her sister in running away?--To hurt you?… And now when she has committed such a disgusting sin… you are angry with me for speaking the truth? …. I have to give it to her… what magic she has done on you….) 

Seeing Jai brewing with anger as he hears each and every word coming from Jigyasa's mouth, Bani hastily intervenes, stepping in between both brother and sister as she catches Jai step forward to his sister with clenched fists… She rests her hands on his chest, slightly pushing him back… 

Bani: Mr. Walia, please! 
Jai: Move out of the way, Bani. You won't stop me today! I will bury this woman alive! 
Jigyasa: (cries) I am your sister! 

"What's going on here?!", they hear Aditya's approaching voice speak… All three turn and see Aditya, Mausi, Dadi, Rano, and a hesitate Anu lingering behind… watching them with great curiosity. 

Mausi: Munna?-- Jigyasa? Tum dono ko kya hua? Why are you two speaking in raised voices? 

Aditya senses the strong tension between brother and sister…. He narrows his gaze onto his ex-wife… 

Dadi: Kya horaya? (trans: What's going on?) 
Jigyasa: (close to tears, voice cracking) Aap saabh aao aur dheko! Dheko kaise Jai bhaiya mere saath baath khar rahe hai! Dheko kaise mujhe ek paraaye baanaya! Aur kisliye?! Iss Bani liye?! Wah Jai Bhaiya… wah… Jaab se aapne paatni yahan aaye hai… aap to mujhe aur meri rights ko bhulgaaye! Aapko yaad bhi nahi hai ke aaj taak maine iss ghar ko sambali hai! --Mere ghar jaise dhek bhaal kiye maine! Aap yeh mere saath nahi khar sakte! (trans: You all come and see! See how Jai Bhaiya talks to me! See how he makes me into a stranger! And for who? For this Bani? Wow… Jai Bhaiya… wow… Ever since your wife has come here… you have forgotten me and my rights! You don't even remember that up until now I have been taking care of this house!--- I have taken care of it like my own home! You cannot do this to me!) 
Jai: (through clenched teeth) Jigyasa--- 
Mausi: Jigyasa! 

Mausi's raised voice echoes throughout the hall… everyone stares at her, startled by her outburst… 

Mausi: Beta, yeh tum kya kaehri ho! … Aakar problem kya hai? Sirf yeh ke Bani ko zyaada haaq hai iss ghar peh? … Jigyasa, aab iss ghar ka bahu aachuke hai… yeh zimadaari uski hai… yeh to tum phele se paata tha… phir tum aab iske bhaare mein kyon jhaagara khar rahi ho? (her voice lowering, trying to soothe Jigyasa) (trans: What are you saying?… What is the problem? Just that Bani has more rights over this house?… Jigyasa, the daughter-in-law of this house has come… this responsibility is hers… you knew this from before… then why are you fighting over this now?) 
Jigyasa: Ghar ka sawaal nahi hai, Mausi! Bharosa ka sawaal hai! Mujhe mera sawaal ka jawaab chaaye! Ke kyon mera aapna Bhai iss low-classed ladki se mujhse hi zyaada vishwaas kaaarte! (trans: It is not about the house, Mausi! It's about trust! I want an answer to my question! That why my own brother believes in a low-classed girl more than me!) 
Mausi: (stunned, in disbelief) … Jigyasa? 

Jai goes around Bani, who still stood in his way, and takes a grip on Jigyasa's arm, swinging her over, making her face him…. 

Jai: (bursts) You want an answer to your question?! -- To phir sunno! -- It is because Bani has more class than even you Jigyasa! She doesn't go around creating tantrums and problems for everyone! She is selfless and always sacrificing for everyone else's happiness! She actually takes care for some one other than herself! She makes sure of the well-being of this house and the people living in it! She fulfills all of her responsibilities with grace and perfection! She completes all of her duties as a sister, daughter-in-law, wife, and a human being! She hasn't made a single fuss ever since she has lived in this house! Nor has she made any complaints! ---- Yes maybe society-wise, Bani is lower classed, but as a human being--- Bani is far more high-classed than you, Jigyasa! 
Jigyasa: Arre yeh saabh uski naatak hai! Main aache taara se jhaanti hoon aise laadkiyoon ko! Aamir aadmiyon ko phasaate hai aur unko khaali haath choorte hai! Main kaaehti hoon--- yeh Bani aise hi kaarongi! (trans: Arre this is her act! I know these type of girls very well! They trap rich men and leave them empty-handed! I am tell you… This Bani will do the same!) 
Jai: Main tumhe-----(trans: I will---) 

"BUS!!!!", a sudden cry interrupts in the middle of Jai's sentence…. Everyone looks over to see who the voice belongs to… They stare at a pale Anu, who has tears streaming down her cheeks… looking defeated and wearied out… 

Anu: (whispers) Bus…. Please… aab aur kuch maat kaaiye…. Main nahi saaehsakte… kitna bhaar aap dono laarchuke hai….kya aap thachuke nahi? … (trans: Stop… Please… don't say anything more… I can't tolerate it… how many times have you two fought… aren't you tired?) 

She continues to cry as she speaks and walks closer to where her uncle and mother stand….who stare back at her with their undivided attention… 

Anu: Ma… aap kyon nahi samajthe… ke koi aapke baaton ko sunwale nahi hai… koi Bani Mami ko shaq nahi kaaronge… saab vishwaas kaarte hai unko… kabhi kuch galat nahi kaarsakte… (trans: Ma… why do you not understand… that no one is going to listen to what you have to say… no one will doubt Bani Mami… everyone believes in her… she can never do anything wrong…) 

Anu looks over at Bani and takes her hand in hers… Bani faintly smiles back at her through her tears, appreciating her support… 

Anu: Mamaji saach kaeh rahe the… Bani Mami sirf doosron ke baare main sochte hai… khabi aapne bhaari mein nahi… jaise aab… for an example… kya kuch tolerate kiya meri Mami neh mere liye… mujhe protect karnliye… kitane insults… baazati… lekin phir bhi woh chup the… saab kuch saaehthi raage…. Aur main… main ek coward jaise chup chap thamasha ko dhekhi jhari thi…. Paar aab nahi… (trans: Mamaji was saying the truth…. Bani Mami only thinks about others… never about herself… like now for an example… My Mami has tolerated a lot for me… to protect me… so many insults… humiliation… but still she kept quiet… she kept on tolerating… and I…. I like a coward quietly watched the drama before me… but not anymore…) 

Anu turns around facing everyone's puzzled faces… not understanding what she is trying to say or imply… 

Anu: Aap saab yehi sochreh hoge… ke main kya bholna chaati hoon.. Shayad main yeh shuru se baatna chaaya tha… paar mujhe dhaar tha… ke mere saath kya hoga… jaab aap saab ko paata chaalaonga… (trans: You must all be thinking.. About what it is that I am trying to say… I should had said this before… but I was scared.. About what would happen to me… when you all find out.) 
Jigyasa: (demanding) Anu… yeh tum kya kaeh rahi ho? Mujhe kuch samajh nahi araya… (trans: Anu… what are you saying? I don't understand…) 
Anu: (meeting her mother's eyes)… Mama… Bani Mami pregnant nahi hai…. Saach hai ke…Main pregnant hoon… (trans: Mama… Bani Mami isn't pregnant…the truth is that… I am pregnant.) 

Anu's words seem to ring throughout the hall and no one says a word, completely silenced by what the young girl had said just seconds before….trying to process it in…. Anu guiltily glances down at the floor rather than stare back at her family's stunned faces, which do not look away from her…. Moments pass by in which no one makes even a sound…until Jigyasa slowly walks over to her daughter and roughly takes a hold of her arm…. 

Jigyasa: You insensible girl! What do you think you're trying to do?! Do you think by lying like this you can save her?! Do not put yourself into trouble for this nobody! She is not worth it, Anu! In fact, she is not worth anything! Why do you side with her?! Do not ruin your own life for that woman! 

Anu angrily withdraws her arm from her mother and meets her furious gaze. 

Anu: Mama, I am telling the truth! Bani Mami is not pregnant! I am! I am two months pregnant! I have been keeping this away from you and everyone else for awhile! --- I had found out at the farmhouse when I had fainted and the Doctor told me tha---- 
Jigyasa: No!! No! Stop it! 

Jigyasa covers her ears with her hands and shakes her head, refusing to listen to her daughter. Everyone else continues to watch on, too shocked to react at the moment. Hastily she turns to look at Bani, who quietly stands besides Jai with tears in her eyes…her heart going out to Anu for bringing up the courage in speaking the truth, yet concerned. She becomes alarmed on seeing Jigyasa glare and point at her. 

Jigyasa: This woman set you up to this, didn't she?! She told you to say all this! She has told you to lie to us so she can save herself! Anu, why do yo---- 

Jai, having enough with the accusations against Bani, speaks loudly to talk over his sister's hysterical cries. 

Jai: That's enough, Jigyasa! Stop it with the nonsense already! --- What would Bani gain from telling Anu to lie?! How would it benefit her?! …. Anu is speaking the truth, Jigyasa… It is your daughter, not Bani, who is pregnant with a child. A child which you have countless of times called a sin! Well Jigyasa… that sin whom you so proudly call it… happens to be your own daughter's child….your soon-to-be grandchild…. 
Jigyasa: No, I don't believe this! (yells) My Anu can't do something so foolish! She is a smart girl! She would not do anything that would bring her mother shame! 
Jai: (retorts) Well if you hadn't let her run wild with no discipline or values, she would had kept up to your expectations! 

Jigyasa's face pales….and she lets the tears flow from her pained eyes…. Her eyes travel back over to her daughter, who doesn't meet them… too ashamed at herself…. 

Jigyasa: (desperate, her only hope) But the reports….said that Bani---- 
Jai: Those reports belong to Anu, not Bani… The day Bani found out about Anu's pregnancy, she took her to the doctors and gave her own name to Anu as a cover up… so no one would find out… Bani gladly offered to help your daughter out and let everyone think she was pregnant to give Anu some time to accept the condition she is in and finally have the courage in telling the truth… 
Anu: (softly)…. Bani Mami had helped me a lot… so did Mamaji… they both were just trying to protect me… (her voice cracks) 

Slowly Anu looks up at her family and begins to cry openly in front of them…. She catches her father stare in the other direction… not wishing to look at her… which breaks her heart. 

Anu: I am so sorry, Papa….so sorry, Mama… I know I have shamed you… brought you disgrace…. disappointed you…. I did not once ever think of what kind of impact this would have on my family… I was foolish and careless… I have failed you… (sobbing) Please forgive me…. 

Anu is silenced by a stinging smack by her mother, catching her completely off guard… The rest look on, surprised… Jigyasa watches her daughter with furious eyes…breathing heavily to herself… 

Jigyasa: You go on and do something as disgusting as this and expect me to forgive you?! …. No Anu… I will never forgive you… Never… This humiliation that you have put me through… I will never forget… 

Letting her words linger for a moment, Jigyasa turns and storms out from the hall… leaving a shattered Anu behind….who glances over to her downcast father for support… She takes slow steps towards him, tears glistening in her eyes, and looks at him with hope… . 

Anu: Papa…(her voice cracking) … I know… I know you are disappointed in me… upset… angry… but please, please don't turn your back on me, Papa… please don't look away from me… I need you… I'm scared… 
Aditya: (gentle tone with no emotion) You have broken my trust, Anu… How can I support you when you give me no reason to hold faith in you? 
Anu: No, Papa, please… I've learned from my mistake… 
Aditya: Have you, Anu?… Do you know what you will do for your child? How you will be able to handle this situation you have put yourself and us into? … You don't know what to do… which is why you want your mother and I to take care of the problem for you… What have you done, Anu? (heart broken) …You are only eighteen… still a child… and you are going to be a… (shakes his head) I can't believe this…. 

Anu hangs her head in shame….as Aditya once again looks away from her, not wanting to show her how deeply she has hurt him…. 

Jai: …Aditya… 

Jai stands forward and speaks after a short moment of silence…. 

Jai: This isn't the time to regret over what Anu has done… We have to take action and solve this matter… Anu is going to be a mother and we must settle this issue before it gets out of hand… 
Bani: Bhaiya… Mr. Walia is right… we need to do something…. 

Aditya turns to look over at Jai and Bani… desperate for some aid and light… 

Aditya: What do you recommend we do? 
Jai: The only sensible option I see is to get Anu married to her child's father…. settle it properly…. We'll get them married immediately so no questions are raised…. 
Mausi: Munna…But how can we be sure that the boy wants to marry Anu? 

Mausi worriedly speaks her thoughts for the first time since the whole drama began. 

Jai: He has to accept his responsibility towards Anu and his child… Our Anu isn't the only one at fault here… 
Bani: Bhaiya… aap kya kaahte hai? -- Kya aap iss faisla ko manzoor kaarte hai? (trans: Bhaiya…what do you say? Do you accept this decision?) 
Aditya: (nods his head) Jai is right in this case… We must get Anu married quickly… But Mausi brings up a good point… We should make sure that the boy will agree to this…(turning to Anu) What is his name, Anu? 
Anu: (softly) ….Rohit ….Rohit Chopra…. 
Aditya: Does he know that he is expecting a child? 

Anu mutely shakes her head in a negative, lowering her gaze back down to the floor. 

Aditya: (sternly) You will call him and tell him. 
Bani: Hum Rohit aur uska paarivaar ko yahan bhulaana chaaye… shaadi ke bhaare mein baath karnliye… (trans: We should call Rohit and his family over here… to talk about the wedding.) 
Jai: Hmm… you're right… we will call them over today after Anu speaks with him… the sooner this wedding is the better…. 
Dadi: Lekin Jigyasa? Hum iss shaadi ko kaise kaarsakte Jigyasa ke bina? (trans: But Jigyasa? How can we do this wedding without Jigyasa?) We must inform her also… 
Jai: Dadi, don't worry over her… She will understand… she may be upset with Anu at the moment, but she will always want the best for her…. And right now this wedding is what Anu needs…. 
************************************************************ * 
After two hassling phone calls, Rohit and Ranvijay Chopra arrived at the Walia Mansion an hour later to discuss the matter… Ranvijay apologized profusely for his son… Rohit didn't mutter a single word, loitering behind in shame… avoiding Saahil and Rano's evil glares at him…. Especially Jai Walia's threatening, judgmental gaze…. Jigyasa stubbornly remained in her room and announced that she will have nothing to do with the wedding…. Aditya, Jai, and Bani took charge over the finalization of the wedding… After a long while it was decided that the engagement would be held the next day with the wedding following four days afterwards…. Despite the circumstances, they wanted the wedding to be perfect…. Anu and Rohit had no say in between what the elder's had decided… they were just relieved and glad that their marriage was being approved…. 
************************************************************ 

Chapter 30 B

Bani walks into the living room of the Mansion and is surprised on seeing Mausi, Dadi, and Rano sitting down the couch…with their chins in their hands…wearing a solemn look on each of their faces… Intrigued by what could be wrong with them, Bani makes her way over to them…sitting right across from them… She places a gentle hand on Mausi's shoulder…startling her for a short second. 

Mausi: Bahu? Tum kaab aaye? (trans: Bahu? When did you come?)
Bani: ..Aabhi aaye hoon, Mausi… (trans: I came just now…) 
Mausi: (smiling a little) To phir kya kaareedi humari Anu neh? (trans: So what did our Anu buy?)

Since the engagement was later on in the evening and Anu complained about having nothing suitable to wear, Bani willingly took her to the mall to buy her a new outfit and some accessories to go along. It is after all her engagement. She attempted to take Rano along with them, but Rano was stubborn and refused. She was beyond furious with Anu for not informing her about anything regarding the pregnancy and letting the blame fall on her sister. She would not be talking to her anytime soon. 

Bani smiles lightly back as well. 

Bani: I am afraid that we bought the whole mall…. (trying to be a little humorous) 

None of them laugh and Rano just sneers. 

Rano: You'd think she'd have a little shame of what she had done… but no.. she goes on and celebrates by wasting away her dad's credit card… 

Bani eyes Rano carefully, making Rano look away…but still fumes silently. 

Bani:.. I bet you will do the same when it is your engagement day, Rano…. Aab aap saab mujhe batao… aap yahan kya khar rahe hai? Aaj shaam hume ek engagement party organize kaarne hai… aur aap saab yahan chup chap baateari ho….koi paareshani hai, kya? (trans: Now you all tell me… what are you doing here? We need to organize an engagement party for this evening… and you all are sitting here quietly… Is there any trouble?) 
Mausi: ..(sighs) Nahi, Bahu…koi paareshaani nahi hai…. Hum bus yuhi…..(shrugs) (trans: No, Bahu… no trouble… we are just…) 
Bani: (turning to Dadi) Dadi… aap baatiye na… kya baath hai? (trans: Dadi,…you tell me… what's the matter?)

Dadi sits up and stares back at Bani, not having the usual cheerful look on her face and eyes….Dadi is a little hesitant at first, but decides to be honest with Bani, whom she absolutely adores… 

Dadi: Hum baas yehi sochreah the….ke kya kuch hua …. (trans: We were just thinking…about what had happened …)
Bani: Matlab? (trans: Meaning?)
Dadi: Matlab…Hume pata chala ke humari Anu maa banwaale hai…kitni choti umar hai uski... bina shaadi karke isne aisa kuch kiya.... mujhse to vishwas nahi hai....aur tum... tum nahi ho… hum baaut khush the, Bani Puttar… ke tum maa banwaale the…. Akar humne baut saalon se humara Jai ka waaris ke liye intezaar khaar reh the… shaadi karchuka…to phir hum to baas uska baacha ke liye besabri se intezaar kaar reh the… phir aab paata chala ke koi baacha hai nahi… woh saari khusiyaan loote gaaye… aur aab humari Anu ke vidaai ke waqt honwala hai…. Humari choti se Anu… Humko to yakeen nahi aarya…. (trans: Meaning…. we found out that our anu is pregnant…and you aren't…we were very happy, Bani Puttar…that you were becoming a mother… we have waited for Jai's heir for a long time… he had gotten married… so we were waiting impatiently for his child… then we have found out that there is no child… all that happiness has gone away….and now our Anu's time to leave has arrived…our small Anu… we just can't believe it.) 

Bani feels tears sting her eyes on seeing all of their downcast faces, Mausi and Rano confirming Dadi's words…. Silently she nears Dadi and places her head in her lap…Dadi, startled, looks down at Bani bent form….

Bani: Mujhe maaf kariye, Dadi…. Mujhe maaf kardo, Mausi…. Maine aapke saath teek nahi kiya…. I have played with your emotions…. Main maafi ke layak nahi hoon, jhaanti hoon, paar phir bhi maangari hoon…. (trans: Forgive me, Dadi… Forgive me, Mausi… I haven't done you two right… I have played with your emotions… I am not worth being forgiven, I know, but still I am asking for it…) 
Dadi: (surprised) Bani Puttar? 
Mausi: Arre Bahu.. Yeh tum kya kaehrahi ho? (trans: What are you saying?)

Mausi takes Bani by the shoulders and lifts her up, facing her towards herself… Bani keeps her eyes glued to the ground…

Mausi: Yeh tumhari koi gaalti nahi hai… Saach to yeh hai… ke hum tujhpe garv hai… Akar tumne humare ghaar ke beti ke liye itana saare kuch kaarchuke ho…. (trans: This is none of your fault…The truth is that we are proud of you…You have done so much for this house's daughter…) 
Dadi: Bani… You have mistaken what I had said… I did not mean to make you feel guilty…. You are at no fault… We know that you had lied to protect Anu… We are not angry with you…. 
Mausi: (stroking her hair) To phir kya hua agar mera Munna ka baacha tumhari pet mein nahi hai? Ek din to zaroor hoga, haina? (sweetly) (trans: So what if my Munna's child isn't in your womb… One day it will, right?) 

Bani blushes despite herself while the two elder women chuckle. Shyly Bani hugs them both, who warmly hug her back. Rano smiles silently watching them. After awhile, Bani moves back and brushes away her tears while smiling beautifully at them. 

Bani: Aab chalo bhi… hum humari pyaari Anu ke liye ek dhoom se engagement party organize kaarna hai… (trans: Now let's go… We have to organize a grand engagement for our sweet Anu…) 
************************************************************
After receiving ten shrilling phone calls from his Mausi, reminding him that it is his niece's engagement and that if he doesn't make it, he might as well find another place to live, Jai Walia hastily left the office with only an hour for him to reach the Mansion, get ready, and arrive at the hotel where the engagement will be held…..

He curses as he slams his hand into his car door in a hurry. Shaking it, trying to relieve some of the pain off, Jai strides into the Mansion and ran for his room, after being chased off by a grouchy Mausi. Stretching his hand in hopes of it becoming better, Jai walks into his bedroom by opening the door with his other and gazes up only to have them land right on his wife's turned back….sitting before her dresser… He holds in his breath as her hazel eyes meet his through the mirror…. She smiles shyly and turns around after standing… 

He is blown away with her beauty…glowing radiantly in a white and pink faux georgette saree, decorated with sequins and stones work with a heavy border along with a pink embroidered blouse…. White bangles on her wrists…dangling diamond earrings adoring her ears…neck left bare except for her mangulsutra… hair left out and slightly wavy… kohl applied to her eyes, causing them to stand out…giving them an exotic look….

She is gorgeous as an angel, he muses… Jai continues to seem dumbstruck, not moving nor breathing…mind not functioning properly until he is brought back to reality by her gentle voice…..

Bani: Aap aagaye? (cheerful on seeing him) (trans: You're here?) 

Jai snaps out of it, clears his throat and slowly walks near her… stopping a couple of feet away from her… 

Jai: Hain…kyon? (trans: Yes, why?)
Bani: (coyly) … Mujhe laga ke aap aapne bhanji ke engagement ko bhuljoawonge… Har waqt aap sirf aapka business ke bhaare mein sochte hai…isliye…(finishes off cutely) (trans: I thought you would forget about your niece's engagement… You think of your business all the time… that's why.) 

Jai grins silently to himself…amused by her words… if only she knew the real reason why he had wanted to come back home… why he was so eager to finish up work at the office and leave…. So restless… He, however, comes up with another answer… 

Jai: I received ten angry phone calls from Mausi… I had no choice but to come… 

Bani's lips crack into a smile and seconds later she giggles at his response…Jai chuckling himself along with her….  

Bani: Aap jaake tyaar hojaaye… aapka suit main bed perh rakchuke hoon… (trans: Go on and get ready… I have laid your suit on the bed.) 

Jai mutely obliges, takes his suit in his hand, and leaves to the bathroom only after casting a sly look over at Bani, giving her a last smile, which she returns shyly…. 
************************************************************

While her husband takes his time in getting ready, Bani moves on downstairs to preoccupy herself with last minute work related things before leaving for the hotel with Jai… Realizing something, she walks on over to the kitchen and spots Tony there… 

Bani: Tony, kya Jigyasa Didi unke kaamre se nikalchuke hai? (trans: Tony, has Jigyasa Didi left her room?) 

Tony shakes his head in a negative. 

Tony: No, Ma'am. She hasn't left her room since three days ago…. 

Jigyasa locked herself in her room in silence, not answering anyone's knocks or calls… just staying quietly by herself… God knows doing what… They all gave up hope on persuading her into joining the engagement for her daughter's sake… 

Bani frowns on hearing this and muses on what to do. She swiftly moves over to the refrigerator and pulls out a few containers on quick thinking…. Ten minutes later she shoves a white tray containing food on it into Tony's hands… 

Bani: Here… drop this over to her room… I am assuming she will probably be hungry… 
Tony: But Bani Ma'am.. She refuses to eat anything.. She has sent down every meal we have given her since yesterday… 
Bani: She can't continue to fight off the food… she must be hungry sometime… and when that time will come, she will eat… Please, just take this to her room…. And do not mention my name…. 

Tony respectfully listens and exits with Jigyasa's meal in his hands…. Bani sighs in disappointment… She jerks as she hears an unexpected voice…. 

"Di! What are you doing here! We're all ready to leave. Come on!", Rano announces as she enters the kitchen. Not listening to her sister's explanation, Rano drags her older sister out of the kitchen and to the living room where the rest of the family stood, ready to leave….
************************************************************
The Walias were the first to arrive at the hotel, followed by the Chopras only a few minutes later, and with time the grandly decorated hall filled with clutters of friends and family… People rejoiced over the happy occasion with drinks, food, and dance…. Jai, who is dashingly handsome in a black suit with a black dress undershirt underneath and no tie…., chats with a few familiar faces along with Aditya with a drink accompanied in his hand… Mausi and Dadi found women around their age to mingle with… Saahil disappeared into the crowd finding friends… and Bani dragged Rano alongside with her to a separate room in the hotel where Anu would remain until the ring ceremony was announced… Everyone is eager to see the bride, especially her husband-to-be who respectfully stands by his father's side…

While Jai takes a swig out of his drink, he feels a strange ominous presence nearing and finally an unfortunate familiar voice speak right from behind… 

"Hello, Jai" she says in a dangerous low tone… Startled, Jai turns around only to find a shocking surprise in the form of Roshini Chopra….looking a little too classy in a designer red saree…. Flicking a strand of her brown hair back and eyeing him seductively with those cat-like eyes… Jai is too stunned to even respond on the sight… Even Aditya nervously looks from Jai to Roshini and back over to Jai… sensing the strong tension building between them… Quickly anger flashes in Jai's gray eyes…and he snarls at her… 

Jai: What the hell are you doing here? (trying his best to keep his voice low) I thought you were in Goa… why the hell have you come back to Mumbai? (demanding) 

Aditya, even though his attention remains on the ex-couple, chats up the guests near him, diverting their attention by leading them somewhere else… 

Roshini smiles wickedly as a response… and places a gentle hand on his chest…smoothing down his black coat lightly… Her mischievous eyes rise and gaze into his furious ones….

Roshini: Ouch, Jai… Your attitude hasn't changed a bit since we've last met… I thought you would be glad on seeing me… You always used to be…(her voice purposely flirtatious) 

Jai angrily pushes her hand away and moves back, creating an appropriate amount of space between them…. 

Jai: Perhaps you are mistaking me with that French boy of yours, Pierre. I am not too fond of promiscuous women. (growls) 

Roshini ignores his hurtful blow as if he hadn't even said it. 

Roshini: ….When did you become so bitter, Jai? (curious) 
Jai: I am normally not a bitter man. I just choose not to be civilized with you. --Now tell me, what you are doing in Mumbai and at my niece's engagement party uninvited?  

Roshini smiles widely despite his acerbic tone. Jai looks on at her, slightly confused by what she finds so humorous. 

Roshini: I always thought of you as a clever man…but today I see that you aren't as bright as you seem, Jai…. Or perhaps your brain is just on a temporary leave… 
Jai: (snaps) What the hell do you mean by that?
Roshini: Your niece, Anu Bali is getting married to Rohit Chopra…. Whose father is Ranvijay Chopra… now, you ask, why someone like Roshini Chopra would be doing here at a party that she is clearly uninvited to? 

Hearing "Chopra" starts Jai's mind into a working motion…he groans inwardly on the possibility of her presence here…. 

Roshini: Well Jai, that is because Roshini Chopra doesn't need an invitation to attend her own nephew's engagement… all she needs is a simple phone call from her darling brother and she makes her presence well known…. (grins in victory) 

It finally registers on why Ranvijay Chopra had seemed like such a familiar name to him from before… at first he couldn't put his finger to it, and simply ignored it… perhaps that was the wrong thing to do.

Jai: I should had known… (furious with himself) .. You always did talk about that brother of yours…. (grumbling)

If Jai had the ability too, he would had reversed time, prevented Anu from ever getting close with the Chopra boy, saving himself from joining a family in which his ex-flame was apart of. Unfortunately, though, he doesn't… and it seems that God is even against him by making this happen. 

Roshini: My nephew and your niece are to be wedded… that makes us into in-laws, doesn't it, Jai? (purposely rubbing in the wound) 
Jai: Not if I can help it… 

Jai grumbles, mentally thinking of plans of preventing this from happening, yet, finding none, unless he kills her and somehow makes it seem as a suicide case, so no fingers will be pointed at him. 

Roshini: Pardon? 
Jai: (sarcastic) I said enjoy the party… now if you will excuse me, I have guests to attend to…(quick in trying to rid of her) 
Roshini: Jai, wait---

He swiftly turns back around to leave, but immediately stops in his tracks as he hears "ooing" and "aahing" and sees everyone's attention directed towards the other end of the hall… where his bright niece comes walking out, looking lovely in a teal lehenga choli, accompanied by Rano, wearing a pretty light pink lehenga (seeming in a more cheerful mood compared to yesterday), and finally his own wife, walking gracefully with a sunny smile on her face… causing his heart to swell with warmth on the sight of her…. They reach the center of the hall, where Ranvijay and Rohit stand with a spotlight centered…. And Aditya standing in the middle of the couple with a microphone in his hand…grinning. 

Aditya: And now we will proceed onto the ring ceremony….

Jai becomes startled by this… He hadn't even heard the announcement… He was so caught up in his own angry thoughts about Roshini… Jai would had wanted to leave, not desiring to be even within 100 feet of Roshini Chopra, but couldn't seem to… awestruck by his wife's innocent beauty, that she for some reason was always so unaware about… which only made her even more wonderful… Besides, the view from where he stands is so perfect…none standing in his way of eyeing his wife silently… For a moment he completely forgets about his most loathed person lingering right besides him… 
************************************************************

Bani casts sneaky glances over at Jai and contains a blush that begins to bloom in her cheeks with having his beautiful gray eyes on her… making her feel completely aware of herself… nervous… and edgy… She hastily looks down but instantly stares back up, instead of looking at him she eyes the figure standing right next to him… and she scowls in disapproval with recognition…. Roshini Chopra, her husband's ex-girlfriend, clinging nearby his side… a little too much proximity going on for Bani's liking… Annoyed she turns her attention back over to Anu placing a gold ring band on Rohit's finger…fuming in jealousy… 

Finally Rohit slips on a gorgeous diamond ring onto Anu's slim fingers and the crowd applauds in unison. ..Bani following disinterestedly…
************************************************************

Rano smiles softly on the sight of her good friend Anu dancing with the man of her dreams… with her arms crossed over her chest, standing by herself near the staircase… Yes, she had been furious with her before, upset with her foolish behavior and cowardliness.. But that all seemed to have gone away once she saw Anu bawl into tears, crying over the fact that Rano was angry with her. Rano felt immediately terrible for making her cry on her engagement day and ruining her make up which her Bani Di painfully put so much effort into, hence calmed her and quickly made up with her… forgiving every stupid mistake she made since the past few days. Besides, she could not forget that Anu was the first friend she had made ever since she had moved to Mumbai… 

Her eyes linger over around the hall, finding different kinds of people chatting amongst themselves… seeing her sister among them as well, talking with her old colleagues from work… Sighing, she realizes how lonely she really has gotten… Bringing her arms back down to her side, Rano moves to join Dadi and Mausi, whom she usually accompanies at parties anyways… She wasn't very much into socializing with strangers… Parties were not Rano's thing… 

Out of no where, she bumps into something solid and feels herself about to lose her balance, but clings hard onto a piece of clothing to keep her steady…. Feeling the touch of gentle hands caressing her back, Rano looks up in surprise to meet a pair of familiar chocolate brown eyes that sends hear heart into flutters… 

Rano: (softly gasps) Ranveer, tum?

Ranveer flashes her his routine sexy grin, with one dimple adoring his cheek, and balances her back onto her feet. Rano slowly lets go of her hold on his coat…. She notes his handsome appearance, wearing a suitable black suit for the occasion and familiar black polished shoes that she had spilled coffee on just a few days ago… She holds in a chuckle on the thought. 

Ranveer: (following her gaze) Do you like what you see? (teasingly remarks) 

Rano blushes on her attempt of casually checking him out and shakes her head in a negative. 

Rano: No, I… Wait, not that I don't--- I--… (stumbles over her own words, flushing) What are you doing here? (she breathes out all at once) 
Ranveer: (raises a brow) I should be asking you this instead… I didn't think I'd ever find you at one of these parties… 

His eyes lower, taking in her appearance as well… his eyes showing approval. Rano bites down on her lower lip… Ever since that incident at the coffee shop, it somehow became a routine to bump into Ranveer there after classes, and the both gladly accepted it… joining together for a cup of coffee rather than sit alone. They talked about casual things, developing into good friends… Ranveer would talk a bit about himself and she would as well…

Rano: I asked you first… (noting his wandering eyes) 

She brings his attention back onto her face, rather than her body…. He smiles faintly….

Ranveer: I was invited by one of my bosses… It's his daughter's engagement.. We've always shared a sort of son-father relationship ever since I started working with him… He made sure that I would come today…
Rano: (slightly surprised) You mean Aditya Bali? You work at Walia Group of Industries?
Ranveer: Yes… (a little confused) Why is that so surprising? And how do you know Adi Sir? 
Rano: I live here with him and his family… Your other boss, CEO of the company, is my sister's husband. 

It is now Ranveer's turn to be shocked and surprised. He gazes at her intently. 

Ranveer: You are Bani Dixit's sister?

Rano nods her head in a reply. She watches on confused as she sees Ranveer go into a lost daze of thinking. 

Rano: What's wrong?--- How do you know my Didi?
Ranveer: I worked with Bani when she used to be an employee at the company. We were good friends. … Funny how you are her sister. That thought wouldn't had even crossed my mind unless you had told me…
Rano: (curious) What do you mean by "were"? 
Ranveer: Huh?
Rano: How come you and didi aren't friends anymore?
Ranveer: Oh… (hesitant, thinking of an answer) She hasn't showed up at the office in a long while, so we lost touch… (keeping the real answer to himself) 

Ranveer searches around the room, praying and hoping that his boss won't see him socializing with his sister-in-law… who knows, he'll probably conclude that he's hitting on her as well…. Then he'll definitely be serving tables for the rest of his life. … From the corner of his eye, he sees Rano open her mouth, but quickly cuts her off, not wanting to tread on the topic any longer…

Ranveer: I see that lover boy of yours staring me down like a hawk…. 

Rano, completely forgetting what she was about to say, turns her attention over to where Ranveer's eyes are, and finds Saahil grumpily standing with his friends at the bar… staring Ranveer down. 

Ranveer: Still jealous I suppose….
Rano: (dumbly) About what?
Ranveer: (smirking at her) Last time I remember, I'm your much older boyfriend who has stolen you away from him… 

He watches Rano's face turn pink and chuckles inwardly. He enjoys making her embarrassed and shy… it always proved to be fun. For the moment, Ranveer could care less if this girl that he has starting to be attracted to is related to his boss, who is hell bent on finding a chance of him screwing up so he can demote him…. All he sees is a beautiful young girl, who he is sure likes him just as much he likes her… He knows that he is much older than her, him being twenty-four and her only eighteen, still a young girl… But it couldn't hurt only being friends, could it?

Rano: I guess… but I'm sure he'll get over it… (softly answers) He just needs a bimbo girl as a distraction… 
Ranveer: I don't know… there are plenty of women around here his age that he can have… but yet his eyes are only on you….

Rano growls at his words whereas Ranveer smiles on her reaction, pleased to see her not happy at the unwanted attention. 

Rano: I wish he would just leave me alone… and get it into his fat head that I'm not interested him and never will be…. 

As the DJ announces that the dance stage is open for all couples, elderly, middle-aged, and young, Ranveer smirks as an idea pops into his head. He extends over his hand to her, taking Rano by surprise…

Ranveer: Dance with me…
Rano: What?
Ranveer: I said dance with me… (*repeating himself)

Rano watches on, dazed….

Ranveer: You want the kid off your back or not? 
Rano: I do….(hesitant) 
Ranveer: Then dance with me… Seeing you with me will certainly get the message hitting home…. What do you say? (friendly smile) 

Rano smiles back cutely and places her hand into his….

Rano: Alright…. 
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Jai tears his attention away from his co-workers and fumes as he recognizes the boy from his office who he holds a strong dislike against… with Rano, dancing to a slow romantic song off to the side of the stage. He watches intently as he murmurs something to Rano, causing her to giggle and blush… bringing back an old memory of his wife falling for that same charm at the office more than three months back… 

Jai: Phela biwi ke peeche paarah tha….aab saali ….maarwonga salaa ko…. (he mutters under his breath) (trans: First he was after my wife… now my sister-in-law… I'll kill the b*st*rd.) 

He locates Aditya standing not far from him, chatting with a few of his buddies. Jai excuses himself and walks on over to him and pulls him off to the side, excusing himself as well from Adi's friends. 

Aditya: Kya baath hai, Jai? Something serious? (trans: What's the matter, Jai?)
Jai: Who invited that Sharma boy? (demanding) 
Aditya: Sharma? (muses over the last name) Oh, you mean Veer?
Jai: Did you invite him? 
Aditya: Yes, I did. 
Jai: And why would you do something like that?
Aditya: Jai, Ranveer mera beta jaisa hai… (trans: Jai, Ranveer is like my son…)
Jai: Bhaard mein jaaye tumhara beta…(growls) (trans: May your son go to hell…)
Aditya: Jai, what is wrong with you? Why do you dislike Ranveer so much?
Jai: Do you not see what he's doing? Look at him over there…

Aditya follows Jai's gaze, finding Ranveer and Rano swaying rhythmically with the soothing music, lost in one another's eyes…He smiles on the sight. 

Aditya: What is he doing?
Jai: Are you blind that you can't see him dancing with Rano?
Aditya: Is dancing with Rano a crime?…. Jai, I don't see anything wrong… In fact, I think their jodi is nice… He's a little older, but he's a nice guy… They are a very compatible couple…. 
Jai: (scowls) I don't want him near Rano… 
Aditya: (chuckles) Don't you think you're acting a little too over-protective? You're behaving exactly like an older brother… 
Jai: I don't think I'm behaving like anything… 
Aditya: As a matter of fact, you didn't like it when he used to talk to Bani also…. (laughing) You are both an over-protective brother and a jealous husband. 
Jai: (ignoring his comment) Well if you aren't going to do anything, I might as well… 

Jai glares at him before trotting off towards the stage, leaving Aditya chuckling behind….yet smiling on the fact of how far Jai has come to caring about Bani and her sister….
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Rano: Mr. Walia?

Rano questions in disbelief as she sees him approach her and Ranveer on the dance floor, stepping in between them, breaking them away from one another…

Jai: May I? (he asks her sweetly while extending a hand out, glaring at Ranveer as he does) 

Rano catches the nasty glare towards her dance partner and hides a creeping smile. 

Rano: Of course… 

Rano looks over at a downcast Ranveer and smiles apologetically at him. 

Rano: Maybe later? (hopeful) 

Ranveer smiles shiftily in response to her question. 

Ranveer: Sure… You two enjoy your dance…. 

Ranveer purposely ignores his boss's stare and walks off the floor… Jai changes his attention back onto Rano and smiles innocently at her whereas Rano tries hard to prevent herself from laughing at her brother-in-law's behavior… acting like a typical over-protective older brother… Inside, though, she secretly feels pleased by his concern and affection towards her…

She dances with Jai along with the music and can't help but smile, elated on having a brother figure in her life….

Jai: (suspicious) What are you smiling about, Rano?
Rano: Nothing, Mr. Walia….(biting the inside of her cheek) 

She rests her head on his shoulder with the same smile etched on her face…

Rano: Absolutely nothing….

Jai, surprised with this sudden gesture of hers, takes a while to become accustomed to this new change in their relation… of brother and sister… Though he smiles gently to himself and affectionately runs his hand down her hair… They continue to sway with the beat of the music till the end of the song….
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