FF: A Bounded Relation [Ch.1-8]

I am slowly in the process of updating all of the stories I have written onto the blog. So here is A Bounded Relation finally. Can't believe it was over five years ago that I wrote this! 

A Bounded Relation

He stood before the large bay window in his room, the breeze softly hitting against his handsome rugged face, the white curtains moving wildly around him, and the room dimly lit. His hand is dug deep into his pant pocket and he holds a glass of whiskey clutched tight in his other. The sounds of music, laughter, and partying are all just a faint echo to his ears.... He had come up here to his room, wished to be left alone and not wanting anything to do with the happy occasion downstairs when inside he felt bitter and full of rage. 

Taking a sip from the strong drink in his hands, he takes his hand out from his pocket and rests it against the window pane. Looking out at the gloomy dark sea with his harsh storm like eyes, Jai runs his fingers through his thick black hair, ruffling it up, yet making him look even more irresistibly attractive. Resting his forehead against his raised arm, he drifts into a trance of lost thinking.....

"Where is she?!", he demands through clenched teeth, a burning rage building inside of him. 

She stands in front of him, shaking from her weeping, her chest raising up and down as she takes uneven breaths, her red lips quivering, and her mascara running.....

"I asked you a damn question!!!", he bellows at her, only frightening her even more and causing her to let out a sob, which she tries her best to smother with her hand. He strides over to her, grabs her arm into a tight grasp, and shakes her, making her gasp. 

"Where is she!!!!", he demands again. 

"She will not speak, Jai Bhaiya! All she does is cry.... she acts as if she has no clue! But I know these three scheming sisters.... know them too well", his younger sister, Jigyasa, speaks in her determined voice.

Jai spins his head at Jigyasa's direction. He drops the scared girl's hand in a haste and shouts, "Do not open that damn mouth of yours if you cannot help, Jigyasa!". 

"Bhaiya, it is these three girls who have deceived you and you are shouting at me?!" she yells back. 

Jai looks back over at the quivering girl and stares at her with his fierce eyes. He becomes increasingly frustrated and annoyed with her sniffling and cries. There was no need to act innocent before him when he new the truth about her and her sister....

"That backstabbing sister of yours will have to pay for the humiliation she has put on me! I will murder her with my two bare hands!", he roars at her. 

"Please, Mr. Walia!", she finally squeaks, "Aap aise maat keejiye...". (trans: Please don't do this...)

"Then what else do you expect my Bhaiya to do, Bani? Forgive that wretched Pia for humiliating him so severely! For ditching him- Jai Walia- on his wedding day?!", Jigyasa screams. .

Jai shut his eyes and flinches. 

"Nahi....mai-main maanti hoon ki jo Pia neh kiya--- woh-woh baut galat thi. Baut baut galat....paar please--- Mr. Walia--- aph to samajh sakte ke usne kyon kiya...", Bani pleads.  (trans: I agree that whatever Pia did wasn't right---it was very wrong...very wrong...but please- Mr. Walia-- you can understand why she has done this...)

He opens his eyes in a flash and peers down at Bani, making her feel even smaller than before. 

"Mr. Walia, please...I beg of you.... I apologize for Pia's actions---".

"Do you think that only an apology is enough for the hurt she has inflicted on me!" Jai questions her, his voice still loud and deep. "Only a simple damn apology?!". 

Bani holds down a sob and looks down, dejectedly. For a long moment no one speaks.

"....Jigyasa-- khedo sabh ko ke koi shaadi nahi honewala...tell them that they may all leave...".  (trans: Jigaysa- tell everyone that there will be no wedding)

Stunned, Jigyasa blurts out, "Bhaiya, we will be disgraced! You will be humiliated! You cannot call off the wedding!". 

"How the bloody hell can the wedding go on when my damn bride has run off?!". 

After a long silent moment Jigyasa speaks again. "....She hasn't run off, Bhaiya....she is right here." Jai throws Jigyasa a startled look. "Yeh hai aapke Dulhaan...aapke saamneh...yeh Bani." (trans: Here is your bride...right in front of you...this Bani)

Jigyasa stares in Bani's direction. All of the color from Bani's face vanishes and she freezes in her spot, paralyzed. Jai looks at his sister with disbelief..........and slowly his eyes linger on Bani's trembling form. 

Due to Jigyasa's persistence and reminding him over and over of the humiliation that he will have to suffer, Jai Walia unwillingly and bitterly wedded Bani Dixit, vowing to himself that he will cause her to suffer. He would seek his revenge for her lovely sister, Pia, through her.......and here he stands, two days later, suffering from pain and agony while everyone downstairs celebrate for his recent marriage.........

"She has run away with that lover boy of hers, Pushkar!"-----"She has left you behind and made you suffer the humiliation!"----"You have been disgraced, The Jai Walia has been disgraced!"---"She made a fool out of you and played with your emotions!"----

His sister's haunting words spin in Jai's head, arousing a terrible migraine and attacks his ego all over again....hurting his pride....A rapid rush of anger seethes inside of him, boiling in his blood, taking over his self control, and he feels his hold on his glass grow tighter until it shatters into glass pieces. His eyes switch over to the large bouquet resting on the glass table beside him. Tarun Sablok, his best friend, had given Bani and him those flowers, congratulating them on their marriage. 

"What kind of flowers do you like, Pia?"......"Mr. Walia, I love roses.....", she had said with a smile. "Especially red. I find them beautiful and really romantic....". 

Her enchanting voice echoes throughout his ears.....To his great displeasure and hate, the flowers were roses, painted blood red....and there were a lot of them...lots and lots of them.....

"Mr. Walia, I love roses.....". Her beautiful face appears into his mind....Her eyes sparkling with excitement....her gorgeous brown wavy hair, resting neatly on her shoulders.....her wonderful pink looking lips....which forms into a bright smile, showing her dazzling white teeth..... What a fool he had been. A blind fool not to see her cunning personality....her true form. 

In a blink of an eye, Jai immediately begins to attack the bouquet, tearing the wrapping apart, pulling on the flowers....stomping on them.....crumbling them....Heaving and breathless, Jai looks over at the scattered petals and stems on the marble floor around him.....that didn't satisfy him at all....didn't help at all to reduce his anger....he needed to break something, anything!

His flaming eyes rest on the clear glass table where the bouquet had rested upon seconds earlier.....Without hesitating for another millisecond, Jai knocks it over, sending a loud crash and thousands of shattered glass to hit against the floor.....Jai's breathing grows rapid and his hands form into fists.....Due to the loud blaring music, no one would had heard a thing coming from his room....Better....better than before....but he wasn't quite satisfied yet either....

Overcome by insanity, Jai thunders around his room, throwing and breaking every little thing in his way....suddenly realizing something, he dashes over to his wardrobe, rummages through his things and withdraws out a picture album. The picture album containing all the photos and clicks from the engagement and mehendi rasam. He flips it open in a hurry and takes out the pictures, tearing them into small pieces and throws them in the trash bin. Giving up after ripping a few pictures, he throws the whole album away and reaches into his pant pocket and takes out a matchbox. In a rush, he opens the little packet and picks out a match and strikes it against the box. Burning orange fire erupts and he stares at it with a burning in his own eyes. He drops it in a swift movement and the objects in the trash bin catch in flames.....Jai feels the warm heat rise up against his face....

Just then he hears the turn of the doorknob and stares away from the burning trash bin and up at his bedroom door, which flies open in a rush......His wife, dressed elegantly in a stunning black designer sari, her hair done in curls, vermilion filled in her parting, and the sacred thread of a married woman hanging lose around her neck, stands rooted in her tracks momentarily, stunned with what she sees. 

Bani's eyes are instantly captured by the wild fire burning in the trash bin...."Mr. Walia", she stammers in fear....She switches her gaze over to her enraged husband, looking back at her with hate in his eyes.....Panic erupts inside of her as she sees blood dripping down from his right hand and staining the carpet underneath him. In a heartbeat she stands by his side and takes his hand into hers. 

Bani: Mr. Walia! Yeh aaph ka haath ko kya hua? (panicking) Itana sara koon! (trans: What has happened to your hands? There is so much blood!)

Grabbing onto her sari's pallu, Bani makes a movement to wipe away his oozing blood, but is prevented by Jai, who takes his hand back from her in a force and pushes her aside roughly. Bani runs into the dresser and holds in a cry of pain as her knee bangs hard against the drawer. She turns around and looks at him with tears brimming in her eyes.....She watches in a silent manner as he points at her, as if accusing her for a punishable crime....

Jai: Tum kyon cheenta khar rahi ho?!  (trans: Why are you worrying?) - Save your pretense for someone else, Bani! It will not work on me! Saach to yeh hai ke tum baut khush ho mujhe aise dhekte!  (trans: The truth is that you are very happy by seeing me like this!)
Bani: (whispers, pleading) Nahi....
Jai:--- You like to see me in pain, don't you Bani?! You and your damn sisters want that, right?!
Bani: (crying) Please...aise nahi hai--- (trans: It's not like that...)
Jai: ---(going on) Well you have got what you wished, Bani Dixit, I am in pain! Are you finally at peace now! You and your sister have ruined me! 
Bani: Mr. Walia, please!
Jai: Go on and run to your sister! Celebrate together over the fact how you've successfully ruined Jai Walia!--And leave me the hell alone!!

Bani walks over to him and looks at him with her tearing eyes. 

Bani: Please, meri baut to sunno, Mr. Walia! (trans: Please, listen to me, Mr. Walia!)
Jai: (snaps) Main tumhari koi baut nahi sunnah chata! Just get out! (trans: I don't want to hear anything that you have to say.)
Bani: (in between tears, begs, desperate) Mr. Walia....

Jai stares into her eyes directly, silencing her with his cold gaze. Next thing she knows, she feels Jai's hand wrap around her wrist, hurting her, and him drag her along side with him, open the door, and shove her out of the room after saying, "Get out". He slams the door on her desperate pleading face. Bani feels her throat become sore trying to keep in her upcoming tears. Before she even has a chance to continue crying, she hears a gentle voice from behind. 

"Arre, Bani Puttar, Jai kahan hai? I had sent you to look for him, didn't I?". Turning around after brushing off her remaining tears, Bani smiles faintly at the elderly woman. 

Bani: Dadi woh apne kamreh mein hai--- Unki tabiyaat kuch teek nahi hai--- khaar rahe the ke woh aaram kaarneh chaate hai.... (trans: Dadi, he is in his room....his doesn't feel very well...he was saying that he wishes to rest.)
Dadi: Accha...phir teek hai. (smiles) Usko aaram karnleh do. Tum aao nah neeche. Saabh tumhari liye intezaar khar rahe hai. Tumhe milne chaate hai... (trans: Oh...alright then... Let him rest. You come on downstairs. Everyone is waiting to meet you...they want to see you.)
Bani: (bows her head) Ji....

Bani follows after Dadi back down into the enormous crowd and is swarmed by tons of guests greeting her and wishing her a happy marriage. She puts on a small polite smile throughout her chats and only after a few minutes, excuses herself of wanting to check up on her husband who isn't feeling well. They all believe her and tell her that it was lovely to meet her. She leaves to the guest room in a haste, closes the door shut behind her, throws herself upon her bed, and smothers her face into the pillows...in a matter of seconds she bursts out into tears which quickly turn into sobs....

After a few minutes by herself, Bani hears the bedroom door open and close softly. In a matter of seconds, someone beside her sits down, causing the mattress to sink on one side. Her body tenses, frightened and curious to know who this person is. 

"Didi"...came a soft kind voice. Bani's heart lurches and she immediately gets up in a haste and stares into her sweet sister's face. She explodes into another fit of sobs as she sees tears in her sister's eyes. 

Bani: Rano....

Bani flies into her sister's arms and feels safe with her Rano holding her tight. Together the sisters cry....for Pia.....for Jai.....for themselves....and for the unexpected......
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Chapter 2: 

-- "Mr. Walia, apne to koi aur se shaadi karnwale the, haina?"----"Mr. Walia, yeh Mrs. Jai Walia kaun hai?"-----"Aapke phele fiancee ko kya hua?"----"Pia Dixit kahan hai?"----"Apne isse, Mrs. Jai Walia, ko kyun shaadi ki aur Pia Dixit se nahi?"--- "Kya aapke paatni Pia Dixit ki behen hai?"---

(trans: Mr. Walia, you were to marry someone else, isn't it?---- Mr. Walia, who is this Mrs. Jai Walia?-----What has happened to your first fiancee?---Where is Pia Dixit?-----Why have you married her, Mrs. Jai Walia, and not Pia Dixit? What is the reason behind this?---- Is your wife Pia Dixit's sister?)

One by one, reporters stood from their seats, shouting questions, eager for answers, and held notepads in their hands, prepared to write down facts and notes. Jai stares at them from his seat with his determined eyes and doesn't even flinch from the numerous cameras flashing at him, continuously. He remains still and calm, whereas his wife is the complete opposite. Bani has never felt so nervous and uncomfortable in her life until now. The blinking cameras, the eager audience, the media, and her husband- all made her a nervous wreck. She sits, shaking to herself, beside her husband in silence. Jigyasa, who happens to be sitting by Bani, nudges her hard in her ribcage, startling her. Bani looks up at her fake-wide smiling face. 

"Bani, smile you fool. Are you now hell-bent on ruining your husband's reputation as your sister was", Jigyasa mutters to her, quietly. Bani reflects the hurt in her eyes from her remark. She slowly looks back ahead of her and at the reporters, smiling faintly. 

"Pia Dixit, my previous fiance, was too young and naive...hence I dropped the decision of marrying her and have married instead her older sister, Bani Dixit, now my wife, Mrs. Jai Walia", Bani hears her husband speak in his husky deep voice, which penetrates inside of her. She flushes silently as she is referred to Mrs. Jai Walia by Mr. Walia himself. She knows for a fact that saying those words must have been a very great difficulty for him. Bani watches each reporter lower their heads down and write rapidly on their notepads, their pencils moving back and forth, quoting each and every word. 

"Paar Mr. Walia, aapki phele fiancee, Pia Dixit, kahan gayi? Woh aapke shaadi mein nahi thi aur aapke reception peh....", a curious reporter questions.  (trans: But Mr. Walia, where has your first fiancee, Pia Dixit, gone? She did not attend either the wedding or reception....)

Bani's body tenses with worry at the question. Jai Walia nears the microphone before him once again and speaks into it. "Pia has gone abroad for further studies, which is why she could not attend our wedding nor the celebration for it."

Surprised yet relieved, Bani stares at Jai, thankful, but immediately switches her gaze down at her lap as his eyes meet with hers, a not so pleasant look in them. 

"Mr. Walia, kya aap khush hai aapke faasila se...maatlab aapke paatni se shaadi kharke...", another reporter asks.  (trans: Mr. Walia, are you happy with your decision?...meaning by marrying your wife?)

Jai's eyes leave Bani and look over to the standing reporter, staring at him with great interest. 

"Ji hain, main baut khush hoon. I  have made the right decision in marrying my wife", he says in a rather convincing voice.(trans: Yes, I am very happy.)

Another reporter raises from his seat, but before he can even speak, Jai says clearly, "I'm sorry, but I will not answer anymore questions. I had planned for a brief meeting with the media and intend to keep it that way since I have a tight schedule today. Excuse us." He stands from his seat, ready to leave the suffocating room, but stops from making another move as he hears another reporter's voice from behind. 

"Last question, Mr. Walia", the man shouts, raising his hand in the air. Jai turns around and gives him a disapproving look. "Really, I do not have the time for this". 

"It's alright, young man, ask your last question", Jai hears his sister speak into her own microphone. He stares at her with a "bloody-murder" look. 

"Yeh question Mrs. Walia ke liye hai.....".  (trans: This question is for Mrs. Walia...)

Completely petrified, Bani looks over at Jai, almost as if seeking rescuing from him. She doesn't want to answer any questions...she didn't want to give answers to these strangers. Unfortunately, she sees Jai nod his head after a hesitant moment. "You may proceed...". Bani removes her gaze as Jai throws her a threatening look, sending her the message of not to mess anything up. She swallows and feels the saliva in her mouth run down her dry throat. 

"Mrs. Walia, aap chup kyon hai? Kya aap khush nahi hai jaise aapke paati hai?", the same reporter asks.  (trans: Mrs. Walia, why are you quiet? Are you not happy like your husband is?)

Bani freezes and finds herself speechless. Immediately Jigyasa comes to her aid. 

"Aisa bilkul nahi hai. Meri Bani Bhabhi to baas aise hai-chup chap. Shayad usko iss attention ko pasand nahi karte, kyon Bhabhi?", she says with fake sweetness. Bani could clearly see in Jigyasa's eyes that she wanted her to agree.   (trans: It's not like that at all. My Bani Bhabhi is just like this--- quiet. Maybe she doesn't like all this attention, right Bhabhi?)

"J-Ji....", she stammers. 

"Woh teek hai, paar kya aph khush hai, Mrs. Walia?", he asks once again.  (trans: That's alright, but are you happy Mrs. Walia?)With a lot of force, Bani manages to say quietly, "Ji, main baut khush hoon mere pati ke saath." (trans: Yes, I am very happy with my husband...) Mere pati.....how strange it felt to say for her. Her husband.......

Along with the man, other reporters write this down in their small notepads. Jai signals for Bani to get out from her seat, which she does without any hesitation. She wanted to get far away from the demanding reporters....but also was scared of what would happen to her with Jai when no one was around. To her astonishment and great discomfort, she feels her husband's arm hold tightly around her waist, crushing her against his side. 

Jai: (mutters, sarcastic) Chale, Darling? 

There is a sort of evil glint of in his eyes which makes her shudder with fear. She lowers her head and lets herself be lead down the stage by Jai's side. Cameramen begin to go insane and flash pictures of them as they make their way down the free pathway and to the exit. Jai smiles broadly at them and his hold on Bani increases, hurting her.... 

Jigyasa follows behind them, flashing a bright smile to everyone. Aditya, who stood on the stage beside them, follows after them also. As they get out of sight, Jai lets go of Bani in disgust. 

"Well, thank God you had enough sense to remain quiet throughout the meeting and didn't do anything to ruin my Bhaiya's reputation any further," Jigyasa says to her as she approaches Bani and her brother in the parking lot. Jai takes out his shades and puts them on. He reaches into his coat pocket, taking out his car keys, oblivious to his sister's venom like words. Bani, pained, stares down at the ground, not knowing where else to look. 

"That is enough, Jigyasa. Will you for once put a stop to your nonsense talking?", her ex-husband, Aditya growls at her. Jigyasa, completely offended by this, remains quiet and glares at him with her dark looking eyes. 

"Get in the car, Jigyasa. Let's go", Jai says in his authoritative voice, ignoring his best friend's and sister's cold attitudes toward one another. After casting one last hateful look at her Bhabhi, Jigyasa opens the car door, seating herself in. Not even thinking before asking, Bani blurts out in a soft innocent tone, "...Ji, main kiske saath jaaon?". (trans: Who will I go with?) 

She bites down on her tongue as she sees Jai glare in her direction. After staring at her up and down with pure hate, he gets into the driver seat, sticks the key into the ignition, and starts the engine, ignoring her as he does this. Within seconds, his car zooms off from sight. A terrible feeling of pain sweeps inside of her, making her feel low and depressed. Bani feels a comforting squeeze on her shoulder and turns around, looking at Aditya. 

Aditya: Let's go, Bani. I will drop you home. (lightly smiles)

Bani nods her head and follows after Aditya to his car. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes, until Aditya finally notices the tears rolling down Bani's face and her quickly trying to hide them away from him. Stopping at a traffic light, Aditya turns to Bani and wipes away a tear. 

Aditya: Bani...look at me. 

Hesitantly, Bani looks at Aditya, her eyes brimming with tears. She drops her hand back into her lap. 

Aditya: I know this is difficult for you.....it's not easy having to go through your sister running away without giving any information of her whereabouts and leaving you to marry a man whom you didn't even imagine to wed....

Bani sniffs and looks back down at her knees. He was right...having Pia gone and not knowing whether she is safe or not, kills her inside. On top of that, she had never even pictured in her wildest dreams of marrying Jai Walia, a man whom she respected a lot....but felt nothing else. 

Aditya: But Bani...you must be strong. I know you can pull through this difficult phase in your life...
Bani: (her voice quivering) Paar Aditya Bhaiya-- Mr. Walia, he-he hates me...he wants for my sisters and I to be miserable...how can I---
Aditya: Sure Jai isn't making this easy on you, I understand that, and it is definitely wrong on his part for doing so, but you mustn't forget that even he has been equally betrayed as you....probably even more. He was deceived by the woman he loves, who promised to marry him, and by the man whom he considered to be his younger sibling and cared for more than anything in the world. Can you really blame him for being so bitter?

Bani remains quiet for a moment, pondering over this information.....No....no matter how hard she tried to hate her husband, she couldn't...nor could she blame him for his cruel attitude. In fact, she could understand it. Like her, he was deceived and back stabbed. Like her, he also is going through pain. Like her, he was betrayed by his sibling and lover.... But unlike in Bani's case, Jai Walia's love agreed to marry him, filling him with dreams and goals of their future together, only to have them crash down with a single runaway letter on his wedding day..... He has every right to be angry and hurt. Bani knew she was also.....

Bani: ....I can't. (whispers)
Aditya: Bani, tum mere choti behen jaise ho and I love you. Do not misunderstand me, thinking that I am taking Jai's side rather than yours. Jai Walia may be my best friend, but that necessarily doesn't mean that I will always think he is right, because I don't. In this case he is terribly wrong in being unfair to you. He is blaming you partly for what happened which is absolutely the wrong thing to do when you also were equally as shocked and hurt by what happened. 

Seeing the cars ahead of him moving, Aditya steps on the accelerator, driving the car forwards. 

Aditya: Give him time to deal with his wounds and to recover....maybe by then he will move past what happened and think about his future....with you. 

Bani gives Aditya a stunned expression and doesn't know what to say. Did Aditya Bhaiya honestly think that her husband would keep her around for that long?...No, he is already talking about divorce, wanting to get rid of her....there is no future of them together....

Aditya: (giving her a sideway glance) Do not act so surprised, Bani....You heard what I said....
Bani: What makes you think that we will remained married, Bhaiya...(her voice full of hurt) Mr. Walia can't even bear to look at me....how do you expect for him to keep me around as his wife? 
Aditya: (gently smiles) For now he may detest the look of you....but only because he is reminded of Pia's betrayal and his wounds are still fresh....You must give him time to heal, Bani....After that, I am sure he will start to appreciate you for who you really are....like before and accept you as his wife and future. 
Bani: (softly)....Bhaiya....Mr. Walia abh mere pati hai....(trans: Mr. Walia is now my husband...) I have accepted this fact....I am also ready to commit myself to him and this new relation....but even if he still refuses to accept me...I will leave and let himself free from this forced bond...

(Author's Note: I forgot to mention that Aditya and Bani share a close brother-sister relationship.)
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Jai was in his room, getting ready for going to the office and starting another day of hard work, when he heard his bedroom door open from behind him. He looks through his mirror and sees Bani's reflection, standing at the doorway, her eyes staring at him. She has changed into a pretty yellow saree, complimenting perfectly with her complexion, giving her a somewhat of a glowing effect.... He raises an eyebrow and turns to look at her, swiftly. 

Jai: Why the hell have you come back in here? Haven't I told you before not to enter my bedroom? (anger in his voice)

He is slightly taken aback by seeing that his words have no effect on her whatsoever and watches her proceed her way towards him. In her hands are printed papers...he stares at them, curiously. 

Bani approaches him and extends the papers over to him. In a calm and determined voice, she says gently, "I have prepared and signed the divorce papers....all that is left are your signatures...". Jai stares at him, his eyes clouding with shock. He slowly takes the papers from her hands and looks through them. His wife had signed everywhere necessary for their divorce....he looks up at her.

Smiling devilishly at her, Jai holds the papers in his hands in front of her and tears it down the middle. Bani watches with horror as he continues to tear the divorce papers in tiny pieces before her. He thrusts the remaining pieces in her face, startling her. 

Jai: Wah, Mrs. Walia, wah. Tumne to saabh kuch tiyaar kiye hai....you didn't hesitate at all to get the papers ready....are you really so restless to get away from me? (in a dangerous tone)(trans: You have prepared everything...)
Bani: (stammers) Mr-Mr. Walia--- apne aisa kyon kiya? Apne divorce papers ko kyon---- (trans: Mr-Mr. Walia---why did you do that? The divorce papers, why did you ---)
Jai: It's actually rather simple why I have torn up the papers....I don't want a divorce as badly as you do... 
Bani: (stunned)...aaph---kya? You had told me you wanted a divorce...
Jai: I did want it...but now I have changed my mind. 
Bani: Paar kyon? (desperate, exasperated) (trans: But why?)
Jai: (smirks) You want a divorce to get away from me....and take your sister and yourself far away...some place else where I will not be able to find you....(laughs) Mrs. Walia, I am sorry to break your dreams, but I will not allow this...I will not let you leave me .....(his voice husky)

Jai takes steps closer towards her, continuing to shamelessly smirk at her, alerting every nerve inside of her and terrifying her. By each approaching step of his, Bani retreats back.....

Bani: B-but you had wanted this....you had told me to go away from your life...take Rano with me and go somewhere else....you had said you didn't wish to see my face. (barely audible, her voice shaky)

Bani lets out a gasp of fright as her back hits against the wall and Jai stands before her, resting his hands against the wall behind her, trapping her inside of his arms, and giving her no room for escape or breath. He has a glint of mischief in his eyes which worries her. Scaring her and causing her body to heat up, Jai pushes back a strand of hair, which had fallen into her face, behind her ear gently. His face is only a few centimeters from hers.....his body so up close to hers....almost pressing into her....making her aware of herself.... Bani begins to feel suffocated with burning heat. 

Jai: (harshly) No, Mrs. Walia....I have decided on keeping you around...you will remain here with me as my wife....I will not let yourself be free from this tied bond of ours....No way in hell will I be able to tolerate you being happy somewhere else with your damn sisters...I intend to make your life miserable...I want to see you suffer with pain....teach you and your sisters a lesson for playing with my emotions...

His peppermint like breath hits her face, emphasizing each and every word he says....Bani holds in her breath, afraid of making any kind of sound. Tears form in her eyes....

Jai: When I hurt you, Bani, that sister of yours, Pia, will also feel it....she will live with the guilt of causing her sister's misery....forcing her into an unwanted marriage....And this guilt of hers will kill her inside.....which will please me a whole lot.....

The tears start to stream down her face....

Jai: So...as you can see, Mrs. Walia...

Bani flinches as he calls her by this. She feels his finger trace against the left side of her face, starting from the side of her forehead, then below her eye, down her cheek, and ending at her chin. Her face tingles from his touch....Jai pushes her face upward with his index finger and causes her eyes to meet with his threatening ones. 

Jai: I am looking forward to this marriage.....really forward to. ---I hope you are too.... 

With a final bitter laugh, Jai lets go of her and storms off from his room, leaving Bani alone by herself, replaying his words in her mind, and tears falling from her eyes. Slowly, her back slides down against the wall and she falls down onto the ground. Her eyes rest on the scattered pieces of papers from the divorce documents not so far away from her. She hugs her knees against to her chest and lowers her head onto them. She weeps for what seems like hours.......
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Chapter 3:

A long and exhausting week had passed with her husband's tantrums and hurtful inflicting words. No matter what Bani did to help him, to reach out to him, Jai Walia would only push her back. On top of that, Jigyasa never left a chance to insult her or Rano. Bani feels suffocated and restless. Suffocated from being in this hell hole and restless from the worry over her sister and what Jai Walia has planned.....
********************************************

The ringing of her cell phone alerts her and takes her out of her thoughts. Wiping away her tears, Bani looks over at the dresser and sees her cell phone flashing. She gets up from the bed and walks over to get it. 

Bani: (soft) Hello?

There is a numbing silence on the other line, which confuses her. 

Bani: Hello? (curiously)

Again no one speaks, but she can hear a faint breathing….a familiar one. Bani's heart leaps with relief as she realizes who it can be. 

Bani: (whispers) Pia?--- Pia is it you?

She can hear her sister hold back her tears, which causes tears to rebuild in her own eyes. Bani goes over to the door and closes it. She rushes off to the far side of the room and continues to talk in a low voice. 

Bani: Pia, main jaanti hoon ki yeh tum ho. Oh Pia, tum kahan ho! (trans. Pia, I know it is you. Oh Pia, where are you?!)

Her heart begins to ache terribly as she hears Pia sniffle and cry on the other side. 

Pia: Oh Di...(breathes out) I'm so sorry....so, so terribly sorry. Yeh saabh meri wajah se hai...Agar main yeh nahi kharti, to phir aph aur Mr. Walia ke saath---- (trans: This is all my fault....If I didn't do this, then you and Mr. Walia-----)
Bani: (soothingly) Nahi, Pia....yeh tumhari koi gaalti nahi hai...(trans: No, Pia...this isn't any of your fault..)
Pia: Paar Di-- mere wajah se aph Mr. Walia ke saath shaadi kharni thi!-- (trans: But Di, because of me you had to marry Mr. Walia!) He must be angry--- no furious! And I know that he must be making your life miserable!

Bani becomes confused as to how her sister learned of her and Jai's marriage, but then she realizes that their marriage is the hottest news lately and is discussed everywhere. Pia must have seen it somewhere in a newspaper or on television.  

Bani: (unconvincing tone) Pia....aise-- aise kuch nahi hai....main aur Rano teek hai...really. (Trans: Pia....it-it isn't like that at all....me and Rano are fine...really.)
Pia: (crying) You are lying to me... Please don't try to comfort me, Didi. I'm a horrible person. You should hate me, yell at me, not comfort me!

She does. Bani did hate her sister, hate her for leaving her into the mess she created, hate her for running away without telling her, and hate her for leaving her with a terribly enraged and revenge seeking Jai Walia…. Bani wanted so much to yell at her instead of trying to soothe her. But Pia is her sister, and no matter what silly mistakes she makes, she will continue to love her. ...no mater what.

Bani: (changing the topic) ....Tum kaise ho? ...tum kahan ho? (trans: how are you? ...where are you?)
Pia: Di--- hum---- (trans: Di----we----)

"Kiske saath baath khar rahi ho, Bani? (trans: Who are you talking to Bani?)," a familiar deadly voice says from behind. Bani freezes and almost drops the phone. Her breathing stops..... and her heart seems to stop functioning. Clutching hard onto her cell phone, Bani slowly turns around and faces Jai, who stands in the middle of the doorway, peering at her with his intense looking eyes. He looks impressively attractive dressed in all black from head to toe and his hair wet from a shower. Jai Walia is a panther on the verge to kill....Bani's heart races. 

Bani: (stammers) J-Ji...woh main--- 
Pia: Di, kya hua? A-aph kiske saath baath khar rahi hai? (trans: Di, what happened? Who are you talking to?)

Bani doesn't respond. She doesn't dare to, instead her eyes stay focused on Jai, who has a threatening expression on his face. He strides over to her side, continuing to stare her down, making her feel like a mouse in front of his built form. 

Jai: Maine tumse kuch poocha hai, Bani.....kaun hai phone paar. (his voice sharp, authoritative)(trans:I asked you something, Bani....who is on the phone?)

Bani slightly trembles and removes the phone away from her ear. Quickly she shuts it closed. Jai sees this and continues to gaze at her with his gray dangerous eyes. 

Bani: Ji....koi nahi....woh baas main ek sahaili ke saath----she-she was just saying goodbye. (trans: No one....I was just with a friend----)
Jai: (cuts in, raises an eyebrow) Sahaili?....I had no clue that you had friends here in Mumbai, Mrs. Walia....

She flushes, which amuses him. 

Bani: Ji woh--- office se--- (trans: From the office---)
Jai: Office! Really? (fake enthusiasm) Who?
Bani: (shakes her head) I'm not sure if you'll know her---
Jai: (casually) You're right. I do have a lot of employees and no time to remember them all. 

There is a short silence that passes through them which Bani breaks by asking in a shaky voice, "Aph ko kuch chaaye tha?". (trans: Did you need anything?)

Jai: (snaps, grouchy) Hm. Tumhara Aditya Bhaiya aaye tha mera paas---- telling me to let you come back to the office.  (trans: Hm. Your brother came to me---telling me to let you come back to the office.)

Bani's face brightens on hearing this even though he had said it in a not so pleased tone. She had been missing the office and her work terribly. It was awful sitting in the Mansion with nothing to do except to cry over her unlucky fate. 

Jai: (staring her down) And here I am seeing that you must be missing your work by your calls to your office friends. 

She lowers her head down and fiddles with her cell phone. A strong feeling of guilt rushes inside of her, making her feel awful and lower than before. Bani hated to lie...especially to Jai Walia, a man whom she respects so much. Before speaking again, he stares at her for a silent moment, making her uncomfortable under his focused gaze. 

Jai: Start today or whenever. I personally don't care. All I want you to do is to make sure that I don't see your face at the office. It's the only place where I get peace now a days and now that you're going to be there----- (sneers) 

Jai stares at her up and down, shakes his head with disgust , and turns around ready to leave the room, but halts in his steps as he hears Bani's phone go off. If Bani was scared before, she is absolutely terrified now. She watches him face her once again with a curious piercing look. His eyes fall onto her cell phone in her hand. Everything inside of her abruptly stops and Bani suddenly finds it difficult to breathe.

He notices her not making any attempt to pick up the phone, which fills him with even more curiosity. 

Jai: When your cell phone is ringing, it means someone is calling you. (sarcastic, hard tone) 

Bani flinches, but doesn't dare to take the call. She knew who it was....and was afraid of what will happen next.

Bani: (stammers, blurts out) S-s-someone will not stop calling me and -and has been pestering me all day... it's the same number ...

Another lie. Oh God did Bani hate herself more than ever....She tries her best to hide her fear, but Jai can clearly read her panic-stricken face....He walks on back over to her, building more fear into her. Jai reaches his hand out to her....

Jai: Give it to me....

The phone stops ringing.... Bani lets out a small sigh of relief. 

Bani: ....it's stopped. 

After a short few seconds, her phone begins to ring obnoxiously again. The color from her face drains and Jai continues to look grim. He doesn't remove his hand. Now his guess has been confirmed. By noting Bani's apprehension and refusing to pick up the phone before him, Jai Walia knows it must be Pia, his darling ex-fiance. 

Jai: Mujhe dedo, Bani... let me see who is harassing my wife. (sarcastic tone, demanding) (trans: Give it to me, Bani...)

Again she flinches. With a lot of force and unwillingness, Bani puts her phone into his hand. She switches her gaze over to the floor, not able to meet his eyes, and prays with all her heart that Pia will not speak.... 

He opens the flip phone with impatience and barks, "Hello?". Jai hears a startled gasp from the other line. He slowly smirks with pleasure on being right. 

Jai: (teasingly) Hello? 
Pia: .............
Jai: Hello?--- Hello?

Jai casts a look at his wife before walking casually over to the other side of the room, digging his free hand into his pocket. 

Jai: (lets out a tired sigh) Pia...Pia....Pia....

Bani's eyes pop out and her body becomes stiff. She looks up in a flash and stares at Jai with astonishment. She closes her eyes with defeat. They were doomed....Jai Walia would probably now figure out where Pia is and will not spare her.... her and Pushkar. Panicking by the thought, Bani rushes over to her husband's side. Jai stops her with holding a hand and giving her a silencing look. 

Jai: Don't trouble my poor wife...she is already hassled as it is....the least you can do for her is let her be....
Pia: (breathes out in a rush) Mr. Walia, please! Bani Didi aur Rano ko kuch maat kariye! Main aapke gunergarh hoon! Mujhe saaza dedo! Meri Didi aur choti behen ko nahi, please! (pleads)(trans: Don't do anythingn to Bani Didi and Rano! I am your culprit! Punish me! Not my Didi and little sister, please!)

Jai laughs as this is the most hilarious thing he's ever heard. His bitter laughter worries Bani. 

Jai: Hear yourself, Pia! Begging to me! How pathetic! (nasty)
Pia: (whimpers) ....Mr. Walia....
Jai: (in a nonchalant tone) How are you by the way? More than a week has passed and there is no news of you or of that lover boy of yours! --- Wait, wait, pardon me, your husband now, isn't it? You two must have eloped by now, haven't you? 
Pia: (silent) 
Jai: Well Congratulations and may your marriage be a success! 
Pia: Mr. Walia-- Didi---
Jai: Oh! Your Didi? If you'd really like to know, your sister is perfectly fine with me. Happy in fact. You know----

Jai turns and looks at Bani's weeping face. He continues to smirk and look at her up and down. Bani burns up under his roaming eyes. 

Jai: We both have gotten married ourselves.... 
Pia: Ji, main jaanti hoon.....(trans: Yes, I know...)
Jai: Oh you know? Oh of course---- it is the most recently discussed topic nowadays, you must have seen it on TV or read it somewhere in the newspaper (ends nonchalantly)
Pia:……
Jai:....Well?--- No congratulations or well wishes for us both? Are you not happy for your sister and brother-in-law, Pia? (emphasizes brother-in-law) 

He hears her cry which fills him with great pleasure. 

Jai: (nastily) Would you like to hear how happy your sister is, Pia? Really she is so ecstatic. 

Before Pia can even speak, Jai hands the phone over to Bani and proceeds to smile at her in an evil way. Bani looks at him with her tearing eyes. 

Jai: Go on, Bani, talk to your sister...tell her how you feel about our marriage....tell her how happy you are. 

Gulping, Bani hesitantly takes her phone back and slowly places it next to her ear. Jai watches her with great interest. 

Jai: Tell her....(forceful tone)
Bani: (shakes)...M-Main baut khush hoon (sobs) baut khush.....(trans: I am happy...very happy)
Pia: (cries) Oh Didi! I-----

Jai snatches the phone back away from her, startling Bani. 

Pia: I'm so sorry! This is all my fault! If I didn't run away you wouldn't be in this mess! 
Jai: (harsh tone) Interesting that you've realized your mistake, saali-ji. 
Pia: (startled) Mr. Walia, don't punish my sisters, I beg you. They shouldn't have to go through pain for what I have done. 
Jai: Oh but they do, Pia, they do. 
Pia: ---w-what do you mean? 
Jai: (his voice raging) Pia Dixit, you cunning-two-timing-b*tch, you accepted my proposal and promised to be by my side throughout the rest of my life--- I did not force you to accept--- I had given you the option--- You could have easily said no and all of this wouldn't have happened--- but no, you agreed to marry me, played with my emotions, went behind my back and romanced another man--- on our wedding day you left me only a single sentence explaining that you cannot marry me and left my life without my knowledge---- left me behind to be humiliated on being ditched at the altar--- disgraced in front of the whole damn society! 
Pia: .......(speechless)
Jai: ….You have left, Pia...I don't know where you are....nor do I care anymore. But I know that I can't reach you which makes it impossible for me to make your life a living hell after what you have put me through---- but your sister here, my wife, makes it possible for me.....

Bani shakes.

Pia: (cries) Please....
Jai: and I know that when I give her pain....I will be giving you pain, Pia Dixit.... I will be giving you pain....
Pia: Mr. Walia, don't do this! You can't do this!
Jai: (spits) Watch me....

Jai shuts the phone closed and hands it over to Bani. There is a piercing silence.....

Jai: (deadly tone) I am sure by now this "someone" will stop calling you now....she will not harass you anymore.....

Bani continues to weep in front of him, feeling absolutely helpless. Seeing her not making any attempt of taking her cell phone back from him, Jai throws it onto her bed and before slamming the door shut behind him, he says in a hard tone, "Make sure you come to the office on time...". 
*****************************************************


Chapter 4: 

Bani had thought by joining the office again, her life would turn right side up. She'd finally get something to look forward to do and wouldn't have to wallow around at the Mansion and go through Jigyasa's insults. But now....she wanted to do nothing but wallow and go through never ending insults.... The office was horrible. No one ever called her just plain and simple Bani anymore....no, she was now Mrs. Walia for everyone... On top of that, she wasn't allowed to do anything. Her husband made sure of that. She wasn't in on the projects, deals, meetings....well she was in them, but wasn't a part of the negotiations or talks, which upset her. Jai Walia was refraining her from something she loves...her work. Despite all this, her husband some how always managed to find an opportunity to continue to bash her left and right and find faults in everything she does. 

So far another week and a half had gone by....Bani had no clue how she made it this far living....
***********************

Bani arrives at the Mansion exhausted from the long hours at work, ready to slip into her room and wanting to disappear forever, but is approached by a snooty Jigyasa. 

Jigyasa: Bani Bhabhi! You're here! How was work? (fake enthusiasm, smiling nastily at her) 

Bani stares at her, curiously and confused. 

Bani: J-Ji...it was alright....thank you for asking. 
Jigyasa: You must be tired, haina?
Bani: ....Yes, I am a little tired....

She doesn't know where this conversation is going. Jigyasa is never nice to her....she doesn't acknowledge her the other times when she's not taunting her. Why is she all of a sudden interested in her? 

Jigyasa:...Well you will have to hide your tiredness because in three hours, we are holding dinner for our foreign delegates and they are expecting a delicious meal! 
Bani: Delegates?

Bani didn't hear anything nor was she informed about any delegates coming over at the Mansion tonight. 

Jigyasa: (brightens up again, cheery) Well of course, Bhabhi! Surely Bhaiya told you! Why, you are going to be the hostess for tonight!

Her face pales and she stares at Jigyasa, shocked. 

Bani: Ji, main?
Jigyasa: Ji, aph! ...Kyon, koi problem hai, Bhabhi? (trans: Yes, you! ...Why, is there a problem, Bhabhi?)

How come no one told her? ---Bani slowly shakes her head. 

Bani: No...no problem at all. Has everything been prepared for their visit?
Jigyasa: Do not worry, everything is taken care of……except Dinner. 

Bani mistakes Jigyasa's fake worry for a real one. 

Bani: Hasn't Tony started on the Dinner yet?
Jigyasa: Nahi woh...ek problem hai.... (tran: No...there...there's a problem)
Bani: Kaunsa problem?...(trans: What kind of problem?)

Jigyasa smirks at her and says happily, "I have given Tony a day off....". 

It finally hits Bani....Jigyasa planned it. Yes, the day that important guests were coming over, she gave the Butler/Cook a day off.....she should had expected this. After all, just like her husband, her sister-in-law is out to get her too....

Bani: (practically cries) Aph--- aapne aise kyon kiya? (trans: You--- why did you do this?)
Jigyasa: Bani...(nonchalantly) I had to....poor Tony's mother passed away last night and he was informed this morning...I couldn't have the poor fellow work when he is grieving over his mother's death....

Bani feels the anger build in side of her. What a stupid excuse to use for her deliberate plan. Everyone knows that Tony is an orphan and has no relatives or family of his own. 

Jigyasa: Since Tony is gone....and I have no knowledge of cooking whatsoever, why don't you make the Dinner Bhabhi? I've heard so many compliments of your cooking from almost everyone. If it really is good as everyone says, then I think you will fascinate the delegates, which is what we really need, to impress them I mean. .....Say that you will do it, nah Bani Bhabhi? (emphasizes Bani Bhabhi)

Bani takes in a deep breath. She can do this, she is sure that she can. She will not let Jigyasa win in her motives. 

Bani: Ji....
Jigyasa: Lovely. I suggest you start on it now.... we need to serve a lot of guests which means you need to cook a lot of food....

Bani softly nods her head and watches Jigyasa turn and begin to walk away. 

Jigyasa: Oh!

Jigyasa halts in her steps and faces Bani once again. She smiles coyly at her. 

Jigyasa: I almost forgot! Please do make western food for our foreign guests. We want them to feel at home as much as possible.....
*************************************
Bani scatters around the kitchen, not knowing what to do. The foreign delegates will be here in in two hours and she still had nothing made. She was freaking out. There was no food in the fridge, cabinets or anywhere else in the kitchen........not anywhere! Where did they disappear to?!

"Bhabhi!---- Bhabhi!--- Bhabhi have you---- Oh, Bhabhi, what is this?", Bani hears Jigyasa's loud shrilling voice say from behind. Turning around, Bani looks at Jigyasa with frightened eyes. 

Bani: There's no food! No food at all! 
Jigyasa: Why, Bani! How can that be? There was so much food in here this morn------ oh my, of course. 
Bani: (desperate) What?
Jigyasa: (stifles a laugh) Oh dear...I'm so sorry.... I forgot that I made Tony give the food away.... as charity you see....
Bani: Charity?!
Jigyasa: Why yes....I do it every year....there are so many starved children who are in need of food... Usually after that is done, I get Tony to buy new groceries....but I gave him the rest of the day off....I forgot there is no food....

Bani closes her eyes and exhales. Don't cry, Bani....Don't cry in front of this evil woman....do not show her that you have been defeated...do not let her enjoy this victory of hers....

Jigyasa: Well, I'm sorry Bani, I would help, but my presences is required elsewhere.... I will be back in time for the dinner....hopefully you'll handle things, right?

Bani opens her eyes and restrains herself from strangling her right there. 

Bani: (croaks) Yes....I will... 
Jigyasa: Good....(smirks) Well see you in the evening, Bhabhi....

And she whisks away from sight....Bani turns back around to the island in the center of the kitchen and digs her face into her hands. 

Bani: (moans) What am I going to do now?
***************************************

Jai pleasantly gets the delegates seated and smiles generously at their comments about his home. Jigyasa appears in a burnt orange sari, looking wicked with her hair let out loose, make up done to perfection, her lips blood red, and mischief glistening in her eyes. She greets the guests politely and makes small talk. Soon 8 o'clock strikes and Jigyasa announces Dinner. 

Jai: (raises an eyebrow) Jigyasa, where is Tony?

He quietly asks her as the delegates are seated at the long dining table by a replacement butler.

Jigyasa: I gave him the day off, Bhaiya. 
Jai: You what? Why? 
Jigyasa: (shrugs her shoulders) I felt that he deserved it after working for so long....
Jai: (huffs) You give him a damn day off on the day he's needed the most....do you ever use your brain, Jigyasa?
Jigyasa: Bhaiya...please do not lose your temper...everything is fine. Bani Bhabhi has got everything under control...(smiles wickedly)

Jai stares at her, puzzled 

Jai: What do you mean?
Jigyasa: Why, Bhaiya, did you not know?--- Your wife is the one who prepared tonight's dinner.....

His whole face expression changes into bewilderment, shock, and finally to anger. He opens his mouth to retort and yell at his sister for allowing this, but is interrupted by Mr. Blackwell. "Mr. Walia...what are you doing standing there? Come and join us too. You don't need permission to sit down in your own home". All the other men laugh with Mr. Blackwell. Jai smiles meekly, glares at Jigyasa, and sits down at the front of the table. Jigyasa sits besides him. Another man, Mr. Gibson, lets out a sound of delight. 

Mr. Gibson: Mr. Walia...the food smells fantastic!

Before Jai can even say anything, Jigyasa speaks up. 

Jigyasa: Well of course it does, Mr. Gibson...My sister-in-law, meaning my brother's wife has prepared it especially for you all....

"How sweet of her," Ms. Capets exclaims. Jai continues to sit in his chair, grim and fuming with anger. 

"Mr. Walia, I do not see your wife anywhere...will she not be joining us for dinner?", one of the delegates questions him. Startled, Jai looks up at him. He opens his mouth to reply in a "No", but is cut off by a strong determined voice from a far, "Yes I will be accompanying you all in Dinner...". 

Jai looks behind him and see Bani standing not so away, nearby the staircase, just coming off the last step. She walks towards them slowly, yet in an elegant style... She looks breathtakingly beautiful in a flashy lemon yellow sari, a diamond necklace paired along with diamond earrings, her wrists adorned with her red wedding bangles, a bright smile on her face, and her hair in waves....Jai is momentarily stunned by her appearance....but anger floods back into him. What the bloody hell is she doing here? Is all that races through his mind. 

Bani finally approaches the dining table and seats herself down in the last empty seat, on the other side of Jai. 

Bani: I am the Hostess after all....

Bani casts a look at Jigyasa when she says this and sees her sister-in-law scowl. Jai stares her down with his gray eyes, but Bani avoids him and looks at the guests instead. 

Bani: I'm sorry for taking so long.... 

The delegates forgive her with their pleasant smiles. "It is quite alright, Mrs. Walia...we have heard that you have made Dinner tonight...", Mr. Gibson says with a fond smile.

Jigyasa seems to become excited once again and says in an eager voice, "Dinner! Of course!--- Peter, please begin to serve everyone." Obediently Peter listens, other servants come out and begin to lift the covered dishes. Most of the delegates eye the food and look at one another awkwardly. Jai's blood boils after his shock passes by. Jigyasa doesn't bother to hide her evil smile. Bani sits quietly in her seat, still avoiding her husband's murder looking eyes. 

"Uh...Mr. Walia...what is this?", one of the men questions. Taking his eyes off of his unaffected wife, Jai stares at his guests, baffled. The servants continue to place food into each one of their plates. A few of the delegates have already began to dig in.  

Jai: I am very sorry--- I don't know what my wife was thinking. This wasn't what ------
Mr. Blackwell: Your wife was thinking with a brilliant mind! This is delicious!

Bani relieved, smiles wonderfully at Mr. Blackwell. Jai looks stunned and startled. He convinces himself that he has heard Mr. Blackwell wrong.  

Jai: I'm sorry?-- What did you say?

"It's wonderful, Mrs. Walia! I've never tasted anything this good in my life!"another man exclaims. Bani thanks him with a ginger smile. Jai proceeds to look bemused and completely thrown off. What just happened?.....

The rest also begin to eat their served food and let out pleased sounds. 

"This is great...."
"Absolutely terrific"
"What do you call this, Mrs. Walia" , one man asks, pointing to one of the dishes. 

Bani: (smiles) Palak Paneer....

"It's my favourite so far..." he says with a happy grin. "Mine also," another man says. Bani looks over at Jigyasa's, who happens to sit across from her, and hides a smile from Jigyasa's defeated looking face. Her eyes switch over to Jai, and is startled to see him staring at her so intensely....his eyes puzzled....yet amazed at the same time. She flushes and looks down at her dinner plate. 
******************************

Dinner went by smoothly and was a success. Bani's dinner pleased the delegates a lot and they hassled her with numerous of questions about the exquisite food she cooked and some even begged for recipes. She laughed, talked, and mingled with the delegates for a little awhile, until they had to leave. Jai was still left speechless ....he didn't say much, said a few things here and there, greeted farewells to the guests, but his attention was mostly lost....as if he were wondering in his thoughts. 
*************************

He tilts his head back, closes his eyes, digs his hands into his pant pockets, and lets himself be soaked in the cold shivering rain. Jai enjoys the feel of the rain hitting him hard against his face, drenching his clothes, wetting his hair, droplets rolling down his face, and lets himself relax underneath the pouring water. He hopes and wishes that the rain will wash away his troubles, heartaches, agony and calm him....soothe him....give him comfort. 

More than three weeks have gone by.... and the feeling of hurt and betrayal inside of him is still fresh....his wounds are still open… Would this feeling ever go away? Will the pain in him ever fade? ....Will he ever learn to move on?... Will he proceed to be lonely and miserable.....cold and dark inside?... God is he miserable.....so depressed... so alone...no support at all....none whatsoever.....

He was so dazed and caught up in his thoughts and emotions that he did not even realize that he was no longer getting soaked under the hard rain, but instead was protected against it.... until he heard a loud crashing in the sky, alerting him and causing him to stand upright.  

Jai looks around, shaken a bit, and notices a red umbrella hovering over his head.....Turning slowly to his right, Jai's eyes land on Bani, standing right next to him, smiling faintly and politely at him, holding the umbrella over him, shielding him away from the thudding droplets. She hadn't changed yet, she is still dressed in the same lemon sari she wore for Dinner.... Jai's breath is taken away on the sight of her.....

Bani: (soothingly) Mr. Walia... aph yahan bhaar kya khar rahe ho? You will fall ill from the rain....(trans: what are you doing out here?)

Jai continues to stare at her with a dazed look on his face.

Bani: (smiles) Come inside. 

For a moment he is relieved on seeing her... her comforting voice touches him.....her smile reaches out to him, easing him…her eyes hold sincerity in them, which he can clearly see and relaxes him…he was just about to return the smile until he sees Pia's image appear before him in her....smirking at him.... her eyes full of tease....her face glowing with satisfaction at his helpless state...laughing insanely with pleasure at his defeat…..shaking her head at him…

Rage floods back into him. Jai blinks his eyes and sees Pia's gleaming face vanish and replaced with Bani's light smiling one....however, the anger inside of him is still there. 

Jai stares at her for a good long moment before doing something that frightens her. He thrusts the umbrella out of her hands, knocking it down. Bani lets out a small gasp. The rain hurriedly engulfs  her…drenching her quickly. 

Bani: Mr. Walia?
Jai: Tum bhar bhar mera peeche kyon phari ho?(tran: Why are you always after me?) Do you have nothing else better to do other than to come and laugh at my state?

Bani opens her mouth to protest, but Jai silences her. 

Jai: Don't you think that you and your sister have hurt me enough? Are you not satisfied quite yet that you had to come here and personally see how I am?

She looks the other way. Her eyes widen quickly as she feels a tight grip on her arm and is roughly shaken by Jai. 

Jai: Take a good look at me, Bani! A really close look! Are you happy with what you see?!

Bani unwillingly stares into his face and shudders with what she sees.....a broken man. Her eyes well up with tears. Jai shakes her once again, making her squint in pain. 

Jai: Are you?!

Of course not! I understand! Your hate, your anger, your hurt, all of it! You deserve to feel this way! You do!...I'm here to help.....to take your pain away.... she wanted to scream to him, yet, she remains mum. 

He pushes her arm away with disgust and sneers at her. 

Jai: Why am I even asking you a question that I already know the answer to…of course it makes you happy…it makes you bloody ecstatic with joy, doesn't it, Bani?

Bani gazes at him with her watering eyes, expressing so many things to him....her concern for him....her worry....care....and sorrow. Jai refrains from looking into them any longer and turns away from her. 

Jai: Do me a favor and get lost. I don't want to see your face. (biting tone) 

A few moments later he hears the French doors close behind him and knows that she has left the garden......
****************************************************

Chapter 5: 

Bani was in the kitchen, preparing for Breakfast, when Tony scuttled in and grabbed an ice pack from the refrigerator. She stares at him questioningly and asks curiously, "Tony, what are you doing with the ice pack?". She watches him turn and give her a disappointed look. 

Tony: Ma'am, Jai Sir needs it...he has a headache....He perhaps drank a little too much last night. 

Bani drops the knife in her hands in a second. There is a clunk once it hits the cutting board. He drank too much alcohol last night.... again. Instantly she is overcome by worry and concern for him. Wiping her hands on her pallu, Bani extends her hand over to Tony. 

Bani: Tony, give it to me… I will give it to Mr. Walia… 

Tony gives her a "are-you-insane-that-you-want-to-mess-with-the-lion-when-he- has-a-hangover?" look, which she clearly reads. She continues to stretch out her hand to him. 

Bani: Don't worry, Tony. You finish up with breakfast, I'll look after him. 
***************************** 

Before entering the bedroom, Bani sighs and wears a determined look on her face. She knocks gently and hears a husky, "Come in". She looks back and signals Tony to open the door for her, who holds a cup of steaming black coffee in his gloved white hands. Tony follows obediently and lets Bani go in first. She enters and her eyes fall on the disheveled state of the king bed, sheets ruffled up, comforter thrown on the floor, pillows all over, and the man resting on it. 

On hearing his bedroom door open, Jai raises lazily and peers over his shoulder through his squinted eyes. Suddenly Jai is completely sobered up on seeing his wife, standing in his room, holding a tray in her hands, containing a glass of water, a small medicine bottle, and an ice pack. He growls inwardly and digs his face back into his pillow. 

Bani tries her best to calm her nerves on seeing her husband's half naked state. All he wore were the same trousers from Dinner last night, the black shirt completely gone, and his torso showing. Not letting this, or at least trying to not let this sight affect her so much, Bani averts her eyes the other way to Tony and says, "Please set the coffee down on the table and then you may go....". 

Hearing this, Jai, with a lot of effort, manages to sit up and stare at Bani woozily. Obediently Tony listens, sets the coffee down by the table, and leaves Jai and Bani alone in the master bedroom. Both stare at each other for a long second, not saying a word,....not moving...not anything. Seeing disapproval in Bani's eyes increases Jai's frustration towards her. Who the hell is she to judge him? No one....that's what. She has no right....no right to look at him this way. Yet seeing it there in her eyes and knowing that she is directing it towards him affects him....a lot. Jai runs his hand through his hair and rests his back against the headboard, trying to bare the sharp pain in his head.    

Bani mutely watches him rest his head back and breathe silently....his chest moving up and down....glistening from perspiration.... Her eyes lower and fall on his well built six pack... She feels her body heat up suddenly and a blush creeps onto her cheeks. Bani quickly turns around, not wanting to show Jai Walia the strong affect he is causing on her right this moment by seeing him in this state, and places the white long tray down softly onto the glass table. She finally notices it's rather dim in the room and walks on over to the windows. Pulling the curtains back aside, Bani lets in the sunrays, lighting up the dark gloomy room.    

Jai squints his eyes as he sees a faint flash of yellow, opening them slowly, he is blinded temporarily from the brightness of the sun. He shields his sensitive eyes with his arm as he growls inwardly… 

Bani goes on back towards the table, lifts the ice pack, medicine, and water off from the tray. Slowly facing Jai once again, Bani takes her time to walk over to him. Once she approaches him at the bed, she extends the glass of water and medicine in front of his face.    

Jai seeing this, glares at her and scowls to himself as he still sees the same look of disapproval on her face. She shouldn't be giving him an attitude at all... if there is anyone who should be giving an attitude then it should be Jai. He's the one who deserves that right.    

Bani: It will help with your hang over.    

What he wanted to do was knock the things over in rage, tell her to "get out", yell at her, tell her to quit acting like his wife, but the spinning and fuzziness from his head prevents him from doing so.... He needed the medicine and water....bad.    

In a hurry Jai roughly takes the items from out of her hands, pops a pill in his mouth, and gulps it down with water. After doing so, he sees her extend an ice pack towards him. He takes it from her, again silently, and presses it against the top of his head. He shudders when the coolness contacts with his skull.    

Bani: Apko aaj office peh jhaldi jhana hai....ek subah ka meeting finalized hogya-- Mr. Raichand ke saath.... Dus baaje......Aph tiyaar hojaye aur neeche naashtae kaliye ji.... Dher maat lagana...   (trans: You have to go to the office early today.... there is a morning meeting finalized....with Mr. Raichand....10 o'clock.... get ready and come downstairs for breakfast...don't take too long.)

Before Jai can say a word to her, Bani leaves after taking the tray with her, and closes the door firmly shut behind her..... He glances at his watch and notes that he has less than an hour to get ready and eat Breakfast. Swearing loudly, Jai jumps up from the bed and hastily tries to get ready on time.... 
***************************************** 

Due to waking up so late, Jai didn't have the chance to eat Breakfast and carried on his day with an empty stomach. Throughout his 10 o'clock meeting his stomach pained from hunger....he was sure that Bani noticed his anxious state from his numerous of glances at his watch (waiting for lunch time), the tapping from his shoe, and faint groans. He saw her give him a knowing look ... telling him that she had told him to eat before coming. Jai glared at her which caused her attention to go back to the presentation being presented on the power point.    

After a long three hours which felt like an eternity, Jai rushed his way out of his cabin, frantic to eat something- anything! He would go by the Cafe near the office instead of the regular restaurant he went out to for lunch which was ten minutes away. He was dying from starvation and couldn't wait no longer.    

As he walks down the hall way, passing by the small cubicles around and employees, he sees the elevator arrive and the doors open wide from across. Making his way over to there, Jai's attention is only on getting into the lift quickly before the doors close, which then he would have to wait for a minute or two for another lift to arrive, until he hears a familiar giggle...a giggle which he hadn't heard for so long.... along with deep male laughter.    

Jai halts in his steps and glances around the top floor in search for her. His eyes roam around for a moment or two until they finally find her standing nearby the water fountain, laughing freely without a care in the world. 

How long had it been since he last heard Bani laugh like that? ....It felt like ages ago.... When he really thought about it, he hadn't seen her laugh or smile for awhile.... she used to always wear a glamorous smile on her lips everywhere she went... a smile that brought an own smile to one's lips.    

Jai watches his wife from a distance in a daze. She looks exceptionally well wearing a dark red sari with matching bangles, no other jewelry worn except for her mangulsutra hanging out from her blouse, vermilion adorning her parting, and her hair kept out. He watches how her lips form into a huge dazzling smile, showing all of her white teeth, how they move as she talks...    

It takes him a good few moments to realize that she is accompanied by someone else...the person who was making her laugh care freely...a tall nicely built dashing young man with a friendly twinkle in his eyes. He laughs along with Bani....    

In matter of seconds rage over control Jai's senses and cloud in accusations into his mind. What the hell was Bani doing flirting around with men in the office behind his back? How could she even dare to---- of course, like sister like sister….he thinks bitterly to himself. Pia had also flirted around behind his back, did she not? So Jai shouldn't be too surprised to see his wife doing the exact same thing. After all the two are sisters…must be the common thing to do in their family. 

Taking a good last look at his laughing wife, Jai strides out of there and takes the stairs, ignoring the open elevators.... 
*******************************    

Bani sighs at seeing workers and servants running around in the Mansion, preparing the food and decorations in time for the party being held tonight, in honor of Jai for winning a business deal. Another busy horrifying day....Bani mutters to herself. She quickly begins to chant prayers of not bumping into her nemesis.....her sister-in-law. Bani didn't think she can handle any insults from her today after going through a stressful day at work. She was recently in a state of confusion from her friend's sudden change of attitude. It was only two hours ago that her and Ranveer were chatting and laughing, having a wonderful time, and once she met him an hour later- he completely avoided her like if she were a plague.     

Forget it, I'll worry about Ranveer later. I don't have time to dwell on his change in behavior when there is work to do for the party.... Bani runs up the long marble staircase up towards the guest room, her room, to set her things away, help out with the preparations, and then finally get ready herself.... 
*********************************    

Jai had arrived home thirty minutes before Bani and decided on taking a cold shower to refresh himself. As he steps out of the glass shower, he grabs his navy towel, wraps it around his waist, and stands before the water basin. He uses his hand to wipe away the fogginess from the mirror....    

Jai turns on the faucet from the sink and begins to splash his face with the rushing water. With his eyes closed, he uses his hand to feel around for the soap...finally managing to find it, he rubs it into his face in circular motions... He puts his hands out to gather water into them and wipe his face, but he doesn't feel nor hear any of the water coming out....He creases his eyebrows in confusion and begins to fiddle with the taps, trying to see whether they were on in the first place...    

Absolutely exasperated and angry, he swears under his breath. The damn water had to go out now...he grumbles between his teeth... 
*************************    
"Tony! ---- Tony!---Tony!--- Where is that imbecile?!" she hears a familiar bellowing come from afar. Bani halts in her steps and stops by Jai's room, where she is sure the yelling is coming from.    

"Bring some water, dammit! Fast!", she hears him scream in frustration. Bani looks around, seeing whether anyone was listening, and sees Tony coming slowly up the stairs with a bucket in his hands and a towel draped on his left arm. He waddles over towards Bani.    

Bani: Tony...yeh paani?? (trans: Tony...this water?)
Tony: Ma'am, the water has gone out... I had to quickly fetch Sir water.... 

"Tonnnny!!!!" another shout is heard from across the Mansion, one that both Bani and Tony recognize as Jigyasa's voice. "Tony! Yahan aao! Mujhe tumhara zaroorat hai!".    (trans: Tony! Come here! I need you!)

Tony begins to look hassled. He stares from Jai's bedroom door and then to over at Jigyasa's further away.    

"Tony! Where are you, you bloody fool! Why the hell do I even pay you when you aren't even around when you are needed?!" they hear Jai yell. Bani shows sympathy towards Tony as she takes the bucket from his hand along with the towel. She smiles warmly at him.    

Bani: Go on, Tony...I will take care for Mr. Walia--- your Jigyasa Ma'am needs you right now.     

Tony lets out a sigh of relief, returns her smile, and runs off in the direction towards Jigyasa's continuous cries for his presence. Bani softly opens the huge wooden door and lets herself into Jai Walia's bedroom.... She sees the bathroom door open and light come from inside it...She walks on over to it. She would just quickly give him the water without a word…now he couldn't shout at her for that, could he?    

On hearing his bathroom door open, Jai says in an even angrier tone, "What the hell took you so long?". Bani opens her mouth but no words come out....she is too overwhelmed with the sight before her... Jai Walia in only a towel.... Oh God, why are you doing this to me?….she thinks miserably to herself. Maybe I should have left Tony to handle this after all… 

"Never mind that--- just pour me some water", he says. Bani, with shaky hands, takes a cup full of warm water and begins to put it into Jai's folded hands. Relieved, Jai starts to rinse off the soap from his face..... 

"Hand me the towel...", he demands. Bani, blushing furiously on seeing him turn around, revealing his bare built torso wet with water droplets slowly running down his chest, looks around frantically for the towel. She realizes that she had dropped it as she came in and begins to walk towards it, but stops as she feels a tug on her pallu. Quickly she places a hand onto her shoulder and turns around.    

She watches with shock as Jai holds the end of her pallu in his hands, make a slight confused face, shrug his shoulders, and begin to dap his face with it. The color of her blush deepens and Bani finds herself even more speechless than before....her eyes widen as Jai pulls more on her pallu, knocking her over....towards him. She falls straight into his arms, which balance her.... a gasp escapes from her mouth. Her heart stops as Jai opens his eyes and stares at her with shock.    

Jai continues to gaze at Bani with astonishment, her pallu still in his hand.... Bani feels a swoon coming along by being crushed against his wet chest, drenching the front of her blouse, and the strong smell of scented soap coming from her husband.    

Jai: (croaks) T-t-tum? 
Bani:....Ji main---    

Embarrassment and fury erupts inside of him and puts him into a shaky state. He makes an attempt to move back away from her and as he does this he says in between stuttering, "Tum yahan kya khar ra-----aaaaa". (trans: What are you doinnngg----)

He trips from behind by the bucket and falls backwards. Due to his instant reflexes, he holds onto Bani, which startles her and pulls her down with him. They both fall down straight into the tub, Jai underneath and Bani on top of him.....    

"Ouch!" they both cry at the same time. Jai had hit his head against the tiled wall and rubs it while Bani fell squarely into his chest. Bani, after a good few moments, begins to find a way of getting off of him and a way out of this uncomfortable position...She only slips and falls back down onto him, earning herself a yelp of pain from Jai.    

Bani: (sincerely, worriedly) Mr. Walia--- I'm so sorry!    

She rests a hand on his chest, where she had fallen on him, and sees Jai's eyes meet with hers at the exact moment. Blushing, she removes her hand and looks down...only to meet his hard chest, which causes her to flush even more and look the other way. Having Bani so near him, touching his bare skin- causing him to burn by her touch-, and her br**st crushing against his chest, creates strong sudden emotions to run through Jai which makes him nervous.    

He helps her with getting back to her feet after a lot struggling and finally stands up from the tub, protectively holding onto his towel. Bani smiles meekly at him and pushes back a strand of her hair behind her ear, nervously. They both look at each other awkwardly and knew that they both are equally embarrassed with the situation. Regaining himself and forcing a hard tone he speaks in an angrily matter, "What in the hell are you doing in here? I specifically remember asking Tony to come! Not you! Get out!". He manages to say even though he was still feeling very flustered. 

Bani: (hastily) I'm sorry...(her cheeks flaming red)    

He watches Bani turn around and dash out of the bathroom in a blink of an eye. He runs his fingers through his damp hair and then rubs the back of his neck. "Stupid girl…", he mutters to himself. 
*********************************************

Chapter 6:


Bani walks slowly down the stairs, feeling edgy and a tad nervous by the crowd of people and the media scattered around. She looks wonderful in a teal sari with silver works, looking like it was designed especially for her, paired with only a set of long dangling earrings and matching bangles. She gazes around hoping to see any people whom she knows and is on good terms with unlike her sister-in-law and husband. Bani finds her sister at the end of the staircase chatting with Anu. She catches Rano's eye and sees her sister smile at her and nod her head, beckoning for her to join them. Happily, Bani makes her way towards her. 

On reaching the last step, Bani feels an iron grip on her arm, causing her to squint in pain. She turns to her right and sees Jigyasa staring at her with a forced smile. "Where do you think you are going, you fool?--- You should be at your husband's side. This party hasn't been held for your amusement", she mutters through her gritted teeth. "Come, the media is waiting to take pictures…". 

Rano's smile fades and she stares at Jigyasa's tight hold on her sister's arm. She watches on angrily, yet helplessly. 

Before Bani can even say a word, Jigyasa drags her off leading her towards the center of the party, her grip on her wrist not loosening a bit. Bani tries her best in getting Jigyasa's hold off of her. 

She becomes relieved as Jigyasa finally lets go of her hand, but that is shortly lived as she sees where her sister-in-law has led her to….to her husband, who turns around and the smile that had played on his lips moments before vanishes. Instead he becomes grim and stares at her with his flaming eyes. Jigyasa leaves as fast as she came on seeing a group of her kitty friends. 

"Is this your wife, Mr. Walia?", the reporter standing in front of him eagerly questions. Jai looks back over to him and nods. "Yes, this is my wife, Bani Walia," he says with no emotion in his voice. Bani is too busy protectively holding onto her wrist, which still aches in pain from Jigyasa's unbelievably strong grip. The reporter surprises Bani by taking her hand and shaking it with so much enthusiasm. 

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Walia!". Bani smiles meekly at him and pulls out her hand, putting a stop to the annoying shaking. "Tell me, Mrs. Walia, how do you feel about your husband winning the huge business deal? I hear it will benefit the company a lot!". Bani mutely looks up at Jai, who also happens to be looking down at her. She feels his cold hand travel down her back and to her waist. He pulls her into his side. She shudders by the contact of his hand with her bare skin. 

Jai: Go on, Darling, answer the nice man's question…(he says in a low tone only for her to hear)

The reporter, oblivious to the tension between husband and wife, mistakes Jai Walia's sudden hold on his wife as affection. He smiles at them.

Bani takes in a deep breath, calming down her racing heart, and smiles shakily at the man. She decides to answer truthfully for once….

Bani: I'm really happy for him. He deserves it after all the hard work he puts into the company. There isn't any other better man worthy of this deal. I'm glad that it is him who has won it. 

The reporter quickly notes this down and makes small talk before wandering off to get some snacks and enjoy the party. Jai stares back at Bani and arches one of his eyebrows at her. 

Jai: I'm surprised by your response, Mrs. Walia-- you almost even had me convinced. Tell me, did you always want to be an actress when you were young? Is that why you are so talented at deceiving people? 

Bani's eyes lower. Not having the strength to put up with his hurtful comments anymore, Bani places her hand over his, which rested on her waist, and pulls it off. She makes an attempt to walk away, but feels him hold her back by her hand. Jai brings her back into him and stares at her with his hard gray eyes. 

Jai: (harsh laughter) What an attitude you've got----  Where did you think you were running off to, Mrs. Walia--- we still have pictures to take. 

Bani stiffens with his arm around her tight. Ignoring her discomfort and begging looks, he whisks her away towards the impatiently waiting media crowd, who immediately perk up on seeing Mr. and Mrs. coming to them. They quickly interrogate Jai with numerous of questions regarding the deal. Bani quietly stands by his side, his arm still around her. 

Jai reaches into his pocket, pulls out a cigarette and lights it. He answers their questions in a nonchalant tone. Bani, not used to the awful smoke, tries to hold down her want to cough and holds in her breath, which fails miserably after a few seconds. She can't seem to stop reacting to the smoke. She looks up at him with pleading eyes and asks in a soft tone, only audible to him, "Mr. Walia, please, --the smoke…". Jai turns to her and pauses in the middle of his answer to a journalist. He takes the cigarette out of his mouth…..and breathes out a puff of smoke which hits Bani directly in her face, making her close her eyes and face the other way. 

"…so yes, I am indeed happy with the proposition of the deal", he finishes off and looks back over to the paparazzi. He sticks the cigarette back into his mouth. Bani feels her eyes water from suffocation. 

After a set of pictures and snaps of the newly weds, the media finally put a rest to their continuous uprising questions and decide to enjoy the party. They leave Jai and Bani alone…. 

Jai: You can't stand smoke, is it?--- (he breathes out some more smoke, and smirks) Don't worry, Mrs. Walia, you will get used to it soon….

Jai says to her in a teasing tone before leaving her by herself in the midst of the party. Bani watches him trail off with sad looking eyes. 

Feeling a squeeze on her shoulder, Bani turns around and finds herself face to face with a beautiful, elegantly dressed woman….. Sonali, a famous film star and also one of Jai Walia's closet friend. ….a good friend of hers also up until all this mess happened. 

Sonali: (sympathetic smile) …I don't like it either when he smokes. But he is what he is. 

Bani keeps her eyes focused back on Jai who has joined a set of guests, not able to meet Sonali's friendly gaze which would only make her feel guilty with the fact that she is married to the man Sonali loves the most, and probably will always….

Sonali: But hopefully he will get rid of the habit….now that you're in his life. 

Bani makes the mistake of looking at her when she says this. Seeing Sonali smile sincerely at her, causes her to break down….

Bani: (blurts out) I'm so sorry….

Sonali arches her professionally thinned eyebrows at her and smiles a confused smile. 

Sonali: About what?
Bani: (miserably) You don't have to be sweet to me anymore….I have hurt you. You have every right to be angry with me. 
Sonali: (her smile fades) Bani, what are you talking about dear?
Bani: ….You hate me, do you not? --For marrying Mr. Walia?

Sonali is momentarily taken aback and becomes mute. She looks past Bani and at Jai, who smiles generously at his business associates who he currently is speaking to.

Bani: Maine aapke pyaar ko cheenliya hai….(trans: I have taken away your love from you...)

Sonali smiles lightly at seeing Bani's downcast face. She takes Bani by her shoulders and looks down at her. 

Sonali: You have not stolen him away from me…..he wasn't even mine to begin with. --- and whatever had happened, it's not like you had any say in it. Bani- I don't blame you nor hate you for anything. 
Bani: But----
Sonali: I have no right over Jai……because now he is yours…..he is your husband, Bani. ….. (smiles warmly) And I hope and will pray from the bottom of my heart for both of you to have a successful marriage and be happy together. (she continues on as she sees Bani open her mouth to protest once again) there is a reason why you two are together today, Bani. …perhaps I was never destined to have Jai and you are…maybe it is you two who belong together…maybe it is you who Jai needs in his life….

Bani looks at Sonali with disbelief. How could she even come up with something so impossible? Her, Bani Dixit, destined to be Jai Walia's wife? Destined to be in his life? No….destiny wasn't apart of this. It was just all a big mistake…It is a big mistake….a cruel twist in fate. 

Sonali: (her voice lowering)….Bani, please promise me something….promise me that you will keep Jai and yourself happy….promise me that you will try to make your marriage work. 

She takes Bani's hands in hers as she says this in a pleading tone. Bani, stunned, stares at her for a long moment. She peers into Sonali's  face. 

Sonali: For once I am asking you something, Bani….take care of him….make him happy….please. 

Bani feels her own eyes water from Sonali's request. It isn't fair….it isn't fair that Sonali doesn't get to have her love, which she deserves….it isn't fair for her to watch the man she loves with another woman….it isn't fair for her to give him up….in fact, none of this is fair….it isn't fair how fate has played such a cruel joke on all of them…Sonali….Jai….and herself….none of it is. 

Bani slowly nods her head and smiles reassuringly at Sonali, causing her to smile in relief….

Bani: I promise……
************************************************************ ************************************************************ 

Hours went by in a blur and a few guests were already beginning to leave the party. After bidding Sonali a farewell and promising to call her more often, Bani finds Rano, who stood by Dadi throughout the party, looking clearly bored to death, and joins her sister's side with a small smile. 

After a couple of minutes, Bani feels a tap on her shoulder and looks away from Rano and stares into Aditya's worried looking face. Her smile disappears and immediately she becomes curious. 

Bani: Bhaiya… kya hua? (trans: What happened?) Is there anything wrong?
Aditya: Woh- Bani… Jai….
Bani: (alert) Mr. Walia ko kya hua?(trans: What has happened to, Mr. Walia?)
Aditya:… he's drunk… completely drunk, Bani. 
Bani: (quickly, concerned) Woh kahan hai, bhaiya?(trans: Where is he, Bhaiya?)
Aditya: …In the garden. I tried helping him out of there, but he just doesn't listen. 

Bani, not wasting another second, makes a movement to walk towards the doors leading to the garden, but feels a tug on her hand. Turning around, she stares into Rano's disapproving face. 

Rano: Maat jao, Didi… (trans: Don't go, Didi) who cares what the man does to himself. He has made it perfectly clear to us all that he doesn't need anybody to take care of him… so why do you always go running to his side?
Bani:….. He's my husband, Rano. 

Bani is surprised by how easily and calmly she had said it. 

Rano: To kya?(trans: So what?) -- Has this husband of yours ever treated you with respect, Didi?-- Nahi, nah? (trans: no, right?)

Bani looks into her sister's face long and hard. She faintly shakes her head and pulls her hand out of hers. 

Bani: Tum nahi samajongi, Rano… (trans: You wont understand, Rano.)

Giving her brother a thankful look, Bani rushes away from Aditya and Rano and down the hall towards the garden…….
************************************************************ ************************************************************ ******
She finds him sitting in one of the garden chairs, his legs resting up on the table before him, and his head tilted to the side. Running over to him, Bani places a gentle touch on his shoulder and bends down by his side. Jai stirs in his unconscious state and looks around with woozy eyes. He finds Bani bending down on the ground before him, and slowly blinks at her, confused. 

Bani: Mr. Walia, I will take you to your room. 

Jai shrugs off her hand from his shoulder. 

Jai: ..I-I'm fine… I don't neeeed anyone's help…. Nooot yours… not Aditya's… nobody's…leave me alone…
Bani: (gentler tone) Mr. Walia, please, come with me. 
Jai: (growls) I said I'm fffine. 
Bani: No you are not. You're not well, Mr. Walia…and not in a condition to be by yourself… 
Jai: (brushing off her hand once again) why doo you bloody care?-- why shoould you? --- I-I'm nothing to you… and you're definitely nothing to mee… just gooo away, Bani… leave me the hell alone… I can take care of myseeellf----

As he says this, Jai grips onto the armchairs of his seat and pushes himself up. He makes an attempt to walk on his own, but only ends up losing his balance and falling. 

 Bani: (concerned) Mr. Walia!

Jai groans and continues to lay on the cold grass, too weak to get up by himself. Bani takes him gently by his arm, wraps it around her neck, pulls him off of the ground, places a hand on his chest, grips tight around his waist, and carefully leads him inside. Jai silently lets himself be taken away….

She brings him to his bedroom, where Jai regains some type of control and motions her to move away from him with the raise of his index finger. As she backs away and remains standing, Bani watches Jai fall down onto his bed and slowly drift off into a deep slumber. 

Bani walks over to the end of the bed where his feet are and takes his shoes in her hands. She unties the laces and slides off his black polished designer shoes off his feet. She places them neatly by the edge of the bed on the floor. Taking the comforter in her hands, Bani lays it securely on him, making sure that he is covered completely in it. As she flicks the room lights off and opens the bedroom door, she hears a small mutter escape from his lips. "…Pia". 

Stopping only for a few seconds after hearing this, Bani lowers her eyes and closes the door firmly shut….
************************************************************ 

Chapter 7: 

Bani rushes out from the conference room with speed, startling everyone present. Jai Walia smiles to himself and also begins to gather his stuff like the others, ready to leave and get on with his day. He ignores Aditya's murderous glances and walks on out after cheerfully greeting everyone..... 

Tears roll down her cheeks and blind her eyes, blurring her vision. Bani takes the coat of her sleeve and begins to wipe away her rapid falling tears as she practically runs to her office. As she reaches, she pushes her door open and closes it quickly. Resting her back against the wooden door, Bani lets out a sob and cries her heart out...... 

How could he......How dare he....He has gone beyond the limits....He's cruel....completely cruel. Did he not once think of what I will go through? Did he not think of my feelings? How this will affect me? -- oh, who am I kidding, Mr. Walia would never think about that!… He knows...oh he knows too well what it means to me and he used it against me! ....Bani stifles a sob with her hand. She closes her eyes and feels her wet eyelashes stick to one another. My childhood home....where I grew up....where Mummy and Papa gave me so much love....where I lived with my small family.....where I shared my fights with my sisters.....He is buying that same very land and turning my home into a-a Casino? 

Bani feels the doorknob move against her back and moves away, letting the person get in. Aditya steps into the office and shuts the door behind him. He looks down at his sister and his heart goes out to her.... She is a terrible mess....Her eyes filled with tears, bloody red, her face pale, tears rolling down her cheeks…. and this was all because of her husband, Jai Walia. His blood begins to boil on the thought of him. Adi had enough with Jai lately. Still he treats Bani with so much detest, so much hate, so much disrespect.... He had thought that the phase would go away....his anger would cool down....he would eventually forgive and forget Pia and had accepted Bani has his wife.... So far, Aditya didn't see anything but Jai's repetitive snake like moves, tantrums, and hurtful words. 

Aditya lays a gentle hand on Bani's shoulder. 

Aditya: Bani? 

Crying even more than before, Bani wraps her arms around her brother and cries into his chest. 

Bani: Oh Bhaiya! He's taken my heart and stabbed a knife through it over and over and over! 
Aditya: Bani, calm yourself. Do not lose hope. 

Bani moves back and stares up at him. 

Bani: Bhaiya, how can I stay calm? He is going to tear down my home and replace it with a Casino where filthy people will go to gamble! And he-he made me-me give a presentation about the land! Me! He's doing this purposely, to hurt me! Bhaiya, he's doing more than just hurting me, he's killing me..... 

She continues to weep openly in front of him. Aditya pulls her back into his embrace and pats her hair down. 

Aditya: I promise you, Bani, this will not happen. I will not let it happen. Jai Walia will not get away with hurting you like this. Pia had betrayed him- not you. He needs to learn this. 
********************************* 

He hears his cabin door fly open and Jai finds Aditya, peering at him with so much hate in his eyes. 

Jai: (smiles) Aditya, my friend, what brings you here? 

The door closes behind Aditya as he barks, "Oh shut up, Jai!". 

Jai: (continues to smile) Ouch. What a way to greet your best friend, Aditya. Anyways, I was just about to call for you--- Mr. Obreoi has made a ---- 
Aditya: I've had enough with you, Jai Walia! Enough! (his voice strong, determined) 

Jai throws him a puzzled look and lets out a short chuckle. He places the file in his hand back down onto his desk. 

Jai: It's only been what--- 20 years? You can't put up with me any longer? 
Aditya: What you did to Bani was not right! 

Jai's grin vanishes and he becomes grim. 

Jai: And what did I do, Aditya? Please, enlighten me. 
Aditya: You have played with her emotions and feelings, Jai! -- How dare you! Can you not see how hurt she is! Ever since she has been married to you, she has been putting up with your nasty behavior with her quietly, but what you've done today has crossed the line! I've never seen her so upset up until now. Jai-- how could you even think of doing such a despicable thing? Making her home, where she has so many memories attached to, into a Casino?! 

Jai is quiet for a short moment, looking as if he's pondering about something, before asking gently, "Where is she?". 

Aditya, who had so much anger building inside of him, is taken aback and calms down by the concern in Jai's voice and the sincerity in his eyes. Did Jai really truly care now? Has he realized his mistake? He unfolds his fists and responds back in an equal calm tone. 

Aditya: She's in her office.... 
Jai: .....Is she crying? 

Aditya nods his head after a small hesitation. 

Aditya: I just came back from meeting her...she's really torn up. 

Jai lets out a heavy sigh and rests his hand against the filing cabinet next to him. He does something that surprises Aditya....he smiles. 

Jai: Good. (satisfied tone) 

Aditya clearly shows the shock on his face and yells, "Jai, what the hell is wrong with you?!". 

Jai: Aditya, you should not be asking me this question, but should be asking it to yourself! ---What the hell is wrong with you--- taking her side instead of mine! Is she your best friend or are you mine?! (full of rage) 
Aditya: You're sick, Jai Walia...absolutely disgusting! Seeing that poor girl in grief pleases you? 
Jai: Yes! Because when Bani is in pain--- that damn sister of hers will be drowning herself with guilt for causing Bani's troubles! When I inflict pain on Bani, Pia will be able to feel it too! And that's exactly what I want! 
Aditya: Koi to sharam khar, Jai! She is just an innocent girl! She had nothing to do with Pia and Pushkar's betrayal to you! Why do you not understand this?! 
Jai: Why do you not understand that Bani has everything to do with it?! Her sister has destroyed my life! Made a fool out of me! Stabbed me in the back with a knife! And Bani only helped her in doing so! She knew….she knew about everything! She knew that Pia and that damned Pushkar were fooling around behind my back! She even knew that they were planning to run away to elope on my wedding day, Aditya! Do you not remember the shame I had to go through for being left at the altar?! (he shouts violently) Do you not remember?! 
Aditya: (aggravated) Bani had nothing to do with any of it! You assume too much, Jai! For once stop acting as if you know every little damn thing that's going around! The truth is you have no clue about anything! 
Jai: And what is it that I do not know, Aditya, and you obviously seem to?! 
Aditya: (exasperated) Bani did nothing to betray you, Jai... she didn't play with your emotions.... nor did she hurt you. In fact, all Bani ever does is try to protect you.... 
Jai: That's complete bull---- 
Aditya: (cutting him off angrily) She takes your hurtful words and rude behavior towards her like a punching bag! Bani allows you to vent your anger on her! She sees how it makes you happy...how it brings you happiness....and she thinks that the least she can do is let you experience it after all the heartache you've been through! However, I think that it's absolutely idiotic for her to put up with your bullshit! For her to want a sick bas***d like you to be happy! I've even explained to her quite a lot of times to fight back, defend herself, but she tells me that she doesn't mind and says that you have every right to vent out your anger on her!. ….Tell me Jai, have you ever heard anything so ridiculous like that in your life? 

Jai's jaw tightens and he stubbornly remains mum, refusing to say anything. 

Aditya: (voice calming down) Do you not remember Bani from before, Jai? ....sweet innocent trustworthy Bani? She worked for you....she was loyal...honest...and absolutely trustful....Bani would always come running to you asking your permission and opinions on the littlest things....she never did anything without your consult. 

Aditya: Do you really think that same Bani would ever be a part of Pia and Pushkar's betrayal? Do you honestly think that she could have any part of it?….Do you?! 

Jai is silent for a very long moment. Even Jai thought that Pia was innocent and wouldn't do anything to hurt him….and look where that trust has put him now --- So how can he believe in anyone else?-- How can he believe that Bani isn't anything like her sister? 

Aditya watches him with his blazing eyes, waiting for a reply to his questions. Jai looks up and stares at him hard. 

Jai: (bitterly) It's useless to even talk to you Aditya….it seems that Bani has now even gotten to you….no matter what I say to explain my reasoning, to defend myself--- it will have no affect on you because you, obviously, are on Bani's side….which sickens me. 

Aditya open his mouth to retort, but Jai turns around and says, "Just leave, Aditya, before I cross the line and forget the friendship that exists between us…" He hears Aditya heave with anger and slam his cabin door behind him….. 
************************************************************ ******** 
Aditya knocks on the wooden door and waits patiently for a reply. After a few moments of hearing no type of responses, he quietly opens the door and stares into the empty office. Puzzled, he looks everywhere around him, hoping that she's somewhere around. Seeing a familiar person walk past him, Aditya holds on her arm, which stops her in her tracks and look at him, questioningly. 

Aditya: Sonia, do you know where Bani is? She isn't in her office? 
Sonia: (face grim) Aditya, she left quiet awhile ago. She didn't look too well. If I'm not mistaken, I think she was crying…. She really looked awful. 

Aditya drops her arm and curses Jai silently in his head. This was all happening because of him…if he wasn't so pig-headed and stubborn--- He looks back at Sonia and smiles softly. 

Aditya: Thank you for telling me…. 
*********************************************************** 
She didn't know where she was going….nor did she care. All she knew was that she was in pain…her heart ached terribly….her throat felt sore from holding her tears….she felt the need to cry her troubles out but prevented herself from doing so because she knew she was better than that. She was strong. She is strong. You can make it through this, Bani….she continues to coax herself. These bad times will soon be gone….keep your chin up and just hope for things to become well…. 

Her numerous tries of soothing herself in believing everything will be alright becomes useless as her mind sweeps back to the past. 

"It's a nice area where I'm sure will be a good place to build it…the land is excellent even…", his determined voice said loudly. "But what about the house, Sir? Doesn't anyone live there?" one of his business associates had asked him. Jai stared at him and responded in a curt voice, "No. Not at all….the poor man who had owned it died a few months back from excessive drinking…and his orphaned daughters have probably gone begging for someone to take them in," he finished off bitterly as his eyes had rested on Bani, who sat exactly beside him. Everyone had grown quiet from his insensitive comment, especially Bani. "Kya hua, Darling? Are you alright?…You look a little….pale", he had said with sarcasm to her. After she blinked away her forming tears, she shook her head at him and lowered her head down. "Good then if you would please go ahead and give the presentation….". 

A tear finally manages to roll down her cheek…..the memories from her marriage continue to approach her, flood into her mind, and taunt her. The tears begin to flow and soon they become unstoppable and come in heavy sobs. 

"I will make your life a living hell," he had said to her in a harsh tone on their suhaag raat, before pushing her out of his room. Weeping uncontrollably, Bani stops nearby a column and sits down besides it. She props her knees up, hugs them with her arms, and cries into them, shaking at the same time. The weather was cold and freezing due to the drizzling rain and the night air added to it. 

After a couple of minutes, Bani feels a comforting touch on her shoulder and looks up from her knees. She stares up at the pandit with her tear stained face. He looks at her with so much concern and worry which makes her shed a few more tears. She wipes them away with the back of her hand and looks around. Bani didn't even realize that she had come to the mandar…. 

Pandit: Kya hua, Beti? (trans: What is wrong?) Why are you crying? 

Bani looks back at him. She shakes her head lightly and holds in her sniffles. Then taking the pallu of her sari, she wipes her nose with it. 

Pandit: Beti, if you keep your troubles inside, it will only hurt you more…. But if you tell someone it will be a great burden off of your shoulders…. Chalo, mujhe batao…kya baath hai? Tumhari parashaani kya hai? (trans: Come on, tell me...what is it? What are your worries?)

Bani stares back at the pandit ji and lets the tears fall freely from her eyes. For how long can she keep the pain inside of her, to herself, which kills her slowly and slowly by each passing day? 

Bani: …..Pandit Ji---- woh---- (cries) woh…… 

He sits down besides her and gives her an encouraging look. 

Pandit: Woh kya, Beti? 

Bani looks at him for a long good moment before spilling everything about her life to him, omitting names and keen details. The Pandit listens quietly and respectfully waits for her to finish. Bani breaks out into more tears after completing her summary of her horrible life. 

Bani: Aph bhi batao, Pandit Ji….main abh kya karoon? (trans: You tell me... what do I do now?

He is silent for a long while as Bani continues to cry before him. 

Pandit: (calm tone) Tumne ek vaada kiya tha, haina? (trans: You had made a promise, didn't you?)

Bani brushes off her tears and stares at him, taken aback. For a moment she thinks that he is talking of the promise she had made to Sonali. A promise that she now realizes is useless. She can't bring Jai Walia happiness… all she ever brings him is sorrow and grief. So how can she be able to keep him happy?-- She is just about to retort until slowly Bani remembers that she hadn't told him about that promise. Then which promise is he speaking of? She looks at him with great curiosity. 

Bani: Ji, … vaada? 
Pandit: When you had married your husband with God as your witness, you made a promise to stay by his side…. Stay by his side in happiness…..in sorrow….and in difficulties. ….in good times and bad. … You made a promise to be with him for seven life times…. You made a promise to support him…. Beti, you had made a promise. … 

Bani continues to look at him, speechless. 

Pandit: These are now your bad times…. You cannot leave his side…. He needs your support… he needs you, Beti. 

She absorbs in his words carefully. How could she even forget a promise like that? How could she forget that she had taken saat pheres with him tying her to him for seven life times? How could she?…. He was right… these are now their bad times… but bad times come and go…. And so will this one… Bani had accepted this marriage even though it came to her unexpectedly… and since she has accepted this fact, she has to be able to carry out her duties… 

Bani: (her crying subsiding) … Aph--- aph teek kehrahe hai… Mere pati ko meri zaroort hai… main unse chordke nahi chale jasakti… maine ek vaada kiya tha… aur main iss vaada ko neebongi… (trans: You-you're right...My husband needs me... I cannot leave him.... I had made a promise.... and I will fulfill this promise.)

The Pandit smiles and nods his head along with her. Bani looks back over to him and smiles gratefully at him. Maybe this is why she had come to the mandir… she needed guidance which she badly needed… she needed a reminder of what she has to do… she was needed of a reminding of her responsibilities and duties of being a wife. 

Both the Pandit Ji and Bani are startled by a sudden screaming and a whole bunch of yelling from gathering people. They both stand up immediately and run over to the forming crowd at the mandir's steps… there lays a middle aged woman dressed in a beige sari, unconscious and bleeding…..the objects in her tali scattered about. 
************************************************************ ****** 
Coming back from the office Jai pulls up on the driveway and takes out his key from the ignition. Taking his briefcase and coat, he closes the car door and makes his way up the stone steps towards the doors to the mansion. Before he could even knock, he sees the door fly open and his younger sister's pale looking face staring at him with a frightened expression. 

Jigyasa: Bhaiya….woh--- Mausi's in the hospital….. 
************************************************************ **** 

Chapter 8: 

He didn't know how to react…. Should he be happy that the woman who raised him up and was practically a mother to him was here after so long? Or should he be distressed about the fact about her presence making things even more difficult on him? 

Jai looks over at his Mausi pampering his wife and making her smile every now and then. Bani, smiling shyly, hugs Mausi as Mausi laughs and pats her hair, affectionately. He sees his sister roll her eyes at this scene and turn her attention back to her breakfast. Even he himself was disgusted by the scene. His mother was befriending the very person who is hell bent on ruining his life. If she knew the reality of her lovely Bahu, Jai was sure that she wouldn't spoil her rotten like how she was now….Sneering, he turns the other way, but only meets Aditya's cold gaze. He also like his sister lowers his eyes to his food. 

"Saach…Munna, my Bahu must be the most beautiful girl in this world…", Mausi exclaims as she finally takes her seat next to Dadi. Bani blushes sweetly as she continues to lay out food for everyone. "Yes, Billo. Bani is a very beautiful girl…she's also very well cultured and has good values in her…," Dadi says proudly. Jai scowls silently to himself. Bani continues to blush. Rano smiles, pleased with Mausi and Dadi's comments regarding her elder sister. "Must run in the family…," Saahil whispers to her softly. Rano turns to him, slightly stunned. He winks at her. Regaining herself, she smiles back fakely and stomps on his foot, earning herself a sound of pain from him, which was music to her hears. 

Jigyasa: Kya hua, Saahil? (worried) 
Saahil: (breathes out, suppressing his pain) Nothing, Mom. 

Anu tries her best to hold in her giggles. Bani casts Rano a knowing look, which wipes off Rano's victory smile from her face. 

Aditya: Bani, sit down and eat your own food… 
Bani: Paar Bhaiya---- 
Aditya: Mausi, dheko, yeh laadki bhi nah--- hamesha yehi kaarti hai… she serves everyone else and eats only after everyone is gone. (trans: Mausi, see, this girl is too much--- she always does this...she serves everyone else and eats only after everyone is gone.)
Mausi: Arre, this is not right. Bahu, bato….aaj tumhari Mausi tumhe serve kaaronge. (trans: Sit down...today your Mausi will serve you.)
Bani: Nahi, Mausi, main khud hi kaaronge, please aph maat kijiye. Aur Doctor neh kaha tha ke aapko araam ke zaroort hai…. (trans: No, Mausi, I will do it myself, please you don't do it. And the Doctor had also said that you need rest.)
Mausi: Arre, main teek hoon. Bus thori se chot laagi aur waqt ke saath woh bhi teek hojonga… (trans: Oh I am alright. Just a little small wound and with time it will heal.)
Bani: Paar Mausi---- 
Mausi: Maine khaadiye nah, bus. Tum chup chap yahan bato and I will serve you your breakfast today. (trans: I had already told you, didn't I? You sit down here quietly and I will serve you your breakfast today.)

Bani reluctantly sits down in her chair, which unfortunately is right next to Jai. Mausi gets up to serve her. Angered by the affection his Mausi showers on Bani, Jai pushes his chair back and gets up in a haste. 

Mausi: (noticing this) Arre, Munna, tum kahan jhare ho? (trans: Munna, where are you going off to?)
Jai: Office, Mausi. It's important for me to go now. 

Otherwise I'll explode right here itself, he thinks to himself. 

Mausi: But you haven't even finished your food. 
Jai: I'm fine. (curt) 
Mausi: Have some juice before you go. 
Jai: Mausi, I don't have the tim--- 
Mausi: Don't be ridiculous, you can't spare a minute just to drink juice?--- Accha, if you aren't going to agree to me, I'm sure you will agree to Bani, haina? 

At the same time, both Jai and Bani's look at one another and their eyes lock. Jai angrily looks the other way as Bani sadly lowers hers. 

Mausi: (filling a glass of juice) Bani, give him his juice, 

Bani hesitantly takes the glass from Mausi's hand. She slowly turns towards Jai, who stares at her bitterly. 

Jai: Really, Mausi, I'm going to be--- 
Mausi: If not for me, then drink it for Bani's sake. (smiling) 

Jai's eyes look back over to Bani who stares back at him, afraid. Not having the heart to disappoint Mausi, Jai unwillingly agrees. He takes the glass away from her and downs it in one go. He sets the glass back onto the table. 

Jai: (to Mausi) Khush? (trans: Happy?)
Mausi: Baut. (trans: Very much.)
Jai: Abh main jaaon? (trans: Now can I go?)
Mausi: Arre, tum mujhse kyon pooch rahe ho? Bani se pooche, who tumhari patni hai. (trans: Why are you asking me? Ask Bani, she is your wife.)

He becomes extremely annoyed now, but still, he wasn't going to ruin Mausi's happy illusion that everything is alright. Jai loved his Mausi and wouldn't be able to bare to see the disappointment in her eyes on knowing the truth. Staring once again at Bani, who stands stiffly next to him, Jai asks her through gritted teeth, "main jaoon?" He felt ridiculous asking her permission to leave. He doesn't need anyone's permission to go anywhere….and that includes his supposed wife. 

Jai sees her hide a smile, probably from amusement of him asking her permission. It was a first. 

Bani: Aapka kyaal rakhiye ji. (sincerely) (trans: Take care of yourself.)

Normally, he would have made some remark to shut her up and stop the pretense of acting like his wife, but with Mausi around, there would be no more of that. Without another word, Jai leaves the dining room, peeved to no ends….. 
************************************************************ ********* 
Bani, after making sure that Mausi has fallen asleep, closes the door quietly shut. After a lot of persuading Bani finally managed Mausi to listen to her and rest. She needed it after the horrible fall at the Mandir. It was sheer coincidence that Bani happened to be there and helped her to get to the hospital safely. She still remembers the look on Jai's face when he discovered from the doctor that Bani had brought his Mausi to the hospital and had been looking after her carefully. It was priceless. He even looked grateful for a moment…. up until his sister had to instigate him and everyone else against her once again. 

"Why of course she would do this--- it's another trick she's pulling on all of us--- making us believe that she is completely innocent--- She is only trying to get on our good side so then once again we can be betrayed like how her sister managed to do before.--- There's no use, Bani, we know your true form….give up," she had said to her in the hallway outside of the room that Mausi was admitted in. Bani watched Jai's eyes change in a flash… and bare the same look that was in them ever since the first day of their marriage. Again she had lost him…. 

Hearing a shrill of laughter alerts her and brings her back to the present. Bani looks around and sees Jigyasa walking by, chatting away on the phone… her big bright teeth flashing away. 

Jigyasa: No, no, no… it's nothing of that sort. We're holding it for our Mausi…. You remember Mausi, don't you? -- Yes, she is the one…. She arrived in Mumbai two days ago and has decided to visit for awhile, and it's been years since she's been back in Mumbai so we've thought of holding a party. …. It will be tonight at 8 of course. ….. No, there will be no dress code. ….Then I will see you here!-- Lovely! Alright then, see you then! 

She disconnects the phone and turns around… her smile vanishes and she looks at Bani with pure hate. 

Jigyasa: (rudely) What are you doing there?! Don't you have anything else better to do than eavesdrop on my conversation?! Shouldn't you be working in the kitchen with that best friend of yours, Tony?! 

Jigyasa crackles at her own little joke and at the expression on Bani's face. She walks on towards to the staircase. At the same time Rano, who happened to hear Jigyasa's rude remark, comes up the stairs. As Jigyasa throws her a dirty look and goes down the stairs, Rano mutely steps on the skirt of her sari as she passes by and on hearing a rip, she hides a smile of pleasure and immediately takes her foot off. Jigyasa halts in her steps and quickly turns around to see the back of her newly designed sari ripped. She looks up and sees Rano trying her best not to smile. Anger erupts inside of her. She walks back up the stairs and to her. 

Jigyasa: How dare you! Look at what you've done to my saree! 
Rano: Aunty, I don't know what you're talking about…. 
Jigyasa: Do you really now? 
Rano: Yes, and it's completely not my fault that you wear such cheap sarees…. That is your fault alone… 

Not prepared or expected for Jigyasa's next action, Rano is startled to see Jigyasa raise her hand, ready to strike her. She immediately shuts her eyes in fright. As a few seconds go by and on feeling no type of contact with her cheek, Rano opens her eyes and is amazed by what she sees. 

Bani grips tightly onto Jigyasa's wrist, practically crushing it, and stares at her with a hard, cold expression, which surprisingly makes Jigyasa scared. Jigyasa squints in pain and struggles to let go of her hand from Bani's solid hold. 

Bani: Even I haven't ever dared to raise a hand on Rano--- so what makes you think that I will let you do so? Who gave you the misconception that you have every right to slap her? 

Jigyasa continues to stare at Bani, speechless. She stops with her struggling as she clearly sees the anger evoked in her eyes. 

Bani: Don't you ever raise your hand on my little sister again…. 

Bani lets go of her wrist with force. Jigyasa touches her wrist lightly and holds it out of Bani's reach. Casting one look at Rano's bright looking face, she storms down the stairs in anger and out of sight. 

Rano: That was amazing, Di! Now I'm sure Godzilla will never try to mess with you again! 

I'm not so sure of that, she thinks to herself. Bani calms down and looks at her little sister. She shakes her head at her. 

Bani: You need to stop picking fights with everyone, Rano…. The last thing I need is more trouble. 
*********************************************************