She brings her hand forward and watches breathlessly as he slides the ring onto her finger, fitting perfectly as if it were made especially for her. As Jai stands, he whisks his wife off her feet kissing her feverishly and spins her around as she laughs giddily through happy tears…
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Chapter 40
Jai and Bani arrived late at the mansion hand in hand, smiles adorning their lips, ready to indulge themselves into the privacy of their bedroom, but are instead surprised on finding the whole family waiting for them in the living area. Jai halts in his steps as Bani follows, their expression growing startled and slightly worried.
Before either have the chance to inquire if everything is alright, they erupt in cheers and immediately swarm them around. Realization registers on Jai's face as he looks sheepishly at his wife, who is utterly confused. One by one everyone hugs them and expresses how happy they were for them. Bani blinks at all of them dumbly and stares questioningly at her husband, who rubs the back of his neck nervously and gives her a lopsided smile.
Bani: Yeh… Yeh saab----
Jai: Woh… I happened to mention the proposal to Aditya beforehand. I guess word got out….
Bani turns pink under everyone's eager gaze on her and eyes her husband for putting her under such a spotlight when she is the least ready for it.
Aditya: Sorry yaar, I couldn't help but inform Rano and Pia. Well, it's more of they got it out of me. They started to get suspicious of how long you two were taking… And before I knew it, I was telling them the whole thing. And obviously the two sisters couldn't hold it in their stomachs and in excitement told everyone. (shifting the blame from him)
Rano and Pia, who stand closely by their sister with their arms tight around her, have the decency to look a little embarrassed.
Rano: We can't help it Adi Uncle… Our sister is going to get married, that too properly this time! How else do you expect us to react? ---And Jiju, don't you dare talk to me anymore. I am hurt. Why didn't you tell me you were going to propose? I would have helped out and made the night more special for the two of you. After all, I am your wife's sister. I know all her likes and dislikes… You should have at least taken me along to buy the ring.
Jai: Rano, if I had told you, the whole thing would have been a guaranteed failure. Because I knew that your big mouth would go rattling on to everyone, just like you did now. And the last thing I needed was for everyone to be involved.
Rano: Di---- are you not going to say anything? Your husband is calling me a big mouth…
Bani: (softly, hesitantly agrees) … Rano… You do tend to blabber at times.
Jai flashes his sister-in-law a triumph smile on having his wife siding with him, while Rano pouts and becomes weepy.
Rano: If only Jiju had asked me to be quiet, I would have…. I would never want to ruin anything for the both of you Didi.
Bani soothes her sister with her caressing arms while Rano sticks her tongue out at her brother-in-law over her shoulder. Jai swears under his breath and mutters, "Pest", loud enough for only Rano to her. Mausi appears before them, moving in front of everyone, and takes both Jai and Bani's hands into hers.
Mausi: It doesn't matter if you told us or not Munna… I am just glad that my son and Bahu will be married once again and this time I will be here to witness it.
Jigyasa: (exclaims) Oh Bhaiya, please let me plan yours and Bhabhi's wedding! I promise it will be to the outmost perfection! I want to make your wedding a special day for the two of you…
Jai casts Bani a side glance at this, seeking for her opinion but she merely smiles at her sister-in-law and nods her head shyly in approval.
Bani: (earnestly) Didi, I would love it if you planned our wedding…
Jigyasa's eyes sparkle with delight and she takes her Bhabhi in a thankful embrace.
Pushkar: So how soon do we want this wedding? Or actually, how soon do the two of you want this wedding?
Bani blushes bright red with everyone's attention once again on her. Jai grins widely and takes his wife into his arms while replying, "The sooner, the better… I don't want to have to wait."…..
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The wedding was finalized for six days later after a lot of persistence from Jai. He was making it clear to everyone that he wanted to marry his Bani as soon as possible. It was only due to Mausi's coaxing and Jigyasa's pleading that they need time to plan the wedding that Jai finally settled for six. Much to Jai's grave disappointment, his wife was kept purposely away from him during the next few days… even out of his room. When he had protested the answer given to him was….
"It's not right… You two are going to get married. Brides and grooms aren't even supposed to meet each other on the days right before their wedding," Rano replied when demanded on why Bani was sleeping in her room instead with him in theirs. "But she's already my wife," he snapped exasperatedly at her. Rano crossed her arms across her chest and gave him a hard look. "Jiju, do you want Didi to experience the dream wedding every girl wants or not?" He croaked, "Of course I do, but I don't see how keeping her away from me is a part of that." "Jeej, if she stays with you till the wedding, it will kill the whole effect. You're supposed to stay in suspense and wait to see your bride in the mandap next to you. I am only doing this for the best interest of you two." He scowled, "Seems more like you want to torment me out of your own personal interest."
Making it crystal clear to him that he is not allowed to see Bani until their wedding day, Rano never argued the matter with him again. However, Jai Walia was never the one to follow rules……
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Bani distantly hears movement beside her and as the lamp right next to her falls, she knows someone is in the room and wakes up, alarmed. She opens her mouth to scream as she sees a shadowy figure standing right in front of her, but the person's hand immediately clasps it before she can. She struggles, trying to free herself, until she hears a familiar voice whisper, "Don't scream, it's just me." Slowly she calms down and takes even breaths. Her husband appears into view from the darkness and sits beside her, cupping her face.
Bani: (breathless, her voice shaking) You scared me…
Jai takes her into his arms and kisses her head before resting his chin above it, in the meanwhile tightening his hold around her. Bani willfully leans into him, instantly feeling safe with him.
Jai: (softly) I'm sorry… I didn't mean to.
For awhile neither of them speak, treasuring their moment with one another to the fullest… noting that this is the closet they have gotten since the day Jai proposed to her. Until Bani reacts suddenly on realizing he shouldn't be here…. She gasps and surprises Jai by placing her hand over his eyes as well as her own. Jai muses at this while trying to lift her hand away from shielding his view.
Jai: Bani, what are you doing?
Bani: …. We are not supposed to look at one another… We're getting married tomorrow.
Jai: Actually, we are getting married in a matter of hours. It's already morning… And what does it matter anymore? I don't believe in all this…
Again he attempts in removing her hand, but Bani only keeps it more firmly over his eyes.
Bani: (protests) Paar main maanti hoon… (trans: But I do.)
Jai: (sighs, exasperated) Bani, I did not come all the way over here so I don't get the chance to look at you… In fact, that is the complete opposite of the reason why I am here.
Bani: But you shouldn't be here.… Kahin koi aapko yahan dheke to? Saab aapko choordoge nahi.. (trans: What if someone sees you here? Everyone won't spare you…)
Jai: (murmurs) The family's a little mad, don't you think? I mean, we're already married and they're behaving as if this is the first time we're going to be wed. ---Which you are behaving like as well… (frowns)
Bani: But this time we are truly going to be married to each other… No compromises involved…
Jai: Hmmm… I see your point. But I'm still not favorable to the idea of having you kept away from me. You're still my wife dammit. It's ridiculous how I have to sneak around just to see you without getting caught by one your guards.
Bani: My guards?
Jai: Yes, your guards. Those two hen mothers of yours, that overly protective sister of mine, and this lazy bum right next to you who's snoozing without a care in the world…
Bani: (lightly grinning at this)You are lucky Rano is a deep sleeper…. If she had known you were here, she would have screamed bloody murder and you would for sure get yourself into trouble. (pointing at his chest)
Jai: She is sleeping so peacefully while I'm being tormented mercilessly … it is all her doing, you know.
Bani: (sympathetic) I know…
Bani reaches for his face after taking her hand away from her eyes that still stay tightly closed and cups his cheek once she finds it. Jai takes a hold of it and keeps it placed there.
Jai: … Bani, let me see you… please.
Bani: You can see me later on when we're getting married… (gently letting him down)
Jai: Baaannee…
Bani: (soothingly) You had said yourself that it is a matter of a hours now…
Jai: Those hours will feel like an eternity….
Bani: They will pass by soon….
Jai is silent for a second but then realizes something as Bani begins to stroke his cheek affectionately.
Jai: Your hand isn't covering your eyes….?
Bani: I have my eyes closed… (dismissing his thought)
Just as Jai begins to withdraw her hand from his eyes, Bani asks hurriedly, "What are you doing?"
Jai: I promise I won't look….
Bani reluctantly lets her hand down and timidly questions him…
Bani: You aren't lying to me, are you?
Jai: No… I would never lie---especially to you.
They don't speak for a moment in which they hear Rano's snoring growing slightly louder and draws both of their attention back over to her……
Jai: She's completely unaware and oblivious right now… It's a perfect moment really… I can get back at her for making my life miserable for the past few days.
Bani: She is not making your life miserable… She is just taking the wedding to her liking… She is simply having some innocent fun.
Jai: Innocent? There is no innocence in that devil child… I am telling you Bani, she's purposely doing this to mess with my head.
Bani: No, it is because she loves you dearly… and her way of showing her love to you is through her teasing.
Jai: (grumpy) Well maybe I don't want her love then…
Bani: (softly giggles) Jai, aap bhi nah… Aap yahan kyun aaye? Sirf Rano ke shekiyaat karnliye? Woh to kaal bhi hoskata… (trans: Jai, you are too much… Why are you here? Only to complain about Rano? That can also be done tomorrow.)
Jai lets out a deep sigh and leans his forehead against hers… nuzzling his nose with her own.
Jai: (his voice rumbles) Bani, you know why I'm here…
Bani blushes from his words and is startled on hearing him say, "I wish I could see that blush on your cheeks…" This only makes her blush more in which Jai chuckles knowingly, assuming correctly that she is embarrassed on being caught.
Bani: (defensively) I am not blushing… (softly says in a unbelieving tone)
Jai: Sure you're not sweetheart.
He laughs again while Bani grows even more humiliated. She takes her small hands and attempts in pushing him away from her, unsuccessfully as he is a strong, built man.
Bani: Aap jaaye… mujhe aapse baath nahi kaarna… aap mujhpar haasereh hai… (trans: Go… I don't want to talk to you… you are laughing at me.)
Jai takes her tiny hands into his and continues to laugh gently at his wife's cute anger.
Jai: Sorry baba… I didn't mean to laugh… (wanting to change the topic to soothe her) Accha … how about you show me your mehendi?
He caresses her hands in his as he suggests this.
Bani: And how will I be able to do that without you seeing me?
Jai wonders over this for a short time before smiling stating, "I have an idea." Bani curiously follows his lead as he tugs on her hand, indicating for her to get up. He takes her original seat on the bed and tells her to sit back down with her back faced towards him while leading her with their still joined hands. As she lays her back against the front of his chest, Jai brings her arms around her slender waist and leans his head against hers.
Jai: Hm…. Now this is better… You can open your eyes. We won't be able to see each other.
Bani does so and watches as he takes both of her hands into his grip and moves closer up to peer down at them while running his fingers along the designs on her palms.
Jai: … It's dark… (he comments)
Bani gets herself cozy against him and nods her head in reply.
Bani: … Yes, it is.
He proceeds to trace the henna works on her hands with his warm, tingling fingers and after a quiet pause he says…
Jai: My name is written on here….
Bani: (startled) You already found it?
While tracing the letters in his name, Jai grins at her astonishment, feeling slightly good about this feat.
Jai: Was I not supposed to?
Bani: …. The girls who did my mehendi hid it into the designs… they were counting on you to not find it at all….
Jai: Why would they hide it?
Bani: (blushes, shyly) …… They say the groom is supposed to find his name in his bride's mehendi… and if he does… she is supposed to reward him.
Jai: (sounding clearly intrigued) A reward… Hmmm… I like this custom… Do I get my reward now?
Bani shakes her head, her cheeks blazing red. She has a hint of an idea of what it is that he wants.
Bani: (shyly) You will have to wait….
Jai smirks at this, knowing that his wife has caught on…. He hugs her closer to him and murmurs in her ear, "The things I have to do for you Mrs. Walia…"
A smile makes its way onto her lips and she rests serenely with his muscular arms around her……
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Bani woke up with a jerk as both Pia and Rano jumped on her bed and screamed in excitement, announcing to her that it is her wedding day. She looks around dazedly in a confused manner, trying to collect what had happened to her in the happenings of last night. She did not even realize when she had fallen asleep… or when Jai had gotten up to leave.
Rano: Di, utiye na! We have so much to do! We need to set your outfit and get you to the salon and beauticians on time! We don't have time to waste. Up, up, up!
Bani was hassled out of bed and into freshening up. She felt jitters all around in her body as realization slowly dawned upon her…. today is her wedding day.
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Jai was amazed in being shaken awake by his best friend who informed him that he had overslept.
"Kya yaar… I had thought you would be up bright and early, anticipating for the wedding, but here you are still sleeping," Aditya commented, genuinely surprised. Jai ran his fingers through his hair and pulled his robe on as he got out from his bed, covering his half naked state. He opened his bedroom door curiously and heard the buzzing activity taking place downstairs. That is when it really hit him that this was actually happening. He was going to marry his wife all over again. He looked back at a curious Aditya and smiled.
Jai: Adi… This is really happening….
Aditya broke out into a slow smile as well and approached him at the door. He placed a subtle touch on his shoulder.
Aditya: Hain dost, you're getting married today… to your Bani.
Jai: …. (reflecting on past events) I wouldn't have ever been able to imagine this day eight months ago…
Aditya: Neither would we… Life comes with a lot of surprises….
Jai: … Good surprises….
Aditya: Yes, good surprises…
They shared a smile at this until Jai spoke suddenly when his mind began to wander over to the room just down the hall across from him…
Jai: Is she awake?
Aditya: She is…. Her sisters woke her up otherwise she would have overslept just as you….
Aditya noticed that Jai's mind was focused on Bani's thoughts… He snapped his fingers in front of his eyes, drawing his attention towards him.
Aditya: Sambal jah Jai… you will see her soon enough. Now get fresh…. Otherwise Mausi will have a fit if she doesn't see you getting ready…. She is stressed enough as it is…
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The preparations for the wedding took up much of the time in the day that the evening suddenly crept on them and they realized time is nearing…
Sonali, Tarun, and Lakshmi arrived at the Mansion, feeling that as close friends to the family they should participate in the happenings of it. While the women… Rano, Pia, Anu, Dadi, Lakshmi, and even Sonali took their lovely time in preparing Bani, determined in making her into the most beautiful bride anyone has ever set their eyes on----Mausi, Aditya, Jigyasa, Pushkar, Tarun, and Saahil fussed over Jai mercilessly in deciding on his attire, not letting him have a say in anything involving himself.
Jigyasa: Mausi, main kaahri hoon na---this will not suit Bhaiya…
Mausi: Arre, but blue will look nice on my munna (protesting)
Pushkar: Nah Mausi, I agree with Jigs Di. The blue is not an option.
Saahil: (suggesting) How about the gold one?
Tarun: Come on Saahil beta, we can't let your mamaji wear that---he's not twenty anymore, he's well into his mid-thirties now…. No offense Jai…
Aditya: I don't know what you all are making a fuss about---I thought the gray was perfectly fine.
Jigyasa: I'm sticking with black…. One can never go wrong with black…
Mausi: (scoffs) Black, black, black----this is all I ever see the ladka wearing. Arre, what is wrong with having a little color in a person's life? One shouldn't stick to the same color all the time….
Tarun: Mausi's got a point, it's getting a little overrated now….
Jai lingers behind them, resting against his dresser with his arms crossed against his chest as he watches them with a scowl while they argue loudly and toss around the variety of sherwanis in his closet…. This problem would have never risen if the tailor hadn't made a screw up in the measurements and made his actual sherwani for the wedding smaller than it had to be. Now he is stuck in listening to their frustrating banter…. in which he has no say in. He continues to glance down at his watch, noting that if they keep this up, he may not even get married today….
They get into another heated discussion before resorting to an outside opinion. Tarun smartly suggests that they should ask one of the girls for an opinion since all of them aren't agreeing on anything……
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As Tarun peeks his head through the room in which Bani is getting ready in, he sees her dressed in her wedding saree and the girls helping her choose the jewelry to go with it…. His wife, Lakshmi, tends to her hair…. wrapping it elegantly in a bun and adorning white flower garlands into it… Bani is the first to notice his presence as she spots him standing by the door cautiously through the mirror.
Bani: Tarun Bhaiya, aap?
The others turn their heads over to the door and stare at Tarun, who smiles feebly back at all of them.
Lakshmi: Arre Tarun, tum yahan kya khaar rahe ho? I had thought you were on the groom's side.
Tarun: I am sweetheart… but the groom's side is in a little predicament…
Sonali: What kind of predicament?
She asks curiously while sliding Bani's wedding bangles onto her small wrists….
Bani: (worriedly) Bhaiya, saab kuch to teek hai, haina? (trans: Bhaiya, everything is alright, isn't it?)
Tarun: Hain Bani, saab teek hai… tum fikar maat karo… It's just that, the tailor that was supposed to measure Jai's sherwani made a mistake in the measurements so we are having trouble in choosing another outfit for him to wear. We were thinking if one of you girls,----other than Bani of course, would mind coming and give an extra opinion.
The girls all look at one another, wondering who should go to help as they all feel like they should stay put with Bani… After a moment of silence, it is the bride herself who speaks….
Bani: Rano…
Rano perks up on being acknowledged. She places the jewelry set in her hands down onto the dresser and looks over to her sister.
Rano: Ji Didi?
Bani: (sweetly requesting) Tum tumhare Jiju ke paas chalejao… unko tumhare madaat chaaye… waise bhi, waqt kaam horaya hai… (trans: You go on to your Jiju…. He needs your help…. Besides, there is little time left.)
Rano: (obliging) Ji Di… jaise aap chaate… (trans: Yes Di, wherever you want.)
Rano follows Tarun out of the room and promise she won't be long. She hurriedly makes her way over to her Jiju's room in which she is astounded in being faced with a clutter of noise coming from the people in the room who are still in the midst of disagreement regarding Jai's attire. She catches the sight of her brother-in-law staying far away from the fuss and fuming silently to himself…
Rano: What is going on here? (demanding)
Everyone slowly grows mute on hearing Rano's loud voice overcoming their own…. She approaches them in the middle of the room.
Rano: We have a wedding to get to people! ----and Jiju is still not ready?
Mausi: (speaking up for all of them) Woh… baath yeh hai Rano beta ke Munna ka suit----
Rano: (intervening) mausi, main jaanti hoon. Isliye main yahan aaye hoon. Aab aap saab yahan se jaaye… I see you all are no help at all. You are only making the matter worse. I will take care from here…. Besides, there are still things to do for the wedding and all of you can contribute in getting it done.
Seeing that they are all hesitant in leaving, she orderly shoos them out. When they are safely gone, she turns and looks over to a relieved Jai.
Rano: (sighs) Jiju, aap bhi naa…. Why is it taking you so long to get ready? Even Di isn't taking as long of a time as you are… And they say that women take the longest.
Jai: How am I to be blamed for the issue of my attire becoming into a hot debate?
Rano: (smiling) Accha teek hai… no need to be so defensive. Now tell me, where are your clothes…
Jai indicates over to his open closet and watches her walk towards there, searching through the sherwanis that he owns. He sees her face show disapproval as she looks through them until she lands her hands on the very last one, pushed off to the side, hidden behind the others. She pulls it out and stares at it with deep thought before turning around and facing her Jiju with a pleased smile. She presents it over to him….
Rano: Yeh pehno… it will complement what Didi's wearing….
Jai examines her choice…. An off-white silk sherwani with sequins and resham embroidery. He runs his fingers along it…. feeling the material.
He glances up from the sherwani and smiles favorably at his sister-in-law who gives him an awaiting look.
Jai: How would I manage without you Rano?
Rano: (smug smile) You wouldn't… aab aap jhald se tyaar hojaaye… I don't want to have to wait for too long.
Jai: Rano, you don't have to wait for me… You can go on back.
Rano: No, no… I want to make sure my Jiju looks his absolute best for his wedding. (genuinely)
Jai grins at her while fondly placing his hand on her head.
Jai: You are the greatest….you know that?
Rano: Accha? I had thought I was a pest…. (raising a brow)
Jai: (chuckles) You can be when you want to…. In fact, the last few days you have been a pain in the behind…and you know very well why. (giving her a knowing look which Rano understands immediately and fights hard to restrain her grin) But that does not change the fact that I love you just the same.
Rano: (touched by his words, smiling warmly) Thanks Jiju… that means a lot to me. I love you too… you already know that. You are like the older brother I never had…..
Jai gathers her into an affectionate hug while running his hand down her hair. Even he has found someone in Rano….a baby sister….he mindfully points out with a content grin….. Rano pulls back and goes back into her avatar mode. She gently begins to push him into the direction of the bathroom, scolding him into getting dressed immediately. After a few minutes in which Jai wears the sherwani and makes his hair, he appears out from the washroom and turns around slowly to give Rano a good look at him….
Jai: Kaisa lagta hoon main? (trans: how do I look?)
Rano nears him and begins to adjust the top of his sherwani. She pats it down from his shoulders and smiles approvingly at him.
Rano: Perfect…. My Jiju looks very handsome. Now that is left is your stole and sehra…. Then you will really look like a dhula….
She moves back and grabs his stole from his bed, on which she had left it, and places it around his neck, adjusting it onto him. She then takes the sehra that rests on the dresser stand beside them into her hands and stands on her tiptoes as Jai lowers his head to give her an easy access to place it on him. It slips onto his head and he looks up at her as he pushes aside the white garlands in his view with his hand.
Rano: (exclaims) Jeej, you look so cute. Who knew you could look so adorable. (pinching his cheek)
Jai: Raanoo…
He removes her hand away and watches his sister-in-law burst into a fit of giggles at his embarrassed state. He however grumbles, saying that a man like him isn't supposed to look, like how she put it, "cute"……
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Time was passing by quickly and Jai and Bani both were ushered into the Walia cars that drove them to the booked hall, which their wedding is to take place, at separate times… with Jai leaving first. Bani was kept out of view in a separate room until the ceremony was to begin. Many of the guests arrived early and mingled with one another before the wedding actually started. Jai waited anxiously for any vision of Bani but instead only received disappointment and despair. Mausi often caught her Munna looking around and admonishingly hit him gently against his head while the rest of the Walias giggled in amusement.
The pundit ji soon announces that the muraat has arrived and that they should proceed into the ceremony. The guests begin to gather around and Jai takes his position in the mandap. A few minutes into his standing, with his family clustered behind him, Jai hears soft murmurs break out amongst the guests and diverts his attention up….his eyes landing at where everyone's attention was fixed. His heart skips a beat at the sight of his wife appearing into view in grace… her anklets making sweet chiming noises with every step she takes….her head dipped down… face half hidden behind her veil….her petite mehendi covered hands gripping onto the garland gently…. long, trinkets hanging off from the dark red bangles adorned on her wrists…. She is breathtakingly beautiful in a crimson red bridal saree, sparkled with sequins, stones, beads, and floral designs.
Her sisters, who stand on either side of her in guiding her to the mandap, seem to soak in Bani's radiant glow…. Jai keeps his eyes transfixed on his wife while she makes her way at the wedding canopy to join her awaiting husband, stopping only a foot away in front of him. She keeps her head bowed down…not giving Jai the pleasure to see her face that he has yearned for a look since morning.
Pundit ji declares the Exchange of Garlands, Jaimala, in which the bride and groom accept one another and pledge to respect each other as partners. Jigyasa happily hands her Jai Bhaiya his garland and the audience watch as Jai gingerly sets it around her neck… they clap in unison. Anu, who stands by her mami's side, says in a prodding manner…
Anu: Aab aapki bhaari Mami…
Bani comes closer and raises her arms up to place her garland over his head, and in the process, lifts her chin up….revealing her chand-like face to her smitten husband. As she does this, she expects for him to lower his head to make it easier on her to put it around him, as she is not tall enough compared to his gallant height. Instead, she is given a surprise when he does the complete opposite of that… he moves his head back. Frowning slightly at this, she nears him and attempts to garland him once more but he only moves out of the way again. Everyone around laugh at this, especially Aditya who cannot suppress his chuckles…. Bani tries yet again which Jai successfully dodges. Fully frowning at this, Bani does something that humors everyone…. She steps forward, standing high on her tiptoes and hastily brings the garland over him before he has a chance to avoid it once again. While everyone applauds them, Jai winks at her and grins mischievously. Bani merely blushes at what she has done and lowers her gaze…..
Together they sit down beside one another on their places in the mandap and listen as the pundit ji begins to chant…. Soon enough Aditya approaches when the priest requests for the father of the bride to step in and perform the kanyadan. Stepping in as the role of Bani's brother, he places Bani's hand into Jai's, requesting him to accept her as an equal partner and facilitating their union. They invoke Agni, the god of fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Bani then places both of her hands into Jai's while Aditya pours rice into her hands. Together Jai and Bani offer the rice as a sacrifice to the fire.
Jigyasa makes her presence known as she comes toward them both and takes their stoles into her hands. She ties them together, symbolizing their eternal bond. She helps her Bhabhi up when the priest informs them that they are to carry out the saat pheres. The guests throw rose petals onto them as they begin the saptapardi, taking seven rounds around the flaming fire to signify the beginning of their journey in life together. Their family and friends happily crowd around and shower them with petals with smiles etched onto their faces.
With pleasant ease they watch as Jai clasps a mangalsutra around her neck and moves aside Bani's maang tika to fill her parting with red vermillion. Bani's eyes close as she relishes the feel of him applying sindoor in her maang, declaring the fact that she is his…. The pundit ji happily pronounces them as husband and wife. The newlywed couple takes their blessings from their elders, Dadi and Mausi who wish them a long, happy lived life…..
"May God bless the two of you and keep your love growing always," Mausi blessed them emotionally with tears of joy glistening in her eyes……
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The wedded couple was bided off into a separate car that takes them to a hotel in which they have a room reserved for the night, a personal gift from Aditya and Jigyasa…..
Jai astonishes Bani as he lifts her up in his arms and carries her out of the elevator toward the direction of their booked room. She blushes ferociously and hides her face into the crook of his neck to avoid his intense, passionate staring. He unlocks their room with their given key without much difficulty and swings open the door with a soft kick….. He steps into the grand spacious room, decorated especially for their suhaag raat…. Bani gasps at the vision and slowly stands back onto her two feet…venturing into the area. Jai lingers behind by the doorway, leaning against the doorframe with his eyes watching his wife's every move… a subtle smile playing on his lips. He notes the twinkle in her eyes, seeming excited like a child….obviously she likes the room very much and the view from the balcony.
Bani: (breathes) It's so beautiful….
Jai stands straight up from his leaning position and treads his way in…. He draws near her from behind and snakes his arms around her slender body, gathering her close into him…her back pushing up against his chest.
Jai: Hmm… It is nice.
Tightening his hold around her, he lowers his lips onto the creamy area of her upper shoulder and plants sweet lingering kisses along it. Bani shrugs him off gently while giggling and moves away from him after pulling herself free from his enclosed embrace. She eagerly walks over to the open view of the city from their top floor through the glass windows, not paying attention to how she is tormenting her husband.
Jai: (choking with surfacing desire) Baanee….
Shivers run down her back as she hears his husky voice calling for her…. the same familiar tone he always uses with her when he wants her badly. She looks back over her shoulder and sees her tortured husband's expression and can't help but smile.
Bani: (innocently as she can be) Kya hai?...
Jai: Tum wahan kyon khaari ho? (trans: Why are you over there?)
Bani: Mujhe view dekhna hai… (turning her attention back to the windows) I never knew that the city could be so beautiful at night…. There are so many lights.
Jai joins her at the windows, following suit in what she focuses on for a moment before jolting her out of her gazing by swinging her over his shoulders and taking her place to bed… pining her under him.
Bani: (breathless, shocked) Jai? Yeh aap kya----
Jai: Bani, hum yahan scenery ko dekhne nahi aaye… (trans: Bani, we did not come here to look at the view.)
Bani is cut short into her sentence and stares up at him in her captive state for a quiet moment before softly wearing a knowing smile on her lips.
Bani: Phir hum yahan kyun aaye? (gently speaks, purposely playing ignorant) (trans: then why have we come here?)
Jai closes in on the distance between their faces, maintaining only an inch of space for breath.
Jai: ….Do you know what happens on one's suhaag raat? (his voice deep)
Her cheeks bloom red effortlessly, yet she chooses to continue with her pretence of naivety…. She shakes her head cutely and asks him cheekily, "Kya hota hai?" A lazy smile appears on his face on hearing her words before he begins to brush his teasing lips against her soft skin….kissing her lustfully on her forehead, …..eyelids, ….nose, …cheeks, ….jaw…following down to her neck…..
Jai: Yeh hota….yeh hota…..yeh…..yeh…..yeh…
He whispers to her between kisses. Bani's breathing becomes heavy as she feels passion and desire stir in her as well….Her skin blazes hot from the touch of his lips. Jai moves back on over in hovering his face over hers, making their eyes meet into a full fledge lock before he says, "aur yeh" seconds before sealing her lips with his……
************************************************************************************
Jai slowly stirs awake from his sleep from the rising sun beaming through the windows, lighting the room with its rays…. He inwardly groans from the irritation of the sunlight and turns sides, reaches his arm out to get a hold of his wife and bring her close…then drift back into an abyss of sleep. However, he is puzzled when he doesn't feel her next to him, his hand moving around the empty space, and drowsily looks up to find her not sleeping on her side of the mattress. He stretches as he sits up in bed for a short moment before catching her near the open windows, her body wrapped in a single white sheet, exposed skin glowing beautifully from the sun's glaze, and her long silky tresses pushed to the side and resting onto her bare shoulder…. Her eyes remain glued to the overlooking view from their room as she sits alone in silence. The harmless breeze rushing in from the window softly causes a few strands of her hair to float lightly in the air….
Bani, who is immersed in a series of thoughts, did not her husband awake nor his growing presence lingering behind her until he alarms her out of her lost thinking by wrapping his arms possessively around her and kissing her lovingly on her neck….
Jai: Hmm….Good morning Chup chap….
He begins in nuzzling her as she runs her delicate hands along his strong arms around her…rubbing his forearms caressingly.
Bani: ...Good morning.
He nibbles her on the ear after asking, "Why did you leave bed?" She blushes pink while slowly answering him….
Bani: I wasn't feeling sleepy…..
Jai: (his voice low and rumbling) You should have woken me up…. I would have made your time useful.
Jai chuckles as he sees her cheeks grow an even lovelier shade of red. He would never get tired of seeing her blush… It always proves to be a pleasure for him. Jai carries on as she doesn't speak…..
Jai: What were you thinking of?
Bani: ….. Nothing in particular….
Jai: (prodding her) Tell me….
After a moment of hesitant thought, Bani turns steadily in his arms, facing him with a small appearing warming smile. She touches his cheek and strokes it lightly with her thumb….
Bani: I was thinking of you and me…..us...and of our life together from here onwards…. This all feels like a beautiful dream …. I'm finding a little difficult to believe it… that I am here, married to the world's most wonderful man who loves me….
Jai grins while taking her hand and kissing the inside of her palm. He stares back over to her with his stormy gray eyes… making his wife drown into the depths of them.
Jai: You better believe it Mrs. Walia… because I'm not going anywhere…..
He murmurs to her before ravishing her lips with his and letting loose of the linen sheet covering her……
*****************************************************************************
Chapter 41 (Last Chapter)
Seven Months Later
She anxiously tears open the envelope and takes the slip of paper into her shaking hands. Her eyes scan quickly along down the lines until they turn into big saucer plates. Her friend casts her a wondering look over her own paper, finished with reading hers, and notes the expression on her face. She nudges her in inquiry.
"What happened? Why do you look so shocked? ----Didn't you get good marks," she asks her curiously and stares in anticipation as her friend's eyes meet with hers. A bright smile emerges on her face as she squeals in delight and hugs her. Her friend smiles in acknowledgment, knowing all along that she would do well…
"Let me guess…. Rano Dixit managed to pass with flying colors once again. What a surprise," Nisha comments as Rano still is overwhelmed in relief and satisfaction. Nisha becomes confused and astonished on seeing her break out into a run, leaving her behind. She begins to shout out to her….
Nisha: Arre, at least show me your marks!
But to no avail since Rano rushes out of the classroom, disappearing from view. With her heart literally in her throat and her chest thudding hard, Rano runs out of the university doors and glides down the long cement stairs in excitement. She spots him waiting for her by his car, leaning against the hood of it and then stand up straight on noticing her. Her smile grows wider just by the sight of him and she breathlessly joins him, halting only a foot away from him.
He frowns at her in wonderment and waits for her to speak, however, she only stares at him with her eyes sparkling.
"Well…. are you even going to tell me anything," he asks impatiently, not pleased with her suspenseful silence. Rano's lips crack into a beautiful smile and she throws her arms around him, her paper still clutched in her hand.
Rano: (exclaiming) I passed with full marks!
Ranveer, startled on the piece of news, pulls back and stares into her face with momentary disbelief. He looks over to her paper and takes it from her grip, his eyes moving back and forth across the sheet. Slowly a grin makes its way on his face and he swings Rano around in his arms, kissing her proudly on her lips before placing her back onto her two feet. He takes her face into his hands and says with pride….
Ranveer: I knew without a doubt you would. I'm proud of you Rano… I really am.
Rano turns slightly pink while she smiles happily at him, feeling like she's on top of the world just about now.
Ranveer: (grinning wide) This calls for a celebration…. I'm going to take you out. You name wherever you want to go. It's all you today….
Rano: (looking at him adoringly) … I would love to go, but I can't… Not now at least.
Ranveer: What? Why not?
Rano: Jiju is inaugurating the opening of the new hotel today… remember? I promised Di that I would go with her and Mausi.
Ranveer: Ran, I think they'll understand if you decide to bail out on it. Besides, a celebration is required. After all that studying you did----you need one.
Rano: (smiling gently) But I still promised…. We still have tonight.
Ranveer: I am sure your family would want to celebrate with you and Saahil tonight. I won't get any time with you. (slightly agitated)
Rano: Then I promise that tomorrow I will be with you all day and you can treat me as much as you like…(coaxing)
Ranveer manages a small little smile at this and nods his head in approval after receiving many pleading looks from Rano for him to agree.
Ranveer: I'm holding you to your word Dixit….
Rano: (giggling) I promise… I'm all yours tomorrow. -----Now… would you mind driving me over to the inauguration site? I'm pretty sure it's going to be starting soon…..
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She finds herself hassled in trying to get her husband ready who is stressed himself, racing against time to make it to the inauguration early as he is the one who is starting off the opening ceremony. Jai Walia chats animatedly on his cell phone while his wife rummages through his wardrobe, quickly trying to pick out his attire for the day. Just as he ends his conversation with his business associate, Jai double checks to see if he has his speech and safely places it into his briefcase. He turns and looks at his wife….
Jai: (rushing her) Bani, jhaldi koi si shirt nikhaldo …. waqt baut kaam hai… (trans: Bani, pick out a shirt fast…. Time is very little.)
Bani: Accha baba, main jaanti hoon… Main abhi khaar rahi hoon na? (trans: Alright, I know… I am doing that just now, aren't I?)
As Bani pulls out a set that she approves of, Jai looks at her choice and comments…
Jai: Bani, mujhe yeh pant nahin pehena… koi aur chunlo… (trans: Bani, I don't want to wear these pants…. Pick something else.)
Bani: (sighs, frustrated) Aap bhi na… khud hi waqt barbaad khar rahe hai aur mujhe daanteteh ho… Buddu kahin ka…… Aab aap mujhe aise gur gur kyon dekharahe ho? Time nahin hai aapke paas, yeh hi kaha tha aapne ---- Aap jhaldi se aapni shirt ko utaariye…aur yeh wala phenlo…(trans: You are too much… You are wasting your own time and scold me… Now why are you looking at me like that? You had said you have no time…Take off your shirt and wear this one.)
She throws him the shirt in her hand and places the pants she picked out back into the closet. Jai grins a little at her agitation with him…. She always looks cute when she's angry… He obediently listens to her instructions and begins in unbuttoning his shirt… Bani decides on a pair of dark gray dress pants and turns to hand them over to him as well… Just as he has his shirt off and pulls the new one over him, Bani catches something on his upper arm and stops him from buttoning himself up…..
Bani: Taariye…. yeh aapka bah par kya hai? (trans: Wait… what is on your arm?)
She gently presses her fingers against the white patch on his right arm and looks up at him questioningly.
Bani: …This is a patch…. Are you trying to quit smoking?
Jai: (nonchalantly) Yeah, I bought a pack of them two weeks ago. (resuming in doing his shirt)
Bani: (frowning) All those months when I told you to quit and even hid your cigarettes from you, you still didn't stop…. Why have you decided to do so all of a sudden?
Jai: (frowning himself, his hands stopping midway up his shirt) You were the one who hid them? I was wondering why I kept on running low ….
Bani: (ignoring his question) Tell me… what changed your mind?
Jai breaks into a light smile on her persistence in knowing and lovingly cups her cheek with his hand. Bani keeps her eyes firmly planted on him….
Jai: I don't want any harm to come onto you, especially now…. I know I can go smoke off to the side in secret, but I don't want to take any risks….When you told me about the pregnancy, I gradually started to stop…..but it was difficult to quit completely, so I got the patch for help. …. I don't want to hurt junior….nor take any chances. This is our baby Bani and I want him or her to be born completely healthy without any side effects. And I won't be able to stand it if I am the cause for harming our child in any way.
Overwhelmed with his willing sacrifice for their unborn child, Bani hugs her husband tightly, bringing her arms around his torso. Jai completes their embrace and settles his chin onto the top of her head.
Jai: (continuing on) Besides, it was a bad habit that I needed to stop.
Bani: Yes it was……(hugging him closer, voice full with emotions) …. You will be a wonderful father.
Jai: You think so?
Bani: (reassuringly) I know so.
She lifts her head up to look at him and smiles as he presses his lips against her forehead.
"I love you both….," he expresses passionately while placing his hand on her stomach to which his wife replies with her hand clasping over his, "We know."……..
****************************************************************************
A few minutes later Jai leaves with a guaranteed promise from Bani that she, mausi, and Rano will arrive on time and she will not miss out on anything. Bani was to come obviously as his wife, mausi as his mother (she either way usually appears for such events for her munna), and Rano to be by her sister's side with her now being pregnant (for Jai's self-satisfaction even though Bani argues she is fine alone) and morally being there for her Jiju. All the three important women in his life would be present, and of course Aditya as his partner. They would join him later as he needed to be there early and they still needed to get dressed.
As Bani sits before her dresser mirror, getting herself ready, her attention is diverted over to the numerous of picture frames presiding on it…. pictures from their wedding, honeymoon, birthdays, and other following occasions. Her mind reels back to those cherished moments….
The last seven months were the most blissful period throughout Bani's whole life. And why wouldn't they be? She was constantly pampered and babied by her husband with love and surrounded by a warm family that absolutely adore her. A few days after their second wedding, they flew off for their honeymoon in the beautiful island of the Bahamas for two long weeks full of ecstasy…. in which they hardly left their suite room.
Life from then on seemed to be a paradise…. Bani couldn't ask for anything more than what she already has… She is already the luckiest woman to live by having a husband like Jai, who loves her to no extent and has become a part of her in mind, body, and soul. And now she is going to be a proud mother in a matter of seven months… The small family of her own which she had always envisioned is on the verge of becoming true. She still freshly remembers the day she had revealed her pregnancy to her husband a month back. He hadn't said anything at first as he couldn't muster the words to express his surfacing feelings at that moment, but the way his eyes shone at the news was enough to tell her how much he is going to love their baby. It took him a good minute to register the news until he did something that shocked everyone in their family…. He kissed her right then and there.
Bani tears her eyes away from the pictures with her mind fluttering with old memories and places her hand over her stomach… smiling as she looks down at it…..She does not have any worries regarding her child. She knows he or she will be born into an environment in which there is plenty of love. The family is already waiting anxiously for junior, what they all call him/her, to arrive---making preparations and ready to pamper the baby silly (especially Jai). Unlike her childhood, she knows her baby will not have to go through any troubles and would only live a normal happy life like a child is supposed to have. She wants her child to enjoy its life to the fullest… a chance that she never had when growing up. She knows that with Jai by her side, her wish will come true. Together they will shower their baby with love and happiness. And Jai will make sure to it that their child will and always be happy. He will be a great father---she has no doubts about that…..
Bani: (whispers) You are one lucky baby…. I hope you know that.
She comments to her unborn child while rubbing her tummy affectionately…..
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For the last few months Jai labored extensively with his team in expanding their hotels and restaurants to get thee company to reach its greatest height. His scheduling became hectic and draining, but he never missed a chance to spend time with his wife throughout who supported him highly without any complaints---one thing he will always be grateful for. He would have many nights in which he would come home late and she would take him into her arms, cradle him in her embrace, and tell him how proud she is of him….slowly rocking him to sleep. …
And now after months of dedication, he is going to inaugurate the very first hotel of the additional chain, which even spreads outside from India.
Jai searches around from the stage for any sight of his wife but does not see her anywhere. He feels a nudge on his arm and turns to look at Aditya who gives him a knowing look.
Aditya: She'll come… don't worry. She wouldn't miss this for the world.
Jai lightly smiles at this and nods in understanding, feeling a little relaxed on his words. He just wants her here for him as this is an important day for him and the company…
Again Aditya nudges him.
Aditya: Told you she would come… You really have no patience in you, do you?
Jai smiles at him after seeing Bani arrive and sitting down in one of the chairs in front with Mausi and Rano following her. She looks beautiful in a teal saree and looking every bit like his wife….Jai Walia's wife. He catches her eye as she looks up front at the stage… His heart swells with love for her as she flashes him the most gorgeous smile and blows him a kiss. His grin grows wider as he sees Rano following Bani's gaze over to him and mimickingly blowing him a kiss as well, adding in a sly wink.
Within minutes the whole area on the lawn becomes packed with people and the beginning of the inauguration of the hotel begins… Jai emerges before the podium on the stage and proceeds into the introduction of the event and taking the audience into a brief journey of the work dedicated into this project and the successful expansion all over India and without. The audience applauds at his hard work and Jai after a few seconds quiets them down with a soft smile and a single lift of his hand. After a silencing moment he continues….
Jai: …..There is a saying that goes…. Behind every man's success, there is a woman. Now, that woman can be anyone… Your mother, sister, wife, daughter, aunt, grandmother, or even simply a friend…. But in my case, that special woman happens to be my wife.
Bani's eyes trigger right him on hearing his last words…..
Jai: I never was one to believe in luck or good fortune. I just believed that if you got what you had, it was because you deserved it---same goes to whether you don't get what you want. However, after my marriage to my wife, my view of that concept has changed and I have recently begun to believe that there is such a thing called luck. And that is what I am, lucky. I am lucky to have a wonderful wife who supports me in everything that I do. Be it by physically offering help, taking care of me, not complaining about my absences which most wives tend to do frequently…..
He earns an agreeing laughter from the crowd…..
Jai: (carrying on with a grin of his own) Or by simply just being there….not leaving my side throughout…. My wife has done all of these things for which I am grateful for. Especially for not complaining.
The audience laughs once again and Bani giggles softly to herself, her eyes fixed onto her husband….staring at him with all her love for him.
Jai: (smiling even more) It is because of this that I am standing here right now, before all of you… a successful man who has brought his company to its greatest height. None of this would be possible if it weren't for my wife, whom I believe has brought this luck and good fortune into my life. -----And for that, sweetheart, I want to thank you. As well as being there for me always.
Bani feels tears rush to her eyes and she holds them back, not wishing to concede defeat to her emotions right before everyone. She feels Mausi place her hand over hers, giving it a soft squeeze, while lovingly running her hand down her hair. She smiles elatedly at her before switching her attention back over to her husband, smiling up at him. The people clap in unison again, louder than before and more cheeringly.
Jai: Which is the reason why I have decided to name the first of the hotels in tribute to my wife, Bani Walia….. The Bani Marriot.
He holds back a grin as he sees his wife's eyes widen in surprise while the rest of the audience cheers. Bani, completely overwhelmed by this, doesn't know how to properly react. She looks over to Mausi and Rano, each sitting on either side of her with a dumbfound expression. They excitedly congratulate her while she's still trying to take in the news. She hears her husband speak once again into the microphone…..
Jai: Darling…. Would you mind coming up on stage?
The small crowd encourages her on with a cheerful applause while Mausi and Rano literally have to push her up from her seat. Bani nervously walks on over to the stage, aware of all the cameras flashing at her and the video cameras recording her every move. However, once she gets on stage, all her worries and nervousness goes away with a single look at her husband who smiles handsomely at her. He places a subtle hand on her waist as she joins him at the podium.
Jai: I would now like for my wife to do the honors in inaugurating the hotel herself…..
Bani smiles beautifully at him, feeling on top of the world just at the moment for the high importance her husband is giving her. Jai leads Bani off to the other side of the stage, down the small steps and places her right before the red ribbon stretched across the entrance of the hotel's doors. He hands her the scissors while everyone crowds around, reporters with note pads and cameras, others as close associates, and Mausi, Rano, and Aditya standing beside Jai and Bani's side.
Jai: Go on Bani… yeh tumhara haaq hai…. (trans: This is your right.)
Bani stares hesitantly from the scissors to her husband in deep thought. She puzzles Jai as she shakes her head at him in disapproval.
Bani: Nahi….yeh mera haaq nahin hai…. (trans: No, this isn't my right.)
She takes his hand in hers and places it on top of the scissors, her hand gripping it from beneath. She smiles earnestly at him.
Bani: Yeh humara haaq hai…. (she stresses) (trans: This is our right.)
Jai slowly returns her smile and together they cut the ribbon while everyone applauds….
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"Jiju, you were simply amazing," Rano exclaims while giving her brother-in-law a tight hug. Jai grins at her.
Rano: The speech was wonderful! And it was maha romantic of you to name the hotel after Bani Didi!
Bani cheeks bloom red at her sister's words and shares a look with her still grinning husband.
Rano: (dreamily) I wish Veer would do the same for me one day….
Jai immediately frowns at this while Bani stifles her laughter.
Jai: He would have to have the money and power to do that Rano…. (rubbing this in)
Rano: Arre, it's not impossible for him to have… He's intelligent… One day Jiju, he will reach great success just like you.
Jai: (mumbles) Not if I stop him….
Rano: What'd you say?
Bani lightly hits Jai on his chest and gives him a warning look. Jai sighs.
Jai: Nothing…. So, what do you think of the hotel?
Rano: It's gorgeous Jeej! And so big! It hasn't even started business yet, but it is already the best hotel in the city. -----Di, we should have brought Pia along. She would have fainted if she had seen the inside of it. (giggling)
Jai and Bani join in her laughter, agreeing to the fact. Aditya and Mausi join them at the front entrance.
Mausi: Munna, the hotel is beautiful. ---I am so proud of you.
Jai smiles and takes her blessings.
Jai: Thank you Mausi….
Aditya: Now we have two reasons to celebrate in the evening… One for Rano and Saahil passing their exams---especially Rano who got fantastic results-----
Bani kisses her baby sister proudly on her forehead in acknowledgment whereas Jai takes her into a scooping hug, pulling her off her feet and ruffling her hair. Rano giggles happily.
Aditya: And for the company's success…. So double the party tonight, kyun?
Jai: Of course.
Aditya: To hum saab chale? (trans: So shall we go?)
Mausi: Hain, chaaliye. Waise, we all have been here for too long. Chalo Rano beta…Bahu…
Jai: (intervening) Mausi, aap Rano aur Aditya ke saath jaaye…. Bani mere saath chalejoongi….(trans: Mausi, you go with Rano and Aditya…. Bani will come with me.)
Mausi smiles and pats his cheek.
Mausi: Teek hai Munna… Joh tum chaate ho… (trans: Alright Munna….Whatever you want.)
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Jai: So… you never told me what you think about the hotel?
Jai asks his wife as they both get into their car, sitting in their seats. Bani smiles adoringly at him, takes his chin into her fingers, and kisses him sweetly on his lips. He grins at her as she pulls back and stares up at him with her bright eyes.
Bani: It's beautiful…. Thank you.
Jai takes her tresses into his hand, running his fingers through them, while looking back at her as well….
Jai: For what?
Bani: …For giving me so much importance in your life.
Jai: …… Bani, you are the most important thing in my life…. You and junior. You two are the only ones that matter to me now.
Jai presses his lips onto her forehead, giving her a lingering kiss. Bani places her head on his comforting shoulder while Jai takes her hand into his, entwining their fingers together.
Bani: I love you…..
With a knowing grin, he replies, "I know…." He starts the car and drives with Bani resting against his shoulder and one of his hands firmly holding his wife's…. They drive in a mostly comfortable silence, with some talking in between, in which Bani temporarily falls asleep.
She awakes from a soft shake on her arm and opens her eyes to see her husband staring at her warmly.
Jai: Sweetheart, we're here….
Bani blinks for a couple of minutes before straightening up in her seat and stretching a little. She peers out from the window and becomes puzzled. She throws her husband a questioning look.
Bani: Where are we? ----I thought we were going home?
Jai: I thought of taking a little detour before getting there.
Bani: But Jai, we're going to get late…and everyone will wonder what's taking us so long.
Jai: Don't worry…. We will only be here for a few minutes. I want to show you something.
Bani watches as he gets out from the car and walks around the front to reach her side. He opens her door and helps her out by offering a hand. She takes it and steps out from the car herself, in the meanwhile, her eyes scan around the surroundings. There is a small parking lot before a little shady, run down building that seems to not have any activity in it for a very long time. She looks over to her husband suspiciously who does not answer any of her questions, only leads her toward the building's old creaking doors. As she walks inside, she is curious on seeing a rather large spacious room presented before her. To her surprise the room looks every bit less than dirty. She had imagined she would be facing cobwebs or dust, but the inside of the one floor building flat is remotely clean and decent with the exception of the chipping wall paint coming from the walls, damaged floor wood, and broken windows.
Bani: Where are we? (still looking around)
Jai: You, my wife, are standing on Walia private property.
Bani spins around to face him on hearing his words. He stands behind her, leaning against a wooden column, watching her.
Bani: Walia property? -----But why would you want to buy a rundown place like this?
Jai: (shrugs) Sure it's very old…. And it needs a bit of work…. But it will prove to be useful.
Bani: Are you sure it's old? It doesn't seem like it in here… The place is hardly dusty at all… it seems like it's been cleaned.
Jai: I asked for it to be cleaned before we got here… I didn't want the dust to agitate you.
Bani, who had been touching things around to see if she could get any dust off from them, looks over to her husband at this…..
Bani: (curious all over again) But---what will you use this place for? I mean, I can't really think of what the company could make use of this place.
Jai: Who said that this has anything to do with the company?
Bani: (confused) Then why else would you buy it?
Jai: …. I bought this place for you Bani.
Bani: (shocked) Me?
Jai: Yes you….
Bani: Are you planning on abandoning me here?
Jai: (grins) No….
Bani: Well then, I can't think of any other reason why you would buy this for me.
Jai: (chuckling) Come here…
Bani stops with her inspection and walks over to Jai and allows for him to gather her into his arms, his hands holding her by her waist.
Jai: Ten years ago this rundown place, how you put it, used to get a lot of business and ran successfully for a decent number of years. It used to be a dance school owned by a woman---a professional dancer who wanted to dedicate her time to teach her passion of dance to others that she thought would share her love for it. She got a number of students, ranging from small children to young adults who came on a regular basis to be taught by her. The school was very successful and became well known in this area. That was until the woman died from cancer over eleven years ago. The school tried to go on without her because that was her wish----that her school would continue to stay around even when she was gone, but it didn't last for too long and completely shut down after a year.
Bani: What happened to all the students?
Jai: Well, they didn't have a school to go to anymore… what else do you expect they were to do?
Bani: (disheartened) They stopped dancing….
He nods his head.
Bani: That's terrible….All that woman's dedication has gone to waste.
Jai: Yes, it has….
Bani: But Jai, why are you telling me all this? How does this have anything to do with me?
Jai: This has everything to do with you love…because like that woman even you have a passion for dancing.
Bani: Yes, but----
Jai: Bani, I want to rebuild that school… there has still been a high demand for the school to be rebuilt for years, but no one has the money or time to dedicate to it completely…. They also need a teacher, someone who can fill in their old teacher's shoes…. And I can't think of a better person for the job than you.
Bani: (stunned) You want me to run the school?
Jai: Yes. After a year or two when the baby is born of course.
Bani: Jai, I had told you before though… I have stopped dancing. It's been so long since I have done it… I can't go back to it. It's behind me now.
Jai: It may have been awhile since you have done dancing as a profession, but it certainly hasn't left you… and I can see it whenever you do dance. You still love dancing even today….. Bani, you're perfect for what this school needs and you are the one who is able to have it running again.
Bani: (slowly) ….. Why are you doing this for me?
Jai takes her face into his hands gently….
Jai: Because I want to give you the chance to relive your past…. I want to return to you what you have lost…. what once used to be a part of you…. But mainly because I want to see you happy in doing something that you love…. Bani, I don't want you to be the typical married house wife who revolves her whole life around the home. You have always been an independent woman… and I don't want you to feel that just because you are married now, that you don't have the same rights as you did before. Besides, I don't want you sitting at home bored all day….
Bani: Well, what's wrong in going back to the office?
Jai: (smiling) Bani, you know I don't have anything against that. And I would allow it, only if I knew you actually enjoyed working there. You're great at business, but it's dancing where your heart really lies…
Bani is silent for a moment before speaking up once again….
Bani: You really want me to do this?
Jai: No… I want you to want to do this. …. Do you?
Tears begin spring up in her eyes as she stares at her husband, who waits for her reply. Just thinking of the possibility of dancing again gives her stomach butterflies and fills her heart with excitement. It has been so long since she had danced professionally, but she would never forget her love for the art. No matter how much she tried to hide it, it has always been dwelling within her. And here she has a beautiful opportunity to relive her dream that she had sacrificed many years before. She had never thought she would get this chance again.
Jai: Bani?
Blinking away her rushing tears, she nods enthusiastically with a slight relieved laugh.
Bani: (breathes out) Yes, I do.
Jai: (grinning) I was hoping you would say that…
Bani stands on her tiptoes and kisses him hard on his lips while wrapping her arms around the back of his neck.
Bani: You, Mr. Walia, are the best husband in this world….
She says after pulling away a few moments later. She kisses him once more, earning herself a very pleased look from Jai.
Bani: (barely able to contain the excitement, yet still having a few questions) How will I manage to take care of the school and everyone at home at the same time?
Jai: The school is only for a couple of hours…. It won't take up much of your time. And it will be a great excuse to get out from the house.
Bani: How did you even think of all this? ---I mean, I'm hardly the extraordinary dancer as you're making me sound…
Jai: Bani, now you're being modest… Everyone praises you for your dance. How about all the dances you performed for Sonali and Mohan's wedding?
Bani: (embarrassed) Yes, but----
Jai: And Anu's mehendi rasaam…
Bani: (shocked) How do you know about that?
Jai: (grins) I happened to see a little bit of the occasion on tape.
Bani: (blushing)…..
Jai: And does Akshay's Christmas party in Goa ring a bell?
Bani: (still pink, confused) Akshay's party?... I didn't do any dancing for that.
Jai: That is because Mrs. Walia, you were terribly drunk. And while you were senseless out of your mind you entertained everyone at that party by dancing to a fast number…. (snapping his fingers) What was it called…. Oh yes, Beedi Jalaiye Le…..
Bani: (horrified) You're lying….
Jai: (chuckling) I know you wish that I were, but sadly I'm not.
Bani buries her face into her hands, blushing ferociously from embarrassment as Jai continues to laugh.
Bani: (mumbling between her fingers) Why didn't you tell me….
Jai: (grinning) Because I knew you would react just like this….
Jai removes her hands, showing her abashed face to him.
Bani: I made an absolute fool out of myself…
Jai: Hmmm.. I wouldn't say that…. If you ask me, it was rather sexy really.
He huskily tells her as he brings her closer by pulling on her waist and leans his head against hers. Her whole face turns as red as a tomato.
Bani: …. Is that why you always laugh whenever you hear the song?
Jai: Merely from the memory of it darling… Nothing more. I never knew back then that my innocent wife could have a wild side to her. But I am fully aware of that now….
Bani pushes his face gently with the tips of her fingers on his jaw, blushing beetroot, as she isn't able to tolerate the look her husband gives her…. Jai's grin grows wider.
Bani: (hot faced) …..You are not telling anyone about that.
Jai: My lips are sealed Mrs. Walia….
He makes a zipping motion across his lips that brings a soft smile onto her lips. He secures his hold around her and pulls her close into his arms. Bani lays her head on his chest, listening to his beating heart….
Bani: ….. When will the school start being built?
Jai: I'll start on it as soon as you want me to. You will have a say in the designing if you would like. It'll probably take a few months to build. It's a small place, it won't take too long.
They don't speak for a moment after that in which Bani snuggles into her husband, hugging him tight….. her mind floating in excitement at the thought of pursuing her goal dream. That is until the ring of her husband's cell phone cuts into this…. Jai loosens his hold on her as he reaches into his pocket to grab his cell. He gives her an apologetic smile before taking the call.
Jai: Hello? ……………………………………………….. Alright, we'll be right there as soon as we can. Tell Jigyasa not to worry. We're coming.
Jai cuts the call and looks over to his curious wife. A delighted smile appears on his face….
Jai: Anu's going into labor……
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Jai and Bani both rushed to the hospital after stopping by the gift shop to pick up flowers and realize they are the last of the family members to join as everyone else is there. Aditya, who is always calm, is absolutely a nervous wreck and in an anxious state, similar to Jigyasa who on spotting her brother and sister-in-law, goes to them.
Jigyasa: Bhabhi….
Jigyasa takes Bani's hands into hers and looks as her sister-in-law gives her a warm, comforting smile. She places her own hands over hers.
Bani: She'll be fine Didi… She is going to give birth to a healthy beautiful baby… your grandchild.
Jigyasa smiles lightly back and nods her head, appreciating her comfort. Jai approaches Aditya and everyone else who either linger in the hallway or are seated on the bench.
Jai: How's she doing?
"She's going into labor now… The doctor just came to give us the news. Rohit left with him to be with her for the delivery," Ranvijay replies, drawing Jai's attention towards him as he hadn't noticed him there before.
Together the Walias and Ranvijay Chopra wait anxiously for the birth of their new family member and hoping that everything goes well. After what seems like a decade, they see the doctor emerge from the mechanical doors and confront them with an assuring smile.
Doctor: Everything went well. Anu has given birth to a very healthy girl.
They all burst out into cheers of happiness and relief, hastily chattering with one another.
Rano: Well I guess this means I lost the bet then.
Jigyasa: Never doubt a mother's intuition Rano.
Ranvijay is the first to approach the doctor. These past eight months he has learned to love Anu and think of her as the daughter he never had.
Ranvijay: Doctor, may we see her?
Doctor: Of course, you may all see her. But not all at once---you may go in groups. It will be too hectic for the mother and child.
Everyone looks at one another, deciding on who should go. Ranvijay, Aditya, and Jigaysa are obviously in the front of the line, but Aditya and Jigyasa state that they want Jai and Bani to go in with them---knowing that their daughter would like to see them as well. Together they go into Anu's private room and see her laying on the hospital bed, clearly seeming exhausted but wearing a soft warm smile on her face. Rohit, on the other hand, sits beside her on a chair with their newly born daughter cradled in his arms. Jigyasa concernedly goes to her daughter first, kissing her on her forehead. They check up on Anu and gush over the new baby. Rohit places Neha Chopra into her grandmother's arms.
Jigyasa: She's so beautiful….and tiny.
Aditya joins her side and admires their granddaughter along with her, his hand wrapped around her waist.
Aditya: Hmm. She has our Anu's nose and small little ears.
Jigyasa: (comments) I think she has taken a little after you Adi. Look, she has your smile.
They all look at Neha who smiles cutely up at them and chuckle, agreeing with her.
Jigyasa: (softly) Hi Neha…. Main tumhari Nani hoon….(trans: I am your grandmother.)
Aditya: Aur main tumhara Nana…. Aur yeh tumhara Dada ji hai… (trans: I am your maternal grandfather…and this is your paternal grandfather.)
He informs her while taking Ranvijay into a side hug. He too gazes at his granddaughter in awe. Jigyasa directs Neha's body over to the side to show her Jai and Bani who stand off to the side.
Jigyasa: Aur yeh dono… Tumhara Barra Nana… aur Bari Nani hai. (trans: And these two are your older grandfather and grandmother.)
Bani smiles brightly at Jigyasa's introduction while Jai smirks and looks over to Anu, who watches them all silently.
Jai: Look at what you have done Anu… you have made your mami into a grandmother already at her young age.
Bani nudges him in his ribs while everyone else laughs at his comment. Jigyasa passes the baby on until she finally reaches Jai and Bani, but by then Jigyasa, Aditya, and Ranvijay turn their attention momentarily back onto Anu and Rohit. Bani holds Neha carefully in her arms and with Jai stares at her with fascination.
Bani: (whispers) Is this how it's going to feel like when our own baby comes?
Jai: (smiling) Yes. Everyone will be happy just like this. And we will be the happiest out of them.
Bani: I can't wait till he comes. (says with yearning)
Jai: You mean she, Bani. I want a beautiful baby girl. Like Neha…. and who will take after her mother.
Bani: Well I want a son who will take after his father.
Jai caressingly strokes her hair and kisses the top of her head.
Jai: We'll see…. Besides, Rano has her bet on a boy. And as you can see, she's never right when it comes to betting.
They laugh at this in agreement until interrupted by the opening of the door behind them, where Dadi, Mausi, Rano, Pia, Pushkar, and Saahil join them enthusiastically. Ignoring the doctor's orders, together they all as a family celebrate the coming of a new member and anyone who passed by the open room could feel and sense the happy aura present around and smiled at the large family rejoicing as one….
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Epilogue:
Life for the Walias proved to be wonderful as they all lived peacefully and happily together as a true family. Including Pushkar and Pia, who had at first suggested on moving out as they did not want to live there as a burden, only to be flatly refused by Jai himself who stated that they were as much a part of this family as anyone else. They had thought life couldn't get any better until one fine night five months later…..
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"Jai……Jai…..Jai," she calls out for his attention while shaking him out of his deep slumber. Jai is rattled out of his sleep and looks over to his wife in a blurry daze.
Jai: What is it Bani? …. It's three in the morning. (groggily)
Bani bites on her bottom lip and gives him an innocent, embarrassed look.
Bani: I'm hungry…
Jai turns his back on her and tiredly replies, "Then go ask Tony to get you something to eat." He is startled once again out of his sleep as his wife angrily hits him with her pillow.
Bani: (huffs) Is Tony my husband or are you?
Jai swears under his breath and unwillingly sits up in bed, meeting his wife's demanding eyes.
Jai: I'd rather him be your husband just about now…
Again she hits him hard with the pillow. Jai moans. Her and her mood swings.
Jai: I'm going… I'm going… What do you want? (sighs)
Bani: (bright and chirpy) I want five scoops of Ben and Jerry's chocolate ice cream with a little whipped cream in it.
Jai raises a brow at this while Bani understands what he's implying. She shoves him out of bed.
Bani: Don't you dare say anything. I'm eating for three!
Completely frazzled, Jai walks out of their room in a lost manner, the thought of sleep preoccupying his mind. He doesn't know how he gets downstairs as he wasn't even paying attention to where he was going. He grabs a bowl and takes the box of ice cream from the freezer.
At five months Jai and Bani were given a jolting surprise of having to expect not just one bundle of joy, but two of them. A girl and a boy. They had been excited by the thought of being pregnant with a baby, but hearing that they were with two threw them over the roof. Jai instantly went to task of redecorating the nursery for both of his children's likings.
Jai has no idea of where the whipped cream could be as he is not familiar with the kitchen. He was lucky enough to locate the ice cream and the bowl. He hopes his wife won't notice and will forget from the delight of having something sweet to eat.
Once he enters the bedroom, he is greeted with a bright radiant smile on his wife's face who eagerly takes the bowl of her ice cream from his hands and indulges herself into the deliciousness of her treat. Easing Jai's worries, she completely forgets about the whipped cream. Bani kisses him earnestly on his cheek.
Bani: Thank you. You're the best.
Jai: Jaanta hoon… (trans: I know.)
He grumbles before getting back into bed and trying to get into a comfortable position to fall back asleep. In the meanwhile Bani eats her ice cream happily. She can't help but look at her husband in between bites, who sleeps so serenely. A soft smile makes its way onto her lips… He has been absolutely terrific throughout her pregnancy. Completely loving and very patient---especially with her growing mood swings. Bani was never the one to have fits and make demands, it was not her nature to do so, which everyone knew as well—including her husband. But recently all she is ever having are terrible mood swings that most of the time comes out of the bloom and which she has no control over whatsoever. Her husband was certainly not used to this side of her but quickly tried to adapt and became extra patient, to which she is grateful for. He is a wonderful husband and she is lucky to have him.
Bani reaches out and strokes his hair with her fingers, caressingly in a fond manner. She knows he is tired. He has been working a lot lately and she has also been waking him up at odd hours for her random cravings throughout. She bites her bottom lip and begins to feel bad about waking him again. She should really stop giving into her cravings. She makes a mental note of that.
Feeling the urge to use the bathroom, Bani places her bowl aside and gets out of bed after a moment of effort. She hoists herself onto her feet and makes her way to the toilet. Two minutes later she comes walking out and stands in front of her husband's side of the bed, looking afraid and her face as white as a sheet of paper.
Jai feels himself being shook out of his sleep once more and somehow manages to open his eyelids despite the drowsiness in him. Seeing his wife in front of him, he sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
Jai: (tiredly) What is it sweetheart? Do you need something else?
Bani: (voice cracking) Jai….. My-my water broke…..
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He didn't waste any time in rushing his wife to the hospital, waking Pushkar along as he needed someone to drive them. Pia woke up as well and on hearing the news, quickly sprung out of bed and informed everyone else. She volunteered to go along with them and Jai, already hassled as it is and not wanting to take away time in arguing with her, hastily told her to hurry up. Jai sat in the back with his wife and Pia sitting on the other side of her with Pushkar up in the driver seat and Aditya, who had heard the whole commotion, sitting in the passenger side.
Jai: Don't worry, you can do this… Take easy breaths. In and out. In and out.
Jai leads her into her breathing and pushes away the strands of hair that fall onto her face. She grips hard onto her husband and sister's hands as she feels the contractions coming.
Bani: Jaaaiiiii (breathless, screaming)
Jai places his hand behind her head and leans his forehead against hers, making her meet his eyes.
Jai: Just keep breathing in and out Bani….
She listens and cooperates fully as he takes deep breaths along with her throughout the drive to the nearest hospital…..
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Jai: Dr.Malhotra!
He calls out to his wife's gynecologist who stands before the reception desk, scanning through the papers on the clipboard in her hands. Simran Malhotra looks over and sees her patient wheeled over to her in a wheel chair, her husband looking frantic and anxious.
Jai: (breathes out) Her water broke….she's just started having her contractions… I----She---
Simran: (soothingly) Please be calm Mr. Walia. Everything's going to be alright. We'll take your wife from here and place her into a room where we'll start prepping for the delivery.
Jai: (his forehead creasing with worry) But she's two months early.
Simran: I understand that. And that's no reason to be worried. That's perfectly normal for pregnant mothers who are expecting twins. Twins usually are premature.
Bani cries in agony which causes Simran to take action.
Simran: Her contractions are 20-30. We need them to be 60 seconds apart. ----Sister!
A nurse nearby listens as Simran instructs her to take Bani into one of the hospital rooms. As his wife is taken away from him, Jai stands behind and stares after her longingly and restlessly till she vanishes from sight.
Simran: Mr. Walia, I will inform you when your wife is ready to go into labor. For now, please wait here.
Simran goes to take care of the preparations for her patient's delivery, leaving Jai behind with Pushkar, Pia, and Aditya who places a comforting hand on his shoulder………..
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Within the next thirty minutes, the rest of the Walias appear and join Jai in waiting for more news on his wife and kids. Rano sits beside her brother-in-law, helping to ease his growing tension while the others wait around, filled with anxiety.
Jai: You all didn't have to come now… It's five in the morning.
Jigyasa: Don't be ridiculous bhaiya…. Of course we will come here for both you and bhabhi, no matter how long it takes.
Mausi: Hain Munna, we wouldn't miss this for the world.
After what feels like a century to Jai, he sees Simran make a reappearance and approach him and his family. He springs up onto his two feet.
Jai: Doctor----
Simran: Mr. Walia, your wife is ready to go into labor. If you would like, you may accompany her. I think she would really like that. She needs the support.
Jai stares at her dumbfound for a second before answering hastily without another thought, "Yes!" Simran and Jai both leave together as the others stick back to continue waiting.
Jai enters the room to find his wife sitting up on one of the hospital beds with her legs propped up, sweating and panting heavily. He goes to her side and takes her hand which Bani grips onto hard.
Jai: I'm here Bani… We're in this together.
Bani nods with tears rising in her eyes and holds onto him tight………
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June 19th, Tuesday, 2:36 PM Bani Walia gives birth to two beautiful babies, a girl and boy (three minutes older than his sister). The Walias had gone back to the Mansion after staying for a decent amount of time through the first stage of the labor, only a few remained back for Jai who stayed throughout.
He kisses his wife's forehead after removing a few of her strands. Bani smiles faintly up at him, clearly exhausted and worn out from hours of painful contractions and the delivery, but completely worth it at the end. Together they look up as their room door opens and watch one of the nurses come in, carrying two bundles in her arms. Both of their hearts soar in anticipation as she nears and presents their two newly born children to them. Tears glisten in Jai's eyes as he holds his daughter for the very first time in his arms as his wife cradles their son and feels himself choke up with emotion. His little girl is everything he had prayed for…. Those same captivating wide eyes as her mothers, a cute adoring small button nose, tiny little ears, and a small soft smile playing on her lips---seeming as if she is just as happy as he is in seeing him. He looks over as he hears his son cooing in his mother's arms and takes him all in as well.
Bani: (contently says in satisfaction) He is the exact replica of his father….
He watches for a moment as Bani plays with their son affectionately, fondling his small little hands and then stares at her with such an intense look that his wife has never seen in his eyes before.
Jai: Thank you so much Bani…. You have no idea… No idea how happy you have made me today.
She smiles at him sweetly while placing her hand to his cheek. Jai takes it and kisses the inside of her palm.
Jai: I love you…
Bani beams at this and kisses him softly on his lips. She turns to gaze at her daughter and a fresh set of tears surface as she is astounded by how beautiful she is.
Bani: (exclaims softly) She's gorgeous….
Jai: Our kids are going to be tough to handle Bani….
Bani: How's that?
Jai: Their good looks are going to make us go through hell… especially this little one. (indicating their daughter)
Bani giggles and can already see her husband carrying a shot gun with him to ward off every boy who even wishes to speak to their daughter. Their door opens once again and they are greeted pleasantly by their family members who emerge with gifts, balloons, and flowers. They are drawn to the children and gush over how beautiful they are. Rano who holds her nephew in her arms, asks suddenly….
Rano: What have you planned on naming them?
Jai and Bani both look at one another at this. They had both discussed names here and there, but made no definite decisions. Bani takes her husband's hand in hers.
Bani: What do you want to name them?
Jai looks thoughtful for a moment before placing his own hand over hers and shaking his head at her.
Jai: I want you to name them.
Rano: So Di… what are my nephew and niece's names? (excitedly)
Bani looks at her husband for a good moment before setting her eyes onto her son in her sister's arms.
Bani: ….. Atharva Jai Walia…
Switching her gaze now over to her daughter who is being cradled in her grandmother's arms, she says with confidence…
Bani: and Krishna Diya Walia….
Jai holds in his breath as he hears this whereas everyone else stares at Bani with appreciation for her choice. Bani squeezes his hand as she goes on….
Bani: Jai as his middle name because he resembles his father in so many ways and will make me just as happy as he has…. and Diya because she too will bring happiness and light into our lives.
Everyone comments on her decision, showing their approval, while Bani only stares at her husband---seeking for his.
Bani: (softly inquires) What do you think?
Jai literally looks at her, speechless as he is so moved at that moment.
Jai: …..I-I don't know what to say…. I'm…. I'm honored… and I know that if my mother were here with us today, she would be as well….
Mausi comes over to Bani and kisses her fondly on her head. Even without words, Bani could tell how equally touched she was as her husband. Mausi places her granddaughter back into her mother's arms as Rano does the same in handing over Atharva to Jai, who begins to cry but settles down once in Jai's possession. Jai holds his son close and keeps both of his children in his view as Bani draws her near as well.
Jai: (whispers) Hi Atharva and Krishna….we are your parents….
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Just like their promise, Jai and Bani both lived happily together, still very much in love, and raised their children with good values instilled in them. Three years later after Atharva and Krishna, they were given company of a sister, Ganga Walia. Jai's business continued to soar to great heights while Bani pursued her dream of being a dancer and teaching her passion to others. Her school became a great hit around the area and she renamed it Radhika's School of Dance, after the previous owner.
After reaching the legal age of becoming an adult, Rano Dixit married her boyfriend of four years, Ranveer Sharma and shares a blissful marriage with him. Her wedding was handled all by her brother-in-law and took place in a grand lavish fashion. Even though he still held differences against Veer, Jai set them aside as he wished to see his sister-in-law always happy. And if her happiness lied in a man he perhaps may always dislike, so be it. She lives only fifteen minutes away from her family, so she is very much still in her sisters and brother-in-law's lives.
Jigyasa and Aditya got remarried a year after the twin's birth. They too are happy together, but continue to fight with one another. But no one can really change that now, can they?
Five years into their marriage, Pia and Pushkar were blessed with a beautiful baby girl whom they named Bani Riya Shukla in honor of her aunt. To avoid confusion, they simply call her Riya. As well as being her uncle and aunt, Jai and Bani were granted the title of being Riya's godparents.
Saahil managed to get over the awkwardness with Rano and has surprisingly become into her best friend over the years. He has moved on and is in a serious relationship with his girlfriend of two years, Nisha Sharma.
Mausi and Dadi together spoil their grandchildren who bring life and happiness in their home.
As for Arun Oberoi, nephew of Rohit and Anu Chopra, he continues to visit his favorite Jai Uncle and Bani Aunty over the oncoming years. And soon will grow into a dashing handsome man who will steal the heart of their eldest daughter, Krishna Walia.
Proving Bani's words, Jai and Bani continue to love each other no less than they did earlier as they reach into their old age, a time where elder couples usually bicker and become tired with one another. They truly are, as Jai puts it, an "abnormal" couple….
Needless to say, they all lived happily ever after…..
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*Note: Excuse any mistakes in the update. Especially if there's anything wrong with the pregnancy. I'm well aware that premature babies need intensive care, but I simply looked past that to fit it into how I wanted the update to go. Also, it's fiction---so nothing really should make sense anyways
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