Hume Tumse Hua Hai Pyaar Chapter 3.
After reluctantly spending the rest of the afternoon with Rano, who she was still slightly upset with for ditching her at the restaurant, Bani arrives back to her aunt's house drenched from head to toe in the pouring rain. Usually she would mind, but there was something about the rain this time that she found exciting and highly romantic… Which is why she chose to neglect her umbrella given to her by Rano and strolled along down the sidewalks, twirling around under the falling raindrops. Maybe it was the change in environment and the freshness of the town that was bringing this change about her… However, another part of her didn't quite believe that. She couldn't help but constantly see Jai's handsome face appear before her… a face she has permanently etched in her mind… she can still feel his large, manly hands holding onto her waist firmly… She shivers, in a good way, as she relieves the memory.
As she opens the front door, she hears her auntie call out to her, "Bani, beta, where were you? I have been waiting for so long." Bani racks her fingers through her damp hair and answers apologetically, "Sorry mausi, I got caught up in spending time with Rano. You know how she is." "I hope you had an umbrella… It's raining cats and dogs outside," she hears her aunt's voice become louder as she approaches her at the door. Kiran stops in her tracks as she takes in her niece's wet appearance. She grimaces at her and immediately fusses over her.
Kiran: Bani, what have you done to yourself? You have a perfectly well umbrella in your hand, and yet you are still wet. You will catch a cold dear. And our guests will be coming over any minute now. (exasperated) Quickly rush upstairs to your room and get yourself dried and dressed. You'll be hearing more from me later, young lady.
Bani: (ignoring her scolding) Guests?
Kiran grabs a blanket nearby and wraps it around her securely as she notices Bani begin to tremble with cold and her teeth shattering.
Kiran: Yes, guests. You remember I told you about Jai this morning? …(continuing on as she sees her nod) Well I invited him and his siblings over to dinner tonight. I thought I had told you…
Bani's cheeks become crimson and her voice dries out as she hears her mausi's words. Jai Walia was coming here? And that too, in any minute? Without another moment of thought, she flees upstairs to her room in order to get ready and fix her appearance, leaving a startled Kiran behind….
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Even before Jai could bring his hand forward and knock against the wooden door, he sees it fly open and his Kiran Aunty smiling delightfully at him and his siblings. She screams in excitement and quickly gathers Saahil and Anu into her arms and gushes over how much they have grown since she has last seen them. Jai finds this very humorous as she had just seen them a week ago when she paid a small visit at their house. He expresses this to her…
Jai: It's remarkable how much kids can grow within a week, isn't it?
He grabs her attention as she smiles even wider at him and pulls her into one of her old motherly embraces that makes him a little nostalgic. She kisses him affectionately like if he were her long lost son.
Kiran: I feel like I haven't seen my children in ages… that is why. You all keep growing so fast, it's hard to keep up…. Come in… It's cold and raining out… Make yourself comfortable. This is just as much as your home as it is mine.
Jai smiles at this and kisses her sweetly on her cheek. Saahil and Anu rush inside toward the warmth, seeking refuge to the living room, as Jai lingers back with his favorite Aunty answering her worried inquiries about him.
Kiran: How is work nowadays? I know how much effort you put in as manager…. It is ridiculous how busy your schedule always is.
Jai: Work's fine Aunty… You don't worry about me.
Kiran: How can I not? You are like a son to me… Of course I will worry… Especially since you have no one to take care of you. See how thin you are becoming?—You are barely eating! And your face looks weary from the lack of sleep you get----Jai Walia, you need to slow down. You are not a superhero. You are a normal being. It's not right for you to overexert yourself like this.
Jai: (taking her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze) Trust me Aunty… I'm fine.
Kiran: (grumbles) You will be on your death bed and even then you will tell me you are fine.
Jai chuckles and she scowls at him, "Go to the living room and sit down. I'll bring you snacks to eat. I am going to make sure you look healthy and fit again." He watches her scuttle off to the kitchen and he wanders toward the living area where his siblings are already cozy on the couch and watching television. They fight over the remote and he gives them a single look that hushes them quickly, knowing that he wants them to behave.
"What do you want babies? Tell me now and Kiran aunty will whip it up for you," they hear Kiran affectionately coo to them from the other room. Saahil doesn't hesitate at all in giving her a long list of what he wants. Anu nudges him hard in his ribcage, telling him to not be rude and that Kiran Aunty isn't his personal cook. Jai, deciding that he'd rather help out Kiran then loiter around with nothing to do, gets up from his seat and joins her in the kitchen.
Kiran: Arre Jai beta, you relax and sit down. I have invited you over to dinner as my guests. (knowing very well what his intentions are)
Jai: Aunty, you tell us that we are like your children and in a moment you already turn us into strangers by referring to us as guests. Take your pick, what are we to you?
Turning her attention away from the stove, Kiran stares at the young man before her, who she has watched grow over the years and kept close to her heart, with admiration and motherly love. She tenderly touches his cheek and concedes defeat, " Accha baba… no need to pick a fight with me. You are all my children…. Now come and help me decide what to make. It's been so long since I have made dinner for you all. I don't think I'm still kept up to date of what you all like." ……
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Bani stares at herself through her dresser mirror and plays with her appearance for awhile. She had raided her closet completely, trying to figure out what to wear that would seem appropriate for dinner. It isn't some any other dinner… Jai Walia is over, it's anything but ordinary. She now debates what to do with her hair and whether she should apply any make up or not. She doesn't want to try too hard… nor does she want to look too plain. Seeing that she can't really do anything with her damp hair, she keeps it in its wet state, her hair in subtle curls…. After a lot of musing, she decides on a natural look and only applies a light shade of pink gloss onto her lips. Giving herself one last long look in the mirror, Bani nervously with her heart in her throat walks out of her room and descends down the wooden stairs… She pokes her head through the entranceway of the living room and is somewhat relieved and disappointed at the same time on not finding Jai there… but instead sees a boy and a girl in their teens, watching TV with some level of interest. She concludes that these are his siblings and hesitantly makes her mind to introduce herself.
"Hi there…," she says in order to get their attention. She mentally slaps herself for speaking to them as if they are toddlers. They are only a few years younger than her. Their heads snap in her direction and she looks at them cautiously as they stare at her suspiciously.
"Hi," Anu smiles friendly after a short moment. Bani breaks out into a small smile herself, already knowing that she will like Anu a lot. On the other hand, she finds the other boy a little tough to handle…
Saahil: Who are you?
She flushes uncomfortably as she is well aware of him giving her a thorough look and displaying distinct approval on his face. For God's sake, I am older than you--- she wanted to tell him, but instead answers his question after Anu punches him hard, obviously very angry with his curt behavior.
Bani: (smiling kindly) I'm Bani Dixit… I'm staying here for awhile with my Kiran Mausi.
Saahil: Kiran Aunty is your Mausi?
Bani: Yes.
Saahil:(curious)….. How long is awhile?
Anu: (shocked) Saahil!...
Saahil: What? I just want to know Anu… (defensive)
Anu: I'm so sorry. I'd love to tell you that he's not always like this, but sadly he is.
Bani laughs a little at this, liking her honesty and politeness directed toward her.
Bani: It's alright, I don't mind. ---For about a year… (she answers his question)
Saahil: Where are you from?
Bani: I was born and raised in Mumbai… I still live there even now.
Saahil: How come you're visiting for so long?
Anu: Saahil, that's none of your business…. Just you watch till I tell Bhaiya about this. (warns him angrily)
Hearing her mention Jai sends flutters to Bani's stomach.
Bani: (feigning innocence) Your brother?
Anu: Yes, we have an older brother…. He's here right now too, but he's in the kitchen with Aunty helping her out.
Bani: How come he is not out here? (continues to innocently ask)
Saahil: (cutting in) Sure, because our old man would love to hang out with us…
Bani: (puzzled) Old man?
Anu: (sighs, irritated by Saahil) He often calls Bhaiya that… He's much older than us, you see… He's twenty-seven….About a good ten years older than us…. Also, he's the only person we have… He's both a mother and father to us ever since our parents died.
Saahil: Don't you think you're giving out a little too much information, Princess…. (stresses Princess, mocking her)
Anu: Well she's Kiran Aunty's niece… and Kiran Aunty's family so I don't see what's the harm in telling her…
Bani dwells on how she states that her mausi is a part of their family. She didn't think that her mausi was so attached to Jai and his siblings. She had only thought they were close, old neighbors. She is surprised on seeing Anu direct her attention back over to her and smile adorably at her… her eyes twinkling with a sudden spark.
Anu: Would you mind if I called you Didi?
Overcome with a strange emotion on hearing this, Bani breaks out into a beautiful smile and nods her head excitedly….
Bani: I would love that Anu…
Saahil crosses his arms and sits back against the couch, grumbling "Don't expect me to call you Didi." Anu holds in a giggle, knowing very well why her brother chooses to refuse. Bani gives her a small look, telling her that she knows as well. Anu pats down on the empty seat beside her and politely requests for her to sit down beside her. Already loving this girl dearly, Bani agrees without any reluctance and immerses herself into conversation with her.
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Dinner time finally rolled around and Bani and Anu had caught up on their likes, dislikes, and personality, finding that they are quite alike. Anu was ecstatic on finding another person who loved art just as much as her. Saahil merely ignored them most of the time, but did answer Bani with a subtle eagerness whenever she tried to make some talk with him. Kiran and Jai made their presence known as they set up the table and placed the dishes in the center. Just as Jai brought the last dish out in his hands and walked back into the dining room, he halts in his steps as his eyes land on Bani's figure, just walking into the room herself with Anu clinging to her side. He's beyond shocked and confused on seeing her here… Shocked on having to see her again so soon and confused on what she is doing here of all places…. Their eyes meet for a moment and he sees her cheeks turn pink, perhaps on recognition and remembering the incident between them before.
Kiran: Arre Jai beta, what's the hold up? Place it down right here and take a seat. We're already past regular dinner time.
Jai listens and sets the dish down near the others and silently takes his seat next to Saahil and coincidentally sitting across Bani, who shyly avoids looking at him. He keeps his eyes on her, in a flood of wonder…
Just as Kiran sits down herself, the last one to do so, she catches Jai staring questioningly at her niece. She realizes that Saahil and Anu have already met her, but he is still yet in need of an introduction…
Kiran: Jai beta…
He switches his focus on Kiran, seeing her look apologetically at him.
Kiran: I forgot to do introductions… This is Bani, my niece… She is my late sister's only daughter. She is visiting from Mumbai and will stay for as long as a year.
Jai nods his head, appreciating her telling him, and exchanges a soft "hello" with Bani, who at last looks at him again. She answers him back with a shy, "hello" in return.
Kiran: And Bani, I have already told you about Jai… I'm glad that you're finally able to meet him.
His mind triggers and he realizes how Bani came to know his name. But still--- how could she know it was him?
Anu: (exclaims) Bhaiya, Bani Didi is simply amazing! She's so sweet and kind! I already love her so much! She's into all of the stuff that I like and even enjoys art, but she's planning to do it as a profession since she majored in it. Isn't that great?
Jai: (digging into his food) Sure it is… Perhaps she can even show you some of her work…
His eyes wander back on over to Bani, noting how she gets pinker by the second every time he either looks at her or simply just by his presence. He brushes it off just as after embarrassment from what happened in the hotel. But he had to admit, it was quite funny in an ironic way that the girl who brought such a strong reaction from him at the festival, who had been haunting his dreams last night for unknown reasons, and who he knocked into today has turned out to be Kiran Aunty's niece…. It's as if fate is trying to play games with him or at least tell him something. He is sure that he would now being seeing her quite often from now on.
Anu: (squealing) Really?---- Oh Didi, would you mind if you did show me?
Bani: (still blushing from Jai's casual suggestion) Of course not… I will right after dinner.
They all begin eating their food and engaging each other in discussion with the exception of Jai and Bani who only looked at one another with silent eyes whenever the other wasn't looking. Kiran, in the middle of their meal, slowly begins to realize the strong silence between her niece and Jai… but one that speaks volumes. She notes how they stare at each other when one isn't looking, and at times briefly make eye contact. She holds in a growing smile and tries to pretend that she isn't seeing what she is, but secretly can't help but ponder whether she is seeing the beginning of something right before her…
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Shortly after dinner, Bani sweetly obliged to Anu's request in seeing her paintings and drawings and told her to stay put downstairs while she will bring it to her from her room. In the meantime while she rummages through her things to find her stuff, Jai receives a phone call from his cell. He picks it up only to be left slightly agitated as a response. Just as he cuts off the call and places his phone back into his pocket, Kiran curiously questions him…
Kiran: Kya hua Jai?
Jai: (looking apologetic) Sorry Kiran Aunty, but I need to get back to the hotel. Something's come up and they need me over there. …. Do you mind if I leave Saahil and Anu here for a little while? I'll come back as soon as I'm done to pick them up.
Kiran: (obviously upset about his departure) Teek hai beta… Tum jao… Saahil and Anu will be perfectly fine here. Don't take too long though. That hotel doesn't need you all the time in order to run, you know… I hate how they are always keeping you busy like this.
Jai: (grinning lightly) It pays for the bills so I have no complaints.
Kiran reluctantly smiles back at him, not able to ever stay mad at him for too long. She chuckles softly at his comment and fondly ruffles his hair.
Kiran: You drive safe and come back soon.
Jai: Ji…
He gives her a farewell hug before she rushes back on over to the living area where she hears the two antagonists bickering at one another. Jai grabs his coat from the coat rack and as he pulls it around himself, he hears someone running down the long fleet of stairs by him. Looking to the side he watches Bani carrying a couple of notepads in her hands and keeping her nose buried into them, flipping through the pages. He's about to turn and leave without really saying bye, but stops himself as he sees her trip over a step past halfway the stairs and as an impulse breaks her fall by catching her into his arms. Bani takes in a large amount of air into her after losing her breath from the unexpected plunge. She steadies herself by keeping her hands onto Jai's shoulders after dropping her things, causing them to make a "flop" sound against the hardwood floor. Her eyes fly up to see her savior and she becomes stunned on seeing Jai stare back at her with clear amusement and a little hint of annoyance with her. Well who could blame him really? By now she is sure she has earned herself a reputation of being a klutz.
She then realizes their close proximity and his grip on her waist, holding her in place. Burning red, she finds herself paralyzed as her eyes bore into his…
Jai breaks the strong, reeling moment as he remarks, "Do you always have a tendency of falling?" Taken aback by his comment, she blushes further and shakes her head in an opposing manner.
Bani: (softly) Nahi to…
Jai: (raises a brow) Are you sure? …. Because it seems like it. (giving her a hot knowing look)
Bani feels herself melting in embarrassment and she quickly averts her eyes from his hold. She begins to feel incredibly stupid by acting like such a fool when around him.
Bani: I'm sorry… You must thing I'm some kind of klutz… Please forgive me for knocking into you. I'm really, truly sorry. --- I wasn't looking and I---I'm sor----
Jai's lips crack into a laughing smile as he finds her incredibly cute at the moment, blabbing apologies all day and looking like a guilty little child who has done something terrible.
Jai: …. There's no need for you to give me apologies. You've already given me a share of them earlier if you don't quite remember.
Bani stares at him hot faced as he removes his hands from her waist and grins handsomely at her.
Jai: And if you really want to know what I think…..--- I think you are just a girl with weak ankles… No klutz… (grins)
Burning red and looking at him with wide, dove like eyes, she watches him turn around to leave, walking to the door. He pulls it open and before stepping out, he casts her one last look and says, "Hope to knock into you again soon…" …….
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After showing Anu her art pieces mindlessly, her thoughts still focused on Jai, she seeks refuge in her bedroom where she sits by the window hugging her legs to her chest and looking out from it. She watches Anu and Saahil receive a last peck on the cheek from Kiran and then run off towards the awaiting car on the driveway, where she can clearly see Jai sitting behind the wheel with the engine running. She lowers her head onto her folded arms that rest on top of her knees and gazes at him dreamily without a care in the world. The more she finds herself looking at him, the more she questions herself. After all, what's happening to her? Why does she feel so out of place and aware of herself in an instant around Jai? …. Could it possibly be that she----- No, she pushes the thought away. She can't be. But could she?
Rattling away all of her clashing thoughts, Bani decides to retire to bed instead of driving herself half insane trying to figure what's going on with her…..
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