Two slow weeks pass by with Jai and Bani carrying on with their lives by resuming to their daily routine, busying themselves as much as they can. Much too both of their secret disappointment, they did not meet much again after dinner at Kiran's. However, they never failed to think about one other…filling their mind in the other's thoughts. While Jai drove himself insane of questioning himself why he happens to ponder about her and whether what he feels is simply plain old attraction, Bani grows anxious and uneasy with her developing feels toward a man she barely knows….
**************************************************************
Rano catches her friend humming softly to herself, looking in a rather happier state than usual, and mindlessly drawing whatever comes to her mind on the blank sheet before her, clearly not hearing the instructions given to her. She nudges her hard, trying to grab her attention.
Bani: Ouch. What is with you Rano?
Rano: Me? I should be asking you that question instead. What is wrong with you?
Bani: Why? What am I doing?
Rano: You are humming! (whispers)
Bani: So? ---- I did not know that humming was a crime here.
Rano: (rolls her eyes) No, that's not what I meant. I mean you are humming, which isn't normal for you. Especially when you are in a large classroom with other people around you. Did you care to notice that?
Realization striking upon her, Bani switches her gaze around and finds a few people nearby casting her strange looks. She flushes and looks back at Rano.
Rano: You are not even paying attention either. It's like you are in a different world and I can't even reach you. And you are not following instructions.--- We're supposed to draw something with an inner meaning. Not a silly pair of eyes.
Bani feels hurt and offended by her comment, more than she normally would. That is because the eyes that she had chosen to draw weren't any ordinary pair of eyes…. A cool, steel color of gray tinted with a certain gleam in them.
Bani: (defensive) This has meaning…
Rano: (raising a brow) Really? The only thing I see is that those eyes are staring right at you…
Bani: You are ignorant, which is why you can't see anything more than that….
Rano: (sighs) Would you care to tell me what's up with you lately? Ever since this morning you have been acting strange. You're humming…daydreaming…in a world of your own…smiling like a fool…. It's like you're in love or something….
Seeing her friend's face turn a dark shade of red from her playful suggestion causes Rano to gasp out loud, drawing mostly everyone's attention in the room.
Rano: You are! You are, aren't you?
Bani: Ssshhhhh!!!!
Bani looks around, paranoid, and smiles feebly at everyone around her. They shake their heads at them and resume back to their pictures. She breathes out a sigh of relief and glares at Rano.
Bani: Can you be any louder?
Rano: Oh Bani, tell me, who is he? How did you meet him? How did this happen? (clearly excited, in a happier mood now)
Bani: Rano…(embarrassed, continuing to turn red) I don't even know how it happened… It just did and so fast… I mean…I've only known about him for a little while…. Is it possible for a person to fall in love in such a small amount of time?
Rano: Of course it is! It's normally called love at first sight and maybe that's what you experienced except it took you a little longer to realize it. Tons of people fall in love quickly all the time. It's not unusual.
Bani: But it's so strange….I mean, how can a person all of a sudden mean my whole life in such a short period of time?
Rano: That's the beauty of love Bani… You don't question it, you just go with it. You can't help feel what you feel. It's simply uncontrollable--- it's out of your hands. But all that matters is that you feel amazing and happier than anything before. It's a wonderful sensation. ---Now tell me, who is he?
Bani: (shy, slowly) …. He is the same guy I was telling you about at the Fair.
Rano: (enthusiastic) Arre, tell me the lucky guy's name…
Bani: (whispers, blushing) His name is Jai Walia…
Rano stills as she hears the name coming from her lips. It takes her a few blanked out moments to respond.
Rano: (shocked) Jai Walia?-----Jai Walia as in the tall, dark, and the most handsomest man in town? The one who works at the Star Hotel? He has two siblings, Saahil and Rano?
Bani: (nodding her head in confirmation, curious) Yes, but how do you know all this?
Rano: Oh Bani, I can't believe this… You are in love with Jai bhaiya? This is so surreal… I mean, it's because I've known him for so long. And I know you so well too.
Bani: (confused) Jai is your bhaiya?
Rano: (shakes her head) Well not really… He is not blood related to me at all… But he is one of my dad's good friend's son. And our families used to be very close when his parents were still alive. I grew up and spent a lot of my childhood with him. That was until things changed when he moved for some time and then I went off to Mumbai.
Bani: You still speak to him?
Rano: Of course, whenever I get the time to see him. He's so busy that it's hard to ever reach him---but he's been like that for years now. Even after moving to Mumbai for a bit and coming back we still kept our old family-friend relationship intact. He's also working under Papa---- I'm always complaining to Papa to calm the stress level work he gives him, but it seems Jai bhaiya takes it gladly with no complaints.
Bani: Why is that?
Rano: (shrugs) That is just the way he is….Bhaiya's really something Bani. Guys like him are very hard to find these days. …….When I think about it now, you two would make a very cute couple. He's determined and headstrong while you're calm and gentle. It's a great match indeed. Hopefully with your influence in his life, he can learn to relax.
Bani: (blushes) Now I wouldn't go that far.
Rano: Why not? You say that you love him right?
Bani: (admitting shyly)…Yes, I do… There's never a moment when I'm not thinking about him….when I don't want to see him ----But I can't allow my hopes to rise like this. Not when I don't even know if he feels the same way about me. I mean, we've only had a short exchange of words here and there and a couple of bumps into each other because of my clumsiness. He drops by Mausi's house a few times. But that's it…. How can he possibly feel what I feel for him?
Rano: Well if he doesn't yet, he will soon… You're a beautiful girl Bani. How can he not fall in love with you?
Bani: Rano, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I mean, it's too much that we're hoping for… Too much that I'm hoping for
Rano: Hmph. Then you clearly don't have enough guts to go after what you want…. What are you going to do Bani? Draw his eyes for the rest of your life instead?
Bani: How did you----
Rano: It went right home after you told me about him. Besides, I can recognize those eyes anywhere. He's one of the few with eyes other than the color brown in this town.
Bani shakes her head in exasperation from her suggestion and her mixed feelings.
Bani: I just don't know what to do Rano… Maybe we should let it be and run its course. Who knows, maybe I'm not in love with him and am only mistaken
Rano: (snorts, scoffs) I highly doubt that missy! I mean, judging by the exact detail and depth you have put into your drawing--- it's clearly obvious how much you love him.
The instructor interrupts in the middle of their silence by announcing the end of class and remarking that he has seen some fantastic pieces of work on his walk around the room. Bani packs her utensils and her picture while Rano suggests that they eat out for lunch, saying that it was required now after what she has discovered…..
***************************************************************
Kiran: Oh Jai, you are such an angel!
Jai grins boyishly at her as she raids through the grocery bags held up in his arms. She takes a few from him, helping him out.
Kiran: Really, you need to stop doing so many favors for me. You are spoiling me. Very soon I won't even be seen around town at all if you keep taking over my errands!
Jai: That is my actual intention Aunty… No offense but everyone would rather have you stay put at home. They're getting a little tired of spotting you around in public lately.
Jai chuckles as he ducks behind his bags while Kiran lightly slaps him a few times on his arm.
Kiran: You are horrible Jai Walia. (whines)
Jai: (still laughing) Arre Aunty, you take me too seriously. Main to mazak khar raha tha… Saach to yeh hai ke saab apko miss kaarte hai… Har waqt sochte hai ke kaash woh kabsoorat Ms. Sharma kabhi nazar mein aati… (trans: I was just joking… The truth is that everyone misses you. All the time they wonder how they wish that beautiful Ms. Sharma would come into sight.)
Kiran now flushes darkly while Jai continues to laugh at her expense. She points to the kitchen while glaring at him, not liking him anymore at the moment with his teasing. Jai pokes his tongue in his cheek and follows her instruction. He holds in his chuckle and walks further into the house, on his way over to the kitchen. Just as he starts to approach it, he passes by the living room and momentarily glances into it….then his eyes wander everywhere else, seeming as if he were looking for someone. Kiran catches this.
Kiran: Kya hua? Why are you looking around like you've never seen this house before?
Jai: (startled) Huh? Oh, no, nothing. I was just wondering---- aap akele ghar peh hai? Where is your niece? (trans: You are home alone?)
Kiran: Hain. I am alone for now. Bani has an art class in the mornings.
Jai, for some odd reason, is disappointed on hearing this. He had been hoping that…..
Kiran: Kyon? Are you missing her?
Jai: (embarrassed, stammers) W-what? No… Of course not. I barely even know her. I was just simply wondering…. She is usually here most of the time.
Kiran: Hmm-hmmmm. (teasingly, nodding her head in mock agreement)
Jai: Kya?
Kiran: (innocently) Kya?
Jai: What was that "Hmm-hmm" for? You don't believe me?
Kiran: Arre, of course I believe you… I just don't believe you are telling me the whole truth.
Jai: (retorts) Aunty, she is your niece for heaven's sake… I would never-----
Kiran: Never what? (cutting him off)
Jai: Never…(stalling, uncomfortable with the topic)
Kiran: Kaho na… what would you never do regarding my niece? (raises a brow)
Kiran wants to burst into laughter so bad on seeing Jai's face expression. He is absolutely tongue-tied and unsure of what to do about it. After a stunned moment he reacts…
Jai: Aunty…please.
Kiran: What am I doing? I am doing nothing. I just think it's so cute of you to want to see her.
To her amazement, Jai actually blushes by this and he rubs the back of his neck, awkwardly.
Jai: You are taking things completely out of hand. I never said I wanted to see her nor was I looking for her. I merely asked if you were here alone. I didn't think your niece would have plans already so soon after recently coming to town
Kiran: You know Jai… It wouldn't hurt to say her name. (a gleam in her eyes, grinning)
Again he looks painfully embarrassed. Knowing that she is going overboard and pushing it, Kiran decides to step back and cool it. Hence, she lets go of her desire to tease him mercilessly---even though she has been waiting to do this ever since the dinner two weeks ago.
Kiran: Accha baba, I am sorry. I promise, I won't make fun of you anymore. Now cheer up and help me load these things into the refrigerator….
*****************************************************************
Rano: Now… what do you want to know
Bani: (breathes) ….Anything that you are able to tell me. What kind of person he is… What life he has here
Rano smiles to Bani across the restaurant table, feeling proud of her friend for loving such an honorable man like Jai Walia. She takes her friend's hand in hers and expresses this thought…
Rano: Really Bani… I am glad you have fallen in love with a man like Jai Bhaiya… I have never seen such an honest and true person like him before in my life. ... He's a very good person who was raised with values and principles instilled in him. He's polite and respectful to almost everyone or anyone. He's very helpful and dedicates most of his time to others. He's like our town's superman. ---- Bhaiya was born and raised here in Mount Abu. He's lived his whole life in this town. When he was sixteen, his parents died from a fatal car accident leaving him an orphan.
Bani slowly nods her head in acknowledgment, remembering that Anu had brought up their parent's death at the Dinner.
Rano: He and his siblings were given custody to his Mausi until she too died three years later from cancer. Bhaiya by then had already joined Papa's hotel and was in the middle of his studies. He pronounced himself to be Saahil and Anu's guardian and to financially support them. It was a really courageous thing of him to do when he already had so much on his plate, stress from Billo Mausi's death, school, and work. He's been taking care of his brother and sister ever since then and has made them his number one priority. Nothing matters to him more than his small little family.
Bani looks attentively at Rano, taking in everything that she says….wanting to know as much as she can about Jai, a stranger who managed to steal her heart at one glance. She watches as Rano suddenly becomes uncertain and serious at the same time.
Rano: Now Bani… Jai… he's not from the same background as you… He lives a very average middle-class life and works hard to provide for himself and his siblings---he's not anything that you are used to back in Mumbai.
Bani: (offended) Rano, I would had thought you would know me better than that. I would never judge him or anyone for the matter just by their class. I am not interested in his money. Besides, you know very well how I feel about my life back in Mumbai. I feel detached from it, like I don't belong there…
Rano: Bani, forgive me, I'm sorry for offending you. I just wanted to make sure you understood his living circumstances before jumping into things. I mean, you are from such a wealthy background… whereas Jai Bhaiya has had to struggle to get everything he has today. ---And I do know how you feel about Mumbai… You were never really cut out for the lifestyle. One can never take you as a rich brat.
Rano caresses Bani's hand comfortingly while speaking soothingly to her. Bani feels better on hearing her reasoning for her doubts and smiles reassuringly at her.
Bani: Rano, don't you worry. I know what I have gotten myself into by falling in love with Jai Walia…
***************************************************************
Jai stands straight after placing the last gallon of milk into the refrigerator and announces, "I think it's time for me to leave." Kiran looks at him startled.
Kiran: You have just come beta. Stay for a little bit. ----Please don't tell me you have to work. I thought it was your day off today.
Jai: It is. I just promised Anu that I'd take her to the art museum downtown. She's been begging me to take her for awhile now. And since I have time today, I thought I'd finally will.
Kiran: Oh? How coincidental…
Jai: What is
Kiran: Bani had told me earlier this morning that she wanted to go there as well today.
His heart for some unfathomable reason races on hearing this…..
Kiran: She said she would go there right after she comes home… She should be coming back here right about now… Why don't you take her along Jai?
Jai strangely becomes uncomfortably nervous on hearing this and begins to dread the suggestion. Take her along with him? Just the two of them?----That too on his motorbike? He didn't think that was such a good idea… especially for him.
Kiran: Yes, that's a good idea. Take her with you. That way she won't have to walk, like how she insists she wants to everywhere, or wait on Rano to give her a ride. You two are going to the same place, it'd be wise to just go together.
Jai: … I…. I don't know Aunty. (sounding unsure)
Kiran: (puzzled) Why, what's wrong in that?
Jai: Well you had said she should be here ten minutes ago, and she's still not here. I don't think I can afford to wait for too long. Anu's getting really impatient waiting at home.
Kiran: (muses out loud) She normally doesn't take this long to come home… .. (sighs) Teek hai beta… You may go. I don't want Anu to wait for too long.
Jai: (relieved) Ji… I'll see you later Aunty.
He pecks her on the cheek before walking out from the kitchen and over to the front door. As he takes his coat from the rack and pulls it on him, the large wooden door swings open revealing a gorgeous Bani wearing blue jeans, a simple white shirt with a black coat over it, a light brown abstract scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, and her beautiful silky hair placed in a high ponytail… Her cheeks are a lovely pink from the chilly cold outside and she carries a notepad and utensils in her small hands held lightly against her chest. Her fair porcelain face stares up at him in surprising shock from her 5'7" height compared to his 6'2" intimidating frame that hovers over her. Her wide alluring eyes penetrate into his own and neither of them speak… their breathing in sync… That is until Kiran comes walking out in the front hall after hearing the bolting door open and brings the both of them back to reality…
Kiran: Oh Bani, good you are home. I was starting to worry.
Jai watches as Bani unwillingly switches her attention towards Kiran, her eyes flying right past his left shoulder. She smiles apologetically and looks at her sincerely…
Bani: I'm sorry mausi… I got caught up in lunch with Rano… I didn't mean to make you worry
Kiran: It's alright now. You're home, that's all that matters. Now… I remember you telling me that you want to visit the art museum that's downtown?
Bani nods her head, and from the corner of her eye sees Jai casually look the other way as Kiran mentions this.
Bani: I was going to walk for a little bit and then catch a rickshaw for the rest of the trip there.
Kiran: (quickly intervening) A rickshaw? Heavens no, your father would personally kill me if he learns that you even touched one.
Jai raises a brow at this from intrigued interest and Bani catches this. She blushes of wondering what he thinks about her now.
Bani: He won't have to know… You don't need to tell him.
Kiran: (short laugh) I'd be insane if I were to tell him… But your father has his ways on finding out things. You may never know, there may be some of his henchmen around here to keep an eye on you.
Bani: He would never do that mausi, he trusts you.
Kiran: Hmph… trust my foot. If only you knew….
Bani opens her mouth to cut in and ask her what she means by that, but stops herself as she realizes too much is being said in front of Jai who continues to stand like an intruding stranger in their conversation. Instead she concedes defeat…
Bani: Okay, I'll somehow arrange a ride with Rano instead.
Kiran: Oh that girl is always late for everything and you know that too Bani… I don't want you to wait for her the whole day. What I was going to suggest was that you should go with Jai instead. He is going there just now after picking Anu up from his house. And I know how much you and Anu are already getting so close----if I'm not mistaken about all the phone calls you two give each other.
Bani flushes further as Jai looks even more intrigued on hearing this. She avoids looking at him.
Kiran: By this excuse you will get to meet and spend time with her. And if you three are going to the same place, might as well go together. Haina Jai?
Jai clears his throat after finally being acknowledged and hesitantly nods his head in agreement after a short moment.
Jai: Yes Aunty… That does make sense.
What else could he say? No, I don't want your niece coming with me because I'm afraid that I'm very attracted to her? Oh yeah, that would really help him.
Bani slowly switches her eyes back onto him to find his eyes staring back at her as well. She can feel her heart pounding hard and her stomach twist in knots from both excitement and fear. A part of her didn't trust herself to be alone with him, but the other part---the majority---wants to be with him no matter what. Her heart flips at the quiet, long look he gives her…
Bani: (softly) Would you mind taking me along with you?
On hearing her soft angelic voice ask him so innocently to take her along, Jai couldn't find it in himself to refuse to her… In fact he would have even been willing to agree if she were to tell him to eat glass out of her hand right at that moment.
Jai: (softly back) No, … I'd be glad to.
Her eyes shine brightly at him and he stares into them, completely mesmerized.
Bani: I will be right back down… I need to change.
And with that she leaves him waiting for her restlessly by the stairs and glides to her room happily, feeling like she's floating on cloud nine. Kiran chuckles inwardly on seeing Jai's bewildered expression after realizing what he had agreed to. ………
***************************************************************
Jai lingers near his bike, resting his back against it as he waits on Bani to come out and join him. He wonders why he is unlike his collected self when it comes to Bani. He's been around many beautiful women before, had his small share of relationships (of course before the drastic change that shook up his whole world), a couple of temptations…. But what is so special about this one? What is it that makes her different from the others? That distinguishes her and makes her so much more fascinating? He shakes his head, clearing away all thoughts on the topic. He can't afford to get himself involved with her…nor can he have a relationship with anyone for the matter. He has his family to think about it. His kids that he needs to raise and make sure of a good future for them. He won't let his selfish motives come in the way of his responsibilities…
His ears become alarmed as he hears footsteps approaching him in a slow pace. He raises his head and locates Bani coming toward him, looking nervously at him and terribly shy, with a hand gripping onto one of her arms .Jai pushes away his discomfort, thinking the last thing he wants to do is make things uncomfortably awkward between them and decides that it would not hurt him to make a friend. Smiling politely at her, Jai motions to her to come near as she hesitantly stands a few feet away from him. He takes his only helmet and extends it over to her.
Jai: You're going to need this.
Bani looks at him for a moment before taking it from him and hugging it against her stomach.
Bani: What about you?
Jai: I'll be fine without it. But I want you to be safe.
Bani gets a tingling warm feeling go through her on hearing his last words. She nods thankfully at him, not able to thank him in words as she is terribly tongue-tied when around him.
Jai: Good. Now I guess we need to get going. Hop on onto the back and we'll get going.
Bani pulls the helmet over her head and feels strange with it on, which Jai notices.
Jai: (friendly grin) Ever worn a helmet before?
Bani: No… I've never been on a motorcycle either. This is all new to me. (admitting shyly)
Jai: Will your father's henchmen hunt me down if they were to see you with me?
She finds herself blushing all over.
Bani: My mausi is an exaggerator. My father would do no such thing. You don't need to worry about getting yourself into any trouble.
Jai: I hope so…. Here, let me help you adjust that.
Bani holds onto her breath as he comes near and fixes the position of the helmet on her head. He smiles handsomely at her as he closes the glass shield of it and she smiles lightly back…
Jai: Alright, you're all set. Hop on.
Jai throws his leg over and seats himself at the front of the bike while Bani muses on how she should sit in the back. She fears of whether she will fall off during the ride. She decides on sitting at a certain angle with her legs on the same side and grips onto her seat to balance her. Jai starts the engine and looks back to check up on her. He sees worry and slight fear etched on her face.
Jai: It'd be better if you held onto me during the ride than the seat. It can get a little rough on the roads.
Nervously after a long hesitant moment, Bani brings her arms around the lower part of his torso and lightly holds on.
Bani: Is this good?
Jai tries to ignore the strong emotion stirring inside of him from her close touch but without much success. He doesn't bother to correct her because he knows once he begins driving her hold on him will become tighter.
Jai: Yes, now stay close.
He turns the gears of his bike, making the engine growl louder, and kicks off with a startling start that knocks the breath out of Bani. Proving himself right, she clings onto him tight and leans her body against his back. He drives them to his house by the shortest route in which he rode his bike in content ease with her arms around him…..
****************************************************************
As they pull up on the driveway, Bani gazes wide at the house before her with her mouth slightly open in awe. It's a beautiful, homey looking white house with small black shutters and a front porch with a bench swing to the side. Rose bushes adorn the sides of the home and she can see a pleasant view of a small garden in the back …. For some reason she felt her spirits rise and her heart soar at the sight …. a strange connection to the house was building inside of her. She had envisioned a home quite similar to this one…. A cute small house with a front porch and driveway, garden in the backyard, a tree out in the front lawn…. It fit perfectly to her ideal description of a home. Her real home back in Mumbai was large in comparison, yet empty and lonely.
"Bani Didi!," Anu squeals in loud delight as she sights Bani coming off of her Bhaiya's motorcycle and walk up the driveway to their house. Bani smiles widely at Anu as she rushes toward her and takes her into a big hug.
Anu: Aap yahan kya khar rahi ho? (trans: What are you doing here?)
Bani: Kyon? Kya main yahan nahi aasakti? (trans: Why? Am I not allowed here?)
Anu: Of course Di, you can come here anytime you want. I am just surprised and very happy that you are here!
Bani: Kiran Mausi told me that you wanted to go see the art museum that's downtown and I had originally planned to go there today as well so she thought it'd be best if we went together.
Anu: Oh Di, we will have so much fun!
Jai approaches them both at the driveway and moves them on over inside saying that they can continue their conversation in the house.
Jai: Anu, where is Saahil?
He questions just as they all come in. Anu takes Bani by the hand and seats her down onto the couch in their living room, wanting to make her comfy and at home.
Anu: He went out with a few of his friends Bhaiya. He said he would come back in a few hours.
Jai shakes his head in disapproval and mutters, "That boy," before wandering off further into the house, vanishing from sight temporarily.
Anu: Di, I'm glad you're here today. I have been dying to meet with you again ever since that dinner at Kiran Aunty's house.
Bani: (affectionately cupping Anu's cheek) So have I Anu…
It is strange how close Bani feels toward this girl in front of her. In fact, she truly believes that they were meant to be sisters. Its remarkable how much they have in common and how their personalities resemble closely together. Perhaps they had been sisters in one of their past lifetimes, which would explain a lot… What makes her want to believe in this more and more is the way Anu always addresses her by "Didi". Bani has no siblings nor any close cousins so she has never experienced that wonderful joy of being looked up to by someone younger.
Anu: Have you ever seen the museum Di
Bani: No, I haven't. I heard from a friend of mine that it's wonderful and that I have to visit it whenever I get the time.
Anu: It is true, it's a wonderful museum. I always visit it at least once or twice a year. I would go more but Bhaiya says that there's no need for me to continuously go back and look at the same artworks over and over again.
Bani: Does your Bhaiya not understand what art means to you?
Anu: No, it's not that. He knows what it means and he always buys me supplies so I can draw and buys me occasional paintings as presents. But it becomes into a hassle of him taking me there almost all of the time.
Bani: Well you're old enough to get there yourself, aren't you? Jai doesn't need to take you, does he?
Anu smiles elatedly on being acknowledged as mature adult.
Anu: Bhaiya doesn't approve of me going off to places by myself. It makes him worried and stressed. He prefers that he takes me himself.
Bani is about to question further, not understanding Jai's reasoning. As far as she has gotten to know Anu, she is a very responsible and smart young woman who can handle herself. But she remembers her conversation with Rano previously that Jai's siblings mean a lot to him and he takes his responsibility towards them very seriously. Instead Bani nods her head understandingly. At that moment Jai comes walking back into view with a different set of car keys in his hands and tucking his cell phone into his jean pocket.
Anu: (noticing him) Bhaiya, did you call Saahil?
Jai: Hm. He'll be coming back home sooner than he thought.
Anu hides a smile on hearing this, knowing very well that her brother must have given Saahil a piece of his mind for going off and goofing around with friends when he should be studying for his approaching exams.
Jai: (announces) Let's go…
**************************************************************
Anu and Bani walk close together, side by side, and appreciate the amount of art pieces hanging around the galleries in the museum. Jai follows closely behind, with his hands deep in his pockets, feeling lost and out of place as the girls speak animatedly of the certain art strokes used and the inner meaning of the paintings that most of the time he cannot figure out how they conclude to. But he knows one thing… and that is that Bani can bring an art work to life. Jai is not the one to be amused by this subject, but with the way her velvety voice explains the depictions and small details, tying them together as a whole to create the overall message of the work captivates Jai's attention and mind. He finds himself using this technique of hers in order to understand the art that had always seemed complex to him before.
Later they all decide to get something to eat at the small little caf they have in the museum. Anu and Bani continue their banter on what they had seen and discussing the various impressions they received.
Anu: (suddenly) Bhaiya, which painting was your favorite?
Jai is a little taken aback at this and tries to remember back to what he had seen. There were a lot of quite fascinating works but he finds them not able to hold a candle against the breath taking picture that Bani makes for him right now. She has taken her gorgeous hair out from the pony tail and allows for her tresses to tumble onto her shoulders beautifully, her long curly eyelashes fluttering temptingly ever time her gorgeous honey brown eyes blink, with a tint of green in them, and her pink full lips shining from the subtle gloss applied on them. He takes in a deep breath and averts his eyes off of her, knowing he'd only make it harder for himself to keep away if he keeps on noticing even the littlest things about her that makes her so painfully beautiful.
Jai: (clears his throat) I don't know.
Anu: Bhaiya, were you not paying attention at all when we were in the gallery?
Bani looks at Jai blink slowly at his sister and tries not to laugh at the cute sight he makes right now.
Jai: Of course I was….
He just can't seem to remember what he had seen anymore, all thanks to Bani's thoughts roaming around in his head.
Both Anu and Bani share a smile at this and secretly acknowledge that they don't believe him.
Anu: Sure Bhaiya, if you say so…
Jai: (sighs, admits silent defeat) It doesn't matter whether I enjoyed anything or not, what should matter is that you did. We're here today for you, not me.
Anu instantly smiles at this and brightens up.
Anu: Oh yes I did Bhaiya. I enjoyed even more than usual since Bani Didi was here with us today. ----(turning to Bani) Di, I wish you were really my sister. It would be so fun having you around all the time. Wouldn't it, Bhaiya?
Bani blushes and feels her face heat up with warmth. She watches Jai closely as he looks at Anu's smiling face and grins lightly.
Jai: You can still see her all the time whenever you like princess. -----Do you mind that Bani?
A tingling sensation swarms within her body as she hears her name for the very first time come out from his lips.
Bani: No, not at all. I wouldn't mind. In fact I'd love to have her around.
Anu: Bhaiya, I know I can see her whenever I want. But what I meant was that it would be wonderful if she were actually a part of our family. --------Like if she were to be married to you Bhaiya. That way she would be my sister in a true sense and become my Bhabhi. Oh that would be so great! (clapping her hands together)
Jai coughs immediately after he almost chokes on his water that he had been drinking while Anu had been talking. Bani drops her spoon and flushes dark red from what she has stated. Her, become her bhabhi? Jai's wife? She hadn't even thought of that possibility when she had discovered she was in love with Jai…. She looks over at Jai and nervously watches his reaction. He seems pale and paralyzed by shock just by the very idea.
Anu: Kya? What did I say that was so wrong?
Jai: (regaining himself) Anu, you can't just say stuff like that…. (his voice cracking from his rough coughing)
Anu: Why not? I was just saying what I wanted. And if I don't tell you, then who else will I say it to?
Jai turns to Bani and gives her a sheepish, apologetic look.
Jai: I'm really sorry… My sister can be a little outspoken at times.
Bani, still blushing, shyly shakes her head, showing him that she doesn't mind.
Bani: (softly) It's okay… You don't have to apologize.
Anu: Okay, lagta hai ke Bhaiya raazi nahi hai shaadi ke liye… Paar Di aap Saahil ke saath bhi shaadi kaarsakte! (trans: Okay, looks like bhaiya's not up to the marriage…but you can also marry Saahil!)
Jai's startled to see Bani, instead of taking offense, giggling at the idea and ruffle Anu's hair fondly. He loses himself in her innocent laughter… and his face's features soften.
Bani: Then I am sure Saahil would agree immediately without any hesitation.
Anu: Of course, he is smitten by you…. Hain, hum yehi kaarte hai… Aap Saahil se shaadi kijiye… (trans: Yes, we will do this… You marry Saahil.)
Her laughter long gone, Bani sweetly runs her hand down Anu's hair, smoothing it out.
Bani: Anu, I don't have to be in your family to be family. Blood or marriage is not the only thing that ties people together. It is mainly your heart that does. Dil ka rishta saab rishtoon se alag… aur zyaada kaas hota hai… (trans: The relationship of the heart is different and more special than others.)
Jai looks on at Bani, seeming highly impressed by what she has said.
Anu: Really Di?
Bani: Hain pagli. It does not matter if we are not sisters by blood… We can still be sisters by heart…
Anu: (praising her) That was beautifully said Di… Aur accha hai ke aapne yeh kaha kyon ke main aapki zindagi ko dabaab nahi kaarna chaati aapko Saahil se shaadi kaarwake… (giggling) (trans: And it is good that you have said it because I do not want to ruin your life by having you marry Saahil.)
Bani: Ji, thank you Memsaab… aapne to meri zindaagi ko baachaya. (giggling along with her) (trans: You have saved my life.)
Anu: Don't worry Di, I would never get you married to that duffer despite how desperate I am to have you in the family. He was just a last option since Bhaiya refused… (giving Jai a sad look)
Jai becomes embarrassed by how the discussion has averted back over to him and avoids looking back at Bani, who also like him grows shy again. He runs his fingers through his hair, a very bad habit of his that he can never stop, and eyes his sister.
Jai: I did not refuse…
He answers quietly. He cuts Anu off as he sees her open her mouth excitedly….
Jai: We've been here long enough. We should go.
Bani has to be jolted up from her seat by Anu after Jai suggests he will bring the car to the front of the museum where they will join him. His words, "I did not refuse," continue to whirl around in her head….
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