Hume Tumse Hua Hai Pyaar Chapter 3

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….

***************************************************************

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." ……

****************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************

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…

**************************************************************

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…" …….

***************************************************************

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…..

***************************************************************

The following 1 member(s) liked the above post:

Hume Tumse Hua Hai Pyaar Chapter 2

Hume Tumse Hua Hai Pyaar Chapter 2

Bani wakes up to the morning sunrays peeping through her bedroom curtains that light up most of her room. Disgruntled, she rubs her eyes and yawns softly as she looks over to the alarm clock, resting on the nightstand, and reads the blaring red digits. It's only seven in the morning… She still has another hour before getting up. Knowing that she won't be able to fall asleep from the sunbeams, she lazily gets up from her bed and approaches her window. She raises her arms up, gripping onto the curtains, ready to draw them close, but something prevents her from doing so….

On the driveway she sees her Kiran Mausi's side profile, smiling and talking to another person, a man to be certain. The man dressed freshly in a black polo paired with rugged blue jeans, hanging nicely from his waist, hands over a plastic bag over to her aunt who thankfully accepts it from him. She watches Kiran kiss him affectionately on his head before she bids him goodbye, waving at him while he walks on back to the sidewalk. Curiously she keeps her eyes fixed on him, not understanding why she senses a familiarity in him; she is unable to see him clearly as his back is faced to her. Just as he arrives at his motorbike parked off to the side and sits himself down onto it, revealing himself to her, she sees why….

He is the same guy from the fair last night, that same one who managed to leave her completely breathless by just one look into his drowning eyes. Immediately Bani feels herself get strangely warm all around and turn pink in the face by his dashing appearance. No doubt he is attractively handsome; she would not be surprised to know if he has a usual band of women following him around.

Sighing softly to herself, she leans against the window frame, and watches him awestruck as he starts of his bike, kicking it out of place, and zooms down the neighborhood street. She listens as the motor grows fainter by each passing second…..

"Bani, sweetheart! Wake up baby, it's already seven o'clock. Get ready and then come have some breakfast," she hears her aunt call out for her attention. She snaps out of her innocent daze and hurriedly paces herself in getting fresh, the thoughts of him dancing around in her head. She yearns to know about him, ignoring the sensible side of her which warns her that he shouldn't matter to her so much. Learning a little about him wouldn't harm her, would it? Knowing where she can easily get this information from, Bani pulls her robe closed around her and makes her way downstairs….

********************************************************************************

Bani pecks her mausi's cheek after wishing her a, "Good Morning." Her aunt smiles back and softly nudges her over to the table, telling her to sit on down at the kitchen table while she finishes up breakfast. Bani nervously hesitates for awhile, fiddling with the tie of her robe as she bites down on her lower lip. She watches her aunt move around the kitchen, grabbing things here and there, completely focused on making Breakfast. She does not know how to approach her with the topic, but knows it'd be better to mention it now rather than later….

Bani: Kiran Mausi?

Kiran: Yes sweetheart… (cooing back at her)

Bani: ….Who was it that dropped by earlier this morning? …I saw you speak to someone.

Kiran: Oh… so I have a peeping Tom in my very own house.

Bani immediately blushes in embarrassment and hurriedly speaks to deny her.

Bani: Nahi to… I was just curious.

She listens to Kiran giggle at her abashed reply and turns around, facing her with two plates containing toast and scrambled eggs. She places one neatly before her niece while putting the other in front of herself. Kiran sits down after pouring orange juice for them both.

Kiran: Don't be embarrassed Bani beta, I was only teasing….

Bani, however, continues to remain blushed.

Kiran: The person you saw is a boy that I have known and seen grow for the past twenty four years, ever since I had moved here…. He isn't a boy anymore when I come to think of it… He has grown nicely into a young man. I'm still unable to believe he isn't the same little toddler who would never leave me alone for a second. His family was my first neighbor until they moved a few years later to another part of town. When we lived next to each other, he always used to swing by offering his help for anything. Be it with fixing around the house or even cooking along beside me. … I guess in a way you can say he has been somewhat of a son to me all these years.

Bani: (intrigued) He still comes to visit? (referring to him coming this morning)

Kiran: (nods her head) Yes, whenever he can. He makes sure of that. Either it is to come by and give me company or to attend to all of my needs…. He takes care of my errands for me most of the time…. Today he had gotten us eggs for breakfast since we have run out.

Bani stares down at her plate, eyeing the scrambled eggs…thinking of him even more.

Bani:… What's his name?----Just so I know whenever I do meet him. (quickly adding)

Kiran: (smiles understandingly) Jai Walia…. He is a nice man. … I am sure you will fancy him as well if you ever do get the chance to meet him…. Perhaps you have seen his younger brother and sister around… Saahil and Anu Walia…. Saahil attends the university right by your art school. And Anu has an interest into art just like you… She will occasionally drop by the school and look at the exhibits there.

She ponders over these two names, questioning herself whether she knows them or not. So far she hasn't had the pleasure to meet them personally. But from now one she will keep a look out for Anu if she ever does come across her.

Kiran: She is a few years younger than you, but she is great company. A true diamond that girl… You will become friends easily with her, I know that.

Bani simply smiles as a response, nodding her head, and resumes back to eating her toast and eggs.......

*******************************************************************************************************************

Jai hurriedly fastens the buttons to his white dress shirt as he wanders around his bedroom, gathering his things to take along. He fumbles through his wardrobe, trying to find a suitable tie to wear and exasperatedly picks one at random as he does not find the one in particular he was searching for. Just as he pulls it around his neck, he hears his bedroom door swing open revealing his two siblings who stand by the doorway.

Before he can even open his mouth to ask them what they want, they immediately begin in hassling him with bombarding questions. Jai looks back and forth from one to the other, trying to keep up with their fast paced moving mouths, not able to follow their words. He agitatedly growls and yells at both, silencing them instantly.

Jai: One at a time you two! I only have one set of ears!

Saahil takes advantage of the hesitant silence that he and his sister create, easily cutting off Anu from speaking.

Saahil: Bhaiya, Arjun wants to know if I can go on over to his place right after my last class.

Jai: Why does he need you there?

Saahil: Well he's having a party tonight and he says he needs help in setting things up. So I might not be back until twelve.

Jai: (grims) I don't know kid. You should be focusing on your studies instead. I don't think going out to parties is what you should really be doing.

Saahil: (groans) Come on Bhai, having fun once in awhile won't hurt. Besides, I'm doing well in all my classes. You had even said so…

Jai continues to look unsure about the topic. Anu shakes her head at her brother, mouthing to him to not allow it. Saahil nudges his sister hard, glaring at her.

Anu: Bhaiya, (speaking up) you know as well as I do that he won't be back until later than twelve, oversleep the next morning, and will fall back in his studies again.

Saahil: Why do you always burst in on my fun Anu? Why can't you for once support your brother?

Anu: I won't support my brother if he's going to go out, get drunk, fool with girls, and come back only to neglect his studies all over again.

Saahil: You are such a pest-----

Again the two quarrel, rambling over their differences until Jai cannot take it any longer and pushes them apart.

Jai: Quit it you two. You are driving me insane. Firstly Saahil, do not call your sister a pest. And be back by eleven or I will make sure you never see sunlight ever again.

Saahil: (smiles, relieved) Thanks Bhaiya!

He hugs his brother before fleeing off excitedly and only after punching his sister on her arm.

Anu: Bhaiya! (whining to him)

Jai: Saahil! (warning)

Saahil merely chuckles and quickly vanishes from the room. Jai sighs and then looks over to his sister who still stands before him, looking at him with innocent eyes.

Jai: Aab tumhe kya chaaye? (trans: Now what do you want?)

Anu: Bhaiya… I was wondering if I could go to the movies downtown after school and----

Jai: Absolutely not. (cutting her off)

Anu: Bhaiya…You haven't even let me finished saying what I wanted to say.

Jai: You don't need to because I already have made my decision.

Anu: Bhaiya, please. (pleading)

Jai: Anu, you know very well that I don't want you going off anywhere by yourself.

Anu: But Trishna and Radhika will be with me. Their parents are absolutely fine with them going.

Jai: Well you are my responsibility, not theirs. And I won't allow it.

Anu: Jai Bhaiya, this isn't fair…(tears glistening in her eyes) Why don't you let me doing anything? I am not a child anymore. I am a young woman… I can take care of myself now.

Jai: You are still a child. (shutting her down) A girl like you shouldn't be going off anywhere alone in that area--- in fact, neither should your friends.

Anu: (huffs) I never see you restricting Saahil like this. He is at liberty to do anything he wants. I am the only one you keep locked up in a cage with no rights.

Jai, hurt by her accusation, touches her cheek in a comforting manner.

Jai: That is not true Princess … I have never treated you two differently from each other… I am just more protective and concerned for you. You are a fragile girl Anu… I don't want you getting hurt.

Anu: I can be fine on my own if you would just let me prove it to you----

Jai: You don't need to prove anything to me… I trust you. However, you are still too young. Sixteen is nothing Anu. You still have a lot to learn about the world….

Anu: But… I don't understand how me going somewhere on my own is harmful.

Jai: Anu, I don't want to argue over this any longer. I am tired of talking about this matter over and over. You are too young and that's that. …. If you want to go you may but only if you take Saahil along with you.

Seeing tears dwelling in her soft brown eyes tears his heart and he takes her into his arms, lovingly stroking her hair as he does so.

Jai: I love you so much Anu…. I hope you know this?

Anu after a moment nods her head in agreement but continues to tear up. He hushes her soothingly by rubbing his hand up and down her back.

Jai: It is not that I don't hold faith in you or simply because you are a girl…. It is because you are so dear to me that I am afraid all of the time over your safety. I know I don't need to worry so much over Saahil because he is a tough and independent, someone who can handle whatever comes his way. And he has always been like that… You on the other hand are so gentle and innocent that I constantly have to fret over keeping you safe. …Perhaps you may never be able to understand my worries until you have someone to take care of yourself…

Still unable to understand her brother's reasoning, Anu selflessly pushes aside her desires and rights, not wanting to cause further distress to her brother who already works so hard to give her and her brother the life they have. If by listening to him and decreasing a little of his tension will help him feel better then she will do so happily. Anu hugs her brother back while wiping away her tears.

Anu: I am sorry Bhaiya… forgive me. I was acting selfish. I wasn't being considerate of your feelings. …. I understand.

Jai smiles in relief and satisfaction. He strokes her hair one last time before kissing her on the forehead. Hearing a honk from outside makes Anu realize that Saahl is waiting for her outside. He is usually her ride in the mornings. Giving her elder brother a feeble smile she pecks him on the cheek softly before wishing him a good day at work and promising that she will take Saahil with her to the movies.

After watching his sister leave, Jai resumes back in knotting his tie and throws his black coat over himself as he trots out of his room, ready to leave for work…..

**********************************************************************************

Bani walks serenely along the sidewalks through the neighborhoods, appreciating the view of beauty presiding around her. She politely refused a ride from Rano and her boyfriend, Ranveer Deb, who insisted that she join them. Instead she chose to walk home, something that she found she really enjoyed. It was a great excuse to glamour at the beautiful aspects of nature thriving around in the beautiful town.

After completing her studies in her university and successfully majoring in art, Bani decided that she wanted to escape from the busy life of Mumbai and take a long break at somewhere peaceful and calm, where she would find inner peace and self satisfaction. She also wanted to find that inspiration that would give that noticeable spark in her artwork that she is looking for. At first her father was reluctant in allowing this desire of hers, but in the end he did not have the heart to refuse her any longer. In excitement she pondered over the various places she could go to but she found that only one place seemed to come to mind…. Mount Abu. She had visited there only once or twice before and that too for short periods of time. She only remembered that the town was absolutely beautiful, exciting, and relaxing. It had a homey feel to it, something that Bani felt she needed in her life… that presence of warmth.

Deciding that that was where she wanted to go, she immediately made plans to visit. Her father agreed easily to it only because his late wife's sister resided there and he knew she would take care of his angel like her own daughter. Bani packed her bags and left the bustling city of Mumbai, fleeing to the calm lifestyle in Mount Abu. Initially when she had come here she planned to stay for about a year, but she discovered more and more by each passing day how quickly attached she was becoming to the place. After the first week of settling in she took notice of an art school nearby and applied for morning classes just for the fun of it. It would give her something meaningful to do in her spare time.

On arriving home she sees that her aunt is nowhere to be seen. She walks further in the house and stops by the mirror in the front hall which has a post-it right in the middle. She recognizes Kiran's handwriting right away….

A friend of mine is in the hospital. Going to check up on her and see how she's doing. Will be back in a couple of hours.

Bani takes the post with her as she walks on up the stairs to her room, placing her notepad and utensils onto her writing table. She decides that she will take a short nap before getting dressed again to go to lunch with Rano at her father's hotel that she recommends has a cute restaurant worth dining at….

***********************************************************************************

Jai finds himself wrapped in the normal hectic scheduling of the hotel that he has gotten used to as being manager for the last three years. It's certainly odd for him to be managing a hotel considering his age, but his father had been good friends with the owner of the hotel, Mr. Obreoi, who has a strong liking towards Jai. Of course he didn't favor him right away. Jai had to work intensively for the high promotion ever since joining the hotel at the young age of seventeen. At twenty-four Mr. Obreoi awarded him generously with the position, telling him that he is the most deserving of it with the hard work he puts into his job. He had told him proudly that he had never seen anyone so dedicated like him before. That had been the most accomplished day of Jai's life and he treated his small family out to a fancy dinner to celebrate.

**********************************************************************************

As he leans back into his chair and tugs on his tie, loosening it from the tight hold around his neck, he inwardly groans as he hears his office door open. He had been hoping for at least one moment of peace. Perhaps that was too much to ask.

"Sir, there's a lady who demands to meet you. She has a complaint against the kitchen's food and wants to meet you directly regarding it," his employee informs him. Jai sighs, strongly detesting these snooty types of people who would find any opportunity to whine or complain. Bored, he replies in a tiring tone, "Send her on in Pushkar." Seconds later a figure comes gliding in, taking Jai's notice right away. Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse….he moans.

He watches with ruthless eyes as Roshini Chopra makes her presence clear to him, wearing a fitting casual dress with small straps that end just over her knees, even though this is the season for layers, and matching high heels that usually give her the boost of confidence she always has.

"Yes Ms. Chopra… You have another complaint I presume," Jai tauntingly questions her, succeeding in making her feel slightly embarrassed of herself. This would only be your fourth one this week….he agitatedly adds on.

Roshini makes herself comfortable in one of the seats across from him and consciously displays her features to him. Jai, however, is clearly uninterested as well as unaffected.

Roshini: I am sorry Jai… It seems that is all I ever do these days, isn't it?

Of course because that is the only excuse you can use to come and irritate the hell out of me....he bitterly answers to himself.

Roshini Chopra, three years his junior, has been after him since he was sixteen. She never spared him a moment of peace as she always made sure to be by his side, making sure that he took notice to her. Anu, his sister, much to his "delight" informed him that at the age of fifteen she had created a fan group called United Jai Walia Lovers that still goes on and meets every Wednesday. When he had asked how she knew this, she replied with a grin, "A few of my friends happen to be in it." He had been utterly horrified. And as Roshini wasn't enough for him to put up with, Pia Chopra [her younger sister] and Meera Khandelwal soon became an active annoyance in his life as well…..

Jai: Please, let's keep this strictly formal. (referring to her addressing him by his first name.)

Roshini: Oh, of course.

Jai: So tell me. What do you find dissatisfying with the hotel's service? I was sure that last time we had settled the problem.

Roshini: Oh yes, it was. You solved it very efficiently and nicely. No wonder you have been made manager. Mr. Obreoi was right to appoint you the job. No one else would have been able to meet your qualities. (dreamily remarks)

Jai: Thank you for your compliments Ms. Chopra, but we are now getting off topic. Would you care to explain to me about your concerns of the hotel?

Roshini: (blinks dumbly at first) … Oh yes. Well I had decided to come to the hotel's restaurant for lunch today. I ordered a dish and as I ate into it I found hair in my meal. Now Jai---I mean, Mr. Walia, I don't really think what your hotel needs is a bad name from your kitchen staff's inability to service your customers to the outmost perfection.

Jai: No, certainly it does not.

Roshini: Now I won't file a case or go to extreme measures here, I just wished to consult to you about this.

Jai: And I thank you for doing so. I guarantee you that I will check in on this.

Roshini smiles as a reply, pleased in being able to pull her small scheme off, yet again. Jai stands up from his seat and implies with a small gesture of his hand presenting the door for her to leave.

Jai: I hope our staff won't disappoint you any longer.

Roshini: That is why you are here… To make sure your customers and I are satisfied.

Jai: Of course…

He leads her to the door and like a gentleman opens the door for her. Just as she moves to leave, he remarks….

Jai: And also Ms. Chopra, I would like to recommend that you visit other hotels and restaurants around as well. There are places than just the Star Hotel if you haven't quite noticed….

Deeply embarrassed to the core, Roshini blushes bright red just as Jai shuts his office door closed …..

********************************************************************************

Bani fumes silently as she continues to wait for Rano to join her at the restaurant for the last thirty minutes. She had already put off the waiter two times now, pleading for some more time. She tried calling numerous times but she won't pick up or take any of her calls.

********************************************************************************

Jai walks around the hotel, doing an inspection by checking on his staff on seeing whether they are performing their duties. He stands by the elevator doors patiently waiting for it to come up so he can go on back downstairs, but as they finally open he is struck heavily by a strange surprise…

*********************************************************************************

Giving up on any last hope of her friend showing up, Bani gets up from the restaurant, apologizing to her waiter for wasting his time on her way out and walks on over to the elevator. She steps in and watches as the doors close on her and takes her up to the main floor. Feeling her shoe pinching her foot painfully, she places a hand against the door of the elevator to temporarily adjust the problem. She removes her shoe, wiggles her toes around for awhile, and as she slips her foot back into it, the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open, her balancing support abandoning her….

She gasps when she trips forward and her eyes widen as she falls straight onto a man who had stood in front, outside of the elevator. She pushes both herself and him onto the floor, ending up on top of the stranger… She feels his hands go to her waist, steadying her and hears him groan from the forceful impact of their fall. Raising her head up, Bani meets a pair of familiar electrifying gray pair of eyes that makes her heart race instantly. She blushes hotly under his gaze….

Jai looks up after regaining himself and finds his eyes connected with a soft honey color of warm brown eyes staring at him with a mix of shock and humiliation. His breath is immediately taken away as he realizes who she is…

Bani manages to stutter, "I—I'm so sorry… Are you alright?" Jai continues to look at her, transfixed. It takes him awhile to register her words…

Bani: Jai, are you okay? (soothingly, worried)

Jai snaps out of it and stares at her long and hard. He notes that her appearance is very different compared to the first time he had laid his eyes on her. Then she had worn a lovely salwaar kameez that gave her a noticeable spark… Now she looks breathtakingly beautiful dressed in a simple pair of jeans, outlining her long slender legs, paired with a cute baby pink tee-shirt that fits her well. It's a great transformation from the traditional look to the modern….that too over a day.

Jai: (answering her automatically) Yes, I'm fine… Are you?

She nods in agreement and apologizes once again as they begin to stand up on their feet. Jai gives her a helping hand in which she accepts and he hoists her up… they feel a jolt by their contact and immediately let go afterwards, avoiding each other's gaze for a moment…

Jai: (rubbing the back of his neck) It's alright… You don't have to be sorry…

And as if it hit him like lightening, he suddenly remembered something and his gaze on her changes that into a sort of wonder…

Jai: How do you know my name?

Bani becomes frozen on the spot and her cheeks become into another shade of dark red. She's speechless and doesn't know how to answer him. She curses herself for letting his name slip from her mouth… What will he be thinking of her now? That she's some kind of stalker?

Bani: (stammers) I---I---I…

"Bani," they both hear someone scream across the other half of the restaurant. Bani turns around on being acknowledged and breathes a sigh of relief for this distraction. However she immediately frowns at the girl who waves her hands at her, standing near the entranceway. Forgetting Jai and caught up in her own anger, Bani storms off in the other direction. Jai stands behind, seeming highly amused as he sees her run up to her friend and angrily hit her.

As Bani grabs onto Rano's arm, dragging her out of the hotel, Jai watches until she disappears from sight. A soft smile twitches on his lips as he says, "Bani…."