Hi guys,
I have asked the moderators to close my other fanfic Pyar Ke Pal for two reasons:
1) I am on a writer's block and though I have ideas on what to write, I can't seem to get them down on paper. I will continue it after some time.
2) Because for me this fanfic requires some urgent attention.
This is the same fanfic as the one I wrote for the competition but I felt that I rushed the ending way too quickly and I got a PM from someone I know and she told me that she would like to see a gradual end so I have decided to do that.
I actually have people I want to dedicate this to… I want to dedicate it to everyone who is suffering from any form of cancer in this world because I know it's a hard process.
I want to mention a few things here… I know this is not related to KS or IF but I felt that it was a good idea to spread the word.
If you live in California, you might have already heard of this but if you haven't… here you go.
There are two guys, specifically, whose names are Sameer and Vinay and they have both been diagnosed with cancer. Vinay has tried Chemotheraphy around 3 times already and doctors are going to try a new kind of treatment but that will only prolong his life for about 4 weeks. What he is desperately in need of is a bone marrow transplant. In US, the registry only has a few South Asians and the chances of a match is 1 in every 20,000 people.
There have been many drives in the area I live in and we have been trying hard to increase the numbers of registers and though we have had almost 14,000 South Asians register in the last two months, it's still not enough as the two guys still haven't found a match.
It's tremendous how the Indian community has come together in Northern California area to try and help out these two families… and I want you all to pray that we find a match for these two guys.
I am not related to them but I am here to spread the word and urge all of you to register for this if you can. You have to be above the age of 18 and below 60… If you want more information on this topic the two website are:
and www.helpvinayandsameer.org
So, please do go spread the word and register if you can!
Thanks a lot!
As for the fanfic, I am planning on rewriting it from the middle. I will copy paste the part I plan on keeping the same and will update with the new part next time.
-Simmi
Part 1: (Same as Fanfic, do see where it ends if you have already read it for the competition)
Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you. ~Author Unknown
This is a story about two soul-mates, Jai and Bani and their story of discovering and re-discovering each other.
At Dixit Residence
The bell rang and Bani as usual ran to open the door. There he stood staring right at her, making her blush to the deepest core. He was her brother's best friend but he had the looks any 18 year old would die for.
Jai: Hey moti. (Bani hated it when he called her moti; it annoyed the crap out of her that he treated her almost like a younger sister.)
Bani: I am not moti.
Jai: Whatever you say. Where is Ranveer anyways?
Bani: Bhaiya went out with Rano, you can wait for them here, and they said they will be back in 5 minutes.
Jai: Okay, well aren't you going to invite me in?
Bani: Considering you called me moti, I think the rain and the cold outside is a perfect place for you to wait.
Bani closed the door on Jai's face and giggled at her mischief. Bani had met Jai when she was 10 but then she had been sent to boarding school, and it was only this summer that she really met him. He was 23, almost 5 years older then her and on top of that he had a girlfriend, Sonali. The hardest part about him having a girlfriend was that she was the sweetest person in the world.
Bani went inside to bring some pakoras and when she looked out the window, she saw Jai going towards his car. Bani ran to the door and opened in quickly.
Bani: Where are you going?
Jai: God knows how long they will take, and there is no way I am standing out here in this freezing weather so I am just going to go.
Bani: No! (She didn't want him to leave!) You can come in.
Jai: That's okay. I am already drenching wet because someone made me stay out here in the rain.
Bani: Sorry!
Jai: Fine…
Jai hesitantly came inside, he knew Bani had a small crush on him but he ignored that thinking it was just a phase that every teenager goes through.
Bani: One second, I will get a towel, you can eat these pakoras till then.
Bani ran inside the room and closed the door behind her, he looked handsome with his hair drenched in water. She took out the towel and composed herself before heading out again. She handed the towel to Jai and was walking towards the kitchen when she felt dizzy and almost fell to the ground.
Jai ran to control Bani, and held on to her as she balanced herself again. This was the third time it was happening to Bani in one day, but she ignored it. It couldn't come back… could it?
Jai: Bani, are you okay? What was that?
Bani: Yah I am fine. I just didn't get enough sleep last night and I haven't eaten all day, that's probably why.
Jai: Are you sure about that?
Bani: Yah, I am fine. Thanks, though.
Just then the door opened and along with the wind came Rano and Ranveer. For a second Ranveer was puzzled about why Jai was holding Bani like that but Jai realized and explained the situation.
Jai: She was feeling faint, so I was just checking if she is okay.
Ranveer (rushing to Bani's side): Bani, is this the first time today?
Bani (lying): Of course Bhaiya, I am fine.
Jai: She just needs to eat, I mean no sleep last night and no food today, this was bound to happen.
Ranveer looked at Bani and knew she was lying. The two of them had a big lunch together, and she had slept long enough last night. She let the issue pass for now, because he knew she wouldn't want to discuss it in front of Jai.
Ranveer: So, what's up Jai?
Jai: Not much, I just came by to invite you to the beach party we are having at my dad's beach house. You and Rano have to come, and you can bring Bani along too if she wants to come. It's a couple's party though so…
Ranveer: When is it?
Jai: Day after tomorrow, be sure to be there.
Ranveer: Okay, we will come.
Jai: Okay, well I am gonna head of now cause Sonali is waiting for me. Bye Rano, bye Bani. And take care of yourself, eat some of these awesome pakoras.
After Jai had left the house, Ranveer turned to Bani.
Ranveer: Tell me the truth Bani, what's wrong.
Rano knew of the entire truth, she had been with Ranveer ever since they were 16, and they were good friends then.
Bani: Bhaiya, I told you it was nothing.
Bani tried to walk away but luck wasn't with her. She felt dizzy again and this time she collapsed into the floor faster then anything. Ranveer panicked but Rano took charge and called the hospital to tell them they were coming. Ranveer picked up Bani and took her into the car and headed towards the hospital.
Bani's skin had turned pale, and almost purple. Rano tried to get Bani up but it was to no use.
The Hospital Lounge
As they reached the hospital, the doctors were already waiting for her.
Dr. Sinha: What's wrong?
Ranveer: She was feeling dizzy today, and then she just fainted.
Dr. Sinha: I hope it's not what I think it is.
Ranveer: You mean… it's back?
Dr. Sinha: Could be, but we can't be sure until I do tests. Take her in, I will be back Ranveer and don't worry I am sure everything will be okay.
Dr. Sinha had been Bani's doctor ever since she was born and he knew her entire medical history. Ranveer paced around the room and waited for the doctor to come out and after a really long time Dr. Sinha appeared out of the room.
Dr. Sinha: Ranveer, please sit down.
Ranveer: I want to know, now.
Dr. Sinha: I have done the tests, I won't know the results until later on today. Bani is conscious again and I asked her a few questions and they aren't good. Apparently she has been feeling dizzy for a few days now, and she feels very weak even after going up the stairs just once. She is in a very dangerous position right now because if this is a relapse of her leukemia then we could have a lot of trouble up ahead.
Ranveer: But we did a bone marrow transplant, and she was fine. She has been fine for 4 years now, so why is it back?
Dr. Sinha: It's called relapse. It doesn't happen a lot but there are a lot of chances of cancers such as these returning.
Ranveer: Then what do we do get rid of it now?
Dr. Sinha: There are different things we can done, for example, we can do what we did before again. The chances will be the same and it might work again especially since it happened last time.
Ranveer: Again? That would kill her, I remember how much pain she had to go through last time. I cant believe she didn't tell me earlier that she was feeling weak!!
Ranveer rushed towards Bani's door but Rano stopped him.
Rano: Ranveer, she is just as scared as you are, don't yell at her, don't scare her even more.
Ranveer: But she should have told me!
Rano: You can let her know that, but not now. Just be her rock for now, she needs her brother right now, she needs your love.
Bani's Hospital Room
Bani quickly posted the blog she wrote and pressed send before her brother could see it. She knew of the truth even before they would figure it out, it was back and there was nothing she could do about it.
Blog Entry
I may be dying. Wow, you have no idea how hard it is for an 16 year old to write that out for the world to see. I guess it makes it easier that I won't know the people who read this.
I am suffering from a type of cancer that affects my red blood cells. I used to have it 7 years ago too when I was only 11 but at that time the doctors had used chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant to treat me but it's back… what will they do now? Nothing? Will they watch me die?
There are so many things I want to do with my life, why is it that I could have to give up everything so quickly… I have to grow up, fall in love, have kids, get a job, make a family…
I can't stand to see the tears in my brother's eyes as she watches the doctors poke me with needles. I am not in any pain because I have been numbed by medicines, but it is my brother's pain that really makes me realize what is happening to me.
I can't stand to see some people treat me differently after they find out that I have Leukemia. I made my brother promise not to tell any of my friends, especially his best friend, Jai. I won't be able to keep myself together if he started treating me like an outsider.
I can't stand to see how many people die everyday in this hospital. What makes me sadder then the death of another teenager, is the things the family and the friends have to go through.
I can't write anymore, I start feeling really sick if I sit up too long, I have to go lie down again.
-Your nameless friend
Ranveer: Bani…
Bani: Bhaiya! (She pasted a smile on her face, putting up an optimistic face)
Ranveer: Feeling better?
Bani: As good as new. (She avoided mentioning the ache she felt all over body.)
Ranveer: Why didn't you tell me before? (Tears clouded his eyes)
Bani: Bhaiya… I am sorry, I didn't want to cause any problems and anyways I thought this was a momentary things, I figured it would be gone as abruptly as it came.
Ranveer: Bani, after what we have gone through, you should have known better.
Bani: I know… I am sorry.
Ranveer: Do you want me to call any of your friends here to give you company?
Bani: Please don't tell anyone about this. Please, don't tell them I have cancer!
Ranveer: But Bani… you need company, someone with you the entire time and I will be here with you but don't you need someone else?
Bani: I do have someone, I have Rano Di. She is so nice and she was here last time too, she knows what to expect, she won't run away like others have.
Ranveer: Bani, you know that mom…
Bani: I don't want to talk about it Bhaiya, at least not now. I just want to sleep for now.
Ranveer sat pating Bani's forehead as she slept peacefully. Rano came inside and told him that Jai had called twice and he should probably call him back.
Ranveer went inside and made a quick call to Jai.
Jai: What happened? I called your house and no one picked up. I figured you were at Rano's house so I called there and her mom said that you guys are at the hospital, what's wrong?
Ranveer: Nothing, its no big deal. (Ranveer had to follow Bani's promise to keep what was going on a secret.)
Jai: Don't lie to me, I am your best friend I can hear the strain in your voice.
Ranveer: Nothing, Bani just fainted because she didn't have enough sugar in her body and so they are just hooking her up with some glucose.
Jai: Oh, well tell me what hospital.
Ranveer: Don't worry about it.
Jai: Just tell me.
Ranveer: Life Care Hospital.
Jai: I will be there in a few minutes.
Ranveer hung up and went out to the cafeteria and got some food for Bani and went inside to give it to her. She was asleep and Rano sat there stroking her hair.
Ranveer: Jai is coming.
Rano: What did you tell him?
Ranveer: Just that she was a little weak because she didn't have enough sugar in her body.
Bani smiled softly, the two of them thought she was sleeping but she could still hear their conversation. She was glad that Ranveer Bhaiya kept his promise.
The next day, Bani woke up feeling a whole lot better then the day before. The medicines had really taken a toll of her and she took out her laptop and started to see the comments on her post.
Posts
Nameless friend,
I lived through the same experience, just when I thought my cancer was gone, it came back to haunt me… But now, it's 10 years later and I have survived and I am happy with my family. So, be strong and the future is in your own hands.
-Riya.
Bani loved these posts, they gave her courage and helped her with coping with the situation. She got up to go to the bathroom and was actually able to go all the way without feeling at all weak or tired.
Jai, on the other hand, entered Bani's room and found the bed empty. He asked the nurse and was told that Bani was in the bathroom. As he tried to find something to do, his eyes fell on her laptop where a blog was opened. He was just about to read the post when the door opened and he stopped intruding into Bani's life. He had managed to see parts of it, and it scared him, and he noted in the back of his mind the name of the blog.
Bani: Jai, what are you doing here?
Jai: Well, I wasn't going to let you be in the hospital and not visit!
Bani: Well, I am glad you came, so what's new?
Jai: I should be asking you that, why are you here Bani?
Bani: Nothing, just felt faint and you know bhai, at the first sign of trouble, he wheeled me in here.
Jai: Are you sure?
Bani: Of course, why are you asking me like that?
Jai: Just making sure that you can still come to my party tonight…
Bani: Well it depends, am I invited?
Jai: You are always invited.
Bani: Well then I will be there.
Jai: Okay, well I am gonna go now, but I will see you tonight. Bye.
Bani: Bye…
Bani felt bad about having lied to Jai but she remembered how so many years ago when her friends had found out she had cancer, they had all gone away faster then the wind. She didn't want that to happen. She knew that Jai was older but she didn't want to take any risks with any of her friends.
Bani picked up the phone and dialed her brother's cell phone.
Bani: Bhaiya, I want to get out of here.
Ranveer: Bani, you know you can't leave yet. They have to do the tests and make sure you are okay.
Bani: Bhaiya, I have been through this before. I don't want to be stuck in here all the time. I want to go out there and enjoy life, and let's pretend I do have cancer and if I die, do you really want me to spend my last days stuck in this prison of a hospital?
Ranveer: Bani! How many times have I told you not to talk like that!
Bani: Fine Bhaiya, I know what you are going through, but I am going through the same thing. I want to go out there and live, please Bhaiya.
Ranveer: Are they done with the tests?
Bani: Yah, they finished. And they wont find out the results till tomorrow so why can't I come home for the night at least
Ranveer: Okay, I will send Rano to pick you up.
Bani: Thanks bhai, I love you!
Bani hung up and started packing her bag, she was excited to get out of this place. Even though she had only been in this for a while, it was long enough to remind her of the painful past.
Walia House
Jai turned his laptop on, and typed in the blog he had seen on Bani's computer. He was shocked about what had been written about Bani having cancer… He had always known her to be a chirpy kid and to see this happen to her… He wrote a reply on the blog to let her know what he felt.
Hey!
I am not sure what I am supposed to be saying at this time but there is one thing I do want to say, have courage. I am sure you have people behind you who want you to be okay and get better because you mean the world to them so if not for yourself, do it for your relatives, and friends. Sometimes the most important thing needed with fighting off illnesses is not the medicine but rather your own motivation to overcome it as well as love and prayers. I can tell you now that you have at least one friend who wants nothing but for you to get well so he/she can tease you and play with you like you guys always have. Please keep us updated with what is happening, you have my prayers, wishes and love.
Your friend.
He shut the computer and decided to make the party tonight special for Bani. He worked himself to decorate the entire house and made sure that it would be a night to remember. Jai knew of Bani's little crush on him, but to him, she was just a young girl. Right? Well at least he told that to others.
Dixit Residence
As soon as Bani got home, she went through her entire wardrobe to try and find a dress that would make her look beautiful and not make her seem 18, a kid in front of Jai's eyes. She finally reached a conclusion and picked up a dress she had been given for her birthday but never wore. It was an elegant black dress that reached all the way to her knees and it had small slits on the side.
She picked up her purse and glanced at the time, it was 8 already. She had told Ranveer bhaiya and Rano Di to leave earlier. She had decided that she didn't want to go alone as everyone at these parties was a couple. The bell rang and Bani opened the door.
Bani: How long does it take to come Pushkar?
Pushkar: Well if you give me a last minute notice, what do you expect?
Bani: Well let's go then.
Pushkar: So may I ask why exactly I am coming to this?
Bani: Because you are a great friend and I don't want to go there alone.
Pushkar: Right, this has nothing to do with trying to make Jai jealous?
Bani: What, why would you even think that?
Pushkar: Bani, I know you and just for you I will do this. You owe me big time.
Bani: Anything for you, now let's go before the party ends.
The two of them went into the room and it was decorated in Bani's favorite color, light blue. It was simply decorated but there was a feel attached to it, as if someone had decorated it with love. Jai saw Bani enter the room, hand in hand with Pushkar and it shouldn't have mattered for some reason it annoyed Jai.
Jai: Hi Bani, hi Pushkar.
Bani: Jai, nice party. I must tell you that whoever decorated this house has done it in such a magnificent manner, I love it!
Jai: Thanks Bani.
Bani: You did it?
Jai: Yah…
Bani: But you never decorate anything…
Jai: Well maybe I did it for a reason.
Bani: Ooo… for Sonali?
Jai: Excuse Me.
Bani was confused by Jai's behavior but tried to avoid that for now and went in search for her brother. And found him on the phone so she tried to sneak up on him but heard him talking in hushed voices.
Ranveer: Sir, I really need some money right now…. I know that it's hard especially since the company is going down so much but my sister is sick and I will need some money for her treatment… (pause) Sir, I understand but I promise to pay it back as quickly as possible. (another pause) I understand…
Bani walked out into Jai's living room with was isolated since everyone else was out enjoying the party. She signed onto her blog account and read a stranger's comment that brought a smile to her face. The stranger was Jai Walia but she had no clue about that. She started writing down her thoughts and feelings about everything and anything.
I know my last entry was boring and depressing for some but what can I do? I wish I could bring you some good news, my heart is praying for some good news but there is none for me.
What hurts/ scares me more then the thought of me dying is the thought of my brother being hurt… I remember so many years ago when I first got this disease, he was only 18 but he was always by my side, working three jobs in order to pay for my health. He took care of me, he treated me with love, he was always there with a smile even in the worst possible time.
I remember there was a time when I stopped responding to any treatment but my brother never gave up and took me to another doctor, I guess his hard work paid off because I am here writing this for all of you to see.
At that time, my brother spent all his money that he had saved for his own college to save me. On top of all that money, he still had to take a lot of loans and now that my disease is back, I don't know what he is going to do. How is he going to pay for my disease?
If God grants me one wish then I don't pray that my cancer disappears but rather I pay that my brother does all he can to save me because even if I die after that at least he will live knowing he did his best. I want my brother to be happy because that is what makes me happy the most in my life. I want him to find enough money to treat me because then he would have tried what he could to save me, the rest is up to God.
Now, on a totally different note to get rid of all the tension, I am at a friend's house. Yes, this friend is the guy I like and the guy who treats me like a kid sister. I don't know, today, he seemed different… almost as if in his eyes I was older in some way, more mature. Maybe it's just the dress that makes me seem older or maybe it's because he may like me back. Hey, don't laugh at me, a dying girl is allowed to say or feel anything she wants =)
I guess I should go now before any one recognizes I have been gone for too long. But please pray for my brother, thank you =).
Bani posted the blog entry, wiped away the few tears that had fallen from her eyes and went towards the party, feigning happiness. As she walked towards the room, she felt a wave of dizziness overcome her but nothing was going to ruin the night. She took a quick sip of water and met up with Pushkar.
Pushkar: Where did you disappear off to?
Bani: No where, just went to get a drink.
Pushkar: Right… you feeling okay, right Bani?
Bani: Of course, I am perfectly fine. You have to stop worrying about me so much.
Pushkar: Have you been feeling dizzy?
Bani (looking away): Pushkar, you know what, you are worse then my brother right now.
Pushkar: So you have.
Bani: How would you know?
Pushkar: You won't look me in the eye and tell me that you haven't been feeling dizzy.
Bani: Forget it, I am going to go find someone FUN to talk to.
Bani broke away from Pushkar and went to find someone who didn't understand her so well.
Jai's Room
Jai logged onto his computer and checked the blog entry and knew he had to do something. He knew what the problem was, and he also had a solution. For the first time in two years, Jai finally called his father.
Jai: Mr. Walia?
Uday Walia: May I know who is speaking?
Jai: It's Jai.
Uday: I am your father, don't call me by my name.
Jai: Yah, and a great father you are that you cant even recognize your son's voice. But I don't want to get into that right now.
Uday: Well since you have called, I am sure there must be something important.
Jai: I need to borrow some money, I will pay it back.
Uday: How much?
Jai: Around 10 lakhs.
Uday: Why do you need so much money?
Jai: I will pay it back to you, I will work and give all my money to you.
Uday: Can I get a reason?
Jai: I have a friend who is in need for some money.
Uday: I have heard that you are getting too attached to Ranveer and his sister Bani.
Jai: What does that have to do with you?
Uday: They are poor people and their main job is to get money from you, don't fall for it.
Jai: They are nothing like that!
Uday: Do you have any feelings for the girl?
Jai: That is none of your business!
Uday: So you do, I am warning you, don't get too involved with this girl or else you will regret it.
Jai: Will you give me the money or not?
Uday: On one condition.
Jai: What is the condition?
Uday: You close all contacts with the girl, and if this girl likes you back—make her hate you so we wont have to deal with any problems connected with her.
Jai: You know what Mr. Walia, you can keep your own money.
Uday: Think about it Jai. These poor people want nothing but to rope in a rich guy and get all of his money and then leave him suffering, don't fall for this girl or else you will really regret it.
Jai hung up, disgusted with his own dad. How could anyone do such a thing? There was no sense, he knew Bani and he knew she wasn't the type to ever do anything like this for her money. Jai picked up the phone and tried to borrow some money but no one was willing to lend him any money considering he was just out of college and not with a job.
The Party
Bani looked around to try and find Jai but it was to no use, he was no where to be found but just then she saw him come down the stairs. Bani's face lit up without even trying and she started walking towards him. And then stopped, she didn't want to seem too desperate so she started dancing with Pushkar.
Pushkar: Why exactly are you dancing with me? What happened to going and finding Jai?
Bani: Are you jealous Pushkar.
Pushkar: Me? And jealous of you and Jai? Are you kidding me?
Bani: Well then do me a favor.
Pushkar: What?
Bani: Why don't you ask the girl who is dancing with Jai for a dance and then since he won't have someone to dance with, he will ask me.
Pushkar: Isn't that a bit desperate.
Bani: Well as they say, you have to fight for love, and everything is fair in love and war.
Pushkar: Fine, let's go.
And within a few minutes, Bani was dancing with Jai. The song was perfect, the tunes were just right and the entire room around them seemed to have disappeared. It was just the two of them dancing enjoying every minute of what was happening, the feelings that were running through them.
Jai: Bani
Bani: Yah
Jai: Happy Birthday!
All the lights around them lighted up and a cake was rolled into the room with her brother by her side. With everything happening in her life, she had even forgotten today was her birthday. Just the thought of her cancer coming back had taken away any thoughts of her birthday.
Bani: Oh my God, I can't believe I forgot my own birthday.
Jai: Well that's what we are here for.
Jai handed Bani the knife and told her to blow the candles. Bani made a quick wish and blew the candles.
Jai: What did you wish for?
Bani: If I tell you, it might not come true.
Bani took the knife and cut the cake while everyone sang the song. She fed the first piece to her brother and Rano di and the second piece was of course for Jai and Pushkar. All four of them tried to feed her the same time, not a pretty site at all.
Bani: Thanks a lot for all of this Jai.
Jai: It was my pleasure.
Bani: Now, am I allowed to demand a gift?
Jai: Of course you are, but you will get mine later on tonight.
The party dispersed again, with people coming and wishing Bani a happy birthday every few minutes. She received more gifts in that one day then she had in a really long time. After almost everyone had gone and Bani was tired of smiling her face off, she finally sat down on a table because she was feeling really weak but never let the smile go off her face.
Jai: Hey
Bani: Hey! Thank you so much for all of this, you have no idea what this means to me!
Bani didn't want to admit it but she was afraid that this might be the last time she would be able to celebrate her birthday, that she might die at the age of 19.
Jai: What are you thinking?
Bani: Oh nothing…
Jai: Well don't you want your gift.
Bani: You didn't have to get me anything, I mean you have already done all this.
Jai: Well, you don't want it then?
Bani: Of course I do!
Jai: Well it's outside, a little farther off from this place.
Bani: Oh… well shouldn't we ask Bhaiya if…
Jai: Yah, they know. I asked already and they are fine with it.
Bani: Oh, okay let's go.
Bani got up but felt really dizzy but controlled herself and didn't let Jai know that she was in pain. She took his hand for support to keep her from falling and Jai knew instantly what was wrong. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go with her now.
Jai: We can do this some other time.
Bani: Why? DO you need to go somewhere?
Jai couldn't tell her that he knew about everything so he went along with the plan and took her towards her surprise. Bani felt great sitting in the car with Jai and having the windows rolled down with air flowing towards her face.
Jai: Put the blindfolds on.
Bani didn't question it because asking why is a stupid question. She quietly put the blindfolds on and became excited for what was yet to come. She was taken out of the car with the help of Jai and taken towards her gift. When her blindfold was taken off, she was clearly surprised. It was nighttime but this entire place was lit with one hot ballon in the middle of the field.
Balloon place.
Bani: How… How… How did you manage this? I mean… it's night time and why is there only one?
Jai: Well I figured I needed to give you a unique birthday gift and this was what came to my mind because I remember how two years ago you really wanted to go with your friends for your 17th birthday and you couldn't.
Bani: I love it!
Bani hugged Jai spontaneously and was in awe with the hot balloon. The entire area was nicely lit and Bani ran to the balloon and was really excited to go into it. It took her a second to realize what that meant… she would be alone in the balloon with Jai for 30 or so minutes, and ask much as she wanted some private time with him, that scared her.
Jai knew exactly what he had to do tonight, it was going to be hard but he had to do it. He wouldn't do it at the beginning but it was time, it was needed…
They both got onto the hot air balloon and Bani was enjoying herself fully, she kept chit-chatting but mostly looked down at the pretty scenery. After a while though, she became tired and sat down on the little bench inside the balloon. Jai went and sat right next to her and she flashed a smile his way. He closed his eyes and made sure he could do what he was about to do.
He put his hands on her hands and she turned around with a confused look but took it to be a friendly act and didn't do anything about it.
Jai: Bani, look at me.
Bani turned around and tried to pull her hands away but Jai kept a hold of them tightly.
Bani: What is it?
Bani saw the look in his eyes and was scared, there was lust in it… Jai tried to pull Bani closer but Bani pulled apart.
Bani: What are you doing?
Jai: Oh come on Bani, you know you want this too.
Bani: Leave my hand.
Jai tried to pull Bani even closer and tried to kiss her but Bani returned a big slap on his face.
Bani: Get off of me! What is wrong with you?
Jai: Come on Bani, I know you like me.
Bani: SO? That doesn't mean anything!
Jai: Okay, how about this, since you are about to die sometime close, why not just enjoy now? Do you really want to die a virgin?
Bani felt as if she had been slapped. He knew… he knew about her cancer and this is what he did in return? Was this the same Jai she used to like so much? Bani was confused about what she should be feeling, anger? Hurt? Disgust? She was feeling all of those in one.
A tear fell down Bani's eyes and even though it hurt Jai to see her like this, he knew he had to continue. He grabbed her by her shoulders and pulled her closer, but Bani just pushed him away and landed another slap on his face.
Bani: I cant believe I liked a guy like you. How dare you think you can touch me like that? And who told you I am about to die? There is no way, I am going to die and let you win this Mr. Jai Walia. I am going to be okay, and that will kill you every second you live. Now get me off.
Jai: Goodness Bani, you don't have to be such a…
Bani: Get me off! NOW!
Jai: There is no one here who can hear you to get you off.
Bani: So, what? You are going to rape me now?
Jai: I don't need to rape anyone, I can have girls on my feet when I want them.
Bani: Fine, then go after those girls, leave me alone.
Bani felt really dizzy but she tried to cling on to the corners of the rail on the balloon. She wouldn't faint, not now, not in front of him!
Jai saw the pain on her face and signaled people to get them down without her knowing. Within a few minutes the two of them were off the balloon and Bani ran to the nearest taxi. She told him the address and sat down into the taxi.
Before they reached the house, Bani had fainted inside the taxi and the taxi driver went inside to call the owner of the house, Ranveer.
Hospital
Together they took her to the hospital and admitted her. While she was taken inside, Ranveer went to the receptionist.
Ranveer: Hi, I am here with Bani Dixit, I am her brother. I was wondering if I could pay for her treatment in small amounts.
Receptionist: Oh, you don't have to worry about it, the money has been paid.
Ranveer: It's been paid? By who?
Receptionist: I am sorry, I am not allowed to disclose that information.
Ranveer: I really need to know.
Receptionist: I am sorry, I was told not to tell anyone this information.
Ranveer had an idea who this could possibly be. He picked up his jacket from the chair and went towards Jai's house. Once he got there, he walked into the hall.
Jai's House
Ranveer: Jai.
Jai, who was upstairs, was shocked to hear Ranveer's voice. He hoped it wasn't any bad news, and ran downstairs to find Ranveer.
Jai: What is it? What's wrong?
Ranveer: Just answer with a yes or no. Did you pay for Bani's treatment?
Jai: (pretending to be totally lost): What are you talking about?
Ranveer: Don't you dare lie to me, you are my best friend and I have known you for so many years, tell me, did you?
Jai: Fine, I did.
Ranveer: Then why don't you want us to know?
Jai told him about the conversation he had with his dad, and the conditions his dad had put on it.
Ranveer: Wait, how did you fulfill those conditions? I mean one of them tells you to make Bani hate you…
Jai: (with a small disgusted laugh): She hates me, that's not the problem.
Ranveer: Oh my God, you love her!
Jai: What are you talking about?
Ranveer: The look in your eyes… What do you plan on doing now?
Jai: I plan on paying my father back, each and every penny so that I can come back and explain everything to her one day.
Ranveer: Jai, you shouldn't have.
Jai: Do you know what she said to me after she started to hate me?
Ranveer: What?
Jai: She said "And who told you I am about to die? There is no way, I am going to die and let you win this Mr. Jai Walia. I am going to be okay, and that will kill you every second you live." If my actions give her courage and determination then I am okay with that because if she is okay, it will only make me happy.
Ranveer: I… I don't know how to thank you for all this. I really want to go tell Bani all this, I will get the money some other way.
Jai: The health system here is crappy, they won't act until you hand the money to them and by the time you find money some other way, it will be too late.
Ranveer: But… you both like each other…
Jai: Not anymore… but it doesn't matter, what is more important right now is that she becomes better.
Jus then Ranveer's cell phone rang and it was the doctor confirming that what they feared was actually here, it was cancer and it was the second stage. They needed to act now, but even now the chances were really small.
Ranveer: I have to go.
Jai: Yah…
Jai walked out of that office and he knew exactly what he had to do.
The Hospital (A couple days later)
Bani posted her last blog.
I am sorry guys, as much as I want to continue writing in here, I can't. I become tired way too quickly even after sitting for a long time, let alone writing. The doctor came and told everything to my brother and me, and you can say its dangerous and the chances of me surviving are low—but I have to survive. Not for myself, but to prove someone wrong, and to keep my brother happy.
If I don't survive… I guess I want to say something to a few people… (they will know who they are because if I am about to die then I will give them this website.)
My brother: Bhaiya, thank you for everything you have done for me, I don't know what I would do without you. I am sorry for all the times I was a pain about taking medication or even not sleeping. I am sorry for all the trouble I have given you with all of this, I am sorry for not being able to do much more to help you out. There is one thing I want to tell you: That you are the best brother I could have probably had. Even when other's left, you always stood by my side, and directed me towards what was right and kept me away from the harm this world could have given me. You were my pillar of strength, and love. I really can't summarize, my 19 years with you, but I want to let you know that no one and nothing means more to me then you. And if I survive past this, I will try and be a better sister!
My brother's love: You are the best thing that happened to him, and he knows it too. You should know that too. You were there when he needed you. You stood by him even when he was frustrated because of my cancer, and you could have backed out because of his behavior but you understood him and stood by him and I respect that and hope that one day, if I survive, I can love someone else like you love my brother. You guys are the best couple in the world.
My best friend: Thank you for always being by my side when I needed you there! Even 6 years ago, and now you are by my side everyday making sure I have everything I need. Sorry for all the times I used you to make other people jealous—totally wrong. We have done crazy things together and trust me when I say that I treasure our friendship so much add you will always, always be my best friend in this world!!
I don't have a title for this person… in a way he has been a big influence in my life, be it be a few years ago or even now. At one time I liked him but he only considered me as a annoying little girl who is his best friend's sister. And now, when I thought everything was going well with him and me, it all came and bit me in my own ass. But I hold no grudge against him, I should just be thankful that he has woken me up from a dream, something that would never true.
He made me angry, he made me sad but all of it has given me courage to prove him wrong, it has provided me with determination to fight my illness off.
My medicines are helping in a way, and the doctors say I am improving but nothing is stable. One day I feel perfectly fine, another day I feel as if I am dying a thousand lives.
I really can't write anymore, forgive me if I stop writing for a really long time.
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