FF:Hum Tum (Chap.23 pg.63) [29/03/08]

Index: Chap.2 pg.4, Chap.3 pg.6, Chap.4 pg.8, Chap.5 pg. 10, Chap.6 pg.13, Chap.7 pg. 15, Chap.8 pg. 17, Chap. 9 pg. 20, Chap. 10 pg. 23, Chap. 11 pg.27, Chap. 12 pg.31, Chap.13 pg.34, Chap.14 pg.37

Chapter 1

Jai peered out the airplane's window for the umpteenth time. White fluffy clouds and nothing else in sight, he sighed. After many years Jai and his family were returning to India ever since they had moved to New York. He was about ten when they had left India, and she was about seven.

Now that he was in his mid twenties, he wondered how she looked like. Did she still remember her childhood friend and their memories? He is going to meet her after so many years, will he even recognize her? Jai smiled as he remembered the day when they were leaving to New York.

Everyone was sad, their families were so close, saying goodbye wasn't easy. Jai's father, Uday had to go to New York as he found a better job in his expertise. That day at the airport both families had tears in their eyes but she was crying profusely as she saw Jai check-in with his family and disappear into the terminals.

Jai snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Ranveer grumble, who was sitting beside him. Ranveer was Jai's older brother by a couple of years. "When is this flight going to be over?" Ranveer whined. Jai laughed lightly, "It's only three hours into the flight we have a long way to go."

Hearing this Ranveer cursed under his breath, and Jai's mind wondered off again. "Jai..Jai," Ranveer nudged him. "Hmmm," Jai woke up lazily. "Put on your belt we're about to land," Ranveer gestured. Jai quickly fastened his belt and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

Basically the whole time he was sleeping and he didn't even realize when they reached India. The plane landed safely and one by one the passengers exited.

After receiving their luggage and finishing all formalities they walked out to the front to be welcomed by Nishikant and Priya Dixit. Enveloping in their hugs and greetings Jai's eyes scanned but unfortunately didn't see her. They made it to the car and were on their way to the Dixit home.

"We held a party for your home coming, so many people can't wait to see you guys," Priya said happily to Kiran, Jai's mother. "I also can't wait to see them," Kiran grinned and looked out the window to observe the changes that happened in Mount Abu.

"Bani…"Rano called out to her sister. "Coming," Bani yelled quickly putting on her silver earrings. Bani ran to Rano dodging some annoying guests and children that were running around. "Yes you rang," Bani mimicked in a butlery fashion bowing.

"Bani this is no time for jokes. The Walias are going to arrive soon and I'm the only person attending the guests. Also I don't know where Pia has gone, she's always disappearing," Rano blabbered uncontrollably. Bani held her sister by her shoulders, "Di, calm down, just chill."

"Chill, I can't chill," Rano stomped angrily. Pia walked by whistling care-free probably not even noticing the guests that was crowding in the house at the moment. Rano went over to Pia to start her rant with her. Bani sighed a relief and noticed they had arrived, with the Walias.

Jai walked into the Dixit house and he experienced an anxious feeling as his eyes searched for her. Bani leaned on the railing that overlooked the lower floor and main entrance of their house. She saw him, Jai. He looked so different from when they were kids.

He was tall, lean and had a great built which could be told by his broad shoulders. His well fitted t-shirt outlined his hard chest and designer jeans hanging from his waist displaying his powerful thighs and cute bottom. Pia nudged Bani out of her trance.

"So that's Jai eh?" Pia spoke thoughtfully. "Hmm not bad," she laughed and winked at Bani. For no apparent reason Bani's face was flushed and she shook her head taking out all her thoughts about him in the process. Pia was the middle child being older than Bani by a year making Bani the youngest out of the three and Rano the oldest.

Bani came down following Rano than Pia and touched Kiran's feet in blessing. Kiran hugged Bani joyously, "You have grown up so much since I've seen you, but still you're as enchantingly beautiful as I saw you years ago," Kiran said affectionately.

Bani blushed and bowed her head down but in the middle of this re-union she could feel someone's intense eyes on her. Jai recognized her, Bani from the moment she elegantly walked down the stairs. Looking amazing in a light pink salwaar kameez with her wavy locks down past her shoulders, her almond shaped eyes lined with kohl and a touch of pink lip gloss.

Pia was the first one to talk to Jai, sensing the outgoing person she was it wasn't surprising. Jai answered her silly questions and chuckled at her non-humorous jokes but really his mind was somewhere else. Pia was two years younger than Jai, but during their childhood Jai was more close with Bani because Pia was more interested in make-up and fashion than Jai.

Bani was more bubbly and tomboyish going on adventures with Jai and being a good listener when he needed to talk to someone. Priya called Pia and as soon as she was gone, leaving Jai alone he searched for Bani and didn't get a glimpse of her.