Part 1 - A Happy Family
Bani finished reading her sister's e-mail. She smiled as she looked at the picture beside her laptop… her family. Nishikant Dixit was a top industrialist in his time. He had two daughters, which he treasured more than any thing. He was a very simple and a down to earth type of person. His wife on the other hand, Kiran was very modern women. Her day usually revolved around salons, cards and kitty parties. But, she taught both her daughters traditional values.
Pia, the older one, grew up and went into the fashion industry. Like her mother in nature, she was beautiful, talented, attractive and perfect in very way. Inspite of having soo much name and fame, Pia didn't have a trace of arrogance in her. She grew up to be a fashion designer alright, but was never against her parents or her principles.
And finally the youngest of the Dixit clan was Bani. Being the darling of the house, Bani got away with everything. She was a spoilt brat in her childhood, messing with people and what not. But to everyone's surprise, she became very mature after a few years. According to her wish, her father sent her to Canada, to finish her business degree. She was the apple of everyone's eyes, but she she was exceptionally close to her sister, who she adored beyond anything.
Being only two years apart, Pia and Bani were more like friends than sisters. Both were two different people, but one thing they had in common was their love for each other. Nothing was hidden between both of them and shared everything they had.
Bani finished reading her e-mails and then shut the laptop. She finished her studies a week ago and was to return to India in a few days time for her sister's wedding. When or how this marriage topic came up, she didn't know. Almost a year ago, she got a message saying her sister was getting engaged. Of course the news shocked her beyond words, but was happy all the same.
Pia was having an arranged marriage to Jai Walia, who bani heard about a couple of times. He was the only son of the famous Uday Walia, the ex- CEO of the Walia Group of industries and a good friend of Nishikant Dixit. It was the two friend's wish to turn the friendship into a relation and hence planned the wedding.
Bani being the shy one, never got a chance to talk to Jai, when she flew to India for a week, to attend the engagement. She saw him and agreed that he did look handsome. He was only 28 and looked dashing in his trademark colour black. He took over his father's business only a year ago and was doing very well in the hotel industry.
But what she noticed was that, inspite of having an arrange marriage, both of them seemed happy. Atleast, that much was seen on their faces. She was happy for Pia ofcourse, but couldn't understand if she really did love Jai or adjusted to her father's wishes. Bani only wanted a love marriage and assumed that's what her sister would also want.
Whatever the case maybe, she was more concerned about her marriage. She and Pushkar Shukla were in love and Bani didn't have the courage to tell her parents. She knew they wouldn't say no, but there was a feeling of fear. It started as a friendship between both of them and soon, Bani found herself in love. And then one evening, when Pushkar proposed to her, she couldn't say no!
She was planning to break the news, after the wedding. She knew that her parents had a lot to deal with already, and didn't want to stress them anymore. In a few days time, her sister would be married and she will also get a chance to talk to her parents about Pushkar. Everything would be perfect!
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P: hey Bani!! Whats up?
B: the roof … now listen, I have to go to India
P: I know I know… you told me
B: no pushkar, listen… I don't know why, but dad called me and told me to come there in two days… so I HAVE to leave
P: but
B: sorry… but I will call you after I reach
P: should I come too
B: NO!! I have to tell di first and then dad… so, DON"T come until I call you
P: fine baba
B: ok bye
P: no, listen
B: what?
P: I love you
B: I love you too… now bye!
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Bani fiddled with her duppatta as the flight landed in Mumbai, India. She would have worn casual jeans or something, but noting that there was a wedding going on, and some of her relatives from the mom's side were coming… she didn't feel like it. The last time, she wore a long skirt with a spagetting strap and it was like hell for her. All the older ladies coming and giving her shawls, complaining that she was exposing herself and what not. She didn't want to go through that at all.
The whole Dixit house was buzzing with activity. Servants all over the place, decoraters, guests, relatives, designers, beauticians… Wondering why there is soo much extra commotion, when the wedding is not til two weeks, Bani stepped into the house. At once, everyone came to her and bombardered her with questions. After politely refusing to answer, she made her way upstairs to her parents room.
After not finding them there, she went to Pia's room, who jumped with joy at the sight of her sister and hugged her tight. Bani felt so safe and warm in her di's arms that she wanted to stay there forever. After kicking out all her friends from the room, Bani sat down on the bed with a sigh. It was long and tiresome journey!
B: tell me
P: what?
B: everything I missed
P: okay first of all, the wedding is tomorrow
B: WHAT??
P: yeah, Jai had to go to London for a month, and so we decided to get married before he goes…
B: but, how are we going to get everything done?
P: that's what I said… but you know mama… she said she will take care
B: where is she?
P: I don't know… I haven't seen her all day either.
B: so how is jeeju?
P: he is fine
B: just fine?? Come on, tell me something more interesting
P: there is nothing like what you are thinking
B: why… you are modern and he is modern too… ofcourse, you should have kissed by now
P: we didn't
B: gosh, you are really outdated… he is your fianc
P: which means, he can wait til marriage
B: did he have any girlfriends before?
P: I don't know, I never asked
B: did you even talk to him after your engagement
P: yeah
B: what, like once
P: no, we went to dinners, parties, places
B: and let me guess, you didn't even talk
P: it is an arranged marriage Bani, what can you expect?
B: something better than this Di… you don't know anything about this man and you are getting married to him
P: you are talking as if it is the end of the world. Lots of people have arranged marriages… and why are you so worried, when I am not… we have the whole life to know each other
B: I just don't want you to be unhappy
P: I am happy… I seriously am… I am sure Jai is a great guy and mom can never be wrong….and more than that, I met him, talked to him and spent time with him…
B: if you say so…
P: accha… forget this… tell me news of Canada
B, blushing: nothing
P: waw waw… meri behen sharma rahi hai (my sister is shy)
B: shut up Di…
P: so, who is it?
B: Pushkar… Pushkar Shukla
P: and how long has this been going on?
B: almost a year
P, holding her ear: and you didn't tell me?
B: sry sry di… actually he proposed to be only two months ago… and I said yes
P: so everything is planned… only waiting for mom and dad's approval
B: no di!
P: huh?
B: waiting for you approval di
P: you turned out to be smart Bani… I should agree so that I can make dad agree…
B: no… I am not so clever
P: stop telling stories
B: no, I really love him
P: I will only tell you one thing Bani… don't always keeps your hopes too high, because it will hurt a lot when they come crashing down in front of your eyes…
B: sounds like you are telling this from experience
P: that's life for you Bani
B, hugging Pia: I love you di!
P: I love you too!!!
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Will be looking forward to your comments... there is no Jai in this part, but he will come in the next part 😉. And Pia is NOT evil... she loves her family and Jai to some extent... i couldn't think of a proper title, and hence put a stranger in my life
Archi
Edited by -Archi- - 17 years ago
Fan Fictions
