FF: Dil se chap 18/EPI updt pg 37, 7/24

Link to my previous ff ZINDAGI

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/819114/ff-zindagi-final-chap-pg-6

DIL SE

I am trying to write a love story, but I am not very good at all the romantic stuff 😆, but I thought I would give it a try anyways. Hope you like it.

CHAPTER 1

Jai Walia was busy talking to his manager about an upcoming hotel inauguration when his phone rang.

Jai ignored it at first, but when it rang for the third time, picked it up and barked angrily, Ms Pant, I told you I did not want to be disturbed. What was so urgent that you could not wait for another half hour?

I am sorry sir, the secretary stammered, but there is a lady out here to see you and she says it's of utmost importance that she meets you. I tried telling her you were busy, but she won't take no for an answer.

Ms Pant, If you find it so difficult to do your job, maybe I should just fire you rather than suffer your incompetence.

Sir, I '..but before she could continue, a soft dignified voice rang in his ear, It is me Jai, Mrs Dixit. I need to speak to you.

Jai froze for a moment, and tried to recollect the last time he had heard her voice. He felt a slight anger build up inside him, and wanted to tell her off, but then decided against it as he was curious as to know why she wanted to meet him in the first place.

Ms Pant, kindly let her in.

Jai indicated the manager to leave and as he did a tall woman walked in. She looked older than he remembered, with graying hair and a lot more haggard and weak as compared to what she was 20 years ago, when he had last seen her. But, she had not lost her dignified presence. She could still make heads turn in her direction when she walked into a room.

Hello Jai, she said. It has been a long time.

It's Mr Walia for you, Mrs Dixit, and he indicated to her to sit down.

If she was flustered by that remark, she did a good job of covering it. He did notice something in her eyes but it passed just as quickly.

She seated herself down and gently smiled at him. I know you're a busy man so I will try to make this as short as possible. You probably know that Mr Dixit passed away 5 years ago because of a severe heart attack.

No, jai replied. I didn't and I am sorry for your loss, he replied uninterestedly, looking down at the papers scattered before him. The truth was he had known when Nishikant had died, but he wanted her to think that he was not the least bit bothered to what happened to them.

Thanks, she replied. I have been looking after my three daughters by myself since then. But now I need some help.

Before she could continue, Jai took out his check book. So it is a matter of money, how predictable, just tell me much do you need, he said with a sneer and a caustic tone.

Anger flashed in Savitri's eyes. I am not some charity case Mr Walia. I have known you when you were a little kid and inspite if our differences today, you should have know better than to insult me in that way. Believe me if I had any other option instead of coming here, I would have taken it.

Jai cringed inwardly when he heard her call him Mr Walia. It did not have the effect he hoped and wanted. Jai put his check book back in the drawer without saying another word.

Savitri took a deep breath and continued. I have been diagnosed with cancer Mr Walia, and I have barely 3 months to live. I am scared for the wellbeing of my daughters after I am dead, and I wanted to make you their guardian before I died.

What, Jai smirked? You want me to be your precious daughters' guardian? The last time we met you told me that the Walia name was a disgrace and an ugly smudge on mankind. Now that you are suddenly desperate, the Walia name has miraculously been redeemed?

No, Savitri replied, controlling her quivering voice, and with her head held high, looking directly into his eyes. But for me Jai, you will always be your mother's son first. It is just unfortunate you will have to live with the burden of the Walia name as well. There was a time you used to eat from my hands Jai. I have consoled you many a time when you were hurt.

So you are here in the hope that I will repay you for that, Jai replied.

No, Savitri replied, with slight tears brimming in her eyes. Everything I did for you, I did it out of love. There is nothing to repay, her voice choked slightly. I hope you will remember those moments and realize that at one time, you were like a son to me. Infact, you still are.

Jai turned to look out the window. He did remember, spending time with them and his mother had been the happiest days of his childhood. Even though he was angry at her for demeaning his family name, he couldn't but help admire the lady who even in such dire straits held to her convictions and beliefs. But could he forgive her for what she had done? Still, it was what his mother would have wanted. After all these years, she still knew how to get him to do her bidding; he resigned with a slight irritation. Signing softly to himself, and what he believed to be against his better judgment, he asked her, What do you need from me?

Savitri smiled at him and continued. Jai, three girls living alone together, without a male presence of some sort will always bring about unwanted attention. I don't want them to have to compromise ever in life. Its not that I need any monetary help form you Jai, she continued hastily. My Bani is more than capable to handle all the responsibilities, and will take very good care of Rano and Pia after I am gone, the pride for her daughter was unmistakable. This much I am sure about. I just need to know you will look into their wellbeing once in a while to make sure they are safe. Will you be their guardian Jai, she asked hopefully.

Jai kept quiet. He didn't know whether he should accept. On the one hand, he had hated her for what she had done, on the other he couldn't forget that at one time his mother and Savitri had been as close as sisters, and he had spent a lot of happy days with her and Nishikant, when he had gone to Mt Abu to visit them every 6 months.

He looked into her eyes again. The confidence that was shining in them before, had been slowly replaced by worry and desperation, it was the same look he had seen in his mother's eyes shortly before she passed away.

It was then that he knew that he couldn't refuse her. Jai stood up and nodded his head in agreement. She let out a cry of happiness, before she impulsively rushed over to hug him. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Thank you Jai, she said now sobbing uncontrollably.

As Jai stood awkwardly while she tried to compose herself, she gave him a watery smile and walked out of his office.

Four months later, he received news that Savitri Dixit had passed away.

BD

Comments are eagerly awaited.😃

Chap 1- Pg 1

Chap 2- Pg 2

Chap 3- Pg 3

Chap 4A- Pg 4, Chap 4B- Pg 5

Chap 5- Pg 8

Chap 6- Pg 11

Chap 7- Pg 14

Chap 8A- Pg 16

Chap 8B- Pg 17

Chap 9A- Pg 19

Chap 9B- Pg 20

Chap 10- Pg 22

Chap 11- Pg 25

Chap 12 - Pg 27

Chap 13A - Pg 30

Chap 13B - Pg 32

Chap 14 - Pg 36

Chap 15 - Pg 40

Great start. Very nicely written trying to show the concern of a mother for her children.

Pls continue soon.

2nd.

nice start. 👏👏

plz continue soon.

really nice part
waiting 4 more....
plz continue soon.


nim.

aww really nicely written 👏
great start


plz cont

Taj

wow!!!!!!!!!
Your second ff!!!
Congrats BD!! 👏 This is a very nice ending of 2007 for you nah?? Having started 2 ff in such short time 😊 😊
Happy New Year!!!
Sukh 😊

fabulous start 👏
please continue soon 😃

Awesome start.
like it.
plz cont. soon

Thank you for all your wonderful comments. You really make me want to update.

I have finally give this ff a name, dil se. But if you want me to change it, please give me suggestions.

Here's the next chapter. Please leave comments 😊 and ignore my mistakes.

He looked into her eyes again. The confidence that was shining in them before, had been slowly replaced by worry and desperation, it was the same look he had seen in his mother's eyes shortly before she passed away.

It was then that he knew that he couldn't refuse her. Jai stood up and nodded his head in agreement. She let out a cry of happiness, before she impulsively rushed over to hug him. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Thank you Jai, she said now sobbing uncontrollably.

As Jai stood awkwardly while she tried to compose herself, she gave him a watery smile and walked out of his office.

Four months later, he received news that Savitri Dixit had passed away.

CHAPTER 2

Jai sat quietly and stared out the window all the way to Mt Abu. He didn't want to attend the funeral at first, but his sister Jigyasa and masi had forced him to and had insisted that they would join him as well. He had never been able to refuse the either of them.

Jai Walia was the eldest of the family. Jigyasa, his sister was younger to him by 5 years and he doted on her. Krishna Walia was a dignified, loving and pious woman. He had always been closer to his mother than father.

She passed away when he was 15 years old. It was during her funeral when he last met Savitri Dixit. He remembered that day clearly. He was distraught, her death had hit him hard, but he chose to remain silent and stone faced. Jigyasa, had her head on his chest and was crying uncontrollably. Their father Uday, sat a little away. He remembered Mrs Dixit walking in pregnant holding one daughter in her hand, followed by Nishikant with the other. She looked around and as soon as she saw him and Jigyasa, rushed towards them. Her eyes were swollen and red, and the color of her face looked slightly drained. She patted Jai on his head and took Jigyasa in her embrace. Jigyasa looked at her and then hugged her even tighter. She felt safe in her arms. Bani stood watching silently for a moment and then caught Jai's hand. He looked at her and felt misty eyed. He tried to shrug his hand off, but she gave him a small smile and continued holding his hand. Reasons unknown to him, this small act offered him some consolation.

Savitri looked up at him. Just as she was about to pull him towards her as well, Uday walked up.

Hello Savitiri.

She looked at him and anger blazed in her eyes. The tender look on her face vanished. She was about to say something when Nishikant put his hand on her shoulder and said in a deep voice, My heartfelt condolences Mr Walia. If you need anything just let us know. Savitri looked away. Uday nodded, murmured a soft thanks and walked away.

After the funeral ceremony was over, Uday went to his study followed by Savitri and Nishikant. Jai's curiosity was peaked and leaving Jigyasa with Bani and Pia, followed them.

It would be nice if you could send Jai and Jigyasa with us for a while. They have just lost their mother and maybe a change will be good for them, Nishikant said.

I know what will be good for my children. They will remain here. I am completely able to look after them, Uday replied

Just as you looked after your wife, Savitri asked angrily. I saw what a great job you did there. I wonder what kind of father you will be to your kids.

That is none of your business. Just because my wife took you to be her best friend, I don't have to be civil with you, but I am. Don't forget your place and overstay your welcome.

I am only here for Jai and Jigyasa. You and your so called civility means nothing to me. If it were up to me….. she wanted to continue but was interuppted by Nishikant, who spoke, Savi, please. We will do as you wish Mr Waila. But should you change your mind, and need some help, we are always here and he gently pulled Savitri and walked out.

Savitri wasfuming outside the study. I hate that vile man. I should have forced Krishna to leave him. This Walia name is disgusting, a curse on mankind. As she was ranting, she suddenly saw Jai behind the pillar staring at her in shock and anger. Jai she said, I….but Jai ran off without hearing any explanations. From that day on, he hated her, she had insulted his father but more because by demeaning his family name, he felt she insulted his mother's memory as well, for she was a Walia too. Savitri tried calling a couple of times and though she spoke to Jigyasa on occasion, Jai never spoke to her. One day Uday picked up the phone in his study, after which a she stopped calling completely.

Uday Walia never remarried again. But there were rumors that he had a mistress, although nobody could find out any proof that she existed.

In the absence of a mother like figure in the house, Jai and Jigyasa seemed lost. Jigyasa missed Savitri badly and wanted to go stay with her. Uday was hardly at home, either away at business or meeting acquaintances, and he could not take care of them very well. Uday chose to stay away most of the time, because whenever he saw Jai looking at him for acknowledgment or approval, he felt Krishna's eyes staring back at him, which unnerved him. Jai picked up on that, and withdrew himself into a shell. He became quieter and serious and used up all his energy to take care of Jigyasa, to make her happy.

Uday finally called his cousin from Chandighar, Shoba. She had been recently widowed with no kids of her own. The moment she stepped into the house, she showered them with unconditional love and with time Jai and Jigyasa felt loved and wanted and began loving her like a mother.

Uday Walia passed away when Jai tuned 19, and according to his father's will Jai was made majority holder of all his assets. He had been fresh out of college, didn't have a degree and everyone at Walia industries were afraid that he would drive the business into the ground. But Jai, through his hard work, determination and business savvy proved them wrong. In the next few years, he had definitely become a name to reckon with and even people who disliked him or were jealous of him were forced to contend that he was brilliant at what he did. In fact, after 5 yrs after he had taken over the Walia industries, he had bought it to such a pinnacle that it was used synonymous with success.

When Jigyasa turned 24, she had fallen in love and married his college buddy and best friend Aditya, who was a Captain in the Navy. They went on to have two kids Anu and Sahil, who were adored by Jai.Whenever Aditya had to leave Jai insisted that Jigyasa and the kids move in with him and masi.

Jai's had two other close friends, Pushkar and Ranveer. Pushkar had been a junior in the same college where Aditya and Jai studied and had gone on to become a lawyer and Jai had often consulted him on business matters. Ranveer was Aditya's brother and was working with Jai, and was one of his most competent associate, and senior manger, a right hand to Jai. They often came over and occasionally stayed over as well. With them by his side along with masi, Jigyasa and her kids he had a happy family who he loved and who loved him, but there were times he felt alone and lost.

When he finally reached the house, it looked depilated and a little run down. He walked in with masi and noticed that there were only a handful of people and in the center three girls lay huddled to each other.

Bani stared at her mother lying in font of her. Pia and Rano were crying uncontrollably with their heads on her shoulder and she had an arm around them both. She waned to cry too, but she realized she had to be strong for her sisters' sake and so she held back her tears. She could feel her throat constrict and she tried to stay in control with a lot of difficulty. She heard some whispers and the name Walia, but she ignored it and continued staring at her mother

It was time to take her mother to the ground to be cremated. But there were only three men to carry her mother and for a brief second, Bani felt her resolve weaken and tears threatened to fall, but she noticed a tall man come forward. As they started leaving, she wanted to go with them, but she stood still because of her sisters. Suddenly she felt a hand on her head, she turned round and saw a kind old lady give her a reassuring look. She gently took Pia from her and another lady held Rano. Bani looked at them again before she let her sisters go and with a soft thank you, followed the funeral procession. She stood watching the fire burn till it extinguished and the tears that she had held back for so long came crashing down. She had now lost both her parents, she was an orphan. She felt alone. A little while alter she heard a slight cough. She turned around to see the same tall man in front of her.

I am sorry for your loss, he said, sounding genuinely upset. She murmured a soft thank you.

We need to head back now, he continued, your sisters will be waiting. She nodded and tried to get up, but she felt her legs give way. Just as she was about to fall back down, two strong arms held her. She looked at him and mumbled thanks. He just nodded and helped her steady herself. She looked ahead; she did not feel she had the strength to walk. As if he understood what she felt, the kind stranger gently held her and started walking towards her home. She felt safe leaning against him and allowed herself to be lead back home.

BD