Hi Guys,
Had written this a while back....have not completed it as yet but am putting up the next few parts...Hope you enjoy it ....will try and complete this ASAP.
Your comments are always welcomed....please suggest how would you like the story to move on ???
Thanks,
Livelikeaqueen
Part 4
At the Airport : Roshini Leaving
J: I am going to miss you Roshani…call me when you get there , and let me know if you need anything .
R: Don't worry Jai , I will be fine …you take care of yourself and don't work too hard. I will see you in 4 months…you wont even realize where it went.
J : (trying to smile)…have a great time and come back soon.
R: Jai am going to help my dad not on vacation…and don't worry I will be fine ok . nwasy gtg my flight is announced.
They Hug and Roshini leaves. Jai watches her go and thinks to himself " I don't know I am feeling bad that she is leaving but it looks like she feels nothing, I hope things will change once she comes back. I hope she misses me" ..saying this Jai leaves .
Back in Mumbai :
A: Pushkar we have to come up with something really good!!
P: Boss, I don't get it .. why do we need to come up with something when the actual reason is that we sold at a lower price. I mean just have a good mark up on the products and our sales will be high again.
B: Yeah Pushkar, that is correct ..but that will only make up on the sales that will happen now on. What about the sale that was already made. I mean in past 4 months 49% i.e. 200,000 pc of tiles and 2500 slabs have been sold at CP . we usually mark up our Selling Price by 50% . keeping this in mind we have lost a total profit amount of 80 lack rupees. In the next quarter ( next 3 months) we not only need to make sales and make profit but also make up the profit lost for the past quarter. Only then Mr. Walia will be a happy man.
AD: Wow Bani…you figured that out….how do you know so much about Mr. Walia.
B: I had him in a case study at collage…a very interesting, ambitious and intelligent man. I admire him a lot.
P: Ok mam….got your point…now what should we do? Have you thought of that as well.
B: Kinda…, yeah …I still need to work the numbers …
( AD looks at her and thinks what a wonderful and smart girl she is ..Pushkar is shocked as how can some one be so prepared)
P: What do you mean?
B: Pushkar, If we see how much sales each of our products have done state wise and sort it by highest to lowest then, we can see what is that we are making less sales off. I have a feeling that products we have high mark up on are the ones we sell less as its expensive. If we cut down on the mark up price on them and increase the one we less more on then ..its a risk but we can still double our profit as the product we sell less will get more sales as its cost is less and that will allow us to mark are higher selling product high and hence make more money.
AD: FANTASTIC!!..That sounds great …Why don't we get the numbers and get to work….we have 3 months to convince our Big Boss that this can be implemented and it will work .
For the next three months Bani, Pushkar and AD worked day and night on the project. Getting numbers, analyzing them, creating presentations, and supporting data. Along this process.AD realized that he really liked Bani and wanted to confess to her…but thought this was not the right time. He decided to do it after the presentation was done.
Three months have passed and the Big day is tomm ,When Mr. Jai Walia himself will be coming to town and discussing the sales growth strategy with AD's Team.
AD and his team (Bani and Pushkar) are all ready and Pushkar was to do the presentation and Bani will be the back with any numbers needed.
Bani never mentioned it to anyone but in collage with her case study on Jai Walia she had reached him a lot , and had found out a lot about his personal choices . She new he liked Classic colors like Red, Black, Pink etc. Needed his presentation as simple as possible but very thru and complete. He liked confident people and loved it when they new all the answers on top of their heads. In short he loved someone like him. Bani was ready with all that . She even prepared the presentation accordingly and made sure Pushaker knew exactly what he was talking about as Mr. Walia could ask any question any time.
The previous evening bani had asked Pushkar to wear black as she new that was JW favorite color and she herself wore a simple , light pink color skirt and suite. She left her hair open , as she had read he like long black hair… which she had smiled while reading and was blushing now as she was doing it. Bani was in front of her mirror and looking at her self one final time before leaving. She dint know why. but she was excited…she was to meet Mr. Jai Walia himself . whom she secretly had a crush on since collage days but never mentioned it to anyone. But today she was to meet him in person. She practiced saying "Hello Sir, Glad to meet you" I million times in front of the mirror the previous night and blushed after a while. Well now it was time to leave and she reached office sharp at 8:00am got the final things for the presentation ready and was glad to see Pushkar there at 8:30am….Late as usual…they were to be there at 8:00am…luckily the meeting wit JW was not till 9:30 am .
B: Pushkar , I have everything ready …you ready right ??
P: Looking at Bani …WOW..u look..if you don't mind me saying …HOT in PINK…I mean I really think once JW looks at you he will forget all about the project …you sure, you want me to present …I think it should be you ..all he will do is stare at you.
Mean while AD enters and both B and P wish him GM
AD: Morning !! All ready ??
B: yes sir …!!
Ad: BTW, Bani u look nice…pink really looks good on you …(pushkar winks at Bani, he has been teasing Bani that AD likes her ..but she just ignores it )
Time flies by and JW is in the premises. The rains have been really bad in Mumbai and hence his flight was late and instead of coming in at 9:30am he was coming in at 11:00am Bani and pushkar were waiting for him to come in the conference room. When suddenly at 10:15…Pushkar tells Bani that he needs to use the rest room and will be back before the big boss comes..bani asks pushkar to not flirt with other girls and get back soon . He smiles and leaves….Its 10:32 and no sign of pushkar …at that time one of the window just opens and the wind starts blowing in …Bani gets up to close it ..as soon as she gets up and walks near the window….somebody opens the main door…..Bani thinks its pushkar and ask him to come help…AD went to get a file and asked Jai to go ahead in the conference room as B and P are waiting for him. Jai opens the door and sees the most beautiful creature he has seen in his life. A girl in pink with her hair flying all over due to the wind trying to shut the window and keeps staring at her…and thinks how did god allow just a heavenly goddess to walk on the earth. She should be kept in the clouds for the Rains to admire her when they fall with happiness on the ground. …His chain of thoughts were broken when he here a voice.
B: (thinking that its Pushkar) …P Waha kya kar rahe ho…get your butt here and help me…Big Boss will be here anytime…and will not like it if everything is not organized.
Listing to her voice jai walks to where she is and helps her with the window .But the time its shut …she turns around to thank pushkar and see the brown eyes that she always wanted to look into. She dint have a word to speak and just kept looking into them. Jai dint say anything. but was trying to say a lot form his eyes, first time in his life he looked at someone and felt as if he finally found himself. But suddenly his mind went back to Roshani and he thought to himself…" What am I doing, I have a GF , I cant just stare at any one and get carried away.." ---He comes out of his thought and looks away …Bani composes herself as well and while Jai is looking away she says in her very sweet voice with her hand held out
B: Hello Mr. Walia, It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Bani Dixit . your market research analyst .
Jai holds her hand…they feel soft and he gets a feeling of just taking her in his arms. Jai was alien to such feeling. He had no idea what was going on with him…he never felt this way before…he thought to himself again—" What is this feeling…I just meet this girl …forget meet I just saw her and ….no I should not even think about this"
Jai says: Like wise…heard a lot about you ..am looking forward to the presentation…will you be presenting??
B: No sir That would be Mr. Pushkar Shukla. , we were not expecting you till noon. Please take a seat and I will go call them . is there something else you will need??
Jai wanted to say " yes, you" but all he managed was: Well, a cup of coffee sounds good.
B: Sure , right away …sugar ?
J; Not if you are going to make it ….that surprised bani and jai dint realize it that he actually said that out loud. He gave her his killer smile and said . "I mean...No thanks …Just black."…Bani left and called Pushkar and told him go ahead while she gets JW his coffee.
Part 5
When Bani came back…AD had finished all the introductions and turned to see Bani with JW's coffee. As soon as he saw her ..he mentioned to Mr. Walia that this is DB our new and most talented employee and she along with pushkar were doing and amazing job with this project which he will be very impressed with. Jai looked at Bani and smiled again and said " am sure of that" took his coffee from Bani and while doing so his figures touched here hand and an unknown current went through both their bodies. Jai turned quickly to his seat to avoid Bani as he was uncomfortable with the feelings she was arising in him.
Pushkar started the presentation. All thought out Jai and bani kept steeling glances at each other and at the end of it …Jai was very impressed with everything …The folders, the presentations, the suggestions…It was just like he wanted…in fact he even mentioned that for a second he thought it was he was had prepared it all and was very impressed. Pushkar just nodded and said that all thanks to Bani, without here non of this would have been possible.
Jai is very confused and does not realize what he is feeling. Never before he has felt anything like this. Then again he made himself believe that its because Roshani has been away for 3 months and he is just missing her.
Bani on the other had unknowingly feels happy. She likes the looks she is getting from Jai. This is the guy every woman wants to be with and he could not stop looking at her. Bani felt special and blushed from within.
After the meeting they all decided to go over to a near by restaurant for lunch. AD had another conference call at 1:00pm so could not join so he asked Pushkar and Bani to accompany Jai .
At the restaurant:
J: You guys did a great job, am glad you came up with an immediate solution along with how we could cover up our previous losses as well.
P: Of course sir that is what we get paid for .plus we were presenting to you it had to be the best.
Jai smiled again and looked at Bani ..she just dint smile and kept looking at the menu.
J: So Bani, do you feel the same way about this presentation.
Bani without looking at him said" NO", Pushkar was shocked and asked Bani what she is thinking about.
B: Mr. Walia, what we did was just come up with a solution to a problem but my biggest question was how a problem like this could occur.
J: What do you mean?
B: "A good Business is only successful, when their Accounting department is accurate and organized"- You quoted this in an interview with Star News 2 years back. You said the only reason Walia group of Companies was what it is , is because of its complete control and errorless accounting system.
J: Yes , I did say that. what are you trying to imply.
B: Mr. Walia, this drop of sales was of couse a mistake made by the sales person while selling the product and not having a Profit margin but how did accounting miss this. When Sales Order are made the system should show the CP and the SP.
J: You are right...hence we have employees like you , who find out these errors and correct them before any major loss occurs. I should thank you for that.
Bani was happy for the complement she received but at the same time understood the way he dismissed to comment on the mistake made by the Acct Department. Bani told herself " Very Shroud business man "
As they were discussing this. Pushkar got a call from home saying that his mom was not well and was in the hospital . He excused himself and asked Bani to take Mr. Walia back to the office and he will make it ASAP. Mr. Walia asked him to stay with his mom and not to worry about anything. Bani agreed with it and pushkar left.
Bani and Jai at the restaurant after Lunch:
B:Any desert sir?
J:Jai!!
B:Excuse me ??
J: I am called Jai! Not Sir, not Mr. Walia..plane and simple "JAI"
B: Sorry Mr. Walia, you are my boss leave alone ...the person I studied at school , it is not possible for me to call you by your name.
Jai could not understand Bani, everyone would die to be with him, call him by his name and this girl was head bend on proving him wrong. first with pointing out mistakes in his accounting system and now for something as plane as calling him by his name. He had to ask.
J: DO you have a problem with me?
B: NO, why did you ask that?
J: It seams like you are trying to prove me wrong. And it indeed is obvious that you are not the biggest fan of the way I manage my accounting department.
B: No sir, (with a smile)....its nothing like that...I have done a lot of research on you...I mean the way you do Business. you were my case study. I admire you a lot but there are few things I never agreed with you. ..never mind sir. why should you care what I think...am just a fresh graduate and you are a veteran in this game. ...if anything I am just glad to be here and learn from the Master himself.
Jai just kept looking at her while she spoke. He had never had anyone telling him that they disagreed with him and this girl told him flat on his face. She admired him, that was obvious but she had a point of view which she was not afraid to share. He liked that about here. Something in him wanted her to continue and not go into the shell that would not allow her to speak her mind.
J: No Bani, please continue... what is that you disagree with...give me a chance to make a point as well.
B: Sir. you always gave a lot of credit to you accounting department. I understand you being partial to accounting as you graduated yourself with a degree in Accounting from University of Mumbai....but what I disagree with is that you completely own your success to it.
She went on trying to prove her point that business is not only about one Department. It is with a combination of each and every section name it Finance, Marking, Management ....No business can be at the height WGC is without it all.
Jai quietly heard her side and then he spoke in a very sweet tone.
J: Chocolate cake!!
B: Bani was stunned...Excuse me !!
J: You asked me if I wanted any Desert...I want chocolate cake.
B: What !!!...ok ....she was kind of pissed as it felt like all her talk was just a waste for him,...she called the server asked for a piece of cake and looked else where.
Jai kept looking at her ...highly impressed and knowing that she was upset with him and something about that he loved.(Did he think love)...that was the first time he said that word out to even himself.
The cake was served and he offered to Bani , which she politely refused. He then looking at the cake and said.
J: Bani you see this cake, It is made of a lot of things like...Flower, eggs, Oil water and chocolate. But what is the main thing relies on and hence gets all the credit is chocolate. That is the same with my company. All the departments make the WGC run but the main thing we relied on and hence gets all the credit is the accounting department.
Bani understood what he did by ordering the cake and admired him even more for the way he explained it to her. She was not completely convinced, but decided to drop the talk and let him enjoy the cake. Jai on the other hand understood that she has not completely agreed with him and for some reason he dint want her to agree with him only because he is the boss. Hence he asked.
J: So bani do you agree with me now??
B: (with a smile on her face)...lets just say, we have different point of views but we value and respect each others .
Jai burst our laughing with her reply but was happy with the answer.
After a few minutes they left to go back to the office and were greeted by AD. He showed Jai around the office while Bani went back to her desk. when she was away jai kept looking for her. It was as if something important was missing. AD sat down with jai and could not stop parsing Bani, which dint make the matter any better for jai. AD praised bani with a smile on his face..Jai looked at him and asked him straight out...
J: Jeet , do I see a little crush on one of our employees..
AD was shocked but denied it ...said she is really nice but nothing like that . Jai dint believe him and for some reason felt a little jealous but then again related to what AD must be feeling. He thought for a moment and felt that AD was so lucky to be around her and he might not even see Bani after he goes back to Delhi in a few days. . It was later in the evening and AD dropped jai back to the hotel. Jai was tired and told AD he will be in office tomorrow and will call in dinner from room service. AD took his leave and left for home.
In Jai;s room:
He kept thinking about the goddess he met today and could not concentrate on anything ...He decided to call Roshani as he was feeling guilty of thinking about another woman when he was involved with someone else. He called Roshani..Who was at work at that time.
J: Hi sweetheart , how are you?
R: Hi Jai, sweetie am extremely busy right now can I call you in a few hours.
J: Roshani...its been over 2 weeks we have not moved beyond saying Hi to each other on the phone...It seams like you have no time for me. What's going on??
R: Nothing Jai....Just very busy with work. ..I will be back in a few weeks then will sit and talk aaram se....Listen I have to go ...will call you later ..Bye , miss you!!(Kisses)
J: Roshani....
She had put down the phone by then.
Jai was very upset. He wanted to speak with her...he was feeling very lonely and just wanted to talk ..But she seamed to never have the time. He just threw the phone on the bed and went out in the Balcony to smoke.
As he was standing these he heard the phone ring ...he knew it was not Roshani and dint feel like talking to anyone else so just chose to ignore it ..after a while he heard a Bang on the door.....he was irritated and was going go and yell at the person who dared to disturb him...he went and opened the door and saw none other then Bani standing there...for a second he thought he was just imaging her standing these in a simple but beautiful while dress, which went till her knees...she had her hair open and straight ..with minimum make up and looking like the most gorgeous creature on this planet. Just then he heard her speak.
B: Mr. Walia....Mr. Walia...
J: Hi Bani, what you doing here? Please come in?
B: Thank you, so did you miss it?
Jai thought she said..."did you miss me?" and the only response was true and straight from his heart :
J: Like crazy!!
B: Then how come you never tried to find it. ....I called you and you dint pick up the phone finally I had come here.
Jai was shocked...he knew she was outspoken....but never expected her being so open about her feelings...he had mixed emotions....He did like her and was elated with the fact that she liked him too and came down to see him but then what about Roshani and wasn't this a little too soon ..they had just met.
J:Bani...I don't know what to say..(before he could continue)
B: Here...(she handed him his wallet)....you had left it at the restaurant this afternoon...They called me as we go there often...I just picked it up.
That is when Jai realized that she was talking about his Wallet. he dint know y but his heart sank ...he was happy to know that this girl who he really felt something for liked him too. but then he realized it was just a miss understanding...he was glad he dint blurt anything out.
B:Mr. Walia...you look lost. are you ok ?
J: Yes, just tired and I guess a little hungry...did u eat anything?
B: No, I will be going home now ...will pick up something on the way!!
J: I was planning to call for some room service. would you like to join me?
B:well..actually ....(she thought for a moment and said)...Ok ..y not!
J: what will you have.??
B:They have amazing chicken makhani and tadka Dal at this place...
J: So you like Indian food I guess!!
B: Oh I love it !! in fact I make it quite well as well but with work lately never get a chance too..
Jai was surprised that she could cook as well...all the girls he dated...never cooked and always wanted him to take them out. Jai jokily mentioned...
J: That's nice to know...will like to try it while am in town!!
B:Sure, sir...how about this Friday?
J: well am leaving Saturday morning...Friday night dinner sounds good.
B: great will expect you at home and smiled
Jai smiled back and said: It's a date!!....
Saying this ...he picked up the phone and ordered some food and asked bani if she wanted to eat in the Balcony. Bani liked the idea and agreed. They set the table outside and took their seats and waited for the food to arrive. Jai staring at her, he had many questions , he knew he was attracted to her and wanted to some how get this feeling out of his system but looking at Bani just staring out of the balcony looking so beautiful with the moonlight falling on her soft skin. Jai just wanted to touch her..feel her ..he was broken out of this thought when bani said
B: Mumbai, doest it look beautiful from the top...away from the daily traffic and noise...It seams so peaceful here as if its a dream land.
J: Yeah ...you know I grew up in Mumbai!!...
B: I know...you were born in Santa Cruz and went to Jamnabai Narsee school. and then gradated from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and were the only student that year to pass with distinction.
J: Wow!1...how did you know that ??..or right ..I was your research....
B: Not you....you business !!...you were a part of the deal ...(and she smiled and looked at him)
J: (he smiled...Well at least that made you look at me.)..but am sure you were not impressed by me....(bani looked at him again)...I guess that is the reason you barely look at me.Am I that bad to look at?
B: (smiled) ..No , you are alright ....
J: Alright !!...That's it ??...I must say I get quite a few complements from every girl that looks at me.
B: You might ....but I am not every girl you see...looks don't impress me...
J: Then what do?
B: A person's character, his view, his nature.
J: SO these are the things. you are looking to have in the person you love...or have you already found him?
B: No, not as yet ...but yeah he needs to have those quality in him and also should be intellectually compatible with me...I mean some one I can have a descent conversation with.
J: Like the one we are having now?
Bani looked at him and dint know what to answer. ...the Bang on the door saved her as ..jai looking at her stood up and went to open the door. he thought to himself. what am I doing ...flirting with this girl ..but then y does it feel so right and why do I want this to lead to something. He walked in the room where the wind was blowing the curtains ...Bani saw him go in and thought to her self..."what is he trying to imply. does he like me??...no ...he has a GF ..I saw the pic in his wallet as well...this is so wrong ...I should just eat quickly and leave"...Jai opens the door and ask the waiter to serve the food out in the Balcony. He does that and leaves ...Jai was about to walk back into the Balcony and sees Bani setting things on the table with her hair blowing in the wind and she looking adorable. He walks back out and takes his seat.
They have a quite dinner....the Jai ask's
J: So, Miss Dixit, you know so much about me ...but the only think I know about you is that ...your name is Ms Bani Dixit, you're an extremely smart Individual and just joined WSC a few months back.
B: Well my story is not very fancy Mr. Walia...Parents died when I was 13yrs...in a car accident. left me enough money so that I could have a good life and a good education. I stayed with my uncle till I was 15 and then have been living in a Hostel . Joined WSC a few months back...have a greet friend in Jeet and a crazy co- worker in Pushkar.
With the mention of "great friend in Jeet" Jai's heart stopped and he thought what if she felt something for him. He dint know y it bothered him. But it did and he was a little upset and jealous and dint ask anything father.
They finished Dinner and Bani was almost going to take her leave when Jai asked
J: Any Desert?...may be chocolate cake?
Both of them laughed at the thought of their conversation in the afternoon.
B: No sir, Thank you...I should leave now.
J: oh come one Bani ...have some coffee and he stood up to make some on the coffee pot...when he came back..Bani was standing with her back facing him and her hair blowing the air. Jai came back and stood next to her.
J:It is indeed very beautiful...(he said this looking at her) She knew he was looking at her and chose to avoid it as the thought of him having a GF flashed in her mind.
B: So how long for the coffee?
J: You are in a hurry to leave me and go. am I that bad of a company ?
B: No sir, Its just that its getting late and I need to go back home..plus have work tomorrow morning .
J: (irritated)Bani please...stop calling me Sir...you make me feel old.
B: you are elder than me.
J: Not old enough to me your father ...call me Jai please.
B:NO
Jai getting upset ...alright miss Dixit lets keep it formal...let me get you some coffee...saying this he walked to the coffee machine. As he poured the coffee in 2 cups he felt Bani's presence and turned and saw her with her purse.
B: Mr. Walia...I don't like coffee..I will take your leave...will see you tomorrow.
Stating what she had to she walked towards the door. jai felt like a piece of his heart was walking away ..he kept the mugs on the table and walked towards Bani.
J: Sorry Bani , I dint mean to upset you ....please don't leave like this .
B: No S..I mean Mr.Walia...I am not upset ..its getting late I should leave now...Just then Jai's phone rang....He asked bani you wait for just one sec..and picked up the phone...It was Roshani...He should have been happy but he was not in a nice soft tone he said
J: Let me call you back...and without waiting for a response, he hanged up and went back to Bani.
J: Please bani finish your coffee.
Bani sat on the couch and jai handed her the coffee...he dint want her to leave. ..so he said
J:Garam coffee...always taste best outdoors where its chilly and nice.
He walked towards Bani and gave her his hand..she took it and walked with him outside in the balcony again. She dint know y she was doing this..yes she was enjoying it ...loved to be around him and the way his presence made her feel..but she was scared...she dint want to fall into something that will be hurtful. She took a sip of her coffee and Jai looked at her and asked.
J: What are you thinking about?
B: About the call you just had.
Jai was surprised and said : it was just a friend will call later .
Bani looked at Jai: Why are you doing this ?
J: Doing what ?
Bani thinking ...may be it was really a friend and she is just looking a little too much into everything : Nothing !! She said.
Jai now ..really frustrated ....he dint know y he dint speak to Roshani..all he knew was he wanted to be with this girl in front of him..he loved the (yeah love) way she spoke to him...he felt different and conform table with her and in spite of knowing her only for a day felt like he could share everything with her. He dint want to lie to her and so he spoke
J: OK !! it was ROshani..my GF
Bani looked at him and then kept the mug of coffee on the table behind her and said: I should leave now.
J: Bani, I don't know y am doing what I am ...I don't know what to tell you ..I don't understand.
B: You don't have to say anything Mr. Walia...I will take your leave.
Saying this she was about to leave when jai just held on to her hand not facing her. looking at the other direction.
J: I think I am attracted to you ....I like your company ..I want to know you more....will you give me a chance to know you ?
Bani was quite , Jai turned and looked at her and spoke again: Don't deny it...I know you are attracted to me as well..saying so he moved closer to her..Bani's started to breath heavenly and dint know what to say or expect. Jai held her from both her shoulders moving closer to her face and softly said
J: I don't know what has happened to me. I like you , I love talk with you, arguing with you...I don't realize where time flies when you are with me. It kills me to see you leave..I have never felt this before.
Just then the phone rings again and both of them look at that direction. Bani with tears in her eyes looks at Jai and then says "NO" and runs into the room and out the door. It took Jai a few seconds to realize what was happing and the phone was still ringing...completely frustrated and low with the rejection he just got picked up the phone and it was Roshani again
J: HELLO!!
R: Jai what happed? Just few hrs back you were dieing to talk with me and now u sound so irritated and when I called before you just hanged up
J: Sorry ROshani ...was busy ..what happened?
R: Jai , am so sorry I could not speak early..its just been busy ...Dad to needs more help and wants me to stay another month.
Jai dint have a reaction...his mind was still on the girl who ran out of his room ...he wanted to go behind her but dint know if that was a good idea.
R: Jai, are u listing to what I am saying ?
J: Yeah ROshani...Its ok...do what you have to do....I will see you when you get back,,,,Its getting late and am sleepy I will talk with you later .
Without waiting for her to reply he again hanged up the phone....First thing he did was to get his wallet and get bani;s card on which he had her cell phone number. He quickly dialed it but it went straight to answering machine. He kept trying at home but no one picked up.
Finally after 25 mins. He dialed her home # again and was glad to here Bani;s voice.
B: (Softly) Hello
J: (Softly as well): Its me, pls don't hang up...I just wanted to make sure you reached home safely.
B: I did, thank you.
J: Bani , I need to speak with you...have dinner with me tomorrow
B: Mr. Walia, these is nothing to talk about ....what we are feeling is just some infatuation. It will fade away in a few days. You have a GF who loves you and is probably expecting your call. Please don't go ahead with anything anymore.
J: At least you agreed that you to feel something, Bani I am 32 years old ...I know the difference between something real and a school boy crush . What I feel for you is different I need to speak with you ...please meet me tomorrow or ..can I come over right now...
Bani knew that was not the right thing at this moment. she told him
B: Mr. Walia, we are meeting Friday evening for dinner. Lets just stick with it. I have other commitments tomorrow and Thursday . (day after)
Jai just happy that the Friday date was still on : Ok Friday it is ...can I see you at lunch tomm??
Bani: No, I am going out with Jeet. He asked for this day months a go.
Jai dint have a good feeling about it. He knew that Jeet liked her and was scared that he might confess tomorrow and bani might just say "yes" to avoid Jai. He quickly said.
J: I will join you guys. I will talk with Jeet ..he wont mind.
B: That is between you and him. Its late Mr. Walia...I need to get some sleep.
J: See you tomorrow Bani, Good night and please think about what your heart is trying to tell you. This is no infatuation and you know it as much as I do.
After phone:
Jai's thought: I know I like here....this is not a usual thing...she is different . I have never felt this pull towards anything so bad. I have to meet her..make her realize that she needs to give us a chance and see where this relationship works out to. But what about ROshani? I don't love her...right now don't even know if I feel anything for her. I need to end that ...as soon as she comes back.
Bani's thought: This is not right ...he is with someone...so what if I like him...I cannot go ahead with it. I need to keep my distance. but what if he is persistent. ...I mean I cannot deny the fact that I do like him...in fact I cannot deny the fact that I might be falling for him. But what does he think about me. Where does he see this go. and what about his GF . No I cannot go threw this ...he leaves Saturday...I just have to avoid him and on Friday night at dinner ,,tell him once for all that we have no future and that I don't feel anything for him.
Next Morning :
Bani gets dressed and reaches office at her regular....as soon as she enters her room she sea's a bouquet of flowers with a card. She knew who it was from and went towards it... Bani picked the card and read it: " tried not to send you flowers , but then when I saw these ...they looked at me pleading me to be sent to you...please make them happy by having them around you." Bani read the lines and had a smile on her face. Jai was in AD's office and he could see her but she could not cause of the one sided mirror. His heart filled with happiness as saw her smile....he wanted that smile all his life...he wanted to be near here for ever and that's when he realized that he might be falling for this angel.
It was lunch time and Bani had been successful avoiding the object of her attraction. AD walked in to her cabin with a smile on his face and alone.
AD: Ready mam??
Bani was a little upset not seeing jai with him but told her self that it was good for her.
AD took Bani to a fancy restaurant and their table was on the 36th floor facing the sea. he wanted to tell Bani what he felt about her and had made all the preparations. As they took their seats ...they heard a voice.
J: Hi you guys!! I dint know you were coming here as well...we all could have come together. (Jai was afraid that if he asked Jeet , he might have told him about his plans and Jai would not have been able to deny it. SO he decided to follow them and join them so that he could not let Jeet speak with Bani about his feelings)
AD: Hi Jai, yeah ..he dint know what to say and Jai pulled a chair from the table next to them and joined them
Bani kept looking at him...she was happy that he was here as she had not seen him all day but dint want it to show so just kept looking at AD. Jai on the other hand sat in middle of them and just started to have a normal conversation with AD...they ordered salad...Jai was a left-handed and sat on left of Bani as they were talking ...Bani's napkin fill on the ground she went to pick it up jai bent as well and held her hand ....bani looked at him he winked at her and then looked and AD and continued to have a conversation. AD could not see Jai holding Bani's hand....Bani dint know what to do just picked up her flick with here right hand and ate her salad. After lunch ...AD had another meeting and told Bani that he needs to get going and She can take Jai back to the office. Bani;s heart beat a skip with this informtion..Alone with Mr. Walia...as AD was leaving she ran behind him and asked to drop them at office before he leaves....Ad looked at his watch and told her that he was getting late .or else would have...he really wanted to but he really needed to leave....Jai felt some jealous as he saw Bani holding AD's shoulder and looked away...before leaving AD went back to Jai and told him that he was having a party this evening and would like him to come as well....the party in order to have completed this project successfully. Jai told him he would be these for sure. AD left leaving Bani and Jai alone.
B: Chale Mr. Walia, I am getting late..need to be at office soon
Jai was upset with the way she had ran after AD...Held her by her shoulders and came really close to her and looked into her eyes and said in a very angry but low tone
J: YOU WERE NOT GETTING LATE WHILE HOLDING JEET....but when it comes to me you are always running away. Huh? Do I disgust you that much ?
Bani making him loose her shoulder and looking straight into his eyes: He is my friend ...you are nothing...so don't try and be someone you are not. and never ever try to hold my hand again as next time I wont think twice before using by other hand on your cheek.
Saying this she walked out the door and took a cab and reached office. As soon as she got in her cabin she put her head on the desk and started to cry. Jai had followed her and went straight into her office without knocking . He saw her eyes filled with tears and his heart called out to her. He wanted to hug and take away all her pain...she looked at jai and shouted at him
B: don't you have any manners don't you know you are supposed to knock before you enter anyone's cabin
J: Sorry !! I just had to see you, Bani I dint mean to hurt you at the restaurant...I was just ...I was jealous seeing you with AD...I don't know what got into me. I am really sorry. ..he moved closed to her.
B: Looking at him with tears in her eyes...what do you think I am some whore who falls for any guy in town...he is my friend how can you even think about us like that.
Jai moved even closer and bani hit him on his chest...how dare you Mr. Walia...."Jeet is a very deer friend . Its cause of him I am here and he trust me a lot and takes care of me". saying this she kept hitting him on his chest..jai finally grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him and she kept he head on his shoulder and arms on his chest ..Jai had one arm around his wait and other on her head...pulling her towards him..he kept saying " Shuhhhh!! Shuhhh....sorry stop crying please"
J: I was stupid ....I let my mind take over my heart...eyes dint like something and mind reacted to it and mouth made me blurt things I should not. ...plus the way Jeet looks at you ...it wont take an Enstine to figure out that he likes you.
Bani looked at jai : What!!
J: He does ...only a fool will not look at you and not fall for you.
She realized that she was in his arms she liked being there. It felt good, she liked it there ...her heart went out to him and then the thought of him being involved with someone hit her again. She distanced herself and looked the other way.
She was about to say sorry when Jai spoke: Now don't say you are sorry ...you know we both thought that was the best place in the world...she turned and looked at him: "you in my arms "
B: Mr. Walia, what are you trying to do ...you have GF...
J: Who I will break -up with as soon as Roshani gets back in town...I just don't want to end it on the phone.
B:No, Mr. Walia, This is not right ....I am jus your employee ..this is all wrong...please leave and forget about everything.
J: forget it!!...Bani look at me( he held her hand and turned her towards him) ...look into my eyes and tell me ...will you forget it ...Bani I have know you for 2 days and I can say you will never forget me till the day you are alive. As for me...I am hooked ...you are on my mind. since yesterday afternoon I have done nothing but thought about you. after you left last night all I did was think how to win your heart...Bani , Jai Walia who had done nothing but business has not returned a single call since yesterday and have cancelled all his meetings just to able to see one thing that will make his life worth living and that is you. Bani I know this might sound crazy but ....(he looked straight into her eyes) ...I think I am falling in Love with you. ...(Bani was stunned and kept looking at him....did he actually say that ) ....Bani give us a chance I know this is something real and I see a bright and beautiful future only thing this future needs is a Yes form you.
Bani looked at him and asked him a question: What about Roshani?
J: She is out of town on business will be back in 2 months...as soon as she gets back I will speak with her. I don't think it will be right for me to break up with her on the phone.
B: I agree and hence I think we should wait for 2 months ourselves.
Jai was stunned with her reaction......he dint know what to feel. happy or sad. he asked
J: What ? you want to wait till she comes back...Bani I can break up over the phone as well.
B: No, Mr. Walia, No woman would like that ...and plus you guys have been together for a while...you cannot break a relation based on a few moments spend together in 2 days.
J: Bani ...my relation with ROshani ..is almost like noting...I have not seen her in 3 months and the 9 months of relationship we have hardly had any connection. I was just going to wait and see till she comes back and then break it off anyways. All am asking is for 2 more months.
B: And am giving you your 2 months Mr. Walia...except in these 2 months you and me will just be friends...I cannot be the second woman and for the world Roshani is still your Gf and I cannot be the reason for you to break off. In these 2months if you find yourself falling for her again or if I find someone else. We will mutually just walk away.
For jai that was like the sky had fallen….walk away from her ..NO
Bani continues: Mr. Walia, I don't know what I feel at this moment, yes am attracted to you…I have been that since the first time read about you in the news …all the research I did on you only made me admire you more and I dint realize when I had a crush on you. But yes , what am feeling now is different I still cannot call this love. I need to know it myself. Plus more than that I don't know what you feel for me is love as well. May be your are just missing Roshani…let here come back…give your best with here and be away for 3 months.
J: 3 months??
B: Let Roshani come back…give yourself sometime with her. May be you will realize that she is your true love.
Jai walking towards Bani looking into her eyes…: You want 3 months ok ….I will wait for 3 months but not a day after that ….90 days Bani Dixit on the 91st day you will find me waiting outside your door waiting for you…I just hope you will realize it then that what your heart is telling you right now is true …I will wait for you Bani ….(looking at her and holding her from her shoulders moving his face close to her, he whisperers again) " I will wait for you for ever" saying so he could not take it any longer and kissed her lips ..she dint know what hit her and found her self responding back …after what seamed like a few minutes …Jai broke the kiss and whispered in her eyes" I don't think we will be able to wait for 3 months honey, as you will find me around and irresistible " saying so he left the room.
Bani sat on her chair and visualized the whole image again…she dint know what she felt but she needed time and felt that he needed time as well.
It was evening at there was a party to go to. Bani got ready as she had promised AD that she will be there early to help. The party was to began at 7:00pm at it was already 5:00pm and Bani was still at work…she rushed to AD's house. It was near the beach and it looked beautiful…The house of completely decorated with lights and the dcor was very upscale and elegant. As soon as Bani came…AD complained about being late and asked here to go and change and guest will start coming at 7:00 and it was 6:00already. Bani went upstairs to one of the room to change. As she was getting ready she heard guest had already started to come…it was 7:15pm and she had to hurry . She did the final touch of up on her makeup and when out. As soon as she did ..she heard a lot of noise and tried to see what the commission was for. There was a crowd of people and between them was none other than Mr. Jai Walia himself. looking dashing in Black suite …Everyone was asking him to say a few words on this happy ocassion but he complained about the fact that he dint have any inspiration to quote any of his poems. As he was denying it Bani was walking down the stairs all eyes turned towards here…she looked amazing in a black sari with diamonds hanging from here ears. Someone from the crowd said out loud "if that is not an inspiration then I don't know what is" . Jai kept looking at her and words just came out of his mouth " Kaate nahi kate the lameh intetazae ke, narzare jamake bhathe hai rasthe pe yaar ke..Dil ne kaha dekhe jo jalwe husan yaar ke , Laya hai kon eenhe palak se uthar ke"The crowd started praising him…he walked towards Bani and gave her his hand…she walked passed him and stopped and said " Waise, share acha tha…..next time kuch original try kejeye ga" …and walked towards AD. He was stunned looking at her and told her how good she looked….seeing her standing next to AD ..jai was burring …he dint know what to do ..he quietly went across the room towards the bar and asked the bar tender " Black label , double on the rocks"…Bani avoided him and was mingling with everyone…AD was introducing her to everyone and she kept standing next to him with one hand under his arm…jai was fuming and kept drinking one drink after the other …he was 3 pecks down by now. When the lights when dim and the DJ requested everyone to be on the dance floor. Obviously, it was a slow song and AD asked Bani to dance which she gladly excepted, un aware that a pair of eyes were staring at her and his heart was dieing every second. Then all of a sudden Jai heard a voice " If you feel so bad then why don't to walk down there and ask her to dance"
Jai turned and saw it was Sonali, his ex- gf . He smiled and gave her a hug and she sat next to him….
J: How are you SOnali?
S: Good without you ? and laughed
J: Yeah am sure !!....I was the worst mistake of your life
S: You were not that bad…but yeah we were not meant to be, but (looking at bani ) she seams to be I guess.
J: (looking at bani ) I think so too, but she does not believe that as yet .
S: What do you mean..?? Did you pop the question? Did she say "no"?
J: No, Not as yet …I first have to convince her that I love her , then convince her that she loves me and that am not involved with any one . Only then she will first go out with me . She has given me 3months…and in these 3 months if she falls for someone then I have to just walk away. …(looking at bani) In her dreams I will walk away…weather she likes it or not …If she ever becomes a Mrs. She is going to be called Mrs. Jai Walia.
Sonali looking at Jai: You love her, you actually love her.
S: Roshani is a very lucky girl jai and ma glad you finally found your Ms. Right .
Jai irritated: Roshani ….No …that's Bani….Roshani is my problem.
Sonali all confused…jai explained everything to her. All this while …Sonali dint miss Bani glancing over at them and thought that may be Jai is right….she does love him ..just is not ready to accept it. She questioned jai .
S: So what have you been doing to make her realize that she is in love with you or at least cares for you.
J: Nothing !!..How can I make her realize that …its she who has to feel it .
S: Jai are you jealous seeing her dancing with another man ?
J looking at Bani: Its killing me Sonali .
S: How do you think she is feeling watching you sit here next to me ?
J: What do you mean?
S: Make her realize jai …she wants you to give your best with other woman right ..well go give your best .
Jai understood and got up form his seat and pulled his hand towards Sonali and asked her
J: will you dance with me…sonali understand what he was trying to do and accepted it.
They walked towards the dance floor and started to dance right next to AD and Bani …Jai said hi to AD and Bani and introduced Sonali to both of them. Sonali on purpose laughed at everything Jai had to say and hide her face in his shoulders a million times…Bani was watching all this and was fuming from within she did not like to see jai with anyone else. ..tried to look away and made small talks with AD but all in wane . Her eyes just kept looking at Jai;s direction. Just then the DJ announced that its time to switch partners and everyone did …Sonali very smartly went to AD and asked …"Shall we??" AD smiled and said yes…Bani was looking on the ground when Jai walked up to her and said in the most sexiest voice possible.." All you have to say is YES" and raised his hand out …Bani took it and started to dance with him….she dint look into his eyes. just kept starting at his chest . Jai on the other hand could not move is eyes off her. After a while…Bani had it and asked.
B: Who is she ?
J: Who ? Sonali ?
B: Yes.
J: An old friend.
B: your old friend loves being very friendly with you
J: Do I smell something burning?
Bani stared at Jai : Shut up ..am just asking …she seamed very friendly with AD.
Jai fuming again: Yeah AD is a good looking guy ..am sure girls dote over him.
Bani realizing that she had stepped into the wrong zone by mentioning AD …looked at jai and asked out flat
B: Wasn't she an ex-flame?
J: You did your research well Miss Dixit.
B: So she is the same Sonali
J: Yes, the only girl to have left me…..until …(looked at Bani ) …you came by !!
B: Why did she leave you ?
J: Uh !! …meet me for lunch tomorrow and I will tell you .
B: Shut up Mr. Walia….I don't want to know.
J: Ok ok ….did you eat already ??
B: No, am waiting for Jeet…he was busy with his guest so will accompany him later . he wants to talk something important he said. Wanted to this afternoon as well but then you showed up.
J: Guess what …I will show up again this evening when you guys are eating .
B: What r u trying to do Mr. Walia?
J: Bani , are you blind or you just don't want to see?
B: What do you mean ?
J: Can't you see that the man is completely in Love with you ….don't give him hopes Bani …you know you don't love him.
B: And how do you know that ?
J: I know cause I know the guy who you love and he is crazy about you too.
B: Who told you that…??
J: you did !!
B: I did ?
J: Your eyes!!....they say it all…they can never lie…not to me.
Bani looked at jai again…and jai whispered… "90 days, are way to much Bani…I don think both of us can wait that long …please…say yes"…bani looking at Jai … " I need time Mr. Walia…am still not sure"
J: come with me ..
B: Where ?
J: for a drive…we will be back in hr. I promise..
B: No Mr. Walia…
J: Please …just hr.
Bani could not refuse. …jai in the dark just took her to the exit and got her in his car and drove down near the beach. As soon as they reached there ..he got out and went and sat on the bonnet of his car. ..bani came and stood next to him….but kept looking at the water .
B: Why did we come here?
J: I don't know….I just wanted to be alone with you.
B: that is no reason to pull a girl out of a party like that .
Jai could not take it any more….he got down on the bonnet and stood next to Bani …waited for a sec and turned her toward him and moved his face closed to hers said:
J: what is that you are feeling right now Bani…when I hold you like this?
B: Mr.Walia…leave me please….we should go back
J: Answer me Bani …are you scared?
Bani with her eyes closes: Yes
J: from me ?
B: with heavy breathing : NO
J: then …??
Bani was quite …Jai asked her : Yourself?
Bani opened her eyes and looked into those dark brown eyes.
J: Bani you know it you cannot deny it . ..I feel the same baby. Every time I look at you I want to grab you in my arms …every time I speak to you ( touching her lips with his hands)…I want kiss these pink lips of yours…every time you look away. I die a thousand deaths …every time I see you smile… I get alive again….Bani …do feel the same? please tell me yes !!
B: Mr. Walia ..please …this is not easy for me.
J:Am not trying to make it easy Bani….I leaving tomorrow.
Bani looked at him again and had the shocked of her life. She had million of questions in her mind and dint know what to do .
J: Something came up …I need to take care of right away …I will be back in 2 weeks…can I have a rain check on the dinner we planned for Friday .
Bani was surprised……what happened …a moment a go he wanted me to say yes and be with him. And now he is leaving me and going.
B: What time are you leaving…
Jai surprised with the question: 1:00pm..
B: Where to ?
J: Los Angeles, want to come? And smiled
Bani looking at him upset…she was serious and he was joking.
Jai realized it and distanced himself from her and spoke
J: I need to cut down on those 90 days ( Bani looked at him all shocked) ….I am going to Roshani …as you said one week I will give it a try …if it works out then we will mutually just walk again…..if not, then I will see you 2 Fridays from now.
Bani a little scared now…she dint want him to go. she was scared what if she lost him. She was in her thoughts facing the ocean when she left 2 arms around her wait. Jai hugged her from behind and whispered in her ears… "scared?"…she turned and looked at Jai …he continued… "me too"…Bani was confused ..why was he scared….he looked at her….understood her confusion and spoke again " I wont be there tomm at lunch when Jeet will tell you that he loves you …I just hope and pray you don't accept it …I cant ask you to wait for me Bani ....but I hope my pray gets heard." saying so he kissed her gent ally on her head and then creased her down to her neck …Bani was enjoying the feeling and Jai wanted to continue …he turned her around and lifted her chin with his fingers…. " Did I tell you how beautiful you look today ?"…bani looked at him with tears in her eyes and lost herself in his brown eyes and just hugged him real hard…
Seher Hone Ko Hai
