JB: Zindagi Ka Safar Ch.108 Pg 292 - Page 133

Chapter 71

"Well, I certainly hope that bozo didn't spoil my perfect plan" Anjali said to herself as she walked back to the kissing booth from Carnival security. She slowed her pace as she approached the back of the booth and lifted the flap to peek inside.

"YES!" She mouthed excitedly at the sight before her. She couldn't keep the grin off her face as she saw Bani and Jai kissing passionately. Anjali was thrilled her plan had worked as she saw Jai and Bani enthusiastically kissing each other. She saw Bani's hands rummaging through Jai' hair as they both continued to pull each other closer. Jai was rubbing small circles on her back, each time his hands moving closer and closer to her sides. They moaned against each other's mouths inaudible words, yet the throaty sounds coming from them indicated they were both completely involved in each other. More involved than even Anjali could have imagined.

After just a few seconds of seeing Jai and Bani in their extremely passionate embrace, Anjali closed the flap, taking one last glance at her little project that had finally come to fruition and smiled once again.

"Looks like I'd better close up the dunking tank tonight" Anjali said grinning as she left Jai and Bani. She couldn't wait to talk to Jai later at his house, but if he didn't make it, she'd understand, completely.

As Anjali walked off towards the other end of the fair, dusk was just settling, turning into darkness. Several booms could be heard in the sky and when she looked up, the sky was brightly lit with fireworks to mark the last day of the carnival. A huge grin spread across her face. She always knew when Jai and Bani got together there would be fireworks and she was right.

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"Oh Jai!" Bani said in a throaty whisper. What started to be an innocent kiss on the cheek had managed to build in intensity to a level that left Bani literally gasping for air. Her eyes were closed as Jai ardently kissed her face, neck and shoulders, yet her senses were wide awake. Every kiss, every caress, every touch Jai laid on her body caused her to feel things she never thought possible.

"Bani" he murmured, as he caught his breath, enjoying the feel of her soft skin under his lips. The fireworks were booming around them and flashes of bright light could be seen in between the cracks of the well worn tent flap, yet Jai barely noticed. All that mattered to him right now was how he felt holding this most incredible woman in his arms.

Just when Bani thought things were about to cool down, Jai surprised her by again placing his lips on hers. This kiss held the passion of at least ten earlier kisses and Bani moaned in pleasure when through his actions, Jai deepened their kiss.

Bani felt her knees buckle under her, as she literally melted into his embrace. She had never been taken over so quickly by such a fierce desire for a man in her life. She was at the point right now where she would literally give herself to him completely, body mind and soul.

Gathering every ounce of strength she had, Bani pulled away, panting. "Jai, we can't. Not here."

Jai stood breathless, staring into her incredible eyes, his own eyes filled with a yearning he'd never before experienced.

"Jai, we need to stop now, before we do something neither one of us is ready for" Bani whispered, caressing his handsome face.

"You're right, Bani" Jai replied. He smiled at her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Bani couldn't keep the happy grin off her face and Jai smiled at her quizzically when he pulled back and saw her face. "What is it Bani?"

"I just wanted to say, thank you sir for your donation to the Youth Center of Mumbai" Bani said, her eyes dancing.

"It was my pleasure" Jai grinned. "You know though, I really can't take credit for the donation. We both have someone else to thank for that."

Bani smiled and they both said in unison, "Anjali!"

Jai helped Bani close the kissing booth and then walked her to her car, noting the dunking tank was closed up tight. They walked arm in arm, stealing glances of each other all the way. When they arrived at Bani's car, it was clear neither one wanted to leave, yet they knew they must.

Jai looked at his watch and noticed that he was almost an hour late to the party.

"Bani, we need to get going. We're already late."

"Yeah. I'll see you later"

"Do you want me to send Sahil or the driver to come pick you up?"

"No, it's ok. I will come with Harsh."

"Bani, we're both really late. He's probably already there. Why don't you go home, get ready and I will send Sahil to come pick you up in half hour. Is that ok?"

Bani smiled at his thoughtfulness and said "I'll be ready."

"Good" Jai smiled back and opened her car door for her and the look of adoration in his eyes, at that moment was overwhelming. He couldn't help himself when he leaned down and pulled Bani into another fervent kiss.

"Whoa" Jai said when the kiss ended. "You'd better leave now Bani. Because if you don't..."

"Believe me" Bani laughed. "I know."

Jai kissed her lightly on the lips and the two bid each other good night till another half hour. Both were content in knowing that later tonight they would again be together.

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Anjali pulled in front of the Walia mansion wondering why there were so many cars and people there. She thought it was going to be a dinner with Jai and rest of his family. Still wondering, she walked inside the house and found the whole place to be decorated beautifully and a lot of people there. She looked around before she spotted Mausi and Daadi standing together talking. She walked over to them to say hello to them first.

"Namaste Mausi, daadi" She said before bending down to take their blessing.

"Jeeti Raho. Kaisi ho?"

"Mein thiek hoon. Yeh sub kya hai mausi? I thought Jai said something about dinner."

"Anjali Mittal Mumbai mein ho aur koi badi party na ho? Aisa kabhi ho sakta hai?" She heard Aditya from behind her.

She turned around to find a smiling Adi looking at her.

"Adi!" She said as she hugged him.

"Shukar hai tum to a gayee ho. Pata nahi tumhara Jai kahan hai! Abhi tak aya hi nahi" Adi said concerned.

Anjali grinned to herself when she thought of the last time she saw Jai. She definitely wasn't going to say where he was and with whom for that matter!

"Oh yeah, sorry mein batana bhool gaye, I sent him to get something for me for tomorrow. I needed to pick up few things but didn't have time and he said he would get them for me."

"Really? I called his phone too. He didn't pick up."

"That's weird…he usually picks up. Don't worry he'll be here soon. I'll call him." Anjali said as she excused herself and walked towards the kitchen to call Jai.

As she was about to dial his number when she saw him sneaking through the back door. She grinned and caught up with him.

"Anju!"

"Itni dair? Mujhe hi bulha kar tum yahan nahi the. How unfair is that?"

"Yes and I wonder who's fault is that?" Jai said as he hugged her back.

"I have no idea. I must talk to that person." Anjali grinned.

"Yeah yeah. Listen, I need to go get ready. I'll be back in ten minutes." Jai said as he sneaked up to his room.

Anjali returned back to the party and started talking to people. She was surprised to see so many people at the party. Some whom Jai, Anjali, Aditya and Tarun had gone to college with.

She walked over to where Yukti and Tarun were standing talking to Urooj (rooj-i) and Nabila (nibbles).

"Urooj, Nabila! It's so good to see you both!" Anjali said before she hugged both her friends.

"Anjali! Tum to hum se baat bhi mat karo." Nabila said as she hugged Anjali back.

"Kyun yaar….maine aisa kya kiya hai?"

"Dekho, aik to humien kabhi call bhi nahi karti aur upper se pooch rahi hai ke isne kiya kya hai!" Urooj said

"Haan, yeh to aacha hai ke Jai humien still call karta rehta hai aur hum tumhare haal wagera us se poochte rehte hain and read about you in the papers! Warna, tum to total bewafa ho gayi ho. No call, no emails, nothing!" Nabila complained as Urooj agreed with her.

"Aree…it's nothing like that. You guys know how busy I am. I seriously don't even get time to talk to anyone beside Jai. Ask Tarun or Adi, how many times I call them. But it's really great to see both of you. I'm glad you guys are here tonight!"

"How can we not come yaar? Jai invite kare vo bhi tumhari party mein aur hum na ayeen, aisa kabhi ho sakta hai?" Urooj commented.

"I seriously didn't know about this whole party until I got here. He told me it would be dinner with him and his family. This was a total surprise. I can't believe everyone I'm seeing here."

Before anyone else could say another word, Jai joined the gang.

"Hi guys! Good to see you all!" Jai said as he stood next to Anjali

"How are you Jai? Where've you been?" Nabila asked as she hugged her friend.

Jai hugged back and said "Sorry, Anjali ka aik kaam karna tha is liye thodi dair ho gaye. But I'm glad you guys are here."

Jai winked at Anjali while she smiled as others looked on, confused but not caring. Knowing these two, they were probably up to something.

"Aree Anju, did you see who else is here?" Urooj asked

"Who?"

"Kinnera (kinnu410)"

"Are you serious? I haven't seen her in god knows how long!" Anjali said excitedly.

"Anju, you haven't seen anyone in so long. I figured it'd be nice to have everyone from college here. Refresh all those college memories! Let me go grab her. She's probably somewhere flirting with every guy here!" Jai laughed as he went to go get her.

Everyone else laughed as Jai went to look for her. While the gang was talking, Pari (sapnon_ki_pari), another friend of Anjali joined them. Once again, they all had a little college reunion. Few minutes later Jai and Kinnera also joined them and another round of hugs and greetings went on. Anjali was really happy to see all her friends from college.

"Jai, this is the biggest you've given me! I can't tell you how happy I am to see everyone. Thank you!"

"Anything for you sweetheart. Abhi aik hor surprise baki hai."

"Another surprise? Kaisa surprise?"

"Can't tell you! Sorry!"

"But Jai…"

"No buts… listen I'll be right back. I need to make an announcement and I will join you in a minute!" Jai said as he went to go grab the mike from the Rohit who was playing a DJ once again for the night.

As Jai was about to speak, his gaze went towards the door finding Bani walking in with Sahil. She looked absolutely mesmerizing. Look stunning as ever in a black and silver sari. Jai couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked so beautiful; he'd never seen someone look so beautiful. She also looked at him, starting yet another staring contest. She blushed and looked the other way. Jai smiled as he saw her blush. She walked over to mausi and daadi as she took their blessings before joined Anjali and her gang.

Anjali introduced her to all her friends but they seemed to already know her. All of them commenting on how they've been reading about her and Jai in the papers on the front page lately.

Jai finally looked away from Bani and got everyone's attention as he spoke.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all so much for coming. First of all, this party is for our friend Anjali Mittal, you all know her. You've either gone to college with her or have worked with her in Walia Industries. Sadly, it is her last day here in India today so the party is in her honor. Her going-away party. However, this party is also to celebrate Walia Industries another successful contract. It is all your hard work and your dedication that we've gotten yet another contract. Thank you all so much and please enjoy the party!"

Just as Jai walked over to join Anjali and Bani, all the media surrounded Jai and Bani asking questions regarding their relationship and as to how come a Malhotra was at a Walia party.

"Mr. Walia, what kind of relationship do you share with Bani Malhotra?"

"Ms. Malhotra, how come you're at a Walia Party? Walias and Malhotras are the business industries biggest rivals."

"Anu Walia aur Harsh Malhotra ka kaisa rishta hai? Kya aap ko unka rishta manzoor hai Mr. Walia?"

Bani was getting nervous as she'd never been pestered like this before. Anjali looked at Jai and gave him a smile before he turned to the media and answered their questions.

"First of all, it is no one's business as to what kind of relationship Ms. Malhotra and I share, but to make things clear, she's a very special friend. Malhotras and Walias are the biggest rivals, however, you are forgetting that Ms. Malhotra does not work for the Malhotra Industries, nor does she take any interest in the business matters. What we share is a very personal relationship and has nothing to do with our business rivalry. As for Mr. Harsh Malhotra, what he does in his own time is none of my business nor is it yours. Harsh is a very nice human being and I wish him all the luck. As for his relationship with my niece, they attend the same college and are very good friends. I have absolutely no problem with their relationship. Now, if you will excuse us and please enjoy the party!"

With that all the media people let them alone and went on to write another headline news for their paper.

"Hurray Jai! You totally put them to their place!" Anjali said.

"Thank you" Bani said blushing and not able to look at him. She'd never be able to answer such questions for anyone, most definitely not for the media. She always hated all the attention she got, but she was thankful to Jai for handling things so nicely.

"You welcome" Jai smiled at her.

As the party went on, everyone dancing, chatting, eating and just simply enjoying the party.

Finally after a while, Jai took the mike again.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you are all enjoying the party. To make this party even better, I have a surprise for you all, but especially for my friend Anjali. This surprise is not just any surprise. This man is a great human being, a great friend of mine, he needs no introduction. You all know him and love him. Please welcome Mr. Salman Khan!"

As cheer and claps erupted, Salman Khan walked from behind Anjali and touched her shoulder. Anjali, who was still in shocked, turned around to get another shock of her life.

"Hi Anjali!" Salman said as he saw her shocked face.

"Aap…I….Hi!" Anjali finally blurted out nervously. This was too good to be true. This man was her dream man. Was he really standing in front of her?

"Ms. Mittal, how are you?" Salman asked

"I'm fine. How are you? I can't believe your actually standing in front of me."

"I'm fine now that I've met you. Well you better believe it!" Salman said as Jai joined them.

"Jai bhayia….kaise hain aap? Long time no see man!" Salman said as the two men shook hands and hugged each other.

"Good to see you too Salman. I see you've met Anjali. She's a great fan of yours!"

"Yes I heard. It's great to finally meet her too."

"Jai, was this the surprise you were talking about?"

"Yup. You like it?"

"Like it? I love it!" Anjali said finally coming out of her shock and hugging Salman.

He was taken back but hugged her back. They all chatted before Jai introduced Bani to him. Salman seeing Bani started flirting with her.

"Salman…yaar behave. Stop corrupting Bani. Woh tumhari tarah ki nahi hai" Jai said as he looked at both of them. Bani was blushing like no tomorrow.

"Meri tarah? Yeh kya keh rahe hain aap? Dekho Anjali, tumhara dost to bilkul badal gaya hai. Abhi to iski shaadi bhi nahi hue hai!" Salman said laughing

"Is mein in ka kasoor nahi hai, in ke doston ka kasoor hai. Na khud shaadi karte hain aur na hi inko karne daite hain. Pata nahi abhi tak shaadi kyun nahi ki Jai Bhaiya ne." They all heard a voice from behind Anjali. They all turned around to find Jigayasa glaring at Anjali.

Anjali, who knew the comment was pointed towards her gave it right back. "Aree Jigayasa, kya kareen, apne aik dost ki halat dekh kar humien dukh hota hai to is liye apne aap ko aise torture se bachaa rahe hain. Kyun Adi?"

Everyone was trying to hold their laughter. If anyone could go toe-to-toe with Jigayasa, it was Anjali. She always gave it right back to her.

Jigayasa was fuming, she looked around and could tell they were all about to bust into a laughter. "Jai bhayia, aap apni dost ko samjha lein,"

"Jai ko kyun beech mein le kar a rahi ho? Us bechara ka kya kasoor hai? I mean, think about it. How come he hasn't married yet? Probably because he's seen the way you treat Adi, doesn't want to get trapped into a marriage yaar. Mein samjhte thi ke admi aurtoon ko rulate hain, lakin yahan to ulta hi hisab hai. Bechara Adi. Waise Adi, I'm single….call me up anytime!"

No one could control their laughter now, they all burst out laughing. Adi, who could barely speak, between laughter got out "I might take you up on your offer sometime Anju!"

Jigayasa knew that she was losing this battle. She glared at everyone, made some comments and left the gang alone.

"Anjali, never imagined you to be like this!" Pari said as she continued to laugh.

"Yeah Anjali. What's up with this?" Nabila asked

"You know, she did bring up a valid point. How come no one of your are married? Jai? Anjali? Tarun? Salman? Kya tum logoon ka koi competition chal raha hai?" Kinnera asked. She too was wondering the same thing.

"I think when you're a friend of Jai Walia, you tend to not get married till you're a Buddha!" Yukti said grinning.

"What? Did you just call me Buddha? I'm not a Buddha. Tarun yaar….dekh le tu is ko." Jai said mocking

"Jai yaar…iska kya dosh…"

"Yeh lo…idhar to kabhi hum jeet hi nahi sakte. Yeh dono hameshaan sirf aik dosre ko hi defend karte hain. I should've known" Jai commented

"Jai, you should know you can't win when it comes to Tarun and Yukti. They're a lost case"

Everyone laughed as Yukti blushed while Tarun glared at Anjali.

"Well, I haven't found my Mr. Right yet so once I find him, I will think about settling down. But I think Jai here, should settle down now."

"What do you mean me? Apne Salman ko nahi dekha? He's still single!"

"You leave him out of this…" Anjali started to defend Salman

"Jai Bhayia, aap shaadi kar lo, aur phir dekhna mein aap ke baad karta hoon ya nahi? Bade bhai ka haq pehle hai shaadi ka."

"Sahi kaha hai tumne Salman, phir Sohail aur Arbaaz ne kaise karli?"

"Aree I haven't found my Ms. Right either yet!"

"What about Katrina? I thought things were getting serious!"

"Ssh….I'm working on it!" Salman winked

"I just died" Anjali and Bani said looking depressed and then looked at each other at the same time.

Jai looked at Bani surprised and gave her a look while she tried her hardest not to look at him. She could feel his gaze on her.

"Bani tum bhi?" Jai asked

"Kya? Do you know how many hearts will be shattered the day Salman gets married? Mein to sochte hi mar jaoon gi" Bani said while Salman laughed as Jai glared at him and then back at Bani.

"This is unbelievable. Salman, tumhe bhoola kar to maine apne do dost kho diye hai. Next time I will think twice before I invite you over!"

"I smell something burning Aditya, do you?" Salman laughed

"Ok enough both of you. Salman, seriously, I am in love with you! You have no idea how much it meant to me that you came here tonight. It was really a pleasure to finally meet you. Though I saw you at the Rock Stars concert in San Diego, never got the chance to meet you. It really is a dream come true to meet you tonight. Thank you so much for coming." Anjali said as she broke the fun-loving tension between her two favorite men. She hugged Salman as he hugged her back and kissed her cheeks.

"It was a pleasure Anjali. You should've told me that you were coming to the concert, I would've personally come to meet you. I'll give you my cell number so you can contact me any time. Maybe next time I'm in US, I'll come and see you."

"Of course, any time you're in US, call me up."

"Great. Now, may I have the last dance of the evening?"

Anjali blushed and before she could say anything, Jai butted in. "Anju, he's asking for a dance, not your hand in marriage"

Anjali looked at Jai shocked; he couldn't have embarrassed her more even if he tried. She hit him playfully and accepted Salman's invitation for the dance.

Jai on the other hand asked Bani to dance.

Everyone went to the dance floor as the song Main Hoon Woh Asmaan played from the movie Krrish.

main hoon woh aasman

main hoon woh aasman

aur tum ho yeh zameen

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

tum ho woh aasman

aur main yeh zameen

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

main hoon woh aasman

Anjali and Salman continued to talk as they moved on the dance floor. Salman telling her jokes, or saying things to make her blush while Jai and Bani danced near them. Both were really busy gazing into each other totally oblivious to the world around them.

premi banna jitna mushkil

pyar nibhana usse bhi mushkil

paas mere tu hona agar tu

kitna tadapta hai mera dil

main hoon teri nazar

mera intazar tu

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

tum ho woh aasman

aur main yeh zameen

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

main hoon woh aasman

Yukti and Tarun were also dancing. Both talking and enjoying themselves.

"Yukti"

"Hmmm?"

"Mein soch raha tha….kya tum mujh se shaadi karogi?"

"What?"

"Mein janta hoon that you love me and I don't know when but I've also fallen in love with you. You've been nothing but wonderful with Aarav. After Esha died, I never thought I'd be able to move on, or give Aarav the love that he deserves but you've fulfilled that gap in his life. You've been a huge support system for me. Mein nahi janta kab aur kaise lakin mujhe bhi tum se pyaar ho gaya hai. I know I said that Esha will always be in my life, and in a way she will be because she my first love and the mother of my son lakin it's time to move on. You've basically raised Aarav as your son and I wouldn't have asked for a better mother for him. I know I've been slow but I didn't want to make any mistake in our relationship. You mean a lot to me and you have no idea how much I enjoy our times together. I love every moment I spend with you. I never want the day to end because it would mean you leaving me for the night. I want to give a name to our relationship; I want to give you all the happiness that you deserve. So I'm asking you again, Will you marry me? Will you give allow me to give you all the happiness that you deserve? Will you become a permanent part of me life?"

Yukti who not only had tears in her eyes, but was also touched by what Tarun had said. She wanted nothing more than to marry him. Nothing more than to give him the happiness that HE deserved but also become Mrs. Tarun Sablok.

pyar ki jitni bhi hai kitabe un mein likha hai naam hamara

deewanpan hum dono ka jaanta hai yeh jaahan sara

kissa tu mera

main tere kahani

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

main hoon woh aasman

aur tum ho yeh zameen

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

ho kar bhi hum juda

hote juda nahi

hote juda nahi

hote juda nahi

She stopped dancing and just put her arms around his neck and hugged him. Tarun laughed and said "So? Is that a yes?"

She pulled back and nodded her head yes and this time, it was Tarun who pulled her for a hug as he kissed her forehead first and then finally her lips. As they pulled back, Tarun took out a ring out of his coat pocket and slid it through her finger. A beautiful diamond ring that he'd picked up couple of weeks ago. They shared their first official kiss as the newly engaged couple. Yukti was on cloud nine as she blushed while Tarun just started into her beautiful eye. She really had made him the happiest man tonight.

As the song ended, the couples all joined each other again as Tarun and Yukti shared the good news. They were all truly happy for the two of them. Especially Jai as he knew how much Yukti loved Tarun and stood by him through of his toughest days as a single dad.

Salman bade goodbye as he had to go for shooting the next morning.

Anjali also said her goodbye to everyone as she left to do her last minute packing. Jai promised to see her off at the airport before he also left for the camping trip.

Once everyone had left, Jai walked Bani to the car as the driver was to drive Bani back home. Even though Jai insisted that he would drop her off, she told him no as he should get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow. Plus, she was too nervous to be around him. She didn't know what could happen if she stayed around him any longer.

"I'll see you tomorrow" Jai said, his smile assuring her tomorrow would bring new and wonderful experiences.

"We can talk tomorrow?" Bani asked hopefully. Now more than ever she wanted to clear up her identity, knowing once and for all that Jai felt the same way about her she felt about him.

"You can count on it Bani" Jai said in a deep voice. "I have to tell you that I wasn't really crazy about this camping trip before, but now, wild horses couldn't keep me away."

Bani smiled, blushing slightly. "Tomorrow then" she said.

Jai kissed her one last time before he opened the back door for her. Both were looking forward to tomorrow.

To be continued…