FF: Serendipity .... Epilogue on PG 30

Character Sketch

Jai Walia: Age 35, a very successful lawyer that has earned himself a high name in court.  A rich man who dedicates his all into his work. He lives on his own in a nice apartment on the top floor with a great view of the city. Whenever he has time, he chooses to spend it on his family---his younger happily married sister, Jigyasa, who is married to his best friend and a proud mother of two. He is a very attractive handsome man that catches every woman's eye who is aware of his masculinity at all times. Still a bachelor, Jai has no intention of marrying anytime soon and makes use of his bachelorhood to the fullest---indulging himself in affairs here and there. He is a headstrong, determined man who believes he still has a long life ahead of him.

Bani Dixit: Age 27, a workaholic doctor who has no social life, no friends other than acquaintances at work, and no romantic entanglements. As a doctor competing for a residency position with a butt kissing suck up, Meera Khandelwal, Bani survives on lots of caffeine and a determination to be the best. Her two sisters, Pia Dixit (happily married for the past seven years) and Rano Dixit (two years her junior), are constantly trying to fix her up with eligible men. Bani is a beautiful young woman and does not have trouble in attracting men herself, however, her non-social personality tends to get in the way.

More characters will be introduced later on in the story....

Chapter 1:

"One....Two.....Three....," they shout together as they pick up their small shots and swallow the strong alcohol whole in one go. The two men clear their throats roughly and try to calm their flaming mouths. Jai Walia looks over to his right at his best friend of fifteen years who pats him on his back and challenges him once more.

"One more," he slurs at him while Jai smirks, humored by his drunken state. He places a hand on his shoulders and gives him a simmering look.

Jai: Come on Tarun.... I think we've had enough yaar. Especially you. Going on twenty shots is a little much, don't you think?

Tarun protests loudly while gripping him hard onto his own shoulders.

Tarun: No way man! You've won another case! We're going to celebrate all night! Woooo!!!!

Jai tries to suppress his laughter but to no success. Both Jai and Tarun work in the same law firm for a few years now and even went to the same law school where they finished their law degree together.

Tarun: The Jai Walia is undefeatable! No one can cross him! .... And I am going to drink to that till I get sh*t drunk!

Jai: (raises a brow) You don't think you're already there yet?

Ignoring his remark, Tarun raises his next shot in a toasting manner to Jai.

Tarun: May your success grow my friend and your pockets be full with cash! ---Which I am hoping I might be able to rub off on some! (winks)

Jai gives him a throaty laugh and tells him that he can keep on dreaming. He feels his cell vibrate in his pant pocket and reaches for it, reading the SMS sent to him. He looks back over to Tarun who downs his shot and makes a sissing sound with his mouth.

Jai: Hey Tarun, I got to get a go on. I promised Jigs and Adi that I'd come over for the small Christmas party they're hosting tonight. If I don't show up, you know Adi will kick my a** later. I mean, he's already mad at you for not showing. He thinks you purposely planned the trip to Canada to get out of it.

In a couple of hours Tarun has a booked flight to Canada to visit his mother who has been pestering him to come see her for the past four years.

Tarun: (laughs) The man knows me too well that it nerves me sometimes.----You know those parties your sister throws every year are such a bore.

Jai: True. But Adi promises this year it'll be a little exciting.

Tarun: Oh, and why is that?

Jai: One word my friend.... Women.

Tarun: Damn that b*stard. The one party I bail out on, he brings in all the fun. Damn him to hell. (slams his fist against the tabletop)

Jai: (chuckling) Jigs says she wants me to meet this one woman in particular. She's given me her word that she's worth seeing. I don't remember her name anymore..... I think it was....

Tarun: (snorts, cutting in) You have Jigs' word? You know her definition of a beautiful woman.... (mimicking his sister's voice) Oh, she is the most sweetest woman you will ever meet.... Sure she is a little big on the edges Bhaiya, but she has a heart of gold. And it is her personality that counts and makes her very beautiful.

Jai: (grinning) No, no, this time I even got Aditya's word. And he never lies, so I think I might just go for it this time.

Tarun gives him a hard pat on the shoulder in encouragement.

Tarun: Well what are you wasting your time around here on me for Walia.... You've got a hot lady waiting for you, don't you? Hasn't the party already started by now?

Jai glances down at his rolex watch and swears under his breath. It's half past eight. He is already thirty minutes late.

Jai: Sh*t Tarun, I got to go. You'll be fine on your own, wont' you? Or do I need to call Lakshmi to come get you?

Lakshmi Singhania is Tarun's fiance of ten months. They have a very open relationship and have been going steady for the last six years. He had proposed to her last Valentine's, telling her that she is the only woman for him and the only one who he will ever truly love. Their wedding is planned to be in June since Lakshmi has always dreamed for a summer wedding.

Tarun: Are you really asking? Or are you just going to go ahead and call her like you always do?

Jai: She's on my speed dial dost.... Number 3. Right after you.

Tarun: Well go on and rat me out. I'll wait for her to come and personally murder me with her bare hands.

Jai: (smiling) I'll represent your case in court.... See you tomorrow bright and early.

He gives him a bidding thump on his upper back before pulling his coat over him and stepping out from the bar into the chilly weather of Mumbai City. Jai locates his silver Mercedes off to the side of the sidewalk and lets himself in. He drives to his place to quickly get changed and rush his way on over to his sister's house to save him from an emotional breakdown that he doesn't love her enough and that she has no importance in his life. She is, by the way, six months pregnant with her third child, a son.

Three Months Later

"Now, if you will come follow me on over here, you will see that there are three rooms. A bedroom, a guest room, and a bathroom. There is a small closet across the bathroom to keep whatever you'd like... and if you come here, you will see the balcony and living room that coincide with one another....and right here is the dining room....and down this hall is the kitchen," the realtor says didactically as she leads her interested client around the beautiful, spacious apartment. After taking a careful look around, Bani Dixit stands flat in the middle of the large, cozy living area, her hazel brown eyes taking in her surroundings and gazing at the breathtaking view of the city beneath her that she is sure is far more beautiful at night than it is during the day.  

Bani: Now Roshini.... does the apartment come with all this furniture or is it just for display?

Roshini, her realtor, flashes her a big bright smile. She approaches her with her clipboard in hand.

Roshini: Yes, it comes with it all. Everything you see in this apartment will be yours if you do choose to rent it.

Bani: (becoming curious) Who was the previous tenant of this place?

Bani watches as Roshini's smile tightens and look unreal as she becomes slightly hesitant about discussing the topic.

Roshini: Err.... (nervous laugh) Well it has something to do with a family matter. I tried to press on details but wouldn't get any. All I know is that they have opened it up for rent for a matter of months.

Bani gives Roshini a slight look on hearing this. She turns and gives another glimpse of the place. It sure is a beautiful apartment and it will be difficult for her to find such a charming place elsewhere in the city. Roshini looks at her cautiously and worriedly, hoping with all might that she will not refuse.

Bani: I don't know Roshini....

Roshini: (trying to get rid of her doubts) Come on Bani, your lease will only last for six months. And you said earlier you need a place to stay for awhile to start searching for a permanent residence somewhere else.

Bani: (still unsure) I did.

Roshini: And its right by the hospital where I know you are working.

Bani: It is. (agreeing)

Roshini: And you would be insane if you were to give up on a chance of living in a beautiful apartment like this! I mean, just look at the view!

Bani: (torn on both sides) The view is really great.

Roshini: Then what is holding you back! It's a perfect opportunity. You should go for it Bani.

Bani takes a moment to carefully think this through. Did she really want to do this? She knows that she will never come to a decision by debating to herself over this issue and decides on comparing the pros of buying the apartment for rent against the cons.

Pros:

•          Big bedroom with a bonus of a separate bathroom in it
•          Guest room----so her sisters can come and stay with her whenever they wish if they do decide to drop by
•          Another bathroom, so she doesn't have to share with anyone else if she has a guest over [which is highly unlikely though since she doesn't know anyone that she would invite over and spends all of her time at the hospital, but still, it's nice to have a spare bathroom]
•        Huge kitchen with a cool steel refrigerator that can fit just about anything
•          Breath taking view of the city where she can imagine herself sitting in front of sipping her coffee [well whenever she finds the chance to]
•          Really nice comfortable furniture

Cons:

•          Expensive as hell

Roshini curiously cuts into her train of thinking, eager to know what her decision is. She calls for her attention.

Roshini: So..... What do you say?

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It took Bani two weeks to settle into her new apartment, due to her busy scheduling at the hospital, with the help of her sisters and brother-in-law, Aparajit Deb who all agreed that she chose a nice place to live until otherwise. They were gracious enough to help unpack all her things and rearrange to her liking, moving all her things in. Pia, her elder sister by a year, had questioned with slight disapproval, "I don't understand Bani why you are going to rent a place for only a few months if you're going to be looking for another place to live. I mean, what's wrong with staying with me and Jeet? Why are you going to waste your money like this?" Bani had successfully gotten rid of most of her doubts, heavily using the excuse of the apartment being close the hospital and saying it will be convenient for her. Pia had only huffed and said she could do whatever she wanted because she knew Bani would not listen to her no matter what she says.

Bani opens the door for her small family, who came to do some last minute moving in, completely settling her into the apartment. She watches them leave and pecks them all on their cheeks, promising to come and visit soon. She knew as well as they did that she was lying.

Bani sighs and looks around her apartment, falling in love with the homey feel to it. She glances over at the hanging clock and notes that she has a little time to take a nap and catch up on her sleep....

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Bani wakes up only to realize that she had slept three hours when she had only meant to sleep one. She rubs her eyes and stretches while yawning softly to herself. She gets out from bed and sees that it's too late for her to start on dinner and that she might as well order some takeout. On her way to the kitchen, she walks through the living room and catches the shining view from her balcony window doors. She is momentarily mesmerized until she remembers what she had wanted to do. She goes on over to make herself a pot of coffee with the thought of sitting by her windows and savoring the scenery from her top floor. As her coffee is made she looks through the wooden cupboards for a mug until she finds only two, one that has the words "World's Greatest Uncle" on it and another with a "I love New York" logo on it. Bani, at first intrigued, ignores her floating thoughts. She realizes that she has still not unpacked most of her cups, plates, bowls, and utensils. She takes out the New York mug and pours her coffee into it since she has no other option.

Sipping onto her coffee slowly, savoring the warm taste of the liquid, Bani walks out from the kitchen and over to the living room but is immediately stopped in her tracks as she sees something that terrifies her. Her mug of warm steaming coffee falls from her hands and crashes against the floor. She gasps loudly as she sees a tall man of about 6'3" standing before her in the dining room, separating the kitchen and living room apart, staring back at her with a startle as well.

Without wasting another moment, she grabs the glass vase right next to her into her hands to use as a weapon for her defense as it is the only thing near that she can grab and watches the man eye her curiously.

Bani: (yelling) Who are you! What are you doing in my apartment! How did you get in! ----Don't you dare come near me or else I will smash this against your skull!!!

She warns as she sees him take a step forward to come near her. He retreats a step back, yet looks more angry than "frightened" as she wanted him to be.

"Who are you to ask me all this and threaten me in my own apartment?! Do not make me the culprit here, you are the one who has committed forced entry into a private home! Do you know that this is against the law and that you can get charges put against you?" he questions her demandingly, making her feel small compared to his gallant height and brewing anger.

Bani: (squeaks) Me?! You are the one who broke in! I live here! I pay the rent! This is my apartment! If anyone is getting charges on them, then it's you!

"Look, I don't want to play games with you. Either you get out or I will kick you out. Or better yet, I will have the police escort you. Now what is it going to be?" He stands before her in determination of his words and she finds herself swallowing nervously. She then, however, remembers that she is the victim here. How is she going to allow this stranger to tell her what to do and threaten to kick her out of HER apartment? She burns up with rage towards this arrogant man.

Bani: You are the one who is playing games! What do you want from me? Do you want money? Did you come here to steal? I'll give you anything you want if you just leave! And I swear to God if you try to attack me in anyway, I won't hesitate in defending myself!

"Don't get all hyped up. Put the vase down, it's expensive," he states, keeping his eyes on her furious face.

Bani: (screams) How would you know that?! It's my vase!

"No, it's mine. Everything here is mine. This apartment is MINE," he angrily retorts back while taking a step toward her. Bani moves back nervously, afraid of whether this man will hurt her, and grips tight onto the glass vase. With every step she takes back, he comes near. Soon enough her back hits the wall and she watches with wide eyes as he approaches her closer and closer.

Bani: (voice shaking) Stay back!... Get away from me!... I'll hurt you---- I swear I'll do it!

She holds in her breath as he finally stands before her, peering down at her with his gray stormy eyes and she watches frighteningly as he brings his hand forward. She is about to scream until she sees that he reaches for the vase and brings his hand forth to grab it. But she and the man are both surprised as his hand moves past it' not able to take a grip onto it. Bani watches again as he attempts to take it from her once more, but his hand only goes through the vase. He pulls his hand back and brings it to his view, his eyes wide with disbelief as well. Bani, astonished, drops the vase from her hand, allowing it to shatter onto the floor as well as the mug previously. His eyes meet hers just as she does this.

"Damn it, I told you it was expensive," he mutters through clenched teeth, but Bani could care less about the vase now. What she cared about now was why this man wasn't able to hold onto the vase..... why his hand kept on missing it and only went through it.

Bani: (whispers, terrified) Are you'.. Are you a ghost?

She sees his features tense on her words and his face bear a look of shock at her question.

Bani: Wh-why weren't you able to touch the vase?

"I can ensure you Miss that I'm not dead.... I'm very much alive," he says defensively after regaining himself. However, he isn't able to persuade Bani who's heart paces and face pales on the thought of being before a ghost.

Bani: (shaking her head, voice quivering) .... You have to be a ghost. There can't be any other reason that can explain why you weren't able to hold the vase.... Oh my God, you are a ghost!

Bani is reaching the brink of panic very quick and the man can sense it. He lifts his hands up to take a hold of her upper arms into his grip and shake some sense into her before she starts screaming her head off and continue to make false allegations of him being a "ghost" but is only given a further stunning surprise as his hands go through her as well. Beyond confused now, he tries once more only to receive the same outcome. Bani shivers and her knees shake. Seconds later, she screams and shuts her eyes, afraid for her own protection as she is cornered against the wall with no way of getting out....

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Yo marshmellow! you remember me? 😆 it's been ages since we've talked! how have you been? i have good news and bad news for you!