Part 19(c)
It was close to six in the evening and the lights in the lawns outside, where the function was to take place, had come on. It looked like a fairyland...with dimly lit candle lanterns in lacquered and stained glass, sourced from somewhere in China, hung on every possible tree branch.
The seating was done in round tables, enough to seat six to eight guests per table. And every table had a huge centrepiece done in white Lillie’s, white roses, white Lilacs and White Carnations, flowers imported from Thailand and Amsterdam in the favourite colour of the bride and the groom.
The plates and crockery were all antique porcelain, sourced from a vendor in Hong Kong. The cutlery was all sterling silver imported from Cambodia, through one of Jai's clients. The napkins were all made of the finest Egyptian cotton and were folded to resemble Swans.
The chairs were all teak-wood imported from Srilanka and had silk cushions on them which had the initials NP monogramed onto them. To bring down the formality of the arrangements a little bit, some of the seating was done on the ground...with thick, pile mattresses covered in pristine white set on the grassy lawns and contrasted by bright, mirror-work cushions, that Bani had herself sourced from a vendor in Kutch, Gujrat. Tall glass lamp shades were kept in nooks and corners for extra lighting and there were flavoured hookah’s kept for the smokers.
Nachiket and Purva both loved Jazz and hence a popular Jazz Band had been booked from Goa, who was now setting up the final arrangements for their musical piece. There were no sounds of the Dholaks and Drums; instead there was a Piano, Clarinets, a Saxophone and a huge Trumpet set on the stage by men who were dressed in formal white dress suits with bow ties. Karuna could not for the life of her understand what on earth these men were going to play.
For Massi and Karuna, everything seemed very eccentric...for one; the colours were all pale ivory and white, everywhere, from the glossy awning to the French embroidered table clothes to the flowers, instead of the usual bright reds and yellows that were much preferred in normal weddings.
The sight of the food shocked the life out of the Amritsar crowd...of course, some of the eternal favourites of a typical North-Indian wedding spread were there like Punjabi Chole, Amritsari Macchi, Chicken Biryani, Kaali Dal, Sabz Miloni, and a varied assortment of Breads ect...but the majority of the spread consisted of things like Shrimp Cocktails, Phylo Cups, Cold Canapés, Eggplant Parmigianino Involtini, Peking Duck Spring Rolls, Gourmet Pizza Tarts, Japanese Panko Crumbed Prawns, Vegetable Thai Money Bags, Lemon Prawn & Ginger Scallop and other such things that leave aside tasting, they hadn't even heard or seen of before.
All the sea-food had been sourced from the world famous Tsukiji market in Tokyo which was internationally renowned for its fresh sea-food and all the herbs etc. had been sourced from Thailand and Vietnam.
On being questioned by Massi, all that Jigyasa could reply was that it was Jai who had given his approval for the final spread and only then, could they understand why the food looked so hoity-toity.
Everything was elegant, exquisite and entrancing...apparently simple in appearance but anyone with even a vague eye for beauty and detail would have guessed how absurdly exclusive and expensive the whole set-up really was.
Bani's Room
Bani had just gone and visited Purva, who was looking beautiful in her designer lehenga and stunning pieces of jewellery. It was already getting late and Massi had ordered her to stand alongside Jai, while welcoming guests with Purva's parents. She rushed to her room, which was currently occupied by Pooja, Rano and Lalita. Bani felt acutely nervous, she had no illusions about the way she looked. She was a simple girl who had a regular face and a regular figure and was in no way glamorous like Meera or even possess a natural grace like Purva to stand out in the crowd.
Besides, standing out in the crowd was one of Bani's greatest fears. She had promised Jai to appear stunning for the function! How on earth was she going to manage it? She could be at the most, be described as a pretty looking girl, but nothing more than that. And Jai...even without taking any effort, he looked so dashing and handsome, making everyone pale in comparison to him. Bani wasn't even aiming to compare herself to Jai, just wishing that she wouldn't embarrass him in anyway with her general lack of sophistication and plain looks.
Noticing her nervousness, Rano asked her, 'What happened Bani? And why are you still in that sari? Aren't you going to change? After the bride, every eye will be on you!' This made Bani even more panicky and she mumbled, 'I am not prepared for this at all, Rano! I won't look nice at all...poor Jai...he will be so embarrassed because of me...'
Rano, Pooja and Lalita were shocked at her statement and were going to protest, when both Karuna and Massi came in.
'Bani, you are Jai's pride not his embarrassment! And a woman who is beautiful in the eyes of the man she loves has nothing to worry about!' assured Karuna, patting Bani.
'Aur kya? Both my bahu's are so beautiful...so cultured and so good. You have nothing to worry about, beta!' encouraged Massi.
'Yes...please stop looking like a dying duck! And you haven't even changed into your wedding clothes and you are already losing hope! Arre!' chided Rano, taking out the Sari and getting approval from both Karuna and Massi, who given their small town background, loved bright, shining colours.
'Bani...you will look amazing! Don't worry! Jai Sir will be knocked for a sixes!' teased Pooja, holding Bani's hands and dragging her towards the bathroom.
'Now go and wear this blouse...and the petticoat...and come out...Ma will drape this Sari for you!' said Rano, pushing her friend inside the washroom.
A while later
'There...and someone was getting all frazzled about becoming an embarrassment for god sake! Poor Potlu would have a very hard time concentrating on his guests today!' teased Karuna, when Bani had worn her saree and styled her hair into her signature loose plait pulling it forward.
Bani blushed and looked into her reflection. Did she look beautiful? She could never know that...but she did know that she looked loved and cherished. That was probably the reason why she was glowing so much. Lalita put a red bindi onto her forehead and Rano put a spring of jasmine on her hair. Both her hands were full of dozens of matching red and golden bangles, with the two heavy kadas that Jai had presented to her after their engagement. The only trace of make-up she had was some kajal in her expressive eyes and a very light colour of lipstick, enhancing the natural pinkness of her lips.
'Karuna...zara meri bahu ki nazar toh utaarna! She looks like a princess!' said Massi affectionately, kissing Bani on her forehead, as Karuna smiled warmly and taking out some kajal from her eyes, put it behind Bani's ears.
'What about the jewellery?' asked Pooja.
Everyone was silent, till Lalita spoke hesitatingly, 'I have got one set for her...but we were thinking that she would wear it on her wedding...'
'That's okay, auntieji...I have lots of sets with me...Bani can choose any of them!' said Karuna genially, though Bani felt very awkward taking anything from her, knowing what Jai felt on such matters.
'I will manage...I have some imitation sets...' started Bani, just as there was a knock on the door.
It was Lakshmi, who peeped in and giving a smile at Bani said, 'Bhabhi...if you are free for a moment, then Dada wants to see you. In his room.'
Bani's complexion went as red as the colour of her saree. Jai was simply the limit. How could he send her such a message, that too through Lakshmi. She gulped and hesitatingly looked around, only to see Rano and Pooja suppressing their laughter, while Massi and Lalita trying not to appear judgemental and Karuna humming, 'abhi abhi toh aayi ho...bahaar ban ke chaayi ho...'
'Didi...' squealed Bani and mumbled to Lakshmi, 'please tell him I cannot come now...I...there is a lot of work to do.'
'He told me that I had to get you. It’s very important! Come na, Bhabhi. Please!' insisted Lakshmi, making Bani even more embarrassed.
'Jao...Jao...Shehanshah Akbar ka farmaan aaya hain...Jodha Bai kaise mana kar sakti hain!' teased Karuna, making Rano and Pooja giggled helplessly.
Bani looked at Massi for her permission and she smiled and said, 'Go. Must be something important, else he wouldn't call you like this! But come back soon, okay!'
Bani got up, flushing from top to toe and left the room, muttering something against Jai and getting ready to give him an earful for having put her in such a spot.
Jai’s Room
She knocked impatiently on his door, till his voice, now sounding very happy and relaxed, calling out, 'Come innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn'
Bani simply shook her head in exasperation and opened the door, stepping in. She could not see him, because was hidden behind the walk-in wardrobe, but she knew that he had just taken a bath and come out. Bani wondered how many times in a day he took a bath!
'You called?' she asked not bothering to hide her annoyance.
He did not peep out of the wardrobe, but simply answered her, 'Yes, my sweetheart. I called.'
'Why?'
'Oooh...what happened? Did you drink Vinegar instead of Tea today? Why do you sound so waspish?' he provoked her, still not coming out of the closet.
'Very Funny! Jai! You are simply too much! How could you send such a message through Lakshmi? Everyone was in the room when she told me that you had asked me to come to your room! What will they think? What will Chachiji think? She has met you only today!'
Jai did not answer her, but simply said, 'There is something kept on the bed...please go there and open it. And if you like it, do me the honour of putting it on!'
Totally taken aback at the unexpected gesture, Bani asked him, 'What is there?'
'Go and look! I am still deciding on what to wear...once I do that, I will come out of here!' said Jai, from inside the closet.
Bani looked perplexed and walked toward the bed. There were two large boxes in velvet kept on it...the kinds that contains jewels.
'These are boxes...'she muttered.
'Yes, my genius. These are boxes. Open them.'
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bani slowly opened the first box. She felt her breathe taken away when she saw what it contained. A stunning choker in pigeon blood-red rubies, south-sea pearls and African diamonds. She opened the other box; it had huge matching earrings in rubies and diamonds with pearls hanging delicately on it.
When she had found her voice, all that Bani could utter was, 'Jai...these are...oh...but...these are...'
'Do you like them?' he asked simply, hurling something from the closet on to the floor.
She took some time in replying and said, 'Like them? I haven't seen anything like them in my life...they are...they are...just breath-taking.'
'Well, I am glad, it was worth the effort to drive all the way down to Connaught Place over to Zaveri Jewellers for them! Now be a good girl and put them on...'
'But these look too expensive, Jai...' she mumbled still in a jolt.
'They are. 1.3 C...a total of 78 Carats of gems on them...your neck and ears will probably have it today...but I really liked them...rubies seem to suit you so much, as it is!'
Jai said it very nonchalantly and all Bani could do was gawk back at him in the direction of the wardrobe.
1.3 Crores for a jewellery set? He had just gone ahead and brought them for her?
Finding her voice, Bani got up and mumbled, 'Jai...I can't...please...these are just too expensive...too exclusive…I can't...accept them…'
He finally came out of the wardrobe, draped in his beloved black bath towel and looking furious.
'What? What did you just say?'
Taken aback by his abrupt appearance, she struggled with words, 'Jai...it is beautiful...it really is...but how can I wear something so expensive...you shouldn't have...'
'How dare you? Who are you to tell me what I should buy for my wife and what I shouldn't? So what if it is expensive? Can't I buy something expensive for my woman?' he bellowed back, flared up like an inferno.
Bani had nothing to say, as always his anger took away whatever little confidence she possessed.
Jai kept glaring at her angrily and feeling highly upset, but then noticed how beautiful she was looking. Dressed in her red saree, her silky hair plaited and brought to the front, a sprig of jasmine adorning it, her sweet face adorned with just a dash of kajal and the red bindi making her face glow.
Bani was in tears now at being scolded so badly by Jai, but he came near her and wiping that lone tear that had rolled down her cheeks, said softly, 'Sorry. I didn't mean to shout on you like that.'
She lowered her face and kept quiet and he said, 'if you don't want to put them on...its fine.'
'No Jai! I didn't say that!' she protested and looked up at him, as he admired her minimalistic beauty and simplicity with love-struck eyes.
Jai smiled slowly and said, 'The jewels might be worth anything sweetheart...but compared to you, they are just stones and metal! I didn't buy them for the price-tag...I brought them because I knew that only you could make them look as beautiful as they deserved to look.'
Touched by his words and blushing pink at his compliment, she answered in a soft voice, 'It’s a stunning piece...I would love to wear it.'
'Then do so. Please.' said Jai, as she picked the boxes and walked towards the huge mirror in Jai's room.
'Since I am always accused of taking things off you...let me redeem myself.' said Jai, with a twinkle in his eyes, taking the heavy necklace and placing it around her slender neck. The mere addition of the choker transformed Bani instantly...she actually looked like the princess that Rano had been talking about.
'See...what did I tell you? This poor choker was probably waiting all its life to get a deserving neck...and finally it has found its soul mate!' teased Jai, planting a kiss on the back of Banis' neck.
Bani felt too shy to say anything in reply and she simply took the corresponding danglers and fastened them on, finishing the set.
Jai kept staring at her in the mirror and finally declared in a repentant voice, 'I should have thought before telling you to stun you in the morning. Now I will have to spend the entire evening dropping Donormyl 250 mg into every man's glass who can't keep from staring at you.'
'Jai!' she exclaimed, both overwhelmed with emotion and feeling terribly shy, turning around and burying her face on his bare chest.
Lifting her face slightly, Jai whispered into her ears, 'you look so beautiful, Bani...and not the 'I want to rip the clothes of your body and make love to you the whole night' beautiful...but the, 'I want to get down on my knees and worship you for rest of my life' beautiful.
She had tears in her eyes, but she smiled, feeling shy and bashful at the way he enamoured her.
'Jai...don't...' she said, falling onto his chest and holding his arms.
He laughed and hugging her affectionately, said, 'hey...it’s the guy who is going to become your husband in the next 48 hours who is complimenting you...get used to it...he is going to do this on a daily basis now.'
Bani looked up at him with impish eyes and teased him playfully, 'we will see that, won't we? Husband complimenting his wife daily or shouting on her because he can't find his vest or his socks!'
Throwing his head back and laughing uproariously on Bani's response, he said, 'Okay...now do you want to make an entry all by yourself or will you quickly help me take out my clothes? So many hot chicks would be coming...I want to...'
And then suddenly realizing what he had said, turned sheepishly in Bani's direction who was giving him that 'strict wife' look and holding his ears, said apologetically, 'Oopsies...slipped out of my tongue...still getting used to the fact that I am no longer a free stallion but a tethered cow now!'
Bani had to quash her laughter on Jai's sense of humour and pulling his cheeks said, 'remember...if you ever dare to turn from tethered cow to free stallion...this mouse will also turn into a tigress...and everyone knows that a Tiger is far more dangerous than a Horse!'
'Aye Aye...Captain! Whatever you say!' mock saluted Jai, as Bani giggled and walked towards his wardrobe to take out his clothes, while he added mischievously, 'By the way...I won't mind this mouse turning into a tigress from time to time...I mean, in the bed...'
'JAI!'
He laughed as she blushed, pushing him away, when he tried to kiss her passionately on her midriff, bending down on his knees!
'Jai! What are you doing?'
'Worshipping you sweetheart!'
'What?'
'This is how I worship...' he murmured, trailing hot kisses all over her exposed midriff and biting her navel, making her yelp and jump.
'Stop it now! I can't come to your room without getting molested!' she complained.
'I protest...you are mistaking my worshipping as being molested...I think this is just a simple case of misunderstanding...'
'Very funny! Here...this will look smashing on you...' said Bani, taking out a Black Bandhgala set from his wardrobe and keeping it on the chair. And then giving him a shy sidelong glance, added, 'everything looks good on you.'
Encouraged by this comment, Jai begin to fiddle with her blouse and she shouted in protest.
'Jai...don't! Chachiji draped this Sari so beautifully...don’t...please...you are spoiling the look. And...get your hands out of my...JAI!'
Jai had slipped his hand inside Bani's blouse from the back and kept fiddling for some time without success and muttered in irritation, 'Damn! Where the hell do you get your Bras from? Impossible to unhook the bloody things!'
Looking suitably appalled, she stomped on his foot and exclaimed, 'Jai! Really! Do you ever review your words before saying them? And wherever I get them from is none of your business! God! You are just beyond impossible!'
Not able to do anything more, he had to reluctantly take his hands out and was rewarded with a pinch on them, as he shrieked hysterically, 'OWWWWWWW'
'Now, please let me go...I actually have work to do...' pleased Bani, when Jai refused to let her slip away from his arms.
'There is still an hour or so...enough time for us to do it and change back into our clothes...' he said, very casual and confident.
She glared back at him and snapped, 'you are out of your mind...there are at least a hundred people already present in the house and anytime, the guests will start arriving...'
'I can be quick as well as effective sweetheart...plus, I am still in my towel...and if you teach me how to unhook your complicated lingerie...we can do it in record time!'
She stared hard at him, as he gave a pleading look and she had to muster every inch of her willpower to not burst out laughing and keep looking very annoyed.
'I AM GOING NOW...I have to check with the Neerjaji if she needs anything...they are feeling a bit awkward...since the wedding is taking place in our house...I just want to set them at ease...' said Bani in an authoritative voice, changing the topic deftly.
Jai smiled at her and said, 'you said 'our house'...that sounded so nice...I think for the first time, this Farmhouse feels like 'Our House' to me...'
She kept looking at him with deep love and fondness and then said mischievously, 'you be ready in ten minutes and come down. Else, I am going to attend the wedding with Shanky!'
'Ha! You think so!' quipped Jai, giving a threatening look.
'Standing up for MYSELF! Did you forget already?' teased Bani, before throwing a flying kiss in Jai's direction and laughing in her silvery voice, before leaving the room.
'You wait and watch, Mrs. W.....you will have to payback for this temerity!' called out Jai, laughing loudly and thrilled at the way she was teasing him back.
Bani's Room
Bani had rushed back to her room to pick up her pouch, when she bumped into Meera, who was wearing the most inappropriate clothes for a wedding and stared back at Bani's neck and ears.
'Wow! That...That is just...stunning...' she exclaimed and then giving a look at Bani, added with a sly smile, 'can’t be yours...did Jai...Ooops...I mean your would be husband give it you?'
At a loss of words for a moment, Bani nevertheless, gathered courage and looking back straight into Meera's eyes, said politely but cuttingly, 'Yes, my husband gave it to me. It’s beautiful, isn't it?'
Meera was so shocked by her answer, that all she could do was stare back blankly.
'And you should also know...that this necklace isn't the only thing he is capable of giving...he can very much give a verbal lashing and a tight slap on anyone's face if and when required. So I would suggest you to behave yourself this evening and not spoil it for anyone. Else, I can't guarantee whether you will be attending this wedding or not, Meera.'
Giving a cold smile at a dumbfounded Meera, Bani gently pushed her out of her way and kept walking, her head held high and her profile calm and collected.
When she came into her room, Rano and Pooja instantly jumped on her to tease her regarding why Jai had called her to his room, but only till they saw the stunning Choker and Earrings that she had on and were rendered speechless.
'Wow...Like WOW...I mean...WOWWWWWWWWWWW....Baneeeeeeeeee...that's just fantabulous...Oh! My! Gee!...Can I touch it?' gasped Rano, giving an awe-struck look at the jewels that Bani was wearing.
'Rano...of course, you can touch it! In fact, I will take it out...and you can wear it too...'
'Are you crazy? No way! Its Jeeju's gift for you...I just want to have a look at it...' yelled Rano in protest, when Bani began unclasping the heavy necklace.
'Yes, I know it’s his gift...I was just taking it out for you to try it out once...I am going to wear it for the function...'smiled Bani.
'Bani, that is just stunning...it must have cost the earth! Wow...can't believe your luck...one you get a hunk like Jai Sir and then he gifts you such wonderful things! Hai...meri lottery kab lagegi!' exclaimed Pooja, thoughtlessly.
Bani's expression dimmed a bit, when she wondered if she was really that lucky? A good-looking, rich husband who lavished her with jewels was not luck according to her...a husband who would grow old with her was luck according to her...and that is all she wanted from her marriage. That her Jai should live a long, healthy life and they should be together for years and years to come. What would be the point of owning beautiful jewellery and gorgeous clothes, if she couldn't dress up for the man who meant the world for her?
Looking at her lost, poignant expression, Rano said in an awkward voice, 'I can understand what you are thinking, Bani! Now this Saree looks so cheap and ordinary in front of those gems!'
Snapping back from her chain of thought, Bani instantly reprimanded Rano and said emotionally, 'Rano...you should know me better than anyone else. Do you think I would ever put a value on anyone's gift? This Sari is a gift of love from my parents and family...and these jewels are a gift of love from my life-partner...where is the question of comparison even?'
Rano grinned through her tears and hugged back Bani, saying, 'I guess most people would assume that you are the luckier one to get someone like Jeeju as a life partner...but I know that he is the luckier one. He couldn't have found a more loving, a more loyal and wonderful wife than you!'
Bani smiled and said, 'Thank you. Thank you! Now, will you keep chattering for the rest of the evening or get dressed and come down? I have to go and see Purva once and then I have to be outside to receive the guests!'
Rano and Pooja grinned and said, 'You go...we will get dressed and be down! Don't worry! And you look absolutely breath-taking...just like a princess!
Bani blushed and bid them goodbye, making her way towards Purva's room
Purva's Room
Purva was all dressed up and looked very fetching in her dusty pink lehenga and diamond jewellery.
Bani smiled affectionately at Purva and said, 'Touch wood...you look so beautiful, Purva!'
'Don't! You are the one who look so beautiful...now no one will look at me!' complained Purva mockingly, making Bani laugh.
'You both look beautiful...now happy? Bani...really...this colour suits you very much...and I just love that piece of jewellery you are wearing...these gorgeous stones are making your face glow!' complimented Purva's mother.
'Thank you auntiji...' said Bani shyly and then looking at Purva said, 'The guests have started arriving...I have to go out now...if you need anything, please let me know, okay?'
Purva smiled brightly and hugged her lovingly, 'I am so glad that we are going to be co-sisters...I wish...I wish, we didn't have go to the States after our wedding...'
Bani too looked sad at the thought of Nachiket and Purva going away and said, 'But it’s for your career's sake, Purva....besides, I am sure Nachiket is looking forward to it.'
'That's the thing! Nachi also doesn't want to go to the US...in fact, we both wanted to take a transfer from Bangalore to Gurgaon...so that we could be closer to Dada.'
'Then?'
'Then what? Apparently, its Dada who is very insistent on Nachiket leaving for the US...he says its much better for his career....and you know him. Nachiket can never refuse Dada! What to do?'
Bani was quiet for a while...she realized why Jai was insistent on his only brother leave for the US, that too so soon after his wedding. Jai did not want Nachiket or Purva to know about his illness. She did not know what to say or react. In her mind, she felt that while Jai's intentions were correct, his thought process was completely wrong. Nachiket was no outsider, but Jai's own flesh and blood...how could Jai not disclose such a huge thing to him and on top of that, make sure that he wasn't involved in any way too, by sending him so far.
Bani decided that she had to speak with Jai on this issue...especially when she had come to know that neither Nachiket nor Purva wanted to leave India
Bani gave an assuring smile at Purva and said, 'Don't worry...whatever will happen, will happen for the best. Today is your day and you just concentrate on looking as pretty as you are and be as happy as you can...this day is so special...make it so memorable that you remember it for years and years to come.'
Purva held Bani's hands and said, 'you are such an amazing person, Bani...even before knowing about you and Dada...I had such admiration for you...but now...that you are family, I can't stop counting my blessings...that I have got the world's best brother-in-law and sister-in-law for myself. I am truly lucky!'
Bani laughed as tears filled her eyes...touched by the affection, warmth and respect shown by both Nachiket and Purva and giving a tender kiss on her cheeks, said goodbye and left for the venue.
The Wedding
The guests had started trickling in and by the very first look, Bani could make out that the who's who of Delhi's political and legal circle were making an entry, all dressed in their finest ensemble and most of them followed by their security personnel. She had gone to stand near the entrance, along with Nikhil and Neerja Raheja, and looked decidedly nervous and ill at ease, wondering where was Jai.
As if reading her thoughts, he made an appearance from inside the Farmhouse.
Dressed in a Raghuvendra Rathore Bandhgala in muted black, made out of a pure wool and silk blend, with a high neck collar accentuating his broad profile, two buttons in mother-of-pearl, left open, with a spread away cut and gored welt pockets. Combined with slim fit trousers in black with a flat front and narrow fit, flattering his lean body type. His hair was combed back austerely, revealing his broad forehead and he was wearing his favourite Cestello Silver Rolex on his left wrist.
Even when he was walking across to join Bani and the Raheja's, every pair of eye was automatically trained onto him...Jai was simply a walking talking magnet in action. He looked not just incredibly gorgeous, given his god-gifted good looks, but just as naturally sophisticated and elegant, almost imperial in appearance.
Rano who was to Lalita's annoyance, gobbling on some Prawn Starters, all but dropped it on her brand-new Anarkali Suit when she saw Jai and giving a look at Bani, took her tounge out and pretended to die and fall on the ground, making Bani snigger helplessly with laughter. Rano was just beyond funny!
'What is so funny?' whispered Jai into Bani's ears, coming to stand alongside her and making her go warm all over her face, when she saw how incredibly handsome he looked today.
'Nothing...Rano was just admiring you...she has found a club along with Pooja...it’s actually a fan-club for you...' she mumbled back, grinning.
'Oh! How flattering! I will have a word with both the girls regarding the club later on...'
'You won't have any such talk. I have already told Rano that you are a one-woman man!' said Bani very authoritatively, taking his hands in her own.
Looking highly amused, Jai whistled back, 'Ooooh...is that so? One-woman man? Okay...Okay...that's very confident of you to say so!'
'Btw, how do I look?' he asked, bending towards her and making her flush.
She paused for a while and looked up at him and took out a little bit of kajal from her eye and put it behind his ears, 'this is how you look.'
Jai kept gazing back at her and then breathed in a hoarse voice, 'Don't Bani...I swear, I will do something to you right here...my heart is just brimming with love for you and my nether regions are throbbing for some action...it’s a bad, bad combination, let me tell you.'
Bani went crimson and burst out in fits of giggle on hearing his comment, making Nikhil Raheja say to her, 'What is so funny, dears? Jai...as it is that Neerja and I are much older than both of you...on top of that if you both look good...who the hell is going to look at us? We are after all the girls' parents...'
Teasing both of them, Nikhil came forward and said to Jai, 'Do one thing...let me stand with Bani and you stand with Purva's Mom...that way everything will be fair!'
All the four of them laughed on his comment and Jai said, 'I would be honoured to stand besides Neerjaji...but the thing is that my dear fiancée has been going about telling the whole world that I am a one-woman man...now I have to bear the burden of her pronouncements!'
Nikhil and Jai laughed and hugged each other, saying, 'Jai...I am so glad this happened. My Purva is really lucky...not only is she getting a husband like Nachiket....but a wonderful family with the both of you...'
Jai and Bani both smiled and she said in her humble manner, 'We are just as glad, Nikhilji...and we will both hope and pray to God, that they both have a wonderful and happy married life ahead!'
Their attention was diverted when some guests started arriving and Jai begun introducing them to Bani and the Raheja's. Since the wedding was happening not just in Delhi but also at Jai's farmhouse, most of the guests were known to Jai and hence he was quickly taken up by them.
Anu had just come over to tell Bani that Massi was calling her for some important work, when Jai whispered into her ears, 'Hang on for a moment. Bacchu Yadav just stepped out of his Car...let me introduce you to him!'
Bani looked at the latest entry...he was a very rough and uncouth looking man, with pan-stained mouth and loads of kajal in his eyes and dressed in an all-white kurta pyjama, looking every inch the rouge politician that he probably was.
'Bacchu Yadav?' she questioned, giving a wary look at the man, who was followed by a mile long crowd of his retinue, carrying baskets of fruits, sweets and other paraphernalia.
'Yup...my star client! 13 murders, 42 extortions, 24 assaults, 100 charges of hooliganism and 10 counts of corruption!' announced Jai with such pride, as if he was introducing a National Award Winner for Bravery to Bani.
Not spotting the look of total astonishment on her face, Jai exclaimed cheerfully, taking her hand and leading her up to him, 'You will love him! He is a hoot and a half!'
'Yadavji! Pranam!' hollered Jai in a most theatrical manner, folding his hands and bowing his head with a wide grin, very different from his usual refined style of greeting people.
Bacchu Yadav looked like a delighted child who had been handed over his favourite candy and folding both his hands, literally fell on Jai's feet.
'Bakil Sahib...mere mai baap...mere sarkaar…kitne dino ka baad, aapka darshan hua! Hum toh Dhanya ho gaya....'
Jai smiled genially and said, 'I am so glad that you could come for the wedding, Yadavji!'
'Arre! Kaise nahin aate? Bakil Sahib ke chote bhaiyya ka shaadi aur Bacchu nahin aata! Impaaasible!' declared Bacchu Yadav, rudely ushering his chamchas to take the several gift items he had got for the wedding.
Both of them laughed warmly and Jai turned to face a confounded and petrified looking Bani and said to him, 'Inse milye. Meri hone waali dharam patni.'
Bani was even more taken aback than before. Jai hardly ever spoke in Hindi, leave aside speaking it so well.
Bacchu Yadav's beady eyes all but popped out and he exclaimed, 'Hai Ram! Ka baat kar rahein hain, Bakil Sahib? Aap saadi kar rahein hain? Pahile kyon nahin batya? Arre...ek ho bail applicason mili thi...socha aapke chota bhaiyya ki saadi mein juse karlenge use...pata hota aap bhi jamuna paar ho rahein hai toh...'
Jai threw his head back and laughed, replying back, 'It’s going to be a very private wedding, Yadavji...only family...kuch personal issues hain...'
'Arre...koi baat nahin. Koi baat nahin. Hamari aur hamari missesh ki taraf se bahut bahut shubh kaamnaayei...aapko and Bhabhiji ko bhi.'
Saying that Bacchu Yadav bent all the way down in front of Bani, making her utterly fidgety and nervous, as he added in a filmy style,'Saakshaat Sita Maiyaa ka avtaar hain, Bhabhiji...bahut kushnaseeb hain aap, Bakil Sahib.'
Jai gave a nod and said, 'Thank you! Now why don't you go along with Shera...and I have kept an entire bottle of Scotch especially for you...'
Bacchu Yadav's eyes brightened and he said excitedly, 'Scotland waali?'
'Arre, Yadavji! How many times have I told you that Scotch is made only in Scotland! If it’s made anywhere else, it is NOT called Scotch!'
Bacchu Yadav giggled and said, 'Hum toh paanchvi phail hain...aapka jaisa thodi hain...hi-five!'
Jai laughed and ushered him in along with his retinue, as Bani kept looking at Jai and finally said in an anxious voice, 'Jai! Really! He is your friend?'
'Er...actually a client turned into a dear friend! A very important one too! Saw that Navy BMW standing in my Garage? He had presented to me when I had got him out of his 5th murder!'
'Oh! God! Then how did he go back to jail?' asked Bani, looking thoroughly scandalized by the kind of company her would-be-husband kept.
'He did another murder! He keeps committing crimes and I keep getting him out! Most of the money I have made in my professional career is due to that bastard!' said Jai cheerfully, waving at Joe, who had just made an entry.
'Bani, you remember Joe? The Private Kitchen guy? The one who had murdered his wife?' he whispered into Bani’s ears, as if he was recalling a particularly respectable person to her.
Bani gave a constricted smile in Joe's direction who once again melodramatically bowed in front of Bani and whispered to Jai, 'Do you have any normal friends?'
'Normal? What do you mean?'
'You know...the types, who haven't killed other people or committed crimes that land them in jail?' she said sarcastically.
Jai laughed and laughed and taking her in his arms replied back, rather seriously, 'No. I don't make friends with boring people!'
'JAI!' she chided him, laughing and telling him that she was going inside to check on everything.
A While Later
Nachiket and Purva were seated in the dais, which was decorated with white orchids and Lillie’s and they both looked absolutely stunning as a couple. Bani had seated them both and gone to check if the Panditji needed anything and waved at Jai, who was speaking to someone, who looked like his friend. Hopefully, a friend who was not a criminal.
They met for a while and Jai told her, 'Where did you vanish? One of my oldest friends from school...and don't look so worried...he is actually a reputed physician and has not committed any murders in my knowledge...has come with his wife...I want you to meet them!'
Bani looked quite busy but smiled at him and said, 'Sure. I would love to. Actually Karuna didi had called for some work...where are they?'
Just then Rano came prancing by along with Pooja and giving a very shy, giggly look at Jai, said, 'Er...Jeeju...we were wondering, if you don't mind...can we have a picture clicked with you?'
Jai looked back in a highly amused manner at both the girls and then at Bani, who had pursed her lips to try and control her laughter, and said to them, 'But I heard that your friend had apparently told you that I am a one-woman man? Are one-woman men allowed to get pictures clicked with pretty girls?'
Both Rano and Pooja dissolved into mush when Jai referred to them as pretty and snickering like pre-teens, said to him, 'Yes...she did tell us that you are a one-woman man! Should we take her permission?'
Jai gave a look at Bani, who had a very smug expression on her face and turning to look at Rano and Pooja said, 'what she forgot to tell you that I am a one-woman man at one time...'
'We don't understand...'
Linking his left arms into Rano's arm and calling out for the photographer, Jai looked back at Bani and said, 'One woman at one time...so it’s Rano for now...and afterwards it will be Pooja and then any other pretty girl who is available. What say, Dharam Patniji?'
They were both thrilled beyond words while Jai looked back at Bani, winked and said, ‘this is what happens when you stand up for yourself against ME, sweetheart!’ leaving her open-mouthed and gaping in shock at the way he always got the upper hand.
“Weddings remind us that
our lives have meaning and that love is the strongest bond, the happiest joy,
and the loveliest healing we can ever experience.” ~ Daphne Rose KingmaIt was close to six in the evening and the lights in the lawns outside, where the function was to take place, had come on. It looked like a fairyland...with dimly lit candle lanterns in lacquered and stained glass, sourced from somewhere in China, hung on every possible tree branch.
The seating was done in round tables, enough to seat six to eight guests per table. And every table had a huge centrepiece done in white Lillie’s, white roses, white Lilacs and White Carnations, flowers imported from Thailand and Amsterdam in the favourite colour of the bride and the groom.
The plates and crockery were all antique porcelain, sourced from a vendor in Hong Kong. The cutlery was all sterling silver imported from Cambodia, through one of Jai's clients. The napkins were all made of the finest Egyptian cotton and were folded to resemble Swans.
The chairs were all teak-wood imported from Srilanka and had silk cushions on them which had the initials NP monogramed onto them. To bring down the formality of the arrangements a little bit, some of the seating was done on the ground...with thick, pile mattresses covered in pristine white set on the grassy lawns and contrasted by bright, mirror-work cushions, that Bani had herself sourced from a vendor in Kutch, Gujrat. Tall glass lamp shades were kept in nooks and corners for extra lighting and there were flavoured hookah’s kept for the smokers.
Nachiket and Purva both loved Jazz and hence a popular Jazz Band had been booked from Goa, who was now setting up the final arrangements for their musical piece. There were no sounds of the Dholaks and Drums; instead there was a Piano, Clarinets, a Saxophone and a huge Trumpet set on the stage by men who were dressed in formal white dress suits with bow ties. Karuna could not for the life of her understand what on earth these men were going to play.
For Massi and Karuna, everything seemed very eccentric...for one; the colours were all pale ivory and white, everywhere, from the glossy awning to the French embroidered table clothes to the flowers, instead of the usual bright reds and yellows that were much preferred in normal weddings.
The sight of the food shocked the life out of the Amritsar crowd...of course, some of the eternal favourites of a typical North-Indian wedding spread were there like Punjabi Chole, Amritsari Macchi, Chicken Biryani, Kaali Dal, Sabz Miloni, and a varied assortment of Breads ect...but the majority of the spread consisted of things like Shrimp Cocktails, Phylo Cups, Cold Canapés, Eggplant Parmigianino Involtini, Peking Duck Spring Rolls, Gourmet Pizza Tarts, Japanese Panko Crumbed Prawns, Vegetable Thai Money Bags, Lemon Prawn & Ginger Scallop and other such things that leave aside tasting, they hadn't even heard or seen of before.
All the sea-food had been sourced from the world famous Tsukiji market in Tokyo which was internationally renowned for its fresh sea-food and all the herbs etc. had been sourced from Thailand and Vietnam.
On being questioned by Massi, all that Jigyasa could reply was that it was Jai who had given his approval for the final spread and only then, could they understand why the food looked so hoity-toity.
Everything was elegant, exquisite and entrancing...apparently simple in appearance but anyone with even a vague eye for beauty and detail would have guessed how absurdly exclusive and expensive the whole set-up really was.
Bani's Room
Bani had just gone and visited Purva, who was looking beautiful in her designer lehenga and stunning pieces of jewellery. It was already getting late and Massi had ordered her to stand alongside Jai, while welcoming guests with Purva's parents. She rushed to her room, which was currently occupied by Pooja, Rano and Lalita. Bani felt acutely nervous, she had no illusions about the way she looked. She was a simple girl who had a regular face and a regular figure and was in no way glamorous like Meera or even possess a natural grace like Purva to stand out in the crowd.
Besides, standing out in the crowd was one of Bani's greatest fears. She had promised Jai to appear stunning for the function! How on earth was she going to manage it? She could be at the most, be described as a pretty looking girl, but nothing more than that. And Jai...even without taking any effort, he looked so dashing and handsome, making everyone pale in comparison to him. Bani wasn't even aiming to compare herself to Jai, just wishing that she wouldn't embarrass him in anyway with her general lack of sophistication and plain looks.
Noticing her nervousness, Rano asked her, 'What happened Bani? And why are you still in that sari? Aren't you going to change? After the bride, every eye will be on you!' This made Bani even more panicky and she mumbled, 'I am not prepared for this at all, Rano! I won't look nice at all...poor Jai...he will be so embarrassed because of me...'
Rano, Pooja and Lalita were shocked at her statement and were going to protest, when both Karuna and Massi came in.
'Bani, you are Jai's pride not his embarrassment! And a woman who is beautiful in the eyes of the man she loves has nothing to worry about!' assured Karuna, patting Bani.
'Aur kya? Both my bahu's are so beautiful...so cultured and so good. You have nothing to worry about, beta!' encouraged Massi.
'Yes...please stop looking like a dying duck! And you haven't even changed into your wedding clothes and you are already losing hope! Arre!' chided Rano, taking out the Sari and getting approval from both Karuna and Massi, who given their small town background, loved bright, shining colours.
'Bani...you will look amazing! Don't worry! Jai Sir will be knocked for a sixes!' teased Pooja, holding Bani's hands and dragging her towards the bathroom.
'Now go and wear this blouse...and the petticoat...and come out...Ma will drape this Sari for you!' said Rano, pushing her friend inside the washroom.
A while later
'There...and someone was getting all frazzled about becoming an embarrassment for god sake! Poor Potlu would have a very hard time concentrating on his guests today!' teased Karuna, when Bani had worn her saree and styled her hair into her signature loose plait pulling it forward.
Bani blushed and looked into her reflection. Did she look beautiful? She could never know that...but she did know that she looked loved and cherished. That was probably the reason why she was glowing so much. Lalita put a red bindi onto her forehead and Rano put a spring of jasmine on her hair. Both her hands were full of dozens of matching red and golden bangles, with the two heavy kadas that Jai had presented to her after their engagement. The only trace of make-up she had was some kajal in her expressive eyes and a very light colour of lipstick, enhancing the natural pinkness of her lips.
'Karuna...zara meri bahu ki nazar toh utaarna! She looks like a princess!' said Massi affectionately, kissing Bani on her forehead, as Karuna smiled warmly and taking out some kajal from her eyes, put it behind Bani's ears.
'What about the jewellery?' asked Pooja.
Everyone was silent, till Lalita spoke hesitatingly, 'I have got one set for her...but we were thinking that she would wear it on her wedding...'
'That's okay, auntieji...I have lots of sets with me...Bani can choose any of them!' said Karuna genially, though Bani felt very awkward taking anything from her, knowing what Jai felt on such matters.
'I will manage...I have some imitation sets...' started Bani, just as there was a knock on the door.
It was Lakshmi, who peeped in and giving a smile at Bani said, 'Bhabhi...if you are free for a moment, then Dada wants to see you. In his room.'
Bani's complexion went as red as the colour of her saree. Jai was simply the limit. How could he send her such a message, that too through Lakshmi. She gulped and hesitatingly looked around, only to see Rano and Pooja suppressing their laughter, while Massi and Lalita trying not to appear judgemental and Karuna humming, 'abhi abhi toh aayi ho...bahaar ban ke chaayi ho...'
'Didi...' squealed Bani and mumbled to Lakshmi, 'please tell him I cannot come now...I...there is a lot of work to do.'
'He told me that I had to get you. It’s very important! Come na, Bhabhi. Please!' insisted Lakshmi, making Bani even more embarrassed.
'Jao...Jao...Shehanshah Akbar ka farmaan aaya hain...Jodha Bai kaise mana kar sakti hain!' teased Karuna, making Rano and Pooja giggled helplessly.
Bani looked at Massi for her permission and she smiled and said, 'Go. Must be something important, else he wouldn't call you like this! But come back soon, okay!'
Bani got up, flushing from top to toe and left the room, muttering something against Jai and getting ready to give him an earful for having put her in such a spot.
Jai’s Room
She knocked impatiently on his door, till his voice, now sounding very happy and relaxed, calling out, 'Come innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn'
Bani simply shook her head in exasperation and opened the door, stepping in. She could not see him, because was hidden behind the walk-in wardrobe, but she knew that he had just taken a bath and come out. Bani wondered how many times in a day he took a bath!
'You called?' she asked not bothering to hide her annoyance.
He did not peep out of the wardrobe, but simply answered her, 'Yes, my sweetheart. I called.'
'Why?'
'Oooh...what happened? Did you drink Vinegar instead of Tea today? Why do you sound so waspish?' he provoked her, still not coming out of the closet.
'Very Funny! Jai! You are simply too much! How could you send such a message through Lakshmi? Everyone was in the room when she told me that you had asked me to come to your room! What will they think? What will Chachiji think? She has met you only today!'
Jai did not answer her, but simply said, 'There is something kept on the bed...please go there and open it. And if you like it, do me the honour of putting it on!'
Totally taken aback at the unexpected gesture, Bani asked him, 'What is there?'
'Go and look! I am still deciding on what to wear...once I do that, I will come out of here!' said Jai, from inside the closet.
Bani looked perplexed and walked toward the bed. There were two large boxes in velvet kept on it...the kinds that contains jewels.
'These are boxes...'she muttered.
'Yes, my genius. These are boxes. Open them.'
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bani slowly opened the first box. She felt her breathe taken away when she saw what it contained. A stunning choker in pigeon blood-red rubies, south-sea pearls and African diamonds. She opened the other box; it had huge matching earrings in rubies and diamonds with pearls hanging delicately on it.
When she had found her voice, all that Bani could utter was, 'Jai...these are...oh...but...these are...'
'Do you like them?' he asked simply, hurling something from the closet on to the floor.
She took some time in replying and said, 'Like them? I haven't seen anything like them in my life...they are...they are...just breath-taking.'
'Well, I am glad, it was worth the effort to drive all the way down to Connaught Place over to Zaveri Jewellers for them! Now be a good girl and put them on...'
'But these look too expensive, Jai...' she mumbled still in a jolt.
'They are. 1.3 C...a total of 78 Carats of gems on them...your neck and ears will probably have it today...but I really liked them...rubies seem to suit you so much, as it is!'
Jai said it very nonchalantly and all Bani could do was gawk back at him in the direction of the wardrobe.
1.3 Crores for a jewellery set? He had just gone ahead and brought them for her?
Finding her voice, Bani got up and mumbled, 'Jai...I can't...please...these are just too expensive...too exclusive…I can't...accept them…'
He finally came out of the wardrobe, draped in his beloved black bath towel and looking furious.
'What? What did you just say?'
Taken aback by his abrupt appearance, she struggled with words, 'Jai...it is beautiful...it really is...but how can I wear something so expensive...you shouldn't have...'
'How dare you? Who are you to tell me what I should buy for my wife and what I shouldn't? So what if it is expensive? Can't I buy something expensive for my woman?' he bellowed back, flared up like an inferno.
Bani had nothing to say, as always his anger took away whatever little confidence she possessed.
Jai kept glaring at her angrily and feeling highly upset, but then noticed how beautiful she was looking. Dressed in her red saree, her silky hair plaited and brought to the front, a sprig of jasmine adorning it, her sweet face adorned with just a dash of kajal and the red bindi making her face glow.
Bani was in tears now at being scolded so badly by Jai, but he came near her and wiping that lone tear that had rolled down her cheeks, said softly, 'Sorry. I didn't mean to shout on you like that.'
She lowered her face and kept quiet and he said, 'if you don't want to put them on...its fine.'
'No Jai! I didn't say that!' she protested and looked up at him, as he admired her minimalistic beauty and simplicity with love-struck eyes.
Jai smiled slowly and said, 'The jewels might be worth anything sweetheart...but compared to you, they are just stones and metal! I didn't buy them for the price-tag...I brought them because I knew that only you could make them look as beautiful as they deserved to look.'
Touched by his words and blushing pink at his compliment, she answered in a soft voice, 'It’s a stunning piece...I would love to wear it.'
'Then do so. Please.' said Jai, as she picked the boxes and walked towards the huge mirror in Jai's room.
'Since I am always accused of taking things off you...let me redeem myself.' said Jai, with a twinkle in his eyes, taking the heavy necklace and placing it around her slender neck. The mere addition of the choker transformed Bani instantly...she actually looked like the princess that Rano had been talking about.
'See...what did I tell you? This poor choker was probably waiting all its life to get a deserving neck...and finally it has found its soul mate!' teased Jai, planting a kiss on the back of Banis' neck.
Bani felt too shy to say anything in reply and she simply took the corresponding danglers and fastened them on, finishing the set.
Jai kept staring at her in the mirror and finally declared in a repentant voice, 'I should have thought before telling you to stun you in the morning. Now I will have to spend the entire evening dropping Donormyl 250 mg into every man's glass who can't keep from staring at you.'
'Jai!' she exclaimed, both overwhelmed with emotion and feeling terribly shy, turning around and burying her face on his bare chest.
Lifting her face slightly, Jai whispered into her ears, 'you look so beautiful, Bani...and not the 'I want to rip the clothes of your body and make love to you the whole night' beautiful...but the, 'I want to get down on my knees and worship you for rest of my life' beautiful.
She had tears in her eyes, but she smiled, feeling shy and bashful at the way he enamoured her.
'Jai...don't...' she said, falling onto his chest and holding his arms.
He laughed and hugging her affectionately, said, 'hey...it’s the guy who is going to become your husband in the next 48 hours who is complimenting you...get used to it...he is going to do this on a daily basis now.'
Bani looked up at him with impish eyes and teased him playfully, 'we will see that, won't we? Husband complimenting his wife daily or shouting on her because he can't find his vest or his socks!'
Throwing his head back and laughing uproariously on Bani's response, he said, 'Okay...now do you want to make an entry all by yourself or will you quickly help me take out my clothes? So many hot chicks would be coming...I want to...'
And then suddenly realizing what he had said, turned sheepishly in Bani's direction who was giving him that 'strict wife' look and holding his ears, said apologetically, 'Oopsies...slipped out of my tongue...still getting used to the fact that I am no longer a free stallion but a tethered cow now!'
Bani had to quash her laughter on Jai's sense of humour and pulling his cheeks said, 'remember...if you ever dare to turn from tethered cow to free stallion...this mouse will also turn into a tigress...and everyone knows that a Tiger is far more dangerous than a Horse!'
'Aye Aye...Captain! Whatever you say!' mock saluted Jai, as Bani giggled and walked towards his wardrobe to take out his clothes, while he added mischievously, 'By the way...I won't mind this mouse turning into a tigress from time to time...I mean, in the bed...'
'JAI!'
He laughed as she blushed, pushing him away, when he tried to kiss her passionately on her midriff, bending down on his knees!
'Jai! What are you doing?'
'Worshipping you sweetheart!'
'What?'
'This is how I worship...' he murmured, trailing hot kisses all over her exposed midriff and biting her navel, making her yelp and jump.
'Stop it now! I can't come to your room without getting molested!' she complained.
'I protest...you are mistaking my worshipping as being molested...I think this is just a simple case of misunderstanding...'
'Very funny! Here...this will look smashing on you...' said Bani, taking out a Black Bandhgala set from his wardrobe and keeping it on the chair. And then giving him a shy sidelong glance, added, 'everything looks good on you.'
Encouraged by this comment, Jai begin to fiddle with her blouse and she shouted in protest.
'Jai...don't! Chachiji draped this Sari so beautifully...don’t...please...you are spoiling the look. And...get your hands out of my...JAI!'
Jai had slipped his hand inside Bani's blouse from the back and kept fiddling for some time without success and muttered in irritation, 'Damn! Where the hell do you get your Bras from? Impossible to unhook the bloody things!'
Looking suitably appalled, she stomped on his foot and exclaimed, 'Jai! Really! Do you ever review your words before saying them? And wherever I get them from is none of your business! God! You are just beyond impossible!'
Not able to do anything more, he had to reluctantly take his hands out and was rewarded with a pinch on them, as he shrieked hysterically, 'OWWWWWWW'
'Now, please let me go...I actually have work to do...' pleased Bani, when Jai refused to let her slip away from his arms.
'There is still an hour or so...enough time for us to do it and change back into our clothes...' he said, very casual and confident.
She glared back at him and snapped, 'you are out of your mind...there are at least a hundred people already present in the house and anytime, the guests will start arriving...'
'I can be quick as well as effective sweetheart...plus, I am still in my towel...and if you teach me how to unhook your complicated lingerie...we can do it in record time!'
She stared hard at him, as he gave a pleading look and she had to muster every inch of her willpower to not burst out laughing and keep looking very annoyed.
'I AM GOING NOW...I have to check with the Neerjaji if she needs anything...they are feeling a bit awkward...since the wedding is taking place in our house...I just want to set them at ease...' said Bani in an authoritative voice, changing the topic deftly.
Jai smiled at her and said, 'you said 'our house'...that sounded so nice...I think for the first time, this Farmhouse feels like 'Our House' to me...'
She kept looking at him with deep love and fondness and then said mischievously, 'you be ready in ten minutes and come down. Else, I am going to attend the wedding with Shanky!'
'Ha! You think so!' quipped Jai, giving a threatening look.
'Standing up for MYSELF! Did you forget already?' teased Bani, before throwing a flying kiss in Jai's direction and laughing in her silvery voice, before leaving the room.
'You wait and watch, Mrs. W.....you will have to payback for this temerity!' called out Jai, laughing loudly and thrilled at the way she was teasing him back.
Bani's Room
Bani had rushed back to her room to pick up her pouch, when she bumped into Meera, who was wearing the most inappropriate clothes for a wedding and stared back at Bani's neck and ears.
'Wow! That...That is just...stunning...' she exclaimed and then giving a look at Bani, added with a sly smile, 'can’t be yours...did Jai...Ooops...I mean your would be husband give it you?'
At a loss of words for a moment, Bani nevertheless, gathered courage and looking back straight into Meera's eyes, said politely but cuttingly, 'Yes, my husband gave it to me. It’s beautiful, isn't it?'
Meera was so shocked by her answer, that all she could do was stare back blankly.
'And you should also know...that this necklace isn't the only thing he is capable of giving...he can very much give a verbal lashing and a tight slap on anyone's face if and when required. So I would suggest you to behave yourself this evening and not spoil it for anyone. Else, I can't guarantee whether you will be attending this wedding or not, Meera.'
Giving a cold smile at a dumbfounded Meera, Bani gently pushed her out of her way and kept walking, her head held high and her profile calm and collected.
When she came into her room, Rano and Pooja instantly jumped on her to tease her regarding why Jai had called her to his room, but only till they saw the stunning Choker and Earrings that she had on and were rendered speechless.
'Wow...Like WOW...I mean...WOWWWWWWWWWWW....Baneeeeeeeeee...that's just fantabulous...Oh! My! Gee!...Can I touch it?' gasped Rano, giving an awe-struck look at the jewels that Bani was wearing.
'Rano...of course, you can touch it! In fact, I will take it out...and you can wear it too...'
'Are you crazy? No way! Its Jeeju's gift for you...I just want to have a look at it...' yelled Rano in protest, when Bani began unclasping the heavy necklace.
'Yes, I know it’s his gift...I was just taking it out for you to try it out once...I am going to wear it for the function...'smiled Bani.
'Bani, that is just stunning...it must have cost the earth! Wow...can't believe your luck...one you get a hunk like Jai Sir and then he gifts you such wonderful things! Hai...meri lottery kab lagegi!' exclaimed Pooja, thoughtlessly.
Bani's expression dimmed a bit, when she wondered if she was really that lucky? A good-looking, rich husband who lavished her with jewels was not luck according to her...a husband who would grow old with her was luck according to her...and that is all she wanted from her marriage. That her Jai should live a long, healthy life and they should be together for years and years to come. What would be the point of owning beautiful jewellery and gorgeous clothes, if she couldn't dress up for the man who meant the world for her?
Looking at her lost, poignant expression, Rano said in an awkward voice, 'I can understand what you are thinking, Bani! Now this Saree looks so cheap and ordinary in front of those gems!'
Snapping back from her chain of thought, Bani instantly reprimanded Rano and said emotionally, 'Rano...you should know me better than anyone else. Do you think I would ever put a value on anyone's gift? This Sari is a gift of love from my parents and family...and these jewels are a gift of love from my life-partner...where is the question of comparison even?'
Rano grinned through her tears and hugged back Bani, saying, 'I guess most people would assume that you are the luckier one to get someone like Jeeju as a life partner...but I know that he is the luckier one. He couldn't have found a more loving, a more loyal and wonderful wife than you!'
Bani smiled and said, 'Thank you. Thank you! Now, will you keep chattering for the rest of the evening or get dressed and come down? I have to go and see Purva once and then I have to be outside to receive the guests!'
Rano and Pooja grinned and said, 'You go...we will get dressed and be down! Don't worry! And you look absolutely breath-taking...just like a princess!
Bani blushed and bid them goodbye, making her way towards Purva's room
Purva's Room
Purva was all dressed up and looked very fetching in her dusty pink lehenga and diamond jewellery.
Bani smiled affectionately at Purva and said, 'Touch wood...you look so beautiful, Purva!'
'Don't! You are the one who look so beautiful...now no one will look at me!' complained Purva mockingly, making Bani laugh.
'You both look beautiful...now happy? Bani...really...this colour suits you very much...and I just love that piece of jewellery you are wearing...these gorgeous stones are making your face glow!' complimented Purva's mother.
'Thank you auntiji...' said Bani shyly and then looking at Purva said, 'The guests have started arriving...I have to go out now...if you need anything, please let me know, okay?'
Purva smiled brightly and hugged her lovingly, 'I am so glad that we are going to be co-sisters...I wish...I wish, we didn't have go to the States after our wedding...'
Bani too looked sad at the thought of Nachiket and Purva going away and said, 'But it’s for your career's sake, Purva....besides, I am sure Nachiket is looking forward to it.'
'That's the thing! Nachi also doesn't want to go to the US...in fact, we both wanted to take a transfer from Bangalore to Gurgaon...so that we could be closer to Dada.'
'Then?'
'Then what? Apparently, its Dada who is very insistent on Nachiket leaving for the US...he says its much better for his career....and you know him. Nachiket can never refuse Dada! What to do?'
Bani was quiet for a while...she realized why Jai was insistent on his only brother leave for the US, that too so soon after his wedding. Jai did not want Nachiket or Purva to know about his illness. She did not know what to say or react. In her mind, she felt that while Jai's intentions were correct, his thought process was completely wrong. Nachiket was no outsider, but Jai's own flesh and blood...how could Jai not disclose such a huge thing to him and on top of that, make sure that he wasn't involved in any way too, by sending him so far.
Bani decided that she had to speak with Jai on this issue...especially when she had come to know that neither Nachiket nor Purva wanted to leave India
Bani gave an assuring smile at Purva and said, 'Don't worry...whatever will happen, will happen for the best. Today is your day and you just concentrate on looking as pretty as you are and be as happy as you can...this day is so special...make it so memorable that you remember it for years and years to come.'
Purva held Bani's hands and said, 'you are such an amazing person, Bani...even before knowing about you and Dada...I had such admiration for you...but now...that you are family, I can't stop counting my blessings...that I have got the world's best brother-in-law and sister-in-law for myself. I am truly lucky!'
Bani laughed as tears filled her eyes...touched by the affection, warmth and respect shown by both Nachiket and Purva and giving a tender kiss on her cheeks, said goodbye and left for the venue.
The Wedding
The guests had started trickling in and by the very first look, Bani could make out that the who's who of Delhi's political and legal circle were making an entry, all dressed in their finest ensemble and most of them followed by their security personnel. She had gone to stand near the entrance, along with Nikhil and Neerja Raheja, and looked decidedly nervous and ill at ease, wondering where was Jai.
As if reading her thoughts, he made an appearance from inside the Farmhouse.
Dressed in a Raghuvendra Rathore Bandhgala in muted black, made out of a pure wool and silk blend, with a high neck collar accentuating his broad profile, two buttons in mother-of-pearl, left open, with a spread away cut and gored welt pockets. Combined with slim fit trousers in black with a flat front and narrow fit, flattering his lean body type. His hair was combed back austerely, revealing his broad forehead and he was wearing his favourite Cestello Silver Rolex on his left wrist.
Even when he was walking across to join Bani and the Raheja's, every pair of eye was automatically trained onto him...Jai was simply a walking talking magnet in action. He looked not just incredibly gorgeous, given his god-gifted good looks, but just as naturally sophisticated and elegant, almost imperial in appearance.
Rano who was to Lalita's annoyance, gobbling on some Prawn Starters, all but dropped it on her brand-new Anarkali Suit when she saw Jai and giving a look at Bani, took her tounge out and pretended to die and fall on the ground, making Bani snigger helplessly with laughter. Rano was just beyond funny!
'What is so funny?' whispered Jai into Bani's ears, coming to stand alongside her and making her go warm all over her face, when she saw how incredibly handsome he looked today.
'Nothing...Rano was just admiring you...she has found a club along with Pooja...it’s actually a fan-club for you...' she mumbled back, grinning.
'Oh! How flattering! I will have a word with both the girls regarding the club later on...'
'You won't have any such talk. I have already told Rano that you are a one-woman man!' said Bani very authoritatively, taking his hands in her own.
Looking highly amused, Jai whistled back, 'Ooooh...is that so? One-woman man? Okay...Okay...that's very confident of you to say so!'
'Btw, how do I look?' he asked, bending towards her and making her flush.
She paused for a while and looked up at him and took out a little bit of kajal from her eye and put it behind his ears, 'this is how you look.'
Jai kept gazing back at her and then breathed in a hoarse voice, 'Don't Bani...I swear, I will do something to you right here...my heart is just brimming with love for you and my nether regions are throbbing for some action...it’s a bad, bad combination, let me tell you.'
Bani went crimson and burst out in fits of giggle on hearing his comment, making Nikhil Raheja say to her, 'What is so funny, dears? Jai...as it is that Neerja and I are much older than both of you...on top of that if you both look good...who the hell is going to look at us? We are after all the girls' parents...'
Teasing both of them, Nikhil came forward and said to Jai, 'Do one thing...let me stand with Bani and you stand with Purva's Mom...that way everything will be fair!'
All the four of them laughed on his comment and Jai said, 'I would be honoured to stand besides Neerjaji...but the thing is that my dear fiancée has been going about telling the whole world that I am a one-woman man...now I have to bear the burden of her pronouncements!'
Nikhil and Jai laughed and hugged each other, saying, 'Jai...I am so glad this happened. My Purva is really lucky...not only is she getting a husband like Nachiket....but a wonderful family with the both of you...'
Jai and Bani both smiled and she said in her humble manner, 'We are just as glad, Nikhilji...and we will both hope and pray to God, that they both have a wonderful and happy married life ahead!'
Their attention was diverted when some guests started arriving and Jai begun introducing them to Bani and the Raheja's. Since the wedding was happening not just in Delhi but also at Jai's farmhouse, most of the guests were known to Jai and hence he was quickly taken up by them.
Anu had just come over to tell Bani that Massi was calling her for some important work, when Jai whispered into her ears, 'Hang on for a moment. Bacchu Yadav just stepped out of his Car...let me introduce you to him!'
Bani looked at the latest entry...he was a very rough and uncouth looking man, with pan-stained mouth and loads of kajal in his eyes and dressed in an all-white kurta pyjama, looking every inch the rouge politician that he probably was.
'Bacchu Yadav?' she questioned, giving a wary look at the man, who was followed by a mile long crowd of his retinue, carrying baskets of fruits, sweets and other paraphernalia.
'Yup...my star client! 13 murders, 42 extortions, 24 assaults, 100 charges of hooliganism and 10 counts of corruption!' announced Jai with such pride, as if he was introducing a National Award Winner for Bravery to Bani.
Not spotting the look of total astonishment on her face, Jai exclaimed cheerfully, taking her hand and leading her up to him, 'You will love him! He is a hoot and a half!'
'Yadavji! Pranam!' hollered Jai in a most theatrical manner, folding his hands and bowing his head with a wide grin, very different from his usual refined style of greeting people.
Bacchu Yadav looked like a delighted child who had been handed over his favourite candy and folding both his hands, literally fell on Jai's feet.
'Bakil Sahib...mere mai baap...mere sarkaar…kitne dino ka baad, aapka darshan hua! Hum toh Dhanya ho gaya....'
Jai smiled genially and said, 'I am so glad that you could come for the wedding, Yadavji!'
'Arre! Kaise nahin aate? Bakil Sahib ke chote bhaiyya ka shaadi aur Bacchu nahin aata! Impaaasible!' declared Bacchu Yadav, rudely ushering his chamchas to take the several gift items he had got for the wedding.
Both of them laughed warmly and Jai turned to face a confounded and petrified looking Bani and said to him, 'Inse milye. Meri hone waali dharam patni.'
Bani was even more taken aback than before. Jai hardly ever spoke in Hindi, leave aside speaking it so well.
Bacchu Yadav's beady eyes all but popped out and he exclaimed, 'Hai Ram! Ka baat kar rahein hain, Bakil Sahib? Aap saadi kar rahein hain? Pahile kyon nahin batya? Arre...ek ho bail applicason mili thi...socha aapke chota bhaiyya ki saadi mein juse karlenge use...pata hota aap bhi jamuna paar ho rahein hai toh...'
Jai threw his head back and laughed, replying back, 'It’s going to be a very private wedding, Yadavji...only family...kuch personal issues hain...'
'Arre...koi baat nahin. Koi baat nahin. Hamari aur hamari missesh ki taraf se bahut bahut shubh kaamnaayei...aapko and Bhabhiji ko bhi.'
Saying that Bacchu Yadav bent all the way down in front of Bani, making her utterly fidgety and nervous, as he added in a filmy style,'Saakshaat Sita Maiyaa ka avtaar hain, Bhabhiji...bahut kushnaseeb hain aap, Bakil Sahib.'
Jai gave a nod and said, 'Thank you! Now why don't you go along with Shera...and I have kept an entire bottle of Scotch especially for you...'
Bacchu Yadav's eyes brightened and he said excitedly, 'Scotland waali?'
'Arre, Yadavji! How many times have I told you that Scotch is made only in Scotland! If it’s made anywhere else, it is NOT called Scotch!'
Bacchu Yadav giggled and said, 'Hum toh paanchvi phail hain...aapka jaisa thodi hain...hi-five!'
Jai laughed and ushered him in along with his retinue, as Bani kept looking at Jai and finally said in an anxious voice, 'Jai! Really! He is your friend?'
'Er...actually a client turned into a dear friend! A very important one too! Saw that Navy BMW standing in my Garage? He had presented to me when I had got him out of his 5th murder!'
'Oh! God! Then how did he go back to jail?' asked Bani, looking thoroughly scandalized by the kind of company her would-be-husband kept.
'He did another murder! He keeps committing crimes and I keep getting him out! Most of the money I have made in my professional career is due to that bastard!' said Jai cheerfully, waving at Joe, who had just made an entry.
'Bani, you remember Joe? The Private Kitchen guy? The one who had murdered his wife?' he whispered into Bani’s ears, as if he was recalling a particularly respectable person to her.
Bani gave a constricted smile in Joe's direction who once again melodramatically bowed in front of Bani and whispered to Jai, 'Do you have any normal friends?'
'Normal? What do you mean?'
'You know...the types, who haven't killed other people or committed crimes that land them in jail?' she said sarcastically.
Jai laughed and laughed and taking her in his arms replied back, rather seriously, 'No. I don't make friends with boring people!'
'JAI!' she chided him, laughing and telling him that she was going inside to check on everything.
A While Later
Nachiket and Purva were seated in the dais, which was decorated with white orchids and Lillie’s and they both looked absolutely stunning as a couple. Bani had seated them both and gone to check if the Panditji needed anything and waved at Jai, who was speaking to someone, who looked like his friend. Hopefully, a friend who was not a criminal.
They met for a while and Jai told her, 'Where did you vanish? One of my oldest friends from school...and don't look so worried...he is actually a reputed physician and has not committed any murders in my knowledge...has come with his wife...I want you to meet them!'
Bani looked quite busy but smiled at him and said, 'Sure. I would love to. Actually Karuna didi had called for some work...where are they?'
Just then Rano came prancing by along with Pooja and giving a very shy, giggly look at Jai, said, 'Er...Jeeju...we were wondering, if you don't mind...can we have a picture clicked with you?'
Jai looked back in a highly amused manner at both the girls and then at Bani, who had pursed her lips to try and control her laughter, and said to them, 'But I heard that your friend had apparently told you that I am a one-woman man? Are one-woman men allowed to get pictures clicked with pretty girls?'
Both Rano and Pooja dissolved into mush when Jai referred to them as pretty and snickering like pre-teens, said to him, 'Yes...she did tell us that you are a one-woman man! Should we take her permission?'
Jai gave a look at Bani, who had a very smug expression on her face and turning to look at Rano and Pooja said, 'what she forgot to tell you that I am a one-woman man at one time...'
'We don't understand...'
Linking his left arms into Rano's arm and calling out for the photographer, Jai looked back at Bani and said, 'One woman at one time...so it’s Rano for now...and afterwards it will be Pooja and then any other pretty girl who is available. What say, Dharam Patniji?'
They were both thrilled beyond words while Jai looked back at Bani, winked and said, ‘this is what happens when you stand up for yourself against ME, sweetheart!’ leaving her open-mouthed and gaping in shock at the way he always got the upper hand.
Part 19(d)
The Wedding continued...
Bani was engrossed in the function, inevitably becoming the centre of attraction, since by now everyone knew that the pretty young thing in a Red Saree was to be the future Mrs. Jai Walia. Bani would have felt utterly self-conscious, hadn't she been so involved in her work and running from here to there, looking after Jai's guests as well as attending to both side of relatives. She kept looking at Jai from time to time, laughing silently on the way he was flirting with Rano and Pooja, charming them with anecdotes and jokes, while at the same time, paying attention to some of his esteemed guests. It came so naturally to him...winning over people. Just like he had won her over five years back!
One of Karuna's daughter, looking cherubic in her new clothes, which had been a gift from Jai, came over prancing and told Bani that 'Potlu Mama' was asking her to come. Bani laughed at Jai being addressed by his pet name, despite his many protests and excusing herself from one of Massi's elderly friends, went over to see her husband to be in a deep conversation with another man. He was of medium height, a head full of grey hair and a face that was both kind and intelligent.
'Here she comes! Sweetie...please meet the man who CAN'T let me die!' announced Jai, putting his hands across Bani's shoulders, as she gaped back in shock at the guest and at what Jai had just said.
Looking at Bani, Jai smiled and said to the man, 'And please meet the woman who WON'T let me die!'
'Jai!' whispered Bani, looking both hurt and shocked at his reference to dying and wondering what the guest must be thinking about Jai. He put an end to her curiosity, by saying, 'This is Bani Dixit...who is going to be Bani Jai Walia day after tomorrow and this sweetie, is Dr. Karthik Reddy...my Physician and a dear friend...though I can tell you he absolutely loathes me and the only reason why he tolerates me is because I am one of the few whom he can afford to rob with his astronomical consultation fees!'
'Jai!' protested Dr. Reddy mildly, very much used to his patient's weird sense of humour and giving an odd look at Bani, smiled a bit and said, 'Nice meeting you Bani.'
She folded her hands and gave a gracious smile and said, 'Hello Dr. Reddy...I have heard a lot about you from Jai.'
'Nothing good, I am sure!' joked Dr. Reddy.
Bani smiled and said, 'on the contrary. He holds you in very high esteem.'
'Okay...Okay...that's enough.' intervened Jai, making the three of them laugh.
There was a sort of awkward silence between the three of them, till Bani asked him politely, 'Dr. Reddy, did you have something to eat? Please take a seat, I will send one of the waiter's here...you are a vegetarian?'
Dr. Reddy smiled and said, 'how did you guess?'
Bani too smiled back and said, 'I just assumed...your surname...you are a south-Indian, right? Most of them are pure vegetarians.'
'That's not at all factual, Bani! Only the Brahmin community of South India is vegetarian...most other people eat non-vegetarian...' objected Jai, making Bani sigh and say to Dr. Reddy, 'it’s very difficult to speak in front of him without being constantly corrected!'
Dr. Reddy gave a hearty laugh and said, 'you are telling me, Bani? I know him for the last seven years now...and dear Mr. Walia here has an opinion on everything from why the countries near equator are hot to why the paint on my walls is of a low quality!'
They both laughed and Jai said sulking, 'That's enough now! I just introduced you two for formality sake. Dr. Reddy...don't hit on my woman...she is mine! And you Bani...what did I tell you about not speaking to other men?'
Dr. Reddy looked amused, while Bani blushed crimson and whispered back furtively to him, 'Jai! What are you saying? I was just being polite to him...and how can you say such a thing? He is so much older…'
'Here we go! Dr. Reddy...my Bani says you are OLD! Now I can leave both of you to chat and go away in peace, knowing nothing will brew between the two of you!'
'JAI' objected Bani, in mortification, while Dr. Reddy simply shook his head and laughed, telling Bani, 'if you are feeling embarrassed about me, please don't. I am more than used to his sense of humour!'
Bani had called over a waiter and insisted on Dr. Reddy eating something, while she stood hesitatingly around him, waiting to see if Jai was gone from there or not. He had, now he was in a conversation with the head of a business conglomerate and his wife, on whom he was lavishing praise and charming her as usual.
Dr. Reddy had seated himself in a corner and was tucking into a plate of Paneer Tikka, when Bani looking decidedly nervous, spoke to him in a hesitating voice, 'Dr. Reddy...if you don't mind...I...I need to speak with you...please.'
He looked up at her and said, 'Of course, Bani. Tell me?'
Bani looked quite ill at ease, since there were at least a thousand people in the lawns at this time and anyone could overhear her conversation with utmost ease.
'This might sound really awkward...but if you don't mind terribly...can you come with me? Inside the Farmhouse?' Mistaking the look on Dr. Reddy's face, she hurriedly explained, 'Please don't misunderstand me...it’s really urgent...else, I wouldn't have...'
Dr. Reddy got up and spoke in a reassuring voice, 'there is no need to be so tensed, Bani. It’s alright. I will come with you.'
They made their way, with great difficulty, since everyone was looking at Bani and someone or the other was stopping her to congratulate and have a chat with her, till they reached the main house. There was a small room, as soon as one entered the Farmhouse...basically for visitors, who came to see Jai, but were not important enough to be seated in the living room. Taking him inside, she closed the door and instantly asked him;
'You will save him, won't you?'
Dr. Reddy looked back at her in silence and then taking his glasses off, rubbed them with his fingers and then looked back at the young, helplessly in love and vulnerable looking girl, feeling both pity and awe for her.
'Please, Dr. Reddy! I just need you to tell me once that my Jai will be alright...that nothing will happen to him...that he is just over-reacting to his illness...you...you are a very good doctor. I know that...I read about you...on the internet...you will save him, right?'
She had tears in her eyes now and was shivering like a leaf, her hands folded and her eyes desperate and begging.
Dr. Reddy spoke slowly, 'You knew what you were getting into, Bani, don't you?'
She answered back in a low voice, 'Yes...'
'Then I hope you also knew the extent of his Cancer...'
She winced at the sound of the dreaded illness and simply nodded her head, her voice too overcome by emotion for her to say anything.
'Bani...I generally don't discuss my patient's cases with anyone...but of course, you are different...you are going to marry him...marry a man, who has roughly 50% chance to make through to your first wedding anniversary.'
'Don' say that!' she yelled and broke down crying, collapsing on the chair and burying her face in her hands, shaking with sobs and repeating, 'Don't say that. Please. Don't say that. My Jai will live...nothing will happen to him.'
Dr. Reddy let her cry for some time and when she had calmed down a bit, sat alongside her and said softly, 'Bani...I am a Doctor, not the Almighty to guarantee that nothing would happen to Jai and that he would be fit and fine.'
She kept sobbing quietly, not saying another word.
'But what I can tell you is that he does have a fair chance of making it through...the odds are not very high...but they are not very low either...its somewhere in between. Besides...we haven't even started on the preliminary treatments...if they work well, then in about two months' time, I would be able to say concretely about his chances to make it through the surgery.'
Keeping a paternal hand over her head, he smiled and said, 'Jai has a lot of courage, Bani. A lot of courage. There can't be many like him who can go through what he has gone through even once...leave aside twice...and still remaining sane and happy.'
'I just want him to be fine, Dr. Reddy...whatever the case...you just save him and I promise, I will take care of him for the rest of my life...but just make my Jai live. I beg of you.'
Dr. Reddy quietly nodded his head and said, 'I will do my best, Bani...but one has to leave the rest on God. But I am glad that he finally realized that not all of life's battles are won alone...you need other people in your life to give you support and encouragement. I am glad to say that he has found the same in you.'
Bani had calmed down by now and wiping her tears, she mumbled in an apologetic manner, 'look at me? You came to attend a wedding and I spoilt your evening... I am so sorry...I just could not help it...'
'Don't. Please. You did not spoil my evening. If anything, you touched my heart with your concern and love for Jai. Bani, you are a very special young woman...and I am sure, with your support and prayers, Jai will be able to win this battle too.'
Bani smiled faintly and thanked Dr. Reddy profusely for having spoken to her and given her assurance and was about to lead him out of the room, when they bumped into Jai.
Giving an extremely suspicious look at his Doctor and his fiancée coming out of a room, he said, 'What the hell were you two doing inside that room?'
Dr. Reddy simply rolled his eyes and refused to banter with Jai, while Bani flushed and retorted back, 'Jai! We were just talking...'
'Oh! Yeah! Talking! I wasn't born yesterday! Talking indeed! And you, Reddy? Of all the women in the world, you had to hit on mine only, right?'
Bani looked scandalized and exclaimed in horror, 'JAI! How can you say such a thing? And that too, for Dr. Reddy!'
'You don't say one word! Don't I know these South-Indian types? All decent looking, with oily hair and bespectacled...impressing young girls with their intellect! Listen...I will...I will...' Jai exclaimed in a dramatic manner, obviously fooling around with the Doctor, who unlike Bani, looked quite unperturbed, having known Jai for so long.
Bani kept looking on horrified at the way Jai was accusing poor Dr. Reddy, till the Doctor in question, gave a look at her and said, 'Bani...some day in the future you will realize the blunder you have committed by committing yourself with this man. That day, do remember, that this South-Indian type, decent looking, oily-haired, bespectacled and intellectual man is actually a bachelor...and likes you quite a bit!'
And giving a sweet smile at Jai, added, 'Always nice for girls to have options, isn't it, Jai! Nice party, btw...and I will go and finish my Paneer Tikka now! Bye! See you at my clinic in ten days!'
Grinning at Jai, Dr. Reddy went back to enjoying his Panner Tikka, while Bani burst out laughing, highly amused at the way, Jai was given a googly by the gentle and sober looking Dr. Reddy.
'Main loot gaya...barbaad ho gaya!' announced Jai theatrically, throwing daggers in Bani's direction, who was grinning playfully at him.
'Tch...Tch...Tch...kya hua? Now the next time, you go and flirt with either of my friends, do remember, that now I have two birds in two different bushes for myself...one Shanky and the other Dr. Reddy!'
'You...You...' exclaimed Jai, speechless for a change and then burst out laughing along with Bani, hugging her and said, 'Dr. Reddy ki toh...I will deal with him later...but you...Miss. Dixit...are in such trouble...'
Bani blushed and looking at him said mischievously, 'I like being in trouble with you, handsome...'
Jai whistled in response and whispered into her ears, 'What do you say? Tonight? After Chote and Purva leave for the hotel for their first night as a married couple? We too can have our own 'Non-first' night as a not-yet married couple!'
Bani blushed and laughed, pulling his cheeks and replying back, 'NO. Nothing before marriage now! Leave something for our wedding night too....'
'Oh Babes...you have no idea...'
'Yes...yes...I know all about the weapons in your arsenal...no need to remind me of it over and over again! I have to spend an entire life with you, your weapons and your armoury!' teased back Bani, leaving Jai gaping.
'I can see that someone has got a tongue...' is all that he could say, laughing silently at the way she flirted with him.
'Weren't you the one to tell me, Stand up for Yourself? See? I am already being a good wife by listening and following your advice!' came back Bani, linking her arms into his and walking back into the grounds.
Pia and Ashwin
The wedding rituals had begun and Bani was in between running from one place to another, doing her duties as the elder daughter-in-law of the family, when she saw her sister Pia making a quiet entry alongside her shifty looking husband, Ashwin. They both looked very awkward and distinctly uncomfortable.
Bani was in the middle of a conversation with one of Purva’s aunts, when she excused herself and walked towards the couple.
‘Pia!’ she gushed, as her sister heaved a sigh of relief on having spotted Bani before anyone could chuck them out and hugged her back.
‘Didi! Thank God you saw us! By the way…WHAT A WEDDING! Is this Mr. Walia’s house? Oh, My God! It’s so grand…and just look at the size…I mean…and wow…these decorations? Ashwin, do you know my didi is the wedding planner for this wedding…and we both know Mr. Walia from Mukteshwar…I…’
Pia kept chattering till she noticed the sparkling necklace and earrings that Bani was wearing and then her eyes fell on the ring on her sister’s finger which was the size of a rock.
Bani did not have to say anything…she simply blushed and lowered her eyes, as Pia, paying no heed to staring eyes, gave a whoop and jumped in the air, hugging Bani and said, ‘you and Mr. Walia? Oh! Wow! I cannot believe it! Wow…I mean…DIDI! I am so happy for you! And this ring? Oooh….and he gave you this necklace too? WOW…Ashwin…just look will you?’
Bani, though thrilled by the fact that her little sister was so excited for her, felt very odd on behalf of Ashwin, who was looking quite uneasy and she instantly set to make him feel comfortable, telling Pia that they would talk later in leisure.
Seating them both and asking them to eat something, Bani told them that she would get Jai to meet them and excused herself.
When she went out of sight, Ashwin could not help but comment to his wife, ‘Bani is a very nice person, isn’t she?’
Pia who was still breathlessly admiring her sister’s jewels and the way she was intermingling with the high and mighty of Delhi society, answered back absently, ‘Yes…she is a very nice person. Always was…helping others…kind, compassionate, soft-natured…’
‘Hmm…maybe that explains, why she is now on the verge of marrying a man like Jai Walia, who not just dotes on her but also lavishes her with every possible material comfort.’
At that very moment, they could see Jai slipping his hands across Bani’s waist and cracking a joke, making her smile and blush and then he placed a kiss on her cheeks, both of them appearing very much in love.
‘While you are married to a man who can’t afford to buy you a dinner like tonight, leave aside buying you diamonds and rubies!’
Pia closed her eyes and spoke in a desperate voice, ‘Ashwin, please. Not today. Not now. This is not just a very high-profile wedding we are attending, it is also my sister’s marital home now.’
Ashwin took a swig of the very fine whisky and giving his wife a look, spoke cynically, ‘I was just saying because I know you well enough to know that even though you appear happy for your sister now…in sometime, you will start resenting her good-luck…’
Getting up from the chair and walking towards the Bar to refill his drink, he gave a parting shot, ‘And I can’t risk your hurting Bani again…because now she is not just your sister, but Jai Walia’s wife to be. I sure don’t want you rubbing him the wrong way and landing both of us in trouble. So, please…if you are genuinely happy for her, then do remain so.’
Pia was left with tears burning her eyes as she tried to put together herself, when Bani and Jai walked towards their direction; both of them arm in arm and smiling happily.
A While Later
The wedding ritual had begun and Bani along with the other ladies, were all standing around the Lagan Vedi, already crying and looking highly emotional, as Nachiket and Purva took the step forward and went on to become man and wife.
As soon as they completed the Saptapadi and Nachiket tied a mangalsutra around Purva's neck, Bani looked at Jai and wasn't surprised, when she saw him looking back at her. They both shared their secret smile, making Bani blush and lower her eyes, as he inched towards her and instead of showering flowers on his brother and his bride, put them on Bani, making her giggle.
Every time Bani passed by Bacchu Yadav, he kept prostrating and referring to her as ‘Sita Maiyya’ to the utter amusement of Pushkar, Rano, Pooja and Saurabh. Bani got hold of Jai, who was spreading his charm on some of Purva’s female relatives and whispered into his ears, ‘Jai…your…that Yadavji..he keeps calling me Sita Maiyya…it’s so embarrassing!’
Jai sniggered back and said, ‘Sita Maiyya indeed!’
Looking thoroughly annoyed, Bani snapped back, ‘there is no need to make fun of me! For your kind information, I used to become Sita regularly in our Ramlila back in Mukteshwar!’
Turning to look at her, he bent forward and quipped wickedly, ‘you must have made one hell of an overweight Sita! How on earth did the poor guy playing Ravan kidnap you?’
‘Jai!’ she squealed, laughing and then with a sudden impulse, standing on her tiptoes and planting a kiss on his cheeks.
Looking delighted, he asked her, ‘And this is for…..’
‘For being so cute!’ she replied, before smiling at one of Karuna’s relatives from her in-law’s side and telling her that she was coming in a minute.
‘You know one of the many, many, many reasons I fell in love with you, Bani?’ asked Jai, all of a sudden.
She looked back at him with astonished eyes and said, ‘Why?’
He gave her a tender smile and said, ‘because you are one of those rare people who can take a joke so well…it’s a rare ability…to laugh on oneself and not take ourselves so seriously!’
Bani smiled and replied back, ‘when I was growing up, I had little to be proud of in myself…so I thought the only way to make myself agreeable was to have a good sense of humor. And now since I am not anywhere near as witty as you are, I decided that the next best thing was to tolerate jokes on oneself.’
‘Hmm…well, now you have many, many things to be proud of.’
Bani looked at Jai with pride and love and spoke with confidence, ‘Of course, I do. My greatest pride is right here besides me, the cynosure of all eyes, but still coochi-cooing with me!’
They both laughed and he whispered into her ears, ‘Yes…of course, I am the apple and fruit basket of your eyes…that much I know. But I was referring to something else that you should be proud of?’
‘What?’
Giving a look below her neck, he got a lustful expression on his face and said, ‘The C-word.’
‘JAI!’ she exclaimed and then burst out into peals of laughter, telling him, ‘One-track mind! That is all where your eyes go to!’
‘Not true…my eyes go below your….’
‘Enough Jai! It’s a wedding…keep your X-rated talks for the bedroom!’
‘Yippeee…we are doing it today, then?’
Bani laughed and said instantly, ‘No…No…I meant, keep it for…Oh, forget it! I can’t win with you!’
‘I am so glad you said that!’ he announced victoriously, finishing his drink and then getting dragged by some of Bani’s colleagues for a photo-op!
The Wedding
The wedding got over and most of the guests had left, except for the ones who were close to the Raheja and Walia Family. With the traditional rituals over, now was the time for celebrating in style and Dom perignons were wheeled in by the buckets, causing Nachiket and Purva's young friends to whoop and clap.
Purva had changed into something a little more casual, though Bani was still in her Saree and everyone was seated, with Jai taking stage alongside Purva and Nachiket.
Jai started the post-wedding party by opening a Vintage bottle of Champagne that he had been storing in his Wine cellar to be opened on a special occasion. Knowing Bani’s aversion to alcohol, Jai decided that there was no way in hell that she was letting him pop open Champagne bottles on their wedding day, so why not use it for his brother’s wedding!
There was a thunderous applause and everyone started chanting, ‘Speech…Speech…Best Man’s Speech…’ Jai kept refusing, but when Nachiket got up and said, ‘Dada…for me! Please. Say something…’
Jai smiled back at his little brother, enfolding him and said, ‘Arre yaar…why did you? Today I won’t be able to say no to you for anything!’
Nachiket’s eyes were misty but he grinned and said to his brother, ‘Okay then…say something for me…and not something about me…but about… love.’
Jai stared back at Nachiket and smiled, finally nodding his head and taking centre stage, as some of Jai’s school and college friends, led by Ranveer and almost all of the female crowd cheered and hooted for him.
Nachiket, pretty much drunk by now, took the microphone and yelled on it, ‘My brother, the best man, is getting married tomorrow…and his soul mate…the love of his life, is sitting right there…yes…the pretty young thing in the Red Saree! Applause, guys!
Bani all but died out of mortification, when every one of those 500 pair of eyes turned their attention to her and clapped vociferously. Jai looked taken aback but amused, as his brother spoke to the guests, ’and today…he will break traditions…and not talk about the groom, that is Moi or the bride…that is my lovely wife…but instead…he will talk about love…HIS love and share his love story with us! Ovation, guys!’
Everyone stood up and thundered with applause and Bani was instantly mobbed by Karuna, Rano, Pooja, Pia and even Jigyasa, who teased her relentlessly, making her absolutely speechless and tongue-tied. She wondered if Jai would take offence to what Nachiket had gone and announced and storm off the stage. As she dared to lift her face and look back at him, Jai was giving a friendly thwack of Nachiket and had taken over the microphone, with Jai’s friends and colleagues cheering him loudly.
Jai’s eyes searched for Bani and he saw that she was sitting alongside Karuna, Rano, Pooja and Pia, smiling back bashfully at him and was all shade of red. He winked back at her, lifting his glass of Champagne, making her blush and lower her eyes, as Rano and Pooja whistled and chanted, ‘Jeeju…Jeeju…’ much to everyone’s hilarity.
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