Part 20 (c)
Next Morning
Even though Bani had hardly slept for the night and was feeling quite bushed and sapped because of the all the frenzied activities of the last few days, she still woke up on time and taking full care not to disturb Jai, who had only dozed off at 3 in the morning, took a bath, changed into a fresh set of attires and went down.
The Singh Family along with Karuna, Massi and the others were already down and instantly started teasing Bani, who blushed crimson and then had to smother her laughter, when she realized that she had actually spent her so-called 'wedding night' talking to her husband, rather than doing what people expected them to do.
After having prepared the second round of tea for everyone, Bani announced her intention of getting to set about the family temple to its former glory, albeit with a bit of indecision. She did not want anyone to feel, least of all Massi and Karuna, that she was imposing her will on the house and on Jai, so soon after marriage. But her fears were unfounded, as soon as Bani had uttered those words, it was met with a euphoric response by both Massi and Karuna and also Lalita, who abandoned all work and helped Bani open and set up the beautiful temple made in marble and limestone with exquisite lattice work all around it. Jai’s mother had commission it when they had built the Farmhouse and even so many years back, it had cost quite a bundle to build the little temple.
It was close to early noon, by the time, a drained out Bani finished setting up the shrine, much to Massi's tears of joy and sound approval by Karuna and Lalita. Rano too had woken up pretty late along with Pushkar and they had looked on delight when, Bani finished giving last touches to the temple of Krishna and Radha by putting a garland of roses and jasmine, plucked fresh from the garden.
'Hai Bhagwaan...if only Krishna was alive...'sobbed Massi, more out of joy than any grief, as she saw the new daughter-in-law of the house putting the family temple in order again.
Bani smiled and said to her, 'Massiji...I was just wondering...if there was a picture of...you know...' she trailed off, wondering how to address her in-laws. She could not call them, 'Mom' and 'Dad' as Jai addressed them...the terminology was too alien for her.
'Your in-laws?' asked Massi, readying the Aarti ki Thaali for the inaugural puja that Bani was going to do after having opened the temple after almost a decade.
'Yes...I wanted to put their picture in the temple too.' said Bani, and then wondered if she had to ask Jai's permission before doing anything like that. He was most unpredictable in his moods and she did not want to hurt his feeling unintentionally, especially after hearing about the strained relationship he had shared with his father.
'Let me see...Lakshmi...why don't you go down to the basement along with Abdul and tell him to take out your Mamaji and Mamiji's picture. He will know where it is kept.' said Massi, scampering out Lakshmi.
'Why is Jeeju's parents picture lying in the basement?' asked Rano and then mottled red, when her mother gave her a stern look.
'Arre, nothing like that. Potlu...I mean Jai has a picture of Massi and Massaji at his Gurgaon home...since he hardly used to come here, I think that is why he did not keep their picture...then he would have had to maintain it regularly too, na?' explained Karuna.
'In any case, my bahu is here to do the needful. Bani, I am so happy that you took this initiative...for so many years, I fought with Jeejaji...I mean, your father-in-law about how he never looked after the temple...your mother-in-law was a very religious and pious woman...everyday she used to do the Puja and put fresh flowers for the God...'
'Massiji, our Bani will also do the same. Don't worry...she knows everything about household work.' assured Lalita, rather proudly, making Rano wink at Bani.
Abdul and Lakshmi got the pictures of Uday and Krishna Walia and Bani saw her in-laws for the very first time and understood instantly, where Jai had inherited his drop-dead good-looks from. He was a carbon copy of his father...the same sharp features, the patrician bearing and the same coal black eyes. Nachiket on the other hand, looked very much like his mother...which finally explained to Bani, why both the brothers were so different from one another, in terms of physical appearance.
With great reverence, Bani placed their pictures in the newly restored temple and lit a silver diya in front of it. Just then, Abdul came announcing that 'Bade Sahib' was up and was asking for his morning cup of tea.
Rano commented cheerily, 'Morning cup of tea at 11:30 Am? Baniji...please do the needful. Your husband wants a cup of tea!'
Everyone laughed and Bani excused herself, going to the kitchen and preparing Jai's favourite Ginger and Tulsi tea and placed a couple of Nan-khatai biscuits along with it, taking the tray upstairs to their room.
JB Bedroom
Bani was about to knock at the door, when she suddenly remembered that there was no need for it anymore. Smiling softly, she pushed open the heavy door and walked inside, her silver anklets making a rhythmic chiming noise as she walked in towards the bed, where Jai was lying face down, like the way he always did. For a change he was wearing a t-shirt, after Bani had insisted that he could not sleep with half his clothes off and the Air-conditioning on.
'Good morning sleepy head!' said Bani light-heartedly, when she saw Jai rubbing his bleary eyes, giving her a smile and then going back to sleep.
'Goo murning...' came back Jai's muffled voice, as he buried his head in the pillow and extending his left arm, caught hold of Bani's hands and pulled her towards him.
'Hey! One minute...I will spill the tea on you.' exclaimed Bani, putting the tray on the side table and sitting beside him on the bed, rubbing his curly hair affectionately.
'Get up now...it’s almost mid-noon...Chachaji and family are set to leave in some time...and I have a surprise for you!' said Bani.
Lifting his head from the pillow, Jai gave her a look and said, 'Love Tub'?
Tossing her head with a grin, Bani retorted, 'Don't you remember Karthikji's advice? No hanky panky for at least a week!'
Making a face, Jai growled back, 'first of all, don't call that Madrasi Medico by his first name. Secondly, he said 2 or 3 days, not one week. I am not feeling well, but that doesn't mean, I have lost my memory!'
Supressing her laughter with great effort, Bani mollycoddled him back, 'alright...alright. And please don't call poor Dr. Reddy names! Besides, he is from Andhra Pradesh…Guntur district to be precise and not from Madras or Chennai as it is called now!'
'You seem to know a lot about our Indian States and HIM!' snapped Jai.
Pretending to air-dry her nails, Bani came back playfully, 'at least he is a better acquaintance than certain drug peddlers and multiple murderer’s whom people claim to be their "friends".'
Jai kept glaring at her for a couple of minutes and then burst out laughing along with her, getting up slowly from the bed, aided by Bani.
'Careful...careful...don’t' strain yourself. And here...have a cup of tea first. I will run your bath. What do you want to wear today? Shall I take out something of my own choice? And will you have breakfast or lunch directly? Plus...'
'Hang on...hang on...one by one, Dharampatniji!' joked Jai making Bani blush.
'You can take out anything for me to wear...and I will have lunch directly. It’s too late for breakfast. Also, if you wish, I can insist on the Singh Family to stay with us for a couple of days.' said Jai, albeit with a complete lack of enthusiasm.
Bani grinned and replied back, 'that's okay. I can see that you are practically waiting for the house to be empty...don't worry. They have to leave today...Rano has her college and so does Pushkar.'
As she ran Jai's bath and started taking out his clothes from the wardrobe, Bani kept a constant chatter, making Jai very amused, wondering how easily she had fallen into the role of a wife, as if she was simply born to be one.
'Massiji and Karuna didi are planning to go to Vaishno Devi from here...they were talking about leaving tonight itself...I told them to stay with us for a few days...it would be so nice.'
'Are you crazy? Let them go, if they wish too! Why are you insisting on them staying here?' announced Jai.
'Jai! That is so rude! Anyway, I have told them, that they have to stay with us for a few days when they return from Vaishno Devi.' retorted Bani complacently.
'Well, if you have already said that, what can I do?' sulked Jai, making her smile.
'Come on now! Be nice to everyone. Please. And now, have a quick bath, change and come downstairs. I have to show you something.'
'In front of everyone?' quipped Jai, giving her a mischievous look, which made Bani sigh in exasperation.
'Ha! Ha! I was talking about...never mind! And Jai...be careful, while taking your bath...should I help you?' asked Bani, her voice full of wifely concern.
'What help? If you try to help me while taking a bath, I cannot promise that I will heed that Madrasi Medico’s advice any longer!' came back Jai, finishing his tea.
'Jai!' laughed Bani and then added in a stern voice, 'stop calling poor Karthikji by such names! He is such a nice man...and now don't get that expression...you know very well, that I simply respect him and nothing more!'
'Yes...yes...that is whatever everyone says and then BOOM...extra-marital affairs, right under the spouse’s innocent nose!'
Not all offended by Jai's rather futile joke, Bani retorted mockingly, 'And so speaks the former lover of a drug-peddler! Ha! Ha! What an irony!'
'Yaar, tum toh bechari Alencka ke peeche hi pad gayi ho! Poor girl! So what if she trafficked drugs? Don't you only say, that it’s wrong to be judgemental about people?'
Bani could only give a stare back at Jai, as he suppressed his smile and winked at her, finally making her chuckle aloud.
Shaking her head, she mumbled, 'I simply can't argue with you! God knows what you do with the opposition lawyers in your courtroom!'
'Just to give you an example, I slept with one of them!' said Jai conversationally, brushing his teeth and having taken off all his clothes, only wrapped in a bath towel. And then promptly added, 'By the way, she was a woman. I don't swing the other side!'
'What? You...Oh! Forget it! I should probably ask you which women you haven't slept with rather than with whom you have!' said Bani, looking thoroughly aggravated and very annoyed
'Oh! Baby...sorry...I keep forgetting that you are not just my best friend, but also my wife now! And such talks obviously infuriate the life out of you! Sowee....' cooed Jai, snugging from behind and hugging Bani.
She smiled a bit, trying to show that she was not getting swayed by him again, but it was really difficult to maintain any sort of mask in front of Jai. She was just too smitten and too much in love to stay angry with him for even a bit longer.
Jai's IPhone pinged, as he was about to leave for the bathroom and he quickly checked the message, with a slow grin appearing on his face. Bani had just finished making the bed and she noticed the look on his face, making her curious and she asked, 'Who is it?'
‘Oooh…your beloved Bacchu Yadav has sent his warmest congratulations to ‘Bakil Sahib’ and his ‘Sita Maiyya’ on their wedding…and guess what? He has offered us a choice of a wedding gift too! Very generous of him, I must say.’ Commented Jai, reading Bacchu Yadav’s message.
Highly disappointed that it was none other than her husband's criminal number one best buddy, she spoke in an exasperated voice, ‘Oh! God! What is it?’
‘A smuggled AK-47 or a protected species of venomous Cobra! Wow…that’s a toughie! What should I choose? Unlawful weapons or an endangered animal!’ said Jai, almost to himself, looking so serious, that Bani feared he was actually considering making a choice and taking one of them.
‘Jai…for goodness sake. Its fine, if he is your client, but do you to have keep friends like him?’ groaned Bani.
‘Hey, stop being condemnatory! He is a nice guy…I mean, I am sure those 13 murdered people don’t think of him as being nice, but what the heck…he didn’t kill anyone I knew! So why should I judge him?’
Taking the phone from him, she said sternly, 'you are not taking ANYTHING from that man, okay? We have no need of weapons or dangerous animals! Just thank him and that is it. Now stop wasting time, go and have your bath and come down quickly.'
'Sheee...what a nag you have turned into!' joked Jai.
'Fine, I am a nag. You can't do anything about it! Go now...' she shouted, at the same time giggling at his juvenile behaviour and pushed him towards the bathroom, uselessly repeating warnings on taking care of his back and not lounging about in the tub for too long.
Downstairs
When Jai came downstairs, he saw Rano and Pooja standing and gossiping and then when they looked at him, at first they swooned a bit, like they normally did in his presence and then attempted to tease him for Bani and his wedding night.
Before they could even utter a word, Jai remarked casually, 'Oh! Nothing happened. Doctor's orders! Can't get one's leg over!'
Both the girls blinked, not understanding what Jai meant, till he gave them a grin and said, 'That's a British expression for when you can't have s**!'
Appalled and going absolutely red in their face, Rano and Pooja could only bat their eyelids and look at one another, taken aback by Jai's candour.
Jai mistook their expression and said, 'Oh, don't look so worried! We will do it pretty soon...just two or three days of rest...'
Before, either Rano or Pooja could fall and faint out of shock, Bani quickly dragged her errant husband away from them till he could do any more damage.
'Why did you say that?' she whispered furiously into his ears.
'Say what?' he asked, munching on an apple that he had picked up from the Puja Ki Thaali that Bani was carrying, despite her protests that it was the Prasad and he was not supposed to eat it like that.
'You know...Oh! Leave it...' said Bani, exasperated with her husband's near absence of social etiquette.
'Say what? Tell me na?' prodded Jai, crunching on the Apple with great delight, making Bani both annoyed and smile at him.
Bani simply shrugged her head and refused to indulge in any sort of banter with Jai, instead ignoring his protests, put a small tikka on his forehead and force-fed him a small piece of besan ladoo that Massi had prepared early in the morning.
‘Why are you feeding me sweets? They are not good for health!’ complained Jai, brushing his mouth and making an ‘ugh’ expression.
‘Really? Guzzling down bottles and bottles of Beer is good for health and eating a home-made, pure-ghee, fortified with essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins sweet is not good for you?’ she came back.
'Blah...Blah...Blah...Blah...' mimicked Jai, imitating Bani's voice and making her squeal in protest and laugh.
'What was the surprise you were talking about?' he asked, taking hold of Bani’s sari pallu and wiping his mouth.
'Come...' said Bani, simply with a smile and taking Jai's hands, led him to the small temple, which had been re-opened and made functional.
Jai stood silently staring at the small but beautiful edifice in marble, with the statues of Radha and Krishna standing inside it. Bani had scoured out two gorgeous antique brass lamps, which Jai's father had presented to his mother on their wedding anniversary and had lit them, lending the temple a golden aura.
'How is it?' she asked him in a soft voice, looking up at his face.
Jai stood still for a couple of moments and then spoke with raw emotion, 'It’s...Its...beautiful. Just like Mom used to...' and then trailed off, overwhelmed by his emotions.
Bani teared up a bit and held his hand reassuringly, making him look down at her and say warmly, 'Thanks Bani. You just made my Mom really, really happy up there in the heaven.'
She laughed a bit, wiping her tears and then said to him, 'And now you have to do your bit by folding your hands in front of God every morning before leaving for work. Okay?'
'That would take a bit of reminding...but I think I can manage to say a little hello to our dear little God and Goddess every morning!' joked Jai, making her laugh, as she led him to the Dining Table for the early lunch she had prepared, before the Singh's were to take-off for Bangalore.
Later Afternoon
The Singh's were all ready to depart for Bangalore, along with Pooja and Saurabh who had both stayed back. There was a lot of crying and hugging between Bani and Lalita, while Jai stood in a distance, making polite but pointless conversation with Mr. Singh, watching his wife with both amusement and pity. He found it funny that she was crying so much, but also understood that she would probably miss Rano and her family a lot, given that she had lived with them for the last four years.
Jai walked over to them and joked to Rano, who was also bawling away, hugging Bani and taking umpteen promises from her to keep in touch frequently.
'Rano...your friend seems to be so distraught with the idea of staying back here with me...I don't know what to think!' joked Jai, giving a look at Bani, who was currently wiping her reddened eyes.
Rano giggled and remarked back, 'Oh, this is nothing, Jeeju! Just you know...womanly stuff...'
'You can take her back with you to Bangalore, if you wish!' said Jai, winking at Bani, who gave him a hard look, which suggested that he better not joke at this time.
'What? No way! If she here, at least that will ensure that I can come and see you from time to time!' said Rano frankly, making Lalita gasp while Jai threw his head back and laughed loudly.
'Well, then that gives me a reason to keep weeping willow here too! Say what...next time when you come here...we can all go to Mussorrie...I have a cottage there...its rented, but I can always boot out the tenants whenever I wish!' said Jai, making Rano blush with pleasure and then burst into laughter, as she hugged him back.
'Please take care of my friend, Jeeju....I mean, she looks like she can take care of herself, but that is not the case always.' said Rano, with such simplicity and sincerity, that Jai could not help but feel touched.
'I will. I promise. And you don't have to take such promises from your friend, because whether I wish or not, she WILL take care of me! Born mother-hen!'
Everyone laughed, including Bani, who hugged Rano and said, 'Do well in your final exams...and please, don’t' fight with poor Pushkar.'
'Hey!' protested Rano, just as Pushkar came bouncing by, having just helped Abdul keep their entire luggage in one of Jai's car's.
'Well, thank you Bani. That was much needed. What do you say, Jeejaji?' said Pushkar, giving a hearty grin at Jai, who stared back coldly at him.
Looking at the expression on Jai's face, Pushkar mottled a bit and spoke hesitatingly, 'I can call you Jeejaji, right?'
'Wrong.' came back Jai in a smooth voice, making both Rano and Pooja snigger, even as Bani tried to register a protest.
'But...but...Rano and Pooja also call you that...so I thought...'mumbled Pushkar.
Giving a blank look at Pushkar, Jai asked in a cool voice, 'Are you pretty?'
'What? No...I mean girls are pretty!'
'Are you charming?'
'Huh?'
'Are you a girl?'
'What? NO!'
'Can you flirt with me?'
'Flirt? That too with you? No, of course not! But why...'
'Well, if you are not pretty, not charming, not a girl and can't flirt with me...then you are not allowed to call me anything else but either Mr. Walia or Jai Sir. Take your pick!'
Pushkar stood open mouthed, as Pooja and Rano doubled with laughter and almost collapsed on the ground, even though Bani made pacifying clamours and tried to convince Pushkar that Jai was just jesting with him.
'Okay, kids enough joking now...our flight is due to leave in three hours’ time and we haven’t' even started from here yet!' said Mr. Singh, checking his watch and ushering everyone to get up and get moving.
Just as everyone was bidding a final goodbye to Jai, Bani and the others, Jai told them to stop for a moment and said, 'I need to give you guys a little something. Just wait for a moment.'
Waving across all protests from Mrs. and Mr. Singh for any gifts or presents from Jai, telling him that he had already been such a good host, Jai told them politely, 'it is tradition, isn't it that guests never return empty-handed? Besides, Rano and the others are all younger than me...so it’s actually my right to give them whatever I wish too, isn't it?'
Lalita and her husband could only smile at Jai's comment, while the youngsters had a hard time feeling absolutely thrilled but trying to look diffident at the prospect of getting a gift from Jai.
Abdul and another man-servant went upstairs and got a couple of boxes and packets from Jai's study, even as Bani looked immensely surprised, wondering when he had got the time to arrange for the gifts.
'Here...Pooja and Saurabh...for being such terrific wedding organizers and for making my brother's wedding such a huge success.' said Jai, handing over a white envelope to Pooja followed by Saurabh, who both looked overwhelmed at Jai's gesture. The very fact that he had treated them like a part of his own extended family was more than enough for them.
'But Sir...' said Saurabh, as Jai hushed him up and told him to open the envelope.
It contained a set of keys in it and though the others could not understand why on earth would Jai hand over a bunch of keys to Saurabh, he did, his eyes tearing up and voice choking with excitement and emotion.
'These are Car keys, Sir...'he mumbled.
'Yes...these are Car keys...you will find a silver-grey Mazda 6 delivered to your home by the time you return. Bani told me how much you loved my Cars and while I will obviously not give MY Cars to anyone in the world, I thought that this Car would probably make your life a little more easier.'
Bani had told Jai about Saurabh struggling to work and study at the same time, since he lived very far from his workplace and spent most of his time commuting.
Saurabh simply stood flabbergasted and the only reaction he could give was hug Jai and then move back instantly, mumbling, 'I...Sorry Sir...I shouldn't have hugged you...but...Thank you so much...I really don't know what to. I...'
Jai ignored his jabbering’s and taking out another envelope, gave it to Pooja, who blushed and said, 'I can't drive!'
Everyone laughed, most of all Jai, who said, 'well you are in luck. It’s not a Car for you anyway!'
Pooja was shocked beyond her words when she saw Jai's gift to her. It was a number of gift vouchers amounting to nearly a lakh of rupees, valid for almost all the major departmental stores in Bangalore.
'But Jeeju...that's...that's...'
'Yes...yes. Thanks accepted!' smiled Jai, handing over a box to Rano, even though both Lalita and Mr. Singh protested Jai's excesses in regard to the gifts he was handing over to the youngsters.
Rano's eyes all but popped out of her face, when she saw the stunning eighteen carat emerald and rose-quartz bracelet that he had given to her.
'WOW! That's just....WOW...Oh...JEEJU!' she screamed, leaping onto Jai and hugging him, making everyone laugh heartily.
'I get that means you like it!' said Jai with an amused smile, even though Rano was no longer even present in the room, admiring the lovely piece of jewellery and literally dancing around with it.
'And here, this one is for you, Pushkar.' announced Jai, handing over a brown envelope to the youngster.
Looking pretty shocked that Jai had actually thought of even giving him something, Pushkar nevertheless accepted the packet with a look of gratitude and thanked Jai sheepishly.
It was the letter of intent from Jai's firm, offering a permanent position as a paralegal to Pushkar, once he completed his law degree.
Taking no notice of Pushkar's shocked expression; Jai said casually, 'of course, if you wish to join somewhere else, you are most welcome. But if you are interested in pursuing a career with our firm, then you can join as soon as you finish your final year exam.'
All Pushkar could say in response was a loud and emotional, ‘JEEJU! THANK YOU!’ even though Jai instantly shouted on him to not address him like that, making everyone chuckle loudly with laughter.
Sometime later
The group from Amritsar was also set to leave for Vaishno Devi now and despite Karuna’s many protests, Bani had not only prepared the dinner for them, but also managed to prepare the next day’s breakfast and packed them all neatly in containers and disposables. Massi could not stop praising her resourceful, competent and most of all thoughtful daughter-in-law, who cared so much for everyone.
Bani had completed the evening Aarti at the temple and was giving prashad to everyone, wishing them a good journey. Jai had insisted on dropping them personally till the railway station, but it took Bani’s firm admonishments to stay where he was and not even attempt to go on a drive.
As Bani touched Massi’s feet, the elderly lady blessed her and said, ‘Sada suhaagan raho…and by god’s grace, when I come back here, you will give me a good news.’
Bani flushed and looked instantly at Jai, who was standing quietly by her side, wondering if he had heard what Massi had said,
‘Arre Ma…what is this? They have not even been married for a day and you are already handing out the list of future grand-children! Let them enjoy life…hain na, Potlu?’ chirped Karuna, hugging Bani warmly.
‘Dimpy, for goodness sake. Can you stop calling me by this name? It’s so humiliating! What do you think my wife will feel?’ complained Jai and not able to stop showing his excitement on everyone leaving his house finally.
‘Hai, Bani, do you feel bad when I call him Potlu?’ asked Karuna, sounding rather hurt.
‘No…No, didi! I think it’s very cute! In fact, even I will start calling him like that! Potlu ji!’ said Bani, overturning her grin and giving a mischievous sideways look at Jai.
Everyone burst out laughing except Jai, who said to her, ‘I swear, if you call me that, I will divorce you there and then!’
‘Haan! Haan! Like we would let you do that!’ came back Massi, making everyone laugh some more at Jai’s expense.
‘Okay…Okay…now scoot off. I mean, I think it’s already late…you might miss your train. We don’t want that to happen at any cost…come come…I am sending Abdul with you to the station…just in case, you need any help!’ said Jai, sounding utterly impatient, both exasperating and amusing Bani.
Towards Evening
Jai relaxed on his couch, his long legs spread comfortably on the glass top table, as he sipped some chilled beer and looked very happy with his life in general. His back was not giving him much trouble now and he was feeling thrilled that everyone had left his abode and now he could spend some time in silence and solitude with his lovely wife, and there would be no pesky kids to disturb him or Karuna calling him, 'Potlu' several times in a day.
Bani had just come out of the kitchen, having prepared the dinner and getting Jai a glass of fresh Nimbu Pani, when she saw him sitting blissfully and having alcohol.
'Jai! What did I tell you yesterday?' she snapped in an angry voice, taking the can of beer from his hand, even as he looked taken aback by her sudden action.
'Hey! What the fuck...I mean...what is this?' exclaimed Jai, as he saw Bani looking here and there and then with an air of determination, pouring the remaining beer in a nearby potted plant.
'Bani! That's Sapparo's Space Barley. That's like the most expensive beer in the world!' he shouted in a dismayed voice.
'Good. Your money plant can now get the entire extra nutrient from the "Most Expensive Beer in the World!” announced Bani, looking pleased with what she had done and firmly handing the glass of Nimbu Pani to Jai.
'I don't want this! I want my Beer!' he grumbled.
Sitting down patiently besides him, Bani spoke in a composed and loving way, 'Jai...you know it very well that drinking alcohol is extremely dangerous for you...especially when you are taking medication.'
'I have always had alcohol in the past....'he said obstinately.
'You are not in the past anymore. And before you shout, or scream or raise your blood pressure anymore, let me tell you, sound and clear. You are NOT drinking anymore alcoholic beverages till you are completely fit and well again. Take it like my request, my order or anything you want to...but no more of this. I am asking Abdul to empty your Liquor Cabinet today itself.' Announced Bani with quiet resolve, both shocking and enraging Jai.
'BANI!' shouted Jai, looking really upset and even borderline furious now.
She looked back at him and spoke pleadingly, her eyes watering up, 'Jai, for goodness sake, don't make my life so difficult. You have any idea what I go through when I see you in so much pain. And on top of that, if you defy the doctor's order and further try to ruin your health, what am I...' saying that she broke down crying helplessly.
Jai looked mortified with guilt and instantly hugged back his wife, soothing her down, 'Sorry yaar...I am really sorry...okay, promise. No more alcohol. And see, I am drinking this...Eeeyuck...sour and acidic and sharp and tart...lemon non-sense right now...even though I feel like puking it back in the glass.' And saying that he drained the entire glass in one go, wincing and making a painful face, as he kept the glass down.
Bani instantaneously burst into a spurt of giggles when she saw Jai's reaction to the glass of Nimbu Pani and she kissed him on his cheeks, saying softly, 'Thank you. And by the way, I make a terrific glass of Nimbu Pani and it is not sour and acidic and sharp and all those things you said! It’s sweet and tangy and refreshing....'
'Just like you...' muttered Jai, leaning forward and planting a kiss on Bani's lips, making her lick her lips and comment back playfully, 'see, how drinking the nimbu pani has improved your kissing skills. Now your kiss smells fresh and invigorating and not like a stale bunch of hops.' she said referring to the plant that is used in making Beer.
'Is that so, Mrs. W? Don’t cast aspersions on my kissing skills. There are many a women in various parts of the world who will vouch to the power and magnetism of my kisses!’ he teased back.
‘Oh, I am sure, Mr. W. I am sure. After all, why wouldn’t I take the word of a Drug Peddler to be the gospel of truth?’ came back Bani, smiling superciliously.
Jai grinned and replied back, ‘There you go after my poor Alencka’s life again! Considering what a shrew you are turning out to be, I am in double minds on whether I should tell Sheryl to cut me a ticket for Czech Republic or not?’
‘As it happens, Mr. W…I am not even letting you go to Chatturpur from here…leave aside going to Czech Republic! Now you are mine…lock, stock and barrel!’ said Bani, relaxing her head on Jai’s broad shoulders.
‘Hai….Mrs. W…yeh kya keh diya aapne! Now how am I going to spend the night today without trying to touch you?’ joked Jai.
Bani answered back coquettishly, ‘no one said that you can’t touch me…’
Raising his eyebrows, Jai said meaningfully, ‘Oooh…is that so? I think your beloved “Karthikji” is going to be disappointed that his beloved “Bani” did not heed his advice and indulged in unmentionable things with her husband.’
Bani laughed and laughed on what Jai had said and turning to look up at him said, ‘I said only “touch”….”
‘Yes…but that is like leading the Horse to the Well and telling him, dude keep staring at the Well, but you can’t have the water!’
‘The Horse has to make do with staring at the well as of now…sorry! Doctors’ orders!’ quipped Bani, ruffling Jai’s hair and planting a kiss on his cheeks, as she got up to go to the kitchen.
‘Wow…this is the kind of dirty talk that I always imagined I would have with my wife…’ mused Jai, sighing and making Bani burst into chuckles. Jai never failed to amuse her, anytime of the day.
Later at night
‘Bani…I am not sure if letting go of alcohol will do any good to my health or not, but I do know that if I keep eating your home-made meals, my waist size will expand like there is no tomorrow!’ commented Jai, rubbing his tummy and lying down on the bed.
Bani grinned and answered back, ‘home-made meals are good for you! But I can only cook the food, portion control is in your hands, dear hubby!’
‘Can’t help if my wife is the best cook in the world! By the way, that Palak Paneer was just scrumptious…can I have it for breakfast also?’
Bani laughed with delight, thrilled that Jai appreciated her cooking so much and spoke indulgently, ‘why would I serve you left-overs from previous night? I will make you fresh Aloo Parantha, Sitaphal Sabzi and Raita for breakfast tomorrow…’
‘There goes my waist from 36 to 46! You will keep feeding me and turn me into an overweight penguin someday! Is that your trick for keeping the ladies away from me?’ teased Jai, pulling Bani towards him on the bed.
Pushing his hair back and planting a kiss on the tip of his nose, she whispered back, ‘I don’t care about the ladies keeping away from you…the only thing I care about is keeping YOU away from the ladies! And that I will manage, thank you!’
‘Hmm…I can see that escalation in your confidence since our marriage! Wonder where my mousy, little girl-next-door vanished?’
‘She is still very much here and in fact wants to play a game of scrabble with her man, if he is having trouble sleeping!’ said Bani, taking out the Scrabble board from the side table.
‘Arre yaar! Wedding night, I spend “talking” to you…now you want me to play scrabble with you…Bani, this is not good for my reputation!’ grumbled Jai, making her laugh on his reaction.
‘Maybe…but it’s good for your health! Now come on!’ pleaded Bani, setting up the board.
Jai smiled at her and spoke with deep affection, ‘you really care for me so much, Bani…even ready to let go of your much-needed sleep, so as to give me company.’ Before she could react to his statement, he added, coming near to her, ‘I have surely done nothing but commit sins on a mass scale in this life…I must have been a self-sacrificing monk in my last year, that I got you like a prize for my good deeds!’
Bani looked back at him and holding his hands, said, ‘I don’t care about your actions, Jai…in the past, now or in the future. All I know is that you have a heart of gold…and that you are the nicest, most loving and sincere person I have ever known. So I think, the prize you are talking about here is you…and not me.’
Jai kept looking at her, making her blush and look down, when he whispered back, ‘the lawyer’s wife is on the way to becoming a lawyer herself, it seems…come…at least let me kiss you, if nothing else!’
‘But scrabble!’ she asked innocently.
‘Oh, to hell with it!’ declared Jai impatiently, kicking aside the board game and taking his wife into the warm, strong folds of his arms.
The brilliance of her smile almost blinded him. "I love you, Jai" she cried, reaching out to hug him. For a brief moment her bosom mashed against his chest. Flyaway, sunshiny hair teased his lips. The fragrance of rose petals assailed his nostrils. It was everything he could manage not to bend her over his arm and kiss her senseless.
She rubbed her fingertips over his sculpted chin, feeling a slight trace of stubble. ‘Don’t hurt yourself, okay. You are answerable to me, now.’
‘Is that a request or an order?’ His crooked grin reminded her of a pirate.
‘Both!’ she quipped back, grinning and then bending slightly over him, returning his kiss.
Next Morning
Even though Bani had hardly slept for the night and was feeling quite bushed and sapped because of the all the frenzied activities of the last few days, she still woke up on time and taking full care not to disturb Jai, who had only dozed off at 3 in the morning, took a bath, changed into a fresh set of attires and went down.
The Singh Family along with Karuna, Massi and the others were already down and instantly started teasing Bani, who blushed crimson and then had to smother her laughter, when she realized that she had actually spent her so-called 'wedding night' talking to her husband, rather than doing what people expected them to do.
After having prepared the second round of tea for everyone, Bani announced her intention of getting to set about the family temple to its former glory, albeit with a bit of indecision. She did not want anyone to feel, least of all Massi and Karuna, that she was imposing her will on the house and on Jai, so soon after marriage. But her fears were unfounded, as soon as Bani had uttered those words, it was met with a euphoric response by both Massi and Karuna and also Lalita, who abandoned all work and helped Bani open and set up the beautiful temple made in marble and limestone with exquisite lattice work all around it. Jai’s mother had commission it when they had built the Farmhouse and even so many years back, it had cost quite a bundle to build the little temple.
It was close to early noon, by the time, a drained out Bani finished setting up the shrine, much to Massi's tears of joy and sound approval by Karuna and Lalita. Rano too had woken up pretty late along with Pushkar and they had looked on delight when, Bani finished giving last touches to the temple of Krishna and Radha by putting a garland of roses and jasmine, plucked fresh from the garden.
'Hai Bhagwaan...if only Krishna was alive...'sobbed Massi, more out of joy than any grief, as she saw the new daughter-in-law of the house putting the family temple in order again.
Bani smiled and said to her, 'Massiji...I was just wondering...if there was a picture of...you know...' she trailed off, wondering how to address her in-laws. She could not call them, 'Mom' and 'Dad' as Jai addressed them...the terminology was too alien for her.
'Your in-laws?' asked Massi, readying the Aarti ki Thaali for the inaugural puja that Bani was going to do after having opened the temple after almost a decade.
'Yes...I wanted to put their picture in the temple too.' said Bani, and then wondered if she had to ask Jai's permission before doing anything like that. He was most unpredictable in his moods and she did not want to hurt his feeling unintentionally, especially after hearing about the strained relationship he had shared with his father.
'Let me see...Lakshmi...why don't you go down to the basement along with Abdul and tell him to take out your Mamaji and Mamiji's picture. He will know where it is kept.' said Massi, scampering out Lakshmi.
'Why is Jeeju's parents picture lying in the basement?' asked Rano and then mottled red, when her mother gave her a stern look.
'Arre, nothing like that. Potlu...I mean Jai has a picture of Massi and Massaji at his Gurgaon home...since he hardly used to come here, I think that is why he did not keep their picture...then he would have had to maintain it regularly too, na?' explained Karuna.
'In any case, my bahu is here to do the needful. Bani, I am so happy that you took this initiative...for so many years, I fought with Jeejaji...I mean, your father-in-law about how he never looked after the temple...your mother-in-law was a very religious and pious woman...everyday she used to do the Puja and put fresh flowers for the God...'
'Massiji, our Bani will also do the same. Don't worry...she knows everything about household work.' assured Lalita, rather proudly, making Rano wink at Bani.
Abdul and Lakshmi got the pictures of Uday and Krishna Walia and Bani saw her in-laws for the very first time and understood instantly, where Jai had inherited his drop-dead good-looks from. He was a carbon copy of his father...the same sharp features, the patrician bearing and the same coal black eyes. Nachiket on the other hand, looked very much like his mother...which finally explained to Bani, why both the brothers were so different from one another, in terms of physical appearance.
With great reverence, Bani placed their pictures in the newly restored temple and lit a silver diya in front of it. Just then, Abdul came announcing that 'Bade Sahib' was up and was asking for his morning cup of tea.
Rano commented cheerily, 'Morning cup of tea at 11:30 Am? Baniji...please do the needful. Your husband wants a cup of tea!'
Everyone laughed and Bani excused herself, going to the kitchen and preparing Jai's favourite Ginger and Tulsi tea and placed a couple of Nan-khatai biscuits along with it, taking the tray upstairs to their room.
JB Bedroom
Bani was about to knock at the door, when she suddenly remembered that there was no need for it anymore. Smiling softly, she pushed open the heavy door and walked inside, her silver anklets making a rhythmic chiming noise as she walked in towards the bed, where Jai was lying face down, like the way he always did. For a change he was wearing a t-shirt, after Bani had insisted that he could not sleep with half his clothes off and the Air-conditioning on.
'Good morning sleepy head!' said Bani light-heartedly, when she saw Jai rubbing his bleary eyes, giving her a smile and then going back to sleep.
'Goo murning...' came back Jai's muffled voice, as he buried his head in the pillow and extending his left arm, caught hold of Bani's hands and pulled her towards him.
'Hey! One minute...I will spill the tea on you.' exclaimed Bani, putting the tray on the side table and sitting beside him on the bed, rubbing his curly hair affectionately.
'Get up now...it’s almost mid-noon...Chachaji and family are set to leave in some time...and I have a surprise for you!' said Bani.
Lifting his head from the pillow, Jai gave her a look and said, 'Love Tub'?
Tossing her head with a grin, Bani retorted, 'Don't you remember Karthikji's advice? No hanky panky for at least a week!'
Making a face, Jai growled back, 'first of all, don't call that Madrasi Medico by his first name. Secondly, he said 2 or 3 days, not one week. I am not feeling well, but that doesn't mean, I have lost my memory!'
Supressing her laughter with great effort, Bani mollycoddled him back, 'alright...alright. And please don't call poor Dr. Reddy names! Besides, he is from Andhra Pradesh…Guntur district to be precise and not from Madras or Chennai as it is called now!'
'You seem to know a lot about our Indian States and HIM!' snapped Jai.
Pretending to air-dry her nails, Bani came back playfully, 'at least he is a better acquaintance than certain drug peddlers and multiple murderer’s whom people claim to be their "friends".'
Jai kept glaring at her for a couple of minutes and then burst out laughing along with her, getting up slowly from the bed, aided by Bani.
'Careful...careful...don’t' strain yourself. And here...have a cup of tea first. I will run your bath. What do you want to wear today? Shall I take out something of my own choice? And will you have breakfast or lunch directly? Plus...'
'Hang on...hang on...one by one, Dharampatniji!' joked Jai making Bani blush.
'You can take out anything for me to wear...and I will have lunch directly. It’s too late for breakfast. Also, if you wish, I can insist on the Singh Family to stay with us for a couple of days.' said Jai, albeit with a complete lack of enthusiasm.
Bani grinned and replied back, 'that's okay. I can see that you are practically waiting for the house to be empty...don't worry. They have to leave today...Rano has her college and so does Pushkar.'
As she ran Jai's bath and started taking out his clothes from the wardrobe, Bani kept a constant chatter, making Jai very amused, wondering how easily she had fallen into the role of a wife, as if she was simply born to be one.
'Massiji and Karuna didi are planning to go to Vaishno Devi from here...they were talking about leaving tonight itself...I told them to stay with us for a few days...it would be so nice.'
'Are you crazy? Let them go, if they wish too! Why are you insisting on them staying here?' announced Jai.
'Jai! That is so rude! Anyway, I have told them, that they have to stay with us for a few days when they return from Vaishno Devi.' retorted Bani complacently.
'Well, if you have already said that, what can I do?' sulked Jai, making her smile.
'Come on now! Be nice to everyone. Please. And now, have a quick bath, change and come downstairs. I have to show you something.'
'In front of everyone?' quipped Jai, giving her a mischievous look, which made Bani sigh in exasperation.
'Ha! Ha! I was talking about...never mind! And Jai...be careful, while taking your bath...should I help you?' asked Bani, her voice full of wifely concern.
'What help? If you try to help me while taking a bath, I cannot promise that I will heed that Madrasi Medico’s advice any longer!' came back Jai, finishing his tea.
'Jai!' laughed Bani and then added in a stern voice, 'stop calling poor Karthikji by such names! He is such a nice man...and now don't get that expression...you know very well, that I simply respect him and nothing more!'
'Yes...yes...that is whatever everyone says and then BOOM...extra-marital affairs, right under the spouse’s innocent nose!'
Not all offended by Jai's rather futile joke, Bani retorted mockingly, 'And so speaks the former lover of a drug-peddler! Ha! Ha! What an irony!'
'Yaar, tum toh bechari Alencka ke peeche hi pad gayi ho! Poor girl! So what if she trafficked drugs? Don't you only say, that it’s wrong to be judgemental about people?'
Bani could only give a stare back at Jai, as he suppressed his smile and winked at her, finally making her chuckle aloud.
Shaking her head, she mumbled, 'I simply can't argue with you! God knows what you do with the opposition lawyers in your courtroom!'
'Just to give you an example, I slept with one of them!' said Jai conversationally, brushing his teeth and having taken off all his clothes, only wrapped in a bath towel. And then promptly added, 'By the way, she was a woman. I don't swing the other side!'
'What? You...Oh! Forget it! I should probably ask you which women you haven't slept with rather than with whom you have!' said Bani, looking thoroughly aggravated and very annoyed
'Oh! Baby...sorry...I keep forgetting that you are not just my best friend, but also my wife now! And such talks obviously infuriate the life out of you! Sowee....' cooed Jai, snugging from behind and hugging Bani.
She smiled a bit, trying to show that she was not getting swayed by him again, but it was really difficult to maintain any sort of mask in front of Jai. She was just too smitten and too much in love to stay angry with him for even a bit longer.
Jai's IPhone pinged, as he was about to leave for the bathroom and he quickly checked the message, with a slow grin appearing on his face. Bani had just finished making the bed and she noticed the look on his face, making her curious and she asked, 'Who is it?'
‘Oooh…your beloved Bacchu Yadav has sent his warmest congratulations to ‘Bakil Sahib’ and his ‘Sita Maiyya’ on their wedding…and guess what? He has offered us a choice of a wedding gift too! Very generous of him, I must say.’ Commented Jai, reading Bacchu Yadav’s message.
Highly disappointed that it was none other than her husband's criminal number one best buddy, she spoke in an exasperated voice, ‘Oh! God! What is it?’
‘A smuggled AK-47 or a protected species of venomous Cobra! Wow…that’s a toughie! What should I choose? Unlawful weapons or an endangered animal!’ said Jai, almost to himself, looking so serious, that Bani feared he was actually considering making a choice and taking one of them.
‘Jai…for goodness sake. Its fine, if he is your client, but do you to have keep friends like him?’ groaned Bani.
‘Hey, stop being condemnatory! He is a nice guy…I mean, I am sure those 13 murdered people don’t think of him as being nice, but what the heck…he didn’t kill anyone I knew! So why should I judge him?’
Taking the phone from him, she said sternly, 'you are not taking ANYTHING from that man, okay? We have no need of weapons or dangerous animals! Just thank him and that is it. Now stop wasting time, go and have your bath and come down quickly.'
'Sheee...what a nag you have turned into!' joked Jai.
'Fine, I am a nag. You can't do anything about it! Go now...' she shouted, at the same time giggling at his juvenile behaviour and pushed him towards the bathroom, uselessly repeating warnings on taking care of his back and not lounging about in the tub for too long.
Downstairs
When Jai came downstairs, he saw Rano and Pooja standing and gossiping and then when they looked at him, at first they swooned a bit, like they normally did in his presence and then attempted to tease him for Bani and his wedding night.
Before they could even utter a word, Jai remarked casually, 'Oh! Nothing happened. Doctor's orders! Can't get one's leg over!'
Both the girls blinked, not understanding what Jai meant, till he gave them a grin and said, 'That's a British expression for when you can't have s**!'
Appalled and going absolutely red in their face, Rano and Pooja could only bat their eyelids and look at one another, taken aback by Jai's candour.
Jai mistook their expression and said, 'Oh, don't look so worried! We will do it pretty soon...just two or three days of rest...'
Before, either Rano or Pooja could fall and faint out of shock, Bani quickly dragged her errant husband away from them till he could do any more damage.
'Why did you say that?' she whispered furiously into his ears.
'Say what?' he asked, munching on an apple that he had picked up from the Puja Ki Thaali that Bani was carrying, despite her protests that it was the Prasad and he was not supposed to eat it like that.
'You know...Oh! Leave it...' said Bani, exasperated with her husband's near absence of social etiquette.
'Say what? Tell me na?' prodded Jai, crunching on the Apple with great delight, making Bani both annoyed and smile at him.
Bani simply shrugged her head and refused to indulge in any sort of banter with Jai, instead ignoring his protests, put a small tikka on his forehead and force-fed him a small piece of besan ladoo that Massi had prepared early in the morning.
‘Why are you feeding me sweets? They are not good for health!’ complained Jai, brushing his mouth and making an ‘ugh’ expression.
‘Really? Guzzling down bottles and bottles of Beer is good for health and eating a home-made, pure-ghee, fortified with essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins sweet is not good for you?’ she came back.
'Blah...Blah...Blah...Blah...' mimicked Jai, imitating Bani's voice and making her squeal in protest and laugh.
'What was the surprise you were talking about?' he asked, taking hold of Bani’s sari pallu and wiping his mouth.
'Come...' said Bani, simply with a smile and taking Jai's hands, led him to the small temple, which had been re-opened and made functional.
Jai stood silently staring at the small but beautiful edifice in marble, with the statues of Radha and Krishna standing inside it. Bani had scoured out two gorgeous antique brass lamps, which Jai's father had presented to his mother on their wedding anniversary and had lit them, lending the temple a golden aura.
'How is it?' she asked him in a soft voice, looking up at his face.
Jai stood still for a couple of moments and then spoke with raw emotion, 'It’s...Its...beautiful. Just like Mom used to...' and then trailed off, overwhelmed by his emotions.
Bani teared up a bit and held his hand reassuringly, making him look down at her and say warmly, 'Thanks Bani. You just made my Mom really, really happy up there in the heaven.'
She laughed a bit, wiping her tears and then said to him, 'And now you have to do your bit by folding your hands in front of God every morning before leaving for work. Okay?'
'That would take a bit of reminding...but I think I can manage to say a little hello to our dear little God and Goddess every morning!' joked Jai, making her laugh, as she led him to the Dining Table for the early lunch she had prepared, before the Singh's were to take-off for Bangalore.
Later Afternoon
The Singh's were all ready to depart for Bangalore, along with Pooja and Saurabh who had both stayed back. There was a lot of crying and hugging between Bani and Lalita, while Jai stood in a distance, making polite but pointless conversation with Mr. Singh, watching his wife with both amusement and pity. He found it funny that she was crying so much, but also understood that she would probably miss Rano and her family a lot, given that she had lived with them for the last four years.
Jai walked over to them and joked to Rano, who was also bawling away, hugging Bani and taking umpteen promises from her to keep in touch frequently.
'Rano...your friend seems to be so distraught with the idea of staying back here with me...I don't know what to think!' joked Jai, giving a look at Bani, who was currently wiping her reddened eyes.
Rano giggled and remarked back, 'Oh, this is nothing, Jeeju! Just you know...womanly stuff...'
'You can take her back with you to Bangalore, if you wish!' said Jai, winking at Bani, who gave him a hard look, which suggested that he better not joke at this time.
'What? No way! If she here, at least that will ensure that I can come and see you from time to time!' said Rano frankly, making Lalita gasp while Jai threw his head back and laughed loudly.
'Well, then that gives me a reason to keep weeping willow here too! Say what...next time when you come here...we can all go to Mussorrie...I have a cottage there...its rented, but I can always boot out the tenants whenever I wish!' said Jai, making Rano blush with pleasure and then burst into laughter, as she hugged him back.
'Please take care of my friend, Jeeju....I mean, she looks like she can take care of herself, but that is not the case always.' said Rano, with such simplicity and sincerity, that Jai could not help but feel touched.
'I will. I promise. And you don't have to take such promises from your friend, because whether I wish or not, she WILL take care of me! Born mother-hen!'
Everyone laughed, including Bani, who hugged Rano and said, 'Do well in your final exams...and please, don’t' fight with poor Pushkar.'
'Hey!' protested Rano, just as Pushkar came bouncing by, having just helped Abdul keep their entire luggage in one of Jai's car's.
'Well, thank you Bani. That was much needed. What do you say, Jeejaji?' said Pushkar, giving a hearty grin at Jai, who stared back coldly at him.
Looking at the expression on Jai's face, Pushkar mottled a bit and spoke hesitatingly, 'I can call you Jeejaji, right?'
'Wrong.' came back Jai in a smooth voice, making both Rano and Pooja snigger, even as Bani tried to register a protest.
'But...but...Rano and Pooja also call you that...so I thought...'mumbled Pushkar.
Giving a blank look at Pushkar, Jai asked in a cool voice, 'Are you pretty?'
'What? No...I mean girls are pretty!'
'Are you charming?'
'Huh?'
'Are you a girl?'
'What? NO!'
'Can you flirt with me?'
'Flirt? That too with you? No, of course not! But why...'
'Well, if you are not pretty, not charming, not a girl and can't flirt with me...then you are not allowed to call me anything else but either Mr. Walia or Jai Sir. Take your pick!'
Pushkar stood open mouthed, as Pooja and Rano doubled with laughter and almost collapsed on the ground, even though Bani made pacifying clamours and tried to convince Pushkar that Jai was just jesting with him.
'Okay, kids enough joking now...our flight is due to leave in three hours’ time and we haven’t' even started from here yet!' said Mr. Singh, checking his watch and ushering everyone to get up and get moving.
Just as everyone was bidding a final goodbye to Jai, Bani and the others, Jai told them to stop for a moment and said, 'I need to give you guys a little something. Just wait for a moment.'
Waving across all protests from Mrs. and Mr. Singh for any gifts or presents from Jai, telling him that he had already been such a good host, Jai told them politely, 'it is tradition, isn't it that guests never return empty-handed? Besides, Rano and the others are all younger than me...so it’s actually my right to give them whatever I wish too, isn't it?'
Lalita and her husband could only smile at Jai's comment, while the youngsters had a hard time feeling absolutely thrilled but trying to look diffident at the prospect of getting a gift from Jai.
Abdul and another man-servant went upstairs and got a couple of boxes and packets from Jai's study, even as Bani looked immensely surprised, wondering when he had got the time to arrange for the gifts.
'Here...Pooja and Saurabh...for being such terrific wedding organizers and for making my brother's wedding such a huge success.' said Jai, handing over a white envelope to Pooja followed by Saurabh, who both looked overwhelmed at Jai's gesture. The very fact that he had treated them like a part of his own extended family was more than enough for them.
'But Sir...' said Saurabh, as Jai hushed him up and told him to open the envelope.
It contained a set of keys in it and though the others could not understand why on earth would Jai hand over a bunch of keys to Saurabh, he did, his eyes tearing up and voice choking with excitement and emotion.
'These are Car keys, Sir...'he mumbled.
'Yes...these are Car keys...you will find a silver-grey Mazda 6 delivered to your home by the time you return. Bani told me how much you loved my Cars and while I will obviously not give MY Cars to anyone in the world, I thought that this Car would probably make your life a little more easier.'
Bani had told Jai about Saurabh struggling to work and study at the same time, since he lived very far from his workplace and spent most of his time commuting.
Saurabh simply stood flabbergasted and the only reaction he could give was hug Jai and then move back instantly, mumbling, 'I...Sorry Sir...I shouldn't have hugged you...but...Thank you so much...I really don't know what to. I...'
Jai ignored his jabbering’s and taking out another envelope, gave it to Pooja, who blushed and said, 'I can't drive!'
Everyone laughed, most of all Jai, who said, 'well you are in luck. It’s not a Car for you anyway!'
Pooja was shocked beyond her words when she saw Jai's gift to her. It was a number of gift vouchers amounting to nearly a lakh of rupees, valid for almost all the major departmental stores in Bangalore.
'But Jeeju...that's...that's...'
'Yes...yes. Thanks accepted!' smiled Jai, handing over a box to Rano, even though both Lalita and Mr. Singh protested Jai's excesses in regard to the gifts he was handing over to the youngsters.
Rano's eyes all but popped out of her face, when she saw the stunning eighteen carat emerald and rose-quartz bracelet that he had given to her.
'WOW! That's just....WOW...Oh...JEEJU!' she screamed, leaping onto Jai and hugging him, making everyone laugh heartily.
'I get that means you like it!' said Jai with an amused smile, even though Rano was no longer even present in the room, admiring the lovely piece of jewellery and literally dancing around with it.
'And here, this one is for you, Pushkar.' announced Jai, handing over a brown envelope to the youngster.
Looking pretty shocked that Jai had actually thought of even giving him something, Pushkar nevertheless accepted the packet with a look of gratitude and thanked Jai sheepishly.
It was the letter of intent from Jai's firm, offering a permanent position as a paralegal to Pushkar, once he completed his law degree.
Taking no notice of Pushkar's shocked expression; Jai said casually, 'of course, if you wish to join somewhere else, you are most welcome. But if you are interested in pursuing a career with our firm, then you can join as soon as you finish your final year exam.'
All Pushkar could say in response was a loud and emotional, ‘JEEJU! THANK YOU!’ even though Jai instantly shouted on him to not address him like that, making everyone chuckle loudly with laughter.
Sometime later
The group from Amritsar was also set to leave for Vaishno Devi now and despite Karuna’s many protests, Bani had not only prepared the dinner for them, but also managed to prepare the next day’s breakfast and packed them all neatly in containers and disposables. Massi could not stop praising her resourceful, competent and most of all thoughtful daughter-in-law, who cared so much for everyone.
Bani had completed the evening Aarti at the temple and was giving prashad to everyone, wishing them a good journey. Jai had insisted on dropping them personally till the railway station, but it took Bani’s firm admonishments to stay where he was and not even attempt to go on a drive.
As Bani touched Massi’s feet, the elderly lady blessed her and said, ‘Sada suhaagan raho…and by god’s grace, when I come back here, you will give me a good news.’
Bani flushed and looked instantly at Jai, who was standing quietly by her side, wondering if he had heard what Massi had said,
‘Arre Ma…what is this? They have not even been married for a day and you are already handing out the list of future grand-children! Let them enjoy life…hain na, Potlu?’ chirped Karuna, hugging Bani warmly.
‘Dimpy, for goodness sake. Can you stop calling me by this name? It’s so humiliating! What do you think my wife will feel?’ complained Jai and not able to stop showing his excitement on everyone leaving his house finally.
‘Hai, Bani, do you feel bad when I call him Potlu?’ asked Karuna, sounding rather hurt.
‘No…No, didi! I think it’s very cute! In fact, even I will start calling him like that! Potlu ji!’ said Bani, overturning her grin and giving a mischievous sideways look at Jai.
Everyone burst out laughing except Jai, who said to her, ‘I swear, if you call me that, I will divorce you there and then!’
‘Haan! Haan! Like we would let you do that!’ came back Massi, making everyone laugh some more at Jai’s expense.
‘Okay…Okay…now scoot off. I mean, I think it’s already late…you might miss your train. We don’t want that to happen at any cost…come come…I am sending Abdul with you to the station…just in case, you need any help!’ said Jai, sounding utterly impatient, both exasperating and amusing Bani.
Towards Evening
Jai relaxed on his couch, his long legs spread comfortably on the glass top table, as he sipped some chilled beer and looked very happy with his life in general. His back was not giving him much trouble now and he was feeling thrilled that everyone had left his abode and now he could spend some time in silence and solitude with his lovely wife, and there would be no pesky kids to disturb him or Karuna calling him, 'Potlu' several times in a day.
Bani had just come out of the kitchen, having prepared the dinner and getting Jai a glass of fresh Nimbu Pani, when she saw him sitting blissfully and having alcohol.
'Jai! What did I tell you yesterday?' she snapped in an angry voice, taking the can of beer from his hand, even as he looked taken aback by her sudden action.
'Hey! What the fuck...I mean...what is this?' exclaimed Jai, as he saw Bani looking here and there and then with an air of determination, pouring the remaining beer in a nearby potted plant.
'Bani! That's Sapparo's Space Barley. That's like the most expensive beer in the world!' he shouted in a dismayed voice.
'Good. Your money plant can now get the entire extra nutrient from the "Most Expensive Beer in the World!” announced Bani, looking pleased with what she had done and firmly handing the glass of Nimbu Pani to Jai.
'I don't want this! I want my Beer!' he grumbled.
Sitting down patiently besides him, Bani spoke in a composed and loving way, 'Jai...you know it very well that drinking alcohol is extremely dangerous for you...especially when you are taking medication.'
'I have always had alcohol in the past....'he said obstinately.
'You are not in the past anymore. And before you shout, or scream or raise your blood pressure anymore, let me tell you, sound and clear. You are NOT drinking anymore alcoholic beverages till you are completely fit and well again. Take it like my request, my order or anything you want to...but no more of this. I am asking Abdul to empty your Liquor Cabinet today itself.' Announced Bani with quiet resolve, both shocking and enraging Jai.
'BANI!' shouted Jai, looking really upset and even borderline furious now.
She looked back at him and spoke pleadingly, her eyes watering up, 'Jai, for goodness sake, don't make my life so difficult. You have any idea what I go through when I see you in so much pain. And on top of that, if you defy the doctor's order and further try to ruin your health, what am I...' saying that she broke down crying helplessly.
Jai looked mortified with guilt and instantly hugged back his wife, soothing her down, 'Sorry yaar...I am really sorry...okay, promise. No more alcohol. And see, I am drinking this...Eeeyuck...sour and acidic and sharp and tart...lemon non-sense right now...even though I feel like puking it back in the glass.' And saying that he drained the entire glass in one go, wincing and making a painful face, as he kept the glass down.
Bani instantaneously burst into a spurt of giggles when she saw Jai's reaction to the glass of Nimbu Pani and she kissed him on his cheeks, saying softly, 'Thank you. And by the way, I make a terrific glass of Nimbu Pani and it is not sour and acidic and sharp and all those things you said! It’s sweet and tangy and refreshing....'
'Just like you...' muttered Jai, leaning forward and planting a kiss on Bani's lips, making her lick her lips and comment back playfully, 'see, how drinking the nimbu pani has improved your kissing skills. Now your kiss smells fresh and invigorating and not like a stale bunch of hops.' she said referring to the plant that is used in making Beer.
'Is that so, Mrs. W? Don’t cast aspersions on my kissing skills. There are many a women in various parts of the world who will vouch to the power and magnetism of my kisses!’ he teased back.
‘Oh, I am sure, Mr. W. I am sure. After all, why wouldn’t I take the word of a Drug Peddler to be the gospel of truth?’ came back Bani, smiling superciliously.
Jai grinned and replied back, ‘There you go after my poor Alencka’s life again! Considering what a shrew you are turning out to be, I am in double minds on whether I should tell Sheryl to cut me a ticket for Czech Republic or not?’
‘As it happens, Mr. W…I am not even letting you go to Chatturpur from here…leave aside going to Czech Republic! Now you are mine…lock, stock and barrel!’ said Bani, relaxing her head on Jai’s broad shoulders.
‘Hai….Mrs. W…yeh kya keh diya aapne! Now how am I going to spend the night today without trying to touch you?’ joked Jai.
Bani answered back coquettishly, ‘no one said that you can’t touch me…’
Raising his eyebrows, Jai said meaningfully, ‘Oooh…is that so? I think your beloved “Karthikji” is going to be disappointed that his beloved “Bani” did not heed his advice and indulged in unmentionable things with her husband.’
Bani laughed and laughed on what Jai had said and turning to look up at him said, ‘I said only “touch”….”
‘Yes…but that is like leading the Horse to the Well and telling him, dude keep staring at the Well, but you can’t have the water!’
‘The Horse has to make do with staring at the well as of now…sorry! Doctors’ orders!’ quipped Bani, ruffling Jai’s hair and planting a kiss on his cheeks, as she got up to go to the kitchen.
‘Wow…this is the kind of dirty talk that I always imagined I would have with my wife…’ mused Jai, sighing and making Bani burst into chuckles. Jai never failed to amuse her, anytime of the day.
Later at night
‘Bani…I am not sure if letting go of alcohol will do any good to my health or not, but I do know that if I keep eating your home-made meals, my waist size will expand like there is no tomorrow!’ commented Jai, rubbing his tummy and lying down on the bed.
Bani grinned and answered back, ‘home-made meals are good for you! But I can only cook the food, portion control is in your hands, dear hubby!’
‘Can’t help if my wife is the best cook in the world! By the way, that Palak Paneer was just scrumptious…can I have it for breakfast also?’
Bani laughed with delight, thrilled that Jai appreciated her cooking so much and spoke indulgently, ‘why would I serve you left-overs from previous night? I will make you fresh Aloo Parantha, Sitaphal Sabzi and Raita for breakfast tomorrow…’
‘There goes my waist from 36 to 46! You will keep feeding me and turn me into an overweight penguin someday! Is that your trick for keeping the ladies away from me?’ teased Jai, pulling Bani towards him on the bed.
Pushing his hair back and planting a kiss on the tip of his nose, she whispered back, ‘I don’t care about the ladies keeping away from you…the only thing I care about is keeping YOU away from the ladies! And that I will manage, thank you!’
‘Hmm…I can see that escalation in your confidence since our marriage! Wonder where my mousy, little girl-next-door vanished?’
‘She is still very much here and in fact wants to play a game of scrabble with her man, if he is having trouble sleeping!’ said Bani, taking out the Scrabble board from the side table.
‘Arre yaar! Wedding night, I spend “talking” to you…now you want me to play scrabble with you…Bani, this is not good for my reputation!’ grumbled Jai, making her laugh on his reaction.
‘Maybe…but it’s good for your health! Now come on!’ pleaded Bani, setting up the board.
Jai smiled at her and spoke with deep affection, ‘you really care for me so much, Bani…even ready to let go of your much-needed sleep, so as to give me company.’ Before she could react to his statement, he added, coming near to her, ‘I have surely done nothing but commit sins on a mass scale in this life…I must have been a self-sacrificing monk in my last year, that I got you like a prize for my good deeds!’
Bani looked back at him and holding his hands, said, ‘I don’t care about your actions, Jai…in the past, now or in the future. All I know is that you have a heart of gold…and that you are the nicest, most loving and sincere person I have ever known. So I think, the prize you are talking about here is you…and not me.’
Jai kept looking at her, making her blush and look down, when he whispered back, ‘the lawyer’s wife is on the way to becoming a lawyer herself, it seems…come…at least let me kiss you, if nothing else!’
‘But scrabble!’ she asked innocently.
‘Oh, to hell with it!’ declared Jai impatiently, kicking aside the board game and taking his wife into the warm, strong folds of his arms.
The brilliance of her smile almost blinded him. "I love you, Jai" she cried, reaching out to hug him. For a brief moment her bosom mashed against his chest. Flyaway, sunshiny hair teased his lips. The fragrance of rose petals assailed his nostrils. It was everything he could manage not to bend her over his arm and kiss her senseless.
She rubbed her fingertips over his sculpted chin, feeling a slight trace of stubble. ‘Don’t hurt yourself, okay. You are answerable to me, now.’
‘Is that a request or an order?’ His crooked grin reminded her of a pirate.
‘Both!’ she quipped back, grinning and then bending slightly over him, returning his kiss.
21
Happiness is short-lived,
so enjoy every single moment while it lasts. And pain, just like happiness,
comes with an expiration date. Learn as much from it as you can. - Chloe
Hidalgo
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