Vani FF - Ishq Bulava

Chapter One

Heads turned as her heels clicked against the floor when Bani entered the bar. Her black bodycon dress was short and eye catching. She looked around and saw an empty table in the middle of the room and walked slowly towards it. She removed her hair tie and let her hair free as she walked across the place. A waiter arrived quickly to give her the menu.  She asked for a glass of water and kneaded the tensed knot on her forehead with her fingertips. She looked at the menu again wanting to drink scotch or whiskey today.

Leaning against the bar counter, Veer looked at her from a distance. She looked tired and frustrated and a little angry. In the time that he has known her, he is sure that something is terribly wrong with her. Otherwise she would never come and sit alone in a bar on a week night.

Bani was honestly breathing stress nowadays. Both personal and professional. She can almost lose her current job because she wants to apply for a scholarship in Paris to study Masters. She does not know what is right and what is wrong. Should she stay here and keep working or should she leave and pursue her education?

What equally bothered her was her break up with her namesake boyfriend Jay Mathur. She caught him cheating on her. 'A girl like you is not worth a man's bed.' He had yelled before pushing her away during their last fight. Bani was hurt. But he was not completely wrong either. She had not let him too close to her. She always grew uncomfortable when he tried to touch her. The only reason she let him be her boyfriend was to stay away from Veer. She got to know Veer after their siblings Tapish and Meera got married to each other five years ago. They became great friends and she did not realize when she caught feelings for him. But it is not possible for them to be together. They are not meant to  be.

The band began to play slow bluesy music when she closed her eyes trying to forget everything for a moment savoring the tune and unwind. When she opened them again the waiter was back with a glass of orange juice. She raised a brow looking at it. "Compliments of the gentleman at the bar. He hopes this will make you feel better." The waiter informed. Bani looked at the bar and saw Veer. He smiled and raised his glass to her. she couldn't seem to take her eyes from him. It was not only that he is handsome. It was the feeling of strength and power that emanated from him that made her heart beat faster.

"I don't want juice. Please get me a glass of whatever he is having." Bani asked the waiter and he nodded. After a few moments the waiter came back with a glass of scotch. Bani looked at Veer and grinned as she raised the glass to her lips and gulped the drink. Atleast this is something she can do for the sake for her peace of mind.

Veer was extremely worried. Alcohol does not suit her at all. Something is definitely stressing her. He saw her finish the glass of scotch. She was about to order another one when a man approached her for a dance. Bani looked at Veer. His brows knotted questioningly.

She was hoping he would ask but decided she  would say yes to this stranger anyway. It was a slow song, she loves  to dance, to move with such music. She slid her body against the stranger who held her to close and began moving his hands over her in a way she did not like. Bani realized that she made a mistake. She tried to break away from him but he held her tightly. A large hand tapped him on the shoulder.

A deep voice said "I believe this dance is mine." It is Veer. Bani let out a gentle sigh of relief as Veer shot daggers from his eyes at the stranger.

She gratefully let him gather her in his arms and hold her. "Why did you dance with him?" He asked in a voice deep and gruff.

She lowered her lashes and told him the truth. "I was hoping if you saw me dance you would ask me." He chuckled and stroked her  back with his palms.

"I belong with you sweet heart." He whispered in her ear.

Her eyes widened, "You need to stop flirting with me." She mumbled. She did not  know whether to be offended or pleased.

"Tell me, what is bothering you?" He asked her after a minute.

"Does it matter?" She asked him in return.

He looked at her  for a moment and then said, "Yes, it does."

She did not say a word. Just rested her head on his chest and slowly moved to the music.

"Did something happen at the office?" Veer asked. Bani knew he would keep guessing until and unless she tells him the truth.

"I broke up with Jay" Bani admitted.

"Why?" Veer tipped her chin and made her look at him.

"I caught him cheating" Disgust twisted in Bani's guts.

"Now should I help you look for another excuse to run away from me?" Veer asked.

She snaked her arms around his neck and smiled lazily "I made him my boyfriend because you are a delicious forbidden fruit Veer." Veer smiled as she traced his lip with her thumb.

"He said I am not good for any man's bed." Bani's eyes teared up.

"That is ridiculous." Veer's grip tightened on her protectively.

"I think he is right. I am damned. I am not good for any man's love." Bani spoke after thinking for a little bit.

"Why do you have to say so Bani?"

She held his face and looked into his eyes. "Because no one is you Veeranshu Singhania. No one can ever be."