Bani waits pressing the phone to her ear as it rings several times before being picked. Then she hears Siddharth's deep voice, "Hello?"

"Hey, Siddharth." Bani quips up, "It's me. Bani. Bani Singhania." 

"Hey..."she hears Siddharth's sigh on the other end, "Bet you heard the news."

"Yeah..." Bani bites her lips, "Um... actually I'm really really sorry for this mess, Yarr!! I didn't know it will create such blunder and you got your name involved because of this..."

"Hey...." Siddharth chuckles, "It's fine. Why are YOU apologizing for this?? You didn't know something like this would come up, right?? We both were unaware of the phenomenon."

"Hmm.." Bani hums to which Siddharth twitches, "Looks like you have Fans all over the world Model Singhania!!"

Hearing his light tone Bani's own face twitches into a smirk, "It could be your fan as well, Actor Chopda?? We wouldn't know, would we??"

Bani hears Siddharth snorting, "Seems like you didn't check twitter, huh?? The one who viralled the photos claimed to be your die-hard fangirl, I must inform you...!!"

Bani stops for a bit, then chuckles nervously, "Well then...I guess the apology has been well deserved then. So...umm..." Bani fidgets on her feet searching for right words, "Now....what do you wanna do about it...? I suggest when time comes up, like some press conference or something like that we both deny it then. Or for now our PR teams can handle it stating the rumor as false. It won't look appropriate if YOU or I directly contact the media and react about such frail matter forthright."

There is a long pause before Siddharth's voice comes, "I don't want to...!"

"Huh??" Bani asks in confusion.

"I..." Siddharth breaths heavily, "I don't want to react to the rumor at all, Bani. I....I want it to be real. If you allow me."

Bani stills on her place. Out of everything this is not what she expected. She exhales few times before shaking her head, "Wh- what...? Listen... Siddharth if you are doing this for your movie promotion, then I completely understand. In fact I've already talked to my manager and told him I'll keep my silence in this matter until your movie releases. You don't have to - "

"It's not for the promotion, Bani!" Siddharth interjects, "I know what you're trying to say but this is not it. I don't care about publicity stunt. Well, I am not opposed to the idea of getting publicity from a false hype but that as long as the other person is not uncomfortable or it's not getting me into something dirty." He sighs agains, "I meant what I just said, Bani. I like you."

Bani has her eyes wide, mouth parted. She doesn't know what to say or how to react on this. Their previous counter didn't give her any such kind of hint or vibe from Siddharth. He was friendly but not overboard. And now she has no idea where this is going.

Bani takes a breath before starting solemnly, "Siddharth....you are a good person as much as I have seen you. I'm thankful to you for accompanying me last morning...or the other times we've met, you have always been a kind friend with warm personality. I have a lot of respect for you. But you should understand that I don't see you like that..."

Siddharth counters back, "You haven't before. But now you can...?"

Bani scoffs rolling her eyes at his words, "Listen, I'm not searching for any kind of relationship for now. I'm sure you're mature enough to understand that."

"I should have asked you first if you've someone in your life. I'm sorry for that." His voice has sincerity in it, "But You said you're not searching for anything as such for now....means you're single now, right? I would like to court you. Will you give me a chance?"

Bani paces inside her bedroom laughing exasperatedly, "Are you out of mind?? Do you know what you're saying??"

"I know." Siddharth replies patiently, "As you said, I'm an adult and mature man. I know what I'm saying or doing. You said you respect me as a person and so do I to you. You're a respectable, nobel woman, Bani. That's why I have been careful to not cross any border so far and now in this opportunity I'm asking you respectfully, will you allow me to court you?? You don't have to say yes to my proposal, Bani. You have your all freedom to decide for yourself. I'm just asking for a chance to impress you romantically. Will you....can you please keep your heart open to this... please!!!" He begs almost and Bani finds it impossible being rude to him right now.

Minutes go by, none of them talk. Finally Bani clears her throat, "I'd like to hang up now. It's been already too much since morning and my mind is really not working straight. I hope you don't mind, Siddharth."

"No, it's totally fine. Take your time. I'll wait. I just hope you'll let me know whether it's a positive or negative reply." Siddharth replies calmly.

"Bye." Bani hangs up.

Her mind is reeling from the whole conversation. Now what?? She has no idea what to say to Tapish now. Bani sits on her bed sagging her whole weight. She knows she can't delay much. Veer's wrath has been looming over both her and Siddharth since yesterday. She has felt his anger last morning and this morning as well. And what he did years ago back in Hawai, Bani can't let that happen to Siddharth, specially when he's at no fault. Even though Bani is no more legally bound by Veer and he has no right to meddle into her relationships but when has he ever cared for her or the morals???

Bani gets up from her bed and walks out in the hall. Everyone is still there. Veer, Mahir and Vikrant seem to be getting ready to go out. Bani avoids Veer's piercing gaze as she walks in. Vishakha gets up off sofa once she sees Bani coming.

"Bani, your breakfast is ready. Come. Have some." She ushers.

Bani nods at her then turns to Tapish.

"What did he say??" Tapish asks.

That he wants to pester me!!

Bani almost wants to say that but with Veer present and him being Veer's man she can no more share this kind of information to Tapish and risk Siddharth's life even though Tapish has been her one of the long time close friends.

Seeing Bani quiet Tapish urges again, "What...? You talked to him, right??"

Bani gulps, "Umm...yeah. Yeah we talked. He.... he's just as clueless as I am about all this. Just do what you people think right. We won't speak up for now."

"Clueless, huh??" Bella scoffs, "I'm sure he's hella enjoying this!!"

Bani's heart comes to her mouth. She glares at Bella trying hard not to show her panic, "What do you mean??"

Bella twitches her mouth mischievously, "Well, he asked me for your number one time at Farah's party."

Bani's eyes widen and from the corner of her eyes she notices how Veer takes a sudden sharp breath. Bella continues, "I didn't give it much heed that time since you were in relationship with THIS Filth then!!" Bella eyes disgustedly at Mahir who's eyes sharpen in response.

"But now I think it's a perfect occasion you two start seeing each other, you know!!! Get to know each other. What do you say, Tapish??" Bella claps her hand enthusiastically.

"Huh?? Me?? Why...are you dragging me into this??" Tapish looks at Veer with fearful eyes.

Mahir snorts and Bani notices that too. But Bella is totally oblivious to this as she continues again, "Who else should I drag?? You're the one who has set Bani all her previous relationships, didn't you? The last one! The one before the last one? And I must say you've been such a crap of jodi-binder for her, Man!!! It was obvious that with Paras it wouldn't work. But Abhiraj??? God that one is still a pain in Bani's ass. Then This Filth!! Maybe now it's time you compensate for your shitty management and finally let her hook to someone with CLASS!!!"

"Class??" Mahir snickers taking a step towards Bella, "What class are you talking about, huh?? Aren't you yourself a breed of Politician??? You think your dad is vaccinated from the crimes??" Mahir hisses glaring down at Bella, "You and I... we're of the same filth, babybrat!!"

"Shut up!!!" Bella barks back, "Don't you dare compare yourself with me!!! I do a lot more decent job than you do!! I kept my mouth shut about your and Bani's relationship only because Bani seemed to really like you and her ex boyfriend was getting too much to bear at that point. Otherwise as proven, an underdog like you is not even worth it!!!"

Bani turns away to leave. The atmosphere is too unbearable here. When she starts to leave a cold hand wraps around her wrist halting her at step. Bani looks up at Veer who's brows are furrowed on that stone face.

"You look pale." Veer states.

"And ???" Bani snaps back trying to free her wrist.

But Veer only tightens his grip, "What did the guy say?? Did he say something offensive??"

"What if he did???" Bani barks at him, "what are you gonna do??? Shoot him to spot dead???"

Veer face stays as impassive as usual, "I might as well..."

Bani grits her teeth ignoring everyone's alert gaze, "Well then.... listen carefully Veeranshu Singhania, You. Are. Nobody. To. Talk. Into. My. Affairs!!! Whatever I talk to Sid or anyone, that's none of your business. What I do will be totally my decision. You're keeping me alive to save your ego in front of your rivals, right?? Then just stay in that fucking limit!! Don't come to me with your fake ass concern!!" Bani pushes Veer breaking free the hold on her wrist.

Just then Veer phone vibrates. He takes out his phone from the pocket and Bani sees Mayurika's name in bold letters on the screen.

Bani lets out a scornful laugh, "There! The one you should show your concern is calling you now. Please pick up. Go to her. Don't make her wait and waste your acting talent on me!! I'm capable enough to take care of myself!!" Saying this she storms towards her room not letting anyone see the redness in her eyes.

Veer tilts his head aside pointing to Vishakha, "Make sure she eats something, will you??" Vishakha nods and he merges out of the house with Mahir and Vikrant following behind.

...............................................................
It's past afternoon when Veer comes to their Panel room. He finds Mahir, Vikrant and Tapish already there. Vikrant is hovering over the computer screen, Mahir running his fingers over his handgun while Tapish aimlessly flips some papers. All of them seemed to have some discussion just before he entered.

Mahir grins looking at him by the door, "Here...comes the hero.... oops! Nope. Villain!"

Veer ignores him walking inside fixing his chilli gaze on Tapish. Vikrant raises his eyebrow, "We were just discussing how we should get a big portrait of Tapish for his funeral, don't you think??"

Mahir snorts, "I say one with vintage frame!"

Vikrant fake mourns, "we should hang it the main hall of Seattle House where his story ended."

Mahir puts his hand over his chest dramatically, "With fresh lotus garland. After all he's been with us for so long!!!"

"Not with us Mahir." Vikrant snickers, "With our boss's wife!"

Veer shifts his gaze to the other two while Tapish just scowls rolling his eyes. Veer takes the gun from Mahir hand observing it carefully then says keeping his gaze on the gun, "So you work as her matchmaker?? I don't remember paying you for that though!!"

"Don't worry. I've taken the compensation from other bills." Tapish counters back.

Veer half smiles tapping the gun head on Tapish's temple, "You've no idea how appealing the idea of hanging your damn photo on my hall sounds to me right now!! And I might as well-"

"Why?? 'cause I fixed your Ex-wife with other people?? You said yourself that her personal business is not your business. So did your wife. Then why now??" Tapish retorts back.

Veer face contorts in irritation as he chews, "There, her friend said her ex was giving her hard time. What the hell were you doing that time Tapish Ahuja?? You see day by day you're ticking all my bucket list of why I should get rid of you???"

Tapish straightens himself, "We wanted to do a police file against him. But, Bani refused. She is too kind to ruin his image, so she didn't agree to it. Also, like your wife said, it's totally her choice who she is with. The best I did so far is introduced her to some influential personnels that would help her on her career ahead. She is beautiful, intelligent. People like her. And the rest has been her own choices. I just did what you assigned me for, boss. Made a way for her in modelling career. That's it."

Mahir hums, "From what I deciphered, Bani thinks she owes that Abhiraj for her career. I heard he sponsored some of her first shows."

"Oh... that's because he wanted to get laid, by her!!!" Veer scoffs gritting his teeth.

"So do you!!! Don't tell me your cock didn't twitch seeing her in your very own house, walking in all casual yet flimsy night-shorts!! You literally drool every time you check her out, man!!" Mahir snorts.

Veer sulks turning his head away, "physically, yes, I still want her. But that's it."

"What about your heart??" Vikrant questions, "Doesn't it crave for her presence in your life??"

Veer turns stone, "I don't have a heart."

"Really???" Vikrant scoffs, "So it's totally heartless of you that you want to bang everyone's head whoever makes it difficult for you wife, huh?? It's so heartless of you that you didn't take a single break all these past years to keep her safe from danger?? It's so heartless of you that every night you peek in her bedroom like a creep only to watch her sleep for god know how long! Don't forget I live in the same house as you!!" Vikrant holds his hand up when Veer opens his mouth to protest, "Also...it so heartless of you that you don't mind a single bit whenever we call her your wife even after you being legally divorced to her for years now, huh???"

"Such a gentle man!!" Mahir snorts.

Veer fishes for words but nothing comes. Then slowly states in a low voice staring into nothing, "She hates me."

"Can you blame her for that?" Vikrant asks.

"No!" Veer replies immediately locking his jaw.

"Exactly! You can't. You've done wrong to her and she has all the reasons to hate you." Vikrant points his finger to Veer's chest, "That day when she said that she was done being Vishakha, I Felt her, you know!!! I felt how much she must have been bearing in her fragile heart since then. I dread this nightmare everyday. I'm terrified that one day Vishakha will have it enough and decide to leave me for good!! I dread that I'll face the same end like YOU....wake up in an empty bed or worse, a divorce request over damn phone!!! But I'm not a moron like you, you know!!! I won't be a coward that day and not tell my woman how much I love her. I might be a bad guy lacking in many points, but I'm not an asshole to ignore her for some third person!!!" Vikrant finishes bitterly making Veer fist his palm.

"Good thing I don't have a wife nor a secretary to ruin my popcorn!!" Mahir sighs dramatically then winks at Vikrant, "Be careful, Viku. You have a wife though!! Not to say a poisonous one!!"

"I'll let Vish know that you called her poisonous!" Vikrant rolls his eyes and the wary atmosphere eases.

"Please do!" Mahir begs, "Also tell her that I highly request to kill that politician's daughter with that deadly poison of hers!!!"

"Why are you so irked by Bella, huh?? Can't you leave her alone??" Tapish scolds Mahir.

"I'm not leaving her alone???" Mahir growls angrily, "That bitch won't spare a chance of pinning me all the time!!!"

"That is one double meaning sentence...!" Veer pokes his tongue to his inner cheek.

"Maybe that's what he wants," Vikrant arches his eyebrow, "to get laid. With her!"

Mahir scoffs, "Yeah. No shit! Give me all your money, I still won't sleep with that insufferable brat!!! I normally don't differentiate between man and woman for sex, but that piece is hard limit for me!!!" Mahir visibly shudders making the other three snicker.

"Get me that Actor's information!! Past record with women, phone records, other business, everything!" Veer says getting all serious suddenly.

"Well.... he's a much better option than you, that I can say. Quiet decent at his job. Image conscious and unproblematic much to Bani's type." Tapish scratches his neck.

Veer shoves his hands to his pocket, "Bani was too quiet this morning after talking to him. He must have said something!!! Find that out!!!"

"And You think you still should butt in even after your wife warned you not to??" Tapish tilts his head one side, "You really don't have any skin like Bani says, huh???"

Veer gives him one dead eye look while Mahir shoves Tapish away by shoulder, "Okay okay.... don't ask for your death this soon. Go!! Do as boss says!!"

....................................................................

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