First and foremost: Thank you so much for your response on my Christmas Book: Vanilicious Christmas. I am truly moved by all your responses. Loads of love. 

Story Setup: It doesn't have any parallel to the ongoing show and can be read without pretext. Just the characters are borrowed from the show. Vani are married and in love. Tara are married as well. Everyone knows everyone's truth.

The idea that inspired me to write this story was suggested by harleen4592

.........

Bani had been feeling really low for a while now and it was evident. She would zone out for minutes in the midst of any conversation and had to be shaken back to reality. She was losing her appetite and was unusually quite. Veer tried getting on her nerves to get his ladaku vimaan back into form but he did not get the desired reaction out of Bani. Even Balwant noticed that something was off about her and asked her if she was okay at the breakfast table to which she gave a polite nod and excused herself to the kitchen.

Veer decided he had had enough of his wife's "phase". He had to do something to bring her out of this sadness that she wallowing in. He tried to get her to talk, to shout but when all his plans went to the dogs, he decided to talk to Meera and see if she knew anything.

V: Meera............Bhabhi (he added quietly after noticing the look Tapish gave him)

M: Bolo Veer.

V: I will come straight to the point. Aapko pata hai meri gharwali ko hua kya hai?

M: Shayad.

V: Mtlb?

M: Mtlb I guess...vo..

V: Dekhiye shayad vayad kuch nahi, thoda bhi idea hai to bata do.

T: Kaise baat kr raha hai Veer?

V: Meri sweetheart itne din sirf mu latkaye ghum raha hai, mera dimag nahi chal raha hai. Mere patience ka test mt lo and bata do jo pata hai...

M: Tapish (she gives him an understanding look). Veer, I know tumpr kya beet rahi hai. Pr hum kuch nahi kr skte. But you don't worry, Bani kuch din me thik ho jayegi.

V: Kuch din me thik mtlb? Usse hua kya hai. Batao na. Apko Bani ki, tapish bhai ki kasam. Bolo

M: Veer! Ye?

T: Bata do Meera. Haq hai use, fikra hai use..

M: Pr it is not my place to say...

V: Apko lgta hai gharwali apne aap apna dukh bantegi?

M: Accha, haan...mai tumhe poori baat to nahi bata skti but I will tell you some of it..

V: Ji mate..

M: Vo, Bani ka birthday hai do din me..

V: Kya? Mujhe pata bhi nahi tha...isliye vo sad hai...bs itni si baat....ab dekhna mai aisi shaandar party throw karunga ki-

M: Veer, zaruri nahi jo tumhe pasand vo use bhi ho...Bani ko ye lavish parties ka koi shauq nahi hai...

V: Haan, hai to vo thodi boring types...koi nahi...phew! mai pata nahi kya kya soch raha tha..

M: Veer- meri poori baat to suno-

V: Haan haan, boliye maate-

T: veer! (he gives him a pointed look)

V: Uff! Aap rehte kaise ho aise khados ke saath. Apko bhi na sbse boring singhania milla...

T: Ve-

V: Aap boliye na, Bhabhi ji...What will my sweetheart like best?

M: Uska actual me birthday nahi h veer.

T: Mtlb kya hai Meera?

V: H-

M: Bs tum dono. Mujhe ab interrupt mt krna.

V: Bolli, adi naagin ki behen bolli-

M: (gives him a look, Veer keeps a finger on his lips; Tapish does that same but with a smile) Haan, aur ab beech me tokka na to nahi bataungi mai kuch bhi. (she takes a breath) Bani ka sach me birthday kb hai hume nahi pata. Vo papa ko jis din milli thi, hum use hi uska birthday maan lete hai, kyunki humari life me vo tb hi ayi thi. Papa bhi kehte hai ki itne bade hadse se us din bacchii thi Bani, vo uske new birth jaisa hi hai. Bani ko to apne bachpan ka zyada kuch yaad nahi hai, bs vo plane crash ki kuch dundli tasveere hai dimag me. Pehle use itna nahi lagta tha, lekin ek baar uske birthday pr papa cake le aye, aur maa pregnant to thi, unhe Bani ko dekhr gussa ata tha, unhone use khoob sunaya- kaha koi aisa manhoos din manata hai. Bani ne papa se to kuch nahi kaha lekin apna birthday kabhi nahi manaya. Kuch saal baad jb vo school me thi tb se hi, jb bhi uska ye wala birthday pass ata hai, vo udas ho jati hai...apne past ke bare me sochkr, apne alsi mata –pita ke bare me soch kr. Usne kbhi ye din celebrate nahi kiya...

Veer had tears in his eyes. His love had had a very sad childhood. Choti choti khushiyan bhi use naseeb nayi hui. Maybe that is the reason she caged her heart like this, took so long to let any happy moment enter her life. Just wait, sweetheart, I will fill your life with so much happiness that you'll forget any bad memory that ever happened to you.

The next day came and Bani looked even worse. She had bags under her eyes, it was visible that she had not been sleeping properly. To top it off, Veer was missing. He had left early morning claiming to have an important job and Bani's only reason to try and pretend to be normal went away with him. Now, she was sulking in her room not caring to carry on with her act. Not that her poor acting skills had fooled anyone, even the guards new that the first Singhania Bahu was not okay.

The day passed and she did not exit her room. It was night time when she heard a commotion outside. She went so see that all the Singhania's were pacing in the hall. She went down.

T: Bani! Tumahri Veer se baat hui?

B: Nahi, aap kyu pooch rahe hai? Vo thik hai na...

Balwant: Kya khak thik hai.. use kaha tha khatra hai isme lekin vo sahabzaada sunta kahan hai meri!

B: Aap kya bol rahe ho daddy ji? Veer kahan gaya hai..

T: uss sb ka time nahi hai Bani...agr hum jldi nahi pahunche uss tk toh?

B: Tapish Bhai, mai janti hoon vo kahan ho skta hai..

T: kaise?

B: Vo jb Veer ko pata chala jai aur mere phone me trackers hai ek doosre ki location jaane ke liye in case of emergency to usne Jai ka link delete krke khud ka link daal diya tha..mai trace krti hoon...

Bani left in hurry, expecting everyone to follow. Nobody did, they smiled as she left. She did not notice this as she was in a hurry to reach Veer.

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

Bani traced the location all the way down to a cabin in the woods.

B: Mai pehle bhi aa chuki hoon yahan...

There was darkness everywhere. Suddenly she heard Veer's cry for help. Bani rushed in that direction but before to could save him, she tripped on something and was about to fall when a strong arm caught her and pulled her to his chest.

B: Veeranshu (Bani signed and hugged him)

All her worries melted in that one hug. After that relief faded away, she questioned him.

B: Ye sb kya hai Veeranshu? Tum prank kr rahe the kya?

V: Nahi gharwali, I am hurt.

B: Kya? Kahan? (she was very worried)

V: Yahan (Veer pointed to his heart)

Bani stared at him speechless.

V: Meri gharwali peechle kuch dino se itni pareshan thi, itni murjha gayi thi. Mujhse bilkul saha nahi jaa raha tha sweetheart. Apni jungle billi ko aise dekhr mujhe bohot hurt hua...usse bhi zyada ye jaankr hua ki vo mujhe apna nahi manti.

B: aisa nahi hai Veer.

V: To kaise hai Bani, tumne mujhe kyu nahi bataya ki tumhara birthday hai?

B: Vo- (she was shocked that he knew)

V: I know and I also know ki ye tumhara actual birthday nahi but vo din hai jb tum Mr. Sharma ko milli thi and Chachi ke tano ke bare me bhi pata hai....pr ye nahi pata ki tumne mujhe kyu nahi bataya, mere itna poochne pr bhi kyu akele sb sehti rahi, share nahi kiya?

B: Vo, veer kl ke din maine mera sb kuch kho diya tha Veer, mai- mujhe nahi pata Veer aur-

V: Shh love...(he hugs her, tucking her head under his chin, she sobbed silently) Tumhari chachi ka toh hai hi aise bakwas krne ka, tum unki baaten choro....I know you lost a lot but Bani age badhna chahiye, tumhe tumahre papa mile kl, Meera di milli...vo socho....tumhare saath kya nahi ho skta tha Bani....sochta hoon to gussa ata hai...pr tumhe nayi life milli...tumhare mom dad jahan bhi honge...tumhe sad dekhr accha nahi feel krte honge...naag-naagin mrne ke baad naaglok jaate hai na? Vo vahan honge, ek saath Bani...

Bani nodded. It was the first time someone was consoling her. She liked to hear it from his mouth that she did not deserve to be sad. She needed his validation like oxygen.

V: Aur mai bhi to hoon na ab tumhari life. Tumhari poori ek family hai Bani. They all love you. Mujhse zyada nahi but still...

Balwant: Bs ab Veer..

Vani pull apart to see the rest of the Singhanias standing near the main gate. The entered and Tapish pressed a small switch. The entire place lit up like a milky way. Lights hung from the tress and spread around them. There was a beautiful banner hanging which said "Happy Birthday Bani". Daksh quickly set up some music and Meera got out a birthday cake. Balwant and Pawan lit fire in a corner and everyone huddled near it for warmth.

Veer came behind Bani and placed a beautiful red and black tiara on her head, the colors symbolizing them. He kissed her cheeks and said that she was queen of his heart.

 Bani blushed with wet eyes, overwhelmed by the feeling of being wanted. She blew the candles and cut the cake. Purposely feeding everyone but Veer. Everyone wished her and fed her a bite as well, laughing at a pouting Veer.

Everyone started to dance around and have fun. Veer pulled Bani to a side.

V: tumne mujhe cake kyu nahi khilaya gharwali, Maine sb plan kiya aur tum-

B: Tumne to sirf mujhe daraya, baaki party ka saman to vo laye (she teases him)

V: aise kya? (he held her by her waist tightly, pulling her soft body to his hard, toned chest.)

B: hmm...waise bhi tum already itne sweet ho...zyada nahi killa skti..

V: Pr mujhe to kaha hai...

B: accha baba, leave me...laati hoon ek piece tumhare liye...

V: (his eyes showed mischief) Itni mehnat mt kro...mujhe pr thoda sa taste krna hai..

With that, he licked a small crumb that was left at the corner of Bani's mouth.

V: mmm, delicious. Even better.

Bani blushed hard and looked around to see if anyone had seen them.

V: Happy Birthday Gharwali.

Bani kissed his cheeks and said "Thank you, gharwale"

She laughed and ran away, leaving a stunned Veer who looked dreamy with his hand on his cheek. Bani sat by the fire and smiled when a Meera too sat beside her.

M: tujhe khush dekhti hoon to accha lagta hai Bani.

B: Thanks di.

M: Maine use sb kuch nahi bataya Bani. It is not my story to tell..

B: I know di but thank you. Aaj shyd bohot saalon baad mujhe is din kuch aacha laga

Meera di side hugged her.

M: tu batayegi use sb?

B: Haan di, chupane se kya mtlb. Mujhe ye sbse move on krna hoga.

Meera smiled, when Tapish came next to her pulling her for a dance. Meera extended a shy hand to him and got up. As they were leaving Tapish turned to Bani and said-

T: waise maine dekha Bani.

Bani stared at him for a second when her eyes widened in realization. Tapish laughed at her expressions and pulled a confused Meera for a dance.

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

Later that night, at around one everyone left to the Villa- their family farm house that was situated at the foot of the hill. Bani and Veer stayed back at Veer's cabin that was at the hill top. Bani changed into a silk kurti and came out to see Veer setting up the bed, already changed out of his day clothes. Bani went and hugged him from back.

B: Thank you Veeranshu.

Veer turned so his front was facing him and smiled.

V: Pleasure, gharwali.

B: Vo- Veeranshu..mujhe tumse kuch kehna hai..

V: Tumhe poochne ki zarurat hai kya sweetheart. Bindass kaho.

B: (smiled but makes him sit and sits next to him) Mai iss din kafi kuch khoya Veer pr sirf yahi reason nahi tha mere sad hone ka.

Veer knew Bani was trying to open up to him. He squeezed her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

B: aaj ke din, aaj ke din maine pehli baar kissi ki jaan li thi Veeranshu..

Bani looked at Veer, expecting him to show disgust but his expression remained neutral.

V: Go ahead love, I know tum aisi nahi ho jo kissi ko bewajah mare, poori baat bollo.

His trust moved her. She kissed her the back of her hand to show how much his faith means to her and continued her story.

Flashback

Bani was a very beautiful girl. She was extremely pretty and they way she had no idea about her beauty made her all the more desirable. She was desired by many in her school days but she rejected everyone.

In first year of college, a very rich boy fell for her. He liked the innocent Bani but his intentions were vile. He had found out her birth date from college records (she used the date she was found as she did not know her original DOB) and sent a lot of presents to her house on the date. Chachi had yelled at her and called her names. She could not digest the orphan Bani get attention that none of her girls did. When she found out that the guy was from a good family, it made her all the more angry.

Bani got a good beating from her chachi. Later, she the boy had climbed from her window, Bani rejected him and told him stop it immediately. She returned his gifts but this hurt his ego. He came later at night and took a sleeping Bani away to a secluded area, near the woods. When she woke up, she found her hands tied. The boy looked at her with a crazy glint in his eyes and told her that he will have her one way or the other.

Bani kicked and cried but suddenly a rush of anger fired through her. She felt really hot, even the guy backed away from her as if her body burned him.

It was the first time she took her naagin roop. She felt shocked at what was happening to her. The guy was backing away from her when he tripped and hit his head very hard on a rock. Bani was shocked to see herself out of the ropes. She could not feel her legs or hands but felt very powerful. She took time to turn back into human form and she had no idea what was happening. By that time, the guy had bleed himself to death.

Flashback ends

Tears were flowing freely from her face. She clenched his hands tight and Veer looked at her patiently. His heart pained at the mere thought of how hard her life had been.

B: I cursed myself. I thought I was a monster. Mai pagal ho rahi soch soch ke ki mai hoon kya..phir ek din mujhe chachi pr bhi gussa aya. Kahin aisa kuch na ho jaye, is dr se mai bhaag aayi wahan se...maine naagin roop bhi lia...tb ek buzurg naag ne mujhe dekh liye...usne mujhe bataya ki mai ek naagin hoon...usne mujhe ye ahsas krwaya ki mai bhi normal hoon, ki aise bhi log hai...Meera di mere peeche peeche bhaagti hui aayi thi...unhone bhi sb dekha, sunna....vo mujhse ek second ke liye bhi door nahi hati...unhone mujhe gale lagaya aur kaha mai abhi bhi unki Bani hoon.....us acceptance ne chheze easy kr di pr ye date mujhe itni buri lgti thi tb se...Is din...

V: Shhh sweetheart (Veer kissed her head)

He bought her close to him and let her blabber her pain.

V: Accha ek baat batao....do you regret being a naagin?

B: Nahi Veer...ye bholenath ka ashrivaad hai mujhpr....and jb mujhe satyug ki baaten yaad aayi to pata chala ye meri niyati bhi hai.

V: Kya tumne kabhi kisi bekasoor ko jaan muj kr dasa hai..

B: Nahi-pr..

V: Pr vr kuch nahi gharwali...tumhe is bojh ko apne saath dhone ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Vo ladka galat tha...tumhari izzat pr hath daala tha usne without permission and waise bhi tumne use nahi mara...vo uski kismat thi jo bhi hua...

Bani felt glad at Veer's acceptance and judgement-free voice. His telling her this meant a lot to him. Veer laid her down and she laid her head on his chest, he whispered sweet nothing in her ears. Soon, Bani was asleep. She slept like a baby for the first time in the past few days in the arms of the man who truly cherished her.

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

The next day, Bani woke up to delicious breakfast in bed. Veer fed and forced her to eat a proper meal.

V: maine moti kaha to itni touchy ho gayi ki khana chor diya...aise nahi chalega ...meri jungle billi khayegi nahi to ghurayegi kaise?

Bani smiled seeing his care. He was rewarded with a very sincere smile that graced her lips, making his day. She climbed unto his lap as he cleared the dishes.

V: Kya hua?

Bani didn't reply but planted a sweet kiss on his lips.

B: Thank you gharwale, Thank you. All this means a lot to me.

V: bs tumne ye keh diya na...makes every effort worth it.

They got ready and went downhill to the family farmhouse. Everyone was already at the breakfast table. SinceVani had already had theirs', they just joined them for a coffee. After which they decided to play a game of cricket.

Team A

Balwant

Ponky

Bani

Tapish

Team B

Veeranshu

Pawan

Daksh

Meera

The game was started by Veeranshu's team batting first as they won the toss. Pawan opened the game with Daksh and they both scored a lot. Daksh got distracted by Ponky dacing weirdly and that was the moment Balwant took his wicket. Meera entered in his place. Soon Pawan was out as well. Meera and Veer were now on the field when Tapish was on field and Bani stood behind the wicket. Veer was batting and he had already scored well. He hit a lot of sixes and Bani decided ki iska to kuch krna padega.

B: (thinks) Ghee jb seedhi ungli se naa nikle to ungli tedi krni padti hai

Tapish was about to bowl next when Bani said-

B: (sweetly with a sexy whisper like tone so that only he hears) Gharwale, I was thinking ki hum aaj iske baat sath me naha lenge, aur tum thodi bating waha bhi..

Veer eyes had bulged out and he missed the ball that hit the wicket.

B: yas! You rock Tapish Bhai

V: Cheating hai ye toh..

B: Don't be sore loser gharwale

M: Bs kr Bani. Sbko Pata hai tune hi kuch kaha hoga..

B: haw! Pr di-

M: Rehne de, bholi mt ban...waise bhi hume nahi jaana... pr tumhara turn abhi baaki hai.

Balwant's team played fairly well as well. They scored great. Balwant and ponky were out and now Tapish and Bani were on field and scores were tied when Daksh walked up to Meera.

D: Bhabhi jeetna hai na?

M: Haan Daksh.

D: Advance me sorry Bhabhi

He pinched her hand hard and Meera yelped. This distracted Tapish and he lost his wicket. Bani glared at Meera who looked like she could not form words. Veer laughed.

V: Tapish Bhai! Hum dono bhaiyon ki ek si hi kahani hai, jisse koi na hara paye vo biwi ke samne jhuk jaye...

He blew a kiss towards Bani and she rushed inside.

T: You okay na Meera

M: Haan, sorry vo mai-

T: I know tum cheating nahi krogi-

Meera smiled shyly and too, went inside. Everyone ate lunch on a garden grounds and spent the evening talking about their memories. Bani smiled at everyone and even volunteered some of her stories as well. Veer was glad to see her warming up.

They spent the evening near the pool side. Daksh and Ponky were trying to see who can hold the breath for longer and Balwant and Pawan were inside sorting some urgent business. Bani and Meera had their legs inside the water when Daksh and ponky were called.

D: Kya hua badepapa?

Pawan: Arey dikhta nahi hai tumhe?

P: Kya?

B: Sharma rahe hai tumhare samne vo..

D: Bhai?

B: Nahi, unki biwiyan

Pawan: Hum andr rehte hai, tum bhi yahin raho, bohot khel liya. Ab unhe enjoy krne do.

Meanwhile Veer slowly creeped towards Bani and was going to push her when she moved away. Veer lost his footing and fell himself. Bani laughed loudly but squeeled when Veer pulled her legs into the water. Meera smiled at the two fools when Tapish pushed her as well, Meera who tried to latch onto something to prevent her fall ended up pulling Tapish too. They all looked at each and then laughed. Tara stood by the corner, Tapish moved his amrs near her waist and they enjoyed each others presence.

Veer on the other, much to Bani's embarrassment, did not shy away from any PDA and danced around her in the pool, planting a kiss whenever he could.

They spent some time and then got out the pool. Veer teased Bani, trailing his finger all over her wet body all the way to the room. Bani pushed him to the wall and captured his neck into a bold kiss as soon as they entered the room. She, then kissed him all over his face whispering thank yous and I love yous. Just when he thought he would get a kiss on the lips, she left smirking.

B: Ye mujhe pool me tease krne ke liye

She left giggling. They changed into comfortable clothes and sat down near the fireplace in the living area. Dinner was served there and everyone made their own plate and sat down on the floor-rug itself, the elders took the couch. They shared stories, sorrows and laughter as they all ate the meal.

Bani looked around, happy for the first time on the date she otherwise loathed. She sent a prayer to the gods above for bringing Veeranshu to her and wished for all their happiness to remain intact- her family.

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

xoxo

I think this is the longest story I have written on Vani so far. Thoughts/suggestions?

Also, Sharad Sir was live today and he said Hi to me and took my name. I know it could sound silly but I am totally fan girling right now!🙈❤
So, I am publishing this draft earlier than I thought.

❤