Chapter 4

A big thank-you to all my readers here for your encouragement on this story. As I am in process of typing enchanted, which will take some while to get into shape, I have few chapters for this one typed already. So wanted to post one here for you all. Hope you enjoy. Please keep liking and commenting and increase the numbers for both. Greedy me.

 [Chapter 4]

Geet felt suffocated wherever she went. Slowly the reality started sinking and it started hurting her.

Now she started seeing things in a different perspective. The office where she worked with all heart and soul, what was it for her? She was just an employee if she was not Dev’s wife. Good salary, because of her talent. And she can get an even better salary anywhere with more incentives. How could she stay in this company, just as an employee? The place which she knew all while was her own, now how will she stay just as an employee? How will it feel, she and Dev coming face to face everyday, just as professionals? Maybe he may like to visit with his lady love, how will she face him then. It took a few days but Geet knew, after divorce, it would not at all be practical for her to work here or stay in the same house, with this family.

The other day she wanted to check Dev’s view on her continue to work in this firm after Divorce

“What do you say on this Dev?”

“What do I say Geet. I mean Mom would always want you to work here. Her business thrives on your talent and name. She may even give you raise to sustain you”

“What do you think, Dev?”

“I don’t know. It’s up to you” 

Geet could clearly see, he just wanted to not be involved in her matters in any way, slightly in hurry to get rid of this old relation as soon as possible in all ways. He was not even suggesting her, but then, when has he. He just okayed whatever she had said and she had done the same. This waa marriage of no involvement whereas real marriage is based on involvement. Giving freedom to a partner is one thing but no involvement is another.He left it on her to decide, but it felt as if Dev was detaching a little too fast. Or maybe he has detached himself from this relationship in the course of time he has been deciding of Divorce.

Somewhere with his no answer she got her answer, he was not very sure of seeing her everyday in office after divorce. And she could understand that part, she herself would not be comfortable. But the fact that he was so done with their relation, was hurting. All the good behavior of his in recent days was just a facade then.

It has been one month and Geet has not been able to gather courage to talk to NIna. How could she? Other than relation, it was also her safe place as far as career was concerned. She could not even imagine looking for a job outside, or working anywhere else. After Divorce, she also needed a fixed income coming on a regular basis to support her living.

The other night in their bedroom “Geet did you talk to Mom”

“Regarding?”

“I had an idea that you will be talking to her regarding your quitting plan etc…” Geet looked at him shocked. He had announced the Divorce idea to her and now wanted her to face all these people on her own.

“No Geet, you are taking me wrong. There is no hurry for anything. You can take as much time.” But everytime he said there was no hurry, Geet could feel how much in hurry he was.

Geet was keeping it strong but she was not taking any action. She has seen Dev with his lawyer and he has also offered to get a lawyer for her. But Geet wanted to do this independently now and not involve Dev. Why should she need him when he does not need her. Though she knew, she needed someone experienced as a guide. She was feeling, things will fall upon her soon if she does not take any step. Being emotional and attached will not help her in the end. 

When she thought of a Friend and Guide, she could only think of a man she had met just five to six times - Maan Singh Khurana. In this whole world, when she had so many people around her, she could feel that he is the only person who can guide her in this mess of her life. 

“Wow geet wow, the only person that comes to your mind is Maan. Do you know who he is? World renowned richie rich. He hardly has his feet stable in India for two-three days in a month. The person who is in one country in a day and then next day you have news of him signing another world breaking Deal in another continent. And you think, you are giving him call for your stupid divorce issue and he will be here solving your issue”

She was pacing in her office room

“And what are you going to tell him, that you delayed to seek his advice and the result is that your husband is eagerly waiting to get the divorce proceedings started.”

And then she did not even have his number and no idea how to get it. 

She further argued with herself

“Even if you get his number  somehow and you call him, why the hell would he pick your number, Geet. First it would be an unknown number.” Thus she could see no scope of getting in contact with him, even though she knew, it’s only him who would understand her and can guide her. Will he even consider her that important, to come to her from his busy schedule and talk to her on her issue. Why would he do so? He was a hard core business man. Business is the only thing he is known to talk about.

But then, she had a gut feeling that he would not totally ignore her. After all, he made sure to dance with her at each annual party and they talked like friends while dancing. He is the one suggesting her about her life, no one has done that yet and he made sure she was doing good in life. 

“No, I cannot give up. I have to talk to Maan”

It had been a week and Geet could not get Maan’s number. She somehow tried to get it from Nina but Nina ignored her request

“You are looking into designing part Geet, What do you have to do with talking to investors? I know he is very particular about you heading designs of projects he is investing on but then why would you need to talk to him. That’s Dev’s department”

A week passed and Geet could not get the personal number of Maan. Of course it was not easy unless he gave it to anyone or if anyone had it for Business purposes.

“Geet, it’s not that I am in a hurry, but what do you think? If we have decided to divorce then should we not proceed. I mean, we don’t have to go through a long process. If you say, I can advice a lawyer and financial advisor to you”

“Don’t worry Dev, I will manage on my own. And trust me, I don't want to delay. ” Geet felt pain, what will Dev lose, she is the one who will lose everything, family and job. She was still not able to sink in that she will not be part of her current world and vice versa. It was hurting and very deep down. 

“God please help!!!” she cried from all her heart and within her heart. And as if her prayer got listened to. Dev was clearing his wallet and had a few cards out of his wallet and placed them on bed. At that moment he got the call and he left the cards, as it is, on the bed and left to take his call.

Frustrated Geet, turned and her eyes went on the card on the bed “Maan Singh Khurana”. Geet without losing a minute, took the picture of his card and left it as it was.

That very moment she felt God had actually shown her the door she was looking for. She felt such a big relief. 

Geet was in her office and after returning from workshop and meetings. It was evening and the office was almost done.She kept looking at the number and after long thought and decided to give a call.

What at max can happen, he will not show his interest in her issue, may avoid. Her husband has asked for divorce from her, what else can be more insulting. Maan was no one to her, even if he says no, she can deal with it, But she cannot give up without trying.

********

It was 11 am in France. Maan Singh Khurana was in a meeting with Richard Perarri. Rick was the owner of a Hotel chain in Europe. Maan partnered with him in a few of his endeavors. 

Long time of business partnership turned into a somewhat casual relation, not actually but kind of friends.

“Rick, I think it is best you focus on this new luxury Hotel you are launching. Merging a clothing section with it can be risky” Maan suggested

“MSK, I really want you to partner with me in this. I can vision, it’s going to be brilliant. Guests here will be exclusive and they will value the exclusive collections of clothing. If done properly both sectors can complement each other”

Maan thought for a while “Idea is brilliant Rick but it will only be a hit if the collection is exclusive and unique. Or else it will fail. Are you planning to see the clothing sector as well”

“It’s my wife’s idea. She is very positive about it, I can't argue. You are a free man MSK, you won’t understand.

Maan shrugged his shoulder “So I am and happy to be” It was then Maan received a call from an Indian number.

Who can it be, he thought. No prank or marketing call can come to his number. His was a private and VIP number. It was not from the office but someone who knew his number. He let it go once.

“We need a designer MSK, a unique one.”

Maan shook his head “I know one, actually very brilliant. But she is booked for life in a firm”

“From where?” “Naa, you will say, I am favoring the talent of my country. But man, she for sure is brilliant. Young, dynamic and simply brilliant.”

“Opps, looks like MSK is too impressed with the talent”

“Yes. And she is overutilized and underrated. I have lots of respect for this young talent.” It was then Maan’s cell rang again with the same unknown number. For some reason he felt he should pick it up and he picked 

“Hello” he was surprised to hear a familiar female voice. It’s not that he heard her everyday but some people just need a few meetings to imprint their image, be it looks or voice.

“Gee-eet??”

“Maan, you recognized my voice.” She was surprised 

“Of course Geet. Why will I not.” he paused and she was quite “Is everything fine Geet?`` There was sudden concern in his voice. His concerned voice and she had relief. No one had this concerned voice for her.

“Maan, so sorry for calling you for my concern. I stole your number, I am sorry” He muted his phone for a while

“Rick excuse me” and he left out to get some privacy

“Geet, you don’t have to be sorry. I am sorry for missing out on giving my number to you and calling myself your friend. Now what’s the matter Geet”

“Maa-aan” Geet, who had been holding strong, had tears rolling down her cheeks

“Geet, something is wrong? You know you can tell me”

“Maan, can we meet, please? I know you must be in another part of the world but can we?”

“Geet, did you talk to Dev about whatever problem you are going through. I am sure he would understand” Geet could sense he was out from India on his tour around the world

“Maan, I know I am expecting too much from your friendly gesture to me But ” Maan thought for a while

“Geet, I can manage a visit  to India for a couple of days. How about Next Wednesday”

“Any day as per your convenience will work for me”

“Next Wednesday then, at Taj Palace. I will keep the whole day for you.”

“Thanks Maan, Thanks so much. And can I meet Maan and not Mr. Khurana”

“When have i ever been Mr. Khurana or MSK for you”

******* 

Till it was wednesday, Geet was working and behaving with mechanical heart.

It was 7 am in the morning, and Geet was ready in formal dressing and was about to leave.

“Geet you took leave for today. Where are you leaving this early?” interrupted Nina.

“I have an important appointment with a friend Mom, bye” and Geet left immediately. Geet very well knew, Nina would be curious of her friend circle of which she was not knowing. She would make sure to know every friend circle of Geet, and she was a control freak as far as Geet was concerned. Geet also always gives her leeway, but not now and not anymore. She has to find her own path now.

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