Chapter 6

A smile touches Geet's face remembering some of the sweet memories of the past one year...and all contributed by Daadi, Shantima, Nakul kaka and all others...and she comes to think about Maan...she really goes blank and a kind of emptiness fills in her.

Babaji...if he was not destined to be mine, then why did you push him into my life? why? He hates me...No...its something above that...but what is my mistake? All that's in her memory is those harsh words, those bitterness, ignorance. The last exchange of words has literally ripped her part..."DOOR RAHO MUJHSE..SAMJHI TUM"! She closes her eyes and tears doesn't stop at all. She immediately wipes it. Today, I am going for an interview. Please bless me. After my exams and Nandni's wedding, I dont want to go back to KM...No...Never.. I will start working in a place which is far away from Delhi and Hoshiyarpur without telling anyone...where I am, what am I doing...and Maan will get back to his love..his PARI...bas...I will continue with my life like that and will never look back...Haan...this is what is ideal solution. Daadima will be upset on Maan for sometime, but she, Annie and Prem will accept Pari one day or the other...Ofcourse time is the best healer and slowly they will even forget this GEET was even part of their life...And this GEET too will forget everyone...Hain na babaji?? (Isnt it my god?) She sighs sadly

That's it Babaji..I wanted to inform you this and take your blessings... You have decided that I have to live alone all my life...I will do so happily but you continue to be with me. Geet wipes her own tears and taking God's blessings and moves from there.

She has a forwarded email by one of her batch mates about a walk in interview that's happening today at one of the Business Centres in Amritsar-Hoshiyarpur highway. Its from APM Enterprises who are hiring lot of Management Trainees this year and the positions to be based in many of the major cities in India. They are targeting to interview potential graduates who are passing out this year from many of the business schools and colleges in and around Amritsar-hoshiyarpur and surrounding cities.

Geet attends the interview and luckily the interviewer is a very nice and sweet person. His name is Aaditya urf Aadi. Moreover, he was upto point and didn't ask her any personal questions and Geet-Aadi were highly impressed with each other. Aadi was impressed with her English Language. It was unbelievably good and she had scored excellent marks during 1st and 2nd year of BA.

Aadi: Geet...I am personally impressed with your qualifications and other related skills. But I am surprised with your choice of cities...you have selected Ranchi, Patna, Bhopal, Jaipur and so on...May I know the reasons?

Geet: Well Sir, After my graduation, I plan to relocate. It's just due to my personal reasons that's it.

Aadi: But being a girl, won't it be challenging for you?

Geet: She answers him with a smile hiding all her emotions...sir I know it's challenging and i have to live with that challenge.

Aadi: What are your salary expectation?

Geet: Sir...I understand APM is a organisation which has been there for many years now and they will definitely set right salaries including this position. At the moment, I wait to hear from your end.

Aadi was highly impressed with this girl.

Aadi: Ok...let me give you this good news...you are selected for the second round of interview and this will mostly happen within 2 days and next time, 2 other people will join me in the interview panel.. Will call you and keep you informed.

They shake hands with each other...

Geet: Sir...Thank you so much.🙂

Aadi: Pleasure is mine Geet and see you in the next round of interview🙂

Geet is happy that there's something positive happening in her life and she wishes to secure this job for herself and looks forward to the second round of interview. This interview is a secret which she has kept to herself as on date.

______

Geet calls Ridzy and Ridzy drives into the Business Centre to pick Geet.

Ridzy: Oye Mam...what were you doing in Business Centre?

Geet: Woh...I had some personal work here in Registrar office.

Ridzy knows that there's a Registrar office here but she also knows that Geet didn't go there...and she was here to attend an interview. Incidentally Ridzy came to know about it thro another friend who also attended the same interview.

Ridzy ST: What has happened to Geet? She never used to hide anything from me. and she has attended an interview today and she didnt even tell me? But why is she keen in looking out for job?

Ridzy: Acha Geet..before I drop you home...I have a sweet surprise...

Geet: kya? (What?)

Ridzy: Surprise ka doosra naam ...waiting hain... ("Waiting" is another meaning of "Surprise") so...wait till you get to see.. and she winks.😉

Ridzy parks her car near the college entrance where few of their other friends including Muskan have gathered...

Geet gets a very warm and friendly welcome by her friends and everyone hug her one by one

Muskan: Oye Geet...we thought we will never get to see you again...so glad that you are continuing with your studies..

Geet: Thanks to Ridzy...she had regularly emailed and couriered me all the study materials and notes..

Rakhie: Ridzy did tell us that it all happened in a hurry but still we really missed your wedding yaar*

(*Yaar means, friend and in 2 friens when they interact in Hindi, they keep addressing each other with this term)

Sanjana: The last we met was during Muskan's Summer party...hain na? (Isnt it?)

Kalpana: Haan Yaar...and after that you were no way to be seen...I guess jiju had locked her in a secret place...and giggles.

Preety: Hmm...guess our jiju is all latoo over her...In this one year she is lost so much in his love that she didnt even visit her parents home..Hain na Geet? (Isnt it Geet?)

..and she tickles Geet...

Priya: And madam..you have not yet shared your pictures..Thoda tho apni privacy se baahar niklo yaar... (Please come out of your privacy mode my friend)

All friends are giving a fun filled teasing laughter at Geet...but Geet has been all quiet she is neither blushing or reacting...she just manages to fake a smile at times.

Richa: Acha...yeh tho batao (Ok..now, tell me)...What he likes so much about you?😉

Everyone scream...BATAO...BATAO...Jaldi BATAO (Tell ...Tell ...Tell fast)

Geet is really lost in the past one year and series of incidents plays in back of her mind and without even thinking twice she answers...MY ABSENCE.

Her blunt answer gave way to a pin drop silence and all her friends had least expected such an answer. But again, Geet manages to fake it up

Geet: Arre yaar..poor guy, is ek saal mein na, meri bak bak sunke itne thak gaye na (In this one year, he has got so tired of listening to my non stop talking you see..) ...That's why I guessed he must be at peace now kyon ki main abhi unke paas nahin hoon... (As I am not with him any more) and she again gives an artificial giggle.

Muskan is not convinced with what Geet tries to cover up. She holds Ridzy's hand... oye Ridzy...is everything fine with Geet? she is a total different person now..Ridzy is surprised that even muskan feels the same about Geet...Ridzy seriously thinks what's upto Geet and why she has changed a lot?

Ridzy's mobile buzzes and a smile touches her face.

Ridzy: Challo everyone...get ready for the actual surprise...😉

Muskan: Arre we thought GEET is the surprise that you wanted to give us...ab aur kya surprise hain? (Now what more surprise is left?)

Ridzy: wait baby...one more minute to go... and you will know yourself

and next minute a handsome guy appears in front of them and tells...HIE EVERYONE...

Ridzy: Hey All...meet Dr. Armaan...*

All girls give a cheerful applause with a Wooo...

(*Dr. Arman is Ridzy's boyfriend)

Priya: Arre wah ...thats a very sweet surprise in deed Ridzy... she turns to Armaan and introduces herself with a shake hand...Hie...me Priya..

All girls introduce themselves...and finally Geet too introduces herself...

Armaan: Hey Geet...finally get to meet you...OMG, this Ridzy has been talking so much about you...You got married and then never shown up in last one year ...and because of you, she has lack of attendance and her non stop blah blah..

Ridzy gives a stare at Armaan...Geet is truly smiling as she likes Ridzy-Armaan Jodi...their holding on to each other, their nok-jonk (Little fights) , their looking into each other's eyes and smile touching their lips naturally..She can never feel all this in her life...but happy to witness it thro Ridzy-Armaan.

Armaan: Arre...Ridzy you were mentioning that Geet is even more talkative than You... but here she is all quite..🤔

Ridzy: Woh yah..she has completely changed after marriage..see..she has become quite quite now..😕

Armaan: Is it GEET?😮

Geet again fakes a smile as a reaction to his question.

Armaan: hmm..then na...me and Ridzy have to get married soon ...hopefully even even my would-be wife will also change after marriage ...You see..I have been only Listening to her talks all the time...I have already started seeking appointments with ENT specialist for my Ears.😃

Ridzy waks Armaan on his hand.. and everyone around laugh out loud.😂

Geet: Aap Gurgaon main practice kar rahe hain na? (You are currently practicing in Gurgaon City right?)

Armaan: Now, I am practicing in huge hospital in Amritsar-Hoshiyarpur highway. Will be based here for a year now...He pulls Ridhima for a partial hug...by this way, I will be close to my sweetheart.

All friends shout out...OYE HOYE...😂😉

Geet thinks...if things were positive between her and Maan and then even he would find reasons to be with her all the time...she smiles at her silly thoughts and at the same time a tear drops from the corner of her eyes and she wipes it immediately on her greedy thoughts which will never ever come true.

Geet: Hmm.. that's good and nice to meet you Armaan..

Armaan: Same here Geet...and bye all of you... I have to get back to my Hospital as my shift will start in half an hour...

Armaan pecks on Ridzy's cheek and leaves from there. and all other friends bid goodbye to Geet and Ridzy. Geet's friends have assured her to assist with any help that she would require with regard to her studies...Ridzy drops Geet back home after an eventful day.

____

Next day morning..

Geet is in her room and arranging her notes, folders and papers whilst talking to her Economics & Statistics faculty...

Geet: Good Morning Mam...Geet with you.

Faculty: Hie..How are you my dear?

Geet: Im fine mam

Just then...her cousin Titoo comes and pulls her dupatta to draw her attention.

Titoo: Geet Di* ...see who has come to see you...

(*Di or DiDi is how you adress your elder sister or a girl/lady elder to you. Please get used to this word is going to be too commonly used in future updates and I will not translate it every time)

Geet is fully concentrating on her talk with faculty...

Geet: Please mam..one sec...I am just noting down ... Statistics, Micro and Macro Economics Annual Question papers 5 years...hmm..and then...this year's prelims question papers..

Geet has been standing and facing the wall and writing down all points keeping her notebook on the table. And the person whom Titoo is referring to is yet to get a glimpse of Geet but Geet is fully engrossed in her talks with the faculty... and finally cuts her call and now gets busy arranging her notes and papers according to what her faculty has suggested...

Now Titoo calls out for her loudly...and the person who has been waiting for her is all lost in admiring her gestures, talks and actions...

Titoo: GEET DIDI ...GEET DIDI

Geet: Arre Titoo..kya hain bacha ? (What is it baby?) Why are you disturbing me like this ? Geet is talking to Titoo and busy scanning her study table...she is really tensed as she has to arrange for too many things before meeting the faculty...and also, she is not finding her note book in which she has been writing down all her doubts related to the subject for the last one year...

Oye Titoo...you are the one who keep visiting my room during my absence..now tell the truth...where is my notebook? I know You are the one who has taken it. Please give it back to me...

Didi...SACHI MUCHI (Sis....Truely, Seriously) ...I didnt take your notebook... he pleads cutely...ab peeche mudke dhekiye na...aap se milne koun aaye hain?... (Now, please turn and see na...who is here to meet you?)

Geet is still facing the wall and doesn't take titoo's words seriously..still she continues with her tasks. ..

Geet: Titoo..since yesterday you have introduced 10 of your friends like this...Di...dekhiye koun aaya hain...Di dekhiye Rajesh Aaya hain...Di dekhiye...Mahesh Aaya hain.. (Sis...see who is here...Rajesh is here...Sis see...Mahesh is here ) I will be free this evening and that time, make all your friends stand in a line and introduce them to me... tik hain? Ab please yahan se jaavo...mujhe bohuth saara kaam hain. (Is that clear? Now leave from here. I have lot of tasks to finish)

Geet talks in all actions and this puts a smile on that person's face who has been waiting at the entrance of her door. He has never got to witness her talking or blabbering...He is still standing near the door and still waiting for her glimpse..

Titoo hits his own forehead as he is not able to draw her attention

Titoo: Didi...dekhiye tho..Maan jiju* aaye hain.. (Sis...please see.. Maan Jiju is here)

(*Jiju Or Jijaji... means sister's husband. Please get used to this word is going to be too commonly used in future updates and I will not translate it every time)

YES...its Maan whom Titoo is referring to and Geet thinks even kids are making fun of her pathetic condition now by taking Maan's name. Least she knows that he is actually standing there right behind her.

Geet: Titoo..please stop it bacha.

Geet continues to talk to Ridzi without even bothering to look back.

Geet: Ridzi...I spoke with faculty...need to arrange so many things before meeting her..Woh Muskan must be having a copy of those question papers and will visit her home too...so, shall we leave from here in about 45 mins?

Geet cuts the call and she takes a long sigh finding her notebook in the corner of the table as its very important to carry this and clear all doubts related to the subject.

Maan has been patiently waiting and also amused to hear Geet's voice and her talks over the phone and he is all lost looking at her even though she is still facing the wall...and she is wearing a bright red colour dress adding more glow to her fair skin..where as Geet is all arranging the papers which she needs to carry.

Titoo pauts at Maan cutely and continues to try call out his dear sis once again...

Titoo: Di...please ek baar peeche mudke dekhiye na. (Please turn around adn see for once)

Geet: Uffo...Tum nahin maanoge na...dhekna agar ye tumhari koi shararat huyi tho... (You will not listen...see if this is again one of your tricks then...)

Geet turns around and her tongue got stuck with what she was blabbering with Titoo and she literally stands rooted to the ground..her wide eyes gets wider in shock. The papers which is holding slips from her hand

Titoo: Dekha Main ne kaha na...Jiju aaye hain.. (See..I kept telling you...Jiju is here)

Geet doesn't react to him and Titoo pats on her hand and again takes her name loudly...DIDIII

Geet doesn't react to Titoo still...her eyes glued on the person whom Titoo has got to her room telling its Maan...

Now, Titoo turns to his Jiju now..

Titoo: Dekhiye na Jiju...Didi abhi bhi mere baath pe barosa nahin kar rahi hain...Aap ko dekh kar bhi unko yakin nahin ho raha ke app aaye ho... (Jiju...See...She is not ready to believe in my talks still...even after seeing you, she is not believing that you are here)

Titoo..pulls Maan's hand but there is no reaction...

Titoo notices both of them lost in each other and leaves them as there is no response from them towards him ..

The moment Geet Turned to See Maan...Maan felt as if a strong thunder flash passed by him. His eyes is all glued on the girl who is standing in front of him...He is completely lost looking at her...She is his Geet...but why she looks like PARI? ...yes...PARI, the girl who gave him one glimpse and then vanished in thin air and its been one year since when he has been crazily and madly looking out for her... But now when Geet made a special place for herself in his life, then why PARI is also making a come back like this at the same time? "NO THIS IS ALL AN ILLUSION OF MY MIND AND I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS ILLUSION TO WIN OVER ME THIS TIME". He is in a big fight with himself not able to think straight...

He walks ahead towards her slowly blinking his eyes making sure what he is getting to see is not an illusion if not an illusion then what it is? He is making a desperate attempt to see the actual face behind this illusive one which is distracting him but still he is again getting to see a closer view of his PARI... YEH MUJHE KYA HO RAHA HAIN? (What is happening to me?)

Even Geet is not prepared to believe what she is getting to see... Maan is standing right in front of her...she thinks its a dream for sure but not able to decide whether its a good dream or a bad dream... YEH...YEH yahan kaise? (He..How is he here?) NO..how is it possible? He was maintaining that distance in KM...his Home...then why the hell he would come over here..all the way here to Hoshiyarpur? Its someone else...but who? She looks up cutely for a brief second praying to her god ... Hey Babaji..yeh MAAN Nahi ho sakthe...hain na... (Oh God..this cant be Maan...Am I right? ) YEH MUJHE KYA HO RAHA HAIN? (What's happening to me?)

Each and every step Maan takes ahead, Geet shivers and her heartbeat raises... she walks backward and suddenly she steps on something and about to fall...and he reflexes to pull her hand towards himself in such a force that she hits on his broad chest...

Both are still lost in their dream world with their full consciousness...He holds her tight on her shoulder...and she has a gentle hold on his hand...Even though its not a hug but their bodies are resting to each other for a very brief moment feeling each other's heaving chests and restless heartbeats...and each other's warmth.

Geet opens her eyes and slowly breaks out from him and glances his face blinking her eyes so very cutely...and confirming herself he is actually here... While Maan simply scanning her face to get a final answer for his state of mind..

"MAAN!!" his name escapes out her lips so very softly and...THAT's IT!! his heart beating at a restless pace stops then and there hearing her taking his name...He is all lost looking at her beaming face...its not a illusion...its reality..his PARI is right in front of him in GEET's voice. he confirms once again by scanning her face..

YES ...its his PARI...That means GEET IS MY PARI??...a smile touches his lips without even he realizing it...Today, he feels like a Thirsty wanderer in the desert has found the oasis. He is all lost looking at her...In Fact, she is even more glowing with her hair partition smeared with sindoor and her neck is adored with the sacred black chain which directly connects him to her..his PARI..his GEET...his WIFE...His joy is knowing no limits now...he is the most happiest person on this earth today...his PARI...already his...only his...his GEET...He wants to just stand there and keep looking at her like this holding her close to himself for all his life..

Geet too is lost in that particular moment...She is once again drowning in his deep eyes that had already spelled a magic on her...but the passion in those glittering eyes are not for her... but still she is all lost looking at him.. Like Maan, she too wish to hold him..feel him close to her...but she knows it will never happen as he loves someone else...His rude words are still echoing in her ears...it has been doing so ever since that moment she met him last...and that was more than enough to bring her back to reality..."Door Raho Mujhse...Samjhi tum"...On that day she collapsed and she couldn't stand up yet mentally.

She gently nods for a NO as if she is making all tough attempts to make up her mind to stay away from him and she slowly steps backwards ...but still they are captive in each other's vision..He could see her eyes getting moist...He is not able to tolerate her taking these steps backwards moving herself away from him and her moist eyes looking at him helplessly as if she needs him the most but holding her self back... "She has all rights on Me...she is my Pari...my Geet...my wife" ...then only he realised that he has never ever given those rights to her and all his happiness vanishes in thin air coming face to face with the pain he has given her....what all he had done to her...he has been hurting his PARI all these days?? ...Again another strong thunder strikes him with this reality.

"Maan..Aap Aagaye..Patha hain main aap ki rah dek rahi thi" On that day, she hugged him pouring out all her true emotions with these words... and what he had gone and done...and the result of his ruthlessness is clearly showing at this moment... Seeing her walking back without hugging him without talking to him or without any emotions is hurting him way beyond limits but he is the one to be blamed for that and he feels like killing himself.

She walks back and at one point she breaks her vision from him and bends down to collect all the papers that are scattered around...just like her shattered life...she is again gone back to her own world that's filled with emptiness and loneliness which she has somehow got adapted to by now.. and has accepted to live with it. The tears which had formed in her eyes have started flowing down her cheeks and she wipes it..She starts collecting the papers one by one..Maan is still lost looking at her...even though she long time broke away from that Mesmerizing eyelock...He too bends down to help her to collect the papers..he is doing so whilst looking at her reassuring that his pari has come back to him..in fact she is already present in his life in his GEET...but she has stopped addressing his presence now...and at one point their hands accidentally touch each other...and again he is lost in that touch and attempts to look deep into her eyes... but her eyes are glued to the ground...her cheeks still has some traces of tears which he tries to wipe off by bringing his long fingers close to her cheeks...but she turns away and gulps and wipes the tears by herself...She is no way giving in...unfortunately for GEET, everything is over she doesn't want to feel anymore...

Precap: Will she express herself to him ever?