Chapter 15

Geet: Ji..I have arranged all what you would need ...If at all, you need anything, you can call me on my Mobile. ..IF AT ALL! She stresses on the last three words and that really strikes him and pushes him further. Geet slowly turns and leaves from there and closes the door ...

Maan: Geet..

He calls out her name but it was late. And all what he could do is to give into the helpless situation.

Where as Geet again manages to find a lonely place for herself and cries her heart out

She cuddles in one corner of that lonely place.. takes her mobile out and even she has saved one of Maan's Picture in her mobile and talks to it caressing on the picture face very gently . This is the only communication she had with her better half and that too she does it when her mindset reaches an extreme level.

Geet: You cant stand me even for 2 mins? Hmm? Mujse itni nafrat karthe hain na Maan? She wipes her tears and continues to talk. Don't worry. It's a matter of 3 more weeks and I will make sure you never get to see me again..never..and .. (sob) and I know I have no right to have this pic of yours. I Promise I will delete it once this tough phase of yours passes.

Just then, there's an incoming call and she takes a long breath and relax herself before answering to it.

Geet: Hello

Prem: Hey Geet... how are you?

Geet: Hmm..fine

She was definitely not sounding good but still its high time when Prem has interacted with Geet and after having a talk with Maan this afternoon and knowing the fact that there was a special function that happened in the evening. He decided to call her to find out how is she feeling now and how his bro is behaving with her.

Geet: So, How are you? And howz Annie?

She wants to enquire about Annie's message to her this evening..but holds herself back.

Prem: All fine Geet. We both are busy with Exams and projects... By the way, I never knew that you are in Hoshiarpur. Why you didn't call me and Annie before leaving?

Geet: You almost stopped calling me..she pauses for a while. I mean, there was hardly any interaction between us for the past one month. So, I assumed it doesn't matter to you.

Prem: It does matter to us Geet...how can you even think like that?

Geet: Woh.. Main.. excuse me for a sec...

Geet is really not able to have any control on her tears. She is really feeling emotionally low at this point of time... Maan's presence is just making her even more vulnerable and she has been having a tough time covering up her actual relationship status and pretending to be happy. She is left alone..all alone and she cannot disclose this as well.

Prem: GEET...what happened? Are you fine?

Geet had always put up a image of a brave girl but today, she is breaking down Prem called her at a time where she needed someone whom she can talk to..

She really wishes to tell him that she too is a human and have a limit on her own self control and beyond a certain level she herself doesn't know what can happen...but she cannot voice it out. She has to yet seal all her emotions behind her thick skin.

On the other hand, her silence is really worrying Prem. Wondering what has happened? Did bro hurt her again?

Prem: Kya hua Geet..did bro ...

Geet instantly stops him when he starts asking about Maan and suddenly changes the topic and that's enough for Prem to prove that things hasn't settled down in fact he is finding Geet to be more concealed within her own shell.

Geet: Woh.. I am really tired as it was a busy day.

She doesn't mention about the function that happened and no mention about Maan. Prem could sense there's no trace of excitement whatsoever.

Geet: Hmm.. Now, Leave all this...How is it going with your studies? All set for the exams?

Prem: All going good. I had been too busy with exams and projects submissions. That's why I missed to call you. Sorry once again.

Geet: Please don't say that. I never intend to make you feel small. What matters to me is you called me and as usual, I am really glad to talk to you.

Prem: That's nice to hear Geet...that my call could be of some help. By the way, you didn't tell me howz your final year preparations going on?

Geet and Prem shared some talks for few minutes and bid bye to each other.

Once done with the call, she was feeling a bit light at heart now. She takes a long sigh making her way to the terrace where Rajji, Nandini and Preeto have been waiting for her. Where as Prem's burden has increased. He is sensing no changes in Geet's mindset and really wondering if his bro has done anything productive for the day to make up to her or he has hurt her further?

Back to Maan...

From the time Geet passed by the door, he stood there staring at the exit for some time. As if he became numb and just couldn't stop her ..Why?

Her cold behavior..her moist eyes...She left me here in this room which is her room in her maternal home. I feel she has drifted herself very far away from me?

He is trying to find an answer but in vein. His own harsh words are echoing in his ears he openly admitted to her that it's a forced relationship and she needs to stay away from him and he had communicated this in such a rude tone... A lone tear escapes his eyes without his own knowledge then how much she should have borne?

Why she didnt tell me to get out from her room like how I had been voicing it out to her? WHY GEET?

I really wish I could go back to that moment when she hugged me and I would huve her back or at least be polite and calm with her...and that would have given me strength to stop her today...He sighs and looks at the exit of this room again....I am prepared to take her anger but not this silence.

He desperately wants her by his side. He is even prepared to get slapped by her 100 times but this coldness...and she still puts him on priority without caring for herself... in spite of all what he has done to her...how could she? the remorse that its building is proving to be the worst punishment ever.

He recalled his Daadi's word. She must be living with this fear that I will hurt her again. It seems to be true to some extent...but is it only fear?

Then, What was it in her today? Is it only today or it has been like this for the last one year? I want to see the same chirpy girl whom I had seen almost a year ago. I have found her...but why do I feel I have lost her even after finding her? NO..NO... I will not allow this to happen. If not for me, I must find out what's going on within her.

Just then, Prem calls him as well..Just like Geet, even Maan needed someone with whom he can have an open talk and Prem is the right person.

Maan: Hello

Prem: Hello Bro..how are you?

Maan: Hmm

Prem could sense this silence filled sigh in his bro's voice.

P: How is it going in HP? Daadi had informed me about some function happening. So, How did it go?

M: Hmm..yes..

Prem could sense his restlessness. At the same time he is more curious to know about what's currently happening between his bro and Geet.

P: What happened? Did you manage to speak with Geet?

Maan takes a sad sigh before answering "NO"

P: Is she with you?

Maan could again manage to utter a "NO".

P: Now what is this bro? ...why you didn't talk to her?

M: Well..here it hasn't been easy since morning. This Handa Haveli is always crowded. And moreover, she had some classes and also this evening function was unexpected... He sighs.. I simply couldn't.

Prem is laughing within looking at his brother's plight...he recalls how Maan would react if he and Annie don't maintain discipline or if things goes wrong... Moreover, Prem truly feels sorry for Geet and all what she went thro for one year. Today, he wants to take full advantage of the situation.

P: Well I am not buying this reason at any cost...how could you not even find even few minutes to talk to her?

Maan remains quite for few seconds.

Maan could sense luck is no way favoring him today,...all what he has been telling his siblings is backfiring on him and one way its so true. He hadn't tried hard enough. But whenever he found some time, something or someone will barge in between them... and then function and then...huh...

Prem on the other hand is again trying to throw back his bro's words which he (Maan) often used to utter when Prem and Annie are being silent.

Prem: "I'M WAITING AND YOU ARE WASTING MY PRECIOUS TIME!"

Maan: PREM!! He screms..

Prem: I know how you are feeling bro...today is my day...let me enjoy it

Prem, literally bullys him and laughs at him.

Maan expected Prem to feel sorry..but on contrary Prem is all smiling..and Maan screams at him angrily

M: PREM.. you are laughing at my plight? Here, I'm struggling to meet her and when I meet, my lips gets sealed. Wonder what is stopping me...and moreover, I literally don't know anything about her..

P: You've said it!! YES ..you don't know anything about her and that's the root cause to all your problems...above all, you have been assuming so many unwanted things about her.

Prem takes pause and continues..

P: I couldn't believe, you thought her to be an illiterate and you told this on her face? Huh..bro..you are really impossible. Atleast you should have asked about her with me, Annie or tried to find out with your own sources. And now tell me..How on earth you can think that Geet will give in so easily? Main yeh sochke paagal ho raha hoon ki Geet ne ab tak aap ki pitayi kyon nahin ki. (I am going mad wondering how come Geet has spared you by getting beaten up by her?)...

Maan is really getting furious now..not on Prem but on himself.. what made him talk like this to her without even thinking for once? And in return she just bore everything quietly. She did say that " You don't know anything about me...It was not out of anger but it came as a plea from her lips. He is ashamed that he knows literally nothing about his wife.

P: Its understandable that you don't know anything about her till date...but atleast try to know about her from now onwards.

Prem pauses again. He knows his bro is a leader and when he talks no one dares to talk or argue where as today, he has been silently listening. Prem wants him to open up and he is trying to take logical steps to put some more sense into his elder brother.

P: Leave it bro...by the way, before calling you, I had called Geet.

Maan literally didn't know how to react on what he just heard from Prem...

M: What? Why you didn't tell me before?

P: Please chill... I knew you will react like this and also I wanted to know what is going on in your mind before mentioning this. And I am not too sure if you have been really trying enough to sort out things between you both.

M: Ofcourse I have been doing it...I have been interacting with her family, I was active part of this function..

P: But not with Geet right? Very Good!

Prem says it sarcastically and Maan didn't have a clear answer to this...even though he tried but YES, it wasn't enough.

M: I know you will not understand my plight and neither I am able to justify it. By the way, Did she talk to you? What did she say?

P: Again, we were talking like how we have been talking in this one year...without any mention about you...I tried to involve "You" and she instantly changed topic... But the only change is I found her to have drifted into even tougher shell...I mean, she is not opening up to me like she did before.

Maan: Damn!

For Maan, it was a real blow that he was no where in the picture when Geet happen to talk to Prem but over and above that he is deeply concerned about her aloofness.. at least she used to open up with Prem and Annie and now, that too is slowly deteriorating.

M: I am sincerely willing to apologize and prepared to take any reaction from her. But its simply not happening..

P: Bro, Remember what we discussed this morning? You just cannot ask for any apologies and expect her to forgive and forget everything in just one single day. It's a way too sensitive issue than you think it to be. With all what has happened to her in the past one year, and more specifically past one month when you were in London... her life wasn't easy. She would have drifted herself apart from this relationship purely based on your verdict and you cannot expect her to change herself in one day and happily forget everything and give in to you. Things will not shape up within this short phase. She definitely needs her time now and in that time, you have to take your full efforts.

M: I had answered in the afternoon itself.. I equally understand what ever you are saying. Now, Prem, I really need your support on this. As you know, Me and Geet are bound in this relationship but we are worst than strangers.

P: There has never been a "WE in this relationship. Its only Geet who has been there and you were never with her... And she getting into this relationship, she valued all the relationships that got attached to it. But YOU deliberately failed in it and SHE had to bare for that failure as well.

Its so very true. Even Prem being younger to Maan, he understands the true value of this relationship which not only bonds a husband and wife but it builds and strengthens its connection with other family members which he completely failed to understand. Maan realizes what damage has been done and it will take hell lot of efforts before even starting to make up to Geet.

M: Will she ever forgive me?

Prem could sense his elder brother is really willing to make up for all what has happened but alas, the damage that has been done is done and it's highly challenging to mend things.

P: She will bro...but please ... you need to do your ground work from scratch and to seal and coat all the damages that you have done... and most importantly, don't make things worst. You need to have a control on your temperament

M: I promise you that I will...

P: I don't need your promise...its Geet who needs it before she even starts to feel comfortable with you around her.

There's a complete silence...

P: And if you really manage to win over her heart and soul, you will know about her without my guidance. So..make a start to know about her right away.

M: Hmm...I will

P: And next time when we happen to talk, I don't want any silly excuses.

Maan smiles at Prem's audacity

P: Bye

M: Bye

He turns and walks back..and stands in front of the dressing table..where he just smiles thinking about the moment he entered in last time and Geet was getting ready to leave for the event. Her cheeks were glowing with the effect of pink colour dress she was wearing...He was so much longing to cup them with his palms and take her into his embrace promising to never let go of her henceforth but it doesn't seem to be as easy as he thought it to be. Just then, he got to see the Kundan Necklace which was kept in the side table with a post it note saying "THANK YOU".

He takes a long sigh...These jewels belongs to her and she is returning to me with thanks note? He takes that note and gently kisses it..as if that's a first love note for him...he is really going mad with silly thoughts.

All these years, he has lived all alone in his own world but today, he truly feels lonely. He wanted to be with her..Kneel down, hold her hands and ask for apologies for all what he has done to her. But he hasn't yet got a chance. Like Prem said, Telling a mere sorry is just not enough...he needs to know more about her...but how and where to start? He just sits down in the rocking chair and all lost looking at the ceiling .

____

Over there in the terrace, jute netted beds have been arranged neatly (Its known as CHAR PAI in hindi don't know what you call it in English). Geet makes a slow entry and finds Rajji, Nandini and Preetho are already settled down and they all are playing with Tej-Simran's son Pappu who is mere one and half years old.

The moment Nandini and Rajji got to see Geet..They run to her and hug her and take her to the beds that has been arranged neatly in the terrace.

Geet composes herself and as usual she has masked all what she is going thro behind her smiling face. She takes her seat in the centre bed..

N: Welcome here Di...Why you got so late?

Preetho: Arre, Jijaji ne roka hoga... and she winks at Nandini and both laugh out loud.

N: Challo...Geet Di is here but Simran Bhabhi came and left...leaving her Pappu (Simran-Tej's son) here. Wonder when she will come back?

G: What happened to Simran Bhabhi? Why she went back?

Preetho: Woh yahan kuch der ruki thi...fir tej bhai ka bhulava aagaya. (She was here for some time and then Tej bhai called for her)

Geet: Oh...may be he had some important work that's why he called out for Simran Bhabhi.

Preetho and Nandini look at each other and giggle. Rajji and Geet look at each other and wondering what Preetho and Nandini are upto.

Preetho: Geet Di...Aap bhi na? Ab raat ke is waqt main kya kaam ho saktha hain Tej bhaiya ko apne simram Bhabhi se? (You are impossible...now, you think seriously..what could be the possible work that Tej Bhai had to get it done with Simran Bhabhi?) Ab dhekhna...aap ke un ka bhi bhulava aa jayega. Aaur aap bhi kisak jaayengi yahan se... (Now you see, you will also get a call from your hubby and you will also escape from here)

Geet just couldn't help but giving into their talks by listening quietly. "Maan and would come for me?

She smiles sadly...he cant stand me for even for 2 mins.

Geet diverts her attention by carrying Pappu in her hand and starts playing with him..and at the same time, Rajji, hands over a carry bag.

Geet: Yeh kya Rajji?

Geet peeps into the carry bag and takes out the things...it's a incomplete crochet handbag with the strings of yarn and a crochet needle still attached to it. Geet had started making this just few days before her wedding she had almost done with it. Only the handles needs to be done. she couldn't complete it for obvious reasons. Geet looks at it with a blankness written all over her face.

Rajji: Di...please complete this na...I have been waiting for this handbag for the last one year..

Geet: Woh tho tik hain rajji..but it gets difficult to do crochet during night time... and moreover, I have to trace the handle pattern that goes with this design.. I have saved some copy of the pattern in my laptop. Will do it tomorrow.

R: Di.. From the time you are here, you are busy with your studies and moreover, Jiju is here now, so, you will never get time during day time...I know you have a good speed with crochet and this night is the only time limit... Moreover, you just have to finish with the handles that's it. so, please complete it na..

Geet: But..

Rajji rushes to switch on the extra lights that would help Geet to do her crochet and she leaves from terrace ...

R: Di..wait for me till I get your laptop..

Geet seriously thinks...Laptop is in my room and Maan is in my room now...oh no!!

G: Rajji...please listen to me. Come back here.

Rajji didnt even care enough to listen to Geet's pleads. She simply zoomed towards Geet's room to get Geet's laptop

N: Di...she was really waiting for you to come to HP and you can complete this hand bag...she was keeping quite for this long as she wanted to give you enough time to settle down.

Geet: I understand dear

Geet sighs.. and checks on the bag and trying to recollect how to complete it.

G: I must check that pattern again and I need my Laptop for that. But Don't want Rajji to disturb Maan now.

Preetho: Arre don't worry...Jiju would be awake only...

Geet looks at her questioningly..

Preetho: How do you expect him to have a peaceful sleep without you around.

Geet hits her head with her palm...literally giving up. The more she is diverting herself from these kind of talks, she is pulled into it again and again.

Nandini Giggles..Haan Preetho..I mean, Preetho Bhabhi..you should have seen Jiju's face when he was informed about this get together in terrace and Geet will be joining us. Bechare Jiju ne pata nahin kya kya plan kar rakha hoga. I am sure when me and Rajji left from there, he would have pleaded Geet di to stay back and see..even she was late to reach here. And wonder what will happen when Geet will go back to her room now.

Preetho: I am sure our Jiju will eat her alive.

Preetho and Nandini take hi fy and laugh out loud. All Geet does is sadly smiles at their silly imaginations...deep within her she is craving for all Nandini and Preetho says happens to be true but alas only her babaji knows the actual value of their relationship.. she again tries to give her full concentration in planning completion of this crochet handbag...but her ears cannot help hearing sharply...afterall the talks are all about her and Maan being together atleast in form of imaginations.

Preetho: Haan haan patha hain...Suna hain hall main, sab ke saamne badi pappiyan jappiyan ho rahi thi tho bandh kamre main kya kya karenge yeh dono?

(Yeah.. I know..I heard what all happened in the hall.. lot of hugging and kissing and that too in front of people around...then what would these two do when let are alone?)

Now, Nandini Pokes Preetho and signals her to keep quite. Nandini is still feeling bad for all what had happened in the hall and Preetho doesn't even know the actual reason behind it.

AND ...that's it...Geet cannot tolerate it any more. She jumps out of bed with all anger....

G: Hogaya tum donon ka? (Are you both done?)

Nandini and Preeto too stand up ...and look back at Geet. Never they have witnessed Geet to be so disturbed.

G: Will you both stop talking all these nonsense? Are we here to only talk these things? Why cant we spend this night like we used to spend a year ago?

Nandini understood that Geet is upset...she tries to console Geet...Preetho also is made to feel small with what Geet just said and she holds Geet's hand..

Preetho: Di..hum sirf mazak mazak main... (We were just trying to have fun and be funny)

Geet: But this isn't funny Preetho

Nandini and Preetho get into a deep silence now while Geet continues

Preetho, Its understandable that I am a married woman now, but somewhere within me, I have that old GEET alive who was once upon a time standing free on this earth and absolutely no barriers between her and the sky... and that's why I am here to refresh our good old memories. She holds on to Preetho's shoulder..Even you are a married woman... and don't you feel to live this moment only for YOURSELF?

Preetho responds to Geet Positively... Yes I do Di...I am sorry if I hurt you.

Nandini: Di..I am really sorry. Didnt mean to hurt you.

Geet pats on Preetho and Nandini's cheeks at the same time with a smile... Its OK dearies...By the way, we need to discuss on topics which Rajji can also be involved...she is just 14 and what effect she will have when you talk in front of her like this? Now, I am happy that she was away in the right time. Atleast now onwards be careful while talking OK?

Back to Maan...

Maan is still seated in the rocking chair glaring at the blank ceiling thinking about all what happened today. He didn't liked when Geet left him alone in this room... in one day, he is feeling this low, then how she would have felt all these days? What shall I do? he just discussed with Prem and how to progress further? Just then, there's a knock on the door and he moves to open the door to find Rajji standing over there.

Rajji: Jiju...Mujhe Di ki laptop chahiye..

Maan wonders where Geet keeps it. While Rajji walks in...

Rajji straight away gets inside the room and opens the cupboard to find the blue laptop bag in the lower shelf. While Maan finds the bag to be familiar, he takes the bag from Rajji and opens it to confirm it. YES it was Annie's laptop which Annie would have used barely for six months and she dropped it by mistake and the plastic case that covers the laptop monitor broke on the left side...Even though it was still in a good working condition, Annie was adamant to get the latest I-Pad that was upto date with latest features and she had left this laptop in her study table in her room.

Back to present, He checks the left side of the monitor..it clearly shows that it has been repaired.

Maan ST: So, she has been using Annie's old laptop... If she would have told me, I would have got her a new one. Just then the ultimate truth strike him..., when did I ever allow her to speak?

He is lost in his past world when Rajji calls for him.

Rajji: Jiju...

Maan: Hun

Rajji: Thank you...now, di will be able to complete my bag ...YEAH!!!

Rajji is all excited and Maan is wondering with what she just blabbered.

Maan: Kya?

Rajji hits her own head thinking what she just said.

Rajji: Woh .. kuch nahin... thank you so much

Rajji leaves from there carrying the lappy bag with her. Maan is really wondering. Like this laptop, there must be hundreds of tiny miny things that he needs to know about Geet but how? He was about to close Geet's Cupboard that's when he got drawn to the contents of the cupboard. As if its a small world behind those doors. It had her dresses neatly folded and displayed in hangers. ..he gently touches with his palm ... "Are these the only ones she had?" wonder why he feels she had limited collections of them. Then he moves to the next cabin...it had various prizes, shields and certificates of appreciation and achievements that she had won.. Quiz, debates, creative writing. He was checking on each and every academic achievements and feeling so proud about his wife.

One thing that drawn his attention was given a special honour shield the certificate attached to it read "IT'S A HONOUR TO AWARD MS GEET HANDA FOR SIMPLE TRANSLATIONS GIVEN TO SHAKESPEAR'S PLAY JULIUS CAESAR FROM SHAKESPEAREAN ENGLISH TO SIMPLE ENGLISH, HINDI AND PUNJABI. HELPING THE STUDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THE PLAY IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES"

He just checked the first page of the English version and it was really interesting and creative writing ...Again, his smile fades thinking about the loss in missing her final year of her college days where in she missed so many opportunities in expressing her creative side, and she had to compromise for the sake of this sudden wedding and she never ever raised her voice against this where as he was fuming in fire of hatred against her and her family and his mind filled with assumption of her to be an uneducated country brute. His head dipped in shame...knowing just this much about her and still a very long long way to go. He sighs and keeps those three books back on its respective place aiming to read them one by one.

The other shelf had some photo albums...His eyes fell on a huge album which was titled "SWEET MEMORIES" .. Then till now..He opens it to see it. It had all collections of photos...the very first photo where young Ranoma is carrying a New born baby. Ofcourse it seems to be Geet...A cute smile touches his lips.

My princess just born!

there's another one...where she is approx. 6-8 months old and both Rano and Mohider hold her together...a Pic of her first day to school.. and another cute pic where she is approximately 6 years old and a baby is resting in her lap..

Hmm...must be Rajji.. Like this there were many more where she is with her family and friends...and so on primarily arranged age wise He caresses each and every image of hers to feel the nostalgia of different phases of her life right from her infant stage passing thro her childhood, teenage and adulthood.. some clicked with her school and college friends..and some clicked during academic events... and then his smile slowly vanishes seeing emptiness in the album...There has been no progress i.e no recent pictures or say this album is in a "Stand still for the last one year and he really feels edgy about it"

He keeps the album in its place. And he moves to another shelf where she has some childhood collections of dolls and tiny miny things. He moves few things to get a better glance of the things stored..and just then, something fell in his feet. He slowly takes it in his hand. It's a neatly gift wrapped item..he could feel there's some kind of cloth or fabric that's neatly folded in a rectangular form and Gift wrapped

Maan ST: Has someone gifted this to Geet? Why this Gift is not opened yet?

He is more curious to know about it..he checks the Label card attached to it and it confuses him even more...There are few lines written and then scratched but he is still able to read it... first line is written and scratched... "To My dear" the second line, its written, "For my close friend" and its again scratched... and then, its written, "To my dearest"...and again "My dearest" is scratched out...then, "To My"...again that has been scratched off...and Finally, its zeroed on "TO"... without any scratching on it but left blank for whom its addressed to.

Wonder what is this gift all about? And why so many scribbling on the label and why she hasn't opened it yet?

He is so curious to open it but withheld himself to do so...He keeps it back to its place safely...and still the question remains...What is it in this gift wrap and who gave it to who?

He checks the time and the night seems to be long and this room has already started to consume him with its loneliness. He desperately wants her presence by his side and moves out of his room finding his way to the staircase that takes him to the terrace and he is there...his racing heart calms down from the moment he gets a clear view of his sweet angel...

(To be continued...)

Meantime, please tell me how you liked it so far.