~ The Cursed Body ~

Romance on the Clock #1 - The Charade

The Cursed Body

The day started innocently enough. Geet and Pinky had planned to finish work early, grab a coffee together and unwind by going to the movies. But the universe, in its infinite cruelty, had other plans. By mid-afternoon, Geet was clutching her stomach, scowling at her desk, while Pinky paced the break room, muttering under her breath.

When Geet finally made her way to Pinky, they locked eyes, dark circles under them, grimaces on their faces and instantly understood each other’s pain.

“Syncing cycles” Pinky groaned, flopping onto the break room sofa. “Why does this even happen? Why? We’re not wolves in a pack!”

“Wolves have it easy” Geet muttered, curling into the chair beside her. “I bet they don’t have cramps that feel like their insides are being wrung out by Satan himself”.

Pinky groaned in agreement, dramatically throwing her arm over her eyes. “This is some cruel joke on us by the universe! Periods? Really? Who thought this was a good idea?”

“They probably thought it was funny” Geet added, wincing as another cramp hit. “Like, ‘Let’s give them the ability to bring life into the world but make it absolute hell once a month for no reason’”

“And then” Pinky chimed in, sitting up suddenly, “they gave men absolutely nothing to deal with. Nothing! Their bodies are just… chill. No cramps, no bloating, no mood swings. How is that fair?”

“It’s not” Geet snapped slamming her water bottle onto the table for emphasis. “And do you know what else isn’t fair? I asked Maan to get me a heating pad, and do you know what he said?”

Pinky perked up, curious. “What?”

“He said, ‘Do you really need it? Maybe some water will help’ Water!” Geet’s voice rose in pitch, her frustration spilling out. “Like I’m a bloody plant!”

Pinky gasped, scandalised. “What is it with men and water? Adi said the same thing to me! ‘Drink more water, Pinky’ What am I, a camel?”

“Ugh” Geet muttered, rubbing her temples. “Why is my body trying to kill me?”

Pinky nodded fervently. “Same. This is a betrayal, honestly. Like, hello? We’re supposed to be a team, and yet here I am, curled up like a prawn while my uterus throws a tantrum”.

“It’s not just the cramps” Geet added, pressing a hand to her stomach as she glared at the ceiling. “It’s the bloating, the cravings, the mood swings… My whole body is falling apart”.

“And don’t even get me started on the back pain!” Pinky chimed in, throwing her arms up dramatically. “I swear, my spine is staging a protest. For what? I haven’t done anything wrong!”

Geet groaned in agreement. “I feel like my entire lower half is conspiring against me. It’s like, ‘Hey, let’s see how miserable we can make her this month’”

“Exactly!” Pinky exclaimed, gesturing animatedly. “And the worst part? We can’t even opt out. There’s no escape! Just pain, suffering, and hoping we don’t bite someone’s head off”.

Geet laughed weakly, though it quickly turned into another groan as a cramp hit. “Honestly, I think my uterus is trying to fold itself into an origami crane”.

Pinky snorted. “Mine feels like it’s hosting a boxing match. And I’m losing”.

Geet and Pinky continued taking turns complaining about the various ways their bodies were torturing them. They cursed their cramps, their bloating, their hormones, and even their skin. Nothing was safe from their wrath.

Meanwhile, Maan and Adi exchanged concerned glances from the doorway of the break room. Adi held a bag of snacks in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, while Maan had a heating pad tucked under his arm.

“They’re… cursing the entire universe” Adi whispered.

“And us, probably” Maan added dryly.

“Should we go in?” Adi asked as he shifted nervously. “Or… wait until the storm passes?”

Maan sighed, shaking his head. “We’re already in trouble, Adi. Might as well go all in”.

Taking a deep breath, the men stepped inside. Maan approached Geet first, placing the heating pad gently on her lap. “Here” he said softly. “I… may have underestimated the water idea”.

Geet narrowed her eyes at him but grabbed the heating pad anyway. “You think? About time n all. What took you so long?”

“I had a meeting” he replied then quickly added. “But clearly, this was the bigger emergency”.

“You’re lucky I’m too tired to argue”.

Adi, meanwhile, offered Pinky the snacks and a hot water bottle. “I brought everything! Crisps, chocolate, even some samosas. I wasn’t sure what you’d want”.

Pinky took the bag giving him a suspicious look. “And you didn’t suggest water this time?”

“No, ma’am” Adi said quickly, raising his hands in surrender. “I know better now”.

Satisfied, Pinky opened the bag and shoved a chocolate bar into her mouth and groaned dramatically. “This is the only good thing about periods. Chocolate”.

“Jee bar ke khao” Adi said with a nervous chuckle and blinked rapidly seeing her take a bite of her samosa then shove a crisp into her mouth.

“And cursing people” Geet added in agreement and glared at Maan for good measure. “That helps too”.

Maan smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. “Glad I could contribute to your coping mechanisms”.

“Don’t get smug” Geet snapped, though her tone lacked any real bite. “You have no idea what this feels like”.

“And you never will” Pinky chimed in, pointing at Adi. “You two have it so easy. Just walking around, being all comfortable in your bodies. It’s sickening”.

Adi nodded solemnly. “You’re right. It’s unfair”.

“Damn right it is” Pinky said, though her glare softened slightly as she noticed the effort he’d gone to with the snacks.

“Anything else I can get you?” Adi asked tentatively.

“A new uterus” Pinky replied, deadpan. “And a world where men get periods too”.

“I’ll… look into that” Adi said earning a chuckle from Maan.

Maan and Adi continued to exchange glances as Geet and Pinky continued their tirade, they seemed to have forgotten about being at work as they still didn’t move as others started packing and leaving.

“Shall we tell them?” Adi texted him.

Maan read the text and looked between the two friends who were now cuddling together on the break room sofa as they snacked on chocolate and crisps.

“You know” Pinky said popping another piece of chocolate into her mouth, “I think my body just likes to watch me suffer. Like, ‘Oh, you wanted to be productive today? Too bad. Here’s some pain instead’”

“Same” Geet replied, munching on a crisp. “It’s like my body has a vendetta against me for something I don’t even remember doing”.

“Geet” Maan intervened gently not wanting to poke the bear. As he found out, she can bite.

“What?” she raised her brow at him.

“It’s getting late, darling. Shall we go? Everyone else has gone home” he pointed.

“Oh, okay. I think I want to just sleep when I get home” she muttered and Maan stepped forward as she shifted and stood up. “Thanks” she murmured as they started gathering their things.

Maan raised an eyebrow confused.

“For the heating pad” she added.

“Not for dealing with your creative insults?” he questioned teasingly.

She smirked. “Okay, that too” she said with a small chuckle. “You handled that better than I expected”.

“You’re lucky I like you” he leaned in.

“Lucky?” Geet withdrew her head back and raised her brow. “I’m the one in pain. You” she paused and looked at Adi. “You both are the lucky ones. You wouldn’t survive this”.

“I agree” Adi nodded quickly.

Pinky laughed. “You’re learning!” she patted his cheek before looping her arm through his.

“Ready to go?” Maan asked holding his arm out.

Geet hummed leaning her head against Maan’s arm as they all walked together, the men feeling slightly relieved and exchanged glances knowing they had just about survived this first stage and silently wished each other good luck for the rest of their current cycle.

Over the last couple of weeks, Maan had started picking Geet up on the way to work wanting to spend as much time as possible with his girlfriend before they dove into their respective workloads. The drive was quiet, Geet was exhausted and rested her head against the window watching the world go by. Maan occasionally glanced at her feeling concerned.

When they finally arrived, Maan climbed out of the car and walked around helping Geet out.

“I’ll be fine, you’ve had a long day as well” she muttered. “Go”.

“You can barely stand straight, darling” he responded holding her by the elbow. “Come on, let’s go” he added and led her up the stairs towards her apartment.

Geet exhaled deeply and kicked off her shoes as they entered. “Thanks, Maan. You can go, I’m just going to take a long bath and get something to eat – that is if I don’t sleep first” she mumbled rubbing her temples.

“Are you sure?” he looked at her concerned. “I could stay and keep an eye on you”.

“I’ll be fine. I just need to unwind and… really just eat and sleep”.

Maan regarded her for a moment and stepped in closing the door behind him. “Alright, you relax for a bit. I’ll get your bath ready”.

“What?” she frowned looking confused and feeling exhausted.

“You said you wanted a bath. I’ll handle it” Maan replied simply, disappearing down the hallway before she could argue.

Too tired to protest, Geet sank down on her sofa and closed her eyes with a sigh. Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

15 minutes later, Geet stirred at the gentle touch of Maan’s hand on her shoulder. “Geet” he said softly. “Your bath’s ready”.

Blinking sleepily, she sat up with a yawn and stretched. “What? You actually…”

“Come and see” he interrupted holding his hand out and helped her up.

Geet followed him slowly, curious but still groggy to the bathroom. When he opened the door, her eyes widened. The warm glow of candles illuminated the room, the bath filled with steaming water and a scattering of bubbles. A faint but soothing aroma of lavender and eucalyptus wafted through the air, thanks to a few drops of essential oil he’d found. Beside the tub was a folded towel, her bathrobe, and a small tray holding a glass of water.

“Maan” she breathed, utterly stunned. “You didn’t have to… this is…” she blinked unable to form words.

“You looked like you needed it” he said, shrugging as though it were no big deal. “I found some bath soak and oils in your cabinet. Hope I got it right”.

Geet turned to him, her lip trembling and before she could supress her emotions, she started crying.

Maan froze. His small smile wiped off and quickly replaced by a panicked expression. “Why are you crying? Did I mess something up? Is it too much?” Please don’t kill me, Geet. I promised dadima a wedding and some great grandkids, he thought.

Geet shook her head, covering her face with her hands as the tears kept coming. “No, it’s perfect. It’s just… I’m so tired, and I didn’t expect… this. You’re just so…”. She broke off with a sob.

Maan stepped closer, his hands gently gripping her shoulders. “Geet” he said softly enveloping her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt as he held her.

“I’m sorry” she mumbled between sniffles. “I cursed you all day, and here you are being this amazing… thoughtful… perfect boyfriend”.

Maan chuckled, stroking her back soothingly. “I’ve been called worse things. And for the record, you’re an amazing girlfriend, even when you’re yelling at me”.

Geet sniffed, pulling back slightly to look up at him. “Thank you, Maan. For everything. I don’t deserv”

“Hey” he interrupted, tilting her chin up. “Don’t start that. You deserve all of it and more”.

She smiled through her tears, and he wiped at her cheeks. “Still… thank you”.

“Alright” Maan said, his tone playful now. “No more crying. Go and enjoy your bath before it gets cold”.

Geet nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Okay. But you know you’ve set the bar ridiculously high now, right?”

“I’ll take my chances” he responded and stepped back. “Go on” he gestured towards the bath.

Geet sniffled and nodded. “Thank you” she repeated and he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Relax and take your time, okay” he informed giving her a small smile and stepped out of the bathroom closing the door behind him and leaving her to unwind.

After what felt like forever, but was around 30 minutes, Geet emerged from her room wearing her comfiest pyjamas and her damp hair neatly combed and down. She was hungry, she would’ve remained lying in her bath for another half hour if her stomach hadn’t continued grumbling. She turned the corner to her living room and halted. Maan!

He was arranging plates on the table and the faint smell of food wafted from the takeaway bag she spotted. “You’re still here?”

“You didn’t think I would leave you hungry, did you?” he said with a smile. “C’mon. It’s your favourite” he said pulling out the containers from the bag.

“You ordered Chinese for me?”

“I did” he replied with a smile and pulled out a chair. “C’mon darling. I made sure I got the spring rolls, the chilli chicken, veg noodles and your egg fried rice”.

Geet looked at him in awe and walked towards him. “Maan… I… I really don’t know what to say”.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to cry again”.

Geet laughed softly, shaking her head as she sat down. “No, but I’m dangerously close. Seriously, how do you even remember what I like?”

Maan shrugged, sitting down across from her. “I pay attention”.

The simplicity of his answer made her heart squeeze. She watched as he opened the containers, plating the food with a care that felt oddly endearing.

“Eat” he said, handing her a plate. “You’ll feel better”.

Geet took the plate, her lips curving into a smile as she picked up a spring roll. “Thank you, Maan. For all of this. I don’t think I’ve ever been taken care of like this before”.

Maan met her gaze, his voice soft but steady. “Get used to it”.

Geet sat back in her chair, her plate mostly empty, and watched Maan as he carefully packed away the leftover food. His movements were unhurried, his attention focused entirely on the task, but there was a quiet care in the way he handled everything. He wasn’t just tidying up, he was making sure she didn’t have to lift a finger after the long day she’d had.

Her chest tightened as she stared at him, her thoughts racing. She had always known Maan could be thoughtful in his own understated way but tonight had shown her a different side of him. He hadn’t just stepped in when she needed someone; he’d gone above and beyond. The bath, the food, the simple act of staying to keep her company, each single gesture of his today was filled with such warmth and care.

She swallowed hard as a wave of emotion washed over her. I’d go through this twice a month, she thought, if it meant moments like this with him.

The realisation hit her with the force of a tidal wave. It wasn’t just that she liked him as her boyfriend, though she did, more than she had ever thought possible. It was deeper than that, a warmth spreading through her chest that no amount of cramps or discomfort could dampen. She was falling in love with Maan Singh Khurana.

The thought scared her and thrilled her all at once. She had been cautious with her heart after she had lost her parents at a young age and had been disappointed by her family as she grew up. But with Maan, it felt… different. He wasn’t just attentive or charming, he was steady. He was someone who showed, in every small and big way, what it meant to care for someone.

As Maan finished clearing the table, he turned back to her, his brow furrowing slightly when he noticed the faraway look on her face. “Geet” he said softly, moving closer. “You alright? You’ve gone…” he paused wondering what word he could possibly use. He wasn’t going to say scary, though he was a little hesitant. “quiet” he finished.

“Yeah” she said quickly snapping out of her thoughts. “I’m fine”.

He crouched beside her chair, his eyes searching hers though now curious with a hint of concern. “You sure? You’re looking at me like you’re about to say something profound or yell at me. Hard to tell with you” he informed.

She laughed softly. “No yelling, I promise”.

Maan tilted his head, watching her closely. “Then what is it?”

Geet hesitated, her heart pounding as she tried to find the right words. She wanted to tell him how much this evening had meant to her, how every small gesture of his had made her feel seen and valued in a way she wasn’t used to. But instead, she reached out, cupping his face gently in her hands.

“Thank you” she said simply, her voice barely above a whisper.

His brow furrowed. “For what?”

“For everything” she replied, her eyes glistening. “For staying. For making today so much better. For… showing me what it means to be cared for”.

Maan’s expression softened, his hands resting on her knees as he held her gaze. “You don’t have to thank me for that, Geet. That’s what I’m here for”.

Her heart swelled at his words, and she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his. “I know” she murmured. “And that’s what makes you so… amazing”.

Maan chuckled softly, his fingers brushing against her arm. “If you’re trying to butter me up, it’s working but I am not giving up my virginity”.

“You really expect me to believe you’re a virgin?”

“I could be saving myself for someone special” he said raising his head up proudly.

“Oh really?” she arched her brow.

He grinned teasingly. “I’m a born again virgin. It’s been years… like last time college days so that’s sort of a virgin”.

“You’re crazy!” she said with a laugh.

“I’m your crazy, Geet Handa”.

Geet laughed, but the tears she had been holding back spilled over. Maan froze, his thumbs moving instinctively to wipe them away. “Hey” he said gently. “Why are you crying again?”

She shook her head, unable to fully explain the overwhelming emotion bubbling inside her. “Because… you make me feel safe, Maan. You… you make me laugh and smile like I have nothing to worry about. You make me feel like I’m not alone”.

“You’re not” he said firmly, his voice steady. “Not now. Not ever”.

Geet smiled through her tears, her heart swelling with a love she hadn’t been ready to name until now. As he pulled her into a warm embrace, she knew without a doubt that she wasn’t just falling for Maan Singh Khurana. She was already in love with him.