Chapter 6

InkedImagination

@Queen0fDarkness

Chapter 6 - Meeting the Parents

The Khurana mansion was every bit as grand as she had imagined, with high ceilings, polished marble floors, and crystal chandeliers that seemed to command the very air. She kept her gaze composed, taking in her surroundings with a subtle curiosity that didn’t betray the surge of emotions coursing through her.

As they entered the sitting room, Maan gently squeezed her hand before letting go. “Maa, Dad,” he called, his tone calm but firm, “I’d like you to meet Geet”.

Raj and Veena Khurana were seated, their presence as commanding as the space they occupied. Veena, in an intricately draped silk saree, rose first, her eyes sharp and assessing as she approached with a measured elegance. Raj followed, his tall frame exuding quiet authority, his expression unreadable.

Geet adjusted her posture slightly, allowing a confident smile to bloom on her lips. She had spent years preparing for moments like this. She stepped forward with a subtle bow of her head, her voice warm but composed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both”.

Veena’s eyes lingered on Geet’s saree for the briefest moment before flicking back to her face. Her expression softened just a fraction. “Welcome, Geet,” she said, her voice smooth and polite. “Maan’s told us about you”.

Raj offered a nod, his deep voice following his wife’s greeting. “Good to meet you, Geet”.

“Thank you for having me,” Geet replied graciously. She held their gazes confidently, projecting warmth but leaving just enough mystery in her demeanour.

Maan watched the exchange closely, the corners of his lips twitching into a small smile. He could see the subtle nod of approval in his mother’s eyes and the way his father’s expression softened, even slightly. Geet had already begun making an impression.

“Shall we sit?” Veena suggested, gesturing toward the seating area. “We have much to talk about”.

As they moved toward the plush sofas, Maan placed a hand lightly on Geet’s back, guiding her gently. The evening was just beginning, but Maan already felt a sense of pride and ease. Geet, as always, was more than he could have hoped for.

And Geet? She knew she had taken the first step into the lion’s den, and she was ready for whatever lay ahead.

Veena directed her initial question, her sharp eyes studied Geet while Raj watched silently scrutinising her. “So, Maan tells us that you work at Ravenwood Financials? That is quite an achievement at such a young age. They’re a prominent business and are growing each year”.

“Thank you” Geet responded with a smile. “I’m very lucky to have great mentors and opportunities to develop my skills”.

“And what exactly is your role there?” Veena pressed, her tone casual but her gaze intent.

“I’m a data scientist,” Geet said, her voice steady. “I specialise in predictive analytics and developing models to identify market trends. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding”.

Raj leaned forward slightly, his first real engagement in the conversation. “A field like that requires a sharp mind and meticulous attention to detail. What drew you to it?”

Geet met his gaze confidently. “I’ve always been curious about problem-solving and finding patterns in chaos. Data science felt like a natural extension of that curiosity. It’s like solving a puzzle....each piece of information adds to the bigger picture”.

Raj nodded slowly, his expression unreadable, but Geet caught the slight upward twitch of his lips.

Maan glanced at her, his admiration evident. He knew his parents’ scrutiny was relentless, yet Geet handled each question with poise, effortlessly navigating their probing inquiries.

“Geet,” Raj began, his voice deep and measured, “you’ve spoken about your career and your ambitions, but I’m curious…what about your family? Where do you come from?”

Geet set her glass down delicately, her expression shifting ever so slightly into one of thoughtful reflection. She had anticipated this question and was ready. “I don’t have a family, Mr Khurana,” she said softly, meeting his gaze directly. “I was orphaned at a young age”.

The revelation brought a pause to the table. Veena’s brows lifted in mild surprise, and even Raj’s usually impassive expression flickered with intrigue. Maan, sitting beside Geet, turned to her with a look of quiet admiration, unaware of the calculated nature of her words.

“You were orphaned?” Veena echoed, her brows arched up in surprise. “That must have been incredibly difficult”.

“It was,” Geet admitted, her voice carrying just the right amount of vulnerability. “But I was fortunate to be placed in a care home where the staff were supportive. They encouraged us to dream big and to believe that our circumstances didn’t define us”.

Raj leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table. “And yet, here you are,” he said, his voice tinged with admiration. “You’ve come such a long way, especially without the guidance or resources most would take for granted. That’s no small feat”.

“Thank you,” Geet said with a gracious smile. “I’ve always believed that challenges can either break you or shape you. For me, they became a source of motivation. I knew I wanted a better life, and I was determined to work hard for it”.

Veena’s gaze softened, though her sharpness remained. “That determination is commendable,” she said, her voice thoughtful. “Many in your position might have succumbed to bitterness or despair. It says a lot about your character that you’ve turned hardship into strength”.

Geet inclined her head slightly. “I’ve been lucky to have encountered people along the way who supported me....teachers, mentors, even strangers who believed in me when I needed it most. They reminded me that success is never truly a solo journey, even if it sometimes feels like one”.

Raj nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “That perspective is rare,” he remarked. “Most people forget to acknowledge the role of others in their success. It’s refreshing to hear”.

“Life has taught me humility,” Geet replied smoothly. “Every challenge I’ve faced has been a reminder that no one achieves anything worthwhile without a little help”.

Veena regarded Geet with renewed interest, her earlier scepticism easing slightly. “It’s clear you’ve not only overcome adversity but thrived because of it. That’s something to be proud of”.

“Thank you,” Geet said, her voice warm but measured. Inside, she felt a flicker of satisfaction. She had crafted her responses carefully, weaving a story that painted her as resilient, humble, and self-made.....everything that would impress the Khuranas without raising suspicions.

Maan, who had remained silent during the exchange, reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze under the table. “I told you my parents would be impressed,” he murmured softly.

Geet smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with feigned shyness. “They’ve been very kind,” she replied, her tone modest.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Geet allowed herself a moment to exhale internally. The Khuranas were formidable, but tonight, she had played her part perfectly. She knew they were still scrutinising her, but for now, she had passed their test.

Her fabricated story of resilience had not only shielded her identity but had also won their approval. The first crack in their armour had appeared, and Geet knew she was one step closer to her goal.

Geet stepped out into the cool evening air taking a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes feeling Maan’s presence looming behind her.

“Are you ok?” he inquired softly, he placed his hand on the small of her back and looked concerned. “They were too much, weren’t they?” he said.

Geet chuckled softly and shook her head. “I’m ok and no, they weren’t too much” she plastered a smile. Such a beautiful smile, he always wanted to see her like this he thought. “They were nice”.

“Nice isn’t a word that I usually associate with them, but I guess they did behave” he said with a laugh.

Geet smiled. “Thank you for inviting me. Dinner was lovely and your house – actually castle maybe is amazing”.

“Not a castle” he corrected with a chuckle.

“After the tour, I’d think your parents are competing with the King’s palace”.

He chuckled and stared at her in wonderment. A cool breeze brushed by, her curls brushed against her face and she lifted her hand up to tuck her curls when he got there first. Geet looked at Maan, his eyes lit up with happiness, crinkling in the corners. Slowly, they drifted down to her lips and she did everything within her to keep composed.

“I love you, Geet” he whispered softly before he cradled her cheek and kissed her.

Geet closed her eyes, her hands rested on his forearms for a moment before she’d curled them into fists. She reminded herself to keep up with the act. It was all part of it.

It’s all part of the act. Don’t forget why you’re here, she told herself, her heart hardening even as his kiss grew a fraction deeper.

To Maan, her response must have seemed genuine. She tilted her head ever so slightly, letting him believe she was reciprocating. Her movements were deliberate, measured, ensuring that he saw what he wanted to see - a woman swept away by the moment.

Inside, though, her emotions churned violently. There was a flicker of something she couldn’t name, a whisper of doubt that she shoved down with brutal force. She couldn’t afford to feel anything but the cold resolve that had carried her this far.

When Maan finally pulled back, his face was radiant, his smile filled with a happiness that pierced her like a blade. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Geet forced herself to smile, her fingers unclenching as she smoothed down his sleeves. “I think I might have an idea,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her.

He laughed, brushing his thumb gently against her cheek before stepping back, still holding her hand. “You’re incredible, Geet” he said, shaking his head as though he couldn’t believe his luck.

As he turned his gaze to the night sky, Geet’s smile faltered for the briefest moment. She looked at him, at the man who was slowly falling in love with her and felt a pang of guilt she hadn’t anticipated. But then she remembered Meera, her sister’s smile, her laughter, and the cruel way it had all been stolen from her.

The guilt evaporated, replaced by the burning resolve that had driven her for years. She wasn’t here to fall in love. She was here to destroy the man who had walked away unscathed from the wreckage of her family.

Her smile returned, brighter and more convincing than before. “I need to get going now” she murmured softly.

“I’ll drop you off” he said gesturing to his car.

“No, don’t. I’ll get an uber” she responded with a shake of her head and smiled at him.

“Don’t be silly, Geet. Why would you spend money on…”

“Maan, please”.

He reluctantly agreed and waited with her for the uber. Once it arrived, he opened the door and leaned down brushing her lips with his once more before he bid her goodbye and watched as she left.

Maan smiled, his lips tingled from their first kiss. Warmth spread through his chest and his heart skipped a beat. Geet was a beacon of light in his life, a light that chased away his nightmares and soothed his overwhelming guilt that threatened to consume him on a daily basis.

He turned around and headed inside. Raj and Veena were sat in the living area now. Raj settled back with a glass of scotch, his table on his lap as he scrolled through reports. Veena had kicked off her heels and leaned against Raj while she flicked through her book.

“Has she gone?” Raj questioned as he noticed Maan returning inside.

“Yes. Thank you for being civil with her” he said with a playful smile.

Veena glanced up, one perfectly arched brow raised. “Civil? We’re always civil”

Maan smirked. “You know what I mean. So, how do you really feel about Geet?”

Veena exchanged a glance with Raj, her expression thoughtful. “I’ll admit, I was sceptical at first. But she surprised me. She’s intelligent, well-spoken, and carries herself with grace. She isn’t the type to be intimidated, and she clearly knows her worth”

Raj set his tablet aside, folding his arms as he joined the conversation. “She’s sharp, Maan. You’ve found someone with beauty and brains. That’s rare, especially in our social circles”

Veena nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at her lips. “She’s not like the frivolous trophy wives I see clinging to the arms of some of our acquaintances. Those women can barely hold a conversation without sounding ridiculous”

Raj chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Finally, someone who could keep up with your mother in a discussion without her rolling her eyes in boredom”

Veena smirked, shooting him a playful glare. “You’re not wrong”

Maan’s chest swelled with pride as he listened. “She’s amazing,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “I knew you’d like her once you got to know her”

“She’s a good match,” Veena said giving him her approval. “But relationships aren’t just about compatibility on paper, Maan. They require effort, understanding, and patience”

“I know, maa” Maan replied, his voice steady. “And I’m ready to give that. She’s worth it”

Raj leaned back in his chair, observing his son with a critical yet approving gaze. “You’ve come a long way, Maan. I can see how serious you are about her, and I respect that. But remember, relationships are also about shared goals and trust. Make sure she’s aligned with what you want out of life”

Maan nodded, his thoughts briefly drifting to the moments he shared with Geet that evening... the way she laughed, the spark in her eyes when she spoke passionately about her work. “She is,” he said firmly. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before” he admitted.

Raj and Veena shared a knowing look and smiled.

“You’re both old – stop making gooey eyes at each other” Maan stated and turned around heading for his bedroom. As he climbed the stairs to his room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Geet was different....special. He had no idea that the woman he was falling for was the very storm he had unknowingly invited into his world, a storm that threatened to shatter everything he held dear.