Chapter 6

Part 6

Geet paced outside the police station, her stilettos clicking against the pavement. The sun had set hours ago, but her internal storm had no curfew. She clutched a box of Maan’s favorite gulab jamuns, though by now, it felt more like a weapon of mass distraction than a peace offering.

“This is ridiculous” she muttered to herself. “He’s just a guy. A tall, brooding, annoyingly good-looking guy. Why am I even nervous? I’m Geet Handa! I’ve defended people in court without breaking a sweat. I can handle one Maan Singh Khurana.”

But as she pushed open the door to his office and caught sight of him at his desk...shirt sleeves rolled up, hair tousled, his usual frown etched into place...her carefully rehearsed confidence evaporated like a drop of water on a hot pan.

“Geet?” Maan looked up, startled. “What are you doing here?”

“Uh...hi.” She cleared her throat, shoving the box of sweets toward him like it was a court exhibit. “These are for you. Peace offering.”

Maan arched an eyebrow, suspicious. “What did you do now?”

“Why do you always assume I did something?” she huffed, crossing her arms. “Can’t a person just bring sweets without an ulterior motive?”

“With you? No.”

Geet narrowed her eyes, taking a deep breath to keep from throwing the box at his head. Instead, she dropped into the chair across from him, propping her chin on her hand. “Fine. I’ll just get to the point.”

Maan leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “This should be good.”

Geet stared at him, her usual sharp wit momentarily abandoning her. How was she supposed to say this? She’d never been the one to confess first. Then again, nothing about her relationship with Maan had ever followed a conventional script.

“I, uh...” She cleared her throat again, feeling her palms grow clammy. “You’re not as bad as I thought you were.”

Maan blinked. “That’s...progress?”

“I mean,” Geet continued, waving a hand, “you’re still bossy and irritating and have the emotional range of a teaspoon, but...you’re also kind of amazing.”

His ears turned red, but he masked it by looking down at the box of gulab jamuns. “Are you feeling okay? You’re acting weird.”

“I’m serious, Maan,” she said, leaning forward. “You’re brave, and you care about people...even if you hide it behind all that gruffness. And despite your completely irrational obsession with rules and order, you’ve got this...charm.”

Maan’s face was now a deeper shade of pink, his eyes darting everywhere but at her. “Geet, what’s going on? Did you hit your head or something?”

Geet groaned, throwing her hands up. “Why is this so hard? I’m trying to tell you that I like you, you idiot!”

Maan froze, his pen slipping from his fingers and clattering onto the desk. “You...what?”

“I like you,” she repeated, more confidently this time. “Even when you’re being insufferable. Especially when you’re being insufferable. And I know I drive you crazy, but you don’t seem to mind. At least, not enough to stay away.”

Maan’s mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. For a man who prided himself on quick thinking, he looked utterly at a loss for words.

“Say something, will you?” Geet prompted, her frustration mingling with amusement. “This isn’t a courtroom, you know. You’re allowed to speak without being questioned.”

“I, uh...” Maan cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t see this coming.”

“Clearly,” Geet said dryly.

“But,” he continued, his voice softening, “I think I’ve felt the same way for a while. I just...didn’t know how to say it.”

Geet blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. “Really?”

Maan nodded, his blush deepening. “You’re the most infuriating person I’ve ever met. And the most brilliant. And...” He hesitated, as if the next words were too big to say. “You make everything feel...better.”

Geet’s heart skipped a beat, but she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Wow, Maan Singh Khurana, are you blushing?”

“No,” he said quickly, though his reddened face betrayed him.

“You so are!” she laughed, leaning back in her chair. “Who knew the tough cop had a soft side?”

Maan groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Are you going to make fun of me for this forever?”

“Probably,” Geet said, grinning. “But don’t worry. I’ll balance it out by being nice sometimes.”

“How generous,” he muttered, though there was a small smile tugging at his lips.

Geet stood, walking around the desk until she was right in front of him. She leaned down, her face just inches from his. “You’re lucky I like you, ACP. Otherwise, I’d sue you for being this slow on the uptake.”

Maan chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re impossible, Geet.”

“And you’re stuck with me,” she shot back, smiling.

Before he could respond, she leaned in and kissed his cheek...a quick, playful peck that left him momentarily stunned.

“Goodnight, ACP,” she said, grabbing her bag and heading for the door.

Maan watched her go, a slow smile spreading across his face. For once, he didn’t have a comeback.

As Geet disappeared into the night, Maan leaned back in his chair, still feeling the warmth of her kiss on his cheek.

“Yeah” he murmured to himself, “I’m definitely stuck with her. And I don’t mind one bit”