Maneet FF: You are always on my mind. AN on P 150 - Page 52

please update soon...

Dear lovely readers,

I apologize for being late with my update, unfortunately I wasn't getting inspired to write. Finally today I woke up and knew exactly how I wanted the story to continue..

I spent a few hours writing the update and it is longer than usual to make up for keeping you all waiting for an extra 4 days.

Enjoy

Polki

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Part 24

They were soon approaching Shimla and for the first time Geeta wondered why Radha had picked Shimla as their destination. She decided to ask, it was always better to ask than to stay curious, after all curiosity killed George.

Geet, "Radha, why did you pick Shimla to come to?"

Radha, "Because we can stay here for free for as long as we like." She said matter of factly, "plus it is beautiful and we are within driving distance of Manali and Kullu too."

Geeta, "Free, what do you mean we can stay here for free?, I clearly see that you have a hotel on the itinerary, hotels charge money Radha, that is how they work."

Radha, "Yes, we are going to a hotel, but it is going to be free for us, since my mom's cousin owns it. While I was deciding where we were going to go, I talked to my mom, to find out if I have any family in India and she filled me in, I have a few cousins and very distant relatives in Delhi and I have some family here in Shimla, I am sure there are more people hiding who are related to me, but I didn't push the subject when I heard Shimla. It was the perfect place to escape from the Delhi heat."

Geeta, "You have family here? Radha, I didn't want this to be a family reunion trip and I definitely didn't want to be an outsider living amongst your family."

Radha, "Its not like that, I only have my mom's cousin here, I am sure he is busy all day in hotel business, so no one will disturb us, and you can never be an outsider with my family, after all we are sistas" she smiled at Geeta.

Radha was right, they were sisters, ever since they had met each other there was this bond that seemed to mean more than friendship, it tied them in a sisterhood.

Geeta, "Okay if you say so, so how is this cousin of your mom's related to her?"

Radha, "I think he is my Indian Opa's uncle's son. So far relative, plus he is old now, since he is probably the age my- what do you call them-, Dadaji, yes Dadaji would have been. My mom said that during summer holidays when most of the family was in India, all the kids would descend down on Shimla for summer vacations, and all the parents would take turns coming a week at a time to keep them in control."

Geeta, "That sounds wonderful, so what is this Uncle's name?"

Radha looked confused and guilty, "I forgot to ask my mom, but never mind, I guess we can call him Dadaji, after all he is my Dadaji's cousin."

They reached Shimla around 3pm and found the hotel relatively easily. Radha went in first to meet her relative and Geeta called Adi while waiting for Radha to return.

Adi and Maan pick up their respective phones as soon as they realize that Geeta is calling.

Adi, "Hello, Geeta beta."

Geeta, "Hello, Adi Mausa."

Adi, "Beta you got to Shimla?"

Geeta, "Yes, we got here safely and Radha is inside the hotel. I thought I would call you before I joined her, just to let you know we are safe so that you don't worry."

Adi, "Beta you are so considerate, didn't want your Mausa worried, and it is a good thing you called, since your Masi has been calling me every 15 mins for the last hour to find out if I heard from you."

Geeta giggled, "Well Pinky Masi is just like mom, worrying always for no reason at all. I should get going now, too. I see Radha coming. Will call you tomorrow. Bye"

Adi, "Bye Beta."

Once Geeta hung up, Adi talked to Maan.

Adi, "Happy now, I had to lie to the child and tell her it was Pinky who was calling every 15 mins when we both know who the real culprit is.."

Maan, "I couldn't help it, I thought maybe since I changed my phone her calls weren't also being diverted to my new number. Papa hoon na, chinta toh hoagie na."

Adi, "Maan, she is after all your daughter, she will find a way to find out whose number that is that she has, I am telling you I have a sixth sense about things like this."

Maan, "Adi I am being extra careful, don't worry."

Adi, "If you say so, who can contradict the ever confident MSK." Saying this Adi laughed and hung up the phone.

Maan was left wondering if Adi was right, no he couldn't be right, he had taken all the precautions to avoid Geeta from finding out the identity of the person whose number she possessed. He had called the telephone company and had put his number for a temporary time on standby, he had also asked them to not give anyone information about him, they had told him that they never shared personal information about their customers with any third parties. He also made it an unlisted number. This was if anyone tried to look him up they would reach a dead end. He had covered all bases and he was confident.

In Shimla, Geeta and Radha were settling into the cottage that they had been shown to by Radha's relative. He told them that although he knew that they were here just for a break he still expected them to have two meals with him during their stay, their first and last meal in Shimla. He told them to come to the main building at 7pm'

The two girls relaxed and took short naps, eventually the got up and got dressed for dinner. Geeta called Geet to let her know her whereabouts and about their trip so far, she told her that they were planning to stay in Shimla for atleast a week so that they could also go visit Kullu and Manali.

Geet was glad that the girls had managed to get to Shimla without any incidents, she still wasn't sure if the trip was a good idea, but she was relieved that so far the girls hadn't gotten into any trouble which would have given Maan a chance to tell her, "I told you so."

At 7 sharp Geeta and Radha waited for Dadaji in the main lobby, he came and gave them both a grandfatherly hug, Geeta was a little emotional, she thought to herself, "oh! This is what a grandparent's hug feels like, it is nice and warm, sorta like a nice sweet potato pie with all the right spices," she smiled and laughed at herself, ever since she had landed in India, she had started to describe everything in terms of spices and food. What was happening?

As the three sat at the dining table in the private residence, Dadaji asked Geeta about herself.

Dadaji, "Beta, hum toh Radha kei bare mein kaafi kuch jaante hain, parantu apke bare mein kuch nahi paata, aap kaha sai hoon, aapke parivar mein kitne log hain?, aap kya padh rahi hoon?" realizing he was bombarding her with multiple questions he said, "beta sorry for asking so many questions."

Geeta, "It's okay Dadaji, aapka haak banta hain. My name is Geeta Khurana. I am from New York City and mere parivar mein sirf doh sadasyah hain, meeri Mamma aur mein. I am studying architecture at Harvard and that is here I met Radha."

Dadaji, "Khurana! Oh, I have some family in Delhi who are Khurana's you may know them. Savitri and her family."

Geeta, "Sorry Dadaji, I don't know any Khurana's in Delhi. I believe my mom is from Delhi, but she doesn't have any family. As for the name Khurana, someone once told me it was a moderately common name in India" she said smiling.

Dadaji, "Your mom is from Delhi, that is nice, did she grow up in Delhi?"

Geeta, "I don't know, I never asked, the opportunity to ask never came up. All I know is that she talks about Delhi as home."

Dadaji, "Oh, okay. Well you are studying architecture like our Radha here, I guess she convinced you to come to India to study with her."

Geeta, "Dadaji, Radha hain hi aisi, he gets crazy ideas and like a tornado comes and takes over your plans too" Geeta was now laughing.

Radha, "I never held a gun to your head, you came here on your own, plus everyone wants to do what Radha is doing, I am a trend setter, just not in fashion, looking at her choice of outfit for the evening."

At this point all three burst out laughing.

Dadaji, "I feels so good to have life in the house, you girls are a breath of fresh air."

Radha, "Well of course we are, you live here all by yourself, you need a Dadiji."

Dadaji, "Radha, my age of finding a new Dadiji is gone, but I wouldn't mind all the kids coming once in a while to visit, like they used to all those years ago." He got a little teary eyed, but on seeing Radha's concerned face, he changed the topic.

Dadaji, " Radha and Geeta, I know you both are studying Architecture, are you both going to need to do internships?"

Radha, "Yes we need to do internships, but you can't bribe us to stay here by offering us internships" she winked at Dadaji.

Dadaji, "Why didn't I think of that earlier, I could have fired all the staff and made you too inters here, free work experience isn't that what they say?" he laughed, "Beta I wasn't thinking of here, you know the relatives I mentioned in Delhi, they have a huge Construction and Architectural firm, I could try to talk to Savitri and see if she can do something. "

Radha, "Dadaji how come I don't know anything about her?"

Dadaiji, "Didn't your mom tell you, I thought she would have remembered since you were coming to Delhi and all. Savitri and my wife were sisters. Your mom played with her grandkids when they all were young. I am amazed she forgot."

Radha, "Dadaji I don't think she forgot, it may have been that I didn't listen." She made a face and continued, "Sometimes I get like that, I remember her telling me that we had family in Delhi and after that all is a blur."

Dadaji, "Never mind, I will talk to her tomorrow about internships for both of you and pass your number to her, okay beta."

Dinner was almost done and they were completely full, when Dadaji suggested dessert, both girls threw their hands in the air and refused. Holding their stomachs, they both gestured at the same time that they were going to blow up if they ate another bite. Dadaji was surprised how both the girls were in sync with each other; they seemed to act like twins. He smiled thinking how beautiful friendships truly were.

The girls excused themselves and went back to their cottage; they were so excited that they may actually have internships. The road trip was fun, but something better had come out of it an opportunity to get real world experience. Wait they shouldn't count their chickens before they hatch, what if Savitriji couldn't get them spots in the company intern program, after all from what they heard it seemed that it was a very well-known company and they were sure that there would be others too in line to get the few spots available. Never mind they needed to stay positive and everything would fall in place.

A week passed by so fast, the girls had visited Kullu and Manali too while in Shimla and had thoroughly enjoyed their experience. On their last day once again, they had lunch with Dadaji as promised.

Dadaji, "Beta, you both have everything packed and ready right? Also the car is full with petrol, you have money, you have the directions to get home?"

Geeta, "Dadaji please don't worry, we are fine. Stuff is packed and is already in the car, the car has been filled with petrol and Radha drove here so she knows the way back home. As for money we have enough to get us pack to Delhi without any problems even if an emergency arises."

Dadaji, "It is an old habit and now I am too old to change my habits, so forgive me."

Radha, "What is there to forgive, Dadaji, you were worried and concerned for us, we should be happy that we are so lucky that people care for us."

Dadaji, "You girls are good girls, always remain this way." He was starting to get emotional and quickly wiped his tear and said, "look I almost forgot to tell you, that I spoke to Savitri yesterday and she was so happy to hear that Yuvraj's grand-daughter was in town. She said she wants to meet you as soon as possible. I also spoke to her about the internship also and she said it wouldn't be a problem for you and Geet to get in as long as you both are prepared to work hard. She said she would talk to her grandson.

Radha, "Thank you Dadaji, I will go see her day after tomorrow. I need her address and phone number so that I can get in touch with her. "

Dadaji, "I already have all that info, here it is." He passed her a piece of paper.

They were done with lunch and both girls hugged Dadaji and started their journey home.

The trip to Delhi was uneventful. Radha had decided to dive straight to Delhi and although Geeta was concerned, she didn't stop Radha. Once Radha had decided to do something she was going to do it. Apart from a few short stops for food and petrol, they drove straight. The got to Delhi in about 8 hours.

Walking into their apartment the girls realized how much they had missed home. This was their home, they were surprised though that a lot had been changed while they were away, the walls had been painted in cooler pastel tones, the pictures were not dark and gloomy but bright and happy. Geeta loved the whole feel of the place, whereas Radha was upset.

Geeta turing to Radha, "Isn't this wonderful, don't you feel alive?"

Radha with a long face, "Yeah, it is wonderful, but they took all the pictures, the wonderful pictures."

As she was listening to Radha, Geeta's eyes fell on a note on the kitchen counter, she looked at it and read it aloud,

"Girls the apartments has been re-decorated as to your specifications. Geeta, your mother informed me that you were uncomfortable with the dark and gloomy nature of the apartment, after discussing with her your likes and dislikes this is what we have done. Also Radha Geeta's mother was quick to inform me that contrary to Geeta you actually liked the decor of the place, so I have taken the liberty to leave your room exactly the way it as with the exception that there were some more pictures added.

Please feel free to get intouch with me through Ms. Geet Khurana if you both have any other problems. Out company aims to please out clients while they are in our care.

With regards,

Your Landlord.

On hearing what the letter said, Radha ran to her room and didn't come out for about an hour, Geeta was starting to get worried, she had already called Pinky Masi to tell her that they had arrived back home and had also called Geet to let her know that they were now home and that she loved the new dcor. She told her the plans for the next day, they were going to meet, Radha's relative and had gotten a push in the right direction for an internship. Geet was happy that Geeta wasn't just focusing on fun and games but was also being responsible. She felt proud of herself, she had raised Geeta right. After about 30 mins of talking about the trip and the sights they saw and their trip to and from Shimla, Geet could hear the tiredness in Geeta's voice. She knew if she told her daughter to go and rest she would rebel and refuse, so she told Geeta that she had some work to do and that they would talk another time.

Geeta was relieved as she was now really tired, she went looking for Radha to make sure she was fine. She knocked on Radha's door and entered and what she saw made her burst out laughing as she had never seen Radha like this. Radha was standing like a statue staring at a picture, she had a small smile on her face. Geeta could see the beauty in the picture too, it was a beautiful depiction of architecture. Radha noticed Geeta nearby and told her, this picture is called Real Palacio, Madrid, it was done in 1999 solely in Charcoal, a pencil can create such wonders. It was done by Jennifer Annesley who said that "The foyer of the Royal Palace in Madrid is overwhelmingly powerful and majestic. The ceiling frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto and the Tuscan columns combine to draw the eye up, leaving the viewer awestruck."

Radha turned to Geeta and said, "This is why I want to be an architect, I want to create beauty on paper with a pencil and want to see it translated into reality that will leave everyone awestruck."

Geeta, "Me too, I want to create something that will leave people wondering what they did before I came around. I know it will be difficult but I am sure if I put my mind to it, nothing is impossible."

They turned once again to the picture and stood there for another few minutes in silence promising themselves that they would work hard and support each other in fulfilling their goals. Finally Geeta told Radha that she was going to sleep as tomorrow was going to be another day full of new experiences.

Radha agreed and went to bed too.

The next day, after breakfast as the girls were unpacking their bags, Geeta pulled out Radha's notepad out of her backpack. She looked at the list and thought of calling the number again. She dialled and was disappointed, the message on the other end said that the number was not valid anymore. She dialled once again thinking that she may have mixed up the number, but once again she was greeted by the same message. She fell into the chair in disbelief, a week ago this number was working just fine, and now what happened. She looked defeated.

Radha saw Geeta looking sad and asked what had happened. Geeta couldn't speak and just pointed at the number and shook her head signalling negative.

Radha walked over to Geeta and pulled her into a hug, she told her, "Don't worry, we will solve this mystery if not today than tomorrow, don't be upset, I told you I would help and I will, just don't be sad. There are other ways to find out the truth."

Geeta looked at Radha and hugged her tighter, telling her that she believed her.

Radha, "now since we are done unpacking, lets write a short CV so that we have something to give to Savitri Dadi when we go to meet her, so what if she is family we still need to be professional. After all we are asking for an opportunity to work in her company.

The girls started working on the CVs just when they thought they were done, Radha's computer crashed. She tried everything to revive it but no luck.

Geeta, "You know Sameer seems to know a lot about computers, I know he is only 17 but if I had to trust anyone with making your computer Zinda, it would be him."

Radha, "why don't you call him and ask him to come over after school. Bribe him if you have to, this way we can go visit Savitridadi in the afternoon. The sooner we pass our CVs to her the better."

Geeta called Sameer who was more than happy to come and fix the computer in exchange for some pocket money. Geeta wasn't happy but she was okay with giving her cousin some money to get the job done, she promised him that she would utter a word of their conversation to Pinky Masi.

At 1:30pm Sameer came to the apartment after telling Pinky that he was going to hand out with the girls when she inquired where he was off to. On hearing that she packed lunch for the girls and sent him on his way.

Sameer, "Geeta, I am not your courier, look now mom has me bringing you both food" he grumbled.

Radha, "Stop grumbling, else I will tell you mom, why you agreed to come here in the first place. You want the money or not?"

Sameer laughed nervously, "I was just joking, no need to get mad. Let's see what is wrong with your computer." He sat down in front of the computer.

He opened the computer and pressed the power on button and to Radha and Geeta's surprise the computer started without any problems.

Sameer stated to laugh, "You girls can't even start a computer on your own, you need a man for this too."

As soon as the words left his mouth he knew he was in trouble, one second the girls were in the kitchen area the next they were beating him.

Sameer, "Look I didn't mean it that way, I really thought you guys could take a joke, come on stop hitting, what will I tell mom when I go back looking beaten up."

Geeta, "Tell her we beat you up and why., I am sure she will be more than happy to take a few swings at you too."

Sameer, "I promise I was just joking. I promise never to do it again, please let me go."

Radha, "Fine on one condition."

Sameer, "Name your price."

Radha, "We are trying to find some info but we are hitting dead ends, maybe you can help us."

Sameer, "A mystery, great count me in, what is it?"

Geeta looked at Radha with hesitation, she wasn't sure that Sameer was the best person to reach out to for help. After all, what if he told his parents about what they were doing by mistake.

Radha knew what was going through Geeta's mind and spoke once again, "I am trying to get in touch with an an old friend but all I have is his number and I tried calling it but it seems to be disconnected, only last week it was working. I tried to look the number up on the internet, but no luck, I was wondering if maybe it was registered in his parents' name. This way I can get his home number if I can find out their names. I tried calling the telephone company but they said that they don't give out personal information to third parties. I was wondering if you could tell me how to get this info.

Sameer, "Well it seems you have tried all the normal routes, let's see maybe we can try this, I have a friend whose brother I think works in the telephone industry, maybe he can help you out."

Radha, "That sounds wonderful, here is the number," she gave Sameer a small piece of paper. "Also my email address is on it, so he can send me the info as soon as he gets it."

Sameer, "I will pass the number and email address onto him. It shouldn't take long, when you have the right connections things get done faster." He winked at Radha.

Geeta looked at Sameer winking at Radha, she asked herself, "was he trying to flirt with her right now, someone needs to teach him how to flirt,' just as she was about to say something, Radha spoke, "Sameer do you have something in your eye, be careful, the eyes need to be protected. Also thanks for all your help."

Geeta saw her cousin looking defeated. Poor soul had just made a pass at a girl and had failed miserably. She would talk to him another day, when they had more time.

Geeta, "Sameer we are going to have lunch now, you want to join us?"

Sameer still a little sad, "No I think I am going to go home and get started on this assignment taht Radha gave me."

After Sameer left the girls had their lunch and Radha finished her CV and they left for Savitri Dadi's house.

Spoiler

Identical I say..

Make sure you hit the like button and comment..since this is an uber long update

<3 youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.. will read and commeent

plz update soon....😃

superb!...

nice long one plz update the next one soon

Hey Polki,

That was long udpate, thnx!

That was a good vacation...Radha is related to Khurana's...so distance cousin w/Geeta. I was wondering how Radha is going to fit in this story!?!

So, next is meeting with Geeta's grand-mother...can't wait.....

-Sona

hey...that was awesome...really nice..

Im so delighted to see Ur Long Update😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃