Chapter Thirteen
Grand Palace II was the second of the extremely beautiful, eco-friendly and not to mention expensive chain of hotels in India. There was one in every tourist destination and metropolis worth its salt. And since Maan always went for the best, he had decided to give his party at this very hotel.
Geet was getting more nervous by the minute. The pastas and chicken tandooris had long since been placed into the hands of the expert chefs, some of them Michelin stars. The decorations had been done too-Geet had instinctively avoided flowers and gone for an antique look instead, with lovely potraits adorning the walls with a grand dusty piano she had called for at the last minute from an antique shop. Maan had asked for a classic theme and Geet had gone for it. Even the walls were tastefully covered with wallpaper in soft pastel shades.
But there were no banners, no indication what the party was for. That was precisely what Maan had wanted, but instead of being pleased, it irritated her. The guests did not share her sentiments-they were used to parties thrown without any reason. It was just a good opportunity to socialize, make business contacts, the usual…
Finally, Maan Singh Khurana made his much-awaited entry-no jazz, no hoots-a simple and elegant entry that silenced the chatter of his business associates, and their multiple wives and girlfriends.
Maan hated parties-but this was one important. He had to tell everyone the truth. They deserved to know-especially Geet, considering that in this entire world, she was the only person who knew him in and out. Despite her being a new employee, he hated to admit it, but, he always had the feeling that she was looking into his soul.
But right now, she was busy looking into the theme of the party, analyzing each and every color and decoration Maan had specifically insisted on. No red-this definitely was not a romantic celebration…no bright colors..definitely not a happy party..no black and white, so this couldn't be a social do…just a normal simple dcor. It was driving her crazy. Finally she decided that since Maan had made his grand entry, she might as well as listen to what he was saying.
"Ladies and gentleman," he said, taking the mike. "Today I'd like to introduce a very special person to you. She is a business associate of mine who has flown down from London to meet me. May I present to you-Sameera Fernandes!"
Everyone gave a round of raucous applause, though they were confused as to who she was. Geet felt a chill run down her spine. Maan's friend? Who was this woman? She felt a surge of unexpected jealousy in her as a pretty curly-haired woman stepped up on the dias and beamed at the clicking cameras. The flash of light temporarily blinded Geet-as well as Maan. He shoved his hand down in his pocket, trying to control his smile as he saw a surprised Geet walking away, feeling unusually angry.
"So Maan Sir has this girlfriend and he did not even bother to tell me," she thought, making her way towards the washroom. "Babaji, yeh kya kismet hai meri? Ab dusht danav ke saat chintak chudail bhi aa jayegi…" She was feeling more annoyed that she was actually annoyed though.
Sameera leaned over and whispered in Maan's ears. "Thanks for the welcome Maan."
"My pleasure," commented Maan, sarcasm heavy in his voice.
He was feeling so trapped, so suffocated. How was he ever going to explain this to Geet?
Wait a minute-why did he have to explain this to Geet? Sameera's entry wouldn't have any affect on her.
Geet came back again, and composing herself walked up and told Sameera, "Ma'am, main Maan sir ki secretary. You need anything just call me."
"Your secretary's accent is soo…countryside," said Sameera, sneering. Maan looked at Geet who was about ready to slap her.
Much to Geet's shock, Maan did not defend her. Instead he grabbed Sameera's elbow-suspiciously forcefully-and led her to the food and drinks table, leaving her standing there mystified.
"So…you're not MK's favourite anymore," said Sasha, casually walking over to Geet.
"I was never one," Geet said, mourning the fact that Babaji did not seem to be listening to her prayers.
The whole evening Geet flitted around Maan and Sameera, and it was obvious that they were behaving like a couple. The journalists shared her views-they were ready with scandalous articles on the appearance of this new woman in Maan's life. The gossip circles were on fire. Maan's social life had changed from a private unlisted number to that of the ones advertised on hoardings in the city-as if screaming-call me!
At the end, as a group of tired party maniacs filed out of the hall, a tipsy Sameera held on to Maan's arm, giggling like a kindergarten kid. Maan wanted to tell Geet the truth desperately, but she simply walked in front of them, pretending to chat on the phone with someone. Maan's BMW pulled up in front of the hotel.
"Geet, should I drop you home?" Maan offered.
"No thanks," said Geet haughtily. Sameera snickered, and Maan almost let go of her hand.
That was the first time in their life that they realized how possessive they were about each other.
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