FF: You & I...Collide Part13 pg145 July 27 - Page 73

Geet stared at the woman in disbelief as she tried to process what she'd just heard.

Mrs. Khurana…Mrs. Khurana…

Those were the only words echoing in her mind as she went into a trance of sorts. Sure, she'd always knows that somewhere down the line Maan would have gotten married, Naina confirmed so herself. Geet knew that the title of Mrs. Khurana belonged to some other woman. Yes, it was a title she'd wanted for herself at some point in her life, but that was no longer the case. Yet still, to see her standing there in front of her – it hurt Geet.

"Sam…" someone called.

It was only at the sound of his voice that she came back to reality. Geet focused her eyes to see Maan approach the woman and tap her shoulder. He had just started to lean down towards here when Geet could watch no more. She left the vicinity, the chart she was working on discarded for the time being.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maan had been sitting the waiting room again, as he'd done since the moment he'd gotten to the hospital the day before. He sat silently, his head resting on his hands. However, there was one important difference between a few hours ago and now. A few hours ago, he had been as lost as ever with no idea of what was going on with his sister, now he knew, he knew exactly what was happening to his sister. He now knew that his baby sister had been raped by some monster.

He hurt – he physically hurt – at the thought of what she had been through and what she had yet to go through. If it was possible, he felt even more lost and helpless now than he did when he first arrived. At least then, since he didn't know what was happening, he didn't know what had to be done to help. But now, now he knew and it was killing him that there really was nothing that he could to help his sister.

He was engrossed in a conversation with his lawyer making sure that Naintara's name wasn't leaked to the media when he'd heard her asking for Naintara's room. Initially he though his mind was playing tricks on him. He was desperate for support and so his mind was conjuring up what it thought he needed. But the, he'd looked up and seen her standing at the nurses station giving her name to the nurse. He quickly got to his feet and went to her.

"Sam…" he called.

She turned towards him. The minute her eyes clashes with his, he felt better, stronger. Why shouldn't he? After all, she was his confidant, friend, companion and wife – his wife of nearly ten years.

"Maan…thank God," she said.

She was already holding her arms out to embrace him so Maan leaned down slightly wrapping his arms around her and holding her to him. Knowing she was there for him, Maan suddenly was able to breathe easier than he had been since he'd arrived in Los Angeles.

"What are you doing here?" Maan asked as they pulled out of their embrace.

"What do you mean what I'm doing here?" Sameera asked, rather irritated. "Maan Singh Khurana I could strangle you with my bare hands!"

Maan could see that his wife was getting rather excited which was not a good thing for any one, least of all him.

"Let's talk somewhere else," Maan suggested as he saw the attention they were drawing.

He took her by the arm and began to lead her away when she pointed out her bags. Maan quickly picked up her medium sized luggage before taking her hand again and leading her towards the conference room where Dr. Mehta had taken him when he'd first arrived.

Once they were inside, he put her things down and closed the door. The second she heard the click of the door, she tore into him.

"You have some nerve mister!" she said, with her hands on her hips. "Not only do you not tell me that you are coming to Los Angeles because Naintara is in the hospital, I have to hear it from your bimbo secretary! Your secretary Maan!"

Maan cringed as he thought about how well the conversation between Sameera and Sasha must have gone. Sameera was a woman with a big heart, she never had bad things to say about anyone – anyone except his secretary Sasha. Sure, Sasha was a little on the mean side and really rubbed people the wrong way, but she was an efficient and dedicated worker.

Sameera explained that she had tried to call him but the call went straight to voicemail. She'd left a few messages but when he hadn't called her back, she got worried and ended up calling his office where Sasha had informed her that Maan was in Los Angeles because Naintara was in the hospital.

"You're supposed to be in DC for the conference," Maan said. "I didn't want to take you away from that."

"Oh!" Sameera yelled, "I don't know if I should kiss you for worrying about my career or if I should kill you for thinking my career is more important than my family."

"I didn't want to worry you," Maan said as he took her hand and led her to the couch. "At least not until I knew what was going on."

"Didn't you think I was going to worry not knowing where you were or how you were?" she asked as she gently cupped his face in her palm.

"I'm sorry…" Maan said, "I didn't think of you…I didn't think at all…I got the call and I left."

From the corner of his eyes, he saw her smile faintly. Bringing her hands down, she placed them on top of his, which rested in his lap.

"What happened?" Sameera asked, "How is Naintara? Is she ok?"

"She's not ok," he said.

A frown came on her face as she asked, "Why? What happened?"

Maan took a deep breath before he spoke.

"Naintara was………raped," he finally answered.

He heard her gasp and squeeze his hands hard.

It was the first time he'd actually said the words out loud and his heart shattered into a million pieces.

"I'm so sorry…" Sameera said, "I'm so sorry."

When tears came into his eyes, he didn't know. When he'd laid his head on her shoulder, he didn't know. When he started to hold on to her for dear life, he didn't know. He simply sat there as she stroked his back to calm him.

"I'm sorry to interrupt…" someone called.

Breaking out of their proximity, Maan looked up to find a nurse standing at the door. He sat up straight and began to wipe the tears off of his face as Sameera stood, blocking the nurse from seeing him in such a vulnerable state.

"You're the family for Naintara Khurana?" the nurse asked.

"Yes," Sameera said.

Maan was finally on his feet and began to straighten out his clothing.

"What's wrong?" he asked, worried.

"Nothing. I just wanted to let you know that she has a visitor," the nurse informed.

"Who is it?" Maan asked.

"I'm sorry but I didn't get his name," the nurse said.

"Him…" Maan said. "It's a man?"

"Yes," the nurse answered.

Rage shot through him as he raced out of the room nearly knocking down the nurse. All he knew was that there was a man here to see his sister – a man. Maan was so enraged he didn't even stop as Sameera called after him.

As he entered the emergency department there were a lot of young looking guys, he didn't know which was here for his sister.

"Please if you could tell me where Tara is," Maan heard someone say.

He looked to see a goofy looking boy dressed in jeans and a grey printed shirt.

"Tara?" the nurse at the desk asked.

"I'm sorry I meant Naintara Khurana," the boy said.

Maan didn't know what had gotten into him but before he knew it he was holding the man by his collar.

"What did you do to her?" Maan roared as he shook the man. "I'll kill you, I'll kill you with my bare hands."

Maan suddenly felt himself being restrained and people staring at the commotion he'd just caused. He still held onto the boy's collar despite the security guards urging him to let go and threatening to arrest him.

"Maan…" he heard her soft voice before her felt her hand on his arm.

Turning he saw Sameera, with a look of fear and worry in her eyes. He let go.

"Who are you!?" he yelled, "I'll kill you for hurting my sister."

"What?" the boy asked, as he tried to catch is breath, "What are you talking about?"

"How do you know my sister?" Maan roared.

"Who is your sister?" the boy asked.

"Naintara," Maan said.

"Oh, you're her brother," the man said realizing who he was talking to. "I'm Yash…Yash Desai…I'm Tara's roommate."

Maan stood stunned – his sister was living with a man, no, a boy.

"Is Tara ok? What's going on?" Yash asked.

"How did you know she was here?" Maan asked.

"She…she called me," Yash said, "All she said was that she was in the hospital so I came as soon as I could."

---------------------

Twenty minutes later Maan sat in the conference room with Sameera, the boy named Yash and the officers from before Bill and Steve. Maan immediately wanted to take Yash to the police department to give his statement, but Yash had been adamant about not leaving Naintara – or Tara as he referred to her – in her time of need. Maan had given in only when the nurse informed him that she could call and have the previous officers come in.

Yash sat at the table with the officers sitting across from him, each nursing a cup of coffee. Maan sat with Sameera on the couch so that they wouldn't get in the way of the questioning. Officer Bill turned on a recorder before initiating the questioning.

"What's your name sir?" he asked.

"Yash…Yash Desai," the boy answered.

"How do you know Ms. Naintara?" Officer Steve asked.

"We live together," Yash answered, "She's my roommate."

Maan, whose hand had been lying between Sameera's, squeezed her hand hard. His sister had been living with a man – no, a boy – and he had no idea.

"How long have you been roommates?"

"Even since she came to LA, I'd say just over a year or so," Yash answered.

"Where were you between 9pm and 1015pm two nights ago?" Officer Bill asked.

"I was in San Diego visiting some family," he replied. "I have been there for the four days or so."

"If I'm not mistaken," Officer Steve began as he flipped through a file, "You're a student at USC, right?"

"Yes," Yash answered.

"Aren't they approaching finals next week?"

"Yes," Yash answered with a frown.

"I find it odd that a student would take a trip down to San Diego a week before finals," Officer Steve said.

"My family is actually settled in San Diego. My Dad was in the hospital because he had a stroke, so final or no final, I had to go. I only in LA for school, which is why I have a roommate," Yash said.

"Since you and Naintara are roommates, would you say it's safe to say that you had a pretty good idea of what was going on in her life?" Officers Bill asked.

"Yes of course," Yash said, as he leaned back in his chair, "We are very good friends, she's one of my closest friends."

"Just friends?"

"Yes, just friends," Yash said as if offended by the question. "I have a girlfriend, her name is Pari."

"She's ok with you living with another woman?"Officer Bill asked rather suspiciously.

"Pari and Tara are friends, she knows that I love her…and by 'her' I mean Pari," Yash said.

"Does she have a boyfriend?" Officer Steve asked.

"Yes, Arjun Rathod," Yash answered.

At the mention of the name, Maan thought that it sounded familiar.

Both officers, Maan and Sameera picked up on the change of tone in Yash's voice when he said Arjun's name. His voice sounded strained and angry.

"I take it you didn't particularly like Mr. Rathod," Officer Steve commented.

"That's right, I didn't like him at all," Yash said calmly.

"Why not?"

"He's not good for her."

"Were they having any problems in their relationship that you are aware of?" Officer Bill asked.

"Yes," Yash said, "The last time I talked to her, she told me she was going to leave him."

Officer Bill made a note on his paper.

"Why? Why was she going to leave him?"

"Arjun was…is…a very possessive man. He has some anger management issues. He wanted her to be with him all the time…all the time.," Yash said.

"What do you mean?" Officer Bill asked.

"If Arjun had his way he would keep Tara with him all the time. It had gotten so far as to once he actually stopped her from taking classes for a semester," Yash said. "Arjun was beyond possessive of her…he was obsessed with her. He called her almost every hour to see what she was doing, who she was with. If he ever say Tara so much as talk to another man he would lose it."

"What do you mean by loose it?" Officer Bill asked.

"Sometimes he'd just give her a look if we were out in a crowd, but it wasn't unusual for him to start arguing with her out in public or forcefully grab her and drag her off," Yash said.

"So you're saying that Arjun was abusive towards her? Did he ever hit her?" Officer Steve asked.

"Not in the past, not until a few nights ago…the night of the rape I guess," Yash said.

Maan couldn't take it any longer so he got to his feet and began pacing around the room.

"What happened the night of the rape?"

"I had called Tara to just touch bases because she'd called asking about my Dad but I was with the doctor and unable to talk to her then," Yash began "When I called her back, around 7:30 in the evening, she was crying. She told me that she'd gotten into a huge fight with Arjun because he'd seen her hug an old male friend. He accused her of cheating on him and all that. I'm not sure how or why it happened but Arjun ended up slapping her and that was it. She called it off with him and told him she'd be leaving him because she wouldn't stay in an abusive relationship. She said she left his dorm when his roommate came in so that he couldn't follow her out or something. She told me she was afraid he'd show up at our house."

"Ok then what happened?" Officer Bill asked.

"I told her I'd be back as soon as I could but that I didn't feel safe with her staying in our apartment so I asked her to go to Pari's house until I was back," Yash said. "But…I guess she never made it to Pari's house."

"How did you find out that Naintara was in the hospital?" the officer asked.

"I had called her phone a bunch of time and she never answered. I called Pari and even she had no idea where Tara was. Finally yesterday I got a call from Tara where she told me what happened," Yash said, "I got here as soon as I could."

After that, the officers wrapped up the questioning and asked Yash to call them if he remembered anything that could help in the case, after taking appropriate information to verify his story with his family and girlfriend. They informed Maan that they were going to track down Arjun and bring him in for questioning while they waited on the results of the rape kit that was done on Naintara after she was brought in.

"Can I see Tara?" Yash asked after the officers left.

"No," Maan said immediately, "She's not taking any visitors."

Maan didn't want anyone seeing his sister before he did. He was her brother and he had every right to see her first – before anyone else.

"So you two were roommates," Maan began.

With that, he sat and listened to a stranger fill him in on his sisters life for the past year or so.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Geet was focusing on her work and staying clear of the Khurana's as much as possible. Naina was stable so she didn't need to check up on her as often as she had been in the beginning. She'd been called down to the ER for another consult and was working at the nurses station when she saw the two officers from before leaving the hospital.

"What was that about?" Geet asked.

"Uh, the patient had a visitor or something," Nurse Carol said. "Lynette handled it, I have no idea really."

"Ok," Geet said, leaving it at that and not getting into details.

Checking her watch she realized it had been hours since she'd checked on Naina so she grabbed her chart and walked off to the room where she was. She entered after knocking to find Naina lying on her back staring at the ceiling.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"I've been better G…" Naina started but stopped as she pulled herself into a sitting position.

Both Naina and Geet shared a quiet moment because they both knew that Naina was bout to say 'GG'.

"Any pain?" Geet asked.

"A little, but nothing I can't handle," Naina commented.

"Did you get the Plan B pill?" Geet asked.

"Yes I did, thank you," Naina said. "I didn't even think of the possibility of becoming……pregnant."

Geet simply gave her a strained smile, what else could she do?

"You're brother wants to see you?" Geet said.

"I know," Naina said as she began fidgeting with her fingers. "I don't know how to face him…it's all my fault."

"What are you talking about?" Geet said.

"This…this whole thing, I brought it on myself," Naina said. "You were right, karma really does remember."

Geet's heart broke at the halfhearted smile Naina gave her, sorrow heavy in her eyes. Once again, against her better judgment, she sat on the bed facing Naina.

"I didn't mean what I said," Geet told her, "I never…ever…wanted anything bad for you…it was just something I said…"

Geet fell silent as she felt that she was at a loss for words.

"I know…I know you didn't," Naina said as she squeezed Geet's hand. "But you were right, you get what you give…and I gave the people who loved me most more pain than people give their enemies."

Geet sat silently as tears filled her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for what I did to you and Bhai," Naina said with her voice cracking. "I'm so so sorry."

With that she burst into tears and Geet couldn't help but envelop her into a hug. No matter what had happened or how much time had passed, Naina had been a girl that Geet had loved like her own baby sister, that love didn't die because you were angry with that person.

After a minute or so, they pulled apart and wiped their tears. Geet got to her feet and straightened herself out.

"You're sister-in-law is here," Geet said. "Do you want to see her?"

"You mean Sam," Naina asked with a frown.

"You call her by her first name?" Geet asked.

"Yes," Naina said, least bothered.

This time it was Geet's turn to frown.

"Naintara Khurana that is not what you were taught," Geet said with her hands on her hips.

The second the words escaped her lips they were transported to a conversation that had taken place over eleven years ago.

--------Flash Back--------

Geet was staying at Khurana Estates because Maan was out of town on business and he didn't want to leave Naina alone. Geet was happy to help because she truly enjoyed spending time with the lively little girl. Maan had been gone for about two days, and he'd be back the following day. He was in London and staying with Dev and Meera because they'd shifted there shortly after the wedding for Dev's work.

This particular night, since it was a Friday night, Geet had decided to order in some pizza and wings, and pop a movie in so they could have a casual night at home. She was baking a batch of Naina's favorite double chocolate-chip walnut brownies when Maan had called. After talking to him for a few minutes, she handed the phone over to Naina who began her rant about school. Geet had all the food in the entertainment room ready to eat as Naina returned after hanging up the phone.

"I'm so jealous," Naina said. "Bhai is having so much fun with Dev and Meera and the baby."

"Excuse me," Geet said as she was about to open the pizza box.

"Did you just call your older cousins by their first names?" Geet asked.

"Yeah," Naina said as she plopped down on the couch grabbing a place. "I always have."

"Naintara Khurana," Geet said as she got to her feet and put her hands on her hips, "Have you no manners?"

Naina seemed confused for a second but then quickly grabbed a plate and handed it to Geet.

"Sorry GG, but I wasn't going to start eating without you," Naina said.

"Babaji," Geet said as she smacked her head, "What am I going to do with this girl?"

"What did I do?" Naina asked confused.

"You never, ever, call anyone by their name in our culture," Geet said.

"What? Why?" Naina asked as she put a slice of pizza on her plate.

"It's disrespectful," Geet said.

"What am I supposed to call them?" Naina asked.

"Well Dev is your brother so you call him Bhai or Bhaia and Meera is your sister-in-law so you call her Bhabi," Geet said as she too sat down and grabbed a slice of pizza.

"What about other people?" she asked.

With that question, Geet jumped into the whole business of what to call everyone in the community. She covered all the various titles that people had when they were related to you. The look on Naina's face when she said that people on your fathers side have different titles than those on your mothers side. She didn't like the fact that you called strangers Aunty/Uncle or Didi/Bhaia either.

"So when you marry Bhai, you're gonna be my Bha…Bha…" Naina said as she struggled with the word.

"Bhabi," Geet said.

"Right, Bhabi," Naina repeated. "Cool."

"Are we clear you lady?" Geet asked, "If I ever hear you call anyone by name…so help you God…"

"I won't I won't," Naina cried. "Sheesh."

Geet laughed at her reaction.

The enjoyed the food and the movie the rest of the night. As the rolling credits came up Naina asked a question.

"Can I call you Bhabi," she asked shyly.

Geet smiled, "Of course you can."

"But I like GG and GG Bhabi doesn't sound good," Naina complained.

"Oh ya, that doesn't sound too good," Geet said.

"But I like the sound of Geet Bhabi," Naina said with a smile.

"Hmmm yes, that does sound good. You have time to decide what you want to call me," Geet said. "A lot of time…now help me clean up."

Geet handed Naina the empty pizza box and grabbed the plates herself. She was following Naina to the kitchen to dispose of the trash.

"Geet Bhabi…I like that," Naina said to herself softly.

Geet couldn't help but smile.

--------Present--------

Geet stood silently not knowing what to say in such an awkward moment.

"I know I shouldn't call her by her name," Naina said breaking the silence, "But I cant call her Bhabi."

Geet looked at Naina.

"The title of my Bhabi was taken by someone years before Sam was even in the picture," Nania said. "Sam may be my sister-in-law, but…she will never be my Bhabi."

Tears stung Geet's eyes as her heart swelled with love.

The incessant beeping of her pager interrupted the moment. Checking what was needed, she saw that she was being called for a patient of hers that was in Labor and Delivery.

"I gotta go," Geet said. "Have a nurse page me if you need something."

Naina simply nodded her head.

Geet was just stepping out when she remembered something.

"Oh I almost forgot, I know you don't want to see your brother but you do have a friend here to see you," Geet said.

"Who?" Naina asked.

"I didn't get the name," Geet said.

"Just as well, I don't want any visitors," Naina said.

"Get some sleep then," Geet said as she checked her watch.

It was still the wee hours of the morning. While Geet had gotten some rest between her shifts it wasn't much, and she knew that since the ordeal began, neither Naina or Maan got any rest either.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He entered the Emergency Department dressed in a jeans, a hoodie and a cap. He tried to blend into the crowd and stay in the back so that no one spotted him. If anyone saw him her, he was as dead man. He tried to stay away but he couldn't, the woman he loved was hurting and he had to be there for her. His phone suddenly rang and a few people looked at him. He cursed under his breath as he quickly stepped out to take the call. Thankfully, since it was 4am, not many people were roaming around outside.

"Hello," he answered.

"Where are you?" the caller asked.

"The hospital," he said.

"Are you out of your mind!?" the caller yelled. "What the hell are you doing there?"

"You couldn't expect me not to check on her," he said. "She needs me…"

"I don't care what she needs!" the caller yelled again, "If anyone…anyone finds out you are there…things are going to end very badly for you….they won't spare you."

"I don't care," he lied. "I HAVE to see her, I NEED to see her."

"God I hope you know what you're getting yourself into Arjun," the caller said before hanging up.

He did know what he was getting himself into, he knew exactly what kind of risks he faced. He knew what kind of fallout he'd have to deal with if anyone found out he was here. He was sure they knew about him by now, he was sure they knew about her by now. Still, it was a gamble he was willing to take because he loved her – he loved her like no one else loved her.

JAZ