M&G FF: My Loss,His Gain *NEW!: Chp.6, Pg.39*Jul12 - Page 15

waiting for d next update.... plz add me to ur pm list

Here comes chp. 3 people! Enjoy! Leave your feedback, as usual!

Btw, for those who're interested, I've done two one-shots. One on Adi~Pinky, which many of you have read and one on MaanEet, which has gone up today. If you wish to have a look, here are the links:

True Love Starts Somewhere ~ Adi & Pinky

Playing It Even ;) ~ Maan & Geet

Chp. 3 "Say it isn't so..."

A cold, stony silence enveloped the room. Dadi and Myra stood tensed alongside a stony faced Dev and Nayantara. Maan stood beside the bed perturbed, as the doctor examined Geet. Anxiety and restlessness dominated his countenance. Faint music and chatter from the party hall below disrupted the eerie silence. After long, impatient moments the doctor finished her examination and addressed Maan.

"Mr. Khurana, such negligence was never expected of you. Didn't I warn you that Mrs. Khurana is not in a position to endure stress or strain of any kind whatsoever?" the doctor reprimanded.

Dadi looked surprised at the doctor's addressal of Geet as Mrs. Khurana. Dev, Myra and Nayantara looked equally stunned.

"But Doctor, what happened to her?" asked Maan.

"Mrs. Khurana is going through some kind of mental trauma. She's had some tragic experiences in the past?"

Maan nodded grimly.

"Mr. Khurana, the human mind has a tendency to repress the bitter memories, tragic experiences and other such things, remembering which does not create pleasant moods, to the deepest layers of one's memory so that they don't surface easily. It's called Repression in psychological terms. That's been precisely the case with Mrs. Khurana, however, something that happened today -it could be an incident identical to that of the past or a person she remembers from that time- forced her to relive those unpleasant times."

But today was our engagement and Geet was happy. Then what could have led to this?

"Mr. Khurana, complications at this delicate stage of pregnancy could be harmful to both, mother and child and you wou--"

"Maan, Geet is expecting?" Dadi asked astonished interrupting the doctor.

Myra was equally shocked. Dev looked as though he'd been stabbed while Nayantara had the look of one whose deepest secrets had been publicly revealed.

Maan was so immersed in his fears about Geet and her safety, he'd become totally oblivious to the presence of the others in the room.

"Dadi please, can we talk about this later?" It wasn't a request, it was a command.

Dadi sighed but nodded.

"Mr. Khurana, this is the prescription to be followed. I've given her an injection and the best I hope is she regains conciousness soon. But in case that doesn't happen, I suggest you see a psychologist. She needs rest and a happy environment, nothing that brings back the unpleasant memories. Do keep me updated on her status and we'll ensure things run smoothly. I'll take your leave now," said the doctor.

"Thank you, doctor," Maan said as the lady left.

"Dadi, I don't think I owe any answers to anyone," said Maan meeting her questioning gaze. His words spoke of challenge.

Directing a level look to Nayantara he said, "I hope that members of the Khurana household are intelligent enough to not indulge in any kind of crude gossip, the outcome of which would taint the name and pride of the Khuranas."

He didn't wish to divulge anything about Geet's past before anyone without her consent. He'd accepted her with her child and he'd make sure, with actions or words, he didn't do anything that would tarnish her reputation. If need be, he'd readily take responsibilty for the child as his own. They were engaged to be married now and no one dared speak ill about Maan Singh Khurana or his bride-to-be.

"Maan, take care of Geet. We'll leave now," Myra said and left.

"Take care, Maan veerji," Dev said.

"Dev, can I trust you to see off the guests? I think it's about time to call off the party."

Dev nodded and left.

Nayatara however, still stood shamelessly beside Dadi.

"Nayantara. As daughter-in-law to the Khuranas, certain things are expected of you. Answer when responsibilities call. Now, excuse us," Maan ordered.

"I was worried about Geet, veerji," she said, her voice dripping fake concern.

"You needn't. She's in safe hands," was Maan's curt reply.

Rendered speechless by Maan, Nayantara had no choice but to leave. Dadi still stood unmoved.

"Dadi, later. Promise."

"Do I have a choice but to obey?" she said.

"You obey because you trust," replied Maan with a faint smile.

"A shattered trust is equal to a heart broken," replied Dadi.

"Trust your trust, Dadi."

"I do." She smiled and left.

Maan closed the door and sat beside Geet. He tenderly caressed her hair as he wondered what exactly could have led to this sudden panic in her. She'd been all happy and joyful through the party. Then what could have triggered such fear and pain? He remembered the look of raw fear in her eyes just before she'd fainted. The way she'd clenched his hands, her nails digging in his flesh had been scary. He remembered teasing her after the engagement when they had some moments together and Geet had been her teasing self, Miss Hoshiayarpur Express. Everything had been running smooth, then why? How? What?

The doc's words rang in his ears.

"...Something that happened today -it could be an incident identical to that of the past or a person she remembers from that time- forced her to relive those unpleasant times."

He replayed in his head what had transpired. It had been the muh-dikhai moment. Dadi and Dev had been teasing him about Geet and then he'd been asked to lift Geet's veil and present her before everyone. He'd done so and introduced Dev and--.

Maan froze.

Dev and Nayantara.

It had been then. When she'd seen them. But what could Dev and Nayantara have to do with Geet's past? As far as he knew, they'd been in Canada around that time. So it surely can't have anything to do with them? But then why? Suddenly, Geet's words hit him like a thunderbolt.

"Say... Say it isn't so..."

It was them! Something to do with them. He didn't know what but they had to be involved. One way or the other. A few pieces of the mystery were missing and he'd have to find them. He'd talk to Geet as soon as she regained consciousness. Until then, he only hoped that his worst fears didn't come alive. But with Nayantara in the picture, his heart said it was a wasted hope.

Dev stood at the window immersed in thought. He couldn't comprehend how had this happened. He'd never in the wildest of his dreams thought to encounter his past in such a manner and neither had he, for the briefest instants, considered the possibility that the ghost of his horrid past would come to haunt his family, his brother.

She was as pretty as he remembered but as he'd always feared, the aura of innocence had been damaged. Gone was the sweet, innocent, vulnerable girl and in her place had emerged a strong, hard woman. A woman who was pregnant with his child. The child that Nayantara had failed to give him in the five years of their marriage. The child that was his but due to his own wrong doings, his own errors, he'd never be able to call his. The child he'd never be able to love as his own. The child that was gift-wrapped by fate for him but due to his sins would now land up in Maan veerji's arms. Where it would be loved, cherished and cared. He knew from the way veerji talked; the way he'd turned defensive for Geet spoke volumes of his affection for mother and child. Veerji never cared for what people said, he always believed in doing what his heart said. And Dev knew, for Maan veerji, Geet was special.

Fate, destiny, kismet, call it what you may, had a strange way of playing with life, irony being it's favorite game. The girl whose life he had ruined was the one who'd turned his brother from a cold, heartless man to a caring, compassionate one. The girl who had been betrayed in love was the one who'd reinforced his brother's belief in love. It was all a game of irony played by fate.

"Dev?" Myra placed a comforting hand on his shoulder as she came and stood beside him. She could see the worry lines on his face and forehead had deepened. His eyes seemed dark and lost.

"Dev, I know you didn't anticipate this turn of events and desired to confess to Maan tonight but don't let the circumstances or Nayantara's return affect you. You can talk to Maan tomorrow. It changes nothing," Myra said trying to assure him.

"No Myra, what happened tonight, changes everything," he replied grimly. "If the consequences of my confession would have been bad before, they'll be drastic now."

"Dev, don't talk in riddles. You know I was never good at them. And are you implying that you intend to back out because you fear the consequences? Has Nayantara's return wavered you from your so-called firm decision?" asked Myra digustedly.

"Don't look at me like that," Dev said and Myra looked away, "And afraid I am not, neither have I wavered. Nayantara's return has nothing to do with this and I'm not implying anything."

"Then what do you mean?" Myra demanded.

"Myra," Dev took in a deep breath, "the girl I married and deceived, she's none but Geet."

Myra looked horrified.

"You mean, Geet's pregnancy... You're the father of Geet's child?"

Dev silently nodded.

Slap.

"You disgust me, Dev. What right did you have to touch her when you knew all along that the wedding was a farce?" she asked bitterly.

"It was a mistake." He didn't meet her eyes. He couldn't. He regretted what he'd done but it was too late now. The stinging blow that Myra had delivered across his cheek did little to lessen his regret.

"A mistake? One word. That about describes it for you but what about her? You've ruined her life! The reason she's lying there, almost lifeless, is because of you," said Myra through gritted teeth. Her eyes were blazing with a mixture of hate, fury, anger and pain. She'd never imagined that Dev, the Dev who she loved, could ever stoop so low. Tears trickled down her cheeks at the mere thought.

"I know..."

"And what does that change?" she yelled furiously.

"Nothing. But I'll go and talk to Maan veerji. Now," he said, "and tell him everything. Because now that Nayantara is here too, I'm sure her devil's mind is back to conniving, considering the latest. I might've been stupid so far but now that Geet's a part of bro's life, I can't let Nayantara wreak anymore havoc. We've done enough damage. I won't let her do anything more."

Myra sniffed and swiped the tears from her cheeks, "Have you been any less stupid?"

Dev looked at her quizzically.

"Dev, are you oblivious of Maan's temper? His anger? Geet is unconscious now and Maan is worried for her. His mind might be awhirl with a thousand questions, the answers to which would help him know what happened to Geet, why and due to whom. And you think a confession at this moment will help make things better? If he knows about Geet's pregnancy, it means he knows the whole story behind it. Except the fact that you, Dev Singh Khurana, his brother is the very cause of her ruination. Seeing Geet lying there and knowing that you're the reason, you think he'll be able to keep his anger leashed? He might even kill you for what you've done and there'd be no stopping him," explained Myra. "You may not care about people but there are some who still think of your well-being, despite everything."

Dev hung his head in shame and guilt.

"The Geet who's unconscious due to you is the one who can ensure your safety. If you talk to Maan when she's recovered, his anger would be subdued at least, if not altogether erased," Myra continued.

"But Nayantara-"

"Nayantara will pose a threat, I know. But you -we- need to keep our eyes and ears open to know what she's up to and strive as best we can to ensure she doesn't succeed. And if in five years of being with Nayantara, you haven't even learnt how her wicked mind works and what would slacken it's pace and put it into a lull, you're a loser," Myra said the last sentence as a challenge.

Dev nodded. Nayantara had a mind which was seldom at rest. But if slackening it's pace was what was needed, then he knew what would do it and he'd make sure that at least this one time, he succeeded.

A knock sounded on the door and Dev and Myra saw Nayantara standing there.

"Dev, I want to talk to you, now," she said.

"Nayantara, come in and close the door if it's about Geet," said Myra.

"I did not speak to you and you're no one to order me!" snapped Nayantara.

Dev strode forward and grabbed her by an arm and jerked her in as he slammed the door shut.

"You are no one to insult Myra in my house," he said through clenched teeth, "and stop demanding things of me because you've lost that right long back. Shoot whatever you wish to say and leave."

Nayantara shot a look at Myra and Dev said, "She stays here. Speak if you wish to or else leave. I do not have time to waste on people like you."

"If my memory doesn't fail me, until recently, you were in love with me," Nayantara said.

"Falling in love with you was the greatest and the most foolish mistake of my life," Dev replied.

Nayantara's face was masked with hatred and fury, however, keeping the current issue in mind she said, "Dev, you will not disclose our involvement with Geet to Maan veerji."

Dev laughed cynically. "What makes you think I'll obey you? Wake up, Nayantara, those days are long gone."

"Why do you wish to drag me in to bear the punishment of your sins?"

"You were least bothered about crime and punishment when you came up with the plan. So why are you now afraid to face the consequences?" Dev sneered.

"The plan was to marry Geet, usurp her wealth, ditch her and disappear. Not bed her!" Nayantara glared.

"Fine then, since that was solely my doing I'll specify the details of the plan that you came up with and the modifications that I made in it, to Maan veerji, may be that will lessen your crime in his eyes, considering the ramifications," Dev replied.

"Damn! It's Geet who's to be blamed for everything! If only she'd aborted that child when I'd told her," Nayantara said angrily.

"You knew?"

"Of course, I did. The fool had called me up to inform me about it. She thought you'd go back and take care of her. She'd been begging for help and I advised her to abort the child. If only she'd listened."

"You didn't think the need to inform me, Nayantara?"

"And what would you have done, Dev? I'd expected her to follow my advice and end the story."

Myra who'd been a silent spectator for a while interrupted, "Dev would've taken responsibilty, of course. It's easy for you to say 'end the story' but Geet isn't as heartless as you. The reason you don't have a child of your own, Nayantara, is because you don't have that loving heart of a mother. You can never be expected to love or care for anyone. The reason Geet didn't heed your advice was because she was carrying the child of her husband, the man she loved. If only she knew that it was all trickery and deceit."

"You, shut up!" Nayantara shouted. The truth was too bitter for her.

"That's enough, Nayantara. You've had your say, now leave," ordered Dev coldly.

Nayantara glared icily at Dev and Myra and then left the room.