************Part 14************
Kirty stood at the far corner, away from all the guests, her eyes on the bride, observing and evaluating the girl. It was done unconsciously, she being a psychologist had the tendency to observe and evaluate people around her. The girl's exceptional beauty is definitely the first thing that was noticed by everyone… but Kirty… Kirty noticed the hunched shoulders, the trembling hands and the frightened eyes…. She couldn't help the smile that formed on her face upon observing the way Maan had calmed the girl-his wife…. Her eyes moved to Naintara, she smiled, happy to see the glinting eyes of her friend, the happiness very much evident in her face.
Kirty was glad to see her friend finally out of depression; it took nearly two long years of sessions to get Naintara to overcome her depression. She had put a lot of effort to work with Naintara; many a times Kirty lost her patience and became frustrated when even after a year of treatment, Naintara remained the same. But then suddenly one day when Naintara had come for her session, Kirty for the first time saw a spark of the old Naintara. The reason she realized later in that session was "Sasha" a girl who was working with Maan. Naintara found her brother and the girl hugging when she went to give her brother a surprise visit. Kirty didn't really comprehend the dislike and the hatred Naintara had for this Sasha when she didn't hardly knew the girl. But Kirty didn't bother with all that; the only thing she concentrated on was that this "Sasha" was the reason for the spark in Naintara. Kirti wasted no time in thinking about that, her mind was already forming a plan, an experiment that could finally help in getting Naintara out of depression. She quickly called Maan, they both met the next day, Kirty explained the events of the previous session, put forth the idea that was brimming in her mind. Maan at first was skeptical about its accuracy but the possibility of his sister's recovery had him ready to enact the plan. It was their luck that Sasha agreed and cooperated with them in it. She readily did everything possible to evoke Naintara, played the villain to perfection, infuriating Naintara by sometimes acting like a gold digger in front of her and sometimes the damsel in distress, the innocent lonely girl in front of the family.
The whole family was surprised, happy to see the changes in Naintara unknown of the act that Maan and Sasha performed. They only noticed the changes in Naintara, she sparked, she fumed, ranted and fought just like she always used to do before the traumatic incident that killed her daughter and disabled her husband. Kirty then suggested Naintara to join back office and resume her position, pointing out that this way she can keep an eye on Sasha, and might succeed in keeping the girl away from her brother. Niantara had readily agreed, stating she had do anything if it meant Sasha would stay away from her brother.
Kirty soon came to the conclusion for the sudden change in Naintara; Maan…. he become the reason for Nainatara to live, everyone knew the love Naintara had for her brothers, especially Maan and it was this love that was helping in Naintara's recovery. After the death of her daughter she had lost the reason to live, but suddenly seeing a girl who she assumed is trying to ruin her brother's life had her back to life, Naintara would never stand if anyone hurt any of her family members, especially if that member was her beloved brother Maan. Her priorities and her love for her family came forth when she was forced to see Sasha trying to manipulate her brother and her family.
Kirty and Maan had joyously celebrated their success, their happiness to finally see their sister/friend back to life, to finally see her taking charge of the house, to hear her angry orders and complaints. Everything worked out just the way Kirty had expected but she was unaware of the emotions Sasha was going through for the girl in all the play acting had fallen in love with Maan. Although Maan had denied having such feelings for her, she was only his friend, a very good friend but nothing more he had stated when Sasha had confessed to him of her love for him…..
*******************
"Kirty, what is this? You are standing here. I have been looking for you everywhere" Naintara exclaimed finally finding her friend.
"Liar! You are too busy with your bhabhi to notice my presence" Kirty rebuffed, she had been watching how Naintara and Maan stayed glued to the bride since they entered the hall.
"erm… yah… woh kya hai nah… Geet is extremely shy and nervous. She wouldn't let go of my hand" Naintara explained in apology, Kirty smiled in acceptance at her friend.
"Shaadi Maan ki hue hai but you seem to be the happy one" Kirti remarked with a laugh. Naintara glared back.
"It's good to have you back Naintara" Kirty said hugging her friend tightly.
"What do you mean? hum kahan gaye the?"
"You know what I mean Naintara, I am talking about that loud temper, that devious smile of yours" Kirti remarked earning another angry glare from Naintara "and that glare too" she added with a laugh.
"I think I will have to thank Sashaa for this" Kirty voiced in a teasing tone
"No! You will not!" Naintara warned, Kirty laughed.
"Now enough, tell me what you think of Geet?" She asked eagerly wanting to know what her friend thought. Kirty turned her gaze and stared at Geet.
"So what do you think, Kirti?" Naintara asked, eying Geet who had her hands wrapped around Maan's arm.
"She is exceptionally beautiful Naintara but……" Kirti stated still not over at the shock of Geet's beauty. Naintara had been praising about it to her but she didn't really expect it to be so true.
"But what?" Naintara questioned softly.
"Can't you see it, Naintara?" Kirty asked, her gaze returning back to the girl. How could she not see the hollowness in the girl's eyes, it was as if there was no life in the girl… she just seemed to be floating aimlessly… her eyes stared past everyone… as if she was in a different place…was Naintara so overwhelmed with happiness at finally fulfilling the promise of getting her brother married to the most beautiful girl that she had become unobservant... or was she just ignoring what was so evident.... Naintara wasn't the kind to not notice such things... she was too observant and perspective then why hasn't she noticed the girl's body posture, her strange behavior... her silence... her blank unblinking eyes...
"See what?" Naintara asked confused, she stared at Geet trying to see, to figure out what Kirty was talking about.
"What did you say her town's name is?" Kirty asked as her mind suddenly lighted indicating her something that she hoped was only the playing of her over imaginative mind.
"Hushiarpur" Naintara answered, oblivious to the deep intake of breath Kirty took upon hearing the name. Naintara's eyes wandered around the hall, and rested upon Myra who was looking distinctly uncomfortable talking with Sheela.
"What is her father's name?" Kirty asked her heart beating loudly. It can't be her she kept telling herself. There can be other girls in that small town with the same name… it can't possibly be her…. but… the beauty….. the innocence…. the eyes… the girl's eyes were making it impossible for Kirty to dismiss it as only a coincidence….
"Mohe-" Naintara opened her mouth to answer her friend but her eyes stayed glued to Myra, who stood across the room, her head was bent down.
"Kirty, please give me minute" Naintara said excusing herself, she hurriedly walked towards Myra.
Kirty sighed in disappointment, her mind going through too many questions; she stared at the girl closely. Kirty saw the glimpse of him in that girl but still her mind kept hoping she was not the one. Should she tell them? but she wasn't even sure if it was really her, maybe it was some other girl, there can be many people with the same name in that town. Just because she is from Hushiarpur and her name happens to be Geet doesn't mean she is her . Kirty tried to justify her mind, it would not be right to tell them, one was in New York attending an important business meeting while the other one was in London completing his last year of internship………… No! it wasn't the right time to disturb them about the girl, even if she happened to be the one….
She feared the reaction of him if this Geet happened to be the same person who he was waiting for… praying for.... planning for…
*************
"Myra?" Naintara called "Oh, Sheela! How are you doing? I hope I am not disturbing you guys" Naintara voiced, trying her best to hide the anger she was feeling. She stared at Myra from the corner of her eyes; the girl still had her head bent down, her fingers twisting and untwisting the end of the pallu. Naintara knew what must have happened, Sheela was known for her sharp tongue, she had no regard for others feelings, the woman rejoiced in the discomfort of others!
"Of course not, Naintara! I was just advising Myra to keep an eye on her husband. Maine dekha Vicky ko, kissi ladki ke saath phichle hafte, restaurant mein the dono aur kuch zyada hee kharib the. Bas woh hee keh rahi thi Myra ko, ab Vicky shadi shuda hai aise ladkiyon ke peeche bagna chod dena chahiye use" Sheela spoke, her eyes glinting in amusement at Myra's discomfort.
"Accha haina! Jawaan admi hai ladkiyon ke phiche hi tho bhagraha hain na ab aapke bete ki tharha ladko ke piche tho nahin baagtha! I heard your son is shifting in with his boyfriend?" Naintara sneered not able to hold on to her anger. She ignored the shocked gasp she heard from Myra, instead smirked at the embarrassed look on Sheela's face.
"Naintara!" Sheela warned, her eyes darting around to notice many had their eyes and ears in their direction.
"Oh please, Sheela! Its okay, we all know your son is gay. Hota hain Sheela, I know it hurts, I was also very disturbed by the news par kya karsakthe hain… ab woh chahkarbhi Vicky ki tharha tho nahin ban sakthe na" Niantara spoke loudly in mock sympathy, very much enjoying for having Sheela in the embarrassing situation. She hoped that would shut the woman up from embarrassing and gossiping about others!
"Y-yes… y-yes…. i-I… just…" Sheela stammered as she walked away from Naintara and Myra, her eyes down caste not able to look at anyone from the embarrassment.
Naintara smiled as she watched Sheela walk out of the party hall, she felt no guilt at embarrassing the woman. "Myra!" She called sharply, seeing the girl trying to leave from her side.
"Hamare samne tho aapkii zabaan bohut chalthi hai! Jahan chalana chahiye vahan tho muh bandh hojatha hai aapka!" Naintara remarked tersely, glaring at Myra's head.
"Look at me when I am talking to you!" Naintara snapped, lifting Myra's head up with her forefinger on her chin. "Wipe those tears!" Naintara hissed seeing Myra's tears, cursing the girl inwardly for being so sensitive. Her pregnancy hormones were really getting on her nerves.
"s-sorry… w-woh Jiji ne-" Myra muttered as she wiped her tears discreetly trying not to draw too much attention on herself.
"Sorry? Myra! How many times do I have to tell you! You are Vicky's wife, act like one! It should be those girls who should be embarrassed not you! You have nothing to feel ashamed off! Biwi ho aap Vicky ki!" Naintara hissed in a low voice, gritting her teeth.
"Don't just stand there and listen to people insult you and Vicky! Use that nasty mouth of yours!" Myra scowled at being reprimanded in such manner.
"Didi…lekin aapne hi tho-" Myra stopped in her defense seeing the anger in Didi's eyes.
"Kithni baar kaha aapse never show your weakness to others! Don't let them know that they have hurt you; act like it doesn't make a difference! Jitna aap unko apna dukh dikhoi gi utna woh aapko dhuk denge…. People like Sheela enjoy hurting people with their words and stupid people like you give them the reason to enjoy by showing your hurt!" Naintara exclaimed in annoyance but a forced smile was plastered on her face as she ranted at Myra.
Myra nodded her head in acceptance, swallowing the sudden dryness in her mouth. "It will never happen again" Myra whispered, her eyes focused on her hands with forged interest. She refused to look at Didi when the anger in her eyes was directed towards her.
"Are you telling that to me or your hands?" Naintara asked derisively, crossing her arms on her chest, a frown on her face.
"You" Myra said shaking her head.
"Then look at me!" Naintara commanded in annoyance.
Myra lifted her head not wanting to disobey Didi. "Eyes on me" Naintara said with irritation, once again Myra obeyed, cringed at the anger evident in her eyes.
"Lift up your shoulders!" Naintara snapped, poking on Myra's back with her forefinger. "Stand erect. Head up Myra!" Naintara hissed as she elbowed Myra.
"Didi-" Myra tried only to be elbowed again.
"Now smile. Keep your mouth closed!" Naintara sneered seeing Myra showing off her teeth. "That's it!" Naintara exclaimed as she surveyed Myra from bottom to up.
"I don't ever want to see your head bowed down or your shoulders scrunched down. Keep that smile on your face!" Naintara warned. "You don't know how much one can communicate through body posture and facial expressions!"
"An erect body posture conveys the message of self-confidence and a person communicates through facial expressions, which is why it is important to control ones emotions from showing." Myra stated reciting the line from one of her readings.
Naintara rolled her eyes in annoyance at Myra's dictation; always reading and reciting the facts she learned from the text but never applying them in her life. Her lips thinned into a grim, irritated line as she spoke "Exactly, display yourself with confidence and positive expressions no matter how depressed or angry you are! You will learn people tire off when their words have no desired effect. Laugh with them when they are laughing at you, taunt back at them when they taunt you but do so discretely. Like I did few minutes ago!"
Myra smiled, nodding her head in agreement. Yes she understood, she was the Khurana Bahu, she had to portray herself in a poise manner. It had taken some time but she had learned how to present herself, the custom and manner in which a Khurana should behave but today she was already emotionally welled up from the morning talk with Didi and to suddenly hear the taunts and remarks about Vicky's mistakes from Sheela Jiji had her in tears. Usually she handled herself well in such situations but today…..
"How are you going to teach Geet if you yourself forget these things?" Naintara asked placing her hand on Myra's arm.
"I promise it will never happen again" Myra assured.
"Really?" Naintara raised her eyebrow skeptically not really believing her.
Myra harrumphed at the lack of trust towards her words.
Naintara sighed and shook her head hiding the smile that broke on her face. She will never admit how much she enjoyed the banter and teasing between them.
"Have you taken their pictures?" Naintara asked inclining her head towards Maan and Geet.
"Yes, the pictures will be ready by tomorrow. Do you want me to go to the office and drop of a picture and the article you want published?" Myra asked.
"Yes, please. I want the article on Maan's marriage published day after tomorrow. Make sure they print exactly what I have written and give the best picture, I want the whole nation to see Maan's beautiful wife!" Naintara announced, patted Myra's back as she left her side and walked in search of her friend……
***********
"Naintara!" A voice called out stopping her from moving across the hall towards her friend.
"DadiMasi, When did you come?" Naintara asked as she bent down to take the blessings from the woman in front of her.
"Jeethi raho… Where have you been? Badi bahu aye nahi ki sab unke piche bhaghe ja rahe hain.… hamari tho aap ko parwa hi nahi hain" Gayatri complained to her sister's granddaughter.
"Now, don't let me start on this DadiMasi…. Firstly, you come here at the last minute…. Shaadi par bhi nahin aye aap… Aur ab hum par gussa ho rahi ho?" Naintara rebuffed her DadiMasi. She had expected her to be there for the wedding but neither did she not the other members of her family showed up.
"Arrre, I did call you na, the weather was very bad… the flights were delayed... kaise aatti aur phir aapke chacha ne bus travel karne se mana kar diya" Gayatri informed her complaining about the weather and blaming it on her overprotective son.
"Excuses, excuses…. Shashank chacha se tho hum baat karlenge… aap batai DadiMasi, Kaisi hain hamari pasand? Bohut khoobsurat hain na Geet, like an angel? Jaisa humne vaada kiya tha!" Naintara exclaimed staring at Geet who sat beside Maan on the high chairs.
"Yes, bahut hi khoobsurat hain… lekin… why is she not wearing the sari you had chosen for her? You had specifically chosen it for Muh-Dhikhai.... you had actually come to Mumbai for that reason only to pick up her sari from that designer?" Gayatri questioned not understanding the sudden change in attire. She had been there when Naintara had literary threatened the designer when he refused to make the alterations Naintara had requested. Gayatri remembered Naintara had left the place only after procuring the sari for Geet.
"Haan, Pata hain…. but I figured Shalwar Kameez will be a more comfortable attire for her… as it is the girl was already very nervous and to add to it she didn't know how to wear a sari or how to carry herself in one…. I decided it would be best to just forgo the sari, wouldn't want any mishap in front of everyone…" Naintara explained her DadiMasi.
"Wah bhai wah…. Abhi se apni bhabhi ka itna khayal…. Wahan Maan bhi kuch zyaada hi chehek rahe hain aur Savitri toh jab se ladki se mili hain tab se bas unki hi tarif kar rahi hain… pata nahi kya jaado kardiya hain aapki bhabhi ne" Gayatra teased, shaking her head in amusement. She was happy, the girl seemed to be a very cultured one and very quiet… perfect for Maan.
"DadiMasi!" Naintara whined, burring her side at being teased and poked in the ribs.
************
"I don't think this party was a great idea…." Kirty stated to Naintara, she had waited impatiently for Naintara to come back so she could ask her the questions that swam through her mind, but she waited for the right time wanting to be as discreet as possible in getting the answers she was looking for, she didn't want Naintara to get any hint of the inner turmoil that she was going though.
"Why not?" Niantara asked her friend "Is something wrong? What do you see Kirty?" Naintara questioned in alarm.
"I … d-don't you see it?" Krity asked her friend, her eyes staring at Geet with that same analyzing gaze.
"W-what? What is it?" Naintara asked as she turned her gaze on Geet, trying to see what Kirty would not tell her.
"Look at her eyes Naintara, can't you see that look" Kirty asked skeptically, pointing her head in Geet's direction, the girl was walking alongside Maan, as he introduced her to his family and friends. Kirty looked at Naintara, not receiving any response from her; she was surprised Naintara hadn't noticed that dead look in Geet's eyes. Naintara who was very acute in her observation of everyone failed to detect the blank eyes and the rigid posture of Geet.
"Naintara?" Kirty called out to her friend cautiously, she was staring at Geet intently with an expression that sent alarming waves into Kirty. She watched as Naintara continued to gaze at Geet.
"You know it was because of her eyes that I chose her for my Veeray" Naintara whispered suddenly, her eyes still focused on Geet, gazing at her in that peculiar manner which filled Kirty with dread.
"Her eyes…. so like…" Kirty gasped as she heard her friend and recognition dawned on her, finally understanding the emotion that Naintara held as she gazed at Geet. Naintara was looking at Geet as if…. Just like she use to gaze at…..
"Naintara?" Kirty called, her voice holding back the sudden panic that enveloped her as she stared at Naintara gazing Geet with that warmth filled eyes.
"Just like my Pari….. When I saw those eyes it was like…. like I was gazing into my daughter's eyes…. the same honey brown color…. the same innocence that reflected in my Pari's eyes…. so much like my Pari…." Naintara whispered her broken thoughts.
Kirty stood silently, controlling her anger and disappointment. All the work, two years of therapy, months spent in trying to plan out on how to get Naintara out of depression…. All gone in vain…. every hour spent…. wasted….. she had thought diverting her mind would make her forget the loss, by giving her a reason would make her live, make her lead her life normally but now….. now hearing her talks…. she had gotten only worse….. now Naintara was seeing her daughter in Geet, the girl who…. Kirty stared at Geet, if she was right, if god forbid…. her assumptions were right then this girl… this Geet was far too scarred in her life and had too many demons to fight…. how will she react with Naintara claiming her as her daughter rather than sister-in-law?.....
Kirty sighed loudly in defeat, she could do nothing, she didn't know if this Geet was really the Geet that he talked about and Naintara…. Naintara was a lost case now… maybe it was best to give up on her ever recovering from the loss of her daughter.
"Don't worry Kirty…… I have not gone completely insane. I know that's Geet not my Pari…. I… I k-know…. my Pari is gone…. a-and nothing can b-bring her back to me…. I know!" Naintara smiled dejectedly "I have finally accepted that bitter truth… thanks to you!" Naintara whispered wiping the tear that fell down from her eye and forced a smile on her face trying to assure her friend that she was not a lost case…..
"Tara" Kirty murmured, her voice and eyes held the concern for her friend as she enveloped her in a hug, trying to comfort her.
"I know but... I s-still.... hope" Naintara swallowed the lump in her throat and took a deep breath as she tightened her arms around her friend, she would not cry…… no more tears…..
"Didi!" Myra called interrupting the two friends; Naintara extracted herself and quickly looked at Myra, catching on the panic in her voice.
"What happened?" Naintara asked seeing the panic in Myra's eyes. Myra darted her eyes at Kirty Ma'm not sure whether to discuss anything in front of her.
"Woh…." Myra hesitated, her eyes again darting towards Kirty ma'm.
"Kirty is family, Myra!" Naintara stated understanding Myra's reluctance.
"Woh… G-Geet…" Myra stammered.
"Kya hua?" Naintara asked, her eyes surveying the party hall in search of Geet, there was no sign of her and neither could she see Maan.
"Myra, What happened?" This time it was Kirty who asked, placing a comforting hand on Myra's shoulder, to calm her loud breathing.
"I d-don't know… she j-just…..
******Angel******
Sorry no Maneet in this part, just clearing some of the mysteries... er… along with adding a few… I guess…. now you all know about Maan's plan.... hope that answers and clears all the doubts about Maan and Sasha.... unfortunately there will be more of Sashaa in this ff.... but not for a long time though....... those who were curious about who "Jiji" was… well I hope you all figured out who Maan was speaking with on the phone that night… who he called "Jiji"
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
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